Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Earn Degrees Online

As the need for new educational opportunities continues to grow, more and more students will find themselves considering the option of elearning, online study of traditional academic subjects at the post-secondary level. Capella University is one of the institutions of higher education that provides this innovative way to obtain both graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Capella University now offers a B.S. in Public Safety. In addition to this new Bachelor of Science, Capella also provides eight new graduate and undergraduate specializations in programs such as information technology, psychology, business, and education.

Capella's School of Education has introduced a new specialization in Special Education Leadership. Pamela Potter, president of the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators, points out that students who hope to pursue the Ph.D. in special education need just the kind of focus this new specialization provides. As she states, such a specialization would prepare students for "the actual job that must be done."

The Harold Abel School of Psychology at Capella also offers the M.S. degree with three new areas of specialization. Garvey House, dean of the school, believes that these new specializations will improve the degree programs offered by the school.

Capella also announces that it offers new specializations in Information Technology and Business. All these new programs are now open for enrollments.

Capella University presently serves over 19,000 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. It provides high-caliber academic courses and programs. Capella provides 89 areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Cubs Beat Phillies

The Chicago Cubs kept pace with the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday night, then sped past them in the sixth inning and never looked back.

Jason Marquis picked up his eighth win of the season. He pitched six innings and gave up three runs, eight hits, and three walks while striking out four.

Lee, Ramirez, Jones, and Fontenot supplied one RBI each. Kendall supplied two.

Ramirez and Jones hit solid doubles.

The Cubs remain one game behind Milwaukee in the Central Division.

Download a DVD

To obtain the DVD Download you just can’t wait for, simply click here. Or go to the right sidebar and find the box labeled “DVD-Quality Downloads.” In either case, 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.

Ipod Skins

If you own an Ipod and you want to protect it from scratches, you might as well protect it with something that looks good. The same is true for the other devices you may have.

An easy and attractive way to protect Ipods is with Ipod skins. Skinit.com provides a wide variety of attractive designs for your Ipod skin. It combines protection with high-quality artwork.

To emphasize the importance that Skinit.com places on its attractive designs, the company is sponsoring an art contest that offers the chance to win a new Ipod. You can enter your own designs, and don’t forget to mention the contest to that artistic friend or relative of yours.

The artwork submitted could be used for protective skins for Ipods, laptops, cell phones, and other devices. For the contest, Skinit.com will feature the best artwork on its website. By logging on to Skinit.com, you and your friends can vote for the designs you like the best. No matter how you look at it, you can’t lose at Skinit.com.

Nicole Richie Guilty!

You read it here first. Nicole Richie copped a plea and must report for a four-day visit to the slammer by September 28. All this for merely endangering the lives of other citizens by driving under the influence of an unspecified controlled substance.

The court also fined her $2,048, placed her on three years probation, and ordered her to enter a rehab program for the young and the drugged. The court did not sentence her for gross stupidity.

Lindsay Lohan Out On Bail

New Moon has serious news for Lindsay Lohan fans. Your favorite nitwit had to fork over $25,000 in bail money to walk around in a drunken stupor until her court appearance on August 24.

The police allegedly found cocaine in Lindsay's pocket, but LL denied all such charges. "I am innocent," she said. She may have to convince a jury.

LL insisted that she "did not do drugs." Regarding the drugs the police found, LL said, "They're not mine." LL may have to tell a jury just who did own the alleged cocaine.

Online Graduate Degrees

Certain candidates for post-graduate degrees find that they can go to a university, enroll in a degree program, and fund their studies as a teaching or research assistant. Certain other students see that they have far too many family and professional obligations to leave home and seek a post-graduate degree on campus.

Tammy Alexander falls into this second category. Ms. Alexander is an expert in crime prevention. She offers lectures and workshops on this topic to members of the general public, academia, and law enforcement. Alexander is also the head of cyber-security training at the Fountainhead College of Technology. Her administrative and teaching responsibilities would prevent her from working on a graduate degree on a traditional university campus. Alexander is a master’s degree student at capella university, where she is studying education, specializing in enrollment management.

Capella is a fully online university that provides over 82 graduate and undergraduate areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs. It offers a complete range of graduate and undergraduate degrees, from B.A. and B.S. degrees to the Ph.D. At all levels, it provides high-caliber academic courses and programs.

Capella University serves over 17,900 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Monday, July 30, 2007

Lilly Ready for Phillies

Following the Cubs 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, Ted Lilly is ready to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in today's game at Wrigley Field.

For July, Lilly has a record of 5-0 and an ERA of 1.83.

In the Central Division, the Cubs now trail the Brewers by 0.5 games.

In spite of the current Cub winning streak, some fans continue to worry about the Cubs low production of home runs. New Moon does not worry about this. Singles win ball games, not homers.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Wood Almost Ready for Wrigley

Kerry Wood will pitch Tuesday for Double-A Tennessee. If his arm still feels good after that outing, he could move into the Cub bullpen during next week's homestand.

Wood has been throwing fastballs, curveballs, and sliders. His fastball has been shimmering in at 92-95 miles per hour.

Wood reports that he has been "feeling great." We'll all feel great when he returns to Wrigley.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Good News From the Chicago Cubs

The Cubs hammered the Cincinnati Reds Saturday, and Kerry Wood is coming home to Wrigley Field.

The Cub demolition squad finished off the Reds 8-1, with major support from Sean Marshall, Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, and Cliff Floyd.

Kerry Wood sat in the good seats with the Cubs Saturday night, but he hasn't yet been added to the roster. He may pitch more games with the minors as he gets ready for arrival in the bullpen at Wrigley, which now seems likely if he remains healthy.

Wood's Fastball Velocity

Kerry Wood's fastball reached speeds of 92-94 miles per hour in one inning pitched for Class A Peoria Friday night. Wood threw twelve pitches, struck out one, and gave up no hits or runs.

Wood struck out the first Dayton batter he faced. The second batter grounded out, and the third flyed out. Wood started the game because of expected rain.

Wood is pitching for Peoria as part of his rehap program for a shoulder injury.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Cuba beats U.S. baseball team

Cuba humiliated the United States to win the baseball title at the 15th Pan American Games, which concluded July 20 in Rio de Janeiro.

In the final game, the Cuban team destroyed the United States 16-0 to win the title.

This victory gave Cuba its tenth title in a row.

Cuban southpaw Adiel Palma got the win for nine innings of remarkable pitching. He gave up one hit, no runs, and no walks, while striking out twenty-seven.

Four grand slam home runs accounted for all the Cuban scoring in the game. Osmani Urrutia, who went 4-4 for the day, hit grand slam homers in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth innings.

Defensively, the United States committed twelve errors.

Pitcher Henry Kissinger took the loss for the United States.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Wood's Fastball Reborn

Kerry Wood's fastball is hitting 93-94 miles per hour as he continues his rehap pitching at Class A Peoria.

Wood pitched one inning of relief Thursday, throwing twelve pitches in all. He struck out two, allowed one hit, and threw one wild pitch.

Wood's fastballs did not reach speeds equal to those thrown by the great Bob Feller, but Feller didn't have to recover from an injury.

Wood will pitch again Friday. If he continues to improve, we may see him pitching in relief for the Cubs later this season.

Automobile Diesel Engines

If you have ever smelled the exhaust fumes from a diesel engine, you and I have something in common. That smell is one thing I don’t need on a regular basis. Therefore, I’m happy to report that help is on the way.

Isuzu and Toyota have agreed to pool their resources to design and manufacture a small diesel engine for cars. Their shared goal is to produce a new diesel engine that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. If it is environmentally friendly, it will, assumedly, also be friendly to my nose and lungs.

Isuzu is already one of the world’s largest producers of diesel engines. As such, it continually strives to improve the fuel economy, durability, and torque of these engines. By working with Toyota, Isuzu hopes to design and manufacture the best diesel engine in the world.

Isuzu also manufactures vehicles such as the crew cab pickup, which is powered by a traditional gasoline engine. Many of the company’s passenger cars also have gasoline engines.

Marquis Versus Cardinals

Jason Marquis is ready to pitch against the Cardinals. Tonight's game is the third in a three-game series in St. Louis.

Marquis's record is 2-0 in two starts against St. Louis this season. His ERA for both games is 1.98.

His record for the season is 7-5, with an ERA of 3.92.

The Cardinals will send Braden Looper to the mound. He enters the game with a season's record of 7-8 and an ERA of 5.09.

Game time is 7:10 p.m. Central Time.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Mark DeRosa

In all the good news about Wednesday's victory over the Cardinals, one piece of data may have escaped Cub fans. Mark DeRosa did not play, and it wasn't because he doesn't like baseball.

DeRosa is suffering from tendinitis in his left hamstring muscle. Until this problem goes away, DeRosa can't play. Because he is the defensive sparkplug for the Cubs, this is more than a small problem.

Thus far this year, DeRosa has played at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and right field. When someone else can't play, Mark plays for them. Someday we'll probably see him pitching, although he can't very well catch at the same time.

Hurry back, Mark. Your team needs you.

Jobs With Heavy Equipment

In the rush to obtain graduate and undergraduate degrees, some students may be overlooking the opportunities available in traditional skills and trades. Jobs of this sort can deliver good income, secure careers, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have completed an important job. If you would like to explore these options, you might find a good future as a Crane Operator.

Fortunately, the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS) exists to monitor and promote training for jobs in both the operation of cranes and heavy equipment throughout the United States. The safety of all workers at a jobsite is too important to allow for poor training.

NAHETS approves schools only if they meet strict standards in these areas: heavy-equipment safety, career resource centers, job-placement assistance, employer-development programs, faculty development, project orientation, and heavy-equipment operations. Unless a school or training program meets acceptable standards in these categories, it will not receive the approval of NAHETS.

NAHETS advises all students who wish to obtain training in crane or heavy-equipment operation to look for schools or training programs that provide all the following to all students: dedicated heavy-equipment training (no other business operated from the school), sufficient facilities, a large training area, a full-time job-placement director, a career resource center, published standards, and membership in NAHETS.

Unless a training program meets these standards, think again before you invest in that program.

Cubs Shoot Down Cardinals

The Cubs sent the Cardinals flying into the blue tonight. Our North-Side crew gathered 7 runs and 14 hits.

Ted Lilly got the win, pitching 7 innings while allowing 1 run and 6 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 2.

Ramirez, Soriano, and Floyd led the offensive blitz for the Cubs, each hitting a double. Soriano collected both a double and a triple.

Fontenot, Jones, Theriot, Floyd, and Lilly himself knocked in all 7 runs. Lilly committed 1 error, but let's not quibble with the guy. He pitched just fine.

Fontenot, Theriot, and Lee ended the job with a sweet double play in the bottom of the ninth. Good job all around.

More of the same tomorrow at Busch Stadium.

Lindsay Lohan in Deep Manure

Bad news for Lindsay Lohan fans. A woman called the police and said that LL was chasing her through Malibu.

New Moon does not know who the woman was. We don’t even know who Lindsay was.

The police arrested Lohan for driving under the influence. They smelled something on her breath, and it wasn’t buttermilk. And now the manure deepens.

The police say Lohan had cocaine in her pocket. They didn’t say which pocket.

LL said, “I am innocent.” She’s out on $25,000 bail.

Watch out, Malibu. Here comes Lindsay.

Premium Sports Seats

If I want to go to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, I know all the ways to get the best tickets I can. I know where the park is, what train to take, and what time to get there.

But if I wanted to attend a game at Fenway Park in Boston, I wouldn't know the first thing about how to obtain tickets. Or if I wanted to buy tickets to see a basketball game in Miami, I'd have to go to a lot of trouble to find out how to get my Miami Heat Tickets.

At this point, Premium Seats USA comes to the rescue. This firm can find tickets for any NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL game in the United States. Simply go online, and Premium Seats USA will find the best seats available. Or you can order tickets by phone.

Premium Seats USA can also help you get just the right tickets for all concerts and theater events nationwide. If you want a break from sports this weekend, Premium Seats USA is ready to help you get the best seats possible.

I'm kind of busy this year. Don't look for me at a show in Vegas, but you never know when I'll show up at Fenway Park.

Kerry Wood

Kerry Wood's arm continues to improve. On Tuesday he pitched one inning for Double-A Peoria in its game with Fort Wayne.

For the inning, he threw 12 pitches, walked one, and showed fast-ball speeds above 90 miles per hour.

Wood will pitch again Thurday and Friday. General Manager Jim Hendry will attend Friday's game.

If Wood continues to improve, he could move to the Cubs bullpen later this season, providing some needed relief help.

Ted Lilly

Ted Lilly is ready to take on the Cardinals in game two of the three-game series in St. Louis. For the month of July, Lilly is 4-0 with an ERA of 1.98. He has not lost a game since June 5.

Once again, the Cubs will be happy to have Derrek Lee back at first base and in the batter's box. Lee got two hits and an RBI Tuesday night.

The game starts at Busch Stadium at 7:10 Central Time. WGN TV will carry the game live.

Luxury Condominiums

Hallandale Beach has long welcomed visitors and new residents to South Florida. With the city’s lovely vistas of the calm Atlantic Ocean, who could fail to stay for a second look? Who would not like to stay for a lifetime?

Today, Hallandale Beach has just become even more attractive. With the construction of The Beach Club in Hallandale Beach, the city sports three new oceanfront high-rise buildings, each filled with luxury condominiums.

The condos come with different bath and bedroom configurations to satisfy the needs of each owner. And regardless of the number of bedrooms, each unit has the finest amenities—the newest and best appliances, European-style kitchens, granite counter tops, marble floors in wet areas, the latest in telecommunications wiring, and much more.

In addition to all these attractive features, the Beach Club condominiums are located only a short distance from the Diplomat Resort, the Bal Harbor Shops, and the exciting nightlife of South Beach. If you’re ready to put down roots in South Florida, take a look at the Beach Club in Hallandale Beach.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

DeRosa Injured

Bad news for Cub defense. Mark DeRosa, who can play almost any position on the field, left Tuesday night's game against the Cardinals because of tendinitis in his left hamstring.

DeRosa batted only once, grounding out in the second inning. He did not return to the field for the bottom of the third inning.

DeRosa has played first, second, third, shortstop, and outfield so far this season. If he is to become even more versatile, someone will have to invent some new positions for the game of baseball.

Cubs Demolish Cardinals

Carlos Zambrano got the win against the Cardinals Tuesday night, striking out five while giving up two runs and five hits. The win was Zambrano's 13th of the season. The final score was 4-3.

Big Z got major support with RBIs from Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, Jacque Jones, and Ronny Cedeno. Cedeno just arrived from Triple-A Iowa. Nice game Ronny.

In the fourth inning, Zambrano treated us to some of his trademark Carlos dramatics. After loading the bases, he went into a funk and wandered around the infield until Larry Rothschild came out to calm him down. Larry is one of the best psychologists in the pitching-coach business. Zambrano returned to the mound and got the next Cardinal batter to fly out.

Gift Baskets

Let me confess. I’m no good at finding the right gift for the right occasion. I’d prefer to let someone else do it. Let my wife do it. Let my brother, my son, my daughter do it. Anyone but me.

But every now and then, there is no one else. If I don’t handle the matter, no one else will. At times like these, I feel lucky to have been born into the Internet age. I’m thankful that I can let GourmetGiftBaskets.com do it.

Gourmet Gift Baskets has just the right gift for new babies, birthdays, housewarmings, weddings, holidays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. For life’s sadder events, you can find just the right sympathy gift baskets.

When you order a gift from Gourmet Gift Baskets, you have the certainty that comes from dealing with a family business that began in 1940. This is not just another hurry-up-and-buy company. Gourmet Gift Baskets wants to earn and keep your trust.

The next time you can’t pass the job on to someone else, logon to GourmetGiftBaskets.com.

Lee Returns

Carlos Zambrano is ready to take on the Cardinals tonight in St. Louis. Since June 6, Zambrano has a record of 7-2 and an ERA of 1.43. He has struck out 66 over 63 innings during the same period.

For tonight's game, Derrek Lee returns to the Cub lineup after serving a five-game suspension for a bit of trouble with Chris Young of the Padres. Lee is hitting .339 with 112 hits and 49 RBIs. The Cubs have dropped two games in a row during Lee's absense.

The game starts at 7:10 Central Time, with Rip Wells on the mound for the Cardinals.

Download a DVD

To obtain the DVD Download you just can’t wait for, simply click here. Or go to the right sidebar and find the box labeled “DVD-Quality Downloads.” In either case, 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.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Candy Vending

I know someone who recently retired. He now finds that he needs more retirement income if he hopes to maintain his usual lifestyle. He has considered getting a part-time job, but part-time jobs in his city don’t pay well. He has thought about starting a new business, but that normally requires more time than he wants to spend. He would like a business that allows him to set his own hours. He would also like to work from home. He needs a business like those available through multivend.

Multivend, LLC, is one of the most successful makers of candy-vending machines in the United States. The company makes the Vendstar 3000 vending machine, which is easy to install and easy to operate. The machine’s new Vendstar EZ-Count® Meter allows the vendor to quickly obtain the latest sales figures.

Multivend, LLC, was founded in 1990 and now has almost 9000 vendors in countries throughout the world. People who own and operate Multivend vending machines can work from home and set their own hours. Plenty of opportunities are available for new routes and new vending locations. The business operates on a simple cash basis, and vendors can expect profit margins as high as 80 percent.

Vendstar 3000 vending machines may provide just the right business opportunity for any retiree.

Kerry Wood Moves Ahead

Kerry Wood is getting closer to Wrigley Field. On Tuesday, he will pitch for the Class A Peoria Chiefs against the Fort Wayne Wizards.

He will pitch for one inning. Later in the week, he will pitch again.

Wood earlier pitched for the Cubs' Rookie League team in Mesa, Arizona, as he gradually recovers from an arm injury. If all this goes as hoped, he will join the Cubs bullpen later this season.

Download Borat

Borat is one of the craziest and most humorous movies you'll ever see. If you would like to watch it for the first time or watch it again, you can download it from Amazon.

Borat is only one of the many movies you can download directly. Simply click here or go to the link on the right sidebar.

Either way, DVD-quality downloads are only a click away.

Vendstar

Do you ever get tired of your job? Have you considered starting your own business? If your answer to both these questions is yes, join the crowd. Many people are trying to find a business that will allow them to set their own hours and keep all the profits. Some people would like to work full time. Others would like a part-time business. Many would like to work at home.

You can find one way to meet all these wants and needs at vendstar. Vendstar is one of the most successful makers of candy-vending machines in the United States. The company was founded in 1990 and now has almost 9000 vendors in countries throughout the world.

People who operate Vendstar vending machines can work from home and set their own hours. Plenty of options exist to establish new routes and vending locations. The business operates on a simple cash basis, and vendors can expect profit margins as high as 80 percent.

Vendstar vending machines may provide just the business opportunity you’re looking for.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

No Runs, No Wins

Sean Marshall pitched well in Sunday's game against Arizona, but if your team doesn't score any runs, you can't win. If you don't score, eventually the other team will, even a worthless team like the Diamondbacks.

Let's put away the calculators and stop showing how great the Cubs are. We lost two in a row. That sort of thing soon becomes a habit at Wrigley Field.

Everyone is saying things will be better when Derrek Lee returns on Monday. I hope so, but he can't win games by himself. One bat rarely wins a spot in the playoffs.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Good News From Jacque Jones

In an effort to find some good news after today's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, consider the recent performance of Jacque Jones.

In today's game, Jones hit a double and scored on Angel Pagan's triple. Prior to all this, Jones was hitting .391 during the present 10-game home stand.

During that same period, Jones gathered three runs, three walks, and six RBIs. All this is far better than his performance during the first half of the season.

If Jones continues to hit in this way, the Cubs may well finish the season above .500.

Cubs Versus Diamondbacks

Rich Hill and a team of young bears are ready to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks today at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs will have closer Ryan Dempster in the bullpen for today's game. Dempster has been on the DL since June 23 with a left oblique strain.

As a whole, the Cubs now have a record of 51-44 and are 2.5 games behind the Brew Boys. With that kind of numbers, the Cubs may be able to finish the season above .500.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Cubs Destroy Arizona

The Cubs hammered the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 Friday, with strong performances by Jason Marquis, Jacque Jones, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot, Alfonso Soriano, and basically everyone who put on a uniform.

Aramis Ramirez topped it all off with a three-run blast into the left-field bleachers in the eighth inning.

The Cubs went into the game without the help of Derrek Lee, Daryle Ward, and Cliff Floyd. If the youngsters on the team were worried, they managed to hide it.

Elevator to the Gallows

Elevator to the Gallows is one of the best film noir thrillers ever made. It begins with a couple that conspires to murder the woman's wealthy husband.

The man, Julien Tavernier, skillfully murders the husband, making it look like a suicide. But just as he is about to make his escape, he sees that he has to go back and remove a piece of evidence he forgot.

At this point, everything starts to go very wrong, including the fact that Julien gets trapped in an elevator. The rest of the plot unwinds perfectly.

All the action plays out against the beautiful background of Paris.

The murdered man's wife is played by Jeanne Moreau, the most gorgeous movie star in the history of the world.

If you would like to learn more about this film noir masterpiece, click here or go to the right sidebar and click on the icon. This will take you to Amazon.com, where you can decide if you want to buy the DVD. If you do, New Moon will earn a 4 percent commision. What wealth!

Jake Fox Catches for Cubs

The revolving door for catchers at Wrigley Field has taken another spin.

The Cubs have added catcher Jake Fox to the lineup, where he joins Jason Kendall and Koyie Hill. None of these catchers was on the roster on opening day. All three succeed a long list of catchers such as Michael Barrett. I can't remember the names of all the others.

Fox was hitting .284 at Double-A Tennessee. In addition to his catching, he has also played in both the infield and the outfield. With Derrek Lee serving his five-day suspension, Fox may spend some time at first base.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Kerry Wood Update

Kerry Wood's minor-league rehap continues with the Cubs Rookie League team in Mesa, Ariz. On Thursday, he pitched one inning, faced four batters, struck out one, and gave up one hit.

He threw seven pitches. According to Wood, he had the best velocity and location of any day thus far. He also reported that he threw two good curve balls.

Wood will pitch again on Saturday in Mesa. If all goes as expected, he'll then meet with Cubs management in Chicago to determine what his next step will be.

Teakwood Patio Furniture

Yahoo, the world's largest online network, has recognized TeakWoodPatioFurniture.com for its social consciousness. Teakwood Patio Furniture obtains its furniture only from teak wood taken from sustainable forests, thereby preserving those forests for future generations.

TeakWoodPatioFuniture.com sells teak patio furniture that is both beautiful and economical. The firm deals directly with the warehouse to negotiate the best possible deals for its customers. Teak patio furniture is attractive and long-lasting. It resists both termites and rainfall. Outdoor furniture made from teak wood will retain its beauty and usefulness for years.

For every purchase made from TeakWoodPatioFuniture.com, this socially conscious company will make a substantial donation to help save the earth's remaining rain forests. As mentioned above, this firm accepts furniture made from teak wood harvested only from sustainable forests. For all its socially conscious actions, Yahoo recognized TeakWoodPatioFuniture.com as a “Spotlight Store” beginning in June 2007.

For the finest teak wood furniture from a company that cares about the environment, logon to TeakWoodPatioFurniture.com.

Cubs First Out of the Gate

The Chicago Cubs jumped to a quick start in today's game with the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. If the Cubs win, they will have won 3 of the 4 games in the present 4-day series with the Giants.

The Cubs started early, exploding with 4 hits and 4 runs in the first inning. The hapless Giants contributed to the Cub rally by committing 3 errors.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Cubs lead 8-3.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Magglio Ordonez

Magglio Ordonez continues to dominate all opposing pitchers. In the Tigers-Twins game Wednesday night, Ordonez drove Twins pitcher Johan Santana somewhere close to distraction.

Ordonez drove in all three runs as Detroit beat Minnesota 3-2.

In the fourth inning, he hammered a two-run double. In the sixth, he hit the first pitch over the wall in center for a solo home run.

For the year, Ordonez has driven in 79 runs and is now hitting .358.

All-Inclusive Resorts

If you are ready to take a vacation that will require you to travel into or out of the United States, the last thing you need is lengthy delays in obtaining a passport. But because of the present increase in demand, the Department of State has advised travelers that it may take over ten weeks to process passport applications.

Because of these delays, SuperClubs now provides passport services to customers bound for all inclusive resorts located at international destinations. By using these services, customers can obtain passports in less than eight weeks. SuperClubs is the only provider of such a service in its all-inclusive resort packages. SuperClubs is especially well equipped to think of all the details for your vacation, having launched its first all-inclusive Jamaica vacation over thirty years ago.

SuperClubs provides all-inclusive vacations for any age group or any type of traveler. It will create a package for the whole family or just for mom and dad. And SuperClubs promises you that the price it quotes for your all-inclusive vacation covers all expenses. There are no hidden costs. For answers to all your vacation questions, schedule a visit to Superclubs.com.

Where's Lee?

The Cubs need Derrek Lee and so does the staff of New Moon. On Wednesday, Lee started serving his 5-day suspension for an altercation with a certain pitcher awhile back.

Some observers may find it trivial, but the entire staff of New Moon is playing fantasy baseball, and Derrek Lee is on our team. Not being privy to all the secrets in Chicago, we didn't know Lee would decide to start his suspension Wednesday.

It ain't right. It ain't fair. We're going to kick dirt at an umpire.

Koyie and Carlos

Jason Kendall took the day off Wednesday. Koyie Hill did not.

Hill hit 2 doubles and drove in 5 runs as he helped Carlos Zambrano become the first pitcher in the National League to win 12 games. Many of us wonder if Kendall would like to take another day off.

The Cubs destroyed the hapless Giants 12-1.

Zambrano pitched 5 innings, struck out 3, walked 2, and gave up 2 hits. He also used his bare hand to stop a line drive, which is something league-leading pitchers aren't supposed to do.

Referring to Hill, Zambrano said, "He knows what to do behind the plate." We could only add that Hill knows what to do when standing in the batter's box at that same plate.

Acrylic Aquariums

Who can resist the attraction of a goldfish bowl? Not me. There is one slight problem with a traditional goldfish bowl. On a regular basis, you have to take the fish out of the bowl, change the cartridge, and put in clean water. If only there were a better way.

Actually, there is a better way. FishTanksDirect.com now sells a new kind of fishbowl. These acrylic aquariums have all the appeal of conventional fishbowls, but with a new kind of filtration system that removes the need for traditional maintenance.

This new fishbowl is called a BiOrb fish tank. This bowl is is easy to use and you don't need to empty the water to change the cartridge. In this bowl, the water remains clean and clear for all the months that pass between changing one cartridge for another.

The BiOrb fish tank combines the beauty of a traditional goldfish bowl with the convenience of BiOrb technology. This technology uses mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration to reduce the amount of maintenance traditionally required.

FishTanksDirect has launched a new website for anyone who wishes to learn more about this low-maintenance fishbowl. For information about this new technology, logon to BiOrbFishTanks.com.

Kerry Wood Improving

The Cubs lost to the Giants Tuesday night, but let's not dwell on bad news. We'll have plenty of opportunities for that later.

Kerry Wood pitched again for the Mesa Rookie League team in Mesa, Arizona, on Tuesday. He threw 17 pitches in one inning. He gave up one run on two hits and struck out one.

Most important of all, Wood reported that his arm felt fine. He will continue pitching on a rehab basis during two more games this week.

Who's Behind the Plate?

The Cubs have had so many catchers this season that New Moon has lost count--Barrett, Bowen, Blanco, Hill. Who did we forget?

Now we have Jason Kendall. Why do we have have him? He made two mistakes and no hits Tuesday night.

Today Kendall is resting and Koyie Hill is behind the plate. What happened to Geovany Soto? Where did he go?

Computer Furniture

Every school teacher knows that if students are to do their best, they need desks and equipment that permit them to learn as well as they possibly can. This is just as true for students in computer classrooms as it is for any other subject. In order to meet student needs, the available classroom size and shape must be used in the most efficient way possible, while also making that room serve the educational needs of the students.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Remember Kerry Wood?

A few days ago, while all of you were asleep, Kerry Wood pitched one inning, threw 14 pitches, and struck out the side. All this occurred during a minor league game in Mesa, Arizona.

Wood pitched in spring training, but has been on the disabled list since then with tendinitis in his right shoulder.

Saturday's workout seemed to cause Wood no pain. It also proved that he can still throw strikes.

Speaking about Wood, Lou Piniella said it would be a mistake for anyone to hurry the pitcher's recovery. He also said that Wood's eventual return to the Cubs "would help our situation down the road."

If and when Wood does return, expect to see him pitching only in relief. He won't be starting any games.

Lohan Fans Rejoice

Lindsay Lohan fans have reason to celebrate. Their favorite celebrity drunk has completed 45 days of rehab and is now free to go stepping out.

Lindsay got into trouble to start with when she wrecked her Mercedes-Benz while, according to the authorities, under the influence of something, and it wasn't buttermilk.

Lindsay will now be in an outpatient program, including AA meetings, therapy for drunks, and daily alcohol testing.

Exercise Equipment

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Cubs Surge, Giants Fall

Sean Marshall and the surging Chicago Cubs will take on the hopeless Giants tonight at Wrigley Field in the second game of a four-game series.

The Cubs have many Giant killers on their roster. So by the end of the series, the remaining Giants will have to limp back to San Francisco.

If the aging and decrepit B. Bonds crawls onto the field, Marshall will mow him down like so much clover in a hayfield

Given the present winning streak, the Cubs can be heard making statements that verge on euphoria. "The chemistry is great, everything has been outstanding," Rich Hill said after his win on Manday.

Glad to hear you feel good, Rich. Just keep on throwing strikes.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Hill + Hill + Ramirez

It's a winning formula anyway you add it up. Pitcher Hill gave the Giants only 2 runs and 2 hits over 8 innings while catcher Hill caught more pitches than I can count and gave the Cubs a 1-zip lead in the third with a me-only homer.

Meanwhile, Ryan Theriot at shortstop made spectacular plays look so easy that anyone could make them, even all us aging baby boomers. Actually, we could not make them in Little League, but Theriot could.

The arithmetic lesson ended in the eighth inning, when Aramis Ramirez hammered a two-run double that lifted the Little Bears to a 3-2 win over the big bad Giants.

End of arithmetic lesson. Be back in class Tuesday night at 7:05 PM at Wrigley Field, home of the Giant killers.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Cubs Homer

Although I'm fond of saying that you win games with singles, I didn't mind watching Angel Pagan and Derrek Lee hit home runs in the Cubs' six-run second inning.

Pitcher Jason Marquis enjoyed it too. He'd already given up five runs to the Astros. Marquis helped himself with a single in the second.

Didn't care for the Houston homer in the next inning, but I loved Ramirez's catch of a screaming line drive to end the inning for the Cubs.

Theriot immediately got busy with a solo homer to put the Cubs back on top. I'm liking home runs today.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Cubs Lead

It's the bottom of the sixth inning, and the Cubs lead Houston 9-1. Lilly is still on the mound, having given up only 3 hits and 1 run.

Dare I hope that the Cubs will hold onto their lead and win the game? I predict nothing. That's very a serious mistake, violates all my superstitions.

Still, I hope the Cubs win. I hope they finish the season above .500.

Ted Lilly

With a record of 8-4 and an ERA of 3.67, pitcher Ted Lilly will lead the Cubs into this afternoon's game with the Houston Astros. Lilly's last win came on July 7, when he vanquished the Pirates.

Prior to the game, Lou Piniella was heard making hopeful statements about the present home stand. "We've worked hard to get ourselves in position," he said, "and we need to play well here."

The editorial team at New Moon thoroughly endorses this opinion. Moreover, we would like to see the Cubs play well everywhere and all the time.

We need to win some games in order to finish above .500. Ted Lilly, please throw strikes.

Business Credit Cards

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Friday, July 13, 2007

Mark Cuban Wants the Cubs

Mark Cuban wants to buy the Chicago Cubs. The Tribune Company has offered the Cubs, Wrigley Field, and the Trib's 25 percent of Comcast SportsNet to the highest bidder, and the bidding will start at much more than I have in my piggy bank.

Mark is a brash fellow, whose enormous wealth has made him seem obnoxious to some people and charming to others. I haven't met the boy, so I have no opinion. If he has a billion dollars or more to put on the table, the Tribune would probably consider his offer.

I don't care who buys the Cubs as long as he doesn't mess with Wrigley Field

Cubs Can Hit

I love to watch Zambrano pitch, and I love to see him hit. Most of all, I love to see the Cubs hit singles and doubles.

If you hit single after single, you will win ballgames. If you throw strikes, and if you can support yourself by hitting singles, your name is Carlos Zambrano and you know how to play baseball.

Inside the park hits by Soriano, Lee, Theriot, Floyd, DeRosa, Jones, AND Zambrano highlighted the offensive surge this afternoon.

The Chicago Cubs beat the hapless Houston Astros today 6-0. And I have to confess that I'm getting excited about the Cubs. Nonetheless, I will try to remain calm. The season still has a long way to go, and the Brewers are unlikely to roll over and play dead.

Direct Mail Advertising

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Thursday, July 12, 2007

Geovany Soto

The Cubs have called up catcher Geovany Soto from Triple-A Iowa, and he will start Friday's game, catching Carlos Zambrano in the second-half opener with Houston.

Rob Bowen and Koyie Hill are still on the roster, but Soto brings some hitting stats that Bowen and Hill can't match at the moment.

For the season, Soto was batting .341 at Iowa, with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs.

With the season half over, Piniella knows that he can no longer say that he doesn't pay attention to the standings. He was actually paying attention all along, and you can bet your bottom that Jim Hendry always pays attention to the standings.

This is precisely the moment when Cubs management has to make some smart decisions. They won't get to make them next December when all the cold-weather managers in rocking chairs second guess everything that happened during the season.

Rookie Felix Pie is going down to Iowa to make room on the roster for Soto. This isn't the end of the world for Pie. He'll get more playing time with Iowa, time that he hasn't had with the Cubs.

Push has come to shove. Cubs management is getting serious.

Larry Flint

Thus far, only Senator David Vitter, R-La., has confessed to having had sex with an operative from an alleged Washington, D.C., call-girl squad.

But now, just when we were starting to lose interest, into the breach comes Larry Flint, publisher of Hustler magazine.

Flint claims to have leads on other members of Congress who exercised their right to have sex with a prostitute. Flint says his list of evil congressmen totals more than 20, but he isn't yet handing out the list.

Come on, Larry, give us the news. With no baseball today, we're bored stiff.

All-Points bulletin for Michael Moore

The federal government wants filmmaker Michael Moore. The feds claim that Moore violated the law when he filmed foreign bedpans.

Moore denies the charges. “I only filmed urinals,” he told New Moon.

Moore’s film Sicko claims that people sometimes get sick. The government denies this claim.

According to the Justice Department, Moore used backlighting, Fuji film, and voice-over narration.

Moore insists that he is innocent of all charges. “They’re confusing me with Sylvester Stallone,” he said.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

American Diabetes Wholesale

One of my favorite uncles had diabetes. For decades, I watched him struggle with insulin shots, imitation sugar, and all the other commonplace items in the life of a diabetic. For all the best reasons, I sympathize with all those who suffer as my uncle did.

Today, American Diabetes Wholesale provides diabetic supplies and over-the-counter drugstore needs to diabetics at the lowest prices on the internet. This firm sells Diabetic supplies at savings of 30-60 percent, and all with the best in customer service. American Diabetes Wholesale provides all this with the best products, best prices, and fast shipping. Customers may place orders online or by telephone.

All employees are prepared to treat all orders with the kindness they deserve. American Diabetes Wholesale promises that it always has all diabetic supplies in stock. Orders places before noon go out the same day. All orders are shipped within 24 hours.

American Diabetes Wholesale maintains a website that is simple and easy to navigate. The company also hosts a diabetic workshop. The firm's customer-service personnel are both knowledgeable and responsive. If you or someone you know has diabetes, it would be well worth the trip to look at this company’s website.

Dark-Horse Cubs

Various heros are saying that the Chicago Cubs are the dark horse of the National League. New Moon fears that the dark horses may disappear into the dark night above Lake Michigan.

We all have the greatest hopes for the Cubs, but let's try to keep things in perspective. The Cubs haven't won a pennant since before the Titanic sank, and that was a hell of a long time ago. I, the editor of New Moon, can hardly remember it.

Tori Spelling the Divine

Just when we thought that everything and everyone had gone to hell and not come back, Tori Spelling has come to our redemption. Tori has become a minister of the Gospel, and we sorely need her.

Tori the divine is a fading TV starlet who appeared on a television show, the title of which I cannot remember. Now she has become a born-again ex-starlet with a genuine ministerial degree she earned online, and watch out you TV Baptists. Tori may take your revenue stream away.

As her first ministerial act, Tori got two people married, although their marriage vows may not include the typical stuff that Southern Baptists normally require. All this means that the preachers on the public airways probably have nothing to fear from Tori.

Software Security Solutions

When it comes to security for your computer system, one size definitely does not fit all. Whether you are a consumer or the owner of a small or midsized business, you need the correct computer security software for each type of threat to your computer and the data it contains--Anti Virus, Anti Spyware, Exploits, and Firewalls.

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Nicole Richie

Bad news for Nicole Richie fans. Last December, she was arrested for drunk driving, and her case has now reached the courts.

Hovering in the background is the allegation that Richie had an earlier drunk-driving conviction in 2003. Under California law, a second conviction for drunk driving could get you up to one year in jail. The minimum conviction would be four days in jail.

I do hope the state of California is building new jails to house all the rich and beautiful drunks who can't remember to take a cab.

But regardless of all that, if Nicole finds herself in front of a hanging judge, you might not see Miz Richie for 365 days.

Cubs Launch Youth Movement

For the second half of the season, we can expect to see plenty of action from the youngsters in the Cubs lineup. But don't worry. The veterans won't go away and hide. As Lou Piniella put it, "Young kids don't bother me one bit. I think a good mix of veterans and youth is the way to go."

Just in case you forgot, the young players who have impressed allof us include Mike Fontenot, Felix Pie, Ryan Theriot, Carlos Marmol and Sean Marshall. They got all of us excited in June, and I'd like to stay excited all the way to the playoffs.

But I'll still be satisfied if only the Cubs finish above .500.

AlwaysHD

The world is full of cinematographers working on all sorts of projects. In the process of filming all the scenes needed for a particular script, cinematographers inevitably capture more high-definition footage than they will ever use for a project. AlwaysHD now makes it possible for cinematographers to generate a new revenue stream from all the unused footage they have created.

In the past, professional cinematographers received income only when working in the field. AlwaysHD now provides a way for those cinematographers to make money from all the surplus high-definition footage they have in stock. To make this transaction as simple as possible, AlwaysHD makes high-definition stock footage available to production companies as royalty free stock footage. Once a production company buys the footage it needs, it can then use it anywhere at anytime. The cinematographers who supplied the footage receive 50 percent of the net revenue generated by the sale of their clips, paid monthly.

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Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Alfonso Soriano

For Cub fans, the big news at Tuesday's All-Star Game was Alfonso Soriano's home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. The homer cleared the right-field fence with room to spare.

The Cub left fielder hit a two-run blast that brought the National League within one run of the American League. That, however, was as far as the rally went, with the American League finishing off a 5-4 victory.

Derrek Lee also appeared in the game and hit a single to center field in the eighth inning, after which he stole second.

The season takes off again on Friday, when the Houston Astros arrive at Wrigley Field for an afternoon game. Carlos Zambrano will lead the Cubs into battle.

With any luck, the Cubs may still finish the season above .500.

Good Night and Good Luck for Combs and Porter

Today, right now, not later, New Moon brings you more breaking news about the rich and famous.

Although it gives us great pain, we have to report that Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kim “Diddy Not” Porter have gone to Splitsville. They have signed off, kissed off, parted ways, got loose, taken a train, gone and left.

The stories at Google News say it’s true, and GN knows whereof it talks its trash and drinks its mash.

As the late Porky Pig used to say, “That’s all, folks [stammer deleted].”

Online University Degrees

Capella University makes higher education available to students who might not otherwise find a way to pursue their educations while also meeting family and work obligations. This includes students seeking undergraduate study and degrees to further personal growth and career development. It also includes people who have already earned undergraduate degrees and who now wish to improve themselves professionally.

Tammy Alexander falls into this second category. Ms. Alexander is an expert in crime prevention. She offers lectures and workshops on this topic to members of the general public, academia, and law enforcement. Alexander is also the head of cyber-security training at the Fountainhead College of Technology. Her administrative and teaching responsibilities would prevent her from working on a graduate degree on a traditional university campus. Alexander is a master’s degree student at capella university, where she is studying education, specializing in enrollment management.

Capella is a fully online university that provides over 82 graduate and undergraduate areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs. It offers a complete range of graduate and undergraduate degrees, from B.A. and B.S. degrees to the Ph.D. At all levels, it provides high-caliber academic courses and programs.

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Avril Lavigne denies charges

In the absence of any real baseball news, the staff of New Moon brings you another story of blighted celebrities.

One musical group and a separate entertainer have charged that singer Avril Lavigne has swiped their musical creations.

The staff at New Moon hasn’t listened to the relevant dirges, so we can’t say if they’re worth stealing.

A representative for Lavigne dismissed the charges as “utter rubbish.” New Noon would call him to ask some questions, but we ran out of quarters.

Where Is Paris Hilton?

The readers of New Moon are probably worried sick about Paris Hilton. Where is she? Is she in jail? Is she drunk? Did she get arrested for drunk driving again?

The New Moon staff searched southern California last weekend, and we have something to report.

We spotted Paris Hilton at an upscale bar in Hollywood Saturday night. We asked her if she had fun in jail, and she told us to drop dead.

Paris was with her sister Nicky. We didn’t ask Nicky if she had fun in jail.

Stay tuned for more breaking news about Paris Hilton, but probably not about Nicky.

Online Master's Degree

Tammy Alexander is an expert in crime prevention. She offers lectures and workshops on this topic to members of the general public, academia, and law enforcement. Alexander is also the head of cyber-security training at the Fountainhead College of Technology. As a result of her work in crime prevention, she has won the 2006 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

Alexander is a master’s degree student at capella university, where she is studying education, specializing in enrollment management. She is one of the many students whose job requirements prevent her from attending classes on a traditional university campus. Capella is an online university that provides over 82 graduate and undergraduate areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs.

Capella University presently serves over 17,900 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. It provides high-caliber academic courses and programs. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Derrek Lee

According to news reports, Derrek Lee is one member of the Chicago Cubs who worries about not hitting enough home runs.

Lee will play in the All-Star Game, but no one asked him to participate in the home-run derby. Who cares? The home-run derby is the biggest nonevent of the season.

Lee may be worried, but I'm not. His batting average is .331, and he keeps hitting singles to drive in runs. That's the way to win ballgames. Leave the homers to Tampa Bay.

If you want to make it into the playoffs, hit singles.

Home Run Drought

Every time I open my ears, someone says he's sad that the Cubs aren't hitting more home runs. People worry about this alleged problem in spite of the fact that the Cubs have been winning games despite a derth of homers.

The fact is that you win games with singles, not homers. Swinging for the fences is a good way to strike out. It's easier to hit singles, and if the team is loaded with players who hit them, those singles will create RBI's.

Home runs may get the crowd excited, but if you want to finish first in your division, try hitting singles.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Woman With a Mission

Carla Thomas is not your typical student. First of all, she already has a degree in medicine. Ms. Thomas is a doctor, a family doctor, and if you live in or near Anniston, Alabama, you could become one of her patients.

If I ever made it through medical school, I'd consider myself lucky. But Dr. Thomas has more ambition than I. She wants to become the surgeon general of the United States.

In order to reach that goal, Dr. Thomas wants to earn a Ph.D. in healthcare administration. But family doctors don't really have the time to go off to a distant campus. That's where capella university enters our story.

Capella is a fully online university with 17,900 students who, like Carla Thomas, don't have time to leave home to earn an advanced degree.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Thomas's pursuit of an online Ph.D., you can listen to an interview with her on Capella's Inside Online Education podcast at capella.edu or capellacommons.com. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast RSS feed at capellacommons.com/rss/. They are also available via subscription from iTunes.

Capella University offers 82 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 16 certificate programs. It has students through the United States and in 56 foreign countries. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Politicians and Pals

A great many people are all a-bubble about George Bush's commutation of I. Lewis Libby's sentence for purjury.

Libby is a former member of VP Cheney's staff. Libby was convicted of lying to FBI agents and grand jury members. The court fined Libby $250,000 and sentenced him to 30 months in jail. George Bush commuted the jail sentence, but left the fine in place.

None of this surprises me. Politicians and their pals rarely end up in jail. In 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after he was charged with accepting bribes while governor of Maryland. In a successful plea bargain, Agnew was sentenced to three years of probation and given a fine of $10,000.

At the time of this scandal, Richard Nixon was president. He subsequently resigned after it became know that he had authorized the burglary of Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Gerald Ford had become vice president after Agnew's resigation. He then became president when Nixon resigned. One of his first acts as President was to pardon Nixon for any crimes he had committed while in the White House.

These are only a few examples. I'm not listing these facts in order to defend or justify commutation of Libby's sentence. I merely want the reader to know that this sort of thing is far more common than one might expect.

Diabolique

Are you sick to death of all the cop shows on TV? The movies at the local Bijou are no better. There's never any real mystery, but always plenty of cars blowing up.

How about a real mystery in which you can solve the case yourself?

Check out Diabolique, a terrific murder mystery by director H.G. Clouzot. Filmed in stunning black and white, this movie is both mysterious and beautiful.The plot involves a school's brutal headmaster who mistreats both his wife and his mistress. Then the two woman develop an involved scheme to murder their common enemy.

From that point on, everything that happens is a surprise.

Look it up. You'll like it.

Online Degrees

Capella University now offers a B.S. in Public Safety. In addition to this new Bachelor of Science, Capella also provides eight new graduate and undergraduate specializations in programs such as information technology, psychology, business, and education.

Capella's School of Education has introduced a new specialization in Special Education Leadership. Pamela Potter, president of the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators, points out that students who hope to pursue the Ph.D. in special education need just the kind of focus this new specialization provides. As she states, such a specialization would prepare students for "the actual job that must be done."

The Harold Abel School of Psychology at capella university also offers the M.S. degree with three new areas of specialization. Garvey House, dean of the school, believes that these new specializations will improve the degree programs offered by the school.

Capella also announces that it offers new specializations in Information Technology and Business. All these new programs are now open for enrollments.

Capella university provides 89 areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Not Another All-Star Game

The All-Star Game is my least favorite baseball game of the year.

It doesn't help my team gain ground in the National League Central Division. It has no bearing on the outcome of the pennant race. It doesn't determine who gets into the World Series.

The All-Star Game does give most players a little rest, but those who play in the ASG just waste their energy.

So what's the point? I'll tell you the point. The All-Star Game gives the owners another opportunity to fill their already bloated coffers.The ASG is about nothing but money.

Cubs Rise and Fall

On Saturday, all was sweetness and joy because Ted Lilly had mowed down the the worthless Pirates. Even more, Theriot, Soriano, Ward, Lee, and Lilly himself had harassed the Bucs with game-winning RBI singles.

Now, only a day later, we find outselves in despair. Despite Carlos Zambrano's strong start in sunday's game, Pittsburgh has handed the Cubs a defeat at the season's half-way point.

Still, the Cubs stand at 44-43, a mere 4.5 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. We still have hope. It could be worse. Or that's what I hear confidant people say.

Inside Online Education

Capella University presently serves over 17,900 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. It provides high-caliber academic courses and programs for students who cannot pursue their educational goals on a traditional campus.

As part of its Inside Online Education podcast series, capella university has released a podcast that features an interview with Dr. Carla Thomas, a family physician in Alabama. Dr. Thomas has a special ambition. She wants to become the U.S. surgeon general.

To advance this goal, Dr. Thomas is working on a Ph.D. in healthcare administration. Like all podcasts in the Inside Online Education series, the interview with Dr. Thomas lasts about fifteen minutes. The podcasts are available through the Capella University Web site at capella.edu.

Capella university provides 82 areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Friday, July 06, 2007

Losing Streak for Cubs

What we have here is a losing streak.

It doesn't make me feel any better to hear that the Cubs have won 11 out of the last 14 games. The Cubs have lost 2 out of the last 2 games, and that's a losing streak. It's a short losing streak, but it makes a long-time Cubs fan wake up and smell the stockyards.

I remember the stockyards, and I remember the Cubs of the same era. Both smelled like the stuff Angus steers leave on the ground. It's called manure.

Manure can make the grass grow in the outfield in Pittsburgh, but that probably means nothing to Jason Marquis, who served up two pitches that Freddy Sanchez and Xavier Nady hit over the fence where the outfield ends.

It's a losing streak.

Sicko

I just watched Sicko, the new film by Michael Moore, and I think I know why his detractors hate him so much.

As he does the voice-over narration, Moore’s voice assumes the innocence of a child’s. “I thought I’d go to Canada and find out,” he says, after just citing the standard critique of the Canadian health-care system.

We know that Moore already knows every important fact about health care in Canada. This statement is merely a way to lead into the interviews he’ll conduct when he gets there.

Moore is saying, “Come along with me, and we’ll discover the truth.” But if you already dislike Moore’s truth, it will irritate you beyond all hope.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Radiator.com

Of all the things that can go wrong with my aging car, one that I fear the most is a bad radiator. I imagine an engine block with the temperature rising until the pistons weld themselves to the cylinders. What a horrible thought.

Nothing has gone wrong with my radiator yet. But if that does happen, I'll remember the Integra Radiator. That is only one of the many radiators available from Radiator.com.

Radiator.com sells the best radiators at the lowest prices possible. Its radiators also come with a lifetime warranty. Radiator.com can offer all this because it ignores the middlemen, makes its radiators available online, and sells directly to the customer.

Radiator.com is a family-owned business that uses a network of warehouses throughout the United States. It can find and deliver just the right radiator faster than you could imagine.

I hope my radiator doesn't go bad. But if it does, I'll know where to find a replacement.

Florida Marlins

While waiting for the Cubs-Nationals game to start, I'm watch the Florida-San Diego game.

It just occurred to me that I don't know what town the Marlins inhabit. And I don't really care. I'm so old-fashioned that I still haven't gotten used to the fact that Florida has a major-league baseball team. I haven't absorbed the fact that the United States population is moving south.

It's okay with me if people want to move. But I don't want to move with them.

California is another mystery to me. When I think about the Dodgers, I still think of Brooklyn.

The Marlins just beat the Padres, by the way, regardless of where the Marlins came from.

Alfonso Soriano

Alfonso Soriano has been named National League Player of the Month for June, and you couldn't find a more deserving player. Soriano hit .336, with 11 home runs, 18 RBIs, and 41 hits. Twenty of those hits went for extra bases, with seven doubles and two triples.

Soriano has also been picked for his sixth All-Star Game in a row.

Soriano got off to a slow start in April and May, but he came on like gangbusters in June. Lou Piniella has speculated that the warmer weather may have helped. I know it helped me, so I won't debate the point.

Flower Delivery

I always intend to send a gift or flowers when one of my friends or associates has a birthday or some other special day. But I don't always remember to do it. This can lead to embarrassing situations in which I try to justify a gift sent after the date it was needed.

If you are like me, we both need Dot Flowers. This firm provides a convenient way to place an order online, thereby ensuring an on-time flower delivery.

The people at Dot Flowers can help someone like me select just the right gift, whether it's a beautiful flower arrangement or a gift basket filled with gourmet treats. Consider, for example, some cookies or savory snacks.

For Florist Direct orders, you can request same-day delivery. That option is especially helpful for me.

Regardless of the occasion, Dot Flowers will help you find just the right gift, one that represents you both personally and professionally.

Cubs Stand Still

The Chicago Cubs lost to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Since the Brewers are in first place in the Central Division and the Cubs are in second place, the Cubs are still only 5.5 games out of first place. The Brewers have the magic capacity to lose when the Cubs lose, which creates the illusion that the Cubs are always playing pretty good baseball.

This is a jolly state of affairs, or seems to be. The problem is that if both the Brewers and the Cubs continue to lose, at least one of the teams at the bottom will eventually pass both the Brewers and the Cubs.

You can't bet your entire stack of chips on a losing team and expect other teams to accomodate you. At some future date, you'll get burnt like a hotdog on the Fourth of July.

Enough of this. Let's win tonight.

Bombs Bursting in Air

The rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air are reminiscent of what the Nats did to the Cubs on Independence Day, 2007. Francis Scott Key wasn't there to see it, but the Nationals shelled the Chicago Cubs.

Rich Hill gave up six runs and ten hits, including a grand-slam homer. He lasted six innings.

Dmitri Young provided much of the fireworks, unloading his grand-slam homer in the fifth inning. The Cubs scored no homers and no runs over the course of nine innings.

The Cubs now drop to 42-42 in the Central Division. The division-leading Milwaukee Brewers lost to Pittsburgh.

South Florida Tourism

Unless you've spent time in South Florida recently, you may not have seen IPITV Magazine, despite the fact that IPITV has won two South Florida Travel Publication Awards. It was also featured in the National Travel & Tourism Guide for Media Publications.

IPITV forms new relationships with travel-tour companies that offer their services to local, national, or international tourists. To professionals within the travel industry, ipitv has become one of that industry's most successful publishers. It has acquired a reputation for creating new solutions for old problems in the travel industry. IPITV has over 100 long-term clients.

IPITV gains and maintains the respect of its clients by providing the best possible representations of their products and services. The principal staff members at IPITV Magazine have long experience in design, media, marketing, and business. Because of this experience, IPITV can promise the best experience to both tourists and travel companies.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

What If?

The Cubs have won nine of their last ten games. As they approach the break for the All-Star Game and the half-way point for the season, their win-loss average has risen to .506. They remain in second place in the Central Division, 6.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers.

At this point it becomes tempting to start playing "What If?" What if we sweep the all the games that remain to be played before the All-Star Game? What if we continue to perform come-from-behind mircles? What if the pitchers continue to improve, and what if everyone's batting average continues to rise?

But what if those things don't happen? The problem with the "What If?" game is that it makes predictions based on speculation. The best way to deal with all these possibilities is to forget them. We simply need to stay healthy and play the game the best we can.

That's all that Lou Piniella expects, and that's good enough for me.

Cubs Above .500

With a record of 41-40, the Cubs are now above .500 at about the halfway point in the season.

Pitcher Ted Lilly led the defense yesterday, as the Cubs beat the Nats 7-2. Mark DeRosa contributed a stomach-stretching catch of a linedrive at second base.

For the offense, DeRosa knocked three runs across the plate, and Aramis Ramirez hammered a two-run double.

All these heroics have placed the Cubs 6.5 games behind the first-place Brewers.

Data Security

Tammy Alexander teaches data protection and computer security for Fountainhead College of Technology in Knoxville, Tennessee. Using her expertise in these topics, she offers lectures and workshops to the general public, academics, and police officers.

Alexander is a master’s degree student at capella university, where she is studying education, specializing in enrollment management. She is one of the many students whose job requirements prevent her from attending classes on a traditional university campus. Capella is an online university that provides 82 areas of specialization and 16 certificate programs.

Capella University presently serves over 17,900 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. It provides high-caliber academic courses and programs. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, log on to capella.edu, or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Monday, July 02, 2007

All-Star Game

Alfonso Soriano and Derrek Lee will represent the Chicago Cubs at the All-Star Game in San Francisco on July 10. Both were selected by player votes, which show what the active rosters think about the guys they play against. This is a measure of playing skill that departs from the media hype that may affect what the fans think. For example, the fans think Barry Bonds ranks higher than Soriano because they also think the home run is really important. The home run may cause the pulse to go up, but singles win ball games.

Sunday

After losing to the Brew Boys on Saturday, the Cubs gave all of us a thrill by winning on Sunday. The main point in all this is that the cubs did not lose any ground to the Milwaukee heros.

Jason Marquis got the win and looked good doing it, giving up only four hits and one walk over seven innings. Aramis Ramirez looked good at the plate, as did Derrek Lee.

The Cubs now travel to RFK Stadium to take on the Washington Nationals. It would really be jolly if the Cubbies could sweep the series and the entire roadtrip and gain ground on the Brew Crew. But don't get your hopes up.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Continuing Education

Students who wish to pursue continuing education may find it useful to consider the options available at Capella, an online university that offers 82 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 16 certificate programs.

Capella University presently serves over 17,900 students throughout the United States and in 56 foreign countries. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Students at Capella University can profit from the instruction of Sara Orem, Ph.D., who has co-authored a book published by Jossey-Bass and titled Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process for Change. Orem is a faculty member and coach at Capella University’s School of Business and Technology.

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.

The book meets the needs of those who serve as coaches for managers, executives, and others who work with people who can bring about change in their groups or organizations.

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This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

Red Sox Stagger

The editorial staff of New Moon is presently visiting Boston, where the Red Sox have staggered through June and into July. After demolishing all opposition early in the season, the Red Sox initiated a Bean Town version of the June Swoon.

Today, July 1, the Red Sox showed little of the spirit that moved the American Revolutionaries to cast off the yolk of English oppression, an event we will all celebrate July 4. This rebellion began here in Boston, so patriots in these parts want something good to happen in July.

Anyone who wants to celebrate a Red Sox victory on July 4 may find it a very sad event if things go as they did today. The Texas Range Boys came to Fenway this afternoon, and they thoroughly muddied the Bean Boys. We need an immediate change in direction if Independence Day is to be a happy event this year for Sox Loyalists.