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None of these elements was known in a pure state before modern chemistry isolated them. Very soon after a method had been found to produce it in commercial quantities, aluminum revolutionized industry. The other members of the group, including boron, still have little commercial value. Some of the compounds of boron and aluminum, however, are indispensable in modern technology and have been widely used in many parts of the world throughout recorded history.
The use of a boron compound known as borax (sodium tetraborate, Na2B4O7 · 10H2O) can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it as a metallurgical flux (a substance that aids the heat joining or soldering of metals), in medicine, and in mummification. During the 13th century, Marco Polo introduced borax into Europe, but not until the mid-19th century, when vast deposits of borates were discovered in the Mojave Desert, did borax become relatively common. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used a compound of aluminum known as alum (the compound potassium aluminum sulfate) in dyeing as a mordant; i.e., a substance that fixes dye molecules to the fabric. Lapis lazuli, a rare, dark blue mineral (the compound sodium aluminum silicate containing sulfur), has been widely used as a semiprecious stone throughout history. The metal aluminum was first isolated early in the 19th century but it was not until a modern electrolytic process based on the use of bauxite ore was developed that commercial production of aluminum became economically feasible. The other elements of the boron group were first detected spectroscopically (i.e., by analysis of the light emitted by or passed through substances containing the element) in the late 19th century. The existence and properties of gallium were predicted by a Russian chemist, Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleyev, on the basis of the periodic table of the elements that he had developed; the ultimate discovery of gallium and the accuracy of his description of the properties of the then unknown element convinced scientists of the theoretical soundness of the table. Gallium is one of two metals (the other is cesium) whose melting points are low enough for them to turn to liquid when held in the hand.
The Table gives a list of the electronic configurations and several ionization energies of the boron group elements. Every element in the boron group has three electrons in its outermost shell (so-called valence electrons), and for each element there is a sharp jump in the amount of energy required to remove the fourth electron, reflecting the fact that this electron must be removed from an inner shell. Consequently the elements of the group will have maximum oxidation numbers of three, corresponding to loss of the first three electrons, and will form ions with three positive charges.
The apparently erratic way in which ionization energies vary among the elements of the group is due to the presence of the filled inner d orbitals in gallium, indium, and thallium, and the f orbital in thallium, which do not shield the outermost electrons from the pull of the nuclear charge as efficiently as do the inner s and p electrons. In Groups Ia and IIa, in contrast to the boron group, outer shell (always referred to as n) electrons are shielded in every case by a constant inner set of electrons, in the (n-1)s2(n-1)p6 orbitals, and the ionization energies of these Group-Ia and Group-IIa elements decrease smoothly down the group. The ionization energies of Ga, In, and Tl are thus higher than expected from their Group II counterparts because their outer electrons, being poorly shielded by the inner d and f electrons, are more strongly bound to the nucleus. This shielding effect also makes the atoms of gallium, indium, and thallium smaller than the atoms of their Group Ia and IIa neighbours by causing the outer electrons to be pulled closer toward the nucleus.
The M3+ state for Ga, In, and Tl will be is energetically less favourable than Al3+ because the high ionization energies of these three elements cannot always be balanced by the crystal energies of possible reaction products. For example, of the simple, anhydrous compounds of trivalent thallium in its +3 oxidation state, only the trifluoride, TlF3, is ionic. For the group as a whole, therefore, the M3+ ionic state is the exception rather than the rule. More commonly the elements of the group form covalent bonds and achieve an oxidation state of three by promoting one electron from the s orbital in the outer shell (designated ns orbital) to an np orbital, the shift permitting the formation of hybrid, or combination, orbitals (of the variety designated as sp2). Increasingly down the group there is a tendency toward the formation of M+ ions and at thallium the monovalent +1 oxidation state is the more stable one. The basicity (a property of metals) of the elements also increases in proceeding down the group as shown by the oxides they form: boric oxide (formula B2O3) is acidic, the next three oxides, of aluminum, gallium, and indium (formulas Al2O3, Ga2O3, and In2O3) are either acidic or basic depending on the environment (a property called amphoterism), and thallic oxide (Tl2O3) is wholly basic.
The ionization energies listed in the Table suggest that the formation of salts of the M2+ ions might be feasible. At first glance, such appears to be the case, since gallium compounds with the formula GaX2 (X representing chlorine, bromine, or iodine) can be made, and similar cases occur with the other metals of this group. Such compounds, however, are generally found to be of mixed valency—that oxidation state—that is, they contain metal atoms in both the one and the three oxidation states, a condition symbolized as M+(MIII3+X4)−. The nearest approach to M2+ derivatives occurs in gallium sulfide, selenide, and telluride, which are made by heating gallium with stoichiometric amounts of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, respectively. Studies of the structure of these compounds by X-ray methods show that they contain (Ga-Ga)4+ units arranged in a layer-like lattice; the coupling of the gallium atoms in such a manner pairs the electrons available for the bonds and thereby explains the diamagnetism of the compounds (diamagnetism is a property associated with paired electrons).
The large amount of energy required to remove three electrons completely from a boron atom makes the formation of salts containing the bare B3+ cation impossible; even water of hydration associated with such ions would be too highly deformed to be stable and hence the aquated ion B3+(aq) is unknown. Much less energy is required to promote electrons from 2s orbitals into 2p orbitals in boron atoms with the result that boron compounds are always covalent. The boron orbitals are hybridized to either the sp2 (when boron forms bonds with three other atoms) or the sp3 (when boron forms bonds with four atoms) configuration (see chemical bonding: Valence bond theory: Hybridization).
Although simple M3+ cations are uncommon in anhydrous compounds of the boron group elements, the hydrated (combined with water) trivalent triply charged ions of aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium are well known in water solution. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies reveal that there are six water molecules are held strongly by these positive ions in solution, and their salts often can be crystallized from solution combined with six water molecules. The high charge on the central cation of such hydrates induces the ionization of protons, or hydrogen nuclei, on the coordinated water molecules and thereby leads to the formation of basic salts. This reaction (called hydrolysis) is represented in the following equations:
in which, as before, M represents an ion of one of the boron group elements; n is the number of water molecules joined to it; (HO)M represents a hydroxide group joined to the metal ion; and H+(aq) is a hydrated hydrogen ion. In these and other equations the arrows pointing in two directions indicate that the chemical reactions can proceed both ways depending on the reaction conditions. When acid is added to such aqueous solutions it depresses the hydrolytic processes by reversing the above reactions. At high acid concentrations, however, complex anions (negative ions) are sometimes formed, especially with the aqueous hydrogen halides. The following equation illustrates this: Ga3+(aq) + HX (conc.) → GaX4−, X being chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Intermediate complex ions, MX2+ and MX2+ can be detected in several cases.
The electrical conductivity of solid aluminum trichloride (formula AlCl3), in which each aluminum ion has three positive charges, increases rapidly as the temperature is elevated toward the melting point, at which the conductivity suddenly falls to zero. This phenomenon occurs because the aluminum and chloride ions form an ionic lattice that partially conducts electricity; but upon melting, the compound changes to the electrically nonconducting, covalent state. The explanation is that the distribution of energy in the liquid state is insufficient to compensate for the ionization energy required to separate the Al3+ and Cl− ions and these then acquire covalent bonds. The liquid consists of double or dimeric molecules with the formula Al2Cl6, which may be represented in the following manner that shows a molecule with the position of its atoms in three dimensions; the solid lines are in the plane of the paper, the dotted lines are behind the paper, and the shaded lines indicate that they extend toward the viewer:
The delicate energy balance between ionic and covalent bonding for aluminum in the trivalent +3 oxidation state can be appreciated when it is realized that whereas solid aluminum trifluoride, formula AlF3, is ionic like the chloride, aluminum tribromide forms molecular crystals containing dimers, with the formula Al2Br6.
In contrast with the dimers, the single, or monomeric, trihalides of the boron group elements have trigonal planar structures. If M is the metal and X is any halogen, the arrangement of the atoms can be sketched as follows:
The trihalides of boron have this configuration in all phases whereas the trihalides of Al, Ga, In, and Tl become monomeric only on being heated in the gas phase. In MX3 molecules, the central atom M has added three electrons to its own making only six electrons in the outer shell, although eight are required to achieve the desired inert-gas configuration. These halides, therefore, readily accept two more electrons from many donor molecules (e.g., ethers, alcohols, amines, and phosphines) that carry unshared pairs of electrons. A typical case, the reaction of gallium tribromide with trimethylamine, is represented in the following equation:
The central gallium atom is coordinated or bonded to three bromine atoms and one nitrogen atom. The electron donor also can be a halide ion, in which case the tetrahedral complex anion, MX4− results.
A few compounds are known in which aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium are coordinated to five or six atoms. These compounds have structures of the following types, M again representing any boron group element, D any donor molecule, and X any halogen (again, the solid lines are bonds in the plane of the paper, the atoms so bonded lying in that plane; the dotted lines lead behind the paper; the shaded lines reach toward the viewer):
In such compounds it is possible, but by no means certain, that the central element makes use of its vacant nd orbitals (see above) to increase its valency oxidation state by way of sp3d (five-coordination) or sp3d2 (six-coordination) hybridization. If the concept of the participation of d orbitals in the bonding of these compounds is valid, it would account for the fact that boron, which has no available d orbitals, does not form five- and six-coordinate compounds. In many cases, however, spatial requirements also would rule out the possibility of boron increasing its covalency above four because the boron atom is so small no more than four atoms can be arranged around it.
In the gas phase at high temperature all the boron group elements form diatomic halides MX, either by dissociation of the trihalides or, more commonly, by reduction of the trihalides with the free element as in the following equations for two such reactions:
Most of these monohalides, especially those of boron, aluminum, and gallium, are unstable in the solid state under normal conditions; they exist only at high temperatures as gases; all are covalently bonded, except thallium fluoride, which exists as the ion pair, Tl+F−.
Thallium is the only element that forms a stable ion having an (n-1)d10ns2 outer electronic configuration. There is, therefore, no ion to which direct comparisons with the singly charged thallium (I) ion, Tl+, might be made.
The first three ionization energies of boron, atomic number 5, are much too high to allow the formation of compounds containing the B3+ ion; in all its compounds boron is covalently bonded. One of boron's 2s electrons is promoted to a 2p orbital, giving the outer electron configuration 2s12p2; the s and p orbitals can then be mixed to give sp2 and sp3 hybrids, which allow boron to be three- and four-coordinated, respectively. The three-coordinate derivatives (e.g., halides, alkyls, aryls) are planar molecules that readily form donor-acceptor complexes (called adducts) with compounds molecules or ions containing lone pairs of electrons; in these adducts the boron atom is four-coordinated, the four groups being tetrahedrally disposed around it.
Boron is an essential trace element for the healthy growth of many plants, and typical effects of long-term boron deficiency are stunted, misshapen growth and, in root crops, heart rot and dry rot; the deficiency can be alleviated by the application of soluble borates to the soil. Gigantism of several species of plants growing in soil naturally abundant in boron has been reported. It is not yet clear what the precise role of boron in plant life is, but most researchers agree that the element is in some way essential for the normal growth and functioning of apical meristems, the growing tips of plant shoots.
Boron is unique in its group in that it forms a rather large number of compounds with hydrogen, or hydrides, called boranes, many of which have most unusual, three-dimensional structures; it also forms a series of halides with the general formula BnXn. These molecules are interesting because they contain closed cages of boron atoms. Examples are the boron chlorides whose formulas are B4Cl4, B8Cl8, and B9Cl9. Unfortunately these interesting halides, most of which are highly coloured in sharp contrast to the more typical boron derivatives, are exceedingly difficult to prepare and to handle. The substance, formula B4Cl4, for example, can be prepared only in milligram quantities, and complex electrical-discharge techniques are needed for its production; furthermore, it ignites spontaneously in air and is rapidly decomposed both by water and even by the grease used to lubricate the vacuum equipment employed in its preparation. Closed cages containing 12 boron atoms arranged in the form of an icosahedron (see Figure) also occur in the various crystalline forms of elemental boron.
Boron reacts with all halogen elements to give monomeric, highly reactive trihalides, which readily form complexes with amines, phosphines, ethers, and halide ions. Examples of complex formation between boron trichloride and trimethylamine, as well as between boron trifluoride and fluoride ion, are shown in the following equations:
in which the heavy dot indicates that a bond is formed between the nitrogen and boron atoms. When boron trichloride is passed at low pressure through devices delivering an electric discharge, diboron tetrachloride, the formula written as Cl2B–BCl2, and tetraboron tetrachloride, formula B4Cl4, are formed. Diboron tetrachloride decomposes at room temperatures to give a series of monochlorides having the general formula (BCl)n, in which n may be 8, 9, 10, or 11; the compounds with formulas B8Cl8 and B9Cl9 are known to contain closed cages of boron atoms.
Boron exists in nature as two isotopes, one of atomic mass 10 (18.8 percent) and one of atomic mass 11 (81.2 percent). Both nuclei possess nuclear spin (rotation of the atomic nuclei); that of boron-10 has a value of 3 and that of boron-11, 3/2, the values being dictated by quantum factors. These isotopes are, therefore, of use in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and spectrometers specially adapted to detecting the boron-11 nucleus are available commercially. The boron-10 and boron-11 nuclei also cause splitting in the resonances (that is, the appearance of new bands in the resonance spectra) of other nuclei (e.g., those of hydrogen atoms bonded to boron). The boron-10 isotope is unique in that it possesses an extremely large capture cross section for thermal neutrons (i.e., it readily absorbs neutrons of low energy). The capture of a neutron by a nucleus of this isotope results in the expulsion of an alpha particle (nucleus of a helium atom, symbolized α):
Since the high-energy alpha particle does not travel far in normal matter, boron may be used in the fabrication of neutron shields (materials not penetrable by neutrons). In the Geiger counter, alpha particles trigger a response, whereas neutrons do not; hence if the gas chamber of a Geiger counter is filled with a gaseous boron derivative (e.g., boron trifluoride), the counter will record each alpha particle produced when a neutron that passes into the chamber is captured by a boron-10 nucleus. In this way, the Geiger counter is converted into a device for detecting neutrons, which normally do not affect it. The affinity of boron-10 for neutrons also forms the basis of a technique for treating patients suffering from brain tumours. For a short time after certain boron compounds are injected into a patient with a brain tumour, the compounds collect preferentially in the tumour; irradiation of the tumour area with thermal neutrons, which cause relatively little general injury to tissue, results in the release of a tissue-damaging alpha particle in the tumour each time a boron-10 nucleus captures a neutron. In this way destruction can be limited preferentially to the tumour, leaving the normal brain tissue less affected.
The presence of boron compounds can be detected qualitatively by the green coloration they impart to the flame of an ordinary laboratory, or bunsen, burner. Quantitatively, boron is most easily analyzed by converting the material to be analyzed into boric acid by treatment with acid; the excess mineral acid is then neutralized and the much weaker boric acid is titrated (neutralized on a volume–volume basis) in the presence of a sugar, such as mannitol, to make the acid detectable.
In aluminum, atomic number 13, the configuration of the three outer electrons is such that in a few compounds (e.g., crystalline aluminum fluoride [AlF3] and aluminum chloride [AlCl3]) the bare ion, Al3+, formed by loss of these electrons, is known to occur. The energy required to form the Al3+ ion, however, is very high; and, in the majority of cases, it is energetically more favourable for the aluminum atom to form covalent compounds by way of sp2 hybridization, as boron does. The Al3+ ion can be stabilized by hydration, and the octahedral ion [Al(H2O)6]3+ occurs both in aqueous solution and in several salts. The alums, double salts of formula MIAlMAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O (where M is a singly charged cation such as K+), also contain this ion; the univalent ion M can be the cation of sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, ammonium, or thallium, and the aluminum may be replaced by a variety of other M3+ ions; e.g., gallium, indium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, or cobalt. The name aluminum (British usage is aluminium) is derived from the Latin word alumen used to describe potassium alum, formula KAl(SO4)2 · 12H2O.
Aluminum can be detected in concentrations as low as one part per million using emission spectroscopy. Aluminum can be quantitatively analyzed as the oxide (formula Al2O3) or as a derivative of the organic nitrogen compound 8-hydroxyquinoline. The derivative has the molecular formula Al(C9H6ON)3.
Gallium, atomic number 31, is comparable to aluminum in its chemical properties. It does not dissolve in nitric acid because a protective film of gallium oxide is formed over the surface by the action of the acid, but the metal does dissolve in other acids to give gallium salts and it dissolves in alkalies, with evolution of hydrogen, to give gallates (compounds , such as [Ga(OH)4]−, in which gallium appears in the anion). Of the halides, only gallium trifluoride is ionic; the others have molecular lattices containing dimeric molecules, with formula Ga2X6. Unlike aluminum, however, gallium forms several derivatives that contain gallium (I) in the +1 oxidation state; for example, the oxide, formula Ga2O. The sulfide (GaS), selenide (GaSe), and telluride (GaTe), made directly by combination of the elements at high temperature, are diamagnetic and contain gallium−gallium units with four positive charges (Ga−Ga)4+, in a layer lattice. The metal gallium is stable in dry air. On burning in air or oxygen it forms the white oxide, formula Ga2O3. This oxide can be reduced to the metal when heated strongly in hydrogen, and with gallium metal at 700° C it gives the lower oxide Ga2O. The hydroxide, formula Ga(OH)3, is amphoteric; i.e., it reacts either as an acid or a base depending on the circumstance; it is precipitated from solutions of gallium salts by alkali hydroxides.
Indium, atomic number 49, is an amphoteric element; it dissolves in acids to give indium salts and it also dissolves in concentrated alkalies to give indates. All anhydrous triply charged indium (III) derivatives, except indium trifluoride, formula InF3, are covalent. There is a marked tendency for two of the outer electrons of the indium atom (the outer 5s2 electrons) not to be used in bonding; this circumstance results in univalent singly charged indium compounds.
Indium burns to the yellow oxide, formula In2O3, when heated in air or oxygen; a better method of preparation for the oxide is to heat the hydroxide, nitrate, or sulfate. This oxide is easily reduced to the metal, and on strong heating it loses oxygen to give the monoxide InI2OIn2O, where indium is in the +1 oxidation state. Indium hydroxide dissolves in both acids and alkalies.
Thallium, atomic number 81, is typical of the Group IIIa elements in having an s2p1 outer electron configuration. Promoting an electron from an s to a p orbital allows the element to be three or four covalent. With thallium, however, the energy required for s → p promotion is high relative to the Tl–X covalent bond energy which is regained on formation of TlX3; hence, a trivalent derivative with a +3 oxidation state is not a very energetically favoured reaction product. Thallium normally forms the more stable singly charged thallium (I), or thallous, salts containing the ion Tl+ (in which the 6s2 electrons remain unused); it is the only element to form a stable univalent singly charged cation with the outer electron configuration (n-1)d10ns2, which is, unusually enough, not an inert gas configuration. In its oxidation state three, indicated as thallium(III), or of +3, commonly called its thallic state, thallium resembles aluminum, although the ion Tl3+ appears to be too large to form alums. In the monovalent singly charged state, thallium (I) displays properties similar to those of both the heavier alkali metals and silver. The very close similarity in size of the singly charged thallium (I) ion, Tl+, and the rubidium ion, Rb+, makes many thallium(I) Ti+ salts, such as the chromate, sulfate, nitrate, and halides, isomorphous (i.e., have an identical crystal structure) to the corresponding rubidium salts; also the ion Tl+ is able to replace the ion Rb+ in the alums. Thus, thallium does form an alum; but in doing so it replaces the MI + ion, rather than the expected metal atom MIII3+, in the formula MI+MIII3+(SO4)2 · 12H2O.
Thallium imparts a brilliant green coloration to a bunsen flame. Thallous chromate, formula Tl2CrO4, is best used in the quantitative analysis of thallium, after any thallic ion present in the sample has been reduced to the thallous state.


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© 2007 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Notes: Morneau nicked on A-Rod play
Castillo's hand worries Gardy; Morneau needs Derby pitcher
By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- Justin Morneau has had his fair share of knocks this year and somehow, he just keeps rebounding. After suffering a broken nose in a game against the Tigers in early May, Morneau was back in the lineup the next day. Even a bruised lung, which hospitalized the first baseman for three nights, only kept Morneau out of five games. So would anyone expect him not to play through a sore right calf muscle? Lost in the midst of Monday night's 5-1 defeat at Yankee Stadium was the fact that Morneau was nicked in a collision at first base with Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the sixth inning. Morneau said he felt a pain in his calf when Rodriguez caught his left leg with Morneau's while legging out a fielder's choice. The collision occurred in part because Morneau had to jump high in the air to field the throw from second baseman Luis Castillo. Rodriguez had to leave the game after he tumbled at the end of the play and came up favoring his left leg. He was diagnosed with a hamstring strain but was back in the lineup for the Yankees on Tuesday. Morneau remained down for a minute at the end of the play, but he was able to remain in the game. He said that since he was moving around for the rest of the inning and batted early in the seventh, he didn't feel the injury until after the game, when he finally sat down. On Tuesday, Morneau said he still felt some tightness in the leg but hoped that it would loosen up during the team's pregame activities. He also said he felt fortunate that it wasn't any worse. "It's two big guys colliding into each other," Morneau said. "So it could have been much worse." Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he wasn't too concerned about how the injury would affect Morneau, but the team would be cautious. "If he gets out there and it's bothering him a lot, we'll take him out," Gardenhire said. "But knowing him, he should be fine." It didn't appear like the calf was of any concern as Morneau legged out a double to right field in the second inning on Tuesday. Not quite right: It's an unusual sight to see Castillo double-clutch on a routine double-play ball. So for Gardenhire to see his second baseman do that three times in Monday's loss at New York was a bit disconcerting. Gardenhire stated after the game that he was worried about whether Castillo's hand was bothering him. The second baseman had his left hand stepped on during a play at home plate during the series with the Blue Jays. "Luis is as good as they get turning the double play, and I think we saw three plays in a row, and I don't know if he's telling me the truth about his hand," Gardenhire said after the game. "He's normally pretty good, but he had a lot of trouble out there tonight." Castillo's left hand is still a bit swollen, and he continues to wear a bandage on it. But the second baseman said the hand is slowly getting better and that it hasn't bothered him. For now, Gardenhire will let Castillo play, since he contends that the hand is not hindering him. "I can only go by what he said, and he wants to play," Gardenhire said. "So we'll see how it is." Seeking an arm: Morneau's place in the Home Run Derby is secured, but he's still seeking someone to throw to him. The first baseman's first wish for his batting practice pitcher was none other than a fellow Canadian, five-time All-Star Larry Walker. But Morneau learned on Tuesday that Walker would be unable to do that. "I have to go to Plan B now," Morneau said. "I didn't really expect it, but now I'll have to figure out who I'm going to have throw to me." Twins tidbits: Rondell White played seven innings in left field on Monday night for Class A Fort Myers. White did not record a hit, going 0-for-3, but he did make a diving catch to prevent two runs from scoring. Gardenhire said the outfielder remains on line to possibly join the club right after the All-Star break. ... Triple-A Rochester infielder Matt Tolbert will represent the Twins at this year's Futures Game on Sunday, July 8, in San Francisco. Matt Garza had been scheduled to take part in the event before he was called up to pitch Friday. ... There has been no decision made on which game Garza will start of Friday's doubleheader in Chicago. Gardenhire said the option will be given to Scott Baker as to which game he would pitch, and Garza will then get the other. That choice will be made over the next few days. ... After Monday's game, there was an interesting stat that emerged. In 488 career games, Morneau had recorded exactly 488 career hits. Impressive stretch: Triple-A Rochester right-hander Nick Blackburn was named the organization's Pitcher of the Month for June. Blackburn, 25, went 5-0 and did not record an earned run over 39 innings, including pitching two complete-game shutouts. Blackburn entered his start on Tuesday night against Buffalo having not allowed an earned run in 41 1/3 innings, a stretch that dated back to May 29. But that streak came to an end at 45 innings when Luis Rivas scored on an RBI single in the third inning. Down on the farm: Brian Duensing gave up five runs over five innings in Rochester's 7-4 loss at Buffalo on Monday night. ... Infielder Matt Moses went 2-for-5 with an RBI but recorded two errors in Double-A New Britain's 21-4 loss at Reading. The Rock Cat pitchers gave up 15 earned runs in the contest, which included a 13-run fifth inning for Reading. ... Oswaldo Sosa threw seven scoreless innings in Fort Myers' 4-0 win over Lakeland. ... Chris Parmelee belted his 11th home run of the season as part of a 2-for-4 day at the plate in Class A Beloit's 9-3 victory over Clinton. Coming up: It will be quite a Fourth of July showdown at Yankee Stadium, as Twins ace Johan Santana will face off against New York right-hander Mike Mussina in the 12:05 p.m. CT start. Santana holds a 1-0 record with a 0.56 ERA at Yankee Stadium while Mussina is 20-5 with a 3.15 ERA in 29 career starts against the Twins.
Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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Papelbon brings home DHL award
Closer tabbed Delivery Man of the Year in fan balloting
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
"Hopefully, what [Mariano] Rivera has done for the Yankees, I can do with the Sox," Papelbon said.
He backed up those bold words in 2007, and an honor came his way on Thursday because of it. Papelbon was awarded with the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year, presented by DHL.
This, after his second consecutive season of sheer dominance while performing the role of last call.
"He's a star," said Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo. "He's lights out. He's the best right now, just the best. Fortunately, I've never faced him. Being behind him, I know what he does. He puts the ball wherever he wants, he throws 95 [mph] with a splitty. He's not afraid to throw strikes."
The Red Sox won 96 games this season to win their first American League East title since 1995 and have advanced to the AL Championship Series, thanks in large part to Papelbon's brilliance.
The fireballing righty posted a 1.85 ERA in 2007, converting 37 of 40 save opportunities. In 58 1/3 innings, Papelbon allowed just 30 hits while striking out 84 in being named an All-Star for the second consecutive year.
Papelbon's rookie campaign of 2006 ended a month early thanks to a right shoulder subluxation. But he spent the winter restrengthening his shoulder and the results have been there for everyone to see. Papelbon, who has been handled with more care this season by Red Sox manager Terry Francona, didn't have a single health issue.
"I feel like I've got my legs, I've got my arms and less headaches," said Papelbon, who had notched 36 saves with an eye-popping 13.34 strikeouts per nine innings heading into the final week of 2007. "Last year was a grind for me. I really grinded and grinded until I couldn't grind any more, and this year, I'm knowing my body and the system better."
With an anchor like Papelbon, it's no surprise the bullpen has been the strength of the Red Sox for most of the season.
"It starts with the strength at the end -- with Pap," said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. "Pap is the end to the bullpen. It allows us to mix and match a lot of different people to get us there."
As successful as Papelbon has been, he knows that his support crew has put him in the position to succeed.
"I've said this a million times. I'm nothing without my bullpen," said Papelbon. "A lot of my success goes to the guys in the bullpen who have been there all year long and helped me have a successful season."
The Delivery Man of the Year is sanctioned by Major League Baseball and recognizes the most outstanding relief pitcher of the season, as voted by the fans. Voting took place on MLB.com from Sept. 25-Oct. 8 and Papelbon received 39,043 votes.
Papelbon is the first Red Sox reliever to post 30 saves in two different seasons. He limited opponents to a .146 batting average, which was the stingiest in the league among qualifying relievers. Papelbon's 12.96 strikeouts per nine innings ratio was the best in the Majors among relievers.
Ian Browne 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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Bulldog Fans:
Enjoy a special ticket discount and post game autograph session with former FSU star and current Grand Rapids Griffins rookie Chad Billins at the Griffins' home contest on Friday, January 25, at Van Andel Arena. Enjoy $1 drinks and $1 hot dogs by using the promo code FSU at:
Griffins Fans:
Experience the excitement of college hockey at its best on Friday, January 11, at FSU's Ewigleben Ice Arena. See the home rink of Coach Jeff Blashill, Chad Billins and future Griffins as the nationally-ranked Bulldogs host the Buckeyes of Ohio State. Use FSU as the promo code at the link below to secure your discounted tickets today. Limited while supplies last.
Bulldogs-Griffins Cross Promotion Special
For more FSU Athletics Ticket Information, please call (231) 591-2888 or visit this link:
FSU Athletics Tickets


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Bounce TV has premiered its newest original series, "Off The Chain," with two episodes back-to-back. The new half-hour stand-up comedy series features performances by some of the country's most talented African American comics.
Rodney Perry ( "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family," "Mo'Nique Show") hosts "Off The Chain." Perry was the co-host of "The Mo'Nique Show" on BET as well as a host of TV One's "Who's Got Jokes." He has been the opening act for such top comedians as George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey and Mo'Nique. Perry also starred in "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family."
"Off The Chain" will feature comedians such as SNL alum Dean Edwards ; the Wayans' brother's niece, Chaunte Wayans ; former host at the Apollo, Rudy Rush; and Dexter Tucker, Chris Tucker's younger brother.
Bounce TV targets African Americans primarily between the ages of 25-54 with a programming mix of theatrical motion pictures, live sports, documentaries, specials, inspirational faith-based programs, off-net series, original series and more.
Launched just over one year ago, Bounce TV is already available in 80 percent of African American households and 65 million homes nationally. Bounce TV airs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on the digital signals of local television stations. Martin Luther King III and Ambassador Andrew Young are among the Founding Group and Board of Directors of Bounce TV. Bounce TV is majority African American-owned. Toyota USA is the signature sponsor of the network.


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With a 5-4 record and an ERA of 3.82, Baltimore's Steve Trachsel is putting together another solid season. Very few people are surprised.
"He's a quiet individual compared to some other guys in here, but if the young pitchers want to watch how he prepares for a game, looks at video, goes over all the charts, they'd learn a lot," catcher Paul Bako told the Baltimore Sun.
"His consistency and his ability to make adjustments would be a couple things for the young guys to notice and watch and how he doesn't give in."
Manager Sam Perlozzo is also a fan of the veteran hurler.
"One of the other things I really like is his competitiveness and his work ethic," said Perlozzo. "If the guys watch him prepare for a ballgame, they'd learn something from him. He's very well prepared, very intense, very into the game. He doesn't have what you'd call great stuff, but he studies everybody and knows how to pitch, and that should be something they should all learn something from."
One good example of Trachsel showing his veteran moxie was when rookie pitcher Jeremy Guthrie recently struggled.
"He was visibly dejected hours after that game," said Trachsel. "I finally sat him down and said, 'If you're going to have success, you've got to let that stuff go.' That was the team he came from and he really wanted to do well, and he was focusing on that instead of pitching. We've talked about that."
Guthrie is among those in Baltimore that look to Trachsel for leadership.
"One of the things is his preparation," said Guthrie. "To see him watching the games closely when he's not pitching, he really goes through the lineup, figures out how he wants to attack it. It's almost like that's helped me. I don't have to do as much as him because I follow him. I'm almost able to take advantage of his preparation by watching the way he pitches the day before me. You respect that."
Zambrano's 'new season' off to good start: A week or so ago Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano declared a new season for himself, noting that he considered himself 0-0 on the year with the idea of starting all over again. So far, so good.
After tossing eight innings on Monday night in the Cubs' 2-1 victory over the Astros, Zambrano is 2-0 (7-5 overall) since his declaration.
"I'm 2-0 with my ERA is good," Zambrano told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Like I said after my last start in Milwaukee [a 6-2 victory], this is a new season for me. When you have great pitches and trust yourself, you just put the bad things aside. That's what I'm doing now."
In total, Zambrano worked eight innings and allowed just one unearned run, walked one and struck out eight.
"I just want to be the same guy I was last year and two years ago," he said. "I told you last time [in Milwaukee], I'm not injured. I keep saying that. For those of you who think I'm injured, my arm feels good."
In addition to pitching a gem, Zambrano also smacked his second home run of the season in the win over Houston -- the 12th round-tripper of his career. The Cubs record for career home runs by a pitcher is 13, set by Ferguson Jenkins.
"Not only did he pitch well, he hit well," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella. "He's starting to get himself on a nice roll. You all have seen him throw a lot more than I have. If he's throwing strikes and has good movement on his ball and his velocity stays constant, those are strong points."
Barfield finds his comfort zone: Cleveland Indians infielder Josh Barfield went through some struggles at the plate earlier this year, but told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he never worried too much about it after hitting .300 in five years in the Minor Leagues.
"I figure if you keep playing the game right and playing the game hard, the numbers will get to where they should be," said Barfield. "I'm definitely more mechanically sound at the plate, and I'm getting more familiar with the American League. I have a better sense of how pitchers in this league are going to attack me. At the beginning of the year, I had no idea. It was almost as if I was going to the plate naked."
That confidence has paid off of late, as his average has surged to above the .250 mark. He's also managed to keep his offensive concerns off of his mind when he's playing in the field.
"My legs feel good, and I'm learning our pitchers and their hitters," he said.
Burton loves a heavy workload: Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Jared Burton likes work -- and a lot of it. So while at one time it was a novelty for the Reds' Rule 5 pick to play in the Major Leagues, it no longer is.
"I'm past the point of being happy to be here," Burton told the Cincinnati Post. "I want to be a guy who can be trusted to come in, make good pitches and get big outs. That's my goal. I want to do as much work as I can and do the best I can."
Manager Jerry Narron wants to make that happen. "We're going to find a spot where we can pitch Jared Burton as much as possible," Narron said, "and the more he pitches, the better he'll pitch."
Burton would like that a lot.
"Always as a bullpen guy, you want to get your regular work," he said. "But there's a lot of guys down there. It just happens. That's why in between outings, you have to get on the mound just to stay sharp. ... I'm looking forward to getting back out there and getting in a groove again and getting some good outings under my belt. I just have to stay positive and stay confident and believe in everything."
Halladay the hitter: Who needs batting practice?
Toronto starter Roy Halladay decided to skip batting practice Sunday at Dodger Stadium, figuring that it really wouldn't matter. As an American League pitcher, he was not used to batting anyway.
"I went and bunted a little bit, but that's it," Halladay told BlueJays.com. "If you're hitting every day, you might get something out of it, but taking BP once or twice probably isn't going to help a whole lot."
Halladay proved that batting practice may be overrated after going 2-for-4 with an RBI, becoming the first Blue Jays pitcher to record a multi-hit game in a regular season game. David Cone, who pitched in the National League as well as the AL, went 2-for-2 in Game 2 of the 1992 World Series against Atlanta.
"I'm just lucky, to be honest with you," said a grinning Halladay, who was 1-for-29 as a hitter prior to Sunday. "I just kind of ran into them. It wasn't a product of being prepared or having an idea."
Halladay's first hit came in the second inning, driving in John McDonald and giving Halladay the first RBI by a Toronto pitcher Mark Hendrickson hit a home run in Montreal in 2003.
"It's been a long time, but it was fun to get the chance," Halladay said about hitting. "It's never comfortable, but it's always fun. I enjoyed it, just trying to get something over the middle and swinging."
Manager John Gibbons even got into the fun concerning Halladay's day at the plate.
"His next start, we won't DH," Gibbons joked on Monday.
Back in Chicago, Lidge also returns to closer role: The last time Brad Lidge was in Wrigley Field, he was told he would no longer be the club's closer. Tow months later, in his return to Chicago for a make-up game against the Cubs, Lidge was once again the Houston closer as manager Phil Garner plans to transition Lidge back into the role.
Garner will still use Dan Wheeler to close game in certain situations, but Lidge will get the majority of saves now.
"It's kind of, I guess, reverse circumstances," Lidge told the Houston Chronicle. "It's definitely been a good, long stretch, I guess.
"Obviously when we were here last time I was pretty frustrated with things. I wasn't happy with how I was throwing. I wasn't happy with being removed from the closer's job, but it seems like it's kind of come full circle now and I've been able to earn my way back to the role and here were are back again in Chicago."
Wheeler recorded a save in 11 of his 13 opportunities, so it is not a case of him pitching himself out of the role. Instead, Lidge has pitched so well he has forced his way back into the closer's spot.
He has not allowed a run in 11 consecutive innings entering Tuesday night's game and has allowed only two earned runs in his last 25 1/3 innings, covering 24 outings, since April 22.
"Honestly those two months were real good for me because I got to throw a lot and I got to really iron down and kind of cement my mechanics," he said. "So where I feel right now compared to where I felt two months ago is night and day as far as my approach to pitching.
"Mechanically, I feel locked in. I feel real good with what I'm going to be selecting with my pitches and just my approach out there right now. Mechanically I didn't feel bad at the beginning of the season but I was throwing that cutter. Just a lot of bad things were happening when I was throwing. Knock on wood hopefully good things will continue to happen when I throw now."
Fielder returns to familiar surroundings: Prince Fielder didn't spend much of his childhood in Detroit, but there is a little more attention being paid to Fielder as the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Tigers. That is because Fielder's father, Cecil, was a key member of the Tigers from 1990-1996.
Fielder is ready for the numerous questions that will be asked about playing in the same city his father made a name for himself in.
"It'll be all right," Fielder told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It'll be just another series for me. I don't really know anybody there now, so it's not the same. It's not the same team that I grew up with.
"It's cool and all, but the only thing that will be the same thing is the city. Other than that, it's a whole different team."
Fielder enters the series as the National League leader in home runs with 23, seven ahead of teammate J.J. Hardy, who is second in the league with 16. Fielder attended elementary school in Detroit for three years, but he is not sure if he will see any of his old friends.
"I haven't really kept in contact with them, so I'm not sure," Fielder said. "Hopefully they'll show up at the game and I'll be able to see them because I don't have their numbers.
"Hopefully some elementary school friends I had show up. But if not, I think it's just going to be fun to go back there and eat at the same spots I used to eat at when I was young."
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Teenage girl kicked to the ground in riverside attempted robbery in Norwich
PUBLISHED: 13:36 20 January 2014 | UPDATED: 14:22 20 January 2014
Archant © 2009
A teenage girl was kicked to the ground, and again in the stomach, in an attempted robbery, police said.
The assault took place on the footpath next to the River Wensum in Norwich, near Barn Road, between 4.10pm and 4.20pm on Saturday, January 18.
Police said that an unknown man tried to grab the 16 year old's coat pocket, which contained her phone, and tried to get the phone but failed.
Police said that as she got up, she was hit in the face by the man, causing a cut lip.
She then kicked him, and he ran off with a second man who was with him in the direction of Westwick Street.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw any suspicious behaviour or has knowledge of the incident should contact Norwich CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


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Photo by Merwinglittle dear
You guys been enjoying the playoffs? I know we sure have. The organ-displacing defense; the painful missed opportunities; the bloody faces; the staggering disappointments: yup. What else? Al Sharpton in a Spanish-language Steve Nash jersey? Red-faced, auto-tuned coaches rapping about intensity (or whatever)? Rajon Rondo emerging from his Walkabout an unguardable willow-limbed, fully flowered man? Lebron rendered googly-eyed and bewildered? Kobe summoning spirits? Amare playing D? We are transfixed. There's so much more to say.
Here at A Wolf Among Wolves, we follow, curse, bitterly remember the Minnesota Timberwolves. These playoffs remind us Wolves lovers of two important things. The first is that NBA basketball can be played with a thick, feverish intensity that can be pretty hard to come by on your average February Wednesday at the Target Center. We can conjure the memories–Pharaoh Garnett's maniac stare; Chris Webber's sickeningly close Game 7 near buzzer-beater; the Sam Cassell testicle dance–but they're getting fainter every day.
The second is about the narratives that we can't resist spinning about the teams we can't resist loving (especially we pundits–I mean, you've got to write about something, right?). These narratives are, at best, retrospective. At worst, they're totally illusory. We thought we knew that Lebron was bound for glory; for years, we spoke about it with tones of inevitability. Remember when, some years ago, before a playoff game against the Pistons, Donyell Marshall went up to the boy King James (I mean, just look at that nickname! Seriously!) and whispered to him, "this is when you cement your legacy"? How quaint and naive does that seem today?
For us, when KG won the MVP, when Cassell and Professor Sprewell joined up, we thought that we were at the beginning of a long, lovely story. As it turned out, the most meaningful narrative was buried deep under all the (as it turned out) misplaced hope; the whole thing was already beginning to unravel. KG won his title, but with another team. He was recognized as the genius defender of his era, but only in retrospect. The Foye/McCants/Wittman era beckoned. Turns out (shocker) that nothing is pre-destined; these are just stories we tell ourselves. The game is subject to the same nonsensical, market-driven chaos as is real life.
On that note, welcome to A Wolf Among Wolves. In many ways, we Wolves followers are lucky. This team is still so unformed, so opaquely new, that we're largely unburdened with these back-breaking narratives. We're faced with none of the Dallas's or Cleveland's painful reckoning. We're free of the Lakers' crushing expectations. We're able to look on as the small stories, the various styles and personalities weave together over time to hopefully form something of consequence. We don't want to lie to you: this is not going to be easy or always pleasant. We just might have to sit through another 40-point loss to the Warriors. But you should join us anyway. We think it's gonna be fun.


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Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Very nice and easy to use. Great features but was hoping for a little more graphic display while playing music or maybe a visual equalizer with the large screen. Still a great unit and price
Pros: Inexpensive, iPhone control and front USB/audio input
Cons: The FM preset stations are right next to the volume control so when your driving and go to hit the volume you almost always change the radio station unless you take your eyes off the road.


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Apple releases iOS 6.1.2, fixes various bugs but not the passcode flaw
In the midst of all of the hoopla surrounding the introduction of the HTC One, Apple on Tuesday released iOS 6.1.2. The 12.8MB update (Build 10B146) fixes a bug that was interfering with the Exchange calendar sync which was apparently the problem behind the battery drain issue. Unfortunately, the update fails to repair the flaw with the passcode. iOS 6.1.3 anyone?
source: MobileSyrup
34 Comments
1. Droid_X_Doug (Posts: 5993; Member since: 22 Dec 2010)
Apple seems to not exactly have its act together. Serial software releases with one problem being fixed while others remain isn't exactly the best way to do software releases.
2. wumberpeb (Posts: 453; Member since: 14 Mar 2011)
Don't worry folks, we'll have this all squared away by iOS 6.1.8...there's nothing wrong with your device! As Steve used to say, "You're overheating it wrong..."
~ Tim Cook
3. Nathan_ingx (Posts: 4567; Member since: 07 Mar 2012)
"The 12.8MP update (Build 10B146) fixes a bug th..."
Alan, shouldn't that be a 12.8'mb' update??
Oh, well...Apple did manage to put it up quick! Not bad Apple...not bad!
14. Alan01 (Posts: 470; Member since: 21 Mar 2012)
Now let's see..is it the P with the bump on top and the b with it on bottom?
Fingers working too fast! Thanks.
Alan F.
4. Mxyzptlk (unregistered)
I like how quick Apple patches up any issue on iOS. Real progression.
5. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
Mxy apple needs to step it up this year bro. Great company, but they need to hit a homer dude. Phone wise the 5S won't carry them this year. They need multiple phones, and a bigger one also.
6. techtruth (Posts: 30; Member since: 07 Feb 2013)
apple didn't do anything for the passcode issue in this update.... dude i really think that you are not an apple fan.. you are just so dumb to be a real person... maybe phonearena hired you for being a troll to get more comments and traffic.. PLEASE GUYS DON'T REPLY TO MXYZPTLK,, JUST IGNORE THE PISSHEAD!!!!1
16. gallitoking (Posts: 4721; Member since: 17 May 2011)
how is he a troll when he mostly post in Apple articles.. if you dont like Apple or his fanboys then you are in the wrong place buddy...
18. joey_sfb (Posts: 6794; Member since: 29 Mar 2012)
Mostly bad mouthing google while lavishly praising Apple.
Two Sicko!!!
21. TROLL (banned) (Posts: 4851; Member since: 13 Apr 2012)
Not 2, there's 4 users who are worship and are controll by Apple in here, how do pathetic and low can you go.
30. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
No one worships or is controlled by apple, we including the android users simply buy what we like and stand up for it. So if we worship and are controlled by apple, then the droiders worship and are controlled by google. U droiders act like u can just sit there and disrespect iOS users all day long, and they just gotta take it. When gallitoking, mxy, and myself say something back all of a sudden the droiders get pissed and start the fanboy crap. What do u think, people are just supposed to sit there and let u diss them, and talk to them any way u please while saying nothing? Try that in person to someone's face, and see what it gets u. Where I come from you'd get your teeth smashed in.
28. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
Then that makes the android users even more of a troll. They come on apple articles specifically to bad mouth iOS while lavishly praising google.
22. TROLL (banned) (Posts: 4851; Member since: 13 Apr 2012)
There all in the right place, cause It's called TROLL.
17. TROLL (banned) (Posts: 4851; Member since: 13 Apr 2012)
Totally agree, he's just another Taco or the cmpunk or themiz.... He posts, then never replies and skives off, unlike Galli sometime he does argue, disputes...
29. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
Since u don't like what he has to say them maybe u shouldn't reply to him. U guys do the same thing to him from team android that he does to u guys from team iOS, yet it seems u can't take the heat, but u keep standing in mxys kitchen. He has the rite to post what he wants, just like u do. All u ever do is attack, bash, and insult iOS while disrespecting mxy at every turn...u just called him a pisshead for no other actual reason than him liking, and standing up for apple. I applaud him cuz no matter how u guys gang up on him, he refuses to back down and he always speaks his mind. Keep it up mxy it's your rite bro.
7. Berzerk000 (Posts: 4275; Member since: 26 Jun 2011)
Yes, but their last patch (6.1.1) fixed 1 bug and brought 2 more. That's counter-productive, not progress. What's the good of having a quick patch, when it just tears more holes?
9. gmracer1 (Posts: 646; Member since: 28 Dec 2012)
Maybe they should contact Google for help with bug-fixing ;-)
15. rusticguy (Posts: 2828; Member since: 11 Aug 2012)
Passcode byepass ... they FAILED to fix that ... Jony is busy decorating his 17 mil house i guess so no time for S/W issues ....
20. gmracer1 (Posts: 646; Member since: 28 Dec 2012)
10. davecann2 (Posts: 460; Member since: 15 Mar 2011)
I just installed it.... Looks and feel just like iOS 1.0
hahaha j/k
11. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
Dave how dare you lol
12. davecann2 (Posts: 460; Member since: 15 Mar 2011)
hahaha.... I'm only kidding
To be honest I was planing on purchasing an Android phone as my iPhone replacment but I think I am going to wait a little longer to see what iOS 7 brings to the table. I'm also excited to see a new design for the iPhone 6 =)
13. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
As am I. I do currently own an android device, but the iPhone 5 is still my main phone. I think apple needs to step it up a little bit this year. I'm waiting on iOS 7, I just hope they revamp it. By the way have you seen the Htc one?
33. davecann2 (Posts: 460; Member since: 15 Mar 2011)
Yea, the HTC One looks awesome. Me personally... I really want to see what the SGS4 has in store. I do agree with you that Apple has been slacking off over the past few years. They really need to do something "Different" with iOS7.... In other words it needs a new UI.
19. TROLL (banned) (Posts: 4851; Member since: 13 Apr 2012)
Dont bother just wait for never, another Apples masia. ios6789 are all gonna be same.
23. TROLL (banned) (Posts: 4851; Member since: 13 Apr 2012)
Dave how dare you lol, speaking the truth.
34. davecann2 (Posts: 460; Member since: 15 Mar 2011)
hahaha... I guess sometimes the truth hurts... especially for iPhone loyalists like me =P
35. darkkjedii (Posts: 26809; Member since: 05 Feb 2011)
Whenever apple needs to respond they do. This time will be no different.


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Have you ever wanted to be an actor? Just slide right into someone's life for the day. What if, for one day, we all pretended we were God?
Yep, I mean the BIG GUY in the sky.
What if, for one day, we all made peace, love, harmony, joy, and blessing each other our only priority? Seriously. How different would our perception of the world be if Romney (being God) turned to Obama (being God) and said "Bless you, Child of God," and Obama said "Right back at you." And they actually MEANT it! While it may not make for good television ratings it would sure give us a different window in which to look at our nation's potential.
God is something/someone I spend a lot of time trying to reconcile myself to. It all started in a 4th grade Sunday school class when I learned from my (God-fearing) teacher that people who hadn't even heard of Jesus were going to hell because they did not believe in Him.
UMMM …..BIG PROBLEM. How can you believe in something you haven't even heard of?
Was Jesus sending people who had never even heard of Him to eternal damnation? If so, then this whole God thing was not for me. WHO DOES THAT?! Seriously, who says, "I know you've never heard of me; too bad, so sad. Bye-bye." At the same time, I was also be raised singing "Jesus loves the little children, ALL the children of the world." As you can imagine, this made for some very confusing times.
To reconcile this question, I went to the place that gives me good advice most of the time: my heart. (I say most of the time because I chose some doozy boyfriends growing up – though it can be argued that my heart was not actually making the decision, but that is a topic for another blog…)
As I grew up, I decided to go with the whole "God is love" concept because, if I were God, I would love all my children even when they behave like idiots, plus I think that is the main point of the Bible. To be honest, this whole God-as-a-parent thing has really helped me develop a deeper understanding of my faith.
For example, when I think about what I want for my own kids, I want them to be able to take life by the lapels, make it work for them, and live their dreams. I don't want them to think of themselves as "less than." Oh, don't get me wrong. I want them to be nice people with big hearts filled with compassion who readily practice forgiveness. AND I want them to see themselves as powerful change agents who are afraid of nothing. Yes, I want them to be creators just like dear 'ol Dad, that Big Guy in the Sky.
I've decided that actually trying to think like God is an amazingly effective strategy for good decision-making too. Take gossip, for example. If God heard us talking about His other children who He lovingly and fearfully created, would He be proud or disappointed? What about the way we treat our bodies? Or utilize His gift, our life energy?
Some of the questions we may ask ourselves are interesting political hot buttons. Does God really care about immigration? When I search my heart, I can't say that I think He does. I just cannot imagine Jesus standing at different countries' borders, with His hands out like stop signs telling people they cannot cross over the line. Can you?
Does God love Republicans and Democrats equally? I think so. I would also guess He gets frustrated when both behave poorly and don't put the good of all His children in front of their personal agendas. What parent wants their kids to behave like that?
How would our world change if before we said anything about another person we asked ourselves: 'As a parent, would I like someone to say this about myself or my child?' And if, when we interacted with someone else, made a business deal, voted in Congress, what if we asked ourselves: 'As a parent, would I believe my children are being treated fairly?' and then, of course, there is the most important question: 'What I am doing to create a better, more harmonious, loving world to bring Heaven on Earth?'
For today, I encourage you to try to think like God. Put on rose-colored glasses and see everything as awesome and wonderful. Inhale the smell of the flowers, rejoice when the sun rises, embrace those whom you love with joy. Try to live in harmony, peace, and love. Smile just because. What do we have to lose?
Just for the day, try it. Perhaps we might like it and try it again tomorrow.


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CARSON, Calif. – We've gotten away from it in the past few weeks, but here is the triumphant return of the LA Galaxy Insider match look ahead.
On Independence Day, the LA Galaxy take on the Columbus Crew at StubHub Center.
Thursday's match will mark the 18th consecutive season in which LA has playing at home on the Fourth of July. LA is 9-5-3 all-time on the date, including a 1-1-0 mark against Columbus.
LA is 0-1-1 in the last two Independence Day matches.
The pregame game notes are here.
Defensive breakdowns plagued the LA Galaxy against the San Jose Earthquakes, but LA is adamant that there will be no such meltdowns against the Crew. Omar Gonzalez also had a few strong words as the Galaxy head into the match.
Landon Donovan's away with the U.S. National Team, so Hector Jimenez may step in his spot in the right side of midfield.
The match with the Crew will be a "strange" one for Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers, who was a mainstay for Columbus in years past.
Remember, if you bought tickets to the "Messi and Friends" exhibition, you'll be able to purchase tickets at a discounted rate for the Galaxy matches on Thursday and Sunday.
For a match preview, here's LAGalaxy.com Larry Morgan's view of the game.
Lastly, my Three Points to the game.
"If we look back at the games that we tied or lost in the last five minutes, with those points, we would easily be at the top of the table. But I don't like to look back, we need to look forward and make sure that every game is a battle and be sure to as get as much points as possible."
- LA Galaxy Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
ROBBIE ROGERS vs. TYSON WAHL
Facing his old club, Rogers is expected to be plenty motivated to bag his first goal with the LA Galaxy and he should have plenty of opportunities against Wahl. Look for Rogers to use his speed on and off the ball to get behind Wahl and create scoring chances for himself and his LA teammates.
JUNINHO vs. MATIAS SANCHEZ
Back from suspension, the Crew midfield will be bolstered by the return of the Argentine defensive midfielder. Not only does Sanchez attempt to break up chances, but he'll also try to get forward to open up space for the likes of playmaker Frederico Higuain.
DOMINIC ODURO vs. A.J. DELAGARZA
A match of speed, DeLaGarza will be expected to use his quickness to match up with the quick Ghanaian. Although no one is expecting DeLaGarza to beat Oduro in a foot race, if LA's defense can stay organized, they may be able to put the brakes on the fleet-footed Crew forward.
Cudicini; Franklin, Gonzalez, DeLaGarza, Dunivant; Jimenez, Sarvas, Juninho, Rogers; Zardes, Keane


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[Verse 1 - Paul Cain/Broadway]
[Paul Cain]
Damn Ma
I love you like the lye
I get a rush from your touch, sort of like a high
I used to adore your presence but now I'm like goodbye
Kept it a hundred with you..What gave you the right to lie?
We in two different spaces, and you done turned Gemini
Completely changed faces
You wouldn't understand even if we trade places
You'll never find another me, face it!
My life ain't sweet
I don't know who told you that?
My shoes, might want to tiptoe in that
Walk slow with that
I'm the same, ain't changed
But the haters where home is at
Got me like damn
Where my homies at
Fuck it, it's just me
Can't hold me back
You just can't bite the hand that feeds you
Especially when the hand's illegal
I guess you could
Consider it a lesson learned
I'm guessing it was just my turn
To learn the hard way
You can't always trust the ones you love
Oh yeah I think I remember you
Yeah... ahh probably not
You look so familiar too..
But you just wouldn't do this to me
I know you just wouldn't do this to me
Not you, I'm sorry, I must have you confused
[Verse 3 - Fabolous]
You got to take the good with the bad
Love what you got, remember what you had
Always forgive but never forget
Learn from mistakes, but never regret
I feel like it's coming it just ain't evident yet
You wanna take off, go head rev up the jet
Ain't gotta act like our paths should never have met
Let's be happy apart instead of together upset
I got the least out of something I put the most into
It's fucked up when assholes are who we toasting to
You remind me of somebody that I used to know
Me and that other you weren't introduced before
And I don't like that bitch
Rico from Belly voice
"I don't like that shit"
Who's gonna fill your space
That's still a case
Ben Franks the only familiar face
Get money
[Hook - Variation]
[Verse 4 - Paul Cain]
I guess she forgot how I used to hold her
The nights she was goin through it
Crying on my shoulder
And did a 360 it's like she got colder
I'm starting to regret all the things that I showed her
But I'm a rider
She used to be my roller
I guess the general just lost his best soldier
I thought I felt some type of bond and got close to her
She be Demi Moore
Cuz ya boy a ghost to her
"(Drugs) Do This To Me" is the 7th track off of Fabolous' SOUL tape. It details a complicated relationship between people and drugs, while having an underlying metaphor of human relationships.
Fabolous talks about his relationship with drugs, also using it to describe a girl.
Featured on this song are Paul Cain, and Broadway, and the song is produced by Broadway.


text:
Pacific Southwest, Region 9: Superfund
Serving Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and Tribal Nations
J. H. Baxter & Co.
State: California(CA)
County: Siskiyou
City: Weed
Congressional District: 02
Other Names: Roseburg Forest Products Baxter/International Paper/Roseburg
Bulletin Board
On 10/13/17, this website will no longer be updated. Site information will be migrated to the new web page at: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/jhbaxter .
EPA appreciates your patience through this transition. If you have questions, please contact EPA staff listed below.
On this page
Description and History
NPL Listing History
NPL Status: Final
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 10/04/89
Deleted Date:
The J.H. Baxter Superfund Site comprises approximately 205 acres, located at 422 Mill Street, in Weed, California. The Site is owned partially by J.H. Baxter Company and partially by Roseburg Forest products. It is bounded by residences to the west and northwest, by Roseburg Forest Products to the north, and irrigated pasture to the south. Land use in the vicinity includes industrial, residential, and pasture/mixed woodland. The site has been used continuously for wood treatment and related activities since 1937 and was placed on the National Priorities List in 1989. The site chemicals of concern were selected primarily on the basis of the concentration detected, or the known or suspected toxicological properties of the substance. The wood treatment inorganic (metal) chemicals of concern include arsenic, chromium, copper, and zinc, with arsenic being identified as a high threat contaminant. The organic chemicals of concern include carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), tetrachlorophenol, chlorinated dibenzodioxins and chlorinated dibenzofurans. Carcinogenic PAHs, PCBs, and dioxins have been identified as high threat contaminants. Approximately 25 years prior to 1962, the International Paper Company operated the facility, disposing of wood treatment chemicals in unlined pits or bermed areas on the site. From 1976 to 1983, process water was sprayed onto an open field on the site, contaminating soil and ground water.
The Preliminary Close Out Report was prepared in August of 2001, and the second Five Year Review was completed in September 2005. In September of 2007, the J.H. Baxter property was leased to Pacific States Treating, a subsidiary of Pacific States Industry, Inc.. The fourth Five Year Review, completed in September 2015, concluded that the remedy at the J.H. Baxter Superfund site is protective of human health and the environment because the asphaltic surface and restrictive covenants prevent direct contact exposure to the soil and groundwater. In addition, groundwater is being effectively contained or restored.
Contaminants and Risks
Contaminated Media
- Groundwater
- Surface Water
- Soil and Sludges
- Environmentally Sensitive Area
Groundwater, surface water, and sediments are contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP), creosote, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic, and heavy metals including chromium and zinc. Soil contains arsenic, chromium, PCP, creosote, PAHs, and dioxin. Prior to cleanup, people faced a health threat if they accidentally ingested, inhaled, or came into direct contact with contaminated groundwater, soil, surface water, sediments, or dust. In 1990, the EPA sampled off-site soils for arsenic and chromium, but found no significant contamination. Beaughton Creek, formerly a trout habitat, has been contaminated with creosote.
Who is Involved
This site is being addressed through Federal and potentially responsible parties' actions.
Investigation and Cleanup Activities
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Initial Actions
Immediate Actions: In 1986, the potentially responsible parties installed a fence around the site to prevent direct contact with the site contaminants.
Cleanup Ongoing
Remedies selected for soil, surface water, groundwater, vapor, or particulate, as stated in the 1990 ROD, were to achieve remedial standards based on a 10E-6 excess cancer risk, background, or non-detect (as indicated by accepted analytical methods used at the time). In 1998, the EPA issued ROD Amendment No. 1 in response to significant changes in the understanding of Site conditions and contamination estimates (increases in the quantity of dense nonaqueous-phase liquid [DNAPL] found during design studies that followed the 1990 ROD). DNAPLs include carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(123-cd)pyrene) and noncarcinogenic PAHs (naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, dibenzofuran, fluorine, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene). These increases, along with questions regarding the effectiveness of the selected remedy, resulted in EPA performing a Final Focused Feasibility Study of Technical Impracticability (Bechtel, 1997). The ROD Amendment documents a waiver of groundwater cleanup standards set forth in the 1990 ROD for the DNAPL zone only. Groundwater outside the DNAPL zone will be remediated to ROD standards. The Amendment also allowed for soil designated as Area B soils (not identified in the ROD) to undergo bioventing as a form of treatment for PAHs. An Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) was issued in September of 2001. The ESD changed the treatment standard for non-carcinogenic PAHs in soils placed in the RCRA-equivalent cell from 1.0 to 2.6 milligrams per liter. The ESD allowed for the treated (land-farmed) soils to be disposed of in the RCRA equivalent cell, designated as a Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU). The land-farmed soils were placed in the CAMU in August 2001, concurrent with the time the ESD was prepared, so that the disposal cell could be covered and completed during the 2001 construction season.
In 1983, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) issued a Cleanup and Abatement Order and a Cease and Desist Order. In 1984, the CRWQCB ordered Roseburg to cease discharge of contaminated water. In 1991, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to the responsible parties requiring them to carry out the cleanup
Cleanup Results to Date
The remedy, as specified by the ROD, ROD Amendment, and ESD (see ongoing cleanup, above) has been implemented.
Potentially Responsible Parties
Potentially responsible parties (PRPs) refers to companies that are potentially responsible for generating, transporting, or disposing of the hazardous waste found at the site.
Online information about the PRPs for the site is not yet available.
Documents and Reports
|Soils and Groundwater
|EPA Proposes Modification to Groundwater and Soils Remedy
|EPA Announces Construction Activity For Groundwater And Soils Remedy
|EPA Continues Construction Activity for Groundwater and Soils Remedy
|Preliminary Close Out Report
|EPA Announces Completion of Construction at Site
|EPA Announces Completion of Construction Activities and Closure of Area B
|Record of Decision
|Record of Decision Amendment
|Explanation of Significant Differences
|First Five Year Review Report
|Second Five Year Review Report
|Third Five Year Review Report
|2012 Annual Report on Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring Activities
|2013 Annual Report on Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring Activities
|2014 Annual Report on Operation, Maintenance, and Monitoring Activities
|Fourth Five Year Review Report
Public Information Repositories
The public information repositories for the site are at the following locations:
Weed Library,
780 South Davis Street, 96094
Weed, CA 96094
College of the Siskiyous Library,
800 College Avenue, Weed, CA 96094
The most complete collection of documents is the official EPA site file, maintained at the following location:
Superfund Records Center
Mail Stop SFD-7C
95 Hawthorne Street, Room 403
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 820-4700
Enter main lobby of 75 Hawthorne street, go to 4th floor of South Wing Annex.
EPA Site Manager
Mail Code SFD
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
EPA Community Involvement Coordinator
Mail Code SFD
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
EPA Public Information Center
State Contact
Sacramento Field Office
8800 Cal Center Drive
Sacramento, CA 95826-3200
PRP Contact
Community Contact
Other Contacts
After Hours (Emergency Response)


text:
Two-year-old misbehaving - keeps feeding dogs
He's giving his food to the dogs! Deliberately!
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Two-year-old misbehaving - keeps feeding dogs
He's giving his food to the dogs! Deliberately!
13.Feb.2013, 11:50 AM
Post #1
Joined: 12.Jan.2007
Hi all -
Our two year old son is misbehaving. He's feeding his food to the dogs whenever he gets the chance. We used to be able to control it by monitoring him, but now that we have a newborn baby girl, it's more difficult, especially since he is getting fiester and more active every day, it seems!
The dogs (two German shepherd males, 4 and nearly 3) are loving it, but I doubt it's doing much for their health either. How do we get the chaos under control??
Any advice would be appreciated!
13.Feb.2013, 12:03 PM
Post #2
Location: Stockholm
Joined: 2.Aug.2011
13.Feb.2013, 12:22 PM
Post #3
Joined: 20.Sep.2011
You have a 1adult to 1 child ratio. Dogs move to live outside. Problem solved.
Kids will do anything that is fun, especially if it gets the attention of parents, when that child was once the only child and got 200% of the attention. Welcome to the world of child psychology, you get no training, its on the job learning only!
13.Feb.2013, 12:23 PM
Post #4
Location: Sweden
Joined: 12.Sep.2011
When feeding the child, keep the dogs out of the room. Problem fixed.
13.Feb.2013, 12:27 PM
Post #5
Location: Dalarna
Joined: 5.Apr.2006
13.Feb.2013, 12:40 PM
Post #6
Joined: 12.Jan.2007
I appreciate the advice of having them live outside, but we can't really do that - they have both slept with us in our bed since they were puppies, they are not outside dogs. We keep the door open for them, but if we leave them outside for too long they tend to hound the horses as well.
The best scenario is that we leave the door open during the day so they can come in and out (when we are at home), and only leave them outside when we are away.
At night, including at dinner time, they are inside with us.
13.Feb.2013, 12:44 PM
Post #7
Joined: 20.Sep.2011
Spoilt and untrained dogs? Best you teach them not to beg for food, lie in their beds when told, I think your dogs think they are above the kids in the pecking order?
Build an outside dog run and kennel, all dogs are born outside animals they'll adapt.
13.Feb.2013, 12:54 PM
Post #8
Location: Sweden
Joined: 12.Sep.2011
We have two dogs. Both have been trained to NOT beg ever. In fact both dogs know that they are to stay in the hall when we eat at the table.
With the dogs sleeping in your bed and free run of the house you are looking for trouble and tension between the kids and the dogs. As Skogsbo said the dogs need to know they are at the bottom of the pecking order...period.
A happy dog is one that knows where he/she sits in the hierarchy and does not have to fight for or defend that position. You need to bring in a dog trainer to teach you how to manage the dogs in way that is least stressful for them and you.
Your kids is not misbehaving by the way. He is playing. Do you really think a 2 year old can understand why he shouldn't feed the dogs his food??
13.Feb.2013, 12:57 PM
Post #9
Location: Sweden
Joined: 12.Sep.2011
Spoilt and untrained dogs? Best you teach them not to beg for food, lie in their beds when told, I think your dogs think they are above the kids in the pecking order?Build an ... (show full quote)
Spoilt and untrained dogs? Best you teach them not to beg for food, lie in their beds when told, I think your dogs think they are above the kids in the pecking order?
Build an outside dog run and kennel, all dogs are born outside animals they'll adapt. ... (hide full quote)
A well trained and happy dog can be great indoors and behave appropriately. One of mine is a total indoor dog but he knows which rooms he is allowed into. The other is an outdoor dog and in the day time she will take a nap outside in -20C
13.Feb.2013, 01:01 PM
Post #10
Joined: 20.Sep.2011
I agree, but, Dave's dogs are having the best of all worlds and his kids are having fun. Everyone is happy apart from Dave.
13.Feb.2013, 01:14 PM
Post #11
Location: Sweden
Joined: 12.Sep.2011
13.Feb.2013, 01:28 PM
Post #12
Joined: 12.Jan.2007
I'll have you know that both dogs have passed obedience classes. They sit, come when called, lie down, walk at heel, all the basics.
I don't consider letting them live inside with being spoilt / untrained. The only people I know who have a problem with them living inside are our muslim friends, and we specifically put them out when they visit us.
There is no tension between the dogs and kids, in fact our son went through a period where he chased the dogs and pulled out their fur, without any aggression from the dogs in retaliation. He also loves running around with the dogs outside. I'm not dismissing those with a muslim point of view on dogs, but it isn't the way we want to live.
13.Feb.2013, 01:40 PM
Post #13
Location: Sweden
Joined: 12.Sep.2011
If the dogs are so obedient then 'order' them to stop taking food off your son.. I am not kidding you by the way. Neither of my dogs will touch their food until either me or my wife give them the command. Nor will the dogs think of ever taking food (even if given) from our kids at the kitchen table as they know it is wrong.
I think you've missed the point Dave.
Either train the dogs to stay away from the kitchen while you eat or keep them out of the room. Problem fixed. This isn't rocket science.
The tension I was referring to will come as your son grows older and wants to assert himself. The dogs may see this as him challenging their seat on the hierarchy. I don't mean that the dogs will become aggressive, but they may choose not to play or interact with your son as they used to.
13.Feb.2013, 02:13 PM
Post #14
Joined: 15.Oct.2012
Several things come to mind... put Skogsbo in a pen outside...
Otherwise, put the dogs in sit-and-stay mode while everyone eats. Then reward them with a healthy chunk of meat when meal/snack time is over. And I suppose you have to keep training your children to not feed the dogs as well. That just seems like an accident waiting to happen, not good for the child or the dog.
I do think it's like John (was it John?) said that dogs are happiest when they know their place within the pack. They seem to be real creatures of habit and work best with a solid routine.
Could you give them a bone during dinner? Something to occupy them - and reward them for staying away? The trainer I knew years ago always said, praise, praise, praise! A lot of dogs really like to work, so maybe make it a kind of job for them in which their patience is praised and rewarded?
13.Feb.2013, 02:27 PM
Post #15
Joined: 20.Sep.2011
If the dogs were trained you could put your plate on the floor and they would leave it, I suspect its not the case here. Dave I'm not a muslim, I just think dogs should not have the run of the house, especially the kitchen at meal times. I grew up with collies inside, but under strict rules, since then and now, dogs outside. Cats the same, in for a bit of petting and food, but at night out, doing what farm cats should do.
Our dog could never cope inside, too warm, in his winter abode he pulls his blankets out of his kennel and lies on them there if its above minus5.


text:
Read my blog, The Picket Fence. Guaranteed to make you think or your money back!
Follow me on Twitter.
This is possibly the worst idea ever. I would rather have Triano suited up than AI. Iverson is no longer "The Answer", but instead "The Wrong Answer".
When was the last time AI played anything close to a full season?
Even if he's on his best behavior (did I just write that about a grown man? best behavior?),
those "old man" injuries make it a bad investment.
Read my blog, The Picket Fence. Guaranteed to make you think or your money back!
Follow me on Twitter.
2. As much as I think Ajinca is a dud, at least there's the potential he could turn into something valuable; Iverson, not so much.
3. Ajinca was okay with sitting on the bench and/or staying on the inactive list. Would Iverson be okay with being signed to the minimum and staying on the inactive list? Would he take it in stride and not attempt yet another retirement?
Iverson might be able to score 15 points per game, but it'll take him 25 shots to get there. And he'll start pouting about wanting to be a starter. That's the problem.
your pal,
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


text:
1. Avoid brevity. Most sites require passwords to be six characters or more before they're accepted. The longer you can make it, the better—more characters in a password makes it harder to crack. It's recommended that your password be more than 12 characters (16-plus preferably) to lessen the chances of someone hacking it.
2. Vary the characters. Using only one type of character in your passwords is bad practice, so don't settle on letters alone. Use capitals, numbers, punctuation, and symbols to strengthen it. A good example is Apple and its user accounts. Each user's password requires one capital letter and one number minimum. By incorporating rules like that of Apple's, you're making it harder for a person or machine to guess your password.
3. Add complex passwords to smartphones. Most smartphone users punch in a four-digit pin to unlock their phones. However, there are better ways to keep your smartphone safe. For iPhone users, create a more complex password by going into your phone's "settings," and then into "general," where you will see "password lock." Turn off "simple passcode"—this allows you to enter a more complex password. Android users have more options from which to choose. Along with the four-digit pin, you can select a nine-point unlock system, password, and face unlock system to keep your device secure.
4. Check your password's strength. If you've come up with a few password suggestions, test their strength on HowSecureIsMyPassword.net. The site will tell you how long it will take for a desktop PC to crack your password.
5. Use your phone or tablet as storage for your passwords. You know that note taker on your phone? It's also a handy way of storing those hard-to-remember passwords. You will always have your phone on hand, so referring to it for accounts that you've recently created is good if you take the right precautions: keep your phone locked with a strong pin (see No. 3) and bury those passwords deep in your phone's memory. Put your notes in folders, keep most of them separate, or mix them into other notes or files. Don't mark your notes as anything that would imply that they are passwords or say which accounts each password is for.
6. Log out. It doesn't hurt to log out of a site when you're finished. The worst thing you'll have to endure is a few extra seconds typing in your password. The alternative is letting the person who stole your computer access all of your accounts, making those extra seconds a small price to pay.
• Facebook. If you're unable to access your account, the first thing you should do is go to Facebook's hacked section. If you're signed in, just follow the instructions to secure your account. However, if you're not signed in, or you can't sign in, send a report through this page saying that your account has been hacked. When you regain access to your account, review all apps on your profile in case one of them was responsible for the problem.
• Twitter. Twitter doesn't have the same security features as Facebook, so the only thing you can do is change your password. There are two ways to do this: If you can log into your account, go into "account settings" and access the "passwords" tab to change it. If you're unable to log in to your account, you will need to request Twitter change your password through the home page. When you've regained access to your account, review and remove any apps that might be suspicious, and delete any spam tweets or direct messages that were posted to your account.
• LinkedIn. LinkedIn follows the same principal as Twitter, enabling you to change your password by requesting it through this link. Much like Twitter, a link to help change your account password will be emailed to you.
• Google and YouTube. If one of your Google accounts has been compromised, it's safe to assume that all of your accounts are in trouble. In that case, all of the many Google products tie into this dashboard—if you're having problems signing in, go to the sign-in page and click on "Can't access your account?" where you can get either your username or your password. If your account's been compromised, you will need to click on "help" at the bottom of the page and report the problem. A good idea would be to sign up for Google's two-step verification process. This uses both your password and your phone to keep your account safe.
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text:
Jaime Villarreal's tenure as a member of the LA Galaxy Academy came to an end when the U-18's failed to qualify for the U.S. Developmental Academy Finals Week, but the future is bright for the young forward from Inglewood.
U.S. Soccer profiled the younger brother of Galaxy Homegrown Player Jose Villarreal in their latest video in their "Youth National Team Influence" series . Villarreal earned his first call-up to the U.S. Under-20 National Team earlier this year.
Check out the video below.


text:
This is a Pirates town
Forget what you thought you know about the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The small crowds, cellar dwellers, AAAA farm team, 18 straight losing seasons.
Forget about it. The city of Pittsburgh has, why shouldn't you?
There is a new sense of belonging in the Steel City, or shall I say Buc Town. It's cool to be a Pirates fan and the 2011 Buccos have provided a city with hope that this time around really matters. Summer has always been a void for sports fans in athletic crazed Pittsburgh, PA. Fall belongs to the Steelers, the Penguins own winter and spring and with top-flight college programs (WVU, Pitt, Penn State) in the region all-school year long, summer was never really welcoming to what it was meant for.
Yes, people would wind up in beautiful PNC Park, but simply as a courtesy. The Pirates have always been a sideshow for people just looking for something to do on a warm, summer night. Think about it. Everybody watches the SuperBowl, everybody goes to the annual church festival, everybody goes to a Pirate game-for the heck of it, really with no rhyme or reason.
That's different this year and there is reason to prove it.
Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review provided factual evidence that a competitive Pirates team in June is a true revolution.
Pirate games television ratings are up 34% from last year and are at their highest since 2005.
Apparel sales have boomed up to 50% in the Pittsburgh metro area.
Views of the Pirates homepage are up 41%.
Attendance at PNC Park is up 12%.
This is far from the same old, same old. Usually, Pittsburgh is a far cry away from contention, let alone .500, by this time of the year. June is about to wrap up and the Pirates currently stand at 39-37, a mere 2.5 games out of first place in the National League Central.
To quote Lou Brown from Major League, "we're contenders now."
Baseball is indeed a funny sport, as no one could have predicted this dramatic turnaround from last year's Bucs and last years Bucs "fans."
Twice in 2011, PNC Park attendance records have been set and then broken. An average of over 22,000 people have rushed the gates so far, this year. It's a new feeling at the park, too. People can relate to this team unlike any year before. It's a new feeling that these guys are our guys. Complaints of years before that read something like, "they just trade away everyone, anyway." Well, they did that to get to this point.
Most notably pitchers Jeff Karstens and Joel Hanrahan, whose performances on the mound propelled the Pirates to a 6-4 win over the Red Sox on Saturday, have been the centerpiece to bewildering revolution.
With plenty of season left to play, there is more than enough time for the Bucs to pick up steam, but lose it as well. For now, it's time to enjoy competitive baseball in Pittsburgh. For many, it's something new. But, it's fun to be a fan.


text:
I've decided it's time to update my bio, so here y'all go: I'm now in the 10th grade, and almost have my license! I actually have a car, and if I do say so myself, it is rather cute ;). My school choir is going on a trip this coming May (2006) to NYC to sing on at Carnegie hall. I can't make it, but I sure hope they have fun, and I'm going to miss them. Oh well, London is coming up in 2008, and I plan to go! That's all for now, have fun on MuggleNet.com!
P.S. Two things: 1. my name is pronounced Kay-shuh [short u sound] (like the Acacia tree from Africa), just in case you were wondering and 2. I have my first fanfic up, and if you want to visit it, the name is The Price to be Paid, D/Hr romance. Thanks everyone!


text:
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Two national short-track coaches resigned under pressure from U.S. Speedskating on Thursday, six days after an independent investigation revealed they knew about a shocking skate-tampering incident last year but failed to report it.
The resignation of head coach Jae Su Chun and assistant Jun Hyung Yeo is expected to mostly put to rest complaints filed by a dozen skaters who alleged that Chun and Yeo abused them though far-ranging grievances about the federation and its governance are still on the table and have yet to be addressed.
"We're going to continue with the grievance" against U.S. Speedskating, said Edward Williams, the attorney for the skaters who accused the coaches. The federation has "neither the managerial nor financial capability to carry out their obligations. ... We want to reform this national governing body."
Federation officials said in a two-sentence statement that the resignations were effective immediately shortly after the resignations were announced, a scheduled arbitration hearing in the case was canceled and that both coaches accepted suspensions from U.S. Speedskating through February 2014, beyond the conclusion of the Sochi Olympics in Russia.
That means Chun and Yeo cannot coach in any program or event sanctioned by U.S. Speedskating in that time, though they could take jobs coaching another nation, unless the International Skating Union sanctions them in some way.
It's not known whether the skaters who filed the complaints against Chun and Yeo will return to the federation's national racing program now, after leaving it last summer to avoid the alleged abuse and train instead with the FAST club program that's also based at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.
Skaters within the federation have been sharply divided by what happened nine of them signed a statement defending Chun and blasting the complainers and there are hard feelings on both sides of the dispute.
But several days before the resignations, when Chun and Yeo were still employed but under suspension, the federation announced that Pat Went- land and Stephen Gough will coach the skaters in the national racing program.
Wentland is a former three-time national champion and national-team coach he's a member of the Speedskating Hall of Fame who tutored legendary short-tracker Apolo Anton Ohno in his youth, while Gough competed for Canada at the 1994 Lillehammer Games in Norway and coached the Canadians through the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where they won five medals.
Wentland and Gough also will travel with the skaters who have qualified to race at World Cup events in Canada later this month, and in China and Japan later in the season a group comprising skaters from both sides of the dispute.
All of the athletes who qualified for spots at the World Cup races have accepted the new coaches, the federation said, after several considered declining their spots if Chun and Yeo had remained.
The first World Cup races of the season are Oct. 19-21 in Calgary and Oct. 26-28 in Montreal.
Chun stood accused not only of abuse, but of ordering skater Simon Cho to tamper with the skates of Canadian rival Olivier Jean at the world championships in Poland last year. Jean was on the Olympic gold-medal-winning relay team coached by Gough.
Cho admitted his role in the sabotage and said Chun made him do it, because Chun was angry that the Canadians had worked with another team to eliminate the Americans in a relay heat.
Attorneys from the international law firm White & Case, however, said last Friday that despite a seven-week investigation in which they interviewed about three dozen witnesses, they could not determine whether Chun actually ordered the act.
They did say Chun admitted knowing about it "immediately after it took place," and told Yeo on their way back to the team hotel.
Neither reported it to anybody, the investigators said.
The investigators also said they did not find a "pattern of abuse" by the coaches, either physical or emotional, though they left the door open for specific claims of abuse by pointedly noting that their report "is not an exoneration of the coaching methods."
They also described a culture of distrust and dysfunction within the federation.
"There was general perception among the skaters that no one at U.S. Speedskating would listen to their concerns," attorney Greg Little said, "much less act on them."
U.S. Speedskating said it has begun pursuing disciplinary action against Cho, after the skater admitted tampering with the skate, and said a hearing before its appeals commission will be held "soon."
Cho has said he expects to be suspended or banned.
It's not clear how the saga will proceed from here.
The aggrieved skaters alleged in their initial formal grievance that a wide variety of federation officials and board members, including executive director Mark Greenwald, knew of the alleged coaching abuse and did nothing to stop it, and that U.S. Speedskating does not meet the criteria established by the U.S. Olympic Committee to be recognized as the national governing body for the sport.
The skaters also charged the nonprofit federation with cheating on its taxes, by overstating its assets to promote the appearance of fiscal health, while at the same time failing to provide skaters in the national racing program suitable living expenses or time to hold meaningful jobs.
But the federation has not publicly addressed those allegations, and it's not clear when it will attempt to deal with them.
Attorneys for Chun and Yeo could not be reached for comment.