Written by the fabulous Leigh, Veggie Might is a weekly Thursday column about all things Vegetarian.

While I’ve been using stevia in my tea for nigh on 12 years, I’ve never used it for anything else, maintaining a steadfast whole foods philosophy when it comes to cooking and baking. But a recent conversation with a couple of close friends, who are in various stages of giving up sugar, prompted me to give stevia baking a try.

Some consider stevia to be a whole food. And if you just use stevia leaves for your sweetening needs, it is. But most people use stevia extract, which removes the sweet stevioside from the leaf and processes it into a liquid tincture or dry powder.

Where to start? Stevia is sooo much sweeter than sugar that you only need a tiny pinch of powder to equal the sweetness in a teaspoon of sugar. The brand I buy comes with a little scoop that equals 45mg; a teaspoon of sugar weighs 4 grams. I started to do the math, when I remembered that I had an Internet connection.

When I found the article How to Substitute Stevia for Sugar in Baking at eHow.com, I got super excited. They breakdown the stevia/sugar conversion thusly:

1 tsp stevia (powered) = 1 cup sugar
1 tsp stevia (liquid) = 1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp stevia= 1 tbsp sugar
6 drops liquid stevia = 1 tbsp sugar
A pinch of stevia = 1 tsp sugar
2 drops liquid stevia = 1 tsp sugar

But I’m not quite sure how 1 tsp of stevia can equal 1 cup sugar at the same time that 1/2 tsp stevia can equal 1 tbsp sugar. So I looked elsewhere.

Cooking with Stevia offers a more in-depth and likely accurate chart, which I’ve modified for our purposes:



But that conversion is not the only concern when replacing stevia with sugar. There is a mass/consistency issue to deal with when baking. Here’s where eHow came through: “The bulk or consistency that sugar normally would add can be replaced with applesauce, fruit puree, canned pumpkin, fruit juice, yogurt, or any ingredient that will taste right with your recipe and add moisture. For everyone cup of sugar that is replaced by stevia 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of the bulk should be added.”

Thanks Internet. Let’s bake.

I whipped up the Apple Oatmeal Muffins from the Mother Earth News article I referenced in yesterday’s post, replacing the egg with flax seeds, subbing in almond milk, and swapping the raisins for walnuts. Go Omega-3!

Note: If you’d like to try an alternative egg replacement method, check out this great vegan baking tute at the Post-Punk Kitchen.

The muffins came out pretty well, though CB’s first comment was, “They look more like scones.” True dat, CB. I used my cute little silicone muffin cups instead of traditional paper cups, and the thick batter didn’t really take the shape of the cup.

The texture was primo: moist and bursting with walnuts. You could cut back if you’re worried about fat content. I could detect a subtle stevia aftertaste, but CB said he didn’t notice. I was suddenly kicking myself for not doing a blind taste test. Ah, well. We’ll save science for another time.

The muffins were not overly sweet, even with the 1 1/2 tsp stevia: 1 cup sugar ratio and the apple, though I could have used more apple flavor. Next time, I think I would knock a 1/2 a teaspoon off the stevia and add a second piece of fruit.

The verdict: I don’t think stevia will replace sugar in my baking repertoire. Though I love it in my tea--mostly because I don’t like the way sugar coats my tongue after a glass of iced Earl Grey--it still feels weird to bake with it. Perhaps if I had a medical reason to do so, I’d sing a different song.

For now, I’ll stick with sugar and keep experimenting with other natural sweeteners, because, hey, I like science.

~~~
If you like this recipe, you may dig:
The Sweet Stuff: A New Color in the Packet Rainbow
Vegan Bran Muffins
Chai-Spiced Oatmeal Muffins

~~~

Stevia Oatmeal Apple Muffins


adapted from Mother Earth News
yields 12 muffins

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp stevia powder
1 tbsp flax seeds +3 tbsp warm water
3/4 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/4 cup coconut oil (or oil of your choice)
1 medium apple, cored and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a food processor, whirl 2 ounces of flax seeds with 2 ounces of warm water until you have a gooey mess. That replaces the egg. Add milk and oil and give it another spin to mix with the flaxseed.

3. Combine dry ingredients--flour, oats, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, stevia powder, and walnuts--in a large mixing bowl.

4. Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry. Fold in the chopped apple.

5. Fill muffin cups 1/2-3/4 full with batter. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

6. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

7. Enjoy the delicious Omega-3 delivery system you’ve created!

Approximate Calories, Fat, Fiber, Protein, and Price per Serving
143.8 calories, 9g fat, 2.2g fiber, 2.9g protein, $.31

Calculations
1 cup whole wheat flour: 420 calories, 2g fat, 16g fiber, 16g protein, $0.36
1 cup rolled oats: 304.5 calories, 4.5g fat, 0g fiber, 0g protein, $0.12
1/2 tsp salt: negligible calories, fat, fiber, protein, $.02
1 tbsp baking powder: negligible calories, fat, fiber, protein, $.02
1/2 tsp nutmeg: negligible calories, fat, fiber, protein, $.02
2 tsp cinnamon: negligible calories, fat, fiber, protein, $.02
1 1/2 tsp stevia powder: negligible calories, fat, fiber, protein, $.16
1 tbsp flax seeds: 45 calories, 3.6g fat, 2.4g fiber, 1.5g protein, $0.20
3/4 cup almond milk: 30 calories, 2.25g fat, 0.75g fiber, 0.75g protein, $0.38
1/4 cup coconut oil: 480 calories, 56g fat, 0g fiber, 0g protein, $0.92
1 medium apple: 77 calories, 0g fat, 2g fiber, 0g protein, $0.50
1/2 cup walnuts: 382.5 calories, 38g fat, 4g fiber, 9g protein, $0.94
Totals: 1726 calories, 108.35g fat, 25.3g fiber, 26.25g protein, $3.66
Price per serving (totals/12): 143.8 calories, 9g fat, 2.2g fiber, 2.9g protein, $.31

While New Orleans is not usually known for its good health habits; in fact, it was ranked 47 out of all 50 state health-wise in 2009; there is at least one annual event that tries to whip it into shape. The Crescent City Classic is a 10k race organized by the Crescent City Fitness Foundation open to anyone who is interested.

minnesota vikings 2009 season preview ... vikings are the best in the NFL? IS THAT WHAT YOU WROTE? heard of this one? who dat!!! who dat!!! who dat say dey gonna beat dem saints? NOT THE PUSSY VIKINGS BITCH BOY WHOOOOOOOO CHAMPIONS! ...

Black & gold vintage style for football season!

Total Prize: $150

The late-breaking story today is that Pay-Loo announced the release of Sean Canfield and Andy Tanner to get the Saints roster down to 75 this afternoon.

As Dave reported earlier, this wasn't too surprising, and now we wait until Saturday's cut down to 53 to see what the final roster will look like.  

But that shouldn't stop us from speculating about the possible futures of Darren Sharper and Clint Ingram, who have yet to suit up or even practice this preseason, or about the fates of other folks on the IR, or those near the bottom of the depth chart.  

Other news items in this Flower-of-Links (after the JUMP) include: Vilma and other injury updates, three versions of the two player cuts from today, more on the return of Kendrick Clancy, a short Handwerger piece on Marques Colston, TSN's Saints preview, a Jeff Duncan mailbag, a column on a Saints theatrical play, a piece on Louisiana-linked NFL players and coaches, and new video of Saints Coach Sean Payton visiting a school in which he speaks on the importance of exercise and the chewing of Juicy Fruit gum.

Vilma and Injury Updates

New Orleans Saints are confident that Jon Vilma will return for Minnesota | NOLA.com
The groin injury won't require surgery, but I'm thinking it'll take a little longer than a week to heal. Article includes team injury update, too.

New Orleans Saints Linebacker Jonathan Vilma will not need hernia surgery | neworleans.com
The New Orleans Saints received good news Monday when it was determined that a groin injury suffered by two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma will not require sports hernia surgery. Allee-Walsh's report also includes other notes from the Saints on Monday.

Kristian: Vilma Sees Specialist After Injury - WWL - AM870
Plus, Monday practice notes and other injury/player updates.

No surgery for New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma | NOLA.com
New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma wrapped up a consultation about his groin injury with Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia and headed back home Monday night, according to Coach Sean Payton.

 

Tuesday's Cuts

Saints cut Canfield, Tanner to get to NFL-mandated 75 players | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
The Saints have cut seventh-round draft pick Sean Canfield and undrafted free agent Andy Tanner to get to the NFL’s mandated 75 roster spots.

New Orleans Saints release QB Canfield, WR Tanner | neworleans.com
The New Orleans Saints trimmed their training camp roster from 77 to the NFL-mandated maximum of 75 on Tuesday by releasing rookie quarterback Sean Canfield and wide receiver Andy Tanner.

New Orleans Saints waive QB Sean Canfield and WR Andy Tanner | NOLA.com
Saints get to 75-man roster limit. Varney!

 

Future Cuts?

Saints Have Decisions On Sharper, Ingram Coming Up - WWL - AM870
This AP report has made the rounds today. Now it's here.

 

Kendrick Clancy-Grams

Kendrick Clancy is ready to stop the run for the New Orleans Saints | NOLA.com

He has missed a year of football, but he's hungry to eat up some opposing linemen and ballcarriers for the Saints D this year.

Kendrick Clancy back with New Orleans Saints - for now | neworleans.com

Wide-bodied defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy, who has been a proficient run-stuffer for 10 NFL seasons, is back in a New Orleans Saints uniform. The question is for how long?

 

Lagniappe

Saints To Close Out Preseason At Titans | neworleanssaints.com
Justin Macione

Mickey Loomis hedges his bet on the New Orleans Saints repeating | NOLA.com
News and notes from the Saints as well as the information shared by Loomis at the Touchdown Club luncheon.

Saints WR Colston trying to maintain consistency | wwltv.com | WWL Sports
Quiet, Consistent Storm wants to keep improving.

Two-a-days: 2010 New Orleans Saints Season Preview | sporting news
Has the Super Bowl celebration party stopped yet in New Orleans? Every time Drew Brees was seen in the off-season he was on top of a parade float or passing out copies of this year's Madden game, which he graces the cover of. Aside from the Madden curse, the Saints may need to worry about the Super Bowl hangover .

Ranking the NFC South defensive tackles - NFC South Blog - ESPN
Pat Y. puts 3 Bucs in the top 12 DTs. We better not even try to run the ball against them - 6 wides the whole game.

New Orleans Saints Mailbag: Will Jon Vilma be ready for the Vikings? | NOLA.com
Here's today's installment of the New Orleans Saints Mailbag, with questions about the team's injury list, pass rush, kickoffs as well as the roster status of rookie defensive tackle Al Woods of LSU.

A Super Bowl victory gave a local Saints fan the perfect ending he needed for a play that salutes the Who Dats | NOLA.com
'Ain't Dat Super!' is a combination tailgate party and theatrical comedy.

Drew Brees will be on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week | NOLA.com

Sports Illustrated's NFL Preview issue comes out Wednesday and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is featured on one of the five regional covers. (Tac Hammer nailed it by reporting this first today.)

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will field questions from New Orleans Saints fans next Wednesday | NOLA.com
Forum with pre-selected fans will air on NFL Network. I wonder if this will be live or pre-recorded?

Sean Payton & Drew Brees To Lead Pep Rally at Champions Square | neworleanssaints.com
Official Release.

NFL will have a charity auction to benefit New Orleans Saints Gulf Coast Renewal | NOLA.com
Several items signed by Drew Brees will be available.

NFL notes with Louisiana flavor | neworleans.com
Rene Nadeau lets you know all the news on Louisiana-linked NFL players/coaches.

 

V-Roll Roll Call

Sean Payton Visits Williams School

 

Saints defensive ends talk about aggressive play, Vikings

 

Saints coach Sean Payton on Jon Vilma's injury

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation in Chicago. In recognition of this month, Lilies of the Valley ovarian cancer support and awareness group, from Huntsville ...

It's Matthew Lewis, the culinary school-trained chef behind the wheel of Where Ya At Matt, Seattle's hottest new food truck. The native New Orleanian has a passel of new friends and fans (includ...

Ay everybody! Giusseppe Sarducci here froma Ma Biga Freakin Italiana Cake located ina beautiful downtown Trenton. We specialize ina making da biggest, freakina cakes you ever dida see. An we gotta somatin new!

Looka dat!

Even da leetle Bambina, she knows! She'sa sayin, "Ay! Dasa one biga freakina cake! I mean looka dat! What isa dat, lika twenty-seven feet a cake?! Who needsa more cake dena dat?!?

Now you might be asking youself, "Isa ma cake gonna be so beautiful like the one ina da picture?" You know it!

Firs, we starta wita da cake which isa twelve eenchess high, ten eenchess wide ana twenty-seven feet long. Den, we squeeze rowa after row ofa brown "icing" ona top.


Denna, we take what we lika to call "dirt" ana we put dat ona top too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o9dXLNuXic You’d be forgiven for not realizing that J Cole’s “Who Dat” is one of the year’s biggest hits. Neither New York nor Los Angeles radio plays it with any regularity. On the main Chicago rap station, it… (in post It’s an Odd Odd Odd Odd World from The Passion of the Weiss. Download this at iTunes)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o9dXLNuXic You’d be forgiven for not realizing that J Cole’s “Who Dat” is one of the year’s biggest hits. Neither New York nor Los Angeles radio plays it with any regularity. On the main Chicago rap station, it… (in post It’s an Odd Odd Odd Odd World from The Passion of the Weiss. More by this artist at )

Little Saigon’s depth and breadth continues to astound me. Dozens of trips have already yielded plenty of terrific meals. However, driving down streets like Brookhurst, Bolsa and Westminster makes it increasingly clear that there are still countless restaurants to explore. Sometimes, it can be hard to know where to turn next. Thankfully, there are local resources like OC Weekly food writer Dave Lieberman, who turned ...

Every day, we'll canvass the internet for some of the finest bits of insight you'll find from athletes, ANYWHERE. Really, you won't find it anywhere else, because these are completely made up.

Earlier today, the Washington Post's Mike Wise caused a bit of a kerfuffle over some false "reporting" on his Twitter account. At the same time, Carmelo Anthony was still explaining how he totally did NOT offer $5,000 to anyone who assaulted a groupie named Kat Stacks.

But just a few minutes ago, Wise crossed the line. In Carmelo's eyes, anyway.

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Back tomorrow.....

*The New Orleans Saints have recruited Oscar-nominated actor and humanitarian Brad Pitt to narrate “America’s Game: 2009 New Orleans Saints,” a documentary about the team’s Super Bowl XLIV victory against the Indianapolis Colts. The film debuts on the NFL Network on Sept. 8, the night before the Saints’ first game of the regular season.   [...]

Hollywood News!!!! (all da' tings dat mattah in Pop Culture!) [size=150:3b4tzqz2][/size:3b4tzqz2] [img=http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/8/30/sports/s_wie_latest.jpg] (above) (BBC Sport) [color=#0000FF:3b4tzqz2] "I made a lot of crucial putts out there today," she said. "And you know, I think it was my ball striking that really kept me above water today. I have been working really hard at it and it's really nice to see that it pays off." [/color:3b4tzqz2] [img=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/img_dir/2009/08/24/2009082400556_1.jpg] Wie with her buddy the wacky (above) at the Solheim Cup in 2009! [color=#0000FF:3b4tzqz2]After the 20-year-old Wie ended her round on the 18th green, her longtime friend and fellow American player sprayed her with champagne. "I was trying to run away from her," Wie said with a laugh. "All I was thinking in my mind was I'm wearing white pants, please be nice Tina." Way to go, Michelle! [/color:3b4tzqz2] [size=150:3b4tzqz2][/size:3b4tzqz2] [img=http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID56100/images/resized_The_last_Exorcism_poster.jpg][img=http://cbswxrk.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/takers-movie-poster.jpg?w=250&h;=306] (above) (EW) [color=#008000:3b4tzqz2]Oh, this one is too close to call with this past weekend's box office results! The films and are separted by only $300,000! The "exorcism gone wrong" film Last Exorcism and the "bank heist caper" Takers both took in an estimated $21M. However, the results may change by today or tomorrow once the actual numbers come in! Stay tuned. Incredibly, both films did very well and DID more at the box office than expected. The Last Exorcism did especially well considering Cinemascore audiences gave the film a "D." Takers on the other hand fared much better with Cinemascore earning a "B." So with those results and by word-of-mouth, Takers should do well on its run while Last Exorcism may see a major drop during its stint. We'll believe when we see it, of course! As for the top 10 dominated by holdovers, all the heavy-hitting films took a major dip in earnings withearning $9.5M, earning $7M, and earning $6.6M! "Vampires Suck" took 6th place with $5.3M, while took 7th earning $5.1, pushing its overall total close to $300M. Universal's took in a measly $4.7M, Jennifer Aniston's earned a woeful $4.6M, and" earned $4.3M to close out the top 10. It's worth mentioning that the re-release of with 8 minutes of "unseen footage" earned $4M, pushing its total to $754M! [/color:3b4tzqz2] //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// [size=150:3b4tzqz2][/size:3b4tzqz2] [img=http://www.buzztab.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Kyra-Sedgwick-203x300.jpg] "The Closer" star (above) (LA Times) [color=#400000:3b4tzqz2] First time winners included (Glee) for best supporting actress (comedy), (Big Bang Theory) best actor (comedy), (Nurse Jackie) for best actress (comedy), (Modern Family) for best support actor (comedy), (The Good Wife) for best supporting actress (drama), and finally a win for (The Closer) for best actress (Drama). won for the first time taking the best comedy honor. beat out the old-standby "Amazing Race" for best reality-competition series. won best reality program its first-time out. Meanwhile, the old standard extended their strangle-hold for best drama series by winning again while (Breaking Bad) won best actor (drama) and continued his streak. Legendary actor won best actor (for movie or miniseries) for his portrayal of Dr. Jack Kevorkian in his HBO film, "You Don't know Jack!" Top program that won the most Emmys (7) was HBO's "Temple Grandin," which won best Director and its cast that includes Julia Ormond, Claire Danes, and David Straitharn took home awards as well. [/color:3b4tzqz2] [img=http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/hilton-milks-it_241x364.jpg] (above). (TMZ) [color=#FF0000:3b4tzqz2] Just when you thought the Police were on Paris' side when they arrested an intruder trying to break-in to her house, Later during the traffic stop, and the officer said,"I saw a The officer also says ... inside the purse was a Paris then admitted the Albuterol was hers but she said the cocaine was not and claimed the purse was not hers -- that she had borrowed it from a friend. The officer questioned Paris about the cocaine and according to Police officers Paris gave an odd answer: "She said she had not seen it, but now thought it was gum." Paris later changed her story by saying the purse was hers but had been in the possession of a friend. TMZ reports that Paris will be charged with felony possession of a controlled substance -- According to Nevada law,[/color:3b4tzqz2] [img=http://www.flagpolesetc.com/images/sports-flags/college-teams-flags-ncaa/large/miami-florida-university-of-sports-flag.jpg] (SportsbyBrooks) [color=#800000:3b4tzqz2] He has been As to motivation for writing the book and revealing details about the school he was loyal to, he said "he learned over the years that his money and kindness didn�t buy respect from Miami players and coaches. Especially those who went on to the NFL." Miami University has not issued any comment on the matter. Story developing. . . . [/color:3b4tzqz2]

We have a number of clients who have small offices with a fileserver that is in need of backing up. The client PCs already copy their important files to the server.

Approximately 20 - 30 GB needs to go onto removable storage each night. With Win Server 2003 and NTBackup, backing up to a DAT tape was easy and convenient  for the users.
With server 2008 comes a vast change in the backup routines and the end of tape support.

Hence, we are looking around for a different backup solution. I have put in NetBackup for some large corporates, but what is the Symantec offering for the small single server end of the market?

Nothing fancy, just simple un-opened files.

Speaking of Faith
This weekend a rerun of The meaning of Intelligence: An expansive reflection on the meaning of intelligence with author and educator Mike Rose. We explore his perspective on hard subjects that drive to the heart of who we are as individuals, families, and a nation -- literacy, schooling, social class, and the deepest meaning of vocation.
(my review, feed)

Tapestry
Today a rerun of Fear: Mary Hynes talks to Rabbi Harold Kushner about his new book, Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World, published by Knopf. Some of our CBC colleagues shared their deepest fears with us; we played them for Rabbi Kushner, who offered a little advice. Harold Kushner is Rabbi Laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts and has written ten books, including the best-seller When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
(my review, feed)

Stone Pages Archaeo News
Archaeo News Podcast 174
(review, feed)

New Books In History
Valerie Hébert: Hitler’s Generals on Trial: The Last War Crimes Tribunal at Nuremberg
(review, feed)

Big Ideas
A Whole New Mind: Lawyers. Accountants. Computer programmers. That’s what our parents encouraged us to become when we grew up. But Mom and Dad were wrong. The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind. The era of “left brain” dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered, are giving way to a new world in which “right brain” qualities-inventiveness, empathy, meaning-predominate. That’s the argument at the center of this provocative and original book, which uses the two sides of our brains as a metaphor for understanding the contours of our times.
(review, feed)

Veertien Achttien
Julien Lahaut: Bekend is Julien Lahaut van zijn gewelddadige dood en zijn vermeende schoffering van de nieuwe koning Boudewijn die daar in het Belgische parlement aan vooraf zou zijn gegaan. Maar Lahaut maakte tijdens de Grote Oorlog ook deel uit van het ACM, een Belgische eenheid van pantserauto's die de tsaar een handje kwam helpen en de aarde zou ronden.
(review, feed)

Het Marathon Interview (VPRO)
Frits Staal: Op 11 september 1992 schoven Max Pam en Frits Staal aan voor een gesprek dat maar liefst vijf uur zou gaan duren. De hoogleraar Algemene en Vergelijkende Filosofie werd in de jaren zestig bekend met zijn artikel 'Zinvolle en zinloze filosofie' in De Gids. Daarin hecht hij weinig waarde aan (filosofische) uitspraken die niet te verifiëren zijn. Luistert u hier naar een uiterst helder gesprek tussen Max Pam en Frits Staal.
(review, feed)

Philosophy Bites
Joshua Knobe on Experimental Philosophy: Many people think that the idea of experiments in philosophy is a contradiction. Joshua Knobe disagrees. He is at the forefront of a new movement known as Experimental Philosophy. David Edmonds interviews him in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.
(review, feed)

The ultimate history lecture podcast is back. Berkeley's History 5 with Thomas Laqueur. (audio feed, video feed) Review: previous post today

	We have two separate tutoring opportunities. For both, please apply at our website: Company Description: LA Tutors 123, Inc. is an academic consultation and in home tutoring service.​ We provide tutoring, homework guidance, remedial and enrichment programs for students of all ages in all areas including English, ESL, math, biology, chemistry, physics, SAT & AP test preparations.​ Tutoring takes place at the student's home or public location. Our ultimate goal is to leave the student with life-long study skills and concepts that can be applied to any subject, any time, in both academia and the professional world.
	After School Tutoring Job Purpose: We have partnered with a non-profit after school program to provide them with tutors.​ This unique opportunity will you to help underprivileged youth and get paid for it as well! Also, if you have friends that may be interested in this opportunity please refer them to us, as we have multiple positions to fill.​ Duties/​Job Description: You will function as a homework helper or a TA for the non-profit after school program.​ During the study hall you will act as an additional resource for the students when they get stuck on problems or have questions.​ The after school program is held at six different schools.​ They are at the following zip codes: 90023, 90291, 90011, 90001, 90047, & 90280.​ Please make sure at least one of these locations is close enough for you.​ Tutoring will take place one hour a day, every day M-F, starting at or around 3pm (whenever school lets out).​ Although this opportunity will last for the entire Fall Semester, it’s OK to participate on a temporary basis.​ Tutoring starts ASAP.​ Skills/​Qualifications: An enthusiastic and highly motivated attitude At least a 3.​20 GPA from a highly acclaimed university.​ Your own transportation A punctual and dependable personality Teaching/​tutoring experience Pay: $20-$25/HR	In Home Tutoring Job Purpose: Working with our company is an exciting opportunity to use your skills to help a student achieve academic success. We are an enthusiastic company with the goal of making a difference in a student's life by helping them to overcome their difficulties. The time you take to read and fill out the below form is appreciated. Although we cannot offer a job to everyone who applies as we are very selective, we can offer those who are accepted a great work environment with a rewarding, well-paid job. Duties/​Job Description: We offer in-person, one-on-one tutoring for K-12 students, college/university and test prep subjects. Our students are from both private and public schools and they are in various academic standings. Lessons occur at the student's home or preferred public location. This is a part-time position, but if you're good, it can be your full time work. Tutors can work part-time anywhere from 2-25 hours per week. Where the tutor lives or goes to school will determine in which area they will tutor. Tutoring typically occurs between the hours of 2:30pm-11:30pm during the work week. Tutors will typically work with the same students on a weekly basis with a consistent schedule. Skills/​Qualifications: We are very selective with the candidates that we choose as tutors. A B.S. or B.A. from an acclaimed university is a requirement of those to whom we offer a job. Those who are pursuing a Masters degree or PhD and are looking for a rewarding job on the side are also welcome, along with certified teachers. To be accepted, you must have the following: An enthusiastic and highly motivated attitude At least a 3.50 GPA from a highly acclaimed university Your own transportation A punctual and dependable personality Teaching/tutoring experience Pay: $20-$30/HR
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Academic Subjects Basic Math, Math Analysis, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra II, College Algebra, Math Analysis, Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry, Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, College Calculus (Single Variable), Chemistry, Earth Science, College Calculus (Multi Variable), Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Statistics, AP Statistics, College Statistics. Biology, Physics, Elementary Science, Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy Physiology, Physics: Relativity, Physics: Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Spanish , French ,Italian ,German , Mandarin , Farsi , Arabic , College Applications , Adobe Suite , Microsoft Word , Excel , Power Point , Chemistry, AP Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry , Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, AP Physics B, AP Physics C, Physics: Mechanics, Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Physics: Optics, Filemaker Pro , Final Cut Pro/Final Cut Studio , Dreamweaver , Flash , and Fireworks , Singing , Piano , Grammar, Finance, History Literature, Writing, Reading Comprehension, Test Preparation ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, PSAT, MCAT, DAT, SSAT, CBEST, GED, PCAT, CAHSEE, ISEE, LSAT , TOEFL Acton Adelanto Agoura Hills Alhambra Aliso Viejo Altadena Anaheim Apple Valley Arcadia Acton Adelanto Agoura Hills Alhambra Aliso Viejo Artesia Avalon Azusa Bell Gardens Beverly Hills Big Pine Bishop Bloomington Blue Jay Brea Baker Baldwin Park Barstow Beaumont Bell Bellflower Buena Park Burbank Calabasas California City Castaic Cerritos Chatsworth Chino Chino Hills City of Industry Claremont Colton Calimesa Camarillo Canoga Park Canyon Country Capistrano Beach Carson Compton Corona Corona Del Mar Costa Mesa Diamond Bar Downey Duarte East Irvine Edwards El Monte El Segundo Encino Covina Crestline Culver City Cypress Dana Point Fillmore Fontana Foothill Ranch Fountain Valley Fullerton Grand Terrace Hacienda Heights Harbor City Hawthorne Hemet Hermosa Beach Hesperia Highland Homeland Gardena Garden Grove Glendale Glendora Granada Hills Huntington Beach Huntington Park Independence Inglewood Irvine Laguna Hills Laguna Niguel La Habra Lake Arrowhead Lake Elsinore Lake Forest Lake Hughes Lakewood La Mirada Joshua Tree La Canada Flintridge La Crescenta Ladera Ranch Laguna Beach Lancaster La Palma La Puente La Verne Lawndale Los Angeles Lucerne Valley Lynwood Malibu Manhattan Beach Marina Del Rey Maywood Menifee Littlerock Loma Linda Lomita Long Beach Los Alamitos Mentone Midway City Mira Loma Mission Hills Montrose Moorpark Moreno Valley Mount Wilson Murrieta Needles Newbury Park Mission Viejo Monrovia Montclair Montebello Monterey Park Newhall Newport Beach Newport Coast Norco North Hills Oak View Ojai Ontario Orange Orange County Oxnard Pacific Palisades Pacoima North Hollywood Northridge Norwalk Nuevo Oak Park Palmdale Palos Verdes Panorama City Paramount Parker Dam Pomona Rancho Cucamonga Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Santa Margarita Redlands Redondo Beach Reseda Rialto Pasadena Pearblossom Perris Pico Rivera Placentia Playa Del Rey Ridgecrest Riverside Rosemead Rowland Heights San Bernardino San Juan Capistrano San Marino San Pedro Santa Ana Santa Clarita Santa Fe Springs Santa Monica Santa Paula San Clemente San Dimas San Fernando San Gabriel San Jacinto Seal Beach Sherman Oaks Sierra Madre Silverado Simi Valley Stevenson Ranch Studio City Sun City Sunland Sunset Beach Sun Valley Sylmar Tarzana Temecula Somis South Bay South El Monte South Gate South Pasadena Stanton Temple City Thousand Oaks Topanga Torrance Trabuco Canyon Valencia Valley Village Van Nuys Venice Ventura Victorville Villa Park Walnut Weldon Tujunga Tustin Twentynine Palms Twin Peaks Universal City Upland West Covina West Hills West Hollywood Westlake Village Westminster Whittier Wrightwood Yermo Yorba Linda Yucaipa Yucca Valley Wildomar Wilmington Winchester Winnetka Woodland Hills

San Diego Chargers 21 @ New Orleans Saints 36: Who Dat Say?! 28 August 2010 No Comments. From http://www.nflhuddle.com/2010/08/28/san-diego-chargers-21-new-orleans-saints-36-who-dat-say/: Lagniappe. WWL-TV.com's Saints 53-man roster Aug ...

Hollywood News!!!! (all da' tings dat mattah in Pop Culture!) [img=http://hills2city.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/paris-cy.jpg] and boyfriend (above). (TMZ) [color=#0000FF:277cncvm] Yes, Paris' boyfriend Las Vegas businessman spotted the intruder and Law enforcement officials learned that Prada was stalking Paris in L.A. and he managed to buy a Star Map to find out where the reality star/socialite lived. Prada is still in custody on a 5150 psychiatry hold. Paris has a sophisticated surveillance system at her home, complete with infrared technology to spot intruders. She has also hired round-the-clock bodyguards to protect her. However, looks like she didn't need them because she had her "pistol-packin'" boyfriend to guard her! A source said Paris told friends, "Thank God Cy was there, he saved my life." [/color:277cncvm] [img=http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/06/13/alg_cleveland.jpg] star with co-stars (left to right) (above). (Perez hilton) [color=#BF0000:277cncvm] Seeing its success, [/color:277cncvm] [color=#BF0000:277cncvm]Larry W. Jones, President of TV Land said: [/color:277cncvm] "'Hot in Cleveland's' ability to attract viewers from around the globe is a testament to the dynamic leading ladies � Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White � as well as to the fantastic creative vision of 'Frasier' veteran, We are excited about producing 20 more episodes of this global hit." [color=#BF0000:277cncvm]Of course, having the suddenly popular Betty White to star in the show helps a lot, huh? [/color:277cncvm] [img=http://www.que.es/archivos/201008/julio-miranda-normal-365xXx80.jpg] (above) (People) [color=#800000:277cncvm] Of course, the rest was history. From 1971-1979, Julio was married to Filipina and had 3 children, His latest wife Miranda has given birth to 3 sons and twin daughters. [/color:277cncvm] [img=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qTbQgwy8qkk/SoU9v4bqGaI/AAAAAAAABG0/x508kZxtpqA/s400/jake-gyllenhaal-5.jpg][img=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UsnKNgnYcIU/SeG_miTq_pI/AAAAAAAAAHM/z4BYR-s3x20/s400/rachel_bilson300.jpg] (above). (Perez Hilton) [color=#FF0000:277cncvm] Uber blogger says the two have been keeping their relationship on the "down low." Reps from both parties have not issued any comment.[/color:277cncvm] [img=http://www.covershut.com/cd_covers/Eminem-Recovery-Cd-Cover-41697.jpg] (above) (CNN/Billboard) [color=#008000:277cncvm] The rap star regained the top spot after it was bumped last week by Arcade Fires' new release "The Suburbs." New releases dominated the top 10 with r&b; artist taking the no. 2 spot selling 74,000 copies while acoustic/folk artist with 64,000 copies sold. [/color:277cncvm] [img=http://www.live4ever.uk.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/iron-maiden.jpg][img=http://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/artist-news/iron-maiden/iron-maiden-final-frontier-460-100-460-70.jpg] [color=#008000:277cncvm]Surprisingly, rock veterans making this album the highest debut on the charts since "A Matter of Life and Death" (2006). Country star while country pop stars Rounding out the top ten, no. 7 no. 8 no. 9 and no. 10 [/color:277cncvm] [img=http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/07/29/gal_russian_spies_08.jpg] Russian Spy (above). (Radaronline) [color=#BF0000:277cncvm]Sexy Russian spywas arrested in New York city on June 27 for allegedly being part of a spy ring and then deported back to Russia on July 8 but Chapman was part of a group of spies who returned to Russia from the U.S. and given a "hero's welcome" in their home country. [/color:277cncvm]

DAPL (Direct Access Provider Library) is a transport-independent, platform-independent, high-performance API for using the remote direct memory access (RDMA) capabilities of modern interconnect technologies such as InfiniBand, the Virtual Interface Architecture, and iWARP. This is the reference implementation of that specification by the DAT Collaborative who maintain the DAPL API. Changes: Numerous code cleanups and bugfixes. Improved Windows support. Release Tags: Bugfixes Tags: Software Development, Libraries, [...]

DAPL (Direct Access Provider Library) is a transport-independent, platform-independent, high-performance API for using the remote direct memory access (RDMA) capabilities of modern interconnect technologies such as InfiniBand, the Virtual Interface Architecture, and iWARP. This is the reference implementation of that specification by the DAT Collaborative who maintain the DAPL API.

Changes: Numerous code cleanups and bugfixes. Improved Windows support.

Release Tags: Bugfixes

Tags: Software Development, Libraries, Networking, Operating System Kernels

Licenses: BSD Revised, Common Public

A post brought about by a sudden insight as I was washing up after supper. (Salmon omelette*, since you ask). At home we use Fairy washing-up liquid. Available for a long time in Poland. Manufactured for the central and eastern European markets by Procter & Gamble in the Czech Republic. It really does go further than the local brands.

But how does one pronounce 'Fairy' in Polish? But how does one ask for it in Polish at the chemia gospodarcza department of your local GS? Fery? Fejry? Fajry? Fary? No, you cannot pronounce 'Fairy' correctly in Polish using any combination of the six non-nasalised vowel sounds in the Polish alphabet.

How can you distinguish the words 'Ferry', 'fairy' and 'furry' if you are stuck with such a limited palate of vowel sounds?

Three years ago, I was speaking at a conference in Cork, Ireland, co-organised by our Wrocław office. Ilona, the organiser, told me how to get to the hotel where I was staying. She told me to ask the taxi driver for what I heard her say was the 'Merrybridge hotel'.

So there I was. Off the last bus that evening from Dublin Airport, and into the back of a Toyota Avensis.

Me: 'Merrybridge Hotel, please'.
Taxi driver: 'Sorry, sorr, where's dat you be wantin'?'
Me: 'The Merrybridge Hotel?...'
A good deal of consternation, head-scratching, consultation of map.
Taxi driver: 'I can't honestly be thinkin' of where dat is, sorr...' [beat]
'Ah!! The MARYbridge Hotel!'

Children learn to speak between the second and third year of life. Soon after, their facial muscles set in. If you've not learnt to stretch the medial pterygoid muscles and open your jaw significantly wider than necessary for the simple utterance of the short 'uh', 'eh', 'ee' 'oh' and 'ooh' sounds that make up Polish vowel sounds, you'll not be able to make yourself understood in English. Speaking with a paper-cut narrow space between upper and lower teeth, you will never allow you listener to distinguish between you trying to say 'air' and 'err'.

A few months ago I found myself at a dinner sitting next to a Polish professor who was telling me about the fur trade movement in the UK. I was stumped. 'Handel futrami?' I asked. Eventually it transpired that he was talking about 'fair trade'. I really didn't catch on.

* Salmon omelette. Ingredients: Two slices of smoked salmon, preferably Alaskan. Three large free-range eggs. Sunflower oil, salt and ground pepper to taste. Take a shallow-sided non-stick frying pan, heat up sunflower oil, throw on the salmon, cut into fine pieces, distribute around pan evenly. Break eggs, whip up with egg whisk, pour onto frying pan. Keep the thing moving. When one side is done, either toss to fry other side, or stick it in the grill to brown. Serve with brown bread and cherry tomatoes. Serves two.

Hollywood News!!!! (all da tings dat mattah in Pop Culture!) [size=150:2zz0gs1x][/size:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/7/2010/07/500x_0715_kingseacrest.jpg] (above). (TMZ) [color=#0000FF:2zz0gs1x] He may have ended his time with CNN (reports indicate his last show will either be in November or later in the year), but the popular television host may find his niche on the radio airwaves. Radio audiences tend to be older than the the demographic of 18-49 years-old, which is where Larry King is most popular. Building a studio for radio broadcast at his home in Beverly Hills or his second home in Utah would be fine for King, who can still do his show "part-time" and then be with the family the rest of the time. [/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/11/02/alg_oksana-grigorieva_mel-gibson.jpg] (above). (Pop Eater) [color=#400000:2zz0gs1x] The District Attorney will be investigating the domestic violence claims made by Oksana. Gibson has previously alleged that Grigorieva demanded money in exchange for not releasing his racist and violent rants. Story developing. . . . [/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjA3ODUwODc2NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTczMjYz._V1._SX277_SY400_.jpg] Born in Malaysia of Chinese ethnicity, Director (above). (Deadline Hollywood) [color=#800000:2zz0gs1x] "Saw" co-creator and Director, has been �The minute I heard the concept, I was in, Wan said. �Reading the graphic novel cemented that. Like Saw, it�s a simple concept that, if executed properly, will be so cool." Meanwhile, Wan is currently working on the film adaption of the videogame, [/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://www.joesergi.net/uploads/2/6/2/7/2627583/7141501.jpg][img=http://dumbbaby.net/a/i/058/06.jpg] "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" star now and then (above). (TMZ) [color=#BF0000:2zz0gs1x] He even recalled that his co-star were being called in a couple of time to different producers offices to face questioning about their sexuality! He added that things go so bad on the show that he was worried "about taking his own life!" Calls to Saban Entertainment have not issued any comment on the matter. [/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://www.shockya.com/news/wp-content/uploads/john_travolta_kelly_preston1.jpg] (above). (People) [color=#FF0000:2zz0gs1x] The joyful news continues the healing process for the couple who lost their 16 year-old son in January 2009. The baby boy is due sometime in November and will be joining big sister [/color:2zz0gs1x] /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// [size=150:2zz0gs1x][/size:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l6bu6p7Kr61qb6n5zo1_500.jpg] Korean R&B; artist (above) [color=#0000FF:2zz0gs1x]Big Bang member international album "Solar" has entered the According to the iTunes website, The new album, featuring the title track "I'll Be There," contains ten previous releases as well as two new songs and a bonus DVD with all of his music videos and behind-the-scene-footage. The audio version hit the iTunes store yesterday and the video version will be available September 10. [/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://nymag.com/images/2/daily/entertainment/07/10/01_chan_lgl.jpg] (above) (The Standard) [color=#0000FF:2zz0gs1x]In his twitter account, the Hollywood martial arts star extended his friendship to Filipinos and told them not to worry. "We do not hate," he said. Later, he added: "We already have so many natural disasters - typhoons, tsunamis, everything! We should be united and not kill or hate each other." Chan also expressed sympathy for the widely derided Philippine police. "If they had killed the gunman sooner, many would ask why they didn't negotiate first. And if they negotiated first, they'd ask why they didn't kill him sooner," Chan said. "So sad." Manila officials, at least this time around, were quick to respond. "Thank you, Mr Chan, for extending a hand of friendship," "We grieve the tragedy. We hope the Hong Kong people will also understand our situation."[/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://images.asianfanatics.net/gallery/albums/Chinese-Series/Meteor-Shower/8a9667278c03b323908f9d1d.jpg] is the star of [color=#0000FF:2zz0gs1x] Because of the success of the first Meteor Shower, the second Meteor Shower was highly anticipated way before it begun airing. Since two weeks ago, the drama was at the top of TV series searches on search engine Baidu, as are its leads [/color:2zz0gs1x] [img=http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3737/mariavenusrajimg1.jpg][img=http://www.pep.ph/images/news/d0764a8db.jpg] Miss Philippines (above). (Philstar) [color=#0000FF:2zz0gs1x] �My critics can say whatever (against me but) all I know is that I was able to bring honor to the country,� Raj said in her first press conference after she arrived home pre-dawn Thursday. . The beauty queen replied: �You know what, Sir in my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here, thank you thank you so much.� but she concluded, "�If it�s your fate to win the crown, you�ll get it. What�s important here is that I�ve been included in the top-five list. I cannot undo (my answer). Let�s just move forward.� [/color:2zz0gs1x] ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Coach Shoji said this team can be big or small. Two freshmen will start Friday night. Emily Hartong is fast, good take off on left foot. Only question is can she do it. Michelle Waber has good skills, good arm swing, not strong yet, but will get better. Need to hit 15-20%. 20% will be better. In time she�ll be a great passer. For now, she�s not expected to cover a lot of ground. Satele is versatile, has a heavy arm swing. Planning to use the right side hitter to keep pressure off Kanani Passing has been up and down during practices. Kanani and Liz will get more areas to cover. Returnees (Kanani, Liz, Dani, Brittany) improved. Brittany is jumping better. As for leadership coach was vague. He said everybody have to be comfortable with their game. If game is not there, you can�t lead. Kanani�s serve was weak last year. This year she�ll be improved, consistent. Hartong has a good serve. Brittany will serve this year. Team as whole must consistently hit designated areas to increase % and force issue. Last year Aneli wasn�t expected to hit certain areas, she let her rip away�something lat dat. DS Maeda, hurt most of last year, improved. Griffith also will be playing some DS. Forsythe is pushing to start�Tuaniga is coming on strong�Casccioppo is trying to get on the floor. Coach said the left side not to deep. But the middle and right are deep. Uiato will be a great setter. A possible redshirt year for Goodmen. They talked about it. She wants to play�at this point she�ll play. Two great back row players in Liz and Kanani. Expect a lot of touches on the ball, and run transition. Brittany & Kanani good blockers. The rest, we�ll see. Next coach�s show will be Wednesday at 6 pm. They�ll be 7 shows for the season. Sealy gone, he�ll be in blue and white. Wong is head coaching material. Good blocking coach, good demeanor, players like Scott, respect him. A good buffer with HC. He�ll be a good recruiter. He might land a BIG ONE in a couple of weeks. This girl is recruited by a lot of schools. Talked about possible replacement for Boise, Fresno, and Nevada. Coach said Sacramento, Cal Poly, Portland State are better in volleyball than the 3 leaving. Coach said he�d love to be in the Big West. Renew rivalry with Pacific, Long Beach State. Coach said football made somewhere around 3 million last year. Must find a spot for football. Money that football brings in helps all the non revenue sports. Not excited about Texas State, Texas San Antonio for volleyball, but football must be taken care of. No super team this year. But thinks Penn State, Texas will still be good, even with their youth and injuries. Coach said there�s a lot who thinks Nebraska will be the team this year. Stanford banking on Alix Klineman to be 100%, last year she played at 80%. They have an outstanding setter, good recruits, i.e. Wopat sisters, especially Carly. Their issue will be passing and ball control. USC with Fonoimoana and a 6-5 foreign player will be good�.Washington will always be good�.Illinois will be good. On scheduling: Coach said if they call me, they�ll be good. 2011 preseason schedule already done. I believe he said 2012 schedule almost done. And depending on what happen with the WAC, he might go into the 5th week for his preseason schedule. Why the Wahine play a lot of home games for their preseason? A plus $50,000 for home games versus a Negative for away games. A caller said versus Texas and PSU hitters (Wahine) couldn�t get around the large block. Coach said good question. Coach said need to pass well to put pressure on MB. Pass well and get one blocker or get the hitter a seam�something lat dat. Another caller asked if Kanani has a chance for NPOY. Coach said everyone knows about Kanani. If she plays well and the team also plays well she�ll be recognized. Not much to say about the WAC. Coach mentioned USU, and NMSU. He said NMSU will be 2nd. RPI will be dragged down by the WAC. Coach wished voting has the human aspect, factor. For this weekend�s Chevron Rainbow Invitational. Coach said four teams even (Kansas State, UCLA, San Diego, Wahine). Kansas State and UCLA will be good. He thinks San Diego will be a top ten team.

By: John McWhorter

For all the talk about what a subtle business the n-word is, the concept of Ebonics is just as tricky. And in the wake of the theatrically pat culmination of the Dr. Laura drama -- her exiting stage right -- here we are grappling with the Drug Enforcement Administration sending out a call for Ebonics translators.

And as usual when Ebonics is proposed as something other than ghetto slang, the media are with people, black and white, ridiculing the notion of Ebonics as "a language." It's an odd thing: On the one hand, as recently as January the same people were bristling at Harry Reid's implication that black people harbor a "Negro dialect." And yet this week, said same are swooning over Spike Lee's latest documentary on post-Katrina New Orleans, replete with black people who sound off in fluent "Negro dialect" being readily embraced as bards of the race.

There is a DuBoisian double consciousness regarding Ebonics, then, and in this DEA case, what DuBois would have termed the "African" sentiment -- warm, in-group, proprietary -- is most useful. Namely, the DEA might be on to something.

Understanding this first requires getting past the idea that black English -- a term I will use, since "Ebonics" sounds more like a disease -- is just a fig-leaf locution for broken English. It is actually different English. You wouldn't know it, though, from how often even specialists eagerly describe it as just leaving off consonants and the verb "to be" and then wonder why America continues to think of it as broken language. But there's much more to it than that.

"Folks be talkin," someone says. That does not mean that people are talking right now -- it means that people talk on a regular basis, as in, "Folks be talkin whenever somethin like dat happens." That usage of be is a very particular piece of grammar, expressing a nuance that standard English leaves to context. Black English is a seemingly still water that runs deep.

Another one: Take a black-English sentence like, "I'm-a call his ass at two in the morning!" There have been two lengthy articles in the flagship academic linguistics journal Language on that usage -- yes, usage -- that reveal that how that rendition of ass in black English is as complex as knowing when to use the subjunctive in French.

So black English is not broken but different. OK -- but even if it is coherent, is it different enough from standard English to necessitate a translator?

On that, we certainly can't pretend that black English is to standard English as Hebrew is to standard English. Some have claimed that black English is an African grammar with English words. Or, if not quite that, different enough from standard English that black kids get confused trying to learn to read unless provided with black-English primers.

But that is plainly not true. The line between language and dialect is fuzzy. Portuguese and Spanish are definitely distinct languages, but Portuguese speakers can comprehend quite a bit of Spanish, and it can be hard for an American to keep the two separate in their mouths (although the Spanish have a harder time parsing Portuguese). Swedish and Danish are even closer. They are called languages, but their speakers can converse: To a Dane, Swedish is something to adjust to rather than to learn from the ground up.

Black English and standard English are even closer still -- not the same, but almost. During the Oakland, Calif., school-board controversy, I argued that the mini-gap between standard and black English could not be what was holding black kids back in school. The answer to the question "Is black English a language?" is "Yes -- it's English."

Yet, this DEA proposal is different: The agency is seeking people who can help translate recordings of black people speaking casually. It is faced with live speech rather than words tidy on a page. And casual speech, among all of us, is messy. Imagine a Martian trying to learn English and hearing us say things like "Tsgo!" for "Let's go" and "Shoulda" for "Should have."

And then imagine a recording of, especially, younger black folks saying perfectly ordinary things like, "Yayeengotnone" for "Ya ain't even got none." And saying it fast, maybe while laughing, and as just one clip within a running statement, overlapped by two other people pitching in with utterances full of similarly casual -- i.e., messy -- little word packets. "You know what I'm sayin?" is a solidly entrenched expression in modern black English. Note, however, that in rapid speech it can come out as, roughly, "Msehn?" And then suppose on the tape that somebody happens to drop a can on the floor while that's being said -- and that the transcriber listening is a white woman from Boise, Idaho.

Pile up one thing like this after another and you can imagine that transcribing live black English is something a speaker of the dialect might do best. Two things I have actually seen happen are useful here.

First, tapes of ex-slaves speaking were made as a Works Progress Administration project. They were first transcribed by well-intentioned whites, and at times what they made of the tapes was a little odd. For decades, the official transcription of one person's description of what it was like hearing about Emancipation had it that the slaves listened to Northerners telling them to stay in the South and "went for" it. It never felt right, especially because the syntax was odd: "The colored people sure went for!" Nobody says that. Transcribers steeped in black dialect later gleaned that the person had said that the colored people "been po'" -- i.e., were poor, something that seems quite natural.

Second, I knew a Finn who, like so many Scandinavians, spoke English so well that she sounded as if she had been born in America, though she hadn't learned English until about six years before. After we saw a screening of an old film, she said that she had had trouble getting all of the dialogue because of the old mono soundtrack. It shocked me, given that she could get every bit of even the most idiomatic conversations in live English. But just the micro-thin scrim curtain of an old soundtrack still threw her.

Upon which we return to that woman from Boise working for the DEA, trying to understand black English spoken in the style of The Wire. The DEA is not crazy to seek black people raised in the dialect who would not be thrown by the scrim curtain of recording in getting every Ebonic word, knowmsayin'?

To wit: The DEA's black-English outreach cannot be logically dismissed by those crowing that black English isn't a language. It is complex language, like everybody else's. The question is whether it's not English language. And it is. But if we're talking about talk rather than primers -- just unself-conscious slangy, mushy talk -- then if the DEA really wants to Know-What-They're-Sayin', then maybe it does need to use people who, well, do.

John McWhorter is a lecturer at Columbia University and a contributing editor to The New Republic.

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(NFC South-third in a series)

New Orleans Saints fans cover your little "Who Dat" ears whenever a radio is nearby.

Especially, any radio playing those ESPN guys.

Seems an overwhelming majority of the nation's sports talking heads are picking those nasty dirty birds- the Atlanta Falcons- to dethrone your beloved Saints as NFC South champions in 2010.

Yeah, just up and knock those halos right off their heads right there in the middle of Bourbon Street.

This in the spite the fact that the Saints beat the Falcons twice last year.

This in spite the fact that the Falcons defensive line managed a meager 21 sacks one year ago- hardly a statistic of champions.

This in spite of the fact that the over-hyped John Abraham managed only 5.5 sACKS in 2009. By the way, the 32 year-old Abraham wasn't getting any younger at press time.

Yet, the pundits tell us Abraham's steep drop in production had nothing to do with age and everything to do with double-teams resulting from the loss of defensive tackle Peria Jerry in Week 2 with a severe knee injury. 

Jerry is back at DT and the pundits say as a result, Abraham will return to the All-Pro form of two years ago when he had 16.5 sacks and scared the beejesus out of opposing QB's.

One Falcons NFC rival told Sporting News, "John Abraham wasn't the same player in 2009 as he was in 2008. Injuries have robbed him of some of his explosiveness off the edge."

Well, who the hell knows.

Guess time will tell on that one.

The good news for the Falcons defense is the addition of three current or former first round picks in Sean Weatherspoon, Dunta Robinson, and Peria Jerry.

Says Pro Football Weekly of first round pick Weatherspoon, "He's a fast-flowing, explosive linebacker with impressive short-area burst. Weatherspoon doesn't have ideal size and could have a hard time disengaging if a blocker gets a hand on him."

Yet, some Falcons observers doubt the ability of Atlanta's defensive line to generate the necessary heat up the middle that would allow Abraham and Kroy Biermann time to fire off the edge and scare the bejesus out of opposing QB's.

ESPN, especially that little, sniffly-nosed Mike Greenberg, says not to worry. Abraham and Jerry and Kroy are plenty good enough to blow by the Saints offensive line. 

It's early August and quarterback Matt Ryan lofts a gorgeous deep ball down the left sideline, hitting Roddy White in stride. White dashes into the end zone and Ryan does his best Brett Favre impression, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, running down the field to congratulate his best receiver.

And this is precisely why these Falcons are the sexy pick to win the NFC South in a division where the reigning champions rarely succeed the following year.

Those ESPN talking heads all have a man crush on Ryan, the third-year QB out of Boston College, who didn't exactly suffer a sophomore slump in 2009 but something very close to it. The "experts" attribute this to a turf toe. If Ryan played for the New Orleans Saints, these same "experts" would say he just isn't any good.

Ryan tells the media that he is a meticulous note-taker and that "I'm a bit O.C.D. about people touching my notebook."  Sports talking heads all laugh and love him because he's everything Drew Brees is not- young, tall and rocket-armed.

Brees won the Super Bowl.

Ryan failed to get Atlanta to the playoffs.

Yet, when has ESPN ever let facts get in the way of a great story?

Yet the talking heads tell us Atlanta's offense, which ranked No. 16 in the league last year, is "stacked" because of players like Ryan and Michael Turner and Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, and... well... you get the picture.

These talking heads say Atlanta has too much "firepower" for the Saints.

And, in spite of the fact, that all of these "experts" picked the Colts to win the Super Bowl in February, who are we to disbelieve them?

(Savoir-Faire's Pick: Atlanta 10-6: Second in the NFC South)

Oh, ESPN, please forgive thou!

 

Saturday: The New Orleans Saints.

 

For those of you who haven't scrolled all the way down to the bottom of the page and flipped through all the Fanshots from earlier today, I bring to you something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue in Saints news links and videos.

Today's installment includes but is most definitely NOT limited to: Lance Moore learning a lesson, some good quotes and words on the defense from GW, practice reports and injury news, special teams analysis, dish on the latest roster moves, Wang's musings on Favre and Childress, an update on the Intellectual Property Battle for Who Dat?, and Ed Daniels' top and bottom 10 Saints interview subjects.   

See you after the JUMP!!

Twitter

BillyMiller83 I don't think money is the root of all evil, in the right hands it can be a valuable blessing but Greed of men can cause problems!

JonVilma51 just spoke with the 1st lady of Haiti, going to be doing some great charity work with her soon down there, it feels good to be able to give back

reggie_bush Once again I'm not having a party tonight. Club Metro has been falsely promoting my name on a party tonight. Sorry guys...

Jmack37 chillin bout to grab some dinner any suggestions Nola??

LanceMoore16 Yep I sure was tweeting n driving the other day. It's weird how things happen like that huh? Gotta be smarter. It's just not worth it

LanceMoore16 Just learned today that texting while driving has been proven to be more dangerous than drunk driving....scary.

dmpressley Having a good day.. Def. Got better today.. Think I'm feeling a little xbox this afternoon

T_Porter22 I want to give a special bday wish to my other half, happy bady @tpwife...love ya!

JonVilma51 Hate this time of year....we had to make some cuts yesterday and no matter how much of a business this is, you... http://fb.me/v0acwkb5

reggie_bush It's just kind of brings you back to reality and let's you know that at the end of the day this is still a business! A cut throat business..

reggie_bush I still never get used to seeing guys get cut from our team. You spend so much time with your teammates that they become family!

LanceMoore16 Hope everyone has a great hump day. Let's get stuff done today! #lego

bobbymccray Goodmorning.. Another day to get better.

alexbrown96 Good morning tweets! Headed to the facility gotta get this workout and have to weigh in before practice. Hope everyone have a great day.

Jmack37 Rise amd grind... Gotta shine. God bless yall

 

No Retreat, No Surrender (GW video to follow in V-roll section)

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams doesn't want his team to ease up | NOLA.com
He wants his defense to be aggressive. Any questions?

Saints’ Williams won’t apologize for being aggressive | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold

One of the lasting images from January’s NFC championship game is of Vikings quarterback Brett Favre on his back, writhing in pain after being hit by Saints’ defensive linemen Remi Ayodele and Bobby McCray. 

 

Wednesday's Practice/Injuries

Porter returns to Saints practice, others sit out | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
Tracy Porter returned from a one-practice absence after the starting right cornerback rested a "sore" left knee.

Four players out at New Orleans Saints practice Wednesday | NOLA.com
There were no surprises on the injury front Wednesday as the New Orleans Saints held their last full practice before Friday night's game against the San Diego Chargers. No surprises? Then why would I follow the link?

Ready for Chargers | neworleanssaints.com
News and notes from a closed practice. Thanks, Alex.

 

Special Teams Coverage (hope they cover it better than the guys on the field have covered kicks - boomzinga!) 

New Orleans Saints searching for special teams answers | NOLA.com
It's the one weak spot for an otherwise strong team. Oh great. From what I could tell in this article, they don't know what's wrong, but they vow to fix it. We'll see. I think this mess will continue for the foreseeable future.

New Orleans Saints special teams coach McMahon works overtime to fix problems | neworleans.com
Les East's take on the Special Teams.

Kristian: Special Teams Not So Special - WWL - AM870

Garic's Tuesday practice report with one paragraph on the special teams. 

 

Latest Roster Moves

Saints Cut Special Teams Captain And Others - WWL - AM870 

Report includes the actual press release from the team.

New Orleans Saints cut ties with LB Troy Evans, 4 others; sign LB K.C. Asiodu
B A-W lets us know who's off and on the roster.

Saints add linebacker Asiodu | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
The Saints added linebacker K.C. Asiodu to their roster after cutting five players, including special teams captain Troy Evans.

New Orleans Saints sign linebacker K.C. Asiodu | NOLA.com
Second-year pro spent most of last season with St. Louis Rams. Special teams depth? Is Shanle about to get cut? @Speculation is rampant as to why THIS move and WHY NOW????@ (sarcasm)

Payton explains move to cut players early | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
Saints Head Coach Sean Payton praised Troy Evans for the way he plays football and for everything he brings to special teams. But, it was time for him to go. Good luck with that, Troy, and good luck with that, Saints Special Teams. I hope this doesn't turn out like our whole place kicker deal did in 2007-2008.

 

Lagniappe 

Chilly con Carnage | moosedenied
Thank you, Wang. May I have some crackers with that chilly?  Must read.  'Nuff said.

State bows out of Who Dat battle | neworleans.com
Staff report. Also contains links to other Who-Dat-Battle articles.

Top 10 best and worst New Orleans Saints interviews of all-time | neworleans.com
Ed Daniels. Let's sound off on his choices and rationale.

New Orleans Saints could be least despised champ on record | NOLA.com
The Saints are quietly going about their business. Fine with me, we'll just quietly go on out there and grab another Lombardi. We be grindin'.

Expect a compromise on offseason work as labor talks progress | nfl.com
Jason LaCanfora. The latest from his sources on the labor front.  They're all beginning to talk about the 18-game season as if it's a done deal.

Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club Kicks Off 72nd Year Monday

Mickey Loomis is the HEADLINER - but I wonder who will open for him - Randy Mueller?

 

Transcript Time!

Opening Statement:

 "We signed linebacker K.C. Asiodu. We released Troy Evans, linebacker,Mark Bradley, receiver and we waived guard Tim Duckworth, cornerDanny Gorrer and receiver Rod Harper. We'll be out against tomorrow. Today was cut short. We have league security meetings in about ten minutes."

If the special teams coverage units were playing better this preseason does the departure of Troy possibly not happen?

"It really had nothing to do with how our special teams were playing. In fairness to Troy, we're rolling a lot of guys through in the kicking game to get evaluations. They're really two separate entities. Certainly it's a tough decision when you part ways with a player like Troy who has had so much to do with what we've done here and accomplished, but the two really don't go hand in hand."

What went into the timing of the moves with the cut deadline not until next week?

"The nature of us coming in here now and being on a one-a-day schedule and not being in a true two-a-day training camp mode, we felt like we could begin to reduce ahead of schedule. It's something I don't think is that unusual. It comes probably when a lot of guys, including you aren't expecting it because it's not the normal cutdown time. We're into one practice. We're not taking as many reps as you would during training camp when you maybe don't need as many numbers."

Have you ever seen a player like Drew Brees take so much time after practice and work so hard and be so hard on himself?

"He's one of the guys at his position from a commitment standpoint, has a very high expectation for himself. His bar, his expectations of himself is probably higher than anybody else has ever seen it. It's very normal after practice everyday for him to be working on something specific.  That drive and that commitment have made himself someone who is very good at his position."

When you go looking for someone to replace Troy Evans, what kind of qualities do you look for in a guy?

"What you're looking for...Troy's a great example as someone who's a great leader, but also a guy who plays all the core teams, as a guy that can run, who's smart, reliable, durable. Those are all traits that are needed to play so long in this league. I don't know that you look specifically to find one person to take that spot because really, the guys that make this team at linebacker, at safety that may not be starters are going to have to excel at special teams. The traits we just talked about for Troy are a big reason why he has had such a big career."

Can you discuss why you release him at this stage?

"It does two things - it allows him that opportunity. But the question that was asked earlier was did it have anything to do with how the special teams as a unit were playing, which is not the case at all. You've got so many different players coming in each quarter, the evaluation on the specific individuals takes place. Certainly you want to play better overall as a special teams unit. There are guys not playing that will play in the regular season on those coverage units that will certainly make us better."

Where will the new linebacker play?

"He'll play at Sam, but he's predominantly a special teams guy."

What are you looking to see from Patrick Ramsey?

"The efficiency, being able to run the offense, move the offense and score points. That's their number one function is to be able to move the ball."

Will he see some time with the first unit?

""I'll see how Drew's done. I'd like to get him some work with the one's like I did with Chase."

Why did you drop your roster to 76 now?

"We've gotten to a one-a-day schedule and we're taking less reps now. If you're in training camp and practicing twice, you less have to do that. But I've done that before and I've been around coaches that have been there before. When you're practicing the way we've been practicing, that reduction wasn't going to affect us as much. We did that yesterday and we'll probably continue to do that."

Could Ladell Betts and DeShawn Wynn play Friday?

""We'll see. I don't know that yet. Both of those guys are getting work now. They're getting a grasp of what we're doing but we'll have to see how the game goes. I'd like to."

How much will the starters play Friday?

""We'll get a half in and how much into the third quarter will be dependent on the number of snaps. The other night offensively, we were at 35 and at 15 defensively one point."

 

V-roll Roll Call

Gregg Williams on his defense being aggressive

New Orleans Saints preparing to host Chargers Friday night

 

 

Cody: Cutting Evans could send a message - wwltv.com

 

B A-W and Les East from neworleans.com

 

Saints coach Sean Payton talks about breaking camp - nola.com

Antoine Dodson became an internet sensation after voicing his anger over the attempted rape of his sister Kelly, a rant that was remixed into the "Bed Intruder Song." The song, which has been deemed hilarious by the internet masses and received over 12 million views on YouTube, was sold on iTunes, where it raised enough money to allow the Dodson family to move out of their home in the projects to a better neighborhood.

But while that seems like a happy ending, bloggers like Tamara Winfrey Harris on Race in America want to know: "What's So Funny About Antoine Dodson?" Harris writes, "Part of the Dodson meme is, I fear, about laughing at mannerisms that the mainstream associates with blackness, gayness and poverty. There is nothing amusing about a young woman assaulted in her home. And so, I worry that people are laughing at Antoine: his flamboyance and perceived gayness; his use of black colloquialisms, like 'run tell dat,' his grammar and accent."

In an updated YouTube video, Antoine and Kelly thank the people who helped them make this change through their financial support, while Kelly tries to explain that, well, she can't explain what she's feeling as a sexual assault survivor. She refers to her fears and those of her two-year-old daughter, and how the attempted rape has had a huge impact on her family. If Antoine hadn't heard the intruder and intervened, Kelly would have been raped, or, she fears, even killed. This is something that gets lost when people are laughing over Antoine's rant-turned-rap, and though Kelly now expresses gratitude that the song help provide a better life for her family, she still complained, "I was very upset about it because they were taking it as a joke and I was feeling like they were not looking at the part where I was the victim."

In some ways, the Bed Intruder Song and the popularity Antoine Dodson has received because of it has a very positive outcome. Financial support for the individual traumatized and widespread attention for the issue of sexual violence, one that rarely gets the kind of coverage it deserves. But, unfortunately, the money comes at a certain cost, because it also seems to trivialize the assault.

Antoine stood up against the rapist in a way we rarely see: he was loud, he was angry, and he didn't make excuses. Rape is too often swept under the rug, and Antoine didn't do that. It's hard to parse out how many viewers are simply laughing at Dodson, as Harris fears, and how many appreciate the message he is sending standing up to decry violence against women. I like the Antoine Dodson "Bed Intruder Song" too. I like it because he tells the rapist, you were wrong and you're going to be caught, and I and my sister and my family are stronger than you.

The song remix is unavoidably catchy and made to be humorous, but it's also an empowering in-your-face statement against perpetrators that it's refreshing to hear. Maybe most people don't hear that when they're listening, and it would be great if those millions of viewers could also be convinced to visit an anti-sexual violence site like RAINN. However, this is still a song that's firmly anti-rape, so I think there has to be some benefit to its popularity.

Sew yer kitteh iz a big fan ov Lady GaGa. Who iznt? Well, besydes those who dunt lyk her. Dere r fings u can du 2 help ur kitteh embrayce the fan inside. Fur instance, start wit sum simpul accessories, like a lovely pair ov glasses:

Clik teh foto of glamoarus GaGa Kitteh 2 add a capshun!

Via: Wienke

Once u haz ur kitteh accessorized, itz tym 2 play sum gr8 tunes fer dancin:

Source: Everyday Cute / Via: Miezekatzen

After dat, itz tym to get RILLY dressed up for teh concert! Ur heart will swell wif pride! U lewk lyk a superstar, kitteh!

dis mah Lady Gaga Outfit

Picture by: dunno source Caption by: dunno source

» Recaption This!

» View All Captions

Hollywood News!!! (all da tings dat mattah in Pop Culture!) Wednesday (August 25, 2010) "HUMP DAY" stories developing. . . . [size=150:93p7xkq3][/size:93p7xkq3] [img=http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/images/content/Duke_Kahanamoku_OceanFest_Waikiki/Dukeprofile.jpg] (above) (Star Advertiser/Hawaii News Now/eturbo news) [color=#800000:93p7xkq3] Seven men and one woman who are legends in ocean and water sports join in this year's honorary class. [/color:93p7xkq3] � Eddie Aikau � Surfing, Ocean Safety Lifeguard � Wally Froiseth � Surfing, Canoe Paddling � Fred Hemmings � Surfing � Duke Kahanamoku � Surfing, Swimming, Canoe Paddling � Buffalo Keaulana � Surfing, Ocean Safety Lifeguard � Rabbit Kekai � Surfing, Canoe Paddling � Keo Nakama � Swimming � Nappy Napolean � Canoe Paddling � Rell Sunn � Surfing, Paddling, First Female Lifeguard [color=#800000:93p7xkq3]Surfing legend is one of the nine and calls it , "An incredible honor. It's an honor to be born and raised in Hawaii. I say Hawaii is the watersports playground of the world and to be a part of this group is very special." has taught generations how to cherish the ocean. "When in the water, there's a lot you can do. You can sail and fish and swim. Enjoying the water with somebody else is even better." has had a lifelong passion for canoe paddling and in 2007 completed his 50th consecutive Molokai Hoe, a grueling 41 mile race from Molokai to Oahu. "I enjoy the water. If I go home I watch TV, get lazy. When I come down to the beach, I'm alive." The nine honorees will be the first inductees into the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame, which will be housed at This display will enshrine all inductees and serve as a Who�s Who of the Hawaii waterman community for both residents and visitors. [/color:93p7xkq3] ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// [size=150:93p7xkq3][/size:93p7xkq3] [img=http://www.eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/timbaland-grammy.jpg] Noted musician/producer (above). (TMZ) [color=#FF0000:93p7xkq3] Family members said that a brother-in-law called Timbaland the day before and felt that the producer was deeply upset about something. Timbaland left his residence yesterday and went driving. Family couldn't locate him so they called the Sheriff's department. Eventually, Sheriff deputies located him and put him in the patrol car and brought him to his residence. Paramedics were called to evaluate the music producer just to make sure he was not a threat to himself and left. Timbaland's camp could not be reached for comment. [/color:93p7xkq3] [img=http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjEzMDU4NjM1OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwOTAwMzU1._V1._SX271_SY400_.jpg] "Sons of Anarchy" star (above) (TMZ) [color=#0000FF:93p7xkq3]"Sons of Anarchy" star aka Mark Boone Junior, was Additional Police officers were called to the scene and Law enforcement officials are still investigating the matter. . . Story developing. . . . [/color:93p7xkq3] [img=http://eartodastreetz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/mariah-carey-and-nick-cannon.jpg] (above). (Hollyscoop) [color=#400000:93p7xkq3] Rumors have been circulating again after photos of Mariah at a concert in Brazil surfaced on the internet showing her to very much pregnant. Well, we'll believe it when she makes it public. [/color:93p7xkq3] [img=http://www.indonesiafirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/lindsay_lohan-profile.jpg] (above). (Hollyscoop) [color=#BF0000:93p7xkq3]Actress The actress has already petitioned to fly in September back to New York where her Mother said will be her permanent home. Her Lawyer had been working tirelessly to get Lindsay out of her rehab assignment which lasted only 22 days. Let's hope the Doctors are right about being "misdiagnosed" because LILO will be living "under a microscope" from now on? [/color:93p7xkq3] [img=http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01505/Octomum_1505465c.jpg] The fascination with , aka "Octomom and her children (above) is fading! (Perez Hilton) [color=#008000:93p7xkq3] What is Nadya to do? Go back to Lawyer and SUE somebody, anybody? Is that offer from to make a porn film still on the table? Whatever the case, Nadya is running out of options and she has 14 mouths to feed. [/color:93p7xkq3] [img=http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/film_images/paul_hogan_as_michael_j_crocodile_dundee.jpg] "Crocodile Dundee" (above). (Radaronline) [color=#400000:93p7xkq3]"Crocodile Dundee" star 70, Hogan's lawyer said that the actor is "stunned and disappointed" and that the Government would consider him a "flight risk." "The process of detaining Paul in Australia, away from his wife and child in Los Angeles, has devastated Paul,� Robinson said. It is unknown exactly how much Paul owes but to detain him this way means its more than a few thousands! [/color:93p7xkq3]

[jaySend]If Kam finished the season #1 last season why are they not #1 this season until they lose a game? its almost like college football already, you gotta blow out your opponent to impress the voters. what kine dat? i bet if kahuku barely won against waianae then they would be #2 cause the win wasnt impressive enough to be #1 if you win only by 2 touchdowns like kam did then you not as good as a st louis that wins by 6 touchdowns? what kine dat?[/] I'm generally in the same camp with you on this. I hate to rank any team lower one year later before they even lose a game. But after seeing Kahuku and Saint Louis up close, seeing their talent and depth, plus the losses to Kamehameha's starting lineup, the coaches and media agreed for the most part that Kahuku and Saint Louis are simply ahead right now. If I'm Kamehameha, I welcome any lower ranking. I embrace it. No coach I know of wants that target. The ones who do talk about it with me say the same thing: "Don't make us No. 1." If I'm Kamehameha, it's extra fuel. It's also less about coaches/media perception and recognizing that there are other teams that might be better. If that's not enough to make me work harder, then what?

It’s that time of year when we make bad predictions about the upcoming season and bad jokes, all in the same post. Next up: the AFC North, the festering den of iniquity that is home to murderers, rapists, abusers, drunk drivers, drunk kickers, drug addicts, tardwit reality show wide receivers and worst of all, the Cleveland Browns.

It was then that the Beagle Boys kniferaped Magica De Spell and dropped her from the back of a moving truck.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

via.

Key Additions: Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth, Walt Harris, Shayne Graham, Marc Bulger

Key Departures: Kelley Washington, Samari Rolle, Adam Terry

Known Miscreants: Ray Lewis (murder snitching on friends to plea bargain down to obstruction of justice charge), Donte Stallworth (reigning Death Race 2000 champion), Fabian Washington (domestic assault), Terrell Suggs (woman bleaching), Willis McGahee (Antonio Cromartie syndrome)

Five Fast Facts About The Ravens:

- Sergio Kindle’s fall and resulting injury earlier in training camp was blamed on his narcolepsy. Ravens fans were aware that referees could induce that in people.
- The enduring lesson of Donte Stallworth’s vehicular homicide: if you act halfway remorseful, the public and the media will completely forgive you. Or, in the case of Leonard Little, you can not give a shit and the public and the media will mostly ignore it.
- WERE YOU AWARE?: Of the 19 active quarterbacks with more than one start in the playoffs, Joe Flacco has by far the worst postseason passer rating (in five starts, he has 1 TD and 6 INTs for a rating of 46.5). The next highest is Mark Brunell (11 appearances, 66.3 rating) who still has a rating nearly 20 point higher. Also ahead on the list: Rex Grossman, Michael Vick, Chad Pennington and Ravens back-up Marc Bulger (so that’s why they got him). BUT HEY JOE COOL IS THE PIZZA HUT OF MARYLAND SPOKESBROW FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING!

- Ray Rice’s father was killed by a drive-by shooting when the running back was only a year old. His uncle helped to raise him until he was killed by a drunk driver in 1998. Man, Ray Rice must have such great admiration for his teammates.
- Haloti Ngata gave Terrence Cody the nickname “cheeseburger” during training camp. As they say, you are what you eat 39 of in any given sitting.

Over/Under For 2010: 10 wins

Verdict: OVER

Their secondary isn’t good even when it’s healthy, and it’s definitely not healthy right now. Nevertheless, the Ravens are pretty stacked everywhere else. Granted, Joe Flacco can’t play for shit in big games, but then that won’t come into play until they reach the playoffs, which shouldn’t be much of a problem for the Ratbirds this year. Though it is amusing that, after losing close games last year because of a lack of clutch kicking, that they would consider Shayne “The Ginger Nate Kaeding” Graham a possible answer.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Key Additions: Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones, Mike Nugent, Antonio Bryant, Matt Jones

Key Departures: Laveranues Coles, Shayne Graham

Known Miscreants: Pacman Jones (womb raiding), Matt Jones (being a cocaine cowboy, Rey Maualuga (DUI with underage girls in the car – the best kind!), Cedric Benson (waitress assault), Tank Johnson (munitions hoarding)

Five Fast Facts About The Bengals:
- Experts say the emergence of Bernard Scott is expected provide some relief to Cedric Benson’s huge share of carries this season. No word on how much of Benson’s arrest commitments he’ll be taking on.
- Pacman say hey da HughesNet bitch stop paradin yo fine azz round my TV. You older, but not too old that Pacman don slip it in dat USB slot. That stand for pUSsyBitch. Pacman not carin if that don make sense. YOU NO STOP HE SHINE.

- The anemic quarterbacking done by J.T. O’Sullivan in the ante-season will not be a blot on his escutcheon. If anything, coaches appreciate his efforts to ease pressure on Good Sir Palmer that his station could be imperiled by a son of Eyre.
- Bengals fans two years ago bought up billboards threatening to “protest” the team until Mike Brown hired a GM that wasn’t himself. Brown responded by… doing nothing. Of course, the team started winning anyway, so the fairweather Cincy folk forgot all about it. Which is pretty much how all fan protests go.
- Let’s hope Maurice Purify isn’t taking his last name as a life mission, or he has quite a task ahead of him with the Bengals.

Over/Under For 2010: 7.5 wins

Verdict: OVER

The Bengals played like dogshit down the stretch in 2009, mostly as a result of a inability to pass the ball. To resolve that issue, they did the usual Bengal thing and picked up a bunch of inexpensive retreads that no one else wanted: T.O., Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant. T.O. should be a decent improvement over Laveranues Coles, who was generally useless last season. First-round pick Jermaine Gresham has looked pretty good in preseason, so maybe he’ll be a good receiving option at tight end this year. Nevertheless, the pass blocking is still horrid and the team still has f*cknuts Bob Bratkowski calling plays. And Carson Palmer has shown that he isn’t good enough to compensate for those for those deficiencies. Again, the defense and the running game will have to carry this team, except now they play with a 1st place schedule and the Bengals will be hard-pressed to sweep both the Ravens and Steelers again this season. They won’t finish under .500, but they’re not going back to the playoffs either.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Sensing the obvious, the Browns didn’t even bother to print Jake Delhomme jerseys. Ever resourceful Cleveland fans adapt. via.

Key Additions: Jake Delhomme, Bobby Engram, Benjamin Watson, Seneca Wallace, Scott Fujita, Sheldon Brown, Colt McCoy

Key Departures: Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Donte Stallworth, Jamal Lewis, Kamerion Wimbley

Known Miscreants: Shaun Rogers (airline firearm supply), Brandon McDonald (future T.O. rapist), Colt McCoy (too wholesome), Joe Thomas (fishing without a license)

Five Fast Facts About The Browns:
- Shaun Rogers tried to rehab his image after bringing a loaded gun onto an airplane by ratting out a drunk driver to the police. Mario Reyes appreciates the timing, asshole.
- As referenced above, corner Brandon McDonald threatened over Twitter that he and the Browns secondary are going to “run a train” on Terrell Owens. Usually not a fan of prison rape, T.O.’s talks with his Bengals teammates have convinced him otherwise.
- DAWWWWWWWWW WHERE’D STEVE SMITH GO?

- Joshua Cribbs spent his wife’s birthday at a Playboy Golf event, then took her to Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles for dinner. This automatically puts him in the top 4 percentile of NFL player husbands.
- In a recent interview with GQ, Scott Fujita referred to former teammate Garrett Hartley as a “fat punk kicker.” Asked for a response, Hartley said he refused to lower himself to those Jap tactics.

Over/Under For 2010: 5.5 wins

Verdict: UNDER

I was briefly tempted to be generous and give them the over, but then I peeked at Cleveland’s schedule. After two winnable games against the Bucs and Chiefs, they have to run this seven-game gauntlet: @Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, @Steelers (this will most likely be the game Roethlisberger returns), Saints, Patriots, Jets. I seriously doubt that the Browns are going to win any of those games, meaning Cleveland will likely be 2-7 or 1-8 after nine games. Most likely, that means it’s “let’s give Colt McCoy a shot” time, with a trip to Miami, and rematches with the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers remaining. So yeah, sorry, no six wins for you guys.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

via.

Key Additions: Bryant McFadden, Larry Foote, Antwaan Randle El, anyone else who may have played for the team in the last 10 years, Flozell Adams

Key Departures: Santonio Holmes, Willie Parker, Deshea Townsend

Known Miscreants: Ben Roethlisberger (alleged bathroom bad touch), Jeff Reed (bathroom bad touch on towel dispenser), James Harrison (domestic assault)

Five Fast Facts About The Steelers:

- Threatened by the arrival of Flozell Adams, Hines Ward has been forced to slash the prices on his cheap shots.
- Dennis Dixon would be getting a chance to start during Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension, but instead the team is purposefully stifling his development because they don’t want to risk him showing up the quarterback that they tried to trade before the draft. Luckily, I am first person to formulate this not-at-all retarded theory for why Byron Leftwich will likely start Week 1.
/checks PFT
SHIT!!!!!!!
- Mike Wallace has some large vaginas to fill with the departure of Santonio Holmes.
- Even if it’s a year late, Troy Polamalu appreciates that the Madden Curse has finally caught up with Larry Fitzgerald.
- Despite the fact that he was injured months ago and will miss the entire 2010 season, Limas Sweed will still find a way to cost the Steelers a win this year. Mark my words.

Over/Under For 2010: 9 wins

Verdict: PUSH

After the offseason that just transpired, there’s absolutely no outcome to this season that would surprise me. On one hand, the Steelers tend to do better when expectations aren’t astronomically high, and they have Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith and Bryant McFadden (starting in place of shitty ass Purple Jesus-stompee William Gay) back on what should be a damn good defense. On the other hand, their most talented receiver was traded away for nothing (DON’T SLEEP ON MIKE WALLACE MOTHERFUCKAS!), they have goddamn slow-footed cheap-shotting penalty magnet Flozell Adams starting at right tackle and who knows how Roethlisberger is going to respond once he’s reinstated. With all that in mind, I’ll keep the homerism at bay and keep it at a push.

The Official Video : - Hip Hop Videos

They hope to join the ranks of those like them - Russell Peters, Dat Phan, and Margaret Cho, who have already made it big.

Rap artist who just performed his hit single "Who Dat" on 106 & Park today.

(Big ups to Team Thirsty, Team Get Dat Paper and Team Having-a-Second-Reconstructive-Knee-Surgery-in-Less-Than-Two-Years. PicProps: Esther Lin, obvi.)

OK, so here’s a textbook example of why fighters need managers (preferably managers who are not also their girlfriends, because that’s a no-win situation for everyone): Word out of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal’s camp in the wake of his loss to Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Houston on Saturday is that Mo blew out both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee during the bout. Because he’s an MMA fighter, Lawal wanted to squeeze in one more fight before opting to have surgery, but fortunately cooler (read: sane) heads prevailed. Manager Ryan Parsons now says the former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion could be out for up to nine months.

“Mo wanted to take one more fight, but we decided that this injury should be attended to first,” Parsons told Sherdog.com yesterday.  Um, yeah. No shit.

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Filed under: Saints, NFC South

Can you hear the Saints coming?

No, not the endless stream of 'Who dat' shouts. I'm talking about the clacking of pads, the thump of brute force.

The Saints are not a finesse team, but a balanced team. You can hear it in the sound of pads. They can run the ball, which means they are play-action, they can twist you in circles or bull over you.

New Orleans is not giving anyone a reason to pick the Falcons to win the NFC South, not after what they did to the Texans. Nobody seems to have to relaxed with the title in hand. The second-string quarterback accounted for 24 points.

 

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who dat, with the message of Love, from above, clear like glass, smooth with sass, i wont argue her Fathers kicks *** the wisdom she gives is hi-class, get out of the way, of the Love with no cost, choose this day or forever be lost. real love without cost... hum,, sounds good to me , think ill see , Let His Love flow, just be me, be free, yea i like it , Real Love, sound GOOD to me..

But a lyric like that depends on who reads it, of course, and when…… but the biggest dat

Height 6 feet,body athletic,looks innocent (it's girls comment), job software developer,hate Dowry,and divorce system. Never drink n smoke. Never tried to involve in sex (Reason:It may hurt dat girl and later to me co'z we don't know future) but Musterbate Regularly. Nature: easily arrogant but for few second. View for girls: If ur in gence n t-shirt then looks Sexy but if in Suit salwar or saari then looks gorgeous and full of respect. I will not press u for job but will expect as tradition lady who have full right of her husband's salary. Negative attitude : I can not ignore ur past, so keep it secret if u was involve in phys.(sex). Don't like late night parties, And u can say that i m not broad minded (i accept it). U can not expect me like Ajay devgan as what he did in "hum dil de chuke sanam". I will convince u when u will angry on my mistakes, never let u feel alone. It's just for ur comment b'coz i know well dat, it's not dating site or matrimonial site.

Well, I tried to limit it to only 100 moments, but it was impossible to do. So I'm honoring the daytime soap opera, As the World Turns, by featuring 150 of its most memorable moments. With the 54-year-old show set to air its final episode on September 17, I thought it would be fun to revisit the many sordid lives of Oakdale that have been entertaining us since April 2, 1956. Now here are the first 25 historical highlights in chronological order:



1) The Death of Jim Lowell (1957)
Shortly after Claire Lowell agreed to a divorce, her unfaithful husband Jim - who was having an affair with Edith Hughes - tragically died while fishing with his father in Florida (he fell out of the boat and hit his head).

2) The Birth of Jimmy Lowell (1958)
Shortly after Jim's death, his young daughter, Ellen, found herself pregnant by Tim Cole, a charming research doctor at Memorial Hospital. She, of course, wanted to marry the father of her child, but Tim then informed the shocked girl that he already had a wife. Ellen left town to give birth to their son, whom she named Jimmy after her father. With Tim's bitter wife refusing to give him a divorce, a depressed Ellen decided to give up her baby boy for adoption. She eventually married Tim in 1960 a few weeks before he died of leukemia.



3) Penny Hughes and Jeff Baker's Wedding Day (December 24, 1959)
Penny and Jeff eloped in 1958, but her mother, Nancy, insisted that their marriage be annulled. Jeff was then arrested for murder, but after he was cleared of the crime, the young couple finally found their way back into each other's arms. Penny and Jeff were married in a beautiful Christmas Eve church ceremony, and they are considered the first soap opera "supercouple", having helped ATWT become the number one soap in 1958 (the show would remain at the top of the ratings until 1978).



4) Lisa Miller's First Appearance (May 18, 1960)
ATWT's most notorious man-eater, Lisa Miller - the daughter of Henry and Alma Miller of Rockford, Illinois - arrived in Oakdale. The show's creator, Irna Phillips, only intended the character to be a 13-week girlfriend for college student Bob Hughes, but she decided to keep her around when actress Eileen Fulton let Lisa's claws show.

5) Lisa Miller and Bob Hughes Elope (August 1960)
It didn't take long for the scheming Lisa to get a wedding ring on her finger as she and Bob - whom she believed would be a wealthy doctor someday - were secretly married in Gary, Indiana. Her parents were later delighted by the news; his were not.




6) Ellen Is Reunited With Her Son (March 1961)
After Tim's death, Dr. David Stewart replaced him at the hospital, and Ellen became a babysitter for his and his wife Betty's two sons, Danny and Paul. She soon discovered that Danny had been adopted by the couple - and that he was actually her son, Jimmy! When Ellen confronted the Stewarts with the shocking proof, Betty wanted to take the boys and leave town, but David persuaded her to stay and fight Ellen's custody suit. And in the end, the judge ruled in favor of the Stewarts, allowing them to keep Danny.




7) The Birth of Thomas Christopher Hughes (December 23, 1961)
Lisa and Bob became the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.



8) The Death of Jeff Baker (August 23, 1962)
Jeff was killed instantly when he and Penny were in a car crash while on their way to a family celebration. Poor Penny ended up in a coma and later woke up with amnesia. Meanwhile, CBS was flooded with grief-stricken telegrams, phone calls and letters, and TV Guide called the incident, "the car accident that shook the nation." Jeff's portrayer, actor Mark Rydell, went off to Hollywood to become a director of such films as The Rose (1979), On Golden Pond (1981) and For the Boys (1991).



9) Lisa Leaves Oakdale For Her Own 'Private World' (May 5, 1965)
ATWT lost its favorite vixen when Lisa, newly divorced from Bob, moved to Chicago when CBS tried to cash in on the success of ABC's nighttime soap, Peyton Place, by launching one of their own - Our Private World. During the 38 half-hour episodes, Lisa met wealthy Tom Eldredge, who wanted to marry her, but his older brother John (played by Nicolas Coster, who decades later would also play her seventh husband, Eduardo Grimaldi) soon wooed her away. He and Lisa were engaged to be married as the unsuccessful series aired its final episode on September 10, 1965. She would return to Oakdale in May 1966 a rich woman after receiving a good settlement in her divorce from John.




10) Ellen Kills Franny Brennan (1965)
After Betty Stewart's sudden death from double pneumonia in 1962, David eventually fell in love with Ellen and proposed marriage. However, his insanely jealous housekeeper, Franny Brennan, threatened to tell young Dan that Ellen was his mother if she married David. Fearing that her son would hate her, a desperate Ellen then grabbed a statue and hit the crazy lady over the head, killing her. After confessing to the murder without giving any motive for her deadly actions, she was sentenced to eight years in prison in March 1966.

11) Nancy's Hysterectomy (1966)
Dr. Jerry Turner (played by James Earl Jones) performed Nancy Hughes' hysterectomy.

12) Ellen Cole and David Stewart's Wedding Day (June 2, 1966)
After learning that Franny had blackmailed Ellen about Dan's parentage, David got the case reopened, and Ellen was paroled from prison She and David were then finally married.



13) Penny Leaves Oakdale (April 2, 1968)
After her second husband died and her third marriage ended with an annulment, Penny said goodbye to Oakdale to begin a new life in New York City. She later moved to England where she met and married Anton Cunningham, a professional race car driver, and adopted a daughter. Penny (and actress Rosemary Prinz) has returned to Oakdale for a few visits over the years.

14) Dan Stewart Finally Learns The Painful Truth (1969)
The evil and womanizing Dr. Michael Shea had learned Ellen Stewart's sordid little secret from his drunk wife, Ellen's mother Claire. During a later confrontation with Dan, he informed the shocked young man that he was his stepmother's illegitimate son. Dan, who was now a surgeon, then had to save Ellen's life when she had a perforated ulcer, and after she recovered, he accepted her as his mother.

15) Dr. John Dixon's First Appearance (July 18, 1969)
John Dixon, the new resident at Oakdale Memorial Hospital, soon became the protégé of Dr. Michael Shea, who helped to create one of ATWT's best villains. Actor Larry Bryggman was only hired for three days as the character was originally supposed to be a short-term role.



16) The Murder of Michael Shea (1970)
After Claire divorced him, the devious doctor blackmailed Lisa - the mother of his son Chuckie - into marrying him after he caught her now grown son, Tom Hughes, stealing drugs from his office medicine cabinet (the young man had returned from Vietnam with a bad habit). Michael quickly grew tired of Lisa, and when Tom once again tried to rob his office, he planned to use this scandalous incident to blackmail her into giving him a divorce and sole custody of Chuckie. However, the doctor was then shot and killed, and Tom was convicted of his murder. It was eventually revealed that a terminally ill patient named Miss Thompson, who blamed her former lover Michael for her daughter's suicide, was the real killer.

17) The Birth of Betsy Stewart (1970)
Dan Stewart fell in love with the sweet Liz Talbot while unhappily married to the ambitious, career-driven Dr. Susan Stewart. Both Liz and Susan became pregnant by Dan at the same time, so he stayed with his wife while the woman he loved married his brother, Paul Stewart, who offered to marry her without needing to know who fathered her baby. And into this sordid love quadrangle, Betsy was born.

18) Kim Reynolds' First Appearance (August 31, 1972)
The willowy widow first arrived in Oakdale for her sister Jennifer Ryan's wedding to Dr. Bob Hughes - and she soon found herself attracted to her handsome new brother-in-law. Uh-oh.

19) The Death of Liz Talbot Stewart (March 1973)
After her husband, Paul Stewart, died of a brain tumor in 1972, Liz was finally able to marry the man she loved - his brother Dan - in February 1973. Unfortunately, their happy marriage was short-lived as ATWT creator Irna Phillips wanted Liz dead. Upset that the character's portrayer, actress Jane House, was also playing a stripper (with nude scenes) in the Broadway play, Lenny, Phillips planned to kill Liz off with pneumonia, but angry viewers flooded the network with calls when the character languished in a hospital bed every day. She was ordered to give Liz a miraculous recovery, but then House quit the show because she couldn't work for someone who obviously despised her. Phillips still wanted to get rid of the character and decided to have Liz set herself on fire during her and Dan's wedding night. When CBS objected (another of their soaps had just done the same thing), she finally came up with this tragic scenario: after Dan's ex-wife, Susan, left the baby gate open, Liz fell "up" the stairs in an attempt to prevent her daughter, Betsy, from falling down the stairs. She ruptured her spleen and died a few days later after finally confessing to Dan that he - and not Paul - was Betsy's real father. Liz's death is considered one of the oddest in the history of daytime soaps.

20) Kim Reynolds and John Dixon Elope (1973)
While Dr. Bob Hughes was in Palm Beach, Florida, for a medical convention, he was surprised to enter a hotel lounge to find his sister-in-law, Kim, singing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" to the piano accompaniment of Bobby Short. Separated from his wife, Jennifer (Kim's sister), Bob hit the sheets with Kim for an illicit night of passion. They then both returned to Oakdale to learn that Jennifer was pregnant, leading to a reconciliation between her and Bob. Kim soon learned that she was expecting a child as well, and ATWT creator Irna Phillips planned to have Bob divorce Jennifer and marry her new heroine, Kim. However, fans were outraged, and when CBS/Procter & Gamble demanded that Kim pay for her adultery, Phillips refused. She was promptly fired and died on December 22, 1973. Kim was then punished by having her elope with the evil John Dixon to Las Vegas - to give her and Bob's baby a name - and later give birth to a stillborn daughter.

21) The Birth of Frances Jennifer Hughes (December 25, 1973)
Jennifer and Bob's daughter, "Frannie", was named after her and Kim's mother.



22) The Death of Jennifer Hughes (October 1975)
Jennifer discovered she was dying of a rare disease of the central nervous system, but she later went into remission. However, she then died in a car accident.

23) The Funeral of Grandpa Hughes (June 4, 1976)
Actor Santos Ortega replaced actor Will Lee in the role of Chris Hughes' father on the show's second episode. After Ortega's death on April 10, 1976, Grandpa Hughes died in his sleep, and the entire town turned out to pay their respects at his funeral.

24) Kim Dixon and Dan Stewart's Wedding Day (June 24, 1977)
After her husband, John Dixon, fell down a flight of stairs, Kim fell in love with his doctor, Dr. Dan Stewart, who returned her feelings. A tornado then caused her to suffer a temporary bout of amnesia, and once she regained her memory, Kim learned that she was pregnant with John's child. However, she refused to be trapped in a loveless marriage any longer and divorced John. In October 1976, Kim gave birth to a son, Andrew, whom her ex later kidnapped, but finally she and Dan were married.

25) Betsy Stewart Finally Learns The Painful Truth (1978)
Having lost both of her parents, Liz and Paul Stewart, at a very young age, 14-year-old Betsy received yet another shock when her Uncle Dan finally revealed that he was her biological father. The confused girl then ran away from home and was found unconscious and half-frozen in a snowbank. Betsy then became briefly afflicted with hysterical deafness, but once she could hear again, she accepted Dan as her father.

To be continued . . .

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Amateur fighters and local fight promotions that showcase amateur fights are undoubtedly two of the most important components in the the constantly evolving sport, and business, of mixed martial arts. The casual MMA fan might not be willing to go to a local venue and see a number of amateurs fight because they do not have any "big names" on the fight card. In some cases a notable gym or trainer will be able to draw the more casual fans to an amateur card because the gym might have produced fighters that have gone on to the UFC or other major promotions. I often wonder where those MMA fans who only have time for event's commentated by Joe Rogan or Mauro Ranallo think the professional fighters they cheer for come from.

Talent is groomed, displayed and critiqued in amateur promotions before a fighter's professional record is influenced. This might be one of the most exciting times to watch a mixed martial artists compete. This was the case on Friday, June 25, 2010 at American Fighting Organization's Summer Brawl in Mansfield, MA. There were twenty-five fights on the card. The UFC's Joe Lauzon was in attendance to support his fighters from Lauzon MMA, and Mark DellaGrotte from Sityodtong was their to support his combatants. Another gym that made a showing with less of an initial fanfare was Cambridge, MA's Redline Fight Sports lead by head MMA Coach Paul "Lefty" Rosado and Assistant Coach Eric Grossman. Redline had four fighters on the card who definitely came to shine, and shine they did.

Redline's Leo Akikki defeated Team Dexter's Jake Johnson at 1:55 in the first round by rear naked choke in an impressive display of ground work. The next Redline fighter to claim victory was Jeremiah "Dr. Doom" DiRuzzo. He slammed Team Dexter's Joe Powers to the mat early on and the submitted him at :40 of round one by guillotine choke. Thoese were two of many fights that night that had the intensity that professional fights from major promotions can sometimes lack. (e.g. Melendez vs. Aoki) A few fights later, Redline's Daniel Alexis fought his way to a split decision victory over Team Rockstar's Estaban Robles. Alexis showcased his Sanda background with sidekicks and roundhouse kicks that grabbed the attention audience. At this point, Redline Fight Sports was 3 for 3 on the evening.

AFO's incredibly long card continued to excite. Tickets for this event went for $40, $55, and $75, and the crowd got every dollar's worth. One of the feature amateur fights for the night was Redline's undefeated Kin "Kong" Moy squaring off against Sityodtong's undefeated Dat Tran. This fight was featured for good reason as it won the "Fight of the Night." These two athletes went all out for three rounds, and Moy won by unanimous decision. Moy showed his range of skills and proved to be a complete fighter as his stand up and ground skills were just too much for Tran. This fourth win of the night completed Redline's sweep. That was Redline's second event sweep in a row as the team won all of their fights at Mohegan Sun's Battle at the Sun in Uncasville, CT over Memorial Day weekend.

Another fight full of fireworks on the the Summer Brawl card was Connors MMA's Jesse Gutierez vs. Doomsday's Anthony Carmenatti. This haymaker festival was reminiscent of the Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung battle, and Gutierez landed a knockout punch in the second round that gave the crowd something to cheer about.

Amateur level competition provides a base for MMA related markets like equipment, gyms/trainers, and overall interest in MMA. The importance of amateur MMA is much deeper than the apparent grooming of eventual professional athletes. It provides the sport as a whole with a hardcore fan base that is needed to continue MMA's ascent as a professional sport. The fans, friends, fighters, and family members at Summer Brawl are the people that really keep this sport going. They are the ones buying fight apparel, the people that order the pay-per-view cards (well, one person orders and the others chip in I am sure), and the people support an overall martial arts culture that is very much a way of life for many fighters and coaches.

Redline's sweep is an example of how coaches and trainers all accross the country are working hard to evolve the sport of mixed martial arts. Displaying such success at a show like AFO's Summer Brawl where reputations can be made, maintained, and massacred is no small feat. Congratulations to the Redline Fight Sports Team. I cannot wait to see what happens when these guys go pro.


Teams and Promotions Mentioned In This Article:
American Fighting Organization
Redline Fight Sports
Team Sityodtong Boston
Lauzon MMA
Team Dexter
Team Rockstar
Doomsday
===

Follow Alvin on Twitter: @AwwwSnap

Alvin Benjamin Carter III is an MMATorch Specialist columnist focusing on the business and statistic side of the sport of MMA. He trains in SanDa / Shan Shou (Chinese Kickboxing) and MMA at Redline Fight Sports. He also has a business background in music production, management, and clothing. He has launched two companies which cater to niche markets, giving him experience in examining trends and attitudes that can affect a particular business model, which he applies in his weekly column for MMATorch to the sport of MMA.