Player of the Day 4-29-08

When reviewing the morning box scores I look for good form. I define this as mutiple times on base, multiple base hits and any combination of runs and rbi that adds up to 2. Each hit or walk is a point, you get 2 for a 2B, 3 for a 3B and 4 for a HR and each run or rbi is a point.

9 players were on good from yesterday from Ankiel to Zimmerman. Best performance was by San Diego's Scott Hariston who was 3-4 doubled, homered drove in 3 and scored 3 for 15 points. Detroit's CFer Granderson was 2-3 with 2 walks, double, home run scored 3 and knocked in 1 for an AL best 14 points. Rick Ankiel of St. Louis had a 2nd strong nite in a row with 2 doubles and a total of 11 points.

April Running Summary

Ran 7 times. Time off due to bronchitis. Ran in temperatures from 30 to 57 degrees. 1st run of 2008 in shorts. Did fartleks, tempo, easy etc. Ran once in Wisconsin. Last 2 runs were on trails.

May will see my 1st 10K.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-30-08	2.1 M	1:00	5/10	Hoffmaster, walk a mile trail.	Started 0930. Temp mid 40's yet pleasantly sunny. Ran for 5 m, then walked for 2, with 5 m warm up. Love variety of trails w/ hills etc. Enjoyment 5/5.
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World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Andorra a principality located between France and Spain has a life expectancy of 83.53 years highest of any nation.

WX Text

Temps will climb back into the 50's today. Low pressure en route from plains will bring greater activity, tstorms rain etc.

Player of the Day

When reviewing the morning box scores I look for good form. I define this as mutiple times on base, multiple base hits and any combination of runs and rbi that adds up to 2. Each hit or walk is a point, you get 2 for a 2B, 3 for a 3B and 4 for a HR and each run or rbi is a point.

Limited slate saw Frank Thomas of the A's go 3-3 with a double and triple plus 2 rbi for 10 points.

The Cards Ankiel was 2-5 2b, hr, 1r, 1rbi also 10 points but Thomas' 3-3 is better than Ankiel's 2-5.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

John Paul Stevens was the only Supreme Court Justice appointed by Gerald Ford (P.431). He had the highest GPA ever at Northwestern Law School. Recently he authored a key opinion in a voter rights case.

WX Text

A clear day will lead into a nite where frost is possible. Wednesday will bring a warm up with rain possibly prevalent late Thursday and Friday.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Harper Lee was born this day 1926 in Monroeville AL (P. 187). Lee won the 1961 Pulitzer for To Kill a Mockingbird. She has written no novels since then. Earlier she worked for Eastern Airlines, now defunct.

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Chance of afternoon rain and t storms. Temps will get back in 50's by Wednesday.

Packers 2008 Draft

Round	Pick	Player	Pos	HT	WT	School	Offense	Defense
2	36	Jordy Nelson	WR	6-3	217	Kansas State	X
2	56	Brian Brohm	QB	6-3	232	Louisville	X
3	60	Patrick Lee	CB	6-0	200	Aurburn		X
3	91	Jermichael Finley	TE	6-3	243	Texas	X
4	102	Jeremy Thompson	DE	6-4	264	Wake Forest		X
4	135	Josh Sitton	G	6-3	324	Central Florida	X
5	150	Breno Giacomini	T	6-7	303	Louisville	X
7	209	Matt Flynn	QB	6-2	227	LSU	X
7	219	Brett Swain	WR	06/01/08	200	San Diego State	X

2nd Day Draft

3rd round Pick 91 Jerimichael Finley TE TEX 6-5 243. 3rd year sophomore entered draft surprisingly, but he does have 2 childern.

Played 2 years, had a 12.5 average per catch. Strengths are: coachable, durability. Weaknesses: not a good blocker, needs to get stronger.

Probably more a potential than production guy compared to other picks. Said to have "enormous potential"

Texas native ran a 4.82 40 (2nd rounder Brian Brohm 4.83) a 9 foot 8 inch broad jump (QB Brohm 9' 7")
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Jeremy Thompson DE 6-5 264 DE. There was a trade involved. Read things about him such as: didn't so much pass rush 'til this year, maybe didn't live up to potential, smart player, work in progress. Good combine in the top 10 in 40 yd dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 3 cone drill, and 20 yard shuttle. Other positives: quickness, speed and long arms.

Trade was: 4th and 5th (113 & 162) to Jets for 4th (102). Yes, Thompson traded up!

Remaining picks are: 128 and 135 in the 4th, and 237 in the 7th.
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128 traded to the Rams for...137 in the 5th and 217 in the 7th...Trade value chart gives 37.5 pts for 137, and 4.6 for 217 which is 42.1 whole 128 is at 44.
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137 becomes Josh Siton 6-3, 320 OT Central Florida. Mainly played RT. 39 college starts, All Conference USA.
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Then a trade 137st overall pick, acquired from St. Louis a bit ago, to Minnesota for the Nos. 150 and 209 pick.

137 is 37.5 150 31.4, 209 7.8 or 39.2 in return
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Then Breno Giacomini Breno Giacomini an OT from Louisville. He's 6-7 303. 12 game RT starter, former TE.
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7th Round Matt Flyn LSU, BCS championship QB.
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7th Round # 2 Brett Swain San Diego State WR 6-1, 200. Had 58 catches for a 16.8 avg. and 5 TD's.
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Final 7th rounder is traded to Saints for 2009 6th rounder......

1st 3 Draft Picks

The Packers traded their 1st round picks and thus had 3 2nd rounders on day 1 of the draft. They became Jordy Nelson WR, Jeff Brohm QB and Patrick Lee CB. Except for Brohm some low profile guys.

Given their recent draft record I am willing to buy in. I didn't know Greg Jennings or Brady Poppinga or Nick Collins and they turned out all right. All of the 1st three seem to have assets: Nelson was a walk on and is said to have superior character, Brohm was a super productive major college trigger man while Lee is said to be primo for bump and run coverage.

Thompson's draft philosophy seems to have 2 phases: get lots of selections so you can have maximum chance at success and go for production over 40 times or other hype related factors.

The Packers have 6 more selections today.

Quote

"In which one's intelligence was understood to increase with the strength of one's disbelief in everything."

Marcel Proust Swann's Way

WX Text

A fairly empty map will give us benign conditions for several days. Below 50 stuff will last until Wednesday.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-26-08	5 K	47:21	5/10	At YMCA camp. Hills, river crossing, rope bridge.	40 cloudy, windy. What a fun course! Shorts, shirt and winter hat. 1st race with new shoes.
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Quote

"The facts of life do not penetrate to the sphere in which our beliefs are cherished."

Macel Proust Swann's Way

WX Text

Low pressure near Lake Superior has changed things up. This will make it much cooler (46) with winds up to 35 MPH.

Goal Report 25 April

I set some goals for 2008. Here's an update:

• Completed Pre Hospital Trauma Lifesaving Course
• House: Spring yard clean up nearly complete
• Running: Training continues with a 10k race in May.
• 1st interview for paramedic position
• Disney Trip: Countdown continue, Disney Vacation Club considered we have passed for now.
  

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Today is Arbor Day was first celebrated in 1872. The planting and care of trees are celebrated. Arbor Day news includes 3rd graders planting trees.

WX Text

Major chance of rain and thunderstorms today. Low to the west and then areas of snow in Minnesota and Dakotas.

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Tonite and tomorrow we get a 50 percent chance of rain. A cold front will appear Friday dropping weekend temps into the 50's.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

There are 30,100 species of fish. Here are two random fish facts: The largest trout is in Mongolia while the speediest fish is the sailfish.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Today is World Book Day. St. Georges Day as celebrated in Catalonia is the Inspiration. FYI I am currently reading Lawrence Block's Ticket to the Boneyard

WX Text

Sunny almost 70, light winds. No precip in forecast until Friday.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Thomas Jefferson's birthday is April 13th, the year 1743. That's 265 years ago. Jefferson is known for being President, and founder of the University of Virginia. He also wrote Notes on the State of Virginia.

Player of the Day

When reviewing the morning box scores I look for good form. I define this as mutiple times on base, multiple base hits and any combination of runs and rbi that adds up to 2. Each hit or walk is a point, you get 2 for a 2B, 3 for a 3B and 4 for a HR and each run or rbi is a point.


Last nite Houston's Miguel Tejada went 4-5 socked a Double and Home Run scoring 3 Runs and knocking in 3 for 16 points. His 1st 4 hit game since August 2006.

The AL's top effort was David Ortiz with 10 points on 2-4, BB, 2 doubles and 3 RBI for 10.

WX Text

Fire danger high...indeed as a 100+ acre fire occurred in the Huron/Manistee national forest. Warm-in the 70's- and dry today.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-21-08	2 miles	31 1/2	5/10	2 park laps	57 sunny, south wind. Lacking legs, shin pain, right foot hurt probably from fast walking in sandals.
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World Almanac Blog: 'Boston'

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Today will be the 112th running of the Boston Marathon. It is run on Patriots day commemorating the start of the Revolutionary war. The course includes Heartbreak Hill. An American male has not won since Greg Meyer in 1983. International winners include Suh Yun-bok of South Korea in 1947 who set a world record.

WX Text

High pressure will give a nice sunny 70 degree day. Cold front will bring some activity Tuesday including showers and T-storms.

Marathonitis

Marathonitis= litany of gruesome and painful injuries affecting long-distance runners.

Don't have this yet. Will I someday?

Quote

"Places I know well, people very slightly"

Marcel Proust Swann's Way

WX

Sunny and 70 today. No mention of precip until Tuesday.

Quote

"I don't wear a watch during my long runs. That way I am not tempted to compare my time from week to week. "

Lynn Jennings

WX Text

Looks like the warm stuff is here with 60's and 70's expected. Spring melt is raising water levels.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-16-08	5 miles	39:26	7/10	Marshfiield WI	3 mile tempo times of 13:01, 14:14 & 12:11. Upwind, downwind and crosswind. 1 mile warm up, 15 minute cool down.
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World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

April 16, 1947 Kareem Abdul Jabbar born, Brooklyn New York. Jabbar is the NBA's all time leading scorer. His UCLA ('67 to '69) teams won 3 titles. In the NBA he won a title with Milwaukee (1971) and then 5 more with the LA Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988).

WX Text for Marshfield WI-Travelling

It'll be a windy and warm day. Temps will be up to 60, winds will be up to 30 from the SW.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

April 15 1912 Titanic sinks in North Atlantic, 1503 perish (P.300). Latest theory is that weak rivets may have been a cause. Titanic had sisterships in Olympic and Britanic. Olympic ran until 1935, known as old reliable, while Britanic sank in 1916 after hitting a mine. Titanic's builder is still in business.

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Although today is starting out in the 20's, temps are increasing and will be in the 50's until the weekend. Cold front Friday nite will bring some rain.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-14-08	2 miles	28:52	5/10	'Round Park and Cemetary	WX 48 and sunny. 1st run in shorts. 1st lap 13:40 2nd 15:12 goal was 15:01. 1st run after bronchitis. Finding a 'base pace'

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

April 12th was David Letterman's 61st birthday. He was born in Indianapolis IN (P. 215). He attended Indy's Broad Ripple High and then Ball State. He hosted Clover Power a show about the 4H. He's currently with CBS.

WX Text

High pressure will be in control thru mid week with temperatures near 70 by Wednesday. The warm and dry condition will increase fire danger.

Quote

“If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your
pocket and then give him only two of them.” - Phil Pastoret

WX

Another two below 50 days although a high pressure will keep things otherwise calm. No mention of precip until Wednesday.

Not Many Degrees of Seperation

So Mccain's campaign manager's lobbying firm was owned by ex Clinton message guy Mark Penn's firm at least until Penn was booted and Charlie Black McCain's mgr. resigned from the firm. Spots and leopards eh....

Obama lets out the truth

1st Obama tells the truth, saying: “And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not,” Mr. Obama went on. “And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

He followed this up with, "I said something that everybody knows is true."

Draft Note

Per Tom Kowalski in the last 3 years (the Ted Thompson draft era) the Lions have drafted 11 players 4th round or later. The Packers have drafted 22 players 4th or beyond which has given them 6 starters to the Lions 0. One these 4th or laters is Mason Crosby.

Quote

“Who runs for pleasure, never gets tired.”

WX Text

Cool stretch-under 50- until Tuesday. .2 inches of rain fell yesterday, rain and snow expected the next several days.

Quote

"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart. "

Mike Fanelli, club coach

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

The unknown stunt man that made Redford look so good was originally known as Harvey Lee Yeary. Later as the 6 million dollar man we knew him as Lee Majors. BTW, Fall Guy lasted longer than 6 mill. man.

WX Text

There is a possibility of severe storms this afternoon. Today and Saturday have more than a 50 percent chance of rain.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Actor Harry Morgan was born this day in 1915 (p.216). Morgan graduated from Muskegon High School the home of this blog. Many know him as Col. Sherman T. Potter of M*A*S*H. Prior to that he appeared in High Noon and in 1942 debuted in To The Shores of Tripoli. Those portraits that he painted as Col. Potter were actually from his brush.

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Beginning this afternoon a major chance of precipitation with a chance of heavy rain. Weekend is looking wet with a chance of snow mentioned.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the book has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

In 2006 1,266,264 immigrants were admitted. By state of intended residence California had 264,677 all the way down to Wyoming with 376 (P.596). California has an office of immigrant assistance while Wyoming does not.

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After last nite's thunderstorms which brought over a quarter inch of rain toady will be cloudy with wind gusts up to 25 and temp at 50. Rain is back in the picture for Thursday.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the books has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

This day in 1974 Hank Aaron his home run # 715 to pass Babe Ruth (P. 885). That game was the Braves 4th of the season and 1st home game. Aaron played LF going 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 rbi's. The opponents- LA Dodgers- made 6 errors near the team record of 7.

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Temperatures should be above 50 until the weekend. Low near Missouri will bring rain to the area tonite.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the books has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

If you're a coffee drinker then most likely you are one of 21.5% that buys Folgers (P.366). 2nd is Maxwell House at 16.5% and then Starbucks with 10.4% market share.

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SW wind around force 4 and warm sunny conditions. Starting Tuesday afternoon rain will be seen.

Travel Bits

From NY Times

1. 1 in 12 jobs world wide related to tourism
2. 46 of the 49 poorest countries rely on tourism as primary source of foreign exchange earnings

Quote

“I’ve only ever had about three boyfriends. Only a handful of people have seen into the Pharaoh’s Tomb!”

Kate Beckinsale

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Southerly winds will give us temperatures + 60 degrees. Around midnite a front will bring rain lasting until mid day Monday.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-5-08	1 to 1 1/4?	20 min	5/10	Sherman to Mckracken to LSD up Denmark hill to Leon	WX 43 and cloudy. 20 easy minutes, worked on arm swing and quiet foot fall. Learn easy running for recovery and 'stretching' purposes.

Tigers Rotten Start

The Tigers are 0-4. No team that has started 0-4 at home has ever made the World Series and very few have even made the playoffs.

Additionally Detroit is the only winless team in baseball.

Today at 3:55 the Tigers throw Dontrelle Willis against Gavin Floyd a young pitcher acquired from the Phillies by the White Sox. Last year Willis faced the White Sox in interleague play lasting a single inning giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. Floyd faced the Tigers 4 times and after 1 bad outing pitched well, most impressively walking only 2 and striking out 19 in 23.2 innings.

Quote

"And as I did not wish to leave off my book, I would go on with it in the garden, under the chestnut tree, in a little sentry-box of canvas and matting, in the farthest recesses of which I used to sit and feel that I was hidden from the eyes of anyone who might be coming to call upon the family."

Marcel Proust Swann's Way

WX Text

Looks like warm temperatures will stick for awhile as predictions are steadily above 50. High pressure will give fair weekend weather while a low will bring a major chance of rain Sunday nite.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the books has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

The most popular breed of dog is the Labrador Retriever with 123,760 registrations in 2006 (P. 280). 39 percent of Americans own dogs for a total of 65 million pet dogs in the USA.

WX Text

Minor chance of rain today. 1st 60 degree day forecast for Sunday.

11 August

The Packers pre season opener is 11 August at home against the Bengals. ESPN will televise as part of Monday nite football.

Other exhibition opponents are: 49ers, Broncos and Titans with exact dates and times tbd.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the books has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Ron Brown who served as Bill Clinton's 1st Secretary of Commerce dies this day in 1996 (P. 430). Brown died in a plane crash while on a trade mission in Croatia. He was the 1st African American to serve as Secretary of Commerce and also chairman of the Democratic Party.

WX Text

Yesterday's high was 44, while today 52 degrees is expected which is around normal. A major chance of rain tonite along with lite winds are other expectations.

Running Report

Date	Distance	Time	Effort	Route	Comment
4-2-08	----	30 min	8/10	Sherman to Mckracken to LSD up Denmark hill	WX 30's and sunny. Felt pretty good, pain in both legs laterally. Fartleks and strides from 10 to 30.

Pack Up

Good quotes from a story on the Pack Back Up QB: "The free-agent market is full of experience but mostly devoid of talent." & Coach McCarthy: "To me, it's experience or talent. I've always developed quarterbacks leaning toward the talent. Youth has never scared me away."

I would say a QB will be drafted hearing those verbal tea leaves.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the books has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Jack Brabham 1959,1960 and 1966 Formula 1 Auto Racing champion was born this day in 1926 (P.954). Born in Australia he also raced in 4 Indy 500's. His last win was the 1970 South African Grand Prix.

WX Text

With a pressure of 1032 MB we are in for several nice days with temps around 50 degrees. There is no significant precipitation chance in the next few days.

Goal Report 1 April

I set some goals for 2008. Here's an update:

• Running: Completed 8K Shamrock Shuffle in 1:03:45
• Passed NREMT written!!!
• Had a wonderful long weekend trip to Chicago
• Finished Proust's Swann's Way
• Signed up to take PHTLS at EMS Expo
  

March 2008 Reading Report

March books read: 9

Fiction: 6 Non Fiction: 3

Best Discovering Global Warming noted that the concept was around as early as the 1930's.

Read 2 Doig novels. Dancing at the Rascal Fair was a love triangle of sorts while Sea Runners was a good adventure novel, based on actual events.

Completed the 1st volume of Proust and read Roth's Anatomy Lesson which I never got in sync with.

World Almanac Blog

This portion of the blog is where I try to learn a little bit. I start with my World Almanac, find a topic and what the books has and then search the 'net to add infobits to my knowledge base.

Chicago with a population of 2,833,321 is the USA's 3rd biggest city ( P. 546). Among the 63 institutions of higher learning are: Roosevelt University and Loyola University.

WX Text

Currently in a precipitation phase with winds up to Force 4. It will take until the weekend for the temperatures to get to 50 degrees.