text:
Rangers' pitching may be even better in 2012
Despite loss of Wilson, other moves have bolstered depth
By Mike Bauman / MLB.com
If that team is the 2012 Texas Rangers, the answer is yes. Or certainly. Or of course.
Yes, C.J. Wilson has not only departed through free agency, he has gone to the primary opposition, the Angels. Wilson is coming off the best season of his career. This is at once a consequential loss for the Rangers and a substantial gain for the Angels.
But the Rangers have done more than taking a stab at compensating for this departure. This is no time for half-measures for a team that has won the last two American League pennants. The Rangers have made two significant additions to the rotation -- the phenom from Japanese baseball, Yu Darvish, and their closer of the last two years, the supremely gifted Neftali Feliz.
In the remainder of the rotation, two young left-handers, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison, took major steps forward last season. Colby Lewis has been a source of stability for the Texas rotation, particularly in the postseason.
And there is admirable depth here. Scott Feldman, a 17-game winner in 2009, appears to be all the way back after knee surgery. Hard-throwing Alexi Ogando proved his worth as a reliever in 2010, then demonstrated that he was a Major League starter in 2011.
Add it all up and, even without Wilson, this does not appear to be a group that is suffering a collective decline. In fact, there is an argument that could be made on the other side of the issue. With continued improvement from the young pitchers, maybe the Texas rotation could even be better in 2012.
Sitting in a practice-field dugout behind Surprise Stadium on Sunday, Rangers manager Ron Washington approached this topic with suitable enthusiasm and optimism.
"If our young kids continue to grow -- it's important that they continue to grow and don't go backwards -- we will certainly hold our own," Washington said. "Name-wise, you put them up against some of those rotations out there, maybe we don't compare. But result-wise, I think we will be fine. I'm certainly looking forward to them continuing their growth. And the addition of Darvish will certainly help. That will replace what we lost in C.J.
"We should continue to move forward. We don't doubt that. Colby showed that he's coming around [with four perfect innings on Saturday]. Feldman has got his sink back and his cut back on his fastball, and he's getting his ground balls. Neftali is moving along. Holland and Harrison have shown that they haven't missed a beat, yet. And Darvish had a very good first outing. So we're certainly very positive about what we have to go into the season with. And we've just got to hope that we stay healthy."
Beyond the obvious ability, the other plus with the young Rangers pitchers is that they have already pitched at the highest possible level: two postseasons, including two World Series.
"The Harrisons, the Hollands, the Ogandos, the Neftalis, they were young, and they had a chance to pitch into the postseason two years, back to back, and understand what it's like to compete," Washington said. "And I think that's a good advantage for us to have. They've been there and done that."
There has been a world-class amount of attention focused on Darvish this spring; understandably so. A blend of intense curiosity and varying expectations will accompany him into the regular season. But the signing of free-agent closer Joe Nathan has also been essential. The acquisition of Nathan has freed up Feliz to enter the starting rotation. Nathan is two years removed from Tommy John surgery. Asked if Nathan had returned to the form that resulted in six dominant seasons as a closer for the Twins, Washington replied:
The Rangers tried Feliz in the rotation during Spring Training in 2011, but dropped the idea because the move would have left them with uncertainty regarding the closer's role. But this year, they have Nathan in the closer's role.
"Last spring, we experimented with Neffie starting, but we weren't protected in the back end of the bullpen," Washington said. "The first thing [general manager] Jon [Daniels] did this winter was get us some protection in the back end of the bullpen, so we could make this move with Neftali. And I think he made a great choice in Joe Nathan. And more than that, Joe Nathan wanted to be in Texas."
The Rangers have been a run-producing operation for some time. But the last two seasons, when their pitching became a strength rather than an issue, they became the class of the AL. They were third in the AL in runs scored last year, and fifth in team earned run average.
The overall quality of that pitching, relative to the rest of the league and even without Wilson, should be maintained.
Mike Bauman is a national columnist for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Please keep all discussion in here until 1:30AM ET, 10:30PM PT.
Enjoy the show!
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Please keep all discussion in here until 1:30AM ET, 10:30PM PT.
Enjoy the show!
What's happening?
Big challenge: create an avant garde look for an advertorial shoot, and a ready to wear look inspired by it. Winner gets the photo shoot, plus $20,000.
Mondo won again, although I liked Andy's looks more and thought he would win.
Bottom two were Valerie and Ivy, who both tanked and had meltdowns. Ivy was called out, and they drew out the drama making us think there might be a double elimination, but Val was ultimately safe. Both of their sets of looks were bad enough to warrant it.
Glad that Mondo won again:yay I loved his outfit for the Times Square billboard and thought he should have won over that awful denim jumpsuit that Gretchen made, but then after his mustachio'd bizarre outfit a couple of weeks later, I wasn't sure about him. The last two weeks, his brilliance as a designer has really shown through. Up til the last couple of weeks, other than the drama between the designers, I thought this season's designers didn't have a stand out among them like Seth Aaron. Mondo has become the stand out for sure. Andy's outfit was just too bizarre for me and somehow similar to his winning dress in the party favor challenge. Even though one was separates and one was a dress with an origami feel, the necklines or something were very similar to me. Gretchen's stuff should not have been in the top three. What is it the judges like about her hippy 70's style? I just don't get it. The tops she designs are always loose and blousey. Even though Michael's train was way too much, I didn't feel like he belonged in the bottom. I liked his dresses way better than April-I-can't-use-any-color-but-black's!:whistle
Thanks for all the info about tonight's episode. I am surely going to watch it! I am glad to hear that Ivy is gone, it was time.
I'm glad that Mondo won, but was hoping it'd been him or Andy because they had both ideas right. Gretchen's were good; however, her ready to wear look is very similar to one of her previous outfits, this case had aspects of last week's Jackie O' inspired outfit, particularly the top (it reminded me of the coat for some reason).
I was surprised myself that Ivy was out, but I can see why she was voted out. While I did like Valerie's "wedding dress" I wasn't impressed with her ready to wear. I was surprised that she was safe over Ivy though, even though I've never been fond of Ivy's attitude.
Had Michael NOT Had the runaway train on his outfit, I think he'd been at least safe.
I'm growing tired of April's all black and similar outfits. She needs to expand out of that box, even if it's restyling and new colors (which SA did at times), or she'll be out soon.
Right now, it's looking like Mondo may be in the finals and the others are in the air. Next week's teaser is interesting, and I'm glad they brought back this particular challenge (it does make them really think and be creative - I would LOVE to do this particular challenge). I do hope though that there is a mislead in regard to the part of the whole "Mondo's hidden story" though. Then again, misleads are their specialty so hopefully this is a good thing.
Looks like the moment that made Tim Gunn the most proud on the runway, that he mentioned in that interview, happens next week and involves Mondo and the inspiration behind his garment. Also looks lke cheating allegations from one of the guys comes up as well and effects the finale. They are hinting around that it might involve Michael C, only other guys are Christopher, Andy, & Mondo. Glad Ivy's gone. although , I thought they would send Valerie home. Glad Michael C is still around. I didn't get Gretchen's oufits. The Couture dress was too blousy and ill-fitting for me. Glad Mondo won the money.
Am I crazy (yes, I am, I know) but did Mondo's outfit feel a bit of a call-back to Jeffery's winning collection to anyone else? I loved it's kind of Vivienne Westwood meets Steve McQueen aspect, but I find it a bit familiar. And Gretchen's couture look should be on Boardwalk Empire...it screamed 20s costume, so why it wasn't called out for that perplexes me.
As for the loser, I'm okay with Ivy going home. Valerie equally could have gone home, but I'd rather Moley-moley-mole stay and Ivy and her attitude hitting the road.
Originally Posted by lark37;4068163;
Next challenge, the color black should be banned for her.
Why on earth would Gretchen think she has sole rights to any particular color?
Thought it was hilarious that if April won the $20,000, she would pay off her school loans and buy a minitaure pony.
Loved it on the runway when the judges were talking to the bottom three, and I think it was Michael Kors who said Michael's dresses were the only ones that were sewn and tailored well.
I liked both of Mondo's designs, but on the high-fashion piece, it looked like you could look right down the bodice.
I liked Gretchen's ready-to-wear look, but I thought her high-fashion dress looked dowdy.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I clicked to download ZoneAlarm yesterday at 2:00pm around, and now its 11:00 where I am and its still downloading. Its the firewall and antivirus package. What could be wrong with it that its taking so long?
I clicked to download ZoneAlarm yesterday at 2:00pm around, and now its 11:00 where I am and its still downloading. Its the firewall and antivirus package. What could be wrong with it that its taking so long?
It is Sometimes very Difficult to Diagnose and fix a Computer from halfway across the Country, or around the World,
without All the Details about your computer it's Software and what version of Windows OS and type of Computer that you failed to provide, without our ability to sit in front of your Computer monitor and see what's going on..
Please Give the Exact Type and version of Zone Alarm used, Windows Version & SP Update used, Browser type and version, any other security tools installed and type of router or Internet connection used.
How do you connect to the Internet: Phone Line, Cable Modem, Router, Wifi, Blue Tooth?
The More information you post the more likely users here will be able to understand the issue and try to help.
is this a First time install?
Stopped working recently?
any other issues?
any Error messages in the ZA logs?
also is this a DeskTop, Laptop computer or Netbook;
what kind of Connection to the Internet do you have?
Please List any other Security Programs installed as these programs may be conflicting with Zone Alarm.
I dont know what version of zonealarm I got, but I downloaded it from this link: http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en...s-firewall.htm
I also have Avast free antivirus installed.
I am not sure about the router, as I am using the free wifi provided by a hotel im at.
This is the first time I am installing it. It wanted to download a toolbar and make zonealarm search my homepage.
If you have AVAST then you need to install the firewall only version of ZA not the antivirus version. Golden rule for antivirus and firewalls: Only one firewall and only one antivirus at the same time.
Download link for free firewall only here:
Also note that may be the hotel WIFI is slow or not stable. Then it will be difficult to install. Better to do it at home and now simply ensure windows 8 firewall is ON.
Click here for ZA Support
Monday-Saturday 24x6 Pacific time
Closed Sundays and Holidays
Well, don't use the free version so I don't know. If you don't see a cancel button. Then you will need to wait for the download to finish and then remove ZA.
Click here for ZA Support
Monday-Saturday 24x6 Pacific time
Closed Sundays and Holidays
BTW do you think the firewall will protect me if im on an unsecured, public network?
The Answer is Yes and No..
1.) Unsecured, Public networks? like Airports, Hotels, Restaurants are probably the most dangerous links to connect to, a smart hacker can take advantage of the Week security provided by such area..
2.) No security program can guarantee 100% protection, but if you have the latest Updated ZA Free firewall with an updated Anti-virus installed and configured correctly, it should provide adequate protection In most situations as long as you don't do something stupid, like Bank or Financial transactions on unsecured public networks..
3.) However, no Firewall or security program can protect you or your computer from Yourself..
Do not Overlap Security tools, choose one and master it.
NOTE: Don't just double click on any executable you are confronted with. Only download software from legit companies websites,
the same Rule applies to Email Attachments, even if from somebody you know?
4.) the Firewall may try to warn you if you do something unsafe or stupid, like download a virus or music or game that has a virus in it, but the human is in control of the computer and if you do not understand the warning or choose to download those files or Click on any offer for Free stuff or chance to win something, then you will be on your own and SOL if you get infected because you did not understand the consequences of not accepting the firewall warning..
Good Luck..
Last edited by GeorgeV; February 14th, 2014 at 03:18 PM. Reason: fix typo's
Something to add about unsecure hot spots (WiFi)
The data thats transmitted between your PC the the Router or access point over the air is wide open on an unsecured wifi connection
ZoneAlarm does not make the data sent over the air secure.
I would suggest getting a VPN service so when your on unsecure wifi ALL your data will be secured.
Forum Moderator
Click here for ZA Support
Monday-Saturday__ 24x6
Closed Sundays and Holidays PST
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text:
Difference between revisions of "User:Abigail M. Fogg/Notebook/Biology 210 at AU"
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1. Take qualitative observations of Hay Infusion Culture
1. Take qualitative observations of Hay Infusion Culture
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Revision as of 11:10, 16 February 2014
2/6/14, lab 1 notes
Great job! Some notes:
-Make sure you sign each entry with your initials
-Make sure you include an intro and conclusion section (refer to email with outline attachment)
-Start working on building a map of your transect to detail your land and where your samples are taken from. We will talk about this more Wednesday
Awesome work!
Plantae and Fungi: Returning to Transect
Hay Infusion Observation II
One week prior to this lab, plates a serial dilution of a sample from the hay infusion culture was prepared so that it could be observed. In lab today the various plates were observed in order to determine the characteristics of bacteria. The plates that contained an antibiotic (tetracycline) were also compared to plates that had no antibiotics in order to observe antibiotic resistance. A PCR preparation was also started in order to illustrate the significance of DNA sequencing in the identification of species.
1. Take qualitative observations of Hay Infusion Culture
2. Qualitative observations of the Agar plates.
Hay Infusion Culture
-Water Level Decreased -Decreased amount of material in jar -Increased transparency of water -No film coating the top of the water -Less potent Smell
Agar Plates
Hay Infusion Observation
In lab today the hay infusion that was created last week was observed. Organisms from the Hay Infusion were observed in order to grasp an understanding of the characteristics of Algae and Protists. A dichotomous key was used to identify/characterize/classify these organisms.
1. Qualitative observations were taken (appearance,smell of jar etc.)
2. A micropipette was used to extract a sample of the hay infusion from two different environments (the top and the bottom)
3. The liquid sample was placed on a slide and covered with a cover slip
4. The sample was observed. Observations were recorded.
Procedure II: Serial Dilution (For net weeks lab)
1. Obtain four 10mL test tubes filled with sterile broth
2. Obtain four nutrient agar, and four nutrient agar plus tetracycline plates (make sure they are labelled accordingly)
3. Swirl the Hay Infusion Mixture. Using a micropipette draw 100 microliters of the Hay infusion culture so that it can be transferred to the first 10mL test tube. Swirl the test tube well.
4. Draw 100 microliters from the test tube and place it in the next test tube. Mix well. Continue to do this for the remaining test tubes.
5. Transfer 100 microliters of the solution from test tube one to agar plate. Make sure the mixture is spread well. Do the same for the Agar + Tetracycline plate.
6.Repeat this process for the remaining test tubes.
7. Leave the plates to incubate for one week
The contents of the jar had a very potent odor. Inside the jar the water was fairly clear with an exception of a brown and green film that coated the top of the water (likely some mold). In the water there were two plants, one that had a thin leafy stalk and one that had a thick white stalk. Organisms near these plants would differ from other organisms because they would likely use the plant as a source of food, oxygen or shelter. There was also a thin layer of sand in the bottom of the jar. A sample was selected from two regions of the jar; the brown film on the top layer of the jar and the bottom of the jar near the leaved plant. Sketches of the organisms observed are located in the third image.
Slide 1-Top Environment
Specimen 1 - A Large brown individual was observed. Did not appear to be mobile. Occupied approximately 10 spaces at 10x (100 um). This cell did not fit the description of any other cell discussed in class.
Specimen 2- An individual observed in very close proximity to the brown individual. Small, mobile, black, vibrating and moving in a circular pattern. Occupied approximately 2 spaces at magnification 40X (5um). This could have possibly been a chlamydomonos cell
Specimen 3- Mobile individual, clear in color. Appeared to have some sort of inner membrane. Occupied 12 ocular spaces at 40x ( 30um)
Slide 2 - Bottom Environment
Specimen 1 - Spherical individual moving quite quickly with flagella. Occupying approximately 62um
Specimen 2 - Very long stick like figure. Occupying approximately 2mm in length
Specimen 3 - Small vibrating spherical organism.
If this hay infusion was observed for another two months I believe that many more organisms would be seen in this environment. I also believe though that with the very limited resources (food, shelter, mates etc.) that natural selection would be very prevalent. The most fit organisms would be those that could find shelter, nutrition and if necessary a mate within their lifetime. It is these individuals that have the greatest probability of reproducing and passing on their genetic information to offspring.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
A future experiment could make a hay infusion that incorporates more organic matter (plants, decaying leaves, etc.) with hopes that this would provide organisms with more means for growth. While observing this hay infusion it was often quite difficult to find organisms. The organisms that were observed were identified/characterized by the dichotomous key.
Transect observation
Wednesday, January, 15
1. A transect (20 x 20 space of land on the American University Campus) was assigned to each group.
2. Each group was taken to their transect where they observed the topography, the biotic and the abiotic components of the area.
3. A sample of the transect was then taken using a trowel. A sample that contained some biological life (weeds) was selected.
4. Between 10 and 12 grams of the sample was then placed in a large jar.
5. 500 mL of Deerpark water and 0.1 grams of dried milk were added to the jar
6. The jar was labeled for identification and then shaken for 10 seconds
7. The jar was then left for 1 week to culture
Transect location: AU Community Garden
Biotic Components: Plants, weeds, grass, bugs, grubs. Many larger animals will be in this area during the spring and summer months such as deer and squirrels
Abiotic Components: Wooden planks for boxed gardens, plastic labels, soul, rocks, wood chips. Area not sheltered by trees or buildings so it is exposed to sun, snow, wind and rain.
Topography: Fairly flat. The garden rests at the bottom of one hill and at the top of a large crevasse.


text: Hi, sorry if this is dumb question, but what does the "C" in my 4.5C rating mean? I gather there are also 4.5A and 4.5B ratings. Does this mean I'm at risk of being moved down to 4.0? I've only played USTA league for two years. The first year I got thrashed pretty good. Last year I had a winning record, but didn't play in as many matches. thanks


text:
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
List of Deals
Sears, Roebuck and Co. was founded by Richard W. Sears as the R.W. Sears Watch Company in Minneapolis. In 1886 a local jeweler gave Sears an unwanted shipment of pocket watches, which Sears then sold to agents who resold them at the retail level. After this success, Sears ordered and sold more watches, and within six months he had made $5,000. As Sears knew nothing about watch repair, he hired Alvah Roebuck, a watch repairman. Sears undersold his competition by buying up discontinued lines from manufacturers and passing on his discounts to customers. At various times from 1888 to 1891, thinking himself bored with the business, he sold out to Roebuck, but came back each time.
The famous Sears mail-order catalog was introduced in 1888. Originally eighty pages long, within two years the catalog had grown to 322 pages, selling clothes, jewelry, and durable goods like sewing machines, bicycles, and keyboard instruments. In 1884 the catalog cover proclaimed that Sears was the "Cheapest Supply House on Earth." The company changed its name to Sears, Roebuck and Co. in 1893. Roebuck was uncomfortable with Sears' financial gambles and sold his share two years later. Roebuck remained with the company as a repairman. Sears believed in continuous risk-taking and expansion. One of his innovations was the unconditional money-back guarantee.
The company went public in 1906. Sales rose sixfold between 1908 and 1920. In 1911 Sears began extending credit to its customers at a time when banks would not even consider lending to consumers. The company was hit by the depression of the early 1920s and posted a loss of $16.4 million in 1921. In 1925 it began to take on its current shape when it opened its first retail outlet in Chicago. Seven more new stores followed that year, and by the end of the decade 324 outlets were in operation. By 1931 Sears' stores topped its catalog in sales.
For its first forty years, Sears had targeted the U.S. farmer as its main customer, luring him with a combination of down-home earthiness and material luxury. Two postal service innovations, the rural free delivery system in 1891 and the parcel post rate in 1913, helped target this consumer by making it affordable to reach remote locations by mail. Sears quickly became the parcel post's largest single customer. The company recognized that the growing popularity of the automobile would make urban centers more accessible to outlying areas, broadening the customer base for retail outlets. Sears became the first chain to put free parking lots next to its stores.
In 1929 Sears arranged a merger between two of its suppliers, Upton Machine and Nineteen Hundred Washer Company, to form Nineteen Hundred Corporation, which would change its name to Whirlpool in 1950. The Depression had an impact on the company's sales, but thanks to cost-cutting measures, Sears posted a loss only in 1932. The company even diversified in 1931, with its creation of the Allstate subsidiary to sell auto insurance.
The onset of World War II brought about a sharp increase in military and consumer spending. In 1941 sales reached an all-time high of $975 million, a 30 percent increase over the previous year. Sales leveled off, and raw material shortages began to make durable goods more difficult to come by. As late as 1946 the company had to refund $250 million in orders that could not be filled. Military spending made up for the shortfall. During the war, Sears supplied the armed forces with just about everything that did not need gunpowder to make it work, and even a few things that did; some factories belonging to Sears were converted into munitions plants by the War Department. Sears also began its first foreign ventures during and after the war. In 1942 it opened a store in Havana, and in 1947 it opened stores in Mexico. Sears flourished upon the end of the war. Sales rose to $1 billion in 1945 and doubled over the next year. Anticipating an economic boom, the company began an aggressive expansion program. Building new stores in the path of suburban expansion, Sears quickly left its rivals in its wake. In 1954 it posted sales of $3 billion, while Ward, a competitor, posted merely $1 billion. At that time, Sears became a symbol of American prosperity. The Associated Press' Moscow bureau chief reported in the late 1940s that the most effective piece of foreign propaganda in the Soviet Union was the Sears catalog.
Sears was becoming a widely hailed living experiment in corporate management. Management decentralized the company and separated its merchandising operations into five regional "territories," with each given a high degree of autonomy. During the early 1950s Sears began to stock more clothing as durable goods sales lessened. Between 1951 and 1960 the company acquired virtually complete control of Warwick Electronics, which made Sears televisions, radios, phonographs, and tape players.


text:
"An immensely satisfying, bloody and constantly surprising story of middle-class amateurs mixing it with the big boys. And, as usual, Edinburgh'a village masquerading as a city'is a character in itself."Evening Standard (London)
"Doors Open is a lot of fun. It's pacy, witty, full of action, twists and splendid dialogue. And Rebus does make a subtle appearance when an officer describes his police station as 'a damn sight quieter since you-know-who retired'."Times (London)
"Because Rankin is a master storyteller, that means the reader is quickly swept up and carried along. I read this in one sitting, on a swelteringly hot beach in Greece; I kept meaning to do other thingsfind a beer, fetch a sunhat, check the BlackBerrybut somehow had to keep putting them off until I finished this chapter; and then the next; until I'd reached the end."Guardian (London)


text:
Cinema Image Gallery provides access to over 150,000 high-quality images from films and television programs. Researchers can find still images of films and programs, as well as images of directors working on the set with actors, hair and makeup stills, and rare behind-the-scenes material. Users are able to search by actor, title, director, as well as browse by genre, and even search by Award Name.
Resource URL: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,uid&profile=ehos...
Vendor: Wilson Company
Online Help: Click "Help" in upper row.
This resource is funded by:


text:
TRACK LIVE: Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees, ALCS Game 2
A day ago, Jayson Nix was on the end of the New York Yankees' bench, perhaps best remembered as the guy who hit the batting practice fly that ended Mariano Rivera's season.
Now Nix will be known as the guy taking over for Derek Jeter as the Yankees' shortstop in the American League Championship Series.
Nix will bat ninth instead of first but being in the bottom of the order will not lesson the attention that comes with replacing the man who had started 158 consecutive playoff games for the Yankees.
"Sometimes one man's injury is some man's opportunity," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Saturday night after Jeter's season-ending broken left ankle.
"It is an opportunity for me and it's time for me to do what I can," Nix said. "I'm excited for it."
A 30-year-old journeyman with a career .214 batting average, Nix didn't get an at-bat Saturday night — actually Sunday already had arrived by the time he came on the field after Jeter was helped off in the 12th and final inning of the Yankees' 6-4 loss.
— McNeal: Jeter injury could doom Yankees
Nix batted only four times in the Division Series but he had two hits when he started Game 4 at shortstop, a day after Jeter had fouled a ball off his left foot and was forced to DH.
With those two hits, Nix has equaled the post-season total of two teammates who have batted a lot more in the Yankees' six playoff games. Robinson Cano has gone 2-for-28 (.071), Alex Rodriguez 2-for-19 (.105). Jeter's nine hits (.333) and four runs lead the team.
During the regular season, Nix hit .243 with four homers while playing in 74 games, including 18 at shortstop.
Tigers manager Jim Leyland believes the Yankees will take the field for Game 2 with extra motivation because of the loss of their captain.
"The Yankees will be pumped up," Leyland said Sunday afternoon. "It will be different to say the least not to see (Jeter) in the lineup. Really an unfortunate situation. It's sad, really, but I don't think it's going to have any effect on how the Yankees go about their business."
The Linemakers: Game 2 odds, pick
It had an effect on their batting order, though, which looks quite different from Game 1: Ichiro Suzuki, Cano, Mark Teixeria, Raul Ibanez, Russell Martin, Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Nick Swisher and the new shortstop.
Girardi squashed idea that third baseman Rodriguez, who started his career as a shortstop but hasn't played there since coming to the Yankees in 2004, could slide over to replace Jeter.
"No, I wouldn't do that," Girardi told the Daily News. "it's just been too long."


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2009 H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
The 2009 H1N1 influenza is a type of flu. Like any flu, it mainly affects the lungs. It is caused by a strain of influenza A called H1N1, which was discovered in 2009. The 2009 H1N1 flu is sometimes called swine flu because scientists originally thought the virus came from pigs (swine). But it is now known that this is not the case and that the germ is a new virus. This sheet answers some questions you may have about the 2009 H1N1 flu.
How does 2009 H1N1 flu spread?
The 2009 H1N1 flu virus can spread easily among people the same way the regular flu spreads—through the air in droplets when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. You can also become infected when you touch a surface on which the droplets have landed and then transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching used tissues, or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with an infected person can expose you to the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, too.
Note: 2009 H1N1 flu is not caused by eating pork or pork products. Eating pork or pork products that have been properly handled and cooked is safe.
What are the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu?
2009 H1N1 flu symptoms are about the same as regular flu symptoms. These include:
Fever, usually higher than 100.4°F (38°C), and chills
Sore throat
Body and muscle aches
Dry cough
Runny nose
Tiredness and weakness
Diarrhea and vomiting
Call your healthcare provider for advice if any of the above symptoms become severe. If 2009 H1N1 flu is in your area, your healthcare provider may have you tested.
How is 2009 H1N1 flu treated?
Most people who come down with influenza get better on their own. This includes people infected with 2009 H1N1 flu. If your symptoms are severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines called antivirals. These medicines can reduce the severity and length of illness, but only if they are taken within 2 days of when your symptoms started. The medicines do not guarantee that you will avoid feeling sick, and they will not help much with mild illness. Note that antibiotics are not helpful against influenza.
If your symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider will likely tell you to follow the self-care measures listed below.
Easing flu symptoms
Unless told otherwise by your doctor, drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids, such as water or juice, to prevent dehydration. A good rule is to drink enough so that you urinate your normal amount.
Get plenty of rest.
Ask your healthcare provider about acetaminophen or other medicines for fever and pain. Take any medicine only as directed. Do not give aspirin to children under age 18. It can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Call your doctor if your fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or you become dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath.
Taking steps to protect others
Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or fever symptoms (such as chills), and you are not taking fever-reducing medicine.
Don't share food, utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with others.
You can use a medical facemask over your mouth and nose to help prevent spread of infected droplets when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or talk. You should still follow the measures listed above to decrease your chance of spreading the virus to others.
Ask your doctor whether others in your household should get antiviral medicine to help them avoid infection.
How can 2009 H1N1 flu be prevented?
One of the best ways to prevent the 2009 H1N1 flu is to get vaccinated. Each year, a vaccine is designed to protect against the main types (strains) of influenza that are making people sick. For several years after 2009, the yearly flu vaccine has protected against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, as well as two other flu viruses. Most often, the vaccine is given as a shot. But some people may get the vaccine in nasal spray form instead. Your doctor can tell you which vaccine is right for you. The nasal spray is not recommended for the 2016-2017 flu season. The CDC says this is because the nasal spray did not seem to protect against the flu over the last several flu seasons. In the past, it was meant for people ages 2 to 49.
Wash your hands often. Frequent handwashing is a proven way to prevent infection.
Carry an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol. Use it when you can't use soap and water. Alcohol gels kill most germs and are safe for children.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
At home and work, clean phones, computer keyboards, and toys often with disinfectant wipes.
If possible, avoid close contact with others, especially if 2009 H1N1 flu cases have been identified in the area where you live or work.
Handwashing tips
Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of 2009 H1N1 flu and other common infections. Follow these steps:
Use warm water and plenty of soap. Work up a good lather.
Clean the whole hand, under your nails, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
Wash for at least 15 seconds. Don't just wipe—scrub well.
Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
Using alcohol-based hand gels
Alcohol-based hand gels are also a good choice for cleaning your hands. Use them when you don't have access to soap and water, or your hands aren't visibly dirty. Follow these steps:
Squeeze about a teaspoon of gel into the palm of one hand.
Rub your hands together briskly, cleaning the backs of your hands, the palms, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
Rub until the gel is gone and your hands are completely dry.
When to call the healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain or pressure
Cough with lots of colored sputum (mucus) or blood in the sputum
Severe headache, or face, neck, or ear pain
New rash
Confusion, behavior change, or seizure
Severe or repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
To learn more
Visit the CDC website:


text:
Mendoza boosts case for rotation spot
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Right-hander Luis Mendoza strengthened his bid for the remaining spot in the Royals' rotation on Sunday by pitching five shutout innings in a 10-0 victory over the White Sox.
Mendoza spaced out four singles, one in each of the first four innings, before throwing a 1-2-3 fifth. He threw 63 pitches, including 42 strikes.
"The first thing, I tried to establish my sinker in and just mixed in my curveball and changeup and that was my key today," Mendoza said. "I feel pretty good, definitely. But it's still early and I want to save my arm."
Mendoza is chasing left-hander Bruce Chen, who had a rough outing on Saturday against the Cubs, for the fifth starting slot. Lefty Will Smith and rookie Yordano Ventura are also still in the mix.
Although Mendoza is sometimes mentioned by manager Ned Yost as a "perfect long man" for the bullpen, the pitcher made it clear that he preferred starting.
"Of course I want to start, but any position they give me I'm going to take it and help the team any way I can," Mendoza said.
Yost liked what he saw on Sunday.
"He's doing his part," Yost said. "I've got a couple of weeks left to see what happens, but it was a very nice outing today."
Nate Adcock, J.C. Gutierrez, Dan Wheeler and Greg Holland each added one scoreless inning. The Royals hammered out 18 hits in the runaway.
"The pitching was good all the way around today. The hitting was good," Yost said. "It was a great day, there were positives all the way around. I was trying to find a negative there at the end of the day and I couldn't find one."
Nady sidelined with partial tear in right heel
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Outfielder-first baseman Xavier Nady is hoping to play within a couple of days after sustaining a partial tear, on top of plantar fasciitis, in his right heel.
"It was bothering me and I took a couple days off and I ended up partially tearing it," Nady said. "So now it's more just wait a couple of days and let that swelling, hopefully, go away."
Nady hasn't played since coming out of Wednesday's game with the ailment. A 12-year Major League veteran, he's trying to make the club as a non-roster player. So far, he's 7-for-21 (.333) with a double and five RBIs.
"I'm hoping that it heals rapidly so I can get some at-bats and play," Nady said.
He planned to take batting practice on Sunday.
Collins back in camp after stint with Team USA
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Left-hander Tim Collins was back in the Royals' clubhouse on Sunday and dressed for the occasion. Never mind the green and white caps the team wore on St. Patrick's Day.
Collins was equipped with a tall, floppy leprechaun hat, a vivid green shirt and a pot o' gold, complete with chocolate-filled coins.
Is he Irish?
"A little bit," Collins said. "I'm a mutt: Irish, Indian, German and French."
Collins returned to the Royals on Sunday, along with first baseman Eric Hosmer, after playing with Team USA, which was eliminated in the World Baseball Classic on Friday.
"For the most part, it was good," Collins said. "It wasn't fun to lose, but I'm excited to be back in camp. I didn't get as much work as I would've liked to, but that's just how the tournament goes. They're out there to win and it doesn't matter if you get your innings or not, so that's why I'm excited to be back in camp, to get my work done."
Collins pitched in two games for a total of one inning during his two-week absence. He did get in several side sessions but missed work facing hitters.
"For me it was more about the competition of facing the hitters as [opposed to] going in the bullpen and working on stuff because I can do that all day," Collins said. "For me right now, it's facing hitters and how my stuff is working against the hitters."
Collins is scheduled to pitch in Monday night's game against the Rangers.
"I'm certainly behind most of the guys that have stayed in camp, but I don't think it's going to affect me," Collins said. "We've got two weeks left and I'll probably pitch three or four more times. That's usually about where I am at the end of camp -- seven, eight, nine innings, and right now I think I'm at four or five innings, so I'm not too far behind. There are guys that are a lot further ahead but, for me, I think I'm right where I usually am."
Counting his inning in the Classic, Collins has pitched four innings and faced 20 batters.
Yost talks a little friendly trash with his son
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Ned Yost IV, son of Royals manager Ned Yost, is the hitting coach for Milwaukee's advanced Class A team at Brevard County, Fla.
A couple days ago, the Brevard County kids got 18 hits and Ned IV was named "Coach of the Day" in the Brewers' camp. It just so happened that on Sunday, the Florida State League team was coming to Surprise for a game against the Royals' Class A kids.
So the senior Yost called his son on Sunday morning to give him some news, and this is how the father said it went:
Dad: "Hey, I just want you to know you ain't getting 'Coach of the Day' today.
Son: "Why?"
Dad: "Because I'm sending James Shields up to face you guys for six innings."
Son: "[Groaning] Great."
Dad: "Tell your boys to be ready to face the best changeup they've ever seen."
Shields, the Royals' top starter, was getting work in during a Minor League game to clear Cactus League time for other pitchers and, not so coincidentally, to avoid facing the Royals' opening series foe, the White Sox.
The Ned IV-coached Brewers obviously were eager.
"They were swinging, that's for sure," Shields said. "I think I threw 75 or so pitches and I ended up going 7 2/3. It was six innings but we kept adding extra outs. But I got some really good work in and threw some really quality pitches today. Started getting my curveball over for strikes, which I was very pleased with."
In short, Shields was going so good that, with the elastic rules in effect, he was able to get 7 2/3 innings inside of six.
"I figured that would probably be the case," the senior Yost said.
Escobar plays in Minor League scrimmage
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Shortstop Alcides Escobar, eager to return from a stiff back, played in a Minor League game for Class A Wilmington on Sunday while Royals pitcher James Shields got a workout.
"He was moving good, man," Shields said. "I think he had three doubles."
Actually, Escobar had two doubles as he went 2-for-3 and scored three runs. He had missed five straight days of the Royals' Cactus League games.
Catcher Salvador Perez also played, handling Shields against Milwaukee's Brevard County team and went 4-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, an RBI and three runs.
Although Shields had several four-out innings in the controlled scrimmage, officially he was credited with six innings while giving up no runs and two hits. Throwing 76 pitches (54 strikes), he struck out eight of 23 batters and walked one.
Dick Kaegel 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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Front Range > Bill Couch Mountain > Climber's Log
Bill Couch Mountain Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Bill Couch Mountain
Date Climbed: Jul 16, 2017
|Meadowlark/Plymouth Creek/Red Mesa/Golden Eagle with Maria & Caitlyn. Hot and sunny. Not nearly as crowded, possibly due to the heat.
|Posted Jul 19, 2017 9:31 pm
|Pete Castricone
|Lonely Summit
Date Climbed: Jun 4, 2016
|This little summit in Deer Creek Canyon probably doesn't get many visitors.
|Posted Apr 17, 2017 9:33 pm
|Bill Couch Mountain
Date Climbed: Nov 13, 2016
|Meadowlark/Plymouth Creek/Red Mesa/Golden Eagle with Maria. Spectacular weather today, last year there was snow on the ground. We've had an unseasonably warm November, so there were a lot of people out today.
|Posted Nov 13, 2016 6:55 pm
|Bill Couch Mountain
Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2015
|Second time on Bill Couch Mountain. It was sunny and hot. I got this one, then wandered around the other trails, and made my way over to Plymouth Mountain.
|Posted Jul 31, 2015 10:49 pm
|Climbing Jack
|Two summits
Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2012
|Done with Plymouth.
|Posted Jul 21, 2014 10:31 pm
|Brian Kalet
|Golden Eagle
Date Climbed: May 26, 2014
|With the wife.
|Posted May 27, 2014 12:57 pm
|Sarah Simon
|Golden Eagle
Date Climbed: Jan 5, 2014
|We headed first up Wilds Peak, then hit Bill Couch on our way out. Teeth-Splitting cold today, but a foot of fresh powder and blue sunny skies made this a delightful day!
|Posted Jan 5, 2014 8:04 pm
|Bill Couch #14
Date Climbed: Mar 10, 2013
|Tons of snow the day before, so we opted for a peak that was close to home and safe. Lovely snow.
|Posted Jul 7, 2013 6:00 pm
Date Climbed: Apr 5, 2013
|nice hike, nice views, good way to end the day.
|Posted Apr 16, 2013 1:25 pm
|Bill Couch Mountain
Date Climbed: Apr 5, 2013
|Another nice hike after work, nice exercise, beats gym by any means, late start around 4 pm, back to car around 7 pm. Spent more than half hour on little summit, nice views of Denver area.
|Posted Apr 5, 2013 10:29 pm
|2 peaks in one Day
Date Climbed: Mar 19, 2013
|After Plymouth I hiked over to bill couch mountain. Very scenic and quiet
|Posted Mar 19, 2013 7:04 pm
|Golden Eagle Trail
Date Climbed: Mar 10, 2013
|A beautiful, warm and sunny, morning climb with my wife. We made fresh tracks on Golden Eagle Trail to reach the summit. I decided to leave my snowshoes on the pack for some post hole exercise. Leeward drifts were thigh deep in places, but very brief.
|Posted Mar 11, 2013 12:42 pm
|With Buster
Date Climbed: Nov 4, 2012
|Have climbed this mnt several times. A great quick peak in the canyon. Today was with Buster, his second peak.
|Posted Nov 4, 2012 7:10 pm
|First Colorado Summit
Date Climbed: Nov 8, 2011
|Not enough snow to ski, so I went on my first hike in Colorado. Beautiful area, I see myself getting out more.
|Posted Nov 8, 2011 4:05 pm
|Jeremy Hakes
Date Climbed: Jan 7, 2007
|Been there when it is dry, too.
|Posted Jan 26, 2011 1:51 pm
|Veteran's Day
Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2009
|Hiked with my two year old daughter. Nice hike with amazing views at the summit. Found a geocache along the way.
|Posted Nov 11, 2009 5:51 pm
|Bill couch
|nice little after work hike
|Posted Jan 1, 2009 3:31 pm
|...with Plymouth
Date Climbed: Dec 8, 2007
|Beautiful after snowy hike with the wife and dog.
|Posted Oct 13, 2008 5:52 pm
|Standard Route - Winter
Date Climbed: Jan 21, 2005
|Climbed via the trails in a dry January. Down low 'ice creepers' are recommended on the very icy trails. Otherwise, a very enjoyable outing to an almost summertime-like summit.
|Posted Jun 6, 2008 3:05 pm
|Bill Couch Mountain
Date Climbed: May 31, 2008
|I took the Plymouth Creek trail most of the way to the top, and then I took the Plymouth Creek and Meadowlark trails on the return. The weather was great, but it was pretty hot in the valley. I saw no one else on the Golden Eagle trail, but it was pretty crowded on the lower trails.
|Posted May 31, 2008 6:33 pm


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Schoop due back in Orioles camp Wednesday
By Evan Drellich / MLB.com
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Jonathan Schoop is due back with the Orioles on Wednesday morning after a travel day from San Francisco, where the Kingdom of the Netherlands lost, 4-1, to the Dominican Republic in the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic on Monday.
Schoop, who is ranked the Orioles' No. 4 prospect by MLB.com, went 6-for-28 (.214) with a .313 on-base percentage, one double and a pair of home runs during the Classic.
Manager Buck Showalter said the 21-year-old likely won't get into a game for at least a day or two. When the season starts, the likely plan is to have him play shortstop at Triple-A Norfolk, although that's not final.
"I think he's going to play shortstop, he may play all over," Showalter said. "[Can] project him at any of the three infield positions. [Director of player development Brian Graham] says he turns the double play as well if not better than anybody we got. … I think his bat's going to play up. He's still a growing boy. He's going to play at what, 21 this year?"
While Schoop will get continued Major League camp time, Showalter is weary of tiring him out after Netherlands went as far as it did in the Classic.
"We don't want to wear the guy out. He [has had] some real growing pains," Showalter said. "Actually, he grew so much, he had some soreness with his knees some. ... I'll probably give him a day or two before we do anything here, but you could tell on his face, he really enjoyed it. One thing was obvious: very competitive."
Adam Jones, who played for Team USA during the Classic, will likely return to the Orioles' Grapefruit League lineup on Wednesday, said Showalter.
Feeling healthy, Roberts gearing up for regular season
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Brian Roberts played in his first road game of the Grapefruit League season on Tuesday, and the Orioles' second baseman has another first coming up: playing in three consecutive games.
Baltimore returns home for the next two days, against Toronto on Wednesday and then Pittsburgh on Thursday.
"He knows this last two weeks is going to be a pretty good test for him, but so far he feels good," manager Buck Showalter."None of us do all the things [we could] 10 years ago, but … he's running well, he's got a lot of things behind him that were a challenge. I think he's in a good mental state of mind."
Roberts went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in the Orioles' 8-7 win over the Red Sox. Roberts didn't take the bus down -- "Let's not get crazy," he joked -- but the 35-year-old doesn't mind being on the road during Spring Training. You get to the park, you get on the field and you get out.
"Nate [McLouth] and I rode down together," Roberts said. "Had a good time talking about the game and talking about life. You get to do something that you don't always get to do when you're at home."
Roberts, who has dealt with concussions in the past, swiped a pair of bags Tuesday, one standing and one headfirst. He hopes more of his steals are of the standing variety.
"I think today was a great step," said Roberts. "I felt really good, I felt confident in getting on the bases and running and being aggressive. I think my mindset has continued to get better and better every day. ... The speed of the game is starting to come back and staring to slow everything down more."
Showalter pointed out that while Roberts isn't as young as he once was, the time he missed isn't a total waste. Some of the wear and tear a regular 35-year-old might have on the rest of his body, Roberts might have been able to save himself. He's been itching to play all spring.
"I think he would have played all 30 something games here if we let him," Showalter said.
As long as Roberts is able to play, he believes his power and his regular numbers will accompany him. It's just a matter of staying on the field.
"I think if I get 600 at-bats, I'll do the same things that I always did," said Roberts.
Gausman turns in near flawless outing vs. Boston
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It seems pitching coach Rick Adair was kidding when he suggested to manager Buck Showalter that righty Kevin Gausman, who is ranked the club's No. 2 prospect, start the season in the Majors as a reliever.
Showalter told Adair to take the idea to executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette.
"As Rick does: 'What if we saved his innings by putting him in the bullpen [to start] the season [and] then send him out," Showalter recalled after Gausman's two scoreless innings in an 8-7 win over Boston on Tuesday. "I said, 'Rick, Dan is right up there. Go run that by him.'
"He's pitched well and on Thursday we'll step back and take a look if it's time for him to go or not."
Showalter and the front office will meet on Thursday to discuss the roster, including the future of Gausman. Maybe the 22-year-old could stay in camp a little longer. Showalter pointed out that Gausman routinely pitched in front of thousands of fans at Louisiana State.
However, a kid with five Minor League games to his name and none of them above Class A isn't likely to make any jump like the one Adair was toying with. And Adair was indeed toying.
Gausman struck out the first two batters he faced in the sixth inning Tuesday, and they weren't Minor Leaguers. Mike Napoli and Jarrod Saltalamacchia both went down swinging. The next batter, Will Middlebrooks, ripped a fastball for a one-hop ground-rule double to center. That was the only hit Gausman allowed, and he retired the side in order in the seventh.
"He was good again," Showalter said. "You can see why everybody is so high on him. He's thrown well here. [I'm] impressed with the little things -- his times to the plate, the stretch. When he does get centered up, comes right back, continues to pound the zone. Doesn't get careful of the barrel of the bat like a lot of guys do that don't have a lot of experience."
Gausman's 12 1/3 innings have brought four runs allowed and 14 strikeouts and six walks. After issuing three walks to the Rays five days ago, he walked none Tuesday.
Showalter trying to figure out roster's composition
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- With Opening Day two weeks away, trying to figure out which non-roster invitees make the Orioles' 25-man roster seems like an exercise in futility to manager Buck Showalter.
"There's some unknown there. You know Nick [Markakis] and Nolan [Reimold], where we're going to be with them at the end of camp," Showalter said. "Just some wasted brain power, me personally, doing too much [forecasting] right now. ... I'd love to be around half the season and then make a decision."
Markakis (neck) continued to improve on Tuesday, Showalter said, while Reimold (right shoulder) is slated to play on Wednesday at home against the Blue Jays.
Some greater clarity could be had internally when the O's meet to discuss their options on Thursday morning.
Showalter said there can never be enough looks at players who are trying to make the team, although there are some -- Steve Pearce, for example -- who are known quantities.
As the regular season rapidly approaches, the distribution of at-bats will swing some in the favor of players who will likely head north when camp ends.
Ryan Flaherty hasn't played much at Triple-A and has options, but as Showalter pointed out, he has also shown Major League capability. Showalter wants him to play every day.
"It's going to be a tough one there one way or the other," Showalter said.
Evan Drellich is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @EvanDrellich. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
hi, i am some newb in MFC programming now dealing with some problems while learning other's codes
as you can see from the image, i am running debugging mode going step by step up to that yellow arrow (circled in red)
i noticed that in the "watcher" section at the bottom right it says the symbol "str" is not found
what puzzles me is that "str" has already been declared already (circled in red) and how is it possible that it cannot be found?
shouldnt it be some text? or at least empty text "" ?
i hovered my mouse over "str" and nothing came up
could it be some declarations i left out? i got no idea
please advise and enlighten me :wave:
- winxp
- MFC style


text:
In 26 games, Martinez batted .280 with 16 runs, three doubles, 12 walks, a .610 slugging percentage, and a .360 on-base percentage. The six-time AL All-Star collected the 2,000th hit of his career on May 2 at Chicago, extending his own club record. In May, the veteran moved up to second all-time among DHs in home runs and RBI, trailing only Harold Baines in each category. Martinez, a five-time monthly award winner, currently ranks among AL leaders in batting average (.328), home runs (14), and RBI (47).
Halladay won each of his six starts in May, pitching seven innings or more in each turn, while playing an integral role in Toronto's franchise-best 21-8 month. The 2002 AL All-Star compiled 35 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched, allowing just 40 hits and three walks overall. His month was highlighted by a complete game victory over Chicago on May 27 at SkyDome.
Other players receiving votes were Baltimore's Melvin Mora (.379, 3 HR, 14 RBI); Boston's Nomar Garciaparra (.339, 5 HR, 27 RBI) and Bill Mueller (AL-best .418); Detroit's Dmitri Young (.355, 6 HR, 25 RBI); Minnesota's Dustan Mohr (.396, 5 HR, 15 RBI); Oakland's Eric Byrnes (.356, 4 HR, 21 RBI); Ichiro Suzuki (.389, ML-best 44 hits) of the Mariners; Tampa Bay's Aubrey Huff (10 HR, AL-best 667 SLG); and Carlos Delgado (.299, 8 HR, 27 RBI, AL-best 27 runs) and Vernon Wells (.317, 7 HR, 28 RBI) of the Blue Jays.
Pitchers named on the ballots included Mark Mulder (4-1, 1.54, 3 CG) of the Athletics; Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia (4-0, 1.91); Jamie Moyer (5-0, 3.23) of the Mariners; and Cory Lidle (5-1, 2.98, AL-best 45.1 IP) of the Jays.
Martinez and Halladay will each receive specially designed trophies as the American League Pepsi Player and Pitcher of the Month.


text:
The First Finathon™ in Malaysia - What A FINtastic Event
Project AWARE's FINatical about Dive Downbelow who reached the finish line and raised AUD $5,000 for sharks. Everyone completed the 1km open sea swim and enjoyed the day so much they're asking: "When's the next Finathon?"
The Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Directors, Richard and Joanne are passionate about sharks and jumped on board straight away to host the first Finathon™ in Sabah. Downbelow funded the entire day so all money raised will go directly to Project AWARE.
"We're horrified at the current decline of the shark population and the awful practice of finning which is pushing many species to the brink of extinction," said Richard.
"This was a great healthy fun way to raise awareness and funding for a hugely important cause. We're amazed at the support shown by all participants and cannot thank them enough for the effort they put in particularly with regard to fundraising," he added.
Along the route they stationed 3 boats, 3 kayaks and 6 Instructors with life rings to monitor the participants. An illegal fishing net and 34kg of marine debris discovered on route was removed later that day by Downbelow staff.
If you're planning your first Finathon™ and have dive courses scheduled involve everyone in your big event. Dive Downbelow IDC candidates swam the course and received credit for their ongoing program as did three PADI Open Water course participants.
The event was applauded by Minister for Tourism, Sabah, Datuk Masidi Manjun and a new industry contact is so impressed he pledged to assist funding Dive Downbelows' next Finathon™!
Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved for being FINatical enough to join the challenge and help give sharks a brighter future.
Special Congratulations To Kinabula International School(KIS) Diving and Conservation Club for their speedy swim times and super fundraising. KIS was the highest fundraising team to enter event, raising a staggering RM3500! As an added bonus, Cassandra Davis finished in 1st place with a time of 21 minutes closely followed by Andre Leong with a time of 21:32. Teacher, Gareth Pearson finished 3rd with a time of 24 minutes and Georgia O'Donnell in Year 7 produced a fantastic time of 29:15.


text:
Autumn dry spell to come to a soggy end
It's time to locate that umbrella again.
A big low pressure system forming off the NSW coast looks set to bring the wettest weather in months to coastal regions around Sydney.
For the past month, Sydneysiders have enjoyed the longest autumn dry spell in more than 150 years of records, with just 0.6 millimetres of rain landing at Observatory Hill since April 21.
Tuesday will offer one last day of warm, sunny weather, with a maximum of 23 degrees expected, before showers and then rain develop from Wednesday until Saturday.
"Between the Illawarra and the Hunter there will be isolated falls of above 200 millimetres," Rob Sharpe, a meteorologist with Weatherzone, said. "The heaviest falls are going to be right along the coastal fringe."
Inland regions, such as the Blue Mountains, will receive 50 millimetres over the next few days. Falls further west will be less - at 15-30 millimetres - but still very welcome after months of well-below-average rainfall had stoked farmers' fears of drought setting in.
"This will be the rain that some people have been waiting for," Brett Dutschke, senior meteorologist at Weatherzone, said.
Model cheer
This week's rain may also signal an end to the dry spell over much of southern Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology's latest rainfall outlook, due out Wednesday, will report that climate models show conditions are becoming more conducive for rainfall.
Of particular note for climate watchers is the so-called Indian Ocean Dipole. The dipole, which measures sea-surface temperature anomalies between the waters off the coasts of Africa and Western Australia, has its greatest influence on south-east Australia over winter and spring, and the signal is encouraging for those hoping for more rain.
"All models are pointing to conditions close to, or negative IOD, which is favourable for rainfall across southern, especially south-eastern Australia," Andrew Watkins, manager of climate prediction services at the Bureau of Meteorology, said.
Atmospheric moisture is likely to produce cloud over the Timor Sea, which then streams over the continent. If the cloud "interacts with a cold front, you can get some good rainfall out of that", he said.
The rain, should it come, will reward farmers who have taken the punt in recent weeks to "dry sow" their crops – planting the seeds in dry soils on anticipation of wintry rain to make up for the dismally dry autumn for many rural areas.
Delicate balance
Dr Dutschke cautions, though, against hopes rising too high. While some cold fronts will bring decent rains, others may prove less intense than average.
"It'll be a bit of a balance," Dr Dutschke said. "You may get normal moisture levels but weaker-than-normal frontal systems."
"Overall, a lot of the rain is likely to fall in fewer days than we'd see in a normal season," he said. "It might look good in the rain gauge but if it runs off to the low points of the land (without soaking in), it's effectively less rain."
POAMA unveiled
This week's rainfall outlook update will also see the debut of the weather bureau's new climate model.
The Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia, or POAMA, will shift from predictions primarily based on historical records to a model which captures the dynamics of current climate conditions.
"We've kind of rung all the blood out of those stones," said Dr Watkins, referring to the historical data.
The new model will also use 1981-2010 averages for comparisons in the forecasts, rather than the 1950-1999 period used previously, to reflect how Australia's climate has warmed over recent decades.
"In other words, when we say it is above or below average, it's more aligned to what people have experienced over the last generation, or so," Dr Watkins said. "People do feel their climate is a bit different to mid-last century."
An example of the shift is that Sydney's start to 2013 has been 1.4 degrees warmer than normal over the long term but only 0.3 degrees warmer than the average since 2000, Acacia Pepler, a bureau meteorologist, said.
The city's average maximum of 25.6 degrees between January 1 and May 15, while among the hottest on record, lagged 2004, 2006 and 2010 to this point in the year, she said.
Even if Sydney's weather falls short of the extremes of some previous years, though, the consistently warm conditions have made their mark in the record books.
Each day of May has been above the average maximum for the month of 19.4 degrees, and the city clocked up 26 consecutive days of 20-plus degree days up until last Thursday, a record for this late in the year.
Weatherzone is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of this website.
Peter Hannam is Environment Editor at The Sydney Morning Herald. He covers broad environmental issues ranging from climate change to renewable energy for Fairfax Media.
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text:
Baker talks Reds rotation without Cueto
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
CINCINNATI -- The Reds entered Monday with the second-best rotation ERA in the Majors at 3.29, trailing only the Dodgers (3.16). Asked if his surging club had the advantage in the National League Central race over the Cardinals and Pirates because of its rotation, Reds manager Dusty Baker disagreed.
"Not without Johnny Cueto, I don't," Baker replied. "They're all good staffs. Aren't the Pirates the No. 1 staff around? And they got more depth than we have because you see the number of players they've called up. The Cardinals, how many guys have they called up? And how many have the Pirates called up?"
Cueto has been out since June because of a strained right lat muscle. Pittsburgh lost lefty Wandy Rodriguez to a forearm strain and St. Louis has been without Chris Carpenter and Jaime Garcia. The rotations of St. Louis and Pittsburgh were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in the league.
"That's only part of the equation," Baker said. "Starting pitching's not necessarily going to take you there, but it's going to get you pretty close."
Reds focused more on division title, not Wild Card
CINCINNATI -- With three teams bunched together and in line for three playoff spots, the battle for the National League Central should be the race that sizzles the rest of the way in baseball.
By winning six of eight and 11 of 16 entering Monday, the third-place Reds have shown that they aren't content to settle for one of the NL Wild Card berths. They came in 2 1/2 games behind the division-leading Pirates, and 1 1/2 games behind the second-place Cardinals. As recently as Aug. 8, Cincinnati was staring at a season-high seven-game deficit and seemed to be spinning its wheels perpetually.
"It's funny how you get written off when you're seven games out, and now we go on a little run and we're back," Reds third baseman Todd Frazier said. "That's baseball and that's how things go. You just got to bear with yourself, bear with your team, bear with your city, and that's just the way it goes."
After several games of struggles, the Reds' offense has scored five or more runs in four of the past six games vs. the Cubs and Brewers. The rotation came in 5-2 with a 1.89 ERA in the previous 10 games, and the bullpen has generally been solid with the work of Sam LeCure, Manny Parra and J.J. Hoover stepping up.
"For the most part lately, we've been coming together, and from top to bottom, putting together some good at-bats," catcher Ryan Hanigan said. "We had nine walks [Sunday at Milwaukee] and we had nine runs with no homers. The pitching has been there. The bullpen has been there. If we can keep at it, keep grinding, this is definitely a good team. I feel like we're ready to make a push and really put together a good string. If it doesn't go that way, we have to grind it out a little more."
Reds fans have waited all season for this -- a push to take control of the division they last led on April 22. It seems to be coming together, at just the right time. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has dropped seven of its previous nine games. St. Louis is 9-8 in August and is seeking its first three-game winning streak since late July.
"We knew if we turned around and played the kind of ball we knew we can play, it was going to happen like that," Reds shortstop Zack Cozart said. "The Pirates are going to play the Cardinals like they did. And we're going to play the Pirates. It's going to be whoever is hot at the end. We think we're playing a lot better ball and we can play a lot better than we have, too."
If the season ended today, the Reds would have the second NL Wild Card spot. Clearly, that's not the desired end game. In town is the closest team chasing them in the D-backs, who came in five games back. The Reds are still thinking more about catching Pittsburgh and St. Louis, and less on staving off Arizona.
"We're not trying to slide into the Wild Card," Hanigan said. "That's a flip of the coin if it goes down that way. It's better to be in the driver's seat by winning the division. We've got games against the Cardinals. We've got games against the Pirates. We have a lot of opportunities. It's in our hands."
Reds considering logistics of September callups
CINCINNATI -- The Reds will soon have some decisions to make on September callups, once rosters are allowed to expand on Sept. 1. Those choices are far from clear for general manager Walt Jocketty.
"We're looking at what kind of depth we need. The biggest problem we have is [40-man] roster spots," Jocketty said on Monday.
Cincinnati's roster is currently at its 40-man limit, with two players -- relievers Sean Marshall and Nick Masset -- on the 60-day disabled list not counting against that number.
The one name that figures most in the dilemma is top prospect and speedy center fielder Billy Hamilton, who is not on the 40-man roster. He would have to be added before a promotion.
"We have to find a way to do it without losing people," Jocketty said.
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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You are here
Diversity at the Law School
Welcome to the diversity section of the Pace Law School Web site. Pace Law School is fortunate to be part of the New York City metropolitan area, and our objective is to create a student body, faculty, and staff that reflect the wealth of backgrounds represented here. Therefore we actively seek to create a community that is as diverse as possible in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. We also welcome those who are disabled and others who come from diverse backgrounds.
We know that the entire Law School community benefits from an inclusive environment that encourages open and honest discourse on a broad array of topics. We embrace diverse opinions both inside the classroom and out, and expect everyone to be treated with dignity and respect for who they are and for their unique perspectives.
While we value a diverse community that allows individuals from varying backgrounds and identities to honor their differences, we also recognize that we are part of a community with many shared goals and objectives, regardless of our backgrounds. As then President-elect Barack Obama stated:
"I believe that "if we could just recognize ourselves in one another and bring everyone together – . . . Latino, Asian, and Native American; black and white, gay and straight, disabled and not – then . . . maybe, just maybe, we might perfect our union in the process."
— President-elect Barack Obama in his pre-inaugural
address at the Lincoln Memorial, January 18, 2009.
Welcome again to Pace Law School, where we celebrate both our differences and our shared goals and ideals.
For more information, or to find out about community service opportunities, contact Professor Atwell.
Barbara L. Atwell
Director of Diversity Initiatives and Professor of Law
Pace Law School
78 North Broadway
White Plains, New York 10603
(914) 422-4257


text: Something that occurred to me the other day with regards to replicators. Why would Picard need to specify "Earl Grey. Hot" when ordering tea? If the computer can recognize an individual surely it would be able to remember their preferences. All Picard should have needed to say was "tea". Of course if that were the case then we would have been deprived of one of Picard's trademark lines.


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Attorneys for the teenager accused of kidnapping, killing and dismembering 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway are seeking to move the case out of Jefferson County and close court proceedings to the public.
More than 20 motions were filed last week by Austin Sigg's attorneys. Sigg, who turned 18 in jail, is charged with 18 counts related to Jessica's death last October and an attack on a jogger at Ketner Lake last Memorial Day weekend. A not-guilty plea was entered for Sigg in April, over objections from his attorneys, who said they need more time to consider the plea.
Four of the counts carry mandatory life sentences.
The motions, which were made public Wednesday, touch on a broad range of topics, including the public's access to hearings and efforts to exclude evidence and testimony.
Several of the 26 motions were heavily redacted.
A hearing has been scheduled for Friday at the Jefferson County courthouse.
His attorneys argued that "persistent and pervasive" coverage of the case by local media, including The Denver Post, has already jeopardized Sigg's right to a fair trial. As a result, they want the case moved to a different jurisdiction and all remaining hearings closed to the public and media.
In April, Judge Stephen Munsinger set a Sept. 20 start for Sigg's trial. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
Friends and family members of Jessica and Sigg would be allowed to attend, according to the motion.
Sigg's attorneys are also requesting separate trials for charges involving Sigg's alleged attack on a 22-year-old woman at Ketner Lake prior to Jessica's disappearance, as well as sexual exploitation charges stemming from materials allegedly discovered in Sigg's home.
In several motions, Sigg's attorneys said prosecutors should not be allowed to include statements Sigg and others made to police. They have also moved to exclude testimony from the nurse who conducted a sexual assault examination on Jessica's remains.
His attorneys also said they plan to call an expert witness concerning adolescent brain development, according to one filing. They wrote that the expert's testimony is intended to educate the jury and is not an effort to establish an insanity defense.
Jessica was kidnapped while walking to school in Westminster on Oct. 5, 2012. Part of her body was found days later in a field in Arvada.
Sigg was arrested Oct. 23 after authorities say he confessed on the phone.


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Before I touch on this subject, don't any of you find it strange how Zetsu had already known of Obito's friends (Kakashi & Rin), but yet when Obito asked him of Minato he didn't even know who the heck he was { http://www.narutobase.net/manga/Naruto/604/10 }. This is a kid who was unconscious for god knows how long and had suddenly awakened into a hideout cave without mentioning any description of his friends or having any sharingan to sharingan information extracted. Quite odd if you ask me!
But anyways, I was just thinking to myself, what if Madara knew of Obito's hidden potential (Converting to Space-time) all along hence manipulating Rin's death through some coverted operation in order to activate Obito's MS. That may explain why he told Obito before he left outside that he will return back to his hideout despite the fact that Obito currently has no intentions of going back there. Its because Madara was keeping an eye on him even before they had met and moreover, had secretly plotted the death of Rin.
He knew Obito had an affection for Rin and that her death would activate his MS! If it was Kakashi who had died instead, Obito's sharingan would remain unchanged, therefore making his eyes useless for the battle of obtaining beasts.
Also notice that the Hidden Mist ninja is referring to his village as "the bloody mist" { http://www.narutobase.net/manga/Naruto/605/7 }. So this confirms that the Old Bloody Mist graduation of killing their whole classmates was not created by Obito during the time he controlled the 3rd Mizukage. It was either Madara who created this graduation or the previous Mizukage (I don't believe the 2nd Mizukage did either because he seemed to have a liking for his village and moreover look at him, hes a entertainer ). If it is of Madara's action, then its a given that he still has some means of manipulating the Mist even at his senile age. He had done something for those Mist ninjas to harm Kakashi and Rin. I believe their Mizukage was the 3rd during that time of event. Maybe the real Madara was the one who was controlling the 3rd Mizukage and right before he died, he had passed down his manipulated subject to Obito, his successor to his Moon's Eye plan.
So what you think guys? I would love to say that he used Shisui's eyes but that clearly wouldn't make sense since Shisui was alive and well during that time. Could be some sort of occular jutsu in which he can control multiple shinobi's from long distances including Rin. But whatever the situation is, im pretty sure that Rin was under some sort of evil influence and possibly not Kakashi.


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College arm Adams offers Red Sox solid mix
By Michael Periatt / MLB.com
BOSTON -- Taken by the Red Sox with the 203rd pick overall, Mike Adams had pitched just 16 innings during his first three years at Tampa before finding a role as the Spartans' bullpen ace this season.
He excelled coming out of the 'pen and was named a Division II All-American. He struck out 77 batters in 64 1/3 innings and recorded a 2.10 ERA. He's listed a 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds.
Adams, a left-hander, throws his fastball in the upper 80s with good movement. His best pitch is his curveball, which grades as a plus offering, and he also throws a serviceable changeup. He has a loose, easy delivery, which helps him throw all three of his pitches for strikes.
Adams was a red-shirt his freshman year, and still has one year of eligibility remaining.
Red Sox nab complete catcher to open Day 2
BOSTON -- Jon Denney was the only player at the MLB Draft telecast not selected Thursday, but the high school catching prospect didn't have to wait long to hear his name on Day 2.
The Red Sox made Denney the 81st overall pick, taking him with their first selection on Day 2 of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft on Friday. The slot value for the selection is $671,2000.
"For a little bit I was surprised," CJ Medlin, Denney's coach at Yukon High School in Oklahoma, said of the wait to be selected, "but in the long run, this could be just a biased opinion, but I feel like he's going to end up being one of the top kids of the high school catchers taken this year when it's all said and done. I think he's got plenty of tools, I think his upside is tremendous and his ceiling is pretty much untapped right now."
Director of amateur scouting Amiel Sawdaye was "excited with the talent that was available" in rounds three through 10.
"Our scouts did an outstanding job in preparation for this area of the Draft, allowing us to select a diverse mix of talented pitching and position player prospects," Sawdaye said in a statement. "We look forward to adding this talent into the Red Sox organization and to beginning the players' development path in professional baseball."
Denney has the complete package for the position, with advanced receiving skills and a plus arm. He has some power in his bat as well and showed off his offensive skills at the Area Code Games over the summer.
Denney continued showing all-around ability both at and behind the plate during his senior year, moving past other prep backstops in this Draft class.
Some scouts think his athleticism projects better as a corner outfielder or first baseman at the next level.
"I think he's got a great chance to stay behind the plate with Boston," Medlin said. "I think he's got the aptitude to do so, but wherever they do decide to put him I think he'll do great at and excel at it tremendously."
Denney is committed to play at Akransas next year, but he has indicated he would like to start his professional career sooner rather than later.
I'm so happy to be an official Red Sox baseball player in their organization thank you friends and family for the support!- Jon Denney #26 (@jondenney26) June 7, 2013
"I know he's eager to start that journey of professional baseball," Medlin said. "I know he's going to have a big decision on his plate right now with where he was drafted or you know going to school. Personally I'd love to see him go and play some pro ball and get it going."
This is awesome i have been a Red Sox fan my whole life! Ever since I started watching MLB baseball, now I'm apart of their organization!- Jon Denney #26 (@jondenney26) June 7, 2013
In the Pipeline
Through two days and the first 10 round of the Draft, the Red Sox have selected seven pitchers, two outfielders and one catcher. The focus on pitching reflects a need for top arms in their farm system. Of Boston's top 10 prospects as ranked by MLB.com, only three are pitchers and only one of those (Henry Owens) is a lefty. The Red Sox have drafted three left-handers thus far, including their first pick Trey Ball.
Boston took lefty Corey Littrell in the fifth round Friday. Due to his college experience at Kentucky, some scouts think Littrell could be on an accelerated track to the big leagues.
The two outfielders Boston has selected so far -- Jordon Austin and Forrestt Allday -- could face a crowded road to the big leagues. Led by Jackie Bradley Jr. and Bryce Brentz, the Red Sox seemed to have a good idea of their immediate future at the position.
Red Sox intrigued by Missouri righty's stuff
BOSTON -- Myles Smith began his college career as a shortstop at Missouri, but he quickly realized that if he was going to have a professional career, it was going to be on the mound.
The Boston Red Sox rewarded the position change Friday when they selected Smith with the 113th selection in the fourth round of the First-Year Player Draft.
The Mets took Smith in the 16th round last year, but he chose to return to the collegiate ranks.
The right-hander transferred to Miami Dade College in 2012 and moved on to Lee, an NAIA power for the previous season. With a fastball that can touch 97 mph and a solid changeup, Smith dominated at Lee, but to make it to the big leagues, he will need to improve his command.
"I think command is a big thing for him," said Mark Brew, the head baseball coach at Lee. "His arm has grown meaning how much velocity he's gained in it so quickly that I almost think his command and his body hasn't caught up to it yet."
Smith is listed at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds and his slight frame and erratic breaking ball may push him back to the bullpen as a professional. Brew thinks Smith has the ability to start professionally, but will need to adjust to the higher level of competition.
"On our level he just overwhelmed people with his ability and you know at that level that's not going to be the case," said Brew. "He's going to need that command and that ability to locate his fastball."
Taken by Boston, Littrell has feel for pitching
BOSTON -- College lefties who show they know how to pitch tend to do well in the Draft and for southpaw Corey Littrell, his savviness on the mound is what he sees as his biggest strength.
The Red Sox selected the Kentucky Wildcat in the fifth round of the Draft on Friday with the 143rd overall pick.
"My biggest strength is my competitiveness. I know how to pitch," Littrell said. "My dad played professional baseball with the Dodgers, and at an early age he instilled in me how to pitch. I'm not a guy that's going to overpower anyone or anything like that, but I can control four pitches and I know how to pitch and I'm very smart on the mound."
The Wildcats' Sunday starter is more pitchability than pure stuff, showing an ability to mix four pitches well. None of them -- fastball, curve, slider and changeup -- grade out as better than average, though his fastball has excellent sink to it. His changeup is his best pitch with good fade and his two breaking balls can be effective. Littrell has shown enough this spring to get some interest as a middle- or back-of-the-rotation starter, one who might not take too long to be big league ready, and one who could at least be an effective lefty reliever if needed.
Being drafted by the Red Sox was a dream come true for Littrell. His performance in Cape Cod last summer helped turn some heads and he also had a chance to check out Boston while there.
"You have your certain organizations that you'd like to go to," Littrell said. "It happens that the Red Sox were one of those, because I was at the Cape last summer and we went to Boston all the time and I love the city of Boston."
Sox take athletic outfielder in sixth round
BOSTON -- Top-flight athletes make for intriguing baseball prospects. They have the upside of a player typically drafted in the early rounds of a draft, but often aren't as polished.
The Red Sox got themselves such a player in 18-year-old Jordon Austin when they drafted the outfielder in the sixth round of the MLB Draft Friday. Austin has good speed and also has the tools to hit for both power and average.
He hit .351 with four home runs, 19 RBIs and 22 runs during his senior year at Forest High School in Florida.
Austin doubled as a football player in high school as well and was no slouch on the gridiron either, earning all-state safety honors during his senior year.
He is listed a 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds.
Allday brings strong plate discipline to Boston
BOSTON -- Plate discipline is a welcomed addition to any ballclub, and the Red Sox hope to add some to their farm system by taking Forrestt Allday in the eighth round of the First-Year Player Draft.
A product of Central Arkansas University, Allday accumulated a .503 on base percentage and averaged more than a walk a game this season in conference play. He also led his team with a .365 average.
His coach said Allday has improved in almost every facet of his game.
"I'm just so happy for Forrestt. It just shows that good things come to those that work hard," UCA head coach Allen Gum said in a news release. "His name fits him, no question. ... Allday, everyday. He got better in every phase of the game. He increased his power, increased his speed, increased his arm. It's great to see him recognized because he's a tremendous baseball player. We were blessed and fortunate to have him as a part of our program."
Allday, who played in the outfield collegiately, transferred to UCA from Alvin Community College. He was caught off guard when the Red Sox selected him.
"It actually caught me by surprise," Allday said in a news release. "I was on the phone with another team when my name came up on the screen.
"We kind of had an idea before the Draft who was interested, but it's really a very hectic process once it starts. But it's really awesome and I like the way it turned out. It's definitely a dream come true."
Martin brings wealth of relief experience to Red Sox
BOSTON -- The Red Sox added an experienced bullpen arm in the ninth round of the of the First-Year Player Draft on Friday.
Boston took Kyle Martin, a senior out of Texas A&M, with the 263rd overall pick hoping he can develop into a reliable arm in the 'pen.
Martin is listed at 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds, and he brings a wealth of experience from his collegiate career. The right-hander ranks third in school history with 98 appearances over his four years. He posted a 4.91 ERA with 41 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings in 2013.
Those numbers are actually worse than statistics from his junior season when he went 6-5 with a 3.20 ERA in 56 1/3 innings.
The Chicago White Sox drafted Martin in the 35th round of the 2012 Draft, but he chose to return for his final year in college.
Grover serves notice with strong senior season
BOSTON -- Taylor Grover dominated during the 2013 season at South Carolina-Aiken, and the Red Sox took notice.
Boston selected the closer in the 10th round of the Draft on Friday as the 293rd overall pick.
Grover recorded just a 0.92 ERA in 29 1/3 innings during the 2013 season, notching a 5-0 record and picking up 11 saves. Opposing batters hit .154 against him.
Not much is known about Grover, as he has a limited body of work, but he was labeled a "hard thrower" by the Augusta Chronicle. He's listed at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds. Grover is a junior and could return for his final season of eligibility
Michael Periatt 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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Discussion in 'Gaming' started by Trekker4747, Dec 31, 2012.
Yeah, that sums it up well.
In fact, it made a better Indiana Jones movie than the Crystal Skull With the marketing for Uncharted 3, they even had Harrison Ford play it.
I guess my main problem with Uncharted was that shooting people was really all there was to do. In Tomb Raider, killing people was not what you spent most of your time doing. In that respect I guess Uncharted just felt mindless and shallow to me.
I suppose it doesn't help that I've never been much of a Bond fan and it takes more than a series of flashy set pieces and scripted events to hold my interest. I like a little more scope in my action adventure games, with a little more emphasis on the adventure and a lot less over-dependence on the action.
Again, this is all just personal preference, but I like there to be many peaks and valleys in gameplay. Too much non-stop action and it just becomes a meaningless blur. I like Tomb Raider's semi-open areas as it offers some nice calm, but still challenging gameplay that's only occasionally punctuated by some exciting action.
Hell even in straight up shooters (the good ones) this is the case. I mean how much time playing HL2 was spent in a pitched gun battle compared to how much was spent just exploring the environment, enjoying the scenery and becoming immersed in the world? Compare that to the likes of Halo, which in my experience was just a repetitive room clearing exercise.
I mean, there is an awful lot of climbing in Uncharted. There might be more climbing than shooting! In Uncharted 2, there's even a part where Drake laments, "I am so tired of climbing shit."
I can see where you're coming from, but I'd suggest playing the full game rather than just the demo, because mindless and shallow it isn't. It's actually got quite a bit of depth to it due to its strong focus on story. In comparison, I'd be calling Tomb Raider the shallow one Now, mind you, if you're getting your impressions from the first game , the first game is completely different from the next two and is definitely more shooting.
As for those moments you describe about Tomb Raider, there are plenty of those in Uncharted, particularly when it drops you into a beautiful environment while and when solving puzzles. Some of the environments are breathtaking, which is something that I've never really seen Tomb Raider do very well despite the globe-trotting she does. I like quite a bit of adventure as well, and I have to say these games have it in spades.
Btw, this is not a knock on Tomb Raider, as I do have the Trilogy on PS3 and I do find them quite fun. I'm just happy to see that it will take some of the aspects of Uncharted and put its own spin on things, and considering it will take place on an island, I have a feeling we'll be doing lots of exploring.
Don't plan on it. I've watched a couple of Let's Play's.
Hell, I even have a hard time killing animals in Minecraft.
I played a bit of the new Tomb Raider at the Eurogamer Expo last year, and attended a talk by the devs, and I can say that its similarity to Uncharted is pretty superficial. It's a different beast. For one thing, Uncharted is pretty much a funnelled sequence of action set pieces (that's not a criticism - I ADORE the Uncharted trilogy). TR has a bit of semi open world exploration, RPG-lite character progression, and even a crafting system if I remember correctly.
I'm not sure it'll satisfy any hardcore Tomb Raider fans because it's quite a departure, but they're doing something different with a franchise that's been going through the motions for a *very* long time, so I do hope it works out. Looking forward to it.
That sounds good. I think that anything that will re-invigorate the franchise is a good thing. The franchise was feeling rather dated, even with the more recent ones.
So is it more like a third-person Far Cry 3 or is that too long a bow?
^ Hmm. I'd say that's a more apt comparison, yeah. Certainly not as open as FC3 but it's in the right ball park.
Enjoying Tomb Raider so far. Fun and graphically a beautiful game. Don't know what I was expecting, but some of the deaths are pretty brutal, I've been strangled, had a wolf rip out my throat, impaled through the throat, impaled through the chest...I die a lot.
Getting a bit of eye strain and I don't think the constant 'shaky cam' is helping. I don't usually have issues with games and I don't remember having it with the Uncharted series, though with them I played on the PS3 and with TB I'm on the PC, so maybe that's the issue.
Will likely pick this up here in a few weeks. Instead this week I bought some computer upgrades and the new Sim City.
Should have bought Tomb Raider instead, I've not even been able to PLAY Sim City yet due to server issues on their end.
Just gave it a spin over the last few hours. I play a lot of games and I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is the best game I've played in a while. I love Uncharted, but so far, this has it beat because there are several different ways to attack an enemy... hell, there are several different types of enemies!! This is awesome!! I have no way of knowing how much of the game I've completed thus far, but I've not yet touched multiplayer, I'll keep you posted as I go along.
FC3 wasn't as open as I'd like. The first time I got that "return to the area of play or loose" message, I remember moaning to myself. I still haven't finished it.
I'll see what kind of exploring I can do in TR tomorrow.
Played it for about an hour before work yesterday, and I'm really enjoying it so far. I've never played a Tomb Raider game before, but I love the Uncharted series, and this has a very similar feel. So far the story is pretty damn intense as well.
From what I've heard, it's not as open as people might think and is actually somewhat linear, but it still looks like a great game.
Played it for a bit today. It feels like an interactive action movie. I'm enjoying it.
Im really enjoying it. I hate quick time events with passion of christ, but i get through them usually after ding a number of times.
Great game visually (even on high), story isn't too bad.
I am about 2/3 of the way done in one night of play though...and I havnt been too rushed and explored some, but there are lots of things to do yet.
The game is like Mass Effect 3 world. You have hubs from which you do missions, and an freely travel back to them latter to complete other actions you cant at first.
I'm about halfway through. Just at the bit where she's at the beach looking for the block and tackle so they can fix the boat.
Thoroughly enjoying it. The story is good, the game itself is challenging but not impossible to solve and the characters are actually pretty good. I love the way Lara reacted after she shot that first guy in the head; absolutely horrified that she'd killed someone, but then as her situation became more extreme, she has been able to put that aside for the job that she knows she has to do.
Also loving the language. There's many "Shits", and several "fucks". Gives the game a real visceral quality.
^ Challenging? Seriously? I finished the game earlier today and while I loved it, I didn't find it at all challenging. The combat is fairly easy even on Hard and the puzzles aren't difficult at all.
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