It's a sad day here in the Bay Area. According to the Associated Press, Billy Beane has once again made a blockbuster trade, where the players with the big names will be leaving Oakland. The deal, announced this afternoon will send both Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin to the Chicago Cubs.
From the article:
The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade on Tuesday, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia. The Cubs received the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer Josh Donaldson.
Harden, eligible to be a free agent after the 2009 season, is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts this season. He's scheduled to $4.75 million this season.
Chicago also received Gaudin, who was 5-3 win a 3.59 ERA in 26 games — including six starts. Last season, he was a starter all season and went 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA.
Beane typically knows what he is doing so I will once again trust his judgment in this trade. Harden has been injured so many times that he has been far from reliable. Harden has not made 30 starts in a season since 2004, when he made 31. He has only started 16 games combined over the past two seasons while suffering from both back and arm problems.
But if he remains healthy, he has just possibly given the Cubs what they need to win their first World Series in 100 years!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Keeping a Food Diary Leads to Extra Weight Loss
Imagine that! According to a new study, if you keep a diary of what you eat each day, you can actually lose more weight! This will be good for those of us who need to drop a few extra pounds for summer.
From the article:
In the study, which is in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, they followed almost 1,700 men and women who were either overweight or obese. The average weight was 212 pounds. The participants attended 20 weekly group meetings and were encouraged to eat about 500 fewer calories a day, to engage in moderate intensity physical activity 30 minutes or more a day, and to follow the low-fat, low-sodium DASH dietary plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods.
From the article:
In the study, which is in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, they followed almost 1,700 men and women who were either overweight or obese. The average weight was 212 pounds. The participants attended 20 weekly group meetings and were encouraged to eat about 500 fewer calories a day, to engage in moderate intensity physical activity 30 minutes or more a day, and to follow the low-fat, low-sodium DASH dietary plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods.
Participants in the study were asked to record daily food intake and their total exercise minutes. After 20 weeks, the total average loss was approximately 13 pounds. It may take a bit of extra work taking notes of what you eat during the day but the benefits seem to be very positive.
To learn more about a food diary to analyze eating habits, visit the American Academy of Family Physicians.
CC Sabathia Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers
The rumors finally were confirmed Monday as reigning American League Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia has been dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers for four prospects including Matt LaPorta, Milwaukee's top prospect. Also included in the deal are Zach Jackson, a Class AAA left-hander and Rob Bryson, a Class A right-hander.
It is expected that Sabathia will remain with the Brewers for the remainder of the season before testing the free agent waters after the season. Sabathia rejected a four-year, $72 million offer from the Cleveland Indians prior to the season.
The Brewers began the Sabathia era on Monday only 3 1/2 games behind the Cubs and a percentage point ahead of St. Louis for the National League Wild Card.
This should make for a great 1-2 punch in Milwaukee with Sabathia joining Ben Sheets in the rotation. Unfortunately for the Brewers, the rest of the rotation is only mediocre at best. The offense will have to continue to step up if they want to contend with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Brewers have two ways of winning this year: Either by winning the National League Central Division, or by securing the wild-card slot. Right now, the Cubs appear to be the favorites in both the National League Central and as the National League representative in the World Series but this trade has definitely helped the Brewers.
Only time will tell but at least Milwaukee is making a run at the division title this year. If their pitching staff holds up (hint hint Ben Sheets hint hint) the Brewers find themselves with a great chance to end their long playoff drought this season.
It is expected that Sabathia will remain with the Brewers for the remainder of the season before testing the free agent waters after the season. Sabathia rejected a four-year, $72 million offer from the Cleveland Indians prior to the season.
The Brewers began the Sabathia era on Monday only 3 1/2 games behind the Cubs and a percentage point ahead of St. Louis for the National League Wild Card.
This should make for a great 1-2 punch in Milwaukee with Sabathia joining Ben Sheets in the rotation. Unfortunately for the Brewers, the rest of the rotation is only mediocre at best. The offense will have to continue to step up if they want to contend with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Brewers have two ways of winning this year: Either by winning the National League Central Division, or by securing the wild-card slot. Right now, the Cubs appear to be the favorites in both the National League Central and as the National League representative in the World Series but this trade has definitely helped the Brewers.
Only time will tell but at least Milwaukee is making a run at the division title this year. If their pitching staff holds up (hint hint Ben Sheets hint hint) the Brewers find themselves with a great chance to end their long playoff drought this season.
Monday, July 7, 2008
More Airline Fees: Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines...What Are You Thinking???
Well, the airline industry is once again trying to bleed every last penny out of their customers. I know that the major carriers are struggling to make money right now but come on.
On my recent flight home from Portland, Oregon, I was charged $25 for a second checked bag and found out that an additional bag would be over $100!!! Talk about bringing in extra revenue.
Check out this Los Angeles Times article:
United Airlines will begin charging $15 for the first piece of checked luggage, becoming the second major U.S. airline to impose a fee for a service that has long been included in the fare.
The luggage charge for coach-class passengers on the nation's second-largest carrier was quickly matched by US Airways, raising the prospect that the other two big carriers, Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines, would follow suit.
No. 1 carrier American Airlines initiated the controversial charge last month, citing the need to generate extra revenue to help offset the fast-rising cost of fuel.
Thank god we still have Southwest Airlines!!! This is the airline of choice of the common man and a personal favorite of mine.
From the article:
Southwest Airlines is the only carrier that has publicly balked at -- and ridiculed -- the fee.
Other airlines are raising base fares dramatically and some will soon begin charging for drinks and snacks on flights.
There's no way I'm dishing out $3-4 for a cup of orange juice and a bag of peanuts. Anybody else want to?
On my recent flight home from Portland, Oregon, I was charged $25 for a second checked bag and found out that an additional bag would be over $100!!! Talk about bringing in extra revenue.
Check out this Los Angeles Times article:
United Airlines will begin charging $15 for the first piece of checked luggage, becoming the second major U.S. airline to impose a fee for a service that has long been included in the fare.
The luggage charge for coach-class passengers on the nation's second-largest carrier was quickly matched by US Airways, raising the prospect that the other two big carriers, Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines, would follow suit.
No. 1 carrier American Airlines initiated the controversial charge last month, citing the need to generate extra revenue to help offset the fast-rising cost of fuel.
Thank god we still have Southwest Airlines!!! This is the airline of choice of the common man and a personal favorite of mine.
From the article:
Southwest Airlines is the only carrier that has publicly balked at -- and ridiculed -- the fee.
Other airlines are raising base fares dramatically and some will soon begin charging for drinks and snacks on flights.
There's no way I'm dishing out $3-4 for a cup of orange juice and a bag of peanuts. Anybody else want to?
Beware: MySpace and Facebook Profiles Can Ruin a Career
Another example of the power of social media. Beware those of you job seekers out there who may have a provocative MySpace or Facebook page. Recent studies are showing that more and more recruiters and companies are looking at candidates social networking sites during the hiring process.
From the article:
The majority of executive recruiters — a whopping 83.2 percent — use search engines to learn more about candidates, and nearly half of these recruiters have eliminated candidates because of something questionable they uncovered — three times as many as in 2005, according to a recent survey of 100 executive recruiters conducted by ExecuNet, a job-search and recruiting network.
Factors in eliminating candidates range from criminal convictions, inappropriate pictures on MySpace or Facebook, hobbies listed such as “I like to drink,” and weird personal habits, according to the ExecuNet survey data.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Same Sex Marriage in California: A Statement from San Jose Bishop Patrick J. McGrath
San Jose, California Bishop Patrick J. McGrath has issued a statement discussing same-sex marriage in California. I found this statement in the Queen of Apostles Church weekly flier which we picked up this morning.
From the statement:
The Church cannot approve of redefining marriage, which has a unique place in God's creation "a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman joined in an intimate partnership of life and love- a union instituted by God for the mutual fulfillment of the husband and wife as well as for the procreation and education of children." The meaning of marriage is deeply rooted in history and culture and has been shaped considerably by Christian tradition.
I call upon all people of good will to respect the dignity of every person and to protect the sanctity of marriage. Let us ask God to guide us in the same mutual respect and civil discourse that is fundamental in a free and democratic society.
I understand that within the church, marriage is considered to be a sacred union between a man and a woman but it's great to see that prejudice is alive and well in 2008! Come on! Can we get past this already. What is this, 1958?
All I am asking is that you open your eyes and minds. Although it has been a long time coming, times are changing in this country. I'm not just talking about gay rights, I'm talking about civil rights, segregation and everything else we have had to watch happen in this country over the years. I'm hoping someday that my kids can live in a world free from us having to separate certain people from others. I never want to have to explain to either of them why someone is treated different than another because of their color, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Whether or not I approve or disapprove of same sex marriage in California is of no consequence. We have the right to agree and we have the right to disagree. I'm choosing to disagree with the Catholic Church on this issue (and many others but that's an entirely different discussion all together).
The fact is that somewhere I read that all are created equal. We can not pick and choose who is equal and who is not. That is not what America is all about. So Patrick J. McGrath, thank you for your thoughts on this issue. I will listen to what you have to say and I will choose to disagree with you. I am glad to see that the Church is still pushing their views on their parishioners. Some things will never change.
This just happens to be the issue at hand right now and I personally have no problems with gays being allowed to marry. If they want to be miserable too, please let them :)
Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments.
From the statement:
The Church cannot approve of redefining marriage, which has a unique place in God's creation "a faithful, exclusive and lifelong union between one man and one woman joined in an intimate partnership of life and love- a union instituted by God for the mutual fulfillment of the husband and wife as well as for the procreation and education of children." The meaning of marriage is deeply rooted in history and culture and has been shaped considerably by Christian tradition.
I call upon all people of good will to respect the dignity of every person and to protect the sanctity of marriage. Let us ask God to guide us in the same mutual respect and civil discourse that is fundamental in a free and democratic society.
I understand that within the church, marriage is considered to be a sacred union between a man and a woman but it's great to see that prejudice is alive and well in 2008! Come on! Can we get past this already. What is this, 1958?
All I am asking is that you open your eyes and minds. Although it has been a long time coming, times are changing in this country. I'm not just talking about gay rights, I'm talking about civil rights, segregation and everything else we have had to watch happen in this country over the years. I'm hoping someday that my kids can live in a world free from us having to separate certain people from others. I never want to have to explain to either of them why someone is treated different than another because of their color, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Whether or not I approve or disapprove of same sex marriage in California is of no consequence. We have the right to agree and we have the right to disagree. I'm choosing to disagree with the Catholic Church on this issue (and many others but that's an entirely different discussion all together).
The fact is that somewhere I read that all are created equal. We can not pick and choose who is equal and who is not. That is not what America is all about. So Patrick J. McGrath, thank you for your thoughts on this issue. I will listen to what you have to say and I will choose to disagree with you. I am glad to see that the Church is still pushing their views on their parishioners. Some things will never change.
This just happens to be the issue at hand right now and I personally have no problems with gays being allowed to marry. If they want to be miserable too, please let them :)
Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Country Inn & Suites: You Have Disappointed Me
The Country Inn & Suites: Portland, Oregon (Portland Airport Location).
My friends, you have disappointed me! For the first three nights, you were one of the best hotels I have stayed at in years. Great service, great food and great rooms. The pool was wonderful and the hot tub was perfect.
Then came Thursday, July 3.
Now the fact that the power went out was not the biggest problem. The problem was that there was no plan in place for guests. No backup generator, no flashlights and no help.
Sure, we were able to get a hold of a flashlight at about 11:30 p.m. But by this time, the kids were scared of the dark and restless. There was no light or TV to help get the kids to bed and when the power finally came on at around 2:20 a.m., it was too late.
This followed up by an early morning fire alarm at just before 8 a.m. I can say that it would have been nice for the kids to have been able to sleep in. I know that neither of these are necessarily the fault of the hotel, but it is the way that it was handled which upsets me the most.
When I asked for a discount off of my bill upon check out yesterday morning, there was not even a hint of compassion from the staff. All I was asking for was a little money back for the issues that I had to deal with. I didn't want my entire stay comp'd. This would be inappropriate and wrong. But please, correct the misfortune which I had to deal with during the 12 hours which are what I will remember from my stay at the Country Inn & Suites, Portland Airport.
My friends, you have disappointed me! For the first three nights, you were one of the best hotels I have stayed at in years. Great service, great food and great rooms. The pool was wonderful and the hot tub was perfect.
Then came Thursday, July 3.
Now the fact that the power went out was not the biggest problem. The problem was that there was no plan in place for guests. No backup generator, no flashlights and no help.
Sure, we were able to get a hold of a flashlight at about 11:30 p.m. But by this time, the kids were scared of the dark and restless. There was no light or TV to help get the kids to bed and when the power finally came on at around 2:20 a.m., it was too late.
This followed up by an early morning fire alarm at just before 8 a.m. I can say that it would have been nice for the kids to have been able to sleep in. I know that neither of these are necessarily the fault of the hotel, but it is the way that it was handled which upsets me the most.
When I asked for a discount off of my bill upon check out yesterday morning, there was not even a hint of compassion from the staff. All I was asking for was a little money back for the issues that I had to deal with. I didn't want my entire stay comp'd. This would be inappropriate and wrong. But please, correct the misfortune which I had to deal with during the 12 hours which are what I will remember from my stay at the Country Inn & Suites, Portland Airport.
4th of July: Portland Style!
All I can say is WOW!
We did it in style this year on the 4th of July. With enough firepower to overthrow a small country, we lit up the night skies in Gresham, Oregon this year.
The day started off with a great BBQ and a lot of friends gathered for the festivities. But as the sun began to set, the real fun began. We'll skip the part where my 2 year old daughter stripped down to nothing at all and sang happy 5th birthday to a little boy at the party.
We had the entire street out watching our 3 1/2 hour extravaganza!!! There was beer, wine and fireworks. I'll try to put up some photos and video soon but I can safely say that no limbs were lost!!!
Thanks Brion for the fun!!!
We did it in style this year on the 4th of July. With enough firepower to overthrow a small country, we lit up the night skies in Gresham, Oregon this year.
The day started off with a great BBQ and a lot of friends gathered for the festivities. But as the sun began to set, the real fun began. We'll skip the part where my 2 year old daughter stripped down to nothing at all and sang happy 5th birthday to a little boy at the party.
We had the entire street out watching our 3 1/2 hour extravaganza!!! There was beer, wine and fireworks. I'll try to put up some photos and video soon but I can safely say that no limbs were lost!!!
Thanks Brion for the fun!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day 5 and 6: Keep on Truckin'
Only a few days left of vacation. We have really had a great time in Portland. It's hard to imagine that we ever left. The big difference between Portland and San Jose, people care about each other here. It's really nice to see. I'd love to bring this back with me but people in San Jose wouldn't understand, or have time to care.
Burgerville has been on the menu once a day here and I'll never be tired of the fries and Walla Walla Onion Rings!! By the way, THEY'RE BACK!!!
We went by Haggen and stocked up on Pumpkin and Cinnamon Bread. We'll be making the trip to Oregon City to pick up a few more loaves for the flight home and the people waiting for us there. Tomorrow is the big day! Fourth of July! We have enough firepower to defeat a small army. It should be a lot of fun out in Gresham!!!
We fly home in two days! It's hard to believe that the vacation is almost over already but the kids are getting restless and ready to go home. Caitlyn has been asking for grandma for a few days. She'll see her on Saturday! Well until later, everyone take care and have a great 4th!!!
Burgerville has been on the menu once a day here and I'll never be tired of the fries and Walla Walla Onion Rings!! By the way, THEY'RE BACK!!!
We went by Haggen and stocked up on Pumpkin and Cinnamon Bread. We'll be making the trip to Oregon City to pick up a few more loaves for the flight home and the people waiting for us there. Tomorrow is the big day! Fourth of July! We have enough firepower to defeat a small army. It should be a lot of fun out in Gresham!!!
We fly home in two days! It's hard to believe that the vacation is almost over already but the kids are getting restless and ready to go home. Caitlyn has been asking for grandma for a few days. She'll see her on Saturday! Well until later, everyone take care and have a great 4th!!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Day 4: Back to Portland
We're back! Got settled into our hotel at the Country Inn & Suites Portland Airport. Very nice location close to the airport. It also has a very friendly staff, nice indoor heated pool and a great breakfast buffet! I strongly recommend.
We met up with Melissa's friend Emily and her three kids last night. Good times. Took the kids to the pool which was wonderful. They played around for 30 minutes then passed out and didn't wake up until 8:30 this morning. This gave us some much needed sleep!
Off to the old Haggen stomping grounds now!!! Should be interesting for sure!
Portland rocks!!
We met up with Melissa's friend Emily and her three kids last night. Good times. Took the kids to the pool which was wonderful. They played around for 30 minutes then passed out and didn't wake up until 8:30 this morning. This gave us some much needed sleep!
Off to the old Haggen stomping grounds now!!! Should be interesting for sure!
Portland rocks!!
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