'Friday the 13th' Themed Engagement Photos
Friday, October 18, 2013
Ex-House Speaker Tom Foley dies at 84
Ex-House Speaker Tom Foley dies at 84
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Former House Speaker Tom Foley has died at the age of 84 in his home.
His wife, Heather, confirmed his death Friday morning in an email to seattlepi.com.
He will be remembered as Speaker of the House in days when Congress still got things done, but never saw the speaker’s chair as his life’s greatest honor. Instead, it was that voters in Eastern Washington chose him for 30 years to represent them in Congress.
Photo: Scott J. Ferrell, Getty Images
can you
Why do you walk? Be one of the millions of walkers who have made strides to end breast cancer. Sign Up Today! http://bit.ly/18ZGJ2V
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Toyota cars safe
Toyota issued a worldwide recall on Thursday for 885,000 vehicles due to electrical problems that could prevent airbags from deploying.
About 803,000 of the vehicles in the recall were sold in the US, including 2012 and 2013 Camry sedans and hybrids, the full-size Avalon sedan and hybrid and the Venza crossover.
Within the past month, Toyota has recalled almost 1.5 million other vehicles for a mix of problems. - NBC News Business
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/toyota-recalls-885-000-vehicles-over-airbag-problem-8C11414211?ocid=twitter
About 803,000 of the vehicles in the recall were sold in the US, including 2012 and 2013 Camry sedans and hybrids, the full-size Avalon sedan and hybrid and the Venza crossover.
Within the past month, Toyota has recalled almost 1.5 million other vehicles for a mix of problems. - NBC News Business
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/toyota-recalls-885-000-vehicles-over-airbag-problem-8C11414211?ocid=twitter
Kim Kardashian posted this VERY classy post-baby pic online
Kim Kardashian posted this VERY classy post-baby pic online. But something strange happens if you zoom in!
See the results here --> http://thesoup.tv/1euxCw7
Maybe this explains what happened to Atlantis.
See the results here --> http://thesoup.tv/1euxCw7
Maybe this explains what happened to Atlantis.
how years keep adding up
2 years today when I was sent home from work at 12:05pm then ufcw step in on OCT 18 2011 and here what we are today 2 years later
http://www.kendalllawgroup.com/news/plano-man-awarded-450000-against-kroger-in-discrimination-harassment-lawsuit/
http://www.kendalllawgroup.com/news/plano-man-awarded-450000-against-kroger-in-discrimination-harassment-lawsuit/
news facebook
Have you seen this pop up on your timeline today? Many of you have. We have been getting messages asking us if this is real or fake. It is fake. Facebook would never ask you to copy and paste something into your timeline to opt in or out of a service. The fact that the directions explicitly tell you not to share this post should be a tip off. Without shares, it's much more difficult to track the original author. This is just the latest variation on a deceptive post that makes the rounds every year or so. Click/touch the link for more from Snopes.com
STORY: http://bit.ly/H6h5CP
STORY: http://bit.ly/H6h5CP
yankees add
Feinsand: Yankees agree to terms with Larry Rothschild
By
Via Mark Feinsand: The Yankees have agreed to terms on a new contract with pitching coach Larry Rothschild. We first heard a new deal was in the works last week and an official announcement is expected shortly. Terms of the contract are unknown, but Rothschild signed a three-year deal when he first joined the team. There is “nothing to report” about the status of the rest of the coaching staff, according to Brian Cashman. The coaches’ contracts all expire on October 31st. ·
yankees add
Feinsand: Yankees agree to terms with Larry Rothschild
By
Via Mark Feinsand: The Yankees have agreed to terms on a new contract with pitching coach Larry Rothschild. We first heard a new deal was in the works last week and an official announcement is expected shortly. Terms of the contract are unknown, but Rothschild signed a three-year deal when he first joined the team. There is “nothing to report” about the status of the rest of the coaching staff, according to Brian Cashman. The coaches’ contracts all expire on October 31st. ·
News on making money
Make money also good to have a recoder on your phone too http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/23716382/on-your-side-stop-telemarketers
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
need your help
PLEASE SHARE: Ann Ticknor asked for the public's help finding her husband, 82-year-old Hal Ticknor [pictured]. He disappeared Friday, Oct. 11, and has been the subject of a statewide Silver Alert. The father of two and grandfather of four, who suffers from dementia, drove to the store and never came home. http://trib.al/jfHTsIR
Breaking News: In a vote
Breaking News: In a vote of 81-18, the Senate approved a bill to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling. It now goes to the House where Speaker Boehner said lawmakers won't block it.
63 Ohio officers were suspended yesterday
63 Ohio officers were suspended yesterday over a pursuit that left two suspects dead. The suspensions were the result of disciplinary hearings, and violations ranged from insubordination to driving too fast:
http://www.policeone.com/
http://www.policeone.com/
KRL-- Ellery Adams, Jane Tesh, Valerie Plame, Halloween short stories, giveaways & more in KRL this week
KRL-- Ellery Adams, Jane Tesh, Valerie Plame, Halloween short stories, giveaways & more in KRL this week - http://
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Story at Beat to a Pulp
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Story at Beat to a Pulp - http://
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Free for Kindle for a Limited Time
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Free for Kindle for a Limited Time -http://
Review: "One Angry Julius Katz and Other Stories" by Dave Zeltserman
Review: "One Angry Julius Katz and Other Stories" by Dave Zeltserman -http://
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Poem at The 5-2
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: New Poem at The 5-2 - http://
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Wild Hogs
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Wild Hogs - http://
Happy National Boss Day
Like your boss (or at least want him or her to think you do)? Don't forget to say 'Happy National Boss Day!'
free man
JUST IN: Mark Cuban wins the insider trading case brought against him by federal regulators. Jury found he did not trade on confidential information
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Suspect arrested for vandalizing four Arlington churches
ARLINGTON, Texas -
Read more: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/23690175/police-believe-same-person-vandalized-4-arlington-churches#ixzz2hoIHfyP0
Arlington police announced Tuesday they arrested a man in connection with graffiti vandalism cases at four Arlington churches.
Marcellino Tello, 37, was arrested for criminal trespass at a business in the 2200 block of Miller Road. Police said they went to the business on a report "regarding information on the vandalism at the churches."
Police said Tello matched the description of a suspect from a surveillance video at one of the locations. Police interviewed Tello and believe he is responsible for all four incidents.
Four Arlington churches were been hit in the past three weeks.
A Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church member discovered the graffiti early Monday morning, and immediately knew someone had defaced her church.
"I immediately thought about the stories about the other churches," Joann Smith said. "My heart just broke because it's just unbelievable that something like this could happen in the Lord's house."
The vandal used white shoe polish to write across several glass doors in Spanish.
Less than two miles away, Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church parishioners arrived for Sunday services to Spanish graffiti in blue and black spray paint across the brick walls.
The word 'muerte' - meaning death - was written in big letters.
Police believe these two incidents are linked to two others based on writing style and message.
The first happened Sept. 30 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. More graffiti was found at New Life Fellowship Church on Oct. 9.
No mugshot of Tello has been released due to the ongoing investigation and a potential need for photo lineups, police said.
Tello remains in Arlington City Jail on a bail of $6,750.
Read more: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/23690175/police-believe-same-person-vandalized-4-arlington-churches#ixzz2hoIHfyP0
Yankees and Cardinals' Carlos Beltran have mutual interest: sources
Yankees and Cardinals' Carlos Beltran have mutual interest: sources
Formert Met who has put up huge postseason numbers was reportedly interested in Yankees twice before, but Bombers passed. However this could be the offseason that 36-yaer-old star hits Bronx.
Carlos Beltran, a proven playoff performer could be contemplating a move to the Yankees this winter as multiple sources say there is mutual interest between the team and the veteran outfielder.
DETROIT — Baseball’s newest Mr. October could be a Yankee next year.
Carlos Beltran, who has become one of the most clutch players in postseason history (except for that one night at Shea), could be on the Yankees’ radar this winter, a move the former Met, sources say, would strongly consider.
According to multiple sources, the Yankees could be in the market for an outfielder this winter as they look to add some pop to a lineup that finished next-to-last in the American League in home runs and 10th in runs scored.
Beltran would fit the bill, having averaged 28 homers during his past two seasons in St. Louis and 24 per year since making his full-time debut in 1999.
A source familiar with Beltran’s thinking said the 36-year-old — he’ll turn 37 in April — would be interested in a potential move to the Bronx, where he could step in as the primary right fielder while getting some turns as the designated hitter to keep his body fresh.
Beltran, famously caught looking to end 2006 NLCS with the Mets, could get a chance to change his New York legacy with Yankees.
Beltran has shown interest in being a Bomber before. In 2005, he reportedly went to the Yankees with a last-ditch discount proposal before signing with the Mets. He reportedly did the same in 2011 before signing his two-year deal with St. Louis.
Both times the Yanks weren’t interested. With Bernie Williams still patrolling center field, the Yankees opted not to bid on Beltran following the 2004 season. When he became a free agent after the 2011 season, Beltran was again interested in the Yankees, but his injury issues and a club-friendly option for Nick Swisher prompted the Bombers to pass once again.
Now, following two All-Star seasons with the Cardinals — and another impressive postseason run he hopes extends for another two weeks — might Beltran and the Yanks finally become a match?
The Yankees have Alfonso Soriano, Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells signed for 2014, leaving Soriano and Gardner the likely starters in left and center, respectively.
Right field is murkier. Ichiro started 126 games in the outfield last season (109 in right field), hitting .262/.297/.342 with seven home runs and 35 RBI.
Could Beltran (r.) and Derek Jeter be teammates on the Yankees next season?
Wells filled in admirably during the first six weeks of the season, hitting .301/.357/.538 with 10 homers and 23 RBI in 38 games. But his production fell off the cliff during the final four-plus months as he posted a .199/.243/.253 line with one home run and 27 RBI in 92 games.
The Yankees’ right fielders combined for a .655 OPS in 2013, last among the 15 AL clubs, while their 13 homers ranked 12th. Beltran would represent a significant upgrade; his .830 OPS would have ranked third among all AL right fielders with at least 500 plate appearances and his 24 homers would have tied for fourth-best.
Asked earlier this month whether he would look to improve the outfield this winter or stick with Soriano, Gardner, Ichiro and Wells, general manager Brian Cashman was noncommittal.
“It’s hard for me to really say,” Cashman said. “Ultimately, the truth of the matter is, it’s my job to always find better than what we already have.”
The Yankees don’t know Alex Rodriguez’s status for next season, though even if he’s suspended for a large portion — or all — of 2014, finding a productive third baseman will prove to be challenging given the free-agent options.
Beltran eats postseason pitching alive, an asset the Yankees could use.
Atlanta’s Brian McCann is expected to be high on the Yankees’ radar this winter as they look for ways to upgrade the offense, but aside from catcher, right field figures to be the spot with the most room for improvement.
Beltran, who led the 2006 Mets to the NLCS only to get caught looking at the final strike of the series, is finishing up a two-year, $26 million deal with the Cardinals, so it's possible he could seek a three-year pact if he were to sign with an American League team, given the DH option.
Ichiro is due $6.5 million next season, while the Yankees are on the hook for only $2.4 million of the $21 million owed to Wells in the final year of his seven-year, $126 million contract.
Given that Ichiro turns 40 next week, Soriano turns 38 in January and Wells turns 35 in December, using the group in an outfield/DH rotation with Beltran would appear to make plenty of sense.
The one potential hitch in the Beltran-to-New York scenario could be Curtis Granderson.
The Yankees are expected to make a $14.1 million qualifying offer to the power-hitting outfielder, and while most expect Granderson to reject it in favor of a multi-year deal elsewhere, the possibility remains that he could accept it and return to the Yankees next season in an attempt to reestablish his free-agent value.
Granderson appeared in only 61 games this season due to a fractured hand and broken forearm, hitting .229/.317/.407 with seven home runs and 15 RBI.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/
Formert Met who has put up huge postseason numbers was reportedly interested in Yankees twice before, but Bombers passed. However this could be the offseason that 36-yaer-old star hits Bronx.
Carlos Beltran, a proven playoff performer could be contemplating a move to the Yankees this winter as multiple sources say there is mutual interest between the team and the veteran outfielder.
DETROIT — Baseball’s newest Mr. October could be a Yankee next year.
Carlos Beltran, who has become one of the most clutch players in postseason history (except for that one night at Shea), could be on the Yankees’ radar this winter, a move the former Met, sources say, would strongly consider.
According to multiple sources, the Yankees could be in the market for an outfielder this winter as they look to add some pop to a lineup that finished next-to-last in the American League in home runs and 10th in runs scored.
Beltran would fit the bill, having averaged 28 homers during his past two seasons in St. Louis and 24 per year since making his full-time debut in 1999.
A source familiar with Beltran’s thinking said the 36-year-old — he’ll turn 37 in April — would be interested in a potential move to the Bronx, where he could step in as the primary right fielder while getting some turns as the designated hitter to keep his body fresh.
Beltran, famously caught looking to end 2006 NLCS with the Mets, could get a chance to change his New York legacy with Yankees.
Beltran has shown interest in being a Bomber before. In 2005, he reportedly went to the Yankees with a last-ditch discount proposal before signing with the Mets. He reportedly did the same in 2011 before signing his two-year deal with St. Louis.
Both times the Yanks weren’t interested. With Bernie Williams still patrolling center field, the Yankees opted not to bid on Beltran following the 2004 season. When he became a free agent after the 2011 season, Beltran was again interested in the Yankees, but his injury issues and a club-friendly option for Nick Swisher prompted the Bombers to pass once again.
Now, following two All-Star seasons with the Cardinals — and another impressive postseason run he hopes extends for another two weeks — might Beltran and the Yanks finally become a match?
The Yankees have Alfonso Soriano, Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells signed for 2014, leaving Soriano and Gardner the likely starters in left and center, respectively.
Right field is murkier. Ichiro started 126 games in the outfield last season (109 in right field), hitting .262/.297/.342 with seven home runs and 35 RBI.
Could Beltran (r.) and Derek Jeter be teammates on the Yankees next season?
Wells filled in admirably during the first six weeks of the season, hitting .301/.357/.538 with 10 homers and 23 RBI in 38 games. But his production fell off the cliff during the final four-plus months as he posted a .199/.243/.253 line with one home run and 27 RBI in 92 games.
The Yankees’ right fielders combined for a .655 OPS in 2013, last among the 15 AL clubs, while their 13 homers ranked 12th. Beltran would represent a significant upgrade; his .830 OPS would have ranked third among all AL right fielders with at least 500 plate appearances and his 24 homers would have tied for fourth-best.
Asked earlier this month whether he would look to improve the outfield this winter or stick with Soriano, Gardner, Ichiro and Wells, general manager Brian Cashman was noncommittal.
“It’s hard for me to really say,” Cashman said. “Ultimately, the truth of the matter is, it’s my job to always find better than what we already have.”
The Yankees don’t know Alex Rodriguez’s status for next season, though even if he’s suspended for a large portion — or all — of 2014, finding a productive third baseman will prove to be challenging given the free-agent options.
Beltran eats postseason pitching alive, an asset the Yankees could use.
Atlanta’s Brian McCann is expected to be high on the Yankees’ radar this winter as they look for ways to upgrade the offense, but aside from catcher, right field figures to be the spot with the most room for improvement.
Beltran, who led the 2006 Mets to the NLCS only to get caught looking at the final strike of the series, is finishing up a two-year, $26 million deal with the Cardinals, so it's possible he could seek a three-year pact if he were to sign with an American League team, given the DH option.
Ichiro is due $6.5 million next season, while the Yankees are on the hook for only $2.4 million of the $21 million owed to Wells in the final year of his seven-year, $126 million contract.
Given that Ichiro turns 40 next week, Soriano turns 38 in January and Wells turns 35 in December, using the group in an outfield/DH rotation with Beltran would appear to make plenty of sense.
The one potential hitch in the Beltran-to-New York scenario could be Curtis Granderson.
The Yankees are expected to make a $14.1 million qualifying offer to the power-hitting outfielder, and while most expect Granderson to reject it in favor of a multi-year deal elsewhere, the possibility remains that he could accept it and return to the Yankees next season in an attempt to reestablish his free-agent value.
Granderson appeared in only 61 games this season due to a fractured hand and broken forearm, hitting .229/.317/.407 with seven home runs and 15 RBI.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/
yankees news free agent
Chances of Each Important New York Yankees Free Agent Returning
The crucial New York Yankees offseason has officially begun following the re-signing of manager Joe Girardi.
With Girardi locked up for the next four seasons, he and general manager Brian Cashman can turn their attention to re-signing some of the team's crucial free agents.
They can start with what they do know; returning to the team next season will be an outfield of Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano and Ichiro Suzuki.
Also back will be Mark Teixeira and pitchers CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, David Phelps, Michael Pineda and David Robertson.
The Yankees are probably secretly hoping Alex Rodriguez is not back for at least next season so they can save $25 million.
The Yankees also know that Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte will not be back next season due to retirement.
So what that leaves is a decision to make on at least five key players this offseason on whether to bring them back or search for their replacements
Predicting New York Yankees' Starting Lineup Next Season
General manager Brian Cashman has a ton of work to do for the 2014 season, and constructing a lineup should be the next logical move after re-signing manager Joe Girardi.
Creating a lineup will be difficult. There are a ton of questions surrounding the team regarding who should be re-signed and who should be allowed to walk, and there's also that whole Alex Rodriguez suspension thing. Oh yeah, and can Derek Jeter still play shortstop? These are all questions that Cashman will need to address in the coming months.
The free-agent market isn't particularly deep, and the New York Yankees are in a delicate phase of the franchise. Having not made the playoffs for the second time since 2008, the Yankees need to decide if their older players have another World Series run in them. If they don't, then it's probably time to blow it up and start back over from scratch.
The Yankees should field a competitive lineup next season, even if it will look a little bit different than year's past.
Let 'Em Walk
There are a few players that Cashman should let walk, whether it be because of money or because of fit with the team.
Curtis Granderson should be on a new team next season—the Chicago White Sox, perhaps? Cashman will not pay top dollar for a mediocre outfielder and perennial threat to strike out nearly 200 times. Forty-plus homers will be difficult to replace, but one can argue a 20-homer guy that hits .280 and racks up extra-base hits would be equally as productive.
Despite his surprising 2013, Lyle Overbay will also be gone. With Mark Teixeira back in the lineup, Overbay becomes expendable. He would have been a nice trade chip for the Yankees at the trade deadline of last season, but Teixeira's wrist prompted the Bombers to keep him.
Bring 'Em Back
First, we need to address the elephant in the room.
No, not Mark Reynolds—although I predict he'll re-sign to back up first base and platoon at third. Robinson Cano is the Yankees' biggest free agent in recent memory, and he's already asking the moon and the stars in terms of contract length and value.
While the money he's asking for likely won't be given to him by anyone, expect Cano to still get a nice payday. In the end, the Yankees will be re-signing their second baseman. If the Los Angeles Dodgers supposedly don't want to be in the mix, then who else has a chance at shelling out top dollar? Nobody.
Brendan Ryan is also a guy that needs to be back in pinstripes. Despite his lackluster performance at the plate, he was a revelation in the field and formed an incredible defensive middle infield with Cano to his left. What you see is what you get with Ryan. If he hits .240 in over 400 at-bats, then consider it a bonus.
Toughest Decisions
In my eyes, the Yankees have three tough decisions outside of the obvious Cano situation. First is addressing third base.
With no indication otherwise just yet, Rodriguez will be suspended for 2014. This leaves a gaping hole on the left side of the infield. Reynolds is an option to be part of a platoon over there as the right-handed hitter, but a lefty stick would be nice to have as well.
Cashman could potentially bring 36-year-old Eric Chavez back to the Bronx for another season in pinstripes, or they could test second baseman Skip Schumaker over at the hot corner. Chavez would appear to be the best bet.
The second question comes at shortstop. Can Jeter still man the position? His legs aren't what they used to be, he's clearly lost a step over the years, and the guy who finished out the season there has arguably the best glove in the league. To me, these all add up to Jeter being the full-time designated hitter and Ryan being the full-time shortstop.
There's one free-agent position player that the Yankees need to pull out all the stops to sign. Catcher Brian McCann is an immediate upgrade over Chris Stewart, Austin Romine and Francisco Cervelli, and signing him to a four-year deal would be enough time to allow Gary Sanchez to continue his development in the minors.
Unless he re-signs in Atlanta, McCann should be wearing pinstripes in 2014. It's a no-brainer, and there should be no excuse for Cashman if he doesn't make it happen.
A perennial 20-home run threat and rock behind the plate, McCann has proven himself nothing if not consistent over the years. He also plays with a fire that could do well to ignite some of the older players on the squad.
Four years and $48 million—do it, Cashman.
The Lineup
Given the fact that there could be a couple of platoons in 2014, here is what I predict that Yankees' lineup will look like against both lefties and righties.
Lefties
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Derek Jeter, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Robinson Cano, 2B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Brian McCann, C
7. Mark Reynolds, 3B
8. Vernon Wells, RF
9. Brendan Ryan, SS
Righties
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Derek Jeter, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Robinson Cano, 2B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Brian McCann, C
7. Eric Chavez, 3B
8. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
9. Brendan Ryan, SS
The crucial New York Yankees offseason has officially begun following the re-signing of manager Joe Girardi.
With Girardi locked up for the next four seasons, he and general manager Brian Cashman can turn their attention to re-signing some of the team's crucial free agents.
They can start with what they do know; returning to the team next season will be an outfield of Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano and Ichiro Suzuki.
Also back will be Mark Teixeira and pitchers CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, David Phelps, Michael Pineda and David Robertson.
The Yankees are probably secretly hoping Alex Rodriguez is not back for at least next season so they can save $25 million.
The Yankees also know that Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte will not be back next season due to retirement.
So what that leaves is a decision to make on at least five key players this offseason on whether to bring them back or search for their replacements
Predicting New York Yankees' Starting Lineup Next Season
General manager Brian Cashman has a ton of work to do for the 2014 season, and constructing a lineup should be the next logical move after re-signing manager Joe Girardi.
Creating a lineup will be difficult. There are a ton of questions surrounding the team regarding who should be re-signed and who should be allowed to walk, and there's also that whole Alex Rodriguez suspension thing. Oh yeah, and can Derek Jeter still play shortstop? These are all questions that Cashman will need to address in the coming months.
The free-agent market isn't particularly deep, and the New York Yankees are in a delicate phase of the franchise. Having not made the playoffs for the second time since 2008, the Yankees need to decide if their older players have another World Series run in them. If they don't, then it's probably time to blow it up and start back over from scratch.
The Yankees should field a competitive lineup next season, even if it will look a little bit different than year's past.
Let 'Em Walk
There are a few players that Cashman should let walk, whether it be because of money or because of fit with the team.
Curtis Granderson should be on a new team next season—the Chicago White Sox, perhaps? Cashman will not pay top dollar for a mediocre outfielder and perennial threat to strike out nearly 200 times. Forty-plus homers will be difficult to replace, but one can argue a 20-homer guy that hits .280 and racks up extra-base hits would be equally as productive.
Despite his surprising 2013, Lyle Overbay will also be gone. With Mark Teixeira back in the lineup, Overbay becomes expendable. He would have been a nice trade chip for the Yankees at the trade deadline of last season, but Teixeira's wrist prompted the Bombers to keep him.
Bring 'Em Back
First, we need to address the elephant in the room.
No, not Mark Reynolds—although I predict he'll re-sign to back up first base and platoon at third. Robinson Cano is the Yankees' biggest free agent in recent memory, and he's already asking the moon and the stars in terms of contract length and value.
While the money he's asking for likely won't be given to him by anyone, expect Cano to still get a nice payday. In the end, the Yankees will be re-signing their second baseman. If the Los Angeles Dodgers supposedly don't want to be in the mix, then who else has a chance at shelling out top dollar? Nobody.
Brendan Ryan is also a guy that needs to be back in pinstripes. Despite his lackluster performance at the plate, he was a revelation in the field and formed an incredible defensive middle infield with Cano to his left. What you see is what you get with Ryan. If he hits .240 in over 400 at-bats, then consider it a bonus.
Toughest Decisions
In my eyes, the Yankees have three tough decisions outside of the obvious Cano situation. First is addressing third base.
With no indication otherwise just yet, Rodriguez will be suspended for 2014. This leaves a gaping hole on the left side of the infield. Reynolds is an option to be part of a platoon over there as the right-handed hitter, but a lefty stick would be nice to have as well.
Cashman could potentially bring 36-year-old Eric Chavez back to the Bronx for another season in pinstripes, or they could test second baseman Skip Schumaker over at the hot corner. Chavez would appear to be the best bet.
The second question comes at shortstop. Can Jeter still man the position? His legs aren't what they used to be, he's clearly lost a step over the years, and the guy who finished out the season there has arguably the best glove in the league. To me, these all add up to Jeter being the full-time designated hitter and Ryan being the full-time shortstop.
There's one free-agent position player that the Yankees need to pull out all the stops to sign. Catcher Brian McCann is an immediate upgrade over Chris Stewart, Austin Romine and Francisco Cervelli, and signing him to a four-year deal would be enough time to allow Gary Sanchez to continue his development in the minors.
Unless he re-signs in Atlanta, McCann should be wearing pinstripes in 2014. It's a no-brainer, and there should be no excuse for Cashman if he doesn't make it happen.
A perennial 20-home run threat and rock behind the plate, McCann has proven himself nothing if not consistent over the years. He also plays with a fire that could do well to ignite some of the older players on the squad.
Four years and $48 million—do it, Cashman.
The Lineup
Given the fact that there could be a couple of platoons in 2014, here is what I predict that Yankees' lineup will look like against both lefties and righties.
Lefties
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Derek Jeter, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Robinson Cano, 2B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Brian McCann, C
7. Mark Reynolds, 3B
8. Vernon Wells, RF
9. Brendan Ryan, SS
Righties
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Derek Jeter, DH
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Robinson Cano, 2B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Brian McCann, C
7. Eric Chavez, 3B
8. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
9. Brendan Ryan, SS
How Long to Nap for the Best Brain Benefits
Taking a nap, we've seen time and again, is like rebooting your brain. But napping may be as much of an art as it science. Scientists offer recommendations for planning your perfect nap, including how long to nap and when.
The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best "bang for your buck," but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.
For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.
Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.
In addition to those recommendations, one surprising suggestion is to sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep. And if you find yourself dreaming during your power naps, it may be a sign you're sleep deprived. While you're planning your nap, don't forget to time it during the right time of day as well.
The sleep experts in the article say a 10-to-20-minute power nap gives you the best "bang for your buck," but depending on what you want the nap to do for you, other durations might be ideal:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.
For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.
Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.
In addition to those recommendations, one surprising suggestion is to sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep. And if you find yourself dreaming during your power naps, it may be a sign you're sleep deprived. While you're planning your nap, don't forget to time it during the right time of day as well.
EA drops football in '14, settles cases as NCAA fights
On a day when legal wrangling over the use of college athletes' names and likenesses prompted video game manufacturer Electronic Arts to announce it will not publish a college football game for at least one year and settle a series of related lawsuits, the NCAA vowed to keep fighting on the issue for as long as necessary.
EA announced Thursday afternoon it will not produce a college football game in 2014 and is "evaluating our plan for the future of the franchise." Within hours, a court filing and lawyers representing former and current college football and men's basketball players said an agreement had been reached to settle claims against EA in three presumptive federal class-action lawsuits.
Terms of the deal remained confidential pending their presentation to various courts, but it is likely to result in the landmark distribution of tens of millions of dollars to thousands of college athletes — including current athletes — whose names or avatars have been in EA games since the early 2000s.
The settlement also covered claims against the nation's leading collegiate trademark licensing firm, Collegiate Licensing Co. That leaves the NCAA as the lone defendant in a case whose named plaintiffs include former UCLA basketball star Ed O'Bannon, former Arizona State and Nebraska football player Sam Keller and five current football players.
Earlier Thursday, the NCAA's chief legal officer told USA TODAY Sports the association is gearing up for that case with even greater resources and resolve than it has before.
Donald Remy said the association has retained one new law firm for the purpose of trial and another, featuring a former U.S. solicitor general, to handle appeals.
"We're prepared to take this all the way to the Supreme Court if we have to," Remy said. "We are not prepared to compromise on the case."
Asked whether the likely cost of such additions to the NCAA's legal team had been approved by association governing panels involved with oversight of the NCAA's finances, Remy said: "This strategy has been discussed by all appropriate bodies and endorsed. The membership supports this handling of the case."
The NCAA's resolve seemed almost welcomed by lawyers representing the plaintiffs, who said they are looking forward to being able to concentrate their efforts on one case and one target.
"Fantastic," Robert Carey said. "We'll see them in court."
Said Michael Hausfeld, another lead attorney for the plaintiffs: "The NCAA now stands alone in its hypocrisy. When you hire a new firm to deal with a trial and a firm to deal with an appeal, it doesn't say a lot about your confidence in your position."
Warren Zola, who teaches sports law at Boston College's Carroll School of Management, said Thursday's settlement leaves the NCAA in a difficult position.
"You are the last defendant standing in a case where everyone else felt that settling was the best solution," he said.
EA's decision to settle came days after its lawyers filed papers asking the Supreme Court to review adverse rulings it had received in a portion of the Keller-O'Bannon case and in a suit filed by former Rutgers football player Ryan Hart. Former West Virginia football player Shawne Alston more recently had filed yet another suit against EA.
NCAA spokesperson Stacey Osburn had no comment on the settlement because the association hadn't seen the terms.
Zola pointed out that it is unclear whether active college athletes would be allowed under NCAA rules to immediately accept money from the settlement or whether the funds may have to be set aside until their college playing careers end.
As for EA, it is putting the brakes on a product that sells about 2 million units per year, according to stock analyst Michael Pachter. The FIFA soccer video game and Madden NFL game sell 12 million and 5.5 million units, respectively, CLC spokesman Andrew Giangola told USA TODAY Sports in July.
In July, the NCAA announced it would not renew its contract with EA after next year, citing business reasons and litigation costs. However, more than 150 colleges, conferences and bowl games approved a three-year contract extension with EA. The only impact at the time was the game would no longer be called "NCAA Football" but rather "College Football," with each school or league continuing to decide whether to opt in or out through CLC.
"This is as profoundly disappointing to the people who make this game as I expect it will be for the millions who enjoy playing it each year," Cam Weber, the general manager of American football for EA Sports, wrote in statement posted on the company's website.
The statement went on to say: "We have been stuck in the middle of a dispute between the NCAA and student-athletes who seek compensation for playing college football. ... The ongoing legal issues combined with increased questions surrounding schools and conferences have left us in a difficult position – one that challenges our ability to deliver an authentic sports experience, which is the very foundation of EA Sports games."
say no to bullying today
Did you know what today is Are u wearing purple today is national no bully day
Here some story from plano texas that was bullying there lots more in the USA
plano west high Plano West Senior High School pisd only texas
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/23664255/plano-west-hs-teen-bullied-by-harmful-text-messages
Kroger texas you maybe know this company different name in your city
Combination Food & Drug Stores
Baker's Supermarkets (Omaha, Nebraska) City Market (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico) Dillons Food Stores (Kansas, Missouri) Fry's Food & Drug (Arizona) Gerbes Super Markets (central Missouri) Harris Teeter (North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia) (Pending Approval) Jay C (southern Indiana) King Soopers (Colorado, Wyoming) Kroger (Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana) Owen's (northeastern Indiana) Pay Less Super Markets (central Indiana) QFC (Oregon, Washington) Ralphs (Southern California) Scott's (Fort Wayne, Indiana) Smith's (Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming)
Multi Department Stores
Fred Meyer (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington)
Price Impact Stores
Food 4 Less (Southern California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; NW Indiana, and they have a former location in Allentown, Pennsylvania and Tahlequah, Oklahoma) (Food 4 Less stores elsewhere are owned by other companies) Foods Co. (Northern California) Ruler Foods (Indiana)
Marketplace Stores
Dillons Marketplace Fry's Marketplace King Soopers Marketplace Kroger Marketplace Smith's Marketplace
Jewelery Stores
Fred Meyer Jewelers Barclay Jewelers Fox's Jewelers Littman Jewelers
Convenience Stores
Kwik Shop (Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Mississippi) Loaf 'N Jug (Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming) Quik Stop (California, Nevada) Smith's Express (Utah) Tom Thumb Food Stores (Alabama, Florida) Turkey Hill Minit Markets (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana)
Former chains
Barney's Food Warehouse (Tennessee) Chain run by Kroger in the 1980s. Cala Foods and Bell Markets (Northern California) Locations sold to DeLano's IGA, last Kroger-owned location closed in 2011 Henke's (Texas) Acquired May 1955, name phased out in 1966 [30]
Hilander Foods (Illinois) Acquired 1998, sold to Schnucks in 2011 Kessel Food Markets (Michigan) Acquired and name phased out in 1999. Krambo (Wisconsin) Acquired in 1956, name phased out in 1966. Withdrew from Wisconsin in 1971. Market Basket (Southern California)
this story a lawsuit that had harassment and disabilities also had Ada covered on it there was big bad words
http://www.kendalllawgroup.com/#http://www.kendalllawgroup.com/news/plano-man-awarded-450000-against-kroger-in-discrimination-harassment-lawsuit/
Apple may sell 5 million to 10 million iWatches in first year: analyst
iWatch launch may not boost Apple revenue and profit much, but it could show Wall Street that the company is still innovating
SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple could sell up to 10 million iWatches in the first year it launches the product, adding more than $2.5 billion to the company's top line and over $750 million in profit, according to a recent survey by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.
Apple shares rose 1.7% to $491.27 in midday action on Monday.
Munster asked 799 U.S. consumers whether they would by an Apple iWatch that connected to an iPhone for $350. Of those with an iPhone, 12% said they would be interested in the wearable device, while the rest said no, the survey found.
People are less likely to pay up when presented with the actual ability to buy and iPhone users outside the U.S. have less money to spend on another pricey gadget. So Munster "conservatively" extrapolated from the survey to estimate that 2% to 4% of global iPhone users may buy an iWatch in the first year it is available, likely 2014.
With a projected iPhone user base of about 293 million, that suggests first-year iWatch sales of 5 to 10 million units. If Apple ended up selling 7.5 million of the devices at $350 each and with a 30% gross profit margin, that would generate $2.6 billion in revenue and $790 million in profit, Munster estimated.
That is only about 1% of Apple's annual revenue and profit, so the direct financial impact would be limited. However, Wall Street is yearning for new, innovative Apple products, so an iWatch launch could boost confidence that the company still has its mojo.
Apple has not said whether it will launch a smart watch, but CEO Tim Cook said earlier this year at the D11 conference that wearable technology was "profoundly interesting" and that the wrist is a "natural" use case.
"While we do not view the watch as a likely needle-mover for Apple in terms of revenue in 2014, we put it in a similar category as the television in that it could demonstrate Apple's ability to innovate," Munster wrote in a note to investors.
Monday, October 14, 2013
happy Columbus Day
This article is about the holiday. For the film of the same name, see Columbus Day (film). For the Pacific Northwest storm, see Columbus Day Storm of 1962.
| Columbus Day | |
|---|---|
First Landing of Columbus on the Shores of the New World, after the painting by Dióscoro Teófilo de la Puebla Tolin
| |
| Observed by | Various countries in the Americas,Spain |
| Type | Historical |
| Significance | Celebrations honoring Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas in 1492 |
| Date | October 12 (actual/traditional); second Monday in October (observed in the United States) |
| 2012 date | October 8 |
| 2013 date | October 14 |
| 2014 date | October 13 |
| 2015 date | October 12 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | Thanksgiving in Canada, which falls on the same date |
Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, which happened on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday. The landing is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, as Día de la Raza in many countries inLatin America, as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, as Día de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain, as Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity) in Argentina, and as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Belize and Uruguay. These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially in various areas since the early 20th century.
Contents
[hide]United States observance
History
Columbus Day first became an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906, and became a federal holiday in the United States in 1937, though people have celebrated Columbus' voyage since the colonial period. In 1792, New York City and other U.S. cities celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the New World. President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to celebrate Columbus Day on the 400th anniversary of the event. During the four hundredth anniversary in 1892, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism. These patriotic rituals were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress.[1][2][3]
Many Italian-Americans observe Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage, the first occasion being in New York City on October 12, 1866.[4] Columbus Day was first enshrined as a legal holiday in the United States through the lobbying of Angelo Noce, a first generation Italian, in Denver. The first statewide Columbus Day holiday was proclaimed by Colorado governor Jesse F. McDonald in 1905, and it was made a statutory holiday in 1907.[5] In April 1934, as a result of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made October 12 a federal holiday under the name Columbus Day.[5][6][7]
Since 1970, the holiday has been fixed to the second Monday in October,[8] coincidentally the same day as Thanksgiving in neighboring Canada (which was fixed to that date in 1959) (note that October 12, 1970, was a Monday). It is generally observed nowadays by banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service, other federal agencies, most state government offices, many businesses, and most school districts. Some businesses and some stock exchanges remain open, also some states and municipalities abstain from observing the holiday.[9] The traditional date of the holiday also adjoins the anniversary of the United States Navy (founded October 13, 1775), and thus both occasions are customarily observed by the Navy (and usually the Marine Corps as well) with either a 72 or 96-hour liberty period.[citation needed]
Local observance of Columbus Day
Actual observance varies in different parts of the United States, ranging from large-scale parades and events to complete non-observance. Most states celebrate Columbus Day as an official state holiday, though many mark it as a "Day of Observance" or "Recognition" and three do not recognize it at all. Most states (including states where it is not a legal holiday) close schools and other state services, while others operate as normal.[citation needed]
San Francisco claims the nation's oldest continuously existing celebration with the Italian-American community's annual Columbus Day Parade, which was established by Nicola Larco in 1868,[10] while New York City boasts the largest.[11][12][13]
As in the mainland U.S., Columbus Day is a legal holiday in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. In the United States Virgin Islands, the day is celebrated as both Columbus Day and "Puerto Rico Friendship Day".[14]
Virginia also celebrates two legal holidays on the day, Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day, which honors the final victory at the Siege of Yorktown in the Revolutionary War.[15]
Non-observance
Hawaii, Alaska, and South Dakota are the three U.S. states that do not recognize Columbus Day at all, though Hawaii and South Dakota mark the day with an alternative holiday or observance. Hawaii celebrates Discoverers' Day, which commemorates the Polynesian discoverers of Hawaii on the same date, the second Monday of October,[16][17] though the name change has not ended protest related to the observance of Columbus' discovery.[18] The state government does not treat either Columbus Day or Discoverers' Day as a legal holiday;[19] state, city and county government offices and schools are open for business. South Dakota celebrates the day as an official state holiday known as "Native American Day" rather than Columbus Day.[20] Iowa and Nevada do not celebrate Columbus Day as an official holiday; however, the governor is "authorized and requested" by statute to proclaim the day each year.[21][22] In Nevada, this probably has less to do with any objection to the celebration of the day than the fact that it is relatively close to Nevada Day, and schools and banks can only be closed for so many days.[citation needed]
Several other states have removed Columbus Day as a paid holiday for government workers while still maintaining it either as a day of recognition or a legal holiday for other purposes. These include California and Texas.[23][24][25][26]
The city of Berkeley, California has replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day since 1992,[27] a move which has been replicated by several other localities including Sebastopol, Santa Cruz and Dane County, Wisconsin.[24][28] South Dakota renamed the holiday "Native American Day".[29] Various tribal governments in Oklahoma designate the day "Native American Day", or name the day after their own tribe.[30]
Latin American observance
Día de la Raza
The date Columbus arrived in the Americas is celebrated in many countries in Latin America. The most common name for the celebration in Spanish (including in some Latin American communities[31] in the United States) is the Día de la Raza ("day of the race" or "day of the [hispanic] people"), commemorating the first encounters of Europeans and Native Americans. The day was first celebrated in Argentina in 1917, Venezuela and Colombia in 1921, Chile in 1922, and Mexico in 1928. The day was also celebrated under this title in Spain until 1957, when it was changed to the Día de la Hispanidad ("Hispanity Day"), and in Venezuela until 2002, when it was changed to the Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance). Originally conceived of as a celebration of Hispanic influence in the Americas, as evidenced by the complementary celebrations in Spain and Latin America, Día de la Raza has come to be seen by some[who?] in Latin America as a counter to Columbus Day; a celebration of the resistance against the arrival of Europeans to the Americas and of the native races and cultures.[citation needed]
In the U.S. Día de la Raza has served as a time of mobilization for pan-ethnic Latino activists, particularly in the 1960s. Since then, La Raza has served as a periodic rallying cry for Hispanic activists. The first Hispanic March on Washington occurred on Columbus Day in 1996. The name has remained in the largest Hispanic social justice organization, the National Council of La Raza.[1]
Venezuela
Between 1921 and 2002, Venezuela celebrated Día de la Raza along with many other Latin American nations. The original holiday was officially established in 1921 under President Juan Vicente Gómez. In 2002, under president Hugo Chávez, the name was changed to Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) to commemorate the Indigenous peoples' resistance to European settlement. On October 12, 2004 a crowd of pro-government activists toppled the statue of Christopher Columbus in Caracas and sprayed allusive graffiti over its pedestal. The pro-Chávez website Aporrea wrote: "Just like the statue of Saddam in Baghdad, that of Columbus the tyrant also fell this October 12, 2004 in Caracas".[34] The famous toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue had occurred the previous year.
Costa Rica
Since 1994, Costa Rica had changed the official holiday from Día de la Raza to Día de las Culturas (Day of the cultures) to recognize the mix of European, American, African and Asian cultures that helped to compose Costa Rican (and Latin American) culture.[35]
Caribbean observance
Some Caribbean countries also observe holidays related to Columbus Day. In Belize, October 12 is celebrated as Day of the Americas or Pan-American Day.[36][37] In the Bahamas, it is known as Discovery Day, and is also celebrated on October 12.
Spain
See also: Fiesta Nacional de España
Since 1987, Spain has celebrated the anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas as its Fiesta Nacional or "National Day".[38] Previously Spain had celebrated the day as Día de la Hispanidad, emphasizing Spain's ties with the Hispanidad, the international Hispanic community.[38] In 1981 a royal decree established the Día de la Hispanidad as a national holiday.[38] However, in 1987 the name was changed to Fiesta Nacional, and October 12 became one of two national celebrations, along with Constitution Day on December 6.[39] Spain's "national day" had moved around several times during the various regime changes of the 20th century; establishing it on the day of the international Columbus celebration was part of a compromise between conservatives, who wanted to emphasize the status of the monarchy and Spain's history, and Republicans, who wanted to commemorate Spain's burgeoning democracy with an official holiday.[39] Since 2000, October 12 has also been Spain's Day of the Armed Forces, celebrated each year with a military parade in Madrid.[39] Other than this, however, the holiday is not widely or enthusiastically celebrated in Spain; there are no other large-scale patriotic parades, marches, or other events, and the observation is generally overshadowed by the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar (Fiestas del Pilar).[39]
Opposition to Columbus celebrations
Opposition to Columbus Day dates to at least the 19th century where activists had sought to eradicate Columbus Day celebrations because of its association with immigrants and the Knights of Columbus. They were afraid it was being used to expand Catholic influence.[40] By far the more common opposition today, decrying Columbus's and Europeans' actions against the indigenous populations of the Americas, did not gain much traction until the latter half of the 20th century. This opposition has been spearheaded by indigenous groups,[41][42] though it has spread into the mainstream.
There are two main strands of this critique, which are interrelated. The first refers primarily to the indigenous population collapse and cruel treatment towards indigenous peoples during theEuropean colonization of the American continents which followed Columbus's discovery. Some, such as the American Indian Movement, have argued that the responsibility of contemporary governments and their citizens for allegedly ongoing acts of genocide against Native Americans are masked by positive Columbus myths and celebrations. These critics argue that a particular understanding of the legacy of Columbus has been used to legitimize their actions, and it is this misuse of history that must be exposed. F. David Peat asserts that many cultural myths of North America exclude or diminish the culture and myths of Native Americans. These cultural myths include ideas expressed by Michael Berliner of the Ayn Rand Institute claiming that Western civilization brought "reason, science, self-reliance, individualism, ambition, and productive achievement" to a people who were based in "primitivism, mysticism, and collectivism", and to a land that was “sparsely inhabited, unused, and underdeveloped".[43] American anthropologist Jack Weatherford says that on Columbus Day, Americans celebrate the greatest waves of genocide of the Indians known in history.[44] American Indian Movement of Colorado leader and activist Ward Churchill takes this argument further, contending that the mythologizing and celebration of the European settlement of the Americas in Columbus Day make it easier for people today to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions, or the actions of their governments regarding indigenous populations. He wrote in his book Bringing the Law Back Home:
- Very high on the list of those expressions of non-indigenous sensibility [that] contribute to the perpetuation of genocidal policies against Indians are the annual Columbus Day celebration, events in which it is baldly asserted that the process, events, and circumstances described above are, at best, either acceptable or unimportant. More often, the sentiments expressed by the participants are, quite frankly, that the fate of Native America embodied in Columbus and the Columbian legacy is a matter to be openly and enthusiastically applauded as an unrivaled "boon to all mankind". Undeniably, the situation of American Indians will not — in fact cannot — change for the better so long as such attitudes are deemed socially acceptable by the mainstream populace. Hence, such celebrations as Columbus Day must be stopped.
A second strain of the criticism of Columbus Day focuses on the character of Columbus himself. In time for the observation of Columbus Day in 2004, the final volume of a compendium of Columbus-era documents was published by the University of California, Los Angeles's Medieval and Renaissance Center. Geoffrey Symcox, the general editor of the project, asserted: "While giving the brilliant mariner his due, the collection portrays Columbus as an unrelenting social climber and self-promoter who stopped at nothing— not even exploitation, slavery, or twisting Biblical scripture— to advance his ambitions… Many of the unflattering documents have been known for the last century or more, but nobody paid much attention to them until recently… The fact that Columbus brought slavery, enormous exploitation or devastating diseases to the Americas used to be seen as a minor detail - if it was recognized at all - in light of his role as the great bringer of white man's civilization to the benighted idolatrous American continent. But to historians today this information is very important. It changes our whole view of the enterprise".[45] (Slavery among Native Americans was already present in some areas, but this critic presumably refers to the enslavement of Native Americans and Africans by Europeans.)
Most critiques combine elements of both strains. Journalist and media critic Norman Solomon reflects in Columbus Day: A Clash of Myth and History that many people choose to hold on to the myths surrounding Columbus whereas historians who deal with the evidence are frequently depicted as politically correct revisionists. He quotes from the logbook Columbus's initial description of the Indians: "They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance.... They would make fine servants.... With 50 men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want". In 1495, during the Second Voyage, Indians were transported to Spain as slaves, many dying en route. "Let us in the name of the Holy Trinity", Columbus later wrote, "go on sending all the slaves that can be sold". Solomon states that the most important contemporary documentary evidence is the multi-volumeHistory of the Indies by the Catholic priest Bartolomé de las Casas who observed the region where Columbus was governor. In contrast to "the myth" Solomon quotes Las Casas who describes Spaniards driven by "insatiable greed" — "killing, terrorizing, afflicting, and torturing the native peoples" with "the strangest and most varied new methods of cruelty" and how systematic violence was aimed at preventing "Indians from daring to think of themselves as human beings." The Spaniards "thought nothing of knifing Indians by tens and twenties and of cutting slices off them to test the sharpness of their blades", wrote Las Casas. "My eyes have seen these acts so foreign to human nature, and now I tremble as I write".[46]
In the summer of 1990, 350 representatives from Indian groups from all over the hemisphere, met in Quito, Ecuador, at the first Intercontinental Gathering of Indigenous People in the Americas, to mobilize against the quincentennial celebration of Columbus Day. The following summer, in Davis, California, more than a hundred Native Americans gathered for a follow-up meeting to the Quito conference. They declared October 12, 1992, "International Day of Solidarity with Indigenous People". The largest ecumenical body in the United States, the National Council of Churches, called on Christians to refrain from celebrating the Columbus quincentennial, saying, "What represented newness of freedom, hope, and opportunity for some was the occasion for oppression, degradation and genocide for others".[47]
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