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Was $34.95 NOW $14.95
This is the iPhone 5/5s/SE polycarbonate case with integrated storage for money, credit cards, and identification. The hinged back of the case opens to provide storage for bank cards, several bills, and other contents normally kept in a wallet or another pocket. The compartment snaps shut for secure, hidden storage and has an integrated mirror. Made from hard shell polycarbonate that provides impact resistance and a rubberized coating that enables a confident grip. The compartment door can also be used as a stand when watching video on the iPhone. Includes a wrist lanyard. Black. 5" L x 2 1/3" W x 3/4" D. (2 oz.)�
Lifetime Guarantee
The iPhone 5/5s/SE Polycarbonate Wallet. (Black) comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Sale item quantities are limited — please order soon.
May we recommend:
(based on 23 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
5 Stars
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3 Stars
2 Stars
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of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Best Uses
Reviewed by 23 customers
Displaying reviews 1-10
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(7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)
Good for Men Maybe Not Women
By Bil the Biker
from Phoenix, AZ
I hate carrying wallets and had already been enjoying an iPhone case with a sleeve for cards when I saw this case. This case appealed because the cards weren't visible and were more secure. It works, and I will continue using it. But besides being bulky, it is REALLY difficult to open.even after using it for a week, . You need strong fingers! My wife can't open it at all and she's a pretty strong lady. So I wouldn't recommend it for most women. Being so tricky to open is kind of a security benefit but when Im in a rush to pull out a card, it takes two hands to open and can be frustrating.Maybe over more time it will get easier.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- flag this review
(4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
I phone wallet
By Billy
from New York
It does hold money and a couple of cards.... Hard to open, phone can fly out of your hand while opening it. If dropped good chance the phone will fly out the case .. Or the glass will break!! .... If the phone was encased totally maybe it would be better ... I sent mine back..... B.T.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Hammacher Schlemmer Response: While we regret that this product didn't delight you, we are gratified that you took advantage of our unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. Although our goal is your complete satisfaction with every product, we understand you may encounter the rare occasion when an item doesn't meet your expectations. That is why we make it easy to return an item—simply call our customer service team at 1-800-321-1484 any time day or night.
Lanyard Loop on Wrong Side
By awefjk
from Freeport, NY
When using the lanyard, you have to reverse the phone to use it; otherwise, you'll be using the phone upside-down.
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
Well designed product
By Armand the traveler
from Los Angeles, CA
The main feature that I really liked was how easy it was to open the back part of the cover. The only con is that it's a bit difficult to remove the bottom part of the cover. I was a bit afraid to break it or scratch my phone. I suggest improving the bottom part of the cover so that it slides off much easier instead of pulling at it.
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
husband loved it
By wife
from indiana
Finally. My hard to buy for husband can use this gift everyday. Love to idea of no more wallet and cell phone. Which usually end up in my purse! All in one case is fabulous!
Good Travel Wallet
By Mr Mood
from Grand Bend, Ontario
Good protection for your phone while travelling. Good for day to day use. It only holds two or three credit cards and a small supply of money folded up or it won't snap shut. If you drop your phone it is well protected. It does not cover up the front of your phone so pushing icons is not a problem. Easy to get the phone in and out of the case.
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Difficult to open
By Chip
from Chicago, IL
The back held only a few cards and a bill or two and it was extremely difficult to open.
great case
By cap
from snohomish, WA
great for travel as can keep a card and drivers license in it with no problems
I'm glad I bought the Polycarbonate Wal
By Cary
from Wichita Ks.
I don't need to carry my wallet!
Love this Case/Wallet
By Dianne NJ
from NJ
This super phone case/wallet combination is the only way my husband was able to stop losing his drivers license and debit card! The only reason he hasn't upgraded his phone to iphone 6 is because this wallet is not yet available for that size.
COPYRIGHT © 2017 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W108147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


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Aaron Rodgers calls BCS 'an absolute joke'
Once upon a time, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the signal caller for California. And with USC headed to the Orange Bowl to play Oklahoma for the BCS National Championship back in 2004, a potential berth in the Rose Bowl opened up for Cal — a program that hadn't played in The Grandaddy of Them All since Jan. 1, 1959. Of course, former University of Texas head coach Mack Brown famously lobbied for an at-large spot in Pasadena and that politicking paid off, leaving the Golden Bears to settle for the Holiday Bowl (where they were blown out by Texas Tech). Evidently, that sequence of events has left Rodgers with a bitter taste in his mouth after nearly a decade (and a Super Bowl championship).
While appearing on his weekly radio show on ESPN Wisconsin Tuesday, Rodgers was asked about his thoughts regarding the Bowl Championship Series coming to an end by host Jason Wilde — and the 2011 NFL MVP didn't mince words:
"I think the BCS is an absolute joke. Always have," said Rodgers. "And the fact that they think they've rectified it now with four teams is kind of a joke to me as well."
Rodgers believes a 16-team field, including mid-major programs and conference champions, is the best way to determine a true national champion.

subset: commoncrawl


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Britney Spears announces new Vegas dates through February
Listen to Britney Spears on iHeartRadio
Britney Spears is unveiling a new round of dates for her show at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood.
The new dates kick off on August 15th and will continue through the end of next February. Fans can start buying tickets on Friday. The dates include a full slate of concerts for the months of October, December and February and a lighter load for the months of September, November and January.
"Piece of Me" has been running regularly since last December, around the time Britney's album, Britney Jean was released.
It's also rumored that Planet Hollywood may be extending the show past the original two-year contract. Caesar's Palace President Gary Selesner told the New York Daily News last week that the reaction to Britney in Vegas has been "fantastic" and that she's "filling out the place every night."
Photo Credit Splash News


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7 Lessons From Election 2013
(NEWSER) – The 2013 election is in the books, and while there weren't many surprises in this off-year affair, there's plenty to digest. Here are some bulleted thoughts to help your brain do just that:
- Some polls had Terry McAuliffe ahead of Ken Cuccinelli by double digits, so his 3-point win is something of a stunner, Politico points out. Cuccinelli's assessment: "This race came down to the wire because of ObamaCare." Exit polls seem to agree with him, CNNreports; 53% opposed ObamaCare.
- McAuliffe also outspent Cuccinelli by $15 million. Given the small margin of victory, expect some recriminations from the RNC, which spent just $3 million on the race, compared to $9 million in 2009.
- Do Republicans still have problems with women? McAuliffe won women by the same 9-point margin that Barack Obama did, and Chris Cillizza at the Washington Post points out that he won unmarried women by a whopping 40 points. But Chris Christie actually won 57% of women en route to his landslide win.
- Of course, Christie won as "the un-Republican," in Cillizza's words. The results suggest that the GOP "would be much better served nominating a Chris Christie conservative than a Ken Cuccinelli or Ted Cruz conservative" in 2016.


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Harrison Ford injured on set of new "Star Wars" movie
Han Solo is nursing an ankle injury. Harrison Ford was rushed to a hospital Thursday after suffering a setback during filming on the set of the new "Star Wars" movie. In a statement, Disney said the 71-year-old actor was receiving care and that shooting would continue as planned while he recuperates. Perhaps offering up a small spoiler for the closely guarded movie, a source tells "The Hollywood Reporter" Ford's ankle injury was caused by the door of the "Star Wars" spacecraft the Millennium Falcon, which Ford's character Han Solo piloted in the original "Star Wars" films.
"Star Wars: Episode VII" is said to be set 30 years after the events of the last film in the original trilogy, "Return of the Jedi." The movie is on track for release in December 2015.
Photo: Everett Collection


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Will the nanny state target cigars next?
When the FDA announced that it intends to extend its authority to cover additional tobacco products, the press jumped to report on how this might impact e-cigarettes. The coverage usually missed the other big story in the agency's proposal: That the comprehensive new rules may exempt premium cigars entirely.
Ever since the FDA was given authority over cigarettes in 2009, cigar makers have been pushing a bill in Congress to keep stogies out of the agency's purview. That an industry would try to protect itself from FDA regulation is not surprising. That the FDA might agree with them is. And given the agency's record on cigarettes, keeping its hands off of premium cigars is the right idea.
At issue is the requirement that any tobacco products covered by the FDA be approved by the agency before being sold to the public. The intent of the law was to protect public health by ensuring that new cigarettes are no more dangerous than those already on the market, a review process that was intended to take only a few months.
It sounds good in theory. In practice, the FDA has done more to restrict competition than to protect public health. The agency has more than 150 employees working on reviews and has received more than 3,500 applications for new products. It has managed to rule on only 34 of them, and only two brands of cigarettes have ever made it through the process. It has ordered only four off the market, a mostly symbolic gesture targeting a foreign brand that had stopped exporting to the United States years ago.
Perhaps this regulatory hassle would be worthwhile if it actually protected public health, but it's far from clear that it does. The only obvious impact of the reviews is making the market for cigarettes less competitive. (These anti-competitive effects surely come as no surprise to the Philip Morris executives who negotiated the law putting the FDA in charge of tobacco, which their competitors aptly dubbed it the "Marlboro Monopoly Act".)
Pre-market review is inconvenient for the relatively commodified cigarette market. For premium cigars, which are released in hundreds of different brands, blends, shapes, and sizes every year, it would be disastrous. It would make the market considerably less interesting, forcing any new releases to be explicitly modeled on cigars already for sale in 2007. At the FDA's current pace, less than 1% of new cigars would be granted approval, and the entire exercise would be pointless. It's questionable whether the agency's review of cigarettes, which have been studied exhaustively, can truly ascertain population-level health effects based on minor differences between products. It's fantastical to believe that it could find a science-based way to do the same for the endless variety of cigars.
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- Hillary's State Department Refused to Brand Boko Haram as Terrorists
- Putin: The Cold War Comeback Kid
- Immigration Laws Have It All Backward
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


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Readers - Have you fallen yet for the little red bag? Please share any other classic and affordable options!
Spotted Slim Pants + J.Crew Red Edie Bag (now on sale)
Readers - Have you fallen yet for the little red bag? Please share any other classic and affordable options!
91 comments:
Love the outfit, especially the Edie bag! My only concern is that it is scratch-prone... But I really love it in Pecan...ReplyDelete
Those pants look great on you but I don't know if I'm ready for such a bold print myself. And hooray for the Edie bag being on sale!ReplyDelete
<3 Maggie
love the crazy animal print .. fresh twist to the usual leopard or zebra =)ReplyDelete
You look stunning and I love those pants ;) xoxoReplyDelete
Cute outfit Jean!ReplyDelete
I love the way your new Edie bag adds the perfect pop of color to this simple outfit. I also love those pants...they're so fun and smile-inducing :)
They're only $12.95?! Please excuse me while I run to the nearest H&M heehee!
Thanks for sharing the J. Crew code with us!
Time to go fill a shopping cart with items and then close the browser. No shopping for me!
Is it crazy that I was eyeing that exact same Coach bag on eBay?
I've been looking for a cute leather satchel for a while so these past few weeks, I've been constantly trolling the internet for cute and affordable options. I was seriously considering getting a red bag but then I realized that it probably wasn't versatile enough for me.
I'm glad that you ended up getting that Edie bag though...I think the brighter color is more fun and the size seems absolutely perfect for you!
But still, I can't believe we were looking at the same bag. Great minds think alike ;)
I think with a few scratches, your bag could definitely look awesome. The weathered leather look is really cool and I think it adds a little more substance to outfits.
I can't wait to see what your new bag looks like after a little more wear and I also can't wait to see it with more outfits! :)
Have a lovely weekend!
I really like your pants! Very 101 Dalmatians. :DReplyDelete
Love your bag. Great outfit!ReplyDelete
the pants are great! i have to buy me the same!ReplyDelete
love the pants, and styling is perfect....ReplyDelete
love the pants and the bag :)ReplyDelete
Those pants are amazing! And, I love the bag!ReplyDelete
black print pats are too cute. I always enjoy reading your blog! Looking forward for the next post.ReplyDelete
Those are the best printed pants I've seen all season!ReplyDelete
~Natasha Fatah Giveaway~
~Natasha Fatah Giveaway~
The purse looks great on you!ReplyDelete
I have the Edie bug for sure. On Friday I bought the Edie attache in red and then yesterday bought the regular Edie in grey. I haven't seen them in real life so hopefully I like them when they arrive!
You are experimenting more and more everyday and they are all turning out great...ReplyDelete
Hey Jean! I love your style. After discovering your blog, I've gained a lot of inspiration on how to dress for the workplace or for going out to dinner, etc. What I want to know is how you dress on your days off like going grocery shopping or grabbing lunch? I want to look fashionable, but I don't know what to wear for these occasions, which is pretty much 80% of what I do daily. If I throw on heels, I would look too overdressed. I have been wearing summer dresses with wedges or sandals. However, I also own a lot of shorts, and I want to incorporate them so that I'd still look cute and put together (classic, grown-up). Whenever I wear shorts, I look really casual and a bit of a college student. Could you share some tips or do a post on what to wear on days off but not going anywhere fancy?ReplyDeleteReplies
Hi Jules! I think wedges and cute sandals (not flip flops or slide-on shoes) are the way to go with casual wear. Not sure if you've seen this old post involving casual shorts, but I thought a low strappy wedge sandal and some feminine jewelry helped prevent a plain tee and shorts look from being too juvenile: http://www.extrapetite.com/2010/05/reader-request-how-to-look-older-in.htmlDelete
You also can't go wrong with summer dresses as long as the shape isn't too young (ie empire waists or too poofy). I would always add a waist belt to define the middle area and enhance the illusion of any curves.
So pretty! I love those pants, look absolutely gorgeous! :)Loving that red bag too!ReplyDelete
Great pair of pants! I don't know if I can handle such a high waist, but they look really fabulous on you!ReplyDelete
Your blog is amazing! You make a great model, great pictures! Already a follower =)ReplyDelete
<3 Kelly
i love this on you - the edie is perfection and you look fantastic!! congratulations on the gorgeous red bag! xox PReplyDelete
- AnonymousSunday, August 05, 2012
Ooh, those sandals look so good on! I love Target shoes as much as the next frugal fashionista, but these are definitely an upgrade. Are they comfortable?ReplyDelete
Yes, very much so despite the thinner heel. I walked almost a mile in them on Friday and the balls of my feet were only slightly sore. Keep in mind they are still 3.5" heels though : )Delete
so beautiful! i bought the edie purse in red the other day when i noticed the sale too! but major score for getting it cheaper!! <3ReplyDelete
So beautifully styled and love the bronze cheeks! They make your cheeks look more prominent than usual, which is a plus!!!ReplyDelete
I'm really loving that red structure satchel - so ladylike and timeless. Lovely shots and beautifully styled.ReplyDelete
White gold peacock necklace giveaway:
The pants look great. I wanted the dress in that print, but the XS was much to large. Even when I belted it, there was just too much excess fabric in the back.ReplyDelete
You are so gorgeous!ReplyDelete
I went to J Crew to check out the Edie and while it looks cute, I didn't like the way the material felt. $139 + tax is still a lot to spend, especially for an item made in China. This is the primary reason I don't shop there much.ReplyDeleteReplies
I agree the leather type may not be for everyone, but I would not necessarily discredit the quality and value of an item based on the country of manufacture.Delete
This outfit is basically perfect :)ReplyDelete
The dalmatian-esque print goes so well with the red Edie! I just noticed the Edie strap is detachable, so it could be worn cross body if you made or found a nice chain strap.ReplyDeleteReplies
Amazing idea, RL! I'll be on the lookout for one / thinking of how to fabricate one.Delete
i had the edie in brown but i sold it because it was too small for me :( looks great on you! here it is in brown with an outfit i wore last year:ReplyDelete
How do you keep your hair so bouncy shiny like that? I have seriously the worst time with frizzy Asian hair and I have yet to find a product to change my life!ReplyDeleteReplies
Hi Lisa - it's definitely not so bouncy shiny in real life! I think the glare from the natural light makes it look better than reality in these photos. I, too have frizzy hair but am not into using products...I have have been washing my hair at night then sleeping on it to "smooth" it out overnight.Delete
I NEED those pants in my life. -_-"!ReplyDelete
Love your pants! I got a red Coach court bag in practically brand new condition at a Second Time Around store a few years ago for $45. It's great for adding a pop of color to a dark outfit, especially in the winter!ReplyDelete
Absolutely LOVE this look on you Jean! From the pants to the bag and shoes. Words can not describe how much I love this post!ReplyDelete
You look gorgeous in this outfit, Jean! I love the pop of red against the fun print of those pants. I've also definitely fallen for the little red bag and picked one up at a local boutique recently.ReplyDelete
LOVE this outfit, Jean! The neutral pieces were perfect for toning the pants down. I came across these pants today (also saw the dress version of this print) and didn't like the high waist on the mannequin. I didn't try it on since I didn't know if I'd be wearing it more than a few times, but I also didn't like the high waist. I never thought to roll it down... great idea!ReplyDelete
I love this outfit Jean! You look beautiful. That Edie bag is a great size and I love the colour. I've been after a red bag for a while now, but I've been picky because I think it needs to be a classic style to make a statement. The Edie is perfect! Also, those H&M pants look amazing on you. I tried them on after seeing them on your instagram and they just didn't look right on me. I can't wait to see how else you style them!ReplyDelete
Happy Monday Jean :)
Awesome looks Jean! This is one of my favorite. Love the edgy printed pants and the sweet elegance of your blouse and pearl necklace combined. You always look flawlessly classy and sweet. Oh I can't forget to mention how much I also love the contrast of that wall art against your outfit! xoReplyDelete
- sophiéMonday, August 06, 2012
fab fab fab! such a successful look - love the pearls too . I would love a nice red bag now...but still reticent about buying YET another handbag...ReplyDelete
I love the pants! Nice how the print is sort of halfway between an animal and a geometric; makes them fun and a little quirky.ReplyDelete
Love the pants! The prints are amazing! GReat outfit! :DReplyDelete
backtofive's twitter
xoxo backtofive
This outfit looks great and I love the red accessory with the black and white! I also appreciate your tips on dealing with pants meant for someone taller - especially the skinnies and the crops.ReplyDelete
I was at the H&M on Newbury yesterday and saw so many beautiful things that screamed "Jean" - for example, an emerald green v-neck sheath with a pretty back-of-the-neck detail, a yellow lace peplum dress (that also came in an A-line style that I scooped up), a navy ponte slim midi skirt with black floral detail 9and a black back), plus a pretty mint crochet sweater with another interesting neck detail. Check it out!Replies
Hi Annapurna! I saw all those things! : ) Trying to buy as little as possible from there (until fall arrivals hit, at least).Delete
The design and fabric of those pants make them look hard to wear well and you did it beautifully. Great post!ReplyDelete
Does anyone know if the Edie is tall enough to hold an iPad... I'm seeing the JCrew measurements as 7"H and 10 1/4"W but it just looks bigger than that. Can anyone verify this? Thanks!!ReplyDelete
LOVE THE LOOK!ReplyDelete
FOLLOW THE GLITTER LIFE: http://theglitterlife.wordpress.com/
i love these pants jean!ReplyDelete
xo julesinflats.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for the alert! I'd been wanting the Edie bag for a while now, but couldn't stomach it at full price. I'm getting the cobalt color and I'm so excited!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous! When you first posted a picture of this bag, I thought it might be the one from F21 I had been eyeing just a week or so before. Of course it's not though! Those pants and sandals are fantastic!ReplyDelete
You look so beautiful! I love those pants and I've been eyeing that bag forever!ReplyDelete
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I was thinking the same thing as DSK Steph...101 Dalmatians! Those pants are so fun...I was actually thinking they were J. Crew. The price you paid is great!ReplyDelete
That purse keeps taunting me! I really wanted it in the pretty turquoise color, but never pulled the trigger. That is awesome that you found it for under $100!!
Thanks for sharing the SHOPNOW code! I might have to give the site another look...I have a few items I want to pick up for the upcoming school year.
LOVE the pants, especially with the red bag!!ReplyDelete
Question about the Edie bag. I was looking at the Little Edie bag, and couldn't decide if the bigger one was a little too big for non-work purposes, and the little one a little too small. I haven't seen either one in person. Any thoughts?Replies
I think I saw the little one in person and it was really small. The "big" Edie really isn't too big in person, even for someone my size (~5 feet tall).Delete
Those are some fun pants! You look lovely and love the red bag!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMonday, August 06, 2012
Hi, I love your blog--always so classy and chic! Also, I came across this article about "cheap" fashion and I was wondering what your thoughts on it were. http://business.time.com/2012/07/26/need-for-speed/ReplyDelete
The pants are awesome!! Love black red combo!!ReplyDelete
that is a sweet little classic bag. It goes great with your outfit.ReplyDelete
I wish I could alter as well as you do. those pants are perfect on you now.
I like the way you have paired the spotted pants.Looks very classy.ReplyDelete
Love the pants!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousTuesday, August 07, 2012
I'd love to see your take on what to wear for an interview!ReplyDeleteReplies
- AnonymousTuesday, August 07, 2012
hi. Congrats on passing your level 3 examination. I forgot to tell you at copley that i follow your blog but was caught in the moment. :)ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you! I cannot believe you're actually a reader! Hope you celebrated the years of hard work : )Delete
Gorgeous! And that satchel is so cute!ReplyDelete
Love how the red and dots pop! Reminds me of Cruella de Vil and the dalmatians. Also, I wanted to share how excited I was to have spotted you on banner of the Style Snaps page of Stella & Dot! (http://www.stelladot.com/content/instagram)ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you for sharing, Grace! I had no idea I was on there - very exciting. And I agree with your Cruella de Ville reference...I kNEW I was inspired somewhere ; )Delete
Have you done your review video for the new Prada bag? looking forward to the video! I ordered the same one following you, but can't wait to see your video when mine is still on the way to me :)ReplyDeleteReplies
I tried filming but wasn't sure if it was successful. I absolutely love the bag though and will do a post within the next 2 weeks. Hope you are happy with yours too!Delete
Great idea with a pop of colour in the accessories. I struggle with the crease-proneness of H&M pants but I love the way these sit on you. Also love how you style your hair too - do you have any tips ? Would love a video if you get a chance!ReplyDelete
Tien xoReplies
Hi Tien - I struggle with hair and would like to get a small barreled iron, but in the mean time (as in these pics) I just sleep with it in a loose bun for the waves.Delete
Thanks for the shopping codes! Love when people share the knowledge wealth!ReplyDelete
That bag is beautiful! And I'm surprised at the quality of those H&M pants! They look wayyyyy more expensive than $13!ReplyDelete
Jean, this outfit looks so polished, even with spotted pants! For some reason H&M pants never look good on me, though. They always fit funny in the hips area. You're lucky they fit you well because they're so cheap!ReplyDelete
By the way, who took these photos? They look great!
Thank you, Anh! My boyfriend snapped these.Delete
So classy :) Love your aesthetic.ReplyDelete
How come I can't find some nice pants like that on my local HM? You look amazing!!!ReplyDelete
- GiselleThursday, August 09, 2012
I wanted to ask about your hairstyle! Your hair always looks amazing. I have really long hair and want to shorten it. Do you get your hair cut in layers to add bounce?ReplyDelete
Chic and lovely!! Really loving the spotted pants :)ReplyDelete
Nice outfit o.O. I love ur pants xoxoReplyDelete
Love those pants! I bought the spotted dress and did some major streamlining and it looks really cute. They didn't have the pants at my store at the time, but I definitely need to go check back in now. Hope I'm not too late!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSaturday, August 25, 2012
Look for less!!!
the pants are great! Love the color!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousThursday, September 13, 2012
A new H&M store opened recently near me, and I finally made it there yesterday. Looking around the store I found one pair left of those "Cruella de Ville" pants and lo and behold, they were a size 4 (perfect for me, since H&M is just about the only place that hasn't vanity sized me down to a 0). I tried them on and was delighted that they fit perfectly. And for the price ($12.95!) how could I pass them up? I only wish I had had those pants a few years ago when I dressed as Cruella de Ville for Halloween (taking my little boys dressed as dalmatian puppies trick-or-treating).ReplyDelete


text:
These are the music-lover's smartphone earbuds that allow wearers to answer incoming calls with the touch of a button. Made by Bose, a name synonymous with high-quality music reproduction, these earbuds include an inline microphone and a one-touch button to answer and end calls on an iPhone, Android, Windows or BlackBerry smartphone. Simply touch the button to pause music and take the call. When finished, another tap on the button ends the call and resumes playback. The unique Bose design of the tips ensure these earbuds rest comfortably in the ear for long music sessions and stay in place securely during exercise. Includes storage case. Specify Android/Windows/BlackBerry or iPhone earbuds.
Lifetime Guarantee
The Bose Call Answering Earbuds come with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at 1-800-321-1484.
May we recommend:
(based on 4 reviews)
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Reviewed by 4 customers
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(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
Great Product with Clarity Sound
By Wendy
from Alamo Tn.
Received in a reasonable time frame and good packageing. These earbuds work really good with my phone and they also work on my Nook.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- flag this review
(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
By Suz
from Boulder, CO
I have tried many earbuds, and these are, by far, the best. In fact, they have such clarity, that I purchased a set for my daughter. They're far superior to any we've used, and Hammacher Schlemmer makes decisions easy with the wonderful return policy and great products.
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
Hammacher has the best merchandise
By Tom
from New York
These headphones are extremely comfortable and do not fall out. I buy from Hammacher Schlemmer because I can return them if they stop working, without worrying about whether the warranty has expired.
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
I love them
By Music buff
from Cape Coral Florida
I use them everyday either while walking in the morning to playing on the computer. I use them with my iphone also. Highly recommend
COPYRIGHT © 2017 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W108147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


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Men's basketball
The No. 10 player in the nation scheduled a visit to Akron's campus for April 18.
Despite offers from the likes of Kentucky, Ohio State, Pitt and Tennessee, Akron's campus is Adriean Payne's only scheduled visit.
Payne is 6-foot-10, but his doctors say he has seven-foot potential. He plays on a loaded AAU team, but like Zeke Marshall, he wants to blaze his own trail -- to make his name where few names have been made.
Payne, a Dayton native, will visit with his grandmother and his high school coaches. With Akron's other available scholarship likely going to Darryl Roberts, Payne would be Akron's only recruit in 2010.
But if he signed with the Zips, you better believe it would make national headlines.
Payne wants a school with a great basketball program, solid academics and one that provides a chance to catch the eyes of NBA scouts. The most recent NBA Draft has shown that if you stand out, scouts will find you.
Men's basketball
The PD's Elton Alexander wrote about Akron's plans with Zeke Marshall. It's definitely worth reading.
I hope fans are not unreasonably optimistic about Marshall's immediate impact on offense. He is seven feet tall, but that does not mean his footwork or his hands are advanced enough to score on the MAC's physical, yet short, post bangers. I think everyone is justified in believing Marshall will dominate on defense, though.
I played the role of lazy reporter. You asked the questions. J.D. Brookhart answered them.
Question: What will be the defensive scheme? Answer: "We are still going to be use a base 3-3, but we will be more multiple," Brookhart said.
Question: What does Walt Harris think of the quarterback situation? Answer: "I like them both," Harris said. "Chris [Jacquemain] is a veteran quarterback. He has tools to be an outstanding passer. Matt Rodgers is an interesting young man in terms of upside. Chris is a two-year starter. He has experience that you can't buy. But he has to get better. He has to be more confident in what his receivers are doing." Brookhart added this: "Jacq is the quarterback. Matt has to beat him out."
Question: What is the status of the running backs? Answer: DeVoe Torrence and Jeremy Bruce got carries, but the others were still out. Alex Allen dressed and verbally expressed his desire to play from the sideline, but I did not see him on the field.
Question: How is the defensive line looking? Answer: Only five linemen dressed today. In fact, Akron had 20 injured players on Thursday. Ryan Bain's back is bothering him, but he is eligible. (Brookhart stressed that, so it's not like that "foot injury" of last year.) Another lineman, who will go nameless, was cited by police for "driving too slow." On the positive side, Brookhart singled out Dan Marcoux as showing great improvement. Shawn Lemon is looking good on pass rush. Almondo Sewell, as always, is a terror to block, the coach said.
Question: How are the linebackers looking? Answer: Brookhart plans to play six or seven linebackers. The top two are Aaron Williams and Mike Thomas. The coaches have been really impressed with freshmen Troy Gilmer and Brian Wagner, too. Will Fleming might be a factor but they are being careful with his injured shoulder.
Question: Will Larry Dawson play? Answer: The Akron North High School product is listed at linebacker. He is not contending to start.
Question: Why Morgan State? Answer: Brookhart said, "Thank goodness, we get a [Division] I-AA game like the rest of the world." Brookhart was involved in the scheduling process. Division I-A teams get to count one win against a I-AA team for their win total regarding bowl eligibility, so this makes a wealth of sense. Why play a Middle Tennessee State and lose when you can schedule a local I-AA team that brings fans and a cupcake roster? Next time, UA might find an Ohio team to get that added benefit. This year, they were pinched and had to find a team quickly. When Mack Rhodes arrived, the schedule lacked flexibility, but now he is able to do that.
Question: How is Torrence coming along? Answer: He has "lots of learning to do. He needs to go make a lot of mistakes," Brookhart said.
Question: Are there any transfers since the end of the season? Answer: No.
Question: How has Marquinn Davis looked? Answer: Brookhart got excited when I asked this. "He has improved, yeah. He has been a nice surprise. Not there as a starter yet."
Question: Is Da-Von Moore healthy? Answer: No. He has had two surgeries on the same anterior-cruciate ligament since arriving at Akron. He tore the same tendon twice. Moore had his second surgery in September. Two ACL tears on the same knee is awful news for a football player at any position, much less a linebacker who has to move laterally.
Question: What are your thoughts on the coffin corner punt? Answer: Akron has used it a lot, but not as much toward the end of last season, Brookhart said.
Question: How did Pro Day go yesterday? (This is my question) Answer: "Impressive." Three former Zips ran in the 4.3s: Bryan Williams, Brandon Anderson and Andrew Johnson. Merce Poindexter clocked in at a solid 4.6.
Question: Will you name team captains? (My question) Answer: It turns out, Brookhart doesn't run a democracy. He will let the players vote at the end of spring. If he isn't happy with the results, he will wait until the fall.
Two players in Scout.com's new top-300 rankings have interest in Akron. Strangely, the site says that the Zips have not reciprocated by offering a scholarship.
According to a university source, Akron has agreed to play Morgan State on Sept. 12 to open InfoCision Stadium.
Previously, the opener was planned to be against Indiana the following week. Morgan State is the new university of former Zip Carlton Jackson, who will be the Bears' starting quarterback.
I will have more tomorrow.
With new a new stadium, new coaches and new talent, this football season has more intrigue than any I can remember.
I will attend practice on Thursday afternoon. If you have any questions, post them below or e-mail me, and I will try to find an answer.
I have been neglecting the pigskin, but I promise to play catch-up. Fun fact: My blog statistics indicate that football is the sport of widest interest.
Men's basketball
The Washington Post wrote a great story that draws all of the connections between LeBron James and the Zips basketball program.
The feature illustrates how important James has been to Akron's growth, and how big he will be in the future. One quote struck me: "When we do ask [for money], it will be for a lot," Keith Dambrot said about soliciting donations from King James. That sounds a lot like an allusion to a new basketball arena.
Sophomore running back Dale Martin, who transferred from Louisville, will be out until at least late July after tearing his Achilles' tendon, the university announced today.
That link also gives information about April 4's Spring Festival.
Men's basketball
After 48 games, Howard Cleveland leads the AK-Rowdies Bracket Challenge by one point.
Men's basketball
Romeo Travis never played in the NCAA Tournament, but he sure can fill out a bracket.
He has entered the lead in the AK-Rowdies Bracket Challenge. The former Zips star has made 26 correct picks out of 32. Travis predicted a Sweet Sixteen appearance for Akron. You have to admire that loyalty and trust.
There are five others tied with Travis: Howard Cleveland, Matt Strand, Eric Noland, Matt Kloetzer and (ugh) Kiel Fleming.
Men's basketball
Every year, there are No. 4 seeds that appear ripe for the picking. On the other hand, there usually are No. 4 seeds that have just as much talent as the boys at the top. Akron stumbled into the backyard of one of them, fought them punch-for-punch, but eventually succumbed.
If there was ever a loss where Keith Dambrot doesn't have to read negative comments, it should be this one. The Zips were like the little brother who made enough shots to give the older brother a scare in the driveway. Eventually, size, experience and skill became too much for the underdog.
Congratulations to this Nate Linhart-led team, which broke new ground for the program and refused to be satisfied with just seeing its name on the bracket. If you still don't comprehend what Linhart has meant to this team, you have chosen not to. The postseason also revealed the next generation of Zips leaders: Chris McKnight, Brett McKnight, Steve McNees and Humpty Hitchens.
Indeed, the program is in great hands, even without adding a monster shot blocker next season.
Keep refreshing your browser for updates, game starts at 7:25 p.m...
Blog fill-in guy Dan here. Rasor is out of town. Apologies in advance for what is to follow.
Anyway, so it is here. For the first time since 1986, the Akron Zips are dancing. Make sure to scroll through the rest of this blog to find beat writer Tom Gaffney's reports from Portland and Rasor's analysis.
Rasor predicted a 16-point Gonzaga victory. Columnist Patrick McManamon predicts a 12-point Gonzaga victory. Naturally, I predict an eight-point Akron loss, with Gonzaga taking it 62-54.
Most point to several factors, but this game should come down to two things: How well Akron is making and defending threes and the foul situation. Should Josh Heytvelt and Matt Bouldin - two tough size matchups for the Zips - get in foul trouble, the Zips have a chance.
Akron starters are expected to be Steve McNees, Darryl Roberts, Nate Linhart, Chris McKnight and Nikola Cvetinovic. Gonzaga is going with Heytvelt, Bouldin, Austin Daye, Micah Downs and Jeremy Pargo. Still no official word on the health of Humpty Hitchens.
Outside of die-hard Akron fans, who actually thinks the team has a chance of winning? Artie Lange, sidekick on the Howard Stern Show. That's right, you have to be a heroin addict to predict a Zips victory. Hat tip to Kiel Fleming for that line.
The Zips game got pushed back to a 7:40 p.m. start. Looking at the entire NCAA Tournament, it's too bad Akron didn't get the 14-seed American University received. The Eagles are playing Villanova, a guard-centric squad Akron could probably do well against.
It has been six years since a Mid-American Conference team has won an NCAA Tournament game. That was when Chris Kaman and Central Michigan beat Creighton.
Before the game, I really hoped Vern Lundquist wasn't the announcer. Who is the announcer? Kevin Harlan, who did good work during the Browns games. Oh, and immediately it is 2-0 Gonzaga after the tip.
Humpty Hitchens didn't start, so his ankle must still be a problem. However, I really expect to see him at some point.
Currently up 8-7, Akron is doing fairly well shooting, hitting two of three three-point shots.
Austin Daye is giving the Zips guards a lot of trouble. He's already blocked three shots and is easily shooting over defenders.
Someone in the journalism world actually picked the Zips. Joe Posnanski went with Akron. However, it should be noted that he filled out his bracket in 64 seconds and seems to enjoy the name "Humpty." No word on if he likes heroin.
Chris McKnight is looking a little more than overmatched so far in this game. With 11 minutes left in the half, Hitchens is in the game for the first time. It makes you wonder if Akron plans on opening up the game a little more.
I'm notoriously poor at filling out NCAA Tournament brackets. In the AK-Rowdy contest, I'm far out of first place already. That's the bad. The good? I'm tied with Romeo Travis.
Matt Bouldin is the latest in the long, and lame, Gonzaga tradition of having a goofy mop cut. His curly locks follow in the tradition of Adam Morrison and Dan Dickau.
A big three-point shot by Jeremy Pargo puts Gonzaga up 22-18. The Zips are having a little trouble getting back in transition. Gonzaga's players are just bigger and quicker.
Akron is really staying in the game thanks to tough play from Nate Linhart, who already has 10 points. The Zips are on a run right now and need to keep it up. For some reason, Gonzaga has gone away from the low post game.
Miami University re-signed head coach Charlie Coles to a three-year contract extension today. Good move by Miami. Not only is Coles a good Mid-American Conference coach, but he has quite possibly the best scowl in collegiate sports. Watching Miami games might be boring. Watching Coles' expression is not.
Akron is up 33-28 thanks to smart play in the low post. Akron is really using a lot of finesse moves down low with success. Gonzaga's low-post offense is much better than its defense. Austin Daye now has five blocks.
Mike Bardo is in the game, but you wouldn't know it by watching the game. He has done almost nothing and doesn't box out on rebounds.
Akron is going into the half leading 38-35. Incredible. Thank Linhart. He has 13 points with three three-pointers. Someone pass the heroin!
The Zips are doing a nice job collapsing on Heytvelt in the post. On offense, Akron continues to live behind the three-point line with Roberts hitting another. I think that makes Akron six for 11 on threes.
Three minutes into this half, there is some bad basketball being played. Bad shot selection, bad fouls, bad passing. Akron needs to settle down a little and try and put a few good possessions together. It could start with Chris McKnight's three off the top of the backboard.
Chris McKnight lost a contact lens. He may or may not lead the nation in lost lens.
Mike Bardo almost ripped down the basket on a dunk. That was followed with a silly foul by Bardo. Oof. 46-41 Akron.
I didn't hear all of it clearly, but Harlan just talked about the "Humpty Dance" and his wife in the same sentence. I am fortunate to not have heard it.
Live and die by the three. Gonzaga just made one, putting them ahead 50-49. That forced the Zips to take a timeout. Akron needs to get back to getting shots for Linhart, who has no points in the second half.
Fun, and annoying, factoid with 11 minutes remaining: Gonzaga has shot 15 free throws to Akron's eight.
A silly push off foul by Jimmy Conyers already puts Gonzaga in the bonus with just under 10 minutes left. That's no good. Also no good is Brett McKnight shooting one for six.
CBS has switched to the Michigan/Clemson game. I know the pain of Michael J. Hixenbaugh.
Gonzaga is currently on a 14-3 run to go up 57-52. Bummer. Still no points in the second half for Nate Linhart. If he doesn't get back into the action in a big way, Akron won't win this game.
Heytvelt is really starting to take over the low post in this game. He has 16 points and keeps finding himself wide open near the basket.
Brett McKnight is just having a bad game. No more, no less. He just threw the ball to Gonzaga that led to a Zags basket and followed that up with an offensive foul.
The game has quickly slipped out of Akron's grasp with Gonzaga going up 64-52. If Akron loses this game, you'll know why by looking at the combined field goal percent of McNees and Brett McKnight. Currently they're one for 12 shooting.
Seemingly, everything Gonzaga is shooting is going in. Everything Akron is doing in the second half is not working. The Zips have gone 10 minutes with a made field goal.
Pargo just made a highlight-reel slam dunk, which punctuates this game for Akron. in the last several minutes of this game, it has become readily apparent the Zips have no chance.
Hey, hey! Akron made a basket! Darryl Roberts sinks a three bringing it to 74-58 Gonzaga.
Linhart gets the honorary substitution. He was electric in the first half of this game, but has done almost nothing in the second half.
Tim Carrol (or perhaps Tim Carroll) in the game. What, did the Wizard of Wadsworth finally run out of eligibility? Sorry. This second half has made me quite bitter.
Game over: Akron 64, Gonzaga 77.
Final note from me: This was a good season for Akron. Although this game turned out to be a disappointing one, there is nothing for the Zips to be ashamed of this year. All of the players except Nate Linhart are back next year and some promising young player will be in Rhodes Arena. That all makes Akron the prohibitive favorite to take the MAC next season.
The Zips had a short walk-through Thursday morning at Concordia College in Portland before returning to the team hotel for rest and a pregame meal. The team will leave for the Rose Garden about 2:30 Pacific. Coach Keith Dambrot said his biggest concern is that his team will defend well, but that Gonzaga is so big that it will throw the ball over the top for inside baskets. A personal thought: UA had some foul trouble in Cleveland, but can't afford that against Gonzaga.
The point spread has risen to its highest level of the week at 13.
A weekly newspaper had capsule scouting reports on all eight teams in Portland. It had "Reason to root for" and "Reason to root against.'' The "for" for UA: ""Freshman guard Anthony Hitchens' nickname is Humpty.'' The "against" refers to how LeBron James has scorched the Trail Blazers, including 51 points recently: "Thanks to the connection between coach Keith Dambrot and LeBron James, Akron players sport James' LJ23 Nike gear. Who wants a Blazer-killer like James to be happy?''
The Oregonian, Portland's newspaper, had Gonzaga as its major story in the sports section. The headline is: ''Mid-major no more." The Zips had a short story on page C9.
The NCAA Tournament is in Oregon for the first time since 1983 and in Portland for the first time since 1975. Part of the reason for the state snub was that the NCAA frowned on the Oregon Lottery, which had one game based on betting on the NFL. Proceeds of that went to college athletic departments. But that game was stopped several years ago, and Portland got this tournament not long after. No one said there was a connection between the two, but skeptics believe there was. Skeptics also believe the state was better served by the lottery game rather than one week of having the NCAA in Portland
It seems strange to be watching the NCAA pre-game show at 9 a.m. and seeing LSU over Butler 9-0 after two minutes.
Men's basketball
During the press conference on Saturday night, Keith Dambrot iterated the importance of getting a favorable first-round matchup. Then he reiterated it.
Indeed, the opponent makes a huge difference for Akron. The Zips can beat a certain brand of team. And there is a brand of team that the Zips have no chance against.
The former is a team like Michigan State (or many Big Ten squads) that rely on defense without being stunningly athletic. The latter is a team like Pitt, that can score 100 points if the breeze is going the right direction and that has a roster chock full of NBA talent.
When it's a defensive showdown, Dambrot has his Zips playing on par with any team in the country. When it's a shootout... Well, Akron just can't keep up.
Gonzaga, as you have probably inferred, plays a brand of basketball that Akron will struggle mightily to compete with. They average 78.8 points per game, which is the nation's 15th highest total.
The Zags also have gross height advantages at almost every position. Comparing the starting lineups, Akron is giving up 17 inches. Those inches will account for a lot of rebounds and air space for shooting. Consider the shooting guard matchup: 6-foot Darryl Roberts and 6-5 Matt Bouldin.
Also, Akron's depth was a huge advantage in Cleveland, where opponents were dealing with back-to-back-to-back games. In Portland, Gonzaga will have had 10 days to rest since painlessly putting a sleeper hold on St. Mary's in the WCC finals.
Can Akron win? Ehh...
Here is what has to happen: The Zips have to shoot better than 50 percent from the field. Gonzaga has to miss a lot of 3s and have some of its important players get in foul trouble.
Prediction: Gonzaga 77, Akron 61
Here are some quotes from the press conference with the Zips in Portland:
Coach Dambrot on the Zags: ""I think the biggest challenge we face with Gonzaga is simple. I think, that a lot of times, when you coach you can handle tremendous size or terrific skill. But the biggest problem we have with Gonzaga is they not only have tremendous size, but terrific skill.''
Chris McKnight on the Zips work ethic: "'It comes from just working so hard earlier in the year. Coach always pushes us to go hard, especially in practice, because if it comes easier in practice then it will be a lot easier in games.''
Nate Linhart, same topic: "It's always been our motto to play harder than the other team. Coach is always constantly reminding us that we're not very skilled or talented. We had to find other ways to win. Playing hard just goes hand in hand with that.''
Darryl Roberts on the possibility of an upset: ""We are trying to stay away from that and stick to what we do. We just want to perform well and show we are capable of playing with a high conference team.''
Steve McNees on being in the tournament: ""It's been a heck of a ride for the entire group. It means a lot for not just the team, but the whole school, to make the tournament for the first time in 23 years. We are here to have fun and take it all in, but we're here to win and compete.''
The team got their first look at the Rose Garden, where they will play Gonzaga Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Keith Dambrot and players Nate Linhart and Chris McKnight took part in a formal press conference with the assembled reporters. The general tone of the session was how hard the Zips play. That was a followup to an earlier comment by Gonzaga Coach Mark Few: "I dont think I've ever in 20 years of watching game tape seen a team that plays that hard.''
In addition, Steve McNees, Darryl Roberts, Humpty Hitchens and Brett McKnight answered questions from tournament officials that were distributed to the press.
After that, the Zips had their alloted 40 minutes on the floor, the same as the other seven teams in Portland. The small crowd of UA fans gave them a round of applause. Most of the time was spent on shooting. At the end, Dambrot assembled the players at center court and spoke for several minutes.
I will include some of the best quotes in 15 minutes.
I had a chance to walk around Tuesday afternoon and again Wednesday morning. I like Portland, but perhaps not as much as other Pacific Northwest cities Seattle and Vancouver, where I have been recently.
It's a city that has a European feel with old buildings and half-city blocks that are easy to navigate. It has signs that say it has been honored as the Most Eco-Friendly City in America. It has parks, gardens, bike trails and fountains right in the city.
I took a long walk on the Westside Riverwalk that borders the Willamette River. Lots of walkers and bikers.
Also saw a small area dedicated to the lost art of newspapering. It had front pages of the Oregonian newspaper featuring the end of WWI, the shooting of JFK and the walk on the moon. None that said, "Oregonian closing," thankfully.
I also enjoyed Pioneer Courthouse Square, an amphitheater that is a site for entertainment. It has a pole with 20 arrows pointing to places such as Australia (8,000 miles) and Mount St. Helen (72).
Saw some people with Gonzaga gear on, but none with Akron.
Getting ready to head to the Rose Garden, where all teams will have a media session and 40 minutes on the court. The Zips are one of the last, at 515 Pacific
Ken MacDonald was the Zips sports informaton director in 1985-86 when UA made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. He is in Portland for the game and brought a post-season yearbook from that year.
As with the 2008-09 Zips, that team was not highly regarded headed into the season. They were picked to finish sixth in the Ohio Valley Conference, but tied with Middle Tennessee for first in the regular season and then defeated MT in the tournament final to make the NCAA Tournament.
It was interesting to see photos of a much younger Bob Huggins and assistant Frank Jessie, and of players such as Marcel Boyce and Mike Dowdell.
As a newcomer to this area that very same year, I liked seeing the list of UA employees from that season in the yearbook. I got to know and like many of them through the years, but was not completely aware of their connections to the university. In that group were the likes of Chris Bame, Pat Ciccantelli, Loralee Bolinger (later Daley), Russ Swartz, Gary Robison, Jim Corrigall, and Rocco Cona. I also liked MacDonald talking about past UA radio announcers Denny Schreiner, Whitey Wahl and Don Ursetti, who have the misfortunate of being friends of mine.
There is no question that the Gonzaga fans love their team and that the Zags are a state-wide phenomenon. I have been interviewed by five radio stations in the state, including two from Seattle. Also a newspaper reporter from Seattle called for details on the Zips. Seattle is on the other side of the state from Spokane, Gonzaga's home.
Here is more: UA ticket manager Keith Ford said he has requests for 200 tickets from Zags fans wanting to get some of the Zips allotment. Ford said between 175-200 UA fans have requested tickets.
On Tuesday night, I was watching the play-in game between Morehead State and Alabama State when the Zips got some love from the announcers. In talking about names, Humpty Hitchens of UA was mentioned. Seconds later, the zags vs. zips game was mentioned.
I am headed over to the Rose Garden in a bit after a walk around Portland, where the forecast is 55 and rain.
Men's basketball
I arrived for my flight to Baton Rouge a few hours early, so my girlfriend could give me a ride. She's heading to Arizona.
It just so happened that Zips' fans who comment on this blog as Captain Kangaroo and Fred212 were taking the same connecting flight to Chicago as my girlfriend, en route to Portland. Ironically, the Buchtelite's Vincent Dorsey was also ready to board the jet with his brother, Nicholas. So we had a nice impromptu discussion of the Zips' hopes.
The Zips got a vote of confidence from none of us, but obviously, none of us would hold regrets over a one-and-done trip to the NCAA Tournament as long as Akron plays hard.
I strongly commend the fans making the trip. It is a helluva commitment to pay in the neighborhood of $2,000, miss work and other obligations to watch two hours of basketball. And yes, only two. Many fans booked a return flight after the first-round game, regardless of Thursday's result.
For those of you headed to Portland, I would love for you to comment on your experience. Tom Gaffney will be checking in daily, as well.
Men's basketball
Kent State lost to Oakland tonight 80-74 in the CollegeInsider.com postseason tournament, and the Flashes missed an opportunity to extend their streak of 10 consecutive 20-win seasons in Geno Ford's first season.
If there's a silver lining, Al Fisher hit the 1,000 point mark for his career.
Ford will have a difficult time next season, but every new coach goes through the growing pains of establishing his system and finding players who best suit it.
I am back after a radio interview with a Seattle station. It's interesting how the state of Washington loves the Zags, perhaps more than the University of Washington, which also plays here in Portland. Maybe it is the underdog thing.
Anyway, kudos for the members of the athletic department for putting this trip together on short notice. No snags, a bag of food for everyone, timetables met. Dr. Proenza, you have good people in that department.
The players did look tired after a week of playing late, preparing for the next game, celebrating, doing media interviews, prepping for the Zags. The players and many in the traveling party slept for the first half of the trip.
Mum is the official word on Humpty's ankle, but he appeared to be walking well.
The Zips will practice at 4 p.m. Pacific (7 in Ohio) Tuesday at Concordia College. Another walk through is set for Wednesday there, then a press conference and 40-minute practice open to the public at 515 Pacific at the Rose Garden.
Talking informally to a few people here, most expect a Zags win.
This is Tom Gaffney. I will be blogging a bit here with the team as Mike Rasor attends to law-school duties.
The Zips traveling party includes the team, members of the athletic department, boosters, media, cheerleaders and band members. The total on the plane is 106.
Buses left the JAR at 6 and arrived at Akron-Canon Airport's McKinley Air at 620. The charter plane is a 737 run by Southwest Airlines. The plane left at 723 and the ride was smooth all the way. It landed to rain in Portland at 931. Busses then took the party to the team hotel, which is six blocks from the Rose Garden.
I was able to sit and talk with Keith Dambrot for a bit. He said the last few days have been a blur and that the game schedules in the MAC and NCAA is like "cramming for exams."
He said the key to the Gonzaga game will be controlling the tempo. He said a score in the 80 s will spell doom for his team
More in a few minutes, i have a radio interview with a Seattle station.
The Zips traveling party, with me along for the ride as a paying customer, will leave by charter at 7 a.m. Tuesday from A-C Airport. The plane is scheduled to arrive at 9:15 Pacific time.
Plans are being made to practice somewhere Tuesday, but nothing is firmed up.
On Wednesday, the Zips will have a press conference at 5:15 p.m. Pacific, followed by a workout from 5:55-6:35 on the arena floor. That's right, 40 minutes. The practice is open to the public.
I will be blogging the next few days, but not during the game.
Men's basketball
In three days, Akron will break its 23-year drought by playing Gonzaga at 7:25 p.m. (EST) Sunday.
Men's basketball
Zips fans often desire for their team to become the "Gonzaga of the East."
Akron will have a chance to measure itself head-to-head against its role model on Thursday.
No. 13 Akron will play No. 4 Gonzaga in Portland for the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1986. The winner will play Illinois or Western Kentucky in the Second Round. No. 1 North Carolina potentially awaits in the Sweet Sixteen.
It might feel like a home game for the Bulldogs. Portland is a five-hour trip from Gonzaga's campus in Spokane, Wash.
Gonzaga relies on two seniors, big man Josh Heytvelt and point guard Jeremy Pargo. The Bulldogs have lost two games to solid mid-majors, Utah and Portland State. However, they have only lost once since Jan. 7 -- and that loss was to Memphis.
I will have more on Gonzaga as the week progresses. Remember to sign up for the AK-Rowdies Bracket Challenge, now that the brackets are released.
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Men's basketball
I'm starting an NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge of Facebook.
It is intended for AK-Rowdies, but even you "oldies" can join if you have a Facebook account. Here is the link. I will post the leaderboard directly on the blog, but you can check them on Facebook, too.
Men's basketball
Is this sinking in for you?
I don't think I will truly believe what happened this week until I see the word "Akron" on my bracket.
It doesn't make sense that the Zips had the scare of a lifetime against Toledo. Then the team breezed through what should have been a three-day gauntlet for an exhausted team without its point guard. Akron won its three final games by a combined 30 points.
It doesn't make sense that the Zips would win the MAC this year, when most Akron fans would have been satisfied with the 20-win season because knowing brighter days were ahead, as opposed to the last two years, when Akron fans left Cleveland on Saturday terribly disappointed because the Zips seemed like a team that could make a dent in the NCAA Tournament.
Then again, Keith Dambrot's career hasn't made sense. Dumb luck allowed one of the three best athletes in the world, LeBron James, to fall into his lap. But a lack of luck (and perhaps foresight) got him fired at Central Michigan. Dumb luck put him in the right place at the right time to take over the job at his alma mater. But a lack of luck (and perhaps foresight) allowed Doug Penno's shot to fall.
As a fan, an NCAA Tournament berth is special, particularly at a school that hasn't been there since the Ronald Reagan administration. Something other than that choked me up, though. It was the ramifications for Dambrot, whose life is begging for a biography. It is a beautiful reward for someone who has fallen into controversy and vindication, into misery and triumph. This triumph is a gold star on Dambrot's resume, and he will start to get more of the credit that he deserves as being one of the nation's best mid-major coaches.
I was also happy for Nate Linhart. It is heart warming to see someone's hard work pay off in the twilight of his career. He will leave Akron as the winningest player in the program's history. It's no coincidence. As I have written several times, Linhart is everything that is right about college basketball. He cares. He leads. He respects others. He expends every ounce of energy.
You might compare this to the football team's title in 2005, the year after Charlie Frye left. But it feels different. The football team won a tiebreaker to get to Detroit, then it beat a heavy favorite on a last-moment Hail Mary. That was highway robbery. This is an overdue reward.
Freshman Jenna Compton became the second national champion in Akron history this afternoon, winning the NCAA Collegiate Individual Air Rifle Championship.
Coach Newt Engle called it the "crown jewel" of the program's accomplishments.
This season, the rifle team finished with a 5-4 record and won its sixth-straight WIRC championship.
Track athlete Christi Smith won Akron's first national championship in 1990's outdoor heptathlon.
Men's basketball
One more team stands in Akron's path to a third-straight MAC Championship appearance.
More than just Bowling Green, there is another major obstacle. I foresaw it the moment Akron took Toledo to overtime.
I thought, even if Akron advances past Miami, the semifinals will be very difficult. Akron will be playing its third game in four nights. Plus, the Zips will not have the benefit of adrenaline that naturally comes from playing for an NCAA berth. Also, the team's starting point guard is doubtful to play.
Yes. It is a huge obstacle.
But look at it from another angle. Bowling Green also must see tonight's game as a challenge in uncharted waters. The Falcons knew they can beat Ohio. They drubbed the Bobcats by 34 just four days earlier. Akron, on the other hand, has tournament experience and beat the Falcons at home.
In the first meeting, Humpty Hitchens scored 15 points and the Zips held Bowling Green to 28 percent from the floor. That game was at Anderson Arena, and Akron won by 10. In the second meeting, it was Akron who went cold, shooting 30 percent from Rhodes Arena's floor. Brian Moten carried the Falcons and made the play of the game with a deep, fall-away 3-pointer as the shot clock wound down. Bowling Green won by four.
To avoid tired legs (which leads to poor shooting), Keith Dambrot must rely heavily on his bench. He should even consider giving Eric Coblentz and Tim Carroll some minutes.
You can see this as a No. 1 seed vs. a No. 4 seed. I prefer to see it as two equally talented teams who have to climb equally large mental mountains. The winner will get a chance to play Buffalo or Ball State and possibly stamp a landmark moment in its program.
Men's basketball
Buffalo's Andy Robinson stole the ball with five seconds left, depriving Kent State of a chance for a game-tying 3-pointer.
The Bulls moved to the semifinals with a 65-62 win.
The win ends Kent State's streak of 10 seasons with 20 consecutive wins. Love them or hate them, you have to admit that streak was really friggin' impressive.
I'm about to head to The Q to watch Ohio vs. Bowling Green. I will blog a little during that game, I think.
Men's basketball
Through 20-plus point performances from Laron Frazier and Jarrod Jones, Ball State dispatched Central Michigan in overtime, 64-61.
Men's basketball
Nate Linhart is the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Brett McKnight is the Sixth Man of the Year, the MAC announced today.
Miami's Michael Bramos is the MAC Player of the Year and Ball State's Jarrod Jones is the Freshman of the Year. The MAC media voted on Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. I think if the coaches voted on that (as they vote on the other two individual awards), Bramos would not have sniffed the POY award. I agree with the other three awards.
As I wrote below, Bramos and Linhart will duel tonight. It will be a great show.
Men's basketball
Strangely, a lot of my classmates are catching the MAC Tournament fever.
Not even in undergrad have I engaged in so many conversations about Akron's postseason. It should be more unusual in law school, where a vast majority of students pledge allegiances to their own undergrad teams.
This is one instance in a line of instances that inspires my instinct that Akron students will throw tremendous support to the basketball program as soon as it climbs that NCAA Tournament hump. Think about it. For you Zips fans, wasn't there one experience -- or one season -- that handcuffed you to being a die-hard Akron supporter?
I believe Akron students generally are proud of their team's success, but they won't hop on a bandwagon until the team convinces them of its indisputable value. A trip to the NCAA Tournament will do that. Mark my words. If Akron wins the MAC Tournament, you will wonder, "Where did all of these fans come from?"
It might be slightly annoying, but it's the nature of mid-major college sports.
Of course, Akron must win three dogfights to get that. That fact is true of each of the eight remaining teams. Akron has its weaknesses, but they all do. Miami, Kent State and Ohio lack depth. Buffalo, Bowling Green and Ball State lack deep-tournament experience. Central Michigan is solid, but frankly is not very talented.
Miami is Akron's first test, and luckily for the Zips, they matchup well against Miami. The RedHawks are not capable of burying the Zips when Akron's inconsistent offense declines to score for five minutes at a time.
The real reason for Akron's success against Miami has been Nate Linhart. To use the cliche that Linhart is "inside Michael Bramos' head" is an understatement. Linhart owns beachfront property on the RedHawk star's frontal lobe.
Bramos is a first-team All-MAC player. Unfortunately for him, Linhart has the same body type, same athleticism and a sadistic desire to see Bramos pull an oh-fer.
My belief in Linhart's ability to guard Bramos is more than anecdotal. During Bramos' career of 119 games, he has averaged 12.5 points per game on 41.8 percent shooting. In 11 games against Akron, Bramos is averaging 10.4 points per game on 40.9 percent shooting. His highest scoring total was 15.
"Linhart has been a thorn in his side." Miami coach Charlie Coles said after Akron's win over Miami on Feb. 18.
A frustrated Coles added this about Bramos: "I don't have any confidence, I'll tell you that. Akron just stayed on him. I want to send an e-mail to all the coaches. I want to say, 'This guy is shooting 20 percent from the 3 and please stop guarding him.' We don't have anyone who can break the defense down."
Keep in mind, Bramos is a first-team All-MAC player. (Update: Bramos was named MAC Player of the Year.) He has scored more than 30 points several times this season. He is an elite scorer by MAC standards. Linhart played Bramos so tightly that Bramos' own seasoned coach candidly gave up hope for him.
Miami will rely on Bramos during this tournament, especially now that starting point guard Eric Pollitz is done with a knee injury. Pollitz was not a star, but he served as a stopgap due to Kenny Hayes' season-ending injury. Now Miami is down to its third-string point guard, Carl Richburg.
Without a confident Bramos or a point guard, Miami's slow-it-down offense will be lucky to produce 50 points tonight against a good Akron defense. If the Zips shoot with any level of competence, Akron will win and be one step closer to turning potential fan frenzy into actual fan frenzy. These days, however, that's not a given.
Women's basketball
Central Michigan beat Akron tonight in the first round of the MAC Tournament, finishing the Zips' season.
The Chippewas ended the game on an 18-4 run, which was more than the difference in the 67-59 result.
Kara Murphy scored 32 points for the Zips. The sophomore led the MAC in scoring and made the All-MAC Team. Also returning is center Kyle Baumgartner, who made the All-MAC Freshman team. She averages 9.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Jodi Kest has recruited better players than Kelly Kennedy. Some of Kennedy's recruits were trouble off the court, too. Kest must have realized this problem when she purged some talent due to disciplinary reasons two years ago. You can't argue with how she restocked.
I teased you about seeing Humpty Hitchens and Zeke Marshall together for three years. The Lady Zips have a inside-outside corollary in Murphy and Baumgartner.
Tomorrow morning, I will preview the third game in the Akron-Miami season series.
Men's basketball
After Day One of the MAC Tournament, 17 of 23 participants in my MAC Bracket Challenge are tied in first place with five points.
Three participants lost a point by picking Eastern Michigan. One dropped a point by predicting Northern Illinois to upset Kent State. Two players, including me, fell back two by picking Western Michigan over Ohio. (Thus, we also missed the extra upset point.)
If you want to see the scores, you can click the link below. If you have a discrepancy (or think I didn't receive your bracket), please e-mail me and we'll figure it out.
Scores after Round 1 (link is fixed)
If you weren't at the game last night, check out the plays of the game on Youtube.com...
Men's basketball
A wounded Humpty Hitchens slung his life preserver around the Zips, twice rescuing Akron from a lackluster effort with miracle plays.
The Zips trailed by three with just seconds left in regulation. The ball, like Akron's hope, was squirting away. Hitchens, who had recently sprained his ankle, grabbed the ball and drilled a 3-pointer to tie the game with 1 second left.
Akron faced a similarly dismal outlook with 1.5 seconds left in overtime, down by one. Hitchens lobbed the ball over the defense to Brett McKnight, who dropped in the game-winning basket
Akron won a rollercoaster shootout, 93-92, which gave the Zips a ticket to the quarterfinals and a 20-win season.
"It was an unbelievable pass," assistant coach Jeff Boals said in the post-game radio show. "The pass had to be perfect."
Before both of Hitchens' heroics, Akron looked utterly hopeless. The Zips trailed by 12 with five minutes left. The team had gone 14 minutes without a field goal. Even in the last two minutes, Akron appeared sunk. The turning point was when Brett McKnight made a layup and was fouled. Nate Linhart put back the subsequent missed free throw to bring Akron within 1. After two Toledo free throws, Brett McClanahan missed a potential game-tying 3, but Brett McKnight grabbed the rebound and fed Hitchens for the game-tying 3.
Akron pulled ahead of Toledo in overtime thanks to 3-pointers from Brett McKnight and Hitchens and a key put-back from Nik Cvetinovic. Toledo found a window when Linhart threw a loose ball out of bounds. Toledo's Clayton Sterling drove and made a shot while falling forward, giving the Rockets a one-point lead. Akron had 1.5 seconds left for the Hitchens-to-Brett McKnight connection.
In an unprecedented abuse of the whistle, refs blew 62 fouls and 34 on the Zips. Akron's highest foul total this season had been 30. As the game neared a conclusion, both teams saw their benches narrow. Darryl Roberts, Chris McKnight and Steve McNees fouled out. Toledo lost Jonathan Amos, Tyrone Kent and Mohamed Lo to fouls, as well.
Kent and Amos combined for 45 points. In their final college games, they played phenomenally. Chris McKnight led Akron with 18 points. Linhart had 11 rebounds.
The game conjured two memories for me. First, it reminded me of the end of this football season, during which the Zips went from first place to irrelevant within a couple weeks. Second, it reminded me of Akron's 2006 loss to Toledo in the MAC semifinals. The Zips were favored but they had little tournament experience. The Rockets team snuck up and stabbed them in the hearts. (Who can forget then-sophomore Tyrone Kent's game-sealing midcourt steal and dunk?)
Young teams fade near the end of the season for several reasons. The large amount of minutes wears out the freshmen and newcomers who are not accustomed to five months of high-intensity basketball. Also, opponents pick up on the youngsters' tendencies.
It has not affected Hitchens.
There is no doubt that Hitchens, a true freshman, wants the ball when Akron faces danger. There is equally no doubt that Keith Dambrot ought to gladly give it to him. If you remember, Hitchens made a fabulous assist on the game-winning shot for Chillicothe in the state title game last spring.
I had a third memory during this game. Last season, I was chatting with Boals about what a certain 7-footer would bring to the Zips. Boals agreed, but he stopped me. He said, "You're going to love Humpty Hitchens."
Indeed. Both the 7-footer and Hitchens will be foundations of this program until 2012.
For now, the Zips will recuperate from a thrilling win. Then they will prepare for their Thursday game against Miami at 9:30.
Men's basketball
Akron and Toledo will tip off around 7:30 because today's earlier games lasted longer.
In those games, Central Michigan beat Eastern Michigan, Kent State snuck by Northern Illinois, and Ohio outlasted Western Michigan.
Men's basketball
You have until noon today to submit your brackets for the MAC Bracket Challenge.
It takes only a few minutes to fill out the blank bracket, then e-mail it to me using the instructions in the bracket. Scroll down for details.
Men's basketball
I love a good sports debate as much as the next guy. But maybe we can bury the hatchet with some friendly competition.
I am organizing a MAC Bracket Challenge. You will compete as individuals and as fan bases for who can best predict the MAC Tournament outcomes. The rules are very clear and the contest is simple. Click the link below to view the contest form and rules.
The individual winner will receive an Ohio.com mug, T-shirt and calculator. The most accurate fan base will win eternal bragging rights.
Men's basketball
Contrary to my prior post, Chris Singletary is NOT suspended for the MAC Tournament.
I apologize for the confusion. I heard the news from someone who is credible and who works for the university. Apparently, the suspension is not true at all.
I called Rick Boyages to find out how this miscommunication occurred. I got his voicemail and asked him to call me back.
Men's basketball
As the No. 5 seed, Akron will play Toledo in the first round of the MAC Tournament on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Here are the final standings...
1) Bowling Green -- 11-5 2) Ball State -- 7-9 3) Buffalo -- 11-5 4) Miami -- 10-6 5) Akron -- 10-6 6) Kent State -- 10-6 7) Central Michigan -- 7-9 8 ) Western Michigan-- 7-9 9) Ohio -- 7-9 10) Eastern Michigan -- 6-10 11) Northern Illinois -- 5-11 12) Toledo -- 5-11
If Akron wins Tuesday, the Zips will play Miami on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. The road to the championship theoretically would go through Bowling Green, and then Ball State/Buffalo.
Here are the other first-round matchups...
No. 5 Akron vs. No. 12 Toledo (winner plays Miami) No. 6 Kent State vs. No. 11 Northern Illinois (winner plays Buffalo) No. 7 CMU vs. No. 10 EMU (winner plays Ball State) No. 8 WMU vs. No. 9 Ohio (winner plays Bowling Green)
I quickly went over the scenarios an hour ago and completely messed it up. I apologize if you relied on that. Anyhow, I will break down the Toledo game on Monday.
Men's basketball
I got some answers from the MAC's media contact Jeremy Guy. But it created only more questions.
It's true that the MAC West champion will serve as the tiebreaker between two or more teams that cannot settle their tie through the head-to-head tiebreaker.
It's also true that Keith Dambrot is right. The MAC will break the tie for the No. 2 seed before breaking the tie for the No. 1 seed.
That is totally contrary to the rules, which state: "All ties will be broken in the order in which they occur, from top to bottom, in the standings."
If we have to break the tie for 2nd before breaking the tie for 1st, we have a big problem. There is a strong possibility that Western Michigan and Ball State will be tied after tomorrow. Those teams split their season series, so they need an additional tiebreaker. The additional tiebreaker would have us examine how the each fared against the No. 1 seed.
By now, you are probably realizing the problem. If there is a tie for the No. 1 seed, then they need to break that tie (the one for 1st) before breaking the No. 2 seed tie. You break the tie for 1st by looking at the No. 2 seed. We are back to square one again.
If you're going to stick with this sadistic rule, the obvious answer to me is to preliminarily break the tie for 1st by using the both of the teams tied for second (and third, fourth, etc., if needed). Then you can easily break the tie for 2nd by using the single 1st-place team. Now you have your No. 2 seed. You can go back and re-break the tie for 1st using a single No. 2 seed.
It probably won't make a difference, but the system is so convoluted that another step won't hurt.
I will be frank. I'm still confused. I MUST be missing something. There is no way that the conference is misinterpreting its own rules so badly. First of all, the No. 2 seed has no business breaking the tie, considering the No. 2 seed is the seventh-best team in the conference. Second, the rules are clear that you break ties from top to bottom.
The rules also provide an example for using the combined records for a tiebreaker, rather than dropping down and breaking a tie for a lower position beforehand. ("Team A and Team B, who tied for second place, would compare against Team X and Team Y who tied for 6th as follows: Team A would compare its combined record against both X and Y against Team B's combined record against both X and Y.")
I know someone at the MAC, who said the conference has worked out all of the potential scenarios that tomorrow might provide. I'm glad they're prepared. Next year, they need a lawyer to draft some clear tiebreaker rules. I'll do it for $200 an hour. The bill will come to about $40.
Men's basketball
With regard to substance, there is a four-way tie for the MAC lead.
After Sunday, there could be an outright winner, which would be either Miami or Buffalo, who play each other. There could be a two-way tie between Miami/Buffalo and either Akron or Bowling Green. Or there could be a three-way tie between Miami/Buffalo, Akron and Bowling Green.
The first tiebreaker (head-to-head) is unlikely to sort out the conference champion. Keith Dambrot is concerned that the confusion relating to the second tiebreaker will cause a coin flip to determine the winner.
With regard to procedure, there are two issues:
1) Who is the "second-ranked" team for purposes of the second tiebreaker? It could be: The MAC West champion, which will occupy the No. 2 seed OR The team(s) with the second-best record, which will come from the East division. I believe it would be more fair to have the tiebreaker decided by competition against the best overall team, but what do I know? Gregg Bach says it's the MAC West team, so I believe him.
2) If there is a tie for the "second-ranked" team, is the initial step to break that tie for second, or are the first-place teams graded against each of the teams tied for second? If I understand it correctly, Dambrot said you have to break the tie for second, then apply the tiebreaker for first. That could create a TON of confusion if the tie for second descended to the second tiebreaker. From reading the MAC's Web site, I disagree.
Dambrot obviously knows what he's talking about. However, here is what the MAC's Web site says regarding my question: "When comparing tied teams against positions lower in the standings, which are also tied, those lower-tied positions will be considered as a single position for purposes of comparison. (Example: Team A and Team B, who tied for second place, would compare against Team X and Team Y who tied for 6th as follows: Team A would compare its combined record against both X and Y against Team B's combined record against both X and Y.)"
If I am right, there is no need to break the West tie first. For example, if Buffalo and Akron are tied for first and WMU and BSU are tied for the West lead, then UA and UB compare their combined records against WMU and BSU. Akron is 2-0 against those teams. Buffalo is 1-1. Therefore, Akron wins the MAC.
I will analyze the specific scenarios tomorrow. Don't be surprised if I'm completely wrong on this. I'm astonished that a tiebreaker could be so confusing.
Men's basketball
At first blush, Nate Linhart did not look like a player with a productive future at Akron.
Early in his career, Linhart's confidence peaked and waned depending on his offense. After his first month with the team, the coaches must have known that Linhart will not be a first, second, or even a third offensive option. He always played hard, but "playing hard" is often a euphemism for "not talented."
Something transformed Linhart from being a serviceable spare part to being an essential cog, to being a "Coach, I dare you to play without me" piece of the Zips. That transformation occurred when Linhart embraced what he is, and ignored what he is not.
It was only when Linhart accepted that truth that defense is his value. That knowledge allowed him to stride back into the locker room, knowing that regardless of how the ball bounced on the rim, he could be proud of grabbing the loose ball after an exhausting defensive stand, proud of keeping his proper crouched stance when the shot clock winded down, proud of smothering the other team's star no matter what position the star plays, proud of being the "what to do" example in Keith Dambrot's long-winded, high-volume rants, proud of convincing the underclassmen that Dambrot's defense-first attitude is an identity worth embracing, and proud of demanding the respect of every butt in the seats at Rhodes Arena -- or any arena, for that matter -- and getting it.
You could tell that Linhart pulled the best traits from players before him: Cedrick Middleton's desire. Nick Dials' toughness, grit and leadership. Romeo Travis' calmness and assurance. Jeremiah Wood's confidence. Dru Joyce's intelligence. Likewise, Nate's name deserves to be mentioned among those names when fans talk about the "good old days" 10 years from now.
Linhart probably won't get any votes for MAC Player of the Year. His season statistics are OK, but he isn't even averaging 10 points per game. His career statistics are approaching the top tier in school history, but that is mostly because of the massive amount of minutes he has played. On any given night, his box score is usually bland.
That is why Linhart is under-appreciated. But if you take him off the Zips, this is a below-.500 team. Akron is at least 15 points better each night with Linhart than without him. With respect for Chris McKnight and Humpty Hitchens, there are no Zips who are as consistently valuable.
And it goes back to Linhart's philosophy -- the one he was forced into. You play defense in the first minute as tightly as you play it in crunch time. You hustle like you're fighting for your family's life. You sweat and scrap and dive and bruise until the job is done. And when it is done, Linhart knows he will have played a more complete game than anyone else on the floor, even if he missed all of his shot attempts.
Linhart probably has no future in American pro basketball, but his size, quickness and work ethic make him a better candidate than any Zip in the past 10 years. He reminds me of a poor man's Tayshaun Prince. Unless Prince makes a stellar defensive play, no one pays much attention. Analogous to Linhart, Prince was a necessary cause for the Pistons' NBA titles.
Indeed, it's easy to overlook Nate's worth in the statbook. While you're watching him tonight in his last regular season home game, pay attention to contributions that statisticians cannot quantify. You'll begin to understand what Dambrot said Sunday: "Everybody thinks we will be a good team next year, but he won't be easy to replace, I will tell you that."
Linhart is the antithesis of the modern-day basketball culture. He doesn't want to mimic the And1 Mixtape guy. He knows he will never score 40 points. He doesn't want all of the attention on him. Nate is a throwback player who is humble, works hard and does it because it's the way you're supposed to play, not for the individual glory.
If Akron wins a MAC Championship in the dusk of Linhart's up-and-down career, it will be an appropriate bounty for one player who deserves it. If Akron does not, Linhart will still have the peace of mind that every moment he was on the floor was a moment where he expended his tank for his coaches, teammates and fans.
Men's basketball
Akron plays Ohio Thursday at 7 p.m. at Rhodes Arena.
Men's basketball
For every "hit" in recruiting season, there are several misses.
Akron offers about five scholarships for every one scholarship it has to give. Here is a rundown of what happened to some of the "misses" of the last five years...
Men's basketball
Let's start with what we do know:
No MAC West team, except the divisional winner, has a chance to finish higher than seventh. In the East, every team, except Ohio, could finish between first and sixth in the conference.


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Writing Activity: A Trip to Indonesia (elem/upper elem)
Write a booklet report about a real or imaginary trip to Indonesia. These pages include directions for writing specific information about your trip, including holidays, people, and sightseeing, and daily journal pages. Prompts develop narrative, persuasive, and descriptive writing skills.
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2 New Moms Sent Home With Wrong Babies
(NEWSER) – Two new mothers in Argentina would still be caring for the wrong infants if they hadn't acted on their suspicions. As it was, they took home the wrong babies and cared for them for three weeks thanks to a clinic mixup, reports AFP. The women gave birth on Sept. 30 at a private clinic in San Juan, and both say officials there dismissed their concerns that things didn't quite add up before they left for home.


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Obama's SOTU speech proves he's a repeat defender who can't govern
Over the last day or so, I've tried to turn off the TV and radio, as pundits of all stripes are undoubtedly applauding or assailing President Obama's State of the Union Address. Long gone are the days when a president of either party used the address to give a particularly honest state of affairs of our union. Instead, the occasion is often used to rally the Oval Office occupant's political party or prospects for re-election.
Listening to the president Tuesday evening I was struck by how little he has accomplished over the previous year. Call for an increase in the minimum wage? We heard that last year. Ditto also on calls for equality of pay between men and women, measures to address global climate change and reforming our immigration system. Same goes for his push to increase manufacturing hubs across the country.
Ironically, it took Mr. Obama nearly 40 minutes to reference what we were told was his signature legislative accomplishment: the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. Once proud to tout the measure that bears his name, the president made only a passing reference to "insurance" reform during his State of the Union Address.
Put another way, the president was unable to account for any meaningful progress with any domestic or foreign policy objective he announced to the Congress the previous year. Why would the president offer a nearly identical set of priorities to the country in 2014 that he had largely done in 2013? He is unable to govern the country by working with the Congress.
Detractors will immediately decry "Republican Obstructionism" or "Tea Party instringence." Nonsense. Please pick up and read a copy of the Constitution of the United States. Our Framers intended for there to be equality and parity amongst the three branches of government. This is particularly true in dealing with the Executive Branch—the notion of a monarch imposing their will over the populace was a horror they sought to avoid at all costs. Hence, the Constitution explicitly provides that the House of Representatives must untie the purse strings of the federal government—the chamber closest to the people themselves. Mr. Obama should realize by now that Republicans were swept into power in 2010 to put the brakes on what many Americans viewed as an over-reach by the president and his democratic allies in the Congress.
Accordingly, the president's defiant statement that he had a pen and a telephone he intended to use to circumvent the Congress only illustrates how he has no idea how to govern effectively to enact his articulated priorities. Contrast this to his predecessor in office who Mr. Obama likes to blame for his own inadequacies.
Read The Full Article On The Daily Beast
More articles from The Daily Beast:
- The NFL's Super Bowl Con: Hosting the Big Game Isn't an Economic Score For Cities
- Did an Angry Birds Leak Risk Spies' Lives?
- Nobel Nomination Nonsense
© 2013 Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC


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PHOTO: Taylor Swift Covers 'The Guardian Guide'
Listen to Taylor Swift Radio on iHeartRadio
Taylor Swift has the world in the palm of her hand this week, with the blockbuster release of her new single "Shake It Off." A collaborative effort with pop moguls Max Martin and Shellback, the singer-songwriter, set to drop her first documented pop album (1989) this fall, takes her haters to task with the new jam. Of course, fans will be delighted to know, too, that the star graces the new cover of The Guardian Guide, hitting newsstands tomorrow.
It's @taylorswift13 time! The world's nicest superstar talks exclusively to us in tomorrow's Guide pic.twitter.com/XWdDRu75rZ
— The Guardian Guide (@guideguardian) August 22, 2014
Within the magazine's pages, Swift opens up about her career, personal life and so much more. Stars Dakota Fanning and Edgar Ramírez will also be featured within the issue.
Here's a cool sneak peek:


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Pope Benedict XVI once asked a very interesting question that we might do well to ponder as we celebrate the Solemnity of Easter. "What would it mean if Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, had not taken place?" He goes on to say, "Well, if there were no resurrection, the story of Jesus would have ended with Good Friday. His body would have decayed and he would have become a has-been. But that would mean that God does not take initiatives in history, that he is either unable or willing to touch this world of ours, our human living and dying." The Pope goes on to say that this would means that love is futile, for there would be no judgment and no justice. The present moment would be all that counts and right would belong to the cunning, who live without consciences.
Holy Week this year begins on March 24th, a day that marks the 33rd anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador. His death was preceded by the assassination of Rotelio Grande, a Jesuit priest and personal friend of Romero. Padre Grande had been working among the campesinos trying to encourage them to become more self-reliant and less intimidated by a repressive government. When his friend died, Archbishop Romero thought, "If they killed him for doing what he did, then I too have to walk the same path."
Recently I received a report from the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame entitled "Unleashing Catholic Generosity." In that report comparisons were made between the self-reported religious giving and philanthropy of American Catholics and those of other religious groups. Almsgiving has always been looked upon as an important element of Christian discipleship. Why are some Christians more generous than others? It all seems to come down to whether donors see a connection between their faith and their giving.
The 50-day Easter season is quickly drawing to a close as we prepare to celebrate the solemnities of the Lord's Ascension and Pentecost. Ascension is our annual reminder that the risen Jesus decided upon a new way to remain here on earth, namely, in the church, through those of us who are baptized believers. Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit who accompanies all of us on our journey of faith and blesses us with the gifts we need to continue Christ's work of proclaiming good news, calling people to conversion and building the kingdom of God here on earth. Pentecost also celebrates the universal call of Jesus, his invitation to people of every race, culture and creed to be his disciples. Pentecost invites us to see the big picture of our worldwide Catholic community, not the small one of our parishes or archdiocese which tends to dominate our thoughts, reflections and conversations about the church.
These weeks between Easter and Pentecost are truly "Alleluia" time as we praise our God for Christ's Resurrection and the gift of the new life of grace we all received in Baptism. The good news of Easter was so good that it had to be acclaimed for much more than one day. Fifty days, in fact, has been the tradition for the church. During this seven-week period the first reading at Mass is almost always taken from the Acts of the Apostles, the book in the New Testament found right after the four gospels. Some have described this work of St. Luke, the author of the third gospel, as the gospel of the Holy Spirit.
In his gospel, St. Luke tells us that, when Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, he explained to them how his passion, death and resurrection all took place in fulfillment of the Father's plan for the salvation of the world. In referring to his suffering and rising on the third day, Jesus told them, "you are witnesses of these things." Giving witness to the truths of our faith is still a challenge of discipleship today. It isn't always easy. And it is not always clear how this is to be carried out in our daily lives.
Last month on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Hispanic/Latino bishops of the United States issued a letter to our immigrant sisters and brothers. They wrote to assure all immigrants, especially those who lack proper authorization to live and work in the U.S., that they are not alone or forgotten. They said, "We open our arms and hearts to you, and we receive you as members of our Catholic family." I would like to believe that those are the sentiments of every Catholic in this archdiocese. They are certainly mine. But I do understand that not every Catholic agrees.