Super Tuesday

Yes, I know this post is a bit late but from what I've been watching throughout the day it looks like the outcome will surprise a few people. I voted for Ron Paul and even if he doesn't get the nod from the party I would like to keep my integrity in place. Especially knowing that we might end up with Romney any how. For the many of you who voted today I would like to thank you very much for exercising you right to vote and for those of you who didn't because you just didn't feel like it can continue to do what you normally do "nothing". Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and see the results. I will have a follow up post of the outcome including the local ones.

Going Under...

Fresno, California - A story that will not amaze me now or ever, this man has done what most homeless people haven't thought of yet. Bruce Stacy a homeless carpenter has dug himself a home underground where he lives and spends his time away from the elements. Apparently he has built himself a few of these before in the past. Although the video below doesn't mention where they are or what has happened to them it looks like Mr. Stacy has improved his work where he even has an escape tunnel when ever some one approaches that is of the unfamiliar kind. The percentage of homeless people is rising at a record pace, we need to help those in need until they are able to get back on their feet financially and spiritually.
VIDEO on CNN

Massive Deal 4 Rodriguez...

NEW YORK (UPI) -- Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to a framework that could lead to the largest sports contract in history. The New York Daily News reported that Rodriguez will likely sign a deal worth $275 million over 10 years. It appeared the superstar third baseman would no longer be with the Yankees after he opted out of the remaining three years of his previous contract with the team.
That made him a free agent and allowed him to negotiate with any team in the majors, but he indicated he would like to stay with New York if a deal could be arranged. Rodriguez met with the sons of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner during the past week. The Daily News report said that while language in the contract must be made final, it is expected to include incentives concerning the career home run record currently owned by Barry Bonds. Rodriguez hit 54 homers last season with 156 RBI and batted .314. But he struggled in the playoffs and the Yankees were eliminated in the first round for the third straight year.

I was kind of disappointed because I has hoping that he would try out our MudHens here in Toledo but I know that money talks so his decision to stay with the Yankees was coming soon enough. Well I wish him the best and a good luck on reaching Bond's record.

Bonds Indicted...

SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- Major League Baseball's all-time home run leader Barry Bonds has been indicted in San Francisco on five counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.
Documents were filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco in connection with Bonds' Dec. 4, 2003, grand jury appearance, during which he testified he did not knowingly take performance enhancing drugs supplied by Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO). Bonds' former mistress, Kimberly Bell, and a former childhood friend, Stevie Hoskins, also have said BALCO supplied him steroids. The indictment of the seven-time National League MVP follows one of the longest federal grand jury investigations in Northern California history.
The 43-year-old slugger, who has consistently denied using steroids, has hit 762 home runs with a career average of .298 in 22 seasons with Pittsburgh and San Francisco. His historic 756th homer came Aug. 7 this year against Washington.
He is a free agent after the Giants decided not to re-sign him.

Free agent Roger Clemens

NEW YORK (UPI) -- Roger Clemens, who has told the Houston Astros he is ready to fulfill a personal services contract, officially filed for free agency Friday. That move leaves open the possibility Clemens might pitch in the majors for a 25th season. Clemens was one of three players to file for free agency Friday, bringing the total to 146 who have done so since the filing period began last week. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Randy Wolf and Tampa Bay designated hitter Greg Norton also filed.
Clemens does not have to officially retire to start his personal services contract, a 10-year deal he signed with the Astros in 2004. He agreed to the deal then because he expected to retire at the end of that season. But he pitched again for the Astros in 2005 and 2006. He then signed a one-year deal for the New York Yankees and went 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA in 18 games last season.

Congrats to the hard workers...

Randy Moss named to weekly player honor

NEW YORK (UPI) -- New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss Wednesday was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
In a 24-20 victory against Indianapolis, Moss scored once on nine receptions for 145 yards. Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison (defense), and San Diego defensive back Antonio Cromartie (special teams) were the other AFC honorees. Harrison had nine tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 3 ½ sacks as the Steelers trounced Baltimore, 38-7. Cromatie returned a missed field goal 109 yards for the longest play in NFL history in the Chargers 35-17 loss to Minnesota.
Named in the NFC were Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson (offense), who scored three times while rushing for an NFL single-game record 296 yards on 30 attempts, Detroit tackle Shaun Rogers (defense), who raced 66 yards for a touchdown after a pass interception in the Lions 44-7 rout of Denver, and Washington placekicker Shaun Suisham (special teams), who booted five field goals in a 23-20 overtime win over the New York Jets.

It would of been nice to see some of the players from the 49ers team mentioned but it looks like they have to do a little more to get that special announcement. With the way things are going thus far for the niners I hope that they at least get one or two more wins before the season is over.

Game 4 goes to the Red Sox as well as the World Series Trophy...

MLB: Boston 4, Colorado 3
DENVER (UPI) -- Mike Lowell homered and scored a run Sunday night, as the Boston Red Sox beat Colorado, 4-3, to complete a four-game World Series sweep. After the game, Lowell was named series MVP. Bobby Kielty also homered for Boston, and Jason Varitek and David Ortiz each drove in a run. Jacob Ellsbury had two hits and scored a run for the Red Sox, who won the World Series for the second time in four years. They previously won it all in 2004. Garrett Atkins hit a two-run home run and Brad Hawpe had a solo shot to account for the Rockies' scoring.

Red Sox starter Jon Lester pitched 5 2/3 innings, holding the Rockies scoreless on three hits, with three strikeouts and three walks. Reliever Jonathan Papelbon earned the save, pitching 1 2/3 innings of no-hit ball, with one strikeout. Colorado starter Aaron Cook took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits over six innings, with two strikeouts and no walks

This just in...

This just in from UPI...

Red Sox lament losing the DH
DENVER (UPI) -- Boston will be without the designated hitter when the World Series shifts to Denver this weekend. It will not be in effect Saturday night when the Rockies are home for Game 3, and the Red Sox will be down an automatic batter with first baseman Kevin Youkilis on the bench. The DH rule, often criticized, was established by the American League in 1973.

It forces Boston to use its normal DH, David Ortiz, at first, while pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will bat for himself because the game is in an NL city. Boston, up 2-0, loses defense with Ortiz at first and Youkilis on the bench. "'Youk' is a really good hitter, but they won't let us play all three of them," said Manager Terry Francona. "So we'll go with this." When the series' first two games were played at Boston's Fenway Park, Colorado used its right-fielder, Ryan Spilborghs, at DH.
The Rockies did openly oppose the rule.

Stop Scammers...

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I got this little FYI from a co-worker that I consider a good friend, read it and please watch out for scammers...

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NEW CREDIT CARD SCAM

The Holiday Season is just a little bit down the road and the bad guys are
already trying to get free stuff by using your credit.

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information,
except the one piece they want.  Note, the callers do not ask for your card
number; they already have it.

This information is worth reading.  By understanding how the VISA and
MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to
protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called
on Thursday from 'Master Card'.  The scam works like this: Person calling
says, 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud
Department at VISA.  My badge number is 12460.  Your card has been flagged
for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify.  This would be
on your VISA card which was issued by ( name of bank).  Did you purchase an
Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in
Arizona ?' ........

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a
credit to your account.  This is a company we have been watching and the
charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that
flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to
(gives you your address), is that correct?' You say 'yes'.......

The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation.  If you
have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of
your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this
Control Number.  The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me
to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.  The caller then says, 'I
need to verify you are in possession of your card.' He'll ask you to 'turn
your card over and look for some numbers.' There are 7 numbers; the first 4
are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers' that
verify you are the possessor of the card.  These are the numbers you
sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.....

The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him.  After you tell the
caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify
that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your
card.  Do you have any other questions?' After you say, 'No,' the caller
then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do', and
hangs up. ....

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card
number.  But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20
minutes to ask a question.  Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA security
Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase
of $497.99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA
account.  VISA is reissuing us a new number.  What the scammers want is the
3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead,
tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their
conversation.

The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as
they already know the information since they issued the card!  If you give
the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit.
However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases
you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to
actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a
'Jason Richardson of Master Card' with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA
scam.  This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police
report, as instructed by VISA.  The police said they are taking several of
these reports daily!  They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this
scam is happening. Please pass this on to all your family and friends.  By
informing each other, we protect each other.

An excellent opinion...

It all seems to be coming together now, at just the right time, much as it did in 2004 after the Red Sox staged the greatest comeback in the history of sports to vanquish the Yankees in that year’s ALCS.

The comment above is that of Corey Fyke Day Staff Writer , his piece on the past and present of Boston's standings are true to the fact. I became a Red Sox fan even more this year because of my brother Chelo. He i definitely a die hard fan, my uncle from Boston has been a fan for pretty much his whole life. I am glad to have become a stronger fan to this excellent ball club, watching them play against the Indians brought me some memories of watching a game with my uncle when I was younger and I had gone to visit him for a week. I have been to Fenway before but it would be nice to go there with my uncle and my brother at the same time. Read Mr. Fyke's complete article by clicking on the link at the bottom labeled 'Article', his entry is a definite read don't miss it.

ARTICLE

Rush on top of things...

Philanthropist Betty Casey won the Harry Reid "phony soldiers" smear letter with a $2,100,100 donation to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF.org). Rush matched that donation with $2,100,100 of his own money. The Democrats donated $0 to the children of our fallen heroes. I was hoping to see Harry himself throw in some cash for the cause but of course he would much rather try to make it look like he and Rush were in on this the whole time by asking those who were listening to him to participate in the bid because after all it was for the kids. What a loser.

Game 4 goes to the Indians

MLB: Cleveland 7, Boston 3
CLEVELAND (UPI) -- Jhonny Peralta hit a three-run homer in a seven-run fifth inning Tuesday as Cleveland pounded Boston 7-3 for a 3-1 lead in the AL Championship Series. Casey Blake started the fifth with a home run for the Indians, who will try to wrap up the best-of-7 series Thursday night at home in Game 5. The American League champ will play the Colorado Rockies in the World Series.
Cleveland starter Paul Byrd (1-0) went five-plus innings, allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts and no walks. The Indians are one win away from their first World Series appearance since 1997. Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez hit consecutive home runs in the sixth inning for the losing Red Sox. It was the second time in postseason history the feat has been accomplished Boston's Tim Wakefield cruised through the first four innings. But Cleveland chased him from the game in the fifth as he left after 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on five hits with seven strikeouts.

Game two goes to Cleveland...

MLB: Cleveland 13, Boston 6
BOSTON (UPI) -- Trot Nixon had the go-ahead RBI and Franklin Gutierrez hit a three-run homer in a seven-run 11th Saturday night, as the Cleveland Indians beat Boston, 13-6. The road win at Fenway Park allowed the Indians to tie the Red Sox at one win apiece in their best-of-seven American League Championship Series.
Gutierrez finished with four RBI, Jhonny Peralta had a three-run homer and four RBI, and Grady Sizemore had a solo home run for Cleveland, which put together a 17-hit attack. Tom Mastny (1-0) got the victory, pitching one inning in relief. Eric Gagne (0-1) took the loss. He combined with Javier Lopez and Jon Lester to let in seven runs in relief. After Manny Ramirez hit a two-run homer in the fifth, Mike Lowell followed with a solo shot. Ramirez has 23 career post-season homers -- more than any other player.
Game 3 is set for Monday night in Cleveland.

Game 1 goes to Boston...

MLB: Boston 10, Cleveland 3
BOSTON (UPI) -- Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell drove in three runs each Friday night as Boston opened the ALCS with a 10-3 drubbing of Cleveland. Boston's Josh Beckett, the only 20-game winner in the majors this year, allowed four hits and two runs over six innings to get the win, and was backed up by a 12-hit attack. The Red Sox, trying to reach the World Series for the second time in four seasons, overcame an early deficit and pounded Indians starter C.C. Sabathia. The Cleveland ace gave up eight runs on seven hits with five walks in 4 1/3 innings.
After Travis Hafner homered in the first to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead, Ramirez singled in the tying run in the bottom half of the inning. Ramirez also walked twice with the bases loaded -- as part of Boston's four-run third and again during a two-run sixth. Lowell's ground-rule double in the third delivered two runs and put Boston in front for good. Lowell added a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Bobby Kielty contributed a two-run single in the fifth and scored later in the inning on Jason Varitek's double.
Game 2 is set for Saturday night in Boston.