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The Oughts are almost over, and when I look back on 2009, I'm struck by one thing: What a boring way to close out a decade.
A-Rod had his little steroid admission and Tiger got caught with a blonde or 12, but as far as scandal goes, the year was nearly a total loss. Not even Terrell Owens could get up the energy to play the brat.
The good news is it's over. Ahead of us lies a brand new year in which everything possible. Instead of looking back at did happen last year, we can look ahead and imagine what can happen in 2010.
My perfect year that hasn't happened yet features Tiger back on the golf course and out of the sex addiction clinic. Get the divorce, shovel a ton or two of money at the ex, make sure to do the right thing by the kids, then grab the bag and go hit some balls.
Quite frankly, none of us really care what any athlete's psychological problems are, not even Tiger's. We've got our own to worry about, and no matter how bad they are, no famous athlete is going to call us to find out if we're going to go into therapy. So if Tiger doesn't care about my addiction to Chevy Chase films, I'm not going to care about his sex problems.
We need to see the transition from Prince Hamlet to golfer no later than the Masters. His job is to play golf for our entertainment. The sooner he gets back to that, the better for everybody.
The Vancouver Games are almost upon us, and I have an Olympic wish, too. It is this: Please, Santa, no drug scandals, but, if it's not asking too much, could we have a judging controversy in figure skating? It wouldn't be a Winter Olympics without one. A medal for Bode Miller wouldn't be bad, either.
I want to see Danica Patrick atop the awards podium again. One win in Japan two years ago is nice, but isn't it about time for another? Indy would be best, but anywhere would be acceptable. Any time you're better known for your commercials than your wins, you're not getting the job done.
We need a new address for Terrell Owens, who went to Buffalo and became boring. He's got a couple of years and more than a few tantrums left in him, but he's got to hook on with a team good enough for him to screw up.
I'm aware a lot of people think the sooner T.O. takes his job among the 143 analysts on ESPN the better. But after T.O. leaves, who's going to take his place as the entertaining sideshow? We need guys like him.
Speaking of guys like T.O., I see another year for Brett Favre. I'm not sure this is on my wish list for 2010, but there's little to do about it. Favre's like mold in a damp basement. No matter what you do, it's never going away.
If it's not asking too much, I'd like to see something nice happen in Cleveland. Other towns have been slapped around by fate and the economy, but none have been so unlucky in sports. It will be 46 years since Cleveland last had a sports champion. Detroit and Pittsburgh have had multiple champions in multiple sports in that time. Even Cincinnati and Kansas City have won World Series in that time.
The only team with a shot at breaking that run is the Cavs. What Cleveland doesn't need is another almost-title run in the NBA and then seeing LeBron trundle off to Manhattan to play for the Knicks. That would be the unkindest cut of all.
Some might wish for a championship for the Cubs, but not I. In 2008, the Cubs entered a second century of losing. It's gotten to the point where the losing streak is of more significance than a title could ever be. So keep it going, Cubbies. And always know that lose or lose some more, I won't be there cheering for you.
I also don't wish another championship on the Yankees, much as I admire the character of the rebuilt team. And I don't want Boston, either. They've had their two titles, and it's time for someone else to win. How about somebody totally new like Colorado or Texas?
Please give us a Heisman Trophy winner we can believe in, and not another forgettable race among players who aren't ever going to amount to anything in the pros. It's been a long time since the Heisman went to a true legend. It would be nice if we could have one again.
I don't have to ask for anything in tennis because I know that Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and the Williams sisters will keep cranking out thrill after thrill after thrill. Remind me to take a moment to appreciate their greatness before they're gone.
This is also the nice thing about the NFL playoffs and NCAA's March Madness: You don't have to wish for anything. Just sit back and watch the show, because you know it's going to be good.
Here's a wish for the New Year that doesn't have a chance of coming true, but I'll wish it just the same. Wouldn't it be great if all fans who want to take their kids to a ballgame could afford the price of the tickets because they have jobs and health insurance and food to eat and a roof over their heads?
Yeah, I know: wishful thinking. But it's my wish and I'm standing by it.
Finally, this isn't a wish but a command: May 2010 be a great year for everyone, even Scott Boras.


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We bid thee welcome, we bid thee share
Our feasting and our revelry
Our music and our company.
We'll take thee back 500 years
To England, and we'll see
A castle hall that's bursting
With sounds of true delight.
CLARKSVILLE - The High School Chamber Choir welcomed the holiday season Dec. 10 with a feast of music, food and holiday cheer - medieval style.
Choir members treated community members to a Madrigal Feast, a musical and theatrical reproduction of a Christmas feast from the Middle Ages, complete with lords and ladies, a court jester and the traditional wassail toasts.
"My mom and dad are still talking about it," said Christel Thompson, a teacher at Clarksville High School who took her parents to the feast. "The experience was unique for Clarksville, and I'm impressed that Mr. Fox is willing to take risks for furthering cultural activities for our community.
"I know that my students have talents, but to listen to their voices singing Christmas songs brightened the season and helped me appreciate their exceptional abilities."
The feast was the product of months of work by the chamber choir, but the work was well worth it, said Choir Director Ryan Fox.
"One of the main goals was to give these students and the community an experience they've never had before," Fox said. "It's not fun while you're preparing, but the hard work pays off. I believe we were successful in achieving our goal.
"After it was over, I got very, very positive feedback. People were impressed with how much the kids could do. I think the whole environment drew them in."
The high school cafeteria was decorated to resemble a medieval dining hall. Tables were decorated with pine boughs and candles.
The candlelight feast began with the seating of the guests. Each was announced by Evan Jacobs, town caller, and then seated by pages, or additional high school choir members and members of the junior high select chorus. After all of the guests were seated, the royal court, or the chamber choir, began the first fanfare, or the procession of singers.
The second fanfare, the wassail bowl, was the traditional toasts. Several choir members, as well as members of the audience, offered toasts.
"The toasting was my favorite part," said Tamara Cunningham, a member of the royal court. "The audience feedback made it so great. I didn't really expect the audience to get into it as much as they did, but that really made it fun."
The presentation of the boar's head came next as guests feasted on a meal of brisket, vegetables and bread prepared by Mandy Myers of Clarksville. Royal court members of mingled among their guests during the meal.
After dessert was served, the royal court began its concert of carols that included 10 traditional Christmas carols - "Away in a Manger," "I Saw Three Ships," "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen," "Silent Night," "Gaudete," "I Wonder as I Wander," "Rejoice and Be Merry," "Dixit Maria," "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" and "Song of Simeon."
The recessional, "In the Bleak Midwinter," was followed by a standing ovation from guests.
"The way the audience received it was really awesome," said Logan Phillips, a member of the royal court. "It was really well-received. It was the best concert I've been a part of."
Levi Gilbert, another member of the royal court, agreed.
"It was probably the greatest thing I've been a part of here at school," Gilbert said. "We don't always get a lot of credit, but I think it showed how strong choir is around here."
Brittany Freeman said it was a memorable event, especially during her senior year. Angie Pritchard said she was glad to be a part of the experience.
"I thought it was really wonderful," Pritchard said. "People seemed to respect it. I didn't hear one negative comment."
According to Fox, chamber choir is an auditioned group that practices at 7:15 each morning before school begins. Because it is not a class period, choir participation is voluntary and requires both dedication and hard work, he added.
"The hardest part about getting ready for [the madrigal feast] was making ourselves come every morning," Freeman said.
Phillips agreed, adding that learning the songs also required a lot of hard work.
"It was kind of hard to get into it, when you're singing 'The First Noel,' in August," Phillips said.
"But seeing the looks on everybody's faces made it worth it," Pritchard added.
Fox said work on the feast began about a year ago.
"I knew I wanted to do one, so I took the chamber choir to feasts at Lakeside High School and the University of Central Arkansas to give them some exposure to the events," Fox said. "They loved it. They really seemed to be impressed with the idea and seemed excited about working on one for Clarksville."
Fox said the chamber choir began rehearsing the music for the feast at the end of the 2003-04 school year.
Chamber choir members include Cunningham, Freeman, April Donald, Chelsea Keene, Bayley Sears, Brittney Vaughn, Joanna Wood, Becca Anderson, Jordan Arnold, Alexz Clayborn, LouAnn Harvey, Pritchard, Casey Qualls, Gilbert, Alex Lewis, Phillips, Ben Eakin, Michael Ward, Andrew McDougal, and Paul Swearingen.
The choir performed 19 songs throughout the night, including songs done prior to the concert of carols.
"We did a few pieces that we did when I was in the choir at UCA, and the rest I picked myself," Fox said. "I tried to pick some things people would know and the rest new stuff to give some variety."
Besides learning the music, choir members also had to learn the script for the evening. Fox said the format is the same for all madrigal feasts, but the actual wording varies depending on the script used.
Behind-the-scenes work such as mailing out invitations and placing fliers to advertise the event was also required.
"The biggest preparation for the kids was learning the music and the morning rehearsals," Fox said. "Then they practiced two hours a night one night a week until the week of the feast."
Fox said he knew the students could handle the task of putting on the feast.
"I saw what they were capable of doing last year, and I just knew they could do it," he explained. "They can do anything you push them to do if they're willing to work hard.
"I was pleased with how well all of the students did. The servers were very mature, and the chamber choir excelled, despite all that was put on them. Jared Grace and Leslie Miller were in charge of the servers, and they kept everything running smoothly. Everybody rose to the occasion."
Tim Petersen, who played the court jester, is not a member of the choir but is a drama student. Fox said Petersen worked after school, practicing with the choir and learning his lines.
Fox said he was extremely pleased with the success of the event and with the willingness of so many students to dedicate their time and effort.
"The first night of the feast, we came in the door, and I heard somebody in the audience say, 'Wow,'" Fox said. "That's when you know it's all worth it."

subset: commoncrawl


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Boras, son of agent, selected by Crew in Draft
By Audrey Snyder / MLB.com
The USC commit, the son of agent Scott Boras, was selected by the Brewers in the 30th round of Tuesday's MLB Draft. Scott Boras represents several high-profile MLB players, including Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who is expected to explore free agency this offseason.
Brewers amateur scouting director Bruce Seid said he anticipates Trent will attend USC, but Seid didn't hold back when asked about the third baseman's ability. The prep prospect didn't attend Milwaukee's pre-Draft workout, but the two sides are very familiar with one another.
"He's played on our area code team, which is a high-profile team in California," Seid said. "He played third base for us, he played on our Fall team and Trent is a good player. Trent's going to USC to play baseball right now, and you know he's a left-handed hitter who makes contact, he's pretty good with the glove at third base. Just like any high school kid, he's got to develop. Trent will be playing professional baseball -- if not this year, definitely in years to come."
Boras' other son and USC infielder, Shane, was also in the Draft but has not yet been selected. Shane is a red-shirt sophomore who was drafted in the 35th round by the Cardinals in 2008 before opting to attend college.
"It's a good relationship we have with not only Scott and his organization, but being in Southern California, he's a big part of the Southern California baseball scene," Seid said. "He's out watching ball games and he's an easy guy to get to know to."
Audrey Snyder is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Thursday, January 24, 2013, 2:22 PM
Town Square
Another Spare the Air alert issued this week
Original post made on Jan 24, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Thursday, January 24, 2013, 2:22 PM
a resident of Downtown North
on Jan 24, 2013 at 3:22 pm
I'm surprised they didn't do this earlier. Air quality has been dreadful this week. There is a strong smell of smoke in the air and you can see a thick brown layer when you look down on the city from Foothills Park.
a resident of Jordan Middle School
on Jan 24, 2013 at 4:04 pm
No kidding, in spite of the warm spell, I have smelled smoke every night this week.
Bundle up, people....do NOT light that fireplace.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 24, 2013 at 6:12 pm
Please, "smokey" and "smoked out"
Save the drama for your mama. Air quality this week has been MODERATE. MODERATE! Give us a break from the whining, already!
The Spare the Air Day folks and their decisions don't appear to have much rational basis--spare the air on a rainy day? But you are clearly part of a fanatical claque which does not appreciate our wonderful climate at all!
a resident of St. Claire Gardens
on Jan 24, 2013 at 7:06 pm
The BAAQMD is a rogue agency out of control. There method of air testing is to look out the window of their offices in San Francisco to monitor air currents. Apparently, they have now begun to use phone complaints of wood smoke as a scientific means (made by highly qualified serial complainers) for declaring "Spare the Air" days. The Bay Area has over a hundred micro-climates,yet,the BAAQMD has no monitoring equipment to determine air quality specific to these micro-climates and instead chooses to issue blanket air alerts out of ignorance and incompetence.
a resident of another community
on Jan 25, 2013 at 6:32 am
They are calling spare the air days almost every day. If a spare the air day is called almost everyday of the year, then they start just being another day. Its getting ridiculous.
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Jan 25, 2013 at 8:46 am
Well, something is in the air that is giving me asthma attacks and headaches since mid-December, and it isn't pollen. I smell wood smoke every night, and the attacks are worst at night.
Usually my asthma is worst in the spring and fall, not winter, so something is up. My previous hospitalizations have always been in spring or fall, until this year.
a resident of Downtown North
on Jan 25, 2013 at 8:55 am
Not much rain since mid-December. The pollution is collecting all over the Bay Area, including right here. The light drizzle over the last couple of days doesn't help much to clean out the air. Please wait for a heavy rain before you light your fires. Temperatures are warm enough that you do not need a smokey fire for heat.
a resident of Esther Clark Park
on Jan 25, 2013 at 11:19 am
Using an oldstyle fireplace (without a current insert) for heating your house is STUPID. Really costly, as well. The draw created by the fireplace in the chimney takes most the heat out of your house. The 'vacuum' created by the draw then brings cold air in from outside through cracks and crevices, reducing temps in all the rooms away from the fireplace.
Any one that thinks the air is cleaner now than in the summer merely needs to walk up a local hill a few hundred feet and attempt to look at the East Bay.
I was at Edgewood Park on Sunday (good hiking spot, btw) and could barely, from the top of the hill, make out the East Bay in the smog.
Asthma is real and sends thousands of Californian to the hospital this time of year. Other breathing conditions similarly suffer from the fools who say things like: "Give us a break from the whining, already!" and "...you are clearly part of a fanatical claque which does not appreciate our wonderful climate at all!"
Try appreciating it from the inside of an oxygen mask.
"out of ignorance and incompetence."
Yes. Web Link
"ignorance and incompetence"
One last though: "part of a fanatical claque which does not appreciate our wonderful climate at all!" I hiked 3 hours, slightly over ten miles, with a 500 foot net climb on Sunday (I'm old and slow.) How do you appreciate our wonderful climate? Burning wood and ruining the lives of those with breathing conditions?
Go away.


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Greylock's Jackson, Everett's Lupiani win wrestling titles
WILLIAMSTOWN -- Ross Jackson doesn't really enjoy wrestling 6-minute matches. He'd much rather pin his opponent and end the match early.
That wasn't an option in Saturday night's Mountie Invitational 182-pound championship. Jackson needed less than a minute in each win he got by pin Saturday, but was pushed to the limit before defeating Sebastian Dziadkiewicz of North Providence (R.I.) 7-5. The victory marked Greylock's only individual championship, as the Mounties took fourth place in the team standings with 121 points. Colonie Central (N.Y.) won the team title with its 'A' squad, earning 209 1 2 points.
"I don't like going 6 minutes, but I do it anyway," Jackson said after his win. "He [Dziadkiewicz] had a lot more strength in his upper body, so he could control me a little bit more, but I still got the edge on him."
Jackson -- who had the fastest fall of the day, a 16-second pin of Monument Mountain's Stetson Moore -- was one of two individual champions from Berkshire County. Mount Everett sophomore Bradley Lupiani won the 113-pound crown, rolling through the bracket with three pins and a technical fall. One of the pins came in the championship match, as Lupiani got Yanko Diaz of North Providence in 1:12.
The championship gives Lupiani a 23-1 overall record with just two weeks left until the Western Mass. championships at Monument Mountain.
"I'd like to win it," Lupiani said. "I know I'm going to have a couple of tough [matches]. It's definitely going to be real tough to do it."
Two other Mounties -- Jude Rorke at 100 pounds and Mitch Graves at 145 -- reached championship matches before losing. Rorke was pinned by Colonie's Enrique Lopez in 1:20, while Ponagansett, R.I.'s Tyler Noury pinned Graves in 4:58.
"With Mitch, 145 is a tough weight class all around," Greylock coach Ray Miro said. "What we try to do is separate the best kids [with the seeds]. I think, in a lot of the weight classes, the best kids were there at the end."
Five Mounties won at least three matches Saturday, with eight reaching championship or consolation semifinals.
Four of Monument Mountain's 12 wrestlers reached the consolation semifinals, with 170-pounder Mark Leon-Duque placing fourth. The Spartans' next test comes Tuesday, when Greylock goes to Great Barrington for a dual.
"I think they did well," Monument coach Gordie Soule said. "We got guys one match away from placing, and Mark placed fourth. Yeah, we're happy. I think most everybody won a match."
Two of Mount Everett's five wrestlers reached finals, with Lupiani winning a championship and 100-pounder Pat Fosby finishing fourth. For Taconic, 160-pounder Travis Kuni was 3-2 on the day, reaching the consolation semifinals. Nick Bailey (120), Dylan Sickell (138) and Dave Jones (220) won two matches each.
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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1. With the Longhorn Network airing a second football game this season, you are already seeing ESPN taking extraordinary measures to make LHN an attractive product.
A source with direct knowledge of the situation told me ESPN is dipping into its Tier 1 inventory to bring a game to LHN, which has Tier 3 rights.
A refresher: Tier 1 is the best of the best games, and ABC/ESPN has paid big money for those rights so that it can air the most attractive football and basketball games in the Big 12. Fox has the Tier 2 rights, which is the next-best football games. And LHN has Tier 3 rights - basically whatever is left after ABC/ESPN and Fox have taken what they want.
ESPN notified Fox that it might move a Tier 1 game to the Tier 3 level and received a waiver to do so.
So here we go.
If you look at Texas' schedule, the game in addition to Rice that could end up on LHN is one of Texas other home games.
This year, that includes the Texas-OU (which is a home game for Texas this year). But that won't happen; ABC has already announced that game as a wide distribution game on ABC.
The BYU game on Sept. 10 has already been slotted for ESPN2, so ABC/ESPN won't take that game to a lower tier.
That leaves Oklahoma State (Oct. 15), Kansas (Oct. 29), Texas Tech (Nov. 5) and Kansas State (Nov. 19) as the games that could end up on LHN.
If ABC/ESPN wanted to make a lot of noise and draw attention to LHN, it would have Oklahoma State as the game because the Cowboys are a Top 15 team, and are a solid TV draw this season with QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon coming off a school-record, 11-win season. But that's the kind of game that could end up on ABC primetime and command top ad dollars. So not likely.
The more likely candidates to end up as the second game on LHN are Kansas, Tech or Kansas State. Those are teams picked to finish in the second half of the remodeled Big 12, so if predictions play out, these are games that might not draw a lot of national interest and might be more suited for a second or third tier broadcast platform.
Because LHN right now is licensed for Texas home games, we are likely looking at the Kansas, Tech or K-State game as the second game on LHN. The Longhorn Network begins airing on Aug. 26 and will televise its first football broadcast on Sept. 3, when Texas plays Rice.
Negotiations between ESPN and cable carriers are still ongoing, so there may not be a bunch of answers at this point.
2. I think we have a pretty good idea who the leaders on the team are right now: Mike Davis, Foswhitt Whittaker and Cody Johnson on offense, and Keenan Robinson, Emmanuel Acho, Kheeston Randall and Blake Gideon on defense.
If Mack Brown could have three more players on offense and three more players on defense emerge as solid players AND leaders, I bet they would be …
Garrett Gilbert … All of that experience in Year 1 can't go for naught. His confidence took a beating, but he can still have a great final two years if he can thrive in an offense with a clear identity and grab the leadership rein. Being a vocal leader is not really in his personality. But he's tried to get out of his comfort zone by taking charge of summer workouts. An essential first step if he wants to be THE guy.
Malcolm Brown … No offense to Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson who are both great guys, solid players and leaders in their own right - respected by all their teammates, but the future is Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray. Get Brown on the field as soon as possible and let him start to put his personality stamp on the offense. And next season, when he's joined by Gray, this offense will be filthy. By then, Stacy Searels will have had a year to mold his big uglies up front. Boom goes the dynamite.
Trey Hopkins … He's been compared by the coaching staff to Justin Blalock. Guys up front don't have to be vocal. It helps. But they don't have to be vocal. And Hopkins is not vocal. But he's a grinder, a worker and a perfectionist who really cares about football. He's also smarter than a tree full of owls. He's the future, so it's time for him to step out front and lead, even if it's by example.
Jackson Jeffcoat … This guy is the next big thing at rush end. It's time for him to take over this defense up front.
Jordan Hicks … He is the real deal at linebacker and the runaway leader at this position in 2012. Step up now and grab the leadership rein for guys like Steve Edmond, Chet Moss and the rest of the guys coming up. I've been told he's already doing that.
Kenny Vaccaro … Vaccaro leads by example. It would be great if he was a guy who could go facemask to facemask and ask for more from each player. He's maybe the most physical player on the team, so he already has the respect of everyone. Now, he needs to trade on it for the next two seasons.
If these six guys step up and become the heart and soul, the work ethic of this year's team and next year's team, holding everyone in their position group and on their side of the ball accountable, then the Longhorns will be ready to bounce back in a hurry.
Obviously, if Gilbert isn't the guy, and there is a QB controversy, then the progress of the offense could take a while or worse - blow up - while the next guy in line is identified.
We've seen that work a couple ways at UT. We've seen it blow up (Simms-Applewhite in 2000), and we've seen it go relatively smoothly (from Richard Walton to Major Applewhite and from Chance Mock to Vince Young).
The QB position is the part of the science lab that has some nitro glycerin laying around IMO.
3. I'm fascinated by the offensive line this year.
It's been the Bermuda Triangle position at Texas since Kasey Studdard, Lyle Sendlein and Justin Blalock left after the 2006 season. Tony Hills was the last Longhorn drafted off the offensive line after the 2007 season (three long seasons ago). And now that Stacy Searels is on the case, I can't wait to see how the personality of this line changes.
Texas has been a paradox at this position because it had big guys up front who would go backwards in pass blocking from a two-point stance and hold up pretty well. But when they had to go forward in the run game, either in a zone scheme or in man or combination blocking, it's been choppy to say the least.
I spoke to former NFL lineman Ross Tucker (now with ESPN and Sirius Radio), who played with Mike Williams in Buffalo in 2002-03, on Wednesday, and he can't believe what he perceives as the misevaluation of talent that has occurred on the O-line at Texas.
"They should get whoever they want on the line down there," Tucker said. "From an offensive line standpoint, it's one of the biggest mysteries in college football, really."
Is the young talent (guys like Trey Hopkins and Paden Kelley) an upgrade from last year? Can Searels get the big guys up front to pass block and run block? The answers should be YES!! If not, duck.
If you want your players to take on the personality of their coach, then Searels is the guy. He's big (6-6), tough and has the chip on the shoulder you want all of your players to play with. Now, it's about technique. It's about guys being in shape so they can get to the second level. It's about playing with attitude.
And the best guys have to play. If they are young guys, they need to play.
Mike Sherman should be commended for playing Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel last year as true freshmen and living with their young mistakes because he knew they were the future and needed the most reps in practice to start reaching their potential. That mindset needs to be in Austin this season.
If Sedrick Flowers is the future, then get him out there, etc.
I will be writing about the offensive line a lot this year.
4. Roy Williams has brought new meaning to the phrase "mail-order bride."
So, according to TMZ.com, Brooke Daniels' mother said the $76,000 ring has been returned to Williams' attorney near Houston.
That proposal went smoothly.
I'm telling you there is a Farrelly Brothers' comedy to be had based on Roy Williams.
When I heard Williams mailed off nearly 80 grand worth of engagement ring in a box that included a baseball as a gift to Miss Texas 2009 and went Postal (U.S. Postal) to ask her to marry him, I heard Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) in Dumb and Dumber saying, "So you're telling me there's a chance."
We could rewrite the script to make the $45 million receiver (thanks to Jerry Jones) a cross between Leon from the Bud commercials and Ron Artest. We could call him Leon Metta Peace (LMP for short).
When the pizza guy comes to the door in Detroit, LMP would make the guy answer three questions about his football career to earn a tip. Even if the pizza guy answered the questions correctly, LMP would say the pizza guy was wrong so that he doesn't have to tip him.
LMP would take his dates only to places with buy-one-get-one-free coupons yet spend tens of thousands on black velvet artwork of himself (replete with the purple lighting that makes it glow).
Then, on Sundays, if he dropped a pass that could have helped his team, he'd throw a Leon line out there, like, "Leon can't do it all."
Would appreciate your Farrelly thoughts on this … (or simply flame away.)
5. Jordan Hamilton wrote a letter to Longhorn Nation thanking everyone for his time at Texas.
Good move.
After being quoted by AOL saying he thinks he slipped in the NBA Draft because Rick Barnes might have told some teams he's "uncoachable," Hamilton went on the offensive to try to set the record straight.
I've included the letter (published in the Daily Texan Thursday) in which Hamilton said he never mentioned Barnes in the interview with AOL. If that's true, good for Hamilton to reach out and make his case.
I think Hamilton was one of the best stories in college basketball last season. He completely changed his mindset from his freshman year after a tough conversation with Barnes.
RB basically told Hamilton he would help him transfer if he didn't want to work to become a complete player. Hamilton then put in the work and was a national player of the year candidate with a couple weeks left in the regular season.
Even Hamilton didn't argue that he needed to grow up after his freshman year at Texas, and it appears he's trying to do that. Good for Jordan.
It's important that he go on the PR offensive because people would probably believe the "Old Jordan" could say something like he was quoted as saying by AOL. The "New Jordan" is trying to be the mature professional now.
Nothing wrong with good PR.
I give credit to Terrelle Pryor for apologizing to Ohio State and Jim Tressel, even if the apology included "a special shoutout" to the Sweater Vest and was probably ordered by Drew Rosenhaus.
Hey, Pryor's apology to Ohio State was more than USC ever got from Reggie Bush.
Good for J-Ham for trying to keep Longhorn Nation on his side as he continues to mature.
6. Kevin Durant had his camp in Austin last week, and he was at every part of it, from start to finish.
No putting his name on a camp, commanding big bucks and only showing up for one hour each day. So many other stars do it that way.
Not Durant.
He's there from start to finish, actually helping to determine which campers get awards and taking his picture with the award winners. (Sean Adams' son was an award winner, by the way.)
Yet another reason to celebrate Durant for the little things he does when only a few people are looking.


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The magnitude of talent coming off the East Coast is almost embarrassing for people who grew up riding big mountains out West. Each new season brings another crop of hungry rippers from resorts you've never heard of in states like Vermont and New Hampshire. Nate Farrell, is one of these rippers. A member of Stratton Mountain School's class of 2002 and the Burton rookie army, Farrell ventured out of Southern Vermont this winter to slay pro pipes and big air jumps all over the country. His richter performance at the Grand Prix events made the existing guard wonder why they weren't better, as well as earning him the honor of forerunning the mens Olympic halfpipe competition in Park City. Nate's sweet style and mean bag of tricks is sure to make him a major player in years to come.
Age: 17
Years riding: Eight or nine.
Years competing: About four.
Sponsors: Burton, Smith, DVS, Cal's Pharmacy, Matix, 93/94, and Smooth Skateboards.
How was forerunning the Olympics?
It was so rad. That pipe was perfect: there wasn't a thing wrong with it. And the crowd was really amazing, too. I've never ridden in front of that many people before; it was sick.
Has attending a snowboard academy been pretty important to your riding?
I went to regular high school for my first two years, and if I still went there my riding wouldn't be where it is right now. I think the biggest benefit of going to SMS is the time I have to ride. You can't ride for three or four hours a day at normal high school.
Who do you look up to in snowboarding?
Ross Powers is definitely a huge influence. Also, James Beach 'cause he can kill it off anything.
Do you have any goals outside of competition?
I definitely want to do some filming; I'm sure that will start to happen once I get off the East Coast. Next year I plan on going out to Mammoth for at least a month early season, if not the whole winter– but I'm still a bit undecided in that department.


text:
1.34 million Michigan residents to travel during Thanksgiving holiday, says AAA
DEARBORN, MI--Nov. 13, 2012: An estimated 1.34 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more from home during the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday period, up seven percent from last year, says AAA Michigan. They join 43.6 million Americans who will travel nationally -- up 0.7 percent-- according to AAA's survey. The holiday period is defined as Wednesday, November 21 to Sunday, November 25.
"We continue to see an uptick in the number of Michigan residents who travel," noted AAA Michigan President Steve Wagner. "Our residents will be taking to the roads and skies -- and they are savvy travelers. They continue to look for ways to economize their travel budgets so they can be with family and friends."
Vehicle travel remains the most popular form of Thanksgiving transportation. Eighty-nine percent of Michigan travelers will go by vehicle, down slightly from last year's ninety percent. Nationally, 90 percent of holiday travelers will go by vehicle, an increase of 0.6 percent. Michigan travelers can expect to pay $3.56 per gallon for gas (as of November 13), 9.7 cents higher than last year.
In Michigan, nearly eight percent of travelers will go by air, on par with last year, while the remaining nearly three percent will go by train or bus.
The Thanksgiving holiday is unique falling on a Thursday every year, with many off from work the Friday after. The Wednesday before the holiday is expected to be the busiest travel day. The majority of travelers surveyed plan to leave that Wednesday, with 36 percent planning to return the following Sunday. Another 25 percent expect to return on Monday, November 26.
While many travelers stay with family or friends during the holiday, those needing hotel rooms will find rates for AAA Three Diamond or mid-range lodgings down one percent from a year ago, with travelers spending an average $143 per night, compared to $145 last year. Based on a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans this holiday will be 588 miles, down 16.7 percent. Median spending is expected to be $498, down 10 percent from last year.
Thanksgiving holiday travel is typically less expensive than other holiday travel because of the emphasis on the Thanksgiving meal and family gatherings.
According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, Thanksgiving airfares are expected to be lower than last year, with the average lowest round-trip rate of $188 for the top 40 U.S. air routes, an 11 percent drop from last year. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $47, compared to $37 last year.
Roads and airports will be busy -- AAA advises travelers to allow extra time to get to their destination. The holiday coincides with Michigan's firearm deer hunting season, with an estimated 700,000 hunters expected to be on the roads November 15 through November 30.
During last year's holiday period, there were seven fatal crashes resulting in seven fatalities on Michigan roads. Two of those were not wearing seat belts. None of the crashes involved alcohol. AAA reminds motorists to be well rested and avoid alcohol if driving.
Holiday motorists should also make sure their vehicles are winter ready -- and carry a winter emergency kit -- including snow brush, shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, first aid kit and gloves, hats and blankets. Motorists should also keep their gas tank near full to prevent fuel line freeze-up during winter weather.
AAA's projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA /IHS Global Insight 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at AAA Newsroom.


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Great game today! The defense is really making a difference.
Great game today! The defense is really making a difference.
Real Talk
tomorrow should be a big test on a back to back against the same team...we cant lose a beat or let the sixers get to us
Great start to my day, everyone played well
Good win. Let's do it again tomorrow.
Loving this team right now. Defense is definitely elite
Defense wins title, just keep it.
I like what Melo is doing in defense now. Hope he grew up finally.
Great win today. I'm loving what Melo is doing, two great blocks in the first quarter and its really encouraging seeing him dive into the crowd to try and get the ball after the second block and diving for loose balls and his general intensity on the court.
What Kidd is bringing to the team is also surprising me. Obviously a good experienced head in the locker room but he's also been really productive on the court.
Kidd was best in +/- today with +14. Knicks play much better with him on the court.
Jason had 6 assist and 0 turnovers.
I'm liking Melo more and more as we're seeing these types of two-way performances.
The hustle, diving for the loose balls and lock down 1:1 D are the things I've been on him about since he got here.
He's playing a complete game right now. I have no gripes with his game atm.
Get a win tomorrow then we get 3 days rest for a good Mavs team before a gimme vs Orlando
1 game at a time boys, keep your spirits up it goes a long way in helping our team
Just getting to watch the game now, but it's really encouraging to hear we won.
Quote from Woody about Novakaine. Lol. Hate to break it to Woody but I doubt he ever sees Novak ever take it to the hole or dunk it.
NOTABLE II: Woodson also said he'd like to see Novak put the ball on the deck a little more. "I'd like to see him put it down all the way to the hole and get knocked on his butt and go to the line and shoot free throws," he said. "When that day comes, boy, life will be pretty good."
You gotta love Woody, IMO number 1 coach in the league when it comes to player-coach relations. #TeamWoodson
F*ckin' "A"! what a game! kudos to Wood Son for excellent substitution implementation.
3 active PG's are the difference! I like Felton/Kidd, with the Prigger coming in to give both breathers.
Great ball movement, thanks to ThreePG!
Great game by JR Swish, under control except for a couple chucks and a couple unconscionable passes
that drew mighty "wtf" stares from Wood Son. coach is bringing out the best in Junior, via his confidence
in him and allowing him to be all he can be.
Melo played phenomenal, developing before our eyes into the all-around player, going after balls, passing out
of double team, and leading the NYK SWAT team in defensity
I like Brewer, seems to be smart player on D and O, getting to basket. seems to brick some brewski's tho.
other than Melo and JR filling up the stat sheet (what does Amar'e do on the bench? takes a STAT SHEET)
this game was yet another defensive statement, not allowing the sixers in the game.
let's hope Knicks can keep Defensity going at Philly manana.


text:
This story about adoption came about because most of the children I have talked with for this series are adopted. I am humbled by hearing stories from the parents who promise to care and love these children, and by the children themselves.
The Ortmans were the first family that agreed to be a part of this story. Leann and Shelby were home alone for the interview. The house was quiet and calm, and it was clear that Leann and Shelby needed to tell their story.
They talked with little prompting from me. Shelby is soft-spoken and shy. She doesn't have many friends. She loves to sing. It is clear she is encouraged often and has constant praise.
Leann is a take-charge woman who will not bow to defeat. Patience is her body armor and tenacity her sword. She will not lose the battle when it comes to Shelby. Leann told me she didn't care what label was put on Shelby -- she just wanted the tools to help her succeed. Failure is not an option.
Leann home-schools Shelby. Some days Shelby can remember her math facts and spelling words, and some days she can't. Leann defines success differently than with her other children who don't have FASD. She says multiplication facts were not a big deal when her other kids were in school. But with Shelby, when she gets them, Leann will dance for success.
Carson and Shannon Walker are friends of mine. We live in the same neighborhood and our children are in some of the same activities.
I innocently sent Carson an e-mail asking if he and Shannon were told anything about FASD when they adopted Ellie. Two minutes after I sent the e-mail, Carson called me and told me Ellie was just diagnosed on the spectrum of alcohol exposure.
When parents receive the news that something is wrong with their child, it isn't easy. Working through things is a process. There's shock and grief and personal education that needs to happen.
It's still early for Carson and Shannon, and I was surprised when they agreed to talk with me. They don't want Ellie to have much attention about this because for them, right now, it doesn't matter. It might explain some things in the future, but it will never be an excuse for any behavior.
Parenting a child with FASD has to be tailored to the child, and where he or she falls on the spectrum. I look forward to telling more stories as this series continues.


text:
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The Adventures of Superman [1]
My last posting regarding the death of "The Adventures of Superman [2]" star George Reeves resulted in my reminiscing about my childhood love of this particular Superman/Clark Kent. "The Adventures of Superman [2]" is an interesting mix of adventure and plain silliness. The result is that there is something for almost everyone. The series started out as an adventure series aimed more at adults than children. In the beginning the series had an almost film noir quality about it; there were real mysteries and realistic (for the time) dangers. Superman may have saved the day, but the stories themselves would have fit well in almost any of the detective shows of the era. If you like a good story and don't mind the cheesy special effects of the time, check out the first season [3]of "The Adventures of Superman [2]." Once you get past the Superman origins episode you will find some good half hour mysteries.
After the first year the producers realized that the strongest audience for the "The Adventures of Superman [2]" was children and they began the process of transitioning the series to a lighter more "kid friendly" style. By the end of the second year "The Adventures of Superman [2]" had become a children's show with stories and situations that had as much comedy as adventure in them. They were still entertaining, albeit in a different way. Sadly the characters were becoming more of a parody of themselves as the series ran on; all of them that is, except one. He remained as intelligent and thoughtful as he was in the beginning. I'm not speaking of Superman, but his alter ego Clark Kent.
George Reeves was my first live action Superman. He was not the first film Superman and there have been a number of other actors who portrayed the Man of Steel since- Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain, Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, and others down to the upcoming Henry Cavill. Is any one of them better than the other? As Superman, no not really, though the special effects have certainly gotten better. For me, Superman is a throwaway part. Superman is a one dimensional character with few real overtones. The real strength of character is found not in the Man of Steel, but in Clark Kent, mild mannered reporter, and how he relates to being Superman. Somehow over the years "mild mannered" has turned into "buffoon" in the movies, or a love struck reporter ala "Lois and Clark," or teen angst as in "Smallville." I guess to be fair though "Smallville [4]" was about a teenager, so some teen angst is to be expected. As the role of Clark Kent has been portrayed in the movies in recent years I would have fired him as an ineffectual, bumbling reporter, had I been his editor. George Reeves was not my ideal Superman, but he was and still is my ideal Clark Kent. If you watch the first season Clark is an effective, but polite reporter who was fully capable of hard reporting, and mystery solving even without using his super powers. He was respected by the police and his opinions were even sought out by them. You won't see that happening with the more recent Clark Kents. If there had been no Superman, you could have easily created a mystery series using George Reeves' intelligent and resourceful reporter Clark Kent.


text:
If I had to choose, it's Boozer. Not injury-prone, consistent, vocal, post presence. Contract is longer though, and also past prime.
If I had to choose, it's Boozer. Not injury-prone, consistent, vocal, post presence. Contract is longer though, and also past prime.
Twitter: @ReubenJRD NBA, Raptors writer for Daily Hive Vancouver, Toronto.
The choice is between Gasol's contract Vs Boozer the player. I've always liked Boozer but considering the early financial relief Toronto will get, I prefer Gasol. `Would the Lakers be interested`is the big question and unless Toronto adds attractive assets they would not take Bargnani.
Attitude Is A Choice.
Twitter: @ReubenJRD NBA, Raptors writer for Daily Hive Vancouver, Toronto.
Gasol because he gives you a $20 M expiring contract which can be converted into other pieces at deadline. He can also play at the 5 position where as Boozer cannot.
But I'd prefer Boozer if the only piece going the other way is Bargnani & possibly a small filler (not any of our 'core' guys). I'm not sure if that's going to be plausible this off season. But perhaps a John Lucas + Andrea Bargnani for Carlos Boozer is something I can live with.
I feel that to get Gasol (as an expiring), you would have to give up DeRozan + Bargnani, which I can personally live with, but I just prefer giving up Lucas instead.
Is still leaves you the option of trading DeRozan for another piece or keep him and bank on organic growth within.
I dont create controversies. Theyre there long before I open my mouth. I just bring them to your attention.
-- Charles Barkley
It's hard to give up the chance on $20 million dollars expiring within the next season, but the fact that Toronto will still be over cap is alone, not enough for me to give up Derozan. Financial flexibility is obviously key in the NBA now with the collective bargaining agreement, but if you're going to give up talent, it should be for something/someone of equal talent, and equal frame of contributions. Both Gasol and Boozer are too short sighted, but the reason again I fall with Boozer, is he is still a CONSISTENT contributor, and addresses an issue of needing toughness or lack thereof, not to mention less injury-prone.
If Derozan is traded, than everything in return has to surround potential, future, current capabilities, and finance i.e prospect/proven young player. Not "a guy that can help us get to the playoffs".
Twitter: @ReubenJRD NBA, Raptors writer for Daily Hive Vancouver, Toronto.
With regards to Millsap, I'm on the fence on this one. On one hand, he simply knows how to ball. He can take smaller guys on the block. Against bigger guys, he has enough skill to use his quickness to get around them. He can pass, has a knack for steals, moves well without the ball, etc. He brings a lot to the table.
On the other end, his size is definitely a concern. The older he gets, the slower he will be. I'm not sure whether it will affect his ability to play inside but I am quite certain it will affect his ability to defend. I'm also almost certain that he will be highly coveted by teams such as Cleveland & Houston and I'm not sure DeRozan @ $10 M will be that beneficial for Utah.
I guess offensively, he's a great option. He can play inside and out. Defensively, he doesn't provide the rim presence for me to necessarily want him as a core piece. But I would take him over Big Al any day.
I dont create controversies. Theyre there long before I open my mouth. I just bring them to your attention.
-- Charles Barkley
For me I, I like what Gasol brings, both in his skill set and his contract length. His durability shouldn't be that big of an issue as you can limit his minutes. I also think he fits better with amir than boozer, a frontcourt lineup we would see a lot of. But I really like his contract as a one year deal. With either player I think we are a lock for the playoffs, but probably don't get out of the first round. Gasol, allows some financial flexibility next offseason which may be key in getting a new GM.
If we trade for boozer we can look forward to this cap situation in 2014-2015
Gay 19.3m (unless he turns DOWN his player option, which I think we can assume he doesn't)
Boozer 16.8m
Demar 9.5m
Fields 8.5 m
For a total of 54.1 million for FOUR players. This scenario, assumes that we've let Lowry walk for free at the end of next year.
We also haven't included any of our TEAM options
Amir 7 mill
Jonas 3.7 mil
Ross 2.8 mil
Acy .9 mil
I think it's safe to assume that at least JV and Amir get picked up which is another 10.7 million which puts us at 64.8 million, and we STILL don't have a starting PG. If we DON'T resign Lowry, I don't know how we get a starting PG, since we can't sign one. So basically HAVE to extend Lowry (unless we've managed to draft a PG that we think can start). I don't see how Lowry signs for less than 6 mill (his player option) which means we are looking at a $70 million dollar team. That's $70,000,000 and we've still got between 5 and 8 roster spots to fill. If the raps trade for Boozer, and I'm Vegas, I put the over under on Toronto's 2014-2015 before tax salary as 77 million. If we hadn't done the Gay trade, than I think the Boozer trade could have been an option. But It just seems like too many contracts that will be next to impossible to move.
I'd rather take gasol for 1 year, worst case scenario, he's injured all year and goes somewhere else in free agency, and we've got some financial flexibility.
Worst case scenario for a Boozer deal is that we've got a top 5 payroll, are paying luxury tax AND in danger of paying repeater tax, and we've got a team that can't get out of the first round.
Even if it means losing Demar (who arguably is overpaid, and if he doesn't develop some defense or a 3pt shot this summer, WILL be overpaid) Gasol is the lower risk move. I would also argue that it has a higher reward as well. If gasol isn't injured and plays well with the raps he may see it as a team that could make some moves in the playoffs and resign at a reduced rate because we've actually got a team that can compete and he'd still get minutes (on other contenders, [except maybe OKC, MIA?] he's likely coming of the bench and get less minutes than in Toronto. BUT as I mentioned before, even he bolts after the season at least we've got some money we can work with. If we trade for Boozer I don't think we've got ANY options to improve our roster, we can't sign anybody because we're over the cap, and we can't trade for anyone because we haven't got a single contract that has value! Starting next year, for the next four (4) years we've committed to paying demar 9.5m a year. Where will you be in April 2017? I have no idea, but I have a pretty good idea where demar will be. In Toronto, making a cool nine and a half million dollars.
The new CBA is going to reward teams that are financially smart. I have no problem taking on other people's shit contracts (which boozer is) but we've got to get something back. If Chicago doesn't give us a draft pick there is NO way I'm trading for boozer. I'd rather have bargs be the first big off the bench for another season, and see if I can get a trading partner in the following off season.
I have no problem swinging for the fences, I have no problem, going into the luxury tax or even the repeater tax. BUT for that kind of money you've got to have a conference finals team. And I can't see how the addition of boozer makes us a conference finals team.
A trade for Boozer pretty much signals an extension for coangelo, because why would MLSE let him tie up all their money if they are going to bring in a new guy.
I don't know maybe I'm undervaluing Boozer, or maybe I just think a starting line up of players who are all ball dominant and aren't good passers, is probably not going to over-achieve, and with a number of them being poor (boozer/Derozan) or disinterested (Gay/Lowry) defenders, my money is on under-achieving.
Am I the only one who thinks a line up of
Will get more wins than a line up of
Trading Demar and Bargs to the lakers>Bargs+filler for boozer.
Last edited by ezz_bee; Thu Apr 11th, 2013 at 06:26 AM.
"They're going to have to rename the whole conference after us: Toronto Raptors 2014-2015 Northern Conference Champions" ~ ezzbee Dec. 2014
"I guess I got a little carried away there" ~ ezzbee Apr. 2015
"We only have one rule on this team. What is that rule? E.L.E. That's right's, E.L.E, and what does E.L.E. stand for? EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY. Right there up on the wall, because this isn't just a basketball team, this is a lifestyle. ~ Jackie Moon
Whether it is Chicago remains to be seen. I do feel 100% confident that Chicago will be looking to trade Boozer this summer. If they don't, they remain on the hook for Boozer and by the end of Boozer's deal they will be facing the repeater tax. Boozer's last year is $16.8M while Bargnani will be $12M with his 5% trade kicker.
I am probably crazy but I still hold out hope for Boozer and the Bulls pick.
Boozer or Gasol is a good question.
Either one is a clear improvement for Toronto. To be honest, I'd be happy with either. Both, however, have advantages and disadvantages some of which have been discussed.
Gasol advantages:
- contract comes off the books next summer,
- upgrade over Bargnani
- championship experience
- does the lure of Gasol and familiarity of Toronto bring Jose back? Is that a good thing?
- familiarity with McKechnie
- A Bargnani for Gasol swap (no other contracts going to LA i.e. third team needed) saves LA about $34-$38M in salary and tax.
Gasol disadvantages:
- health of late
- takes away from Jonas in the block - big concern of late in LA is Gasol not getting his touches in the post (Ramona Shelburne: Pau: "Kobe's telling me to just go down to the post and stay there and screw everything else" Twitter @ramonashelburne
Read more at http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm)
- Does Casey go with his vets (Amir/Gasol) at detriment of JV?
- what other asset goes out to make salary numbers work? Bargnani for Gasol not going to happen 1-for-1.
- no draft pick or other incentives for Toronto.
Possible Gasol trades:
Gasol for Bargnani/Fields
3 team MIN-TOR-LAL possibilities with jist of it Bargnani/DeRozan out for Gasol and one of Williams/Ridnour/Barea. Roy's contract not guaranteed - sent to LAL.
Boozer advantages:
- one-for-one Boozer for Bargnani possible after season
- upgrade over Bargnani
- Bulls notoriously cheap, might a draft pick be included?
- Boozer's contract ties in to major cap space clearing (as of right now) in summer of 2015.
Boozer disadvantages:
- $15.3M next season, $16.8M following
- always health concerns with Boozer
I am happy with either as the reality is Bargnani is a huge waste of cap space right now.
Marc J Spears: Another guy I think it's Pau Gasol. Toronto really wants a low-post scorer. They were interested in Carl Landry. They want a veteran guy that could score in the post, that could get them in the playoffs with Rudy Gay next year. Yahoo! Sports
I'd lean towards Gasol. I think he's unfairly labelled as "soft". He rebounds, challenges shots, and does a decent job of getting to the line.
He played full seasons last year, and the year before. If his current injury is a one-off, I'll take him over Boozer without even considering the financial benefit.
Plus I think Gasol's game suits Jonas better from a teaching perspective. If Jonas can one day learn to play like Gasol, I'd be a very happy Raps fan.
wait.. we're talking about Marc, right?
Gasol, because it'd be a big expiring contract. But I wouldn't give up any draft picks for him. Bargnani / filler, thats it. I think JV is going to be a serious threat next year in the low post, so I'm not desperate to get either of those guys.
bring back jose. then sign gasol.
Not sure how good of a fit either player would be in Toronto, but I'd go with Gasol. Boozer is a solid player and has been consistent through his career, but Gasol seems to have crumbled under the pressure of playing for the Lakers. I think going somewhere like Toronto where the pressure would be off him could see him return to his days in Memphis.
I beleive Portland is over the salary cap and starting a youth movement. I wonder if they would be interested in trading LA.
D'Antoni might have said it best:
The last five games he is averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists on 59% shooting.Ramona Shelburne: DAntoni on Pau: "earlier he was hurt..the system was screwed up & we were trying to figure out what we were doing" Twitter @ramonashelburne
I think health was a big factor as well. Appears his foot is finally healthy.
Compared to Boozer, he's a better defender, can shoot around the perimeter, better footwork and doesnt get stuck in the post.
Overall, very good passing big man, expiring contract, can defend the rim and already played with Lowry and Gay, so there probably still is good camaraderie there.
The only concern is the age, but i really dont see him as a long term prospect. Just get the Raps in the playoffs, get the attention of free agents and hopefully get them to sign here.
One stipulation tho, Raps have to make sure he never ever plays for spain during the summer.
But again, dont mean to be the devil's advocate but these two will definitely be bandaid solutions for the Raps. If they can get a younger bigman even if it means riding on just potential then id vote for that. Tim and the other tank-backers have convinced me that its time to think of the future. no more stop-gap solutions please.
Last edited by TheGloveinRapsUniform; Thu Apr 11th, 2013 at 09:37 AM.
Gasol....better player all around. Shorter contract. More versatile.
There's no way in which Boozer is actually better than Gasol, except that he should be easier to acquire.
I see a surprising amount of Boozer fans in this thread...but why?
-Gasol is a better scorer
-Gasol is a better passer
-Gasol is a better defensive presence
-Gasol is at least as good a rebounder
-Gasol can line up at both big spots
-Gasol has won 2 rings to Boozer's none
-Gasol has a better injury history, or at least not worse (just because Boozer's been healthy recently shouldn't negate that he's had far more issues over his career)
-Boozer is not "tougher" or "grittier" than Gasol. Just because a guy has a wide body, does not make him a tough player. I don't know what evidence could support such a claim.
-Finally, a shorter contract is better. Neither player have big odds of being long-term keepers, so the guy who comes off the books first is best so you can move forward with actual team-building (as opposed to bandaid measures). Boozer is a bandaid that is costly since your team gets frozen or 2 years. Gasol is not. One year and he's gone.
I really don't see any way in which Boozer is better, again, other than him being easier to acquire.
Last edited by white men can't jump; Thu Apr 11th, 2013 at 09:52 AM.
Bargnani fits better @ the lakers rather than the Bulls.
Boozer has been the most consistent offensive tool for the Bulls this season. He has been a double double machine.
It doesn't make sense to me why I, as the Chicago Bulls, would trade a diverse offensive and defensive tool for an inconsistent half-season player with no salary benefits.
Lakers do not rely on Pau as a defensive machine. Their defense is garbage w/ Pau, but at least Pau can generate consistent offense, which is what we needed from Bargnani.
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Bailey doesn't know when he can resume throwing
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
CINCINNATI -- Reds pitcher Homer Bailey knew Thursday he would undergo an ultrasound test on Friday to see how well a small tear in the right flexor mass tendon in his forearm is healing. What Bailey didn't know is when he'd pitch again.
Bailey, who went on the disabled list Aug. 16, has yet to resume a throwing program. He recently underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection in an effort to speed his recovery.
"I don't really know a timetable," Bailey said. "No one does. It's just how quickly I can heal, more or less.
"Would I like to [resume throwing]? Absolutely I would. This isn't really something you can rush back. You can either do it once and do it right or you can try to rush it back and go back to square one. I've been through enough injuries."
Bailey didn't know how long he pitched with the injury but understood that he couldn't pitch again after his Aug. 7 start vs. the Indians.
"I've kind of been fighting stuff most of the year," Bailey said. "It's been a really, really tough year for me -- a pulled groin, a herniated disc in the back, elbow, I took a ball off the jaw, took a ball of my biceps. It's just been one of those years.
"Actually right after the All-Star break, my forearm was really feeling good. In the third or fourth inning of the Cleveland game, my elbow locked up on me. I don't personally think it was from throwing. I think I did it whenever I got a hit. I don't know. It could have been throwing because that's what we do. It could have been from hitting. The next day it didn't recover like it should have."
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, October 12, 2007, 12:00 AM
Town Square
El Camino finally ready to open Heart and Vascular Institute
Original post made on Oct 20, 2007
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, October 12, 2007, 12:00 AM
a resident of Cuesta Park
on Oct 20, 2007 at 5:55 am
The opening of the new Heart and Vascular Institute is just a way to "give" money to current El Camino Hospital District Board Member Ed Bough's business partner, James Joye, MD, and money to former District Board Member Dominick Curatola, MD and his partner Frank Galli, MD. This whole scenario is just one huge conflict of interest. This also has the effect of preventing better cardiologists from coming to El Camino, as the Board has anointed the status quo cardiologists as the ones in control of the Institute. This whole setup is a step backward in giving patients at El Camino Hospital a choice of physicians. Once again, the Board gets it wrong.
a resident of Cuesta Park
on Oct 21, 2007 at 3:44 pm
[Portion removed by Mountain View Voice staff.] "Give" money to Dr Joye, Dr Curatola and Dr. Galli, oh PLEASE... you obviously do not know any of them very well. All three of these men will be taking time away from their practices to promote the H&VI. They are all highly succesfull in their own practices. The money they will be "given" will not even begin to compensate them for the time away from their practices. I can assure you no one works harder than Dr. Curatola. [Portion removed by Mountain View Voice staff.]
a resident of Cuesta Park
on Oct 21, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I agree 100% Maggie, Robert's judgement is seriously flawed. [Portion removed by Mountain View Voice staff.] Based on Dr Curatola's reputation in the community and among his patients it is easy to see how most second rate MD's would feel the way Robert does.
a resident of another community
on Oct 21, 2007 at 9:43 pm
As Chairman David Reeder has said repeatedly in the past to the "red-faced" Dominick Curatola, MD and Ed Bough, MD, they have huge conflicts of interest while serving on the Board and also doing business with the hospital. Curatola's status as Director of this new Institute gives him a huge advantage in preventing new cardiologists from coming to El Camino Hospital. Millie and Maggie, [portion removed by Mountain View Voice staff] you are totally blind to the consequences of these jobs. By the way, Chairman Reeder called Bough out on his own heart scanner last year as being a huge conflict of interest. Reeder said he was not comfortable with Bough competing against the hospital for his own financial interests.
a resident of another community
on Oct 21, 2007 at 9:59 pm
If Curatola lies as much in this job as he did when he was on the Board, then the Institute is in trouble from the start.
a resident of another community
on Oct 21, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Don, I am a bit surprised that you have not done anything about the personal attacks in the posts above.
a resident of another community
on Oct 21, 2007 at 11:21 pm
You must not know Dr. Dominick Curatola very well. There are many adjectives to describe this man but a liar is not one of them! The people in charge know he is the right man for this job. Dr. Curatola would never let his personal feelings for an individual get in the way of making the right decision. He will choose the best people for the job regardless of the fall out. With Curatola at the helm the Institute will some day be on the map and you LD will remain insignificant.
a resident of another community
on Oct 22, 2007 at 12:01 am
As for you Mark, I am neither blind nor demented. You think you know Dominick Curatola well enough to state he will use this position to prevent new cardiologists from coming to El Camino Hospital. Where have you been for the last 10 years? Dr. Curatola continues to bring in new cardiologists to El Camino Hospital all the time. Lets see now, he brought in Dr. Ceasar Molina in 1986 and mentored him for years. Dr Molina then went off to start his own independent succesful practice. Then came Dr. Peter Baciewicz and then he brought in Dr. Frank Galli and most recently brought in Dr Ramtin Agah. Mark where do you think these new doctors get their patients from? The tooth fairy...Santa Claus no actually they are Dr. Curatolas existing patients. Do you know any doctors who are willing to bring in new physicians and hand over their patients to help them build up their practice? I don't and I have lived her for more than 19 years. So Mark, you are [word removed by Voice staff] and spoke impusively and incorrectly. I can only assume you must have personal issues with Doctor Curatola and this is not the arena for those comments. Furthermore, Dr. Curatola may have as you put it a "huge advantage" but its because he is brilliant,extremely well trained,compassionate,kind, and a great doctor with a huge heart. As for Chairman Reeder, he has alot to learn. As hard as he tried to prove their was a conflict of interest with Bough and Curatola the attorneys found nothing! In fact no one found any. Chairman Reeder is uncomfortable in his own skin so it is not surprising he would be uncomfortable with Dr Bough. Chairman Reeder is nothing more than a political puppet.
a resident of The Crossings
on Oct 22, 2007 at 9:45 am
Maggie, Millie, and Robert:
You all give valid reasons as to why physicians should never be on the El Camino Hospital District Board because of actual and potential conflicts of interest. The Board removed Curatola and Bough from serving on the CEO Compensation Committee over their objections because of real and potential conflicts of interest.
Mountain View Voice Editor
on Oct 22, 2007 at 10:30 am
Don Frances is a registered user.
Eric -- you're right, I've redacted a few of the comments. (I don't read them till Monday!)
a resident of The Crossings
on Oct 22, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Robert, Look at it this way: The new Heart and Vascular Institute is just a $5 million marketing campaign for the private cardiology practices of El Camino Hospital Board Member Ed Bough, MD and former Board Member Dominick Curatola, MD.
a resident of another community
on Oct 24, 2007 at 9:54 am
Robert, Don't be so naive! This is how politics works! Curatola and Bough get elected to the Hospital Board. The CEO they hire (Lee Domanico) spends 4 years of planning and $6 million of District funds for the Heart and Vascular Institute. Curatola is on the Compensation Committee and makes sure Domanico gets a huge bonus on top of his unprecedented salary and benefits. When jobs for the Institute get awarded, Curatola and Bough's partner are the only ones to apply and they get the jobs! What a great country!
a resident of another community
on Nov 5, 2007 at 6:05 am
Given CEO Ken Graham's recent memo about how to avoid obeying the law concerning employee salaries, is it any wonder that the Board and Administration would be paying off Dominick Curatola, MD and Ed Bough, MD, two physicians on the El Camino Hospital District Board?
a resident of another community
on Nov 6, 2007 at 6:40 am
Oh for cryin' out loud! Change the radio station or the strings on your violins already! Your whining is getting old. If there was really something wrong going on, it would have been reported & dealt with already. Instead you folks dig back a couple of years every few weeks, then reprint articles from the bowels of the archives, then complain about what has already happened in the past about people who aren't even in the picture anymore. Sure, the easiest thing would be to shut the whole place down and start over with YOU in charge, but that ain't gonna happen so get over yourselves.
Join MySpace or vote if you don't like or something.
a resident of Cuesta Park
on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Curatola is a two faced liar and cheat. I know. I would never recommend him as a doctor,partner or Board Member. Dom only cares about the money and notariaty he receives.


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text: CNN Found 'Common Ground' in Climate-Skeptical Woodward County, Oklahoma By Joe Wertz • Aug 4, 2015 Woodward County, Oklahoma, is one of the most climate-skeptical counties in the United States, according to estimates from the Yale Project on Climate Communication. Planned Parenthood Opponents Talk Government Shutdown After Bill Fails By Ailsa Chang • Aug 4, 2015 The uproar over sting videos alleging Planned Parenthood illegally profits from selling aborted fetal tissue has only just begun on Capitol Hill. Oklahoma City Public Schools' First Day Back By Emily Wendler • Aug 4, 2015 Emily Wendler / KOSU Listen Listening... / 0:41 Monday was the first day back in the classroom for the Oklahoma City Public School district. It was also a new beginning for 14 Puerto Rican teachers that the district recruited because of the lack of teachers in the state. Odaliz Soto, one of the district's recruits, said she felt like she was already breaking down language barriers on her first day. Her kindergartners at Parmelee Elementary are mostly Hispanic, and speak very little English. So, Soto says everything twice. Headlines: Climate Change, Drug Forfeiture & OSU Sports By Michael Cross • Aug 4, 2015 Headlines for Tuesday, August 4, 2015: The Bever brothers make their first appearance in Tulsa District Court. (News on 6) Oklahoma vows to fight EPA climate change rules. (StateImpact Oklahoma) Energy companies ordered to cutback on disposal wells. (StateImpact Oklahoma) New Power Plant Rules Likely To Start Slow-Burning Debate, Legal Action By Jeff Brady • Aug 4, 2015 An epic legal battle is about to begin over President Obama's plan to address climate change, in which the Environmental Protection Agency is putting in place new limits on greenhouse gases from power plants. Critics argue the plan is on shaky legal ground, but the administration says it's prepared to defend the regulations in court. In announcing the "Clean Power Plan" on Monday, Obama predicted some of the arguments his critics would make. The Changing Look of Our Heroes By Jennifer Dennis-Smith • Aug 4, 2015 Every generation has its share of heroes and idols in popular culture. Over the decades they've changed for good or ill. Jennifer Dennis-Smith looks at how we now see those we admire in this week's Jen X. Listen Listening... / 4:00 Oklahoma Oil Regulator Slashes Disposal Well Activity in Shaky Region By Joe Wertz • Aug 3, 2015 Joe Wertz / StateImpact Oklahoma Oklahoma oil and gas authorities on Monday ordered the operators of 23 disposal wells in two counties to reduce the amount of wastewater pumped underground. Oklahoma Officials Vow To Keep Fighting Obama Plan To Cut Power Plant Pollution By Logan Layden • Aug 3, 2015 Joe Wertz / StateImpact Oklahoma The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday finalized its Clean Power Plan, the Obama Administration's attempt to cut carbon emissions from power plants by more than 30 percent nationwide. Though just finalized, the plan has been in the works for two years, and Oklahoma officials have opposed it every step of the way. President Obama Unveils New Power Plant Rules In 'Clean Power Plan' By Lucy Perkins • Aug 3, 2015 Updated at 2:30 p.m. ET President Obama formally unveiled his plan to cut power plant emissions — some two years in the making — calling it the "single most important step that America has ever made in the fight against global climate change." Superintendent Hofmeister Talks Teacher Shortage and No Child Left Behind By Emily Wendler • Aug 3, 2015 ok.gov/sde/superintendent Education reporter Emily Wendler spoke with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Joy Hofmeister, about some of the more pressing issues in Oklahoma education. Listen Listening... / 3:57 This is the on-air version of the interview that has been heavily edited for length. At the top of the list was the teacher shortage, the new academic standards, and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in Washington. The ESEA was last reauthorized in 2002 by then President George W. Bush, who renamed it the No Child Left Behind Act. This law was meant to make sure low-income students got the same education as everyone else. It implemented mandatory testing and rated schools and teachers based on those testing results. This has been a contentious issue for many educators across the nation—including Superintendent Hofmeister. Pages« first ‹ previous … 7 8 9 10 … next › last »


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I wish it weren't so, but there's no way around it.Originally Posted by westofyou
I wish it weren't so, but there's no way around it.Originally Posted by westofyou
Grape works as a soda. Sort of as a gum. I wonder why it doesn't work as a pie. Grape pie? There's no grape pie. - Larry David
But how many players did not participate on that U.S. team? Randy Winn as a starting outfielder? Yikes.
The "crappy defense" probably costs the Reds a handful (or fewer) of wins.... but it's the pitching that costs them a boatload. Sooooo, IMHO, a decent pitching staff (including the BP) even with the current defense, would win a lot of games.Originally Posted by cincrazy
"Enjoy this Reds fans, you are watching a legend grow up before your very eyes" ... DoogMinAmo on Adam Dunn
Baseball isn't meant to be played in a round robin elimination environment... every team has the ability to win on any given day, even if they stink. That's why the World Series is exactly that... a series of games where the better team emerges.Originally Posted by cincrazy
Last edited by TeamBoone; 04-05-2006 at 12:51 AM.
"Enjoy this Reds fans, you are watching a legend grow up before your very eyes" ... DoogMinAmo on Adam Dunn
But what happens when Occam eats his own tail? Apocalypse I say.
except South Africa. They'll need to find their Kelly and Amanda first.Originally Posted by TeamBoone
Moron? Unacceptable language- particularly considering that you don't have a clue as to the facts of the matter.Originally Posted by BoCcc2832
The 2005 Cincinnati Reds:
Runs Scored w/Runners On Base: .251 Runs per Plate Appearance (NL Rank- 1st)
Batting Average w/Runners On Base: .270 BA (NL Rank- 8th)
What? You mean that the Reds were an NL average team with Runners on Base but still led the NL in Runs Scored with Runners On? Yeah. That's how it works because BA w/Runners On doesn't mean squat.
Runs Scored w/Runners in Scoring Position: .348 (NL Rank- 3rd)
Batting Average w/Runners In Scoring Position: .256 (NL Rank- 11th)
How did THAT happen? The Reds were the best team in RS with Runners On per PA and the third best team in the NL in Runs Scored with RISP, yet finished 8th and 11th in BA in those respective rankings. Why is that?
It's because your position isn't consistent with what actually drives Run scoring- either over the long haul or situationally. In short, you don't know what you're talking about.
Sometimes the stars align correctly. Has nothing to do with "passion" or "effort" and it has everything to do with how baseball is a strange game.Second, "talent wins, not passion." by pedro. True, but not always. Look at the 1999 Cincinnati team that won 96 games. Let me list the starting rotation: Pete Harnisch, Denny Neagle, Steve Parris, Ron Villone, and Juan Guzman. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? To hear that rotation and believe the team won 96 games is beyond weird. That team will not have any future Hall-of-Famers in it, yet they miss the playoffs by one game. Yet, you want to sit here and tell me that they didn't have passion and it was sheer talent that won it for them? Oh get off of it!
Now go find one of the players you cited whose "passion" allowed them to carry their NEXT team to victory after they left the Reds. Good luck on that.
Complete bunk. The perception of the unreasonable is never evidence to the contary when faced with a reasonable position. It's usually nothing more than a casual fan's expectation of that which isn't reasonable.Third, "Would passion have helped Adam Dunn catch a fly ball?" by membengal. No, but if Dunn had any passion at all, you would have seen a reaction to his many mistakes (wind-affected or not). But you never see disappointment or anger in our Reds faces due to mistakes or getting thrown out after a groundball.
Your "sport" (and I use that term loosely) is immesurably less complex than Major League Baseball. When the Reds underperform your casual expectations in 2006, it's going to be due to talent, not "passion".Passion is important in all sports. I'm a runner, I know. If you don't have passion, you don't try. If you don't try, you fail. The Reds failed on Monday and sure, it's just one game. But unless hell freezes over first, I guarantee, we will see more passionless baseball from our boys in Red.
And let's face it..."passion" may allow you to finish the race, but it won't allow you to beat a much faster runner. You know that. If you don't try, you don't get into the race. But trying ain't going to make you a winning runner if you don't have the skill to be one. That's as simple as it gets.
"The problem with strikeouts isn't that they hurt your team, it's that they hurt your feelings..." --Rob Neyer
"The single most important thing for a hitter is to get a good pitch to hit. A good hitter can hit a pitch thats over the plate three times better than a great hitter with a ball in a tough spot.
--Ted Williams
And the "Joe Average fan" comment was acceptable? I'm actually pretty good friends with some of the people that I've been arguing with about this, I'm not making this personal in any way, shape or form. But that was a below the belt shot to me. I say we all just agree to disagree and end it. The purpose of this thread wasn't to start a monumental argument such as this. So my apologies for accidentally doing that. So can we please end it?
You know when this team had a lot of passion? 2003. Man, they were coming back in games, hitting game winning home runs and just creating a lot of excitement. Guys like Sean Casey and Aaron Boone were on that team. Remember how they would do The Bounce when they won a game in their last at bat? How did that team finish anyway?
You're right. 2002 was like that, also. To wrap my thoughts on this up, I'm not saying that passion is the only thing that matters. That obviously isn't the case. I'm just saying at times, I wish they'd show a little more. I'm not saying that their lack of emotion doesn't mean that they care, but I do wish they'd show more. It's must my opinion. I know many of you disagree, and that's fine. I'm not saying passion cures a terrible pitching staff, or bad defense, etc. etc. And I'm not saying this team DOESN'T have passion. This thing has been blown way out of proportion. Quite frankly, I have a very bad case of viral bronchitis, and I don't feel like aruging over it anymore lol.
Okay, let me ask a question. (By the way, the only reason I haven't replied to your sarcasm of my response is because this website decided that "moron" was inappropriate. Well, I think making fun of Jesus Christ's passion was inappropriate. But hey, I'm not the one who pays to keep this site up, so I'll shut up) I agree that the MLB is more complex than running. But have you ever heard of Steve Prefontaine? He was a guy from Koos Bay, Oregon, someone that no one ever heard of that came out and gave it HIS ALL EVERY RACE. What happened? He became the best runner in American history, finishing fourth in the 1976 Munich Olympics. He was a person who did not have a runner's body, which is tall, lanky, and long legs. Pre did not have any of these. What he had was PASSION. When he had PASSION, he pushed everyone and dared anyone to beat him. He was the gutsiest and biggest loud-mouth (sorry, that was inappropriate language) in the history of running. What does this have with the Reds, since this is a Cincinnati Reds blogsite? If the Reds had as much PASSION as Pre did, their talent would be that much improved, as was Pre's. I am out.Originally Posted by SteelSD
Opening day was a hard game to grade. Down 5-0 before the first AB will take the wind out of anyone's sails. Maybe if this team had any sort of pitching (mostly in the pen) they would have a little more fire. 5-0 in the 1st was all about "Here we go again."
I wouldn't put much stock in "announced" attendance figures. I watched some of the Braves-Dodgers game that was played last night at Chavez Ravine. They claimed to have 35,000+ in attendance.Originally Posted by BRM
I'm guessing it was closer to around 15,000. Good game anyway.
"Booing on opening day is like telling grandma her house smells like old lady."--WOY
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


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Whatever "intuition" might be, in mathematics or elsewhere, most people would agree that it is largely (if not wholly) shaped by EXPERIENCE.
In this working group, we shall try to
These points will be considered in the context of each of the three "themes" of this forum (i.e., thought, school, teachers.)
Our discussions will be framed by brief overviews of relevant research in the cognitive sciences and contextualized by examples from ongoing investigations in a specific group of adolescent learners.


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Growing up listening to punk rock, there was one very important rule: when a band becomes popular, they are no longer good. Once a band makes it big, they've sold out on art and no longer care about making good music. Rather than celebrating that an artist we like has been accepted, we would cast them out to the mainstream.
This week I went to see the IMAX 3D re-release of 1993's Jurassic Park and was convicted of how we so often take this sell-out mentality and apply it to film. I don't think there are many people who would call Jurassic Park a bad film, but too often it gets lumped in as a generic "popcorn movie." While it may have had a big budget, miles of special effects, and been a massive success, it was also an unbelievably captivating and well-crafted film.
Jurassic Park revolves primarily around two very different, and very powerful emotions: wonder and fear. After 20 years as a part of the cultural zeitgeist, it is easy to forget just how entrancing it was to step into the incredible world created by Steven Spielberg 20 years ago. The scale of the theatrical experience, along with an above average 3D conversion, allows you to experience the same amazement displayed by the characters on-screen.
As the wonder in the film is replaced by fear, we are truly able to see the mastery of Spielberg at the height of his game in the early 90's. He forgoes flashy camera tricks or snarky dialogue, and instead builds a masterpiece with precise pacing, powerful character relationships, and solid, sturdy cinematography. While Jurassic Park may not have been an avant garde art house picture, it was a master class in cinematic craftsmanship; guiding our emotions with a sure hand, never compromising on entertainment or quality.
Steven Spielberg didn't rewrite the rulebook in 1993, nor did he discover the voice of a generation; he showed us that a movie can be entertaining and accessible and at the same time be powerful and beautiful. While there was no new footage or extensive remastering, Jurassic Park still has plenty new to offer, even after two decades of familiarity. As blockbuster season begins to kick into high gear, remember that art can still be found in a big budget, and quality can coexist with mass appeal.
My Rating: 4 Stars


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There are just under two weeks left until a big-budget Disney movie that was partly shot in the Ashridge Estate hits the UK's cinemas.
Some scenes for the $200,000,000 movie Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie, were shot in the Dacorum beauty spot in summer 2012
Although the Hollywood stunner was only there for a day and was kept was well hidden, dog-walkers, ramblers and runners accidentally stumbled onto film sets during the following days.
One said: "Special effects crews were everywhere, and there was fake snow all over the trees. It was very bizarre, I'll tell you that much."
Maleficent is a reworking of Walt Disney's 1959 animated film Sleeping Beauty and portrays the children's story from the perspective of the baddie, Maleficent.
Maleficent, played by Jolie, is a vindictive fairy who also appears in the form of a dragon and rises to become the self-proclaimed Mistress of All Evil. She curses an infant princess only to realise the child may be the only one who can restore peace.
In the trailer, Maleficent says: "There is evil in this world, hatred and revenge."
The film is due to be released on Friday, May 30.
Other successful films that used Ashridge Estate for filming include Sleepy Hollow and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.