Thursday, May 31, 2007

Doctoral Degrees

A graduate student who wishes to earn a doctoral degree can now consider the PhD and PsyD programs available from Capella University. Capella University is especially attractive to students who cannot leave their family or job responsibilities to pursue graduate degrees at a traditional university campus.

Capella, a fully online university, offers a broad array of programs by means of the internet. The doctoral programs available include psychology, education, human services, and business and technology.

No university can function properly without a faculty dedicated to both teaching and research. Sara Orem, PhD, a member of the faculty at Capella University, recently co-authored Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change. The book’s other co-authors are Jacqueline Binkert, PhD, and Ann Clancy, PhD.

Appreciative Coaching takes the position that groups and individuals succeed when they concentrate on ideals, achievements, and best practices. The book suggests that one can reach success by following a path though four stages--Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny.

Capella University presently serves over 17,900 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, logon to Capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Vacation

New Moon is on vacation. Back soon.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Pat and Ron

I'm sitting here on a warm evening, listening to the Cubs-Marlins game on WGN radio. As always, Pat Hughes calls the game and Ron Santo enlivens the broadcast with beautifully phrased color commentary.

In these difficult times, Cubs fans should give thanks that we have Pat and Ron.

We don't have Ernie Banks. We don't have Harry Carey. But we still have Pat and Ron.

(The Marlins just scored four runs in the 8th inning.)

So don't whine and complain. I'll do enough of that for everyone.

When you say your prayers tonight, give thanks for Pat and Ron.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Another Way To Lose

Just when you think you've seen it all, the Cubs find another way to lose. In yesterday's loss to the Dodgers, the umpire ruled that the last pitch of the game hit Juan Pierre, thereby forcing in the winning run for LA.

As a general rule, you shouldn't throw a pitch that hits a batter when the bases are loaded, especially not in the 11th inning, when one run wins the game for the opposing team. There's no way that that pitch can help you. It violates all the conventions of the game.

So why did it happen? Because that's the way the Cubs play baseball.

I've heard all the stuff about perfecting the bullpen, the need to score more runs to support your pitcher, and the importance of having a confident outlook.

Today is Monday. At this moment, the Cubs trail Florida at the end of seven innings. The Cubs will lose.

The Cubs lose because that's the one thing they're really good at.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Zambrano's Performance

Carlos Zambrano looked good during yesterday's game with the Dodgers. I especially liked the way he got upset with himself after serving up a home run pitch to Wilson Betemit in the seventh inning. He gave a good performance.

That's what I like about the Cubs. Good theater. The tradition goes back for decades.

But good theater doesn't lead to a winning season. I predict that the Cubs will finish dead last in the Central Division.

You heard it here last. I merely follow the crowd.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Place Your Bets

The Associated Press reported on May 25 that "Two dozen people cheated casinos in several states and Canada out of at least $3.3 million over five years by using technology and bribes to rig card games, federal prosecutors alleged in indictments unsealed Thursday."

All this alleging took place in San Diego and Seattle.

Why do I not care if these people stole from casinos? Casinos cheat ignorant people out of their money every day.

The only people who always make money in casinos are the people who own the casinos. They set the odds, and the odds always favor the house.

Throughout the rust belt, in cities that once had factories that provided good jobs and useful products, casinos have replaced the factories. The casinos pay low wages and produce nothing but gambling addicts.

I don't know or care who stole from the casinos. They were indicted. When will the prosecutors indict the cheaters who own the casinos?

Beach Vacation

I live in the northern part of the United States, where spring often arrives slowly. While digging through the snow, I sometimes think about white beaches, clear ocean water, and other advantages we don't have where I live. At times like those, I see the value of Vacations.net.

At Vacations.net, I can find resort vacations for as much as 50 percent off the normal rates. With bargains like that, I can take the whole family to a Great Beach Vacation. Pack the bags, lock the doors, and let's go. And if I can do it, so can you.

Vacations.net has redesigned its website to offer up-scale resort vacations at discount rates. The site provides an intuitive booking engine, thorough content, and compelling images. And best of all, the site is easy to use.

A trip to Vacations.net provides virtual tours, detailed information about accommodations, and everything you need to know about resort vacations in places such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

For reservations and all the info you need, visit www.vacations.net, or call 1-888-205-3315. Paradise arrives early this year.

Cub-Padre Nightmare

I got home during the fifth inning of Friday night's horror movie.

I saw the Cubs rally in the seventh inning. I saw the Dodgers rally in the ninth.

I think I'll take a long trip. Maybe I'll go to Fiji. Maybe I'll go to Tibet. Maybe I'll never come back to Chicago.

Saturday's game with Los Angeles in now on television. Maybe I'll turn it off and pack my bags.

Friday, May 25, 2007

New Moon Out for the Night

The New Moon staff will be out for the night, attending an uplifting cultural event somewhere within the 48 contiguous states.

Do try to make it through the game without us. It will be on TV, you know. Enjoy it.

If the cultural event turns out to be not the least bit uplifting, the New Moon staff will regret that it didn't stay home to watch the Cubs tear the Dodgers apart.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Cubs Launch Hit Parade

The Cubs went on a hitting spree in the top of the ninth to restore order with the Padres Thursday night in San Diego.

Jason Marquis gave up five hits in seven innings and now has an ERA of 2.60.

Marquis can throw strikes, and sometimes the Cubs can hit when needed.

Things To Worry About

Going into tonight's series-ending game in San Diego, Cub fanatics have several things to worry about.

Will Jason Marquis continue to pitch as well as he has all season?

Will the Cubs score any runs to support Marquis?

Will I run out of beer before the game is over?

Marquis has a 5-1 record, with an ERA of 2.76. He also has a batting average of .240, which is better than some of his teammates that I prefer not to name.

If the other Cubs in tonight's game forget which end of the bat to hold, Marquis may have to provide his own offense.

Good luck to us all.

Gold Coins

During a person's work life, the wise saver puts money away in various investments. Stocks, bonds, and savings accounts provide examples of ways to save for retirement or other anticipated expenses. Frequently, people forget about some of the oldest investments in the world: gold, silver, and other precious metals.

For thousands of years, people have conserved their wealth by converting it to gold. In the present era, the Monex Deposit Company makes it possible for the general public to buy gold coin. Many investors like to purchase American eagle coins. One can also purchase gold ingots. Monex will deliver the gold to whatever independent bank or depository you prefer.

Monex also provides a convenient way for the public to buy silver. Silver may be especially attractive to investors at the present time. Yearly demand for silver now exceeds production. The world’s silver reserves are growing smaller and may soon drop to nothing. Regardless of whether you prefer coins or ingots, Monex can provide competitive prices.

No one should suggest that you put all your wealth into gold and silver, but consider purchasing these rare and beautiful metals as a safeguard for whatever amount of your accumulated wealth you wish. In unpredictable economic times, gold and silver are among the only sure guardians of your wealth.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

He Can Throw Strikes

Major conclusion about tonight's game: Marshall can throw strikes.

This is important. We don't like to see our pitchers walk a guy when the bases are loaded. We like our pitchers to make the opposing batters hit the ball and give our fielders some exercise.

Fielders get bored and go to sleep in their shoes. They need to see balls coming their way. They like to play the game. They like to make outs.

Marshall gave up only four hits. Unfortunately, one was a home run.

The Cubs lost 2-1, even though they got three more hits than the Padres. It would have been nice if Cubs batters could have scored more than one run. But life is like that.

Marshall can throw strikes.

After Five Innings

After five innings, Marshall continues to throw the ball over the plate.

The Padres hit the ball.

Cub fielders catch, pick up, and throw the ball accurately.

All is going well.

Back to the TV.

Can He Pitch?

The big question tonight is: Can Sean Marshall pitch? We know he can pitch in triple-A baseball.

Can he pitch in the major leagues?

The Cubs need pitchers. They have plenty of bats and all the spit they'll ever need, but our hometown boys need help in the pitching department.

Tonight, WGN is sending the game from San Diego straight into my small apartment at a closely guarded location somewhere in the 48 contiguous states.

I will watch and report on young Mr. Marshall.

We're in the fourth inning.

Marshall has given up two hits but no runs. He seems to be able to throw the ball over the plate.

More later. Back to the TV in the living room.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Four Home Runs

Rich Hill gave up only six hits against the Padres Tuesday night.

Unfortunately, four of them were home runs. The Padres won 5-1.

The Cubs offense fell short of the Padres. They picked up only four hits, none of which was a homer.

The trouble starts again Wednesday night in San Diego. Game time: 9:05 CT.

Hotels in Orlando

The whole family enjoys a vacation in Orlando, Florida. In Orlando you can find six popular theme parks, such as Sea World, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World.

But there's even more than that: up-scale shopping, grand hotels, cultural attractions, and a great deal more to see and do.

Your visit to Orlando will go much easier if you check out the hotels in orlando before you leave home.

That's where Orlando.com can help. Orlando.com offers the lowest prices on a wide variety of hotels.

In addition, Orlando.com provides the best deals on car rentals and airline flights in the Orlando area.

Do yourself a favor, make your hotel and travel arrangements through Orlando.com.

Then relax and enjoy your vacation.

Cubs Pitching Rotation

We know two things about tonight's game between the Cubs and Padres at San Diego. Rich Hill will be the starting pitcher for the Cubs, and I'm unlikely to stay awake for the entire game, which starts at 9:05 CT.

The thing we don't know is what the pitching rotation will be after tonight's game. We don't know because Lou Piniella, Cubs manager, isn't ready to tell us.

For those of you not conversant with baseball lingo, "pitching rotation" has nothing to do with a pitcher who spins around like a figure skater, thereby drilling a hole for himself in the pitcher's mound.

But let's go back to an earlier time.

In the early days of baseball, managers didn't send in relief pitchers as quickly as they do now. They began with the assumption that the starter would pitch the whole game.

In those days, pitchers did spin around like figure skaters when the opposing batters started hitting their pitches into the hog lot beyond center field. They literally dug holes in which they could hide until everyone else forgot about them and went home.

That practice is long forgotten, but it's the true origin of the term "pitching rotation."

Monday, May 21, 2007

No Game Today

How can I waste my time on a day when the Cubs are off somewhere filing their spikes?

I could watch another game with other teams, but I don't care about other teams.

I could turn on the TV and see what else is on, but television is still a vast wasteland.

I could walk down to the lake and walk in the water, but Lake Michigan's sharks are plentiful this year.

I could watch a movie, but they're all terrible.

I could take a nap.

Goodnight.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Rain Delay

Someone said that after a rain delay, the Sox won the game 10-6.

The Cubs could have used a downpour from noon to midnight. Could've used an earthquake.

It's only a game.

Cubs Versus Sox, Game Three

I can't stand to watch any more of this. The players have to stay and watch, but they get paid for it and I don't.

The Sox did everything they could to help the Cubs in the bottom of the sixth. With two out, Alfonso Soriano hit a triple to the sweet spot in far right field.

A White Sox pitching change brought Andrew Sisco to the mound. He then contributed two wild pitches and a walk before the White Sox CEO replaced him with Mike MacDougal.

MacDougal apparently likes to pitch, which he proceeded to do so. He induced Michael Barrett to ground out, ending the inning.

For all that effort, the Cubs scored one run. The score: Sox 3, Cubs 2. The Cubs were still in the game.

Or so it seemed.

In the top of the seventh, Carlos Zambrano got tired and forgot how to pitch.

The Cubs Board of Directors called on Neal Cotts to replace Zambrano, and A. J. Pierzynski promptly hit a grand slam.

That's when I clicked the button on WGN. I later turned it back on briefly, and learned that the Cubs had scored four more runs in the eighth.

Not good enough. I can't stand to watch the last inning.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Interleague Finale

Going into Sunday's interleague finale with the White Sox, let's try to keep things in perspective. We're only talking about the White Sox, not a powerhouse like Tampa Bay.

Consider these statistics. The Sox are 4.5 games out of first place. The Cub are 5 games out.

The White Sox have a win-loss record of .513. The Cubs have a record of .488.

The Sox have a losing streak of two. The Cubs have a winning streak of two.

So the two teams have much in common. Both are doing better than Tampa Bay, but not as well as Boston. On any given day, the White Sox are just as likely as the Cubs to play a pee-poor game.

In other words, the Sox are just as bad as the Cubs. So why worry about Sunday's game? Smile. Be happy.

Wake up and smell the ivy.

Play by Play

After six innings, it's Cubs 5, White Sox 5.

Stay tuned.

Nice double play by the Cubs in the top of the seventh.

Stay tuned.

After seven innings at Wrigley Field, it's still Cubs 5, White Sox 5.

Stay tuned.

How can Konerko, who's hitting .193, manage to hit a home run? He's playing against the Cubs. That's how. Top of the eighth, White Sox lead 6-5.

Stay tuned.

Holy shit. Pinch hitter Derek Lee hits a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth. The Cubs score six runs and now lead 11-6. I hope his neck feels better. Mine does.

Stay tuned.

Carlos Marmol pitches for the Cubs, top of the ninth. Three up, three down. Cubs win.

Log out and have a beer.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Give Credit to the Cubbies

The Cubs looked good with the win against the Chicago White Sox today. Let's give credit where credit is due. The Cubs don't often give us the chance.

Barrett hit the ball instead of Pierzynski. Angel Pagan fouled up while running the bases, but hit a crucial triple in the seventh inning. Ted Lilly pitched a good game. And Ryan Dempster looked like a perfect machine as he closed the ninth.

Great job, guys. Give us something to cheer about tomorrow.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

The Boys of Winter

How could a professional baseball team go into the ninth inning with a 5-1 lead and give the game away? Only the Cubs could do what they did against the New York Mets this afternoon.

It doesn't matter who the closer was. Any Cub pitcher would have performed in exactly the same way.

The Chicago Cubs are The Boys of Winter.

The Cubs lose and keep on losing. They lose regardless of how good the players are, how good the coaches and manager are, and how good Wrigley Field looks when the whole sky is as blue as it ever will be.

And what about the rest of us chumps, the fans? Why do we curse the hapless Cubs every night and get off the El at Addison Street the next afternoon?

It has something to do with Chicago. It's hot as hell in the summer and cold as hell in the winter. The politicians have always been corrupt and always will be. We learn how to think as children, and we all think alike.

Our criminals are the worst in the history of the world. Our streets and expressways stink worse than the stockyards ever did. We're demolishing the most beautiful buildings in America and replacing them with the ugliest.

What other baseball team could represent Chicago better than the Cubs? None. The Cubs are the worst possible because we wanted the worst we could get, and we got them.

See you tomorrow afternoon when the trouble starts again.

The Cubs Need More Rain

Rain delayed the start of the Cubs-Mets game Wednesday night at Shea Stadium.

For the Cubs, it would have been better if the rain hadn't stopped.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella sought an explanation for the Cubbies 8-1 loss and found it in the pitching of Rich Hill.

Having solved Carlos Zambrano's pitching troubles (the now-famous early revelation problem), Piniella must next solve Hill's troubles. If Piniella fails, Hill may get rained out permanently.

Hill's problems lie in the fact that he's walking batters and then letting them steal on him. These troubles may be more difficult to solve than Zambrano's early revelations.

It's now 3:25 PM, Thursday, in Chicago, and the Cubs just lost to the Mets by one run.

Bring on the rain.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Gourmet Gift Baskets

I sometimes tell my children that I don't need anything for Father's Day, but I don't really mean it and they know that. And they always manage to find something for me.

When children grow up, they often move away in search of jobs and careers. It isn't always easy to find a gift for someone who still lives back home. Or maybe your dad lives just across town. That doesn't make it any more convenient to find time to shop for an appropriate gift. That's where Gourmet Gift Baskets can help you find Fathers Day Gifts.

Dad has always been there to remember your birthday and other special occasions. Now it's your turn to do something for him. Because you can shop online at Gourmet Gift Baskets, you won't have to spend time going from store to store.

Consider the options at Gourmet Gift Baskets. You can find a Father's Day basket with chocolates, nuts, wines, cheeses, and fruits. Or take a look at the Grilling Gift Baskets for the backyard Bar-B-Q expert. Is your dad crazy about golf? Consider the Golf Gift Baskets.

Check out the baskets shown online. If you don't find exactly what you want for Dad, call Gourmet Gift Baskets at its toll-free number, and a friendly member of the staff will assemble the exact gift basket you want for your dad.

For my part, I wouldn't mind that basket with chocolates, nuts, wines, cheeses, and fruits.

Download a DVD

Sick to death about what you'll do the next time the Cubs are off for the day. Why not download a DVD and try to forget your troubles. New Moon now provides an easy way for you to obtain the movie you need. Simply go to the right sidebar and find the box labeled “DVD-Quality Downloads.” Click on the button and see what’s there. DVD-quality downloads for hundreds of movies await you. You can shop by category, by genre, or by movie studio. If you prefer a TV show instead of a movie, look at anything from A&E to VH1. Shop by channel or by genre. The prices vary, depending on what you choose. Why wait? See what you want, and see it now.

Guarded Optimism for Cubs

After the Cubs 10-1 victory over the Mets last night, we've adopted a policy of guarded optimism. Zambrano looked good over the course of eight innings, giving up only one run, allowing six hits, and striking out three.

Zambrano did all this while changing his delivery. He had been delivering in a way that allowed opposing batters to see his grip on the ball, thereby knowing what the pitch would be. Knowing the pitch in advance allows a hitter to quickly raise his batting average, and most pitching coaches deplore the practise of early revelation.

Aramis Ramirez led the offensive frenzy for the Cubs, hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning.

As a result of these heroics, we are now guardedly optimistic about the Cubs, which means we think the North Side boys will not finish last in the Central Division.

We wouldn't want to say more than that. If we did say more than that, the Cubs would be sure to finish last in their division. We dare not mess with this superstition.

A.E. Feldman Associates, Inc.

When your business needs to fill an important position, you're faced with one of the most difficult management decisions you'll ever have to make. If you hire someone who is not suited for the job, this will lower the productivity of everyone who works with that person. Even if you find a way to remove that employee from a position of importance, it can take months to repair the damage.

Before initiating your own search you might want to consult A.E. Feldman Associates, Inc. AEF has been finding the right person for the right job since 1967.

The recruiters at AEF have all completed successful careers in the fields for which they now find new employees for new jobs. These fields include legal and legal support services, communications and technology, risk management jobs, and others. AEF finds the right candidates for these jobs nationwide.

AEF can point to a long history of discrete recruiting and successful job placement. Its recruiters have the experience to make the best matches possible.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Where Are the Cubs?

The Cubs are playing in New York. I'm not in New York.

I want to watch the game on TV. The game isn't on TV.

I can watch basketball, a spelling bee, and much more than I ever wanted to know about the late J. Falwell.

This is unjust. It's wrong, mean, and immoral. Nothing is more important now than watching my favorite baseball team lose another game, and all I get is basketball, a spelling bee, and a television preacher.

What happened to truth, justice, and the American way? What happened to separation of church and baseball? What happened to the Cubs?

Monday, May 14, 2007

A Gift Refused

It ain’t funny anymore. The Mets tried in every way to give the game to the Cubs, but our North Side guys wouldn’t accept it.

My favorite part came when two New York players whose names I forgot both fell down in right field, and neither had caught the ball. The Cubs managed to score.

But in the fifth inning, Mets pitcher Tom Glavine filled the bases with three straight walks, and the Cubs wouldn’t accept the freebie.

I don’t want to think about the last walk of the game.

It ain’t funny anymore.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Cubs Versus Mets

As we approach the game on Monday, let’s try to ignore the fact that the Mets have a win-loss record over 150 points better than that of the Cubs. Look on the bright side. The Mets don’t have Roger Clemens in the bullpen, cooling his heels at a million dollars an hour.

Things could be a lot worse. The great Chicago fire was worse. Al Capone was worse, until you got thirsty. Then he didn’t seem so bad, unless you were Dion O’Bannion.

See. Look on the bright side, if there is one. The Cubs might win. I might get an income tax refund larger than what Clemens makes while tying his shoes. Not likely, but maybe someone at the IRS will make a mistake.

Look on the bright side.

Not Much of a Team

Let's not get carried away. Philadelphia doesn't really have much of a team, does it? It's 7 games out of first place in the Eastern Division, and the Cubs are 7 games out in the Central Division. Both teams have season records below .500.

These aren't the kinds of teams that get embossed invitations to the playoffs.

Glad that Ted Lilly got the win. Sorry that Derrek Lee had neck spasms.

I have spasms too. Have them every time the Cubs trot onto the field. They give me whole-body spasms. Nothing helps but beer. Lots of it.

So we lose two and win one from the Phillies. Now it's on to New York and the Mets.

Hope the Mets have spasms.

Sunday, 3 PM

It's Sunday in Philadelphia. A ballgame may be taking place.

It's only a game. It's only a game. It's only, etc.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Good News from Rothschild and Piniella

The Cubs lost to Philadelphia on Saturday, May 12, 2007. This was the third defeat in what figures to be a long losing streak.

Before we all meet at the corner of Clark and Addison to share a tub of rat poison, Larry Rothschild, pitching coach, and Lou Piniella, manager, want to give us some good news.

Carlos Zambrano’s right arm didn’t really fall off.

It seems that Zambrano had some trouble with his “mechanics.” Before each pitch, the ace right-hander grasped the ball appropriately for the pitch requested by catcher Barrett or catcher Blanco, depending on which one came to the game.

Then Zambrano held the ball high above his head before going into his windup.

This allowed opposing batters to see what pitch to expect, which gave them a better chance of getting a hit, provided they knew how pitchers hold the ball for each kind of pitch, i.e., fast ball, curve ball, slider, stripper, etc.

Both Rothschild and Piniella told Zambrano not to hold the ball high over his head before going into his windup, although they didn’t say where they did tell him to hold it.

Just to be on the safe side, Piniella also told both catchers not to write the kinds of pitches on a chalk board and hold it up for Zambrano to read.

Bring your own spoons to Clark and Addison. I can’t do everything for you.

The Cubs on a Cold Day

The Cubs started well against the Phillies on Friday night, but my car started well last winter until the temperature dropped to 20 below.

Rich Hill had the Phils under control for the first three innings. Then Pat Burrell stepped to the plate, and Hill’s 1.73 ERA headed skyward with baseball. By the end of the game, that ERA had reached 2.51, regardless of the temperature at Citizens Bank Park.

With a ballpark named after a bank, the citizens of Philadelphia may want to check their account balances. Base runners like to steal.

The Phillies can’t assume Burrell will hit two homeruns every game, although he may come close when facing the Cubs. This reminds me of my favorite baseball superstition. When discussing the Chicago Cubs, never say or write anything optimistic.

The Cubbies meet the Phils again Saturday night. I can’t remember the name of the park.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Superstition in the Dugout

Why do carp like worms? Why did it take four hours and thirty-nine minutes for the Cubs to lose to the Pirates? Why are baseball players, managers, and fans so superstitious?

I can’t pretend to make sure answers about any of these questions, but it’s now safe to talk about the real issue. The Cubs had a five-game winning streak going into its May 11 game with Pittsburg. By the end of the game, the Cubs had a no-game winning streak.

Why does no one talk about a winning streak until it’s over? Because it brings bad luck to talk about it. That’s why.

Consider a more dramatic example from baseball’s barrel of superstitions. The Cub pitcher is throwing a no-hitter against the drunken Brewers.

By the end of the fifth inning, everyone in the park who’s still alive knows what’s going on. What do the guys in the dugout discuss between innings? Baseball statistics? The standard 103-mile-per-hour fastball the pitcher is throwing?

Not a chance. They may talk about the price of corn, the trouble an incumbent president has caused, or the fact that their respective wives have left them.

But they don’t say a word about the no-hitter the stranger on the mound is throwing. They don’t say a thing about him or to him. Why not? Because that would jinx the whole thing. That’s why not.

Only an idiot fresh off the boat from Ellis Island would make such a blunder.

And they don’t make idiots like that anymore.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

The Crucial Importance of May

At the end of hostilities on Wednesday, May 9, the Chicago Cubs sat insecurely in second place in the Central Division. The Brewers of Milwaukee had rolled out the barrel to leave our hapless tee drinkers 6.5 games out of first place, with a heroic Cubbie win-loss percentage of .516.

The Cubs’ hold on second place was tenuous at best, with Houston just a game behind our North Side bear brats. (Why is there a major-league baseball team in Houston? Who approved this departure from sane thinking?)

But if we apply clear reasoning to the entire National League, we find the Cubbies in deep manure decades after the stockyards slid into Lake Mich.

With its .516 record, the little bears trail, not just Milwaukee, but also Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Arizona. (I know these last three hick towns don’t deserve major league teams, but the fact is that they have better win-loss records at this crucial moment. Don’t ask what’s so crucial about it. I don’t know. May has some sort of Druidic importance to someone.)

To return to the essential fact mentioned in an earlier paragraph, the Cubbies appear to be in deep manure.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Universal Studios

It’s sometimes difficult to plan a vacation that the whole family will enjoy. Mom and dad might like a trip to an historic site or a quiet rest on a Caribbean island.

Some kids would choose a theme park. Others might want to visit the spring-training camp of their favorite baseball team.

But everyone likes a good movie. That’s why you can’t go wrong with the whole family if you take along some Universal Studios Tickets for your next visit to Orlando. Everyone can see how the movies are made.

Because of the large number of tourist stops in Orlando, the visitor can find the numerous options for admission tickets far too confusing. One solution to this confusing situation is to go online and obtain your tickets from Orlandofuntickets.com. This firm offers the lowest prices for Universal Studios discount tickets.

Orlandofuntickets also offers the lowest discount prices for all theme parks and dinner shows. These popular attractions include Sea World, Disney World, and many others.Your visit to Orlando should be fun, not confusing. For the best ticket prices, logon to Orlandofuntickets.com.

The Chicago Cubs 2

Cub fans will continue to fill Wrigley Field because they’re crazy. And since I’m a Cubs fan, I’m just as crazy as all the others. What else could explain why we pay a hefty fee to watch a team that hasn’t won a pennant since the Battle of the Somme?

And in the year 2007, a new question has sprouted in the spring. Rumors fill the bleachers. Will the Tribune Company sell the Cubs? To whom? For how much? Why? Don’t ask me. I hardly ever try to predict the future.

The Chicago Cubs 1

Spring comes to the Middle West, and all thoughts turn to life’s great unanswerable questions. Will the Chicago Cubs finish above .500? Will they catch the Milwaukee Brewers? Will they start well and then, like the daylilies, fade in the autumn? And most mysterious of all, why will Cub fans continue to fill Wrigley Field every game, regardless of how well the team plays?

I hesitate to predict the future, and I would never try to answer most of these questions. But I know a sure thing when I see it. Here goes. (TBC)

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Children and Dentists

Several years ago, a friend recommended a dentist who was especially good with children. From then until now, I’ve always taken my kids to that dentist. This dentist is kind and gentle in everything she does. As a result, my children never worry about their regular dental exams. And I don’t worry about mine, because I go to the same dentist. When it comes to my teeth, I’m still just a kid myself.

If I lived in or near Alexandria, Virginia, I would look for a dentist like the one my family has now, and I’d start looking at Hayfield Dental Care. Hayfield Dental Care has been open since 1987, and its dentists have treated over 23,000 patients since that date. All these dentists have received the advanced training needed to carry out almost any dental task required, without having to refer patients to another dental office.

The dentists at Hayfield Dental Care use only the newest and most advanced materials and equipment available. They provide general, family, and cosmetic dental care. A dentist who specializes in orthodontics provides full-time service. The Virginia Board of Dentistry reports that it has never received a complaint about any dentist at Hayfield Dental Care. You can contact Hayfield Dental Care at 703-971-2220.

New Zealand 2

The two islands of New Zealand occupy about 103,000 square miles, but the city of Chicago sits on 234 square miles. One doesn’t need a degree in statistics to see that Chicago resembles a cattle yard compared with New Zealand.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. If you count the population of Auckland and its suburbs, you’ll reach a figure slightly more than a million. And almost all those people live in single-family houses.

I didn’t get out my yardstick and measure the square miles of Auckland and its suburbs, but I saw the entire area from both the ground and the air, and it’s larger than Chicago.

On the other hand, although Chicago may be more crowded than Auckland, it has one major advantage. My hometown has two major-league baseball teams. Auckland has none.

New Zealand 1

I recently returned to the USA after a visit to New Zealand. I found many things of interest during my visit, but I failed to notice one thing until I returned. Everywhere I’ve gone in the USA, I’ve found the crush of humanity overwhelming.

New Zealand occupies two islands across the Tasman Sea from Australia. About three million people live in New Zealand, a figure close to that of Chicago, my hometown. Nothing in the country of New Zealand could ever prepare anyone for Chicago.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Hold the Phone

Anyone who has ever worked in a business office knows how difficult it is to get anything done if you have to work with a second-rate telephone system. Telephone tag and the busy signal that never dies are only two common symptoms. Small businesses may have found it especially difficult to find a vendor who can provide new telephone technologies that meet their specific needs.

Xpander Communications provides new telephone systems such as Voice Over IP (VoIP) specifically designed for small businesses. Xpander delivers VoIP Small Business Phone Systems that are easy to use, easy to maintain, and affordable.

A small business can have these systems installed at both its home office and all branch offices, thereby making the job more efficient and more successful for everyone. Xpander makes these high-tech telephone systems affordable for small businesses by providing limitless free service and support, plus the best in long-distance and international calling plans.

Large firms can afford the best telephone systems available. And now Xpander Communications makes the best telephone systems available to small businesses.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Download a DVD

To obtain the movie you just can’t wait for, go to the right sidebar and find the box labeled “DVD-Quality Downloads.” Click on the button and see what’s there. DVD-quality downloads for hundreds of movies await you. You can shop by category, by genre, or by movie studio. If you prefer a TV show instead of a movie, look at anything from A&E to VH1. Shop by channel or by genre. The prices vary. Why wait? See what you want, and see it now.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Hold the Pickle, Hold the Lettuce

I recently visited New Zealand, where I learned that some farmers raise grass-fed Friesian bulls that are eventually slaughtered and used for human consumption. Most of the meat from these bulls is shipped to the United States, where fast-food chains sell it in hamburger sandwiches.

I learned about all these matters by questioning three farm men, two farm women, a butcher who is also a farmer, a livestock dealer, and a retired CEO of a meatpacking company. Two of the farmers raise sheep and bulls. One raises sheep and steers. The butcher raises pigs. The retired CEO raises flowers.

All these experts agreed that the bulls are butchered and boned in New Zealand, and that about 80 percent of the meat is sent to the U.S.A. to be turned into hamburgers. The remaining 20 percent goes to other countries, primarily to Japan. The hamburgers made in the United States contain about 85 percent bull meat, plus 15 percent fat that is added from other slaughtered cattle. Bulls themselves contain almost no fat.

I can promise you that the fast-food companies in the United States do not want me and my fellow Americans to know these facts. They don’t want us to know that they’re selling bull meat. Bulls create the wrong image. But that's the only image your taste buds will get if you pick the right day to buy your burger.