text:
If You're In A Hurry
Here's what it's all about…
What's the Icarus Project?
Icarus is a 6-phase, step-by-step training course for growing a Forex trading account and deriving a low-effort, lifetime income from it.
What's unique about this course?
Put simply: everything.
Icarus focuses on developing your trading mind, not imparting some secret combination of technical indicators. Once you truly understand what makes the market tick, you'll realize that entry and exit signals are nothing more than icing on the cake. There's much more going on behind the scenes to consistently grow your account over the long run.
In fact, the timing of trades is not at all important. It's the price at which we enter them, that matters. This goes against 90% of what retail traders understand about trading.
How is this course carried out?
You will also receive training materials across 6 modules, presented through 60,000+ words of clear, illustrated knowledge, instructional videos and various spreadsheets and resources.
One module will be presented to you each week, and everything is structured and paced for maximum learning efficiency and retention.
Remember: trading isn't a 100-meter sprint, it's a life-long marathon. Take the time necessary to go through and review each module carefully.
Some Details
We'll be:
1. Working on building your account to reach "critical mass", and then drawing a regular income from it. This will take approximately 7 to 21 months, depending on your starting capital and willingness to stick with the program.
2. Learning how to interpret market sentiment by looking at economic indicators, stock indices and commodities charts. We'll learn about market fundamentals, and then apply a technical framework within which we'll take trades.
4. Taking 2 – 3 trades per month on average.
5. Aiming for an average monthly gain of 5 – 10%.
Icarus emphasizes understanding the market and the trading game.
You won't be getting a fish to eat for a day – you'll be learning how to fish for life. Once you attain the right market perspective, trading becomes naturally simple.
What's my investment?
Full digital access to Icarus is a one-time investment of $497, or four payments of $147.
You'll get a full, 30-day money back guarantee if you're unhappy with it for any reason, no questions asked.
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A Quick Look Inside…
Your trades keep losing money. Your capital is dwindling. Your winning trades are few and far between. Your dreams of financial freedom have turned into a frustrating nightmare. Of course you blame your broker. Most retail traders lose money, so it's no wonder your account is deep in the red. Right?
Don't blame your broker, and don't blame that $97 auto-trading robot that promised guaranteed profits. If your account has less capital today than it did when you first opened it, it's your fault!
Sure, we all take losses every now and then. But if you're struggling to break-even, if you can't make consistent profits no matter how hard you try, if you're having sleepless nights from extensive losses, it's because you're doing something wrong. Take a good hard look under the hood and you'll see that most of the problems you're facing is internal.
But guess what? That's the good news! That means the situation is not beyond your control. It can be fixed! And I'll show you how.
It won't be easy. I'm about to tell you some tough truths, so get ready. My advice is controversial and often offensive.
I won't flatter you, I won't humor you, and I'll never let you off the hook. Think of Icarus as a wake-up call that's long overdue.
And by the end of it all you'll accomplish something that only a small fraction of traders ever will: build a sizable account and a sustainable income stream, without being chained to your computer.
So – what's the deal with Icarus?[divider_padding]
The Legend of Icarus[divider]
The story of Icarus is one of failed ambition.
It tells the legend of Icarus and his father, Daedalus, who were both imprisoned in a large maze by King Minos.
Daedalus came up with a daring plan to escape. As a master craftsman, he fashioned two pairs of wings by adhering feathers to wooden frames with wax. Giving one pair to his son, he warned Icarus that flying too close to the sun would cause the wax to melt.
But Icarus became ecstatic with the ability to fly and soon forgot his father's warning. As he soared higher and higher, the feathers came loose and Icarus plunged to his death in the sea.
Icarus, the Trader[divider]
Like Icarus' escape, retail traders start trading with the best intentions. But when it comes down to it, they get so emotionally caught up with the price fluctuations that they lose perspective and soon spiral out of control.
Had our Greek protagonist a plan to prepare against mishaps, this story would have had a better ending.
You see, it wasn't that Icarus didn't understand his father's warning – it was that his emotions made him ignore it.
Look – I'm not infallible, and I'm guessing neither are you. While it's easy to stick to a set of trading rules for a couple of months, doing the same for years and years is a completely different thing. That's tough. There will always be the temptation to "squeeze more cash out of the market", or to "try a new strategy"… and that's when the rules get broken, and all hell breaks loose.
So it's not enough that we try to stick to a trading strategy… the strategy itself must be designed to be easy to follow, with minimal opportunity for the trader to foul things up.
This is the first secret to why the Icarus method is so effective.[divider_padding]
Chris & The Inner Circle[divider]
Hi, my name is Christopher Lee, and in Summer 2009 a group of traders and I set out to navigate the markets together. We called our little group the Pip Mavens Inner Circle. This was the first time I'd shown my full trading method in front of a Live audience… and boy, was it put through some serious testing.
You see, it's one thing to trade own my own, in my own private space – it's quite another to make trade calls and take losses in the public spotlight.
Figuring out a way to make consistent profits is tough enough as it is. Add to that the pressure of having my every move scrutinized and commented upon, and you know this is something only an effective trading strategy can pull off.
Over a period 2 years, our members have seen me take many hits and misses. We've had a good time trading together, and I think the results will speak for themselves.
We turned $10,000 into $30,435 with a 79.38% win rate (on just one currency pair). That's an annual return of 102.18%.
This may seem like a shocking amount, but if you do a quick calculation, it's actually just an average 8.5% monthly return. This is the magic of compounding! And the best part is, our capital keeps on growing…
The Icarus Project is the complete training program to impart to you the exact same skills, mindset and strategies that got us these results. By joining the program now, you'll have the benefit of learning from our mistakes and trade with the proper approach, right from the start.
But don't get me wrong – this is not simply a course to "follow and be profitable". Icarus is more than that.[divider_padding]
Achieving Financial Independence with Forex[divider]
This is the Pip Mavens motto.
Right from the beginning, we were never about "making money", per se.
It's not about making $200 on this trade, and $90 on that trade…
It's about giving YOU the skills and mindset necessary to be a winning trader.
It's about developing YOU, the trader, to make $200, $500, $1,000 trades for the rest of your life.
I don't believe in giving a man a fish to eat for a day – I believe in teaching him to fish for himself, for life.
The vast majority of trading courses out there teach specific entry and exit techniques that hardly qualify as a complete trading course. They may work for a few months (if at all), but once the market phase changes, you'll find yourself back where you started, looking for the next "hot" entry and exit technique.
Until you can look past these shallow pursuits and really think about the root of the problem, this cycle will likely continue until you get too frustrated to try again, or too broke to continue.
Icarus goes past this short-term mindset and focuses on training YOU to become a fully independent trader, for life.[divider_padding]
Our 2 Goals[divider]
There are 2 specific goals to Icarus.
First is the growing of your trading account to a point called the "QYJ (Quit Your Job) Level". This is the capital amount you'll need to fully replace your income.
More specifically, this is the "critical mass" your account needs to grow to, in order to pay for your monthly expenses, plus a few luxuries. We'll be realistic about this, so don't expect to quit your job with just a $10,000 account (we recommend at least $25,000 – $50,000).
Depending on your starting capital, this shouldn't take longer than 2 years to achieve. Remember, trading is a lifelong marathon… so don't rush things. Burnout from frustration happens too often to new traders who don't take the time to nurture their accounts. We're won't be buying a lottery ticket here, we'll be building something of lasting value.
After hitting your QYJ Level, it's then up to you to decide if you want to keep growing your account, or to start drawing an income from it. Of course, you can have a combination of the two, if you prefer. I personally withdraw 50% of my profits every quarter and leave the rest to continue growing my account. This is your second and final goal. [divider_padding]
Taking Things Easy[divider]
Unless you're already trading a large account, all this may sound a little "out of this world" to you.
Wise Lao Tzu said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Icarus is designed to take you through the whole process one step at a time. The last thing we want to do is pressure you to perform. In fact, we discourage it! If you're going to be busy for 2 weeks, feel free to skip trading until you're ready to continue. You're better off pausing progress for a fortnight than forcing trades and setting your account back 3 months.
This is perfect for people who don't want to spend hours trading in front of the computer every day.[divider_padding]
To Get The Right Answer, Ask The Right Question[divider]
Real, profitable trading is never just about technical analysis, or when to enter and exit trades. The obsession on timing trades indicates a poor understanding of what makes prices move.
Success is made up of 80% "why", and 20% "how". Icarus emphasizes first understanding why prices move, and then applying a technical framework to decide how to profit from this understanding.
If I told you that most price moves in the market are completely random (they are), how would that change the way you trade? If you're like 95% of the retail traders out there, you'd say, "holy crap, it'll change everything".
This is the second secret to why Icarus is so effective – we assume short term price movements to be random, since there's no way to objectively prove otherwise. In fact, if you've ever tried your hand at pure technical trading, you'll realize that "chart patterns" fail all too often to be taken seriously. Despite this, the Icarus finds an ingenious way to draw consistent profits from the market.[divider_padding]
It's Not The Strategy, It's YOU[divider]
Trading is difficult for many people not because they don't know enough about technical or fundamental analysis… it's because they don't know enough about themselves.
In Icarus, you'll discover exactly what it is in our psychology that causes us to be quite literally, natural born losers at trading. Only when we truly understand our human limitations can we begin to trust and appreciate the trading framework that will sidestep these obstacles.
If you truly desire to make sense of the market and stop being frustrated by losses, you must embrace a new set of principles that will make trading a whole lot easier. This is the third and final secret to why Icarus works like nothing you've seen before.[divider_padding]
Trading Is Not A Verb[divider]
It's a lifestyle. It's a way of living that the average person will have difficulty understanding even if you told them.
It's what enabled me to travel to London, Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Barcelona, Lausanne, Paris, Lyon, Chamonix just last winter. (If you're an Inner Circle member, you'd know I was trading even as I was travelling across these 8 countries from Nov 2010 – Jan 2011.)
This is not fantasy. It's not even that difficult to achieve. People as regular as your next door neighbour are doing stuff like this all the time. It's real. The only thing that can possibly hold you back is the weak notion that "you can't do it".
[pullquote_right]"If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got." – W. L. Bateman[/pullquote_right]
…but only if you choose to.
If you're still stuck on the mindset that only a regular job can put food on the table, this isn't for you.
I can show you how to move to a higher level in life… but it's not my place to change your beliefs about what's possible for yourself.[divider_padding]
How Training Is Delivered[divider]
I'm going to be clear about this now, since I only want you to get involved if you're committed: this is a scheduled course. The modules are released over time to ensure full comprehension and completion of each module before you proceed to the next one.
I'll walk you through the 6 phases of Icarus over a 7-week period. You'll have 1 week to go through the Introductory and Foundational material before moving on to the 6 core modules. Each core module will be made available on a weekly basis.
The entire course will be presented to you in a secure, member-only website. Once you join, expect to hit the ground running. We'll be providing you with learning resources, tools and a small list of things you need to accomplish before the next module. All this work we'll be doing together will pay huge dividends in the future.[divider_padding]
The Modules & Course Breakdown[divider_padding]
Introduction covers the origin of the course, core concepts, and what you can expect after moving through Icarus. We're taking time up-front to explain how it's organized and everything you need to know before starting. By going through this now, we can spare ourselves the constant sidenotes as we move into the core modules.
Foundation is the base knowledge that serves the entire process. Nearly every course has a body of foundational knowledge at the beginning, and this is no exception. Foundation covers core principles, common myths & misconceptions, the wrong & ideal mindsets to hold, and a primer on defining your outcomes.
Module 1 // The Trader
"Know your enemy and know yourself, you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." – Sun Tzu
The first step to mastering our trading is to understand ourselves, specifically our shortcomings. I wont let you move on until you do.
Superior trading happens not on the trading chart, but in our minds. We're going to focus on identifying the natural biases, irrationalities, and mental handicaps that plague traders. We will learn how to properly perceive risk, randomness and the advantage of diversification.
We'll also talk about the retail traders' edge in the market, and how they work in our favor. This module primes us in understanding why it's so easily to fail at trading and what we can do to easily avoid it.
Understanding oneself is half the battle won.
Module 2 // The Market I
Notice we don't immediately start looking for trades – it's far too early. Before clicking the buy/sell button, we need to focus on why and how prices move. A trade only makes sense within a fundamental context.
First we focus on understanding Economic Indicators
To understand how the market moves, we'll gain an appreciation of the factors that influence prices. Economic indicators are the backdrop to everything – from the health of the economy to the volume of currency we'll ultimately be trading.
Next we'll uncover the story of the market by charting economic trends
Information is everywhere online. The answers we seek are are hiding in that massive, intimidating flood of information that is the internet. With the aid of a spreadsheet, we'll track the economic trends that exist beyond the perception of the average retail trader. The difference between failure and success is understanding the current state of the economy. Once we're able to interpret market price moves within a fundamental context, we'll never have to rely on the subjective opinions of the news agencies. It's that important.
Module 3 // The Market II
We're not ready to start trading until we understand how an economy works, and the motivations behind the biggest players in the market. We may have an appreciation of how and why EUR/USD prices move – but we'll also need to get confirmation from other related financial markets.
To gauge global investor appetite for risk, we'll need a systematic way to track and observe what's happening in the stock, commodities and other currency charts.
You'll access my highly sought after Fundamental Bias method – the same method I've taught for $1,500 per 2-day session.
Having a fundamental bias is essential. There are countless mistakes made here that are easily avoidable, and we'll make sure you aren't making them. You'll also learn about monetary and fiscal policy, debt levels, the bond market, and how currency rates affect national debt and exports.
Module 4 // The Framework
The ability to navigate the currency market and knowing where to 'sell high' and 'buy low' is a powerful concept.
I've built Icarus is to ensure the majority of your time and energy is focused on identifying high-probability trade entries and exits.
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Knowing where (not when) to take trades may seem daunting, but the Grid framework makes everything simple.
We'll be using the simplest of technical tools within the context of the Grid to diversify our entries and exits – just like how a casino operates. You'll be managing your trades like a business – not a lottery ticket.
Module 5 // The Account
I'll be blunt: I don't want to be the guy responsible for birthing a fresh generation of careless, irresponsible traders that take unmanageable risks.
The sad thing for most traders, is that they aren't even aware of the ridiculous risks they're taking each time they enter the market.
It's not enough to know how to protect against excessive losses – you're going to learn why it's more important to defend than attack.
You often hear the "gurus" say that capital protection is important – but it's difficult to follow this advice unless you know why it is so. This isn't an opinion – it's a mathematical fact. We'll explain everything clearly and simply for you.
You'll learn the real effects of leverage and margin, and how to allocate the appropriate lot size for each trade you take. This is the 'secret sauce' that enables the Icarus method to work effectively.
You'll also get my Trade Journal template to record your trades.
We improve by learning from mistakes, and your Trade Journal will highlight those mistakes for you. If this is all starting to sound like a a semester in school, you're right. A formal process of mistake-identification, correction and improvement is the most effective, process-driven and scalable system in the development of any skill.
I'm shocked at how some of the smartest traders I know ignore this most critical aspect of trading. Ironically, smart traders aren't usually the profitable ones – they think they're too intelligent to make mistakes. It thus comes as no surprise when they blow up their accounts and then decide that trading is "not for them".
If you're going to be trading for life, you need to know how to properly organize and manage the capital in your account.
Module 6 // Mastery
"He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious." – Sun Tzu
In this module, we turn to ancient wisdom and counter-intuitive doctrines to fortify our trading methodology.
Vague phrases like "action without action" and "superior skills look clumsy" will finally make sense in the context of the Icarus method.
This is where everything comes together as a coherent whole.
It will forever change the way you trade.
The Offer[divider]
If you're struggling with being profitable in your trading… Icarus is what you need.
This is the missing element that's keeping so many potential traders from achieving their goals.
Why? Because this isn't a "learn to trade" course. This is a full-fledged trader development program with a focus on building a sustainable trading account from scratch and deriving a lifetime income from it.
You won't survive in the market unless you run your trading operation like a business. Most retail traders don't get that.[divider_padding]
My Personal Guarantee[divider]
You'll have a full 30 days to access Icarus and see if it's for you. You can back out any time during this period – it's as painless as sending an email to get a full refund. No games, no hoops, no questions asked.
You're not risking anything for a full month – you'll only invest in Icarus if you like it.
To be clear, the course is entirely digital. You'll access everything through the secure members area.[divider_padding]
The concepts taught in this course are a MUST if you want to be making serious money trading. So you need to decide if you want to figure all this out yourself, or you'd rather go with me.
I've been though what you're going through now, more than 6 years ago. I've come through it, and have been teaching others to do the same for over 2 years now.
This is something that will impact every area of your life – your freedom, your finances, your satisfaction level, your partner and children, even the way people look at you. This is essentially the biggest decision on the quality of your life more than anything else. It's going to be the biggest determinant of how your life works out.
And with a full 100% money-back guarantee, there's absolutely NO RISK that you won't benefit more than you've invested in this.
So it's just a question of whether you think this investment in yourself is worth it. I can show you the door, but you need to be the one to walk through it.
What's The Investment?[divider]
Full access to Icarus is a one-time investment of $497, or 4 payments of $147.
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What People Are Saying…
"The advice Chris gives is sage indeed." – Rick Brimson[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"Thanks Chris… good stuff giving me a different perspective." – Tony[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"I am a member from the Day One Chris opened the doors to Pip Mavens two years ago… . I will guarantee you with my experience and my results in the last two years: from a monthly loser before I learn from Chris, I am a monthly winner now, with a rate win/loss of 60% with all pairs I am trading now, a modest winner in my own account." – Terry Muzha[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"I discovered some important truths about my type of trading. I was (am) a intraday trader and scalper, so since you represent here a swing trading style, it seems for me as you are blowing away a lot of good opportunities coming by. But in fact I like to trade as a swing trader, cause you really don't have to be by computer all the time and since I (still) have a regular job, it's better for me that way." – Robert Zupancic[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"This is one of the best purchases I made in the last 2 years. Pip Mavens pays for itself and the education and support they offer really made a huge difference on how I trade." – Tom[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"Read a few times on each chapter, I can't believe you put so much thought and effort into Icarus. Have to say a big 'Thank you'. Its deeply hit my mind. Can't wait for next week." – Tony Tan[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"I think you really did a great job. You explained fundamental and sentiment analysis very well and I have never read something similar. It was really an eye-opener. The funny thing is also that the psychological aspect of the course was very strong. I dare to say that I am way further then the average trader on this subject and I even write articles on it, but I had several confrontational moments while going through module 1. Although I can imagine that several readers won't like the truths in some of your messages, they are definitely very helpful for people who really want to be successful in the long run." – Paul Verheij[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"I'm very pleased with the content of the course so far. Adjusting my mindset to the physiology of what happens to the brain when trading was helpful. Also, the spreadsheets for following the fundamentals are graphic and helpful." – Dr Timothy Voll[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"…some more praise i didnt mention before is that your course is unique. The " Teach a man to fish" story is spot on. I have spent sh## loads on forex and never did i get somone explaining the fundamentals to me. And not just regarding forex but now i wanna buy a bit more sliver, get into a few well placed equities…but not too much (risk assets)!" – Mark Richardson[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"I have to admit that I have been through most of the buying, trying & testing all manner of things being offered in the market over about 15 months (horror-horror) but without hesitation the Icarus system has to be the most professional and detailed publication I have had put in front of me—the presentation alone instills confidence & the integrity behind the modules simply stands out. I have just completed the last module and have been successful with 396 pips (5 trades EU—could have been 3 trades if I have had the confidence to stay in longer—-still learning) since starting trading with the Icarus system on the 2nd May at the end of module 5." – Graham Paterson[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"Just since using the methods I have managed to have two profitable months in a row (April and May 2012) and look forward to continuing to review Icarus to keep the concepts in mind regularly. I will continue to practice Icarus as I have seen more progress in the last two months using this method then the previous first quarter of 2012. Hitting the goal of 10% per month. Two good months and good start for third. April +399 pips, May +548 pips, June (so far)+ 140…." – Hunt Holladay[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"I have already closed 5 profitable trades in recent weeks since completing the program. This is the first time in many years that I'm making money and not losing." – R. Plummer[/fancy_box]
[fancy_box]"Your trader education is first rate! It's refreshingly different than anything I've ever seen before." – Gregory Kendra[/fancy_box]
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See you on the inside!
Send your questions to support[at]pipmavens[dot]com[divider_padding]
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text:
Brace yourselves, I'm about to quote some S Club 7 lyrics a you!
Reach for the stars
Climb every mountain higher
Reach for the stars
Follow your heart's desire
Reach for the stars
And when that rainbow's shining over you
That's when your dreams will all come true
Sorry not sorry. I'm covered in stars and seeing the cosmos, so we may as well reach for the stars while we're at it!
Bittersweet and Seeing Stars
Oh, right – I was here to discuss clothes! I nipped over to the Bittersweet event, and found that there are some free and affordable fun things hanging about for you to get your paws on. I grabbed the Magic Hour dress by Sass for a cool 10 Lindens – don't you love the starry look? So sweet. I also grabbed my lovely lipstick and eye makeup by MJN for free. It's a really versatile and beautiful applier for Omega and Catwa. Go reach for the stars yourself over at the Bittersweet event!
- Freya
- Hourglass
- Maitreya
Twinkle twinkle!
Aline is Wearing…
Dress– Sass Magic Hour (10L at Bittersweet)
Necklace – Codex Starry Necklace
Rings – Vibing & Nova Keira
Mesh Body – Maitreya Lara
Mesh Head – Lelutka Cate
Head Applier – Glam Affair Cate
Eyebrows– Jumo Britani
Eyes– Euphoric Dolly Babe Eyes
Tattoo – Sn@tch Filligree Sternum Tattoo
Eyeshadow Applier – MJN Summadaze (Free Gift at Bittersweet)
Nail Polish Applier – Maitreya Lara
Lipstick Applier – MJN Summadaze (Free Gift at Bittersweet)
Eyelash Applier – Pout! Divine Lashes
Hair – Olive The White Rabbit
Pose – Foxcity Front Cover
Backdrop –
Grunt Grid Pool Backdrop

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A new Gallup & Healthways survey scored 187 metro areas and rated the Des Moines/West Des Moines area at #3 on the top ten safe & healthy place list. The survey factored in violent and property crime rates, as well as access to 13 basic needs like fresh fruit and veggies, shelter, clean water and health care.
Yay for the city I love! Way to stay healthy & safe!


text:
Brief synopsis of the readings: Today I had the choice of preaching on the ascension or the seventh Sunday of Easter. Frankly I chose the ascension because I found the readings more interesting. We begin with the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. Forty days after his resurrection Jesus met with his apostles. While speaking about the kingdom of God they asked him when he would restore the kingdom. Jesus told them that it will happen at a time they don't know. As he said this he was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight. Our Gospel comes from the end of Mark's Gospel where Jesus commanded his disciples to proclaim and baptize the whole world. After that he was taken up into heaven.
I'm not entirely certain who set up the lectionary, but it's assumed that the first reading and the Gospel are somehow related. There are times when I wonder how different readings are paired, but today I chuckle because both readings cover the same event: the ascension. Both the end of Mark's Gospel and the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles describe how, forty days after his resurrection, and in the middle of a conversation, a cloud came and took Jesus into the sky.
As many of you know I'm a hospice chaplain. I spend my days with good men and women who have been through ranges of emotions: devastating news followed by horrific fear followed rays of hope followed by more bad news followed by….well, you get the point. When they come onto hospice they find much the same: fears that the end will be horrific followed by hopes that it will be peaceful. These fears tend to take several cycles. They often find truth in my image that they are on a roller coaster, blindfolded. They don't know when the climb will end leading to the inevitable plunge; curves, dips, drops become almost expected, except they aren't because you're blindfolded.
I've written about this before but it's easy to ridicule Jesus' disciples as being dense and not capable of fully understanding what he talked about. But I think, in a sense, they experienced this blindfolded roller coaster. They followed this man who seemed to speak to their hearts and who grabbed onto his promise that he was the Messiah.
But then the Romans killed him. But then he rose from the dead and appeared to them several times. But then a cloud stole him from them. I think we all agree that they must have grown weary of what faced them and what they should do.
I also suspect that (in a milder sense) today we ride the same roller coaster. Jews in the time of Jesus awaited the Messiah in the belief that once the Messiah appeared, their journey would end. And as Christians we believe that Jesus was the Messiah they awaited. But when Jesus appeared, the journey didn't end. Many of us justify this as saying the Jews were wrong. The coming of the Messiah didn't end things, but the return of the Messiah will.
And at first blush we have passages from Scripture that appear to back this up. The second half of the 25th chapter of Matthew speaks of a point in the future when the Son of Man will divide the people into those who will be saved and those who will not. The end of the book of Revelation predicts a new Heaven and a new Earth that will be free of disease or pain.
I suspect all of us have read these readings with the belief that there will be a time when this life will no longer exist. There will be a Heaven (and presumably a Hell) but there will be no earth.
I'd like to challenge that.
As Christians we've spoken of the "end times" almost from our very beginning, and we even have a word for the theology of the end times: eschatology. As a seminarian I took an entire course in eschatology (ironically, my professor died three months after the course ended). But while we think of the "end times" as the "end of the world" perhaps it's not.
In the last 150 years or so many Christians have come to a belief in the rapture: at a time of God's choosing all the good people will be taken to heaven, those "left behind" will endure tribulations, and at the end of the tribulations the world that we know will end. But what if this eschatology is personal and not worldwide? What if this world will never end? Can that be a good thing?
I know I'm running in the face of much of what we've assumed. Where I live it's common to see the decal "NOTW" (not of this world) pasted on cars. It speaks to a belief that this world is either a bad place that we must endure or a test that we must pass. We must choose to follow Jesus or follow the world and our salvation hangs in the balance. Only by enduring and not being seduced by this world do we find salvation.
On the other hand I admire people who view this world with less darkness and more hope. They look on situations in their lives with this question: "What can I learn from this?" And while the life we are promised in heaven lacks disease or pain or spam emails, perhaps we can say that those in heaven are better for having a life that did.
The life we are living now is far from perfect, but it does give us opportunities to find gratitude, to seek joy, to discover love. Nobody argues that this life also gives us the opportunity to prey on the less powerful or use others to advance our own addictions, but I don't think anyone reading this lives in that world.
When I think of this dichotomy (forgive me) I think about Harvey Weinstein, the movie producer and sexual predator. Under the guise of mentoring young talent he instead assaulted and demeaned them, causing untold damage in their lives. But living in this world also gives us the opportunity to truly mentor others in a different way. I've done a fair amount of mentoring in my life and I can tell you this: coaching someone who doubts his abilities, seeing that person grow in confidence, and celebrating that person's success: that's an experience greater than anything else and far greater than anything Weinstein experienced.
I could be completely off base, but I like to think that everyone in heaven knows and loves the experience of being friend, mentor, and cheerleader. The population of heaven doesn't consist of strangers who individually accepted belief in Jesus Christ, but instead consists of a community bonded by a love achieved through individual decisions to build each other up.
When I get to heaven I hope to be greeted by those who love and remember me, and I promise to greet all those who I love and remember.
PS: Happy Mother's Day to my mother.


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Mastering the UI/UX workflow
I always get comments and questions from clients, co-workers, friends and fellow designers about my UI/UX Design process. I thought I would make an extensive guide on my workflow, the approach and the tools I use from the beginning to the end of a typical project. So...read more


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History in a Basket: It's picnic time!
We will meet at St John's at the usual time of 6pm. After a brief presentation on the history of Leicester we will walk over to Abbey Park and enjoy a 'bring and share' picnic together, so everyone please bring enough for yourself and a bit extra to share. For those fit enough and energetic enough we will have a few games as well!
Beautify is all about getting together as girls and having some fun, developing friendships and glorifying God! Beautify events are relaxed and laid back so they are perfect opportunities to invite some friends and bring them to church without the sometimes overwhelming experience of a Sunday service.
There will be a range of different meetings and events on the second Sunday of every month, at St. John Street.


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Injection molding provides a number of advantages over most additive fabrication techniques, such as 3D extrusion printers. Even with small, manually operated appliances, the parts produced on an injection mold machine will have a better finish and greater strength than those produced by a filament extrusion 3D printer. Also, injection mold machines can typically support a wider variety of materials, such as various rubbers.
Of course the real advantage of injection mold processes is speed. Once a mold is created, a part can be finished in minutes, if not seconds. Consider a button. These can be produced in seconds on even a manually operated injection mold machine. On a 3D printer, you should expect 15-30 minutes; sometimes longer. Printing six 1cm x 1cm x 1cm calibration cubes (at once) on our various printers takes anywhere from 2-3 hours.
Getting the speed advantage of an injection mold machine, however, requires an up front investment in designing, testing, and then finalizing a mold for the desired part. This is not trivial.
For our weather station project, we do not foresee any country placing more than a hundred stations, and we would claim victory after a couple dozen fabricated, calibrated, fielded, and operating stations. In our envisioned application, slow production of stations is okay, if not desirable. The intent is not to deploy 100 stations at once, but rather to do so over months and even perhaps a couple years. This has several advantages, but the most important benefit is not outstripping the absorptive capacity of a national weather service to place and maintain equipment. Another advantage is an ability to slightly iterate and customize parts, as units are deployed, thereby integrating lessons learned in the middle of a project.
Having weighed options, an injection mold machine in the MMA project would likely only be used for highly detailed parts, or those that require special material. Otherwise, the investment in a high quality mold outweighs the benefit.


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My economist friends might say that both tax evasion and official corruption result in extracting funds that would otherwise flow to a government thereby reducing needed public sector resources. Political scientists might note that both undermine people's faith in the fairness of rules and institutions established for the common good thereby encouraging normally law-abiding citizens to elbow their way to the front of the line. And both would in theory be right.
But experienced international business lawyers would respond more practically. What the two crimes have in common is the perpetrator's need for secrecy. The same methods used to conceal income - methods revealed in the Panama Papers - are often used to hide evidence of bribes. Since the number of investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) began to skyrocket a decade ago, practitioners helping clients comply with anti-bribery rules have learned that one of the brightest of "red flags" is the involvement of an offshore company in a tax haven. Or, what might better be called havens from transparency or secrecy jurisdictions.
The OECD Report mentioned above states that more than a third of the 400 hundred plus bribery cases studied involved the use of a corporate affiliate, often a company located in a secrecy jurisdiction. The Panama Papers tell the same story in a different way. The leaked documents show the offshore holdings of twelve current and former world leaders, 128 other public officials and politicians around the world and several associates of Russian President Putin.
Some of that wealth may have legitimate sources. But, not surprisingly, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is one of the agencies charged with enforcing the FCPA, is reportedly scrutinizing the Panama Papers for any evidence of violations.
My next blog will take a final look at secrecy jurisdictions - from the point-of-view of illegal trafficking in arms, narcotics and human beings.


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From our Glasgow base, we provide a range of cleaning services to a variety of clients including builders, architects, property and facilities management companies. Services include builder cleans, site cleans, sparkle cleans, brick cleaning, window cleaning and cleaning of cladding on modular buildings for private and social housing developments, refurbished office blocks, hotels, leisure centres and other commercial properties.
Additionally, we can also provide site accommodation cleaning to offices and welfare facilities for canteens, washrooms, drying and locker rooms.
Specialist tasks undertaken include floor maintenance such as stripping, sealing and buffing, ventilation duct cleaning, external cleaning including cladding, brickwork, patios, decking, fascia, windows and guttering, graffiti removal and high level cleaning.
Our teams are constantly undergoing extensive training in specialist cleaning processes, products, Health and Safety and industry regulations and legislation to equip them with the necessary tools to successfully undertake the task, at a time suitable to your requirements.
We provide clients with all required Health and Safety documentation. Risk assessments and method statements are site-specific and provided alongside all relevant COSHH assessments and our company's Health and Safety policy.
Total-Cleaning.Com can provide cleaning services all over Central Scotland including the following areas: Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Paisley, East Kilbride, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Edinburgh, Stirling, Dundee, Perth, Ayr, and Ayrshire.


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Jordin Sparks flaunts her 50 pound weight loss on the cover of Shape
Jordan Sparks garnered many fans on American Idol with her golden voice. Today, she's creating a stir with her new figure. Sparks revealed her radical 50 pound weight loss on the cover of Shape magazine on newsstands now.
RELATED: Alicia Keys chops off long locks, sports a chin-length bob in new Twitter pics
In the accompanying cover story, the now slimmer Sparks shares how she once embraced her plus-sized figure. She admitted that she loved food and her curves and even ventured into modeling plus-sized clothing. However, a few days shy of her 21st birthday, an early morning wake up call prompted the 22-year-old to take control of her life and her health. Sparks was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, adding that she couldn't breathe and felt fatigued. It was then when she realized that she needed to make a change. Sparks told Shape:
I remember thinking, 'I'm in my prime. I should be happy and fit.' That was the moment when I decided that changes needed to be made.
The singer decided to start eating smaller portions, eating leaner foods and exercising. But Sparks isn't the only Idol alum to shed excess weight.
Earlier this month, Michael Lynche revealed his 90 pound weight loss, admitting that he wanted to be around for his children for as long as possible, in addition to wanting to be healthy.
RELATED: Faith and fasting with diabetes
With her new film Sparkle coming out soon — it's due out on August 17 — Sparks hopes her new look will result in a countless number of new projects.
Take a look at Jordin Sparks' weight loss journey throughout the years in the photo gallery above. Do you think she looks better now, or a little curvier?


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Text by Blade Braxton
Welcome to the first ever installment of our new Youtube feature here at the 'Crap, temporarily entitled "It Came From Youtube!" (Yes, we know that sucks. Please give us a better title. We will love you for it.)
(Note from 2013 RD: No one ever did!)
Every week, we'll be digging up some of the most bizarre, most obscure, and ridiculous wrestling videos for your enjoyment. To kick it off, and in honor of Spider-Man 3 opening this weekend, here's a look at another famous comic book hero, making his debut in the world of pro wrestling. In this clip from the late 70's, Adam West shows up in Memphis to confront Jerry "Super King" Lawler, and he does so portraying the fictional Batman character. I can forgive the fact that Batman is dressed in a tracksuit, looking like he decided to jog to the arena that night instead of taking the Batmobile. But the sight of an apparently sloshed Batman, spitting out effeminate pet names for Spider Man, and acting like a uppity driver's education instructor by scolding Lawler on his driving techniques, is just too much.


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North Kolb Road, Oct. 27, 4:45 p.m.
A self-proclaimed rape victim who was intoxicated found it acceptable to drive under the influence and later undress in a strange man's house, according to a Pima County Sheriff's Department report.
After following leads regarding a possible drunk driver, a sheriff's deputy found that the driver in question, a petite Hispanic woman in a pink shirt and gray shorts, had parked her vehicle at an apartment complex and was then walking her two dogs down the sidewalk. When deputies made contact with the woman, it was obvious that she was extremely intoxicated and upset. She stated that she had been raped earlier that day and had reported the incident to police; investigation by one officer revealed that her report had been false. Since the woman was, however, in questionable physical condition, medical personnel were called to assess her. She was cleared of medical problems and taken back to her house, where she promised to remain for the rest of the day.
About three hours later, the reporting officer responded to a disturbance in which a woman had entered the home of a strange man, uninvited and intoxicated. The resident said she had claimed to have been raped and asked to be given alcohol. Then she began to remove her clothing. The woman, identified by the reporting deputy as the same woman he was already acquainted with, was still intoxicated when he arrived on the scene. Her pants were lying on the floor, and a beer sat beside her.
The woman was arrested for disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
Wolf in Coeds' Clothing
UA Area Nov. 3, 3:27 p.m.
Three UA dorm residents who had clothes and accessories stolen from their rooms have repeatedly seen the items worn by a certain female peer, said a University of Arizona Police Department report.
The victims had been noticing clothing and jewelry disappearing from their closets regularly since at least Labor Day weekend. One victim said that her best items would go missing and then be returned anonymously in odd places. She had no idea who could be doing this until she saw a fellow female dorm resident walk off the elevator in a pair of her sandals.
Confronted by all three victims separately, the thief admitted her crimes and returned some of the items she'd taken, many of which were damaged. She failed to reimburse the victims for the damage to the returned items and for the value of the still-missing items.
When UA police interviewed her about the theft, she reportedly cried, "I'm so sorry! ... I didn't mean to. I come from a family of seven brothers and sisters, and we share everything."
The perpetrator was arrested for two counts of theft and two of criminal damage. She has made plans to get her own apartment.


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New Balance 327Boys' Preschool
Product #: PS327MV1
The New Balance 327 is a bold take on classic style, scaled down to suit your little boys. Featuring an oversized N logo, these kicks blend '70s-inspired design elements with modern suede and nylon materials, bringing an exciting new silhouette style for your kids.
Lightweight comfort and long-term wear make these sneakers the perfect addition to your little ones' daily-wear rotation. The practical design ensures that these kicks bring versatile and durable support to any outfit, making them the ideal choice for all-day wear.
New Balance 327 features:
- Contemporary upper made from a blend of materials in seasonal colors ensure durable comfort and style.
- Lace closure enables a secure and locked-in feel.
- Nubbed rubber outsole provides lightweight traction on turf.


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We all love our pets but occasionally they have accidents. When these problems are not addressed quickly, you can end up with some unpleasant odors that are very difficult to remove. That's when you need an odor removal expert. Professional Carpet Systems has the know-how and professional products to remove complex odor problems at their source. As long as there is no continuing contamination from a source (Pet or other source) we can guarantee permanent removal. This may require several steps to attain but it usually is worth the investment, given the alternative of complete carpet replacement. By the way, if the substrate is not properly treated even complete replacement may not remove the odors. The next time you need help in this area call the Professional… Professional Carpet Systems.
The treatment is applied as a pre-spray prior to the cleaning process, and an enzyme is applied after completion of the cleaning process. Our pet enzyme is a bacterial/enzyme product that safely removes urine and feces stains and odor from carpet and upholstery by bacterial digestion. All treatments used are children and pet safe.
Why not have your whole house smell fresh and odor free? Our general purpose deodorizer is made to remove those odors that build up deep within our carpets and make them smell spring fresh again! We use IICRC approved chemicals for odor treatment. Upon request we will spray different fragrances.
Heavy Duty Deodorizing for persistent odor problems
Pet, kids, and other causes sometimes create persistent odor problems that need extra attention. This product attacks odor problems at their source.
Special Pet problem deodorizing service
Most of us have them, and no matter how careful we are sometimes accidents happen. When they do … you'll need this treatment to cure the resulting problem.


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Full width Slider Banner
I can get the slider to show full width and at my suggested height, but struggling how to keep the image at the same height when responsive and for the image to align right. I'm also am struggling to get the infoBlock to go into a block undeneath when in mobile mode. Any assistance would be greatfully recieved. Mnay Thank
- hero-panel-slider-1.jpg 283 KB
- hero-panel-slider-2.jpg 190 KB
To move text below the image you'll either need to use template with auto-height (such as this one http://dimsemenov.com/plugins/royal-slider/content-slider/ ), or use Global Caption (which is not part of the slide and thus can be moved however you wish) http://dimsemenov.com/plugins/royal-slider/documentation/#global-ca...
Regarding your "height" issue - I'll need a link to the page with the issue to tell you what might be wrong.
Hello, the link to my test page is https://www.blakedesigns.co.uk/slider/slider2.html
What I'm struggling to keep the image in proportion, its being squeezed into the slider dimensions rather than hiding the overflow of the image.
I will take a look at the Global Caption option, as what I would like the text to do is position itself underneath the image on mobile view.
Thanks in advance for you help.
I've fixed the image proportion, its just moving the content underneath the picture when in mobile view. I dont understand how to use the Global Caption to do this - can you assist any further.
Thank you
To enable global caption, set option globalCaption:true and define markup like:

 Caption HTML content

then, after slider initialization, you may move global caption element anywhere, e.g.:
Hi, thanks for your help so far, I have made some good advances on the slider and got it how I want it to look, however the content underneath the slider in mobile view is not positioning itself underneath it because of the absolute positioning.
How can I make the content underneath apear under the slider - the content may change height so this cannot be fixed. My example online is here: https://www.blakedesigns.co.uk/slider/new/slider3.html
As you can see the "content underneath" is ok on desktop view but in mobile needs positioning below the slider.
Can you please assist further.
Thank you
Well, don't make it absolute positoned on small screens, you currently have
position:absolutestyle on
Oh dear! Of course, must have been having a brain melt lol
All fixed, thank you so much for your support I've got it just as I want - thank you.
Keyboard shortcuts
|Show this help
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You can use
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Control ^ on Mac


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"Star Wars Down Under" is a Spiffy-Looking Fan Film
Star Wars Down Under is a nice looking fan film that puts an Australian skin on Star Wars. as this trailer demonstrates, the effects look quite good. And if that weren't enough to make you watch it, two words: boomerang lightsabers!


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Glioblastoma Appeal
Glioblastoma Appeal
Funding Neuro are launching an appeal to bring one of the world's most advanced immunotherapy trials for glioblastoma to Scotland. Funding Neuro is raising the £500,000 required to complete the trial. The trial will run at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee led by Dr Kismet Hossain-Ibrahim (FRCS (SN), PhD) Consultant Neurosurgeon.
The trial will involve ten patients, who will have their own immune system used to target this deadly brain tumour.
The trial will use a new vaccine targeting Cytomegalovirus (CMV) for Glioblastoma, which has been developed in the United States. This is an exciting opportunity to help translate this discovery from the lab into an effective treatment for patients.
Help us to reach our target
To donate to the Glioblastoma Immunotherapay click the link below
JustGiving – Glioblastoma Appeal
What is Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive cancer that begins within the brain. Initially, signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are non-specific. They may include headaches, personality changes, nausea, and symptoms similar to those of a stroke. There is no clear way to prevent the disease.
Dr John Howard Sampson, M.D., Ph.D, M.B.A, M.H.S.c, is the chief of the department of neurosurgery at Duke University where he serves as a professor of surgery, biomedical engineering, immunology, and pathology said "There have been surprisingly promising clinical outcomes in small studies of this investigational vaccine, which certainly support these advanced trials. Immunotherapy is giving real hope to those with glioblastoma."
For more information on glioblastoma visit – https://www.fundingneuro.com/glioblastoma/


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We've loved Duet since its release in 2013. It's a unique action / reflex game that looks impossible to succeed at when you watch it from a distance, but once you try it for yourself, you appreciate its rhythm, flow, and harmony. In no time at all, you get sucked in.
Kumobius has good news in store for the game's many fans: A bunch of new chapters. The package, titled "The Encore Chapters," also includes awesome new music and features. There are 30 new stages, five new music tracks from master composer Tim Shiel, and new vocal narration to carry you through this fresh experience.
Needless to say, the sarcastic disembodied voice is there to intimidate you. Er, help you.
The update is available on iOS for $0.99, and if you don't have it yet (shame on you), the original game costs $2.99. The entire package is certainly worth it, given the game's addictive nature, unique personality, and quality of content.


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If you've somehow managed to miss all of the great many Assassin's Creed: Unity trailers that Ubisoft has been throwing around lately (like this one, and this one, and this one), fear not: The new Assassin's Creed: Unity 101 trailer covers it all.
At a little over seven minutes in length, the new video touches on just about everything, from the huge Parisian crowds enabled by next-gen technology to the improved, more "nuanced" combat, appearances by famous historical characters like Napoleon and the Marquis de Sade, and of course the new co-op multiplayer mode. And since we're way beyond worrying about spoilers at this point, it's safe to say that it also highlights Arno's surprise trip through a "time anomaly" to Paris during the Second World War, where he'll climb the Eiffel Tower and blast away at German fighters.
As promotional videos go, this one is pretty comprehensive, but I wouldn't expect it to be the last: Assassin's Creed: Unity doesn't come out for another week—November 11, to be precise—and that's plenty of time to squeeze in at least one more.


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Florida State hangs on against Notre Dame
The game lived up to the hype. Notre Dame gave Florida State everything they could handle last night in Tallahassee, with the winning touchdown being taken off the board on what turned out to be the correct call. Both Jameis Winston and Everett Golson were spectacular, and it seemed like whoever had the ball last would win. As it turned out, Notre Dame thought they had it but the refs called them out for a pick on the last touchdown to Corey Robinson.
Both teams were impressive, and frankly both are in good shape for the upcoming playoff. Florida State has a pretty easy road so all they need to do is take care of business in the ACC. Notre Dame will have to impress over other one-loss teams if they win out, but they have a tougher road which helps if they win them, but . . . . they have to win them! Road games against USC and Arizona State will be tough ones.
Here are some other observations from yesterday's games:
– Oklahoma blew another game, this time against Kansas State. The Big 12 is a complete mess now as all of the teams are knocking each other off. Baylor got smacked on the road against West Virginia. TCU bounced back from their choke job last week against Baylor by destroying Oklahoma State. There are a bunch of one-loss teams now, and then you have Oklahoma with two losses ready to play spoiler. It will be interesting to see if any team in the Big 12 survives with just one loss.
– In the PAC 12, Oregon seems to be back on track after stumbling against Arizona. They look like the team that might come out of that conference as all the other big names have stumbled, though Arizona State and Arizona only have one loss as well. Oregon needs to show they can get past Stanford, but the over-hyped Cardinal stumbled to its third loss against ASU. Like the Big 12, we might not have a one loss team to consider from this conference when all is said and done.
– In the Big Ten, the two clear powers are setting up for a battle. Ohio State suddenly has life now that freshman T.J. Barrett is finding his footing and learning how to use all the incredible weapons the Buckeyes have on offense. Everyone left them for dead after Braxton Miller got hurt and they lost to Virginia Tech, but this team has put up over 50 points four weeks in a row. Michigan State is also rolling, so we should have an epic battle coming up between these two in East Lansing. Meanwhile, Nebraska is taking care of business and Minnesota is surprising people so there should be a solid opponent in the Big Ten Championship Game. Don't count this conference out yet!
– Finally, we have the SEC, where Alabama decided to shut up the critics by humiliating an overrated Texas A&M team 59-0. So much for Kenny Hill and all those Johnny Football comparisons! Meanwhile, Ole Miss survived a slow start to handle Tennessee while Mississippi and Auburn were idle, so not much has changed for this week. Georgia also made a statement by whipping Arkansas, letting everyone know that the SEC West is still relevant – at least for now. As for Florida, how long will it be before Will Muschamp gets the boot? The Gators are an embarrassment.
As usual, the rest of the season should be plenty of fun as we sort out the final four.
Follow the Scores Report editors on Twitter @clevelandteams and @bullzeyedotcom.
Posted in: College Football
Tags: Corey Robinson, Everett Golson, Jameis Winston, Johnny Football, Kenny Hill, Notre Dame, T.J. Barrett


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Fitness Cue
(HawaiiNewsNow)- Li Si and her partner created a workout tool called Fitness Cue, which will be launching at the Honolulu Marathon Expo. This fun and portable workout product is made mostly of natural wood. It serves as a reminder to go back to basics when it comes to taking care of our bodies. Today more and more people are living a very sedentary life-style. Our bodies fall out of alignment because most of us are unaware of our poor posture and habits throughout the day. Over time, our flexibility decreases. When our range of motion decreases, so does our strength. In the fitness industry we call this "premature aging."
Li Si Yang is a personal trainer and the owner of Journey to Fitness. She has been in business for over ten years and sees "premature aging" as the root of many health issues. This led her to invent an exercise product to help people improve their posture, increase flexibility, and to strengthen dormant muscles. The "Fitness Cue" is unique in that it will lengthen muscles that are tight, and strengthen muscles that are neglected and weak, while offering a gentle cue to maintain good posture.
Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.


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A bad-tempered or gloomy person is sullen. Sullen people are down in the dumps.
If someone is dark, dour, glum, moody, morose, or sour, they're also sullen. Teenagers are often described as sullen, especially when they're being grumpy and silent. You often hear about "a sullen silence," which is when someone is quiet, but obviously in a lousy mood. If a sullen person is talking, they're probably not saying much, and they might not be doing much beyond grunting. A sullen person isn't much fun to be around.


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Santa Claus - My Fake Diary
Friday, 12 December 2008
Wow! Merry Christmas!
The Reindeer Games were amazing. Sadly, i didn't allow Prancer, Rudolf and Dixson participate because earlier i caught them with some 'Big 'n' Bouncy Reindeers' magazines.
I have now banned them from pulling the sled on Christmas Day because while the games were on, they snuck to the North Pole Bar and picked up some Ho Ho Ho's.
I feel sorry for the other Reindeer though.....they will now have more work to do with those three missing.
I hear that because of this 'credit crunch', children will not be leaving cookies and milk out this year but bread and water.
Heavens Forbid it!
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Will the Real Bob Marley Please Get Up, Stand Up?
It's a Bob Marley weekend!
Bob Marley is stepping into the spotlight at The Egg in Albany on Thursday. And there's a Bob Marley tribute concert at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock on Saturday night.
Just don't get the two confused.
At The Egg is Bob Marley, comedian. Straight outta Maine, funnyman Marley's long stand-up comedy career spans 11 CDs, 4 DVDs (including his new CD/DVD set, "Drop It Haahd!"), more than 100 television appearances and even movie roles in such films as 1999's "The Boondock Saints," and last year's sequel, "The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day." Showtime is 8pm, and tix are $22.50.
Meanwhile, it's the late, great reggae superstar Bob Marley, who will be honored at the Bearsville Theater on Saturday – the 65th anniversary of his birth. Upstate Reggae is presenting the 26th annual "Woodstock Tribute to Bob Marley" featuring performances by the Meditations, the Big Takeover, Jeremiah, Michigan (of Michigan & Smiley), Royal Heart Sound, Fine Tune and Jamaica's Starcade. Tix are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Doors open at 8pm, and the first 50 paid admissions will receive a free CD.


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The dry and deadly thoughts crept into the tired mind of the soul… yet he was still pressing on…. Still yearning…. Still trying to go forward in the walk of faith. And the passing hours grew late for deliverance, still the soul held on in spite of all outward circumstances of seemingly betrayed promises.
That which warred against the mind continued to bring pressure and accusation day by day. Yet the man of the soul put his faith in God….
Long nights of tensed faith, and days of suspended progression both exercised the heart in different manners towards the expected release to come.
Becoming a man of the tempered steel of character, does not come because of light hearted activities and the shallow values of entertained physical momentum. But rather it comes in the deepened paths of the unknown gloom…... having to trust in Almighty God and none else.
The forged man of God is not born from passive blessings passed down from father to son, but it comes from the fires of adversity, the depths of human suffering, and at the end of a shattered belief system that discovers the Sovereignty of God when all else fails.
Soul wrestles and mental workouts train the one who prepares for the battles by his intake in the Word of God.
And when the never ending warfare ends….
And when the "and it came to pass' happens…
The Man of faith is prepared, equipped and experienced to handle the unfolded Blessing.
For He understands the purpose of the Blessing, and in wisdom carries fresh faith to those still in the wallowing mud of the onslaught of hell.
He overcomes…..by faith.


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Ramping back up on oncology, GSK takes an option on Adaptimmune's TCR cancer drug
New GSK CEO Emma Walmsley is going for it in oncology.
Looking to steer the pharma giant back toward a pipeline that can stir some real excitement among investors, the GSK chief has decided to pick up an exclusive option on Adaptimmune's NY-ESO SPEAR T-cell therapy program.
Adaptimmune $ADAP is in line now for $61 million during the transition period — part for the option and part in milestones. GSK gets full rights covering the development and hoped for commercialization of the TCR therapeutic, a tech cousin to the CAR-Ts now making their debut.
Adaptimmune's shares surged 10% on the news.
GSK $GSK was persuaded to go all the way on this deal after looking over proof-of-concept data for synovial sarcoma.
But the timing is also important. GSK once had a busy oncology group, until it opted to do a big swap with Novartis — exchanging late-stage cancer drugs for a portfolio of vaccines. That preceded a long dry spell in the clinic for GSK's pharma R&D group, though GSK's Axel Hoos continued to move forward in cancer with early-stage therapies. Now Hoos can step up on a closely-watched drug as Walmsley points the company back into play in developing late-stage cancer therapies.
This TCR tech revolves around reengineering T-cell receptors so that they can recognize cancer proteins, triggering an assault on solid and liquid tumors.
Hoos, GSK's SVP of oncology R&D, said:
The aim of GSK's R&D is to develop medicines with transformational potential for patients. We have seen compelling data for the NY-ESO investigational cell therapy in synovial sarcoma and, following this option exercise, we will capitalize on our in-house Cell and Gene Therapy capabilities to support the development program for GSK3377794. We will continue to explore the potential for this novel cell therapy in multiple tumor types, and in combination with other cancer therapies.


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ROAR: "Big business lacks ideas for modernization"
Russian businessmen are not fully prepared to work with the president on abandoning the raw materials-based model, observers believe.
President Dmitry Medvedev discussed with business leaders on October 21 the strategy to pull the economy out of the crisis. Medvedev also said he wanted to know businessmen's opinions on a wide range of economic issues to use them while preparing the president's address to the parliament.It was the first meeting of the president and big business since the crisis began, Vedomosti daily noted. Among those present at the meeting were members of the bureau of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), and business associations Delovaya Rossiya [Business Russia] and Opora Rossii [an association of small and medium-sized enterprises].
They discussed the state's role in the economy, taxes and imperfect laws. The business leaders also complained of corruption in the courts and unfair antimonopoly laws.
Medvedev reminded business leaders of the financial support the state had given to the economy and companies, which is "unprecedented in our history." On the other hand, he urged businessmen to invest "capital formed in our country" at home.
One of the main topics at the meeting was the fate of state corporations. "I think we at some point lost control over the creation of state corporations," Medvedev said. He added that they could be transformed into joint stock companies. Only corporations operating in non-competitive fields may remain, the president stressed.
Analysts say that several state corporations could be actually reorganized. But at the first stage they will be probably turned into joint-stock companies belonging to the state, Aleksey Makarkin of the Center for Political Technologies told Gazeta.ru website. Others will be privatized, the analyst said.
The crisis revealed the economy's weak points, and "if we do not make the needed changes, a new crisis would simply spell the end of many of the companies present here today," Medvedev said.
One of the most important common tasks for business and the authorities is "to diversify our economy and move away from the raw materials-based model," the president stressed. "If we want to ensure our future, we need to develop higher value-added production," he added.
Boris Titov, head of the Delovaya Rossiya business association, agrees with Medvedev that "there is no alternative to abandoning the model based on raw materials and diversifying the economy."
At the same time, "there is no understanding as to how to do it," Titov told Rosbalt news agency. "We did not see any strategic program on the diversification of the Russian economy," Titov commented on the meeting.
It is the authorities first of all "who should have such understanding," he said. But the meeting with the president showed that the government "does not have any concrete program," Titov added. As for the strategic task, it "has been determined rightly," he added.
However, many analysts criticize business leaders themselves for the lack of ideas on the modernization of the economy.
The president urged those present at the meeting to "think globally," Vremya Novostey daily said. However, businessmen were more inclined to solve their private problems, the paper added.
"As a result, instead of discussing the president's address to the parliament, businessmen spoke about the problems of industries they were interested in and complained of the laws," Gazeta daily said on the issue.
The president met with "representatives of different organizations and business structures with opposite interests," Dmitry Abzalov of the Center for Political Conjuncture explained.
The business leaders "have traditionally failed to present a united position," the analyst said. The main "conflict line" is the disagreement between banks and companies borrowing money, the added.
President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Aleksandr Shokhin believes that "the main thing was the very fact of the meeting of the president with business."
Medvedev "genuinely" wanted to listen to representatives of big business, expecting "proposals for launching the scenario of the modernization of the economy as a basis for the post-crisis period," Shokhin said.
"The president is continuing the formation of a coalition for modernization," Pavel Salin of the Center for Political Conjuncture said. The analyst noted "a discord in the horizons of the president's plans and ones of big business." If Medvedev was considering "the post-crisis Russia in the perspective of decades, then business mentioned the next year," he said.
Moreover, the head of state stressed the need for business to invest in modernization, while businessmen "traditionally" relied on the state's financial assistance, Salin said.
Thus, the assumption that private business will be Medvedev's base in the modernization project seems to be "too simplistic," the analyst said. The same is true about the middle-sized and small businesses, which probably have even more concrete demands, he added.
"The president and his team will have to work hard with businessmen (as well as with other social and professional groups) to select forces of modernization," the analyst said.
Addressing the Public Chamber on October 21, the Kremlin's chief strategist Vladislav Surkov said that "every person should concentrate on modernizing his or her own personality, rather than awaiting constant assistance from the state." He added that the crucial point in the achievement of the goal of modernization was "the evolutionary approach."
Sergey Borisov, RT


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Everyone at the gym wants more muscle! Yep you heard it, before any cardio people disappear and stop reading this please just keep reading. Anyone from a hardcore bodybuilder, Older adult or young female class goer are after more muscle. Just the by product is different some people want to get big and bulky, some want to increase strength and long Gevity of life or they want to tone up and have a great looking butt. So I got news for all of you, you all want muscle mass to grow just on differing levels!
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If you think you may need additional funds to cover the full cost of your education, consider applying for a federal or private loan.
Loans are sums of money borrowed from federal or private agencies to help finance the expected family contribution. To maintain loan eligibility, students must show satisfactory academic progress (minimum credit-hour enrollment and grade point average). Loans must be repaid once the student graduates or does not meet the minimum credit enrollment per semester.
Before you choose which loan is best for you, investigate your options and make the best, most responsible choice for you.
Update for those who have graduated/no longer in 6+ credit hours:
Student loan payments to restart after Jan. 31, 2022
- Federal student loan payments have been paused and interest has been set at 0% due to the COVID-19 emergency. Payments will resume starting Feb. 1, 2022.
- If your loan servicer is FedLoan Servicing, Granite State, or Navient, you will be assigned to a new servicer before payments begin. Please be on the lookout for information regarding this change.
- If you were enrolled in auto debit payments before the suspension, you may need to take action before payments will automatically be withdrawn from your account.
Remember to complete the FAFSA every year!
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Federal Loans for students
Federal loans are a low, fixed interest option for students to supplement the cost of their education. The loans include Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized. (Some people refer to these loans as Stafford Loans or Direct Stafford Loans.)
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Federal Direct PLUS Loans for parents
Federal Direct PLUS loans are credit-based, fixed interest option for parents of dependent undergraduate students.
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Well, it was a long time coming…
Well, Captain and I finally decided to create a blog. So now all our friend (and outsiders, too) can use this as your one stop shop for your UGA/SEC rants, raves, and your sensible information download.
Addendum by Captain Brock:
Please bear with us as we tweak the design and layout of the site to make it look as presentable as possible.


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Home / Lake County / 27-43 Indian Point [8]
- Title, side A
- Indian Point
- Title, side B
- The Whittlesey People
- Text, side A
- The Indian Point Site contains the remains of a prehistoric Native American earthen enclosure, officially known as the Lyman site, named after a former property owner. The site contains two earthen walls that are bordered by ditches. Steep cliffs provide natural barriers on two sides of the enclosure. Archaeological digs have uncovered many artifacts here, including pottery sherds, tools, pipes, and beads. There is evidence that the walls were built around 140 B.C., and the site was occupied again around 1500 A.D. by the Whittlesey Tradition people. It is uncertain if the site was a village or was used as a ceremonial center. After 1650 A.D., the area became a neutral hunting ground for various historic tribes.
- Text, side B
- Late prehistoric Whittlesey Tradition people occupied villages on high bluffs overlooking rivers in northeastern Ohio between 1200 and 1650 A.D. They hunted bear, elk, and deer; fished with bone hooks and nets; and gathered nuts and berries. The Whittlesey were also sedentary and agriculturalists. They grew corn, squash, and beans and made pottery for cooking and storage. Their dwellings were rectangular or oval-shaped and made of saplings and tree bark. The Whittlesey culture disappeared from here and elsewhere at about 1650 A.D. and therefore it is difficult to know more about them. Their name comes from Charles Whittlesey, an Ohio geologist who mapped their sites.
- Sponsors
- Lake Metroparks and The Ohio Historical Society
- Address
- 13165 Seeley Rd
Leroy Twp, OH 44077
- Location
- Indian Point Park


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Tagged: Lance Parrish
25th Opening Day in West Michigan
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. South Bend Cubs (Midwest League)
Fifth Third Ballpark-Comstock Park, MI: Opening Day for the Minor League season also meant the West Michigan Whitecaps were entering their 25th year as a ball club. With so many games there throughout the years, it seemed only fitting that this is where we should start our 2018 journey as well. We were lucky there was even a game, as the Michigan weather punished us with harsh snow and wind while visiting for 'Spring' Break. We dressed warm, staying in the sun, and enjoyed Opening Day like so many other fans across the country.
We were able to get free replica jerseys upon entering the ballpark, and then Brian decided he wanted some autographs and to meet some of the players. The thrill of the day was meeting former World Champion Detroit Tiger, and the current Whitecaps manager, Lance Parrish. He was more than happy to sign Brian's ball and get a photo with him. Brian was still able to meet some of Lance's players and get his ball signed by them as well.
We can't forget our favorite mascots, Crash and Frankie! Brian got both to sign his ball, as well as Roxy, but we couldn't get a photo with her.
The game was a good one for the home team. Jordan Pearce lead the way offensively, going 1-3 with three RBI. Also pitching is was Alexis Garcia and Joey Morgan, each going 2-4 with Garcia adding an RBI.
On the hill, Dane Myers got the start throwing four innings, giving up one run and striking out five. Burris Warner earned the win, only giving up one hit and one run in his three innings of work. Final: Whitecaps 6, Cubs 2.
This was a fun game, and we were actually pretty comfortable until the sun went down. Then that cold Michigan air came creeping in, but we're a tough group. This was a great way to kick off the Minor League season, especially since we weren't able to make it up for a game last season. The next few months should be fun, as we have some more games planned and Brian starts Little League.
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Don't give up the Ship
Erie SeaWolves vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels (Eastern League)
Jerry Uht Park-Erie, PA: It's always fun to see some Detroit Tiger affiliates, and in the SeaWolves I know I would be seeing some players who did some time in West Michigan. Jerry Uht Park is located in downtown Erie, but parking isn't too bad for its location. We got there plenty early and waited for the gates to open. The team store is right in front of you when you walk in, so we did some shopping and got a t-shirt, pennant, pen, and a C. Wolf plush for Brian. The layout of the ballpark is very unique. Down the third base side, there is an upper level, separated by a walk-way. This is where the press box and suites are located. Behind home plate is pretty open, and down the first base side, there is actually an elevated upper deck. This is fairly rare compared to the other Double-A Eastern League games we've been too. The ballpark only holds 4,200, which is small, but it's intimate, and hard not to fall in love with. I had plenty of time before the game to explore and get some pre-game photos.
We also got to meet the mascot, C. Wolf, and got a photo with him. He was a very active mascot and really is a hit with the fans, especially the younger ones, and there where plenty there for a Sunday matinée.
The game itself wasn't too pretty for the home SeaWolves. Starting pitcher Jeff Ferrell went five innings, giving up six earned runs on nine hits, and striking out four. Relief pitcher Jose Valdez gave up one more run in the ninth. Offensively, the SeaWolves got off to a good start with a home run blast by Steven Moya, who was 1-3 on the day. Marcus Lemon and Dean Green each went 2-4 on the day, also. Outfielder Jason Krizan went 1-4, but knocked in two RBIs.
Erie has some fun between inning activities, also, such as the bouncy horse race and the hot dog/sausage race.
For the last two innings, we moved to the upper deck on the third base side to get a different perspective of the game, and get some other photos.
We ended the game by playing some catch on the field. I really enjoyed the game at Jerry Uht Park, and this is a team I would really love to come and watch again. Highly recommended for any minor league baseball fan. Final: SeaWolves 3, Flying Squirrels 7.
Here's another video from my YouTube channel:
All photos and video property of Minoring In Baseball
Lance to Erie; Brookens to retire
Parrish to mange Erie: Lance Parrish is back in the Detroit Tigers organization. In what seems to be the final game of the Tigers' minor league manager roulette, the former catcher will take the reigns of the Double-A Erie SeaWolves. Parrish's last managerial job was with the Great Lakes Loons back in 2007. He led them to a 57-82 record, despite having Clayton Kershaw in the rotation. From 1999-2001, he served as the Tigers' bullpen and third base coach under managers Larry Parrish (now with the Mud Hens) and Phil Garner. He was also the bullpen coach from 2003-06 under Alan Trammel. He really didn't think he'd have another chance at a job in baseball until Al Avila gave him a call last week.
"What can I bring to this job? I can just bring me," Parrish told the Detroit News. "My desire is to be the very best at my job and try to help the players out the best I can.
I've always felt I develop a good rapport with the players, whether in the minors or the majors."
As a player, Parrish played most of his career in Detroit, helping the team win the 1984 World Series, was a six-time All-Star, and won three gold gloves behind the plate. Although he regretted leaving Detroit to play for Philly, among other teams, he always wanted a job back in Detroit.
"I always consider myself a Detroit Tiger," Parrish said. "Even when I went to Philly, I didn't want to go to Philly. After I was gone a year or two, I was hoping some time or way the Tigers would get me back."
We had the opportunity to meet Parrish back when he was with the Loons, and he was nice enough to sign some baseball cards for the kids. We wish him the best with the SeaWolves this season, and look forward to seeing him back on the field while we're in Erie this June.
Brookens retires: Someone who didn't seem to be interested in the Erie job was Tom Brookens, who told the Detroit Free Press yesterday that he was retired. He was not asked to join new Tiger manager Brad Ausmus' staff after spending the last four years under Jim Leyland as first and third base coach.
"I talked with a couple of teams," Brookens told the Press. "There was basically minor league positions available, and that was it."
He did talk to the Tigers about different jobs in the organization, but decided that if he couldn't work in the major leagues, it was time to spend time at home with family. As a player, Brookens was also part of the 1984 Championship team with Parrish and Trammel. He played in Detroit from 1979-1988. He also managed in the Tiger system, as skipper for the Oneonta Tigers from 2005-06, Whitecaps in 2007 (leading them to the Midwest League championship), and Erie from 2008-09. We wish him all the best in his retirement. We were also lucky enough to meet him during his time in West Michigan, and he was great to the fans, and to my kids!
Photos property of Minoring In Baseball
Logo of the Month: Toledo Mud Hens
Affiliate: Detroit Tigers
League: International League (Triple-A)
Home Field: Fifth Third Field
Fun Facts: The third game on our trip this coming season, will be a return to Toledo. We last took in a Mud Hens game back in 2007, so we're very much ready to enjoy more baseball at Fifth Third Field. The Mud Hens have one of the best known minor league logos in history, mostly due to actor Jamie Farr wearing their hat during the run of the TV show M*A*S*H. They are also one of the oldest franchises, as pro baseball has been played in Toledo since 1883. The real era of baseball began in 1896, however, with the Toledo Swamp Angels who played in the Interstate League. The team played a Bay View Park, which was located near marshland which was inhabited by American Coots, also known as 'mud hens'. The local press soon dubbed the team the Mud Hens, and the name has basically stuck though out the last 100 plus years. Toledo was also known for possibly hosting the first African-American to play in the major leagues. On May 1, 1884, Moses Fleetwood Walker suited up for the Toledo Blue Stockings, who were a member of the major league American Association at the time. The Mud Hens played in the minor league American Association for many years (1902-1962), and then until the league folded after the 1997 season. The Mud Hens then joined the International League, playing in it's West Division. They have won the Governor's Cup (IL Champions) on three occasions in 1967, 2005, and 2006. The team has two mascots, Muddy the male Mud Hen, and Muddona, the female.
Notable Alumni: Casey Stengel, Freddie Lindstrom, Hack Wilson, Kirby Puckett, Jim Thorpe, Frank Viola, Travis Fryman, Billy Beane , Curtis Granderson, Lance Parrish
Loons alum Kershaw wins NL Cy Young
Los Angeles Dodgers' hurler Clayton Kershaw has won the Cy Young award for being the best pitcher in the National League. With a recor of 16-9 and a microscopic ERA of 1.83, not too many can really argue. Before he became a star on the west coast, however, he honed his stills in the Midwest League as a member of the Great Lakes Loons in 2007. I remember a lot of talk about him back then, like everyone knew that this kid was going to be that good. In 25 starts for the Loons, he ended up 8-7 with a 2.95 ERA. The sad part is, though, I never was able to see him pitch down in Midland. And to think, just one season later, he was making his big league debut with the Dodgers. A new team in 2007, the Loons had Lance Parrish as their manager, who was a member of the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers. So, the only game I attended that season, I was more determined to meet a local hero like Parrish then an up-and-coming superstar. That was my mistake, though seeking an autograph from a starting pitcher isn't an easy task. On days they pitch, they're not allowed to sign autgraphs, and on days they don't they're not really out of the dugout, or even in uniform at times. It would have been nice to have seen him pitch, but it's always good to have alumni do well and make through the system, and in Kershaw's case excel at the highest level.
Photo courtesy of the Great Lakes Loons
Whitecaps Update 6/12
Moving on up: I've been so busy catching up on my posts from my baseball trip, I've almost forgotten my boys in blue (except for the previous post..) The West Michigan Whitecaps have been playing some very good baseball lately, as they've won eight of their last ten game. Their record now stands at 30-31, and in fourth place in the Midwest League's Eastern Division. They're only three games out of second place, and securing a playoff berth. The team went on a five-game winning streak that included a sweep of the Great Lakes Loons in Midland. The Loons did earn a small victory, however, as their mascot Lou E. Loon beat out our very own Crash the River Rascal in MiLB.com's Mascot Mania. Crash made it through the first two rounds, but was somehow ousted by Lou E. We'll be in Midland watching the 'Caps next month, and we'll let them know we think Crash is the best!
Weekly MWL Award Winners: Two Whitecaps were won the weekly Midwest League Awards on June 6. Infielder Eugenio Suarez won the Player of the Week, while Tommy Collier was named Pitcher of the Week. Suarez hit safely in all seven games last week and had multiple hits in six of those, including two four-hit outings. He went 18-28, batting .643, hitting four doubles, eleven runs scored, five stolen bases, with a .857 slugging percentage. Suarez is now hitting .318 for the season with two homers and 30 RBI. On the mound, Collier pitched a nine inning shutout and complete game against the Lake County Captians. That led to a 'Caps 1-0 win, on the back of his seven strikeouts. He only allowed four hits and issued one walk. Collier is now 3-4 on the season with a 2.60 ERA and leads West Michigan in quality starts with seven.
Whitecaps All-Stars: Fiver players from this season Whitecaps roster were named to the 2012 Midwest League All-Star Game. Outfielder Steven Moya and DH Dean Green will be starting for the Eastern Division, while infielder Eugenio Suarez was selected as a reserve player, and pitchers Tommy Collier and Michael Torrealba will be making the trip to Kane County. Moya is hitting .299 with five home runs and 28 RBI. He started the season red-hot, hitting .377 before being placed on the DL. Green is batting .304 with nine homers and 34 RBI. His nine home runs leads the Whitecaps this season.
Pics: The pictures shown are from the 'Caps recent home stand with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, courtesy of the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com. Last nights' game also featured the return of Tiger Fridays, and former catcher and 1984 World Champion Lance Parrish was on hand to sign autographs.
Bless You Boys! Tigers Honor 1984 World Champions
Monday night the Detroit Tigers will honor the 1984 World Championship team in a pre-game ceromony. All the greats will be on hand including HOF manager Sparky Anderson, MVP Allan Trammell, Lance Parrish, Kirk Gibson, Willie Hernandez and more. It's hard to believe it's been 25 years since the Tigers won it all. Detroit had the best record in baseball that season with 104 wins on their way to the World Series. This is one of my favorite memories about being a baseball fan as a kid.
Luckily, I've had a chance to meet some of my childhood heroes through my Minor League baseball trips. A lot of these guys like to give back to baseball and coach in the Minors. It's great seeing them instruct a whole new generation of players. So far off the the 1984 team I've had the pleasure of meeting Tom Brookens (West Michigan Whitecaps), Lance Parrish (Great Lakes Loons), Doug Bair (Dayton Dragons), and Barbaro Garbey (Peoria Cheifs). We also had a chance to meet John Wockenfuss this season, who was traded in 1984 in a deal to the Phillies to bring Willie Hernandez and Dave Bergman to Detroit. We got to meet pitcher Jack Morris, too, but he wasn't coaching, just signing at a store opening in northern Michigan. Still, he has the most wins of any pitcher in the 80's, so it was great meeting him. I can't wait until next years trip to see who we can meet along the way.
Tom Brookens of the Whitecaps signs for the kids in 2007
Lance Parrish of the Loons signs some cards for the kids in 2007
Photos property of MIB