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Discussion in 'Pro Match Results and Discussion' started by Tammo, Feb 8, 2013.
i'm just going by the way the players have been moving; all week really...
He's probably referring to Clarky who has said a bunch of ridiculous stuff like that and about Rafa's come back. Don't be sensitive now.
Best pic of the week. Making this my avatar
Nadal brokes easily.
No I know because I said it in a discussion with clarky, clarky is just trying not to jinx nadal thus says he is going to lose.
Rafa troll face :lol:
NSK.....Chardy has no fans here.
^^^^^^^Kids, this is what happens with steroids^^^^
Chardy's shoes look like the ones from Nadal's AO12 kit
Ahhh, ok.
Don't really buy into Clarky's persona or whatever he pretends he's doing, calling Djoker all sorts of stuff. Orcking really.
Nadal trolling Chardy. I give you 3 break points no?
what did I tell you? He did it! Gave him 3 break points for a laugh and then saved them all and took the game. Gotta love the way he toys with players, come on, you have to just a little bit! :lol:
on another channel you can watch Rhianna fight alien fighters aboard a Battleship...she is doing better than Chardy
Nadal's amazing change of pace and trajectory is too tough to handle for Chardy. Vamos!
Nadal is the boss!
Chardy forgot his tennis at the AO. An nadal is playing well, but doesn't move as he used to yet.
Oh well, I guess Chardy wasn't lucky. But I was close.
I hate Nadal, waited all this time for a match and he just destroys the man in an hour.
Rafa looking good......can't wait to see him play the top 4 on Clay.
Chardy said NO MAS NO MAS! Vamos. Looking forwards to another dominating match in the final.
I don't think he's ready for the top 3 right now. After the Golden Swing perhaps.
Rafa played much better today. I thought he would really struggle against Chardy, but glad I was wrong
Sure, I heard he's playing my grandmother. Excited much? :lol:
Zeballos is your grandmother??? :shock:
Nadal dominates clay like Pete dominated grass. Both guys are destructive forces of nature...
But this is a 250 event, there are tougher opponents out there..
Lol apparently
yes. I mean it's good for Nadal fans that he's back and obviously he needs time to get back to his best, but he's way better than frothing at the mouth cos he beat Chardy even if he has been out for 8 months.
chardy always saves his best for the top guys eh?
Why did the bum have to beat delpo?
I wont make any analysis on Rafa's form until he beats one of the top 3. He is till trying to find his footing out there.
that's fair. I think he's obviously playing well enough to comfortably defeat the guys he should, so yeah the acid test is the top 3 (or even top 4, Ferrer is capable of giving Nadal a good match on clay, probabaly should have won the Barca finalI think last year)
Nice win for Rafa.
I like it that he's put on a few lbs too, I thought he was looking a bit gaunt last year.
They'll probably meet at Acapulco finals.
It's funny some people are saying he put on weight, others are saying he lost weight. He look exactly the same to me.
You know, that's actually kind of a nice buildup. Nico Almagro in Brasil, Ferru in Acapulco.
I think they're both defending champions, too, and Nico has been working with JCF, so it's not like they're going to roll over either.
Looking forward to some good matches -- if I can tune in in time. Was looking forward to seeing this one and ended up missing the whole thing. Gosh darn, Rafa!
He put on weight. Will need to lose some to be fully fit again.
That's odd. He looks thicker.
He looks the same to me too. And more importantly, his clay tennis is looking as deadly as ever
I think nadal should be playing well by then, so ferrer better prepare!
They're not looking forward to it.
This happens pretty much every year. LOL.
Now you know how Nalbandian feels.
I don't think he played any better than he has been. I think he was quite poor actually. Nothing was really working today, and he's very lucky Chardy's errors gifted him the match.
True, Chardy made a lot of errors and screwed up a few of his service games. But I think Nadal made fewer errors then his last match and his forehand was better. He still has a long way to go though, which is expected after such a long layoff, but he is improving and growing more confidant.
No plan B? Should have watched that Federer v Falla or Bene match to see how to ride the storm. Could just get a serve I suppose.
Lol a ton lols
Just plop him on your ignore list. Clarky21 is the biggest troll on Talk Tennis. He thought Djokovic would beat Nadal at Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros in 2012.
Is this a new TW meme developing ?
I was never one who made fun of Dave here. I'm thrilled that he and Rafa are going to play doubles together next week.
Bub was the equivalent of "guy" back in the 1940's in the USA..as in the song Hey bub, a ree bub" popular way back then.
This is obsolete and quaint language never in use to-day except by people who are either very old, fans of the 1940's, or students of out of use language. Or maybe have grandparents who use this term.
I am pronouncing "bub" as "boob".
As in "Nadal vs. some French boob".
Separate names with a comma.


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33" or Less Modus Dressers
Short Dressers – 33 inches or less
A short dresser is a great choice for any small bedroom. Use one in your child's room or guest room or try the his and hers look in your master retreat. Cymax has a large collection of short dressers in a multitude of styles to get your design journey started.
Read More
Your child needs a new dresser but his room is terribly small. A short dresser that is less than 33 inches in height is perfect as either a dresser or a night stand. Choosing a short dresser with interchangeable drawer fronts mean that changing up the room is as simple as swapping out the colored drawer panels.
Another option is a short dresser that is 33 inches or less tall a silver finish. It's perfect for the sports fanatic. The rough and tumble finish recalls the look of a locker room and is ideal for kids or teens.
A short single dresser with four drawers that is 33 inches or less are perfect for storing your most-used clothes or stashing away the seasonal wear. A short single dresser also makes a perfect place to store toys in your toddler's room. Choose one with multi-colored drawers and assign each color to a different group of toys to make clean up easy.
Set a small lamp on top of a short dresser for ample light for reading or to keep away the scary shadows while your little one tries to fall asleep. Or place a small TV on top of this 33 inches or less dresser to transform it into a great little media chest. The dresser drawers are perfect for stashing away movies, video games and controllers. Hide the video game console when it's not in use to keep the room looking ever-so-tidy. For the musician in the family, a four drawer short dresser that is less than 33 inches in height is the perfect place to put away music paraphernalia. Your young musician can practice without having to ask where the extra picks, tuner, and lesson books are.
A short single dresser that is under 33 inches or less in height is also a great addition to a college student's dorm room. Sit a microwave on top and store extra food in the drawers beneath. This small and short dresser is also a great place to sit a laptop for nightly communications with Mom and Dad. The drawers in the 33 inches or less dresser are the perfect place to stash away school supplies.
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subset: commoncrawl


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|Post date
|MEDIA ADVISORY: Moral Monday briefing will address need for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina
|Dec 17, 2013
|NC HEALTH REPORT: Gov. McCrory, Sec. Wos surrender on Medicaid reform, privatization
|Mar 3, 2014
|FACTSHEET: NC's Medicaid Choice - Options and Implications
|Mar 20, 2014
|MEDIA RELEASE: New Fact Sheet Highlights Urgent Need To Expand Medicaid
|Mar 20, 2014
|NC HEALTH REPORT: Affordable Care Act is working in Washington, NC, but Medicaid expansion is critical
|Mar 28, 2014
|NC HEALTH REPORT: More benefits of the Affordable Care Act that you probably didn't know about
|Apr 10, 2014
|NC HEALTH REPORT: NC refuses Medicaid expansion and Wilkes County hurts – badly
|Apr 16, 2014
|NC HEALTH REPORT: Changing jobs, not my work
|Apr 24, 2014
|MEDIA RELEASE: Number of North Carolinians without health care coverage dropped in 2013
|Sep 16, 2014
|PITTSBORO EDUCATIONAL FORUM & COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: The Affordable Care Act Year 2
|Jan 15, 2015


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A network of prayer [infographic]
About six months ago, as my team was putting together the autumn 2011 issue of World Vision Magazine, I asked our social media team if we could pose a question to World Vision Facebook fans -- and potentially use the responses in the magazine.
At that stage, we had an article from Rich Stearns, president of World Vision U.S., about how World Vision's faith plays a role in every community where we work. I think it's a great article that shows the big picture of how our faith motivates our staff around the world.
But something was missing. Of course, it is important to see how faith motivates World Vision staff, but I also wanted to show that faith motivates many of you, our supporters.
So we posed the question to our fans on Facebook: How do you pray for your sponsored child?


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Q. Hi Oracle
I noticed that during the live photo blogging sessions, no matter where in the world they are the band seem to be sat in the same room when they're warming up and playing Fifa - the one walled with the black curtains, can you explain? I'm guessing it's on the back of a tour lorry or your catering staff dress their venue hangout the same every time
Thanks, Jack.
You are indeed correct, Jack. The "rooms" also travel from city to city.
Well before the band reach the venue, areas are prepared for their arrival. Management & production are set-up in offices that can range from real rooms to make-shift ones but the band's dressing room, warm-up room and family & friends room are all the same no matter what the venue or where they are.
They're like pop-up rooms kitted out in black drapes with velcro fastenings to hide the real room or sometimes corridors. Lights, soft furnishings and flowers (as well as refreshments) are added to make them more inviting and comfortable. The band's room also has the games consoles etc. of course.


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Have stroller, will travel! Kourtney Kardashian's two-year-old son Mason has figured out the easiest way to get around – let mom drive! The pregnant reality star – she and boyfriend Scott Disick are expecting their second child together – and her cool passenger spent a leisurely afternoon running errands in Calabasas, Calif. on Saturday (February 18).
The Kardashians are probably used to being the object of rumors, but there's one circulating that sounds so improbable, it seems too far-out even for the tabloids.
Is Kourtney planning on having a baby for her sister Khloé, who is struggling to get pregnant? According to a report, Khloe and hubby Lamar Odom are fed up with grueling fertility treatments, and the 27-year-old asked her sister to carry her baby – and Kourtney agreed to help out.
"She immediately said yes," a source said. "Kourtney will do anything to help because she knows just how much Khloé is suffering over her infertility."
Could the rumor be true? It sounds highly unlikely, but with the Kardashians one thing is certain – you never know what to expect.


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She was born July 26, 1920, at Joplin, Mo., to the late Phillip Denton and Ada Eva Lee Standefer Cearley. She was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church and was an avid reader, quilter and gardener.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Hermon Samuel Murders; one son, Herman David Murders; and six siblings.
Survivors include three sons, Steve Murders of Dardanelle, Phillip (Kim) Murders of Russellville, and Danny (Frances) Murders of Pottsville; one sister, Eva Lee Taylor of Greenfield, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at Rock Springs in Jessieville. Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011, from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers include the grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, NCICFUL, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA 30368-2454.
Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online guestbook book and condolences are at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.
Paid obituary


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2012 F650GS twin
Looking around i found pictures of them. I have an 1150 "R" currently, and might be more inclined to go for another "R" as opposed to an "RT" on second thought.
Opt for a set of bags, and see what windshields are available. I like the more naked front end, as I do more [warm] weather riding,than cold. And rain doesn't bother me so much. Besides that I do not care for radio, etc. I prefer bags, decent shield, heated grips, and a throttle lock.
At the NYC IMS I asked one of the MAXBMW staff if they thought he retro boxer would be out in time for riding season. He said to his knowledge not until the end of the year. I guess we'll know when BMW decides we need to know.
What? No Dover White or Daytona Orange in the line up?
Current Ride: 1995 K75 Standard
Past: 1978 Yamaha XS 750, 1976 BMW R60/6
2012 F650GS twin
Not your father's BMW.
Ride Well
I tried to find my original post of the Lo Rider concept press release but no luck.
The 'concept' was a two part deal. BMW built a model for the Milan show and released all sorts of concept drawings at the same time.
BMW Lo Rider Concept photo gallery
The second part of the concept was the idea of selling the Lo Rider through a mass customization process. Buyers would be able to customize the core bike (Boxer engine/frame/telescopic front fork) by selecting seating, pipes, lights, fenders etc from a list of options creating their own bike.
Nothing happened until maybe now...
cycleworld.com: Spied Lo Rder concept spied
I hope the NY Times and Detroit Free Press have it right, have insider information from a real BMW source and not mixing promotional material for the 90yr anniversary bikes up with two custom shops in Europe bringing out their own version of Lo Rider. There is a Bulgarian shop that has an aggressive bobber based on the theme. The second shop built a direct knock off of the BMW show bike. It originally had the solo saddle but the builder did not like the resulting ride position. The built a second, two up, saddle pictured in some of the original options. IIRC they alluded to wanting to do a limited run for sale starting by the fall of the year.
Pass the mustard and UP THE REVOLUTION!


text: Not being familiar at all with Cumberbatches work, what if....he is not the reason behind all the destruction we see? What if Wellers character appears in the film and almost immediately kills off Harrison? Harrisons appearance in the trailer is just a red herring and Weller is actually the prime antagonist throughout the film. I don't know if Benedict is a big enough star that this would ever happen or if J.J. has the skills to throw such a curve ball. Is EBC that big of a commodity that he would not accept that kind of treatment on screen? (like Shatner and cameos)


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Posted at 9:33 AM
Nestled on the banks of the Motor City's Detroit River where approximately one mile of water separates America with Canada, the Detroit MBDA Center uses the city's international urban flair to expand its clients' business reach across the globe, including to South Korea and Myanmar (formerly Burma).
To facilitate exporting opportunities with our free-trade partner South Korea, the Detroit MBDA Business Center is drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA). According to KOIMA, an organization comprised of 8,000 business members, Korea imported over $600 billion worth of goods and services in 2012 and expects to import close to $1 trillion dollars of goods and services in 2013. In partnership with KOIMA, the Detroit MBDA Business Center will pursue reverse trade missions with Korean companies to showcase U.S. minority-owned firms and promote business partnerships.
Unlike the well-established market of South Korea, Myanmar is an emerging market. A country rich in natural resources, it is geographically bordered by five countries including India and China. Acknowledging the recently signed United States and Myanmar bilateral trade and investment framework agreement, the Detroit Center secured meetings with the Ministers of Commerce, Construction, and senior officials of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce. These meetings led to a MOU with the Myanmar Minister of Commerce that will be used to inform the MBDA Business Center network of the numerous export opportunities.
MBDA Business Centers are committed to providing heightened visibility and access for minority-owned firms by partnering with corporations, industry coalitions, and government agencies throughout the world. "We recognize firsthand the importance of expanding business networks and partnering to leverage unique capabilities," said Diane Lee, Project Director of the Detroit MBDA Business Center. "As we continue to pursue opportunities that help our clients grow their business and create jobs, we are excited to partner with KOIMA and the Myanmar Minister of Commerce."
For more information about the Detroit MBDA Business Center, contact Diane Lee at email@example.com or 313-873-3615.


text: Here's a small clip of me rallying against my friend. It's my first time recording myself and I was using an iPhone 4S so this was the best angle that I could get. Please give me your thoughts about how you think I could improve my game based on this video. I know it may be a little vague, but I am open to trying anything except for switching my grips. Please be nice. Thank you. The video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXTP00TyG6U Before you watch the video, please take a minute to read about my "tennis identity." My Current Status Age: 19 Height: 5'7" Weight: Approximately 260lbs How long have I been playing? I have been playing for about six years now. I started during my freshman year of high school (2007) and have been hooked ever since. My stature has been pretty consistent throughout my years of playing tennis. I have always been one of the "bigger" tennis players, but that hasn't stopped me from beating an array of opponents. It actually played to my favor because no one ever expected much from me especially when I was the 3rd and 2nd seeds on my high school team. Have I taken any lessons? I took one week's worth of lessons. It was a group lesson though and the only thing I learned from it was how to hit a forehand with a short-swing. I haven't gone back ever since. Other than that, I am completely self-taught. I primarily taught myself by reading instructional books that had pictures. I never really watched any instructional videos. I only watched highlights of professional matches online, but that was mainly for my own enjoyment not self-instruction. Am I right-handed or left-handed? I am left-handed, however, I play tennis with my right hand. I kind of wish that I had started playing with my left though. Which grips do I use? I use an eastern forehand grip and an eastern backhand grip. I just recently switched back to a single-handed backhand (two months now). I was using the two-hander before (for about two years), but also incorporated a single-hander here and there depending on the situation. Do I play regularly? Ever since I graduated from high school (class of 2011), I haven't been able to play regularly. I used to play every single day though before I graduated. Now I play about once a week or once every two weeks. Current racquet of choice? I currently play with the Volk Power Bridge 10 Light in stock form. I'm not feeling quite as agile as I was in high school so I needed something that would still gave me an "old school" feel, but in a lighter form. I also have minute wrist problems, but they seem to have disappeared ever since I got the Volkl. I used to use older racquets such as the P.O.G. OS and MS and a Donnay Super Mid Touring. *Please feel free to ask me any questions.*


text: Contact: Consumer: George Jelich 262-965-5400 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2012 – Quality Feed, Inc. recalls milk replacer because of possible salmonella health risk. Quality Feed, Inc. of Dousman, WI is recalling milk replacer that was shipped between January 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012 because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated milk replacer, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. Animals with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your animals have consumed the recalled product and have these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. Quality Feed, Inc. was just notified late this week by one of its suppliers, that six 40lb. bags out of 1026 bags purchased back in January 2012 were suspect for salmonella contamination. As a precaution, Quality Feed, Inc. has immediately put on recall notice all feed that had any of this load of raw material in its formulation. To date there have been no known illnesses associated with any of the milk replacer in question. The milk replacer was distributed throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York under the name Quality Feed, Inc., Dairy Princess, Peachey's or Yo-momma. The recalled feed can be identified by the last four digits in the lot number on the bag ending in 0131 through 0323. Customers who have purchased any of this milk replacer are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact Quality Feed, Inc. at 262-965-5400 between 7:30am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday central time.


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We're excited to announce the speaker lineup for the second SocialSuccess Mic-Up next Thursday, January 24th! The theme is 'Social Predictions' and we were impressed by the number of incredibly creative ideas and pitches that were sent our way. However, we can't do a #SocialSuccess #MicUp that lasts all day! So, we chose five of the most creative and most fitting topics to be shared on stage, open-mic style!
To get a little bit of background information about the speakers, we asked each of them to answer five short questions, which you can find below.
You'll be able to see them on stage and get to know everyone in person at the Hospital Club, Covent Garden on Thursday, January 24. We will also be having a surprise speaker to kick off the evening, so stay tuned.
Remember to join the conversation with #socialsuccess #micup
Luke Williams
"My social prediction for 2013: Social Network Normalisation"
Hera Hussain
"What can the Egyptian Revolution tell us about what makes a tweeter influential"
Bernie Mitchell
"Talking your way to #SocialSuccess - the podcasting reprise in 2013"
James Whatley
"Things are moving in 2013, you should know what and you should know where"
-- Eyes are moving to second screens, money is moving overseas, social media penetration is moving up the corporate ladder. --
Karen Fewell
"Goodbye wizards, ninjas and gurus"
Mervyn Dinnen
"Goodbye wizards, ninjas and gurus"
It's difficult to measure what social media is doing for your business. Learn what to monitor to help measure the effects of your social media efforts. ... Read more »
Pinterest for business: Here are ten easy ways you can begin using Pinterest for your company. ... Read more »
Follow these 6 simple principles to make the most of this powerful prospecting tool from LinkedIn. ... Read more »
Super-charge your sales with the world's #1 sales and CRM application. Sales Cloud helps sales reps close bigger deals faster and connect with customers on any device.
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Harness the power of social media so you can listen to your customers, publish engaging content and advertise to reach new audiences for your company.


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Womack wrote in a column published Monday on his website that online retailers enjoy "a 10 percent price advantage" over brick-and-mortar stores that collect and remit state sales tax, adding "small retailers have become little more than a 'showroom' for their online counterparts."
A Dec. 5 event is planned in Washington to rally support for the so-called Marketplace Fairness Act, which is backed by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Womack is scheduled to speak along with Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, Rep. Jackie Speier of California and Rep. Peter Welch of Vermont. All five are sponsors of the bill, which would allow states to require online and catalog retailers to collect and pay sales taxes.
The NCSL says states are expected to lose more than $23 billion in taxes this year on Internet and catalog sales as opposed to taxes collected by brick-and-mortar businesses.
"Ninety-seven percent of Arkansas employers are small businesses. These firms are the foundation on which our state's economy is built," said Smith Sylvester Smith III, the state's director of the National Federation of Independent Business, in a statement released on Small Business Saturday, which comes the day after Black Friday.
In Arkansas and other states with sales tax, individuals are required to pay "sales and use" tax on out-of-state purchases but a small fraction actually comply, the Arkansas News Bureau reported in July. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration has a downloadable one-page form to be completed for sales tax to be remitted for online purchases.
The Associated Press and Arkansas News Bureau contributed information to this report.


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I was never on any kind of sports team. I am 5'11" and when I went into bootcamp I was 220lbs of tub. I came out of bootcamp at a fit and trim 163lbs and you couldn't stop me. I ended up on the All Marine Judo team, went to the nationals, was meritoriously promoted while in the Marines, went through the first Gulf war and did 6 years before getting out.
I don't say this to brag. I say it to say that if a person has the determination to do something, it can be done.
I am very proud that I served.


text: Connors d Tanner 16 62 46 62 62 my stats Connors served at 61%(74 of 121) He won 54 of 74 pts on 1st serve(67.5%) and 24 of 47 on 2nd(51%) 4 aces, 2 df's drew 28 return errors of the return errors Tanner made 6 were fh, 22 were bh 8 were on 2nd serve 6-15 on break points(Tanner made 1st serves on 8 of them) Tanner served at 43.5%(61 of 140) He won 39 of 61 pts on 1st serve(64%) and 41 of 79 on 2nd(52%) 16 aces, 6 df's drew 31 return errors of the return errors Connors made, 6 were fh, 25 were bh 17 were on 2nd serve 4-9 on break points(Connors made 1st serves on 4 of them) Connors had 37 non service winners: 6 fh, 17 bh, 9 fhv, 5 bhv Tanner had 39: 2 fh, 10 bh, 14 fhv, 9 bhv, 4 ov Connors was 57-83 at net(69%) didn't take S&V stats, but it seemed like he was doing it a lot, on both 1st & 2nd serves Connors had a pretty tough schedule at this rain plagued tournament. He completed his 4th round match the day before(while Tanner had the day off) And his semifinal opponent McEnroe had the day off while he played Tanner(and the other men's semi - Borg-Gottfried - was actually played on the same day as this QF) Commentators said it may have been fairer for the players if they just extended the tournament by another day. Tanner was on the end of a rather absurd decision by the umpire early in the 5th set when he hit an ace that was called a fault & the umpire decided to just 'play a let' instead of awarding the point to Tanner. Commentators said that officiating was pretty poor throughout the tournament(what a surprise) In the McEnroe-Connors SF, the same exact thing happened to Mac(hit an ace that was called a fault, the umpire gave him a 1st serve instead of the point) & commentators/fans/press acted like Mac was such a disgrace to the game even though he was 100% right. I guess because he didn't just let it go like Tanner did(though he was pretty upset as well & did explain to the umpire 'the rules') & asked for a referee in an extended conversation(which resulted in Mac getting a 'public warning' whatever that meant)


text:
Undergraduate Course Search
Welcome to our course search. You can search by course title (e.g. Human Geography), UCAS course code (e.g. C150) or keyword (e.g. Science).
Note that you can also make your search
more precise
Tip: To match multiple words use the plus symbol, for example, mathematics +finance.
To exclude a particular word use the minus symbol, for example, english -language .


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Could Imagine Dragons be responsible for last night's Miami Heat NBA championship win? Unlikely. But one thing is certain, the band's breakout single "Radioactive" helped LeBron James, the point leader in last night's (June 21) game, to get in the proper headspace needed to take home the win for Miami.
James, who anointed himself the team's DJ, explained in a behind the scenes video from the band that "Radioactive" was one of the key songs used in getting him in the mood to hit the court.
"The music instills the drive that I have every day to prepare," said James.
The band's frontman Dan Reynolds, who is an avid basketball fan, said, "I actually followed LeBron from the very beginning…I've always found inspiration of people who were pushing the boundaries of human capabilities. I think it's pretty incredible that LeBron and the team have taken an interest in 'Radioactive.'"
James his teammates aren't the only ones finding inspiration in the tune. With a whopping 42 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the uplifting song has ascending this week to No. 4, up from No. 6 last week.


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"There is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by contrast. Nothing exists in itself." (Herman Melville)
"Thrusted light is worse than presented pistols." (Herman Melville, Moby Dick)
"To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be that have tried it." (Herman Melville)


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Jordan Smith was activated off the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Another move will have to be made on the Bats' roster to make room for Smith.
I'm hoping Costanzo hits like mad at AAA and is in Cinti before we know it. I don't care if he is 29 or whatever; he's the closest thing we have to a ready left-handed bat in the minors who can play a position of need.
Dayton placed Sean Buckley on the disabled list with a sprained ankle. Robert Maddox was called up from "Billings" to take his place.
Get MLBtraderumors Reds updates on Facebook.
Daniel Tuttle is back from suspension and in Dayton. Carlos Gonzalez is heading back to extended spring training.
The Dragons sent Erik Miller back to extended spring training. Brooks Pinckard was sent down from Bakersfield to take his place. I'm wondering if someone in Bakersfield is soon going to come off the disabled list (Blaine Howell?) to replace Pinckard.
Get MLBtraderumors Reds updates on Facebook.
Wirfin Obispo to Pensacola.
As one of those who fretted about his fate years ago, I'm psyched about this. However it works out.Wirfin Obispo to Pensacola.
"Baseball is a very, very complex business. It's more of a people business than most businesses." - Bob Castellini
Mike Griffin was sent to Billings from Bakersfield.
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I would assume it's just a paper move.
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In their dreams young musicians bask comfortably and happily in the luxury of immense success. Those REM-induced illusions can be mapped out fairly easily: Critical acclaim and financial reward have settled on them like UV rays on a sunny day, rooms packed with beautiful new friends fall hushed in silent awe when they enter, and any momentary desire can be satisfied with the snap of a finger. Of course, the thicker-skinned can forgo the critical acclaim part but, still, the fact that these slumbering rock stars will pull down big bucks for shouting into a microphone or beating up on a drum kit is akin to throwing a few Franklins at a jobless drunk for helping to clear out an overstocked liquor cabinet.
The entertainment world, though, isn't quite that utopian. Eventually even the most talented musician must wake up and face his or her own rain-soaked reality: Cash flow does not increase proportionately with instrumental ability and the critics do not automatically smile on those with the fleetest fingers. Jazz players learn this lesson as early as anyone. Some accept that sad fact and eke out a living performing musical obscurities for small but reverent groups of fans in tiny clubs until their maker mercifully relieves them of their charge. Others, such as jazz-pop superstar George Benson, jump headlong into the mainstream and then spend a lifetime struggling against the current that is their fame and fortune, hoping not to be carried too far from their artistic ideals.
The widely known, commercially motivated Benson has drifted far from his hard bop and soul jazz days of the early Sixties. But even as he and his producers have channeled his music down more sedate courses -- R&B and pop influenced, for the most part -- he has maintained at least some degree of his old adventurousness. His extended guitar and scatting vocal solos have routinely polished into pop gems what would otherwise be mostly banal easy-listening elevator music.
In fact, Benson can for better or worse be credited as the creative role model for what has become a hugely popular and profitable segment of the music industry -- the jazz-lite phenomenon personified today by everybody's favorite whipping boy, Kenny G. Before Benson and his late-Seventies hits "This Masquerade," "Breezin'," and "On Broadway" (and maybe a couple of admittedly harder-edged cuts by Jeff Beck from the albums Wired and Blow by Blow), high-wattage radio stations rarely played songs with lengthy, jazz-tinged instrumental breaks.
Benson had the good sense to keep his chops up, however, perhaps anticipating the day when Top 40 radio would deem him old hat and the flow of multimillion-selling albums would dry up. By the mid-Eighties, his E-ticket ride was largely over, though he has scored a couple of number ones on the Billboard jazz charts in the past ten years: The 1989 album Tenderly (a collaboration with pianist McCoy Tyner), and 1993's Love Remembers both reached the top jazz album spot. His efforts to re-establish true jazz credibility after spending time as a darling of the pop world have apparently been successful, but then Benson's musical pedigree was always largely beyond reproach.
While most of its forty-four plus minutes conform to the airy, easily digestible formula Benson has followed for the past three decades, his new CD, Standing Together, does little to harm his well-earned reputation. The album, his second for jazz label GRP (after the 1996 release That's Right), hit number one on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart in early August; the title track is one of the most-added cuts at smooth jazz stations nationwide.
The disc covers all the bases in Benson's game plan -- sultry ballads, steamy love songs, an undeniable groove, and jazzy sparks of his guitar and vocal virtuosity. Five of the nine songs are instrumentals, overflowing with the creamy, rounded six-string tone that has been his hallmark from the beginning -- or at least close to the beginning.
Little Georgie Benson, as he was once called, got an early start on a musical career. He picked up a ukulele at age six and was playing guitar by the time he was eight-years-old. He first sang on radio in his hometown of Pittsburgh at age four and had recorded vocal tracks for RCA before his twelfth birthday. He played R&B and rock in his teens, before jazz -- in the form of Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, and Charlie Parker -- turned him in a new direction. Benson was a natural and by age nineteen was playing soul jazz in a very popular combo lead by organist Brother Jack McDuff. Benson made a name for himself in the jazz community with Brother Jack McDuff Live!, recorded in 1963, and The New Boss Guitar, recorded with McDuff in 1964, both for the Prestige label. He went solo in 1965, mostly because McDuff wouldn't allow him to sing. Benson, who envisioned himself as somewhat of a Nat King Cole -- another instrumental master given to immaculate vocal melodies -- gave up the McDuff gig in order to pursue a more lucrative vein of music.
"He hated singers," Benson says of McDuff during a phone interview from his New Jersey home. "He said, 'I don't want no singin' in my band.' But those were some strugglin' and some hard days. You're playing every night, you're not really getting anywhere, you're just barely staying alive. You're eating, but that's it. If you miss a week, you're down, which you can never make up. So who wants to live like that? You can't live like that when you've got a family. That's out of the question. You do those things when you have no responsibility and you want to get all you can get. You go out and you see the world, and you struggle."
Benson saw the world through consistent touring with McDuff between 1962 and 1965, but when family obligations came his way in the mid-Sixties he attempted to reposition himself as an artist earning more than just praise for his blazing instrumental prowess. He recorded his first post-McDuff releases for Columbia under the tutelage of omnipotent talent scout John Hammond, with O'Hara's Pub regular Dr. Lonnie Smith on keyboards. Later Benson hooked up with producer Creed Taylor, who had helped guitarist Wes Montgomery become a legend before his death in 1968, for several albums on A&M and CTI in the late Sixties and early Seventies. But though Taylor advanced Benson's career, he missed the point of the ambitious musician's most recognizable technique -- his vocal scat and guitar duo instrumental flights.
"I couldn't convince the producer to let me do it," he recalls with a laugh. "When I first asked him to allow me to do that, everybody in the studio said, 'Boo! Don't try it. It's not a good idea.' So we never got a chance to try it with that record company. As soon as I got a new record company, I said, 'Hey, put a microphone in front of me, I want to try something.' The new producer, Tommy LiPuma, said, 'Okay, George. Hey, this sounds good, let's put one down.' And we did. One song -- 'This Masquerade.' One take. And that became one of the biggest records of that year."
The Leon Russell-penned "This Masquerade," and the title track of the 1976 album it was pulled from, Breezin', earned Grammies for Record of the Year and Best Pop Instrumental Performance, respectively. With "This Masquerade" Benson was the first artist ever to score a number one hit simultaneously on the pop, jazz and R&B charts. The album sold millions. Benson followed Breezin' with the multi-platinum 1977 release In Flight and Weekend in L.A., the 1978 live album that spawned the hit "On Broadway." After these lofty achievements there would be no returning to the financially unstable jazz world. Benson's place in history -- not to mention on the shelves of the chain record stores -- was assured.
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Still, he regularly seeks opportunities to pick up a musical recharge. Though most of the members of his touring band have been with him for years, Standing Together was recorded with the help of mostly younger musicians, including his son Robert who supplied drum programming to the subtle instrumental "C-Smooth." Benson also recently recorded with Mary J. Blige on her hit "Seven Days," found time to jam with the Artist, and on a 1997 trip to Cuba, traded licks with a whole new breed of inspiring players.
"That was awesome. We had a great tour and I sat in every night. We went clubbin' every night and we played with some of the baddest musicians on the island -- if not the baddest. And I also did a seminar at the musical university, and that was one of the highlights of the tour."
Only somewhat aware of the obstacles Cuban musicians face when attempting to perform in the United States, Benson, a devout Jehovah's Witness and practicing minister, steers clear of political statement. "I stay away from the politics of anything. I'm not into politics at all. I'm a Bible student myself, and I conduct Bible studies. And the Bible has told us to stay out of politics, and we do. We stay out of world issues, and that's what I do. And I find that it creates a better relationship on a one-to-one basis with humans all over the Earth, so it's a good move. I relate to them as musicians only. And they are great musicians."
George Benson performs with comedian Sinbad, Sunday, September 27, at the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach; 305-673-7300. Tickets are $60, $75, and $150 ($150 tickets include a 6:30 p.m. cocktail party with George Benson) and part of the proceeds benefit the Miami Children's Hospital Foundation. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.


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BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's boys' varsity lacrosse team continued its mid-season surge, beating three Bayside North opponents in the last week to improve to 7-3.
After a tough 15-9 loss to Queen Anne's back on April 10, the Seahawks have now won three in a row to improve to 7-3. The recent run started with a 14-3 rout of North Caroline on the road last Monday. Last Wednesday, the Decatur boys went back on the road and returned with a 17-6 win over Kent County. The Seahawks completed the impressive mid-season stretch against Bayside North teams with a narrow 13-11 win over always tough Easton at home last Friday. The Seahawks close out the regular season with three straight games against Bayside South teams they have already beaten this season starting with a home game against Wicomico this afternoon.


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York University's Faculty of Education and Faculty of Science and Engineering invite applications for a joint full-time tenure stream appointment in Mathematics Education at the rank of Assistant Professor.
The Faculty of Education offers innovative pre-service, graduate and professional development programs. The Faculty values collaboration and an interdisciplinary orientation to education in a multicultural and social justice framework. Its staffing approach encourages faculty in Education to work with educators seconded from their schools and with colleagues from other academic departments across the University.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, offers an innovative mathematics major in Mathematics for Education which features a common core with all mathematics majors, in the first three semesters, along with a breadth of upper year mathematics courses and three courses designed for future teachers, but open to all mathematics majors (in Geometry, History of Math, and Research in Mathematics Education). A number of these majors are in concurrent programs with the Faculty of Education while others are preparing for Consecutive Education. In addition, the Graduate Program in Mathematics and Statistics offers a course-based MA in Mathematics for Teachers, with courses targeted at current teachers at high school or college. The Graduate Programs in Education and in Mathematics and Statistics jointly offer a group of courses focused on mathematics education as a Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.
Applicants are invited to visit the Faculty of Education's website at www.edu.yorku.ca and the Mathematics and Statistics Department's website at http://www1.math.yorku.ca/new/ Candidates should have completed a Master's degree in Mathematics or Statistics and have completed a doctorate in Mathematics Education with evidence of an established or ability to establish a strong program of scholarly research in Mathematics Education. The candidate will also have knowledge of mathematics content and pedagogy as reflected in the Ontario curriculum. The successful candidate should show excellence or the promise of excellence in teaching and will teach courses and develop curriculum in the undergraduate and graduate programs in both the Faculty of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and be able to contribute to professional development programming. The successful candidate must be suitable for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. A commitment to offer leadership in the Mathematics for Education program will be essential. Contributions that build upon ongoing collaborations in the area of mathematics education within the University and beyond will be an asset.
All positions at York University are subject to budgetary approval. The appointment will commence July 1, 2013. Applicants should submit a detailed letter of application describing their qualifications and research in Mathematics Education in relation to the advertised position and to the context described above, an up-to-date curriculum vitae, and one or two samples of recent scholarly writing. Applicants are asked toarrange for three scholarly references to be submitted by the deadline to the address below or via e-mailto firstname.lastname@example.com clearly marked as "support for position in Math Education".
Dr. Alice Pitt, Dean of Education
York University
c/o 239 Winters College
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ont. M3J-1P3
The closing date for complete application packages is
January 15, 2013.
Please note: Other than references, electronic applications/materials will NOT be accepted.
York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York's website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs/ or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmation action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.
Submitted on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 16:17:18 -0400


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Joey, I can't wait to see your pizzas in a few months. Hang out here with Peter for a while and you are going to make some amazing pizzas with that Harvest King flour. It and the King Arthur bread flour are what I recommend to my friends and family that want to start making pizzas. You bought the right thing!I know Maggio cheese is available at retail in your area. Get the whole milk mozzarella if you can. Do you have Cento or Pastene brand tomatoes available to you?
Was the outer crust, crunchy and brittle when biting into it?
Have you(s) ever used unbleached four for making pizza dough?
Is there any thin crust recipes using unbleached that are fairly simple.
it's also noteworthy that Sammy will be running the 2nd Delorenzo's that is going to open in the fall in Hamilton Sq. It will be interesting to see how well they preserve the style, taste, and quality. They made a nice transition from when Chick passed it down to Gary (I've been told this by people that have been going there for over 50 years. And Sammy makes his pies spot on too. Slight differences are noticable but the overall quality is still 100%. I can't wait.
Yes, the outer crust was both crunchy and a bit brittle. My jaws got a bit of a workout with the outer crust, but I liked it. Of course, I have no idea as to whether the rim of a De Lorenzo crust is brittle since I have never had a De Lorenzo pie. That is why I ask so many questions. It's the only way I can get an idea of what De Lorenzo's is doing.Yes, I have used all-purpose flour for just about every type and style of pizza dough, but usually I select the type of flour that is best suited for the type of pizza I am going to make, based on the reported experiences of the members who post their results on the forum. Since all-purpose flour is the most basic flour, available just about everywhere, and usually the least costly of all the flours, you will see it used for just about every type and style of pizza dough. I'm fairly certain that there are some simple thin crust recipes on the forum using unbleached flour but my own experience with them is quite limited. And they may not be entirely suitable for a De Lorenzo's clone, either because the crust may be soft or it may be cracker-like. I have been trying to make cracker type crusts, and for that style the high-gluten flour seems to be the most effective. After eating the De Lorenzo clone pizza, I could see that it does not have a cracker type crust, at least in comparison with the cracker-type crust I made recently. It was crispy but not cracker-like. That was a useful distinction for me to experience.Peter
I am thinking about making my dough at nightime, let it rise at room temp over night. Then in the morning, I can punch it down, and then place in the fridge for 1 1/2 -2 days. Then let rest at room temp for 2-3 hours before stretching. Does that timing sound ok for rise time & flavor development?
No matter what type(s) of tomato I use I can't seem to get close to the flavor of one of these great tomato pies. So far have tried red pack, cento, 6 in 1 and others. Probably the closest I have gotten was a combo of Cento San Maranzzano and crushed red pack.
Are you drizzling the Canola/Olive oil mix over the pie before cooking???
Joe,The answer will depend on the particular dough recipe you decide to use, particularly the amount of yeast in relation to the amount of flour, and also the temperatures that are involved, mainly the water temperature and the finished dough temperature. If there is too much yeast, and/or the temperatures are too high, the dough may not make it out 2-3 days, mainly because of the room temperature fermentation, which can be really hard on a dough from the standpoint of its longevity, and especially so now that warmer weather is with us. If you find a recipe that you would like to try, show it to me. I think I will be able to tell you whether your plan will work with the recipe. If you decide to make a pizza using the recipe, you might want to start a new thread devoted to your results.Peter


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SEATTLE -- If the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos on Saturday night turns out to be a preview for Super Bowl XLVIII (as it well might), the Broncos' starters will hope for a very different result, and the Seahawks' first teams will pray for a replay. Both teams played their main men through most of the first half, and the Seahawks dominated nearly every phase of the game. They took a 33-7 lead into the locker room at halftime, and wrapped things up with a 40-10 win in their first preseason game at home this year.
Peyton Manning played through the first two drives of the second half, and he was the lone consistently effective player on his side of the ball, slicing through Seattle's estimable secondary for 163 yards and a touchdown. He completed 11 of 16 passes and got out of the game with no sacks. The same could not be said of backup Brock Osweiler, who was sacked twice in two first-half drives, and finished with one completion in two attempts for minus-1 passing yard. Osweiler finished his day with nine completions in 14 attempts for 66 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. In the third quarter, Denver gained a grand total of minus-3 yards.
Though Manning was able to drive the Broncos earlier, scoring was a tougher task. In a drive that started at the end of the first quarter and went more than five minutes into the second, the Broncos travelled from their own 20-yard line to the Seattle 1-yard line, when running back Ronnie Hillman fumbled the ball deep into the end zone. Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner picked up the ball and ran it back for a 106-yard touchdown.
"When I looked up, I saw nothing but green ahead of me," Browner said. "I only saw offensive linemen, and I'll always take my chances against offensive linemen."
That was the second play of the game for Seattle that went at least that long -- near the end of the first quarter, receiver Jermaine Kearse returned a Matt Prater kickoff 107 yards for a score.
"He told me a couple of weeks ago -- 'Man, if I get a return, I'm taking it all the way,' and sure enough, he did," Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson said after the game.
It was his second touchdown of the day -- Kearse led off Seattle's scoring with a 12-yard catch from Wilson with 8:37 left in the first quarter. It was a fortuitous ending to a play that started with Wilson dropping the snap from center.
"I knew I would have a chance, because the corner was playing off," he said. "We call it a Colorado route. I just knew that if I could sell that slant and make him bite on it, I would have a chance. At first, I didn't know that Russell was messing around with the snap, and I didn't know that the ball was on the ground. I was wondering where the ball was, but I was just trying to make a play and get in the end zone."
Some days, everything just goes your way. Wilson finished his day with eight completions in 12 attempts for 127 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Backup Tarvaris Jackson came in for the second half and beat Wilson in passer rating, 141.4 to 141.3, completing four of seven passes for 93 yards and a score of his own.
For Kearse, who never returned punts or kicks at the University of Washington from 2008 through 2011, special teams has been his ticket to a relatively permanent address in Seattle. Still, he was only recently approached about returning kicks, and it's safe to say he made a fairly decent first impression.
"They told me that the cutoff [to return the ball in the end zone] was seven or eight yards, but I didn't know how deep I was, and the ball was kinda hanging up there," Kearse said of his play. "So, when I took my first step, I just said, 'Whatever,' and just went out. It was a return left, and those guys blocked it up really well."
The Browner return was emblematic of Denver's main bugaboo on the evening -- they lost the turnover battle in a landslide, and as Broncos coach John Fox said after the game, that won't wash when you're dealing with an upper-echelon opponent.
"Like I told our team, when you're minus-four in turnovers, you're going to win 10 percent of your games. When you play a good team, you're going to win zero percent. We have got to look at that in practice. Ball security is something that we will work hard at in practice, because you're not hitting live. That is something that we will definitely emphasize."
Things went just about perfectly for the Seahawks even when the reserves were in -- for the second straight week, under-the-radar free-agent pickup Stephen Williams caught a touchdown pass from Jackson. This time, with 3:37 left in the third quarter, Williams brought it in near the goal line and flipped his way across untouched for a score.
"It's just being aware -- I didn't feel like they touched me, but I wanted to make sure," Williams said. "Leave no doubt, catch the ball, and get in the end zone. We came out kind of sluggish and slow in the second half, and I wanted to do something to get the game going again."


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Future trades don't worry Ventura
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
"You can talk with Kenny and Rick, and they're feeling stuff out," Ventura said. "But I don't get to the point where I get excited hearing names, because some of them don't even come close. Until it happens, you can't expect it.
"If you look at what we've got, we've been going a lot with the young guys out of necessity. Guys have been hurt, but now you're starting to get them back -- and you have a guy like Brett who has that experience and composure going into any situation.
"He's done pretty much everything there is in the game as a pitcher. It's a comforting thing for us as we make decisions to call on him to do pretty much anything."
This latest move leaves the White Sox with Matt Thornton, Myers and Jesse Crain setting up rookie closer Addison Reed, and young hurlers Leyson Septimo, Hector Santiago and Nate Jones filling out the bullpen. Donnie Veal was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte following Sunday's 6-4 loss, despite the southpaw pitching a scoreless eighth and retiring all five hitters he faced since being called up, to make room for Gavin Floyd, who will come off the disabled list prior to Monday's start.
Danks progressing toward return
DETROIT -- Even after Saturday's acquisition of Brett Myers from Houston, White Sox general manager Ken Williams and his staff continue to look for ways to improve the team as they get ready for the two-month final "push" to what they hope will be an American League Central title or at least a playoff berth.
One of the reasons Williams cited for a starting pitcher possibly not being high up on that list of needs is the return of Philip Humber, who allowed six runs and four homers over just three innings on Sunday during a 6-4 loss to the Tigers, and the return of Gavin Floyd, who will start on Monday against the Twins. John Danks' steady improvement from his left shoulder strain, despite being out of action for two months, was also mentioned by Williams as a reason for rotation optimism.
Danks seemed upbeat concerning the progress he has made, going through another throwing session at up to 120 feet on Sunday. But the left-hander also didn't sound as if he was ready to return any time in the near future.
"Let's not put the cart in front of the horse," said Danks, who last pitched at Wrigley Field on May 19. "We have a lot of progress to [go] still. We're definitely making strides in the right direction. We'll keep working at it and hopefully Kenny is right.
"We're doing everything we know to do. It's been a little longer process than we thought it would be, but we're trying to come back. We want to contribute this year. I'm doing everything I know to do."
No timetable for a return was set by Danks, not when he thought a return one month ago was possible. Danks wants to get on a mound as soon as possible, especially with the positive signs he's seen of late.
"I feel like I'm able to bounce back a little better after I have thrown a couple of days in a row," said Danks, who has a 3-4 record and 5.70 ERA over nine starts this season. "A few weeks ago, I'd have been too sore to do anything, really. I have been able to go out and do everything I've been asked so far.
"Hopefully, it keeps on progressing the way we hope and want [it] to. I'd like to get out there before the year is over."
Reed not concerned about role
DETROIT -- Addison Reed never campaigned for the closer's role when he wasn't pitching the ninth inning, but instead working in the seventh or eighth. So the rookie hurler with 15 saves in 18 opportunities wasn't worried about losing that job when the White Sox acquired Houston closer Brett Myers on Saturday.
"Not too much. I'm ready to pitch whenever they want me to pitch," Reed said. "Obviously, I'd like to have the ninth inning. If it changes, it's up to them. As long as I'm pitching, I'll be happy.
"He's been successful this year and throughout his career," added Reed of Myers. "Any time we can add that, it's huge for us and it will do nothing but help us out. He's a great pitcher and it will be fun."
Reed also is happy to have Jesse Crain back in the fold, as Crain brings his 2.38 ERA in 24 games off the disabled list after battling a right shoulder strain.
"He pitched very well before he got hurt," said Reed of Crain. "Hopefully, he finishes the year strong and keeps on throwing like he did."
Ventura praises Hall of Famer Larkin
DETROIT -- Barry Larkin, who was inducted on Sunday into the National Baseball Hall of Fame along with Ron Santo, has known White Sox manager Robin Ventura for quite a few years. That extensive knowledge for Ventura gave him a first-hand view of that extraordinary play from Larkin that led up to this special day.
"He was one of the best players in the game for a long time," said Ventura of Larkin, who played his entire 19-year-career for the Reds. "The thing about Barry, you saw his teams with the Reds kind of modeled themselves after him. He got people to play better. For me, that's the most impressive part."
Santo, who passed away in December 2010, played 14 seasons for the Cubs and was long associated with the franchise as one of its highly popular broadcasters. He also played his final season in 1974 as part of the White Sox.
Third to first
The White Sox RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) junior and senior teams advanced to their respective regional championship games with victories in their semifinal matchups on Saturday. Both teams will play Milwaukee RBI in the regional title games.
Alex Rios ranks fourth in the American League with a .343 average since May 23. Joe Mauer, Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera are the only players ahead of him during that time.
Tyler Flowers picked up his third multi-hit game of the season in Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Tigers.
The White Sox fell to 19-16 against the AL Central and 4-8 against the Tigers.
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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[Verse 1]
Every track I put my verses on, I'm blatantly hurting y'all
Ending all your shows, the curtain call to certain songs
Asian Steve Urkel, murkin' the service urgency
You worthless little stains on my shirt, I'm your detergent
I'm bout to show you kittens that the dog is out
Every rapper I started I fathered, they're all adopted now
I don't see you babies ain't no ultrasound
I'm Austin Powers, mojo on the track once I own it, it's a rap
Every beat they sent to me
Got me makin' ya'll look elementary
All you rappers choke a lot, no nestle
I get to rippin' come listen when I wreck this beat (hey)
See you ain't gotta tell me make my flow tighter
Young and I did it without a ghost writer
Who we gon
Who we are
They getting mad I be killing every song
They say that they gonna kill me, I'mma tell them that they won't
Never needed another I just did it on my own
I just did it on my own (x5)
[Verse 2]
All they did was really try to hate this Filipino
Like this kid is weak but really I was freaking lethal
And I ain't really acting racial, but my skin is running rapid
I was chinky but surprised them when I spit just like a black kid
Scary like an arachnid, dare me to show some action
I blasted all on the track, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
No gun play, still I'm killing writtens to a measure
I ain't gotta sell dope, I just spit it on the record
Got the mind of an Einstein, Shakespeare when I write rhymes
Goliath when I'm at my prime, David when it is fight time
They just know my music's dirty, who would hurt me?
Wanna match with me, homie you ain't worthy cause you know that
[Verse 3]
They don't want to hear the track's alright, with the whack words ? ripping this raw
Didn't know I spit crack all night, all these raps are fried, no chicken ? fall
Not the type to stay around, I'mma lay it down, I'm letting me be free
To do what I want cause nobody will ever be over to come and try to believe in me
I'mma whoop on this
? verses and hooks ?
We robbing this stage like a crook ?
I know ya'll are just mad
None of ya'll ? of the fact
That I (made it), made it mad that I'm doing this all for my mom and dad
Killing and ripping these verses and rhythms, the fact is I'm here and I'm planning to stay
Sick and I've risen the picture ? I'm wild it's sort of an animal cage
Missing my lyrical fizz on the internet, sorry well I'll just go back to that stage
? this whole thing, you're an imbecile kid, and I'm leaving right now, so just have a nice day


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Town Square
Thoughts on the Supervisor's time in Washington?
Original post made by Natalie O'Neill, Danville Weekly reporter, on Feb 14, 2007
Comments (1)
a resident of Alamo
on Feb 14, 2007 at 11:25 am
Applause to Natalie O'Neill!
As Alamo humorously wondered what the supervisors could accomplish in Washington DC, as DAZE in the Capital, a TOUR of Lobbies, there was significant local interest in what the supervisors might request on our behalf. The history of the past two years illustrates that CCC-BOS has been at-odds with Contra Costa communities' will, interests and advisory.
By knowing what was said, Alamo residents now have the opportunity to express support or opposition to the supervisors' requests directly to our Senators and US Representative: address comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Thanks to The Danville Weekly, Alamo has immediate regional coverage of important events and actions impacting our community.
Hal Bailey
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 25 comments | 606 views
Time for new collaboration between city and school district
By Tim Hunt | 2 comments | 479 views


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From the Cook's Garden
The herb family comprises hundred of species and learning which ones are the best for your own garden may take a few seasons. Herb cultivars fall into two categories: annual and perennials. Annual herb plants live in a single season, with a focused goal to set seed.
Perennials go dormant when the temperatures drop, and generate new foliage during the growing season. Ideally your herb garden will contain a mixture of both.
Start small, with key culinary herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, chives and tarragon all perennials and sweet basil, which is an annual. As you expand your herb garden design, consider pineapple sage, lemon basil or chocolate mint. Love the smell of lemon thyme?
Check out the dozens of varieties, from low creeping thyme to variegated thyme, both idea for forming garden edges or enhancing paths. The most successful herb gardens may appear carefree, yet they require the most planning in order to get the design right from the start. Buy plants whenever possible, since herb seed takes a long time to germinate, and placing plants in the garden before planting helps to visualize the overall design.
Tarragon chicken salad with mixed greens
Makes 4 servings
A main-dish salad layered with flavors, this delivers the best of the herb garden along with the wonderfully warm, creamy flavors of blue cheese, honey, and tarragon.
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup whole-milk Greek-style yogurt
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
1 head soft butterhead lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 head radicchio, thinly sliced or cut into chiffonade
1 cup arugula or mixed greens, washed and chilled
Honey blue cheese dressing (recipe below)
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a glass bowl, toss together the garlic, olive oil, yogurt, and tarragon. Season the chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper, place in the bowl with the yogurt mixture, and toss to coat. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in an open baking dish; spoon the yogurt mixture over the chicken, covering every surface. Bake for 35 minutes, basting midway to keep the chicken moist.
4. In a large salad bowl, toss the lettuce, radicchio, and arugula or mixed greens with several tablespoons of blue cheese dressing, to taste. Neatly arrange on four separate salad plates, topping evenly with thinly sliced baked chicken. Finely chop the walnuts, dividing between each salad and serve.
Honey blue cheese dressing: Makes 1/2 cup
2 ounces blue cheese
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon honey
4-6 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 tablespoons kefir yogurt drink (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
With a fork, mash together the blue cheese, vinegar, tarragon, and honey. Drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth paste is formed. For a creamier dressing, add kefir, to taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Ellen Ecker Ogden is the author of The Complete Kitchen Garden, and garden design consultant. www.ellenogden.com.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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They are the parents of four children, Pat Stevens and David Alexander of Russellville, Rejena Hairston of Benton and Joel Alexander of McKinney, Texas. They have five grandchildren, Kaylyn Alexander, Alex and Aaron Bucker, and Christopher and Isaac Hairston.
Mr. Alexander is a broadcast engineer who works at Max Media and other local radio stations. Mrs. Alexander is retired from Lamar Schools.
Friends are invited to attend and enjoy this celebration with their family. No gifts, please.


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How many movies have you seen where a man sees a woman across a room filled with people dancing and he thinks, "That's it, I'm in love."
I believe that men are a lot more likely to say, "I fell in love at first sight," and women to say, "Gee, he's really hot." Guys are visual – "I fell in love at first sight." They fall in love with what they see and what they feel right after seeing it. If a man sees a woman who he finds attractive and he feels she is sexually interested in him, he'll think he's fallen in love right then and there.
However, no matter what he thinks, at this point he is not in love. "Over 90 percent of a man's decision at this stage is purely based on visual cues. Some men get super glued on boobs, others on booties and others on legs, etc. Physical features and bouncy behavior that suggests youth, health and vitality… It's just pure sexual chemistry. At this stage, you are still dispensable and interchangeable. You're still just another woman in the pack, and he is still very much attracted to several other women at the same time."
A lot of people call into my show saying, "Oh my gosh, I've been seeing him/her for three weeks and we're totally in love," but my answer is always the same: "No you're not." There could be a romantic or sexual attraction, but that's all. This is just the fantasy stage – you think he or she is what you fantasize you want. It's the stage where you're wearing rose-colored glasses and ignoring things. I can't tell you how many times I've told callers, "You ignored these things, didn't you?," and after denying it several times, they eventually say, "Well, yes, but I didn't know they were going to be this bad. I saw what I wanted to see."
If you've got a guy who wants to do the settling down process by shacking up, humping out of wedlock, and making babies without any commitment, then I've got a news flash for you: he's not in love with you. No man in love with a woman does that. When a man is in love, he stakes his claim. All throughout the animal kingdom, males make it clear who is their woman. Men enforce it by giving their woman a ring, a ceremony, and a commitment of fidelity.
So, for all you silly girls out there thinking that a guy who wants to hook up or shack up is in love with you, you are so unbelievably wrong.


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In what could go down as the least-surprising Spurs-related news story of the season, the team announced Wednesday it has exercised its fourth-year contract option on guard George Hill, locking him up through the 2011-12 campaign.
Hill, a favorite of coach Gregg Popovich, is slated to make $1.39 million next season, the final year of his original rookie-scale contract. It will likely be the last time he comes so cheap.
Selected out of IUPUI as the 26th overall pick in 2008, Hill is coming off a sophomore season in which his scoring average jumped nearly seven points to 12.4 per game. He shot a team-best 39.9 percent from 3-point range and was a runner-up to Houston's Aaron Brooks for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
Manu's slump buster: Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was well aware of his preseason shooting woes heading into Monday's loss to Oklahoma City.
He entered that game 1 for 10 from 3-point range and 5 of 26 overall. By the end of the night, he'd gone 6 of 9 and 5 for 7 on 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beating heave from 28 feet to end the first half.
"I was very aware that I couldn't make a shot in the previous five games, but I wasn't worried," Ginobili said. "In practice, I was shooting pretty well, so I knew it was going to turn around soon."
Ginobili doesn't make much of his breakout against the Thunder. He just hopes to continue his roll in tonight's preseason finale against Houston.
"It was better than to start the season going 1 for 18," Ginobili said.
Less rest for regulars: With tonight's game representing the final tune-up before the season opens Oct. 27 against Indiana, Popovich says he plans to give his regulars something approaching a regular-season workload.
Against Oklahoma City, every starter but Tim Duncan logged at least 26 minutes.
"We'll see how the game goes, how guys feel and what it looks like," Popovich said.
Even so, Ginobili says, don't expect the Spurs to be in regular-season form just yet.
"Traditionally, we are a team that builds during the season," Ginobili said. "We've hardly ever started a season really strong and in playoff shape.
"I am always optimistic we can do good, but we are not going to see the best San Antonio in October and November."
Slippery slope: After spending the offseason working tirelessly to extend his shooting range, center DeJuan Blair puts his confidence level in his outside shot at a 6 or 7.
"I'm going to keep working on it, and it's going to be good," Blair said.
Asked if perhaps he'd overstepped his limits when he fired up an airball from 20 feet against Oklahoma City, Blair chuckled.
"No, man," he said. "It slipped out of my hand."


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Lewis, Soria ready to take next steps
By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers brought three pitchers in from Arizona to participate in the home-opener ceremonies. Colby Lewis, Joakim Soria and Neftali Feliz spent the day with the Rangers and will return to Arizona this weekend.
Lewis and Soria are about to take the next big steps in their recovery from major arm surgery. Both have been throwing bullpen sessions for the past month, now they are expected to graduate to batting practice.
"Of course it's a big step," Soria said. "I've finished my bullpens, and I'm ready for the next step. So far everything has been outstanding."
Soria, signed as a free agent in the offseason after six years with the Royals, underwent Tommy John surgery on April 3, 2012. He could be ready to return to the bullpen in four to six weeks if all continues to progress with his throwing.
Lewis underwent surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon on July 27. He is coming back as a starter rather than a reliever, so he will probably need more time to build up innings than Soria. The Rangers are still hoping he could be an option for the rotation before June 1.
Players not thinking what Andrus deal means for them
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Elvis Andrus has an eight-year, $120 million contract, and his teammates are happy for him.
"He's worked hard for it and deserves it," second baseman Ian Kinsler said before the Rangers' home opener, against the Angels on Friday.
The home opener was not the time for Kinsler or others to reflect on what this might mean for them in the future. Kinsler is signed through 2017, but the Rangers also have middle infielder Jurickson Profar, their top prospect, playing shortstop at Triple-A Round Rock. Club officials admit that somebody could be traded or switch positions at some point, but that decision is far in the future.
"I'm just trying to win today," Kinsler said. "I'm not worried about next year or last year. We want to win as many games as we can and not worry about next year. As far as who has the longer contract or that we've got our infield locked down for years, we not thinking about that. ... 2013 is what's important."
Right now, Andrus is the only one getting a long-term extension. Outfielders David Murphy and Nelson Cruz are unsigned beyond this year and can be free agents at the end of the season. The Rangers have had only token conversations with both about long-term deals, and nothing serious ever came up during Spring Training.
"The season has started," Murphy said. "It's one thing to think about it in the offseason or Spring Training, when things are more relaxed. We're in the regular season now; that's not something to think about or focus on. I have a job to do for my teammates and coaching staff.
"In my mind, I'm not expecting anything to happen. I'm expecting to play hard this year and see what happens in free agency and this offseason."
Pickoff play proves key for Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Pitching and a couple of clutch hits proved big for the Rangers on Friday, but so did a pickoff play in the fifth inning of a 3-2 victory over the Angels.
"That was a huge play," pitcher Derek Holland said after the Rangers won their fifth straight home opener.
The play occurred with the score tied at 1. Alberto Callaspo and Chris Iannetta led off the frame with a pair of singles, putting runners on first and second. It also brought Peter Bourjos, the Angels' No. 9 hitter, to the plate in an obvious bunt situation.
The Rangers put on a pickoff play, but it was more designed to keep Callaspo close to second and increase their chances of getting a force at third on the bunt. With Holland in the stretch, third baseman Adrian Beltre started charging for the potential bunt, and shortstop Elvis Andrus broke to cover third.
That induced Callaspo to get a bigger secondary lead, but second baseman Ian Kinsler snuck in behind him and Holland fired to second. Callaspo was tagged out in a rundown.
"[Third-base coach] Dino [Ebel] told Alberto about it, and he didn't react," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's a standard pick play. We have it. Keep your eyes on the pitcher. Alberto got a little too aggressive. He just didn't react."
"We got lucky," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We run that play a lot. You don't always get the guy, but today we did. He was trying to be aggressive. Normally, you're just trying to shorten his lead."
Iannetta went to second during the rundown, and after Bourjos struck out, Mike Trout doubled him home with a run that gave the Angels a one-run lead. But the Angels missed out on at least one more run, and Erick Aybar grounded out to end the inning.
Despite blister and workload, Darvish set for next start
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Yu Darvish threw 29 pitches in the bullpen on Friday and said he is ready for his next start, against the Angels on Sunday. That will be his first start since throwing 111 pitches against the Astros on Tuesday.
Darvish pitched the final few innings of that outing with a blister on the ring finger of his right hand but said that should not be a problem on Sunday.
"I had the problem in Japan, but it's not really a blister," Darvish said. "The skin just came off. I'm ready to go."
Said manager Ron Washington: "I think it bothers him on certain pitches. He just throws the other ones. He's got 29,000 choices."
Darvish also said that he has had no trouble bouncing back from throwing 111 pitches. The Rangers were concerned about him throwing that many in his first outing after he'd thrown no more than 78 in any outing in Spring Training, but there have been no ill effects.
"It's been a good process of recovery," Darvish said.
Of course, the Rangers let Darvish throw that many because he had a chance to throw a perfect game. He retired the first 26 batters before giving up a single to Marwin Gonzalez with two outs in the ninth. Gonzalez hit a hard grounder back up the middle that went through Darvish's legs, but Darvish hasn't been sitting around wondering what would have happened if he could have put down his glove quicker.
"There are not any ifs in baseball," he said. "That was impossible no matter how you look at it."
Profar hopes to follow in Andrus' footsteps
ROUND ROCK, Texas -- The next time the Rangers sign a shortstop to a long-term deal, Jurickson Profar hopes it's him.
The Rangers announced an eight-year, $120 million contract extension for Elvis Andrus on Thursday. Profar, the No. 1 prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, is happy for his fellow shortstop and hopes the Rangers sign him to a similar deal in the future.
"I wish," Profar said. "Good for him. He's a great guy. It's great for him."
Profar made his debut for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, going 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in a 3-1 win over Omaha. He spent most of last season with Double-A Frisco, hitting .281 with 14 home runs and 62 RBIs in 126 games before being called up to the Rangers in September.
Profar, who texted Andrus to congratulate him on the extension, hit .176 with two RBIs and two runs in eight Major League games.
With Ian Kinsler in the first year of a five-year extension he signed last April and Andrus locked up through at least 2018, something will have to change before Profar, 20, can earn a spot in the everyday lineup. He is playing mostly shortstop for Round Rock, although he wouldn't mind playing second base.
"I grew up playing [shortstop] so that's why I like it there," he said. "Second base, it's a little different position. It's a shorter throw, and you don't have to do a lot."
Worth noting
• During his pregame news conference, Josh Hamilton singled out third baseman Adrian Beltre among the former teammates he admires.
Said Hamilton: "You see it every day. He's not afraid to support his teammates, yell at his teammates, cheer for his teammates, encourage his teammates.
"He's got his antics on the field, too. He just has fun when you're out there, and that's the way the game needs to be played. Over a 162-game schedule and in Spring Training, seeing somebody do it every day like that is impressive. I know there are days he doesn't want to do it, but he still does it."
• Craig Gentry was the starting center fielder on Friday, and manager Ron Washington said that Leonys Martin will be there on Saturday, when the Angels face right-hander Tommy Hanson. Gentry also was in the eighth spot, ahead of Mitch Moreland at the bottom of the order. Washington wanted Gentry's right-handed bat between that of two left-handed hitters: A.J. Pierzynski and Moreland. The first seven spots in the order remain unchanged through four games.
• The Mariners' rotation is lined up so that Felix Hernandez will pitch next Thursday in the first of a four-game series against the Rangers at Safeco Field.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Manuel, Sandberg emphasize structured practice
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA -- Big leaguers need practice, too.
But organized infield and outfield work during the season had become so sporadic that any structured pregame practice at all stood out like a sore thumb. The Phillies picked up those sessions a bit following last season's July 31 Trade Deadline, but they typically were limited to the first game of every home series.
That is changing. They already had practices Friday and Saturday and have another scheduled Monday, as Phillies third-base coach and infield instructor Ryne Sandberg makes them part of the team's routine. He said they will be 20-minute sessions as needed and as he sees fit before home games.
"That's what I do," Sandberg said. "That's what I like to see happen. It's a stress on defense. It allows us to have time to work on things. It'll be something that will be stressed throughout the whole year."
The Phillies took ground balls regularly in the past, but it typically occurred during batting practice. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel calls this a more structured, more hands-on setup that allows for more discussion and teaching. The sessions are mandatory.
Manuel likes it.
"The fact it is more organized, it gives you time to talk to get your points across as far as mistakes we've made or things we want to improve on," Manuel said. "It's a little bit stricter coaching and I like that. I like everything about that."
But structured practices do seem to be a rare occurrence in baseball these days, not only with the Phillies, but every team.
"I don't think getting away from it is a good thing," Sandberg said. "Having it is a very positive thing. In my day we took infield every day, except for day games. I think it's something that's necessary to stay sharp and stay on top of things. We'll also have the outfielders join us and throw to the bases, probably twice a homestand or something like that.
"It's for everybody to stay sharp on defense. It's a big part of the game. To work on it and stress it becomes important."
Howard's slow start doesn't concern Manuel
PHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Howard had a rough afternoon before singling in the ninth inning Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies' first baseman had struck out three times in his first four at-bats. Even with the single, he is hitting .167 (4-for-24) with three RBIs, two walks and eight strikeouts in six games. He is still looking for his first extra-base hit.
"I think a lot of guys come out sometimes, you play two or three games, and if you don't hit a home run or don't have too many hits, I think all of a sudden, you start trying too hard," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I think he put together a good at-bat in the ninth inning. I think he'll be fine."
Michael Young's double in the fifth was the Phils' first extra-base hit from their No. 4 or No. 5 hitters in the first week of the season.
"We're going to score runs," Manuel said. "That's just the way it goes sometimes. We ended up scoring eight runs. If you score eight runs, you usually win the game."
Durbin, fellow relievers endure tough first week
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies' bullpen has a 7.79 ERA the first week of the season, and has allowed 10 of 11 inherited runners to score.
Right-hander Chad Durbin has allowed all five of his inherited runners to score. He replaced left-hander Cole Hamels in the sixth inning Sunday in a 9-8 loss to the Royals at Citizens Bank Park. He allowed two of Hamels' runners to score.
"That's kind of his spot," Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said of Durbin. "We're down by two runs. That's his spot. Durbin has been known at times to be kind of a slow starter. So has [left-hander Jeremy] Horst. That kind of happens sometimes. We've just got to play. Right now, we're pitching who we have. That's who we have right now."
The Phillies like right-hander Phillippe Aumont, whom they project as a late-inning reliever, but they believe he doesn't have the experience or consistency yet for that spot. Aumont pitched in a low-leverage situation in the ninth with the Phillies trailing by five. He allowed two walks, one hit, one balk and struck out two in a scoreless inning. He threw 28 pitches (14 strikes).
Frandsen had great teachers in pinch-hitting career
PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has said countless times that pinch-hitting is one of the most difficult jobs in baseball.
If that is true, then he should have plenty of respect for Phillies infielder Kevin Frandsen. He hit a bases-loaded, two-out double in the bottom of the ninth inning to clear the bases to defeat Kansas City on Saturday, 4-3. Frandsen is a career .313 (15-for-48) pinch-hitter.
Frandsen said he had some good teachers.
"I've been fortunate enough to play with a lot of guys," Frandsen said. "Mark Sweeney was one of the best pinch-hitters of all time. When I played with the Giants, I got to play behind him. He always said, 'You think in advance. You always be prepared to hit. It's not whether you're going to hit here or here -- just be prepared to hit.' Especially in the ninth inning, it's one of those opportunities where you never know."
Frandsen said he takes pride in his pinch-hitting.
"I just feel like it's a huge part of the team," Frandsen said. "As a pinch hitter, it's a huge team at-bat. There's not too many times you go up there thinking 'Oh, I need a hit for myself.'
"Pinch hitting is about getting a hit for the team and getting on base for whoever is down there or driving guys in to win a game or start a rally. Usually the pinch-hitter is a guy going up there for the opportunity to help out."
Worth noting
• Manuel started Ezequiel Carrera in right field Sunday against the Royals. The only bench players not to make their way into the starting lineup at this point are Frandsen and Freddy Galvis.
• Frandsen's three-RBI walk-off hit Saturday was the first for the Phillies that wasn't a home run since Del Unser had a three-run walk-off double against the Padres on Aug. 21, 1973.
• The Phillies had 11 walk-offs last season, their most since 1991 when they had 13.
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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"Oh Garden! is a treasure, and perhaps the best garden gift book of the season. Both dream-like and practical, it captures the gardener's journey by integrating personal essays, hands-on advice, and paintings."Boston Globe
"This is a book to dip into and come away refreshed. The author's own exquisite paintings abound."Bloomsbury Review


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Sweet Predictions
Christmas is just around the corner and at my house that means we've been making candy for three days…yes, even while it's raining cats and dogs. What can I say? We're brave and we've been getting more than passable results by adjusting the times and temperatures slightly. Anyway, watching and swirling pot after napalm like pot of boiling sugar and butter, waiting for that magic second when it achieves optimum caramel color and that heavenly smell begins to permeate the room, a mere second and a half at most before it begins to burn, gives one a lot of time to think…Maybe it's just the sugar rush talking, but it occurs to me that building a winning baseball team, one that can make it to the postseason and win the World Series, bears some resemblance to the process I have just repeated many times in the last several days.
Candy making is both an exact and an inexact science. You have a set list of ingredients, precise ratios for those ingredients and highly specific directions to follow with regards to cooking times, stirring procedures and temperatures. Follow the recipe exactly and you get a winning result every single time…except when you don't. Slight changes in humidity, the freshness of the ingredients, water quality, a nick in your pan, all can lead to bad results – poor consistency, candy that won't harden or goes straight to the burned stage. And Lord help you if a sugar crystal drops into the mix at the wrong moment! And the best part? You can't predict the degree to which any of these things will matter or even if they will matter at all until the moment you are making the candy. Sometimes cooking it longer will combat the high humidity of a heavy rainstorm. Other times, even slightly raised humidity is impossible to overcome.
Everyone knows the ingredients needed for a winning baseball team – a great starting rotation, a reliable bullpen complete with an effective closer, hot bats, a high OPS and fantastic gloves and arms on defense. But what is the perfect ratio? Theories abound – great starters that go deep make a reliable bullpen less necessary, you can have adequate pitching as long as you have a team of hitters, you can have low OPS as long as you have a killer starting rotation, and so on. But for every theory you will find plenty of World Series Winning examples to contradict it. I would argue that team chemistry can play a huge rule in determining which teams make it to the postseason, but others would disagree and teams with lousy chemistry have certainly managed to achieve that feat before (the 2002 Giants, for example).
And this is before you even get to all of the external factors – the other teams' abilities, ownership/financial issues, heck, even the weather. Apparently rain affects everything! And what about injuries, that greatest and most hated of all equalizers? Sometimes injuries have little effect (In 2010? The Rangers.), other times there is no hope for team recovery without the injured player (In 2010? The Angels.) or in light of a cascade of injuries (In 2010? The Red Sox.).
My point is simply this, we can guess predict the outcome of a season all we want but it is impossible to really know until we get there. There are just entirely too many variables. In light of recent acquisitions, the prevailing theory is that the Phillies and the Red Sox are certain to meet up in the World Series. I'm not saying it's not possible. Both have the makings of frightening opponents next year and some years the more popular predictions do come to pass. Other years, you have a World Series matchup between the Giants and the Rangers. And who were some of the favored predictions last year? Well, the Philllies and the Mariners come to mind…With an off season that's already been full of surprises, the one prediction I feel certain of is that the 2011 season will be anything but dull.
Meanwhile, I sit here nibbling on a piece of near perfect pine nut brittle that should, by all rights, have failed to become brittle…purely for quality control purposes I assure you 😉