The World of Eurovision: Spain - lost the plot years ago
Array I got an 88 point ranking for running a relatively slow 2:14 in an olympic distance tri this past year and the 2:07 that I ran in September only netted me a 84.6XXX ranking. This was the only picture I could find…and as we all know, a post with a picture is more interesting to read 
It’s kinda like this, but not really:Pulling out the 2005 rankings edition of Triathlon Life, I ended my 2nd season of triathlon with a 81.6450 and was ranked 173/532 in my age group. Turns out I was the first New Yorker in my age group, so I can say I am number one in my age group in NY right now - I like to think of all the positives that can be construed out of this ranking!Well, it wasn’t only me that performed well this past year, there were many many others who got honors from their hard work.
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-ne This morning’s PI has an editorial supporting Prop.2, the operations levy for the Seattle School district, Seattle School Levy:Essential Vote. To say that maybe the next list (which would come out in another 6 years) could align with closures and consolidations is a slap in the face of school communities who are going to take it on the chin this fall.Another problem I have with this list is that there are schools on it that have not waited as long as others and/or whose buildings are not the worst ones. The Facilities staff told me, after I showed them a list of schools that had additions/renovations broken out by grade level, that it looked like the district was rebuilding all the high schools and indeed, that’s the plan. Sadly, the building in the worst condition (not just among high schools but the district) is Nova, an alternative high school that sits opposite Garfield (which is in the process of being rebuilt). No one in Facilities or on the academic side can identify who might have made this statement.The two biggest problems on this list are Nathan Hale High School and the New School.Hale, just speaking from an equity view, has a new athletic field (BTA 1) and a new Performing Arts Hall (BEX II). First, New School has not waited as long as other school communties for a renovation. Two, the South Shore building which houses New School is a poor building but not the worst. Additionally, facilities staff, in minutes, state that even if BEx III does not pass, New School could remain in the South Shore building several more years. The only one I can find, from the timeline, is the new memo of understanding signed by the New School foundation and the district. Oddly, despite documents, maps and minutes that identify this project as New School, despite minutes that reflect that the building is being built for the New School’s program, the district is trying to call it a generic term of PreK-8/middle school. You have to wonder why.Four, the district is trying to say that they need to build New School because they need more middle school capacity in the SE. I hope there’s some savings.) However, the South Shore building houses both New School and the Rainier Beach Community Center (the building is jointly owned by the Parks Department and the district and they share many parts of it). Why not wait?Lastly, if New School is built, you will have, in just over a one mile area, 2 K-8s, 2 high schools and 1 elementary school (Dunlap, right in New School’s backyard).
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The BlueClaws went 84-55 during the regular season and won the South Atlantic League playoffs behind a rotation led by the organization’s top prospect, righthander Carlos Carrasco, and lefties Josh Outman and Matt Maloney.For a team planning to contend, the Phillies surprisingly added three players in the major league Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings. Carlos Carrasco, rhp Born: March 3, 1987 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-3 ⢠Wt: 190Background: Signed for 00,000 out of Venezuela in 2003, Carrasco had a successful debut the following year in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Since making strides in grasping English this season, Carrasco has taken to instruction more easily.Strengths: Carrasco has two plus pitches in his arsenal, starting with a consistent 90-92 mph fastball. He arguably commands his changeup better than any of his pitches, but slows down his arm action slightly when he throws it, tipping off hitters. Kyle Drabek, rhp Born: Dec. 8, 1987 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-1 ⢠Wt: 180Background: Many clubs thought Drabek had the best pure stuff in the 2006 draft, but huge makeup concerns scared teams away from the son of former Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek. Adrian Cardenas, ss/2b Born: Oct. 10, 1987 ⢠B-T: L-R ⢠Ht: 5-11 ⢠Wt: 185Background: Cardenas entered last spring as the second-best player on his team–behind eventual Nationals first-rounder Chris Marrero–and as a projected fifth-round pick. 20, 1987 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-2 ⢠Wt: 190Background: The Phillies followed Garcia as a 15-year-old in the Dominican in 2004 and signed him for 00,000 just before he planned to attend the Perfect Game/Baseball America World Wood Bat Championship. After rushing Carlos Carrasco, Philadelphia sent Garcia to short-season Batavia at age 18, and he had a successful summer.Strengths: Garcia has excellent life on a 91-92 mph fastball that tops out at 95. After working on the arm speed and command of his changeup, Garcia used it more in 2006 and showed flashes of making it a plus pitch. While his delivery is simple and repeatable, the arm speed on his changeup has to be practically flawless because he doesn’t create a lot of deception.The Future: The Phillies compare Garcia to Carrasco for both his repertoire and his advanced feel for pitching. Scott Mathieson, rhp Born: Feb. 27, 1984 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-4 ⢠Wt: 195Background: Mathieson has pitched all over the map in the last two years. He worked at the Futures Game, the World Cup and the Arizona Fall League in 2005, then pitched in the World Baseball Classic and jumped from Double-A to the majors in 2006. 14, 1984 ⢠B-T: L-L ⢠Ht: 6-1 ⢠Wt: 190Background: While at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, Outman used a delivery developed by his father Fritz that scouts described as one of the strangest they’d ever seen. Lakewood pitching coach Steve Schrenk had him ditch his curveball in favor of a sharp slider that quickly became a plus pitch with excellent tilt and late life. Michael Bourn, of Born: Dec. 27, 1982 ⢠B-T: L-R ⢠Ht: 5-11 ⢠Wt: 180Background: Though the Phillies have seen many of their prospects struggle after skipping a level, Bourn succeeded after skipping high Class A in 2005. Bourn is a plus defender in center field with outstanding range and a strong arm.Weaknesses: He’ll never hit for much power, though Bourn has worked on taking pitches to the opposite field. Happ, lhp Born: Oct. 19, 1982 ⢠B-T: L-L ⢠Ht: 6-5 ⢠Wt: 205Background: The first Northwestern player ever to make the all-Big Ten Conference three times, Happ has had no trouble adjusting to pro ball. Matt Maloney, lhp Born: Jan. 16, 1984 ⢠B-T: L-L ⢠Ht: 6-4 ⢠Wt: 220Background: Maloney was worn out from pitching Mississippi to the NCAA super regionals when he turned pro in 2005, so the Phillies didn’t see him at his best until 2006. His best was very good, as he was named South Atlantic League pitcher of the year after leading the circuit in wins, innings and strikeouts while finishing second in ERA.Strengths: Maloney attacks hitters by throwing four pitches for strikes. 17, 1985 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-0 ⢠Wt: 190Background: The Phillies have been patient with Golson since signing him for .475 million as the 21st overall pick in 2004, and it may finally be starting to pay off. Though he repeated low Class A at the start of 2006 and hit just .220, he surged following a promotion to high Class A in late July.Strengths: The best athlete in the 2004 draft, Golson possesses the best speed, center-field skills and outfield arm in the system.
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5.I love long, hot showers. Spring is my favorite season, but I love Autumn too. I love watching TLC’s ‘What Not to Wear.’ 12. The best 2 weeks ever- Europe with Corey last year. I am always a little bit afraid when I fly. I love to travel. I love strawberry shortcake (with real whipped cream). I love waking up to Max in the morning. Pillow talk with Corey before we go to bed is the best part of the day. I quit my job 6 months ago to be with Max. I love to tickle Corey (pure glee). I believe Corey and I are an amazing match. I love back rubs and am constantly trying to talk Corey into taking massage therapy classes. I love North Shore Hawaii. I’m at war with Corey’s heater fan. I’m soooo glad Corey doesn’t watch sports. I love fresh fruit. I love shaved ice. I still can’t believe Max was inside of me- amazing. I love to sleep. I love having my hair washed at the salon. I like to watch Max sleep. I love to snuggle up in a soft blanket with a book. Sometimes I can know exactly what Corey is thinking just by looking at him. I love the smell and feel of clean sheets. I lament that my favorite pink heels Corey gave me are worn out. I loved riding in it and talking to Corey. I love almost anything lime. I hate Walmart but love Target. I will eat fast food but don’t like to eat at the fast food joint (except In n’Out).
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As of this year, the population is expected to reach approximately 88 million (from 84 million) with about 50 MILLION adults aged 19 and above who are presumably literate (or functionally literate if you prefer).220 plus National Bookstore branches nationwide as against 50 MILLION potential readers? Answer: newsprint products such as newspapers, songhits, betting guides, and tagalog romance pocketbooks.Why newsprint, and not book or glossy paper? When potential readers turn the pages resulting in wear and tear thereby lessening the chances of a sale, this kind of risk is minimized by the lesser cost expended in producing the newsprint product. Besides, the greater majority of newstand readers are more concerned with the ideas, thoughts, messages, or overall intellectual content of the newsprint product rather than something superficial as the kind of paper used, or binding, or whatever outward appearance the product is in. It has to start from there, at the bottom and not at the top–the elite.Since these newsprint products are widely distributed in newstands and street corners in a third world country such as the Philippines, they are commensurately priced according to the greater many’s income capacity, most of whom are lower income.
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After receiving 1001 songs, TVE, the Spanish broadcaster, posted up their fifteen potential entries on their website. I like this system and itâs interesting to see how big a part the internet and users from around Europe will play in the selection of the Spanish song.So what are these songs like? Well firstly, I was surprised at how bland a few of the songs were â I thought Spain were trying to win the Eurovision, not take it back to the mid-90s! I was also surprised at how much English appeared in the Spanish songs â theyâve never sung a whole chorus in English and this year could be the first time theyâve done so. Even France has done this incredible feat.For me I would say that Bailame would give Spain their greatest chance as itâs a really good pop song, not too dissimilar from those of Spainâs entries from 2001 and 2004 that both finished in the top 10. I think itâs even better than those though and with a brilliant singer and performance they could get a rather good result.The five songs I would personally like to see qualify to the final five are:14 Bailame12 Tu Voz Se Apagara09 Cuanto Amor Por Ti (although Iâm not sure it will, I think this is my own personal taste)11 Ain Veri Jupi Nau15 La Reina De La NocheIt will be very interesting to see which songs make it, and I shall report on it when it happens!
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Array I got an 88 point ranking for running a relatively slow 2:14 in an olympic distance tri this past year and the 2:07 that I ran in September only netted me a 84.6XXX ranking. This was the only picture I could find…and as we all know, a post with a picture is more interesting to read It’s kinda like this, but not really:Pulling out the 2005 rankings edition of Triathlon Life, I ended my 2nd season of triathlon with a 81.6450 and was ranked 173/532 in my age group. Turns out I was the first New Yorker in my age group, so I can say I am number one in my age group in NY right now - I like to think of all the positives that can be construed out of this ranking!Well, it wasn’t only me that performed well this past year, there were many many others who got honors from their hard work.
link
-ne This morning’s PI has an editorial supporting Prop.2, the operations levy for the Seattle School district, Seattle School Levy:Essential Vote. To say that maybe the next list (which would come out in another 6 years) could align with closures and consolidations is a slap in the face of school communities who are going to take it on the chin this fall.Another problem I have with this list is that there are schools on it that have not waited as long as others and/or whose buildings are not the worst ones. The Facilities staff told me, after I showed them a list of schools that had additions/renovations broken out by grade level, that it looked like the district was rebuilding all the high schools and indeed, that’s the plan. Sadly, the building in the worst condition (not just among high schools but the district) is Nova, an alternative high school that sits opposite Garfield (which is in the process of being rebuilt). No one in Facilities or on the academic side can identify who might have made this statement.The two biggest problems on this list are Nathan Hale High School and the New School.Hale, just speaking from an equity view, has a new athletic field (BTA 1) and a new Performing Arts Hall (BEX II). First, New School has not waited as long as other school communties for a renovation. Two, the South Shore building which houses New School is a poor building but not the worst. Additionally, facilities staff, in minutes, state that even if BEx III does not pass, New School could remain in the South Shore building several more years. The only one I can find, from the timeline, is the new memo of understanding signed by the New School foundation and the district. Oddly, despite documents, maps and minutes that identify this project as New School, despite minutes that reflect that the building is being built for the New School’s program, the district is trying to call it a generic term of PreK-8/middle school. You have to wonder why.Four, the district is trying to say that they need to build New School because they need more middle school capacity in the SE. I hope there’s some savings.) However, the South Shore building houses both New School and the Rainier Beach Community Center (the building is jointly owned by the Parks Department and the district and they share many parts of it). Why not wait?Lastly, if New School is built, you will have, in just over a one mile area, 2 K-8s, 2 high schools and 1 elementary school (Dunlap, right in New School’s backyard).
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The BlueClaws went 84-55 during the regular season and won the South Atlantic League playoffs behind a rotation led by the organization’s top prospect, righthander Carlos Carrasco, and lefties Josh Outman and Matt Maloney.For a team planning to contend, the Phillies surprisingly added three players in the major league Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings. Carlos Carrasco, rhp Born: March 3, 1987 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-3 ⢠Wt: 190Background: Signed for 00,000 out of Venezuela in 2003, Carrasco had a successful debut the following year in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Since making strides in grasping English this season, Carrasco has taken to instruction more easily.Strengths: Carrasco has two plus pitches in his arsenal, starting with a consistent 90-92 mph fastball. He arguably commands his changeup better than any of his pitches, but slows down his arm action slightly when he throws it, tipping off hitters. Kyle Drabek, rhp Born: Dec. 8, 1987 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-1 ⢠Wt: 180Background: Many clubs thought Drabek had the best pure stuff in the 2006 draft, but huge makeup concerns scared teams away from the son of former Cy Young Award winner Doug Drabek. Adrian Cardenas, ss/2b Born: Oct. 10, 1987 ⢠B-T: L-R ⢠Ht: 5-11 ⢠Wt: 185Background: Cardenas entered last spring as the second-best player on his team–behind eventual Nationals first-rounder Chris Marrero–and as a projected fifth-round pick. 20, 1987 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-2 ⢠Wt: 190Background: The Phillies followed Garcia as a 15-year-old in the Dominican in 2004 and signed him for 00,000 just before he planned to attend the Perfect Game/Baseball America World Wood Bat Championship. After rushing Carlos Carrasco, Philadelphia sent Garcia to short-season Batavia at age 18, and he had a successful summer.Strengths: Garcia has excellent life on a 91-92 mph fastball that tops out at 95. After working on the arm speed and command of his changeup, Garcia used it more in 2006 and showed flashes of making it a plus pitch. While his delivery is simple and repeatable, the arm speed on his changeup has to be practically flawless because he doesn’t create a lot of deception.The Future: The Phillies compare Garcia to Carrasco for both his repertoire and his advanced feel for pitching. Scott Mathieson, rhp Born: Feb. 27, 1984 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-4 ⢠Wt: 195Background: Mathieson has pitched all over the map in the last two years. He worked at the Futures Game, the World Cup and the Arizona Fall League in 2005, then pitched in the World Baseball Classic and jumped from Double-A to the majors in 2006. 14, 1984 ⢠B-T: L-L ⢠Ht: 6-1 ⢠Wt: 190Background: While at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, Outman used a delivery developed by his father Fritz that scouts described as one of the strangest they’d ever seen. Lakewood pitching coach Steve Schrenk had him ditch his curveball in favor of a sharp slider that quickly became a plus pitch with excellent tilt and late life. Michael Bourn, of Born: Dec. 27, 1982 ⢠B-T: L-R ⢠Ht: 5-11 ⢠Wt: 180Background: Though the Phillies have seen many of their prospects struggle after skipping a level, Bourn succeeded after skipping high Class A in 2005. Bourn is a plus defender in center field with outstanding range and a strong arm.Weaknesses: He’ll never hit for much power, though Bourn has worked on taking pitches to the opposite field. Happ, lhp Born: Oct. 19, 1982 ⢠B-T: L-L ⢠Ht: 6-5 ⢠Wt: 205Background: The first Northwestern player ever to make the all-Big Ten Conference three times, Happ has had no trouble adjusting to pro ball. Matt Maloney, lhp Born: Jan. 16, 1984 ⢠B-T: L-L ⢠Ht: 6-4 ⢠Wt: 220Background: Maloney was worn out from pitching Mississippi to the NCAA super regionals when he turned pro in 2005, so the Phillies didn’t see him at his best until 2006. His best was very good, as he was named South Atlantic League pitcher of the year after leading the circuit in wins, innings and strikeouts while finishing second in ERA.Strengths: Maloney attacks hitters by throwing four pitches for strikes. 17, 1985 ⢠B-T: R-R ⢠Ht: 6-0 ⢠Wt: 190Background: The Phillies have been patient with Golson since signing him for .475 million as the 21st overall pick in 2004, and it may finally be starting to pay off. Though he repeated low Class A at the start of 2006 and hit just .220, he surged following a promotion to high Class A in late July.Strengths: The best athlete in the 2004 draft, Golson possesses the best speed, center-field skills and outfield arm in the system.
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5.I love long, hot showers. Spring is my favorite season, but I love Autumn too. I love watching TLC’s ‘What Not to Wear.’ 12. The best 2 weeks ever- Europe with Corey last year. I am always a little bit afraid when I fly. I love to travel. I love strawberry shortcake (with real whipped cream). I love waking up to Max in the morning. Pillow talk with Corey before we go to bed is the best part of the day. I quit my job 6 months ago to be with Max. I love to tickle Corey (pure glee). I believe Corey and I are an amazing match. I love back rubs and am constantly trying to talk Corey into taking massage therapy classes. I love North Shore Hawaii. I’m at war with Corey’s heater fan. I’m soooo glad Corey doesn’t watch sports. I love fresh fruit. I love shaved ice. I still can’t believe Max was inside of me- amazing. I love to sleep. I love having my hair washed at the salon. I like to watch Max sleep. I love to snuggle up in a soft blanket with a book. Sometimes I can know exactly what Corey is thinking just by looking at him. I love the smell and feel of clean sheets. I lament that my favorite pink heels Corey gave me are worn out. I loved riding in it and talking to Corey. I love almost anything lime. I hate Walmart but love Target. I will eat fast food but don’t like to eat at the fast food joint (except In n’Out).
link
As of this year, the population is expected to reach approximately 88 million (from 84 million) with about 50 MILLION adults aged 19 and above who are presumably literate (or functionally literate if you prefer).220 plus National Bookstore branches nationwide as against 50 MILLION potential readers? Answer: newsprint products such as newspapers, songhits, betting guides, and tagalog romance pocketbooks.Why newsprint, and not book or glossy paper? When potential readers turn the pages resulting in wear and tear thereby lessening the chances of a sale, this kind of risk is minimized by the lesser cost expended in producing the newsprint product. Besides, the greater majority of newstand readers are more concerned with the ideas, thoughts, messages, or overall intellectual content of the newsprint product rather than something superficial as the kind of paper used, or binding, or whatever outward appearance the product is in. It has to start from there, at the bottom and not at the top–the elite.Since these newsprint products are widely distributed in newstands and street corners in a third world country such as the Philippines, they are commensurately priced according to the greater many’s income capacity, most of whom are lower income.
link
After receiving 1001 songs, TVE, the Spanish broadcaster, posted up their fifteen potential entries on their website. I like this system and itâs interesting to see how big a part the internet and users from around Europe will play in the selection of the Spanish song.So what are these songs like? Well firstly, I was surprised at how bland a few of the songs were â I thought Spain were trying to win the Eurovision, not take it back to the mid-90s! I was also surprised at how much English appeared in the Spanish songs â theyâve never sung a whole chorus in English and this year could be the first time theyâve done so. Even France has done this incredible feat.For me I would say that Bailame would give Spain their greatest chance as itâs a really good pop song, not too dissimilar from those of Spainâs entries from 2001 and 2004 that both finished in the top 10. I think itâs even better than those though and with a brilliant singer and performance they could get a rather good result.The five songs I would personally like to see qualify to the final five are:14 Bailame12 Tu Voz Se Apagara09 Cuanto Amor Por Ti (although Iâm not sure it will, I think this is my own personal taste)11 Ain Veri Jupi Nau15 La Reina De La NocheIt will be very interesting to see which songs make it, and I shall report on it when it happens!
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