| Thinking of spring training, Francoeur’s future
Francoeur got his first taste of the big leagues long before the end of 2006. Hell, he'd already been on the cover of Sports Illustrated by late-summer 2005. A 30-30 man? Where did that come from? He never stole more than 16 bases in a season in the minors, so to think he'd steal twice as many in the majors was unrealistic. His career high so far was last year's five, and stolen bases are never going to be a significant part of his game, nor do the Braves expect them to be. Now the other part of 30-30, I can certainly see. Francoeur hit 29 homers in his first full season in 2006, then dipped to 19 last year while he increased his average from .260 to .293, his OBP from .293 to .338 and his doubles from 24 to 40, and had his second 100-RBI season (he had 103 in 2006, 105 in '07.
Going wiki, Collier on Rosa, picture book exhibition
If I were to create an award, I couldn't do a better job than the Giant Step Award. Sponsored by Thomson Gale and School Library Journal, the Giant Step Award recognizes one school and one public library that have shown the greatest improvement in serving children and/or young adults—and awards them $5000 each. The winners will also be featured as our May cover story. Don't you know a library that's taken a giant step? Visit SLJ.com and nominate it by February 15. P.S. It's not over yet…there's still time to win $1000 in book gift certificates. Check out our Spring Book Bash!
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McCain's No Threat to the Left
While the liberal establishment may be conflicted over whether it wants Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee, there's no doubt which Republican it favors. John McCain is the liberal elite's go-to guy in the GOP. They believe he'll be there for them when they need him. That was the essential message of last week's New York Times editorial endorsing McCain for the Republican nomination. "With a record of working across the aisle to develop sound bipartisan legislation, he would offer a choice to a broader range of Americans than the rest of the Republican field," said the Times. "We have shuddered at McCain's occasional, tactical pander to the right because he has demonstrated that he has the character to stand on principle." What the Times is saying here is that it does not take McCain's conservative campaign-season rhetoric seriously.
High School Musical on London stage
The Disney big hit High School Musical is being turned into a London stage show, it has been announced. The musical will be the latest new outing for the record-breaking global phenomenon, which first appeared as a children's TV film two years ago. The production will differ from the 31-date UK tour, which has its official opening on Monday night in Bromley, Kent, and is expected to be seen by 600,000 people. The London production will open with a 10-week season at the Hammersmith Apollo in June, with actors yet to be cast. It will be the latest Disney show in London following Mary Poppins, and The Lion King. The announcement comes as the box office opens for the High School Musical UK tour, following £9 million worth of advance sales.
Reader Snow Photos 2008
Parents and caregivers should make sure children aren't left alone near lake ice.
If you see someone falling through ice, do not attempt to make a rescue by going out on the ice.
Try to throw a life ring, flotation device or rope for the victim to hold onto.
Call 911 as quickly as possible. Be sure to give the exact location and an account of the incident.
If the victim manages to get out, try to dry them off and keep them warm until emergency help arrives.
Source: Snohomish County Fire District 1
Safe driving tips
Winter road conditions require drivers to be alert, slow down and be prepared, experts said. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time travel plans call for driving in the snow:
Drive with your headlights on.
Battery-operated buses for city’s V5 roads
The salary of Panjab University Professors, who were allowed to continue in service after attaining the age of 62, will be released soon. Appearing before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, university counsel Anupam Gupta made a statement to his effect in response to an application filed by 10 professors of various departments. The applicants had claimed they had not been given salary. In their petition they had claimed that the authorities were not complying with the provisions pertaining to extension of age from 62 to 65 years, following which the High Court had granted a stay on their retirement. Those who had moved the petition were Prof DD Bansal of bio-chemistry, Santosh Kumar Sharma of the department of correspondence, Naresh Kochhar of the department of geology, Mohinder Singh Johal of the department of zoology, Sudesh Verma of the department of chemistry, Paramjeet Singh of the department of chemical engineering, ML Sharma of the department of botany, G Kumara Verma of the department of Indian Theatre, DS Gill of the department of chemistry and Mina Surjit Singh of the department of English.
Final test is Pats' biggest in run at history
Manning, although it's Eli and not Peyton. It's one team aiming for a shot at 19-0 and history, and another hoping to steal the spotlight on a worldwide stage. "It's not complete unless we win," Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said. "Right now, at this point, it's a great team. We've worked extremely hard. We believe in one another. It's a tremendous ride that we're on right now and we're trying not to take anything for granted." The Patriots are confident, and they should be. They set the NFL record for most points scored in a season. Brady set the league standard for touchdown passes in a season with 50. Randy Moss bested Jerry Rice's league mark for most touchdown receptions with 23. Their only blemish all year was the "Spygate" incident in Week 1, in which the Patriots were heavily fined and lost a first-round draft pick for videotaping the New York Jets' defensive signals.
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