November 19, 2008

Coldplay

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Coldplay are a British alternative rock band formed in London, England in 1998. The group comprises vocalist/pianist/guitarist Chris Martin, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer/multi-instrumentalist Will Champion. Coldplay have sold 40 million albums,[1] and are also known for their hit singles, such as "Yellow", "The Scientist", "Speed of Sound", "Fix You", "Viva la Vida" and the Grammy Award-winning "Clocks".

Coldplay achieved worldwide fame with the release of their single "Yellow", followed by their debut album, Parachutes (2000), which was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Its follow-up, A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) won multiple awards such as NME's Album of the Year. Their next release, X&Y (2005), received a slightly less enthusiastic yet still generally positive reception. The band's fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), was produced by Brian Eno and released again to largely favourable reviews. All of Coldplay's albums have enjoyed commercial success.[2][3]

Coldplay's early material was compared to acts such as Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, U2, and Travis.[4] Since the release of Parachutes, Coldplay have drawn influence from other sources, including Echo and the Bunnymen,[5] Kate Bush and George Harrison[6] on A Rush of Blood to the Head, Johnny Cash and Kraftwerk for X&Y and Blur,[7] Arcade Fire and My Bloody Valentine on Viva la Vida.[8] Coldplay have been an active supporter of various social and political causes, such as Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign and Amnesty International. The group have also performed at various charity projects such as Band Aid 20, Live 8, and the Teenage Cancer Trust.[9]

History

Formation and first years (1996–1999)

The members of the band met at the University College London (UCL) in September 1996. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland were the first members of the band, having met one another during their orientation week. They spent the rest of the college year planning a band, with their efforts culminating in a group called Pectoralz.[10] Later, Guy Berryman, a classmate of the two, joined. By 1997, the group, who had renamed themselves to Starfish, performed gigs for local Camden promoters at small clubs.[11] Martin also had recruited his longtime school friend Phil Harvey, who was studying classics at Oxford, to be the band's manager.[12] (To this day, Coldplay consider Harvey to be the fifth member of the group.[13]) The band's lineup was complete when Will Champion joined the band to take up percussion duties. Champion had grown up playing piano, guitar, bass, and tin whistle; he quickly learned the drums, despite having no previous experience.[10] The band finally settled on the name "Coldplay" which was suggested by Tim Crompton, a local student who had been using the name for his group.[13][14]

In 1998, the band released 500 copies of the Safety EP.[15] Most of the discs were given to record companies and friends; only 50 copies remained for sale to the public. In December, Coldplay signed to the independent label Fierce Panda.[15] Their first release was the three-track Brothers and Sisters EP, which they had quickly recorded over four days in February 1999.[15]

After completing their final examinations, Coldplay signed to Parlophone for a five-album contract in the spring of 1999.[16] After making their first appearance at Glastonbury, the band went into studio to record a third EP titled The Blue Room.[17] 5,000 copies were made available to the public in October,[18] and the single "Bigger Stronger", received Radio 1 airplay. The recording sessions for The Blue Room were tumultuous. Martin kicked Champion out of the band but later pleaded with him to return, and because of his guilt, went on a drinking binge. Eventually, the band worked out their differences and put in place a new set of rules to keep the group intact. First, the band declared an all-for-one approach: Coldplay was a democracy, and profits were to be shared equally, taking a page from bands like U2 and R.E.M. Second, the band would fire anyone who used hard drugs.[19]

Parachutes (1999–2001)

In March 1999, Coldplay began work on their debut album, recorded at Rockfield Studios with producer Ken Nelson. They also played on the Carling Tour, which showcased up-and-coming acts. After releasing three EPs without a hit song, Coldplay scored their first Top 40 single, "Shiver". Released in March 2000, it reached at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart[20] and earned the band their first airplay on MTV. June 2000 was a pivotal moment in Coldplay's history: the band embarked on their first headlining tour, including a showing at Glastonbury. The band also released the breakthrough single "Yellow".[21] The song shot to number four on the UK Singles Chart and placed Coldplay in public consciousness.[21]

Coldplay released their first full-length album, Parachutes, in July 2000, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.[22] "Yellow" and "Trouble" earned regular radio airplay in the UK and US.[23] Parlophone originally predicted sales of 400,000 units of Parachutes; by Christmas, 1.6 million copies had been sold in the United Kingdom alone. Parachutes was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in September 2000.

Having found success in Europe, the band set their sights on North America,[24] and Parachutes was released there in November 2000. The band embarked on a US club tour in early 2001, beginning with a show in Vancouver, Canada, which was coupled with appearances on Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and The Late Show with David Letterman. Whilst Parachutes was a slow-burning success in the US, it eventually reached double-platinum status. The album was critically well-received, earning Best Alternative Music Album honours at the 2002 Grammy Awards.[25]

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A Rush of Blood to the Head (2001–2004)

work on their second album, once again with Ken Nelson producing. A Rush of Blood to the Head was released in August 2002. The album spawned several popular singles, notably "In My Place", "Clocks", and the ballad "The Scientist".[6]

Coldplay toured from June 2002 to September 2003 for the A Rush of Blood to the Head Tour. They visited five continents, including co-headlining festival dates at Glastonbury Festival,[18] V2003 and Rock Werchter. Many shows included elaborate lighting and individualised screens reminiscent of U2's Elevation tour.[26] During the extended tour, Coldplay recorded a live DVD and CD, Live 2003, at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion.[27]

In December 2003, they were named by readers of Rolling Stone magazine as the best artist and the best band of the year. At that time Coldplay covered The Pretenders' 1983 hit "2000 Miles", which was made available for download on their official site. It was the top selling UK download that year, with proceeds from the sales donated to Future Forests and Stop Handgun Violence campaigns. A Rush of Blood to the Head won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2003 Grammy Awards.[28] At the 2004 Grammy Awards, Coldplay earned Record of the Year for "Clocks".[25]

X&Y (2004–2006)

Coldplay spent most of 2004 out of the spotlight, resting from touring, and recording their third album. In terms of particular musical influences for it, bassist Guy Berryman said, "We were listening to lots of different stuff during the early stages [of X&Y] from Bowie, Eno and Pink Floyd to Depeche Mode, Kate Bush and Kraftwerk. And U2 as we usually do."[29] In May, Chris Martin and his wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, celebrated the birth of their daughter named Apple.[30]

X&Y was released in June 2005 in UK and Europe.[31] This new, delayed release date had put the album back into the next fiscal year, actually causing EMI's stock to drop.[32][33] It became the best-selling album of 2005 with worldwide sales of 8.3 million. The lead single, "Speed of Sound",[34] made its radio and online music store debut on 18 April and was released as a CD on 23 May 2005.[35] The album debuted at number one in 30 countries worldwide and was the third-fastest selling album in UK chart history. Two other singles were released that year: "Fix You" in September and "Talk" in December. The latter is set to the melody of "Computer Love", which was released in 1981 by the German synthpop band Kraftwerk and had in the previous year been revived by Norwegian guitarist Erik Wollo. Despite the commercial success, the critical reaction to X&Y was less enthusiastic than that of its predecessor, with New York Times critic Jon Pareles describing Coldplay as "the most insufferable band of the decade".[36] Comparisons between Coldplay and U2 became increasingly common.[37] Chris Martin later revealed that the negative remarks made him feel "liberated".[38]

From June 2005 to July 2006, Coldplay went on their Twisted Logic Tour, which included festival dates like Coachella, Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.[39] In July 2005, the band appeared at Live 8 in Hyde Park, where they played a rendition of The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" with Richard Ashcroft on vocals.[40] In September, Coldplay recorded a new version of "How You See the World" with reworked lyrics to War Child's Help!: A Day in the Life charity album. In February 2006, Coldplay earned Best Album and Best Single honours at the BRIT Awards.[41]

Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2006–present)

The band began to work on their fourth studio album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, in October 2006, with Brian Eno as producer.[42] Coldplay took a break from recording and toured Latin America in early 2007, including shows in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.[43] The band revealed that the album seemed to be shaping up with Hispanic influences, after having recorded in churches and other areas in Latin America and Spain during their tour.[44] The group spent the rest of the year recording, mainly with Brian Eno.[45]

Martin described Viva la Vida as a new direction for Coldplay: a change from their past three albums, which they have referred to as a "trilogy".[46] He said the album featured less falsetto as he allowed his voice's lower register to take precedence.[46] Some songs, such as "Violet Hill", contain distorted guitar riffs and bluesy undertones.[46] "Violet Hill" was confirmed as the first single, with a radio release date of 29 April 2008.[47] After the first play, it was freely obtainable from Coldplay's website from 12:15 pm (GMT +0) for one week (achieving two million downloads),[48] until it became commercially available to download on 6 May.[49][50] "Violet Hill" entered the UK Top 10, US Top 40 (entering the Top 10 in the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart) and charted well in the rest of the world. The title track, "Viva la Vida", was also released exclusively on iTunes. It became the band's first number on the Billboard Hot 100,[51] and their first UK number one, based on download sales alone.[52] On 16 June, Coldplay began their Viva la Vida Tour with a free concert at Brixton Academy in London.[53] This was followed two days later by a 45-minute performance that was broadcast live from outside BBC Television Centre.[54]

On 15 June 2008, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends topped the UK album chart, despite having been on sale for only three days. In that time, it sold 302,000 copies; the BBC called it "one of the fastest-selling records in UK history".[55] By the end of June, it had set a new record for most-downloaded album ever.[56][57] In October 2008, Coldplay won a Q Award at the Grosvenor Hotel, London, for best album for Viva La Vida. They were also winners of Best Act In The World Today. During an interview with Zane Lowe for BBC Radio 1 on 16 October 2008, Martin suggested that the band were trying to book Knebworth House in Hertfordshire for a concert in 2009.[58]

In a BBC 6 Music interview on 30 August, Martin stated the band will follow up Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends with an EP entitled Prospekt's March, to be released around 26 December (later changed to 25 November), and a fifth studio album in December 2009.[59][60] Chris has since however stated that the band will split by the end of 2009 putting these plans into doubt.[61]

Musical style

Coldplay's musical style has been defined as alternative rock, being compared to Jeff Buckley and Oasis,[62][63] while on their MySpace profile they describe their musical style as "very heavy soft rock".[64] The band's music has been called "meditative"; it "[reflects] on their emotions" and lead singer/songwriter Martin "endlessly examine[s] his feelings".[65] Martin's lyrical wordplay has been called feminist, similar to Andrew Montgomery of Geneva.[63]

The tone of the band's first studio album, Parachutes, was defined as melodic pop with "distorted guitar riffs and swishing percussion".[63] It was also described as being "exquisitely dark and artistically abrasive".[63] In a review for A Rush of Blood to the Head, the songs were considered to contain "lush melodies and a heartbreak" and that they had a "newfound confidence."[66] The music on X&Y has been considered to be "ruminations on Martin's doubts, fears, hopes, and loves."[65]

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Activism

Despite Coldplay's worldwide popularity, the band has remained protective of how their music is used in the media, refusing its use for product endorsements. In the past, Coldplay turned down multi-million dollar contracts from Gatorade, Diet Coke, and Gap, who wanted to use the songs "Yellow", "Trouble", and "Don't Panic" respectively.[67] According to vocalist/pianist Martin, "We wouldn't be able to live with ourselves if we sold the songs' meanings like that."[67] The song "Viva la Vida" was featured in a commercial for the iTunes Store, advertising its exclusive availability of the single as a digital download on iTunes.[68] Coldplay are supporters of Amnesty International.[69] Chris Martin is also noted as one of the most visible celebrity advocates for fair trade, supporting Oxfam's ongoing Make Trade Fair campaign.[70] Martin has been on trips with Oxfam to assess conditions, has appeared in its advertising campaign, and is known for wearing a "Make Trade Fair" wristband during public appearances, including at Coldplay concerts.[71] The band were also filmed for Make Poverty History, clicking their fingers.

In the band's early years, Coldplay were also widely noted in the media for their claim to give 10% of the band's profits to charity.[72] Bassist Guy Berryman said, "You can make people aware of issues. It isn't very much effort for us at all, but if it can help people, then we want to do it."[69] The band also asks that any gifts intended for them are donated to charity, according to a response on the FAQ section of Coldplay's website. Martin was outspoken against the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and he endorsed Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004.[73]



Source: Wikipedia

Tyler Zeller Injured

"Right now it's one of those things where you feel really good about the win, but at the same time you're concerned about Tyler Zeller," Roy Williams said in his postgame press conference.

"They're taking him up to the hospital right now and taking an X-ray and see what it is. Doesn't look good - doesn't give us a good feeling right now ..."


Zeller was fouled hard by Kentucky's Ramon Harris on a breakaway dunk attempt in the closing minutes of the game and fell awkwardly on his left wrist under the basket.

"When I was over there with him, he really felt a lot of pain," Williams said. "It was right on his wrist - I think it was the outside, is what he was saying. He came down and that's the first thing to hit the floor."

The seven-footer, who has started both of UNC's first two games this season, has thus far averaged 10.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.5 steals.

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Source: Clemson.scout.com

Costa Rica Protected Area

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Considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, Costa Rica's main attraction is its incredible wealth of flora and fauna. Within its borders, an exceptional park system represents thirteen per cent of the national territory.

As a reflection of a strong commitment to preservation, Costa Rica boasts twenty national parks, eight biological reserves, and a wealth of other protected areas that have captivated ecotourists for decades.

The definition of a protected area adopted by IUCN is:

An area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means

Although all protected areas meet the general purposes contained in this definition, in practice the precise purposes for which protected areas are managed differ greatly.

While much of Costa Rica has been stripped of its forests, the country has managed to protect a larger proportion of its land than any other country in the world. In 1970 there came a growing acknowledgment that something unique and lovely was vanishing, and a systematic effort was begun to save what was left of the wilderness. That year, the Costa Ricans formed a national park system that has won worldwide admiration. Costa Rican law declared inviolate 10.27 percent of a land once compared to Eden; an additional 17 percent is legally set aside as forest reserves, "buffer zones", wildlife refuges, and Indian reserves.

Throughout the country representative sections of all the major habitats and ecosystems are protected for tomorrow's generations. The National Conservation Areas System (SINAC) protects more than 186 areas, including 32 national parks, 12 biological reserves, 13 forest reserves, and 51 wildlife refuges.

Costa Rica Protected Areas
Besides providing Costa Ricans and foreign travelers with the privilege of admiring and studying the wonders of nature, the national parks and reserves protect the soil and watersheds and harbor an estimated 75 percent of all Costa Rica's species of flora and fauna, including species that have all but disappeared in neighboring countries.

With over 615 wildlife species per 10,000 sq km, Costa Rica sits atop of the list as the most bio-diverse region of the world. Home to an incredible plethora of exotic and tropical flora and fauna, this tiny Latin American country is the habitat of 12 key ecological zones. With an estimated 5% of the world's biodiversity found here, it is no wonder that Costa Rica is often referred to as "the living Eden" by many scientists and naturalists from all across the globe.

In an effort to preserve much of Costa Rica's natural beauty and surroundings, 25% of the country's land has been set aside and turned into protective parks and reserves so as to safeguard the beautiful and lush environs from deforestation and logging. To date Costa Rica has 26 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation regions that protect the distinctive and diverse natural habitats found throughout the country.

The great diversity of flora and fauna found throughout the country is one of the reasons why national parks in Costa Rica cover such a great area: many species are unique to one single area and can't be found anywhere else. In Costa Rica, park systems strives to protect more than 221 mammal species, 150 amphibians, 215 reptiles, 830 bird species, 366000 species of arthropods and 1080 species of fresh and saltwater fish. Hand in hand with animal protection goes the conservation of vegetation as part of the habitat conservation.

The national park system protects almost all existing vegetation macro types like forested savannah, scrub, paramos, flooded forest, deciduous woodland, evergreen forests, umbrophilic forest, mangroves, swamps, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests and the marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, marshes and sandy beaches. Among the approximately 10 000 species of identified vascular plants that are protected, roughly 1600 are orchids: about 4% of the world's species. More National Park information is available all over the country for anyone who would like to go deeper about Costa Rica parks, or you can also have our travel advisors arrange a visit to any National Park in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Protected Areas
Deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, rainforests, herbaceous swamps, cloud forests, riparian forests, swamp forests and coral reefs are just some of the many habitats that are protected by the national parks and reserves of Costa Rica. Areas of geological and geophysical interests, such as active volcanoes, hot springs, caves and relict mountains as the result of plate tectonics setting; areas of historic and archaeological interest, such as battlefields and pre-Columbian settlements; areas of scenic beauty, such as beaches and waterfalls; and areas of conservational importance, such as islands where the brown pelican and magnificent frigatebird nest, or enclaves with the last remaining stands of Mesoamerican dry forest, or beaches where huge sea turtles flock, all fall under the protection of the national parks and reserves in Costa Rica.

For the past 20 years, Costa Rica has established itself as one of the world's premier ecotourism vacation destinations, this is related to the country's deep set commitment to the conservation of the national flora and fauna and geographically significant sites like volcanoes and coral reefs and specially Costa Rica's national park reserves. Travel and explore these areas in an ecological tour of the world renowned Costa Rica National Parks. In a national park, vacation gets a complete other meaning. These areas include wildlife refuges and forest reserves; some of these areas are privately owned, like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, or are government operated, like the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Travel through the 107 units of national parks and reserves that are spread through the country and roughly divided into 11 conservation areas. In addition, all mangroves in Costa Rica are also protected and belong to the state. The United Nations has recognized these efforts and graced Costa Rica National Park treasures with 3 official World Heritage Convention entries: The Guanacaste Conservation Area, the Talamanca Range-La Amistad International Park, and Coco's Island National Park. By this convention, these areas are considered of "outstanding universal value", as they are part of the heritage of all people and everyone has rights regarding their conservation. The Corcovado is currently being studied to be included in this list as well as the Reserve of the Biosphere by the by the United Nations Man and the Biosphere Program.

More than a century ago, long before "Saving the Planet" became the fashion, the people of Costa Rica realized that uncontrolled development could easily wreck the precious and fragile beauty of their countyside. To save their small corner of the earth from destruction, Costa Ricans began marking boundaries around forests, wetlands and coast-side areas they felt should be preserved for all time, for the pleasure of all people. Their foresight and sacrifice created a jewel box of natural treasures. There are parks in Costa Rica where visitors tramp through rain forests which stand today as they stood a million years ago. There are beaches where people look down through seawater clean as window glass at fish the color of rainbows and turtles big as Volkswagens, almost.There are parks built around steaming, grumbling volcanoes, parks alive with bird songs, parks with white-water rivers running through them and parks where you sit and read a book. There are One hundred and twenty four national parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges in Costa Rica. They cover 2,853,869 acres of land. They are home to 4% of the world's total flora and fauna. They take up no less than 25% of the nation's territory.

Source: Tourism.co.cr

The Ramon Ramirez file

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The Red Sox have traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Royals for pitcher Ramon Ramirez.

Who?

Our thoughts exactly. Here's what we were able to dig up about the 27-year-old reliever:

Major league facts and figures

  • He made his major league debut on April 14, 2006 and didn't allow a run until May 15, setting a Rockies rookie record for scoreless relief innings to start a career (15 1/3). It was the longest such streak since 2001.
  • He posted a 2.92 ERA in the first half before hitters figured him out. His July ERA was 6.23, and his second-half ERA was 4.11.
  • Despite the struggles, he set Colorado franchise marks for ERA (3.46) and strikeouts (61) by a rookie reliever. Opponents hit just .230 against him, second-best on the team behind closer Brian Fuentes (.209).
  • He struggled in spring training in 2007 and elbow problems limited him to 22 appearances (8.31 ERA, 1.55 WHIP).
  • Former Colorado teammate Jose Mesa took Ramirez under his wing in 2007.
  • He had issues last year with some former teammates, allegedly throwing at ex-Rockies batterymate Yorvit Torrealba.
  • After pitching in nine games and posted a 1.42 ERA with 13 strikeouts and three walks in 12 2/3 innings, he was traded to the Royals for
  • He spent the entire 2008 season with the Royals, going 3-2 with one save and a 2.64 ERA as the bridge to closer Joakim Soria.
  • His 21 holds ranked him seventh (tie) among American League relievers, and he was among AL relief leaders in innings (71 2/3 IP, 11th) and strikeouts (70 K, 13th).
  • His 71 appearances were the 10th-best in the AL and the 10th-highest total in Royals history.
  • Has struck out 146 hitters in 156 2/3 innings for his career.
  • Stats against the Red Sox: 3 innings in 3 appearances, 2 hits, 3 strikeouts, no runs allowed.
  • In his only appearance at Fenway (May 20, 2008) he faced the heart of the Red Sox order, and whiffed Dustin Pedroia, forced a David Ortiz tapper to first, and got Manny Ramirez swinging.
  • According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, he had the second-lowest home runs per innings pitched rate in the AL last year. He has allowed 9 home runs in his career.
  • He held righties to a .153 average, lowest in the AL and third-best in the majors among pitchers with at least 50 games. Only Chicago's Carlos Marmol (.103) and Philly's Brad Lidge (.105) were better.
  • Another key stat: In 2008, batters swung at 33.3 percent of his pitches outside the strike zone. Among AL relievers with more than 50 innings pitched, only Jonathan Papelbon (34.3 percent) and Mariano Rivera (36.3) had a better rate.
  • He is under Boston's control for at least two more seasons and is not arbitration eligible until 2011. He made $397,000 in 2008.

Before reaching the majors

  • The vitals: Born Aug. 31, 1981. He is 27 years old. Stands 5-foot-11, 190 pounds.
  • Born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, the same birthplace of former Diamondbacks infielder Tony Batista.
  • The Rangers signed him as a 15-year-old free agent on Dec. 27, 1996, though Texas believed him to be 16.
  • He hit .245 in 39 games for the Rangers' Dominican Summer League squad in 1997. He failed to progress at the plate and was released on June 4, 98.
  • According to a story, he worked in a Coca-Cola bottling factory after the Rangers released him.
  • He spent the late 90s on the fringes of pro baseball, presumably learning how to pitch.
  • He joined the Hiroshima Carp Dominican Republic academy in 2000 and in 2002, pitched in two games for the Carp in Japan.
  • The Yankees picked him up via the posting system in Feb. 2003 for $300,050.
  • That year, he shot up the ranks, from the Single-A Tampa Yankees to Triple-A Columbus, going 3-10 with a 4.43 ERA in 20 games.
  • Baseball America ranked him the No. 5 pitcher in the Yankees' system for 2003.
  • In 2004, he was sent down to Double-A ball after going 0-3, 8.50 to start the year at Triple-A. With Double-A Trenton, he went 4-6, 4.62 in 18 starts. According to Baseball-Reference, he led the league in strikeouts per 9 innings ratio with 10.1 K/9 IP.
  • In 2005, Ramirez again struggled in Triple-A, going 1-3 with a 5.33 ERA in 6 games. He was demoted again, going 6-5 with a 3.84 ERA in 15 games for Trenton.
  • Just before the 2005 trade deadline, he was traded to Colorado with right-handed pitcher Eduardo Sierra for right-handed pitcher Shawn Chacon.
  • Ramirez was assigned to Double-A Tulsa and went 2-1 with a 5.33 ERA in 9 games.
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Source: Boston.com

Ferrari California

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The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.




Source: Rsportscars.com

Navy Advancement

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It seems that after trying so many times to visit the official Navy Advancement website we have found that ii is not working, for the time being the site called “advancement.cnet.navy.mil” is down.

Whilst it is trying to sort itself out let me tell you a little about Navy Advancement, basically in a nutshell the Navy Advancement Study Guide & Bupers News main goal is to assist you in preparing for the Navy-wide advancement exam.

Other goals include providing you with tips and of course links to advancement material and Npc / Bupers news related to enlisted sailors, education, development and warfare material. For more information you can visit the official site advancement.cnet.navy.mil or in the meantime you could visit navyadvancement.com

Get the latest news in our RSS Feed, Newsletter or follow us on Twitter.


Source: Product-reviews.net

Deborra-Lee Furness Is Hugh Jackman's Leading Lady

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You know the saying - "Behind every great man there's a great woman?" Well this is the case with Deborra-Lee Furness, the wife of Hugh Jackman, who was recently named the "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine.

Deborrah-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman met while on the set of the set of the Australian TV show Correlli in 1996. Jackman said that he was so smitten with Furness he made plans to ask for her hand in marriage three months after they met and started dating.

Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman married in April 1996 and adopted two children, Oscar Maximillian, 8, and Ava Eliot, 3.

Deborra-Lee Furness is currently filming the movie Blessed.

Jackman remains modest about his recent "sexy man" status. He recently told reporters, "My wife (Deborra-Lee Furness) said, 'I could have
told them that two years ago,' Then she said, 'Obviously Brad Pitt wasn't available this year.'"

Source: Timesoftheinternet.com

Lean Cuisine recall

Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today

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The following products are subject to recall:

9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.”

10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.”

12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.”

Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 993-8625.


Source: wrdw

Alhambra Condominium Complex Gutted by Fire

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An investigation is underway into an explosive fire that destroyed a three-story condominium complex under construction in Alhambra.

The four-alarm fire broke out just before 10:50 p.m. Tuesday at North 3rd and West Main streets.

When firefighters arrived, the building was fully engulfed in flames, forcing crews to move into defensive mode and attack the flames from outside.

Several explosions could be seen as flames shot some 200 to 300 feet into the air.

The fire eventually spread to southside apartments and another building north of the burning complex, according to Assistant Fire Chief John Kabala of the Alhambra Fire Department.

Some apartment garages and second floor windows appeared to melt as a result of the radiant heat.

75 firefighters from the Alhambra, Pasadena, Glendale, South Pasadena, Monterey Park, San Marino, San Gabriel fire departments were dispatched to the scene, Kabala said.

The fire was knocked down within 40 minutes.

Firefighters continued to pour water on hot spots overnight.

There were no reports of injuries.

Power was knocked out in nearby homes and buildings as a result of the fire.

Southern California Edison crews worked overnight to restore power to the area.

There was no word on what caused the fire.

Source: Ktla.com
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