JimH5

The Red Sox players as a group have no bargaining power at all. They don't have a say in who gets what. Coaches and trainers aren't part of their union to begin with, so they're boycotting "just because". It will be interesting to see what the MLBPA says about the actions of the Red Sox players acting on their own, on behalf of nonunion members. And to hold MLB & the Red Sox front office basically at hostage over this is preposterous. There are fans in Florida right now who paid to see a game, who aren't seeing one. Tickets have been sold in Japan, the sport's spotlight will be on the opener, and to have this vigilante action is pretty chippy. I loathe the Red Sox more now than ever.

Milwaukee native Lave Cross. That one took a little research. . . Grrrrrr. . .Patrick beat me on that one. My computer was downloading a virusscan update, and I was delayed. Stinkin' hackers!

Is that Bad Bill Dahlen?

mlb.com

Yep. . .MHgb is right about what I was thinking about. Excellent research! I like that tabletop one.

I have some really colorful cycling jerseys that I think are polyester, and they have remained vivid through several washings. They might be a blend with some other fabric in there, but I haven't noticed any bleeding of any kind, and I've worn them several times. I didn't read the other thread, so I don't know the context of your question. If you're going to do t-shirts exclusively--with men as your primary customers--then I'd agree that 100% cotton is the way to go.

I've been to Spring Training games in Florida. I LOVE Dodgertown in Vero Beach. I can't see why any team wouldn't jump at the chance to take over that historic wonderful place. Admittedly I know nothing about the team facilities or practice fields, tax situation, etc. . . but the actual Holman Stadium facility and the loyal fan base makes it a terrific place to see a Spring Training game. In the same vain, the Kissimmee facility is really nice. They made significant improvements to the place about 4 or 5 years ago, and it's first rate. Lots to do in the area, and a lot of people within a 15 minute drive to visit the stadium. Lots of parking, etc. Very nice. And while I enjoyed visiting the Chain-of-Lakes stadium that the Indians played at, I can understand why they left. The game park is historic and cool, but it's kind of landlocked, with other stuff seemingly all around it. There doesn't seem to be any room to expand the facilities. I've never been to Spring Training in Arizona, so I can't speak on which is better--but if the Brewers wanted to leave Maryvale for either Vero Beach or Kissimmee, they would have fine facilities.

You're the T-Shirt guy, I would have figured you would know best. Polyester doesn't shrink or fade when you wash and dry it according to manufacturer's instructions. Some of the high-tech wicking performancewear shirts are made of polyester, and I believe they should be air dried. . .but don't hold me to that.

There is a hardshell plastic magazine holder (I think it's made by UltraPro) that I have been using for awhile. It isn't totally scratch resistant, but the magazine inside is fairly well protected. I have also seen dealers selling magazines in a tightly wrapped plastic (kind of like LP covers). I don't "display" the magazines per se, they're just stacked on a bookshelf, but the hardshell holder has some strength to it, so the magazines will stand up. My only complaint is that they aren't thick enough to hold the Baseball Hall of Fame yearbooks.

Brian, you don't have a headless, bat wielding mannequin in your basement? Seriously Matt, that looks pretty great. I've seen full uniforms under glass before, where the pants are folded and are pinned up under the jersey--but I prefer the 3D look. Just do your best to keep it away from UV light to prevent fading.

I neither take nor leave pennies. I'm puzzled by the whole concept. My transaction with a store is mine, and mine alone. I'm responsible to pay every part of my bill--not to grab from a pool of change that others have left for me (and others). On the other side of the "coin"--pardon the pun--I'm not responsible to contribute to the community pool. I pay taxes, I contribute to charities, I'm a generous tipper & I make other contributions to the society at large. I draw the line at a dirty tray of pennies. When I was younger and poorer, I used to save up my coins, roll them, and exchange them for currency, which my wife and I would spend without regrets. It might be for some gourmet food items, or dinner out, or whatever. I suspect my disdain for the penny pot may stem from that experience, which was frugal, fun, and a happy part of my young adulthood. Now I'm just crusty, miserly and bitter.

1. Laundry. . .I have a front loading machine, so the detergent goes in a separate area. When I use a top-loader, I start the water, add the detergent, agitate it around so it mixes well, then add clothes at the end. Too often I've ended up with detergent burnout streaks in clothes. 2/3. Landline phone. . .Don't have one. 4. Gas Station. . .I always use a credit card to add to Midwest Airlines Frequent Flier miles. Pay at the pump. It also keeps me away from buying expensive Diet Coke and Snickers bars. 5. I use my turn signal all the time. That way, it's just a natural thing, and not something I have to consciously think about. 6. Sometimes I leave a message, other times not. When I really need to tell/ask someone something, I leave a message. When I'm calling just to see what's up. . .I don't. If they choose to listen to the message, great. . .if not, that's fine, too. 7. At a game, I wait for a break in the action to do my thing. I also try to sit on an aisle, for the legroom. When I'm on the aisle, I'm not so much concerned with other people, but I also am usually into the game, and don't get up for fear of missing something. 8. When I'm hungry for something I know I don't have, I'll look in the refrigerator/cabinet, but only to find a suitable substitute. I buy all our food and do all the cooking, so I generally have a fair understanding of what's in there. 9. I always write down what I plan to do, so I can refer to my list when there's deadtime, to make sure I'm on target. 10. I'm pretty sure that I'm getting the money I need from my ATM. If not, there's usually one 5 minutes away. It's usually a matter of the machine being out of money, or under service, etc.

Nobody plans on being a CNA forever. It's a job that just screams "entry level", and "stepping stone". It's an essential job that has to get done, but it doesn't have to get done by someone who is making premium money, and being there for 3 years doesn't make you more valuable than someone working for 3 months. You need to drop the idea that seniority equals higher pay in a job like that. The whole "I'm doing this for the good of my coworkers" is a little transparent. They don't need you to be their self appointed agent. If anyone has a problem with the terms of the job, then go to the boss with the reasons why your performance merits more money. Other than that, deal with it. Life's expensive, and if you want a better lot, make it for yourself.

I'll grant that it's a misleading description--and showing a picture of Sheets doesn't help. But for one thing, the bidders are pretty keen on its real value. For now, the high bid is $21.00. Down in the body of his text, he says he paid $150 for it, and he makes it clear that it's a size XL. People should recognize that it's a store bought jersey, and not game used. As for suing the guy--it's really only up to the buyer to determine if he was damaged by the transaction--not a bystander. Maybe let eBay know about him, but other than that, let the buyer beware.

Yes, Ripken won ROY in 1982, and MVP in 1983.

That was a weird article. It's like Bill James was describing some really cool garage band, who he really likes, and nobody else knows about--but then they make it to the mainstream audience, and then James declares they now stink. Of course Biggio hung around too long--they all do. He could have written the same article about Willie Mays or Steve Carlton or Robin Yount. Guys at the end of their careers aren't as good as at the peak of their careers. That's why they're at the end. Biggio played with a lot of effort, and was a signature player for his franchise. If they wanted him to hang around, and he wanted to hang around, then so be it. Sorry that Bill James doesn't approve.

Where are you going to take it? Some providers are better in some places than others. One seemingly unimportant thing is the time and date display of your actual phone device. I stopped wearing a watch when I first got mine, because the time and date were so easy to read. The phone I'm now carrying requires me to unlock it before the display will show the time and date. Annoying.

At auction, all it takes is two guys who really want something to drive the price up beyond what might otherwise be market value. But if the Marshall Edwards and the Ladd were both around $350, then maybe that's the going rate. I'm not a jersey guy, so before I dig that deep, I think I'd have to really sell myself on the idea--and I'd have to have a better understanding of tagging and how they're authenticated, etc. I think it would be cool to have one from 1982. . .we'll see if more come onto the market this year.

Use a very hot grill to sear the meat. You'll end up with a thin crust on the outside, and then when you cut it, a medium rare piece of meat will expand out. I typically stab the meat in several places to insert sliced garlic cloves. Then I spread a little olive oil on the whole steak, and coat one side with oregano and basil, the other side with dried granulated onions and garlic, and then roll the steak in kosher salt around the edge. I've found that Penzey's is a fine place for spices, herbs and blends.

Yankee Stadium is a great time. . .The Bleacher crowd "calling out" their faves (think "De-rek Je-ter, clap, clap, clap-clap-clap") The food is pretty dreadful, its very expensive, and in a very tough neighborhood. I'd recommend taking the subway in, as that's part of the experience. They do have stadium tours. I have not attended one, but knew some people who really enjoyed the tour. I'd also recommend visiting the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center on the campus of Montclair State University in Upper Montclair/Little Falls, NJ. Whatever you do, do NOT wear a Boston hat, jersey, jacket, etc.--or be prepared to be peppered with beer, insults, and other shenanigans. I attended a playoff game, and watched a guy get his Red Sox hat pulled from his head, have the "B" ripped off, and then have the hat set on fire. It was pretty funny--but it wasn't my hat.

Heritage Auctions just concluded their Sunday Internet Auction, and they sold a 1982 Pete Ladd Home Jersey. It sold for $334.60 including the 19.5 percent buyers premium--and then add maybe another $20 for shipping. I was in for awhile, but then dropped out at $225. I'd like to get an 82 gamer at some point, and that would have been a good one, but I didn't really have any idea on what would be a fair price for one. Anybody else have an 82 game used jersey?--or know how much they're worth for a non-Yount or Molitor?

I went to UW-W from 1980-1985 and lived in Fischer for a good chunk of that time, and then off campus on Prairie Street. I graduated, and then never went back. I did return to the campus a couple of times in the late 90s to attend some events at the performing arts center, but that was about it. My niece attends school there now. . . Jaybird, I think you're safe in the "appearing too old to be there" department, as long as Johnny Lechner is still around. . . Plus, with so many military people returning from service, I would think there would be at least a couple of others there in their mid-twenties. And even if not, what difference does it make? Do your thing, get your degree and be satisfied with your accomplishment.

I wish the whole thing was behind us, too. . .but first, there's some 'splainin' to do. Gagne apologizes to his family, his friends, and his Milwaukee Brewers teammates for the distraction. What about me? What about the rest of the fans who are supposed to cheer for him--and buy tickets-- so he can take a $10 million salary this year? Shouldn't he apologize to us for being fingered as a drug user before even throwing a pitch for our team? When did he use drugs? What did he use? Has he ever pitched in the majors while not on drugs? Was he on them during his glory days with the Dodgers? What is he capable of without them? Can he get anyone out? Can he reach 90 mph? Is his Cy Young award a fraud? How about his All-Star appearances? This guy has NO history with the Brewers, but now he's our closer, and so I'm supposed to fall lockstep with the rest of the fans and forgive and forget? Based on what? That pathetic statement to the press is supposed to make everything alright? Sorry, fraud. You've got to do better than that.

Jeff Kent thinks his story is bogus.

"I'm here today to talk to you guys to let you know I feel bad for my family and what they had to go through, and all my friends, and especially my teammates here in Milwaukee," said Gagne. "I think it's a distraction that shouldn't be taking place. I'm just here to help the Milwaukee Brewers get to the World Series and get to the playoffs. That's all I really care about." Honestly, he called a press conference for THAT?! What a waste of time. . . I don't want to hear from another one of these cheaters unless they include a full detailed account of what they used and when. Anything short of that, forget it. "It's a distraction" because you're a drug using cheater, who is only making this statement because you were outed, and now want to appear remorseful. Too bad, it didn't work.