text:
The database query did not return any results.
Contact: Peter Genzer, (631) 344-3174 | Written by Diane Greenberg
January 16, 2007
UPTON, NY - "The Gathering of the Slides V," a blues concert featuring the Kerry Kearney Band, Little Toby Walker, the Kane Daily Band, and Dee Harris will be held at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory on Saturday, February 24, at 7 p.m. in Berkner Hall. Sponsored by the BNL Music Club, the concert is open to the public. All visitors to the Laboratory age 16 and over must bring a photo ID.
Back for a fifth year at Brookhaven, the Kerry Kearney Band brings down the house with their unique, high-energy sound known as "Psychedelta." Founded in 1995, Kearney's electric band features Kearney on slide guitar, Tony Campo on keyboard, Frank Celenza on bass, Eileen Murphy on drums, and Charlie Wolfe on harmonica. The band played numerous shows with the Allman Brothers in 2000 and toured nationally with the Dickey Betts Band in 2001. It has been featured in many local clubs and NYC venues, such as The Bottom Line and Tribeca Blues, and has also headlined in several music festivals, including the Riverhead Blues Festival.
Winner of the prestigious 2002 Memphis International Blues Challenge, Little Toby Walker is a gifted finger-style guitarist, singer, songwriter and storyteller whose music draws from traditional and contemporary blues, western swing and ragtime. Playing a 1930 steel guitar, Walker peppers his musical performance with humorous commentary.
The Kane Daily Band brings a mix of blues-oriented classic rock'n'roll and Delta as well as Chicago-oriented blues to their act. While a member of the band Rooster, Daily helped the group win the 1997 Long Island Music Festival Award. Besides Daily on slide guitar, the Kane Daily Band features bassist George Ellert and drummer Dave Cobb.
A guitar player for over 30 years, Dee Harris had the opportunity at an early age to study slide guitar with the late Tom Pomposello, a close friend and playing partner of the legendary Mississippi Fred McDowell. Harris plays in local clubs, such as The Barefoot Peddler in Greenvale and the Cherrywood Café in Wantagh.
Tickets for the concert cost $15 each. Tickets may be purchased in advance electronically at www.ticketweb.com, or in person at Bobbique Restaurant, 70 West Main Street, Patchogue, NY, Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Early purchase is recommended because "The Gathering of the Slides" concerts have been sold out in the past.
Call 631 344-3846 for more information about the concert. The Laboratory is located on William Floyd Parkway (County Road 46), one-and-a-half miles north of Exit 68 of the Long Island Expressway.
2007-10578 | INT/EXT | Media & Communications Office
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text:
We handed them their worst playoff loss ever, 49-3.
We ended the career of their best player.
We ruined 14-2 and 13-3 seasons by beating them in their house in the NFC Championship Game.
We stopped them from being the first Super Bowl 3 peat.
We went through them for 3 of our 4 Super Bowls. They went through us for their first two (1981 and 1984).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I've been using Naturally Speaking and ZASS on the same computer for over a year. Yesterday's AV scan showed natspeak.exe as a "not-a-virus:Monitor.Win32KeyLogger.aw"
When I quarantine this file, Naturally Speaking goes into a perpetual install/configure loop. When I did manage to break the loop, some keys on my extended keyboard functions didn't work. This is very annoying.
I've currently set ZASS to ignore this file. I have the firewall set to deny Access and Server to both the Trusted and Internet zones.
Does someone have information on this file? I'm assuming it's a valid file that has characteristics of a keylogger, but would like to know for sure.
Operating System:Windows XP Pro
Software Version:7.0
Product Name:ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite


text:
Sprache in Deutsch ändern |
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You found probably the funniest site of the internet! Share and discover hilarious, crazy and weird videos, images or what ever you want and find people who share your sense of humour.
We suggest English as your preferred language. You can change the language next to the bendecho logo.Let it rock! ;-)
Take on me: North Korean Style
mauskabel.com - Take on me: North Korean Style, Take on me: North Korean Style
|North Korean Style, Take On Me, Take On Me North Korean Style
|5 years, 11 months ago
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text:
Nice pass DD. JL3 brought us back. Now i say take him out.
Nice pass DD. JL3 brought us back. Now i say take him out.
Anderson just stop if you are setting up a 3 give it to Lucas! say what you want about JL3 he never takes shots he isnt confident about.
Where is JV? Gone cause of poor D on Henson or what? I think the Raps need his hustle and heart to maintain the lead.
If Dunleavy is ever up for grabs I want that guy in Raps uniform. High IQ player
Planning to be at the games vs Golden State & in LA. I want the games to mean something.
Gawd. AA almost gave me a heart attack
stupid fucking shot by Anderson.. I don't care if it went in.. the guy is stupid as hell
Anderson.. thank you. Puts up some bad shots but I rather him take them than anyone else
D-league Kobe... sometimes he is D-league... sometimes he is Kobe!
The Baltic Beast is unstoppable!
omg the guy is ridiculous.. the ball is in the air 2 secs after he gets it no matter what!
Remove Anderson, Insert Jonas. Increase ball movement and rebounding. would be nice
We need JV in the game! We need rebounding!!!
I like these Bucks announcers. Good guys.
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text:
Great Sound Bar System
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Easy set up. Sounds great in odd shaped room. Very easy set up.
Pros: Good quality sound through entire range. Fills room with clear tones and solid bass. Very easy to set up and configure for sitting positions. Nice design.
Cons: Remote situation is as described in previous review. A little on the pricey side, but I think worth it given the sound, look, and set up.


text:
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — For the second time in less than a year, Saudi Arabia was thrown into the process of naming a new heir to the country's 88-year-old king following the death Saturday of Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz.
That forces a potentially pivotal decision: Whether to bring a younger generation a step closer to ruling one of the West's most critical Middle East allies. King Abdullah has now outlived two designated successors, despite ailments of his own.
It's widely expected the current succession order will stand and Nayef's brother, Defense Minister Prince Salman — another elderly and ailing son of the country's founding monarch — will become the No. 2 to the throne of OPEC's top producer.
But Prince Nayef's death opens the possibility that a member of the so-called "third generation" of the royal clan will now move into one of the traditional ruler-in-waiting roles as the country looks ahead to challenges such as the nuclear path of rival Iran and Arab Spring-inspired calls for political and social reforms around the Gulf.
"Saudi Arabia will have to decide if this is the time to set the next generation on the path to rule," said Simon Henderson, a Saudi affairs expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
First, however, the Saudi leadership must fall behind the successor for Nayef, the hard-line interior minister who spearheaded Saudi Arabia's fierce crackdown crushing al-Qaida's branch in the country after the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Nayef, who Al-Arabiya reported died in Geneva, was named crown prince in November after his brother Prince Sultan died.
The Allegiance Council, an assembly of sons and grandsons of the first Saudi monarch, King Abdul-Aziz, will choose the next crown prince.
Nayef was survived by several wives and 10 children.


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Speed was important. But Kentucky also had to finish strong.
Head coach Mark Stoops only had about two months to rebuild Kentucky's 2013 recruiting class. Some of his assistants had only a few weeks with the program to help out.
Despite that, Stoops and his staff signed Kentucky's highest ranked recruiting class ever on Wednesday. UK finished the day ranked No. 28 nationally, adding 19 players to three early enrollees. Not even a 2-10 season and a coaching staff that was still under construction for much of the recruiting process could hold Kentucky back.
"A lot of people asked me about why here, and why did you jump on this opportunity, and why did you seek this opportunity?" Stoops said. "I just felt there was great potential here. I felt there was a sleeping giant here that we can do great things and we will do great things."
UK finished with three four-star players after signing a combined three in the previous three years. Safety Marcus McWilson flipped from Nebraska to Kentucky. Defensive end Jason Hatcher reneged on a commitment to USC to play for the Wildcats. Receiver Ryan Timmons spurned Florida to stay at home, saying he wanted to build something.
They'll all get their opportunity. With so little time to assemble a recruiting class, Kentucky's staff shifted its priorities. They spent little time on evaluation, honing in on players they were already familiar with.
"It was a sprint," defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot said. "There was no long-distance about it. We came in and we tried to build these relationships and convince these young men to come to Kentucky as hard and as fast as we could."
After deciding which players to prioritize, it didn't take long for the coaches to make their pitch. Stoops sold players on a plan to rebuild Kentucky, starting with fresh blood and a fresh start.
There was also previous success to sell. While Kentucky stumbled last year and recruiting lagged, its new staff was torching opponents. Stoops' defense ranked No. 2 nationally at Florida State last year, and offensive coordinator Neal Brown led Texas Tech to the No. 13 offense in the country in 2012.
"I feel like the things we have to sell, we're selling that this is new and it's a good sell, a vision where you can build the program," Brown said. "We've had a lot of success on our side of the ball, and with Coach Stoops they've had a lot of success on their side of the ball."
Those rankings mattered to recruits. Similarly, Stoops didn't downplay the importance of signing such a highly-ranked class.
"Let's not kid ourselves," he said. "You want to be higher than not be higher, right?"
Kentucky still faces a steep climb. UK's class ranked 13th in the Southeastern Conference, ahead of only Missouri. Stoops called it "daunting" to look at the competition, though the Wildcats may not be done. Stoops and Brown both said UK would continue to look to add more prospects to the class, which has room for three more players.
UK added five players on the defensive line, four on the offensive line, and signed four wide receivers. Stoops and his staff built buzz on signing day, but they also began to build a roster that fits their needs and system.
"This isn't a deal where you come in here and be a savior," Brown said. "This is the deal where you come to Kentucky, we'll build solid classes, we'll get better every year and we'll put people around you where you won't have to carry the weight of the world."
There's speed in the class, in players like Timmons and tailback JoJo Kemp. There's strength in players like defensive tackle Jacob Hyde and offensive lineman Justin Day. It took both attributes for UK's staff to build the highest-ranked recruiting class in school history.
"I said that in the first press conference when we introduced the guys at mid year, that we would go toe to toe with the best schools in the country and with the best schools in the SEC," Stoops said. "We're not going to take a backseat to anybody; we're going to recruit hard. We will win our fair share. We don't win 'em all, but we're going to work hard."


text: Finally came to a realization after some solid racquet and string experimentation - I love a boardy racquet setup. It is almost used sometimes as a bad word, but to me it is sublime. When you hit through the ball, the feel on the sweetspot is absolute bliss, and the control gives me a ton of confidence in a pressure situation. What I notice is with softer setups, I have to brush more and use more spin to control the ball. With a tighter, boardy setup I can hit through the ball more and not overspin the ball. I also am able to hybrid my poly mains with a syn gut and therefore have a tighter tension which helps me do this even more. The final equation is the 18x20 pattern. The tight pattern definitely feels better to me. I firmly believe open patterns are more launchy and lose ball feel. More strings = more feel for me. What about spin you say? This is a setup for players that can hit with spin already and want to be able to come through the ball more. An 18x20 pattern makes you work a little harder for spin, but the result is a very penetrating ball that does not sit up, and instead kicks forward - speeding the ball up off the bounce. A lot of players dont see this ball as much so that is a nice bonus. a little less weight on the racquet can help generate this. Anyway, the point of this thread is to find the best boardy control setup out there. Here is mine so far: 4G 17 and OGSM 16 at 52/54. I really would like to find a cheaper replacement for the 4g, but so far nothing has come close. I have tried Cyberflash/OGSM (too soft..not enough feel - but a solid budget option) Cyclone/NVY (too springy - Nvy is an amazing cross but not for a boardy setup). Cost advantage of 4g is it holds tension for a long time. You can play this setup for close to 2 weeks. The control level is off the charts as well. My next setup to challenge : Tour bite 17 and Wilson Stamina - 52/54.


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Tropical countries struggle to engage with REDD+
Most tropical developing countries are struggling to monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions from forest loss, and will need international support to implement the UN REDD+ scheme, according to a study. The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) scheme aims to reverse forest cover loss and curb related carbon emissions by putting a financial value on stored carbon.
REDD+ was agreed at Cancun in 2010 and added conservation, sustainable forest management and enhancing forest carbon stocks to the REDD framework.
Countries voluntarily report back on their implementation of REDD+, but many lack the capacity to monitor forest loss and carbon emissions using key technologies such as satellite remote sensing, according to a paper in the May–June issue of Environmental Science and Policy.
The study ranked tropical developing countries according to their ability to implement REDD+, and found that few such countries had improved their monitoring capacity between 2005 and 2010, with some even losing capacity, such as Burkina Faso and Mozambique.
Article continues at REDD
Forest image via Wikipedia


text: k34's green Head thread http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=479034 inspired me to stripdown a white Composite Master whose grommets had gone all hard & brittle to the point they just shattered to tiny pieces should've checked with all ye Head experts here BEFORE doing anything but then discovered the 'Master' is an odd 18x19 pattern in a midplus size so no Prestige Mid Cap grommets would fit. Nor would Prestige Mid Plus (18x20) nor Prestige Pro (16x19). As last resort, dug up the racquet boneyard and pulled out some plastics:- to keep it in the family... that's off a Head LM Rad with a bit of snipping, it fitted!


text:
Open Box (Fair - Needs Repair) Gemini MS-POD Portable Sound System with iPod Dock 886830663611
Sku #H82213007000001
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Easy-to-use, professional audio – to go!
Gemini's MS-POD is a versatile, all-inclusive portable sound system with a convenient iPod dock, allowing direct playback from your iPod or other portable media players. With impressive power, flexible connections and a supremely lightweight, mobile design, the MS-POD offers a great sounding PA solution that you can take anywhere.
Ideal for outdoor events, mobile musicians, fitness instructors and anyone else seeking a premium, lightweight speaker system, the MS-POD boasts a high-quality built-in amplifier, which provides 100 watts of Peak power (50 watts RMS) to its enclosed 5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter. Enhanced bass output also ensures a full, rich sound with big, clear low-end response that complements the articulate high frequency management. And to ensure seamless performance wherever and whenever you need it, the MS-POD provides up to twelve hours of continuous operation from its ultra-efficient rechargeable battery.
For greater versatility, the MS-POD features a balanced microphone input with gain control. A dynamic microphone is also included, making it a valuable tool for speeches, meetings, assemblies, tradeshows and outdoor gatherings. The MS-POD can also be used with wireless microphone systems, so fitness instructors can lead high-energy workout sessions while incorporating their choice of background music. Plus, the MS-POD's ¼-inch line input allows you to plug in an instrument, like a guitar or keyboard, and play along with backing tracks, providing singer-songwriters with a great solution for gigs at parties and small venues.
Thanks to durable casters, a telescoping handle and a weight of just 28 pounds, the MS-POD is a breeze to transport from one event or gig to the next. There's even a Link Output that lets you daisy chain multiple units together for stereo and surround operations, while a pole mount receptacle offers flexible positioning options. And with quick, simple setup, as well as intuitive controls, the MS-POD is easy for anyone to use.
- Powered, mountable, 2-way speaker system for any portable sound application
- Built-in rechargeable battery with level indicator lasts up to 12 hours
- Integrated universal iPod dock
- Three inputs: balanced mic input, instrument/mic input, aux input (stereo RCA)
- Link output jack
- Master volume and individual gain control for inputs 1 & 2
- Enhanced bass output offers rich, full sound
- Professional quality microphone included
- Heavy-duty aluminum and wood construction
- Two-wheel system with retractable handle for true portability
- 35mm base for stand mounting
Order today for a broad range of mobile entertainment.


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Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Cornwell chapel in Dardanelle. Burial will be in Harkey's Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A complete obituary will be published in Sunday's edition of The Courier.
Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online guest book and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.


text:
Surely the first occurrence of "address" shouldn't be there?It's incredibly rude to send an email address from an email address that won't accept replies.
The second option is less secure as anyone can intercept the email address and get access to the link, so the first option should be prefered. [dave.org.uk]
I think you meant "anyone can intercept the email."
Also, it was not apparent to me why the second option was less secure until I read rule 2. It was news to me (welcome news) that option 1 could be made more secure by leaving out the user name. You might want to reorder or reword things to make this more notable, because I'm betting a lot of otherw
I was going to name and shame the site that I dealt with this afternoon, but I wrote them a polite email explaining the problems and in less than 45 minutes I got a reply saying that these problems had already been noted and that they should be fixed by the end of the week. That's pretty good customer service so I won't embarass them by telling everyone who they are.
Oh, and I think you should name and praise them, assuming this is actually fixed!


text:
New York Fashion Week Instagram and Twitter Pictures 2012
Behind-the-Scenes Celebrity Photos From NYFW
Behind-the-Scenes Celebrity Photos From NYFW
Many of our favorite stars stepped out in the Big Apple for NYFW, which has now come to a close! We're taking a look at all the action from celebs during the busy few days. Designers, models, and stars shared plenty of behind-the-scenes fun. We've rounded up Twitter and Instagram photos from, and of, Victoria Beckham, Rachel Zoe, Jessica Alba, and even Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Click through to see all the candid shots of stars during New York's week of fashion!
0previous images
72more images


text:
Your search returned 169 cottages.
Just show me
Watergate Bay Cottages
Surfing and Jamie Oliver instantly spring to mind when you think of a Watergate Bay holiday cottage - and with good reason. If you're looking for a mix of adrenalin sports and sensational food, read on.
Even though this is one of Cornwall's surfing hotspots, the beach at Watergate Bay is so big, it hardly ever gets crowded. When the tide is out, it's almost three miles long and you can walk to Newquay. There are designated swimming areas, lots of sand to create castles and also rock pools for little ones to fill their nets with mini crabs.
Surf's up at Watergate Bay!
For every kind of surfing imaginable - regular surfing, kite surfing, paddle surfing - as well as power kiting, wave-ski and more, the Extreme Sports Academy is right here in the bay. Book some lessons, grab a board and away you go! Or fine tune your skills roller-coasting on the waves.
Another great reason to book a Watergate Bay cottage is to walk the coastal path. Head west to the bustling resort of Newquay or east passing the dramatic Bedruthan Steps to Mawgan Porth.
All this sport brings on a healthy appetite and you'll be spoilt for choice at Watergate Bay. Dine alfresco on the beach, have drinks on the terrace of the Watergate Bay Hotel or splash out on an Italian-inspired brunch or dinner at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen.
Or time your Watergate Bay cottage holiday at the start of autumn and enjoy one of Cornwall's most exclusive sporting events - Polo on the Beach. Expect bubbly and BBQS, fast-paced action, an amazing atmosphere and life-long memories.


text:
An Oceanside, Calif., woman said she had a rude awakening Friday morning when she found a man standing over her bed.
Anna Thompson told NBC 7 the situation is one she's only seen in movies but never imagined would happen to her.
She woke up just after 6 a.m. Friday to a man covering her mouth in her home on Vine Street. She immediately started fighting the man off.
"I fought back as much as I could until I got to a point where my dog woke up, and he was laying right next to me, and he started going after the intruder and chased him out of my house," said Thompson.
Thompson received a scratch to her chest and an injured lip.
She believes the suspect came through the side gate to her home, took off his shoes and went inside. He left those shoes behind when he fled.
In the scuffle, she knocked his hat off. Oceanside Police later took the hat as evidence to get DNA from it, Thompson said.
Investigators said there was no forced entry into the house. They believe the suspect is in his 30s, but they have not released any other information.
She said the incident has prompted her to put an alarm system in her home as soon as possible.


text:
Bucs pass on arms, snag top catcher
Fourth-overall pick of BC's Sanchez frees up options later
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
1 WAS: S. Strasburg
2 SEA: D. Ackley
3 SD: D. Tate
4 PIT: J. Sanchez
5 BAL: M. Hobgood
6 SF: Z. Wheeler
7 ATL: M. Minor
8 CIN: M. Leake
9 DET: J. Turner
10 WAS: D. Storen
11 COL: T. Matzek
12 KC: A. Crow
13 OAK: G. Green
14 TEX: M. Purke
15 CLE: A. White
16 ARI: R. Borchering
17 ARI: A. Pollock
18 FLA: C. James
19 STL: S. Miller
20 TOR: S. Jenkins
21 HOU: J. Mier
22 MIN: K. Gibson
23 CWS: J. Mitchell
24 LAA: R. Grichuk
25 LAA: M Trout
26 MIL: E. Arnett
27 SEA: N. Franklin
28 BOS: R. Fuentes
29 NYY: S. Heathcott
30 TB: L. Washington
31 CHC: B. Jackson
32 COL: T. Wheeler
36 LAD: A. Miller
72 NYM: S. Matz
75 PHI: K. Dugan
Follow Draft on Twitter
New tech helps clubs spot talent
Bodley: Nats must be patient
Only college right-hander Stephen Strasburg and outfielder Dustin Ackley were listed higher than Sanchez on the Pirates' Draft board. And when Strasburg went to the Nationals as the overall No. 1 pick and Ackley was then grabbed by the Mariners at No. 2, Sanchez fell to Pittsburgh.
"I could barely breathe watching TV, I was so nervous," Sanchez said from his parent's home in Miami. "It's an unbelievable feeling for me and my family and for everybody involved. I'm so fortunate to be picked at that spot."
Sanchez, 21, hit .346 with 14 homers, 19 doubles, 63 runs scored and 51 RBIs in 58 games with the Eagles this year. The 63 runs scored set a Boston College record, while his 14 home runs were third-most in a single season.
Despite the numbers and Sanchez's highly regarded defensive abilities, the selection was a bit unconventional. In most pre-Draft rankings, Sanchez had been listed as the best catcher available, but also as a likely late first-round or supplemental pick.
Huntington was among those who saw Sanchez play this spring, and he and scouting director Greg Smith recently met with him over dinner. While the Pirates passed on a number of promising pitchers to nab Sanchez, their thought process in selecting the catcher with that first pick seems to be part of a larger plan.
"We got the top-rated player on the board when it was our turn to pick," Huntington said. "Tony was one of the best two position players from our standpoint, and we felt that he was the best catcher available in the Draft with upside to the bat. In our minds, Tony Sanchez is an outstanding pick."
According to one baseball source, Pittsburgh is believed to already have reached an agreement with Sanchez that would pay him a signing bonus of approximately $2.25-2.3 million. That figure would fall under "slot," Major League Baseball's recommended signing bonus for first-round picks. And with a deal in place now, the Pirates can get Sanchez in their system quickly, as desired.
Asked if he already had a handshake-deal in place with the Pirates, Sanchez answered: "Yeah, absolutely." When asked to go into further detail, he paused: "I'm not really too sure on that. That's what I have [an agent] for. I'm just out here to play ball."
Huntington would not confirm that an agreement had already been reached.
"We've had conversations with a multitude of players around our pick to have a good feel of what the parameters would be," Huntington said. "But at this time, we have a good feel that we can get something done, but there is nothing in place."
Huntington said that Sanchez would be ready to start at low Class A West Virginia if the organization is able to get him signed quickly. The deadline for signing drafted players is Aug. 17. Sanchez shares the same urgency to get signed and get playing.
"I want to get out there and get playing as soon as I can," Sanchez said. "The quicker that I get out there, the better."
By not spending an excessive amount on their first-round selection, the Bucs are now expected to be increasingly aggressive in the later Draft rounds, especially in grabbing pitching talent. Much like they did last year, look for the Pirates to draft high-ceiling high school players who dropped into later rounds because of commitments to play in college. With significant money available, Pittsburgh can then offer substantial bonuses to try and convince such players to forgo those commitments and sign with the organization.
"We put together a Draft strategy and a process that is going to allow us to best allocate the tremendous resources that [owner] Bob Nutting has given the organization," Huntington said. "This Draft is going to be judged on 50 picks and the quality of those 50 picks.
"This was not a Draft, outside of the first [two] picks, to spend a huge chunk of our budget on one player. It's something that's going to be spread over multiple players. We have a chance to flood our system with quality prospects, and that's something we're very excited about."
Though the Pirates hope to maximize their Draft return with all the dollars they will have to allot to players in subsequent rounds, that's not to say that they don't also believe in Sanchez's potential to be an impact Major League catcher.
Defense has been Sanchez's calling card through his collegiate career, though the Pirates, scouting team is confident that there is more offensive potential to draw out.
"The bat is a question," Huntington said. "We like the strength. We like the bat speed. We like the approach. He has strength and power to drive the ball gap-to-gap. And as he matures, we see the power coming."
Sanchez, born Jorge Anthony Sanchez, has been on the Pirates' radar since Draft meetings were held back in January and certainly helped increase his stock with the amount of work he put in over the last two years to get into shape.
He employed the now-famous Subway diet -- eating a turkey and tuna sandwich with lettuce, onions and honey mustard on wheat bread at least five times a week for the past few years -- as he dropped nearly 30 pounds during college. The now 6-foot-1, 220 pound catcher also rededicated himself to the workroom.
"If it wasn't for that, and the fact that I flipped the switch in the gym and really started telling myself that I needed to get my body in shape, I wouldn't be here right now," he said.
Sanchez recently ended his career at Boston College, but not before catching all 25 innings in a regional loss to the University of Texas.
Sanchez finished his three-year collegiate career with a .317 batting average, 49 doubles, 24 home runs and 124 RBIs in 161 games. He was named as one of three finalists for the 2009 Coleman Company -- Johnny Bench Award, which is presented annually to the top college catcher. He was also recently named to both the All-ACC First Team and the Louisville Slugger All-America Third Team.
"I flew under the radar a lot in high school," Sanchez said. "A lot of people weren't attracted to my body. They didn't know my work ethic. I've always been an underdog.
"At BC, we were a losing program," he continued. "Me and my teammates took a mentality that we wanted to turn that around. I hope to do the same thing getting into the system with the Pittsburgh Pirates. I want to help turn that franchise into a winning franchise."
Compensation round A, Victor Black, RHP, Dallas Baptist University: Black, a 41st-round pick back in 2006, remedied some of his control problems this season and finished 6-3 with a 3.80 ERA, 91 strikeouts and 36 walks in 85 innings. His fastball can hit 95-96 mph, and he possesses the ability to develop a plus slider and changeup as well.
2nd round, Brooks Pounders, RHP, Temecula Valley High School: Pounders, who has already verbally committed to playing for the University of Southern California next year, has four pitches that he can throw for strikes, though his fastball velocity is typically in the 87-90 mph range. He is a command guy, though he is a big-body pitcher that will have to work on maintaining his body.
3rd round, Evan Chambers, CF, Hillsborough Community College: A 5-foot-9 outfielder from Lakeland, Fla., Chambers, 20, hit .324 with 11 homers, 39 RBIs and 27 stolen bases in 49 games this season. He was a 19th-round pick by the Rockies in 2007, but opted not to sign.
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Have you ever wondered who writes Kiva loan descriptions? Who takes the pictures and videos you see on the website? Who is responsible for connecting you--the lender--to borrowers?
At Zoona in Zambia, that person is Memory, Kiva Coordinator extraordinaire.
Each of Kiva's 193 field partners has a Kiva Coordinator, a designated person that manages Kiva loans. The role of Kiva Coordinator varies between partners, and is sometimes shared between multiple people.
In Memory's case, she explains Kiva to borrowers, takes their picture or video, and writes loan descriptions.
Memory uploads loans to Kiva.org and keeps lenders updated on borrower progress. She develops a relationship with each borrower, which allows for a more personal connection between lenders and borrowers.
Memory is 24 years old and from Lusaka, Zambia. She has a diploma in Information Technology from Ekurhuleni West College in Johannesburg, South Africa.
When she returned home from college in 2009 she applied for IT jobs with various banks. Her resume got passed on to Zoona and she has been with them ever since.
Memory started in operational support with Zoona, but six months into the position she gave a presentation on 'Growing Your Business' and the founder of Zoona reacted with, "what are you doing in operations!? You belong in marketing!"
She became a Marketing Assistant and was eventually promoted to Brand Manager. When Zoona partnered with Kiva, Memory was the obvious choice for Kiva Coordinator.
Memory is exceptional at explaining Kiva to borrowers and connecting with them. She also writes good, detailed loan descriptions that provide the information lenders are curious about.
And Zoona might just be Kiva's best partner in terms of journals--written messages or video updates to lenders on how the loan impacted the borrower and how they're doing.
Memory posts amazing video journals of borrowers and she's also very good at sustaining dialogue between lenders and borrowers.
Memory says two borrowers in particular stand out to her—Aness and Mundia. When Memory explained Kiva to Aness, she understood the concept right away and was very open to interacting with lenders. In fact, if Memory didn't ask for updates every month, Aness would call and remind her.
Aness has shared video of her baby daughter and messages about her favorite customers with lenders, which has led to conversations between Aness and her lenders. She loves hearing from them.
Memory has enjoyed seeing Aness grow every step of the way.
Mundia is special to Memory because he tries to incorporate Kiva lenders into everything he does. He even invited two lenders to the Kuomboka ceremony—the biggest and most well-known traditional ceremony in Zambia.
Memory says Mundia is very grateful for the loans, and it shows.
Memory's favorite part of the job? Traveling and getting to see new places as she visits borrowers across Zambia.
Memory enjoys working with borrowers because she says she gets to know a lot of interesting people that she wouldn't otherwise meet, and they provide her with a new perspective on things.
She really appreciates the opportunity to help people. Memory says that when you work with a partner like Kiva with zero interest loans, you can see results in just a few months.
When asked what she'd like lenders to know about Kiva borrowers, Memory said that the loans—no matter how small—have an impact.
She explains that borrowers don't have collateral, so they can't get loans from a bank and their businesses would stay stagnant without Kiva loans.
In two to three years, Memory hopes to have her Master's Degree in Business Administration and says:
"My vision for Zoona and the Kiva partnership is to see it grow to greater heights so that more people can have access to Zoona and Kiva working capital. The working capital not only has effect on the people who receive it but on the country as well. In some cases, when the business grows, people are able to provide jobs."
Kiva's mission is to "connect people through lending to alleviate poverty." Memory exemplifies how critical a good Kiva Coordinator is to achieving a connection between lenders and borrowers.
Keep up the great work, Memory! Kiva staff, lenders, and borrowers all appreciate your hard work and dedication.
To lend to Shadrick, who is featured in pictures above, click here.
For other Zoona borrowers, click here and search under Zambia.
Entry filed under:
I have learned about Kiva and
I have learned about Kiva and the noble cause undertaken by the dedicated field partners/co-ordinaters.I am a student at Moi Teaching & Referral Hospital in Kenya.Kindly link me up with the appropriate field partner or co-ordinator in Kenya to guide me on how to access student loan for education.
Permalink Submitted by Christine Auma Oyuga on Sat, 05/25/2013 - 22:44
Thanks for your comment,
Thanks for your comment, Christine. I am not familiar with Kiva partners in Kenya. Please get in touch with Kiva's customer support team at www.kiva.org/help/contact-us. They should be able to help you. Good luck with your studies!
Permalink Submitted by Michelle Schenc... on Tue, 05/28/2013 - 05:53
Add Your Comments
As Portfolio Manager for Anglophone Africa, Michelle is responsible for oversight and expansion of Kiva's partnerships in eastern and southern Africa. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, she began working at Kiva in 2013 after completing a Kiva Fellowship in South Africa and Zambia. Michelle developed a passion for Africa right out of college as a volunteer with the Jane Goodall Institute in Uganda. She went on to conduct graduate research in Gabon with the Wildlife Conservation Society and teach African geography courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to Kiva, Michelle also spent four years working in financial operations and compliance at Nakoma Capital Management. She holds a Master's degree in Geography and African Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and Conservation Biology from UW-Madison.


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copyright the chronicle December 4, 2013
by Paul Lefebvre
Not many young professionals would welcome a reporter's questions on the first day of a new job. But that's where Jared Nunery found himself Monday, roughly six hours into the role as the new county forester for Orleans County.
"My goal is to be the best resource I can for the county," said Mr. Nunery, who comes to the job with a degree in forestry from the University of Vermont.
A native of Freeport, Maine, Mr. Nunery has worked in a variety of forestry related fields that have taken him to places like Alaska and Montana — states whose land mass and wilderness dwarf that of Vermont.
In Montana he even had a job that many professionals in the outdoor world would trade their firstborn for — the reintroduction of wolves into a state known for big game such as elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.
Not Mr. Nunery, who found counting wolves "incredibly boring."


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Discussion in 'Star Trek Movies: Kelvin Universe' started by Kamdan, Jan 24, 2013.
Oh, yeah.
That's gonna come in handy.
I read that in Barry White's voice.
But R2 is a good robot.
Canon violation.
So is basically everything on this page: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WhyFandomCantHaveNiceThings.
New Abrams comment on the whole Wars-Trek thing
Waits for someone to come along and complain about Abrams insulting Trek and it's fans by calling Trek "Only lunch", while honoring Star Wars with being Dinner
I have to wonder if Disney executives will be as patient with JJ's elongated release dates from script - to - screen as Paramount has been with Trek? I'm betting they want the film sooner not later to hit the theatres and are fairly firm on the 2015 release date despite what he says in these comments.
I assume they discussed all that with Abrams before hiring him & signing the contracts. If they had any big issues they would surely get someone else.
For what it's worth I still think we'll see Episode VII by the summer of 2015. If there's a delay then there won't be anything we the fans can do about it anyways, but if principal photography can get underway by late this year or early 2014 at the latest I still think we'll see the new film in cinemas more or less on-schedule.
In many cultures lunch is the primary meal of the day. I'm okay with that.
Meh. They're both edible product that occasionally produces crap.
Not as much difference as some would like to think.
"In the middle of Star Trek?" Into Darkess is over two and a half months away from its theatrical release. He should be a lot further along than "in the middle."
What the hell have these ass clowns been doing? They spend three years telling everyone the script would be done "by the end of the month," delaying the movie's release date by an entire year, and now two months from release date they're only in the middle?
These jackasses are squandering the Trek franchise. This is why we need a Trek traditionalist back in the fold calling the shots. At least people like Berman and Braga got scripts done on time and never delayed release dates. I guarantee, September 2002 Nemesis was further along than in the middle.
"In the middle" because he's already thinking about the third Star Trek movie.
Maybe they should have.
You might want to find a new schtick.
$258 million domestic box office along with an Academy Award for the last film hardly seems like "squandering the franchise," dude. One can quibble with the Abrams vision and the timeline his films depict, but saying the Trek franchise has been squandered when it's more popular and profitable now than it's been in many years is a bit much.
Trek's making money and it's alive. As much as I loved Enterprise you couldn't say that when it went off the air.
I will when I get bored.
Willow makes everything better.
What episode is that from? Hannigan looks older than she does now.
Separate names with a comma.


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Throughout January, Jaguar USA is encouraging Intagram users to take photos of their favorite Jaguars and send them in using the #CaptureaJag hashtag. All the entries are then put on display via a Facebook app showcasing the new F-Type model. The person with the winning shot gets a chance to be one of the first people in the United States to test drive an F-Type.
"We are looking for photos that exemplify the brand essence and show the beauty of Jaguar cars," says Ray Warren, digital marketing manager for Jaguar USA. "They should be bold, dynamic, and alive, but also showcase the car."
So far, the company has received more than 1,000 photos in the contest, and that number aligns with Jaguar's initial expectations, Warren says. Plus, it's creating considerable excitement for the sporty F-Type.
The #CaptureaJag hashtag actually predates the contest, Warren says. The company began using the hashtag on Instagram for photos of cars, and fans picked up on it.
"The contest is an extension of this effort, and we think it will increase overall awareness of this hashtag," he says.
The idea for the contest itself arose as Jaguar North America and agencies Carrot Creative and Spark44 started work on the F-Type community app on Facebook.
"Once the wheels were set in motion in September, design and development took a little less than two months," Warren says. "We decided to tease the contest and launch after the holidays."
The decision to throw together Facebook and Instagram just seemed to make things simpler, he says. Fans were already taking pictures of Jaguars using Instagram, and there were already plans for a Facebook app, so why not combine them?
Pedal to the metal
Though Facebook and Instagram are the major pieces of the contest, other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Google+ are playing big roles in getting word about the contest out to Jaguar fans. The top tweet on Jaguar USA's Twitter profile is a promoted tweet encouraging fans to enter for the "once in a lifetime opportunity" to test-drive the F-Type.
Jaguar is paying for advertising on Facebook and is making traditional PR pitches to promote the contest, too. It's also requiring entrants to "like" the Jaguar Facebook page.
"We see this as an opportunity to bring these people into the Jaguar family," Warren says.
The company's asking fans to help amplify the message by promising that contest entrants who share their photos with friends might get a bit more attention from the judges.
"While this does not necessarily affect the finalists, we will pay more attention to photos that are shared more often," Warren says. "The assumption is if a photo is shared multiple times, it will resonate with our fans."
Also within the Facebook app is a special news section full of tweets, forum posts, news articles, images, and videos. Fans also have the opportunity to "become a member" of an F-Type email group and receive special offers.
"We have already invited some of these members to exciting exclusive Jaguar events including the 'Skyfall' premiere, our XFR-S reception at the L.A. Auto Show, and a Google+ Hangout with Ian Callum, Jaguar design director," Warren says.
The final stretch
When entries close Feb. 1, teams from Jaguar, Spark44, and Carrot Creative will convene to decide on the contest's eight finalists, to be announced Feb. 8.
"When looking at winning photos, we want the full package: sophisticated, unexpected, and bold imagery," Warren says.
Once the finalists are announced, Facebook users will have the final say, through a vote, about who wins the grand prize.
"This gives the power to our fans and lets them truly have an impact on the winning submissions," Warren says.
Throughout the contest, Jaguar has been showcasing a few entrants' photos in Facebook updates and they really seem to be getting fans revved up. A photo posted Tuesday gained 5,420 "likes," 594 shares, and 120 comments in less than 24 hours.
Most of the comments on that post focused on how much people liked and wanted the car, but other posts specifically about the contest have people asking how they can participate.
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Midwest-based recruiting services, Northeast reporters, and NIKE EYBL observers all wonder what Troy Caupain can do simply because they never saw him play.
BearcatReport.com is no different. In an effort to familiarize UC basketball readers with their future guard BCR reached out to a current teammate of Troy Caupain. Also included will be an extended professional evaluation.
Peer evaluation
Caupain is well liked amongst his AAU teammates and high school friends. The AAU outfit Team Loaded runs out both Troy Caupain and R.J. Curington. Curington emigrated from Chicagoland to Oak Hill Academy. He has played with CIA Bounce (Toronto) and other elite teams.
"He is a scoring point guard, who can get to the rim any time he wants," said Team Loaded teammate R.J. Curington. "He has a knack for either scoring or drawing fouls. Excellent free-throw shooter. Can defend as well."
Refining his game will be mandatory for Troy, much like it is for every teenage athlete. The biggest adjustment will be locking in to one position.
Point guard or shooting guard. AAU teammate Curington made his pick for Caupain's future.
"I'd pick point guard," said Curington. "He can drive and kick it to open shooters."
As a shooter Curington should know better than most.
Caupain might not be the most capable point guard in his class let alone team wide. Put aside the fact that veterans Jeremiah Davis and Ge'Lawn Guyn will be midway through their college careers. The problem arises summer 2013 when Caupain joins Kevin Johnson, the Summit Country Day combo guard, in Cincinnati.
Professional evaluation
Hoops Analyst Matthew Hatfield works for VAPreps.com. His opinions can be heard on radio, seen on television, and read in the Suffolk News Herald. Hatfield is one of the foremost authorities on Caupain's game.
"I have watched him about four times his high school game," said Hatfield. "I have seen him a few times this AAU season. I like that he attacks, penetrates to the basket."
Predominately known as a slashing guard Caupain averaged 25.7 ppg during the high school season.
Keep in mind Troy's team Cosby High did not play an elite schedule so his scoring average could be a tad inflated. Regular opponents included Richmond Meadowbrook, Chesterfield Bird, and Richmond Huguenot. Very few college prospects compete for these outfits.
Maybe Caupain can destroy college defenders with the same consistency. Maybe he can't. Time will tell.
This month Caupain's AAU squad will venture to Las Vegas. Many of Rivals150 stars will bring their teams to compete and Caupain will surely meet elite foes.
"He uses his athletic ability," said Hatfield. "Uses excellent body control. That gives him an edge on most defenders. He has a good hop step move into the lane. His outside jumper is going to have to be more proficient. He can get to the basket at will against anybody at this level."
Despite his current dominance Caupain does have a few areas aching for improvement.
Outside shooting for one.
"I want to see him become a guy that can hurt you from the three point line better," said Hatfield. "I think he is definitely a shooting guard. If he is a one he is a scoring point guard. He is the second leading scorer in the state at AAA."
While scoring is certainly a prerequisite for shooting guard Caupain presently challenges the notion that all shooting guards must shoot from deep.
The high volume scorer doesn't lean on or rely upon the triple. He also doesn't pass much. In July his passing totals should climb now that Caupain needs no further scholarship offers of interest.
The best path for committed players on the AAU circuit is one of ultimate deference. Make your teammates look their best and generate a heightened buzz for them.
"I think the way he scores on high school team and AAU he commands the attention of the defense," said Hatfield. "I think that allows other guys to step up. When he looks to do something he is quick, but not in a hurry. He is a guy that is looking to make something happen. He is not in a rush. If a double team is there he doesn't take a bad shot. He has a fair amount of patience to his game."
Caupain will certainly help the Bearcats offensively, whether he morph into a point guard or remain a scoring guard. The offensive skill set possessed is diverse and established.
"He can change the game offensively," said Hatfield. "He can score in transition or half court. He has a lot of things going right or left. I think he is going to have very little issues offensively. He has a nice crossover. He attacks the basket. He has some fierceness to him. He keeps attacking."


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Emma's Brick Oven Pizza & Cafe
101 North Union Ave, Cranford, NJ
(map); 908-497-1211; emmasbrickoven.com
Pizza Style: bar pie
Oven Type: Coal-burning brick
The Skinny: Very! Cracker-thin crust with good top char
Price: $13–$20 per pie, toppings $1–3 each
You're probably not going to just stumble upon the quaint and quiet center of the suburban-Jersey commuter town of Cranford—but hey, if you ever do, rest assured that at the very least, there's decent pizza around.
Emma's Brick Oven Pizza & Cafe has been firing up solid-quality pies and a pretty vast menu of other Italian (often pronounced "EYE-talian," in these parts) fare since 2004, steps away from a NJ Transit station and a breezy 40-minute jaunt from Manhattan. Part bar pie, Emma's tops a fine crust (and we mean fine—practically paper thin, at times!) with an even hand.
The joint is sort of a modernized (maybe even vaguely upscale-ized—but very vaguely) pizza parlor, complete with table stands for pie plates and banged-up serving knives slid under each crust. Friendly (in Jersey?), attentive (in Jersey??) staff shuttle apps like fried risotto balls and classic stuffed mushrooms to tables packed with first dates, solo eaters, and rowdy families. A vinaigrette-dressed grilled-octopus salad could have used less dressing and more grilling, but the seafood was abundant and fresh, with tender purple tentacles hanging out all over the place. A house salad was surprisingly heaping; plenty of greens and good crisp veggies to split among two or three people, despite a deceptive $4.50 price tag.
We ordered two individual-size 12" four-slice pies, which arrived on almost comically warped pizza trays. (The trays perched precariously on the table stands, and casualties must be pretty common. We watched with sad eyes as the table next to us lost a great-looking pepperoni pie to a wobbly tray and toddler's wandering elbow. Man down!)
The star at Emma's is, undoubtedly, the crust. Cracker-thin with an even base and lovely, crackling char on top, the pies manage to hold a little snap throughout, refusing to sog under the weight of sauce and toppings. An upskirt inspection revealed a little cornmeal, but the flavor was pure flour, water, salt; ever so slightly and deliciously sour.
Eschewing mozzarella on the first pie, we opted instead for fresh grated Parmesan, roasted garlic, and mushrooms. The sauce had a sweetly acidic tang and was nicely seasoned with oregano and not-too-much-salt, letting the snappy garlic and smoky mushrooms really shine. The other came topped with sausage, Parmesan, and two types of mozzarella (smoked and regular). Rather than the fennel-sausage crumble often found in New York–Neapolitan spots, Emma's favors Jersey bar-pie-style sliced sausage. The meat curls nicely in the oven, letting the sweet and anisey grease pool in the middle.
The restaurant is BYO, and we wished we had. Though the salads arrived (and were devoured) quickly, the made-to-order pies took considerably longer to come out, and were too piping hot to dive into. A couple sips of beer might have taken a little of the edge off the pizza-craving desperation at that point. (And let's face it: It's often necessary to take a little of the edge off when you're hanging out in Jersey.)


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White Sox look ahead to ALCS
Yankees and Angels present different challenges
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
Ninety-nine victories. An American League Central title. The first playoff home victory since the World Series of 1959. The first playoff series win since the World Series title of 1917. A few players might have even received better rates on insurance from Geico.
But between the craziness making up the White Sox clubhouse Friday, following the completion of the Division Series sweep of the defending World Series champions from Boston, the prevailing opinion was that the best still is yet to come for this current squad.
"This is a great accomplishment, but we aren't over," said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, after setting an unofficial record with his sixth champagne spritzing inside of five minutes. "We've had a fabulous year, but we are greedy. Let's see what happens. We've been sitting around since 1917, for crying out loud."
"Our team can beat anyone right now," added White Sox designated hitter Frank Thomas, who has put off the next examination on his fractured left navicular in California until the White Sox season comes to a close. "They do the little things. Pitching, hitting, defense and they play well together."
The next opponent for the White Sox will either be the New York Yankees, who have more World Series titles than the South Siders have postseason victories, or the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. And everyone knows about that dreaded West Coast jinx or hex where the White Sox are concerned.
New York took a three-game series from the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, from Aug. 19-21, with a Shawn Chacon shutout on Aug. 20 proving to be one of the few low spots in this uplifting season. The White Sox already had taken two of three in New York, from Aug. 8-10, with Aaron Rowand still chasing down fly balls in center field at Yankee Stadium.
The Angels posted a 6-4 record against the White Sox, including a three-game sweep at U.S. Cellular from Sept. 9-11. The Yankees have Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, while the Angels have Bartolo Colon, John Lackey, Francisco Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins.
Chicago has its fourth eight-game winning streak of the season and another load of champagne hopefully on ice. They also have no real preference as to their next opponent.
"I don't think it really matters," White Sox third baseman Joe Crede said. "I mean, these were the defending champs we just eliminated."
"I'm not even thinking about it," first baseman Paul Konerko added. "I hope [the Yankees-Angels series] goes five games and they all go 15 innings."
The ALCS is scheduled to begin Tuesday night in Chicago, but that date appears to be written in pencil and not pen. A strong wave of thunderstorms has been forecast to hit the East Coast for the next four or five days, a problem the White Sox avoided via Friday's victory.
Even though Neal Cotts would serve as the only left-hander in relief, Brandon McCarthy could be activated.
"We'll talk about it," said Guillen of the Marte-for-McCarthy swap. "I need Marte. If Marte continues to struggle, I don't have any other choice.
"He put the team on the line. I don't mind if you get beat, but don't beat yourself. If you get beat, that's fine. Hey, everybody goes out there and gets beaten. But when you go down there and don't want to throw the ball and are flat with pitches, it shows me you don't have confidence in yourself."
Guillen has a great deal of confidence in Jon Garland, who won a career-high 18 games during the regular season. But he wouldn't commit to Garland as his opening starter for the ALCS. Any member of the White Sox rotation but Freddy Garcia, who pitched his second straight clinching game Friday, would be ready to go on regular rest. The White Sox haven't really messed with their rotation all season, and they might not want to switch things.
Then again, Garland was 0-2 with a 6.92 ERA against the Angels and 0-1 when facing the Yankees. Jose Contreras, the White Sox ace, finished 0-1 against Los Angeles but held a 2-0 record with a 0.60 ERA when facing his old team from the Bronx.
"You know what, when that moment comes, I'll be focused," said Garland, who last pitched in Cleveland on Oct. 1. "Right now, I'm celebrating with this team. We got further than anyone thought we could."
Anyone but the members of this organization, that is. And when it comes right down to the ALCS opponent and the possible matchups, the White Sox just want to get their next party started. Even closer Bobby Jenks, who was released by the Angels and given up on in the offseason, doesn't have an axe to grind where the ALCS is concerned.
"It doesn't matter," Jenks said. "We just have to take one game at a time and make sure we do all the things that make us successful."
Scott Merkin 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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Whole Lotta Country In 2011
(For a complete list of 54th GRAMMY Awards nominees, click here.)
As each year passes, we all share a common goal in that we hope to grow from the previous year. We strive to become a better person, meet specific goals and ultimately end up in a better position than the year before. Music is no different. As I reflect back on 2011, I realize how much country music stayed grounded in its roots, yet grew so much.
It all starts with the music. Over the past year country fans were lucky enough to have new releases from favorites such as Glen Campbell, Vince Gill, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, and George Strait. Sara Evans brought us a new album for the first time in six years and showed country fans that, even though newer superstars have emerged in the spotlight in recent months, there's still plenty of room for veteran artists. Lady Antebellum brought us their highly anticipated Own The Night album, which sold more than 1 million copies and is up for Best Country Album. From the newer crop of artists, 2011 saw new albums from Jake Owen, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Thompson Square, Chris Young, Justin Moore, and David Nail; and we can't forget about our newest stars, "American Idol" runner-up and winner, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery. Country music shows no signs of slowing down as we look forward to new albums from Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Kellie Pickler, and Carrie Underwood, among many others, in 2012.
Live music continued to be a great way for fans to break free from everyday life. In these tough economic times, country's top artists put together tours that gave fans plenty of entertainment for their hard-earned money. Tour packages included George Strait and Reba McEntire; and Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan and Chris Young. Taylor Swift scored the No. 4 position on Pollstar's 2011 Top Tours list. Kenny Chesney returned to the touring circuit and brought along Zac Brown Band for the ride. Tim McGraw packed a powerful show all summer long as Bryan and the Band Perry accompanied him. And Keith Urban brought his hot tour all over the United States and Canada, as well as Australia.
Looking outside the actual music, the relationship between fans and artists flourished in 2011. Social media deserves most, if not all, the credit. Gone are the days of mailing a fan letter and hoping for an autograph or picture in return. Now, fans can hop on Twitter and get immediate access to many of their favorite stars. Fans also get to share in the daily lives of artists by following their status updates and occasionally shared photos. Because of social media, fans are now able to develop a deeper connection with artists.
Country music's most important work is also the least publicized, yet it continued to expand in 2011. As they always do in times of crisis, artists came to the aid of those in need. After the devastating tornado that ravaged Alabama in early 2011, Bentley, Brad Paisley, Evans, Bryan, Montgomery Gentry, and legendary country group Alabama banded together for the "Bama Rising" benefit concert, which raised more than $2 million for the area. At a stop in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on his summer tour, Chesney and his management group donated all of their concert fees to the region. McEntire and Shelton's home state of Oklahoma was also devastated by a tornado and the two stars raised more than $500,000 during a tornado relief concert. Jason Aldean held his annual Concert for the Cure, raising $315,000 in a single night for the fight against breast cancer. Bentley held his sixth installment of the Miles and Music for Kids benefit, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for children's hospitals around the country. Rascal Flatts continued their tireless work for the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville by raising money for the unit and visiting children throughout the year. These are just a few examples of country music's philanthropic efforts.
Looking at all we've accomplished in the last year, fans have a right to be proud of their favorite artists. They also have the right to look ahead to 2012 in complete confidence knowing that they'll receive moving new music, entertaining live shows, more personal interaction from the stars, and that if there's ever a region in need, the country music community will come calling.


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Electronic references are widely used in scientific publications. Most people are familiar with the URL (uniform resource locator), the address for a page on the Internet. A serious problem with URLs is described by the slang term link rot, the tendency of URLs to fail over time because the content has been deleted or moved. Markwell and Brooks1 found that science education URLs went bad at a rate of more than 10% per year (63% were bad after 5 years 11 months).
The DOI was created in part to address this problem. At the time of publication, DOI names are assigned to content objects themselves; in contrast, URLs are assigned to locations of objects. DOIs are permanent; once assigned, they cannot be changed. Because of the DOI system's technology, DOI links are persistent—an object's DOI link continues to work even if its URL changes.
All DOI names have a prefix and a suffix, separated by a forward slash; for example, 10.1001/jama.2009.2. All DOI prefixes begin with the directory code 10, followed by a period and a number identifying the entity that registered the DOI (usually the publisher), in this case the American Medical Association. The DOI suffix is a unique identifier for the content object and is assigned by the entity that registers the DOI; the suffix does not have to have any meaning, although some publishers use the object's bibliographic information or its ISBN. In this case the suffix comprises the journal abbreviation (jama), the year of editorial processing (2009), and a sequential number (2). By convention, when a DOI is cited, "doi:" precedes the DOI and is set closed up to it.
The process by which a DOI is used to link to a content object is called resolution. There are 2 easy ways to resolve DOIs:
• Any DOI can be converted to a URL by adding the prefix "http://dx.doi.org/"; for example, http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.2. Enter the URL in any Web browser's address window.
• The International DOI Foundation provides a Web page that resolves DOIs, http://dx.doi.org/. Paste the DOI into the box on this Web page.
To find the correct DOI for an electronic reference:
• The DOI registration agency CrossRef's simple text query page (http://www.crossref.org/SimpleTextQuery/) locates DOIs for references input as text. Paste the reference into the box on this Web page.
• CrossRef's fielded search page (http://www.crossref.org/guestquery/) supports a more targeted search.
• Use the click-through link from the PubMed service of the National Library of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/). There's often a link at the top right of an article's citation page on PubMed to the article on the publisher's Web site, and the DOI usually appears there.
See §3.15, Electronic References in the AMA Manual of Style (pp 64-67 in print) for more information about the correct format for DOIs in electronic references.—Paul Frank
1. Markwell J, Brooks DW. Broken links: just how rapidly do science education hyperlinks go extinct? http://www-class.unl.edu/biochem/url/broken_links.html . Updated July 24, 2006. Accessed January 17, 2012.


text: Had more time to fish today but my early start was a bit delayed by a submarine heading out to sea. We had to go all the way down to the Church steeple to find any Pogeys. They were so close up on the beach - it seemed one wrong wave and we would be near aground ! - Reading a scant 4 foot on the sounder - one lucky toss of the net gave us plenty to fill the baitwell. Nice flat seas made the ride to 8a the nicest I've had this year - no pounding the hull was easy on my back ! There was maybe two dozen boats already on 8a and catching Kingfish when we arrived. We got out first average size keeper King within the first 15 minutes. Not long after that - a 3 foot shark. We were slow trolling the Pogeys and had several swing and a miss bites. Another nicer size King came in the boat - and it seemed the bite cooled off a bit. We were on 8a at 10 am - the third King finnally came in the boat around noontime. It was around then that it appeared a lot of boats were leaving - maybe because they already had their limits - or because the bite seemed to slow down. We had a few more bites that didn't get hooked - and quit by 1 pm. All in all - a nice day and some fish you can eat !001.jpg010.jpg013.jpg


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Halfpipe's most consistent rider, Tommy Czeschin, and powerhouse Hannah Teter won the first Grand Prix event of the year at Breckenridge yesterday. The men's podium was rounded out by none other than TransWorld's 2004 Rider Of The Year Travis Rice and Canadian Justin Lamoureux. Kelly Clark and fifteen-year old Elena Hight (with a frontside 900) followed Teter in second and third place respectively.
Start by picturing a trademark Breckenridge halfpipe, high-pressure blue skies, and a field of riders rarely seen at any snowboard event. The season opener is always a gathering--Colorado old schoolers (veterans of the Rocky Mountain Series!), wide-eyed pre-teens whispering and pointing, and the world's best riders all made their way out. It's the kind of scene that's reassuring to anyone who's built a life around shredding; no matter how many nights you still spend on a mountain-town couch or how many pro hos you've got on speed dial, you know riding away your twenties was the right decision when you see Chris Pappas doing cripplers in the pipe at Breck. Man, I hope that never ends.
It seems the Olympics are the ultimate chum. I don't mean chum like a buddy, but chum like blood in the water. The riders were all there--including Mike Michalchuk (after a three-year hiatus) and Travis Rice. Shaun W. was putting down some smooth lines and evolved style during practice, but, having just returned from Austria, he decided to cut out before Saturday's qualifier. The next time you're riding with Shaun, check out how quiet it is. I know, a funny observation, but Shaun lands high on the tranny, in the sweet spot for maintaining speed and setting up tricks--he's the quietist rider out there. You'll see/hear what I mean.
Everyone had to qualify for the first Grand Prix--and qualifying for the sixteen-rider men's final was no small task. The Canadians and the Germans were evidently not sipping Bintangs on a boat trip or lazing around Costa Rica with the rest of snowboarding's "elite last summer.
In the finals, Justin Lamoureux started his run with an almost ten-foot switch method, and Jan Michaelis was completely off the hook. Tommy Czeschin, who is too often overlooked by judges, put together the clincher--a technical menagerie only The Machine could manage.
The women were impressive, but the field wasn't nearly as deep. Last year's overall Grand Prix winner Hannah Teter was clearly ahead of the pack in the amplitude category. She nailed her first run, and because of the reverse running order on the second run, she had already won before dropping in. If Hannah can add an inverted trick like a Crippler or a McTwist to her runs, she'll keep the other girls at bay. Kelly Clark is gaining momentum and easing back from knee surgery after a meniscus tear at the Open last March.
Why am I going on and on, trying to break it all down for you when you can see the top three runs from the men's final by clicking below? Check it.
Chevrolet Grand Prix HalfpipeBreckenridge, ColoradoDecember 19, 2004
Final Results:
1. Tommy Czeschin (Mammoth)2. Travis Rice (Jackson Hole)3. Justin Lamoureux (CAN)4. Andy Finch (Fresno/Tahoe)5. Ross Powers (VT)6. Jan Michaelis (CAN) (Jan is no joke--nor are first hit 1080s)7. Xaver Hoffman (Germany)8. Hugo Lemay (CAN) (watch out for Hugo, also!)9. Steve Fisher (Breck and the 612)10. Brad Martin (CAN)11. Vinzenz Lüps (Germany)12. Luke Wynen (Mammoth)13. Christophe Schmidt (Germany)14. JJ Thomas (Golden, CO)15. Abe Teter (Tahoe)16. Keir Dillon (PA)
1. Hannah Teter (VT)2. Kelly Clark (Mount Snow, VT)3. Elena Hight (Tahoe)4. Gretchen Bleiler (Aspen)5. Soko Yamaoka (Japan)6. Tricia Byrnes (Stratton)7. Naho Mizuki (Japan)8. Clair Bidez (Minturn represent!)
For more on this event, go to ussnowboarding.org


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BEVERLY HILLS, Mich. - The FBI Detroit Division has released images from a Beverly Hills bank of a man they say has robbed several Metro Detroit businesses and banks the past few months.
Read more: Police, FBI seek man accused of 4 armed robberies
In the latest images from Tuesday afternoon, the suspect is pictured robbing the Independent Bank on Southfield Road near 14 Mile Road. He is holding a pistol while the clerk hands over cash in a bag. Police did not say how much money he got away with.
Officials said the same man robbed the 7-Eleven store on 11 Mile Road in Madison Heights on Dec. 18. Two days later, he allegedly robbed the PNC Bank in Madison Heights, and on Christmas Day, he robbed a PNC Bank in Royal Oak.
Police say it appears the robber wore the same black pants, black coat, black ski mask and hat with a small brim during every robbery. This time, he's also wearing a shirt and tie.
Because of the similarities, police said they believe they have a serial robber on their hands.
Anyone with information should contact the FBI Detroit Division at 313-965-2323 or police in Oakland County. A $2,500 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to an arrest.
The suspect is seen outside the bank.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Bodley: Pujols, Cards will get a deal done
By Hal Bodley / MLB.com
When you think of the Cardinals, you think of Pujols. He's the face of the franchise.
And yet as Spring Training is about to open for the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla., he and the team have been unable to reach agreement on a contract extension. Negotiations could end.
Pujols, who reports to camp on Feb. 16, has vowed not to continue talks once he begins workouts. He doesn't want that distraction. He has a no-trade clause in his current contract and says he will not agree to any trade proposal.
When teams are unable to sign potential free agents they often attempt to trade them during their "walk" seasons.
The inference is if Pujols, arguably the best player in the Major Leagues, doesn't get an extension, he'll become a free agent after the season.
Somehow, some way, I don't believe the Cardinals should or will let this saga go that far.
I may be way off, but I think this is really a soft deadline, a negotiating stand for Pujols and his respected agent, Dan Lozano. Both sides want to get it done.
I commend both Cardinals general manager John Mozelink and Lozano for not carrying out negotiations in the media. Little has been said about the talks except that there is no agreement in sight. That's the way it should be.
No matter how this ends, it's going to be costly for the Cardinals -- either because of the money they must spend to sign Pujols, or the enormous backlash expected from the fans if they don't.
I agree this will be a difficult decision for the Cardinals and their financial gurus. They must balance the overall cost to sign Pujols versus what it will ultimately cost the franchise in fan support and public relations if they let him walk.
This was one of baseball's greatest franchises before Albert arrived, and it will be one if and when he leaves.
St. Louis fans are some of the best in the Major Leagues -- durable and dedicated.
By the same token, they've fallen in love with Pujols -- on the field and off. He has attached himself to the region and, even during these negotiations, has said all the right things. He wants to remain in St. Louis.
In a much lesser scenario, I remember about this time in 1972 when Steve Carlton was in a bitter contract dispute with the Cardinals for far fewer dollars. He was an up-and-coming future Hall of Famer, pitching in the shadow of Bob Gibson. A stalemate developed and, as Spring Training opened, Carlton was traded to Philadelphia for Rick Wise.
That was four years before free agency arrived in baseball, but Carlton went on to become one of the greatest left-handers in the history of the game and the first pitcher to win four Cy Young Awards.
I'm certain if the Cardinals had it to do over again they would have worked out a deal and not let Carlton leave.
Pujols is in the final season of a $111 million, eight-year deal. This is the option year of that deal and will pay him $16 million. He is undoubtedly looking for a contract similar to the 10-year, $275 million pact the Yankees gave Alex Rodriguez after the 2007 season. Pujols, 31, compares his numbers to A-Rod's and easily comes to the conclusion he's worth just as much.
So, he's in line to receive the most lucrative contract in baseball history. His numbers support that assumption. And when the Red Sox signed Carl Crawford for $142 million, and the Nationals gave Jayson Werth $126 million in December, it certainly pushed the bar even higher for Pujols.
In 10 seasons he has won the National League Most Valuable Player Award three times, has a .331 career batting average and averaged 43 doubles, 41 homers and 123 runs batted in. His is the finest start to a career in the history of baseball.
He's also won six Silver Slugger Awards, is a two-time Gold Glove winner and has been selected to nine All-Star games in his 10 seasons.
Last year he batted .312, hit 42 homers and drove in 118 runs.
There's one huge difference, however, between the Pujols situation and A-Rod's: The Yankees' revenues are far greater than the Cardinals'.
Cards owner Bill DeWitt told SI.com late last year that he thought the Yankees must regret A-Rod's deal, indicating it wasn't something he wanted to use as a comp for Pujols.
The Cardinals' 2010 payroll was approximately $94 million and is projected to be a shade over $100 million this season. By comparison, the Yankees' 2010 payroll was more than $213 million.
If Pujols becomes a free agent, all of the teams with deep pockets will be standing in line to make him offers -- even those with All-Star first basemen.
The Yankees have Mark Teixeira and the Red Sox just traded for Adrian Gonzalez.
That won't stop them for making a pitch for Pujols. They'll find a place for the best player in the game.
But I don't think it'll come to that.
Hal Bodley is the senior correspondent for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Discussion in 'Star Trek: Enterprise' started by 2 of 10, Mar 26, 2012.
I'm rejecting that reality and substituting my own.
It's OK. They do it in space. With the lights off.
Here is a pic of T'Pol after Daniels informed her of DAYoung's post.
Well, if that isn't a portrait of quivering anticipation for inter-species commingling...
...it's a look of absolute terror.
Hey I'm wiht you DAYoung. We all know how attracted she is to the emotional types.
"He can... teach me how to...control my emotional states--by giving in to them. NOW I'M GOING."
The hairpiece and green shirt look good on you Dan but I think you misunderstood what the lady was sayin.....
Do you mean me? If so, I'm only known as 'Dan' in the dojo.
Perhaps she was saying 'GO IN!', which only confirms my hypothesis. (I'm just being a scientist, of course. Which T'Pol'd recommend.)
Pop quiz. You're locked in a room with T'pol, she's covered in sweat, running around in in her underwear, and trying to mate with you. What do you do?
What I would want to do: ask her to wait a moment, while I ask Hoshi to join us.
Want I probably would do: insist that I'd be taking advantage of her, and try to restrain myself (and her, if possible).
Hey, you can't do that! That's what I would do!
(I'd actually probably do what you'd probably do, too. )
It's OK. You and I are in parallel universes. We can each do the same thing.
In my universe Hoshi artfully pushes you out the door when you think she's about to embrace you, locks it, and she and T'Pol have their way with each other. No, there are no windows.
Wait. Are you suggesting that lesbians have sex...like...for each other? Like...as full subjects, and not as objects?
I would do the same thing...until my revolve broke, and with a beauty like that begging me to mate with her, you can be assured my resolve will break.
Honestly? Between her Vulcan strength and temporary insanity, I'd be terrified that, no matter how enthusiastically I might attempt to acquiesce, she wouldn't be at all satisfied, and then become angry.
1. Get my cameras. For evidence.
2. As Picard would say: "Engage!!"
Crazy girls can be the most fun.
You don't acquiesce. You attack.
On a related note:
Since Vulcan blood is copper-based. Does T'Pol taste like pennies?
Separate names with a comma.


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Great Conversations Kicks off Academic Year
What do 18 experts on key global issues, 100 members of the Peninsula community, fine wines, and delectable truffles have to do with each other? Great Conversations! This inaugural annual event held on September 12 was a wonderful evening filled with robust discussions and discoveries. The Monterey Museum of Art proved the perfect backdrop to an evening focused on intellectual creativity as vibrant discussions took place on topics ranging from entrepreneurship in emerging economies, to how to use social network analysis to curb gang violence; from marine economics to human migration in Asia. We thank all of you who attended and made the evening such a success.
Great Conversations officially launched the academic year of engagement with the Institute. Since 1955, the Institute has been a part of the rich social fabric of the Monterey Bay community, and the eMIISsaries continue to connect the community members by offering an array of ways to explore the Institute through lectures, cultural events and academic enrichment opportunities. Great Conversations kicked off the academic year by showcasing some of the stars of the Institute's faculty and their groundbreaking professional endeavors.
Photo Slideshow:
Click on the image below to open a photo slideshow of the evening.


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Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Humphrey Chapel. The Rev. Jerry Burris and David Downum will officiate. Burial will be at St. Paul Cemetery in Gravel Hill by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Choices, 311 East 3rd, Russellville, AR 72801.
Internet obituary and online guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.


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#RSL Tweets of the Day (@RealSaltLake)
Espindola last multi-goal game was 6/16 at Chivas ... #RSL returns to HDC again Sat 8p MT looking for 3 pts http://instagr.am/p/P9IKL4MFYb/
Great stuff as always from @3dimes ... "Slowing Down" #RSL w/ free kicks & @NickRimando spectacular saves ...//www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6qlB0aeeQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player …
Feels good to clinch playoffs & was a great result, but we can be better offensively and defensively. You guys were once again amazing!
Dusty Dust™ @DustinComperat
Fancy a game of #FIFA13 @jonnysteele22 ??http://twitpic.com/axo3tu
View photo
Thanks to everyone who came out to the game last night, another amazing sell out crowd!
Chappy @itschappy
Shout out to #RSL & fans. Attendance is up 9% over last year and the RioT is at 95% avg. capacity via @SoccerTwit:
(VIDEO) MLSsoccer.com: Slowing Down Real Salt Lake
RSL In The News
The Salt Lake Tribune: RSL nabs playoff spot with victory over Portland Timbers
Deseret News: Getting more numbers forward into the attack
Soccer America: Galaxy and Real Salt Lake clinch playoff berths
FutbolMLS.com: RSL clasifica a la Liguilla con goles de Espíndola y Morales
For The Fans, By The Fans
Under The Crossbar: Match Report: RSL halts Timbers with set pieces, (insert lumber industry joke here)
RSL Soccer Talk: RSL secures a pivotal win over the Portland Timbers
Soccer By Ives: RSL ride set pieces to playoff-clinching win
MLS News & Notes
Soccer America: Soccer on TV
Soccer By Ives: SBI MLS Player of the Week: Chris Wondolowski
FIFA.com: New leaders emerge in Argentina, Mexico
US Soccer Players: MLS Week 29: Dropping Games
NBC Sports: ProSoccerTalk: ProSoccerTalk's daily soccer re-set


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Fusion for Bone Spavin
- Sep 1, 2012
- Topics:
Q: I have an 18-year-old Quarter Horse that was diagnosed with bone spavin a couple of years ago. He's been comfortable with traditional protocol until recently. I've started him on hock injections, but now they are not as effective. He is very active in both performance and gaming events.
What I understand is that once the lower hock joint fuses the horse is no longer in pain and it usually doesn't change the horse's gait, or slightly at the very least. I read the study which was done regarding alcohol joint fusion and its effectiveness on the disease. I want to make an educated choice for my horse, and this sounds too good to be true. I've mentioned it to my vet, and he says he doesn't like to destroy joints if he doesn't have to. Isn't that what is happening now with this disease (osteoarthritis)? Is this a good choice or should I stay with the traditional treatments?
Karen Daugherty, Toledo, Ore.
A: The first point is that an 18-year-old competing Quarter Horse is fantastic and a testament to the care he has received over his lifetime. "Hock injections" tend to be steroid-based (with or without a disease-modifying agent such as hyaluronic acid) and as such are potent anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the degree to which they act and the duration over which they act in an individual horse are dependent on the stage of the disease, the amount of exercise (or work), and the horse himself. These drugs might slow the progression of arthritis, but they will not stop it, and therefore over time these type of medications tend to become less effective.
Bone spavin is osteoarthritis of the small hock joints (namely the tarsometatarsal and the distal intertarsal joint), and as you correctly understand, once these joints fuse there is no movement and, thus, no pain. It is important, however, to ensure that the disease is limited to these joints and has not progressed into the tibiotarsal joint (the major motion joint of the hock). The small hock joints in an affected horse are being destroyed slowly by the disease process, and depending on the type and frequency of intra-articular medication this process may actually be sped up by treatment due to the medication and the fact that the horse feels good enough to work hard on a degenerative joint.
I have injected 45 horses (personally) with intra-articular alcohol in North America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. To date, the success rate has been very good. No doubt there is an even larger number of horses being injected than have been reported, but as yet I have not heard any negative reports. This said, no treatment is 100% effective, and there is a chance there are treatment failures in the horse population that the veterinary profession has no knowledge of. A recent paper from U.K. researchers also reported on intra-articular ethyl alcohol treatment for bone spavin, and while their success rate was not as high as ours (for unknown reasons) they reported sufficient success to continue using the technique.
It is very important to ensure that the disease process is limited to the small hock joints as we cannot fuse the higher motion joints. Currently, I am suggesting that my clients treat their horses with intra-articular steroids until the horse no longer responds, then I fuse the joint with alcohol. There are two reasons for this: First, we do not have 10 or 15 years of experience with this treatment, so our case numbers are relatively low. Initial reports are exciting but we need more numbers and more time to be able to state clearly to owners that this is a safe, effective, long-term treatment. Second, at the point where steroid treatment fails, you (the client) do not have any other option; either you retire or euthanize the horse. At this point, if the treatment (fusion) helps the horse short- or long-term, you succeed. And if it does not improve the horse (which is unlikely) then you have lost nothing.
About the Author
James Carmalt, MA, VetMB, MVetSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, ABVP
James Carmalt, MA, VetMB, MVetSc, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, ABVP (Eq), is a professor in equine surgery at the University of Saskatchewan.
Related Content
Joint Injections (AAEP Convention 2012)
Patella Infections in Foals Require Prompt Care (AAEP 2011)
New Approach for Treating Horses with OCD Lesions
Researchers Explore Treating Arthritis at Molecular Level
Ethyl Alcohol for Pastern Joint Fusion (AAEP 2010)
Researcher: Realistic Expectations Key to Managing Osteoarthritis
Stem Cells Improve Cartilage Repair for Arthritic Horses (AAEP 2010)
Bone Spavin Researchers: Alcohol Joint Fusion Effective (AAEP 2010)
Study: IRAP-II Joint Disease Treatment for Horses Beats IRAP-I (AAEP 2010)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Arthritis


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Meek proving reliable in late-inning spots
By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com
BOSTON -- New Orioles reliever Evan Meek has been used in late-inning situations from the get-go, and manager Buck Showalter said he will continue to use the righty as an alternative to setup man Darren O'Day, depending on the matchups and each pitcher's respective workload.
"Evan gives you a different look down there that a lot of right-handers don't bring, especially down there in that bullpen," Showalter said of the non-roster invitee who won the final 'pen spot this spring. "Just glad he's healthy."
Meek and O'Day, along with lefty Zach Britton, had not allowed any earned runs entering Friday, and the 30-year-old Meek could end up being quite the under-the-radar addition for the O's. An All-Star reliever for the Pirates in 2010, Meek had a tear in his right shoulder that slowed his career as he spent all of last season in the Minors.
"I think it was a situation where they wanted to see what they had right away," Meek said of being called upon in big situations early. "What do we have, is he healthy, is he ready to go? Because back with Pittsburgh that's what I did. the late innings. I think it was a no messing around kind of situation. They were like, 'Let's see what he does now. He's 30 years old, he's not 20 years old anymore, let's see if he gets back to where he was.' And I think that worked out for everybody. I'm ready to go at any point, but it's nice to get consistent work at consistent points."
Entering Friday, Meek had thrown seven scoreless innings in six outings, allowing three hits and striking out six.
"If they are going to bite when they are a puppy, they are going to bite when they are a big dog," Showalter said of throwing Meek in the fire. "So you see what happens. Evan, one thing, he ain't scared. He ain't scared. When you go through some of the things he's gone through in his life. He's not going to go out there and be timid. Thats one of the things you like about him and all of our guys down there."
"I know Buck knows guys in the bullpen better than he does me, I know it's definitely a trust factor," Meek said of the later innings. "As long as we can keep consistent, obviously it's a long season and consistency is the biggest thing in the bullpen. You've got to know what you are going to get. And sometimes it's not going to go your way. But how do you bounce back the next day? How do you bounce back two days after?
"I think that so far things have been going well to earn that trust. I'm really enjoying how he's using me and how he's using everyone. And I think everyone would say the same thing."
Machado to play first extended spring game today
BOSTON -- Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will play in his first extended spring game today as the infielder takes a big step forward in his recovery from October's left knee surgery.
Machado, who suffered a setback when he cut the bases in Spring Training, ran the bases for the second consecutive day Friday and also slid successfully. It's an encouraging sign in a long rehab for the 21-year-old infielder with the back-to-back phase of running a crucial step to him advancing to games. The plan is for Machado to play five innings at third base today.
"He's doing it right," said manager Buck Showalter, who spoke with Machado earlier Friday. "He's obviously wanting to get there as soon as he can. It's one of the things I told him [Friday]. [If] it takes five or six days down there before he's ready to play [rehab] games, start that clock ticking, that's fine. That's why it's important that he and we make that step to where that might be, a Minor League affiliate. I think he's got between 17 and 20 plate appearances already."
There are no extended games Sunday, but Showalter said the Orioles would create a game if necessary -- joking he'd go down and pitch -- with Machado playing in at least two or three games before heading out on a rehab assignment. Asked if Machado could go on a rehab stint when the team heads to Toronto on Tuesday, Showalter said that may be pushing it, although they will rely on Machado and how he feels.
"That's hopeful," Showalter said of the middle of next week. "I'm just going to let it run its course. I'm not going to put any this day, that day exactly, and then there's some unknown there. Just let him get through a few days at extended spring, and let's see where we are."
It's likely Machado goes on rehab at some point next week, and the 20-day rehab limit for position players is something the O's are hoping they don't need to use. Machado has been doing baseball activities for months, so there isn't a mandated number of at-bats he needs before joining Baltimore.
"I think he's been pretty frank with us, honest," Showalter said. "I like when he seems to slow something down a little bit. It shows you some maturity. Having someone around him that knows what it's like when it's right because he's not going to BS us. He's not. He's going to be real honest about this. He knows how important this is to his career."
Machado will be watched by director of player development Brian Graham and minor league infield instructor Dave Anderson. Vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson will accompany him when he goes out on an assignment to one of the affiliates.
Does where Machado play at his rehab games matter?
"To an extent," Showalter said. "He's not going to stay in [Class A] Delmarva the whole time, I'll tell you that. I don't want to get into saying what level he's going to be at. … I know what Manny's rehab there means to some of the affiliates. We're going to do what's best for him and the organization when the time comes. We just hope it comes after a few days in extended spring."
O's taking wait-and-see approach on Patton
BOSTON -- Orioles lefty reliever Troy Patton, who is scheduled to come off the suspended list on April 30, is ready to start pitching in games.
What happens after that could prove challenging for the Orioles, who will have to clear a roster spot or risk losing Patton -- who is out of options -- on waivers.
"We've talked about it, but until we get there, a lot of things can change between now and the 30th," manager Buck Showalter said. "We gained another day because of the rainout. Or lost another day, depending how you look at it. If we had to make the decision today, it would be very tricky. We'll see what happens between now and then.
"The worst thing would be he's pitching wherever and not doing well and here comes... He's healthy. He's fine down there. I'm anxious to see him get in front of some competition where guys are trying to beat up on him."
Patton would join lefties Zach Britton and Brian Matusz in the bullpen, although there's no clear-cut solution as to who goes with the O's having a relief corps with several out-of-option players.
Worth noting
• Rule 5 Draft pick Michael Almanzar played nine innings Friday at third base in extended spring with no problems, while Luis Ayala is slated to throw live batting practice Saturday.
• Top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy had a 40-pitch side Friday, throwing just fastballs and changeups as he continues to progress toward breaking balls.
• Edgmer Escalona (shoulder inflammation) threw from 90 feet 25 times Friday. Francisco Peguero (wrist) took 25 dry swings and 25 off the tee as he continues to progress.
• Nolan Reimold (neck), who was cleared for baseball activities Thursday, had 25 swings off the tee and played light toss Friday.
• Baltimore's rotation had a 1.71 ERA in the past five games entering Friday, the best mark in the American League over that stretch.
Brittany Ghiroli is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Britt's Bird Watch, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @britt_ghiroli. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.