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Isocaine News
Preparing for Anesthesia: 5 Tips You Should Know
Posted 7 Apr 2017 by Drugs.com
FRIDAY, April 7, 2017 – If you have surgery on your calendar, don't wait until the last minute to start preparing, especially if you're going to need anesthesia. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists says you're more likely to avoid complications if you follow these five tips: Stop taking unnecessary medications. Only use necessary, approved prescriptions ahead of time. If you have had or currently have a problem with alcohol or drug abuse, tell the anesthesiologist. He or she will need to consider possible drug interactions that could affect your safety during and after surgery. Halt herbal supplements. Discontinue using alternative medicines at least two weeks prior to surgery. Some herbal products can cause complications during and after surgery, such as dangerously high or low blood pressure. Disclose your family medical history. Tell your anesthesiologist about any ... Read more
Related support groups: Lidocaine, Anesthesia, Propofol, Ketamine, Xylocaine, Local Anesthesia, Bupivacaine, Marcaine, Novocain, Anesthetic Adjunct, Light Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide, Mepivacaine, Prilocaine, Diprivan, Septocaine, Procaine, Tetracaine, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane
Steep Bills Surprise Patients Who Go 'Out-of-Network'
Posted 17 Jan 2017 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, Jan. 17, 2017 – Patients using specialists outside their health-plan network often receive surprise bills for services that cost far more than what Medicare considers a fair rate, a new study suggests. Most insurers use rates set by Medicare – the publicly funded insurance program for the elderly – as the benchmark for what they'll pay health care providers. But a look at 400,000 U.S. physicians' charges found many doctors bill their private-paying patients two, three, even six times more than what Medicare pays for the same services, the study revealed. The highest markups – four or more times greater than the Medicare rate – were for certain specialty services, including anesthesiology, interventional radiology, emergency medicine and pathology. Anesthesiologists had the highest markup, charging six times what Medicare considers a reasonable amount, the researchers ... Read more
Related support groups: Surgery, Sedation, Lidocaine, Anesthesia, Propofol, Ketamine, Light Sedation, Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Xylocaine, Local Anesthesia, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Marcaine, Novocain, Bupivacaine, Anesthetic Adjunct, Nitrous Oxide, Light Anesthesia, Prilocaine, Mepivacaine, Diprivan
Anesthesia Safe for Infants, Toddlers, Study Says
Posted 7 Jun 2016 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, June 7, 2016 – General anesthesia doesn't seem to harm young children's mental development, new research concludes. "A number of animal studies have suggested that exposure to commonly used anesthetic agents in early development could lead to deficits in learning, memory, attention and other cognitive functions," said study author Dr. Lena Sun. She is a professor of pediatric anesthesiology and pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. "However, few clinical studies have adequately addressed whether this is also true in humans," Sun said in a Columbia news release. The new study findings are "good news for parents whose children need anesthesia for elective surgery or a diagnostic procedure," she added. Still, the study leaves some important questions unanswered, Sun said. "We need to take a closer look at the effect of anesthesia on cognitive function ... Read more
Related support groups: Lidocaine, Anesthesia, Propofol, Ketamine, Light Sedation, Xylocaine, Local Anesthesia, Marcaine, Bupivacaine, Novocain, Anesthetic Adjunct, Nitrous Oxide, Light Anesthesia, Prilocaine, Mepivacaine, Septocaine, Diprivan, Procaine, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane
Local Anesthesia May Be Best for Infants During Surgery
Posted 14 May 2015 by Drugs.com
THURSDAY, May 14, 2015 – New research suggests infants may recover better after some kinds of surgery if they receive local anesthesia – which only numbs part of the body – instead of being "knocked out" completely with general anesthesia. Young patients who had local anesthesia were less likely to suffer from disrupted breathing following hernia surgery, the study found. "Our research provides the strongest evidence to date on how babies should have anesthesia for hernia repair, the most common procedure among infants," said lead author Dr. Andrew Davidson, an associate professor at Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. "We found that spinal [local] anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia," Davidson explained in a news release from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. There's long been uncertainty about the use of general anesthesia in infants and toddlers. ... Read more
Related support groups: Surgery, Lidocaine, Xylocaine, Bupivacaine, Marcaine, Novocain, Prilocaine, Mepivacaine, Septocaine, Procaine, Tetracaine, Polocaine, Epinephrine/Lidocaine, Nesacaine, Marcaine Spinal, Articaine/Epinephrine, Carbocaine, Bupivacaine/Epinephrine, Chirocaine, Marcaine HCl
Risks From Epidural, Spinal Anesthesia Very Low, Study Says
Posted 15 Oct 2014 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, Oct. 14 2014 – The risks of using epidural and spinal anesthesia during childbirth are extremely low, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from more than 80,000 women who received epidural or spinal anesthesia during childbirth and found that the overall rate of complications was just under 3 percent. The most common complications involved medications, including receiving too much or too little anesthesia, or being given unintended or expired medications. The fear of "spinal headache" is common among women about to receive epidural or spinal anesthesia, but this complication – formally known as a post-dural puncture headache – occurred in only 0.2 percent of patients, according to the study. The findings are scheduled for presentation Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists in New Orleans. "The rates of complications are ... Read more
Related support groups: Lidocaine, Xylocaine, Marcaine, Novocain, Bupivacaine, Mepivacaine, Labor Pain, Prilocaine, Procaine, Septocaine, Tetracaine, Polocaine, Articaine/Epinephrine, Bupivacaine/Epinephrine, Nesacaine, Marcaine Spinal, Carbocaine, Chirocaine, Marcaine HCl, Epinephrine/Lidocaine
Combo Treatment Might Beat Epidural to Ease Labor: Study
Posted 5 Mar 2013 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, March 5 – In the first stage of labor, a combined spinal-epidural technique provides faster and better pain relief compared to traditional epidural pain relief, a new study suggests. The research included 800 healthy women who required pain relief during childbirth, and who were divided into two groups. One group received standard epidural pain relief, which involves injections of local anesthetic and pain medications into the epidural space, inside the membranes covering the spinal cord. The other group received the combination approach, which starts with medications injected into the intrathecal space, the deeper space directly around the spinal cord, before using an epidural injection. After the initial epidural or intrathecal injections, both groups received patient-controlled epidural analgesia. The effectiveness of pain relief, rated on a 0-to-10 scale, was compared at ... Read more
Related support groups: Lidocaine, Xylocaine, Marcaine, Novocain, Bupivacaine, Mepivacaine, Labor Pain, Prilocaine, Procaine, Septocaine, Tetracaine, Polocaine, Articaine/Epinephrine, Bupivacaine/Epinephrine, Nesacaine, Marcaine Spinal, Carbocaine, Chirocaine, Marcaine HCl, Epinephrine/Lidocaine
Hypnosis Plus Local Anesthesia Might Work Well for Some Surgeries
Posted 14 Jun 2011 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, June 14 – Certain surgeries that typically require the use of general anesthesia could be safely performed with localized anesthesia in combination with hypnosis, Belgian researchers suggest. The finding stems from a pair of very small case-control studies that explored the combo's potential during surgical procedures performed for breast cancer patients and thyroid patients, respectively. The studies revealed that, relative to general anesthesia, the local anesthesia/hypnosis approach sped up the healing process, reduced the need for post-surgery opioid drugs and reduced hospitalization time. "There is still a lot of debate around the exact mechanism that allows hypnosis to reduce pain perception," said study author and professor Fabienne Roelants in a European Anaesthesiology Congress news release, "but what is absolutely clear is that it does so." She and her colleague ... Read more
Related support groups: Surgery, Lidocaine, Xylocaine, Bupivacaine, Marcaine, Novocain, Prilocaine, Mepivacaine, Septocaine, Procaine, Tetracaine, Polocaine, Epinephrine/Lidocaine, Nesacaine, Marcaine Spinal, Articaine/Epinephrine, Carbocaine, Bupivacaine/Epinephrine, Chirocaine, Marcaine HCl


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Othella Harrington sprained his right medial collateral ligament on Monday while working out in Houston. The prognosis was confirmed today after an examination by Team Physician Dr. Norman Scott and an MRI. He is expected to be out for 4-8 weeks. His rehabilitation includes exercises and strength therapy.
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another one out for the start of the season


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Following yesterday's teaser, Ubisoft has revealed Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. Get ready to uncover the truth behind some of the greatest legends of the Old West.
Unlike its predecessor, which attempted to bring a western feel to a modern day setting, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger will return to the roots of the series. It will pay homage to the Wild West tales as players assume the role of a bounty hunter who is tasked with taking down the most notorious outlaws including Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, and Jesse James.
The series' Concentration Mode returns, but this time with a twist. Now players are able to unleash a flurry of bullets while dodging others. Gunslinger will also introduce a skill system for players to acquire new abilities, a first for the Call of Juarez series.
Once again developed by Techland and published by Ubisoft, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger has a target release of Q1 2013 for Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, and PC.


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Don't Throw That Cell Phone Away in the EUby Rose Shaver
A new law updating the 2003 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) was recently passed by the European Parliament to curb the dumping electronic goods such as mobile phones, computers and TV sets in landfills. According to EU officials, only about 33% of e-waste is disposed of properly and is often exported illegally to poorly-equipped developing countries, where e-waste recyclers are regularly exposed to health hazards. continue


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"She gives her two trademarksthe breathy whisper and lacerating caterwaulalmost equal space here
. Its blend of folk-rock and sighing, spacy rock ... weaves in increasingly varied instrumentations, sometimes delving into pure worldbeat influence but more often using all these sounds as coloring on crisp, cheerful adult pop
. The hooks
repeat like softened incantations."All Music Guide
"The quirks and vulnerability of Cranberries material is gone, leaving behind a musical portrait of someone older, wiser."Irish Times


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Break out the brooms, thanks to an outstanding effort from Travis Wood, and timely hitting, again, from Anthony Rizzo the Cubs swept away the Astros on Sunday, it was the Cubs fifth win in their last six games. After just under an hour rain delay both offenses seemed less than ready to swing the bats as both pitchers were breezing through the early innings. The Cubs staged a rally in the 6th, Starlin Castro was intentionally walked with Travis Wood at third and one out bring Anthony Rizzo to the plate in a big spot. Rizzo wasted no time, lacing an RBI single through the right side on a first pitch curve ball to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead, it turned out to be the game winning hit, Rizzo's third in five games already. Jeff Baker followed with a double down the left field line that scored Castro and Rizzo all the way from first. That was more than enough for Travis Wood as he shut out the Astros over 7.2 innings only allowing three hits, while walking none and struck out four. Wood improved to 3-3 on the season and lowered his ERA to 3.05. Carlos Marmol pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 8th save of the season, the third straight in this series. Full box score and highlights after the jump.
Game Highlights:
Wood's Double
Wood's Outstanding Outing
Marmol Closes the Door
Baker's Two-Run Double
Rizzo's Game Winning Single
Thanks for reading,
– George


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Storm to announce Bellamy future
NRL premiers Melbourne Storm will make an announcement on the future of coach Craig Bellamy on Monday.
Bellamy is out of contract after the coming NRL season and has been heavily courted by St George Illawarra.
But speculation over his future will finally come to an end with the club to make a major announcement at 1310 AEDT on Monday.
The announcement will come shortly before the Storm head to the UK for the World Club Challenge.
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They are adapting a plan from the book, "Edible Schoolyard," and are utilizing funds from grants provided by Entergy and Arkansas Community Foundation/Grow Your Garden to involve school children in learning basic fundamentals of gardening to grow and prepare healthy, nutritious food.
A gardening committee from All-Saints Episcopal Church approached Lori Edgin, Russellville Middle School (RMS) in the spring of 2013 to ask for her support of the Community Garden Project and to enlist the cooperation of teachers willing to supervise students in the gardening process.
Brad Kent, assistant principal, was instrumental in providing a safe and secure access to the Community Garden property, which shares fencing with school grounds. Through the help and efforts of building administrators, the Community Garden Project was able to move forward.
Starting in the fall of 2013, a small group of students in Liz Scott's advisory class, under the advice of science teachers Brandon Gibson and Kolby Snellenberger, began working on learning a process called vermicomposting during advisory time, a 20-minute period designated to provide enriching activities for students who have scored proficient or advanced on Benchmark exams.
Using a worm composting bin donated by Suzanne Alford-Hodges, students began turning recycled homework papers and waste food scraps into rich soil which they then used to plant seedlings. By the spring of 2014, these seedlings and other plants were ready to be transferred into raised garden boxes in the Community Garden space on the All Saints Episcopal Church property.
Church members worked with teachers and students to plant a salad garden, growing a variety of foods that will be harvested before the last day of school and used to prepare a salad the students, who have cultivated the plants — lettuce, broccoli, radish and snow peas — will then eat and enjoy.
Once the salad garden is established, English teacher Mica Bullock will add a group of sixth-grade students who will plant vegetables in the spring that can be harvested when the students return as seventh graders in the fall. Community volunteers will tend to the garden during the summer, and students and their families will be invited to come to the garden property to volunteer to work as they are able during the summer. The long-term goal for the project is to expose students to healthy food and encourage them to try foods that they would ordinarily shy away from in favor of processed food choices.
If students invest time in growing vegetables, they will be more likely to try them, enjoy them and encourage their parents to purchase and prepare them.
In the long run, this could lead to health benefits and potentially reduce childhood obesity.
For now, students are enjoying the benefits of collaborative teamwork, materials management, following directions and fresh air and sunshine. The enthusiasm for the project is evident in the smiles on the students' faces and in their willingness to work.


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Kelly Osbourne Curly Formal Updo Hairstyle
Description(Added: 30th January 2013 )
This medium purple mane was set in rollers to create beautifully defined waves then pinned to the side to achieve this stunning style that is great to wow crowds at any special occasion. This hairstyle will need time to create and product for hold and shine.
- Hair Category: Formal
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- Age: Under 21, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, and 51 - 60
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- Styling Time: 30+ minutes
- Styling Tip: Allow up to 2 hours styling time for hot roller setting, teasing, pinning and spraying. This long lasting style is great for all occasions and all weather conditions.


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Wright earns NL Player of the Week honors
By Joey Nowak / MLB.com
In eight games, Wright tallied 13 hits and five doubles, while tying for second in the league with seven RBIs and 21 total bases. He hit .500 (13-for-26) with a .594 on-base percentage.
The weekly award, the third of his career, comes as Wright continues his hot streak since coming off the disabled list on July 22. Since then, the third baseman is hitting .325 (51-for-157) with six homers, 31 RBIs and 27 runs scored.
The Mets won six of the eight contests, with Wright tallying at least one hit in each of the ballgames. He had five multihit games in the week.
Wright began the week by going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs on Monday, as the Mets went on to sweep the Marlins in a doubleheader. On Friday, he homered, doubled and drove in three runs en route to a 7-3 win against the Nationals.
With the double Friday, it marked the seventh consecutive season that Wright has notched at least 20 two-baggers.
Teammates Lucas Duda (.286, two homers, six RBIs and seven runs) and R.A. Dickey (2-0, 2.08 ERA, seven strikeouts, a walk in 13 innings pitched) were also noted for their success this week.
Joey Nowak is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @joeynowak. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Found this beastie in my bedroom. Other than 'spider' could someone please ID?
This is one of the Lace Web spiders, Amaurobius sp ., and probably Amaurobius similis.
Several species of lace web spiders are common around the outside of our homes and gardens. They make a characteristic lace-like web on fences, sheds, walls and among general clutter around the garden.
Males are prone to wander indoors when mature and looking for a mate. Bites have been reported when a spider has been trapped against the skin, but with little pain or lasting symptoms.
Thanks for that, I can sleep soundly now


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HOUSTON - The Fiscal Cliff has been avoided. Now what? That's just one of the topics on this weeks' Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall.
Dr. Ron Johnson is Dean of the Texas Southern Jesse H. Jones School of Business and weighs in on the high and low points of the budget deal recently reached. Hint -- he's not overly optimistic.
Elena Farah is a Senior Fellow at the Hobby Center for Public Policy and says the deal reached last week is good for short term, but much has to be done to get our long term budgetary and financial house in order. Ms. Farah and Dr. Johnson tell why the U.S. Is not out of the "financial woods" yet
It's Tax Time! How will you handle it?
Thomas Jones Jr is a CPA & Partner in McConnell Jones Lanier and Murphy, LLC and is one of the panelists with advice on what to look for in order to get the best tax deal. Jones is joined by CPA Bob Martin of Robert E. Martin & Associates and Richard Rosso, Senior Financial Advisor, Clarity Financial. All three talk about the changes in place for this year and what you can and should do to get the best deal possible.
The largest one day sports event in Houston is the weekend of Jan. 12 and 13.
The Houston Marathon will host more than 250,000 runners, volunteers and spectators for the two days of racing but it is much more than a race weekend. More than 60 charities are beneficiaries of money raised by the runners and the race itself! Joining Khambrel to talk about the phenomenal success of this event and about ways everyone can get involved are Wade Moorhead, the Chevron Houston Marathon Executive Director and Steven Carpas, the Managing Director, Business Development & Marketing.
It has been an amazing story the past 10 years and Carpas hints at what's to come to keep the Houston event growing even bigger in stature.
It promises to be an informative half hour! Tune in for Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall Sunday at 10am right after Meet the Press with David Gregory!
More Information:
· Ron Johnson. Ph.D., Dean, TSU Jesse H. Jones School of Business, 713-313-7215 www.tsu.edu.
· Elena Farah, Senior Fellow, Hobby Center for Public Policy 713-743-3970, www.uh.edu/hcpp/
· Thomas Jones, Jr., CPA-Partner, McConnell, Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP, 713-968-1600 www.mjlm.org
· Robert E. Martin, CPA- Bob Martin & Associates nomics Professor, University of Houston , 713-526-5900, www.uh.edu
· Richard Rosso, Senior Financial Advisor, Clarity Financial, 281-501-1791, www.myclarityfinancial.com
· Wade Moorhead, Executive Director Chevron Houston Marathon, 713-957-3453, www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
· Steven Carpas, Managing Director, Business Development & Marketing, 713-957-3453, www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
Copyright 2012 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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April 11, 2014
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.
Methodist Richardson Expansion Celebrates Opening
Methodist Richardson Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of its expansion at its Bush/Renner campus Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Richardson Mayor Laura Maczka joined hospital officials as they cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside a da Vinci® surgical robot. After the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed tours of the facility and refreshments.
The 266,250-square-foot facility will begin serving patients on Monday. It includes a women's pavilion, advanced neurosciences program, outpatient surgical services, advanced cardiac care and many other services. The hospital has 125 beds on four floors and will employ about 900 professionals.
Methodist Richardson is inviting the public to check out the new facility at a Grand Opening Party and Healthy Kids Day (in association with Richardson Family YMCA) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the southeast corner of Renner Road and PGBT. The event will include a hospital tour and scavenger hunt; EMS helicopter, fire truck, and ambulance tours; a da Vinci® robot demo; community art project; kite-flying instruction; games and activities; a picnic cookout; and more. For more information, visit methodisthealthsystem.org/richardsonexpansion.
City Receives Record Low Interest Rate on Debt for Dog Park, Other Projects
The City Council approved the issuance of $7.9 million in new debt Monday that will pay for a dog park, Next Generation 911 system and major equipment for various City departments. The City was able to finance the debt at a record low interest rate of 1.02 percent because of the short-term life of the certificates and the City's top credit rating of AAA from Moody's and Standard & Poor's, which was reaffirmed last month.
Watch the work session discussion at bit.ly/Q0jL9D.
Council Reviews Dog Park Plans
The City Council on Monday reviewed progress on Richardson's first dog park, which will be constructed on six acres under and along the President George Bush Turnpike just west of US 75. The proposed design features a central courtyard area where all dogs will enter separate fenced-in areas for large, small and sedentary dogs. Possible features include shade structures, benches, artwork and water fountains.
The City is working to finalize an inter-local agreement with TxDOT, which owns the land designated for the dog park. Next steps include naming the park and purchasing a pre-fabricated restroom building for the site. The $1.5 million project is expected to go out for bid in May or June with construction beginning this summer. The new park is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
The 2010 Richardson Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan identified a dog park as one of the City's top recreation needs. Watch the work session presentation at bit.ly/1itTUzi.
City, RISD Partnering to Develop Park in Northrich Neighborhood
The City is working with Richardson ISD to develop a neighborhood park on one acre on the west side of the Northrich Elementary Campus. The Richardson Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan identified the Northrich neighborhood as underserved for neighborhood park amenities, and voters approved $750,000 for a park in the area through the 2010 Bond Program. The City Council received an update on the park's progress at Monday's work session.
The City is working with consultants from Studio Outside to design the park, which is expected to include a pavilion, outdoor classroom, trails and bear-themed playground. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be complete by fall 2014.
Watch the work session presentation at bit.ly/1mYc1TK.
Council Receives Update on Gymnastics Center
The Richardson Gymnastics Center has experienced tremendous growth since moving to its new building in January 2013. Since that time, class enrollment is up 58 percent, 20 classes have been added, and the facility is operating at full capacity during peak hours. The City Council heard an update on the growth of the gymnastics program Monday at its work session.
The Gymnastics Center has become a popular birthday party destination, as the number of parties jumped from two in 2012 at the old center to 151 in the first year at the new one. The facility is on pace to host 300 parties in 2014.
In February, the Gymnastics Center hosted the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation gymnastics qualifier. The "Heart & Soul Invitational" featured 425 competitors from 26 teams from across the state. The City would not have been able to host such an event in the old facility, which had many space restrictions.
Watch the presentation at bit.ly/1hZqN98.
Council Discusses Historical Marker for McKamy Spring Park
McKamy Spring Park provides two acres of open space and trails next to Richardson's Brick Row mixed-use development, but hundreds of years ago it was home to the Yoiuane tribe of the Caddo group of Indians and some of the earliest settlers in Texas. The City is seeking to commemorate the site's first inhabitants by applying for a Texas Historical Subject Marker for the park. If approved, it would be the ninth historical marker in Richardson.
McKamy Spring, which runs through the park, served as a watering place for the Yoiuane Indians, who hunted buffalo and deer on the prairie from as early as 1690 to 1840. A site may be considered for a Texas Historical Subject Marker if it had influence, effect or impact on the course of history or cultural development more than 50 years ago.
The City Council expressed approval at its Monday work session for plans to prepare the application for the historical marker. The Parks and Recreation Department will include $1,900 in its 2014-2015 budget to cover the application fee and other costs to install the marker if it is approved. The City expects to submit the application by the fall and install the historical marker by the fall of 2015, pending approval.
Watch the work session presentation at bit.ly/1g7QArS.
City to Host Neighborhood Leadership Workshop
The Community Services Department will hold a Neighborhood Leadership Workshop at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Civic Center. The event is designed to help attendees develop a better appreciation of neighborhood issues and vitality strategies and gain an understanding of city operations and neighborhood association management techniques.
The program will begin with dinner and networking and include breakout sessions on the Richardson Arts Initiatives and an assessment of the Richardson Today newsletter. The event will also include a Q&A with a panel of presenters and an exhibitors row.
For more information or to register, call 972-744-4180 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
Wildflower! Tickets On Sale Beginning Monday
The 2014 Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival's three-day pass goes on sale for $30 on Monday at any Metroplex Tom Thumb store or online through wildflowerfestival.com. The three-day pass will be available until 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 16.
Single-day adult tickets will be available at the gate for $20 as well as through the festival's website beginning Monday. Kids age 5-12 will be admitted for $3, and admission for kids 4 and under is free.
Richardson residents can purchase up to six individual adult tickets per each day of the festival for only $10 each. Kids 12 and younger get in free on May 18 with a paid adult courtesy of Bank of America and adult tickets are $10 on Sunday courtesy of Cisco.
For more information, visit wildflowerfestival.com or facebook.com/wildflowerfestival.
Budding Talent Audition Registration Deadline at Midnight
Tonight at midnight is the deadline to register for the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival's Budding Talent Competition. Auditions will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd. Winning singers in five categories from preschool (age 3) to 12th grade will perform at the Wildflower! Festival Sunday, May 18.
Contestants will need to sing one song from memory and bring an accompaniment CD to the audition. They may also accompany themselves on acoustic guitar or piano or bring an accompanist. Small vocal ensembles of two to four singers are also eligible, but bands are not. Register for auditions by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Free AARP Tax Help Concludes Monday
Tax-Aide, sponsored by AARP and the IRS, will provide free tax return preparation and e-filing assistance for low- to moderate-income taxpayers with an emphasis on seniors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at the Richardson Public Library.
People should bring Social Security cards and all pertinent tax forms, including Social Security statements. The service will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
The Vocal Majority at Eisemann Center
The Vocal Majority will perform "VM Pure A Capella" at 8 p.m. Friday, and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Eisemann Center. The show will feature a variety of love songs performed without instrumental accompaniment.
Tickets cost $10 to $43 and are available at eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972-744-4650. For more information, visit vocalmajority.com.
Avant Chamber Ballet's "Alice in Wonderland" at Eisemann Center
Avant Chamber Ballet will perform "Alice in Wonderland" at 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Eisemann Center.
Tickets cost $30 and are available at eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972-744-4650. For more information, visit avantchamberballet.org.
RCAS Meeting and Demonstration Next Week
Marie Renfro will demonstrate painting techniques at the Richardson Civic Art Society meeting on Tuesday. Renfro creates colorful works in a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil and watercolor. View her work at gallery8.com.
RCAS meets in the Richardson Public Library basement on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. RCAS is supported by the City of Richardson through a grant from the Arts Commission.
Applications Accepted for Carter Future Leaders Summer Internship Program
The Carter Future Leaders Summer Internship Program is accepting applications for the upcoming session, which will run from June 9 to Aug. 8. The program, administered by the office of State Rep. Stefani Carter, matches interns with businesses in House District 102 and includes enrichment workshops to build leadership skills.
The internships are available to incoming high school seniors and college freshman and sophomores who live or attend school in House District 102. Applications are due by 5 p.m. April 28. For more information or to download an application, visit carterfortexas.com/future-leaders.
Consignment Sale at Civic Center on Saturday
The North Dallas Mothers of Twins Club will hold its semi-annual consignment sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Richardson Civic Center. More than 20,000 gently used clothes, toys, newborn necessities and other items will be for sale. Admission is $1. For more information, visit ndmotc.com.
Seniors' Net to Hold Free Seminar on Supplemental Insurance
Seniors' Net will hold a free seminar on "Your Supplemental Insurance" at 10 a.m. Tuesday at NETWORK of Community Ministries, 741 S. Sherman St. RSVP by calling 972-234-8880, ext. 118.
NETWORK holds a free seminar each month featuring a topic of interest to seniors. The next event is May 6 and will focus on "Celebrating Older Americans Month – Movie Day."
RISD to Host Second Annual Tour
Mark your calendars for the second annual "See What's New in Richardson ISD" senior tour. The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 21, and include breakfast at the RISD Administration Building, a walking tour of the Math/Science/Technology Magnet Elementary School and Lake Highlands High School, entertainment by students and more.
The tour is open to Richardson ISD residents who are 55 and older. Space is limited. RSVP to Elaine Simmmons at 469-593-0301.
Pretty Pet Easter Parade to March through Huffhines Park
The Pretty Pet Easter Parade will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Huffhines Park. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. The event will also include refreshments, pet photography and nail trimming for $5. The parade is organized by Richardson AnimaLuv, which benefits the Richardson Animal Shelter. For more information, visit richardsonanimaluv.org.
Richardson Animal Shelter Pet of the Week
My name is Thunder! I was brought to the Shelter because my owner no longer wanted me. I have been spayed and fully vaccinated. I am a DLH calico about 4 years old. I love cuddles and scratches behind the ears. Please help me find a forever home!
For information about other animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter's Facebook page at facebook.com/RichardsonAnimalShelter.
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Name: The REAL Wealsey Twins
House: Gryffindor
Title: Forgive Me
Warnings: None
Word Count: 408
Authors Note: I did not focus on Xenophilius in the end (contrary to the beginning) mainly because I believe that once a woman has a daughter, that relationship really trumps all other relationships.
I dreamt so long about my daughter. My beautiful, sweet, sure-to-be-golden-haired daughter. A companion in my life. Yes, of course, Xenophilius is my true companion; the ingredients to my caldron. But this new addition to my life was to complete my story. I saw us together, sitting in our cozy home, whipping up some new spell together. I did like to experiment and I was so sure that she, my daughter, would as well.
Xenophilius was so excited to have a child. Each day as my abdomen grew larger, so did his smile. Our anticipation was immense. We had set up her room to perfection; protection spells everywhere, and, for Xenophilius' sake, all the proper tools she would need to defend against Crumple-Horned Snorkacks or whichever animals he wished to guard her from. He was an eccentric man; a dear, dear man, but eccentric. I loved him so.
And then she entered our lives. Just as blonde and beautiful as ever. I did not know I could love someone so much. I asked Xeno, "What shall we name her?"
He replied immediately, "Luna." I grinned at the perfection of the name; her eyes did sparkle like the constellations above us.
We had known all along that this child was to be special. From the time she was little she was observant. I had never seen any person in my entire life take to nature as she did. We spent endless hours in the comfort of our loft, reading together. Fantasies were her favorite. Luna took those invented characters and brought them to life. Yes, her tangible friends were few, but she had such an imagination. I always envied that about her: she had such an imagination.
And then Luna grew older and older. Her flaxen hair reached almost to her slim waist when she turned nine.
I never saw her past that age. I only wished to make her happy. We were merely spending time together when it happened. For the first time in my life, a spell experiment of mine had gone wrong. Before I knew it, I heard Luna scream, and then nothing. Blackness. I was alone and I had left my daughter alone. Alone to fend for herself in the Wizarding World. Alone to attend school. Alone.
Luna, I do hope you will forgive me. I lived only for you and I did not mean to hurt you. Please, forgive me. Forgive me.


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Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Cars for Moms - comments, concerns and wants!
Edmunds Manager UGC Click on my screen name to send a personal message. Need help navigating? Check out Getting Started in Edmunds Forums.
Need help picking out a make/model, finding inventory, or advice on pricing? Talk to an Edmunds Car Shopping Advisor
ccwinslow Posts: 29I wanted to rank the following needs but couldn't. They're all important to me:
Decent gas mileage
Manual transmission
Sporty good looks
Smooth, road-hugging ride
Front wheel drive
Pep for highway merging
Comfortable seating for 4-5
Cargo room/room for dogs
Excellent sound system
I found all these (and more) in my 2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon. It's a terrific car.
guidocheeto Posts: 4After having my first child I realized how much I need out of a car..
I need baby in a safe but close position.
I need space for all her stuff.. stroller, car seat.. with room for other passengers too.
I would like a minivan, because the doors slide to the side instead of opening out, I take a while buckling and unbuckling her out of the seat in parking lots and I do not want to ding other cars or mine with the door wide open.
I want some sort of distraction for her, like for her to watch her Wiggles DVD.
I love the idea of power doors/back door on a mini van, so when I have my hands full with her and purchases I can open car very easily..
MOM's really need alot out of their vehicles...
mirth Posts: 1,212...what would we do without the Wiggles? ;-)
hampton Posts: 1I am looking for a wagon or sedan that will hold three baby seats. My Crown Vic works but not the Protege5. Has anyone tried to fit three into the Mazda 6 wagon? Also, in a three row vehicle like the Freestyle or XC90, can one put two baby seats in the second row and still reach the third row? The both have nifty slide/fold second rows but I don't see how it could work with a baby seat installed! Thanks for any feedback.
Top 10 Coolest Cars for Soccer Moms
Kirstie_H Posts: 11,042THREE baby seats? Wow, what a challenge! I don't know of any vehicle that currently perfectly fits your situation. Many of the vehicles that have slide/fold down 2nd row seating won't work with the seats installed. Your best bet seems to be to get a vehicle that has 2nd-row split seats so that there's at least a "center aisle" to the 3rd row. Minivan is an obvious choice, but not everyone wants a minivan.
You might check out these discussions:
Mazda6 Wagon (2004)
Malibu MAXX vs Mazda 6 hatch/wagon vs Outback
The comparsion topic might give you ideas about other vehicles to suit your needs.
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host
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Share your vehicle reviews
The only vehicles I can think of that would match the seat space of your Crown Vic would be trucks of similar width... Ford Expedition/F150 SuperCrew, Chevy Tahoe/Avalanche.
Most 3-row crossovers require that the second seat tilt, fold, or slide to get to the third row. Even if a child seat fits in the third robew, the issue of getting back there may be too large a hurdle unless you want to load/unload that child in from the rear hatch over the seatback.
Most car specification listings will tell you how many LATCH fittings they have, and I would probably use that as a guide, regardless of how many passengers the car says it can seat. The Mazda6 seats 3 in the rear, but only has 2 LATCH positions.
Host - Wagons
I would not use LATCH as a guide to judge baby seat capability. The goverment only requires LATCH in two rear seats, not three. Usually, the middle seat doesn't have LATCH attachments, but can sometimes still fit a baby seat.
A really good bet is the Volvo XC90. You shouldn't have a problem there, and the middle seat has a built-in booster seat, meaning you wont have to try to cram three huge pieces of plastic across. It's also a great car in general.
A friend of mine also got three across in the Acura MDX, but honestly, I don't see how she did it. A lot depends on the width of your child seat, which can vary more often than you'd think.
Let us know what you decided!
Moms\Women love the Lexus RX. My wife isnt even a mom and she loves it. Another good choice is the Acura MDX, but get a used one.
racer63 Posts: 123My wife is currently using our '04 GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab as her family truckster. She says she likes it :-) It replaced a '99 Explorer XLT AWD, which did alot of things, just nothing particularly well. That in turn had replaced a '95 Jetta GLX, which was the family car around when we had our two kids.
With two off-spring now 7 and 8, we didn't need the third seat, and wanted "dirty" cargo space, which the pick-up provides with a cap on the bed. Incrementally longer than a Burb/Yukon, but less money for a heavier duty truck. Only beef is sometimes parking can be a pain, but that's life with a full-size truck.
badtoy Posts: 368Those cars ("10 Coolest Cars for Soccer Moms") are the most pitiful recommendations I've ever seen. ALL of them are overweight and thirsty; the majority of them have less-than-average (some MUCH worse-than-average) reliability, and 90% of them handle like pigs.
Cmon now -- how about setting up some criteria here, like:
- How many people do you need to carry
- What is your budget, car payment-wise, insurance-wise and fuel-wise
- What do you ask of your car other than pure physical space (like handling and fun, f'rinstance)
- Is reliability and resale value of any consequence to you at all
Once you have answered these questions honestly, I think you'll find that the choices offered are average, poor and worse. May I suggest some alternatives?
How about ANY station wagon other than a German one? (They are usually Mercedes or Audis, which have abysmal reliability, astronomic maintenance costs and terrible resale value.) A Subaru Forester (or its Saab equivalent) would be a great choice. Sparkling performance and handling with reliability to match.
You MUST have a large SUV, you say? How about a Sequoia? Nice and large, with Toyota quality and resale value into the bargain.
Only need room for five? How about the ultra-cutting-edge Scion xB? You will ALWAYS be noticed (especially if it's in hot tangerine), you will only sip gasoline, and your kids will think you're the coolest thing since (well, whatever they think is cool nowadays). Another good choice is the Honda Element, although it only has seating for four, which probably won't do.
There are many good choices out there -- I just don't think American dinosaurs are it. Sorry....
Well said. The E500 wagon that they recommend can cost as much as 80 THOUSAND dollars. 80. For a wagon. You can buy TWO RX330s or Acura MDXs for that. Is it really that much better? No. How many moms seriously care about the extra few ounces of sport you may get with a German car? My wife hated the ML500's rough ride. Oh and ask a Mom to use COMAND or iDrive. Hah!
For small families I think a Forester (btw, there is no Saab version. The new Saab SUV is based on the Chevy Trailblazer, like a million other SUVs), or Pilot would do very well.
carlisimo Posts: 1,280WRX wagon.
mad tite JDM yo!
plus, would anyone seriously put their little kids with their crayons and their slobbery dog in the back of an E500 wagon? Why not just take em to an art museum and have em just "run wild".
I didn't write the article, just posted the link. But I think you raise valid points! While you are free to post your comments about it in this discussion, you should also click on the Help link at the top of the page and submit your comments to the Editors to let them know how you feel and your thoughts on what should be considered as a Car for Moms!
PS - I have two slobbery dogs and 2 kids in car seats. When all go somewhere our drive of choice is the old Volvo wagon, otherwise known as the "Roving land of Barbie doll and action figure body parts" which I find in every nook and cranny.
sapparo Posts: 68Which E wagon, I haven't seen one of those in eons old or new. They actually can afford to produce this thing for such dismal sales? The upscale SUV'S have rendered MB and BMW wagons a thing of the past.
The new Mazda 6 wagon looks real sharp with the sport package and big wheels all for around mid to upper 20's and handles great also. Subies new wagons look real nice and have upgraded interior materials and great high safety marks..
I have to laugh seeing these maybe 5'-3 women coming out or sitting behind the wheel of a land barge Landcruiser or Hummer.
Mom's come in all different shapes and sizes. Please remember this discussion is primarily for women ("Mom") to state what she wants in a vehicle - not a place to discuss women and cars.
As far as I know expensive MB and BMW wagons are still a hot ticket in upscale urban and affluent suburban areas.
The new E wagon, although painfully pricey, is a real beauty, better looking than any SUV could dream, and unlike a SUV, it isn't pretending to be something that it isn't. If I found I was a Halliburton heir or otherwise came into a fortune, I could see myself in one.
Thats news to me. Im pretty sure the M class and X5 were made just for us because E wagons and 5 wagons dont sell here. BMW also gave us X3 instead of 3 wagon.
The M and X exist to cash in on fads. The E wagon has sold here for 25 years. I don't think the BMWs have been nearly as popular, but they do have their fans.
25 years ago, companies could sell station wagons. In Europe, they still can. This is the reason why the Germans (and Volvo) still make wagons and nobody else does. There used to be Camry and Accord wagons as well, you'll notice they are long gone. People would much rather have a Highlander or Pilot.
Or an Exploder or something else that is really just a pretend wagon.
Accord wagon in NA? I know they sell it elsewhere...and it is kind of interesting.
There are a number of great comparison discussions in the Forums. So we can keep this discussion on-topic of "Cars for Moms..." here are some places to discuss specific vehicles or class comparisons:
Help me select a Wagon
Upcoming Wagons & Crossovers
...try here:
What Wagon Would You Like To See Offered?
Host - Wagons
lancerfixer Posts: 1,308Today I saw a Mercedes E-Class wagon with three child seats (not baby seats...belt positioning boosters) across the back. They seemed to fit just fine.
As far as cars for moms; well, it's been four years since our first child; we've now got two, and there is NOTHING I can say or do to get my wife to give up her Honda Accord coupe!
Actually, the two car seats fit in the back seat of the Accord just fine. For family trips we take my Volvo S70, but we've never wanted for passenger or cargo space in either car (and this includes family trips from Iowa to Massachusetts at least annually.) I'd like to get her a wagon (or get me a wagon and have her drive my car...either way is fine by me) I guess I've always been mystified by people who have one kid and decide they need a Honda Odyssey or Chevy Tahoe.
Or a Suburban or 'slade.
My friend has four kids (three are triplets), and she says that what she really wants is a minivan, or any reasonable-looking car, that has a total of four rows of seating. Sure, she could get a passenger van, but those things are WAY ugly. Does anyone else feel the same way?
For 4 rows of seats to be A) remotely comfortable, and relatively accessible, nothing will work except a full-size van. A minivan or SUV would have major entry/exit issues unless they had three doors per side - that huge slider on a full size Econoline-Club Wagon, Express/Savana, or Sprinter allows safe, easy access for all passenger rows. That level of access would also be imperative in an emergency situation - yoiu're never in a seat that requires climbing over or folding down another seat to get to a door.
Host - Wagons
guss Posts: 1,181We have three kids and while the mini-van works excellent, for looks I think the passenger vans are much nicer. My neighbor has 3 kids and he has a Ford as a third vehicle, he's not giving up his Porsche. It has tons of room and looks more manly than a mini-van.
The downside he gets killed at the pumps, 8-9 mpg.
Before we got our mini-van I joked to my wife about buying a used limo. Think how cool the kids would look pulling up to school in that.
Guss -- Limo? Only in Beverly Hills! (And I don't doubt that happens.)
kram -- You're right about the safety issue. But isn't that already an issue in many minivans and SUVs, where you have to fold and flip a seat to get to the third row? I shudder to think of what would happen in an accident... I've never really thought about it before, but it's a serious question.
I have my minivan configured for my convenience -- the second row seats have the space in the middle, which makes it easier for me to load my daughter in her carseat (because it's right next to the open door). The carpool kids have to climb into the second row, and cross to the third row by squeezing between the two second-row seats. I had been thinking about putting the second row seats together to make it easier on the carpool kids (especially now that my daughter is almost 3). Now that I think about the difficulties of exiting the car with my current configuration, I'm even more likely to make that change. Thanks!


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In our opinion, trays are perfect for just about anything, whether it's breakfast in bed, displaying flowers, or simply organizing your knick-knacks. If you've been looking to add some pizzazz to your home decor, we've rounded up our favorite DIY trays from around the blogosphere. Whip one up yourself to create the perfect serving tray or magazine holder. Which one is your favorite?
DIY Striped Tray by Glitter Guide
DIY Magazine Tray by Shanty 2 Chic
DIY Scarf Tray by Sketch 42
DIY Polka Dot Try by Design Love Fest
DIY Chalkboard Serving Tray by The Pretty Blog


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Saw last night's episode, turns out Silver suffers from bi-polar disorder, but she was acting straight up crazy if you ask me. Still doesn't excuse what she did. Bi-polar or no, anyone would know that most people do not like being filmed having sex unaware. As hard as they tried to make me feel sorry for her, I just didn't. Dixon should just be her friend at the least.
Like Duh! Annie and Ethan broke up. Anyone ever seen the original show? I believe it began pulling plot twists out its bum after a few seasons. Plus it had more cast departures and addtions than you could shake a stick at.


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Palmer in legal battle over royalties
MINING tycoon Clive Palmer is locked in a sensational new legal stoush over the timing of royalty payments that are expected to deliver him hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
The dispute is between Mr Palmer's company Mineralogy and the Chinese company, CITIC Pacific, which is building the $8 billion "Sino Iron" project on his tenements in Western Australia.
It is understood that Mr Palmer's complaint centres on a single word in the contract between the two parties, which determines when the royalties start flowing to Mr Palmer.
Mr Palmer is expected to receive up to $500 million per year in royalties, but the start of those royalty payments is linked to the amount of iron ore mined by CITIC, and the amount exported.
With the project running more than two years behind schedule, Mr Palmer has waited longer than expected for the royalties, and believes that some are now due given that Sino Iron has reached trial production stage.
But no payments have been forthcoming, prompting Mr Palmer to start legal action that alleges that terms of the agreements had been breached, and even repudiated in some cases.
Mineralogy has threatened to terminate lease and mining right agreements over the affair.
On Monday CITIC sought to delay any court action by filing an injunction with the WA Supreme Court.
CITIC said on Monday night that it strongly refuted the claims lodged by Mr Palmer's company, saying they were "without foundation".
"While CITIC Pacific continues to have dialogue with Mineralogy, CITIC Pacific has taken, and will take, all necessary actions to protect its investment including the filing of injunctions against Mineralogy," the company said from Hong Kong.
As recently as August Mr Palmer predicted that full production from Sino Iron - which is expected to be 24 million tonnes per year of magnetite concentrate - was unlikely to be achieved until the end of 2014. Magnetite is a lower grade type of iron ore.
Mr Palmer could not be reached last night.
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I start Days of December at Thanksgiving time and I keep it really simple so that I stay caught up.
Katie Pertiet: Days of December Layered Template Set No. 07A
Days of December Layered Template Set No. 07B
RED Layered Templates No. 01
Elfin Magic Kit
Lots of Love Paper Pack
Lynn Grieveson: Blackett Hall Paper Pack
Mindy Teresawa: I Believe Kit
Ali Edwards: Circle Days
Thanks for looking!


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MRI shows Kratz tore left meniscus
Recovery time not known until catcher undergoes surgery on knee
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- Erik Kratz needed crutches to get through the Phillies clubhouse Saturday night at Miller Park.
It looked bad, and it is. A MRI exam Monday in Philadelphia revealed Kratz tore the meniscus in his left knee, which will require surgery. A recovery time will not be known until after the surgery. The Phillies placed Kratz on the 15-day disabled list Sunday.
He injured the knee running past first base in the ninth inning of Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Brewers.
The Phillies called up Steven Lerud from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take his place on the 25-man roster.
The Phillies can only hope Carlos Ruiz returns soon. He has been on the disabled list since May 20 with a strained right hamstring. Ruiz said he plans to do a little more work in Minnesota this week before possibly heading to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to begin a rehab assignment by the weekend.
He still hopes to be back before the Phillies open a homestand June 17 against the Nationals.
"Yeah, that's my goal," he said. "I want to be back."
Kratz is second on the Phillies with eight home runs and fourth with 22 RBIs. He also is fifth among all catchers in baseball in homers.
Brown continues to tear cover off ball
MILWAUKEE -- Domonic Brown has been on quite a tear lately.
He hit his 17th home run in his last 39 games Saturday in a 4-3 loss to the Brewers at Miller Park. The last Phillies player to hit 17 or more home runs in a single-season span of 40 games? That would be Raul Ibanez, who hit 17 in 40 games from April 8 to May 24, 2009.
Brown entered Sunday's series finale against the Brewers leading the National League with 19 home runs. He also ranked third in the league with 47 RBIs, 136 total bases and a .604 slugging percentage.
Manuel continues to be cautious with Adams
MILWAUKEE -- Phillies setup man Mike Adams has been unavailable to pitch recently because of soreness in his right biceps.
Adams said after Sunday's 9-1 loss to the Brewers at Miller Park he was available to pitch, if he had been needed. But Phillies manager Charlie Manuel thought otherwise.
"No, I don't think so," Manuel said. "No."
Bullpen struggles still an issue for Phillies
MILWAUKEE -- The Phillies bullpen entered Sunday with a 4.39 ERA, which was third-worst in baseball.
It continued its struggles Sunday in a 9-1 loss to the Brewers. Phillies left-hander Jeremy Horst put a couple runners on in the seventh, and Justin De Fratus allowed them to score to make it 8-0. Jonathan Papelbon, who has been the bullpen's lone bright spot since the beginning of the season, allowed a solo homer in the eighth.
Horst is tied for the team lead with 26 appearances. He also has a 5.55 ERA.
"I think that we have to use him, and also I want to," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said of Horst. "He's very capable of doing the job for you. Sometimes it's a matter of circumstances that he's got where he's at. Sometimes staying with him helps, too. He kind of showed us last year what he could do. And he's showed you at times now that … he's had some good outings sometimes."
Worth noting
• The Phillies entered Sunday's series finale against Milwaukee having homered in 13 consecutive games. It is their longest streak since they homered 18 consecutive games Sept. 3-22, 2008. The Phillies are 7-6 in their current stretch.
• Left-hander John Lannan will make a rehab start Wednesday with Double-A Reading as he recovers from a left knee injury. It will be his second rehab start.
Todd Zolecki 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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Zone Alarm Pro without the toolbar
I have a wired and wireless network here with a bunch of devices on the network. All devices have an assigned IP based on the Router's Ip range.
Zoom DSL modem/router, 5-desktop PC's, 1 - wireless notebook PC, CNC machine, wireless access point, Wireless Music bridge, etc. Win XP sp3 on all the PC's except the notebook which is Vista home
I also have a Mapped hard drive that all devices get data from. It's a 500gb Buffalo network hard drive that also has a 500gb USB hard drive connected to it as a backup device.
The 500Gb Network mapped drive has all the data files for the computers on the network and the My Documents folder that is shared with everyone on the network. It also has my quickbooks company files, Roboform login data, etc, so all the computers need access to this Network drive.
As soon as I upgraded ZA to 91008, I noticed that it took forever to boot up my business PC. The cause seemed to be the Network hard drive not being accessed. The ZA tray icon took forever to appear after the desktop came up. Quickbooks took forever to load because it could not get the company file from the Network hard drive. Windows could not get the My Documents folder from the Network hard drive.
After everything finally appeared to be ready to go, my Network hard drive still did not show up in the network until I browsed it in Windows explorer.
ZA showed the Mapped hard drive and the correct IP address in the Firewall zones. My local network IP range and DNS server/router also showed up properly in the ZA firewall zone.
I uninstalled ZA 91008 and installed 90114 and everything works properly again. The PC's now all boot up quickly again and the network hard drive is available as soon as the desktop is up.
Just throwing out info in case anyone else has experience the same thing with 91008.


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Town Square
New Stanford coach seems like perfect choice
Original post made by Stanford Fan, Old Palo Alto, on Dec 19, 2006
Comments (17)
a resident of Midtown
on Dec 19, 2006 at 10:46 am
I'm happy to hear about it as well. I remember his years with the Chicago Bears fondly. After this season, Stanford can only get better!
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Dec 20, 2006 at 7:11 am
The finalists for the job were Harbaugh and former Stanford and NFL great James Lofton. I think that it was a big mistake not to appoint Lofton. For Stanford footbal to become competitive it needs to be able to recruit academically eligible black players in black neighborhoods and James Lofton who grew up in inner city Los Angeles would have been perfect for that. Remember the great recruiting classes and on-field success of the previous two African-American coaches at Stanford.
a resident of Midtown
on Dec 20, 2006 at 10:19 am
I think that post is going to generate some controversy. That sounds alot like what former Heisman Trophy winner, Notre Dame and NFL standout Paul Hornung said in 2004: "We can't stay as strict as we are as far as the academic structure is concerned because we've got to get the black athletes. We must get the black athletes if we're going to compete." I think Stanford needs to recruit GOOD players, not players of a particular race.
a resident of South of Midtown
on Dec 20, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Hornung spoke the truth. Back athletes are superior, overwhelmingly. That is why the NBA is mostly black. The smattering of on non-black great players does not disprove this truth. The vast majority of college coaches understand this turth.
Get over your PC attack.
Stanford will not be good, in the Pac-10 until it can attract the black athlete, especially at skill positions.
a resident of Midtown
on Dec 20, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Believe me - I'm pretty non PC and I'm not attacking anyone. Maybe you guys are right, but just hearing it (or reading it) makes me uncomfortable. Its like you are saying that someone who is black is just naturally good at sports, and that's about it.
Anyway, I think academically elite schools often have a hard time getting really good players, black white or otherwise because if they are awesome athletes, they probably didn't have time to be awesome students.
With regards to the NBA, I think that basketball is very important culturallly in the black community, more than other sports like baseball or hockey. If you look at the NFL, I guess it is interesting to see how the talent breaks down racially.
On the other hand, and maybe this is naive, I just think we'd all be better off if we stopped thinking racially and started thinking humanly.
Finally, I think there's a huge difference between denying someone a place on a team because of their race and choosing them because of their race.
a resident of South of Midtown
on Dec 20, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Black athletes ARE better than non-black athletes! Why? A combination of genetics and environment. Speed and qickness cannot be taught - it is genetic, period. A poverty environment produces the selection pressure for the best of the best.
Blacks and non-blacks are capable of similar intellectual achievement, but not athletic achievement (talking about populations here, not individuals). Stanford needs to go after academically high achieving black athletes. Yes, there might be an occasional non-black athlete that can cut it in the Pac 10 (at skill positions), but it such a rare thing that it is not worth wasting any thought on. Stanford needs black athletes in order to be competitive in the Pac 10. Otherwise, it should drop down to a different level. Jim Harbaugh knows this, but will not admit it, because he doesn't want to be slayed like Paul Hornung. But just watch who he tries to recruit....
The real question is whether Stanford wants to be competitive. If so, it will need to lower its academic standards for certain football players. I'm not talking about allowing an 800 SAT into Stanford, but how about an 1100?
If Stanford does want to do this, I don't blame them. But it should at least face reality.
a resident of Stanford
on Dec 20, 2006 at 9:47 pm
Comparing athletes by race?!
I can't believe this conversation is happening.
Then again....yes, I can.
Just when I thought we came so far as a community.
~from a Black person w/o any athletic skill.
a resident of another community
on Dec 20, 2006 at 10:19 pm
Thank you GSB for bringing some reality to this conversation. There are great athletes from all backgrounds and the main issue Stanford will have is finding enough skilled athletes who meet Stanford's academic standards.
One adavntage Stanford does have is that student athletes who do meet the standards will have many people encouraging them to attend Stanford. A Stanford education is hard to turn down and there are enough outstanding athletes out there that Stanford, with the right coach, should be able to get enough of them to field a competitive team.
Getting back to what this post was originally about, the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, I feel Stanford has made an excellent choice. If you have ever met Jim Harbaugh you will be impressed with his enthusiasm and his demeanor. The guy can light up a room. He knows the area, he is an intellligent man and he was a hard worker who got the most out of his athletic ability.
Jim Harbaugh will be an outstanding hire for Stanford.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Dec 21, 2006 at 6:55 am
This is not about racial relationship but about how best to make Stanford football competitive again and fill out the refurbished stadium. Stanford needs to be able to recruit talented and fast players, especially on defense. Stanford is a very slow team, especially on defense. You can't succeed without speed. Those kind of players are in high demand among college recruiters. Like it or not, such players are mostly black and there's no doubt that a coach with the backround of James Lofton would be much more attractive to them than Jim Harbaugh, nothing against Harbaugh.
a resident of another community
on Dec 21, 2006 at 7:26 am
I do not understanding why it's assumed that a black coach will automatically draw black players as a former recruited athlete to LSU that statement is a broad generalization and is completely not true.
a resident of South of Midtown
on Dec 21, 2006 at 1:08 pm
This discussion is SO Palo Alto! It has a PC taboo written all over it.
Look, if Stanford wants to compete in the Pac 10 it will need black athletes for its skill positions (at least). The game has changed over the decades, because black athletes now have a level playing field to show their (incredible) stuff.
Celebrate this fact, don't pretend it ain't so. Then get real about it. Stanford needs to attract top level black athletes, period. I hope Harbaugh's enthusiasm will be enough to do the job, but I have my doubts. I'm not sure that Lofton would do better, but he might have. Either way, Stanford will only turn around with great black athletes in key positions.
a resident of Professorville
on Dec 21, 2006 at 3:30 pm
I look forward to seeing what Coach Harbaugh can do at Stanford. He played with my brother at Paly and has had a successful NFL and coaching career to date. He brings a much need enthusiasm to the program.
I think the idea that a black coach will do a better job recruiting black players is lacking in merit. How did the ultimate good ol' boy - Bobby Bowden - recruit all of the black players that have played for him at FSU over the years? How is Pete Carroll doing it USC? Yes, these are super successful programs but it all comes down to relating to the players and their families and sharing with them your passion for your school and what they can do there.
Stanford does need more top level athletes on their football team. They need speed. They need to recruit the best atheletes. If they find their top recruits are black then that's who they need to go after but let's not leave out the rest of humanity - there are top level caucasian and asian (including pacific islanders) as well. They need to look at the entire field.
With regards to academics this has always been the crux of Stanfords difficulties. Once a student athelete gets in to Stanford they need to be able to perform and compete academically as well as athletically so lowering admission standards is not the answer. We know from Tyrone Willingham's tenure that it is possible to field a competetive team at Stanford. Harbaugh needs to learn from Willingham's example and bring success back to the program.
a resident of South of Midtown
on Dec 21, 2006 at 4:13 pm
PA Native,
I think your answer is the problem. Stanford looks at the entire field of potential athletes, then selects them according to academic qualifications, instead of their 40 speed and agility skills. Can you count on one hand the number of non-black defensive corners in the top football programs? If we all could just get over the fact that black athletes are superior, we could then focus on how to attrack them within a reasonable academic standard.
Stanford has decided to become a world university, and that means higher academic standards, compared to previous decades. However, UC Berkely is also a world class university, and it has a top level football program. Cal allows for 'special talent' students, while Stanford is much less generous. If Stanford wants Pac 10 football, it will need to recognize special talent students. If Stanford does not want to compete in football, that is OK with me. I just want them to make an honest choice.
a resident of Professorville
on Dec 21, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Thanks for your thoughts. It would be a terrible loss to the Pac 10 and to Stanford if the university were to formally downgrade the program. I can not envision this happening and I have an equally hard time envisioning Stanford allowing for "special talent" students. If Stanford does choose to create a "special talent" category I would hope they would provide those students with the support (tutoring, etc) they will need to succeed in the classroom.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Dec 21, 2006 at 6:13 pm
USC, LSU or FSU are not good examples. These are schools with very low academic eligibiity requirements for athletes and cheating even on those very low requirements is common. Frankly, some of the great players on these programs left school nearly illiterate. Stanford is a world class university and I hope it never lowers its academic standards for athletes. The last two coaches didn't succeed in recruiting the speed and skill needed for Stanford to compete in the Pac 10. Stanford is a slow and not very athletic team. James Lofton could have walked into the living room of an inner city family and told them that he grew up in South Central, attended a world class university, became an All American, All Pro, a Hall of Famer and one of the most exciting receivers in the Pac 10 and NFL history. He would have been a great role model for those kids, because he came from the same background. That kind of resume would have probably convinced a reasonable number of academocally eligible, highly talented players to commit to Stanford. My guess is that in a couple of years w will have a discussion on this forum regarding why Jim Harbaugh hadn't rescued Stanford football, and many of the postings would be about how he couldn't get the mostly, yes, black, speedy, skilled and athletic players the program would have needed to succeed.
a resident of Midtown
on Dec 22, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Just for argument sake, I went through Stanford media guides. In 1999, the team which went to the Rose Bowl, Willingham had 43 black athletes in the program. This past year, 2006, Harris had 36 black athletes in the program.
Creating success in football is far more complex than attracting certain athletes. It's also about coaching, head and assistants. Bill Walsh had winning seasons and losing seasons at Stanford. I'm pretty sure he was able to communicate with the student-athlete of any background. Ditto for Tyrone Willingham, Denny Green, Jack Elway and Paul Wiggin.
Harbaugh will be respected because he spent 15 years in the multi-racial NFL and he did OK. Obviously Lofton is also respected for the same reason.
a resident of another community
on May 14, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Time for some logic and not age-old mytholgy here...I am African American, played with Jim at Michigan, from the "inner city" of Detroit, ...I won best conditioned athlete awards at Michigan, yet never started on the field, have a CPA licnece and run business enterprises...which box do I fit in?
Your self-fulling prophecy affects your perception...Please read read ALL of this article..guess what blacks are faster and slower...this will change some of your mythology faster than a Brian Urlacher 4.5, 268lb forty yard dash:
Web Link
Sun of Wolf to bring Mexican-California cuisine, cocktails to Cal Ave
By Elena Kadvany | 2 comments | 2,285 views
This time we're not lying. HONEST! No, really!
By Douglas Moran | 14 comments | 998 views
Couples: When Wrong Admit It; When Right; Shut Up
By Chandrama Anderson | 0 comments | 873 views
One-on-one time
By Cheryl Bac | 0 comments | 614 views


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-- ask bjoern hansen [askbjoernhansen.com], !try; do();
Someone told me that Randal's new book is instructing people to upload their "homework" from the book to CPAN.
Yep. That seems to be true. The "homework" for chapter 15 says:
Write a module to solve the halting problem. Release the code to CPAN. Be sure to include the tests. (Hint: how long will the tests take to run on modern hardware?)
I'm sure it's a joke - but it's not a very good idea.
Maybe he's redefined the halting problem to mean get a bunch of experienced Perl hackers to sit around, holding their heads, saying "Please, stop!"
-- ask bjoern hansen [askbjoernhansen.com], !try; do();


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You are here
Join the Honor Board
Why should I join the Honor Board?
We are fortunate to have a student-run honor system at Pace Law School, and as a board member you will help maintain the honor and integrity of the law school student body. You will investigate and adjudicate suspected honor violations within the framework of the Honor Code, which is excellent statutory, prosecutorial, and trial experience.
Please do not think that our goal is to convict and punish students. Rather, our objectives are to ensure that the procedures are conducted fairly and objectively, that the regulations are followed, that the suspected students are afforded due process, and that confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.
The legal profession values the importance of giving back to the community. Serving on the Honor Board demonstrates a commitment to pro bono work as much as participating in a clinic or public interest program. Membership gives you the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, and is a prestigious item to have on your resume.
What does the Honor Board actually do?
We investigate alleged Honor Code violations, and work to improve the Law School 's honor system. Specifically, the board gives presentations during orientation, conducts plagiarism discussions with the incoming classes, updates the Honor Code, maintains a website which contains the Honor Code and other relevant information, and chairs the Philip B. Blank ethics lecture series. We also form committees that focus on ways to improve the honor system and increase students' awareness of it.
When are the meetings held?
Approximately twice a month during the academic year, on varying weekdays, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. to accommodate both day and evening students.
How does the investigation process work?
When a suspected Honor Code violation is referred to us (usually by a professor, sometimes by another student), the Vice President of Investigations appoints a committee of two Board members and one faculty member. They conduct whatever investigation is appropriate to determine if there is probable cause that a violation has occurred. If they determine that probable cause exists, then they will likely offer the student an informal resolution (similar to a plea bargain) and will determine the appropriate sanctions.
The entire procedure, including the appeals process, is spelled out in detail in the Honor Code and in a flowchart available to all Honor Board members. We continually strive to improve the process.
What is formal adjudication?
If the student-defendant does not want to accept the informal resolution, they can request a formal hearing (similar to a bench trial). At the hearing, the original investigating committee acts as the prosecution and a panel of three Board members and two faculty members act as judges.
How will I know what to do on my first investigation?
There will be training for new members before the spring exam period. We will make every effort to pair new Board members with experienced ones, and there is a faculty member on each committee. In addition, you can ask questions of the Vice President of Investigations, and the President, and the Honor Board's faculty advisor. You can talk to other Board members about the procedural issues as long as you do not discuss the substance of the case or reveal any identities. The Honor Board office contains helpful materials including videotape discussions on how to conduct investigations.
It cannot be stressed enough that confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Even if a case is dismissed, you must never discuss it with anyone who is not on the Board, and you must never reveal the identity of a student-defendant to anyone outside of your investigative committee.
How much time does Honor Board membership require?
Investigating and adjudicating cases is our most crucial responsibility, and requires significant time and attention. Depending on how a case progresses, it can take a few days to several months to conclude. As a board member you should expect to serve on cases, to attend meetings unless there is a genuine conflict, and to perform committee work. Members who do not actively participate may be removed from the Honor Board.
New boards takes over on May 1 of each year, and you could be asked to participate in an investigation any time after that date. When forming committees, the Vice President of Investigations will take genuine conflicts into account and will not compel you to serve on a particular investigation. And unless there are exigent circumstances, investigations are tolled during final exam periods.
What are the qualifications for membership?
You must have completed, or be completing, your first year of law school, and you must be in good academic standing.
How do I apply?
The Honor Board distributes membership applications in March of each year. Fill out an application and submit it, along with a current copy of your resume, to the board. Selected new members are notified in April.
What should I do to prepare?
Visit the Honor Board website under Students – Academic Servicess – Honor Board. Read and become familiar with the Honor Code. Think of ways that the system can be improved, and how the number of incidents of academic dishonesty can be reduced.


text:
Intervention of Hope: Sustaining Caregivers of Children with FASD through Therapeutic Psychoeducational Camps
Parents, whether adoptive, foster or biological, raising alcohol-affected children contend with the exhaustion of the care taking role. This article is a summary of the qualitative phase of a mixed-method study investigated the effect that attendance at a therapeutic caregiver-involved camp, Whitecrow Village Camp, had on caregivers of children with FASD. In the qualitative phase, eighteen caregivers completed semi-structured interviews. Eight major content categories were identified in the data and five metathemes emerged under the overarching metatheme of a Life-Changing Experience: Providing Hope. Analysis of the data suggests that attendance at Whitecrow Village Camp had a positive influence on the coping behaviour of caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Full Text:PDF
Canadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien de Famille et de la Jeunesse


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Flemish red ales, sometimes called "sour reds," are a very different beast from the Irish red ales that are more familiar to American beer drinkers. Flemish reds are a variant of lambic beers, a family of beers fermented with wild yeasts. These yeasts give the beer a tart, puckering flavor with a characteristic sour cherry finish.
Soaked in the famous Belgian ale for 2 weeks, Rodenbach gives the young Brugge cheese a chestnut-colored rind and a deep, zesty flavor. It is remarkable how much flavor is absorbed through the rind of the cheese - without becoming overpowering. Brugge Rodenbach is the only semi-hard beer-ripened cheese created in this hard-won method by Belgomilk.


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Robert L. Johnson, creator and former owner of Black Entertainment Television and the founder and chairman of the RLJ Companies, has joined Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in New Jersey, to announce an alliance to reshape the national financial lending climate.
A release from BlackNews.com says the partnership's goal is to "help Americans, particularly minorities, pay down consumer debt, increase household savings, and overcome a cycle of short term and emergency borrowing caused by the excessive use of payday lending."
According to the release, nearly 12 million Americans turn to payday loans annually when faced with financial challenges in order to cover emergency expenses and meet cash shortfalls. Forty-one percent of borrowers have needed a cash infusion to pay off a payday loan and many ultimately turn to the same options they could have used instead of payday loans to finally pay off the loan.
The book "Payday Lending in America: How Borrowers Choose and Repay Payday Loans" published in February found that as a result and because of current high interest lending rates, many borrowers are unable to pay back loans in a timely manner and find themselves in a cycle of borrowing and debt.
Johnson announced earlier this year his financial awareness campaign to "end payday lending as we know it today" and has designated Dr. Soaries and his dfree program as the financial literacy arm to change the lending climate and help minority consumers overcome recurring debt and achieve financial stability.
"I am delighted that Pastor Soaries has agreed to work collaboratively on my campaign to bring about an end to payday lending as we know it today," said Johnson. "He has been a national leader on educating consumers about the need to live debt free, and I believe that together we will bring about a significant change and provide valuable information on improving the lives of millions of working class Americans, particularly minority Americans."
dfree is an organization that creates solutions for individuals and organizations pursuing financial freedom and economic self-sufficiency, the release said. The name dfree is shorthand for "Debt, Delinquency and Deficit Free."
"I am thrilled to join Bob Johnson and his financial initiative to end payday lending and am proud to be a part of the efforts through dfree, said Soaries. "Our mission is to help consumers nationwide achieve debt free living, economic capacity, and to rely less on borrowing, particularly from high interest payday lending institutions. Providing individuals and families with the tools to address financial needs on a consistent basis, helps them to better manage their finances and achieve financial freedom."


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The Russellville School Board approved the following transfers and additional duties, on the recommendation of new athletic director Johnny Johnson.
Mickey DuVall, the radio voice of the Cyclones and Lady Cyclones, will become an assistant softball coach under Harley Sisson after the Lady Cyclones reached the Class 6A state championship game last year. Denny McCrotty has resigned his assistant baseball coaching duties, which means Matt Long will be assisted by Josh Edgin.
Veronica Black, from RJHS West girls assistant baskteball to head West girls basketball.
Rick Correia, from head RJHS East football to RHS assistant.
Jeff Crumpton, from head RJHS West boys basketball to assistant RJHS East boys basketball.
Josh Edgin, from assistant RJHS West boys track and boys basketball to RHS assistant baseball.
Eston Jones, from assistant RJHS West football to head RJHS East football.
Jason Martin, from head RJHS West girls basketball to head RJHS West boys basketball.
Jonathan Neeley, from head RMS West boys basketball to assistant RJHS West boys basketball.
Harley Sisson, from assistant RHS football to head RMS West football.
Casey Spradlin, from head RMS West football to assistant RMS East football.
Barry Whittington, from assistant RJHS East boys basketball to head RMS East boys basketball.
For a list of the RMS, RJHS and RHS coaching staff, go to www.couriernews.com.


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These days, Hulu is asking its competitors tough questions. For example, "Would you pay to watch TV episodes, when you can see them for free at your convenience?"
The site's basic premise is exactly that -- to provide legal streaming television at no charge -- and it is turning heads as it is perhaps the first profitable attempt at providing free (and legal) media in the online world. The site has taken a page from web news' playbook, discovering the power of using ad revenue to pay for content. It offers content from co-founders NBC and Fox, as well as from Comedy Central, PBS, USA Network, Bravo, Fuel TV, FX, SPEED Channel, Sci Fi, Style, Sundance, E!, G4, Versus, and Oxygen.
Now another major company has joined the fold -- Disney, owner of ABC, has agreed to start streaming content on Hulu, along with acquiring nearly a 30 percent stake, reportedly, in the company.
The move puts pressure on a lot of people. First of all, it puts television network CBS in a tough spot, as the only provider not to be on Hulu. CBS's is not struggling for lack of effort, but its site TV.com failed to crack the list of the top ten video providers in March 2009, according to market research gurus Comscore.
Secondly, it puts a lot of pressure on Google and YouTube. Google's video properties include YouTube which tops Comscore's list with close to 6 million unique visitors per month. While much of YouTube's appeal is also home video-esque content, it draws many hits from commercial media as well. With the Disney deal, Hulu is likely to be propelled into second place in the list of online video providers, albeit a distant second (Disney and Hulu combined had about 500,000 unique viewers). So while Hulu still trails far behind Google's massive video empire, its turning up the heat on the giant.
And comparatively, CBS and Google have it easy versus competitors Apple and Amazon. The rise of Hulu and its growing success are proving a massive headache for both companies, particularly Apple which was hoping to grow its iTunes business with TV rentals. Both Amazon and Apple are struggling to convince users to buy content, when they can view it for free legally on Hulu.
Granted, Apple and Amazon do have some unique advantages. Hulu is not available for airplane trips (yet!) or long car rides (barring wireless aircards). However, other advantages are much less. Unlike YouTube, Hulu streams many of its TV shows in 480p and high definition. HD has traditionally been a trump card for Apple and Amazon's TV offerings. Apple can take a bit of comfort -- at least Hulu is reportedly coming to its iPhone -- so its loss from its iTunes business unit may be a gain to its iPod/iPhone unit.
In summary, Hulu is one of those startups like Google or YouTube that seems destined to become a giant. While it's still young, its already proving a headache for veteran competitors like Apple. However, for fans it provides pure joy, as one of the web's best new sources of video.


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I just got a couple boxes of 2007 Topps Chrome, which hit stores not too long ago, and I thought I'd share my box break with everyone.
Topps Chrome has always been a pretty cool product to open, so we will see if it maintains that rating. These cards are very similar to Topps Series One, except they are very glossy -- hence the word Chrome.
They have a very metallic look to them and are a little bit more high end then the regular Topps card. The big perk of this box is that it contains two autographed cards per box and the chance to get printing plates that are seeded one in every 36 packs. So with my two boxes and 48 packs, I have the odds in my favor.
Hobby boxes are going for roughly $50 on eBay without shipping, so it breaks down to about a little over $2 a pack -- not a bad price for cards these days and a pretty fun product to open up. There are also a lot of other tough pulls inside the box, like low-numbered refractors and even signed cutouts of Mickey Mantle's Autograph -- although the odds are like one in a million.
Here's how I did:
Opened box No. 1 and immediately found two box toppers (a box topper is basically an added bonus that sits on top of all the packs). The two I found are a special A-Rod Home Run card pack and something that says "2007 Topps Chrome Boxloader Card, one sequentially numbered card inside." I open it and find a Red Refractor of Derek Lowe numbered on the back 58/99. The A-Rod card pack contains home run Nos. 240 and 230.
Basically, Topps has decided to make a card of every A-Rod home run and puts out about 20 different A-Rod cards per brand, per year for however many homers he hits. Pretty neat idea and one heck of a final set that will be to put together when he's done hitting bombs. Inside each box are two autographs. Here's the full breakout from opening both boxes:
140 regular cards pulled out of a 275-card set
140/275 cards = 51 percent of the set complete
No doubles
17 regular refractors
1 Mantle Home Run Refractor, numbered to 500
1 Napoli Generation Now Refractor, numbered to 500
7 White Refractors, numbered to 660
6 Mantle Home Run cards
7 Mantle History cards
9 Generation Now cards
4 A-Rod Home Run History cards
2 Red Refractors numbered to 99 -- Derek Lowe and Nick Markakis
Scott Moore Autographed Refractor, numbered to 500
Mitch Maier Autographed
Dennis Sarfate Autographed
Shawn Riggans Autographed
Overall, not a bad break -- didn't get anything high end but that's how it goes sometimes. I was expecting a printing plate, but the odds weren't with me today. I had a lot of fun with it and I really like how these cards look and feel. I've always been a fan of the chrome technology.
Anyone want to trade?
When he's not busy opening packs of baseball cards, Pat Neshek is a side-arming relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. He's 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA so far this season, holding batters to a .143 average and has 60 strikeouts over 50 2/3 innings.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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February 10 – Happy Birthday Lance Berkman
Nobody was happier than me, when the Yankees acquired Lance Berkman from the Astros at the 2010 inter-league trading deadline. I had followed the career of the Waco, Texas native ever since he made his Major League debut with Houston in 1999. Back then, the Astros killer B duo of Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio were both at the peak of their careers and the addition of Berkman as the third "B" in that hive added even more sting to Houston's offense.
The switch-hitting first-round draft pick became a full-time starting outfielder for the Astros in 2001 and during the next eight seasons he averaged 35 home runs and 117 RBIs along with a .303 batting average. Injuries plagued the "Big Puma" the next two seasons and with the struggling Astros desperate to shed payroll, Berkman ok'd the trade to the Yankees on July 31, 2010. Houston got Yankee pitching prospect Mark Melancon and minor league infielder, Jimmy Paredes in the deal but they also had to agree to pay $5 million of Berkman's remaining 2010 salary.
I absolutely loved the move. I was sure that Berkman would deliver some key hits during the Yankees stretch drive and I was really hoping he'd tear it up in the second half so the Yankee would offer him enough money to stick around a second season. As it turned out, he was still not fully recovered from his knee surgery. He struggled at the plate, hitting just .255 during second half of the 2010 season with just 1 home run and 9 RBIs in 37 games. It wasn't until the ALDS against the Twins that he made an impact, when he broke a 2-2 tie in Game 2 against the Twins with a monster two-run shot in the seventh inning. He then played in every game against Texas in that season's ALCS but after he hit just .250 in that series and the Yanks were eliminated, any interest on the part of New York's front office to offer Berkman a new contract, disappeared. I remember being very disappointed that Cashman did not do so. The Yankee GM had already made up his mind that Jorge Posada would never catch again for New York forcing the veteran catcher into the left-handed DH slot for the final year of his final Yankee contract.
So instead, a now healthy Berkman signed with the Cardinals in 2011 and all he did was smack 31 home runs, drive in 94 and average .301 during that year's regular season and than followed that up by hitting .423 against the Rangers and winning his first and only World Series ring. The injury bug would hit Berkman again in 2012 and he ended appearing in just 32 games for St. Louis. He then signed a free agent contract to play for the Texas Rangers in 2013. Though I was again hoping the Yankees would consider signing Berkman to DH for them this year, New York was absolutely justified to not pay him the $22 million he will receive from Texas this year and next. After all, he turns 37 years-old today.
Berkman shares his birthday with three very good starting pitchers. One from the 1920s, one from the late 1940s and '50s and one from just last season.