text:
SALT LAKE CITY, April 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UCN, Inc. (Nasdaq: UCNN), innovator of all-in-one, off-premises contact center solutions announced today that a premiere national non-profit patient-advocacy organization, Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) signed a one-year agreement to use the UCN inContact(R) solution across six U.S. sites as well as home-based agents.
Patient Advocate Foundation performed a thorough search and determined that inContact(R) was the exact solution it needed. The foundation's Chief Operating Officer, Fran Castellow, described inContact as "the ideal solution we were looking for ... we did not want to cobble together a number of other systems. We were skeptical a comprehensive system existed in the real world -- but it does, in the form of UCN inContact."
PAF initially sought a telecommunications solution to enhance the customer service provided through its popular Co-Pay Relief Program, which provides up to $5,000 to offset pharmaceutical co-payments for patients who medically and financially qualify. "There is extraordinary demand for Co-Pay Relief," said Castellow. "The volume of calls from individuals interested in the program was so great that it pushed our phone system we were then using to its maximum capacity. We realized it didn't make sense -- financially or otherwise -- for us to bring an additional level of hardware infrastructure into our operation."
The inContact solution has given PAF the ability to connect remote offices into a singularly smooth operation. "With our previous system, we weren't able to effectively bring offsite staff into the queue," said Castellow. "InContact allows us to integrate and manage all of these disparate parties without a hitch."
|SOURCE UCN, Inc.
Copyright©2008 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


text:
Central Christian College of the Bible
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Friday, February 28, 2014
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
This is ReText wiki.
Some useful pages:
ReText is officially supported on Linux.
For Mac OS X, there is a Homebrew repository at https://github.com/samueljohn/homebrew-python
brew tap homebrew/python brew install retext
Theoretically it can be run on any other platform. If you want to port ReText to your platform, please file a bug and describe required changes.
It supports text formatting and can save to different file formats (PDF, HTML).
Most word processors are very complicated and leave a lot of mess in their output files. ReText gives you the power to control all output formatting. Markdown and reST are WYSIWYM markup languages, so if you save a document as plain text, anyone will be able to see how it has been formatted. ReText also has support for tabs.
Markdown is a text markup language which allows you to create documents of all types (this page is written using Markdown). Some links: website, sourceforge.net guide, basics, syntax, and online renderer.
You may also want to have a look at odt2txt or odt2pandoc scripts that convert ODT files to Markdown files.
reStructuredText is another popular markup language. Some links: website, quick reference, example document, cheat sheet, and online renderer.
Yes, see MathJax page for details.
Yes, you can do this in Markdown mode by using
"page-break-before: always" style. Example:
Some text here. Another page starts here. {: style="page-break-before: always" }
You should enable
attr_list Markdown extension before using this (see Configuration file for details).
When you put a header in the beginning of the file, it's considered as document title, so it won't be displayed. But if you export your document to PDF/HTML, this will be displayed as a title.
According to the specification:
A lone top-level section title can be treated as the document title. Similarly, a lone second-level section title immediately after the "document title" can become the document subtitle. The rest of the sections are then lifted up a level or two. See the DocTitle transform for details.
To work around this issue, put this to your docutils configuration file (i.e.
[standalone reader] doctitle_xform = false
Anyone is welcome to translate ReText!
There are two ways to do this. The first way is via Transifex web interface.
Alternatively, you can translate the
.ts files manually using Qt Linguist. Here are the instructions:
pylupdate4 retext.py -ts retext_%LANG%.ts (replace
%LANG% with code of your language, i.e.
retext_fr.ts or
.ts file with Qt Linguist and make the translation (you can read the one minute guide first)
.ts file there so that we can include it to ReText source code tree
.qm file via Qt Linguist and use it.
Is it possible to add a menu entry (and keyboard shortcut ideally) to show/hide the button bar? I (like many now) am trying for as minimal a desktop as possible to reduce distractions. Since I don't use any of those buttons (copy, paste, etc.) I'd like to be able to hide the bar.
This is possibly my favourite program, so thanks :-)
I'd like to change the font size in the text editor. Is this possible?
Dmitry Shachnev
Note: right now it's possible to install ReText on Mac OSX Lion.
You just need install: Python-Markdown~2.0, PyQT-Mac~4.8, Sip~4.12.
After that you could run the app, but seems like the icons are not being rendered.
Here is an screenshoot: http://cl.ly/2h2E2f3b3z2R3e410T1k
May we have some fixes to that specific OSX issues?
- Mario
Dmitry Shachnev
Hi! You should download the icons pack and extract it into
icons sub-directory of your ReText installation directory.
I'd like to try my hand at creating a Homebrew recipe for this.
Dmitry Shachnev
Qt doesn't allow displaying equations in a QTextEdit widget. But you can use pandoc to export to different formats.
To use it, you need to add a section "Export" to your config file like this:
[Export] rtf=/usr/bin/pandoc -f markdown -t rtf -o %of %if docbook=/usr/bin/pandoc -f markdown -t docbook -o %of %if
%of and
%if will be replaced with input and output filenames at runtime.
Then you can access this feature via "Export > Other formats". Note: format name should be the same as the extension, since it's appended to the filename.
Dmitry Shachnev
useWebKit=true to your configuration file.
For example, the following link produces an alert window:
Click here
Hi there!
Is it possible to implement something like gedit´s external tools? My programming skills are very basic but it would be very useful in order to add some particular features for professional copywriters like me.
I.E. Several online dictionary look ups, text snippets for automating markup, natural language coulored syntax... Custom shortcuts...
I'd be glad sharing ideas... If you want to...
PS. Excuse my language if I made some mistake... English isn't my first or second language :P
Dmitry Shachnev
Syntax highlighting and shortcuts for bold/italics/underlined text are already in git version (which will become 3.0).
Also, we'll have export extensions there, some other can follow (i.e. actions on selected text).
Are snippets really needed for Markdown/reST (any examples)? I though tags/symbols boxes are enough for that.
I'm spanish and when I try to type an vowel with accent (á, é, í, ó, ú) get the accent and the vowel sepparated, like 'a, 'e, 'i, 'o and 'u. I must copy-paste the text which is not practical. Is it a bug? Am I missing something?
Dmitry Shachnev
How do you type such characters? I entered Compose + ' + a and got a correct "á" character. I have Qt 4.7.4 installed. If you have problems with the same (or newer) version, please report a bug to Qt bug tracker.
Any chance of adding syntax highlighting to ReText?
Great! I really like the live preview. But I prefer (py)textile over markdown. It allows to add CSS class and id identifiers. So I made a quick hack and changed
md=markdown.Markdown() => md=textile
md.reset() return md.convert(htmltext) => md.textile(htmltext)
and it basically works.
Would "official" support of textile be a possibility?
Dmitry Shachnev
Looks interesting! I will add support for that in next major release.
[Update: see my comment below]
Cool! Thank you!!
Dmitry Shachnev
Python-Textile project seems to be unmaintained, they don't even review pull requests... We won't be able to add textile support until they merge the pull request that adds python3 support.
Great program and excellent documentation. You have a small typo on this page, though, that is breaking a link. The link to the Wikipedia page for "WYSIWYM" actually points to "WYSIMYM", which doesn't exist.
Dmitry Shachnev
Thanks, fixed the link!
Lorenzo Stanco
I noticed the exported Google Docs document is updated accross multiple exports until I close and reopen ReText.
That is, until I left ReText opened, exported document is always the same and get updated on multiple exports (and this is good), but when I close, reopen ReText, reopen my Markdown files and re-export it, a new Google Docs document is created.
Is it normal? If yes, is there a way to avoid it?
Dmitry Shachnev
Yes, that's normal because the document id is stored in the RAM, not on the disk. I'll try to fix that in the next release, if possible (by the way, in 4.0, Google Docs export will be an export extension, not a standard part of ReText).
Wondering if there is a way to theme this? Or at least just have a dark color scheme? Can we manually change some configs somewhere, or will full theming support be forthcoming? Thanks. Otherwise, fully love the program, but I'm still doing most of my typing in FocusWriter to save my eyes.
Dmitry Shachnev
Sure, you can specify a CSS file (documentation) and link it using
appStyleSheet option of the configuration file.
See also ticket 18.
quick report of a minor bug.
the user is allowed to open infinite nos of print preview window. it is not normal.


text:
My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Boys And Girls Clubs Of Kern County, Bakersfield, CA, USA
I know Zane Smith, Executive Director, and I was happy to sponsor a $2,500 donation through our Union Bank Foundation. On my visit, I was so impressed! The kids are so engaged and energetic, even the teenagers. The adult leaders were the same way and obviously have a passion for making a difference in the lives of these kids. Zane showed the amazing art work the kids have done. My visit made me want to be a part of such a positive environment.
More Feedback
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


text:
'); } -->
SpayedMore info Email a friend
Free Fem. White German Shepherd Spayed $0 email@example.com (706) 569-4315More info Email a friend
Beautiful orange kittens, 2M (1 long/1short-hair), 6 w/o, potty & kennel trained, dry/can food. 706-527-9178More info Email a friend
Toby is a sweet 2 year old tabby cat. He is neutered and front declawed. He is a sweet playful boy. Good with kids and dogs. My little girl is allergic so he needs a new home.More info Email a friend
Kittens! Free to good home. Litter-trained, pretty, blue eyes. 706-905-0242More info Email a friend
2 y/o Male Tabby Neutered & Declawed. Sweet, good with kids and dogs. Free. (706) 570-6656More info Email a friend
5 Kittens, 3 brindle, 1 light orange, 1 dark orange. Free to a good home, 706-992-8478More info Email a friend
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ¥ (1) English Bull Mastiff, F, 1 yr, cream with black mask ¥ (4) Lab/Beagle/mix. 2 M, 2 F, tan ¥ (1) Pom, F, red, 3 yrs ¥ (1) German Shep, F, white, 3 yrs ¥ (1) Lab/Great Pyrenees, M, white, 2 yrs ¥ (1) Border Collie, ...More info Email a friend
PHENIX CITY ANIMAL SHELTER 1706 4TH STREET S. off Hwy 431, behind the jail rcpcasa.com for pictures of all our adoption animals. Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Fees include vouchers for spay/neuter, rabies, microchip, 30 days pet insurance. We are looking for...More info Email a friend


text:
START Leader Selections
Apply to be a START leader! Form friendships and help freshmen get acquainted with Young Harris College during a two day orientation session. START leaders are responsible for knowing all about Young Harris College and must be sincerely interested and skillful in sharing this knowledge with incoming students and their families. Orientation leaders serve as resources and guides to incoming first-year and transfer students.
Benefits include a stipend of $225 for the summer, meals during training and orientation, and on-campus housing throughout summer training and START sessions. Additionally, START leaders learn valuable leadership skills and develop group management techniques.
Orientation Leader Information Packet>>
Stephanie Mills: "I love being a START leader for many, many reasons! For me personally, the best thing about the job is seeing my START kids succeed after the semester begins. I love watching them becoming involved and enjoying themselves and ultimately, becoming well-rounded, confident students. Watching my kids fall in love with YHC makes being a START leader so worth it!"
Selection Process
For more information, email the Office of Student Development or call (706) 379-5118.


text:
16.9 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Glass Shelves, ActiveSmart Technology, Humidity Control System, LED Lighting and Smart Touch Control Panel
Our Price
21.8 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator with Spill-Proof Glass Shelves, Gallon Door Bins, Humidity-Controlled Crispers, Internal Water Dispenser and Ice Maker
After Savings
24.7 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator with 5 Spill Proof Glass Shelves, Twin Cooling Plus System, FlexZone Drawer, High Efficiency LED Lighting and External Ice/Water Dispenser
32" Built-in All Refrigerator with 18.6 cu. ft. Capacity, 3 Glass Shelves, 3 Adjustable Door Bins, LED Lighting, IQ-Touch Electronic Controls and PureAdvantage Air Filtration
17.0 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with 4 Shelves, Independent Temperature Control, LED Lighting, Ice and Water Dispenser and Energy Star Qualified
24.0 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator with Door-in-Door, Glide N' Serve Crisper Drawers, SpillProtector Shelves, 9 Door Baskets and External Ice/Water Dispenser: Stainless Steel
24.0 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator with Slim SpacePlus Ice System, Adjustable Cantilever Glass Shelves, Gallon Bin Storage and External Ice/Water Dispenser
22.7 cu. ft. French-Door Refrigerator with Adjustable Glass Shelves, Adjustable Gallon Door Bins, Icemaker, Quick Freeze Shelf, 2 Humidity-Controlled Crispers and External Water Dispenser
34" Built-in Single Drawer Refrigerator/Freezer with 3.1 cu. ft. Capacity, 5 Customized Storage Environments, LED Interior Lighting and Panel Ready
18.6 cu. ft. All-Refrigerator with 3 Cantilever Glass Shelves, 5 Door Storage Bins, Alarm System, Electronic Door Lock and PureAdvantage Air Filter
$2,000 - $2,999
30" - 34.9"
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text:
MSU Federal Credit Union
- Employees in region:
- 582
- Sector:
- Financial Services & Insurance
- HQ location:
- East Lansing, MI
'11, '12, '13, '14
MSU Federal Credit Union is a financial institution that is dedicated to provide superior service to each member, allowing them to reach financial security, their goals, and ultimately their dreams. Our employees are proud to offer members a wide variety of competitive and convenient products and services including deposit accounts, personal and business loans, IRAs, insurance and mortgages. These products and services include options to fit any member's need and provide convenience, peace of mind and confidence that we have their best interest at heart.
We offer several member service portals including phone, face to face, online banking including a mobile app, text messaging, e-Chats and e-Messages. The credit union fully leverages our information technology resources to offer flexible, user friendly and integrated systems to promote high performance and loyalty. MSUFCU has a wide variety of members ranging from MSU students, alumni, faculty and staff and their immediate family members to various employees of select groups or association determined by our Board of Directors.
"I am treated exceptionally well, and valued."
"I am treated fairly and respectfully and am constantly challenged with the work I perform."
"I get to make a difference in the lives of people in the community while doing work that I enjoy and find challenging. "
"It gives me the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives."
"It is very rewarding and meaningful."


text:
The University of Minnesota men's basketball team raced to a 12-0 lead and never looked back in beating Toledo 82-56 last night at Williams Arena. The Golden Gophers used a smothering defense to hold the Rockets to 22-percent first half shooting. Minnesota led 48-22 at halftime and extended the lead to 32-points at one point in the second half. Sophomore Joe Coleman of Minneapolis scored 15 points to lead the way, while junior Austin Hollins chipped in with 13 points. Senior Rodney Williams had 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds. The Gophers are now 2-and-0 on the season and will host Tennessee State on Thursday night.
Gophers Win


text: Mendel, Inc. | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information Official Broadway League sites: - sites - broadway.org broadwayleague.com broadwayfanclub.com kidsnightonbroadway.com stagespecs.org tonyawards.com Quick Search For: In This Category: All Show People/Org. Theatre Season Mendel, Inc. Ritz Theatre, (11/25/1929 - circa. 6/1930) First Preview: Total Previews: Opening Date: Nov 25, 1929 Closing Date: Jun 1930 Total Performances: 216 Category: Play, Comedy, Original Description: A play in three acts Setting: The Home and Business Place of Mendel, Inc., New York City Opening Night Credits Production Staff Theatre Leased by Shubert Theatre Corporation (Lee and J. J. Shubert, Directors) Produced by Lew Cantor Written by David Freedman Staged by Lew Cantor Business Manager: Murray Ross Assistant Stage Director: Phil White; Stage Director: Ralph Sanford; Technical Director: George Holtrey Cast Alexander CarrMendel MarantzCharles DaleSam ShtrudelBernard's partnerJoseph SmithBernard ShnapsZelde's brotherAnna ChandlerBessie Blooma janitressLisa SilbertZeldeMendel's wifeTed AtheyAn EngineerBertha ByrtA WomanWilliam B. CalhounA ButlerRichard ClarkNathan KraussHelen DumasLillianMendel's childMorris FreemanZigmund GassenheimOscar's fatherEvelyn GaileMimiMendel's childElliott RothOscar GassenheimMaster Lester SalkowJakieMendel's childRalph SanfordThe MarshalJoseph StrikerMilton Kahn © 2001-2015, The Broadway League, All Rights Reserved. (Copyright and Disclaimer)


text:
I will buy double:
A double stroller
Bouncy seat
Oh crap I'm overwhelmed!
Me (30) DH (32) DSS (10) DS (7) & TWINS! Baby Girls by 11/08/12
Me (30) DH (32) DSS (10) DS (7) & TWINS! Baby Girls by 11/08/12
It adds up quickly!! If we have a girl(s) we will get a lot of hand me downs ecause I have 5 neices. Either way definitely:
Two Cribs, Highchairs, Clothes, Boppys,Two Infant Seats and FOUR bases
My mom bought us a super cool double stroller earlier this week. (On Clearance and had a big coupon). It does everything from two infant carriers to sit and stand. Im pretty stoked about that.
Me (30) DH (37) YNovember 2005Y
Expecting Twins 11/14/12
It's two sweet boys! (Mac & Sam)
Need to buy:
2 infant car seats
2 cribs
2 chests of drawers
Already had 1 high chair & bought an identical matching one today because it was 50% off (woohoo!).
Also went ahead & bought 2 Radian carseats for when they outgrow the infant seats, again 50% off. We have a liquidation store nearby that got a TON of amazon stock recently. Amazing deals.
Also at the liquidation store, I bought a Kinderwagon hop for just $150, which is the cutest double stroller I've ever seen (kinderwagon.com/main/hop_red). I can't use it till the babies are 6 months because the front seat doesn't recline fully, though. I was thinking about getting a side-by-side double, but may just get a double snap & go for the first 6 months.
May not need 2 swings since we have one swing & a mamaroo. Will buy a 2nd bouncer seat though.
The thought of double diapers & clothing makes me dizzy. It'll be fun, but my wallet will be very unhappy!
SAHM to D (6/02), C1 (1/04), A (3/06), C2 (11/10), & LK (11/12)
I kept stuff from my son who is now two so in some cases I just need one more of certain items.
I read on some forum that twins like being together in the first few months as they were together in the womb and that it is safe until they start moving around and rolling over. So I will keep them in one crib until then. We have no crib as we had a used one from pottery barn that had a drop down side which has since been declared a no no so we trashed it after our son started crawling out of it at 12 months. Since we barely got a year of use out of it I am not inclined to spend a ton on a crib so we will likely look for used again. We used a Arms Reach as a pack and play next to our bed for the first few months with my son and will try that again with these babies if they fit.
Definitely another swing, that was a life saver...the swing we used last time was given to us by a friend whose kids were grown.
We have a singleton stroller and we bought a front to back double stroller for my grandma to use at her house with our son...so we have that one if needed but I think I may be able to get away with using my Babyhawk to strap one to me and the double stroller for my son and the other baby...or my son can walk while one is in the stroller and one is strapped to me.
We need 2 infant car seats as we used a used one last time which is now expired. We have an extra convertible seat since I bought a lightweight one for travel. We have 2 Britax convertibles...one in my car and one in husbands car..so now we need at least one more convertible also.
Another dresser or two for clothes.
New cars! We both work and neither of us can fit 3 carseats in our back seat...2 yes...but 3 no.
We originally had two of a lot of things because we kept some equipment at my grandma's house who was watching our son there but she is now watching him at our house so maybe we can use some of the stuff that was at her house.
Our son had way too many clothes so if boys, we should be straight. if girls definitely will need to do some shopping but they will be in some boy tshirts and knit pants lol so I can reuse some of that stuff.
A new home at some point. We live in a bad school district and had planned to do private school for K-8 and then move for high school but I don't think we can swing private for 3 kids!
We were blessed to have my grandma watch our son but she will need help with twins also so we will be hiring someone to come to our home and assist grannie. I work from home at least 3 to 4 days a week so that helps as far as concern about my elderly grandma needing someone else there if necessary and having her and me there overseeing some stranger watching my kids which makes me nervous.
So much to think about. I hope my husband gets a raise!
I know after your first kid baby showers are not standard but sure could use one this time around! Or more friends with loaners whose kids have outgrown stuff.
Luckily These are my first babies!!! I guess I'm fortunate in that respect that I will be able to have a shower. I'm new at this, but I was thinking one swing and they could alternate time in it. I see the need for 2 bouncy seats. I already have a crib, but will likely add one more and now I will need dressers too, with all the clothes they will have. Yikes!!
TTC since July 2010 :MFI
IUI #1 & #2 =BFN IUI & #3 BFP= MC at 7weeks :( IUI #4 =BFP with TWINS!!
B/G twins born 9/14/12 at 32W 4D


text:
Justin Curran
To see video reports and other coverage, visit www.PoughkeepsieJournal.com/ferguson
Moments after the verdict was read, members of Laurie Fergusons family embraced emotionally in a nearly empty Dutchess County courtroom.
Guilty, a juror had read aloud amid silence, only minutes earlier.
A jury of eight men and four women Tuesday found Fergusons neighbor Justin Curran, 37, guilty of stabbing the 67-year-old to death inside her home at Mobile Manor Trailer Park in Staatsburg more than a year earlier. Curran faces up to life in prison.
Curran was convicted of all counts: three counts of second-degree murder and one each of first-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny and first-degree robbery, all felonies. The verdict was announced shortly after noon.
Everyone did their job from beginning to end, Fergusons son, Mike Cronk, said via email after the verdict. (But) It is an empty victory because it didnt bring my mother back.
Before the trial, Fergusons daughter, Dawn Lovell, said she hoped her mother would get the justice she deserved.
Ed Whitesell, special investigations bureau chief with the Dutchess County District Attorneys Office, said he hoped the verdict brought the family some relief.
Its finally an opportunity to bring a little bit of closure to them, Whitesell said.
Prosecutors alleged Curran broke into Fergusons home the night before Thanksgiving in 2012 and killed her with a knife. Fergusons daughter found her mothers body the next day inside her mothers bedroom closet.
It may have been Currans intention to steal Fergusons 2006 Saturn Ion, Whitesell said during the trial. Her car was found that Friday on Reservoir Road in Hyde Park, and video presented during the trial showed Curran driving the car early Thanksgiving morning.
Whitesell credited strong police work for the conviction.
This was a wholly circumstantial case, and those cases are only as good as the investigation, he said. So, the work that the state police forensic unit did to extract DNA, to find the evidence, which we were able to present to the jury in my opinion played the largest role in the outcome.
Whitesell said he thought phone records which showed when Curran did and didnt use his phone the night of the murder collected by investigators were pivotal.
Its amazing to me how, over the last few years, the ability to extract records from cellphones has played an important role in the cases that we handle, he said.
Curran was on trial for nearly three weeks. Whitesell said its too early to tell how the verdict will affect other charges pending against Curran.
Curran pleaded not guilty to a 21-count indictment in January. He still faces charges alleging he kidnapped his ex-girlfriend Tina Norman and the couples four daughters a week after the killing. He faces charges alleging an attempt to escape from the courthouse in March.
We deliberately agreed to sever-out the kidnapping case involving ... the mother of his children, because I think the murder case was much less complicated with that out of the case, Whitesell said.
Currans attorney, Bruce Petito, said hes already had discussions with his client about appealing the jurys decision. Petito said he wasnt necessarily surprised by the verdict.
Petito said he didnt regret not putting Curran on the witness stand. I think it wouldve caused more difficulties for my client, he said.
Petito said will review the case to see whether there are motions to file prior to sentencing. Petito, Whitesell and Judge Stephen Greller are scheduled to meet Friday on Currans case. No sentencing date has been scheduled.
Staff writer Nina Schutzman contributed to this report. Roberto Cruz: email@example.com; 845-437-4843; Twitter: @RobertoCruzPJ


text:
Before you download this theme, be aware: Crucial functions you would need to make this theme suitable for your site, such as changing the header images, are disabled in the free version. Therefore the free version is _completely_useless_; you will not be able to produce a website fit to go live with this theme, without upgrading to the paid version. Or, unless you've got coding skills and don't mind doing a little hacking.
CyberChimps did an awesome job; imagine that this responsive template is free! When it is time to make any purchases I will visit their website, even with that funny name (joking). Great job, east to configure and professionally done.
This is one of the most stylish themes I have seen on wordpress, it really is. Not only is the theme very stylish but it is highly customisable and very simple to use. Definitely a theme that everyone should at least consider given the quality.
For the record, you can change the slider images unlike what was claimed by one of the reviewers here. The reviewer called them banner images but I think he meant slider images.
The built-in slideshow is great and easy to configure.
The provided color schemes aren't extensive but with a few minutes of looking through the live code, all can be adapted easily. 2 images must be edited to change the color of the ribbon but again, not hard to do!
Great theme!
It would be a good Theme, but there is no way to change the banner images. I searched through the options and source code for an hour. I read the documentation, but there is no way to change the images.
You must log in to submit a review. You can also log in or register using the form near the top of this page.


text:
Join our community of over 2,440,000 engineers and 990,000 CAD files
Select file:
All of my favourite heroes have the ability of flying, therefore they don' t need any vehicle. In this way, I decided to create a machine for Mr. Freeze. His uniqe story made him my favourite villain.
During the process of creating the desing, my goal was to form something that is simple, still modern. Among the tools I used, there are materials, colors and moulds, which are strongly matched with Mr. Freeze's character.
nice one
Very good design,
I am Oussama young Tunisian and electromechanical engineer, I have a problem finding the right design of a two person kayak tour, it is very necessary to achieve my workshop for molding fiberglass, I have no money at the moment to open a grabcad challenge, but a good organization will help me to open the workshop with a bank loan, for that here I am talking to you my friend to import me a good innovative idea.
If you are interested do not hesitate not to ask for more information at the technical parameters of the project, if I will be lucky and I open my workshop I will send you back a nice gift you have my word for that…..
I would be very grateful for your collaborations
two person kayak
Awesom model! :) Very good idea and excellent realization :)
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Sorry, Tim and mommy Tebow. It doesn't appear as though there's room for Focus on the Family's propaganda on NCAA web turf.
Earlier this week, a Focus on the Family ad popped up on a National Collegiate Athletic Association website, much to the surprise and chagrin of many who don't want ultra-conservative, evangelical christian views shoved down their throats while trying to catch the scores from last night's games.
Not surprising, the uproar was immediate. After catching some serious flack from activists in the LGBT and women's rights worlds, as well as NCAA faculty and athletic directors concerned FOTF's anti-gay stance conflicted with the NCAA's policy of complete inclusion, the Association decided to pull the ad faster than Tim Tebow can say Mark Ingram. (For those non-sports fans out there, Ingram beat out Tebow for last year's Heisman Trophy.)
The FOTF ad showed a father and son with the words, "All I want for my son is for him to grow up knowing how to do the right thing." (Sidenote: How is it possible that FOTF has the funding to pay for a Super Bowl ad, but not enough money to hire a quality writer?) Anyway, in FOTF language, the slogan is code for, "All I want for my son is for him to grow up to be heterosexual, receive no sex education through his teens, marry a WOMAN, have children, be vehemently opposed to abortion rights and gay rights, and oh, never consider a blasphemous divorce."
NCAA standards state that advertisers "should be generally supportive of NCAA values and attributes and/or not be in conflict with the NCAA's mission and fundamental principles." The NCAA also maintains the right to exclude ads or advertisers that "do not appear to be in the best interests of higher education and student athletes."
So apparently the NCAA doesn't feel collaborating with a group of holier-than-thou, uber-conservatives who wish to strip rights from all those who are different from them, to be "in the best interests of higher education and student athletes." Right on, NCAA. Right on.
No doubt the controversy surrounding Tebow's Super Bowl ad played heavily on the NCAA's decision. And if you remember, Care2 happily participated in that game, garnering nearly 15,000 signatures asking CBS to pull the ad.
But for the time being, I'll simply tip my hat to the good ole NCAA and say, thank you for choosing what is right over the almighty dollar.
Now let's just hope those nasty rumors circulating about CBS planning to run Focus on the Family ads during March Madness turn out to be false.
Read more: abortion rights, ads fotf, advertisements, cbs, focus on the family, gay rights, human rights, march madness, national collegiate athletic association, NCAA, super bowl, super bowl ad, tim tebow, womens rights
photo credit: thanks to aprilzosia via flickr for the pic
I have no clue as to what that last statement was even about let alone who it is directed to... Talk about hate, disagreeing with the article, saying on is going to hell because of it... YIKES, yes so full of hate aren't we...
Good job NCAA! I am ready for March madness, Go Duke Blue Devils!
So much hate in this article.So sad. What you need is to humble yourself before God,who Will one day judge us all, and ask "For whom am I standing up for : God or man. This article says MAN. You will Never be happy going that route. SO SAD!!!
This article seems a little harsh to me. I am not entirely aware of FOTF views and whatnot, but I think you could be putting a lot of words into the 'mouth' of the ad/organization. From what I do know about FOTF and their views on homosexuality, I do not approve of them, but that does not mean that I am completely opposed to the organization. Sports are cool too I guess. Thanks for stating your opinion though :)
Yes, you do that, along with all the others on the carousel just like the one in Logan's Run. You don't seem to have read your holy book. According to that, your god did all that bad stuff (including the great flood).
Joan B. responds - "I struggle with the conflict about babies conceived as a result of crimes - I am not perfect, never will be - not at the point where I can say that I am against abortion in these cases.
As for God, you are putting words in my mouth which I have not expressed. You don't want to believe in God - that's OK. There are many times when I question His existence, especially as taught by organized religion of all flavors. More people and animals have died in the name God than an other "cause." It's insane - and it's still going on - but that's not God's fault - it's ours. Don't blame God for what people do. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that there is something greater than all of us, but I don't think anyone can say they know what He (or She, or It) is. I never said He was love - although I have been taught that. I find it difficult to reconcile with earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters, etc. but I believe something mighty and much greater than all of us started all of this and sustains it. It's very easy to not believe, and very difficult to have faith in this current world - very di fficult. I don't want to think that I have gone through all of this crap on this planet without something better waiting at the end of the road - like perfect justice - rewards for the good and punishment for the evil, for example. You can believe in whatever you choose - you have free will - and so do I. So, I'll stick with God and not you."
(cont.) Joan B. - How was I to know you were not talking about sex crimes? You failed to differentiate your feelings about certain pregnancies. So, you feel it is O.K. to have an abortion if it was brought about by a sex crime but not if there was no crime involved? How is that? Isn't that a bit conflicting? How can you be anti-abortion but support it in special circumstances? Those babies are all viable, aren't they? How can you be for killing some of them?
You said I hate your god and your holy book. No, I really don't. How can I hate a god who doesn't exist? Rather, I hate the fear-based religion to which you ascribe. I hate what it has done to hundreds of thousands of people throughout the ages. From the destruction of whole cities in the old testament, the bloody crusades, and the continual damage that still goes on today, driving people to suicide and murder. You say, "God is love." (that's a quote from your holy book) I don't get it. I find it refreshing to see many people waking up and denouncing your christian religion and all the evil for which it stands.
Am I saved? Yes, from your religion! I will help anyone see the light if they really want to break away from your religion. Do I hate your god? No. God does not exist and your holy book is simply a collection of written materials, some historical and some fictional materials. That's all.
Joan B. - you tried to take this discussion off line and I don't do that. This is a public discussion not private. I will repeat your communication here for the benefit of the readers.
You wrote me saying, You know that I was NOT talking about sex crimes - so don't try to turn the tables on my viewpoint with your apparent hatred of God and His laws. Just about everyone on this board talks about and defends choice - well both women and men (not talking about sex crimes) have the choice - the choice to engage or not engage in sex, within or outside of marriage. If they do, there is a very good chance there will be a pregnancy, unless they are sterile or have 100% proof birth control (which does not really exist). There are consequences resulting from people's actions - but this society does not want to accept any consequences for their actions - it's called irresponsibility or failure to accept responsibility for one's actions."
I will respond in my next comment. (cont.)
good news
we must show our love
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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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Marie B; You just say the same thing over and over again and over again, why are you here? 1st. Amendment…
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12. Grits with Fruit
- 2 1/2 Cups Skin or Soy Milk
- 1/2 Cup quick-cooking grits
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- Blueberries, blackberries and/or sliced strawberries
1. In a saucepan, bring milk, grits, honey and salt to a boil. Stir frequently. When the grits have boils, turn heat to low. Stir frequently and cook until thickened, about 9 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowl. Add fruit. Serve warm.
Recipe Credit: Food.com
See Also:
13. Quick Whole Grain Spelt Bread
14. Whole Wheat Green Tea Pancakes
15. Pumpkin Oatmeal


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The facebook share button keep saying: "The message could not be posted to this Wall.".
As far as i know (but i'm not an expert) the method
http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php? is now deprecated ad unsupported in favor of
Will an update come soon?
there is a way to make it work (also quick and dirty)?
thanks for attention


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DO NOT look for the water tunnel
It is not exaxcly a tourist trap, but I read somewhere on the guidebook about this water tunnel that was supposed to be intersting as an example of ancient aquedoct. It was suppose to be near Melanes Kuoros site. Well, we went looking for it and we walked for half an hour under a killer sun, on a small trail that was 20% rock and 80% goats' sh*t... at that point we decided it could be the most interesting artefact in the world, we had enaugh.
Unique Suggestions: I suggest you to go looking for it only if you are DEEPLY into water tunnels and wearing close shoes, sandals are not much indicate to walk on goat drops.
don't eat in the port
Most, if not all of the restaurants in Naxos Town, mainly on the main street in the port, are only for tourists. Don't go there. There are so many other great places to eat, if you just wander around a little. The best food is out of town, which means you'll need a car, or scooter. Go to Agia Anna, or Mikri Vigla, or even Agia Prokoios.
Don't eat at the port!
One of the most popular places in Chora (Naxos main city) is the road facing the port.
You will see that there are a lot of restaurants there. Above all at night, restaurant owners will try to convince you to enter their restaurant, sometimes in an irritating way.
We had a couple of bad experiences: once seated in a restaurant, we waited for 30mins to be served, and we had to leave because nobody was caring about us, and in an other restaurant we had horrible food.
Unique Suggestions: If you really cannot go anywhere else, go to Popi's Grill. Food is tasty, but it is more expensive than advertised on tourist guides and websites.
Fun Alternatives: Be brave and look for other restaurants in the rest of the city.
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Redefining the `Private Lives' of Public Officials: Women Journalists Have Played a Major Role in This Changing Coverage. (Women: United States).(Column)
Graves, Florence George, Nieman Reports
For some journalists--especially those with old-guard thinking--the September 11 World Trade Center attacks that led to aggressive reporting on Osama bin Laden and bioterrorism brought an oddly welcomed relief. Then Enron followed. Finally, there was a return to "real reporting," and "important journalism." No longer was there a focus on "tabloid stories" such as Gary Condit and the missing Chandra Levy and whatever they were doing in private that dominated some news outlets before the 11th. No more messy tales about Bill Clinton and Paula Jones or Monica Lewinsky. In their minds, at least, no more voyeuristic reporting on the so-called "private lives" of public officials.
Of course, for some media organizations, especially the supermarket tabloids and some cable news networks, there's no question that a primary attraction in these stories was the sure-to-boost ratings combination of sex, power, fame and mystery. This is inevitable when the story involves an emotion and instinct as powerful, mysterious and easily exploited as sex. But even though the media sometimes report gratuitous stories involving sex--something I regard as unethical--we should not forget why some aspects of what for decades the press has defined as the "private lives" of public officials, when reported responsibly, are not only of legitimate public interest but also important to pursue and publish.
Unfortunately, this is not the message some influential media commentators seem to be sending. In the wake of the Monica experience, for example, historian and former presidential assistant Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. and Washington Post columnist David Broder each have warned journalists about invading the "private lives" of public officials. "[N]othing seems to bother people more about today's journalism than the blurring of lines between the public records of candidates and their private lives," Broder wrote. And in a New York Times op-ed, Schlesinger posited that "Reporters seem obsessively interested these days in getting candidates to tell all" about various aspects of their private lives including, he says, "their sex lives." In arguing for tighter guidelines, he wrote that "A measure of privacy is of estimable value in protecting the stability and sanity of our public servants."
Public officials, like private individuals, deserve a zone of privacy. On that point there is little debate. However, far too often those urging privacy suggest that all stories with a sexual angle are, by definition, about a public official's private life. Although it perhaps should seem obvious by now, some critics still fail to fully recognize that even if an abusive sexual act is committed in private--meaning no witnesses, or in what traditionally has been considered a person's private realm--it still may be of legitimate public concern as a potential violation of law or ethical standards. Some exhortations for privacy also suggest that the way a politician (usually these stories involve males) treats women (or men) has no relevance to his fitness for office.
Before this kind of backlash thinking takes hold, it is important to reflect on how and why perceptions about what should or shouldn't be considered publicly relevant sexual behavior have changed during the past 30 years. It remains very rare for a journalist to ask about a politician's truly private sex life, as it should be. However, thanks in part to the increased presence of women as both reporters and editors, particularly political journalists, media decision-makers are finally asking whether particular allegations of inappropriate or abusive sexual behavior--the kind that was well known in the past by some reporters but kept from readers and viewers--merit journalistic scrutiny. This reassessment has been part of evolving changes in society, which for centuries had been conditioned to believe--based on Aristotle's conception of the private and public spheres--that anything involving women (considered a lesser order) or sex (even abusive sex)--belonged in the private realm. …


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Home » Author Archives: Derrick Keith (page 8)
Author Archives: Derrick Keith
Viral Video Of the day. Do we understand the 4th of July?
Viral Video. What's inside fireworks in 90 seconds!
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Meet Keke! ID#A592940 Keke is a 2-year-old pit bull who has a rough start at life. She is a big mama who has had multiple litters, so now she is ready for someone to pamper her. Keke enjoys the simple things in life: walks through the park, delicious treats, and backrubs from her favorite people. This sweet girl deserves a ... Read More »
Viral Video Funny security camera moments compilation.
Viral Video. Guy Jumps on stage at Kenny Chesney Show.
Viral Video. Cubs Fan catches foul ball with baby in arms.
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Meet Oscar! ID#A595739 Oscar is a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat with a handsome red tabby coat. This playful boy thinks he is still a kitten; he has an adventurous and mischievous spirit! He is a staff favorite for his loveable personality. Oscar is litter box trained and gets along with everyone, including children, cats and dogs. This cool kitty deserves ... Read More »


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MELBOURNE, Australia — Brian Baker knows injuries. The guy who was out of tennis for nearly seven years for a variety of surgeries and injuries, has one more to deal with.
Baker injured his knee Wednesday (Tuesday night ET) early in the second set of his match against fellow American Sam Querrey and was forced to retire. Baker was leading 7-6 (7-2), 1-1 when he was injured. It is the first time in his ATP career that Baker has retired from a match.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Day 3 roundup
Tests showed that Baker tore his lateral meniscus and has a locked knee. He'll need surgery and about four months to recover. Which, at least, was not as bad as an ACL tear, which would have most likely ended his season.
Baker told doctors on court that he felt as if bones in his right knee rubbed together, and then he couldn't straighten his leg. He also said it is the first time he has had an injury to that knee.
"He said he kind of just felt his knee almost buckle and kind of heard like a pop or a snap," Querrey said. "He didn't know if it was bones or a tear, but he couldn't straighten it, couldn't walk.
"He's the last person that deserves anything like that with his five or six surgeries already. He does everything right, treats his body great, just trying to come back, and then something like that happens, it's just so unlucky."
Baker was a promising junior player and had just turned pro when the injuries began.
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There was the left hip operation in November 2005. A sports hernia in 2006. Tommy John elbow surgery in February 2008, another left hip job in April, then work on his right hip in June.
He delivered a superb comeback year in 2012, climbing to as high as No. 52 in the world after making the second week of Wimbledon.
Meanwhile, Querrey will move on to the third round in Melbourne for the third time.
Querrey, at No. 20 is the only seeded American man in the draw.
"I hope it's not that bad," Querrey said of Baker's injury, "but if it is, he's the guy that can come back from it."
News, notes and highlights from Day 3 of the Australian Open, featuring Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Novak Djokovic and more!


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This isn't the piece I wanted to write. I had another.
I wanted to tell you it was in 2007 when I saw this kid hopping, buzing and flying around the crease and he first took my eye.
I wanted to say he looked like a pixie taking on giants hurling missiles at him.
I wanted to show you a piece I wrote excitedly as I flew out to South Africa this year, convinced that Hughes would be back in the team.
I wanted you to know how disappointed I was that he never did play in that series.
I wanted you hear all the arguments I had with other writers about him and his weakness against the short ball, the wide ball, the full ball, or whatever it was that day.
I wanted you to know when I was wrong, and doubted he could overcome all the setbacks.
I wanted one day for him to make enough runs that no one ever inferred he had a problem with the short ball again. That he changed his personal narrative.
I wanted to help dispel that myth in the mean time.
I wanted him to laugh at all of us who had laughed at 'Caught Guptil, Bowled Martin' as he went around the world making hundreds.
I wanted him to go back to Shield cricket, learn his craft, and come back and be the legend he was supposed to be.
I wanted him to be left alone, not be hyped up, and for him to never be compared to a guy who retired in 1948.
I wanted him to keep making runs against Dale Steyn, to prove to everyone that he wasn't a First Class bully.
I wanted him to play a hundred Tests, score triple centuries and do that thing he does with his nose when the camera was in close up.
I wanted to know what happened, so I watched the footage. Now I need to know that one day the images I've seen will leave my head.
I wanted him to know how brave I thought he was for calling out racism on the field.
I wanted to see him do more replacement wicketkeeping with that massive smile on his face.
I wanted him to actually play in all five Ashes Tests in one series.
I wanted the selectors to trust him the way I now did.
I wanted him to find his position in the line up, and stay there for a cricketing lifetime.
I wanted him to treat the offside like it was his personal property.
I wanted him to back away and carve, I wanted him to slap spinners and I wanted him to cut like the ball like it deserved it.
I wanted him to bat.
I wanted his 63* to be 100*. I know it means nothing, I really do. But this is all so unfinished. A 63* not out is a start, not and end. It isn't the end of anything. It's on the way to something bigger. Not an abyss. He had so far to go, in life and cricket, and a pointless cricket milestone might mean nothing in 50 years, but it meant something to him, and too much of this has ended too early. I want the scorers to change it. I want them to give him those 37 runs. I want someone to tell him that we all miss him already. And that we'll all try look after the bowler. That we'll look into new helmet designs. That we'll not treat young players so haphazardly. That as long as cricket is known, so should the name of Phil Hughes. Phillip.
I wanted more than anything for Phillip Joel Hughes to make it. I don't know why. I haven't met him. But I just wanted this kid with the handmade technique and the courage to face balls he couldn't handle to be an Australian legend.
I wanted to write something other than this, I wanted to honour him, I wanted to show how much notice I had been taking of him, how much I was on his side. How I felt it was unfair when he wasn't selected when he should have been, how it was stupid that he always ended up in our out by the third Ashes Test, that I remember being so upset when Pepler Sandri got him out in a tour match, and that I should never have given up on him.
On the 3rd of December 2007 I saw a pixie stand up to giants. Now we have the unfinished symphony of Philip Hughes. Just a hole in the Australian batting card that doesn't feel right now like it can ever be filled.
We all just want this piece in the present tense. We want him back at the crease, where he belonged. Not 25 out, but 63 not out. For eternity.
During Australia's World T20 campaign in 2012, George Bailey dined in the crab restaurant owned by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. More than other slightly overpriced crab restaurants, this is a place of cricket. They don't hide who the owners are, and there are pictures of other cricketers around as well. The waiters also love cricket. They were very excited, as many famous current players and legendary ex-players had been in. They were keen on meeting more. The man who waited on George Bailey was a massive Cameron White fan. He spoke of how White used to be the Australian T20 captain. When asked who the current Australian captain was, he didn't know.
Bailey just sat there uncomfortably. With a slight smile.
The first ball of George Bailey's Test career at the Gabba was eased through mid-on. It was from Stuart Broad. There are far worse ways of starting your career than with an on-drive for three. Interestingly, it was an empty mid-on. From the start it seemed that England didn't rate him.
After that, every ball Bailey faced in that innings would be from James Anderson. He missed a bouncer, edged a length ball that didn't carry, and played and missed at an outswinger. During all of this, Jimmy spoke to Bailey. His famous sledging style: through his fingers. Bailey spoke back, and smiled.
Until he nicked off to Cook at slip. His feet set in stone. His hands looking for the ball, and his edge completing the wicket. He had made 3 and was Anderson's first wicket of the Ashes.
Bailey made an impact almost immediately in domestic cricket. Not completely as a batsman, but for his smile. He smiles a lot. There was an ad one year promoting the one-day tournament and in it was Mick Lewis, the grizzled Victorian quick, saying how much he hated George Bailey smiling. But despite the smile, and the obvious talent, Bailey never really pushed for higher honours.
If you saw him bat, it was strange. With no real follow-through, he could smoke the ball to the fence. Pace and spin didn't seem a problem. He could play on rough wickets. What he couldn't do was produce the sort of season that you need to get picked. Almost all Australian cricketers do it. A 1000-run season that makes everyone shout your name.
Bailey never went past 778, which he made in his second season.
In 50-overs cricket he was always pretty good, but never "lock up your daughters this guy is burning your world down" good. In T20 he was the same. He played for Scotland when they were in the English domestic cricket set-up. But it was only in 50-over games, and he didn't do enough to make a stir.
He also played in the IPL, for the best team, Chennai Super Kings. Many Australian players had made good reputations doing good things in the IPL. Bailey was there for four seasons. In that time Super Kings won two IPLs and were runners-up once. He played four games. His top score was 30.
There were no editorials written demanding his inclusion. He wasn't signing multi-million dollar deals. He just played a bit of cricket, mostly at home, and occasionally abroad.
After Mitchell Johnson's first innings at the Gabba, batting got easier. And Bailey had only one over from Anderson. Australia were well in front, Anderson was soon taken out of the attack, and instead Bailey faced Joe Root, Chris Tremlett and an out-of-sorts Graeme Swann.
Bailey reacted to this like a good team man. He smashed Root and Swann for sixes. He had not yet hit a four in Tests, but he did have two more sixes than Jonathan Trott. He was keen to show how much he had listened to instructions to attack the spinners, and that he could forget about putting a price on his wicket and just get Australia the runs they needed to declare. It was not always smooth but it was a positive sign.
That was until he looked like a badly programmed robot, playing up a line that Swann had not bowled. He was out for 34.
In Ed Cowan's book, In the Firing Line (part diary, part bromance epic with Bailey), he wrote about a conversation that he and George had about the future after cricket. Both guys had got to around 30, felt a way away from playing for their country, and now had to think about the worst thing many professional cricketers fear – getting a real job.
There is good money in playing first-class cricket into your 30s, but you have to want it. You have to be prepared to get up early, train harder than the kids, prepare like a pro, knowing that your ultimate dream is gone. There are some players who play on without all this, but they are the obscenely talented. Bailey is good but not obscenely talented. A drop off in his work ethic could have meant he was no longer automatically picked, and even a career cashing in at the lower level may not have been available to him.
So when he chose to keep playing, it was because a part of him still believed. He was willing to keep working hard. He had won domestic titles. He had chased his dream professionally for over a decade, but when you are only one lucky phone call from playing for your country, it's a big call to become a schoolteacher or batting coach.
Neither of Bailey's Gabba innings made anywhere near the impact that his stoush with Anderson did. England had been placed inside a brass bull, the fire had been lit beneath it, and all that was left was the last screams as they roasted to death.
Australia pushed for the last wicket, but Anderson wasn't quite cooked. Just before the 80th over started – one where he faced up to Johnson from around the wicket in the "Imma gonna kill you" style – he was already on edge. While Johnson warmed up, it was clear that Anderson and Bailey were chatting, and that Anderson wasn't kidding around. He walked over to Bailey, standing tall above him, and nothing he said seemed like a John Keats poem. Politeness wasn't in evidence. Neither man even seemed to let the other finish a sentence.
Bailey smiled, Anderson scowled, the umpires walked in hurriedly, they used the international sign for calm down, and then everyone went back to their marks. Michael Clarke chatted within the stump mics' hearing range.
"Face up", said an aggressive Clarke.
"I'm quite happy to," said a passive-aggressive Anderson.
"Get ready for a broken f****** arm," said Clarke walking backwards knowing that one of the world's most dangerous bowlers was on his side.
George Bailey continued to smile. Anderson survived seven more balls.
If George Bailey wasn't a good captain, he probably would have been even less known. Bailey had inherited a decent side from Dan (son of Rod, not Geoff) Marsh. But he made it even better. Partly through building a team ethic, partly by smart recruiting. George was well known and well liked within Australian cricket. Anyone he thought could be good for his team turned up. Ed Cowan, Jackson Bird and Mark Cosgrove turned up. Armed with these three, two good allrounders, and a bunch of other quality bowlers, he built an empire on green tracks that he and the other batsmen tried to survive on.
They made six finals under Bailey. They won three. For a state with no real record of prolonged success, and about 35 residents, it was a brilliant effort. And when Australian cricket changed under the reign of John Inverarity, George Bailey was their sort of man.
He knew about things other than cricket. He could bring people together. He was calm. He was cool. He was worldly. He was a winner. And he was bright. Then he was Australia's first-ever captain who had not played for Australia before.
Even though it was the least important captaincy position, it painted a target on his back.
The score was 174 for 4 when Bailey appeared in Adelaide. He was dropped. He brought up his first Test fifty with a six off Broad. And continued to hit sixes.
When he came in, Australia were very nearly in danger of throwing away a huge advantage on a flat track, with their in-form captain at the other end. Bailey batted like a batsman without a care in the world. When England bowled a bad ball, he went after it. When they didn't, he just handled them fine. Bailey outscored his captain.
The ball made a good noise off his bat when he smacked it. He looked, for the first time, in complete control. He came down to the spinners on the odd occasion Monty Panesar wasn't bowling short. Even the chance he offered was relatively safe. He went down the wicket and smashed the ball at Panesar, who dropped it. If you're going to pick anyone, it should be Panesar.
His six off Broad to bring up his fifty wasn't just a six off Broad to bring up a fifty. It was a six off Broad, who was using the second new ball, to bring up a fifty. After that, Bailey resumed his battle with Anderson. It was an over where very little happened. The only question was what score Bailey would be not out on at close.
Then he middled another pull shot off Broad. This one went lower and Graeme Swann at square leg pulled off the sort of catch that gets you a lot of Youtube hits. Australia had recovered but were not yet out of the danger zone.
Brad Haddin would change that, and Bailey wouldn't bat in the second innings.
In 2013, Bailey did something that had a higher-profile player done it, would have been praised on talkback radio and in opinion pieces. He turned his back on the IPL and made an attempt to prove himself as a Test player.
He could have sat on the bench for Chennai Super Kings again, and then played another T20 league or two, made a fair bit of money, and had a bit of off time. Instead he chose to be in England, playing mostly red-ball cricket, as the Australian team was there for the Ashes.
It was a two-fold attack. It started as a way to prove he was actually committed to playing Test cricket. And by being in the UK, and already being an Australian ODI and T20 player, at worst he might have made the Test side. Hell, with Michael Clarke's back a shoelace tie away from breaking, Bailey could have even been a Test captain despite not even being in the original squad.
At the WACA it was noticeable that Jimmy Anderson bowled quicker to Bailey than he had before. Now it could have just been the imagination of a sportswriter looking for narrative, or the rhythm that a bowler can get into during the day, but Anderson bowled as quick in one over to Bailey as he had at any time in the series. But he didn't get him out.
It was Broad and the short ball that did it again. Bailey seemed intent on never taking a backward step, even when on the back foot. He wouldn't be bullied or bombed by England. So he tried to hook a short ball and found Pietersen, who did everything he could to make the catch look awkward.
Australia were in another hole, but Haddin mopped up again.
Clarke's back didn't work at all for the Champions Trophy. So Bailey took over. He batted well, Australia played horribly, and it was suddenly clear, while many still didn't rate him, that he had somehow become Australia's most consistent ODI batsman.
With Clarke in London, and David Warner in trouble, it was Bailey who had to front the press. He did it well, while making it very clear he couldn't wait for Clarke to come back.
Clarke would come back, and would captain with no more real problems for his back, so Bailey was never needed as Test captain, or even Test squad member. Instead he came back for the ODIs at the end of the English summer, and made more runs. His batting average and ODI batting ranking were really high for someone whom no one ever seemed to talk up, or often even about.
The second innings at the WACA was brutal on England. They walked out knowing the series was gone. They fielded poorly, Broad was injured, Anderson looked over it, Swann was fading, and it was really very hot. Australia skipped joyfully to a declaration.
Bailey rejoined the fun when Australia were over 400 runs ahead. He sat at the other end while Shane Watson head-butted the English corpse for a hundred. Bailey didn't do much damage himself. After 24 balls he had hit one boundary (only a four) and was 11 not out.
Then he came back in touch with his old friend Anderson. What happened next seemed like it would break a few rules of the Geneva convention. Bailey tore up what was left of Anderson like he was made of tissue paper on a windy day.
When Bailey's boundary-hitting massacre finished, there was a puddle of blood at the top of the mark where Anderson had once stood. For Bailey, that over could not have come from a more perfect opponent.
George Bailey had some fun in India. 85, 92 not out, 43, 98, 156 and 4.
Flat pitches, an amazingly weak bowling attack, and small boundaries all helped Bailey average over 95 at a strike rate of 116. People had to write about it. They had to hype it. Well not even hype it, just report it accurately, and let people moan at the numbers.
This wasn't another series, this was a coming-out party. Every six, and there were 15 of them, rang a bell, and with the next Ashes around the corner, and a batting spot available for anyone who wanted it, Bailey had made it very clear that he wanted it.
The press could have looked at it from a detailed and analytical standpoint. Bailey had played very well in ODIs in England and India, and he was clearly seeing the ball amazingly, but how was his red-ball form? Had he made any runs playing for Hampshire in county cricket, or any runs for Tasmania in last year's Sheffield Shield?
Who cares? Look at his hitting in Mohali.
The selectors and fans seemed to do the same. Very few seemed to notice, worry or bother with the fact he hadn't made a first-class hundred since February 2012.
Bailey was selected with as much fanfare as a six at a Big Bash game. He had been noticed, and embraced.
Bailey faced 18 balls at the MCG. He was at the wicket with his team in trouble. The ball was reversing. This wasn't the time to attempt to beat his world- record overs tally efforts of the WACA. This was the time for survival.
Straight dead bats. Grim determination. Last-minute adjustments. Small backlifts. Sure movements.
That was surely the plan. But Bailey was uneasy. One leave almost ended with him caught at slip, and then run out in the confusion. A huge leg-before shout from Broad was turned down because of a small inside edge. It was nervy, and nasty, and then Bailey found himself at Anderson's end.
In the first over Anderson found a spot and just kept at it. The first four balls landed within six inches of each other. Three of them seemed to hit the exact same spot. The reverse was not deadly, it was just there. Even the smallest hint of reverse from a decent bowler can upset an Australian batsman more than most. But the second over at Bailey, now that was Anderson the chessmaster.
The seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth balls from Anderson to Bailey were all on or about the same line and length. He was keeping him on the crease, not letting him really come forward or back. None had big movement. None was meant to. They were about getting him used to the ball coming in at him from that line and length.
The 11th ball kept the same length. But it was six inches wider than the others. It was supposed to be wider, because it also went wider through reverse movement.
Had No. 11 kept its line, Bailey might have used the width to hit it for four. He certainly saw it as the weakest ball he faced. But it didn't, it was a trap. And Bailey, who had not scored after being out there for several overs, didn't see it and went for it.
England were convinced Bailey hit it. Aleem Dar wasn't. The evidence was far from conclusive. But the dismissal had passed enough protocols for the third umpire to decide that it was out. It's possible Bailey didn't hit it. It's not possible Anderson didn't completely fox him.
Bailey was not needed for the second innings.
In Sydney, Bailey wasn't just fighting Anderson and England. Another foe joined in.
There had been history between Bailey and Channel Nine. When Bailey was filling in as captain of the Australian ODI team the previous summer, he had been involved in a weird media event. Channel Nine had been bemoaning Australia resting of key players (informed player management, they call it). When Bailey was asked about it, he put a spin on the fact that Channel Nine were currently in negotiations with Cricket Australia about paying for rights, and that it may be in their interests to downplay the worth of one-dayers.
That prompted a bizarre response from Brad McNamara, Channel Nine's executive producer of cricket. "It's rubbish and George should stick to playing cricket and leave rights to the people who know what they're talking about. I reckon he's got his hands full as it is. He needs to concentrate on staying in the side. And he needs to understand where his money's coming from. Without the TV rights deal, George is probably working in a coal mine or flipping burgers at McDonald's."
McNamara was rightfully laughed at for his comments.
These comments were brought up a fair bit when Bailey failed to make a fifty in two attempts in Sydney. Mostly because it seemed that no one in the Channel Nine box could make a comment about him that wasn't negative. His feet, hands, technique and temperament were questioned. His second-innings 46 was not enough. And they weren't always wrong. It just seemed kind of mean. Especially when at the back of the press box some seemed happy when he was out.
But it went deeper than McNamara's comments. Bailey had made mistakes in his career. He hadn't made enough first-class runs. He hadn't come into the team as a young man. He came into the captaincy without playing a game. He came into the Test team because of one-day runs. He was everything old-school cricket didn't like. A thinking cricketer who had never demanded inclusion, but who had been included regardless.
For old-school types like Ian Chappell, he was pretty much everything he didn't like. And Chappell wasn't just turning on Bailey because of his stoush with Channel Nine. He had not liked Bailey for a long time.
To show how Bailey never fit in, there is no better article than the one by former good old boy larrikin Aussie cricketer (briefly) Brett Geeves for Inside Cricket. In it, Geeves listed the many reasons why Bailey was not a good captain. And the piece would have had more relevance had Bailey not captained the reigning winning Sheffield Shield team when the piece was published.
Before his fourth Test, Bailey stood outside the MCG doing an interview. He stood there for a long time, and because of the cameras and the familiar Australia tracksuit, a crowd turned up. But it wasn't until the interviewer said, "Thanks George" that most of the crowd realised who it was.
At that stage, he had been an Australian captain for two years. He had played three Ashes Tests, all won. He had fought with Anderson. But he was still not really known. Not embraced. Still invisible. After Sydney, he wasn't really dropped, just not picked for the next series. Just sort of faded away.
At a press conference afterwards he didn't complain, or rant. He just took the decision with a slight smile. And then left.
There is something floating in Ryan Harris' knee. The medical community thinks it is bone. It's probably magic. Or a little pebble of awesomeness. Nothing else explains his last over.
In the overs before, Harris could barely bend over when fielding at gully. His hands were at the top of his thigh, not down near his knee in the customary position. When he walked, you were watching someone with osteoarthritis move, or someone who had done a whole day of rodeo. And when he stood up at the end of each ball you could hear the creaking all around the ground. Even his hip flexor had given out, possibly from the flexing he was doing more and more just to get by. Crocked. Stuffed. Finished. Another over was surely beyond him. Another Test might have been as well.
His job was to stay out on the ground to celebrate the potential Australian win. The win that they couldn't get. Vernon Philander's hand and Dale Steyn's bloody-mindedness were drawing the Test. Here were two forces.
One, the South Africans, they just refuse to lose a Test series. They're better when the primal need for survival has been put on them by their own shoddiness. This time, they had extra motivation with their captain, hero and leader on his last mission. They couldn't have done more to draw this game if they decided to dig actual trenches at the Kelvin Grove end. Against them was a very movable force. The fluid in Harris' knee was moving the bone quite often.
Australia thought they'd get eight or ten overs out of him in the entire second innings. The wicket of AB deVilliers was in his fifteenth. You should never call this dismissal anything as dismal as a wicket. It was a triumph of man over superman. De Villiers is currently batting like the laws of physics don't apply to him. It is as if he has learnt to see into the future and decides on his shot as the bowler is coming in. Getting him out in this form, with his assistance is virtually impossible. Getting him out without his assistance from a busted down old man who should be on crutches should be impossible. The only thing impossible was the Harris outswinger.
Ryan Harris winces in the face of impossible.
Today he winced from leg slip, slip, gully, short cover, or anywhere else you put the guy who stopped being able to move. But he kept coming back, more broken than before.
Tasmania had tried to break Queensland during the last Sheffield Shield final. They had prepared a pitch made of actual deserts. They batted in a coma. And then when Queendlsand tried to move the game on, they picked up enough wickets to lead by almost 200 runs after the first innings. In the first innings, Queensland had bowled 173.4 overs. Harris had bowled forty of those and taken three wickets.
But in the second innings, he just kept going in his opening spell. It seemed endless. Harris, and everyone watching or playing, knew that the only chance of a Queensland victory was with him. Tasmania collapsed under his pressure to 5 for 16. Harris bowled what felt like all the overs, he smashed the ball into this lifeless pitch, he demanded that the ball move for him, and he put his entire career in jeopardy by bowling 54 overs for his adopted state in a losing cause.
It seems that Harris just cannot quit. So why would he listen to his surgeon, his doctor, his physio, or anyone, when they said he couldn't bowl again. He hadn't ever listened to his body. Fast bowlers don't start international careers over 30 in already broken down bodies and take over a hundred wickets. But Harris wouldn't listen to modern medicine, he wouldn't listen to science, he wouldn't even listen to cricket stats.
His second last over of the day looked like his last, well his last of any note. He bowled a short quick one that scared Steyn. It was quicker than his over the previous night where he bowled an over of Shane Watson-paced slower balls.
But he didn't look right. Instead of bashing through the crease like a Joe Frazier combination, steaming coming from his nose, his chest daring anyone to hit him, his legs were all over the place, and his fearsome torso looked attached to the wrong set of legs. His knee wasn't working, his hip was flexing poorly, and he was trying to play through it all and conquer a pitch that gave nothing.
On the second last ball, he slipped as he delivered. It looked, for the shortest of moments, like the injury that could end him today, tomorrow and forever. But he just went back to his mark and somehow got through the over. He was now noticeably limping. His action and run up was falling apart. He had surely bowled his last over, or at least, his last of anything approaching pace.
Nathan Lyon was tried, but had little luck. Watson came back on to wobble them about a bit. And had he wobbled them slightly better, or at least had Steyn playing at them, Harris might not have come back when he did.
When he came on, you couldn't shake the feeling that Ryan Harris shouldn't be bowling. Ryan Harris shouldn't be walking. Ryan Harris shouldn't be bowling Australia to victory. Ryan Harris shouldn't be running around the outfield having just taken the two final wickets in three balls. Ryan Harris should be with a surgeon, showing him how when he twists his knee, the bone clicks out of the bad bit and he can walk properly again.
Where did he find the swing or strength?
In the years to come it will read 24.3 overs, 15 maidens, 32 runs and four wickets. But unless it was written in synovial fluid, tears, bone, tendon and blood, no one will ever understand how good Ryan Harris was today. Whatever is in that knee, I hope they remove it, and get Ryan Harris fit again. Then I hope they show the removed item in a museum and schoolkids are bussed in to see it for years to come.
Short ball.
Ribs. 40.6.
Morne Morkel bowled two of his first three balls to Clarke full. He bowled all three over the wicket. That was a massive waste of time and effort. That over didn't start when Steyn went off after one ball, and it didn't start with Morkel's over the wicket ball in the corridor, it started when Morkel came around the wicket and slammed the ball into Clarke's ribs. Clarke didn't play it, he just clutched it to himself like an injured bird. There was now little chance of Morkel coming back over the wicket. Or Clarke getting tested with the full swinging ball.
Short ball. Short ball. Elgar over.
Arm. 42.3
Morkel now had his aim right. It was somewhere between the arm pit and left nipple. Clarke was moving back and across and into the missile's trajectory. He was a slow-moving target, and Morkel hit him right on the arm. It looked like, to paraphrase Clarke himself, "a broken f**ken arm". Which is something that one of the South Africans might have mentioned to him. The super slow motion looked like a shock ad to teach you the lessons of not wearing arm guards. At the end of the over, when Clarke was touched by the physio, it looked like he'd rather not be.
Warner tried to protect his captain by keeping strike a couple of times. One ball that Warner called two on Clarke just jogged the one to get back on strike. Clarke had moved back to No. 4. Clarke hadn't made any runs. Clarke would not hide at the non-strikers end.
Short ball. Short ball. Elgar over. Short ball. Short ball.
Shoulder and head. 44.3.
Clarke had had enough of standing upright and being hit, so he dropped to get under another ball on an armpit-nipple length. This time the ball didn't quite get up, but Clarke couldn't see as he had turned his head away, and the ball crashed into his shoulder. From there it ricocheted up into his jaw. Clarke tossed his bat, stumbled off the pitch and was surrounded by worried South Africans. None more so than Morne Morkel. Seemingly everyone within Cricket Australia with a first aid certificate came out to check on the captain. The cameras found Shane Warne looking worried on the balcony, an odd twist on the grieving wife shot. They decideed that Clarke is okay. After a few minutes, he faced up again.
Hand. 44.4.
The ball was straight back at him, Clarke flinched early, he took his eye off it, this time it hit his hand and flew straight up in the air. Clarke had no idea where the ball is. JP Duminy rushed in like a mad man from a deepish short leg, the ball beat him to the ground, but went very close to the stumps. Clarke could have been caught, Clarke could have been bowled, and Clarke could have had a broken hand. Clarke is under attack.
Gut. 44.5.
Clarke was now clearly over just being hit and decided to try the attacking option. The pull shot to get away from the short ball worked for him in Adelaide when England tried the same thing. This time he just sort of got hit around the gut as the ball ended up behind him.
When Warner faced a short ball from Morkel it ended up smashing it's way to the fine leg boundary between two fielders. The difference was as great between Warner and Clarke as it was between Mornzilla and Elgar Smurf. Everyone at the ground wanted to fast forward the Elgar overs or any balls when Warner was facing. No one even worried much about Steyn's injury.
Short ball. Elgar over. Short ball. Short ball. Short ball. Short ball. Elgar over. Short ball. Morne taken off.
Thumb. 86.3.
With the new ball Morkel achieved some sideways movement. And for a while, he pretended that Clarke was just another batsman. Clarke even pushed one through mid-on in what looked like very civilised cricket. More shockingly, Clarke smacked a pull through midwicket. But Clarke wasn't just another batsman, and Morne went back to the beautiful barbaric nature of armpits around the wicket. Leg slip came back in smelling blood. And Morkel produced it with another ball that almost ripped the top of Clarke's thumb off. Much time was taken to reattach the thumb nail. Blood was wiped away. And then Clarke took any chance he could to get off strike for the next ball, surviving a possible run-out and getting a well earned five.
Finally Clarke could rest at the non-strikers end. He had nothing left to prove, and nothing left to injure. He had survived.
The first ball after tea Alex Doolan edged Vernon Philander behind to AB de Villiers. It could be out, it should be out, but the cameras say it could have bounced. Then Doolan edges to slip, and it doesn't carry either. Doolan looks like a walking knicker. Finally Morne Morkel gets an edge from him that carries.
Shaun Marsh comes and goes, for a pair. He has now scored less than four in more than half his Test innings. On other days, this would be talked about much.
Michael Clarke has not made runs since Adelaide. He edges first ball. It doesn't carry. You have to really earn a caught behind the wicket right now. Steyn's first over after tea. He looks like that Dale Steyn. Angry and hungry. Clarke just guides one to slip after being worked over by reverse swing. Smith barely arrives at the crease and is out.
At 126 without loss it sounded like de Villiers shouting "150 for 4 here". De Villiers was wrong, it was 156 for 4. With four wickets down, you could smell the fifth day fading.
South Africa were now throwing it all on the line, Australia's saviour in the Ashes was allowed on strike with fielders on the boundary for Chris Rogers. Oh, Rogers, he had barely scored. He had barely looked like going out. He was just there.
Steyn could virtually taste Brad Haddin's wicket. After four balls of strike, he removed his middle stump with a ball Haddin knew where it would pitch; with a ball Haddin knew how it would swing; with a ball that Haddin could have predicted an hour before it happened. Haddin still lost his middle stump.
Mitch came out with his massive batting average against South Africa. Mitch missed a short swinging delivery from Steyn by roughly 4.7 kilometres. Then he had a ball pole vault out of the footmarks and take the shoulder of the bat. Mitch was being attacked by ground and foot.
Smith was now so sure this was the last day he was throwing reviews away. The fifth day was dead to everyone.
Johnson stays out of the line to one from Philander. He tricks Richard Illingworth, but South Africa review anyway; damn you day five. They are right. Johnson is out.
South Africa have given up on bowling out Rogers. So Steyn bowls wide to Rogers to keep him off strike. It is called a wide. Morkel hits something down the legside so South Africa throw another review at it: not out. The umpires are staying pretty sharp despite the yelling and craziness. The clouds are now encroaching on the pitch like a Fritz Lang baddie.
How many wickets down do you need to be to enforce the extra half an hour? Everyone has a different answer. It's not a real thing. It could be seven, maybe its eight. But Ryan Harris and Rogers look settled as the minutes creep up to 1759, one minute from the normal close.
Morkel is down the leg side again, he seems to be working to some sort of leg-side-or-be-damned plan. This time Rogers has wood on it, de Villiers has dived like a superhero. But did it carry? South Africa think yes. Has it bounced, maybe, yes, maybe no. The sun seems to be on every TV screen in the ground, the glare makes people doubt themselves. While it is all happening, it is beyond six. It's either bounced or been foreshortened. Will that be it?
Aleem Dar decides it is not out. But the umpires on the field decide that the extra half an hour can be called. Rogers is livid, he complains uselessly. He deserves it to be the close of play. Australia and South Africa deserve to have an extra half hour.
Steyn is bowling to Harris, and there is another edge down the leg side that is almost caught. Then Harris hits the ball into the ground, it bounces high in the air (higher than any delivery in the match), it is not going near the stumps, but he hits it away, and does it very badly. It hits the back of his bat and almost goes onto the stumps.
Two balls later Steyn hits Harris high and leg side. South Africa are convinced it is out. Kumar Dharmasena takes forever to compute, then he gives it out. Harris reviews. It is still out. Only just. Harris keeps looking at Dharmasena as he walks off.
Rogers faces a full over from JP Duminy. Perhaps he's bowling to get through the over quickly to allow Steyn a go at Peter Siddle. He cannot get off strike. The last ball he tries to take a run, but decides only a run out would happen. So he says no. The sun goes behind a cloud. It suddenly gets very dark.
Siddle gets stuck with Steyn. An inside edge happens, but safely. Then Siddle hits out on the off side, he takes the single, as Duminy stops it by flopping on the ball with his ribs. He can barely breathe. The phsyio comes out, but there is no time, he is sent back. The light metre comes out, and South Africa can't knock that back. Duminy is in massive pain. He keeps running into the wrong position because he can't listen to anyone through the pain. He's taking up seconds and light.
Steyn gets angry and smashes Rogers in the back of the helmet and it goes for four leg byes. He wants Rogers on strike so Philander can bowl to Siddle. He wins. Steyn is down on his haunches at square leg after his last couple of bouncers, barely breathing. He has bowled nine overs, he looks like he has bowled a hundred. You just know he will try bowl another.
Siddle handles Philander very well. Very, very well. It now looks like Steyn or nothing.
Rogers faces Duminy, who has done well to recover, but both teams are playing like tomorrow will not happen. Rogers pushes the ball wide of mid-off, to the right of Alviro Petersen, who earlier in the session was fielding like he was in a coma. Now he is awake, picks it up, flicks it and hits the stumps. It looks out. South Africa are sure it is. The first replays show Rogers well short when the ball hits the stump. South Africa get the thumbs up and celebrate. But for drama, the bail takes a year to come off. Dar has noticed this. It takes maybe two years for the bail to come off. And in that time, maybe Rogers is in. There are about 27 replays. Dar has seen enough, he gives it out.
Rogers, who played with ease alongside David Warner, and then hung on to the wreckage of the Australian order to stay afloat has run himself out in the dark, in the final minutes. Steyn, as buggered as he is, runs over and shakes his hand. So does Smith.
It is Siddle and Nathan Lyon, better than most Nos. 10 and 11. They can bat. They are okay. They need to face less than two overs. It is now darker than before. Siddle does well against Duminy to end the over. He even pushes into the covers for a two.
At the other end Steyn takes off his hat, goes to the end of his mark. He will give it one more over. But Illingworth and Dharmasena are alternating on who they help. They decide it is too dark. Instead of facing Steyn, Lyon will face Dean Elgar. The man who called himself a pie chucker at the end of the first day. Left-arm orthodox. The very opposite of Steyn in practically every way.
The first ball is an actual pie, and Lyon had enough time to eat it. The second ball is better, but Lyon plays it well. The third is a quicker ball, it's wide and full and Lyon just leaves. The fourth, the fourth.
It is short of a length on the stumps, it spins, it holds up, Lyon is hit on the pad. Lyon is OUT. SOUTH AFRICA WIN. DEAN ELGAR HAS TAKEN A WICKET.
Lyon stands there as Elgar mounts his team-mates, they laugh, they smile, Lyon stares. Unimportant replay show a possible edge and problems with height.
Thirty minutes later, Lyon is in the changing room, still staring, still unable to change anything.
South Africa have won. Dean Elgar has taken the wicket.
In 36.4 overs, South Africa have taken nine wickets. They have beaten Australia. They have beaten the apocalyptic rain. And they have made Lyon stare.
February, 2014
The ball punches the pitch, and cracks into Graeme Smith who seems to react only as the ball leaves him. It loops up slowly and the crowd make noise accordingly. It is just off the pad. Not out. It is the first ball Smith faces from Mitchell Johnson.
There is not much time to think between the ball leaving Johnson's hand and the batsman having to deal with it. It is like a camera flash, or a political back-flip.
You can have a plan, you can think it through, but the ball just comes out of his hand and you react. There are some batsmen who revel in that. See ball, hit ball.
Not enough time for clear rational thought. There is not enough time to think about past deliveries, or history, it just happens.
January, 2009
A full ball that that should never have damaged anyone, but spat up and took the left massive hand of Smith. His hand disappeared like he had been zapped by a ray gun. For a second Smith was lost, the pain confused him, he was walking around in a circle towards point. And only then did he eventually find the culprit, which had gone off to fine leg to allow him to get off strike. But the damage was done, and he would only come back into to bat at No. 11, with a broken hand.
There is a bowling machine that players have used to try and learn the mystery and tricks of certain players, the Pro Batter. You can face Morne Morkel, Lasith Malinga or even Mitchell Johnson.
But you can't program it with superhuman confidence. You can't give it artificial menace. And you can't play against it like it is a real force of nature. It is a computer game with real elements. Nothing more. All you can do is try and pick up a few tricks that you hope the next time you play will come in handy.
South Africa have used the Pro Batter, they have also faced Johnson at his old best. They should know how to play him. Smith has faced him more than most. They have survived him at the WACA, after he took 8 for 61, they milked him on their chase beyond 400 to win, they have played him ten times. They know him.
Well, they knew the old him. This new one is relentless and brutal, like a zombie girl group, or a current affairs reporter. This Mitchell is worse and better than anything that can be made with CGI or the old model.
March, 2009
Off the ground, looking at point, one hand off the bat, the right hand protecting his throat and being smashed into the bat handle. That is how Smith found himself as he just tried to survive a delivery. The ball did not take his wicket, he did end up in hospital.
Smith is respected all over the world. He has scored almost 10,000 Test runs. He has done that at almost an average of 50. He has 27 Test centuries. He is the captain and leader of the world's best Test team.
Smith is South Africa's top order monolith. Strong, calm and reliable. The young warrior who took over the side and pushed them higher than they had ever been. All with a bottom handed technique that makes even his best shots look like a solid uppercut.
His place in the world of cricket is safe and secure, and he could retire tomorrow and be remembered for decades.
In nine Tests he has been dismissed by Johnson five times and sent to hospital twice. Today Johnson tried to do both in one ball.
February, 2014
The ball leaves the pitch with a mission to break the jaw or eye socket of Smith. There is no time. There is nowhere to hide. There is no way out. Smith can ever be hit in the face, or try and play the ball. His body is doing in one direction, his face another. His bat is jerking upwards not like a cricket shot, but like he is fending off a surprise Pterodactyl attack. The ball hits the bat, more by pure chance than design. The ball flies high, and all of the slips, (there are a few, but it seems like hundreds), arch their necks up at once, and watch it float behind them. Shaun Marsh chases, and chases, while the batsmen easily cross, and at the last minute he reaches the ball to barely take the catch.
Graeme Smith faced two balls from Mitchell Johnson today.