text:
That's a Wrap
The 2007 season is moving forward without the Toronto Blue Jays. I'm looking forward to watching the Rockies attempt to complete the late-season push toward the playoffs tonight in the sudden-death tilt with the Padres. Given that this year will include a 163rd contest, I'm going to hold off on my year-end award picks until tomorrow.
For now, I'll take a look back at Toronto's season and dish out this season's BA's — the Bastian Awards.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alex Rios
You could make quite a case for second baseman Aaron Hill, but Rios enjoyed a breakout season with the Jays this year. The right fielder hit .297 with 24 homers, 43 doubles and 85 RBIs. Rios might've driven in more had he not spent so much time in the leadoff spot early in the year. Now, Toronto manager John Gibbons will wrestle with whether or not Rios or Vernon Wells should be the club's No. 3 hitter in 2008.
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Roy Halladay
Once upon a time, Babe Ruth swatted more homers on his own than some teams had as a whole. Well, nowadays, Halladay is logging more complete games as an individual than many teams have combined. Halladay's Major League-leading seven complete games were more than 26 clubs had as a whole, and three teams didn't notch a singled CG this season. Even after missing three weeks with an appendectomy, Halladay was near the league lead in innings and he was within striking distance of 20 wins.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jesse Litsch
Apologies to Adam Lind (11 homers in 89 games) and Brian Wolfe (2.98 EA in 38 games). The 22-year-old Litsch made the jump from Double-A to Toronto's rotation and he made it look easy at times. Relying on control and a nice changeup, Litsch finished 7-9 with a 3.81 ERA in 20 starts. Litsch had some of the worst run support on the staff, though, so he could've easily been a 10-game winner in his first tour of the bigs. Now, Litsch appears to be the leading candidate for Toronto's fifth spot next year.
RELIEVER OF THE YEAR: Jeremy Accardo
Apologies to left-hander Scott Downs (2.17 ERA in 81 games) and right-hander Casey Janssen (2.35 ERA in 70 games). Accardo was on the bubble in Spring Training and he eventually became a solid replacement for injured closer B.J. Ryan. Accardo notched 30 saves and finished with a 2.14 ERA. Using a nasty splitter, Accardo locked down the ninth inning in Ryan's absence, and the young righty will likely slip into the setup job when the Jays' closer returns from the disabled list next year.
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Shaun Marcum
Apologies to Dustin McGowan and Matt Stairs. After posting a 6.06 ERA in 13 relief outings, who would've predicted that Marcum would emerge as one of Toronto's top starters after being moved to the rotation this year? Marcum joined the starting staff and went 11-4 with a 3.91 ERA the rest of the way. McGowan (12-10) likely projects to be the Jays' No. 3 starter for next season, but Marcum was a true blessing to the pitching staff this year. Those two, combined with Litsch, Halladay and A.J. Burnett give Toronto an intimidating rotation for 2008.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Vernon Wells
The Blue Jays expected more from their center fielder after he enjoyed a huge offensive year in 2006 and subesequently penned his name on a seven-year extension worth $126 million. In '07, though, Wells hit .245 with 16 homers and 80 RBIs before being shut down with a left shoulder injury. If the Jays have any prayer of seeing their offense return to its 2006 form, the club needs a strong return from Wells, who was signed to be one of the focal points of the lineup.
PLAY OF THE YEAR: Aaron Hill steals home on May 29
Apologies to at least a dozen defensive gems turned in by shortstop John McDonald. On May 29, Hill bolted from third base against the Yankees and successfully recorded a straight steal on New York left-hander Andy Pettitte in a 3-2 Jays win. Prior to the game, third-base coach Brian Butterfield told Hill and the Jays that such a situation might arise against Pettitte. It's little details like that that might have helped convince Toronto to promote Butterfield to the bench coach job next year.
On to other matters…
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi — booed by the Rogers Centre faithful during the season finale — sat down with the press on Sunday night to discuss the state of the club.
Here are a few goals he indicated the club has for the offseason:
- Explore potential long-term deals for Rios and Hill
- Look to acquire a veteran backup catcher with a good arm
- Look to acquire a super utility man, possibly via trade
- Maybe add some pitching depth through "reclamation projects"
- Explore whether or not to stick with LF Reed Johnson
- Attempt to re-sign veteran Matt Stairs
- Hire a hitting coach to replace Mickey Brantley
- Work within a payroll of roughly $90 million
Here are some goals Ricciardi said the Blue Jays have for next season:
- Show improvement with patience and situational hitting on offense
- Utilize Wells' and Rios' speed more often
Ricciardi said that Adam Lind would likely be more of a "regular" player in 2009, which means he could be back at Triple-A to start next season. Toronto's GM also added that catcher Curtis Thigpen would probably be back in Triple-A with C Robinzon Diaz, who is "really close" to making it to the bigs.
It doesn't appear that INF Russ Adams has convinced the Jays that he can be their primary utility man. Ricciardi also said that he told right-hander Brandon League that, "'If you want to be on this team next year you have to make this team.'" Minor League pitcher Brett Cecil is one prospect who Ricciardi said is "on the fast track."
Janssen will be stretched out over the winter, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be converted to a starter. Toronto did the same thing with Janssen last year, just in case he'd emerge as a potential rotation guy. When League and Ryan went down, Janssen moved to the bullpen. It will likely be a similar scenario this coming spring. If Ryan isn't ready by Opening Day, Janssen will more than likely be a reliever.
Welp, that's it from me today. I have to gear up for my trip to Cleveland tomorrow. I'll be blogging throughout the playoffs, so stay tuned. Anyone out there pulling for the Rox tonight?
61 Comments
definitly pulling for the Rox, and Canada's own Jeff Francis.
Keep up the great work Jordan.
Also would it be too much trouble to include links to your playoff articles in future blogs? Just so we don't have to search high and low for them.
Thanks for all of your hard work Jordan in the booth as well as on this blog, I have enjoyed your insight and enjoyed the banter that takes place on this site. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading about the playoffs and rumors taking place over the offseason.
I think if the Jays can put it together the way they should next year, look out Bo Sox and Yanks. I am hoping that the Yanks bow out early. Tonights Rox game should be fun!
Comments On Riccardi's Comments
Explore potential long-term deals for Rios and Hill***I hope we sign them both to 5 year deals, although I don't expect this to be low cost.
Look to acquire a veteran backup catcher with a good arm ***I think Robinson Diaz would likely have made it this fall if he hadn't got injured. He's thrown out .444 of the guys trying to steal on him, hit .338 in AAA, and in 365 total at bats this year only struck out 22 times. What else he has to learn would best be learnt here with major league coaching. He can be Ernie's special project. Forget about a has been we'll dump in June-bring the kid up and play him now.
In my view, Diaz is ahead of Thigpen, in talent and upside-time to bring him up. He needs to be moved in early in this coming year so Zaun can be let go at the end of the year-or sooner. Another full year at AAA for Thigpen will help him a lot and have him ready in 2009 to share the catching duties with Diaz.
Look to acquire a super utility man, possibly via trade**We probably already have the super utility guy in Johnny Mac, sign a short stop with sting if anything is done at this position and forget about these retreads like Luna and Inglett. Olmedo is good defensively, but a light bat. Might be good to put a call into the Mets. After Friday night's fiasco, there might be a short stop there they want to unload.
Maybe add some pitching depth through "reclamation projects" ** Total waste of time, we have losts of pitching depth-put the effort, time and money to better use elsewhere.
Explore whether or not to stick with LF Reed Johnson**I hope we keep him, but I think Reed needs to be realistic about salary, considering how poor 2007 has been. If we do trade him, trade him after it's proven he has recovered so we get something out of him.
Attempt to re-sign veteran Matt Stairs**Only if the price is right-keep Lind otherwise.
Hire a hitting coach to replace Mickey Brantley.**The choice made here will be interesting. I hope we bring in someone strong, but I doubt Abner would will that.
Work within a payroll of roughly $90 million**I wonder if Uncle Teddy has put his foot down-more results-more money. I hope he has.
Sumner I think that is exactly what's going on with Ted. The payroll has been increasing for 3 seasons now (i think) and the results have been the same.
I would look at trading Reed….as much as I like the guy, however if you can't get anything decent for him then no point in my opinion (unless he can be used in a package)
Sumner, If you're thinking that the jays should look into acquiring Reyes well I highly doubt they'd ask for little in return. So unless they're willing to part with a lot then they aren't getting him. I'd love to see him on the team though. He, or Wright.
Also, Jordan, thank you for all the blogging you've done this year. I for one enjoy reading them along with the work you do on the site. It was my first season signing up and i'll definitaly continue to read your stuff and post a comment every once in a while.
If the Mets ever unloaded Reyes, they would be asking for a bunch in return. He is one of the most talented players in the game. He like everyone else had a TERRIBLE month of September. The Mets would be nuts if they dealt him, unless they got knocked out of there socks!!!
I do agree with everyone, Jordan you did a great job!!!
Michigan State almost pulled off the upset vs Wisconsin.
I couldn't believe the score. What a whacky day in college football. All the top teams went down. Oklahoma goind down was the biggest surprise, Colorado is a bad team. The Sooners were caught looking ahead. Texas getting smoked at home was a surprise, the score anyway!!!
I think everyone is rooting for the Rockies. The sad part though it is still a football town for sure. Broncos rule the area!!!
Reyes would certainly look good as our lead off hitter, though, wouldn't he. 78 stolen bases, plays good defence and a career .284 BA.
Maybe we need to take an undesireable from the Mets to get him-like Delgado, who they're ancious to dump.
So tell me what you think of this deal.
We trade Overbay, Marcum, Tallet and Frasor.
We get Reyes and Delgado in return.
They get desperately needed pitching and a quality 1st baseman in Overbay.
We get speed at the top of the lineup, which we desperately need. Delgado is expensive and likely on the downside of his career, but he can still hit and play defence as well as Overbay and likely drive in more runs.
Turn Janssen into a starter, to take Marcum's slot. Romero or Chacin can fill Tallet's spot. Frasor is likely excess baggage in 2008 anyway.
That was one heck of a game tonight between the Rox and Friars. And, yeah, bosox, I lived in Colorado for two years and the Broncos definitely rule the sports scene out there. Although, the Rox always had a decent showing when I'd hit up Coors Field every once in a while.
I think if you listen close, you can here the Mets laughing on your trade proposal. Reyes is one of the best players in the game, you need to give up alot to get him. Not going to happen!!!
Yeah, ah, the starting point for Reyes would be 2 of McGowan, Marcum, Accardo, Janssen.
Tallet and Frasor are useless, you can find guys like them anywhere, without having to trade for them.
Are you doing the same thing you did with Crawford? just trying to get people to post in response to non-sensical trade proposals?
One never knows until the phone call is made. He's good but he certainly isn't one of the best in the game.
And The Mets look like they really want to shake this team up-so who knows.
Well, to get Reves, I think I might part with Marcum and Accardo.
We need speed at the top of the lineup, have an over abundance of relieve pitching so maybe it's time to do a deal like this.
Hey, I didn't see anyone here begging you to post, so don't feel obligated.
Reyes is a top 10 player in the game. The kid is a game changer for sure. His trade value is sky high. He had a terrible month but so didn't everyone else associated with the Mets. That team went into the tank and EVERYONE should be held accoountable!!!
– Explore potential long-term deals for Rios and Hill
The sooner the better, these are players that will take us to the playoffs
– Look to acquire a veteran backup catcher with a good arm
I think we need a starting catcher with a good arm, but this position will be weak until we develop our own.
– Look to acquire a super utility man, possibly via trade
nice thought, not a priority though, id look within the organization first
– Maybe add some pitching depth through "reclamation projects"
probably a waste of time, but depth never hurts incase of injuries Litsch would be a nice guy to have as backup in AAA till we needed him
-Explore whether or not to stick with LF Reed Johnson
Think about a platoon with Lind and Johnson to start, untill one steals the job. Have a feeling Lind could do that. Plus we need another strong left handed bat in the lineup.
– Attempt to re-sign veteran Matt Stairs
Could be the Left handed bat, But seriously he is a career .267 hitter, what are his chances at age 40 to repeat this year? Don't overpay!!
– Hire a hitting coach to replace Mickey Brantley
– Work within a payroll of roughly $90 million
Good Luck!
Here are some goals Ricciardi said the Blue Jays have for next season:
– Show improvement with patience and situational hitting on offense
That will come around as soon as Vernon Wells comes around
– Utilize Wells' and Rios' speed more often
Rios should be stealing 20+ bases easily!! Gibbons needs to use his assets hopefully Butterfeild helps him out!
And all the talk about getting Reyes dont count on it! Unless Roy Halladays name is on the offer sheet the Mets wouldnt even consider it.
"We trade Overbay, Marcum, Tallet and Frasor.
We get Reyes and Delgado in return"
I hope you werent serious? Cause to me thats hilarious
NO WAY the Mets even think about it. Reyes has the potential to be one of the best shortstops to ever play the game. What could Overbay and Marcum ever do to replace that? Not to mention Tallet and Frasor, who have struggled just to stay in the big leauges!?
If JP does anything but some minor tweaking this off-season, I'll eat my hat, socks, and underpants. He seems pretty set with this team and he'll either sink or swim with them….
And how about this for a trade: Russ Adams, Joe Inglet, and Joe Kennedy for Reyes?
How could the Mets resist?!
And what's this I've been hearing about a blown call to end the Rockies/Padres game? Anyone see the game? What exactly happened?
Bottom of 13, someone hit a sac fly and Holliday taged from 3rd. When he slid home the catcher dropped the ball and he was called safe.
Problem is that he never actually touched the plate because the catcher had it blocked.
Although, based on a strict interpretation of the rules (which isn't used by umps and hasn't been for as long as I can remember) the runner should be safe becasue the catcher isn't allowed to block the plate if he doesn't have the ball or is fieding the ball (about to catch it).
correction, it's not if he's "about to field it" it's if he has to be in the baseline to catch it.
RobertLee: Thanks for the info! Sounds like it's one of those grey area calls that people will dispute for a long time. And I bet there are some pretty bitter Padres fans out there today!
For reclamation pitchers, i hope Freddy Garcia is avaiable on the cheap, he would be a crazy good find if he came cheap and only needed a season to recover.
I sure hope we don't sign Stairs for anything big. We should have traded him when there was a chance to.
Reyes a Jay ??? Sounds a little far fetched. Renteria would be a much better choice and would come a lot cheaper then one of the best SS in the game. Johnson is my leadoff choice !!!
And if you really don't like Johnson, im sure you would just have to spice the deal up a bit with Renteria to get the Braves to send Diaz over to take over left.
Reyes would just be redundant. You always have to give up an elite player to get an elite player. Anyways, Im sure it would take at least McGowan and another top guy like Accardo to get the Mets to budge.
Freddy Garcia's an interesting idea. But considering his past success (in both the slamming A.L. and the small balling N.L.) and that he's coming off only one sub-par season, someone's still going to pay him a whole bunch of money. I doubt the Jays could pick him up for a small Ohka-esque reclamation salary.
But we can dream, can't we?
And while reading one of the "unofficial" Jays' blogs, I came across a link to this article:
Basically the guy's saying that the Braves shouldn't try resigning Tom Glavine, but should instead look into young pitchers like Joe Blanton, Nate Robertson, or SHAUN MARCUM. So maybe a deal could be worked out involving Marcum and Renteria?
I dunno — I'm not into giving up pitching for position players, but the Jays are in desperate need for both **** and a leadoff guy (especially if Johnson never regains his '06 form). Maybe it'd be worth a shot?
(And apologies to the unofficial blog who I'm pretty much ripping off word for word)
Send Burnett Johnson Frasor Tallet to the Mets for Reyes done deal.
Sorry to disagree, buddy, but I'm thinking the Mets will want a lot more than two guys who weren't healthy all year and two bullpen guys who will likely be struggling to stay in the Majors next year for an All-Star….
I personally like the Renteria idea a lot, If they ask for any of the starters i'd give up one of Litsch, Chacin, and Burnett (in that order) i'd even consider dealing Marcum. It would probably take more then that but those are the guys i'd be willing to part with for a player like him.
Someone mentioned Halladay for Reyes as a starting point……i'll keep Halladay in that case. It's probably harder to find a ligitimate ace at his price then it is to find a Reyes.
Anyone else know if sportsnet will carry the show Season '08 jays next year ? I have really enjoyed the '07 edition this season and hope it continues next year.
Acutally I think Garry is likely right-the Mets would jump at Burnett and I'd rather trade him than Marcum-who I think has higher value, because he's cheaper and has a better health history. Marcum could easily have won 16 games this year if he'd had run support, and I expect he'll win that many next year.
I'm not all that sold on Rentira-he'll turn 33 next year, his sb numbers are down-only 11, so I'm not sure he'll provide the speed we want. He's also **** expensive at 10 mill per year.
Actually I like Hanley Ramirez better than Reyes, but I think it'd be easier to deal with The Mets than it would be with the Marlins.
Although, both need pitching which we have lots of.
Bosox-a question for ya
Who, in your team's management doesn't like the name "Pena".
I mean last year you dump Carlos Pena and this year he wacks 46 hr's and knocks in 131 for the Rays.
This year you dump Willy Mo Pena and he goes on to have a fine season with the Nats.
I guess yur guys just like the sound of Drew better, Huh?
I don't think anyone here is arguing that they'd rather see the Jays have Renteria over Reyes or Ramirez, but considering what the Jays have to offer (without blowing up the team entirely), Renteria is a much more realistic option.
And it is just my opinion, but I really don't think Burnett is nearly enough to land shortstops as talented as Ramirez or Reyes. Those guys are premier players, whereas Burnett has great stuff but still hasn't proved he can last an entire season without hurting himself. If the Jays offered Burnett, Marcum, and some good prospects, MAYBE the Mets or the Marlins would pay attention…..
Renteria isn't perfect, but he'd definitely be an upgrade at a position the Jays haven't been able to fill since the days of Tony Fernandez….
The biggest reason Burnett isn't enough is because some dumb@$$ GM gave him an opt out clause.
Also, the Marlins wouldn't want AJ back, remember how he trashed their coaches/management and was subsequently kicked off the team a week before the end of the '04 season.
I agree Renteria is much more getable (I just invented that word).
But he's only got 1 year left on his deal, so I don't know how much I'd give up to get him.
I think you guys are under valuing starting pitching. This year Florida was 28th in team era with 5.44 and the mets were 19th with an era of 4.66. Both are desperate for pitching-particulary proven low cost starters like Marcum.
In either case Marcum or Burnett would have been their ace.
My take is the mets would covet Burnett more, while the Marlins would jump at Marcum. Both team have tried to trade for pitching without success, and likely realize they have to give up something precious in order to get it.
On the other hand, it likely doesn't matter any way because the Jays don't have the balls to do a deal like this one.
Also, what's the rush to trade away our pitching?
Doc, AJ, McGowan, Marcum, Litsch would be one of the best rotations in baseball.
Ryan (once he's back) Accardo, Janssen, Wolfe, League, Downs, + 1 of Tallet Frasor Kennedy Romero, would also be one of if not the best bullpen.
I know the offence was bad, but it's not going to be that bad next year. There were problems with clutch hitting and not using what speed but almost every player had a down year (they're bound to be closer to their career norms next year)we do have but the last thing I'd want is for JP to panic and trade pitching for offence only to have AJ get hurt and BJ to be slow coming back and all of a sudden you've got no pitching.
We've seen a team with a great offence and little pitching, the 200*5* Blue Jays.
Really what we haven't seen is the opposite, dominant pitching with an average offence.
Oh wait, I have seen teams like that. The '07 Indians and Angels, the 06 Tigers, the playoff edition of the 06 Cardinals. Not bad, and if we keep it intact our pitching staff next year could be better than all of those teams.
If I'm JP, I don't trade any pitching unless I'm getting a bigtime player whose under contract for 3-4 years.
Also if JP is fighting for his job, and I think we all hope he is, then he's much more likely to keep the dominant pitching and hope the offence returns to form.
I agree with you, we will likley have the best pitching in the AL and possibly all of baseball next year.
But it would be nice to get a lead off hitter with exceptional base stealing skills like Reyes.
That would likely assure us of winning the pennant-who knows maybe Johnson can come back.
gsumner, you're right.
The Jays don't have the balls to trade surplus pitching for offence that they might not need.
btw, ask any expert (GM's, coaches, writers ect.) and they'll tell you:
I obviously disagree, pitching wins championships.
Ask the Mets, they didn't have any.
It'd be nice to have a guy like Reyes, but piching is more valuable.
Yes that's why the Mets might consider a package starting with McGowan & Accardo, but it's also why we shouldn't do it.
well, it's all about timing, I'm not sure I'd do any trade on pitching until both Ryan and League's positions are known. But if they'd come back early and healthy, it would be something to look at because I think Janssen could be turned into a quality starter.
Also we still have guys coming up-potentially late next year-and we could lose Burnett at the end of the year.
I wouldn't trade McGowan, but I would trade Burnett or Marcum under the right circumstances.
On the other hand, maybe both teams will try to sign Towers. lol
We have great pitchen and defence plus great offence???? Whats wrong with this team,Look beyond the team—-MAYBE ABNER—.
Hey I'd trade abner for a sand lot manager out of the junior high school teams in Arkansa, and send them money to boot.
we could hire bosox to manage.
Player of the year: Hill
Steadiest bat behind Rios and gold glove fielding at second. He should be their number 2 hitter next year. I realize he struggled in that role this year in limited action but once he gets used to it he will be excellent.
Pitcher: Haladay
For obviouse reasons 9 COMPLETE GAMES!
Rookie: Litch
Should be a lock for the 5th spot next year barring a stud pickup this offseason.
Reliever: Downs
Rubber arm! Ridiculous ERA especially considering the amount of games he appeared in. I just hope he isn't burnt out and feeling the after effect from all that work carrying into next year.
Surprise: McGowan/Accardo
I thought McGowan was a bust until this year when he finally put it together and really bailed the staff out this year once Ohka and Thompson proved to be a waste of time. Accardo goes from nearly the odd man out to stud closer! If Ryan returns next year to his previous form this bullpen will be the best in baseball.
Disapointment: WELLS
He ****** all year… I just hope he starts playing up to his contract which starts in 08 I believe. He was the reason why the offence couldn't get going… well that and the injuries but without your supposed best hitter and in the three hole hitting like a 7th or 8th guy your entire offence suffers. He still is one of the premier fielders in the game but a 126 million dollar fielder comes with a 300avg 30+ hrs and 100+ rbi!!!
Play: Hill's steal of home.
Extremely exciting and agaist the Yankees!!! Nough said!!!
There won't be one single trade this offseason for the Jays… Well you could move Glaus and sign Chipper… I wouldn't mind that. Reallity is the current lineup will be esentially untouched going into next year… Why sell pitching for offence when you have guys like Lind, Diaz and Snider all projected studs coming up soon or being here next year such as Lind. They have their team they just need to stay healthy and have career years next year. That's not too much to ask is it?????
I agree garry.
if they don't get off to a fast start JP's got to fire him.
Only problem is he should be fired now.
The only reason Abner is still there is his friendship with JP but you can bet that they are both on a short leash.
Jhonny Mac may come back next year with a better bat Johnson will come back strong but will BJ it already looks like they are rushing him by their talk,He has to throw at at least 96-97-will his arm hold up don't bet on it.
Actually matty, we don't need them to have career years, just normal years. You're right about Lind and Diaz, Snider is a couple years off. But they have already sort of announced Lind starts in AAA, and Jp is on the lookout for a burnt out old catcher with a good arm-so it doesn't appear he has any intention of bringing Diaz up.
By the way we have an older catcher called Sal Fasano, who the pitchers loved to throw to, but he got sent down because Abner liked Phillips better-what a dumb move that was.
Diaz is the best candidate for the two hole ,cause he is a contact hitter who rarely strikes out and hits for high average.
And by the way, Diaz threw out .444% of the base runners
Ryan never did throw at that speedhe was around 93-95. What makes him good is the deceptive delivery and movement on his fastball.
Can someone tell me why everyone believes that the Jays' pitching problems are now resolved? If this team has proven anything over JP's tenure, it is that it oscillates between good and bad hitting/pitching on almost a year-by-year basis. Quite frankly, I would not be surprised to see the pitchers have off years (as the batters did this year). Pitchers can have career years too!
You're right Burt, and I am prepared for Marcum to struggle next year, but Halladay didn't have a career year, Burnett wasn't healthy, and I think the consensus on McGowan is that he's finally "flipped the switch" and should only get better.
Gennerally speaking the difference is that the pitchers on the Jays who had career years are so young that we don't know what a "normal" year is for them yet, but as young players they *should* continue to improve.
The hitters who had big years in 06 (Johnson, Zaun, Overbay, Wells, Glaus, Thomas w/ Oakland) are older players who you could look at their stats and say that they played above their career averages.
what you say is true, but I don't think any of our pitchers had career years. I think a few of the young guns had break out type of years, but Id expect Marcum, McGowan, Janssen, Wolfe and Accardo to improve from this year.
I also expect we might wee the first season ever that Burnett doesnt have an injury.
I think the only hitter that had a "career year" in 2006 was Johnson.
Glaus and Thomas were about normal, and Wells ,Overbay and Zaun were slightly above average-but not by a big margin.
Burt, the other thing to remember is, this coming year, Marcum, McGowan and Litsch will all be starting game one, whereas this year they didn't start until May and or June. So i'd expect to see more wins from all 3 of those guys in 2008.
I don't want to jinx anything, but I really do believe we could have 4 and possibly 5 starters with 15-20 wins each next year, assuming they're all healthy.
I don't want to argue about it but here's why I came to the conclusion I did.
We agree on Johnson, who in 06 hit right handed pitching like he never before had (he's always killed lefties – thus the platoon).
Wells: accross the board his 2nd best year (after 2003), but not far at all off of that years production. He's now had 2 great years, 3 mediocre years, and 1 horrible year (07). I'd say the average is somewhere inbetween the 2 good years and 3 decent years. Thus 03,06 are above average.
Overbay had a career high in hits, hr's, rbi's, avg, slug, and ops.
Zaun: in terms of his time here (his only years where he was a starter), posted a career high in HR's and slug, and was close on avg, obp despite playing backup to Molina most of the year.
Glaus: had an up year, in my opinion, by virtue of the fact he played 153 games, something considering his injury history was surprising, and something that'll probobly never happen again.
Thomas: was coming back after 2 injury riddled years, and had lots of at bats versus Sea (bad pitching in 06) Ana (good but not great pitching in 06) and Tex (bad pitching in 06). Though I think he'll be somewher aroung 30HR's and 100 rbi next year.
JP was happy with 500 ball this year 500 ball is a long way from the playoffs no matter how you cut it.
we need to win 92-95 games
Hey, I don't mind debating with anyone.
I guess we agree to disagree on Wells on the mediocre years, because any time a hitter knocks in 20+ HR's and 100 RBI's or close to it, it's not a mediocre year.
Overbay was slightly higher in ba, hr's, rbi's,, but lower in doubles and OBP.
Glaus's Ba in 2006 was .252. His career average is .254 and his high is .284. Take out the two years in Arizona when he was injured, and all the rest of the years he put up similar or better numbers than he did for us in 2006.
Thomas had a reasonable year last year like he did this year, and I'd expect next year is better than this one, with Ba, slugging and OBP getting closer to his career average.
Who would be a good reclamation project ??? I get the point about Garcia; whatta bout Kris Benson ??? That would be sick, he's a great pitcher who just needs some time to heal.
I think believing Burnett will have a healthy year should wake up, the guys body is messed up, it can't withstand a full season, just like Rich Harden, it just wont happen.
I really hope Glaus gets some value back so we can trade him. Watching his slumps are sooo painful. Also the benefit of him actually having a good season.
Does anyone think that Accardo kinda models himself after Brandon Webb ? their deliveries and style seems pretty similar.


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Hercules Polishing & Plating
Commercial alkaline zinc plating for over 40 years.
Alkaline is preferred for deep drawn stampings because of its availability to throw deeper into complex shapes and configurations. It also allows for bending after plating unlike its chloride counterpart.
Military specs often require alkaline because of its uniform plating deposits and higher salt spray resistance. ROHS compliant chromate coatings are also available.
A sample of zinc specifications that we are compliant to are:
● Honda HES D 2003
● Toyota TSH6524G
● Ford WSSM1P85
● General Motors GMW 3044
● General Motors GM 4345M
● Valeo VMAT 10012
● John Deere JDS 117
● Toro M-300
● Parker Hannifin PFS-F15
● Lucent 289
● Rittal AA-TL-37
The team of Hercules and Lustrous together, can fulfill any zinc plating requirements.

subset: commoncrawl


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Painting the Town Prosperous
Artists have always been creative about finding ways to get by, and new research shows that their survival strategies actually make a community more stable and self-sufficient.
For example, a report by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has found that poor Philadelphia neighborhoods with a large number of working artists have lower rates of child truancy and delinquency, as well as higher social cohesion. These neighborhoods are also more likely to revitalize economically and culturally, and their residents are more willing to pitch in during community activities. Other researchers have come to similar conclusions about neighborhoods in Chicago and Silicon Valley.
Of course, the arts have always made an economic contribution by creating jobs and circulating money. According to a report by Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts sector generated $166.2 billion in economic activity in 2005 and supported 5.7 million full-time jobs, both in the arts and the industries that support them. But the value of the arts goes beyond the formal economy. Artists—always in need of collaborators, resources, and audiences—are often master negotiators, and the friendships, alliances, and other types of social relationships they create help strengthen their communities.
That's one reason why artists manage to survive even in tough times, and why a vibrant arts scene is one key to rebuilding a thriving local economy.
The Dreams of Many Painters
In Philadelphia, you don't need to step inside a museum or gallery to understand the impact artists have had. Almost anywhere you look, from the city's poorest neighborhoods to its interational airport, you'll find one of the 3,000 vivid murals created by the Mural Arts Progam (MAP). Described by Mayor Michael Nutter as "the best mural arts program anywhere in the world," MAP's murals present images from the dreams and everyday lives of Philadelphians on a grand scale.
James Burns has worked with MAP for nine years as a painter and artist. He has been amazed by how powerful the murals have been for community residents, thousands of whom have been involved in their design and creation.
In 2010, for example, Burns collaborated with the patients of a methadone clinic to create a mural called "Personal Renaissance," about recovery from addiction. Burns involved the patients at every stage of the process. The design was based on raps and poems they created during sessions with spoken word artist Ursula Rucker.
In the early stages of the project, some of the patients were enthusiastic and others indifferent. "I don't think people realized the scale of the project we were working on," Burns says. "Once it became evident, the attitude changed. I saw people grow by leaps and bounds during the time I was there."
Burns worked hard to get the whole community involved: 1,500 people had worked on the mural by the time it was finished. The process was transformative. "To see somebody who's been off the street for a year feeling a lot better about themselves in terms of where they're at in life," Burns explains, "I couldn't have anticipated that."
The mural that emerged from those sessions covers one entire side of the clinic building. The cloud-filled sky painted in the upper half of the mural blends with the real skyline behind it, so that the addicts pulling each other out of the gloom and darkness in the mural's lower half seem truly present on the street.
The mural wasn't just a source of inspiration—it also created jobs. The project employed clinic patients on a short-term basis as painters, and the most motivated were hired for longer engagements, then rehired when MAP started work on a much larger mural, "How Philly Moves," now installed at the city's airport.
Burns describes this kind of employment as a "waystation," because the Mural Arts Program looks after its workers—who may be prisoners, addicts, or youth who have spent time in juvenile detention—in a way a regular employer might not. Later on, the program helps them find long-term work.
The Economy of Abundance
In a tough economy, the community-centric nature of the arts allows artists to survive and contribute to creative local enterprise. But some of that contribution happens outside traditional measures of cash flow and job growth.
In New York City, for instance, the unemployment rate among artists in 2009 was 9.5 percent—a full point higher than the city's average. Caroline Woolard, a Brooklyn-based artist, has some ideas about why that is. "Most artists get into this kind of work not thinking about money or even supply and demand," she says. Instead, they run on what she calls an "economy of abundance," fueled by their own "unlimited desire to continue producing."
"I think there is an audience for every work," Woolard says, "but you need networks of creative people to help them find each other."
That realization led her, along with four other young artists, to found OurGoods.org, a website that facilitates bartering among creative people. The site offers crafts and services such as singing lessons, writing classes, and hand-tailored dresses, as well as paintings,
sculptures, and other artwork.
Louise Ma, another OurGoods co-founder, is currently trading web design for fresh produce grown by young farmers just a few miles up the Hudson River. In the past, she's translated
interviews, designed flyers, and sketched portraits, usually in exchange for groceries or cooking. Yet she values the network of generous and creative people she's met and collaborated with even more than the great meals.
OurGoods currently has nearly 400 members scattered in locations around the world; most live in New York.
The Art of Resilience
Some people believe that artists' successes come with a cost: Artsy neighborhoods might become more expensive and suffer gentrification. But research findings in Philadelphia suggest that's not true. Artists actually increase the stability of a neighborhood's
Video: Philadelphians
Paint the Town
How art healed and united troubled communities in the
City of Brotherly Love.
"There is a synergy among artists, local arts organizations, and creative communities where each fosters and sustains the other," says arts scholar Bill Cleveland, director of the Center for the Study of Art and Community. Artists bring money to their neighborhoods,
knit the community together, and increase its capacity to overcome economic challenges.
Artists do this by finding alternative ways to exchange value for materials and spaces they need but often can't afford. Their contributions range from the lofty and complex—such as helping a neighborhood visualize and find meaning in its history—to simple, tangible products and innovations.
Each of these alternative forms of exchange involves resources artists create and control themselves, not funds that can be cut off by a bank or credit agency. That means local arts have the potential to be surprisingly resilient. And artists' unique combination of innovation, inspiration, and practicality may be just what communities need to weather the economic, ecological, and political uncertainties that lie ahead.
Book Review: How all-ages music venues keep the arts alive, build community, and give young people experience in organizing.
One alternative to looking for a job is to make your own. Here are seven ways communities are offering tools, training, and bright ideas to get workers started.
Working fewer hours could save our economy, save our sanity, and help save our planet.


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Keep tabs on your money with our convenient, easy-to-use online banking system! It's a secure, safe and easy way to manage your personal accounts from wherever you are.
Services include:
Identity Theft Prevention | Online Applications | Rate Calculators |
Privacy Statement | FDIC Regulations | Call: 918-251-5371 |
Fax: 918-251-5974 | Email Us


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Hinged containers are the clear alternative to foam, offering an unbeatable combination of strength and sustainability. They easily handle heavy food and are compostable once the meal has been served. The sturdy design protects food during transit, while the superior locking mechanism ensures food stays secure. Available in a variety of sizes, Huhtamaki hinged containers are perfect for eco-conscious customers seeking a premium-quality product.
Huhtamaki hinged containers are made from molded fiber, a strong and sustainable alternative to foam. Compostable, made from recycled material and able to transport even the heaviest food without crumbling or leaking, Huhtamaki hinged containers feature a new "stay shut" closure designed to better protect food during transport. Plus, our hinged containers are both microwavable and stackable, offering maximum convenience for you and your customer.


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Beyond Prisons
Why the warden of Hawaii's only women's prison creates a sanctuary for its residents.
A long-overdue tribute to a leading Vietnam-era voice of protest.
Film reviews from the Summer 2011 issue.
Bank of America's 2009 pre-tax income: $4.4 billion; amount Bank of America paid in taxes in 2009: $0 ...
YES! reviews the latest book from offbeat activist Diane Wilson.
Musical inspiration while putting out the Summer 2011 issue: Million to One, You Are Not Alone, and Songs for Japan.
How bees can save us—but only if we save them.
A video primer from Al Jazeera for would-be nonviolent revolutionaries everywhere.
Personal stories of life beyond bars.
My brother and I don't always agree, but I defend his innocence, and I'll never walk out on him again.
The American problem with mass incarceration is less about crime than it is about how—and who—we lock up.
Video: 2.3 million people behind bars. How to stop wasting lives and money.
Maya Soetoro-Ng reflects on her childhood with brother Barack, her own family and children, and how to keep everyone connected.


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Neuroscientists learn how channels fine-tune neuronal excitability
Scientists in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, have discovered a new mechanism that nerve cells (neurons) use to fine-tune their electrical output. The exciting discovery, published this week in the prestigious journal Nature Neuroscience, provides new insights about how the activity of the nervous system is regulated at the cellular level.
Nerve cells in our nervous system use electrical impulses to transmit signals throughout our body. One way that they do this is through the trafficking of calcium channels through to the outer surface (plasma membrane) of the cell. Calcium entry into a neuron through a calcium channel is a critical first step in allowing communication between neurons.
HBI researchers Gerald Zamponi Ph.D., Christophe Altier Ph.D. and Agustin Garcia-Caballero Ph.D. study how calcium channels, and the proteins that associate with them, help control nerve cell activity. They explored how one such protein, the beta subunit, can act as a regulatory mechanism for the 'L-type' calcium channel. These channels play an important role in the proper functioning of nerve, muscle, and cardiac pacemaker cells, but when the channels are overactive this has negative consequences that can give rise to conditions such as autism and hypertension.
The new finding adds significantly to our understanding of calcium channel function in health and disease, including several debilitating conditions. "The abnormal regulation of 'L-type' calcium channels has been linked to conditions such as epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia and chronic pain" says Altier, "and so understanding the role of regulatory influences such as the beta subunit will be an important part of treating these diseases."
These channels control when, where and how much calcium is allowed to enter the cell, determining not only that cell's 'electrical' response, but also its ability to regulate gene expression and other cellular functions. They achieve this fine balance in numerous ways, including by associating with auxiliary proteins such as the calcium channel beta subunit. Researchers know the beta subunit can regulate the number of calcium channels on the membrane of a cell but until now, it wasn't known how it achieved this effect.
In their paper, Zamponi and colleagues reveal the mechanism by which the beta subunit regulates 'L-type' calcium channel movement. They show that the beta subunit stabilizes the channel and blocks a site that would otherwise mark the channel for removal and degradation, a process called endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD).
"The beta subunit essentially acts as a molecular switch," says Zamponi, Head of the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, "it determines the fate of the channels by controlling where they end up and therefore if they can let calcium into the cell or not."
Zamponi believes that revealing the mechanism by which the beta subunit regulates sorting and trafficking of 'L-type' calcium channels will highlight fundamental regulatory mechanisms that are common in other calcium channel types.
Explore further


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Free medical illustrations under Creative Commons License
- Diseases
- (25 images)
Illustrations of diseases, injuries and diseases - diagnosis and therapy.
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- (132 images)
Illustrations of organs (heart, kidney, lung, brain, eye, ear ....) and other anatomical structures.
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- (18 images)
Illustrations of human bones (skull, foot, hand, knee, thorax, spine ... ).
Terms of Use
The images shown in the section "free pictures" are available under the Creative Commons license "Attribution-No Derivative Works" . The illustrations can be used free of charge also for commercial purposes. However, the illustrations are not free of rights, the usage is permitted under the following conditions:
- You must attribute www.MedicalGraphics.de as author and specify the license (CC BY-ND 4.0).
- Modifications of the illustrations is not permitted, including the removal of our logo/URL.
- If you use the illustration on a website you need to link to our website "www.medicalgraphics.de".
- Direct links to illustrations are permitted with attribution to the site.
By using our Illustrations you accept this license agreement.
You can find more informations about the Creative Commons licenese here. If you want to use the illustrations for purposes not covered by our license agreement, have questions about the licensing model, need high-resolution versions of the artworks for print or have special requirements, please get in touch with us. High-resolution versions of our illustrations with extended rights can be found in our shop at Gumroad (external link).


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Although flawed in its execution, the addition of AFCIs to the 2002 Code highlights the importance of arc-fault protection.
Circuit breakers and fuses are effective in preventing fires caused by a bolted-type short circuit or ground fault. However, the amount of current flow in a high-impedance arc is often too low to trip the protection device, creating the potential for a fire. To reduce the number of electrical fires caused by parallel arc faults in branch circuit wiring, the NEC now requires a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection device in branch circuit wiring that services dwelling unit bedrooms.
New Code requirements.
In 210.12(A), the 2002 NEC defines an AFCI as "a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected." Also note the new wording of 210.12(B). Before, all branch circuits that supplied 125V, single-phase, 15A and 20A receptacle outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms had to be protected by an AFCI. Now, AFCIs that protect outlets in dwelling unit bedrooms must be listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit. (Figure above.)
Because this requirement applies to 125V outlets, AFCI protection isn't required on a 240V circuit serving a baseboard heater or room air conditioner. In addition, a new subsection (B) added to 550.25 requires AFCI protection for all branch circuits that supply 15A and 20A, 125V outlets in bedrooms of mobile homes and manufactured homes.
Muddying the waters is the conflict between circuit breaker manufacturers and wiring device manufacturers that make listed AFCI devices. Circuit breaker manufacturers insist the only acceptable device is the AFCI circuit breaker, but wiring device manufacturers take the position that AFCI receptacles listed to protect the entire branch circuit are equally suited and Code-compliant.
However, the Code has the final say. An AFCI protection device must de-energize and protect the entire circuit from an arc fault. The only device that can do this is an AFCI circuit breaker. Because AFCI receptacle types listed to detect upstream series arc faults will not de-energize the circuit from parallel-type arc faults that may occur upstream of the device, they don't meet the requirement set forth in 210.12.
For the electrician wiring a dwelling unit, it's hard to tell by looking at the bare walls whether a room will be used as a home office or a bedroom. Efficiency apartments can be even more confusing. Such a unit will probably be furnished with a foldout couch used for sleeping, making it look as much like a bedroom as a living room.
If your current wiring practice calls for one branch circuit to supply both lighting and receptacles loads, the 2002 Code will have no effect on you. But if you separate the lighting load from the receptacle load, and place them on individual circuits in dwelling unit bedrooms, you must now install an AFCI circuit breaker for each circuit.
It's important to note that current requirements in the Code for AFCIs are not all-inclusive. At issue is the fact that currently only bedroom circuits must be protected, despite the fact that an arc can occur on any circuit in the occupancy. Nor is the device listed to protect against fires at loose or poor connections that can occur at receptacles, switches, lighting fixtures, and fans, among other things. Anyone installing an AFCI should take these issues into consideration when trying to prevent arc faults.
Although a relatively new piece of protection equipment, AFCIs are no less important than their ground-fault protection counterparts. Industry studies have shown that more than 60% of house fires are caused by faulty fixed wiring, switches, receptacle outlets, and lighting fixtures, so the Code-making panels thought it best to address this problem first. However, as the industry gains experience in working with these devices and AFCIs become more prevalent, further requirements may show up in later versions of the Code.
Sidebar: Rejected Proposals For the 2002 NEC
Require AFCI protection for existing bedroom branch circuits.
Omit AFCI protection for lighting outlets, because light may be needed when an AFCI device operates.
Extend AFCI protection to guest room branch circuits of motels and hotels.
Permit the AFCI receptacle outlet to provide required protection.
Omit AFCI protection for smoke detector circuit conductors.
Delete AFCI requirements completely.
Are you still confused by the Code? For additional information on Code-related topics please visit www.mikeholt.com or send an e-mail directly to the author at [email protected].


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Himmelstein: Overdevelopment at the base of Peak 8
The master plan states: The focal point of Peak 8 is the "Grand Lodge," (now known as One Ski Hill Place)… Adjacent lodging designed in a mountain-resort style will cradle the mountain-front plazas. Toward the ends of the Peak 8 Base area the buildings will be lesser in height and density as compared to the center or core of the Peak 8 Base."
The new proposed development, facing the mountain-front plaza, is 7 1/2 stories tall. As a comparison, One Ski Hill Place is only 5 stories tall facing the mountain-front plaza. With the proposed development being up slope, it will loom over One Ski Hill Place. In fact, we believe that its elevation will be approximately 3 1/2 stories above One Ski Hill Place!
We need your help to stop this flagrant abuse. The developers are stretching the Land Use Guidelines and Master Plan. The Breckenridge Land Use Guidelines state that condo-hotels "…shall not exceed five stories above grade."
If you care about the base of Peak 8 and don't want to see massive buildings, please sign our petition.
Richard Himmelstein, Breckenridge
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.


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Jieyang, Guangdong, China
Business Type: Manufacturer/Factory
|1.Model no.
|4..Surface finishing
|Tumble polish
|5. Thickness
|12pcs spoon in one poly bag with card/ in white box
We can make customized composition according to your requirement
|1)Sample order:4pcs each model
|2)Usual order :12pcs Set For 10000 Set Per Each Model
|8.Trade Term
|FOB Shenzhen Port
|9.Place of Origin
|Jieyang ,Guangdong, China
|10.Delivery Time
|1)Sample order 3-5days
|2)Usual order :25-45days since received deposit
|1)T/T ,L/C ,Paypal
|2)Sample order :100% payment before production
|3)Usual order :30% deposit and balance payment before shippment
|1)Promotional packing : 12pcs in white box
|2)Simple packing : 12 pcs in polybag,50 sets in a carton
|3)Other packing: Depend on Client's requirement.
|1)Usual sea transport (Shenzhen Port)
|2)Sample by express :DHL,UPS,EMS,TNT and FEDEX
|OEM/ODM order is welcome .Pls feel free to contact us for more info.
Q1: What about the advantage of this manufacturer?
A: Within 10 years, we grow up and become the professional manufacturer in flatware line.
Q2: What about the quality?
A: Our products have been passed main certifications (such as: BV, SGS,LFGB International Safe Test).
Q3: What about the ability of the manufacturer?
A: Our company covers an area of 6,000 square meters, with 112 skilled staffs and advanced product manufacturing equipments. We have done many international projects. our global customer ratio is 20% of South America,19% of Eastern Europe, 18% of North America,15% of the Middle East, 9% of Northern Europe, 8% of Southeast Asia, 6% of West Africa, 5% of others. We also can open a mould as per client's requirement.
Q4: What about the service?
A: Price would not be the only one factor we should take into consideration. You get what you pay for quality and after service would be much important for international trading.
Q5: How to get a sample?
A: Free sample are available for your checking and testing.And to get free samples,you need to send us your detailed receiving address(post code)and your DHL / FedEx / UPS account for collecting samples
Q6: How to visit your factory?
A: 1.you can take flight to Jieyang Chaoshan international airport, then we will pick you up to our facoty.(about 20minutes).
2.you can take High speed rail to Chaoshan station, then we will pick you up to our facoty.(about 30minutes).
Welcome to Contact us!
Jieyang Y&M hardware products factory
Sales: Jessie Chan
Tel: 0086-0663-8781989
Fax: 0086-0663-8781989
Mob: 0086-18312082500


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AS A JUNIOR IN 2008: Earned All-CCAA honors after finishing the conference season ranked third in assists and second in service aces... recorded a season-high 60 assists on Nov. 20 in the NCAA first-round against Cal State L.A.... recorded at least 50 assists on five occassions... recorded five double-doubles and a season-high 18 digs against Sonoma State on November 15.
AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2007: Appeared in a career-best 85 games, recording a team-best 789 assists... also had 32 aces and 1.38 digs per game... recorded a career-high 61 assists in a five-game win at Cal State L.A. on October 10... served-up five aces in a three-game sweep against Humboldt State on September 29.
AS A FRESHMAN IN 2006: Appeared in 32 games in her first season... recorded a season-high 11 assists in two games against Bryant on August 25... tallied 22 assists and 10 aces during the year.
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Walnut HS where she was a four-year San Antonio League award winner, including the San Antonio League MVP in 2006... she was also team captain for two seasons and named to two all-tournament teams in her senior season... academic honors included the honor roll and dean's list for four years... also earned the San Antonio Top Five Seniors Award in 2006.... Elaine is the volleyball career assists leader at Walnut HS.
PERSONAL: Born October 6, 1987... parents are Tom Chen and Sue Sun... has a sister named Stephanie... lists hobbies as surfing and snowboarding... a Management Science major in Sixth College.


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Contact Us | About Us
John and Susan Sterne
firstname.lastname@example.com | (303) 948-8811
5102 E. 117th Court, Thornton, CO 80233
A cruise to Alaska is a showcase for the splendor of nature and a terrific cruise destination for multi-generational family groups. Everyone from toddlers to great-grandparents will be awed by the majestic scenery, which ranges from lush coastal rainforests to massive glaciers that send newborn icebergs crashing into the sea. The wildlife is just as impressive: kids, teens, adults and seniors can all delight in watching a family of bears moving along the shore or seeing a herd of whales surface in the water. And, each port of call in Alaska offers fun activities for a family to share, such as panning for gold, learning about totem pole carving or taking a wildlife tour to see bald eagles, sea lions, seals and sea otters. If your family wants to explore what lies beyond the stunning coastline of Alaska, consider taking a cruisetour. A cruisetour combines a cruise ship voyage with a land-based tour of Alaska's interior, providing a wonderful way to see more of this vast and fascinating state. Princess Cruises offers a variety of cruisetours with as much or as little structure as your family wants. For example, The "On Your Own" cruisetour combines a seven-day cruise with a stay at one or more of the Princess Lodges located in Alaska's scenic national parks; there's no scheduled sightseeing, so you can set your own daily itinerary. Additional cruisetour options combine a cruise with Princess' "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to Denali National Park, with anything from a narrated tour of the park to a fully escorted tour experience in Denali and beyond. The land portions of Royal Caribbean's Alaska cruisetours are escorted by trained Adventure Specialists who can answer your family's questions about the amazing sights of Alaska. Royal Caribbean will take you to the interior via deluxe motorcoaches and the Wilderness Express® train, which has luxurious glass-domed train cars that provide an exceptional view of the beauty around you. Holland America Line provides Alaska cruisetour options sure to suit your family's schedule, combining three-, four- or seven-day cruises with land tours of four to 13 days. Overland travel is via Holland America's McKinley Explorer train and luxury motorcoaches, supplemented by water taxis in some locations. Holland America's cruisetours feature Denali, but include out-of-the-ordinary destinations like historic Dawson City in the Yukon Territory. To explore all of the options available for your family's Alaska cruisetour adventure, talk with your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.


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Posts Tagged6rounds
6rounds is a social entertainment platform that mixes webcam chats, interactive features & social games in a fun and playful video chat environment. If you are bored after keeping in touch with your friends in just 140 characters or with no real one on one conversation, it's time for you to check out 6rounds.
After covering some of the great apps used in production at WorkingPoint and our own Envato, we asked 6rounds share the apps that help them brew the secret sauce. If you are not familiar with 6rounds, be sure to check out our review of the app!.


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John Legend Joins Jennifer Nettles + Hunter Hayes for 'All of Me' at 2014 CMT Music Awards
John Legend's hit 'All of Me' got a country makeover at the 2014 CMT Music Awards, as country stars Jennifer Nettles and Hunter Hayes joined him in an absolutely beautiful performance.
Arranged by the one and only ultra-talented Hayes, who accompanied Nettles and Legend on the acoustic guitar, the new version of the song sounded like it was made for a duet. The backing band included a cello and bass, as well as other instruments, allowing the two singers to showcase their vocals and the tight chemistry onstage.
Nettles stunned in a black leather halter dress, and Legend looked extra suave, as always, in a black leather jacket and pants. It may seem like an unlikely pair, but the two bonded as panelists on ABC's 'Duets' in 2012, and they met at President Obama's inauguration in 2009.
As for Hayes, Nettles admits she doesn't know him well, but has always admired his talents from afar. "... I think that he is super, super-talented. Clearly, he's a multi-instrumentalist and he is a great writer, not to mention a singer and a cutie. But everybody says 'singer' and 'cutie' first," she says. "The other part is what really interests me. I mean, not that (the more familiar part) doesn't -- but everybody sees that. I really respect his talents and his gifts as a musician as well as a front person. So, yeah, I'll be excited to get to work with him."
Fans showed their approval at the end of the song, giving the trio a standing ovation.


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Ark: Survival Evolved Taming Calculator
Ark: Survival Evolved Taming Calculator
20 points Funny
The alpha allo is the daddy watch out 😏😏😏
More Allosaurus Funny Tips
1772 points Funny
The best way to find these for taming is to simply build a base, guaranteed they will spawn inside.
1409 points Funny
1 point Funny
To tame simply walk up to one with meat and feed it. It's friends are sure to bow down to you in thanks as well!
779 points Funny
It says it can't fit through a doorway, but Jesus Christ it went through my wall and now my character is pregnant
611 points Funny
dodo is better


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Q&A: How to create a remodeling plan?
Here's a question from reader Molly K.:
"I have multiple remodel jobs to do on my 1950 bungalow and a very limited budget.
"What kind of professional should I hire to help me make a design and budget plan given current costs and the need to consider costs in choosing various elements to use?"
My take:
I love the idea of creating a design and budget plan, rather than simply tackling one disparate project after another. Instead, you could get a plan in place and then fulfill it as funds become available.
You can get some free or reasonably priced help from the design desks at Home Depot, Lowe's and Ikea, among others. (Read about a guy who did just that.) Sometimes you have pay a couple hundred dollars for the services, sometimes it's free when you buy the cabinets from the store. (Read comments on Home Depot/Lowe's design services on Garden Web.)
But here's a crazy idea: How about hiring a remodeling contractor to help you create a plan? After all, these are the people who know about budgets, whereas a pure designer type might not be familiar with the costs of various construction options.
A couple of years ago, you might have encountered remodeling companies too swamped with work to perform this kind of service, but the days of homeowners refinancing to pull $100,000 from equity for big remodels are gone. Remodeling contractors are now freed up, and looking for work.
I suggest finding a design/build firm, which is a contractor with designers on staff, or a contractor who has good design sense. You should expect to spend around $75 to $125 an hour for these brainstorming and planning services. And be sure to let the contractor know what you're up to. Getting someone in your house to toss ideas around, all the while knowing you will never hire them to do the job, is bad juju.
It might sound counterintuitive to pay for planning services when you're already strapped for money, but having a plan could give you peace of mind now and a better use of money later on.
Your take?
(Photo: Mar Vista homeowner Carl Balton reveals his kitchen remodeling plans.)


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EXCLUSIVE: SELF Snags Calorie-Torching Moves from Crunch
There are days--like today, TBH--where you just wish there were more hours in the day to get everything done. Including a good workout. (Kinda like this one.) Thankfully, the folks at Crunch conjured up a 30-minute class that torches the amount of calories you normally would in 60. Can somebody pinch us, please?
The logic beyond Body Blitz's massive fat-burning abilities? "The workout keeps moving from one exercise to the next very quickly, hitting the whole body and adding in some cardio bursts," says Michelle Opperman, Group Fitness Manager at Crunch in San Francisco. "You can squeeze 60 minutes into 30 and get a great workout by pushing harder and more intensely in those 30 minutes if you are willing to go a little bit outside of your comfort zone.
Sound too good to be true? Try Body Blitz for yourself. At home. RIGHT NOW. SERIOUSLY. Oppenham created this at-home routine exclusively for you guys so experience the time-saving techniques from exercise class from the comfort of your own home (or apartment, in our case). Just add these 4 moves to your regular routine 2 to 3 times a week to tone up fast without sacrificing a single moment of your limited, precious free time. We get it.
Lie facing up with your knees bent on a mat or the floor. Bend your elbows out and down to form a 90-degree angle hovering just above the floor. Contract your chest and straighten your arms as you lift your torso off the floor to your mid back keeping your abs tight. Slowly lower back to your starting position and repeat. Do 15 reps.
Standing, separate your feet into a wide stance with your toes and knees slightly turned out. Bend your knees lowering your hips towards the floor into a squat with your arms hanging in front, holding a full bottle of water in each hand. Come up from the squat by straightening your knees and squeezing your glutes while bending your elbows and pulling the "weights" up to the inside edge of your shoulders. Your elbows should be higher than your wrists. Straighten your arms and repeat. Do 15 reps.
Start in the top of a push-up position with your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. Your back should be flat with your abs tight in a plank formation. Begin with both arms straight and a full bottle of water in each hand. Slowly bend one elbow straight back and up then return to your starting point. Switch sides. Continue to alternate sides. Do a total of 20 reps.
Standing, step diagonally back and behind your body with the right foot keeping your heel lifted. Bend both knees lowering your hips to the floor. Keep your hips facing the front of the room. Straighten your legs and step sideways with the right foot then lower your hips towards the floor. Straighten and repeat on the same side. Do 10 reps then repeat on the other side.
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Ferrari awards best suppliers. Winners on the track with Alonso
Maranello 20 July 2011 – Today the 2011 Podio Award Ceremony was held in Maranello. The traditional event Ferrari dedicates to its suppliers and strategic partners, awarding those who particularly stood out over the last 12 months.
In the presence of Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo and CEO Amedeo Felisa the following awards were presented:
• Award for Italian excellence: Adler – For the excellent mix of flexibility and innovation, typically italian, confirmed by the development of the invisible bag component. The award was presented by Amedeo Felisa to Paolo Scudieri, CEO of Adler.
• Technology Award: AVL – For the decade-long collaboration and the effort regarding the creation of test banks dedicated to the development of Ferrari engines, with particular attention to the evolution of new norms regarding Formula1 engines. Stefano Domenicali, Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal, presented the award to Helmut List, CEO of AVL.
• Innovation Award: Harman – For having allowed Ferrari to use the high-end solutions regarding audio and telematics, personalising them coherently with the exclusivity of cars from Ferrari. Phil Eyler, Senior Vice President of Harman Automotive Division, received the award from Fernando Alonso.
• The Chairman's Award: OMR – For having known how to implement in a short time the management of the new providing sector regarding the aluminium chassis for the GT cars, guaranteeing Ferrari continuity of business and the development of chassis for new models. Luca di Montezemolo presented the award to Marco Bonometti, President of OMR.
The winners had the possibility to experience a very special moment: some laps on the Fiorano track on board of a 458 Italia driven by the Scuderia Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso.


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Hunger Games the little post-apocalypse book series that turned into a very big deal — and an even bigger movie deal — is taking a page from the Twilight franchise. Even though there are three books, there will be four movies, because there's no way in hell the studios are going to let the child-murder gravy train dry up. So the third book will be split into two movies. How will this even work?
Spoilers ahead...
Where do you think they will divide the books? We're betting they split the third book right after Peeta returns, and before Suzanne Collins throws the other love interest, Gale, under the bus. One thing that's nice about this change is it gives the screenwriters a chance to make an actual ending — as opposed to the two-page finale: "Then we got married and had kids. THE END."
Mockingjay Part 1 will hit theaters on Nov. 21, 2014 and Mockingjay Part 2 will be released a YEAR LATER on Nov. 20, 2015 (Catching Fire will premiere on Nov. 22, 2013).
[Via Deadline]


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Explore Our Hotel
Middleboro, MA Hotel's Guests Enjoy a Warm Welcome
Known as the cranberry capital of the world, Middleboro is full of lush lands and beautiful bodies of fresh water. The town is just a short drive from the nation's famous historic sites and several major corporations. So whether you're here for leisure or business, the Holiday Inn Express® Hotel & Suites Middleboro - Raynham is the perfect resting point for you.
Business travelers are happy to find that the hotel's location in Middleboro, Massachusetts is right off I-495 at exit 6 and close to companies like Johnson & Johnson, Nestle Waters, Sager Electronics and Ocean Spray Cranberries. Should you need to host a meeting in Middleboro, the hotel has more than 1,000 sq ft of flexible event space, as well as free Wi-Fi access to help you prepare your work.
Don't forget to leave time for visiting all the exciting areas that surround this hotel's facility. Middleboro, Massachusetts provides easy access to the bustling streets of Boston, the charming shores of Cape Cod and the breathtaking mansions of Newport.
We are also close to historic landmarks in Plymouth and Providence. When you're finished exploring the Middleboro area our hotel can help you unwind. Relax in our indoor pool and whirlpool and utilize the 24-hour Fitness Center. Enjoy our free, hot Express Start® Breakfast Bar daily. Call today and let us help you plan your New England trip.
- Black-out Shades
- Pillow Menu
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Separate Hanging Closet
- In-Room Heating and A/C Controls
- Extra Bedding Available
Bathroom/Personal Care
- Private Bathroom
- Bathroom Amenities Available
- Hair Dryer
- Bathtub
- Separate/Walk-in Shower
- Separate Vanity Area
In-Room Features
- Mini Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Flat-screen TV
- Work Desk with Lamp
- Desk-level Electrical Outlet
- Cable/Satellite
- Premium Channels
- Stereo/Radio
- Direct-dial Phone
- Phone with Voicemail
- Power Converter Available
- Electrical Adapters Available
- Complimentary Morning Newspaper
- Windows Open by Guest
Added Value
- Connecting Rooms Available
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea Supplies
- Full Breakfast Included
- Breakfast Buffet Included
- Continental Breakfast Included
- Complimentary Coffee in Lobby
- Off-site Restaurant Delivery Available
Business Services
- 1 Meeting Room(s) Available
- On-Site Business Center
- Printer
- Copier
Internet Access
- Free High-Speed Internet in all Rooms
- Wireless Internet service is free for all IHG® Rewards Club members
Entertainment & Recreation
- Indoor Pool
- Heated Indoor Pool
- Indoor Pool Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Health & Fitness
Complimentary Fitness Center
New Eliptical Machine, Treadmill, Stationary Bike, and Free Weights
Hours of Operation: 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Fitness Center Type: LIMITED
- Treadmill
- Elliptical Machines
- Free Weights
- Stationary Bicycle
Housekeeping & Laundry
- Daily Housekeeping
- On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Added Value
- Wake Up Calls
- Ice Machine
Hotel Details
43 Harding Street
Middleboro, Massachusetts 02346
United States
Check In: 3:00 PM
Check Out: 12:00 PM
Check-in Age: 21
Parking + -
- Complimentary Self Parking Available
Accessibility + -
- Public Entrance
- Guest Rooms
- Lifts
- Public Restrooms
- Registration Desk
- Business Centre
- Pool
- Number of Accessible Meeting Rooms: 1
Accessible Hotel Areas
- Registration Area
- Registration Area
- Accessible Guest Rooms
- Business Centre
- Meeting Room
- Exercise Facility
- Pool
Hotel Areas with Accessible Routes from Accessible Public Entrance
- Accessible Self Parking
- Van Accessible Self Parking
- Portable Bathtub Seats
- Closed Caption TVs
- Telephone with TDD
- Visual Alarm/Alert in Guest Rooms
- Visual Alarm/Alert in Public Spaces
Provided by Hotel
Pet Policy + -
- Guide Dogs Allowed
Facility + -
- Smoke-Free Facility
- Number of Floors: 4
- Total Number of Rooms: 83
- Number of Suites: 36
- Number of Non-Smoking Rooms: 78
- Number of Accessible Rooms: 5
- Connecting Rooms Available
Credit Cards + -
- American Express
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Diners Club
- Carte Blanche
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General George Washington and the Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-8 at Valley Forge. As the winter wore on the supply situation was brought under control and something approaching a proper issue of equipment and rations was made to the troops. Memorably the Prussian officer General Steuben trained the American regiments in a form of European battle drill, devised and adapted to suit American troops.
The British army spent the winter in Philadelphia. Lt. Gen. Howe returned to England, relieved of his appointment in command in America at his own request, to be replaced by General Clinton. Clinton arrived with orders to evacuate Philadelphia and concentrate the British forces at New York.
On 18th June 1778 the British army with artillery, supplies and the Loyalist populace of the city left Philadelphia and began the 100 mile march to New York. Their marching column stretched over 12 miles. Washington decided that he was going to harass and inflict some damages to the British troops. He was also confident that newly trained Continental Army will teach British a lesson.
On June 26, Washington ordered Lee to get ahead of the British column and bring the British withdrawal to a halt until he could bring up the main strength of the American army along the Monmouth Road. On June 28, General Washington, bringing the main American army along the Monmouth road, encountered, not the rear of the British column, but Lee's regiments retreating in considerable disorder with the British advancing behind them. Memorably this is the one occasion Washington is said to have sworn as he relieved Lee on the spot. Washington then galloped forward and began the task of rallying Lee's disordered troops. Washington ordered General Wayne with the last of Lee's regiments, Stewart's 13th Pennsylvania and Ramsay's 3rd Maryland, to form to the North of the road and hold the British advance. These regiments resisted strongly but were driven back by the British 16th Light Dragoons. Their stand gave Washington the time to bring up the rest of the American army, with artillery on Comb's Hill ( where Molly Pitcher pitched in as gun crew ) to the South of the road enfilading the attacking British foot. Fierce fighting took place as the British attempted to drive back the American line. This was the first test of Steuben's re-trained American Continental regiments and they repelled the British with their bayonet. As the evening wore on the British troops fell back and returned to their journey north, leaving the Americans on the field.
While the battle was a draw, the British now have a respect for the Continental Army and the Clinton's men will remain holdup in New York for the reminder of the war. The war then moves to Carolinas, where the American Army is not as well trained.
Since the exact number of engaged from both sides can't be determined exactly , many historian considered either the Battle of Monmouth (~26000 engaged ) or Battle of Brandywine (~28000 engaged ) as the largest battle of the American Revolution.


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What We Do
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Finding Radical Clarity
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What We Do
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We guide leaders in finding the radical clarity at the heart of each organization.
The accelerating pace, volume, and velocity of modern life means that we have access to more opportunity rushing by each day than we can possibly consume. Radical clarity may be the new evolutionary force of our era, the most adaptive trait we can develop for fitness in this modern age.
Radical Clarity means you know who you are, why it matters, and how you are sustainable.
Everything flows from this place of radical clarity. It's your touchstone for decisions and actions. It guides you in what to let in and what to let by, and it will attract people, ideas, and opportunities that fit with your vision.
You have to be radically clear about who you are so that others will be too.


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One of the pleasures of a cruise vacation is that great food – anything from freshly made pizza to fine gourmet creations – is available on board, often 24 hours a day. However, if you fear gaining five or ten pounds on a cruise, don't worry. Cruise lines have already joined the trend toward healthier living by adding lighter choices to their menus. In fact, it's possible to take a cruise and lose the five pounds that have been pestering you since the last holiday season.
Most cruise ship culinary programs make a point to offer healthy selections, lower in calories and fat, on every menu. You can also request that specific dishes be prepared using methods such as grilling and steaming rather than frying and sautéing.
Some onboard restaurants offer nothing but healthy choices. For example, Celebrity Cruises feature the AquaSpa Cafè, a companion to the cruise line's fabulous AquaSpas. The AquaSpa Cafè serves light, healthy cuisine daily for breakfast and lunch. Choices include fruit smoothies, crisp salads, seafood and lean meats.
Royal Caribbean International's Vitality program helps guests incorporate wellness into their cruise experience. The program includes healthy – and tasty – Vitality selections on dining menus. These include foods that are free of trans fats, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Royal Caribbean also makes energy bars, protein drinks and green teas available on board.
If you decide to enjoy a lunch, evening or late night buffet, select some healthy items, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, first. Then, you can enjoy a few tastes of richer foods.
If you're concerned about taking in too many calories, you can also limit your consumption of alcohol. A cruise is a great time to relax with some cocktails, but remember that liquor is a high-calorie beverage.
In addition, drink plenty of water. This will help you feel full and curb food cravings. As a side benefit, it will also prevent the dehydration that can result from travel.
Whichever cruise line and ship you choose, there are likely to be several options for healthy exercise on board, including a sports deck, swimming pools, yoga studios and fitness centers. With a little enjoyable exercise each day, you should be able to sample the treats on the dessert tray without guilt.
For more information about cruises with healthy dining options, talk with us at Cruise Holidays.


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A BED OF HAY is a set of Seven Carols for Christmas for choir and orchestra or piano with words by Katherine Hayes.They are: A Bed of Hay; Shepherds' Carol; Domine, Adoro Te; Christ is here, Holy Year; This Happy Night; The Night Wind is Cold; Hodie! Christus Natus estThis sequence of carols can be performed as a whole or separately, either with orchestral accompaniment or with piano (or organ). It is available as a complete Vocal Score with Piano (or organ) accompaniment in four different versions: Mixed Voice Choir (SATB), Mixed Voice Choir (SA+Men) with one stave of male voices for choirs with a shortage of men, with the male voices in the baritone range, Upper Voice Choir (SSA) or Male Voice Choir (TTBB).All seven carols are also available singly in each of the different voice versions.The orchestral score and parts (covering all seven carols) is the same for all versions.Orchestration: 2 Flutes (2nd db. Piccolo), 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (2 players: Triangle, Sleigh Bells, Claves, Tambourine, Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells, Cymbals), Harp (or Keyboard),Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass) & Choir (SATB or SA+Men or SSA or TTBB).In the early 1980s, I was teaching at the Guildhall School of Music, a comprehensive school in South-West London and a junior school in Stepney, all in the same week. At the junior school Katherine Hayes was teaching Drama and Poetry. We collaborated on many productions of musicals and Kath also wrote a few carols for the children to perform, with the music hurriedly scribbled down by me in spare moments and elaborated upon at a later date. The carols were put into storage and half-remembered (with affection!) by me until 2019 when I decided to arrange them for different choir combinations. These seven "new" carols are all approachable and memorable. I don't take the credit for that: Kath's lyrics always had the habit of immediately suggesting a tune to me. Her love of people and animals comes out warmly, the animals sometimes anthropomorphised into song! Peter LawsonDuration 18 minutesA PACK includes a full score and complete set of orchestral parts including strings 4/4/3/4/2 but no choral copies.
Click the play button below to hear a performance which has been computer-generated from the score.
Messiah (Bartlett) Viola
by George Frideric Handel
Bring Back Christmas Cheer
by Peter Lawson
24 Christmas Carols Set 3 Flute 1+2
by David Good


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4 Orange Foods You Should Be Eating this Fall
Orange is the color of the month. From jack-o-laterns...
...to candy corn to the color of the changing leaves, orange seems to be all around us. When it comes to food, it's a great color to have on our plates, too!
One of the most important sets of nutrients in these orange-colored fruits and vegetables are carotenoids. Among the 600 or more carotenoids in foods, beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are well-known leaders in the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals. Foods high in carotenoids may be effective allies against prostate cancer (beta-carotene), cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum (lycopene); and may help decrease your risk of macular degeneration (lutein).
Here are some of my favorite orange foods this season and my tips for incorporating them into your daily diet. Aim for at least 8-10 servings of these or other yellow/orange fruits/veggies per week.
[#image: /photos/57d8dd6e4b76f0f832a0fd62]||||||Winter Squash:
- Acorn: a smaller, acorn-shaped squash with dark green skin, deep furrows and yellow-orange flesh.
- Butternut: a long, pear-shaped squash with tan skin and orange, sweet flesh; the most popular variety.
- Buttercup or Turban: named for its "wrapped" layers, usually a dark green shell with orange, mealy flesh.
- Hubbard: a golden or green squash notable for its bumpy, thick skin.
- Spaghetti: a yellow-skinned squash whose flesh forms translucent spaghetti-like strands when cooked.
Power Nutrients Include: Vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber
Serving size: 1 cup, cubed and cooked
Best Ways to Cook: Roast, bake, or boil and mash.
Why I Love It: Winter squash is one of my favorites because it has a slightly sweet flavor and its starchy texture makes it a healthy comfort food. My favorite ways to enjoy it are to roast butternut squash or top cooked spaghetti squash with my favorite pasta sauce. An easy way to cook spaghetti squash is to cut it in half, remove the seeds, and then place cut side down in a microwave safe dish with 1 cup of water. Cover and microwave 15 minutes or until tender. Let cool a little, then scrape 'spaghetti" into a bowl and top with your favorite sauce.
[#image: /photos/57d8dd6fd3276fe2329485d3]||||||Sweet Potatoes:
- Orange-fleshed: Beuregarde, California Gold, Carolina Ruby, Covington, Evangeline, Gold Nugget
- Purple-fleshed: Agena, Japanese Purple, Korean Purple, Mokuau, Okinawan, Purple
- White-fleshed: Batas, Brazilian, Dingess, Hayman, O'Henry, Uyentan
Power Nutrients Include: Vitamins A, C, B6, iron, and fiber.
Serving Size: 1 small potato
Best Ways to Cook: Roast, bake, steam, or boil and mash.
Why I Love It: Not only are sweet potatoes nutritional powerhouses, but their natural flavor needs little added to it to shine. I like making sweet potato fries or serving baked sweet potatoes with pork tenderloin. I think the sweet and savory flavors make a great combination! To steam, add a little water to cover the bottom of a steamer pot, bring to a boil, then place slices of sweet potato in the steamer basket. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until tender and then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite herbs.
[#image: /photos/57d8dd70d3276fe2329485d4]||||||Carrots:
Power nutrients: Vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and fiber.
Serving Size: 1 cup raw
Best Ways to Cook: Eat raw, roasted, steamed, or stir-fried
Why I Love It: I love carrots because they are the ultimate healthy convenience food. I love them raw with a little hummus or salsa for dipping or in an easy stir-fry with sugar snap peas. Their slight sweetness and crunchy texture make them ultra satisfying. To use in a stir-fry, slice into thin rounds and heat canola oil in a wok or large pan sauté carrots and other veggies until tender-crisp and season with Asian-inspired flavors such as low-sodium soy or teriyaki sauces.
[#image: /photos/57d8dd7024fe9dae3283379b]||||||Pumpkin:
Power nutrients Include: Vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, and potassium.
Serving size: 1/2 cup, cooked
Best Ways to Cook: Roast, steam, boil, or try one of myideas using canned pumpkin.
Why I Love It: Fresh pumpkin is only available in the fall to early winter so take advantage of it now. It's typically used in sweeter dishes like pies and breads, but remember pumpkin makes a great side dish or can be pureed into a savory soup as well. To use in a soup, cut the pumpkin in half, remove insides (seeds, etc.), cut into cubes, peel, and boil until tender. Then drain and puree in a food processor or blender.
What are your favorite orange foods and how are you enjoying them this fall?
Related Links:
More of Fall's Healthiest Foods
Fall's Most Flattering Fashions (Show Off Your Slim Bod!)
Nutrition Information You Can Trust
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Thursday, July 13, 2006
Upstate Nuts
Saratoga Apple
1174 Rt. 29
Schuylerville, NY
(Near Saratoga Springs)
Friends of Blognut travels to Upstate New York to investigate the well-hidden Nut scene so Blognut doesn't have to. Saratoga Springs is a lovely, classy, horseracing town, with all that implies. The restaurant-and-wine-shop-to-resident ratio is ridiculously high, gambling is incredibly important, and (as follows naturally from the former conditions) the living is good. Potato chips, one of the foods most dear to FOB's heart, were invented here. These people know fried carbs, FOB thought.
FOB was wrong. Really wrong. Alarmingly, there seemed to be no doughnut offerings in Saratoga. In fact, she had to leave town to find some non-Pop-Nuts to try. Luckily, a Saratogian FOB remembered Saratoga Apple, a nearby orchard that cooks up apple cider doughnuts. On a drizzly late morning, FOB went to check it out. The short drive out to the orchard goes by the Saratoga battlefield and monument, where the British wisely laid down their arms and surrendered to the feisty, pissed off Americans in the Revolutionary War. History, schmistory.
We knew we were in good eating parts when we saw the oddly imperative sign at the orchard FRUIT OUR OWN PORK. What could it mean? Was that something we were meant to do? No matter: How would the Nuts compare to the cider doughnuts at Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA, some of FOB's favorites? The stakes suddenly seemed high. In the small orchard store were apples, honey, cherries, beeswax products, and a tray of apple cider Nuts resting in a pack under a gauze sheet. We bought half a dozen; fewer would have seemed risky.
These cider nuts are classic in style: smallish (by today's Gluttonous American Size standards), reddish golden-brown, coated with a sandy layer of sugar crystals. The first bite is barely, ever-so-slighly crisp. The sugar layer gives way to the creamy, yellowish cake center. Moist, sweet-but-not-too, cider-y, essential, pretty close to perfect. Saratogian FOB lets out a little cry/yelp of pleasure, pacing the room to try to contain himself. The only thing they lacked that Carter Mountain's Nuts (sometimes) have is warmth. These had been cooked earlier in the morning; had they been hot, they might have given their Southern brethren a run for their money. But a cool doughnut has its own pleasures. They were worth the trip up here.
Doughnut score:
Apple cider donut-9.3
7 comments:
hey there....friend of blognut....i know you....yes indeed. i saw you in a tim horton's in ottawa, canada back in 1965. you were eating a maple dip with a black coffee. i remember that well...say..when are you guys going to do a piece on tim's anyway?....much love_hc
- theblognut said...
Check it hc:
well i'll be damned......i didn't know you guys were an international outfit already.....nice work....
- applesuptohere said...
hey...come back to Saratoga Apple during apple season (late August to early November) and I'll blister ya with a HOT doughnut..lol..we have lines OUT TO THE ROAD for those babies..employee
We took my 9- and 3-year-old children to Saratoga Apple today but we left there with no apples and both of my kids confused and in tears. We wanted to purchase the medium sized $12 bag, the perfect amount for our small family, but I was told that in order for all 4 of us to participate in the picking, we would actually have to pay $24 for "entry for 4 people" and twice as many apples. Even worse, I later discovered that the Saratoga Apple website says "no admission."
As a young family, not only can't we eat 25 pounds of apples, we also have to look for fun activities that fit into our budget. But how do I explain to my kids that only one of them gets to go because I didn't bring enough money for all of us? My 9-year-old's response to the situation was to tell her brother that Saratoga Apple was being "greedy." Clearly she learned the lesson I was teaching about sticking to your principles and not allowing yourself to be taken advantage of.
It used to be that picking your own fruits and vegetables was a fun and low-cost family activity. We've had many wonderful summers picking our own at local farms and have only ever been asked to pay for the fruit we picked. Patronizing local farms is important to us but we'd rather go to a place that appreciates us, rather than one that penalizes me for bringing the whole family.
- bambi49 said...
OMG...somebody call "whine" 11...Saratoga Apple charges $6 per person ( children 3 and under FREE) which includes a 1/2 peck bag, your choice of the variety of apple, and a wagon ride on the weekends...hardly a "rip off"..you probably spend more than that taking your kids to the movies or getting your nails done...get over it...
The best donuts I ever had were in York PA. at Maples Donuts. They have endless variety and seasonal flavors as well. Each one weighs as much as a soft ball. They are amazing!


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IG says multiple low-income nutrition assistance programs increase risk of duplicating benefits.
The government might be doling out too many benefits to children and needy families who receive multiple forms of food assistance, according to a new inspector general report.
The Agriculture Department administers 15 different food assistance programs to low-income individuals and households, increasing the risk of duplication and potentially providing total benefits that exceed 100 percent of recipients' daily nutrition needs, the watchdog concluded. The extent of possible overlap in the food and nutrition programs is unknown though, because the department said it doesn't have enough resources to adequately assess whether it's wasting money. The Food and Nutrition Service believes "the network of nutrition assistance programs that make up the national nutritional safety net reflects Congress' recognition of a diversity of needs, and does not present evidence of overlap and duplication." Still, the agency agreed to include in its fiscal 2014 research and evaluation agenda a plan to study whether overlap exists among the 15 programs, and the resources necessary for such an assessment.
The assortment of FNS' federal nutrition assistance programs, known as the "safety net," had a fiscal 2012 budget of $114 billion. The bulk of that money -- $88.6 billion -- funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the food stamp program and the agency's primary nutrition program. The House on Thursday passed the 2013 farm bill omitting funding for the food stamp program for the first time since 1973. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., said he would try to craft a separate bill to fund SNAP, according to a news report in The New York Times.
Other types of food aid target special populations and dietary needs, such as the Women, Infants and Children program, which provides healthy food to low-income recipients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum; the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which offers nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults in day care; and the national school lunch and breakfast programs for needy children. In addition, Agriculture operates 10 smaller food assistance programs.
The network of aid is set up so that eligible recipients can participate in more than one program at a time, except in cases where there is clear overlap between programs. For example, children on SNAP can also enroll in the breakfast and lunch programs, but the agency prohibits simultaneous participation in SNAP and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. The Food and Nutrition Service estimates that 101 million people currently participate in at least one of its food assistance programs, including more than 47 million in SNAP, "a historically high figure that has risen with the economic downturn and expanded eligibility and funding of food assistance programs," the IG report stated. A 2006 study that looked at multiple participation in the four major food assistance programs found that about 41 percent of families were enrolled in only one type of aid, while 59 percent participated in two or more programs.
"Since 2006, enrollment and budget figures for FNS' programs have changed significantly," the IG report said. "Without current data on multiple program participation and costs, the extent of the potential overlap and duplication currently in FNS programs is unknown."
The watchdog said the agency could save money through identifying and eliminating possible inefficiencies -- particularly important in the current budget environment, and in light of President Obama's 2011 directive to improve government management. The IG gave FNS credit for trying to streamline its portfolio of food assistance programs over the years, but said those efforts have "generally focused on individual programs or on the relationship between two of its programs" rather than the safety net as a whole.