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The Sports Card Bulletin
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Be sure to check out our previous baseball card essay contest
entries. These essays are full of great ideas and useful information about
baseball cards:
This writing contest was an easy one. Participants just had
to write something positive about the
sports card hobby that they love to participate in.
Baseball card collections come in many different shapes and sizes. Read about
the various sizes, storage, and display methods of some
passionate baseball card
collectors. What's so fun about collecting baseball cards?
Our members share their baseball cards stories with you!
This is a great group of essays about collecting
card sets. There are so many reasons why collectors decide to
build the sets that they do.
Innovative and creative ideas for
Upper Decks new line of baseball cards.
The Sports Card
Collectors Guide to Trading on the Internet
My favorite
baseball cards
cards on Baseball Tonight
Baseball card show or a
good baseball card shop?
I'm going to save the baseball
card industry and here's how I'm going to do it.
Why Should a kid
start collecting baseball cards?
The Sports Card of the Week (or sports card story) is provided by our members. The Sports Card of the
Week is not selected based on cash value or rarity. Rather, it's simply a card
or story that has some sort of personal value to the person who owns it. We hope to show
you the wide variety of reasons that people collect or find certain cards
appealing. It's just our way of providing a way for collectors to share some of their
passionate for this awesome hobby.
This sports card of the week is provided by Tim
Deane (aka tdeane22) from, Daphne AL:
The 2009 SP #55 is what did it...this single card brought together a father and
2 wonderful sons into the world of card collecting.
I had collected from 1975 through 1994 and stopped when it was time to start a
family and focus on my military career. From time to time I would pick up a pack
or two and that was it. My first son was a baseball fan but didnt seem
interested at the time to start collecting. Then my second son came along and it
was the same, no real interest.
One Saturday morning in a few years ago we were out and about and noticed a new
card shop in our area and decided to look around. They though the cards were
nice, and I felt like a kid in a candy store. We saw that the store was doing a
"trade night" and decided to come back later that evening. When we returned the
boys saw all kinds of folks ripping packs and trading, and saw that there was a
contest for a card...a 2009 SP Authentic #55 Tim Lincecum. This made the boys
curious and they both wanted to join in. They started ripping packs and about
the third pack into it they scored the card. And picked up a box of Topps for
getting the winning card. At the same time they discovered that they were
getting cards of the players they liked watching and copied on the baseball
fields. "Look dad! Albert Pujols!" or "Wow dad, Stan Musial...you always said
you liked him!", "Dad!!! Dizzy Dean!!!". You get the point.
That card started the collection craze for my sons. That card is responsible
for many hours of pleasure watching my sons rip packs, collect their stars,
trade with each other or friends. It started their interest in card shows,
finding cards at yard sales or flea markets, visits to other card shops, ebay
and our favorite Sportscardfun page (where they have been trading for their
fav's, and so has dad).
I spend a lot of time away from home due to my military status and when I am
home we talk cards and collections and what they have scored. We go out and buy
blaster boxes and packs and rip together. That one card brought a father and two
sons closer together and gave us all something we enjoy doing together. Their
younger sister is now involved too...see what one card has done?
This is why the 2009 SP Authentic #55 is one of my all time favorite cards. In
fact, we now have 3: one each for the boys, and one for dad. Traders
beware...I'll be looking to add a fourth for sister...
Read more cool stories about baseball cards, football cards, basketball cards
and hockey cards in our
previous sports cards of the week.
All cards and stories were submitted by our members!
Visit our
baseball card boxes page for new
release information and viewing of some great hobby products!
An Innovative Baseball Card Promotion
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
In 2012, the Chicago Cubs went someplace that no Major League team had gone
before. For each of the 81 home dates on their schedule, the team reproduced a
Topps baseball card having something to do with the day or the opponent.
For example, October 2's ticket bore the image of Rick Sutcliffe's 1985 Topps
card, his first in a Cubs uniform. On that date in 1984, Sutcliffe won the first
game of the National League playoffs against the San Diego Padres, and hit a
home run in the process.
Likewise, June 15's game against the Boston Red Sox featured an image of a 1984
Bill Buckner card, since Buckner was traded to the Red Sox that year. It didn't
go so well for him, as you may have heard.
This year, in apparent recognition of what the Cubs did last year, Topps and the
Chicago Cubs have teamed up for a very exciting and unique sales promotion.
There are four dates on this season's schedule—all of them Fridays—where fans
will receive what is being referred to as the Topps Exclusive Limited Baseball
Card Edition.
The set contains 82 cards in all, and appears to follow the lead of the Topps
Archives set, in which players are set in classic Topps designs from years where
they did not play. For example, Anthony Rizzo--the Cubs' rising star at first
base--is depicted in a design from the 1956 Topps set.
From a sneak peek at the set tweeted out by @briangarza1, it appears that, among
others, there will be Kerry Wood and Ernie Banks in the 1977 Topps baseball
design, Ken Holtzman, Jeff Samardzija, and Ryne Sandberg in the 1965 Topps
baseball design, Greg Maddux, Jose Cardenal, Rick Reuschel (although he went by
"Ricky" his first few seasons in the majors), and Mark Grace in the 1972 Topps
baseball design, and dozens more. And, unlike a traditional pack where a buyer
like me would get one Cubs baseball card, if I was lucky, this set will have
nothing but Cubs players. It's hard to beat that!
The four games are being packaged as part of a "Topps Six-Pack" of tickets, with
two non-baseball cards games also included in the package. There are no details
about how many sets of these cards will be made available to fans at Wrigley
Field on the day of the game, but you can be sure that similar promotions are in
the works for other teams, as well.
This is a brilliant way to leverage Topps' "exclusive" licensing deal with MLB
and its member teams. Team collectors will be able to expand their horizons, and
even casual fans won't have any problem selling these things to collectors on
eBay. The first of the promotional set giveaways is Friday, May 3 against the
Cincinnati Reds. Hope to see you there!
Panini America
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Just as in the 1970s—when some of us were collecting baseball cards for the
first time—Topps baseball cards are the only game in town. Since they are the
only brand with licensing rights to MLB and the names and logos of its teams,
Topps is now the "exclusive" card for the baseball hobby. It says as much on the
front of every pack and box that they sell.
But just as you could once get baseball cards inside boxes of Kellogg's cereal,
or on the bottom of Hostess snack cake boxes in the 1970s, somebody has found a
way around Topps and their exclusivity deals.
Panini America, which has been producing basketball cards, football cards, and
hockey cards for several years now, recently released its Cooperstown series,
through a licensing agreement with the Baseball Hall of Fame. Panini recognizes,
correctly, that the name "Cooperstown" is synonymous not only with excellence on
the diamond, but with the game of baseball itself.
There are certain realities that Panini had to live with as it assembled this
set. The first is that no logos appear anywhere on the cards. This means lots of
strategic cropping, or shots where a player is following through on a swing,
with only their number visible in the shot.
Another reality is that "Pittsburgh" can be used for describing where players
like Willie Stargell or Roberto Clemente played, but "Pirates" cannot. It's a
minor issue, though, since if you're a fan enough to purchase these cards, you
know which teams play in which cities, anyway.
The Cooperstown set has some engaging text on the back of each card, describing
the career of the player or manager shown on the card. If I want to know how
many homers Johnny Mize hit in 1947, that's why the internet was created. (He
hit 51 that year, if you're curious). But the precious space on the back of
these cards is devoted to telling us something about the players. It's a
revolutionary concept, although it really shouldn't be.
There are many insert cards devoted to induction ceremonies, where the inductees
are seen in non-baseball attire. Other inserts include images from the village
of Cooperstown itself, which anyone who has been there knows is part of what
make the Baseball Hall of Fame such a unique setting. And, of course, there are
autograph cards. A Hall of Famer's autograph is a special thing for a baseball
card collector, and for any true fan of the game itself. But in this set, that's
all you can get. Pretty nice, huh?
The nature of this set is such that some—and maybe even most—of the cards won't
have much personal meaning to today's fan. Johnny Mize appears to have been a
great player, but he retired several years before I was even born. He was voted
in by the Veterans' Committee in 1981, when guys like Reggie Jackson and Pete
Rose and Jim Palmer were the ones that I was looking for. Still, he's a Hall of
Famer, and his contribution to the game is honored in a way it probably hasn't
been since 1981. And that's definitely worth noting.
Hats off to Panini America for getting around the Topps monopoly, and giving us
a beautiful set of baseball cards that encompasses the history of baseball in a
way that no other set could.
Baseball Hall Of Fame
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
The votes are in, and despite a
star-studded Hall of Fame ballot this year, nobody was elected into the Baseball
Hall of Fame. This year's Induction Weekend in Cooperstown will have a different
feeling than in years gone by.
The BBWAA voters' refusal to enshrine Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa,
and Rafael Palmeiro will have a negative impact on all memorabilia relating to
these players for the foreseeable future. Collectors of signed items, jerseys,
balls, and baseball cards of all types will have to keep waiting for the day
when "Hall of Famer" can be attached to their names.
Leaving aside the players tainted by admissions or suspicions of steroid use,
there were some other possible Hall of Famers to be considered. Dale Murphy once
seemed like a lock for the Hall of Fame, and Dale Murphy baseball cards once
seemed to be a good investment play. But now that he has run out of years of
eligibility, he will have to wait for validation from the Veterans' Committee,
Surviving for 15 years on baseball's Hall of Fame ballot is not an easy thing,
and there are over 100 Hall of Fame voters who consider Dale Murphy's
achievements to be Hall-worthy. But unlike Jim Rice--who got in on his 15th and
final time on the ballot--Dale Murphy fell well short of the 75% threshold.
Collectors of Dale Murphy baseball cards and other memorabilia saw a potential
windfall fail to materialize.
Another 15th year of Hall of Fame eligibility will come next year, when Jack
Morris appears on the ballot for the final time. With 67.7% of the vote in his
favor for the 2012 Hall of Fame voting, Morris fell just short of induction this
year. Maybe we'll see Hall of Famer Jack Morris this time next year.
But the value of Jack Morris baseball cards, and other memorabilia, still has
some potential upside. Collectors could begin acquiring Jack Morris items in the
coming months, with the expectation that the Hall of Fame will vote him in next
year. Call it a final round of Jack Morris speculation. We'll know what the
answer will be in one year's time.
A Celebration of the
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
It has to be the most underappreciated card in the collecting universe. It has
no star players on the front, unless you're willing to get out your magnifying
glass and look for some in the team photo. Or, to make matters even worse,
sometimes it has a picture of the manager on the front. The manager! Sure, maybe
if the manager is a Hall of Famer like Frank Robinson, or Ryne Sandberg soon
will be, that's one thing. But who really wants a manager's card?
Like gum stains on the back of a card, checklists are a window into what
baseball card collecting used to be. There's a number of cards in each set, but
since the internet hasn't been invented yet, how do you know who you have, and
who you still need? That's where the checklists come in, and that's why the
checklist should always be a part of every collectable set.
Today I came across a Cubs checklist from the 1987 Topps team set, with manager
Gene Michael on the front. It was Andre Dawson's first season in Chicago, but he
hadn't yet signed his famed $500,000 deal with the team yet, so no Dawson card
is to be found on the card. Greg Maddux was little more than an unproven rookie
in 1987, and so he has no card on this checklist either. Dennis Eckersley is on
here, but he was still a starting pitcher, and had not yet made the switch into
the dominant closer he would become two years later in Oakland. There is also a
T. Francona listed, whose card in that year's set called him Terry, but who
everyone now knows as Tito.
Most people wouldn't give a team checklist a second look. The act of using a
checklist for its intended purpose is a no-no if the card is ever going to be
traded for anything. But then again, who trades for a checklist?
Marking on a checklist, as the Cubs checklist I found was marked up (and all the
way filled in, I might add), makes that baseball card yours. You have X card and
Y card and Z card, but you may still need to get A card or B card or C card.
Nobody can use your checklist after you do that. But that's OK, since it's your
card meant for keeping track of your other cards in the first place.
May the Forsch be with you
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Two of the main ways of collecting sports cards are by player or by team. In
these days of player moment from one team to another, it can sometimes be
difficult to keep track of who's on what team. If you're a Kenny Lofton
collector, for instance, there are eleven different teams that might be in your
collection. But if you're a collector of the Mets, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, or a
few other teams, Kenny Lofton will not appear in your collection.
Some players spend their whole careers with the same team (Derek Jeter comes
immediately to mind), but they're becoming an increasingly odd duck. Players
just chase a paycheck, which is completely understandable, as we all do the same
thing in our lives, and it doesn't matter to them who they play for. Red Sox
fans probably never wanted to see Johnny Damon play for the hated Yankees, but
Mr. Steinbrenner's money sure changed that. And I doubt any of Damon's Yankees
baseball cards made it into Red Sox fans collections.
I'm the same way with my team, the Chicago Cubs. Andre Dawson was my favorite
player ever, as long as his jersey read 'Cubs' on the front. I certainly wished
him no ill will upon leaving to go play in Boston, and finally with the Florida
Marlins, and I was even in the bleachers when the Cubs held an Andre Dawson day
in his last season in the big leagues. But would I collect the baseball cards of
him in these uniforms, or with the Montreal Expos, where he played more seasons
than anywhere else? No thanks, I'll look for another Chuck McElroy or Paul
Kilgus card instead.
When a longtime player for one team changes uniforms, confusion can sometimes
ensue. A 2007 Upper Deck card of Jason Marquis, in full Cardinals regalia, made
its way into my Cubs collection because he had been signed by the Cubs in the
off-season. And a 1981 Kellogg's cereal card of Bruce Sutter, wearing Cubs gear
but traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the off-season, still went in because,
well, he was Bruce Sutter. I was willing to be flexible with his cards.
But the funniest example of this confusion came with the status of pitcher Bob
Forsch. Forsch pitched for the Cardinals from the mid-seventies until the middle
of the 1988 season, when he was traded to Houston. Forsch would have had full
no-trade rights under the five-and-ten rules today, but this was in a different
labor environment (pre-1994 strike, that is). Two baseball card companies
handled this trade in different ways.
The Score set for the 1989 season identified Forsch as a Cardinal on the front
and the back of his card (#525). The only evidence that he was no longer a
Cardinal came on the back of the card, where the text that sometimes fills up
space under the players statistics indicates that Forsch had been traded to the
Astros on August 31 of the previous year. Cardinal collectors, who probably have
many Forsch cards in their collections, thus received an unexpected bonus card
in 1989. I'm certain that they added it anyway. I would have done the same
The Topps company handled Forsch differently in 1989. He is identified as an
Astro on the front and back of his card (#163), but the hat and jersey he's
wearing appear to be colored over with magic markers. These were the pre-photoshop
days, and Topps did what they had to do in order to make Forsch into an Astro.
Astros collectors got to add a Forsch card before he retired after the 1989
season, while Bob Forsch collectors added a new color to their large supply of
Cardinals red. Variety is the spice of life, after all
A parting of the ways is
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
In baseball card collecting, there are two gold standard players at the moment:
Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols. Both are sure-fire hall of famers, and anything
with their picture and career stats on it will be in demand for years to come.
But their paths are likely to diverge from each other in the years ahead.
The Yankees had a decision to make last Spring. Derek Jeter, the captain of the
Yankee's team and the heart of their franchise, was due to become a free agent.
He's clearly not what he once was as a player, but he is a symbol of the team's
success over the past fifteen years, and he is allowing himself to be paid as
such. But this won't be the case with Albert Pujols.
Albert Pujols is in the prime of his career, and will be for five more years, at
least. And those who think he'll return to St. Louis after this season--World
Series title or not--are overlooking the fact that the Cardinals haven't once
paid him what he's worth. They can afford Chris Carpenter, or Berkman and
Molina, because Albert plays for less. And do any of the other Cardinals'
players cards or memorabilia have even a fraction of the value that Albert's do?
I can't imagine that they do.
Yankees fans and Jeter collectors have and always will coincide with each other
quite nicely. But Cardinals fans and Pujols collectors are probably not going to
share in this, once this season is over. Whoever wins the bidding derby for his
services will trot him out at a press conference, and his jersey will become an
immediate best seller in whatever city that might be.
There's no question that the novelty of seeing him in another team's jersey whether
it's on baseball cards or on the field will be hard to ignore.
But Cardinals fans will have to make a decision very soon: Do they follow Albert
to his new team, or do they stay home and learn to love whoever comes in to take
his place? At least there will be a few days to think it over, and admire him in
Cardinal's red for the remainder of the Series.
You Can't Make This Up
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Last Wednesday evening I dropped
my daughter off at an ice skating lesson. These lessons last about an hour and a
half, so I had some time to go and run an errand. I decided to drive to the
nearby Target store, to pick up a few items to put in my kids' lunches.
There was a ballgame on the radio, so I turned it on to
listen. The announcers for ESPN were calling the Tigers-Rangers game, and one of
them pointed out that Rick Porcello, the Tigers' starting pitcher, already had
several strikeouts in the game's early going. I made a mental note of the
pitcher's name as I continued on my way to the store.
After picking up the items I needed, I made my way toward the
checkout lines, and passed their display of baseball cards in the process. I
debated whether to buy any, and then decided to feed the habit that I've had
since I was about 7 years old. There were a couple of boxes of different sets,
and I randomly decided to pull a pack from one of the Topps Series 2 Baseball
I've always, from the time I was a young kid, been a pack
buyer. There are some obvious drawbacks to this, the most obvious of which is
that you invariably wind up with cards you already have, or what I think of as
doubles. It doesn't matter if I have two or twenty copies of the same card,
every last one of them is a double to me. But, at the same time, it's the
cheapest of the options available. When I was a kid, a dime and a nickel (and a
penny for the tax) was all I needed to buy a single pack of baseball cards.
Going to the store and exchanging coins for cards and bills for cards, in
today's world is the cheapest possible rush you can get.
Some sports card collectors choose to buy cards a box at a
time, which has the economic benefit of being cheaper per unit (since sometimes
bonus packs are included in the box). And sometimes there are special cards,
like relic cards or serial-numbered cards, that aren't available to the single
pack buyer. It requires a greater monetary outlay than single packs do, and you
can still end up with doubles.
The third option--which I've never done but I can see the
advantage of--is to buy an entire set at the same time. This way, you will be
certain to get all the cards in a set particularly the rookie cards that will
appreciate in value the most without any of those pesky doubles. This requires
the greatest monetary expense of all, but it also gives the best price per card
value. In the end, it all depends on what you want.
Whenever I buy a single pack of baseball cards, I pick
something from close to the bottom of the box. Not the very bottom, but two or
three packs removed from it. In this case, I grabbed one of the packs and
proceeded to the checkout.
After loading everything into the car, I turned the radio on
and opened up the pack. The first card I came to was Rick Porcello, which was
odd because he was pitching in the game that was on the radio. I continued
sorting through the cards, and noticed there were several pitchers contained in
the pack. I even saw a Rangers pitcher, Matt Harrison, who I wasn't familiar
A flip to the back of his card revealed a player who bounced
around all over the minor leagues, and who really only had significant action in
the majors in 2010. With 37 games pitched, 78 1/3 innings, and 2 saves, I
realized that he's probably a middle reliever. I thought it would be funny if he
pitched in tonight's game, and listened to hear if his name was called.
It didn't take long to hear his name. I put the car in
reverse and started to back out of my spot when I heard one of the announcers
say the name "Matt Harrison." I then realized that I had randomly bought a pack
of baseball cards with both sides of that evening's pitching matchup contained
Had I bought this pack of cards a week earlier, the matchup
would not have been set yet. If I had bought it the day after the game was
played, I likely wouldn't have recalled who pitched against who on a previous
day. The only reason I noticed it at all is that I was listening to the game
they were matched up in at the time. It was as if fate had decided to set these
two cards--along with a few others--free as the game was going on.
What are the odds of this happening? They're astronomical,
I'm sure. It's the kind of thing that some people would use as an omen to go buy
a lottery ticket right away. And those lottery odds would pale in comparison to
ever buying and opening another pack of cards in a similar situation.
The names Harrison and Porcello have now become linked in my
mind, not for anything they did on the field, but for the sheer randomness of
how I came into possession of their baseball cards. Every card--no matter how
it's acquired--has the potential of becoming a story. As these stories present
themselves, we can tell them to others who share our interest in the game.
A piece about why I collect cards
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Today I went to a "one day only" rummage
sale in a church. I wasn't looking to find it, either. I was trying to find a
parking space, noticed the sign in front of the church, and so I parked my car
and went inside. And I found some clarity as a result.
It was the final hour of the sale, and to clear out the merchandise they were
offering anything you could fit inside a shopping bag for $3.00. I paid for a
bag and went exploring.
As always, I made my way to the book section. Baseball books are always on the
top of my list, and I found a couple that look pretty interesting. I wasn't
expecting to find any sports memorabilia, but at the end of a book shelf I found
two oversize baseball cards that Topps produced in 1980. If I had to guess, I'd
say they were 4 by 6 inch cards, or considerably bigger than regular trading
cards. So I put them in my bag and moved on.
The cards themselves are basically just headshots of the players (of Don Baylor
and Amos Otis, if you're curious) with their simulated signatures in what looks
like a light blue color (I had only seen these in black on regular Topps cards).
The back side of the baseball cards have no statistics, but simply give the
players' names, teams, positions, and a card number. Apparently there were 60
cards in this set.*
But what really struck me was what was printed in the center of the card. There
is a Topps logo, which I had seen before on one of their 1970s sets. The logo
says Topps, with the "T" being lowercased and dropping underneath the other
letters. I had never noticed this before, but the curve in the "T" was actually
forming a smile. And underneath this smile, following the shape of the line,
were the words "For the fun of it" in all capital letters.
Those few words were like the Gettysburg Address of baseball card collecting. I
could go on and on (as I have on several occasions) about why I collect cards,
but those five words get right to the heart of the matter. Following baseball
is, and always has been, fun for me. The fun of following baseball is then
extended to the fun I have with collecting baseball cards, and telling whatever
stories I can about the players and the game itself.
So much about the game has changed since these cards were made in 1980. There
have been two player's strikes, expansion into new cities, interleague play,
instant replay, the Steroid era, the evolution of the bullpen into set-up men
and closers, fantasy baseball, sabermetrics....the list goes much further than
that. But through all of it, the game has remained fun for me.
I've changed as dramatically as the game itself since 1980. Puberty, high
school, relationships with girls, college, working at a "real job," marriage,
graduate school, home ownership, children, middle age...basically passing from
an adolescent to a young man to a middle aged man. And through all of it,
baseball has marked the time, as Terrence Mann said in "Field of Dreams."
I'm glad I found these baseball cards, and if anybody reading this wants to
acquire them, let me know and we can work something out. But I've already
learned quite a bit from them, meaning this was $3.oo very well spent.
Nyjer Morgan's Baseball Cards
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
When the Brewers beat the Diamondbacks to
advance to the NLCS, Nyjer Morgan played the hero by driving home the winning
run. His popularity with Brewers fans certainly rose as well, although you'll
never see too many of his jerseys at Miller Park. The other team members who
have been around for several seasons Prince Fielder, Corey Hart, Ryan Braun, and
others-- will see that before Nyjer Morgan does.
One easy and inexpensive way that Brewers fans can celebrate Morgan's
achievements is by acquiring his baseball cards through eBay and other online
vendors. But true Brewer's fans may be disappointed with what they find.
Morgan's career began with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he also played for the
Washington Nationals before being traded to the Brewers in March of this year.
As a result, there is only one basic Nyjer Morgan card--in a Brewers
uniform--that I have been able to find online. It's
Topps Series 2 baseball card #573, which shows him in a full layout to catch
a fly ball. The ball's just above his glove, and it's a great action shot of
However, it just looks a little fake, in the sense that there is a rather
generic blue outfield wall behind him, but no warning track is visible on the
card. If he did make that catch, it certainly saved a run if there were runners
on base. But if you want him in a Brewer's jersey, that's what you have
available to you.
There are variations on this basic theme, though. There are a Diamond
Anniversary sparkle baseball card and a gold-bordered serial numbered insert
card also available, but they are essentially the same pose as the Topps Series
2 base card. But any other Nyger Morgan cards, even from recent sets like the
Topps Gypsy Queen series, have him pictured as either a National or a Pirate.
But if you can get beyond that, there certainly are baseball cards to be had of
this momentary hero.
An appreciation of
Jewish Big Leaguers
by Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Yom Kippur is this week, and it's been forty-six years since Sandy Koufax
refused to pitch in Game One of the 1965 World Series because it fell on the Day
of Atonement. What happened the year after that is less well-known, but an
interesting story just the same.
Since Yom Kippur is based on the Jewish calendar, it falls on different dates
every year. Koufax's decision may not have received as much attention today, due
to the absence of a playoffs--the way we now envision it--in 1965. Teams won
their league's pennant during the regular season, and the World Series started
right away in early October. With the addition of divisional play in the late
1960s, and the expansion into a second round of playoffs in the 1990s, a World
Series game is not likely to be played on Yom Kippur ever again.
But the next season, Yom Kippur was during the late stages of the regular
season. Koufax again refused to pitch that day, although he did take the mound
the following day, against the Cubs in Chicago. His opponent that day, Ken
Holtzman, was also a Jewish pitcher, and the two engaged in a classic
nine-inning pitcher's duel. Both pitchers went the distance, but Holtzman and
the Cubs handed Koufax his final regular season loss.
Koufax retired at the end of the 1966 season, and his 165 wins made him the
winningest Jewish pitcher in major league history. But Holtzman was no slouch,
either. He went on to pitch two no-hitters for the Cubs (which gave him the
nickname of "No-hit" Holtzman) and win three World Series rings with the Oakland
The 1980 Topps baseball card shown above was the final one of his career, which
had actually ended in September of 1979, thirteen years after his matchup
against Koufax. His 174 career wins surpassed Koufax' mark, making him the
winningest Jewish pitcher in history, at least for now. We'll have to see how
Jason Marquis finishes up his career.
There are several other Jewish players in the majors today, with Ryan Braun, Ian
Kinsler, Sam Fuld, and Kevin Youkilis among them. According to the website
jewishmajorleaguers.org, the history of Jewish players in professional baseball
goes back to 1871, when Lipman Pike played in the National Association, which
was the forerunner to the National League. Other Jewish big leaguers from the
past include Hank Greenberg, Lou Boudreau, and Steve Yeager.
The contributions of Jewish players have enriched the game of baseball for more
than a century, and baseball cards of these players can serve as a reminder of
their continued success at the major league level.
Building Your Sports Card Trading Reputation
by Jennifer Shook
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Online sports card trading is a fun way to connect with a HUGE audience of
people. You can find people who can teach you, answer questions for you, and (of
course) swap cards with you! Online trading can also be beneficial because some
companies pack their products for specific regions. If you live on the East
Coast but you love a West Coast team, you can find someone out west to trade
with you for cards of their favorite East Coast team.
When you start as an online sports card trader it can be hard to find people to
trade with you because you are a "rookie". No one wants to take a chance on
mailing you some really great cards and never getting cards back from you. They
are afraid of being ripped off. Although their concerns may be valid, what is
a new trader to do? You must establish your online reputation. You can do this
in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:
First you must acknowledge your rookie status. Some veteran traders will gladly
make a small trade with a rookie to help them build their reputation. It may
only be a few cards, or it may be commons for commons. These types of trades may
not be what you were looking for, but you must complete some trades before you
earn the right to swap the big cards!
Secondly, your communication with traders will go a long way to building your
reputation. Make sure you are courteous, clear with your wants, and honest about
the condition and description of the cards you offer in trade. If you will only
trade autographs for autographs, say so. If you use a particular source for
pricing, say so. If you like even dollar amounts on your trades say so! By
being clear (and doing it early) you leave little opportunity for
miscommunication. Speaking of miscommunication, it is important to remember the
old adage: The early bird catches the worm! The sooner you respond to a sports
card trade proposal, the better your chances of getting cards you want. If you
wait to reply, you may find the trader already made a deal with someone else.
Another helpful hint is to be sure to reply to all trade proposals you receive.
If you don't want to trade, you don't have to. Just give the other person the
courtesy of a response. "Thanks for the offer, but I've already traded that
baseball card. Sorry! Maybe next time". A few seconds of your time can make the
difference between people being willing to work with you versus people who see
your email address or online name and don't want to bother with you.
Lastly, most online trading sites have an opportunity to leave feedback about
your experience with a trader. Be sure to leave feedback. And if someone does
not do the same for you, ask why. If there was a problem, it gives you a chance
to fix it. Otherwise they may have just needed a reminder. Your feedback will go
a long way for establishing your online credibility!
Will the Real Ryan
Braun please stand up?
By Rob Harris
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Strange things can happen when you have two people with the same name. I've been
in situations before when I've received emails destined for someone else named
Robert Harris within a company I've worked for, and we would exchange emails
signed with "the other Robert Harris." There's a Robert Harris who runs a chain
of coffee houses in New Zealand*, and I'd like to go to one sometime before I
And so it is with Ryan Braun. When you mention that name to baseball fans today,
they immediately think of the Milwaukee Brewers star who will get some serious
MVP consideration this year, if he doesn't win the award himself. And his future
looks even brighter after this year, if Prince Fielder leaves Milwaukee via free
agency. If Braun stays healthy and produces at his current level for another
decade or so, he has a real shot at becoming a Hall of Famer. As a result, any
and all cards of him are now in great demand by collectors.
But there's also another Ryan Braun out there. "Ryan Braun" doesn't seem like
the most common name you'll find, but it was common enough to belong to two big
leaguers in 2007. The aforementioned Braun was an outfielder for Milwaukee,
while the "other" Ryan Braun was a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. And it
turns out that even Topps wasn't able to keep the two straight.
For the 2007 Topps base set, Pitcher Braun's rookie card appeared as #262 of the
set. He was on the Royals' 40 man roster and appeared in nine games with the
Royals in 2006, thus earning him the "Rookie Card" distinction, by virtue of the
players' union rules established in 2006. Outfielder Braun was on the Brewers' 40 man roster and made his major league debut in May of 2007, which allowed him
to have his rookie card in the 2007 Topps update set as card #UH150. Since
Pitcher Braun did not appear in a big league game after 2007, while Outfielder
Braun is now one of the biggest stars in the game, these two cards will have
dramatically different values in the years ahead.
But look closely at the simulated
autographs on the front of each card. Pitcher Braun's is over the top button of
his Royals' jersey, while Outfielder Braun's is just below his belt. Notice
anything interesting? The Topps Company apparently never bothered to tell the
two players apart, since the exact same autograph appears on both cards. No
two people sign their names exactly the same way, and yet Topps apparently
assumed that nobody would ever know the difference.
A simulated autograph on any player's card does not add any actual value to the
card. Nobody would seriously suggest otherwise. However, this snafu does show a
lack of respect for one of the two Brauns, since his card carries the others Ryan
Braun's fake autograph. I don't know which card is correct, and which one
is mistaken. The players themselves may not know, or even care, about the
difference. But Topps clearly deserves an "E" for this one.
Packaging Your Sports Cards To Mail
by Jennifer Shook
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
When shipping baseball cards you have sold or traded, two questions come to
mind: 1) How should I package the cards to make sure they arrive safely in good
condition? 2) What is the most cost effective way to ship? These can be tough
questions especially if you are new to collecting. Although I don't have all the
answers, I can share with you some tips I've discovered in my 30 years of
collecting and nearly 13 years of online trading.
First, I always package sports cards in the way that I expect others to package
mine. I think about the type of cards I'm sending. If the card is a chrome card
or a thicker cardboard card (like Heritage), I usually put only one card in each
penny sleeve. Thin base cards I usually put two in a sleeve. If a thin card is
an expensive insert or a rookie card though, it will go in its own sleeve. My
reasoning: if the value of the card is dependent on condition, I want to keep
the card especially safe.
After putting cards in penny sleeves, I determine what I need for top loaders.
When sending just a few cards in sleeves, I place them in one thick (GU) loader.
If they are GU, auto, RC, high end inserts, etc. they each need their own
loader. When dealing with a few loaders or one thick one, I place the loader(s)
in a team bag and seal it with a small piece of tape. If I don't have any team
bags available, I use a small piece of tape to seal the top of the loader so the
card can't slide out in transit.
If I have a trade that involves many sports cards, I put them in sleeves and put
them in a team bag directly. When I do this, I use "fill cards" or "dummies" on
the top and bottom of the stack. Then, when I fold the team bag, the pressure
won't be against the corners of the good cards. Once the team bag is sealed, I
sandwich the team bag between two top loaders. Using small pieces of tape, I
secure all four sides of both top loaders making a neat package.
Another option is using plastic cases to ship sports cards. If you choose cases,
try to still use "dummy" cards at the top and bottom of the stack for
protection. Most plastic cases have rounded corners and they can damage cards.
If the case holds 25 cards, don't stuff in 30 and try to tape it shut like an
over-loaded suit case! Likewise, if you only put 5 cards in the case they will
move in transit and may become damaged. Use filler cards or a soft piece of
packing material to keep the cards secure. Remember to use small pieces of tape
to seal the case when you're done.
Once the baseball cards are packaged, it is time to consider outside mailing
wrappers. If I have a small stack like the ones described above, I use padded
mailing envelopes. Always be sure to use the right size padded envelope to
prevent damage. When making a large shipment, I put all the cards in a 200 (or
larger) count box (with packing fill to keep them safe). I put a plain paper
wrapper around the box like a birthday package. After writing the proper
addresses, I seal the package on all sides with clear packing tape. I don't
recommend putting cards in a plain letter envelope with a stamp as a shipping
Shipping Costs Down
by Jennifer Shook
(Sportscardfun.com guest author)
Now that we
have covered proper packaging techniques for baseball cards, let's talk about
cost. One of the reasons we sell or trade cards is to try to get some money back
on our investment. So, how can we save some money when it comes to packaging and
shipping cards? First... RECYCLE! I reuse penny sleeves, team bags, and top
loaders. I also reuse padded mailing envelopes and plastic cases. I try to send
cards in a recycle-friendly way, so the recipient can carefully unpack the cards
and reuse the items themselves. I have access to a secretarial/ clerical staff
that receives manila envelopes in the mail. I noticed these envelopes were
opened, contents removed, and thrown away. I thought the envelopes were similar
in color to the padded envelopes I use, so I started to cut out portions of the
plain envelopes (with no writing on them) to cover the previous address on the
padded envelopes that I recycle.
Secondly when
it comes to shipping baseball cards (in my opinion) the U.S. Postal Service has
the cheapest rates. (Unless you are shipping full boxes or cases because the
weight of these items makes the prices of other companies more competitive.)
When it comes to postage, I never make guesses. Too many times I have received
packages from traders (and sellers) that were postage due. Then I have to waste
my gas to drive to the post office and pay to receive my package! Argh!
The post
office has a never ending and always changing set of rules for sizes, weights,
and postage. You are better off to pick two or three days a week that you ship
cards and tell your traders/ buyers that up front. Then you can go to the post
office, pay for only the postage you need (saves you money), and you don't
short-change anyone by not using proper postage. By limiting your trips, you
save on gas and time.
Before you
get to the post office, ask yourself: Am I mailing First Class? Do I want
Delivery Confirmation or Insurance? Are my addresses complete including zip
codes? Do I need a Customs Form? If I'm buying insurance, how much do I need?
There are so many forms now and while some are done by computer, some still need
to be done by you. Ask the clerk about your options. You may find that buying
insurance is not worth the actual replacement cost of the common cards you are
When shipping
baseball cards, use common sense. Package your cards properly. Use the services
that offer efficiency and good value. Not every package will need every service.
If you plan to insure the cards you are sending, be sure that the other party
knows and has the option of insuring the cards they send to you or the option of
paying for insurance directly (if they are buying) so you don't have to assume
that cost. The key is to try to save money where you can, but don't be so cheap
that your online reputation suffers because cards get lost or damaged.
Topps has announced that it has made some significant additions to its 2011
Bowman autograph list. Bowman Chrome, which hits store shelves shortly, will now
feature autographs of standout pitching prospect Matt More of the Rays and top
rookies Dustin Ackley and Eric Hosmer. Every hobby box of Bowman Chrome
guarantees 1 on-card Chrome Autograph!
* Baseball card tidbit - Results of a completed Ebay auction we found: 2011 Legendary Cuts Babe Ruth CUT AUTO EXQUISITE #1/3
baseball card sold for $5,200.00 on September 14th 2011.
* Baseball card tidbit - Results of a completed Ebay auction we found: Lou Gehrig 1/1 Cut Autograph 3 Pinstrip Jersey MINT 9 baseball
card sold for $5,035.00 on August 31st 2011.
* Baseball card tidbit - Results of a completed Ebay auction we found: 1933 GOUDEY # 53 BABE RUTH GRADED NM-MT 8 BY GAI baseball
card sold for $9,800.00 on August 30th 2011.
More news about baseball
Looking for information and news about sports collectibles other than sports
cards? Check out out sports memorabilia
and news page
We've got a page of information with some
resource links about old baseball cards.
We have all kinds of cool information about card collecting.
What is the most valuable
baseball card? Wondering what
the most expensive baseball card
is? We're tracking some of the finished auction prices to give you an idea of
what really high-end baseball cards are selling for these days. If you're into basketball
cards you'll want to visit our basketball
cards page. Likewise, we have information about collecting
football cards and hockey cards
as well.
Did you know that by joining our site you
can create your own
card web site?
Tuff Stuff Magazine's recommended site of
the month
"Hooking-up collectors near and far and helping them
jettison cards they don't want in favor of cards they
Beckett Magazine
looking for a place to hook up with hundreds of other
traders should signup"
SportsCards Magazine
"Doing a world of good for the hobby"
Jack Terry
Grama's Sportscards (owner)
Bellingham, WA USA
"Thanks to Sportscardfun I have a
reliable place to send customers who like to trade!"
Read more member testimonials! -
Links -
Find a primal paleo doctor


text:
Can some one in laymans terms tell me what the difference's are between catch wrestling and no-gi/submission wrestling ?
I know they have different rule sets and all i ever hear is bjj is far more technical and catch is more pain compliant and gives up position too easy ?
Is this true ?
Has anyone rolled with a catch guy ???

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Beck: Reform Judaism Is "Almost Like ... Radicalized Islam" In That It Is "More About Politics" Than Faith And Religion
Video ››› ››› MEDIA MATTERS STAFF
From the February 22 edition of Premiere Radio Networks' The Glenn Beck Program:
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Repair The World's Will Berkovitz: Beck Letter Signed By Rabbis From Across The Political Spectrum
STU BURGUIERE (executive producer): And now remember, this is all fueled by an organization that Soros funds, that has a bunch of progressive rabbis that came out against Glenn and said --
BECK: OK, you have to -- hang on just a second. When you talk about rabbis, understand that most -- most people who are not Jewish don't understand that there are the Orthodox rabbis, and then there are the Reformed rabbis. Reformed rabbis are generally political in nature. It's almost like Islam, radicalized Islam in a way, to where it is just -- radicalized Islam is less about religion than it is about politics. When you look at the Reform Judaism, it is more about politics. I'm not saying that they're the same on --
BURGUIERE: No, obviously not.
BECK: -- and they're going to take it at that, but -- stand in line.
BURGUIERE: "Glenn Beck says --"
BECK: It's not about terror or anything else, it's about politics, and so it becomes more about politics than it does about faith. Orthodox rabbis -- that is about faith. There's not a single Orthodox rabbi on this list. This is all Reformed rabbis that were -- that made this list.
BURGUIERE: Yeah, I don't know that for a fact. I know that certainly this organization is a progressive political organization. And that's fine.
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- Network/Outlet
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- Glenn Beck
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text:
As Apple's iPhone continues to turn up on more and more regional carriers in the U.S., consumers have a wide variety of choices at their disposal when determining which carrier is the best fit.
If you're still on the fence yourself or thinking about switching carriers, J.D. Power and Associates is serving up a host of helpful information and corresponding recommendations today.
In its tenth annual customer satisfaction rankings, J.D. Power and Associates indicates that Apple is still the No. 1 company for smartphones across all major U.S. carriers. But when it comes to the actual carriers, the iPhone performs better for some than for others.
Overall satisfaction with smartphone devices is highest among AT&T customers, followed by Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless customers.
Apple and Samsung are the only smartphone brands to achieve overall satisfaction scores that are at or above the study average in all four performance factors, according to the J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Wireless Smartphone Satisfaction Study.
Source: JD Power and Associates


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Monthly Archives: April 2009
Stainless Steel Flatware 101Have you ever wondered what differentiated 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10 stainless steel flatware? Flatware is just flatware and stainless steel is just stainless steel, right? Actually, the decor of your food service establishment, the price of your menu items, and most importantly your budget will determine the quality of the stainless steel flatware you purchase. You may never serve French cuisine at a chic bistro but it's still important to know the grade of your stainless steel flatware. 18/10 STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE: The 18 stands for 18% chrome and the 10 stands for 10% nickel. 18/10 stainless steel flatware is the standard in Europe and represents the heaviest and usually most expensive flatware available. The higher nickel content adds a luster similar to silver and helps resist corrosion and staining. 18/8 STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE: Similar to 18/10 stainless steel flatware, 18/8 stainless steel flatware has slightly less nickel and is very popular in the United States. 18/8 stainless steel flatware feels great in your hand but doesn't cost quite as much as 18/10 stainless steel flatware. 18/0 STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE: 18/0 stainless steel flatware doesn't contain any nickel, making it the lightest and least expensive. You'll be able to use a magnetic retrieval system with 18/0 stainless steel flatware because all 18% chrome patterns are magnetic, but your pocket book won't hurt too bad if some of your flatware gets thrown away! Although 18/0 stainless steel flatware is the most economical choice, there are still heavier patterns available. For great deals on stainless steel flatware shop at Mission Restaurant Supply!
Need Help Sizing Your Tablecloths?
Picking the right tablecloth color or pattern can be a daunting task. There seem to be so many options for someone looking to liven up their dining area. Do I want a bright and colorful look? Maybe something more muted and neutral?
Making those decisions seems like a breeze for most people once they realize they have to choose the right tablecloth size.Continue reading
Receiving Merchandise: A Simple How To
Internet shopping has revolutionized the way companies do business. You can buy almost anything under the sun and have it shipped to your doorstep. It's important to take a few precautionary steps when you do receive merchandise shipped via FedEx, UPS, and other freight carriers because some items will inevitably be damaged in transit. Below are some tips for receiving large equipment and smaller packages.
When purchasing your equipment request the freight carrier to call you before delivery so you're present upon the arrival of your merchandise. It isn't always a standard service so it's good to ask just in case.
Once your item or items arrive, review your shipment for visible damage before signing the receipt. Do not sign for your freight shipment without prior inspection! Freight companies are responsible for inspecting items before picking up a shipment from us. When freight carriers sign for items they pick up from us, they are indicating that items are received in good condition from us unless otherwise noted on the freight bill. Therefore, it is critical that you inspect your shipment for any damages before signing for your delivery. Once your shipment is signed for, any compensation for damage will have to filed through a freight claim with the carrier.
Look over the pallet or skid that's attached to the bottom of your package for damage. A good indicator of damage is a crushed pallet! Also, look at the shrink wrap or box surrounding the merchandise. If there are noticeable holes, rips, or tears then further inspection is a must. Don't take up too much of the driver's time but don't let their schedule keep you from thoroughly inspecting your shipment; after all, you paid for it! If you have multiple items on one pallet make sure you accurately count everything to ensure you aren't missing items. Visible damage, no matter how slight it may be, and missing merchandise are automatic grounds for refusal.
If there is visible damage to the packaging or missing items, you may refuse the unit by signing the delivery receipt with "REFUSED. DAMAGED." Then, contact us so we can replace the item for you. You may also accept the unit with the freight damages, but you will be responsible for submitting a freight damage claim with the carrier.
Once you sign for a package "free and clear" without making note of damage or loss on the delivery receipt it's up to you to file a concealed damage claim with the carrier. Unfortunately, you only have 15 days from the delivery date to file a concealed damage claim. Make sure you're as specific as possible about notating damage on the delivery receipt. Once you've made note of damage or loss on the delivery receipt then you have nine months from the delivery date to file a freight claim with the carrier. Freight damage shouldn't deter you from placing online orders but it's something everyone needs to be aware of and prepared for.
The most common problem with receiving small packages from FedEx, UPS, and USPS is not being available to inspect and sign for the package upon delivery. When you make an online purchase that requires delivery from a common carrier make sure you request a "signature required" service so you have the opportunity to inspect your package or packages. Requiring a signature upon delivery is especially important when you're ordering fragile or expensive items.
If you do receive a damaged package but you weren't available to inspect it and sign for it, call the carrier and the shipper immediately and make them aware of the situation. No two companies or carriers will have the same solution to your problem. Shippers and carriers have a tendency to blame each other for damaged packages, so it might take a few phone calls before a resolution is clear. Hopefully, you'll receive a call tag from the carrier at the request of the shipper to have the damaged merchandise picked up and sent back. Other times you'll have to deal directly with the carrier to resolve the claim. The longer you wait to make a claim the less likely it will be resolved in your favor.
Shopping online is a fast, convenient, and often inexpensive way to make purchases. A few clicks of your mouse and your order is on its way! Unfortunately, shipping can lead to damages and the loss of valuable merchandise. Don't let the risk of freight damage deter you from enjoying the convenience of eCommerce. Make sure you know the shipping policies of the companies you're ordering from to avoid unnecessary headaches and confusion. It's also a good idea to check the websites of carriers like FedEx and UPS so you're aware of their responsibilities as well as yours. For more helpful information take a look at Mission Restaurant Supply's shipping policies.
How to properly care for cast iron cookware!
It's an age old question that is constantly being asked: How do I care for my Cast Iron Cookware? If you own cast iron cookware it's important to follow a few simple steps before you start using it to prepare your favorite meals. By properly caring for your cast iron cookware you'll be able to pass it down the family tree for generations to come.
GETTING STARTED: The very first thing you want to do is rinse your pan with hot water and dry it completely. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the cooking surface of your pan and let it slowly pre-heat. You'll be ready for cooking once the pan is pre-heated. Always remember to avoid cooking cold food in your pan.
CLEANING: When you're done cooking in your pan you should use a stiff brush and hot water for cleaning. Using dish soap and other abrasive detergents should be avoided. Also remember it's never good to put a hot pan in cold water because thermal shock can lead to cracking and warping. Towel dry your cast iron pan completely and apply another thin coat of oil to the cooking surface. Never let your cast iron air dry and never put it in the dishwasher! If rust should happen to form on your cast iron pan simply scour it off with steel wool and re-season (see below). Always store your cast iron cookware in a cool, dry place or in an oven (remember to take it out before using the oven!).
RE-SEASONING: At some point food will start sticking to your pan or the color of your cast iron cookware will become dull. It's time to re-season! Rinse your cast iron with hot water and a mild soap. Make sure you dry your cast iron completely. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil on the inside and outside of your pan. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven to avoid dripping and place the pan upside down on the top rack. Set your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake your cast iron cookware for at least one hour then turn off your oven and let your cast iron cool off in the oven. Make sure your cast iron is stored in a cool, dry place.
By following these simple steps you should be able to enjoy using your cast iron cookware forever!
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The Games on Demand version supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish. Download the manual for this game by locating the game on http://marketplace.xbox.com and selecting "See Game Manual". Prison Break - The Conspiracy takes you inside the Prison Break world like you've never experienced it before. You are Tom Paxton, a Company agent sent inside Fox River Penitentiary to observe and report on prisoner Michael Scofield... What you encounter will change your Prison Break experience forever.
Buy Xbox content on Xbox.com. Your Xbox 360 console will automatically download the content next time you turn it on and connect to Xbox Live.Learn More
Click to create and send a link using your email application
Click to create and send a link using your email application


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By Diana Hefley Herald Writer
EVERETT — Alan Waterman is the poster child for the kind of drug trafficker society wants to see locked behind bars for good, a Snohomish County judge said Thursday.
He is the kind of dealer whom communities fear, pushing large quantities of drugs onto the streets, ignoring the damage, Superior Court Judge George Bowden added. Waterman, 25, either needs to figure out how to walk a straight path or he'll be in and out of prison for the rest of his life, the judge said.
Bowden sentenced Waterman on Thursday to nearly 10 years in prison for a drug trafficking charge. That's about 10 months shy of the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Waterman was accused of peddling more than two pounds of heroin a week out of a two Everett apartments on Dorn Avenue. He had been out of prison for only a few months before he was snared in an investigation into heroin trafficking in Snohomish County.
Waterman spent his early 20s locked behind bars for nearly killing an Everett police officer and her canine partner in a crash in 2007. At 19 and high on methamphetamine, Waterman was behind the wheel of a stolen Jeep Cherokee and fleeing from the scene of a burglary when he crashed into Everett police officer Suzanne Eviston's patrol car.
The car burst into flames and Eviston and her canine partner Axle were trapped inside. Firefighters had to peel the roof off the car to rescue them both.
Waterman was sentenced to seven years in prison. He behaved himself and was out after five.
In just a few short months, he became a high-level heroin dealer, making tens of thousands of dollars from the highly addictive drug, cops said. He stored large amounts of heroin in his apartment and sold out of a smaller apartment being rented to a woman who was then enrolled in the county's drug court. She has since been booted from the program.
Cops raided the apartments in August. They found $50,000 in two safes and 11 ounces of heroin. The man's girlfriend reportedly had tried to flush the drugs but the toilet had clogged. Officers found Waterman lying on a bed.
He told police he might cooperate, but he wanted to wait until he knew what they could do for him, court papers said.
Everett defense attorney Mark Mestel said Waterman is smart and has the potential to be a productive citizen. He lacks impulse control, the lawyer said.
Waterman apologized for an outburst he had last week in front of the judge.
"You have most of your life ahead of you," Bowden said. "You have plenty of time to turn your life around, but nobody can do that for you."
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; email@example.com.


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What are you looking for?
Henrique Rosset, a charismatic and determined entrepreneur, transformed his small shirt factory in the 1930™s into the most important textile manufacturer in South America. Today the Rosset Group is the largest textile manufacturer in Brazil, comprised of Valisere, leader in the high-end lingerie segment, and Cia.Maritima, the largest producer of beachwear in the country. Considered the hottest and most sought after swimwear line in Brazil, Cia.Maritima was launched by Benny Rosset in 1990. It is undoubtedly the most sophisticated found on the sultry beaches of Brazil. Benny created a unique marriage in Cia.Maritima; between decades of The Rosset Group™s fabric technology and expertise and the incorporation of detailed hand-work, fine embroideries, crystal beading and intricate lace. It is designed as a high-end boutique collection with very select distribution.


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'Under the terms of a new four-year affiliation contract, the Amerks have voluntarily given up control of hockey operations. The Sabres will be responsible for all players, coaches (Randy Cunneyworth and assistant Jon Christiano will return), equipment and trainers for the American Hockey League team. The radical adjustment in the affiliation means the Sabres hockey budget will increase $500,000 to $600,000 a year.'
Amerks hand control over to Sabres
July 18, 2001 Submitted by
Via: D and C


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'Miller then held Florida at bay, making made 11 saves in the final 18 minutes, including a stop on Stumpel with 1:17 to go. Miller also stopped six shots during the Panthers' two power plays in the final period.'
Buffalo 2, Florida 1
December 14, 2006 Submitted by
Via: AP


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Tuesday, May 28th
- May28All day
- May287:30pm
- May10-Nov10States' Rights v. Civil RightsSwem Library, Marshall Gallery, 1st floor RotundaConceived as a demonstration of American Cold War consensus, the Civil War centennial revealed how divided the country remained 100 years after Fort Sumter.
- Apr17-Oct16Blockades, Books, and Bassinets: Children playing, learning, and surviving during the Civil WarSwem Library, Special Collections lobbyThrough materials like diaries, letters and photos, Blockades, Books, and Bassinets illustrates the lives of children of various ages, stages, and locations during this period. These are the stories of Charley, Willie, Nell, Lizzie, and many others.
- Mar1-Aug23Lost & Found at W&MSwem Library, Read & Relax area, 1st floorOver the years some College artifacts, library possessions and personal items that had been lost have been returned to the College. Many lost treasures now make their home in Swem Library's Special Collections. A new exhibit displays some of these items.
- Feb27-Aug26Jefferson Hall Fire: 30th AnniversarySwem Library, Case next to Tribe TutorZoneThrough photos and interviews, the Jefferson Hall Fire exhibit captures the devastating results of a fire that broke out in one of the College's dormitories in 1983.
- Feb6-Aug1Under the Shield: The Federal Occupation of the Historic TriangleSwem Library, Nancy Marshall Gallery, first floorThis exhibit explores the federal occupation of the Historic Triangle during the Civil War and its impact on area residents. Letters, newspaper articles and other items reveal a unified hope for the war to end, but with varied desired outcomes.
- Feb4-Aug13The Inevitable Present: Integration at William & MarySwem Library, Marshall Gallery (1st floor Rotunda) and Read & Relax areaIntegration at William & Mary was not achieved simply with the acceptance of the first students of color; instead it has been a decades-long process. A new exhibit at Swem Library traces the admission of some of the first W&M African American students.
- Oct38am-Dec315pmFrom Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union ExhibitsSwem Library, Special Collections Research CenterVisit Swem Library for exhibits from the "From Fights To Rights" project commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Exhibits rotate at least twice each year.
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text:
When I did:
apt-get install nvidia-current
I got the following error:
Building initial module for 2.6.38
When looking in the mentioned make.log it said something about ioctl not found.Code:Error! Bad return status for module build on kernel: 2.6.38 (x86_64) Consult the make.log in the build directory /var/lib/dkms/nvidia-current/195.36.24/build/ for more information. dpkg: error processing nvidia-current (--configure): subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 10 Processing triggers for python-gmenu ... Rebuilding /usr/share/applications/desktop.en_US.utf8.cache... Processing triggers for initramfs-tools ... update-initramfs: Generating /boot/initrd.img-2.6.38 Processing triggers for python-support ... Errors were encountered while processing: nvidia-current
I fixed this by editing the file /usr/src/nvidia-current-195.36.24/nv.c and changing the line:
into:Code:.ioctl = nv_kern_ioctl,
Then 'apt-get install nvidia-current' should work.Code:.unlocked_ioctl = nv_kern_unlocked_ioctl,
If not try:
dkms build -m nvidia-current -v 195.36.24
dkms install -m nvidia-current -v 195.36.24
modprobe nvidia-current


text:
yes there is a much faster way:
take yourself to the side, give yourself a bloody good talking to, then spike your own drink!
hopefully you should by then have obtained the key from yourself!
Last week I decided to check if my network was secure "enough". I got my WPA Handshake within seconds (which is quite acceptable). I then got down to trying to crack it.
I used all the dictionaries i could get my hands on to try and brute-force my way in but found nothing. So far so good. But I still wasn't convinced.
Through some social engineering, and after a few pints of lager, i tricked myself into telling me that the password was made of a 10 digit mixture of letters and numbers. I therefore tried a different way:
/pentest/password/crunch 10 10 "abcdefghijkl.......1234567890" | aircrack-ng ..... wpa-01.cap
After something like 4 days of scanning 385 keys/second it had barely just started the 3rd digit. This made me feel a lot safer.
Question: Are there "faster" ways other than crunch to get to a 10 digit password by checking every possible permutation, or may I assume that no one is going to have the time to crack my password (at least for the next few hundreds of years) ???
yes there is a much faster way:
take yourself to the side, give yourself a bloody good talking to, then spike your own drink!
hopefully you should by then have obtained the key from yourself!
crunch is really fast to generate, but you pipe to aircrack-ng (and the limitation is not crunch here, but aircrack-ng), perhaps if you have CUDA ready you can try with aircrack-ng CUDA, or try another software such as pyrit (you create a database using cuda, and you pipe to cowpatty).
After for 8 character it's very large, you probably need a smal cluster, for 10 ch i think you can leave, the problem is if the ssid is not general you can't use precomputed database allready made for crack the password (it's same as a salted sha1 or other) you need to generate an another database (or table).
For WPA you can also leave TKIP if you use it, it's not broken but attack is possible (suck as a speed AP crash, or replaying small packets)


text:
Each serves 1.
Prepare batter for pound cake. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray multi-cavity mini cupcake pan with vegetable pan spray with flour. Pour batter into pan. Bake 28-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 20 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.
Tint buttercream icing green, orange, blue, yellow and red. Reserve some white. Remove crowns from cakes. Place cupcake bases (cupcake bottoms) upside down on plates or cake circles.
If desired, mark tent opening area with toothpick; spatula ice with white icing. Decorate remainder of "tent" with tip 18 outline. Attach tent "top" with icing between layers; divide top into 4 sections (can be marked with toothpick). Using 2 contrasting colors from tent bottom, decorate top with tip 18 stars, zigzag or outline. Attach icing decorations in "tent opening". Make construction paper flags; attach with tape to lollipop sticks. Insert into tent top.


text: Former SNL actor and bad movie mainstay Chris Kattan was arrested for DUI very early this morning. Apparently Chris was driving all over the highway and people called the police. The police didn't get him pulled over before he rear ended a Department Of Transportation truck that was parked beyond some cones on a closed off section of the highway. Yeah, you know someone is blitzed when they run through cones and hit something. Chris is always fighting to stay clean and doesn't do a very good job of it. He usually looks like he has been up for days doing drugs and probably has. He is the star of five or six blinds but could be twenty or thirty if I wanted to write about him more. There is one about an assistant he hired just because she could get him the best drugs. That was while he was married. I don't remember if the blind talked about the sex he would have with the assistant.


text:
Nerve damage from diabetes - self-careDiabetic neuropathy - self-care
People with diabetes can have nerve problems. This is called diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy happens when you have high blood sugar levels over a long time. This causes damage to the nerves that go to your legs, arms, digestive tract, heart, and bladder.
The nerve damage can cause many different problems in your body.
Tingling or burning in the arms and legs may be an early sign of nerve damage. These feelings often start in your toes and feet. You may have deep pain. This often happens in the feet and legs.
Nerve damage may cause you to lose feeling in your legs and arms. Because of this, you may:
- Not notice when you step on something sharp
- Not know you have a blister or small wound
- Not notice when you touch something too hot or too cold
People with diabetes may have problems digesting food. These problems can make your diabetes harder to control. Symptoms of this problem are:
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
- Heartburn and bloating
- Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
- Swallowing problems
- Throwing up undigested food several hours after a meal
Heart-related problems may include:
- Light-headedness, or even fainting, when sitting or standing up
- Rapid heart rate
Neuropathy may "hide" angina. This is the warning chest pain for heart disease and heart attack. People with diabetes should learn other warning signs of a heart attack. They are sudden fatigue, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.
Other symptoms of nerve damage are:
- Sexual problems. Men may have problems with erections. Women may have trouble with vaginal dryness or orgasm.
- Not being able to tell when your blood sugar gets too low
- Bladder problems. You may leak urine. You may not be able to tell when your bladder is full. Some people are not able to empty their bladder.
- Sweating too much -- when the temperature is cool, when you are at rest, or at other unusual times
Treating and Preventing Nerve Damage from Diabetes
Treating diabetic neuropathy can make some symptoms of nerve problems better. The best way to keep the problem from getting worse is to have tight control of your blood sugar.
Your doctor can give you medicines to help with some of these symptoms.
- Medicines may help reduce painful symptoms in the feet, legs, and arms. They usually do not bring back loss of feeling.
- Your health care provider may give you medicines to help with problems going to the bathroom.
- Other medicines can help with erection problems.
You should also:
- Take care of your feet
- Have a careful foot examination when you see your health care provider. These exams can find small infections. They can also keep foot injuries from getting worse.
American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes -- 2013. Diabetes Care. 2013;36 Suppl 1:S11-S66.
Brownlee M, Aiello LP, Cooper ME, et al. Complications of diabetes mellitus. In: Mehmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 33.
Review Date: 12/11/2012
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.


text:
Toggle: English / Spanish
A skin abscess is a buildup of pus in or on the skin.
Abscess - skin; Cutaneous abscess; Subcutaneous abscess
Skin abscesses are common and affect people of all ages. They occur when an infection causes pus to collect in the skin.
Skin abscesses may occur after:
A skin abscess may occur anywhere on the body.
Symptoms may include:
Your health care provider can diagnose the problem by looking at the affected area. The drainage from the sore may be sent to the lab for a culture. This can help identify the cause of the infection.
You can apply moist heat (such as warm compresses) to help the abscess drain and heal faster. DO NOT push and squeeze on the abscess.
Your health care provider may cut open the abscess and drain it. If this is done:
You may need to take antibiotics by mouth to control the infection.
Most skin abscesses can be cured with proper treatment. Infections caused by methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) respond to specific antibiotics.
Complications that can occur from an abscess include:
Call your health care provider if you have any signs of skin infection, including:
Talk to your health care provider if you develop new symptoms during or after treatment of a skin abscess.
Keep the skin around minor wounds clean and dry to prevent infection. Call your health care provider if you notice signs of infection. Take care of minor infections promptly.
Daum RS. Staphylococcus aureus. In: Long SS, ed. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 115.
Pasternack MS, Swartz MN. Cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and subcutaneous tissue infections. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 90.
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text:
LONG BEACH - After an eventful year that included a feature in Sunset Magazine and the installation of the city's first parklet at his business, Lola's Mexican Cuisine owner Luis Navarro wanted to celebrate the restaurant's success with his employees.
He usually does a New Year's Eve party at the restaurant with employees and customers, but this year he wanted to do something different.
So he made room in his budget, and thanks to a friend and customer, the Retro Row business owner hosted a holiday party this past weekend at the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. It was an intimate, family-style celebration with barbecue and a jumper for the kids.
"We really had this phenomenal year and I wanted to do something really nice, so that our employees understand that they're appreciated," Navarro said.
Small-business owners such as Navarro are making room in their budgets for office holiday parties, which have been absent or toned down in recent years because of the economic downturn.
The office holiday party is seeing a bit of a resurgence this year. According to the 2012 American Express OPEN Small Business Holiday Monitor, 40 percent of small business owners plan to throw a holiday party. This is up from 35 percent last year, according to the annual report, which surveyed a random sample of 501 small business owners and managers of companies with fewer than 100 employees.
The average business will spend $959 on their party this year, down slightly from $1,029 in 2011, according to the survey.
"Business owners are feeling more at ease around cash flow and are less concerned with the economy overall," said Alice Bredin, small business adviser to American Express OPEN. "The data supports that. Business owners value their employees. They work alongside them all year long and they know that their success is due in large part to them and one of the key ways to thank them is to throw a holiday party."
A few years ago, a holiday might not have been cost-effective or appropriate, she said.
"There was tremendous economic uncertainty, and also, for some business owners, after just letting people go, or knowing that they might have to let people go, the last thing you want to do is let people go on Monday and throw a holiday party on Friday. It's tacky, especially at a small company. It just won't fly because people work so closely together. You're asking your employees pinch and crimp, cut back their hours, etc., and then, `Oh! There's a holiday party."'
Bredin said it's not farfetched to use the holiday party as a barometer for the health of an organization.
"If a company is planning a holiday party, that indicates to me that they're feeling comfortable enough both economically and from a company environment perspective to do that kind of event," she said.
Regardless of circumstances, Navarro said thanking his employees is important.
"We've got to take care of our people and let them know that they're doing a good job," he said. "You don't have to break the bank; at least you're doing something to let them know they're appreciated."
firstname.lastname@example.com, 562-714-2088, twitter.com/KarenMeeksPT


text:
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Explore the latest dining and nightlife specials
Eleven dining and lounge venues at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi showcase cuisine from all corners of the globe. From lavish Mediterranean choices and house-made Italian pasta to Southeast Asian specialties and Japanese Teppan, from regional Indian delights to light snacks at our rooftop infinity pool, this Abu Dhabi resort offers a spectacular array of choices to satisfy the cravings of every guest.
All dishes are created from the freshest ingredients daily. Our lounges and bars are a destination hot-spot for both sophisticated visitors and the fashionable denizens of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, featuring breathtaking vistas, international DJs and innovative refreshments.
*Price is subject to a 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee and 4% municipality charge.
Amici offers a casual ambience to dine with family and friends with rustic and unpretentious classic Italian regional cuisine such as traditional pasta and antipasti or pizza directly from the wood fired oven, accompanied by a delectable beverage menu to complete a fantastic dining experience. Dine indoors or outside in tranquil surroundings on the terrace.
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Angar brings a taste of authentic India to Abu Dhabi, taking traditional Indian flavours and spices and giving them a deliciously modern twist. Specialities include marinated meats and seafood rich in flavour, served directly from the tandoor with the freshest naan and roti.
Serving Dinner
Open Daily
Dinner 7:00 - 11:00 pm
A delectable fusion of flavours from regions bordering the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf, Atayeb takes Moroccan, Tunisian, Lebanese and Syrian old world tastes and gives them a modern flair producing delicious hot and cold mezzeh, stews, tajines and couscous dishes.
Serving Dinner
Open Daily
7:00 pm -1:00 am
Kazu is a true taste of Japan. Discover the tasty delights created by our Teppan chefs, savour culinary masterpieces from our sushi chefs and enjoy a mouth-watering selection from the robatayaki grill. With a dedicated sushi and sashimi bar, a tempura station as well as sake experts to recommend the perfect accompaniment to your meal, Kazu provides the perfect authentic Japanese dining experience.
Open Daily
Dinner 7:00-11:00 pm
Noodle Box offers contemporary South East Asian cuisine in casual yet vibrant surroundings. Specialities include Laksa, Nasi Goreng, Thai curries, dim sum and other Chinese classics infused with the irresistible tastes and aromas of the East.
Serving Lunch | Dinner
Open Daily
3:30 - 11:00 pm
Origins offers an outstanding international buffet as well as a delicious selection of local and regional speciality dishes. Dine indoors and soak up the vibrant surroundings at the heart of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi or outdoors on the spacious terrace overlooking Yas Marina Circuit.


text:
TAJ Productions is an American recording studio that was responsible for dubbing of Pokémon anime. The company closely worked with 4Kids Entertainment until the end of Season five, when 4Kids took their own recording studio. In 2006, the company once again gained responsibility for the dubbing after 4Kids lost the licenses right of the anime.
On January 2, 2008, TAJ Productions announced that they will no longer recoding the series. Their recoding studio was taken over by DuArt Film & Video and the company shutdown in Early 2009.


text:
Y2K: A Real GSA Project, Not Just the Flavor of the Month
January 4, 2000
Contact: Bill Bearden (202) 501-1231
WASHINGTON, D.C. --Since the Y2k rollover at midnight last Friday, the U.S. General Services Administration has had no reported problems in its local and long-distance service and only 13 minor glitches in its 8,300 owned and leased buildings. None resulted in interrupted operations.
The smooth federal government transition, a monumental accomplishment, was no accident. It resulted from methodical, painstaking inspections of thousands of systems in thousands of buildings, starting five years ago.
"Our task was like getting your house ready for a new electrical system, but multiplied exponentially," said Diane Savoy, who headed GSA's Y2K project, which was one of the most intensive agency efforts in its 50-year history.
"In a house, you go over every inch to see what will be affected, to see where there could be electrical fires in the midst of installing the new system, etc.," she said. "Well, that's what we had to do with thousands of federal facilities.
"Another difference between a GSA executive and a homeowner is that, instead of a four-bedroom home for a family of four, we oversee an 8,300-building inventory, and there are more than 14,000 GSA workers delivering our vast services. These buildings include sophisticated and complex telecommunications systems that need to be assessed as well."
There also is an internal information technology infrastructure and an array of systems that had to continue to be fully operational to enable GSA employees to meet the requirements of the other federal agencies, GSA's customers. And Savoy had to devise a way to do the job without becoming mired in multi-layered federal bureaucracy.
"A key element in our successful strategy was having the support of the agency's top managers from start to finish," said Savoy, GSA's assistant chief information officer and 31-year veteran federal government worker. "Throughout the process, I briefed Administrator Dave Barram and Deputy Administer Thurman Davis personally. The total executive management team in the agency was kept apprised of the organization's status. As a result, whenever I needed anything throughout the agency, I got it. All I had to do was pick up the phone and ask. The cooperation was simply tremendous."
"The tremendous teamwork -- communications and information sharing that occurred internally - has been something that we can use as a benchmark, as we prepare to meet the many other challenges that will be facing us in the coming years," Barram said.
Another key element in GSA's successful Y2k strategy was an 81-page, GSA Year 2000 Business Continuity and Contingency Plan. That plan lists each system by name and explains the risk if the system fails on a specific date. It also assesses probability and potential damage to GSA and its federal agency customers and where the risk ranks as an overall GSA business priority; the mitigation strategy, with a completion date, names the event that may trigger implementation of a contingency plan and the person designated to implement it.
Savoy shepherded the GSA Y2K preparedness strategy from birth to maturity in just five years. It all started with former Deputy GSA Chief Information Officer (CIO) Don Venneberg, who attended one of the first Y2K conferences and met a representative from the Social Security Administration, Kathy Adams.
"He came back with, literally, a bag filled with information and said we needed to start working on the problem. He asked me to take charge of the project," Savoy said.
In late 1995, GSA decided on a national strategy. Savoy formed a three-member team from the CIO's staff.
"We knew we needed to work with individuals from all levels of the agency," she said. "We spoke to the commissioners and the staff offices. We contacted, then visited all the regional administrators and asked each one to name a Y2K officer."
GSA Administrator Dave Barram, who had 26 years of experience in the technology field, knew that GSA's business had to be the best possible in order to retain its federal agency customers and that GSA needed a Y2K readiness project.
Barram remained personally involved, along with Deputy Administrator Davis and the commissioners of the agency's buildings, technology and supply services and several regional administrators.
"Everybody stepped up to the plate, assuming responsibility and accountability," Savoy said. "The need to fulfill our customers' expectations, with no technology breakdown in a technology age, lent urgency to the project. We needed to demonstrate that we could meet the Y2K challenge, if we were going to continue to deliver excellent services efficiently, especially now that agencies no longer are required to use our services, which also generate most of our dollars."
Initially, GSA's Y2K teams looked only at computers. Then they branched out to building operations that involved computerized operations for elevators, energy-control systems, telecommunications systems, etc.
"I recognized from the start that I could not do it alone," Savoy said. "I never wanted to be the Y2K Czar, or Czarina. I had to get the cooperation and collaboration of everyone in the agency nationwide -- which includes 11 regional offices and many field offices. I also had to get them to accept accountability along with responsibility.
"We shared responsibilities, making sure the experts assumed accountability along with responsibility. We required each service and region to supply us with monthly reports, including dates, accomplishments and items needed. If we needed further explanation of items in the reports, we asked for and got them."
Not everyone was thrilled with being asked to work across the agency to meet such a huge challenge. But most recognized the need.
"I always said to people that if one individual fails, we all fail," Savoy said. "People realized it was a real project, not just the flavor of the month. The Administrator even personally requested and has a bold Y2K exhibit outside his office. Everyone who goes to see him sees the progress made throughout the agency. Such visibility encourages people to strive to do the job well.
"In less than a year from our start, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) started requiring all federal agencies to submit quarterly Y2K reports to GSA. When OMB asked for quarterly reports from all federal agencies, our folks asked whether they could move to quarterly reports. I said they couldn't. I wanted to see our progress continuously and, if there was a problem or slippage in schedule, I wanted to know what was wrong in a more timely basis rather than have to wait until the end of the quarter. The goal was to get problems identified and corrected early, not to penalize anyone."
In addition to working within the agency, the buildings, technology and supply services also built on existing relationships with business communities.
"We had 1,431 system data exchanges with the private sector," Savoy said. "These exchanges had to be Y2K compliant. A cooperative venture ensured that both GSA and our data exchange partners set as a high priority. Our private sector partners were very cooperative in working with us.
"The only real problem we had along the way was with some of the companies whose attorneys had advised them not to share information that we had requested about the Y2K readiness of their products. They said that if their clients said they were Y2K ready, they would be opening themselves up to lawsuits, if it turned out they weren't. So they were afraid to share information with us. We needed that information because we were using their products. Eventually, Congress passed a law saying that sharing Y2K information would not subject companies to lawsuits. This had a significant, and almost immediate, impact on our receipt of needed information.
"GSA also established relationships with Congress. We wanted them to know and understand what GSA had planned and was accomplishing as a result of our Y2K effort. We periodically briefed them on our building and telecommunications systems efforts, as well as our internal efforts. Having congressional staff more knowledgeable about our plans and accomplishments certainly did not hurt us as they gave report cards assessing Y2K preparedness at each federal agency. Another outcome of this effort was that they referred numerous Y2K contractors to us that we assisted in getting on the appropriate GSA schedule so that they could offer their services government-wide.
"GSA had to succeed. If other agencies succeeded in accomplishing smooth rollovers, and we did not, those agencies still wouldn't be able to operate. Our obligation to the rest of the federal government agencies that we service served as a constant and compelling motivator for our accomplishments and success. We viewed this as a great opportunity agencywide to truly thrill our customers.
"Y2K even became an item of discussion at the presidential level. This resulted in President Clinton's appointment of John Koskinen to represent him in leading the nation's Y2K efforts. The rest is history."
# # #


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text:
In 1998 General Cable Corp. had edged into global production, with 18 manufacturing facilities in three countries. Fast forward to 2012 and the Highland Heights, Ky.-based manufacturing firm has expanded to 47 manufacturing facilities across 25 countries.
It hasn't been an easy course. The company develops, designs and manufactures copper, aluminum and fiber optic wire and cable products for a variety of markets. The challenge General Cable faces is in differentiating itself from the competition when everyone largely uses the same raw materials, the same processing equipment from the same suppliers and then produces to a 90% common specification.
Some 10 or so years ago, senior leadership seized upon lean manufacturing as a means to differentiate the company, later complemented with a Six Sigma methodology. Lean's attraction for General Cable was both its waste-elimination component and its reliance on the talents of the entire workforce to continually improve.
"In order to have control of our destiny, we needed to have a best cost position," says Gregory Kenny, General Cable's president and chief executive officer.
Today, he says, "We've got an army of change agents who think about lean as a natural instinct as opposed to, 'Oh it's time to think about lean.' Making the company better continually has allowed us to really get through some tough times."
In 2011, two General Cable manufacturing plants earned the title of IW Best Plants winner in recognition of their achievements in operational excellence. Kenny and Mark Thackeray, General Cable's senior vice president of North American operations, recently spoke to IndustryWeek about the impact lean and Six Sigma have had on the company's bottom line and global growth, and the role senior management plays in driving a continuous-improvement culture.
IW: Does this focus on continuous improvement translate to bottom-line benefits? In what ways has it impacted the financial health of General Cable, the corporation?
GK: In North America, where we've been at it for a good 12 years we're going through a very difficult construction environment, and while not every one of our products is impacted directly by construction, North American demand is off from the '05-'06 peak, broadly, by 20% to 30%. Yet our operating performance -- everything from service metrics, lead times, working capital efficiency, SG&A -- is very good, and we're growing with our key customers. So we're making money in as difficult a time as we've ever seen from a macro environment.
Today our U.S. operations are operating at three or four times the profitability that they were in the last, much gentler down cycle [in 2001-2003]. That's a result, in good measure, of this lean journey, which is taking fundamentally tens of millions [of dollars] of waste out of the system.
IW: How so?
GK: We've run probably thousands of [improvement] projects over the last 12 years, and I would say the average project has a measurable payback of $10,000 to $100,000 -- sometimes much bigger. The cumulative effect of that is pretty profound.


text: Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images [ Lindsey Vonn Withdraws From Olympic Consideration By Dave Overlund January 7, 2014 Vonn made the announcement Tuesday morning on her Facebook page Read More Category: Sports Tags: knee, Lindsey Vonn, Olympics, skiing, sochi, Team USA, withdraws Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!