I've had a lot of recommendations concerning Index Funds as of late. It seems that many people believe that they are the way to go.
I happen to disagree, especially with current market trends.
An Index fund is a business that buys shares in some (weighted funds) or all of the companies listed on the stock market. As a result, the value of your investment goes up and down in relative sync with the stock market itself. These have become famous in recent years as Warren Buffett and others began recommending them for folks who don't know much about the stock market.
I have a big bone to pick with them, however. When you purchase shares in an Index fund, you don't own a piece of the individual companies. Instead, you own a piece of a company (or fund, whatever you want to call it) that happens to own pieces of individual companies. You don't actually own a bit of the individual companies themselves.
I prefer to cut out the middle man because I'm ornery like that. Why pay someone else big bucks so they can buy and benefit from the stocks? If I wanted to go that route, I'd simply start collecting shares on my own (which I might do someday).
My primary concern at the moment isn't quite that nitpicky, however. My concern is with the fact that the stock market seems to be on the verge of a bear market. As a result, the value of Index Funds could drop dramatically. It's gotten to the point that Vanguard no longer allows its employees to invest in their own product, the S&P 500 Index Fund.
When a cook refuses to eat their own cooking you need to run for the hills because something is seriously wrong.
See that slow, downwards trend? That's the value of an S&P 500 Index Fund starting to go down around mid-January of this year.
This is a long-term view of Amazon's stock rise. See how steep the trend is? If there is one thing I've learned during my research, the steeper the trend, the less sustainable it is. Amazon is the darling of the stock market but you can bet your buttons it won't be able to sustain that momentum forever. It will tank, and tank hard. The only question is when. If you look very closely at the chart (just click on the image to see it full-size), you can see that the top is already beginning to round out. This may very well signal that the price is about to drop, though it is a bit too early to tell at this point.
I read somewhere (I really wish I had saved the link), that it is the FANG stocks currently supporting the stock market averages. Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, Google (now called Alphabet), and by extension Apple, Microsoft, and Intel are providing around 85% of current gains on the stock market. As a whole, over 60% of the stock market is down, so when the FANG stocks plunge, those invested in Index funds will see their nest eggs wiped out.
See that big drop, like the stock fell off of a cliff? It will take them months, if not years, to recover. I suspect that the price of the stock will fall even lower before it's done since they usually do.
Netflix is on its own roller coaster ride downwards.
So out of the four primary stocks fueling market gains, only one of them seems to have the ability to continue to move upwards for the long term.
In addition to this, as I look through what I call the "bargain bin" I am noticing that many of the stocks there began a major downtrend in January, coinciding with the start of the downward S&P 500 trend that's starting to appear. My guess is that these companies are the "canaries in the mineshaft"–more sensitive to change than the overall market. I'm seeing stocks that traded for $5, $10, or more a share prior to that time taking a sudden drop–and staying down despite the fact that nothing within the company has really changed.
I may be far from an expert but to me the warning signs are significant enough to pay attention. We may not be in what is called a Bear Market right now (I don't even think they are calling it a correction yet) but I highly suspect that one is coming. Those who are heavily invested in high-flying stocks like the FANG group or so-called "safe" Index Funds will be hurt the most if I'm correct. Vanguard has apparently seen the writing on the wall but since they will make money on their Index Funds regardless of how well (or poorly) they do, they will continue to market them to the unsuspecting general public as they protect their employees by not allowing them to invest in it.
In conclusion, as a result of my research, my answer is a firm no. No, I will not invest in Index Funds at this time. If Vanguard doesn't even recommend for its own employees to invest in their product, I refuse to touch it with a ten-foot pole.
I hope you understand my reasoning now. This is why I firmly believe that my best bet is to scrounge around the "bargain bin" for companies already suffering from the downtrend. For the record, all of this could very well blow over–if it does and my concerns are eased, I will consider the investment.
You make so much sense I sent this to my husband to read. He says we're not in any index funds right now but, from my point of view, that doesn't negate the value of your analysis so I want him to read this. Thanks for doing the work and sharing your results.
Like I stressed in the post, I am FAR from an expert. However, between this trend and the fact that so many ads are floating around promoting index funds, REITS, and whatnot, I am more than a bit cautious. I've read in several books (I pay special attention to facts that are repeated over different generations and different books) that if a particular investment is so highly promoted that once hears about it constantly, that investment is overbought and due for a drop. It happened with stocks in 1929 as well as in other time periods. Considering how many emails, ads, and whatnot I've received from both readers and through paid advertising concerning the FANG stocks, index funds, and REITS over the past few months, it makes me wonder if the trend is repeating. As a result I plan to avoid any and all stocks in finance as well as REITS and index funds, regardless of the return offered. I'm willing to take risks (I wouldn't be doing this otherwise) but I'm not willing to ignore what could be a serious warning sign.
Please note, once again, that I am NOT an expert and I am NOT recommending that ANYONE eliminate index funds and whatnot from their portfolios. I could very well be wrong on this. I pray that everyone does their own research and makes a decision that seems right to them.
A sound analysis. Perhaps there's a distinction to be made between "investing" and "trading?" I think index funds really only make sense for long term investing – and it has to be the sort of thing where you make regular investments every month so you don't dump a bunch of money in while the cost is high – you keep buying, so when the price goes down you end up averaging out your per share cost. I think there's a fancy name for that – dollar cost averaging maybe? Anyhow, when you invest that way you're betting that over the long haul (like 20 years or more) the market will go up.
Anyhow, I'm enjoying reading about your adventures with the market, and looking forward to future insights!
You are correct. There is quite a difference between short-term trading and investing. However, if you combine the basic principles of the two I do believe that one can maximize their gains overall. For instance, if one discovers a company that has hit their 52-week low, researches it to determine that the overall company is sound but has posted a loss (or lower gains) due to actively paying down debt, expansion, or whatever, you can determine that there isn't anything wrong with the company–they are just doing what they have to do in order to survive and grow. In that case, if you buy in at that 52-week low and hold until it reaches a new 52-week high, you can exit the trade with a profit without having to trade frequently. By doing this with dividend stocks, you have the added benefit of receiving dividends during the wait–which is a bonus.
That is just a theory, however. I am currently testing it. Considering the current market, I'm purchasing what I can in batches WITHOUT a safety net (no stops). That way I won't be sold out at a loss due to the market dropping unexpectedly. I plan to buy and hold until they go back up, selling them around the time I see they've hit a new 52-week high or have reached a price that I consider to be a good return on my investment. As I've discovered, dividend stocks are a bit more "durable" than non-dividend stocks, especially the ones who have been through more than one downturn, so the odds are in my favor even if I happen to miss something in my inexperience. Failures like Enron are not as common as many believe and stock prices are not always indicative of how well (or poorly) a company is doing. The majority of stock prices seem to be based on emotion–especially in the areas of extremely high or low prices.
Annie, you are so smart, wise and amazing! Great article. I'm sitting with most of my money out of the stock market right now because of everything you wrote. I got out of S&P 500 index funds a year ago. I got burned during the dotcom bust. Got through the 2008-09 mess without losing anything due to paying attention like you are doing. Once the next crash comes I'll back in the market when everything is on sale. Hope you realize much smart you are.
Aww, thank you! You are very smart to stay out of stocks right now if you are concerned. With interest rates rising again, you might want to consider investing in bonds. I gather that some of them are very safe places to put your money during a downturn.
As for me, oddly enough I am really enjoying this. I'm picking through the dividend stocks that have tanked in price so far, gauging my risk as well as the odds for a price uptick in the future. If their previous lowest low stock price (including back in 09-10) is close to double what they are currently trading at I buy in. I figure that since stocks have a habit of returning to their median price over time that the odds are fairly strong that in a year or so they will at least hit that previous low again–which means a potential doubling of my initial investment. In the meantime I'll receive dividends while I wait. Of course, I am also aware that I could be very, very wrong, so before any investment I literally say farewell to the money I've invested. That way, even if I happen to lose every single penny, I've come to peace with that knowledge. It also makes it a LOT easier to deal with the fact that sometimes they go lower than I expect–the story of which I plan to cover in a future post.
Hello Kelly! I hope you will agree to disagree on this point. As I said in my post, while at the moment I am leery, I have not ruled it out for future investments. Take care!


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A Prospect home has been given a jaw-dropping renovation
Three months after its previous sale, a Prospect character home is back on the market, having been given a complete renovation. Wait until you see the before and after photos.
1 Connaught Street, Prospect before and after its full renovation.
According to CoreLogic, this 1920s villa in Prospect previously sold in November last year for $525,000.
Now it's back on the market, with a price tag of $780,000 to $840,000, having been given a jaw-dropping makeover.
Selling agent Blake Scholz, of Ray White Unley, doesn't like to use the term "flip" but confirms the house, at 1 Connaught St has been improved for resale by vendors who are highly experienced renovators with access to a team of professional tradies.
"It's had a complete renovation from top to bottom — they've done everything," Mr Scholz says.
BEFORE: 1 Connaught St, Prospect
AFTER: 1 Connaught St, Prospect
"They (the vendors) have renovated a number of homes but they only do a couple over a year — they put their whole life on hold to renovate.
"It's not a cheap flip — you can see the quality of it."
Comparing images of the property currently listed on realestate.com.au to its previous advertisement from late last year, you can see it has been given a new frontage and paint job.
Inside, old carpets have been ripped up and either replaced or left to reveal floorboards that have been given a glamorous glossy, dark stain.
The floorplan has also been reconfigured to incorporate a luxury main bathroom with feature blue tiling, an ensuite to the main bedroom, and a new galley-style laundry.
A former retro timber kitchen with a lino floor has also been replaced with a new modern white-toned space with gloss cupboards, an island bench, stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher and a 900mm cooker.
Outside, a rear garden that was largely paved three months ago now includes lush green lawn and garden beds — and the same is true for the front.
Mr Scholz says the vendors even went as far as improving the council verge outside the home.
Necessary and often costly "hidden works" have also been completed, including rewiring and the installation of a new airconditioning system.
"The biggest difference is it didn't particularly look like a character home (previously), even though it was one," Mr Scholz says.
"They've brought it back to its former glory."
He says he has noticed a market swing towards renovated homes over the past 18 months to two years.
"A little while ago un-renovated homes would sell for almost the same as renovated homes — we had that Block effect," he says, referring to the TV renovation show.
Now, Mr Scholz says buyers are realising the true cost, time and organisation involved in DIY projects and are less keen on them.
He says the renovated Prospect home is already appealing to a wide range of buyers, including downsizers and young families.
"It's a real up-and-coming area," he says.
"We've had a lot of inquiries and 20-plus groups through the first open."
The home is for sale by private treaty.
According to CoreLogic, Prospect sits about 5km north of Adelaide's CBD and has a median house price of $700,000.
Originally published as Renovated delight ready for resale
Source: news.com.au
Contact Us For A Free Home Renovation Quote Today.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States
ADA Amendments Act of 2008
This guide offers a history of various movements by citizens in the United States to gain political and social freedom and equality. It highlights resources available through the library and also offers a list of current civil rights organizations.
Civil Rights for Blacks Toggle Dropdown
Jim Crow Era
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Non-Violent Demonstrations
Civil Rights Acts (1964, 1968)
1965 Voting Rights Act
The War on Drugs and Mass Incarceration
The Obama Administration
Women's Civil Rights Toggle Dropdown
Women and the Vote
Women's Reproductive Rights
The Equal Rights Amendment
Feminism and Intersectionality
LGBTQ Civil Rights Toggle Dropdown
The Stonewall Riots
National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights
The HIV/AIDS Epidemic
The 1990s, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and DOMA
A Timeline of the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.
Civil Rights for the Disabled
Disability Rights in the 1960s and 70s
The Equal Education Movement
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
Immigrant and Refugee Civil Rights Toggle Dropdown
Historical Overview - Immigration
Historical Actions Against Immigrants
Statistics and Research Databases - Immigration
Citizenship and Deportation
Rights of Immigrants
DACA and the DREAM Act
Refugees in the United States
Resources for Georgetown Students & Refugees
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) amended the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and other disability discrimination laws at the federal level.
The ADAAA was passed in September of 2008 in response to a number of decisions by the Supreme Court that had interpreted the original text of the ADA. Congress stated in its introduction to the ADAAA that those decisions limited the rights of persons with disabilities so the ADAAA reversed those decisions by broadening the law. Specifically, the ADAAA changed the definition of the term "disability" by clarifying and broadening it - which, in turn, increased the number and types of persons protected under the ADA and other federal nondiscrimination laws. The ADAAA was designed to strike a balance between employer and employee interests, as it was felt that employer interests had been favored too much previous to the amendments.
One thing that the ADAAA required was that courts interpreting the ADA and other federal disability laws focus on whether the covered entity had discriminated, rather than whether the individual seeking the law's protection had an impairment that fit within the technical definition of the term "disability." The Act retained the ADA's basic definition of "disability" as an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. It also retained the need for a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment. However, the ADAAA changed the way that the statutory terms should be interpreted, again in the interest of broadening the interpretation, rather than accepting the previous narrow interpretations.
Notable Supreme Court Cases:
Sutton et al. v. United Airlines, Inc., 527 U.S. 471 (1999) - this is the case where the Court's definition of "disabled" under the ADA led to instances where employers could terminate a person from a job because of a physical or mental condition and then argue the condition was not serious enough to constitute a disability.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. v. Williams, 534 U.S. 184 (2002) - in this case, the Court held that Congress intended to create a demanding standard to meet the definition of "disabled" in the ADA and suggested that people must be visibly and functionally unable to perform in specific, socially expected ways to be entitled to ADA protection.
U.S. Airways, Inc. v. Barnett, 535 U.S. 391 (2002) - this case gave the Court's characterization of "reasonable accommodations" as special and preferential, which fueled misconceptions that the ADA gave people with disabilities some type of advantage over those without disabilities.
Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Echazabal, 536 U.S. 73 (2002) - this case invited paternalistic conjecturing by employers and their physicians about perceived dangers to individuals with disabilities, often based on ignorance and misconceptions about particular conditions, and fostered perceptions that individuals with disabilities were commonly irrationally self-destructive.
Barnes v. Gorman, 536 U.S. 181 (2002) - in this case, the Court removed a potent potential sanction against egregious violators of Section 504 and Title II of the ADA.
Library Resources:
Amy Albright, The ADA Amendments Act and the EEOC's Implementing Regulations: Questions and Answers, KF3469.A3282008 A2 2013
Americans with Disabilities: Practice & Compliance Manual
BNA Disabilities Law Database
Disabilities Newsletter
U.S. Dept. of Justice Disability Rights Section
Overturned Cases
Signing of the ADAAA
<< Previous: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Next: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act >>
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2020 9:32 AM
URL: https://guides.ll.georgetown.edu/civilrights


The charge REI 45 DALLAS DALLAS TX was first reported Jan 6, 2014.
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Help other potential victims by sharing any available information about REI 45 DALLAS DALLAS TX.


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Careers in Public Health
Looking for an entry level job or internship in public health? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.
Photo Credit: Flickr user Ambernectar 13
Public Health is an interdisciplinary field that aims to prevent disease and promote health in the human population. Public health professionals work to understand the stages of a disease's spread as well as promote preventative measures and enter communities where a disease is prominent.
Because Public Health is interdisciplinary you can enter a number of fields depending on your interests; some possibilities for new and recent grads include health education, policy, communications, and research (including biostatistics and epidemiology). What you do in a typical day depends on which area of public health you enter, but you might analyze data, write a report, contact media about a health initiative, or teach a health class. Some of the top employers include public health departments, government agencies, research institutions, nonprofits, and medical facilities.
A bachelor's degree in a field related to your interests is necessary for most jobs in public health. A master's degree will help, but practical experience is more helpful.
Delivery Driver - No Experience Required - At least $16.50/hour
Amazon Delivery Service Partners Ashburn, VA View
Delivery Driver - No Experience Required
Uber Driver Gig - Earn $2100, guaranteed
Uber Ashburn, VA View
Occupational Health and Safety Officer
ServiceSource Oakton, VA View
C.R. England - Smithfield VA Students Greenway, VA View
Postmates Ashburn, VA View
Lead Customer Care Manager - Work From Home, US
Lumen Herndon, VA View
Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Public Health
The San Francisco Foundation - The San Francisco Foundation is a non-profit founded in 1948 "to pull the community together to create pride and unity and improve quality of life" in the Bay Area.
See the complete The San Francisco Foundation profile
National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition - National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition is an Alexandria, VA based non-profit started in response to the US Surgeon General's conference on infant mortality.
See the complete National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition profile
National Academy for State Health Policy - The National Academy for State Health Policy is a non-profit that helps "states achieve excellence in health policy and practice" by working with each other.
See the complete National Academy for State Health Policy profile
Social Impact - Social Impact is an Arlington, VA based management consulting firm that aims "to make international development more effective in improving people's lives."
See the complete Social Impact profile
William J. Clinton Foundation - The Clinton Foundation aims to "improve global health, strengthen economies worldwide, promote healthier childhoods, and protect the environment."
See the complete William J. Clinton Foundation profile
Peer Health Exchange - Peer Health Exchange is a non-profit organization that trains "college student volunteers to teach high school students a comprehensive health curriculum."
See the complete Peer Health Exchange profile
Health Leads - Health Leads is a Boston, MA based non-profit that prescribes critical resources like food, housing, health insurance, and more to low-income patients.
See the complete Health Leads profile
Results for Development Institute - Results for Development Institute is a Washington, DC based international development non-profit with some great job opportunities for new grads.
See the complete Results for Development Institute profile
HealthCorps - HealthCorps is a NYC based non-profit founded by Dr. Oz to help American students take charge of their health, and they're hiring.
See the complete HealthCorps profile
Association of Public Health Laboratories - The Association of Public Health Laboratories in Silver Spring, MD promotes public health labs and has some great job opportunities for new grads.
See the complete Association of Public Health Laboratories profile
Super Sprowtz - Super Sprowtz is an NYC based company that has developed a cast of "vegetable super heroes" to "entertain and educate children about healthy eating habits."
See the complete Super Sprowtz profile
Partnership for a Healthier America - Partnership for a Healthier America is a Washington, DC based non-profit that is fighting childhood obesity and possibly hiring new grads.
See the complete Partnership for a Healthier America profile
Public Health Solutions - Public Health Solutions is a New York, NY based non-profit that has a number of job openings that look perfect for grads with an interest in public health.
See the complete Public Health Solutions profile
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation - If you're interested in "improving health policy and practice," then a job with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation might be a great fit for you.
See the complete Robert Wood Johnson Foundation profile
charity: water - If you're moved by the the charity: water mission then you'll want to check out their amazing career opportunities.
See the complete charity: water profile
New England Healthcare Institute - If you're interested in public health, you should definitely take a look at the New England Healthcare Institute and their job opportunities.
See the complete New England Healthcare Institute profile
Center for Science in the Public Interest - If you're big on nutrition, then a job at the Center for Science in the Public Interest might be exactly what you're looking for.
See the complete Center for Science in the Public Interest profile
Center for Environmental Health - If you want to be a part of the Center for Environmental Health, then you should check out their Jobs page for more info.
See the complete Center for Environmental Health profile
Voxiva - If you're excited by Voxiva's health care innovation through mobile technology, based in Washington, DC, you should check out their Careers page.
See the complete Voxiva profile
The Partnership at Drugfree.org - If drugfree has a special meaning to you, then you should consider Careers at The Partnership at Drugfree.org.
See the complete The Partnership at Drugfree.org profile
Visions in Action - Visions in Action is a non-profit that works in four key program areas: Food Security, Education, Health, and International Exchange, and they're hiring.
See the complete Visions in Action profile
Disaster Accountability Project - If you're passionate about how our government deals with disasters, then you should get involved with the Disaster Accountability Project.
See the complete Disaster Accountability Project profile
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials - The ASTHO's vision is of "healthy people thriving in a nation free of preventable illness and injury" and they're hiring.
See the complete Association of State and Territorial Health Officials profile
The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics - The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics is at the forefront of fighting antibiotic resistance, so they'd be pretty cool to work for.
See the complete The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics profile
Check out the latest job and internship postings in public health.
See more companies with entry level jobs and internships in public health:


The Bonds are, unsubordinated and unsecured obligations of the Issuer and rank at least equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer except liabilities mandatorily preferred by law.
4.75% per annum, payable semi-annually (in two coupons of 2.375%) in arrears on 12 March and 12 September in each year, including the Maturity Date.
There is a Change of Control and a ratings downgrade of the Issuer below a certain rating, then holders of the Bonds can "Put" the Bonds back to the Issuer at a price of 101%.
Wesfarmers will not create any Security Interest on the Property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary or on any shares of stock in, or of any Subsidiary, in each case, to secure any present or future Indebtedness without effectively providing that the Bonds shall be secured equally and rateably with such secured Indebtedness, so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured.
any Security Interest which in an aggregate amount of all other Indebtedness of Wesfarmers and its Subsidiaries does not at any time exceed 15 per cent. of Total Assets.
Cross Default: Applicable, Threshold Amount is A$50,000,000.


Description of incident: Location : The M27 eastbound at junction J12 . Lane Closures : Lanes 1, 2 and 3 will be closed. Reason : Roadworks are planned. Status : Pending. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 12 August 2019 to 16 August 2019. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 14 October 2019 to 18 October 2019. Schedule : Expect disruption everyday between 22:00 and 06:00 from 9 December 2019 to 13 December 2019. Lanes Closed : All lanes will be closed.
The latest traffic reports, roadworks and travel news for the M27 road in City of Portsmouth.


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Summer heat wave death toll reaches 49
KRISTIN M. HALL
Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:23 UTC
Authorities in Memphis and Alabama reported more heat-related deaths Saturday, bringing the toll in the Southeast and Midwest to at least 49 since oppressive triple-digit temperatures settled over the region last week.
In Memphis alone, heat has been blamed as a factor in 12 deaths, mostly elderly victims, in nine days. A 62-year-old man was found dead in his home Friday, the Shelby County Medical Examiner's office announced. The body of a 77-year-old woman was found Thursday evening in her residence, where the temperature inside was 101.
Peru quake survivors grow desperate
FRANK BAJAK
The government sent the army Saturday to stop looting fueled by rising desperation in earthquake-shattered Peru, where tens of thousands were without fresh water and shivering families huddled in makeshift shelters at the center of the devastation.
In a soccer stadium in the port city of Pisco, more than 500 people rushed a lone truck that ran out little packets of crackers, candy and toilet paper, screaming that they had not eaten and accusing rescue workers of keeping supplies for themselves.
Hurricane Dean roars toward Jamaica
PORT-AU-PRINCE - Hurricane Dean bore down on Jamaica early Sunday amid concerns it could become "a potentially catastrophic" category five storm capable of causing death and widespread destruction.
Tourists fled resorts in the path of the storm and island residents battened down as the massive swell skirted the Dominican Republic and plowed towards Jamaica, the Caymans and the Mexican coast.
Wine before its time alarms Italy
Christine Spolar
Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:09 UTC
GROTTAFERRATA, Italy - Patrizia Filippi has no degree in meteorology or any idea how to calculate what scientists call extreme weather change. But the 43-year-old grape picker has been working this area's silky, volcanic soil for nearly three decades, and she knows what she sees:
This is an early harvest unlike anything that Italy, or any generation in her family, has experienced in memory.
Invasive Australian Jellyfish Sighted Outside Gulf Of Mexico
Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:45 UTC
The invasive Australian jellyfish, Phyllorhiza punctata, first reported in great quantities in the Gulf of Mexico in 2000, has made a vigorous reappearance this summer in waters from southwestern Louisiana to Morehead City, North Carolina. Beachgoers and boaters are encouraged to report their sightings of these exotic jellies to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab's jellyfish website, Dockwatch.
©Dan Martin/Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The Australian spotted jellyfish can weigh up to 25 pounds.
Toronto Summer driest in 50 years
Curtis Rush
This summer has been the driest in Toronto in almost 50 years, Environment Canada says.
And don't look for the situation to change anytime soon.
Many parts of Ontario, from Kitchener-Waterloo to York Region, are experiencing near-record droughts.
In Toronto, where we've had only 9.2 millimetres of rain since July 20, this summer has been the driest in almost 50 years, according to Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips.
Are B.C.'s bee colonies the latest to die off?
Alex Roslin
Georgia Strait
Jean-Marc Le Dorze is confounded by all the honeybees vanishing from his Mission apiary.
Kevin Statham photo.
What's happening to the bees? The fuzzy little honey-making critters are dying off like the dinosaurs, and no one knows why. In the U.S., according to a congressional report updated in June, up to 36 percent of 2.4 million bee colonies were wiped out last winter. Canadian beekeepers reported losses of one-third of this country's bees during the winter, including a 23-percent loss in British Columbia.
Tropical storm Erin blamed for 8 deaths in Texas
Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:40 UTC
At least eight deaths in southern U.S. state of Texas were blamed on tropical storm Erin which has brought at least 6 inches (15 cm) of rain to the state since Thursday,
One person was killed and another was hurt when a waterlogged roof collapsed at a Houston grocery store when Erin hit Texas Thursday, the Texas-based KPRC-TV reported on Friday.
©Josh Carrol
Flooded Houston. Thursday, August 16, 2007.
'New continent' and species discovered in Atlantic study
Census of Marine Life
A scientist from the University of Aberdeen is leading a team of international researchers whose work will continue our understanding of life in the deepest oceans, and contribute to the global Census of Marine Life.
Exploring life in the North Atlantic Ocean at various depths of 800 to 3,500 metres, a team of 31 scientists are returning from a five-week scientific expedition which has surfaced a wealth of new information and insights, stunning images and marine life specimens, with one species thought to be new to science.
Deadly mine 'bump' was recorded as 'unnatural' seismic event
Magnitude 1.6 seismic waves indicate downward motion
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations recorded a magnitude-1.6 seismic event at the time of a Thursday, Aug. 16 "bump" that killed and injured rescuers at a Utah coal mine where six miners were trapped by an Aug. 6 collapse.
Seismic waves from the event at about 6:39 p.m. MDT Thursday indicate downward motion, consistent with further settling and collapse within the mountain where the Crandall Canyon mine is located.


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How VR and 360 video can shake up the fashion and beauty industries
By Daniel Cheetham
09 September 2016, 09:09 a.m.
(c)iStock.com/SrdjanPav
It feels strange writing an article on how 360, virtual and augmented reality is impacting the fashion and beauty world, having never been a true fashionista.
I'm not as fashion monotone as Steve Jobs, who famously only ever wore black Issey Miyake turtleneck jumpers and jeans (for convenience sake he claimed) - in terms of my attempt achieving a look' often its pure luck as to whether I get them right, or go wildly off the mark and make a whole bunch of unintended statements..
However, since I joined Happy Finish my appreciation of the fashion world has taken a huge leap forward. Happy Finish has a strong history in fashion; it's how we started.
Working with the world's leading photographers, talented retouchers like our founders Rainer and Chris, we were trusted to take great fashion images and make them even greater. Fashion is in Happy Finish's DNA. So with such a heritage, it was obvious our interactive tech-focused division would be pioneering in new ways fashion brands communicate to the world.
Since our early research and development in 360 video, augmented and virtual reality, we've been working with fashion brands, developing concepts on how to use creative technology to evolve new wave content for them.
360 brand campaign
Our first Google Cardboard project for Ted Baker back in July 2014 was one of (if not the) world's first commercially funded/branded Cardboard campaigns. We filmed 360 video content scooting around the city on mopeds and added an interactive treasure hunt at key London landmarks.
Even back then, in what seems like the dark ages of virtual reality and 360 video, we were quickly discovering that the real opportunities with the tech for aspirational brands is not to create 30-second 360 video ad slots or to simply do the obvious and put a 360 camera in the front row of a fashion show.
360 video and virtual reality are mediums that gives us an opportunity to create compelling content that audiences wanted to engage with and to share. Content that acts as an extension of the brand and its products, not just a promotional tool, but part of the experience the brand promises.
Fast forward five years, and the idea of brands not using VR will seem ludicrous
VR and 360 content that is quite simply an ad will become commonplace at some point, but maybe not for a while yet. If the market starts bombarding the already fresh and likely tentative virtual reality users with advertisements, they may take their headsets off and leave them off for some time.
Content rules
So for now content is king in VR and 360, audiences will engage with VR and indeed AR content if it offers them something they want. And for fashion, that means providing a glimpse of a lifestyle audiences aspire to – whether that is some entertainment or art to while away a few minutes and to inspire, or something that they can share with peers and that will up their cool standing.
Working with great fashion focused creatives and recognised fashion photographers and filmmakers like Norbert Schoerner and Antoine Wagner has been great - we've been able to help each other progress the grammar of storytelling in VR and 360 content, pioneering with the medium to conjure new ways to tell the most compelling stories ever and bring brands to life in hugely immersive ways.
We are able to put the user in the centre of the brands world.
VR and 360 video breaks the fourth wall and captures 100% of the viewers' attention. It develops a direct path to the viewer's empathy in ways that build a deep connection with the content and ultimately, goes on to create powerful brand recall.
Add to this the new technology developments that allow us to add shopability to linear 360 content, and to heat map where viewers are spending their time looking, all of a sudden, the commercial impact of utilising VR as a channel can analytically be proven.
It's here to stay
Beyond all the hype of VR and 360 being a fad (which it's not), the reality of virtual reality is simply that is it just a new medium we must explore and master, that will allow us to tell stories in linear and interactive ways.
It will sit as part of the media mix brands use - as photography and video have come to over the past 100 years. Try to imagine how a brand like Charlotte Tilbury or Gucci would go to market without using video or photographic images; it's almost impossible to see how they'd manage. Now fast forward five years, and the idea of the same brands not using VR will seem equally as ludicrous.
We absolutely love creating VR content at Happy Finish, we work on some really cool technology-enthused things for many types of clients. But we particularly love how working with fashion and beauty clients allows us to explore the art in our craft, potentially more than any other sector is willing to allow us to.
Fortune favours the brave. The fashion and beauty world has always been about disruption and by its nature trend setting. And it's the brave disruptors in fashion and beauty who are now adopting VR and 360 content early and pushing the boundaries faster, willing to do things that other sectors may be nervous to try.
It will be the boldest brands that will benefit the most from this new content revolution.
Brands like Charlotte Tilbury, for example, for whom we have recently created another world first 360 project. The project represents the first time Kate Moss has appeared in a 360 experience, and it's also the first time that Nokia OZO camera has been used by a beauty brand.
» Consumers believe in 'extended reality' for future entertainment and retail ecosystem
» CBS Interactive partners with Unity Technologies for AR-related ad solution
Chief Interactive Officer,
Daniel Cheetham is Chief Interactive Officer at Happy Finish. He has guided the Interactive Division at Happy Finish to become one of the leaders in the creation of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences for commercial advertising clients and sometimes just for fun. Daniel has worked in interactive media for 14+ years working with a diverse array of clients such as Lexus, VW, Universal Music, Channel 4, Rolex, Asda, Lamborghini to name a few.


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Blog: Mike Holmes, making it right!
Mike Holmes, making it right!
Removing supporting structures underneath to create an open-concept design can lead to sloping floors.
If you think there might be a "huge problem," that's already a problem. If you aren't an experienced homeowner, or a professional in the building trades, even small problems can overwhelm you emotionally and financially.
In this case, they say that all floors from the outside walls are sloping towards the middle of the house. They even feel queasy standing on the floor. There's one wall in the kitchen that isn't flush with the countertop.
They want to make an offer on this house, but wonder if they should.
C'mon Jenna and Chris. If you feel nauseated just standing on the floor, I think you know the answer.
That house has a structural problem; I can tell that without even seeing it, from the description.
There are clues that indicate structural problems in a house: floors out of level, windows and doors sticking, bouncy floors, or floors that sag in spots. And not all structural problems are a big deal. But if all the floors in the house slope to the middle, that says something serious. This is not a quick fix, and for a first-time homeowner with a limited budget and not much experience with houses, I'd stay away.
There are lots of reasons that might cause sloping floors in a home.
There might be foundation issues or problems with sinking. The sill beam or floor joists might be rotted out or have been eaten by termites.
But one of the most common is people cutting through the structure to run plumbing or wiring or duct work. Or, someone has removed supporting structure underneath to create an open-concept design.
Professionals can cut joists to run piping or wiring, but it's got to be done properly, without weakening them. I suspect someone might have removed critical support. But, without seeing it, I can't be sure. You need to bring in professionals who can assess the house's structure.
Structural problems can be fixed. With houses, pretty much anything can be done; it's just a matter of skill, experience, time and of course, money. Joists that have been cut and compromised can be replaced or sistered. You can jack up the whole house to replace a rotten sill beam. A crumbling foundation can be excavated and repaired. But these are big, expensive jobs. You'd better be sure the low price for your "fixer-upper" makes up for the cost of the fix.
To me, the real problem here is the fact that they fell in love with the first house they saw. Don't fall in love with a house! Save your love for people and pets.
The housing market is like a nightclub. Every house is dressed up, looking its best, all flaws covered up. You need to have a good wingman before you go out. The first thing Jenna and Chris need to do is have an inspection by a qualified home inspector — that's your wingman in the housing market. I'd call a structural engineer in as well.
For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
Catch Mike in his brand-new series, Holmes Inspection, airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV. For more information visit hgtv.ca.
Do you have a question about home renovations? Email mike@makeitright.ca.


Justin Theroux's Neighbor Sides with Jen Aniston ... He Made Her Live in Squalor!!!
10:30 AM PT -- A rep for Justin tells TMZ ... "Resnicow's bizarre comments might carry more weight had he ever actually met Jen or toured Justin's apartment, neither of which has ever happened."
As for the alleged water damage ... the rep says Justin's deck and apartment had nothing to do with it.
Justin Theroux's neighbor -- who thinks Justin's the Devil -- says he has no beef with Jennifer Aniston and feels sorry for her that Justin made her live in a s**thole apartment she hated from the get-go.
Norman Resnicow tells TMZ ... Jen's always been nice to him and he feels sorry for her, because he believes Justin tried to force her to like his NYC pad and then bailed on her because she didn't.
Resnicow says ... "Everyone knows Jennifer hated the place," and suggests she get top lawyers to protect herself against Theroux, "who is acting crummy to her like he did to me." He adds he's rooting for Jen because she named her most beloved dog Norman.
Norman, who is in a legal blood war with Justin over apartment stuff, says Justin has a lot of nerve because, "Hey, I'm the guy he asked to help ease moving of his previous girlfriend out of the building."
Norman just filed new legal docs in his ongoing legal war, claiming water damage from Justin's apartment has seeped into his living room, causing it to become mold-infested. Norman says it's so bad, he's taking meds to deal with the ill effects.


Dog Days in the Heartland will be screening November 8th, 2017 at 7pm at the Wentzville Tower 12 B&B Theatre. This is a limited run engagement. Contact theater for details (636) 590-7472 or visit bbtheatres.com.


Well I wasn't expecting this one. I could've sworn DC would give one of the remaining 52 #1 spots to Captain Marvel, but I guess they have to leave some thunder for another day.
ACTION COMICS #1 Grant Morrison sure likes to rock the boat and see who flips. Following his definitive All Star Superman, Grant returns with a Superman defending a world that doesn't trust their first super-hero. Art; Rags Morales.
SUPERGIRL #1 She's a teenager with the powers of Superman, without his affection for us humans. Yikes! Writers; Michael Green and Mike Johnson, Art; Mahmud Asrar.
SUPERMAN #1 Superman, but not as you knew him, by writer George Perez. Art; Jesus Merino.
SUPERBOY #1: A failure of an experiment, Superboy is about to show the world exactly what a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA can do. Writer; Scott Lobdell, Art; R.B. Silva and Rob Lean.
Even in the hands of Morrison, another Superman origin story is overkill. Was Secret Origin inadequate?
I don't know. I want to trust that DC knows what they're doing but I have a sinking feeling that this whole "reboot and renumber everything" idea is...not so good.
Hey Doug and Pensol - thanks for the great comments!
@Pensol My biggest worry is that some great titles will lose out, get cancelled and that will be it. Still my spider-sense is tingling. I think there's a catch that DC hasn't announced yet. I mean where is the JSA?


The product which is unique in nature has a special formula for slimming with a number of benefits. The product eventually helps in reducing weight. The amazing benefits of the slimming pill are it helps to boost energy and prevents excess fat storage in the body. The product helps in burning fat and improves the mood and the product Phenq also helps in suppressing hunger.
Phenq: The pill is based on In-PhentermineQ and other ingredients. It is a stimulant and helps the nervous system which in turn helps to lower the appetite. Phenq is different from other weight loss pills. It does not focus on one element. It is a natural element and helps in melting fat deposits and also enables muscle growth. It also helps in speeding up the recovery process. You need not be in a dilemma whether the product works or not as it is the right solution instead of many.
The pill helps in attacking the weight loss in different ways. Even though the body is a natural burner of fat stored fat and energy converter, the process may be faster or slower depending upon the individual lifestyle, diet and genetics and hormones and level of activity. The pill acts as the supplement in speeding up the process.
The pill also helps in influencing the metabolism in such a way that whatever you eat will not be stored as fat instead of that it will be converted into various production process such as generating energy. The sensation of hunger is created in the brain, the chemicals present in the pill helps in altering or modifying.
Side effects: Unless until you respect proper daily dosage you need not afraid. You may experience headaches, jitteriness, nausea and anxiety may happen and pass. You may feel the shortness of breath or on the brisk of passing out, swelling in the feet and ankles, chest pain and regular or strange heart beat. It may also create swinging moods and confusion and irritability and are rarely observed if such symptoms are observed go for a consultation.
The most and usual common side effects are dizziness and dry mouth and tremors and unusual taste restlessness even mild digestive problems are also experienced. Stomach pain and gas and diarrhoea. Persons having heart disease and thyroid should not use this pill. A pregnant woman and nursing woman should not take this supplement. Consult the physician or pharmacist before using this pill. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any diseases before you start using these pills. Consumption of alcohol may increase the side effects. If you are taking any drugs may cause interactions. These compounds are not dangerous and are natural and also have been proved as beneficial while various interactions may cause trouble.
Daily Dosage: you will have to take two pills for the day, one with your breakfast and the other with your lunch. The usage for a month may show visible changes and incredible results can be observed in 5 months. Use only specific quantity and concentration prescribed in order for the pill to be effective.


Sani-Duct minimise fire risk and enhance cleanliness by removing grease deposits from Kitchen extract systems with a regular cleaning program to HVCA TR19 Standards.
Prior to cleaning a programme is discussed and agreed with the client. Appropriate methods and devices are used. All works are performed to internationally recognised standards.
From free no obligation cleaning inspections to detailed reports with independent laboratory analysis, Sani-Duct tailor surveys to individual needs.
Sani-Duct Installations was incorporated in April 1990. It was formed with a firm knowledge and understanding of air conditioning and ventilation systems, obtained from the HVCA Industry. This knowledge we believe, is fundamental in the effective performance of Indoor Air Hygiene services.
Customer care and satisfaction has always been of paramount importance. Accreditation to ISO 9001:2008 ensures that we continually seek to improve the quality of our works and increase the satisfaction of our customers.
Sani-Duct is a member of the only internationally recognised body for ductwork cleaning: NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) was instrumental in the formation of EVHA (European Ventilation Hygiene Association) and continues to apply the high standards set down by both NADCA and EVHA to all works.
Health and Safety has become increasingly important and our policies and procedures have been accredited by SAFEcontractor.
Technology and expertise is considered of equal importance in the efficient and effective conduct of our services. Continual investment in both training and technology, ensures improved performance within our field.


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Jonas Brothers Notch First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 as 'Sucker' Blasts In On Top
Jonas Brothers' comeback single "Sucker" rockets onto the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart (dated March 16) at No. 1, marking their first leader on the list.
The group, consisting of Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas, initially appeared on the chart over 12 years go and reached a prior No. 5 high with "Burnin' Up" in 2008.
Jonas Brothers, who formed in 2005, ascended to boy band royalty soon after thanks to their numerous Disney TV and film projects, in addition to their music, which included a pair of No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart in 2008 and 2009. After their split in 2013, they announced their reunion Feb. 28 and released "Sucker," and its official video, the following day (at midnight ET on March 1).
Read More at Billboard
Posted by Azania Tuesday, March 12, 2019 2:00:00 PM
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#97422 – 1987 Washington Revisits Valley Forge
- Fleetwood Commemorative Cover
Washington Winters At Valley Forge
From December 19, 1777, to June 18, 1778, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, camped at Valley Forge.
Following the crushing defeats at Philadelphia and Germantown in late 1777, General George Washington led his men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on December 19. In addition to the recent losses that had dampened the men's spirits, there was little food and inadequate clothing for the harsh winter conditions ahead. Crude huts were hastily constructed to provide some type of shelter. It was only when the last of 10,000 men had moved into sturdier structures that Washington abandoned his own tent in favor of the relative comfort of a cabin.
Valley Forge is located about 25 miles west of Philadelphia, along the Schuylkill River. Washington chose to camp at Valley Forge due to its defendable location and proximity to farm supplies and trade routes. But the winter was unusually harsh. As the months dragged on, food became scarce and uniforms and boots became too tattered to patch. Some troops spent the winter in their huts, naked and starving. Exposed feet left bloody footprints in the snow surrounding the encampment.
Nearly 3,000 soldiers died during the winter at Valley Forge, and the smallpox epidemic rendered many others too sick to fight. Although Washington was severely criticized, he held his position throughout the winter and spring. In spite of all the difficulties, he was able to improve the skill of his troops.
Washington's determined leadership, and that of the officers under his command such as the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron Frederick von Steuben, held the troops together. In fact, when a small group of officers attempted to stir sentiment against Washington, Lafayette was one of the general's staunchest supporters.
Baron von Steuben was a Prussian officer who offered his services to Washington in early 1778. At Valley Forge, von Steuben was put in charge of training soldiers. He selected 120 men from different regiments to form an honor guard that would then train the other troops. He spoke little English, so when he was frustrated he would call to his translator, "Over here! Swear at him for me!" His ability to swear in multiple languages, and his willingness to work with the men, made him very popular. Despite the colorful language, von Steuben's system of training worked well.
By the spring of 1778, the patriots had become a disciplined and well-trained army. The winter at Valley Forge tested the loyalty and strength of the American troops – only dedicated patriots stayed with the Continental Army. The shared hardships toughened the American army and solidified its determination. The recently defeated, undisciplined troops that entered Valley Forge in December emerged a highly skilled fighting force in June.
#4822a-23a
2014 First-Class Forever Stamp - The Medal of Honor: Korean War
#UX66
US 1973 8c Samuel Adams Postal Card
1981 20c James Hoban
2001 34c Honoring Veterans
1973 8c Boston Tea Party
2004 37c National World War II Memorial
1988 Congress Announces Constitution Ratified
1981 18c & 20c Hoban
1987 Mason Publishes His Objections
1987 Massachusetts Issues Call/Ratification
US 1977 9c Nathan Hale Postal Card
US 1971 6c Paul Revere Postal Card
1928 2c Valley Forge Issue: Washington at Prayer
1988 Volume 1 of Federalists Papers Published
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1951 3¢ Battle of Brooklyn
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15c Constitution Hall, Washington, DC


Charles, a longstanding City employee, began his service to the City in 1998, as Assistant City Controller for the Philadelphia City Controller's Office. His stellar career and rise through city government is in large part due to his advocacy for persons with disabilities and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); leading him to be appointed as the Chairperson of the Barrier Free Design Committee for the MCPD and a member of the Accessibility Advisory Board for Licenses and Inspection.
In 2006, Mr. Horton was appointed as the Deputy Director/Accessibility Compliance Specialist for the MCPD. In this role, he advises the Mayor, his administration and city departments regarding disability related issues, promotes the development of programs and services in the public and private sectors, insures the rights and privileges of full citizenship of people with disabilities, promotes self-advocacy, self-awareness and independence and assists people with disabilities through referral, information, and direct service.
In 2012, Charles added to his responsibilities, becoming Assistant Deputy Mayor/Executive Director for the MCPD.
Charles serves on numerous boards and committees including but not limited to the National Disabilities Cities Associations Committee for City Offices servicing people with disabilities in the United States.


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The 2010 Indians: Waiting For Next Year
By Jay Updated Apr 5, 2010, 8:20am EDT
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I might as well call this one "Why We'll Lose" -- and there won't be a counterpoint tomorrow, either. Not from me, anyway.
As an Indians fan, I spent the entire winter in a deep funk. Maybe deeper than most here, but maybe not. I passed on a chance to do an Indians 2010 Annual, got my family moved and situated, got myself healthy. I focused on being a dad and running my business. Both things are going great, by the way, so great that I've been forced to wonder just why exactly I would even consider devoting my time to the punishment that following and writing about this team had become. From the introduction to last year's Annual through the last installment of "Fire Everyone!", I wrote a whole lot about last season's Cleveland Indians. Maybe I'd written enough.
We've been bad before, of course. Really bad, and for decades. Obviously. But the disappointment of the 2009 season was unprecedented. We started out as the division favorites -- not by a mile or anything, but favorites nonetheless. More than that, we started out as a team carrying out a plan to contend for the next two-to-six years in a row, maybe taking a year off here or there to reload, depending on how the ball bounced. Maybe we'd make the playoffs twice, maybe even three times, by 2014. Maybe we'd be in the hunt four years out of six. Something like that.
So it wasn't that the season was thoroughly tanked by June (though it certainly was). We saw that in 2006 and 2008, not to mention almost every season from my birth clear through my 24th birthday. No big deal, that. No, the real bummer — the unique and profound bummer — was that we'd already more or less tanked 2010 as well, and probably 2011. Beyond that, the systemic, economic weight against the Indians looked far heavier than it ever had before, and the overall competence of the front office looked far lighter.
Somewhere between the haze of the deathless stretch run and the humiliation of a Sabathia-Lee matchup to see which snotty trust fund kid was going to win all the marbles, it became reasonable to wonder if we had any shot at all, next year, the year after, or anytime in the next decade. Where is the smart money, I wondered, on the Indians' chances to make the playoffs between 2010 and 2016? What's the over-under on playoff berths? Is it 2.0? Is it 1.0?
Which is more likely: That we'll make two or more trips to the postseason in the next six years, or that we'll make zero?
Again, it's not just being terrible. Been there, done that. It's the disappointment. The Indians of our youth were a bad organization, but from 1994 to 2007, we learned a new lesson. We learned that the Indians could have a great organization, a smart organization. The Indians could employ people who were capable of building a winning ballclub. It was possible.
After 2009, it's fair to wonder if it's really still possible. To wonder if our front office isn't good enough. To recognize, soberly, that despite incremental improvements to the game's economics in the last two labor deals, the deck is stacked against the Indians even more severely than ever before, with no real end in sight.
Naturally, it must also be said, I did this to myself. I set out to make the case that Shapiro should be fired, almost entirely as an intellectual exercise. I ended up convincing myself that this front office may really have a critical deficit that isn't apparently going to be fixed anytime soon. I set out to write, for Yahoo!, about the experience of being an Indians fan, watching that World Series Game One matchup. I found that I couldn't write an article about that turn of events without stating the single, most essential truth behind it: It was a complete travesty, and it was rooted entirely in the game's economics. (The regular Yahoo! guy wrote a puff-piece about how proud Carl Willis was to see it. My take: Carl Willis can blow me, and he's more likely to actually do that than to coach a good bullpen.)
And then, when it was all over, I had to sit through days and days of knee-jerk hagiography of the Yankees, while waiting for any of the national media to report just once on the fans of 20-odd other teams who were losing what Selig called "hope and faith," as the Yankees bought and paid for their 28th title. I never saw that story on ESPN. No, they were too busy kneeling before the phallus of New Yankee Stadium, presenting another box of championship cock-rings, which are apparently large and shiny enough to obscure the shriveled testicles of a roster that, in a better world, would be held up in disgrace.
Before I lose the plot here entirely, my point is that with no outrage in the media — over what the Yankees did, how they did it, and the nation of baseball fans they did it to — then there's little chance of the system changing anytime soon. (Just look at the dicking around Selig and his latest blue-ribbon panel have been doing. Rather than addressing the core problem — a system of built-in monstrously unfair advantages for a handful of massive-market clubs and doubly so for the Yankees — they want to concoct a system to accommodate the game's economic hegemony. When your team sucks, they can can choose to be in the same division with the Yankees — you know, for the ticket sales! — and then move out of the division when they might be good — you know, because the Yankees of course will be even better! The worst part is, these people apparently think this is a serious idea.)
So is it really that bad for the 2010 Indians? No, it is not quite that bad. Short term, it's not as bad as our local scribes think. But it isn't good, either. We do not need for three or four things to break our way in order to have a mediocre team, as Ocker has written. We are probably going to be mediocre, with only an average number of things going right and wrong this season. The real problem is that if we're not mediocre, we're more likely to be bad than good.
I think there's something important about the Indians that the projection systems are not catching. Not really about the Indians per se, but about clubs with vulnerable pitching staffs. Yes, the lineup is probably going to be good. It might merely be average, as it was last year, but it's just as likely to be one of the best in the league. No big revelation there. Every projection system that I've seen essentially projects individual performances and then aggregates them. I think this works perfectly well for hitters. I think it does not work all that well for pitchers.
In other words, there is a cumulative effect to inadequate pitching that is far greater than mere aggregation reveals.
I'm talking about a cascade of performance and health failures in the rotation that end with Jeremy Sowers getting another ten weeks to put up a 6.50 ERA in the majors this season. The same kind of sequence of events that ended up with Tomo Ohka in the 2009 rotation. I'm talking about the likelihood of something that happening, given the significant possibility of our having zero starters that make it to 160 IP this season. When a pitching staff goes bad, the whole is even more miserable than the sum of its miserable parts.
I'm also talking about Aaron Laffey and the continuing failure of this organization to build a league-average bullpen. Nothing has killed us over the past six seasons like our bullpens — it is our one, clear-cut example of Indians Exceptionalism. Moving Laffey to the bullpen is a reflection of two things that should be obvious from an objective reading of the data. One, that Laffey has limited upside as a starting pitcher — in particular, limited upside as an innings-eater, which is what we really need from our starters at this point. Two, that the Indians need him in the bullpen purely so that they can make an attempt — an attempt! — to have something better than an utter catastrophe there. Again.
And that, in a nutshell, is what the projections are missing. I do not believe for one second that 10,000 coin-flips later, the average result for the 2010 Indians is 79 wins. No way. I think there is a significant chance that the pitching collapses entirely. I think out of every possible result, quite a few of them involve a truly great lineup that can't get slug its way to more than 75 wins.
So where does this leave us, as Indians fans heading into the 2010 season? Are we facing a season like 2003 or 2004? I don't think so. I think we're looking at 1992, coming off a truly awful season, with a bunch of promising talent in the farm system. Only this time, there is no new stadium around the corner, and there is no economic boom on the horizon. The Indians will not be hip in a few years; if we're lucky, they'll be edgy. Just as surely as Jobu can't hit a curveball, there is no revenue salvation coming in the next few years. We will not have a top-five payroll, probably not even top ten.
So it's gut-check time, my friends. We may well have two 76-win seasons coming our way now, but they won't be followed by a jump that brings us within 10% of the Yankees payroll. If we win, it'll only be because the moves our new GM made worked out really well, and that may or may not happen.
Are you ready for that? Ready to love Indians baseball, just because it's Indians baseball?
Ready to follow individual players and root root root for a mediocre team, repeating every year that maybe, just maybe, we might just put it all together next season?
Are you ready to savor young, budding players like Cabrera and Santana, cheer on stars in their primes like Sizemore and Choo? Are you ready to do it knowing that we're probably not going to playoffs — probably not this year, and probably not next year either?
I'm not here to rain on anybody's parade, honest. I just think we need to face up to the redefinition of Indians fandom that lays before us now. We are not following the new, improved version of the Billy Beane A's. We are not the new, zippy Tampa Bay Rays, only with more fans — yes, we do have a lot more fans than the Rays, even now, but they're not buying season tickets. We are a small-market club in a declining town, run by an organization that's pretty great at some things, but certainly not at everything. We have plenty of talent, but a lot of it is still in the minors, and nobody's afraid of us.
There are two things we have going for us as fans, however. One, low expectations. Rank-and-file Cleveland fans are expecting a win total in the low 70s. We'd be smart to join them; I can't see any possible upside to expecting the team to approach .500 any more closely than that. If we make a run at something, we can treat it like a minor miracle — which is, in fact, what it will be. Two, we can say good-bye to the front-runners. Let's be honest, we were sick of those people anyway. Many LGT readers came of age with a winning ballcub, and of course there's nothing wrong with that. If they're sticking around, though, they're about to be initiated into what it really means to be an Indians fan. They shouldn't kid themselves. We probably aren't at the start of something great — unless by "great" you mean devotedly following a team that's going to lose, over and over again.
And you know what? Maybe that is what we mean by "great." That is what many of us have done for most of our lives. We've been Indians fans, and they've been terrible — and it's been great. The Indians have up years and down years, mostly the latter. We stay the same. It's part of who we are. This is how we were raised, and God help them, it's how we're raising our own kids.
So go ahead, get yourself excited about the 2010 season. There's plenty to see here, just probably not a playoff berth.
Let's see if Cabrera and Choo can get themselves to an All-Star Game, and if Sizemore can get back to 30-30, or even better. Let's see if Carmona and Hafner can somehow get back whatever it was that once made them so ridiculously good. Let's see if Westbrook can revive his career, and if Huff can get one started. Let's see Carlos Santana throw out a runner in the top half of an inning, and then put that first moon shot deep in the seats in the bottom half. Let's see Rondon get knocked around in his first big-league start, and then throw a shutout in September. Let's see Chisenhall, Hagadone, Gomez and the rest.
Let's see all the things that you couldn't make up if you tried but are going to happen anyway. It is still baseball, after all. Still the sport of working men, philosophers, poets, and warrior-statisticians alike. And these are still our Cleveland Indians.
N&N: Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill are ready to break out further Morning news and notes for Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2021


Price drop. Want this gone.
Joe! It's me again, the guy that bought the rotors! Which are absolutely amazing I might add, how much would this be shipped to my place! 92584! Thank you!!
Hey! Glad to hear the rotors are working out.
$15 would cover shipping for the catch can.
Crap Joe; sorry didn't see this reply here. Still have it?!
Yeah man. Still got it.
So in short around $90+ - shipped? Aren't these like $100 brand new?
They are $120 brand new. The one I'm selling is also brand new and 25% cheaper.


For the Catholic parishes of St. Bernard of Rockport, St. Martin of Chrisney, and St. John Chrysostom of New Boston, it seems good things come in threes. Our youth group is composed of three churches, and we serve the three distinct units of the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Keeping with the theme, this June we plan on attending our third annual mission trip. From the experiences we have gained through mission trips organized by the Catholic Heart Workcamp in Toledo, Ohio, and Mishawaka, Indiana, we believe we have the knowledge, ability, and calling to lead a similar mission trip here in Spencer County.
As we look back upon the previous mission trips, our youth group, comprised of approximately 40 teenagers, would agree that spending the week performing service for other people was more rewarding, worthwhile, and enjoyable than any other activity we did throughout the summer. As Catholics, we are called to live the Beatitudes, which are eight basic statements taught by Jesus that we should all strive to follow. During the week of service, we lived the Beatitudes by clothing the naked, comforting the poor, and giving food to the hungry.
Two summers ago, I volunteered at a community center that provided free clothing, food, and shelter to low-income families. Upon entering the building, which was a converted Catholic church about the size of St. Bernard's Church, I was shocked by the donations that were piled up in a manner similar to TLC's show "Hoarders: Buried Alive." As a teenage male who cringes when ordered to fold laundry at home, I did not feel "divinely called" to sort through the mounds of "treasures." However, I was quickly humbled to discover the positive impact I was able to generate upon the impoverished community.
With the same spirit, we believe we can have a positive impact here in our local community of Spencer County. From June 2nd through the 7th, St. Bernard Catholic Church in Rockport will act as our base camp as we attempt to revitalize the communities and homes of the elderly, disabled, and people who cannot afford basic repairs. Like the mission trips we attended over the previous summers, we plan to host our own "Catholic Mission Adventure," or CMA (not to be confused with the Country Music Awards!). Along with the service projects and interactive activities, there will be praise through music, Mass, Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and other religious services to enhance each participant's religious spirit. The Catholic Mission Adventure is open to incoming high school freshmen through seniors in college. Although we are close to home, everyone who commits to our Catholic Mission Adventure will stay at St. Bernard Parish the entire week in order to ensure that the maximum experience is had by all.
Your prayers and other donations are greatly appreciated as we attempt to prepare for our service project to benefit our local communities.