text:
|View Poll Results: Which of our 2012 nominations deserves a Second Chance?
|Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
|Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
|Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome
|The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany
|Persuasion by Jane Austen
|A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane
|The Necropolis Railway by Andrew Martin
|Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
|A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
|Grave Robbers Wanted (No Experience Necessary) by Jeff Strand
|The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
|I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
|Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 45. You may not vote on this poll
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|Search this Thread
Bah, humbug!
Posts: 38,887
Karma: 153849787
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA
Device: Kindle Voyage, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy J7, & an iPod Nano.
January 2013 Book Club Vote
January 2013 MobileRead Book Club Vote
Help us choose a book as the January 2013 eBook for the MobileRead Book Club. The poll will be open for 5 days. There will be no runoff vote unless the voting results a tie, in which case there will be a 3 day run-off poll between the two most popular choices. If there is a 3-way or more tie for first place, we will have a runoff poll with more than two choices. This is a visible vote: others can see how you voted. It is multiple-choice: you may cast a vote for each book that appeals to you.
We will start the discussion thread for this book on January 20th. Select from the following Official Choices from the past 11 months:
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
Inkmesh search
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose. A family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. The thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher. A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him-even after he's been captured.Gary Soneji is a mild-mannered mathematics teacher at a Washington, D.C., private school for the children of the political and social elite. He's so popular that the kids all call him "Mr. Chips." And he's very, very smart. Growing up, he always knew he was smarter than the rest of them-he knew that the Great Ones always fooled everybody. He kidnaps Maggie Rose, the golden-haired daughter of a famous movie actress, and her best friend, Shrimpie Goldberg, the son of the secretary of the treasury, right out from under the noses of their two Secret Service agents. But Gary Soneji is not surprised at his skill. He's done it before. Hundreds of times before.Alex Cross must face the ultimate test as a psychologist: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath? Especially one who appears to have a split personality-one who won't let the other half remember those horrific acts?Soneji has outsmarted the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police. Who will be his next victim?
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Fictionwise / Google eBook
eBook Description: "All the reality of a vividly realized nightmare," The Times of London wrote of John Wyndham's terrifying post-apocalyptic thriller Day of the Triffids, published in 1951. The novel is often labeled science fiction, but it might best be described as a completely unnerving fantasy, even at the distance of half a century- for nothing dates this story of a world rendered helpless by a frightening, unearthly phenomenon. Triffids are odd but interesting plants that seem to appear in everyone's garden. They are curiosities, but little more, until an event occurs that alters human life--what appears to be a meteor shower, spectacular at first, turns into a bizarre green inferno that has blinded virtually everyone and rendered humankind helpless. Even stranger, spores from the inferno have caused triffids to suddenly take on lives of their own--large, crawling vegetation that uproot themselves and roam about, attacking humans and inflicting agony. William Masen happened to escape being blinded in the green inferno--he was hospitalized with his eyes bandaged following surgery--and he is now one of the few humans left who can see, who can avoid being attacked by triffids, who might be able to save mankind from the chaos and possible extinction threatened by this cataclysm. Day of the Triffids is generally held to be John Wyndham's finest novel, and it was his first significant work. His style has been described aptly as "speculative fiction." The real power of Day of the Triffids is not in its pure invention but in its matter-of-fact depiction of bizarre phenomena occurring in the midst of day-to-day life. The narrative voice of William Masen is calm and reasoned throughout as he describes the ongoing nightmare and his attempt to prevail, recalling the struggle from an almost historical perspective. Wyndham tells a mesmerizing story in Day of the Triffids, one that has lost none of its quiet terror. (from Fictionwise)
A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane
Inkmesh search $6.98 / Inkmesh search $7.99
A cadre of powerful Massachusetts politicians offers Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro big money for a small job: find the missing cleaning woman who allegedly stole confidential Statehouse documents. But there's much more to this crime than anyone realizes. What the woman was really after was justice -- and out on the Boston streets, the truth can turn stark and ugly...
This is it: the novel that introduces the newest sensation in detective fiction, Dennis Lehane, and a couple of gritty private investigators who grew up and grew tough in blue-collar Dorchester. Kenzie and Gennaro have opened their own agency from the belfry of a Boston church-and all manner of unholiness is crossing their threshold. Like it or not, they're headed for a deadly crossfire in a case that's not just about right and wrong -it's all-out war.
Here is the original--the gripping, utterly addictive book that gained an instant audience for its brilliant young author and his unforgettable heroes.
From fictiondb.com
Grave Robbers Wanted (No Experience Necessary) by Jeff Strand
Description: If you're desperate for money, searching for a little adventure, and aren't the most responsible person in the world, you can end up doing some outrageous things. Which is how Andrew Mayhem, an extremely married father of two, ends up accepting $20,000 to find a key...a key buried with a body in a shallow grave. When the body turns out to not only be still alive, but armed and dangerous, he realizes that he should have held out for more money. His simple evening of morally questionable manual labor becomes a bizarre game of wits and courage played with an unseen killer with a twisted sense of humor. It's a game that will bring him to a group of filmmakers known as Ghoulish Delights, who are hiding a secret that will test every last bit of Andrew's nerve to discover. And it's impossible to find a babysitter. (from CyberRead)
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Amazon (US) / B&N / BooksOnBoard / Kobo / Sony
The three laws of Robotics:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm
2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov changed our perception of robots forever when he formulated the laws governing their behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot through a series of interlinked stories: from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future—a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.
Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-read robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world—all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asmiov's trademark.
Idle Thoughts Of An Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome [The Terminator, Asawi, hpulley]
Inkmesh search
Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow is a collection of humorous essays by Jerome K. Jerome. The essays cover a range of topics from "On Being in Love" to "On Furnished Apartments" to "On Getting on in the World". Jerome established himself as one of England's favorite wits with his comic novel Three Men in a Boat.
The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany
The Patricia Clark Memorial Library: Mobi / Lit / Lrf
Come with me now for awhile, for we have worlds of magic to explore, and the Land of Dreams is close at hand.
If you're tired of fat, cheesy fantasy novels that really do stink, and you want to experience what Fantasy writing once was and could have been, before a few lame-brained idiot writers took Fantasy down a dark alley and stabbed it in the back, then you should read Lord Dunsany's beautiful prose.
This is writing that sings to the heart.
From http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/9/9626.phtml
"A proper fantasy story would, of course, devote nine or so books to traveling very slowly through the elfish countryside, slowly accumulating plot tokens in order to complete the quest. Dunsany spends one chapter on this journey, then gets to the real point of his story, which is what happens when a girl from Elfland is forced to live in the mortal world, and what happens when the two worlds collide. It's 1924, and already the good baron is overthrowing tired and worn out fantasy cliches. Lord Dunsany's story has more in it of culture shock and the price of novelty than magic mcguffin hunting and evil overlord overthrowing.
"The prose itself is some of the finest and most magical in all of fantasy literature. It is like Tolkien without the idle sentiment, or like Lovecraft with a greater gift for language and more synonyms for "odd". A brief sample should suffice:
"'Near the Castle of Erl there lived a lonely witch, on high land near the thunder, which used to roll in Summer along the hills. There she dwelt by herself in a narrow cottage of thatch and roamed the high fields alone to gather the thunderbolts. Of these thunderbolts, that had no earthly forging, were made, with suitable runes, such weapons as had to parry unearthly dangers.'
"Lord Dunsany's prose can fairly be described as "oft-imitated". It is the sound of fantasy. Rarely has it been surpassed."
This critic says this:
"Much of what we call modern fantasy is a pale, predictable mesh of cliches. It is a bookshelf filled with stories that bear far too much in common with one another. Sometimes indeed it feels that originality, which ought to be the cornerstone of fantasy seems to be all but evaporated. Lord Dunsay is - different. He is one of those illusive pre-Tolkien fantasy writers and you will be shocked at how much of modern fantasy derives from him. And then doubly shocked to find he still did it better. Lord Dunsay writes beautiful and elaborate prose. He weaves stories in which magic is not some work-a-day technology but rather a brooding, powerful and very nearly living force."
There is no better prose stylist who touched both the heart of Fantasy and the heart of the Reader.
Like all the books I assemble on MobileRead, this too was assembled to reflect human intervention and artistic judgment.
I hope you enjoy it.
Don [MobileRead's own Dr. Drib]
The Necropolis Railway by Andrew Martin
Inkmesh search
When this creepy-crawly suspense tale was originally published in the UK last year, the London Times called it "a classy potboiler . . . in the best traditions of Dickens and Collins (let alone Christie and Chandler)." There may be just a touch of hyperbole there, but the novel is certainly worthy of praise. The atmosphere is first-rate: Martin does a stunning job of bringing to life the era when steam locomotives chugged from London through the British countryside. And he intensifies by giving his hero, Jim Stringer, a job on one of those trains--not just any train but the one that carries bodies from London to burial on the city's outskirts. A refugee from the poverty of Yorkshire, Jim had been reduced to cleaning women's lavatories in railway stations before getting his big break and landing on the Necropolis Railway, where he endures hostile coworkers and working conditions only slightly better than those in the toilets. Even worse is his growing suspicion that a former worker may have met with foul play. The lurid tone and Jim's growing uneasiness lead to a supremely scary climax.
This is the first Jim Springer mystery.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Inkmesh search
From goodreads: The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon--when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach--an "outlander"--in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Persuasion by Jane Austen [fantasyfan, issybird, Nyssa]
Inkmesh search / Mobi (Illustrated) & ePub (Illustrated) by HarryT | Mobi by GibbinR | Mobi by Strether
Description: From Content: "Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch Hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; there his faculties were roused into admiration and respect, by contemplating the limited remnant of the earliest patents; there any unwelcome sensations, arising from domestic affairs changed naturally into pity and contempt as he turned over the almost endless creations of the last century; and there, if every other leaf were powerless, he could read his own history with an interest which never failed. This was the page at which the favourite volume always opened: "ELLIOT OF KELLYNCH HALL. "Walter Elliot, born March 1, 1760, married, July 15, 1784, Elizabeth, daughter of James Stevenson, Esq. of South Park, in the county of Gloucester, by which lady (who died 1800) he has issue Elizabeth, born June 1, 1785; Anne, born August 9, 1787; a still-born son, November 5, 1789; Mary, born November 20, 1791." Precisely such had the paragraph originally stood from the printer's hands; but Sir Walter had improved it by adding, for the information of himself and his family, these words, after the date of Mary's birth--"Married, December 16, 1810, Charles, son and heir of Charles Musgrove, Esq. of Uppercross, in the county of Somerset," and by inserting most accurately the day of the month on which he had lost his wife. Then followed the history and rise of the ancient and respectable family, in the usual terms; how it had been first settled in Cheshire; how mentioned in Dugdale, serving the office of high sheriff, representing a borough in three successive parliaments, exertions of loyalty, and dignity of baronet, in the first year of Charles II, with all the Marys and Elizabeths they had married; forming altogether two handsome duodecimo pages, and concluding with the arms and motto:--"Principal seat, Kellynch Hall, in the county of Somerset," and Sir Walter's handwriting again in this finale:-- "Heir presumptive, William Walter Elliot, Esq., great grandson of the second Sir Walter." Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot's character; vanity of person and of situation. He had been remarkably handsome in his youth; and, at fifty-four, was still a very fine man. Few women could think more of their personal appearance than he did, nor could the valet of any new made lord be more delighted with the place he held in society. He considered the blessing of beauty as inferior only to the blessing of a baronetcy; and the Sir Walter Elliot, who united these gifts, was the constant object of his warmest respect and devotion. His good looks and his rank had one fair claim on his attachment; since to them he must have owed a wife of very superior character to any thing deserved by his own. Lady Elliot had been an excellent woman, sensible and amiable; whose judgement and conduct, if they might be pardoned the youthful infatuation which made her Lady Elliot, had never required indulgence afterwards.--She had humoured, or softened, or concealed his failings, and promoted his real respectability for seventeen years; and though not the very happiest being in the world herself, had found enough in her duties, her friends, and her children, to attach her to life, and make it no matter of indifference to her when she was called on to quit them.--Three girls, the two eldest sixteen and fourteen, was an awful legacy for a mother to bequeath, an awful charge rather, to confide to the authority and guidance of a conceited, silly father." (from CyberRead)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Inkmesh search
Amazon Best Books of the Month, January 2012: How many introverts do you know? The real answer will probably surprise you. In our culture, which emphasizes group work from elementary school through the business world, everything seems geared toward extroverts. Luckily, introverts everywhere have a new spokesperson: Susan Cain, a self-proclaimed introvert who's taken it upon herself to better understand the place of introverts in culture and society. With Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, Cain explores introversion through psychological research old and new, personal experiences, and even brain chemistry, in an engaging and highly-readable fashion. By delving into introversion, Cain also seeks to find ways for introverts and extroverts to better understand one another--and for introverts to understand their own contradictions, such as the ability to act like extroverts in certain situations. Highly accessible and uplifting for any introvert--and any extrovert who knows an introvert (and over one-third of us are introverts)--Quiet has the potential to revolutionize the "extrovert ideal." –Malissa Kent
(Provided by VioletVal)
Description: Amazon Exclusive: Q & A with Author Susan Cain Q: Why did you write the book? A: For the same reason that Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique in 1963. Introverts are to extroverts what women were to men at that time--second-class citizens with gigantic amounts of untapped talent. Our schools, workplaces, and religious institutions are designed for extroverts, and many introverts believe that there is something wrong with them and that they should try to "pass" as extroverts. The bias against introversion leads to a colossal waste of talent, energy, and, ultimately, happiness. Q: What personal significance does the subject have for you? A: When I was in my twenties, I started practicing corporate law on Wall Street. At first I thought I was taking on an enormous challenge, because in my mind, the successful lawyer was comfortable in the spotlight, whereas I was introverted and occasionally shy. But I soon realized that my nature had a lot of advantages: I was good at building loyal alliances, one-on-one, behind the scenes; I could close my door, concentrate, and get the work done well; and like many introverts, I tended to ask a lot of questions and listen intently to the answers, which is an invaluable tool in negotiation. I started to realize that there's a lot more going on here than the cultural stereotype of the introvert-as-unfortunate would have you believe. I had to know more, so I spent the past five years researching the powers of introversion. Q: Was there ever a time when American society valued introverts more highly? A: In the nation's earlier years it was easier for introverts to earn respect. America once embodied what the cultural historian Warren Susman called a "Culture of Character," which valued inner strength, integrity, and the good deeds you performed when no one was looking. You could cut an impressive figure by being quiet, reserved, and dignified. Abraham Lincoln was revered as a man who did not "offend by superiority," as Emerson put it. Q: You discuss how we can better embrace introverts in the workplace. Can you explain? A: Introverts thrive in environments that are not overstimulating—surroundings in which they can think (deeply) before they speak. This has many implications. Here are two to consider: (1) Introverts perform best in quiet, private workspaces—but unfortunately we're trending in precisely the opposite direction, toward open-plan offices. (2) If you want to get the best of all your employees' brains, don't simply throw them into a meeting and assume you're hearing everyone's ideas. You're not; you're hearing from the most vocally assertive people. Ask people to put their ideas in writing before the meeting, and make sure you give everyone time to speak. Q: Quiet offers some terrific insights for the parents of introverted children. What environment do introverted kids need in order to thrive, whether it's at home or at school? A: The best thing parents and teachers can do for introverted kids is to treasure them for who they are, and encourage their passions. This means: (1) Giving them the space they need. If they need to recharge alone in their room after school instead of plunging into extracurricular activities, that's okay. (2) Letting them master new skills at their own pace. If they're not learning to swim in group settings, for example, teach them privately. (3) Not calling them "shy"--they'll believe the label and experience their nervousness as a fixed trait rather than an emotion they can learn to control. Q: What are the advantages to being an introvert? A: There are too many to list in this short space, but here are two seemingly contradictory qualities that benefit introverts: introverts like to be alone--and introverts enjoy being cooperative. Studies suggest that many of the most creative people are introverts, and this is partly because of their capacity for quiet. Introverts are careful, reflective thinkers who can tolerate the solitude that idea-generation requires. On the other hand, implementing good ideas requires cooperation, and introverts are more likely to prefer cooperative environments, while extroverts favor competitive ones. "A superbly researched, deeply insightful, and fascinating book that will change forever the way society views introverts ." — Gretchen Rubin , author of The Happiness Project " Susan Cain is the definer of a new and valuable paradigm . In this moving and original argument, she makes the case that we are losing immense reserves of talent and vision because of our culture's overvaluation of extroversion. A startling, important and readable page-turner that will make quiet people see themselves in a whole new light ." — Naomi Wolf , author of The Beauty Myth "Think Malcolm Gladwell for people who don't take themselves too seriously. Mark my words, this book will be a bestseller." — Guy Kawasaki , author of Enchantment "Susan Cain has done a superb job of sifting through decades of complex research. . . . This book will be a boon for the many highly sensitive people who are also introverts. " — Elaine Aron , author of The Highly Sensitive Person From the Hardcover edition. (from Amazon.com)
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is one of the world's most beloved and bestselling writers. In A Short History of Nearly Everything, he takes his ultimate journey—into the most intriguing and consequential questions that science seeks to answer. It's a dazzling quest, the intellectual odyssey of a lifetime, as this insatiably curious writer attempts to understand everything that has transpired from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization. Or, as the author puts it, "...how we went from there being nothing at all to there being something, and then how a little of that something turned into us, and also what happened in between and since." This is, in short, a tall order.To that end, Bill Bryson apprenticed himself to a host of the world's most profound scientific minds, living and dead. His challenge is to take subjects like geology, chemistry, paleontology, astronomy, and particle physics and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people, like himself, made bored (or scared) stiff of science by school. His interest is not simply to discover what we know but to find out how we know it. How do we know what is in the center of the earth, thousands of miles beneath the surface? How can we know the extent and the composition of the universe, or what a black hole is? How can we know where the continents were 600 million years ago? How did anyone ever figure these things out?On his travels through space and time, Bill Bryson encounters a splendid gallery of the most fascinating, eccentric, competitive, and foolish personalities ever to ask a hard question. In their company, he undertakes a sometimes profound, sometimes funny, and always supremely clear and entertaining adventure in the realms of human knowledge, as only this superb writer can render it. Science has never been more involving, and the world we inhabit has never been fuller of wonder and delight."Stylish [and] stunningly accurate prose. We learn what the material world is like from the smallest quark to the largest galaxy and at all the levels in between... brims with strange and amazing facts... destined to become a modern classic of science writing." THE NEW YORK TIMES"Bryson has made a career writing hilarious travelogues, and in many ways his latest is more of the same, except that this time Bryson hikes through the world of science." PEOPLE"Bryson is surprisingly precise, brilliantly eccentric and nicely eloquent... a gifted storyteller has dared to retell the world's biggest story." SEATTLE TIMES"Hefty, highly researched and eminently readable." SIMON WINCHESTER, THE GLOBE AND MAIL"All non-scientists (and probably many specialized scientists, too) can learn a great deal from his lucid and amiable explanations." NATIONAL POST"Bryson is a terrific stylist. You can't help but enjoy his writing, for its cheer and buoyancy, and for the frequent demonstration of his peculiar, engaging turn of mind." OTTAWA CITIZEN"Wonderfully readable. It is, in the best sense, learned." WINNIPEG FREE PRESS (from CyberRead)
John's posting of the Library Availability for each of these books can be found in post #8.
Last edited by WT Sharpe; 12-21-2012 at 10:09 PM.
Bah, humbug!
Posts: 38,887
Karma: 153849787
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA
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So far all my choices are in the lead!
Indie Advocate
Posts: 2,863
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Device: Kindle
I have sprayed my votes.
Grand Sorcerer
Posts: 19,226
Karma: 67780237
Join Date: Jul 2011
Device: none
As much as my MBTI says I'm an I with a vengeance, I just don't want to discuss it. The robot in me won.
Posts: 1,379
Karma: 1953236
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Sweden
Device: Sony PRS-350, Assorted Nooks
Oh dear! I have almost a handful that I can't decide between!
And also the one I mentioned in the "books they couldn't pay me money to read" topic! LOL!
Wonder if I'm going to vote on all of the "good" ones or pick a couple... Hmmm... I think I'll wait a day or so and think about it some more!
Last edited by Asawi; 12-21-2012 at 08:12 AM.
Series Addict
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I really like the multiple choice option! Thank you Tom and everyone who voted for it!!!
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Device: Kobo Glo HD
Library availability.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (Overdrive)
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson (Overdrive)
Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome (Public domain)
The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany (Public domain)
Persuasion by Jane Austen (Public domain)
A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane (Overdrive)
The Necropolis Railway by Andrew Martin (Unavailable)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (Overdrive)
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson (Overdrive)
Grave Robbers Wanted (No Experience Necessary) by Jeff Strand (Unavailable)
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (Overdrive)
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (Overdrive)
Overdrive is U.S. Centric, and a link is provided.
Public domain is Life +50 centric.
Indie Advocate
Posts: 2,863
Karma: 18794463
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Device: Kindle
And the race is on....!
Bah, humbug!
Posts: 38,887
Karma: 153849787
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA
Device: Kindle Voyage, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy J7, & an iPod Nano.
Hmmm... I can't find an ebook of The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany. The Inkmesh link now reads "No longer available, and Google Books says "No eBook available."
EDIT: It's in our library.
Last edited by WT Sharpe; 12-21-2012 at 11:55 AM.
Bah, humbug!
Posts: 38,887
Karma: 153849787
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA
Device: Kindle Voyage, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy J7, & an iPod Nano.
I had forgotten that Dr. Drib uploaded it.
Indie Advocate
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I did cast a vote for The King of Elfland's Daughter as I thought it might be interesting to read such an old fantasy story.
I am surprised by its lead. However, I'm now starting my anti-I Robot campaign.
Don't let the robots win!
Magic over machines!
Bah, humbug!
Posts: 38,887
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA
Device: Kindle Voyage, iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy J7, & an iPod Nano.
I, Robot is a wonderful book that has served to inspire countless writers of books, movies, and television series. Does the phrase "positronic brain" ring a bell?
With all due respect to Dr. Drib, I don't really care for fantasy; that goes double for 100 years old fantasy tales.
Series Addict
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Indie Advocate
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Now - the race is getting more predictable. I thought Persuasion would be one of the favourites and it's certainly made its move through the field.
languorous autodidact ✦
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Location: finally someone let me out of my cage
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A number of these look interesting; here's my campaign pitches:
"Be persuaded by Persuasion!"
"Outpour your votes to Outlander!"
"Let's take a ride on the Necropolis Railway!"
"Voters wanted for Grave Robbers Wanted!"
"Think Idle Thoughts!" (Hm...)
"Fantasise about The King of Elfland's Daughter!" (That one didn't work out quite right )
Last edited by sun surfer; 12-22-2012 at 07:22 AM.
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text:
Carlo Ancelotti has fueled speculation that Paris Saint-Germain could revive its interest in Alexandre Pato by claiming that the AC Milan forward fits its criteria.
The Brazil international was believed to be close to completing a 35 million euro transfer to the Parc des Princes in January but eventually decided against making the move. However, rumors linking the two parties have resurfaced following reports that the 23-year-old is unhappy with life at the Serie A side.
In response to recent speculation, Ancelotti - who coached the striker at the Rossoneri between 2007 and 2009 - described the South American as a player who matches PSG's profile, but insisted that there is nothing wrong with his current crop of attackers.
"He did not call me. I'm not his friend and he was only my player [at Milan], but Pato has the profile to play for PSG," the coach told RTL. "He is a fantastic goalscorer, but we cannot sign all the strikers in the world. We have very good players for the position, such as [Jeremy] Menez, [Ezequiel] Lavezzi and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic."
Ancelotti's side romped to a 4-0 victory over Troyes on Saturday, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 200th and 201st league goals and strikes from Blaise Matuidi and Maxwell proving enough to end a run of three Ligue 1 matches without a win.
"We played intelligently," he added. "You do not want to use too much energy. We traveled to Ukraine on Wednesday so it was hard to recover. Our attacking strategy was very well executed. In the second half we found space and took advantage of it.
"[Replacing] Pastore was a tactical choice. I thought Nene could make more use of the spaces. Ibra is a very important player. He is one of the best strikers in the world. Regarding Matuidi, he managed to hit a high level of performance, which is what we've come to expect from him."
Following last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Rennes, the Italian admitted that his team was in a midst of a crisis, but despite the emphatic manner of its success this time around he is remaining coy on any immediate recovery.
"I think we should wait," Ancelotti noted. "You must understand that when you try to build a strong team, sometimes you can lose. We are not yet strong enough to be a team that plays with continuity. But this week, the team reacted very well.
"They scored six goals, without conceding, and we qualified for the Champions League knockout stages. Over six days, that's a lot."
Follow GOAL.COM USA on

subset: commoncrawl


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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 18th annual National Memorial for the Pre-Born and Their Mothers and Fathers will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23 in Room HVC 201 of the Capitol Visitors Center.
The National Pro-Life Religious Council (NPRC) will present its annual Pro-Life Recognition Award to Chris Slattery, founder of EMC Frontline Pregnancy Centers, and Karolyn Schrage, executive director of Life Choices in Joplin, Mo.
Kelly Clinger, a recording artist and spokeswoman for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, and Tony Melendez, a guitar player who was born without arms and plays with his feet, will perform.
During the service, Priests for Life and Gospel of Life will also announce a Pro-life Award for Victoria Hearst, founder of Praise Him Ministries in Colorado.
The National Conference for the Pre-Born and Their Mothers and Fathers was founded in 1994 by Rev. Rob Schenck of Faith and Action and Fr. Paul C.B. Schenck of the National Pro-Life Center on Capitol Hill. It is the only pro-life prayer service convened on the U.S. capitol complex. Additional sponsors include the National Clergy Council, National Pro-Life Radio and National Pro-Life Center.
This year's honorees are involved in providing alternatives to abortion.
Slattery launched Expectant Mother Care-EMC FrontLine Pregnancy Centers in mid-town Manhattan in 1984. It was New York City's first crisis pregnancy center and remains the largest network of pregnancy help centers in the tri-state area.
He pioneered the use of onsite ultrasound and pre-natal care in a crisis center, and introduced 3D and 4D ultrasound in lifesaving work when the technology became available. He also pioneered using mobile ultrasounds with sidewalk counseling teams outside abortion clinics in major cities.
Mrs. Schrage, a registered nurse, worked as a medical missionary in Kenya for more than 20 years. She and her husband, Mike, produced a film addressing unplanned pregnancy issues in East Africa. The film was translated into eight languages and has been shown in many African countries.
In 2003, Mrs. Schrage and her family moved back to the United States, where she joined the LifeChoices medical team. LifeChoices Medical Clinic and 4U Testing Clinic in Joplin, Mo., provide confidential, compassionate medical services for individuals facing a sexual health crisis or unplanned pregnancy. LifeChoices works in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control to reduce the sexually transmitted disease epidemic in the USA.
"Pregnancy centers are on the front lines of the war against abortion," said Father Frank Pavone, President of the National Pro-life Religious Council. "Chris and Karolyn recognized this and decided to focus their considerable energies and talents to inspire young with the courage to love and to choose life. The National Pro-Life Religious Council salutes these pro-life heroes."
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.


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All signs are pointing toward the Yankees getting Sabathia. They don't appear to have a ceiling. The same can't be said about the Mets. They'll have money coming off the books with Pedro Martinez, Orlando Hernandez and Moises Alou going, but they'll be giving raises to David Wright and Jose Reyes.
Their payroll last year was $143 million, and I don't see it going much higher.
We can discuss all of that tonight.


text: OK, so before you say, "Ya ya, I've seen it.", wait. Have you really? I picked up the car dock at Verizon the other day because the one I ordered from Amazon hadn't shown up and I was going out of town, so I needed it for my trip. It worked good. No complaints and it's cheap. $29 for the dock, but it doesn't come with the charger. No biggy. I have plenty of car chargers. SO I get home today and open the package from Amazon. I paid more for it, so I'm thinking, it better have a freeking charger. It does, but wait, there's more. Not only does it have a charger cable, but the cable also has a headphone jack on it. I know what you're thinking, ya, so what. Just wait. Think about it. I was traveling from Texas to North Carolina for the past week. Every time I got out of the truck, I'd have to unplug my phone from the headset. Isn't the point of having a dock so that you don't have to unplug anything? This thing solves that problem by adding the headset jack to the USB cable and eliminating the need to plug in your headset jack on the phone. Now you just pull and remove the phone anytime. I'm telling you, it's genius. I'd highly recommend you purchase one of these if you are going to spend any time in your automobile! http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-89525...3825682&sr=1-1 No I'm not getting paid, and no I don't work for any affiliated party. I'm just a guy with a Razr trying to make everyone's world better!


text:
Category: Dailies
Dear Nick
Dear Nick,
It has been two years. Time flies.
Although you frequent my thoughts, it's on this day, every year, that I always wish I could askyou so much.
I can't possibly fathom the idea of watching your child pitch six scoreless innings, arguably the greatest game he had ever pitched, only to have to bring the lifeless body of him home, bury him, and say goodbye.
My heart goes out to your family. A beautiful life, 22 years of dreaming, cut short. A mistake? What do you call Andrew Gallo's actions? Careless? He'll be 72 when he's eligible for parole. You would be 71. Would you have looked back at your life, a life filled with baseball, rings, and a Cy Young award?
Can you even imagine the life that you could've had? Too often, I take for granted the fragility of life. Your life, Nick, like anyone else's could've been, was taken away in a flash. Can you fathom if you had been at that intersection 30 seconds later? Maybe even 10 seconds later. But it was that moment. You had your whole life ahead of you, a life destined for greatness. Could you ever forgive him?
Were you the motivation that got the Angels to clinch the AL West? Or would it have beenanother moment in your potential life? Where would you be today? An Angel? A Yankee? Where would you be in the future? A pitching coach? Managing? A hall of famer?
Two years later your picture is still displayed in the outfield. Your teammates still think of you. I still think of you. I still think of everything you could've been, and everything you are not because of someone's reckless disregard for your life.
Your life, Nick, will not go unremembered.
The 21st Perfect Game
"I believe in the Church of Baseball. I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshiped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan. I know things. For instance, there are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball… I've tried 'em all, I really have, and the only church that truly feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the Church of Baseball." – Annie Savoy" Bull Durham
The game of baseball is a game of half a step, half an inch, half a second. The difference between making the most amazing play and becoming part of history or falling short.
Tonight was a historical night. Armando Galaragga made history by being the 21st pitcher to pitch a perfect game. But you won't see his name in the books. His accomplishment won't be written as a rare feat. In fact, what you will see on record is that he made it through 8.2 innings when he gave up a hit to Jason Donald. Don't let the books fool you, it wasn't a controversial call by first base umpire Jim Joyce, it was a flat out wrong call. There shouldn't have been any question in any one's mind on whether or not Jason Donald was safe. He wasn't.
In my baseball life, which I'll confess, has been short lived thus far, I have never been more upset about a call than I was tonight. Not that final called strike which was clearly a ball on one of my Rockies, not the safe call that was clearly out on one of my Red Sox. No. This call tonight, this blown call by Jim Joyce, THIS was unbelievable.
All those other calls? I'll get over them. I got over them. It was an isntant that was me yelling at my TV and telling the umpire that I, as a squinty eyed asian, had better vision than he did.
Tonight's blown call is one that I can't stop being mad over. Tonight's blown call should've made history. Armando Galaragga's magic number should have been 21. See, baseball? It's magical. The passion, the sounds, the smells, the respect, the love, everything that goes into the game is magical. A perfect game, a no hitter? They're beyond magical. They're a breathtaking feat that are so rare to see, it's been miraculous that I've gotten to see three, technically four, in my baseball life.
Tonight that magic was stolen when Jim Joyce called Jason Donald safe. Jim Joyce's apology? I respect the fact that he manned up and said, "yes, I made a mistake," but that's not going to change the record books. That's not going to give Galaragga a perfect game. His apology doesn't call Jason Donald out. The fact is, one of the most amazing and rare feats in baseball, a feat accomplished by only twenty before him, was within reach tonight. On one single mistake, one blind person's error, his name won't be found under "perfect games."
So, what do you plan to do about this, Emily? That's a good question. I don't exactly know. I wouldn't have any ideas. I'll tell you right now that I'm not one who is on board for instant replays in baeball. In fact, I think if that were the case, too many things would be argued and it could become just a ridiculous circus. But it shows, aftera ll the umpiring mistakes this season, that they're costing more than just games, they're cositng us history.
Through all this, nothing made me more proud tonight than to see Armando Galaragga give a simple smile and go right back to work. He's an incredible representation for his country and a class act. Even when Jim Joyce said, "I cost him that perfect game," he went on his way and forgave him. You didn't see Armando Galaragga acting like Carlos Zambrano, you saw him acting like an upstanding player.
So yes, I still believe in the church of baseball, and yes, I still think this is a magical game, and yes, my heart is still broken for the history that was lost tonight. But in my book, Armando Galaragga will ALWAYS be the 21st pitcher to pitch a perfect game, regardless of any asterisk inserted into any books, who will go on record as the 21st pitcher to throw a perfect game, or what any blind umpire says. I witnessed history tonight, I got to witness an amazing and rare accomplishment, and I am so proud of Armando Galaragga, and damn proud to have witnessed his perfect game.
I'm Already Looking for Rocktober
According to some of the experts, it sounds like they are already predicting the Rockies to not only make it to the World Series, but to take it as well. Hands down, no hesitation, I want the Rockies to make it to the World Series, I believe they can, and yes, I want them to take it, I believe they can too. However, when it comes to experts and their predictions, I tend to be one of those people who doesn't like to count their chickens… or… eggs? Count their eggs before… their chickens lay them…? Whatever, you know what I mean.
When we look at spring training and regular season, we're looking at two very different ballgames (haha, yeah, I did just make that joke). I don't honestly think you can make any assumption before you see a regular season game played. I mean, why do you think the Cubs always say, "this is our year" before the season starts (that was mean… but true… but still mean)? If you recall the beginning of the Rockies' 2009 season, no one would have predicted them to go anywhere, and look at what they did.
Now, like I said, I believe the Rockies can make it to the World Series; I'll hope for that every year. But there are a lot of factors that are going to contribute to the success of this team as well as ones that raise questions.
No doubt the Rockies have an incredible lineup filled with young guys who have shown they can play the game. Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler are going to continue to produce. They're young, talented, and well on their way to becoming five tool players. Gonzalez did some incredible things in winter ball this past season and Fowler has continued to work on his game. Not only that, but the dangerous, defensive combination of these two significantly shrinks the outfield. Todd Helton, despite his age, can also produce hits. While he's no longer in his prime, the important thing is that he can still play the game and has the passion to do so as well. A lot of stress will also be taken off his shoulders with Jason Giambi as a back up, and Melvin Mora able to cover first. I've also really liked what I've seen of Brad Eldred this spring training, I think he could play an important role later in the season. Troy Tulowitzki, well, no questions asked, he's one of the best – young and an elite force on the team.
The Rockies, undoubtedly, may have the best bench in the history of this team. This includes Giambi, Ryan Spilborghs, and Seth Smith. All three can come up with big hits, especially Smith. He was an immense force for the Rockies and came up as a pinch hitter, an incredibly important role. I'll be honest that I never knew too much about Melvin Mora or Miguel Olivo. While I still don't know much about Olivio, I like what I've seen with Mora. The epitome of a utility player, third base, short stop, second base, and the entire outfield.
Here's where the Rockies are going to run into some problems. The first and biggest problem is our closer Huston Street has found his way to the DL. Although he hopes for a return on May 1, the Rockies trainer isn't making any promises. This means that the Rockies need a replacement, with Franklin Morales, Manny Corpas, and Matt Belisle in the running. I'm not big on any of these options, but one has to be chosen. Franklin Morales acted as a sub last season when Street went to the DL, and while his performance managed to get the job done, I just didn't feel comfortable seeing the ball given to him in the ninth. Manny Corpas needs to get back to his 2007 self if he wants to be a really, truly viable option; however, he could also be considered as a set up man for games. Matt Belisle could also be an option if a few righties are coming up to bat.
Jeff Francis is also heading to the 15 day DL. While he hasn't made a pitch in a major leaguegame since September 18 of 2009, I was excited to see him start. I really trust Jim Tracy and if he had Francis in spot number two of the rotation, then I was going to let it ride. I am, however, very excited to see the potential of Greg Smith. When we acquired Street, Gonzalez, and Smith in the trade for Holliday, I knew we had to be getting a good deal. That paid off as far as Street and Gonzalez; and while I've wanted to see Smith make his debut with the Rockies, it has yet to happen. We'll see how things go.
Here's what could make the Rockies dangerous: discipline. They need discipline at the plate, discipline in commanding pitches and focusing on the pitch at hand rather than worrying about the runner, and discipline when it comes to stealing bases. That will make the Rockies a truly threatening team for this upcoming season.
It's 2010
Recently, I received this note from my favorite Cardinal loving Chicagoan:
Goddamn it, it's January 13th already and you have yet to write in 2010, Emmy. Get on it! With love of course 🙂
It was like getting a threat-mantic e-mail, threatening, but written with love.
So I figured, "I guess I should get on this."
Welcome to 2010 fellow bloggers! We're almost through the offseason! We've almost made it! I guess BSAD hit me a little harder than I thought, most of my days are spent working and when I'm not working, I can be found beneath my flannel penguin sheets (yes, I have penguin sheets, don't judge) catching up on m Z's.
Some big names like Matt Holliday and Jason Bay have now left our hot stove discussion, and for the most part, it seems as though the Rockies have remained fairly quiet in their quest for free agents. Their biggest move it seems, signing catcher Miguel Olivio, and if you want to call that news… well… I don't have anything witty to say about that.
Right now, one of hte biggest priorities for the Rockies is locking up Huston Street. Oh, wait… they did that already? Okay, then they'll need to try and come to a deal with Ryan Spilborghs to expand our outfielders and avoid arbitra… oh… they did that too? Well, seeing how the Rockies were the only club in 2009 to have five pitchers with double digit wins, it'd be nice if Jason Hammel stuck around with them… are you serious? That happened too?
So, here's the deal, fellow bloggers: I was writing this entry all about how the Rockies need to spend their money wisely, because, let's face it: the Rockies are a relatively cheap team. And I mean that in the nicest way possible, which really doesn't sound nice at all, but the Rockies don't have the deep pockets that we'd all like to see.
So here I was, talking about how after a very disappointing end to the 2009 season, everyone was like, "it was all Huston Street's fault!" And I went on this rant about how wrong these people were and comments like that were made by ignorant bandwagon fans, and if it hadn't been for Huston Street, the Rockies wouldn't have even made their way to the playoffs in the first place. Street was clutch for the team during the regular season, and it was clearly defined in the chemistry that he had with them.
Yes, this long rant now wasted because he's signed with the team. So, yes, Jefferson, once again, you were right (is that guy ever wrong?), I should've been blogging a lot earlier.
Things now seem to be coming together for the Rockies who have reached deals with Clint Barmes, Chris Iannetta, Jorge de la Rosa, Ryan Spilborghs, Huston Street, Rafael Betancourt, and Jason Hammel; the latter four of them had filed for arbitration and now the four of them will be sticking around. Our startingpitching rotation could be interesting with Jeff Francis returning after missing a significant portion of 2008 and the 2009 season. In 2007 he was thought to be the ace of the Rockies and it was projected that a Francis vs. Josh Beckett matchup would be the ultimate showdown. Obviously we know how that worked out. After not pitching for almost a year and a half, I'm interested in seeing how he'll perform.
Our starting infield is also looking good with Todd Helton, Barmes, Troy Tulowitzki, and Ian Stewart. The name that's missing? Yeah, you know it: I'll miss my dearest Garrett Atkins, I stood by his side during the worst season of his career, constantly cheering for him and celebrating just as much, if not more when he hits his heartbreaking nine homers. That's right, he didn't even hit double digits… and I can hear a certain Chicagoan snickering about that at this very moment! Yeah, it'll break my heart not to see him in those beautiful purple pinstripes, but best of luck to him with the O's.
Most likely, our projected outfield is Brad Hawpe, Dexter Fowler, and Carlos Gonzalez. Gonzalez had a fantastic season with the Eagles during winter ball in Venezuela. The Rockies have speed with Eric Young Jr. as well as Ryan Spilborghs and a powerful bat with Seth Smith, also known as Mr. Clutch from last season.
Most important to the team is the return of manager Jim Tracy, who had incredible chemistry with the team and turned around a rough start to their season.
Last and probably most important, Haiti is still in need of our help. Imagine if every person in the world donated $1 to help out. It's so little, but adds up to so much. So if you can, please donate, there are many organizations out there.
MLB has partnered with UNICEF, The American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders are also accepting donations. CNN also provides a list of websites that you can donate to.
BSAD… I'm Pretty Sure It's Real
The last comment my friend Jefferson gave to me was, "Emmy, don't slack." I thought, "yeah, no problem Jefferson, there's tons to write about during the off season." So, what was the first thing I did after I read that? If you're thinking, "you went and wrote a blog," you would be wrong. No, I slacked. And slacked. And slacked a little bit more. So, while my dear readers were busy keeping up with me, I was not busy keeping up with them. My sincerest apologies, oh dear readers. I appreciate the love you've shown me by stopping by here still and making me number eight on the latest leaders board (holla!).
So, while I'm here, let us talk about the atrocity known as the offseason.
Some time ago, I was messaging on my handy dandy… Blackberry!! (In case you didn't get the reference, that was from Blue's Clues… and I had to talk about my newest little gadget that has also become my newest obsession.) Anyway, I was messaging with a friend of mine who lives down in Venezuela and has the pleasure of covering winter ball for the Caribes. From what I've been learning about winter ball, it's completely amazing, but the Caribes… they're like the equivalent of the Washington Nationals.
So, we were messaging about this one game, and it was completely crazy: extra innings, bench clearing brawls, a manager ejection, and a high scoring game (Okay, I know what you're thinking, "Emily, that's nothing like the Nationals, a high scoring game? Maybe only for the opposing team, you liar" to which I would say, "hey, even the Nationals get their day… someday…" (but that's beside the point)). Just reading the messages, I couldn't help but get excited waiting for the next one. He kept me updated on the count, who was on base, who was up to bat. I was sitting there, glued to this little screen on my phone thinking, "WHAT'S HAPPENING?!?!" It didn't matter that I didn't know any of the players, that I didn't know anything about the teams; no, it was wondering what pitch, where it's located, did he swing? I was on the edge of my seat just waiting to read what would happen.
I spent Thanksgiving with my friend and her parents who live down in Colorado Springs. The Broncos game against the Giants wasn't broadcast (for some ridiculous reason) so we had to listen to the game on the radio. Listening to any game on the radio is very different from watching a game in any sport (well, I guess I really only listen to baseball on the radio, that football thing was only once). When you listen to one on the radio, you hear something like, "here's the pitch…" With a fastball, it takes approximately 0.4 seconds to travel those 60 feet six inches to get to the plate. But waiting to hear what will happen after the, "here's the pitch…" waiting that 0.4 seconds is like agony. When listening to the football game, waiting to hear if Kyle Orton's throw was completed or waiting to hear if Eli Manning completed… anything, playing that waiting game makes you so… anxious… I think that's the word I'm looking for.
So waiting for that message, waiting for that pitch count, "3-0… 3-1… 3-2… swing and a miss." Waiting for that was like listening to the radio… only harder.
To get to the point, I didn't realize how detrimental the off season is to my health until I found myself huddled around this tiny screen waiting for a message about a pitch, to a player I'd never heard of, on a team I didn't know anything about, in a country I've never been to, on a different continent.
So, while we're on the subject of my health, let's talk about something that I'm about 99% sure I have right now. Have you ever heard of seasonal affective disorder? It's basically how people react to the amount of sunlight in their environment. The typical pattern is that people have a tendency to become depressed during the fall and winter seasons (when there's less light) and then kind of normalize in the spring and summer.
I'm all for getting sunlight, I mean, Colorado is a state that does have all four seasons. But… is it possible to have seasonal affective disorder for baseball? I mean… granted, it does coincide with the timing of… regular.. seasonal affective disorder (I don't know if you'd call it "regular" since I don't really think "baseball seasonal affective disorder" would be found in the DSM).
However, I think BSAD could be a legitimate medical condition, and I think I have it. So, how does it compare to the regular SAD? Like I said, SAD is about the amount of light that you're getting in your environment; therefore, BSAD would be like the amount of baseball you get inyour environment.
Let's think about it this way, in Colorado, at least lately, we've been having like… sub zero type temperatures. Now, since it's Colorado, it's possible that in a weeks time it'll be sunny and somewhere in the 60s. So right now, it's always overcast, dark, and in general, kind of gloomy. Then there are those sunny days where things are a little bit brighter, nicer, it's a day where you want to be outside.
Same thing with baseball. Right now, I don't have any, it's gloomy, dark, and in general, a bit depressing. But there arelittle things that can only keep you satisfied for so long, like MLB Network or messaging with my friend covering winter ball. I mean… it's not having baseball, but it's as close as you can get. It's like that one sunny day out of the week of crappy ones.
So during the off season months, I lust after that spring training date or that opening day date. I mean, when we're talking hot stove, it can get a little repetitive. So I roam through the days in this… zombie-esque manner, waiting for that warm, sunny spring day in April. Granted, "zombie-esque manner" is probably not a politically correct way to describe someone with BSAD, or SAD for that matter, but I trust you'll get over it.
Being on Twitter, being surrounded by baseball fans, and being someone who received their BA in psychology, I feel qualified to diagnose most of us with BSAD. We're all… well… a little depressed right now just waiting, counting down those days until spring training arrives, and the sun comes out and the snow melts away (at least for Colorado). The days where the sun shines perfectly on that baseball diamond, where a beer and nachos (or for most baseball goers, a hot dog) is the only food you need that day to be content, where the sound of a ball hitting the sweet spot on a bat is just the best sound in the world. Yes, we lust after those days, and like anyone with SAD, we have to wait. Wait for the cold, harsh winter to be over, wait for the sun to show its face again, and wait for the day where we won't have
to say, "Man… I miss baseball," because baseball would already be here.
Yes, dear friends, until that time comes, we must be the artificial light in each others lives while we wait for that day in spring. We will suffer through our BSAD together while we wait for that day that it seems we can only dream about.
Blog Birthday
First, whoever is the first to comment on my blog will be my 600th comment. So, congrats and thank you in advance. Okay, onto the entry.
On November 3, 2008, I began writing a blog. Little did I know what I was actually getting into.
Let me fire out a small warning, because it is my blog birthday, this may turn into a slightly sappy entry. I do not know right now how it will turn out because I haven't started it yet. But right now, you've been warned, so you have nothing to complain about if by the time you reach the end of it, you're like, "Emily, that was sappy and stupid." Because you've been warned.
When I go back and read some of my old entries, I can see a lot of growth from where I started to where I am now. I have, what I would like to think is my best entry written and somewhere in the last year, my worst entry.
I recall my constant rants in the beginning on why Huston Street should be the closer and not Manny Corpas. Why we needed Garrett Atkins on the team (hmm… obviously that worked out well this season) and the Rockies would be fools to trade him.
A lot has changed in a year, and I think it helps that I'm surrounded by people who are just as passionate about something as I am, if not more. Being apart of such an amazing community as MLBlogs is really, one of the best things that has happened to me.
What I love about this site is what it's become to me. I think at this time last year, I didn't start writing about baseball with the idea that I was going to meet some of the most incredible people In fact, I'm sure most people don't expect themselves to go out and meet random people they met on the internet. I mean, c'mon, unless you're internet dating, it's a little sketchy. Apparently, not here… at least, not for me. I'm sure most people don't expect to meet a person who puts everything on the line to follow their dreams, or a die-hard Boston fan, a person who'd be a huge sports influence, or even someone who becomes like a little sister (minus the sibling rivalry). I mean, when this was created, did anyone think it'd become what it has, at least, what it has for me? Not only that, but I'm going to go on and meet just as amazing people.
To be honest, until I joined up here, I didn't know anything about anyone else's team. I think it's so cool when I go to the ballpark and can be like, "I think that's insert ballplayer's name here" because I read someone's blog.
Being someone who lacks confidence in their abilities, it was cool to log on on January 20th and be the featured blog! I want to remember that moment, how much it made me smile. It's been so cool to be able to log onto the cover page and be like, "whoa… it's me!"
I'll never forget that on April 30, I got to meet Tom and the Rockpile Ranter. That was probably one of the best days of my life as I got to know people who care about something as much as I do. Tom had great and amazing life experiences to share with me, and I was honored to hear about all of them. He had such incredible stories and was completely fascinating to listen to. Growing up, I had a father who liked to garden and a mother who liked to shop. I never had a sports influence in my life, it was something that developed on it's own. However, after coming to this site, my love of the Rockies and baseball was nurtured by the Rockpile Ranter; the man who gave me my first glove, who handed me my first major league ball, who taught me how to catch a ball. I mean, you're talking to someone who had no idea how to throw or catch a ball. Don was a huge sports influence on my life I'll never forget when Tom and I were on the cover with the picture Don took, because that really was an amazing day.
I'll never forget being next to the President while being the featured blog, being in a little square right next to Andre Ethier (because, well… he's one of two Dodgers that I like),
when Coors Field was on the cover page. These are things that have stuck with me.
I've even been featured on Matt Daley's fan page! Which is either because people think that I'm a big fan of his or they think I need a restraining order… one of those… hopefully not the latter. I've loved being able to write about how amazing I think his pitching is and share that with people and turn them into high sock, Dora the Explorer backpack, crazy pitching style lovers too! I can't express how great that is to be able to share with all of you about my fanhood.
The first comment I ever got on my blog was from Kaybee, a die hard Padres fan. I remember how excited I was to actually get a comment! I was like, "oh my god! Someone read this!" My best guess is that my first comment was on the Rockpile Ranter's blog. I'll be honest, I'm too lazy to go back and see when I stopped being shy around here and actually commented on someone's blog.
It took me forever to do, but I went through and checked my latest leaders stats, and here's where I've been:
January 29 – February 4 #41
February 5 – 15 #35
February 17 – 23 #47
February 24 – March 2 #28
March 3 – 11 #41
March 12 – 27
March 28 – April 14 #50
April 15 – May 18 #13
June 2009 #13
July 2009 #6
August 2009 #4
Regular Season 2009 #7
I can't say enough how cool it's been for me to be apart of something like this. To be apart of the greatest game on earth and be apart of your lives. I appreciate every person who reads my blog, really, I do. I know I don't show it a lot, ya know, going almost a month between blogging, but it's been awesome to be here. So thank you all so much for reading and putting me on the leaders board, I am really honored to be up there among some amazing and incredible writers.
I've had a great time writing here, and I hope to continue writing and I hope you'll continue reading. So, since I haven't said it yet, happy belated blog birthday to me!
If there's one thing I've learned, it's baseball is very superstitious. Todd Helton is not only the Toddfather, but the Father of Superstition as well. For example, he recently shaved off all his facial hair. Most would accredit this to his 0-15 slump, however; Todd will tell you it was a mistake he made while shaving. Todd's had the same facial hair for quite some time, but… I guess everyone can make a mistake, although I'm not entirely sure it was one. Now, he grew it back, but he did get a hit that day.
Since watching baseball, I've begun to become a little superstitious myself. Let's rewind to two days ago, the first day of the postseason:
I was set. 12 hours of baseball and an HD TV.
The only thing that was missing was the beer. Of course, being a lightweight, 12:37 was a little early to start my drinking, so it wasn't terribly missed. Yeah, sometimes it pays to be asian (cheap date).
I sat down; ready to watch the Rockies take on the Phillies. 12 hours of baseball meant I wasgoing to sit in my pajamas and my new Rockies sweatshirt.
"Bring on that Rocktober magic."
No doubt, there was magic… that is, up until the fifth inning of that game. The Rockies gave up five runs between the fifth and sixth, suddenly, the magic entering the game seemed to fade. The Rockies faces lacked the luster they had when the first pitch was thrown, and the sheen of being the team to start off the playoffs right was deteriorating before my eyes.
"Wh… what is happening?!"
However, the brilliance of Cliff Lee certainly did not lack. Credit must be given where credit is due, and that guy? He was spot on. Giving up six hits and one run, throwing a complete game.
If we're taking the Harold Reynolds approach, "here's a guy" who wasn't even talked about during the trade deadline. It was all about Roy Halladay and the possibility of him moving to the Phils. So, Cliff Lee? That acquisitioin seemed to pay off (possibly understatement of the year).
My beloved Rockies would fall to the Phillies that day, and it hurt. Bad.
I had looked so forward to this moment, to this game, and now that the Rockies had taken such a beat down… it was like my soul hurt.
"It's just game one… it's just game one." It was like being in the Wizard of Oz and reciting tomyself, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home." We can come back… we have o come back.
The Rockies have been on fire at home, so in reality there really is "no place like home."
Next up was the Twins and Yankees game. For the most part, I didn't care tons. Sorry TWinkies, but the Yanks are a damn good team, I don't see many beating them out despite my dearest friend's opinion.
However, I was cheering for the Twins. With the Red Sox, being my number two team, there is certainly no room for Yankees cheering.
Although the Twins would strike first, the Yankees would be quick to respond. I watched, yet again, as the team I had hoped to see win fell.
I have one more chance for redemption. The Cardinals are my number three team.
"Please don't fail me."
How could they? An ace on the mound, Albert "God" Pujols, Matt "Everyday's a holiday" Holliday, no way, the Cards had to win.
However, I faced disappointment. Again.
The Dodgers would not let up, pushing runs, pushing defense. Both teams had amazing scoring opportunities, in fact, they had a combined total of 30 men left on base! But the Cardinals just couldn't catch a break.
I couldn't catch a break either. All three teams I wanted to see win lost that day. After that Rockies loss, it was like adding insult to injury.
My sweatshirt had failed me. "How can this be?" The first thing I did when I got it was sprayed linen spray on it and called it "not smelling like it came out of the maufacturer's ten minutes ago." You know, that new clothes smell, but not nice new clothes…?
When I first got my Matt Daley shirt, I went and watched the game with my good friend after being super domesticated. It was that day when Rafael Betancourt gave up a grand slam.My shirt had failed me that day, but after washing it, it's won every time I've worn it.
The same had to be done with my sweatshirt. It needed a wash; the stench of loss is far worse than any "new sweatshirt" smell. I was confident in my sweatshirt's winning capability after the wash. I was ready for game two.
And what a game two it was.
The Rockies came out swinging, and before I knew it, we were up 4-0. Aaron Cook was on fire! Which was good considering it'd been some time since he pitched. However, worry struck in the sixth inning when Cook's sinker was no longer sinking and the Phillies would start a rally that felt like it wouldn't end. Huston Street came into the ninth inning and was able to shut down the Phillies, and now the series is tied after a nail biting 5-4 win.
Next was the Cardinals game. I felt confident in the ability of my sweatshirt after that. The Rockies won after I washed my sweatshirt, it was like my Matt Daley shirt. "Cardinals, don't prove me wrong."
The Cardinals, however, would. But I can't be entirely sure it was my sweatshirt. When I left the Cards to hit the grocery store, they were up 2-1. I didn't want to leave, but my dad needed me to go get dinner since he was sick. I returned to find the Cardinals had lost, not only that, but Matt Holliday had a huge error.
Suddenly, I realized… it was my fault. I left at a critical point in the game. How could I do that to the Cardinals? I left, wearing my sweatshirt, to go to the grocery store. I failed the Cardinals… and now they're 0-2.
I had to move on, it was time for my number two team, and I couldn't go into it feeling guilt ridden. However, I would miss various portions due to eating dinner and putting together a shelf. The Angels would win the game 5-0. Once again, I left down another team, this time my beloved Red Sox.
So, the sweatshirt would win the Rockies game for me… but I had no one to blame but myselffor the other losses. I should've known better than to leave a game at such a crucial point. I should've waite
d to put together that shelf.
It's superstition, and it's gotten the best of me. Suspicious of my sweatshirt, my Daley shirt, my baseball socks, all these things.
I may not adjust my batting gloves after every pitch like Troy Tulowitzki or take my hat off and readjust it on my head like Huston Street after he throws a pitch; but everyone's got their quirks, their habits. And now, I have mine.


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Bassler Hall
Bassler Hall
Bassler Hall and the Charles & Mary Hash Building form the Velma A. Dilworth McCollough and Clair R. McCollough Communications Complex and Broadcast Studio. The McCollough Communications Complex houses the Communication & Theatre department. Bassler Hall includes faculty offices and various classrooms and broadcast/production studios.
Bassler Hall, built as an extension of Myers Hall to house the Geography Department, was named for Henry M. Bassler (1926-1957), Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Geography Department. He was the first active professor to have a professional society name for him, the Bassler Geographic Society. Bassler Hall underwent major renovations in 1996.


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- Inside Athletics
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MACON, Ga. (March 6, 2013) – Sophomore Filip Jalovy (Modrice, Czech Republic) and junior Tyler Stepp (Dandridge, Tenn.) of the ETSU men's track & field team were named Atlantic Sun Track & Field Athletes of the Week, as released by the conference on Wednesday.
Jalovy and Stepp each competed for the Buccaneers over the weekend at the Virginia Tech Final Qualifier inside Rector Field House. The ETSU tandem looked to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships and, while they did not accomplish that goal, each stood out in the final week of the indoor season.
Jalovy looked to qualify in the 800m – the silver medalist at the A-Sun Indoor Championships – and posted a time of 1:54.17 to earn second place at the meet. The time did not qualify Jalovy, but his season-best mark of 1:52.99 ranks Jalovy No. 4 in the conference to end his sophomore indoor season.
After taking gold at the A-Sun Indoors in the long jump a couple weeks ago, Stepp looked to improve and reach the qualifying mark in the event. The junior had a big personal best leap of 7.61m, coming up just inches short of the distance needed to qualify of 7.68m. Stepp's season-best heading into the meet was 7.51m, which he posted to earn first at the A-Sun Indoors.
The A-Sun Track Athlete of the Week honors gives Jalovy three for the indoor season, while Stepp's Field Athlete of the Week award is his first.
The Buccaneers begin the outdoor season next Thursday, March 14, at the 49er Classic in Charlotte, N.C.
ETSU fans wanting Buccaneer news, score updates, in-game promotions and much more sent to their mobile device can do so by signing up for "Buc Updates." Click here to sign up today!
For more information on ETSU men's and women's track & field, please visit www.ETSUBucs.com.


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The fate of the Arctic environment deserves global consideration. The Arctic is the world's last continuous, undeveloped and unexploited coastal and marine region. It is an area highly unique in terms of its landscape, its peoples and ecosystems; as well as its vulnerability to climate change. The region is home to some 4 million people; roughly one-third of which are indigenous peoples whose traditional way of life depends directly on the health of the Arctic environment. Living as herders, hunters and gatherers, Arctic indigenous peoples have developed lifestyles that are inextricably linked to their surroundings. These peoples have lived sustainably in the Arctic for thousands of years, and are now faced with massive environmental change.
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Mdewakanton Public Safety is a full-time, professional fire and ambulance department staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As an exercise of governmental authority Mdewakanton Public Safety serves Community members, guests and patrons of the Community, and residents of nearby communities by request through mutual aid agreements. Each month the department responds to an average of 140 calls with 60 medical transports.
Several times a year Mdewakanton Public Safety conducts trainings to enhance readiness. During several mock crashes over the years, staff from Mdewakanton Public Safety participated along with the Minnesota State Patrol, Shakopee Police and Fire Departments, Allina, North Memorial Medical Center's Air Care helicopter, and the City of Prior Lake Police and Fire Departments.
Mdewakanton Public Safety also provides emergency medical training including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), First Responder, and American Heart Association CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) classes.
The SMSC Mobile Unit is equipped as a state-of-the-art medical and dental clinic. It can also serve as an Emergency Command Center under the direction of Mdewakanton Public Safety personnel.
Mdewakanton Public Safety is but one example of how the SMSC is reinvesting in its Community. The Tribal government is constantly seeking ways to direct portions of the tribal gaming revenues back into the reservation and surrounding community.


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What if you were trying to get money out of the ATM, and instead you got a snake?
That's what happened to this poor bastard at a Caja Madrid bank on his way to work. But he reached past the slithering creature and grabbed his money anyway. Brave! Or he desperately needed the cash. Personally, I'm with Indiana Jones and Samuel L. on this one. I'd hit up the bank after that motherf*cking snake was out of that motherf*cking ATM! [Arbroath via BoingBoing]


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Green Bay vs. Minnesota
Christian Ponder #7 of the Minnesota Vikings runs from Green Bay Packers defenders during the third quarter on December 30, 2012 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37–34.
Andy Clayton King, Getty Images
Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune


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Learn how the Academic Enrichment Fund is being used to support initiatives relevant to basic science faculty Thursday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. in the Finley Conference Center.
A new quiz-style game making the rounds at the School of Medicine gives internal medicine residents an immediate chance to use their knowledge and compete against other residents on the Birmingham and Huntsville campuses while honing their skills.
Commencement and a Military Promotion Ceremony were held Sunday, May 18 at Bartow Arena.
Mitchell Cohen, M.D., a national leader in pediatric medicine and an internationally renowned specialist in children's digestive disorders, is the new chair of the Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief of Children's of Alabama.
Supported by more than $2 million in federal grants, Cynthia Brown's research to improve mobility in hospitalized elders has won national acclaim.
School of Medicine Commencement ceremony is Sunday, May 18 in Bartow Arena. The doors open at noon; ceremony begins at 1 p.m.
As executive vice dean, Agarwal will be responsible for assisting the senior vice president and dean in management and oversight and helping move forward many of the School of Medicine's new programmatic initiatives and strategic programs.
UAB's fourth-year medical students found out where they will do their residency training, and in what medical field, at the 2014 Match Day activities.
Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH, has been appointed to a new position in the UAB School of Medicine, senior associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion, beginning April 1.
The School of Medicine's Huntsville Regional Medical Campus announced a new fund raising initiative, the William B. Deal, M.D., Huntsville Art of Medicine Endowed Scholarship.


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Ari Onassis
Daily Forecast for December 18th 2018
Ari Onassis is a male celebrity.
He was born on Saturday January 20th 1906, in Smyrna, Turkey.
Money matters improve on December 18th 2018 for Ari Onassis, and it is a good day for business in general.
Aristotle is a visionary today, with fresh ideas regarding both business and domestic matters. Yet, faulty outcome might be produced where Onassis is lacking generosity and honesty in his communication.
Romance is a shaky venue for Ari Onassis today.
While studying the color and flavor of the day, it is a good practice to keep in mind the greater meaning of December and the master plan of 2018 in Aristotle's life.
You and Aristotle
About Aristotle's Numerological Forecast & Personal Day Cycle
Just as Ari Onassis evolves through a nine-year cycle and experiences the nine-month cycle, he is also subjected to nine-day cycles, even though their impact is subtle compared to the Personal Year and even Personal Month cycles. The Personal Day cycles proceed according to the same pattern - 1 through 9 - that the Personal Year and Personal Month cycles do. The numbers within the daily cycles have a similar impact on Aristotle to the yearly and monthly cycles - though less pronounced.
Read more about our numerological daily forecast for


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When I was 16 years old, I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in your bones. It all started with a knot protruding from my leg right below my knee off to the side. It kept getting bigger. With summer coming up, I didn't want it to show while I was wearing shorts, so my mom took me to the doctor. He cut open my leg and said it was a hematoma. Before he sent it off to pathology, it broke up leaving nothing to send. A few days later, I was hit in the same spot with a shoe. After that the knot on my leg grew bigger. It looked like I had two knees. I went to see an orthopedic doctor who sent me to St. Jude's Children's hospital and after several tests, I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma the summer of 2003.
My first surgery was a limb sparing surgery, where they tried to save my leg and only take out where the cancer was. I did six months of chemotherapy and my leg never completely healed; during chemo I broke my leg and they eventually did another surgery to attach a metal plate, which supported that area in my leg. By that fall, my cancer was back and my leg was amputated Nov. 4, 2004. I opted not to do chemotherapy again.
I graduated high school in 2005 and two weeks after graduation, started Community College. The summer after graduation, my cancer reoccurred, but this time in my lungs.
I have had cancer a total of seven times: twice in my left leg, resulting in amputation; twice in the left lung and three times in the right lung. Parts of my lungs and diaphragm are missing due to the surgeries getting rid of the cancer. I have also done chemotherapy three different times, radiation once and have had several surgeries.
Each time the cancer recurred, it would get harder and harder to stay positive.With the help of family and friends to keep me focused on what was important, I was able to maintain a normal outlook. I continued to focus on school and the future instead of being depressed and brought down. My family loves to joke, and for the most part, we made jokes about cancer and laughed because sometimes that is all you can do. During my recovery of my last lung surgery, I remember telling my now husband I didn't think I could go through another lung surgery. I told him couldn't make it. God must have heard me, because that was the last time my cancer reoccurred. I can proudly say I have been cancer free for almost 5 years.
Since that last reoccurrence, I have gotten married and now have two precious, beautiful daughters. Kids were something else that wasn't supposed to be in the cards for me, because of all the treatments, I was told by three different doctors I wouldn't be able to have kids. I am so blessed that I have survived cancer and in the process, gained a beautiful family.


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It won't make honor roll, but 'Monsters U' easily passes
A look back at the friendship of Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) when they met at the University of Fear, and occasionally butted oversized heads.
The visuals are impressive, while the goodhearted and endearing story is a little slight.
Though Hollywood hasn't gotten the message, it's the rare movie that deserves a spinoff, sequel, prequel or reboot.
Monsters University, happily, is one of them.
Its predecessor, 2001's Monsters, Inc., was charming enough that revisiting its world is like happening upon the favorite stuffed animals of a now-grown child. The memories are sweet, and it's fun to see the characters again.
Monsters University (* * * out of four; rated G; opens Friday nationwide) may not be as inventive as Inc., but it's an amusing and amiable addition to Pixar's roster of animated coming-of-age stories.
While not likely to generate tears like Toy Story 3, it's no sputtering Cars 2, either. University is an enjoyable if slight prequel to the original, about a pair of colorful bogeymen whose job is to enter through closet-door portals and terrify children into screaming. Their shrieks fuel the monster world, which is made up of wild and woolly things of all dimensions and colors living together in spooky harmony.
STORY: Monsters University pledges to be true to frat life
PREMIERE: Monsters University class is full of pranksters
VIDEO: Billy Crystal is 17 again for Monsters
Here, we learn how James P. "Sulley'' Sullivan (John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) meet and became pals. They first encounter each other as college freshmen, but the friendship takes time to develop. In fact, the pair detest each other upon meeting.
A doggedly hard worker, Mike is judged more by his tiny, lime-green, skinny-legged appearance and pipsqueak growl than by his knowledge. But he yearns to be a scarer.
Meanwhile, the burly, horned Sulley barely has to open his mouth to emit a powerful roar. A big monster on campus and a legacy student following in the footsteps of his super-scary father, Sulley is seen as a natural.
Back when Mike was even more diminutive, he set his sights on attending the elite college and forging a career as a scarer for Monsters Inc. As the monster world knows, top-tier frighteners come from the hallowed, ivy-covered Monsters U.
REVIEWS: The latest move reviews from USA TODAY
GUIDE: USA TODAY's summer movie calendar
Plucky bookworm Mike resents the privileged Sulley. But one thing the duo have in common is a sharp sense of competition. It's that spirit that results in their getting kicked out of the school's prestigious Scare Program.
To be considered for readmission, they have to join forces, along with a few other monstrous misfits, to prove their terrifying mettle.
Crazy, frat-style antics are just zany enough. Campus scenes are not only vividly colored but also filled with vibrant detail. (In the art club, a fuzzy, budding Jackson Pollack douses himself in paint and flings his head on a white canvas.)
The pair's mismatched personalities give the movie its energy. But the visuals are key. It's impressive how much animators can convey with Mike's one bulbous eye and toothy grin.
Only one other character is as memorable as the buddy duo: Dean Hardscrabble, a stern university official voiced to imperious perfection by Helen Mirren. But, alas, she's the only major female character in this fearsome boys' club. (She-monsters are relegated mostly to cheerleading roles or in the background as moms.)
While not exactly a furball Animal House, the crazy antics of these monstrous collegians do recall the raucous spirit of John Belushi and pals — with a far more family-friendly vibe.


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Ford's Expanding V-6 Availability in F-150s
August 19, 2010 by RVBusiness · Comments Off on Ford's Expanding V-6 Availability in F-150s
Are U.S. Pickup truck buyers prepared to set aside their love affair with V-8 engines and climb into more fuel- efficient models instead?
Time will tell because Ford Motor Co., in a high-stakes move, is promoting a high-tech, 6-cylinder engine in its best selling F-Series pickups.
Ford this fall will introduce a 300-h.p. V-6 and a new six-speed transmission in its F-150 pickups , the No. 1 seller in a market in which eight cylinders still rule, The Wall Street Journal reports. And for the first time, Ford will offer a V-6 in its popular crew cab model, which accounts for 60% of all F-150 sales.
While Ford in the past has offered V-6 engines only in its most basic, two-door F-150's, the automaker plans to start marketing F-150s with a 3.5 liter "Ecoboost" V-6 — potent enough to tow a 11,300 pound trailer — that gets up to 20% better fuel economy than a V-8 with comparable power, F-150 Marketing Manager Mark Grueber told The Journal.
Behind the move is an attempt by Ford to hedge the risk that its highly profitable vehicle line could get battered by another run-up in gasoline prices, and it also must meet federal fuel economy rules that will steadily ratchet up the minimum mileage required by all vehicles.
Ford in 2009 sold more than 500,000 F-Series trucks — the best selling U.S. model line for 28 years — and sales were up nearly 35% through the end of July.