text:
☬ Name: Kirigaya Kazuto 桐ヶ谷和人
Basic Information
☬ Nickname: Kirito キリト
☬ Gender: Male
☬ Age: 16
☬ Clan: Hyuuga 日向一族
☬ Appearance:
Kazuto is a sixteen year old boy, appearing young for his age with no trace of masculinity in his face. he has medium-length black hair, falling down to slightly below the height of his ears and has white featureless eyes like any other Hyuuga but wears black contacts to cover them up. He wears a long black trenchcoat which has a high collar and white linings on it with an Iwagakure head protector knitted onto the top of the left sleeve and wears a regular black shirt underneath along with a pair of leather gloves from which the fingertips are cut off, revealing part of his fingers. Kazuto also wears a pair of regular black pants and sturdy black boots which providing an excellent grip. Strapped across his back, Kazuto carries two scabbards, each containing a uniquely designed one-handed longsword.
☬ Personality:
Kazuto, who prefers to be called Kirito, is someone who isn't good with words and can be quite direct. This is due to him not having many friendships and closing others off, because of his love for becoming the strongest. As such he can come off as a rude person to others. He sometimes actually seems to enjoy angering people as well. However, Kirito is actually a kind person who just is misunderstood. Despite the general population opinion, he refuses to abandon another comrade in trouble. He also comforts others who are scared or down, giving them the strength to move forward. He claims to help some kunoichi across the Ninja World beacuse they remind him of his sister, who he feels guilty for believing he forced her into kendo. These kind acts have earn him respect and affection from many girls. Kirito though, is seen to be almost oblivious to such romantic affection. Kirito is also a very emotional person and lets his emotions control him from time to time. This worries his friends and allies as Kirito is someone who would let guilt ruin his life if not comforted. He also tries to hide his abilites not wanting uneeded attention. Playful at times, he is also shows a very mature and calm side on him, capable of intimidating his enemies and encouraging his allies. He though, will not think twice when having the opportunity to sexually harass his female friends.
Village Information
ϟ Village of Birth ϟ ϟ Village of Alliance ϟ ϟ Group Affiliation ϟ Konohagakure Iwagakure Luciano Family☬ Rank: Sannin
Rank//Chakra Information
☬ Specialty: Suiton | Byakugan | Jyuuken
☬ Suiton:
Kazuto is exceptionally gifted at suiton, having it both as a specialty and first affinity he can perform water jutsu with but one handseal. Kazuto managed to harness his water chakra properly after training vigoursly and soon grew to be adept in the use of water jutsu. He often practices his water jutsu and with help has gained a fair understanding of the water element.
☬ Byakugan:
Due to his heritage Kazuto possesses the Byakugan which grants him a 360 degrees field of vision with only a tiny blind spot at the back of his neck aswell as telescopic x-ray vision which allows him to see through any tangible or intangible objects, the biggest advantage given though is the ability to see chakra flow with great detail.
☬ Jyuuken:
Gentle Fist is a form of hand-to-hand combat used by members of the Hyuuga clan. It inflicts internal damage by attacking the body's Chakra Pathway System, subsequently injuring organs which are closely intertwined with the area of the network which has been struck. To do this, the user surgically injects a certain amount of their own chakra into the opponent's chakra pathway system, causing damage to surrounding organs due to their proximity to the chakra circulatory system. Even the slightest tap can cause severe internal damage, hence the name gentle fist.
☬ Weapons:
ϟ Elements ϟ ϟ Techniques ϟ 水 Suiton → Mastered Jyuuken → Mastered 雷 Raiton → Mastered Genjutsu → Mastered 火 Katon → Mastered Taijutsu → B-Rank 風 Futon → Mastered Kenjutsu → C-Rank 土 Doton → Mastered Ninjutsu → C-Rank
Kazuto is equipped with two swords at all times, the Elucidator and the Dark Repulser. The Elucidator is a black sword with white lining on the cutting edges. The hilt branches off in two directions, one connects with the blade while the other branches off downward and is connected by a sort of arc, which connects the primary blade with the branched off part of the hilt. The Elucidator is the heavier of the two swords and due to that it has slightly more force when swung than the Dark Repulser and is more suitable to counter other swords and such. The Dark Repulser is a sword with a green-ish tint across it. The hilt is longer than that of the Elucidator and it branches of into two linear directions in the shape of two cone-like triangles. The part inbetween the primary part of the blade and the hilt is thinner than the rest of the blade and two parts branch off, both parts are shaped like halved triangles. Along the blade it grows thinner but at the tip widens forming a sort of triangle shaped tip. The Dark Repulser is lighter than the Elucidator and slightly sharper, making it more suitable for quick and clean cuts. Both swords have blades of roughly one point five meters long and are sheated in separate scabbards which Kazuto carries across his back.
☬ Summoning:
On the inside of his lower left arm Kazuto has a tattoo which resembles a Stingray and by swiping his blood across it Kazuto is able to summon a wide variety of Rays to aid him in battle aswell as use a variety of unique techniques. The Rays hail from the Lake of Antiquity, an epitome of beauty with nature untouched and unspoiled by the average human.
Background Information
☬ History ☬
Kirigaya Kazuto was born into a small family in Konohagakure's Hyuuga clan. His family consisted only out of his parents and himself. However, barely a year after his birth he lost his parents in a fatal accident and left as an orphan he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, who themselves also had a daughter, Suguha who was a year younger than Kazuto, who always considered her as his little sister. His aunt and uncle both lived in Iwagakure, as his aunt who was his mother's sister married an Iwarian shinobi. From a young age Kazuto and Suguha were encouraged to learn kendo and were taught under their grandfather's tutelage at a local kendo dojo. Two years later Kazuto lost interest in kendo due to his aunt's influence who herself was a jyuuken practicioner, which led to Kazuto dropping kendo and practicing jyuuken instead in which he displayed immense skill from a young age.
At the age of nine Kazuto enrolled into Iwagakure's ninja academy and his talent earned him a reputation, however this reputation was frowned upon by his fellow students but Kazuto never really paid them any mind and only did what he had to do and graduated from the ninja academy after one year. Later that year Kazuto entered the chuunin exams, where he passed each test without too much effort, the exam is also the place where Kazuto first met Asuna whom he would soon grow close to and Cline, a swordsman who most of the time comes over like a hopeless romantic when in contact with women and Agil, a shinobi who although he possessed immense strength preferred to work in a safe area and make money through merchanting instead of actually carrying out missions unless they have a large reward.
It was three years later when Kazuto, who was a jounin by now was assigned to lead a team of three genin but that did not last long, after two months the team was on a mission when they were ambushed by a group of bandits, the enemy wasn't too formidable for Kazuto but that was a different case for his team. Although hastily cutting through the enemies in order to save his team Kazuto was too late and watched his teammates as they died one by one. This brought a large feeling of guilt upon Kazuto as he believed his team died due to his carelessness and affected his general behaviour, trying to avoid having to go on missions with others as he feared that he would let his teammates die again.
Time passed, the now sixteen year old Kazuto has cleared countless of missions for Iwagakure, throughout the years Kazuto encountered several others such as Silicia, a little girl who was in trouble whom he helped out using the excuse that she reminded him of his little sister who he had been neglecting for so long. Kazuto now lives together with Asuna, whom he had met five years ago at the chuunin exams and grew close to, eventually marrying her. The two of them live in a small cabin in the outer skirts of Iwagakure.
Suddenly the village of Sunagakure declared war on Iwagakure. Kazuto was one of the Iwarians sent to fight on the front line, they spread out across the battlefield and Kazuto faced one of the enemy shinobi, that fight however didn't last long, Kazuto overwhelmed his opponent and took his unconcious body back to the village for interrogation. Shortly afterwards Sunagakure received backup from Kumogakure, the Iwarians at first seemed to be at a disadvantage as they were outnumbered but they held their ground and in the end the war was ended through a peacefull solution.
ϟ To be continued ϟ
Other Information
☬ Theme:
Battle Information
ϟ Battles Won ϟ ϟ Battles Lost ϟ 2 0
Updating: Kirito キリト | V.2
- Adjusted layout
- Genjutsu = Mastered
- Water = Mastered
- Ninjutsu = C-Rank
- Added paragraph to history
- Updated Battle Info


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The target audience for summer blockbuster movies aren't that different from blockbuster video games. Popcorn flicks feature fast-paced action with special effects, and hit games usually also feature intense action sequences with the latest graphical tricks. Perhaps for this reason, some Hollywood executives are sweating the release of Grand Theft Auto IV.
In particular, the Iron Man movie will hit screens at the end of this week in an environment now filled with people playing Grand Theft Auto IV. The target demographic for Iron Man shares much overlap with GTA IV, causing some concern for Hollywood.
According to the Financial Times, EA CEO John Riccitiello said that movie executives have told him they worry that GTA IV would take away from Iron Man box office. "I don't think I've ever heard of that before," he says. "There's a big reset happening now."
This isn't the first time that Hollywood is looking at a hot game property with some trepidation. Last fall, the release of Halo 3 pulled in at $170 million on day one, eventually amounting to over $300 million on the game alone in the first week.
Money spent on games could mean less money on movie tickets – a fact that movie executives used to help explain the poor performance of The Heartbreak Kid, the film that reunited the Farrelly brothers with Ben Stiller.
Marvel Studios' president of marketing Geoff Ammer expressed optimism for both properties sharing the same week. "The two properties can co-exist in the marketplace," he says. "We believe that moviegoers will make going to see Iron Man part of their weekend plans."
Interestingly, little mention was made of the Iron Man videogame, which also released this week on every current game console.

subset: commoncrawl


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Police information collection and exchange mechanisms across West Africa focus of INTERPOL workshop
ABUJA, Nigeria – Defining national mechanisms and procedures for collecting and exchanging police information for the development of national automated police databases was the focus of the fourth INTERPOL West African Police Information System (WAPIS) workshop hosted by the Nigerian Police.
The three-day (2 – 4 May) meeting, held in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), brought together some 30 representatives from the five pilot countries - Benin, Ghana, Mali, Mauritania and Niger – INTERPOL, the European Union (EU) and CIVIPOL.
Delegates shared information about existing police information and processes and defined how WAPIS will be used in each participating country and recommended the creation of national WAPIS committees to coordinate implementation at the national level.
Special Representative of INTERPOL to the EU Pierre Reuland recognized the ongoing development of the WAPIS programme following its launch in Brussels in September 2012, and the value it will bring in the future.
"By using existing INTERPOL structures in West Africa, WAPIS will become a model for other regions in Africa and throughout the world," said Mr Reuland.
Alan Munday, the Head of the Political Governance and Democracy section of the EU Delegation said the WAPIS programme 'will provide the tool to exchange criminal information, the key element of efficient modern policing.'
The Head of the Regional Security Division of ECOWAS, Lieutenant Colonel Dieng, said that the WAPIS programme will facilitate the accurate collection and sharing of police information in West Africa, and welcomed the permanent WAPIS coordinator based within the ECOWAS Regional Security Division in Abuja.
Addressing the meeting on behalf of the Nigeria Police Chief, INTERPOL's Vice President for Africa and Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mohammed underlined the country's commitment to the WAPIS programme which will enable West African countries 'to more effectively fight crime through enhanced information exchange' and that Nigeria was eager to join the pilot programme.
Developed by INTERPOL, the WAPIS programme is an EU-funded project to facilitate the collection, centralization, management, sharing and analysis of police information among countries belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Mauritania.
The next workshop will take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire at the INTERPOL Regional Bureau and will focus on Information and Communication Technologies (5-7 June).


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INTERPOL recognizes Russian police for swift capture of suspect in fatal shooting in Belgorod
LYON, France – The Head of INTERPOL has recognized the professionalism of Russian law enforcement in the swift location and arrest of the suspect in the recent Belgorod shooting in which six people were killed, including a 14-year-old girl.
Following the shooting on Monday 22 April, Russian authorities launched a massive manhunt involving some 2,000 officers. Just 36 hours later the suspect, Sergei Pomazun, was arrested on a freight train as he was attempting to flee the city.
During his visit to the world police body's General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon, Russia's Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev was presented with a letter of recognition and certificates commending the bravery of the four officers who took the 31-year-old suspect into custody, one of whom suffered knife injuries during the arrest.
"This recognition by INTERPOL of the actions of the Russian police following the tragedy in Belgorod is one which I accept on behalf of all our law enforcement officers, and with pride in their professionalism," said Minister Kolokoltsev.
"Threats to security and safety can come from anywhere at any time, which is why international police cooperation is essential and why Russia will continue to work closely with INTERPOL in combating all types of crime," added the Minister.
"The swift reactions of the Russian law enforcement authorities to what was an horrific and apparently random shooting were both professional and effective, resulting in the fast location and arrest of the suspect," said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.
"With one of the officers suffering knife injuries to his head during the apprehension of the suspect, this is once more a reminder of the dangers faced by police in the line of duty as part of their daily efforts to protect citizens around the world.
"I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all the victims and wish the police officer who suffered injuries a full and speedy recovery," concluded the INTERPOL Chief.
With the Belgorod shootings occurring just one week after the Boston Marathon bombing, the issue of terror attacks both domestic and international was high on the agenda for discussions between Secretary General Noble and Minister Kolokoltsev, particularly the need for information sharing.
Russia is an active member of INTERPOL's anti-terrorism efforts through the Fusion Task Force initiatives, both through the National Central Bureau in Moscow and the Anti-Terrorism Centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States.


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INTERPOL wins global award for 'exceptional' work in combating illicit trade and counterfeiting
INTERPOL honour announced on World Anti-Counterfeiting Day
LYON, France – The Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) has named INTERPOL the 2013 winner of its International Public Body award for its 'exceptional' work towards combating the trafficking in illicit goods and counterfeiting.
Announced on World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Awards are made as a continuing recognition of special achievements by individuals, companies and organizations.
"This award acknowledges not just INTERPOL's efforts, but also those of the law enforcement officers in each of our 190 member countries, and our partners in the public and private sectors," said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.
"Counterfeiting is a serious global problem with links to other crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling. With growing evidence of terrorism also being funded through illicit trade, INTERPOL is well placed to coordinate worldwide efforts to break these ties.
"The award from the Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group is recognition of INTERPOL's work so far, and will spur on our ongoing efforts with all partners in the coming years," added the INTERPOL Chief.
John Anderson, Chairman of the GACG network of national and regional anti-counterfeiting organizations said: "The awards this year again highlight the wide range of cooperation that is needed – and provided – by different individuals and organizations, across the public-private sector divide, in the campaign against the international trade in fakes.
"I am especially impressed with the emphases on both coordination between the public and private sectors and the importance of raising public awareness that was evident in many of the nominations," added Mr Anderson.
Building on its established efforts against intellectual property crime, the launch of INTERPOL's Trafficking in Illicit Goods and Counterfeiting programme in 2012 marked an increase in the organization's efforts and resources to identify and dismantle the organized crime networks behind these crimes which pose a serious threat to public health and safety.
The key role of business in supporting the initiative was underlined with the decision by Phillip Morris International to pledge EUR 15 million over a three-year period to INTERPOL's Fund for a Safer World to help the world police body develop a strong global programme.
In the past year alone, INTERPOL-assisted police interventions and raids targeting counterfeit and sub-standard goods have resulted in seizures worth millions of euros across the globe and more than 1,700 arrests.
These global and national successes were supported by capacity building and training workshops benefiting, in 2012 alone, some 550 participants from police, customs and regulatory bodies, from 30 countries.
To further build on these successes in 2013, INTERPOL is holding capacity building activities across all regions which, combined with operational interventions, will deliver stronger member country participation and even greater results.
INTERPOL's Trafficking in Illicit Goods Programme
About the INTERPOL Trafficking in Illicit Goods programme


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EDIT: Sign our petition: CLICK HERE TO SIGN
James Cybulski from TSN has a good article this morning and brought up some good points regarding the Raptors and why the MLSE might want to consider changing the name to the Huskies. At least from a marketing stand point. For me, I also think it would be a fresh start for a franchise that in 15 years really hasn't done anything. And considering we stand to lose the face of our franchise this summer, what better time than now.
Thoughts? Would you like to see the team change from the Raptors to the Huskies?
Source - Click hereIn 15 NBA seasons, the Raptors have been to the playoffs five times. Fans have felt cheated by their former heroes, who couldn't leave town fast enough. There have been more draft day misses than hits and trades haven't really fared much better.
But there was one bright spot this Raptors season: the Huskies. Introducing the past to the present was a brilliant marketing idea. The Huskies were Toronto's pro basketball team in the 40s that folded in 1947. The uniforms were slick and the merchandise was sold.
I understand why they decided to name the franchise the Raptors back in the early 90s. Jurassic Park was all the rage at the box-office and babies were Barney-crazy. But let's face it: dinosaurs aren't cool anymore, unless you're five. Nothing of great substance has come of the Raptors' first 15 seasons, so here's what I suggest...
Change the franchise's name to the Huskies. Do it as soon as possible, too.
Ask any hoops fan that has a vested interest in the Toronto franchise and they'll agree - at least every fan that I've spoken to in recent weeks.
No one rocks a Raptors jersey or cap on the streets, but I've seen a lot of dudes sporting Huskies gear. What NBA free agent says, "I want to be a Raptor!" They're slim and none, unless they get crazy He-dough.
The Huskies represent an acknowledgement of the past, along with far more of a Canadian flair. And if nothing else, Huskies sell.
Don't tell me people would complain. I think it would be overwhelmingly supported if MLSE recognized the switch would do nothing but good.


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CUNA Mutual Group, PMI to Sell Mortgage Insurance Operation to Arch Capital Group
A Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance company has agreed to buy CMG Mortgage Insurance Co. from joint owners CUNA Mutual Group and Arizona-based PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. and operate it in a distribution and reinsurance agreement with CMG MI.
The deal with Arch Capital Group Ltd.'s U.S. subsidiary, Arch U.S. MI, was announced Friday by the Arizona Department of Insurance, in its role as receiver for PMI, and by CUNA Mutual Group in Madison, Wis.
PMI filed for bankruptcy in November 2011 after it was seized by Arizona regulators and had begun paying only 50% of its claims. CMG and PMI each owned 50% of the company. During the receivership process, PMI was ordered to quit issuing new mortgage insurance commitments.
Arch U.S. MI will now acquire all equity interests in CMG MI and expects to close the purchase within 12 months, subject to regulatory approvals and approval from the Arizona receivership process.
The deal will "support the future growth of CMG Mortgage Insurance Company" while allowing the company to continue serving existing credit union customers and their members, the companies said Friday in a statement.
"Our goals have been consistent from the start of this process: Protect policyholders, deliver strong service to customers, and aim for a long-term, viable solution for credit unions to have a private mortgage insurer that is sensitive to and understands their unique mission," CUNA Mutual President/CEO Jeff Post said in the statement.
"We are confident that, following the purchase of CMG MI by Arch, CMG MI will continue to provide the customer-focused products and services that have made CMG MI the long-standing market leader in meeting the mortgage insurance needs of credit unions," Post said.
The distribution arrangement calls for CUNA Mutual sales staff to continue to serve credit union customers, supported by PMI's information technology platform and systems. Arch agreed to pay $300 million for PMI, CMG MI and the supporting technology.
Arizona DOI Director Germaine Marks credited CUNA Mutual's work with PMI and the receivers in executing the deal.
"The petition being filed for court approval of this agreement is a significant milestone and positive step in the PMI receivership," Marks said. "The acquisition of CMG MI is an important component of the overall transaction with Arch and is a cornerstone of their commitment to the private mortgage insurance market."
Sean Dilweg, CUNA Mutual Group vice president and product executive for CMG MI, said, "Similar to our successful partnerships with Liberty Mutual and State National Companies, CUNA Mutual Group will use its marketplace knowledge and distribution strengths, combined with Arch's financial strength and commitment to mortgage insurance, to bring a stronger product solution to its credit union customers. We look forward to a strong partnership with Arch."
The statement said Arch Capital Group Ltd. Can now enter the rapidly improving U.S. mortgage insurance marketplace and broaden its existing mortgage insurance and reinsurance capabilities.
"We are very gratified that PMI's exceptionally strong management team and staff will be joining Arch. Together with our senior executives, they will form an industry-leading team with broad capabilities to meet our clients' needs over the long term," said Marc Grandisson, chairman/CEO of the $5.75 billion Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group
"We are also extremely pleased to partner with CUNA Mutual Group on an ongoing basis. Their access to the credit union marketplace and brand reputation should allow us to secure a strong flow of credit union business," Grandisson said.


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By Patti Ledford, SWOS teacher, and Brianna Provstgaard, SWOS student
Special to the Journal
It's amazing how original purposes can get redirected when you least expect it. Students from the Lower House Seminar class at Southwest Open School scheduled a couple of days of volunteer work at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah to help care for and comfort shelter animals. What they didn't expect was to experience a personal bolstering of spirit.
The 15-member group, comprised of twelve students and three adults, first traveled to Wire Pass trail head where they camped and spent the next day hiking through the pass into Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in the Southwest. This annual rite of passage is one of the highlights of the SWOS school year. The group, led by SWOS assistant director, Dave Finlay, teacher Patti Ledford and intern Kim Johnson, explored the slot canyon in two groups. The trek included three somewhat precarious passes through mud and water, but all made it through without incident thanks to teamwork and the typical SWOS, "We can do it together," spirit. The students enjoyed the awe-inspiring topography of the gulch and even took on the challenge as a unique "physical education experience."
The third and fourth days of the trip included dry camping at a local state campground and volunteer work at Best Friends Animal Society. This no-kill shelter, one of the few of its kind, was established in 1984 by a group of friends who felt it was important to change the thinking of that time that shelters and humane societies had no option other than to euthanize unadoptable animals. The society is funded through donations and 90 percent of their staff is volunteer. The shelter staff explained to the students that it costs over $100,000 a day to feed, shelter, and care for the animals along with administrative costs. Animals in residence at the sanctuary (typically around 1,700 on any given day) include: horses, burros, pigs, birds of all types, rabbits, goats, various "wild" animals, and of course, a large number of dogs and cats.
The SWOS students spent their time at Best Friends performing a variety of services including: walking and socializing shelter dogs; talking to birds; cleaning rabbit enclosures; reinstalling rain protection for outdoor rabbit enclosures; feeding and watering rabbits; and clearing a new horse pasture in preparation for some new residents that were on the way. One of the highlights of their experience was meeting one of the 22 "Victory" dogs rescued by Best Friends from Michael Vick's collection of abused pit bulls. Layla, a shy but loving, toffee-colored pit, was the object of lots of love and affection from the SWOS kids. Several of the students mentioned the similarity between the Victory dogs and themselves. "People often fear what they don't understand; some of us have had a rough start in life, but that doesn't mean we aren't kind and loving beings with tons of potential. We just needed SWOS, like Layla and the other Victory dogs needed Best Friends." So even though the intention of the trip was to perform service and provide love and care for animals, the animals in turn, shared their love and understanding with our students.
For more information, visit the Best Friends Society website at www.bestfriends.org.


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We normally go to Durango to do our shopping because we find that if we watch the advertisements, there can be considerable savings on just about anything from groceries to hardware. Today we went to pick up groceries and a few other things and when driving through town, we saw gasoline signs for $3.20 per gallon. This was of course for regular. We use premium so we pulled in and filled up with premium, 91 octane, for $3.40 per gallon. When we came back to Cortez, we saw that at City Market, premium was $3.81. Now there is a good reason to shop local.
Teresa Campbell
Via email


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On the Rise
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rates of cesarean deliveries (C-section) have been rising in many countries, including the US, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, and Ireland. Now, countries like Brazil, India, and China are also seeing an increase in rates.
While the WHO recommends rates below 15%, C-sections account for over 30% of deliveries in the US. It is estimated that 1 in 3 mothers has a C-section.
Why is the rate rising? Reasons for C-sections range from life-threatening emergencies to simple convenience to threats of malpractice. Doctors agree that, when indicated because of complications involving either mother or baby, C-sections can save lives. And in the face of those who may demand the procedure and threaten malpractice suits if a vaginal birth goes wrong, the surgery may also save them time with their lawyers. Still, the major abdominal surgery has risks, including rare cases of death, infection, excessive bleeding, reactions to medications, and injury to the baby. Many doctors and professional organizations worry that rising cesarean rates indicate too much of a good thing.
Informed Choices
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises that doctors and patients carefully weigh the benefits and risks associated with both cesarean and vaginal deliveries on a case-by-case basis. The earlier pregnant women begin conversations with their doctors about their delivery options, the better.
ACOG advises women to speak frankly with their doctors and ask plenty of questions, such as:
- What is your rate of cesarean versus vaginal deliveries?
- Under what circumstances is a C-section necessary?
- How is the hospital/birth center where I will give birth prepared for emergencies?
- What if I want to schedule a C-section before I go into labor?
- What if I do not want a C-section as part of my birth plan?
Even if you had a C-section in the past that does not necessarily mean that you will have to have another C-section. In some cases, a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) can be a safe choice. By talking with your doctor, you can learn more about delivery options and make a birth plan that is right for you and your baby.
- Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
- Review Date: 02/2016 -
- Update Date: 02/25/2016 -


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Facebook is the hottest destination for social
networking online. However, users need to be aware of a new feature Facebook implemented
last Friday that will allow applications access to your phone number and your
physical address.
The new feature requires the user to specifically
give applications the ability to access
the address and mobile phone number information,
but many Facebook users fear rogue apps will gain access to the information and
use it for reasons other than what they expect. The new feature shows up on the
Request for Permission window that pops up and it has a new area that says,
"Access my contact information."
If you choose "Allow", you will let the apps
access key privacy information. On the legitimate developer side, the
information can be used to allow the user to buy things and have them shipped
without having to type in their address for example. However, the downside is
that a rogue app could possibly get the details and sell them to marketing
companies meaning more junk mail in your real mailbox and sales calls on your
Facebook's Jeff Bower wrote on the Facebook Dev
Blog, "We are now making a user's address and mobile phone number accessible
as part of the User Graph object. Because this is sensitive information, we
have created the new user_address and user_mobile_phone permissions. These
permissions must be explicitly granted to your application by the user via our
standard permissions dialogs."
Facebook users posted comments to the developer
blog such as "Before you even consider implementing this very intrusive
feature, Facebook needs to stop the scammers from making rogue applications and
scamming people."
Graham Cluley from Sophos is calling for Facebook
users to remove their physical address and phone number from the social
Facebook continues to grow at a very fast pace.
The company had the most
visits of any website for October-November 2010. In addition, The Social Network, a movie about the
origins of Facebook, received
four Golden Globe awards last night.


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He is not happy with not playing in Boston and stated that on a radio station according to espn rumour central. I think his style of play will work great with kyle and will be a great roll model for the young guys.
Also when he was let go, I thought the idea was to eventually get him back.
What do you guys think?


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Teen Vacation Week: Flameworking & Fused Glass
9 am to 4 pm Mon, Jun 24 - Thu, Jun 27, 2013
Venue: Diablo Glass School
123 Terrace St., Boston, MA 02120Contact:
Doris Martinez
0 people saved this
Class size Limit: 8 In this studio, teens will learn how to make beautiful glass beads at a stationary bench torch. They will be working on a mandrel, using soft glass to build these colorful glass pieces. After a discussion of studio set-up and safety, demonstrations will introduce students to the use of heat and gravity to shape molten glass. Demonstrations will alternate with working time. Dot application, marvering, stringers, annealing and bead cleaning, will be covered. Flame working takes glass into a small and delicate world, teens interested in focusing on color and fine details will enjoy the flame studio. In the afternoon students will move into the kiln forming studio. Here they will assemble pieces of glass that they will heat in the kiln to create a fused piece of glass. Their first assignment will be to make some pendants. They will learn basic glass cutting techniques, along with kiln forming and color theory. The pieces they will create are coasters and plates. Price: $545
Great Places to Watch THE Game
IT'S HAPPENING! The New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl (again)!!! If...
Search All Listings Here.


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HH was completed on Nov. 30 2008
H.H. International:
English The Original!
JASTUSA (Sponsor Mirror)
Polish (Trans: M3n747)
Japanese (Trans: Ohara K.)
Spanish (Trans: ssanriv [13+], N3k0[1-12])
Chinese (Trans: Cless Alvein)
Hitomi loves her onii-chan, but her onii-chan doesn't love her. Those awful computer games are to blame!
H.H. is done in co-operation with Jast USA.
Games list:
Hitomi: My Stepsister
Tokimeki Check In!
Kana: Little Sister
A Drug that Makes You Dream*
Lightning Warrior Raidy


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Plane Crashes At San Francisco Airport [VIDEO]
A Boeing 777 airplane crashed at San Francisco International Airport Saturday afternoon killing two people on board.
The tail came apart from Asiana Airlines Flight #214, a Boeing 777 as it landed at around 2:30 p.m. eastern time today, according to KCBS-TV. The craft flipped upside down, coming to stop on the runway on its back.
San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White confirmed the fatalities and added there are 60 hospitalized. However, that number was changed to just one person unaccounted for by ssistant Deputy Chief Dale Carnes reports CNN.
KTVU TV reports 49 passengers were seriously injured, 132 received moderate to minor injuries, 123 were not injured and two were killed.
NBC News says the flight came in "too short" to make a proper landing and may have hit a sea wall at the beginning of the runway. The glide path, a kind of beam that helps guide pilots, was out of service. The language barrier between the air traffic controllers and the pilots on the Korean airliner may also have been a factor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the passengers, and flight crew on the flight. We hope to provide you with further info asap.
— Asiana Airlines (@AsianaAirlines) July 6, 2013
Two of four runways at San Francisco Airport are reopened. Flights earlier were diverted to Oakland,San Jose. Sacramento and Los Angeles. NBC News reports the plane did not call in any distress calls prior to landing. CNN reports conditions were clear and calm at the time of landing.
The flight, carrying 290 passengers and 16 crew members, began in Shanghai, flew to Seoul, South Korea and then onto San Francisco for a 10-12 hour long flight.
Some can passengers were seen in video walking away from the plane; others exited the plane using inflatable slides on the side of the plane
"You heard a pop and you immediately saw a large, brief fireball that came from underneath the aircraft," a witness told CNN. "It began to cartwheel." Pictures on Twitter initially showed plumes of black smoke billowing into the air. KTVU reports the plane's roof were charred and ripped off.
Witnesses tell CNN they could see parts falling off the plane as it made its approach.
A search and rescue was being done of San Francisco Bay with boats and helicopters. Among the passengers on the plane are Samsung Executive and former AOL and Google developer David Eun who began to tweet from the crash scene.
I just crash landed at SFO. Tail ripped off. Most everyone seems fine. I'm ok. Surreal… (at @flySFO) [pic] — https://t.co/E6Ur1XEfa4 — David Eun (@Eunner) July 6, 2013
Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg posted that she was supposed to be on the flight but switched to United at the last minute.
This is a breaking story. Check back for additional details.


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KeyBox is a Web-based SSH console for executing commands and managing multiple systems simultaneously. It allows you to share terminal commands and upload files to all your systems. Once the sessions have been opened you can select a single system or any combination on which to run your commands. Also, additional system administrators can be added and their terminal sessions and history can be audited.
Dolibarr is a simple Web application with ERP and CRM capabilities. It is designed for small and medium companies, freelancers or foundations, and can be used to deal with all things you require to manage your activities, such as management of products, stocks, commercial proposals, invoices, orders, members of a foundation, and mailings. A single executable that installs the server and database is available for people with no technical knowledge.
wro4j is a project that will help you to easily improve your Web application page loading time. It can help you to keep your static resources (JavaScript and CSS) well organized, merge and minify them at run-time (using a simple filter) or build-time (using a Maven plugin), and has several features you may find useful when dealing with Web resources.
LabKey Server is open source software that helps scientists manage, analyze, and share complex datasets. It supports tandem mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, assays for neutralizing antibodies, Luminex, observational studies, and secure, Web-based collaboration. The software is modular, configurable, and customizable. It can be installed in your institution on any modern hardware and operating system. It is designed to integrate with your existing systems, instruments, and work flows, and to be readily adapted by skilled programmers to novel methods of inquiry. The project is under active development by a team of professional software engineers and a community of active contributors. New versions are released about four times per year.
Muse Proxy is a highly customizable multi-platform proxy server. It is easy to use and configure, acting successfully as a gateway to authenticated restricted content, rewriting Web server, Web Access Management, proxy server, and reverse proxy. It has been used for more than 10 years within the Muse Federated Search Platform to manage the authentication to resources and the navigation to full text, by restoring the server session on the end-user browser.
libguestfs is a set of tools for accessing and modifying virtual machine (VM) disk images. You can use this for viewing and editing files inside guests, scripting changes to VMs, monitoring disk used/free statistics, P2V, V2V, performing partial backups, cloning VMs, and much more. libguestfs can access nearly any type of filesystem including: all known types of Linux filesystem (ext2/3/4, XFS, btrfs, etc.), any Windows filesystem (VFAT and NTFS), any Mac OS X and BSD filesystems, LVM2 volumes, MBR and GPT disk partitions, raw disks, qcow2, CD and DVD ISO images, SD cards, and dozens more. libguestfs doesn't need root permissions.


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Feb. 15, 2013
Here is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on events at City Hall.
Le Freak to Perform at Wildflower!
Disco band Le Freak will perform at this year's Wildflower! Richardson's Arts & Music Festival, set for May 17-19 at Galatyn Park. They will play for the seventh annual Friday night street dance on May 17.
Festival organizers made the announcement on Wednesday morning on the Wildflower! Facebook page. Fans of the Wildflower! Facebook page will be the first to know about additional performer announcements as they are posted to the site in the coming weeks.
The information will also be included on the Festival's website, the City's homepage, and the Richardson Today Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Wildflower! Festival website: www.wildflowerfestival.com
Wildflower! Festival Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildflowerfestival
City to Hold Cultural Arts Master Plan Public Meeting
The City of Richardson Arts Commission will host a public meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Richardson Room at City Hall to gather input on the community's first-ever Cultural Arts Master Plan. The draft plan, which has been in the works since 2011, was developed by the Richardson Arts Commission and consultant Lord Cultural Resources.
The Cultural Arts Master Plan has been developed to strengthen the arts community in Richardson by building synergies among the various performance arts groups and enhancing the existing arts facilities in the area. The draft is available to view on the City's website at www.cor.net/CAMP.
The presentation will include an overview of six priorities identified in the draft. The Richardson Arts Commission will gather feedback at the public meeting and use it to finalize the Master Plan, which is expected to be presented to the City Council in April.
The event is open to the public. RSVP is requested by Monday, Feb. 18, by calling 972-744-4209 or e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
City Honors Revitalization Award Winners
The Richardson City Council on Monday recognized five residential and three commercial property owners with this year's annual Community Revitalization Awards.
The program recognizes owners' efforts to enhance the community by making significant investments and exterior enhancements to their properties. The Council created the awards in 1994 to encourage citizens to help make a positive impact on their own properties as well as those in the surrounding area. Below are the winners:
Swanson residence
Wallace residence
Kirk residence
Guinn residence
Kazmann residence
Jack in the Box
Govindji's Jewelry
Since its inception, Richardson's Community Revitalization Awards program has recognized 184 properties upgraded in the community. A photo and information on each property that received an award Monday night will be included in the March issue of the Richardson Today City newsletter.
Nominations are already being accepted for the 2013 awards. For more information, contact Israel Roberts at 972-744-4256 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Watch the awards presentation at http://bit.ly/WHeGUe.
RISD Council of PTAs Used Book Fair
The RISD Council of PTAs is holding a Used Book Fair from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at the Dal-Rich Shopping Center on the corner of Belt Line and Coit roads. Books, CDs and DVDs will be for sale, with prices starting at 25 cents. Proceeds will benefit the Dr. J.J. Pearce Memorial Scholarship Fund, the RISD Council of PTAs and the local PTAs. For more information, visit www.risdpta.org.
Gregg Edelman's "Broadway Love Songs" at Eisemann Center
Gregg Edelman will perform "Broadway Love Songs" in a cabaret-style show at 7 and 9:30 p.m. tonight. Limited seating will be available at tables directly in front of the performers for $38 per ticket or in fixed seating for $30. A bar will be in the venue for beverages and small snacks. The show will not have an intermission.
For tickets or more information, visit www.eisemanncenter.com or call 972-744-4650.
Richardson Symphony Orchestra to Perform at Eisemann Center
The Richardson Symphony Orchestra will perform with Cherish the Ladies, a traditional Irish folk band, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Eisemann Center. Each couple in attendance will receive a rose and box of Russell Stover chocolates.
Tickets cost $20 to $80 and are available at www.eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972-744-4650. For more information, visit www.richardsonsymphony.org.
Richardson Animal Shelter Pet of the Week
Victoria is a domestic long hair. She is seven months old, has her basic vaccinations and was originally found as a stray. Contact the Animal Shelter (972-744-4480) about Victoria or other animals available for adoption.
For information about other animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RichardsonAnimalShelter.
Related Links
City Council videos: http://bit.ly/LSHJzE
City Council agenda: http://bit.ly/QoOWF4
City Council meeting documents: http://bit.ly/OrSIQ2
Find Richardson Today on Facebook and Twitter.
411 W. Arapaho Rd. Richardson, TX 75080-4551 PH# 972 -744-4100 | Mailing Address P.O. Box 830309 Richardson, TX 75083-0309
© 2018 City of Richardson, TX | Privacy Policy
| Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities call, 972-744-0908 or Email email@example.com


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Golden State: Cali becoming center of MLB universe
Dodgers-Giants rivalry is as good as any, A's-Angels will battle in deep AL West
By Lyle Spencer / MLB.com
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers and Giants have been in each others' faces -- and minds -- forever. Their embattled history on two coasts, running just as deep as the Yankees and Red Sox, would fill cyberspace.
The Angels and Athletics are relative newcomers to the rivalry business. They've had their moments, but the fever pitch of Dodgers-Giants hasn't been sustained. It comes and goes with the teams' fortunes.
At the moment, it's heating up in Oakland and Anaheim. It could get white-hot in 2013, possibly reaching the frenzied level of the Dodgers and Giants in the Golden State.
With San Francisco entertaining visions of a third World Series title in four seasons and the Dodgers, Angels and defending American League West champion A's all brimming with talent, California is shaping up as the center of Major League Baseball's universe this season.
The reigning champions in San Francisco know they're wearing targets on their backs. They're also keenly aware of the free-spending ways of their bitter rivals down south.
The Dodgers have doubled their payroll since Opening Day 2012 to about $217 million, surpassing even the Yankees while dwarfing the Giants' estimated $140 million in salary commitments.
"They're favored over us by the experts this year," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, acknowledging with a nod that there are worse things than the Dodgers dealing with heavy expectations. "This has been a great rivalry for a long time. It's going to be good for the game, I think.
"They've made a lot of changes, and we're the defending champions. There's a lot of interest in these teams -- and that makes for a lot of excitement. I think we're all looking forward to seeing how it plays out."
The payroll gap between the Angels (about $150 million) and A's ($61 million) is even greater than the Dodgers and Giants. The Angels and A's meet for the first time with a three-game series at Angel Stadium starting April 9.
It's rare that four clubs from the same state -- the young, down-the-road Padres are the fifth wheel -- have legitimate shots at winning it all.
"It's always exciting out here," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "We play good baseball year in, year out in the West. If you look at what's happened in the Bay Area and in Los Angeles, you have two really strong [California] clubs in both leagues. It epitomizes West Coast baseball."
The Dodgers and Angels have never met in October, but there have been four Golden State Fall Classics, each memorable in its own fashion.
Completing a rare World Series three-peat in 1974, the mustachioed, pitching-rich A's silenced the Dodgers in five games. Revenge was 14 years away. The '88 Dodgers took the swagger out of the Oakland "Bash Brothers" in five games.
The 1989 Bay Area showdown took a tragic turn when a massive earthquake rocked Northern California, snapping the Bay Bridge, taking down a freeway and causing a weeklong delay between Games 3 and 4 as the region tried to recover from the shock and fallout.
It was almost anticlimactic when the A's completed a sweep.
In 2002, the Giants engaged the Angels in a true Fall Classic. The Angels rallied late in Game 6 at home before seizing Game 7.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, a Yankees star in the 1980s, has compared Los Angeles-San Francisco to the intensity level of New York-Boston.
"I think everybody's going to want to play them," Mattingly said in reference to the defending World Series champions. "I think that's what happens with the better teams. Teams get ready for you -- day in and day out."
This will be new to the youthful A's, who shocked the two-time defending league champion Rangers by claiming the AL West. Justin Verlander and the Tigers ended Oakland's dream season.
"To be in that fifth [ALDS] game with a chance to win, there were guys in the clubhouse who will tell you we should have moved on," said Jarrod Parker, who faced Verlander in Games 1 and 5. "We won't forget about it. We were close, happy with what we did. But there's only one team that finishes the season as a champion."
The A's have to deal with a loaded division that was MLB's most competitive in 2012.
The Angels' primary rival in recent years has been Texas. Anaheim's signing of Josh Hamilton -- for years the Rangers' most lethal offensive weapon -- can only add more fuel to this feud.
Hamilton, Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo shape up as a modern murderers' row, capable of threatening the club record of 883 runs in 2009. This renewed rivalry with the A's looms as a classic puncher vs. boxer confrontation.
"They're good," Trumbo said. "They showed that last year. This division is going to be a beast.
"Oakland is always a tough place to play. There should be a lot of electricity if the crowds show up like they did late in the season when the A's took off."
After subduing the A's and moving on to the AL Championship Series, the Tigers marveled at the incredible energy generated by the Oakland fans.
"It's always exciting when you get games like that," said A's southpaw Tommy Milone, who, like Parker, was a 13-game winner as a rookie. "You feel that the stakes are higher when you get those sellout crowds and everyone's into it like the fans were last year. That's what you want. It drives you."
"When we first came here in 2000," said Scioscia, who is embarking on his 14th season as Angels skipper, "Oakland was the class of the division. We had to play at a high level to get to a division championship. It's always been there. The A's are coming off a great season, and we're looking forward to the challenge."
The Angels have restructured their pitching staff with three new starters and several bullpen imports. They signed Hamilton after Zack Greinke -- their midseason acquisition a year ago from the Brewers -- accepted the Dodgers' free-agent riches.
Fortifying their rotation was a sign of the Dodgers' respect for the Giants. It's also a firm nod toward their own history of dominant pitching, underscored this spring by the regal presence of Sandy Koufax in camp.
Along with Greinke, the Dodgers also invested in formidable Korean southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu, enhancing a deep rotation.
The Giants' pressure-proof starters remain the gold standard. But the Dodgers could be in that class -- and their lineup is potentially lethal if Carl Crawford comes back to form and Matt Kemp recovers fully from shoulder surgery.
"You always have to look at the World [Series] champion as the team to beat," Mattingly said. "But I know we're going to feel like we're capable of doing it."
Bochy already likes the attitude and commitment of his champions. They're the team to beat, and it won't be easy.
"Success is never final," Bochy said. "You've got to do it over and over again. And we know we have our work cut out. But hopefully our motivation is to go out and make new memories."
Lyle Spencer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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If you are anything like me a good majority of your Raptor-related thoughts have been draft related since early-mid January. Now that the special night is almost, finally, here what are your hopes and expectations for the evening?
If an option isn't given, use the comment section to voice any differing hopes and expectations.
For the draft selections, use the comments to clarify who if you wish.
*Please note this is a multiple choice poll*


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The legal dispute between Research in Motion and NTP that we reported earlier is quickly coming to a close. During the long drawn out court ordeal, NTP accused RIM of infringing on patents in the development and sale of BlackBerry devices. The popular handheld PDAs are often used by many corporate customers to communicate with coworkers at the office, and customers.According to reports, RIM has now agreed to pay NTP Inc. a total of $612.5M USD, after which the case will be entirely dismissed. Previously, RIM had notified its customers that regardless of the outcome, BlackBerry services would still stay operational. RIM had decided that it would modify some code in the infrastructure but many were still skeptical about the effectiveness of the code change.
"It's not a good feeling to write this kind of check," said Jim
Balsillie, RIM's chairman and co-chief executive, in a conference call to the New York Times.
"It's a lot of money for patents that will not survive for sure. … We
are caught in an ambiguous time in the patent laws and the courts. No
one feels good about this, but we are happy to put it behind us."
For those not familiar, NTP Inc. is only composed of a handful of employees with the primary intention taking RIM to court over patents that were idling for a number of years. In March, the two companies almost agreed to a $450M USD settlement, but the deal fell through at the last minute. Of course, NTP was willing to settle for $53M in 2002, but that RIM refused to pay.


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Why World Vision? Providing the key to food security
Week 1 of our Why World Vision? campaign explored our holistic approach to community development, and for the past two weeks we've looked at how both WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and Health programs strengthen communities.
This week, we delve into our work with Food & Agriculture — a variety of programs designed to increase food security and provide better nutrition for children, families, and communities.
* * *
Child sponsorship is the cornerstone of World Vision's approach to community development. Join us! Change a child's life for good. Sponsoring a child helps provide long-term food security and other life-saving basics. Consider sponsoring a child today!
Check back throughout the week for a video, stories from the field, and a Q&A on Friday with one of our Food & Agriculture experts!
If you missed any posts from the first two weeks of our "Why World Vision?" campaign, you can find them all at the link above — including infographics, stories from the field, and Q&As with our experts!
Along with our Why World Vision? campaign, we introduced our limited-edition T-shirt line to support the campaign through a partnership with Jedidiah Clothing. Don't miss the designs for Food & Agriculture!


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Last season
3 point %: 33%
I support this signing because it'll make BC look like a huge moron since we'll continue losing with Pietrus.
Last season
3 point %: 33%
I support this signing because it'll make BC look like a huge moron since we'll continue losing with Pietrus.
so according to ESPN, we are close to signing him. Wow! No words!
I don't think Bargnani will be traded though if he is props to Colangelo for swallowing his melon to do that.
70% of Pietrus's shots last season were three pointers. In the playoffs, he shot 20% from 3PT. The last thing the Raptors need is another inefficient chucker that just stands outside the three point line.
McGuire is shooting 47% from the field. From what I've seen, he's nailed most of his open jumpshots. He shouldn't be creating his own shot. Really confused as to why Lowry/Calderon sometimes pass the ball to him when's he posting up.
Well its either Pietrues or "Terrence Williams" lol the free agent SF market is pretty small. Really too bad Colangelo couldn't land Ilyasova, Chandler or Wallace this off season.. Pietrus it is.
Well in Boston he played solidly more often than not and deeper in the playoffs like they were, he didnt get more than like 8 minutes to rest the Truth a little bit. The most I expect from him is playing good D and stretching the floor a bit more +knocking down somegood open looks what more can you ask for really?
On a somewhat related note. How the F&*% did Fisher not get picked up until now, and were the Raps ever in the conversation? I suppose its possible that Fisher told his agent not to pick up the phone if BC called. If BC didn't at least try to get this guy its a major failing.
Why would we want Fischer? .... Yes hes a multi champion but hes not a great PG plus hes like 38 I believe, he belongs on a older team like Dallas he would not help the Raps at all. Would be worse than signing Gilbert Arenas lol
As much as I like Pietrus, replacing shit with garbage isn't going to do much. Although I don't believe there is an allstar out there BC can get, I think there are better moves for the team than this.
The sky is falling, and BC is raching for an umbrella. We have nothing to lose at this point, all focus should be on TRoss, Demar, JV, and Lowry. Lowry might be out of the picture soon, judging by his body language. He's not a loser, and thats what you need to be in TO
So much doom and gloom =/
Signing Pietrus isn't going to do anything for this team. A role player is a role player and we've got a ton of those. He's done quite poorly recently as well. Same goes with Fisher, not sure what's everyone's infatuation with him, he's terrible.
Am i the only one who rather see DeMar at the 3 and Ross playing SG till Fields return?
Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
RT @JeffZillgitt: RT @kevin_spain: #Raptors will sign Mickael Pietrus, from @sam_amick & @JeffZillgitt http://ow.ly/fHc4k
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
So, looks like Pietrus passed the physical. As noted yesterday, all signs still pointing to McGuire being waived to make room
Sorry, ceez.
This is a good thing, He doesnt have to do much just take some pressur off Demar and owry provide spacing and hit the occaisonal open bucket welcome aboard Pietrus.
He's not our saviour, but if there is gonna be a run for the 8th seed, the raps are better off with him rather than Mcguire
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Inspired by his career night (albeit in 60 minutes of playing time in a losing effort), here's a look at how DeMar and Andrea's offensive efficiency stats compare so far this season:
DeRozan: PER: 17.8, TS%: .526, USG%: 25.2, Offensive Rating: 108, Offensive Win Shares: 0.6
Bargnani: PER: 14.3, TS%: .482, USG%: 25.2, Offensive Rating: 99, Offensive Win Shares: 0.2
We see that while their offensive usage is identical, DeMar has a higher true shooting percentage, a higher player efficiency rating, a higher offensive rating, and more win shares.
It is important to note that in each of his first three seasons, DeMar's PER was below 15, the league average, so like most of you I'm hoping that his solid play continues and his PER stays around where it is now.
More interesting stats in which DeRozan is outperforming Bargnani so far this season:
TOV%: DeRozan: 7.4, Bargnani: 8.0
AST%: DeRozan: 12.0, Bargnani: 8.0
The stats above show what is very obvious from watching the games so far this year: While the ball doesn't exactly flow through either player, Bargnani is more likely to not pass and turn the ball over.
Also interesting to note that while Bargnani's AST% has fluctuated over his career, DeRozan's has increased steadily (a number to attach to the observation that DeRozan is really improving his play making, especially out of the post). DeMar has also continued his trend of increasing his FTA/game, but I'm getting carried away now....
Overall, (in a relatively small sample size, I know) DeRozan is outperforming Bargnani in almost every category, and while Bargnani continues to be an inconsistent enigma, DeRozan's numbers suggest steady improvement.


text:
Wigginton brings chase for champagne to Cards
By Marty Noble / MLB.com
JUPITER, Fla. -- Willie McCovey left Stretch marks all over the National League, and Willie Stargell hit them to the stars. In their time, they were the premier long-ball guys -- among left-handed hitters -- in the league. Then Darryl Strawberry. And for a brief period -- even as Barry Bonds was making repeated splashes in McCovey Cove -- the greatest left-handed power in the NL came from the bat of Mo Vaughn. Whether aided or not, Bonds hit many far. Vaughn hit far fewer, much farther.
It was in August 2002 when Vaughn, in his first season with the Mets -- the first of his one-plus seasons in the NL -- nearly reached the Gateway Arch in St. Louis with a mammoth home run off Andy Benes. Ty Wigginton, then a Mets rookie, recalls the home run for two reasons: One, Benes hit him with the ensuing pitch, and two, a Busch Stadium crowd of 44,299 stood and cheered Vaughn for reaching a spot that Mark McGwire might not have challenged were he a left-handed hitter.
Almost 11 years after the fact that seemed like fiction, Wigginton clearly recalls the stunning flight of the ball and the equally surprising reaction of those who had gathered inside Busch.
"It was a tight game. I think we won," Wigginton said on Monday morning. "And they cheered a visiting player. That doesn't happen very much."
A few years later, Wigginton witnessed a visiting shortstop -- he can't recall who -- make a dazzling play on the same turf Ozzie Smith used for his wizardry.
"Another standing ovation," Wigginton said. "Unbelievable."
The response of the Cardinals masses on those occasions has stayed with Wigginton. It has as much to do with his presence in the Cards' camp this spring as any other factor. "Still chasing the champagne" is how he explains his decision to bring his blue-collar career to the center of the Cardinals' red universe. Though Wigginton is unlikely to play with any degree of regularity, it was the anticipated joy of playing before the appreciative folks of the Show Me State that convinced him.
"As soon as I signed," he said, "I got texts from guys telling me how much I was going to like it in St. Louis -- Woody Williams, Super Joe McEwing ... George Hendrick. He'd been with Tampa Bay when I was there. He said it'll be great. I knew it was good place to play."
So there was Wigginton on Monday, four months past his 35th birthday and in the uniform of his eighth team. The search for champagne has taken him from New York to Pittsburgh to Tampa Bay to Houston, Baltimore, Denver, Philadelphia and, now, to an organization that he describes as "always in it."
Wigginton is a stranger in a strange world, having played with none of the other 39 men on the 40-man roster.
"That's a first for me," he said, "but it's neat, because you feel like you're starting over again, like a rookie."
Wigginton has moved around the continent as he has moved around the field. He has made 678 appearances at third base, 329 at first, 168 at second, 67 in left field, 15 in right and even nine at shortstop. And Wigginton has served as a designated hitter in 48 other games.
His 6-foot, 235-pound body was seated in front of his locker on Monday when Smith passed. Advised that Wigginton had played shortstop -- indeed, he had been signed as a shortstop in 1998 -- the patron saint of the position took a long look at Wigginton's thick thighs and heavy calves, smiled and said "really" in a way that was less of a question than a statement of amazement.
Wigginton's only experiences at short came in 2009, when he played with the Orioles under then-manager Dave Trembley.
"I played only when we were down and we needed a few runs," Wigginton said with a degree of pride. "It's the only position where I never made an error."
Chances are his days at shortstop are over. For that matter, Wigginton's need for any glove has diminished. His innings in the field dropped with the Phillies last summer, and the Cards have no plans to use him in any sort of platoon. Occasional starts at any one of five positions and pinch-hitting will fill his dance card.
"You always hear guys say, 'I'll do anything they ask,'" Wigginton said. "I'll volunteer. If they want, I'll catch. I caught seven innings in Triple-A in 2001. One of our catchers got hurt and John Gibbons [now Blue Jays manager] had to go to the hospital. One of his kids was sick. ... I'd go back there, but I don't think they'd want that."
Wigginton's versatility appeals to the Cardinals, as do his veteran status and uncompromising manner on the field. They don't believe that their recent teams have lacked grit -- other clubs had signed or traded for him because of a perceived need for his fiery ways -- but the more hard-nosed players, the better.
Moreover, manager Mike Matheny noted that reinforcement from a fellow player tends to have greater impact on younger players than words directly from the manager.
"He's proven to be a special guy who'll speak up and say something," Matheny said. "He's a veteran guy who gets what we are."
General manager John Mozeliak said, after his staff had done its due diligence, "We found nothing negative about him."
Gary LaRocque, one of Mozeliak's assistants, who signed Wigginton with the Mets, "was a huge advocate," Mozeliak said. That Wigginton plays the game with a "get out of my way" approach is an influence seen as positive. Catchers beware. Second basemen, too. He's comin'. Yadier Molina, recalling a collision with his new colleague in Pittsburgh a few years ago, groaned and grimaced. Wigginton smiled, even though Molina held the ball.
"If that's why they were interested in me, that's fine," Wigginton said. "I'm glad they were interested in me. I was always interested in them. It seems like they always do things right here, and they're always in it. They make good decisions, they have good people. They play the game right. I know George Kissell [the Cardinals' late Minor League instructor] ... People talked about him like he was a genius.
"This will be real baseball here. I've always liked the way the Cardinals play, and now I'm one of them."
Pass the champagne please.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.