OCTOBER 15 2007 UPDATE
COMMITMENTS
Emily Roesch, FL Lady Gators, to Boston University
Erica Casacti, FL Lady Gators, to Boston University
Jennifer Gniadek, P, VA Legends, to Florida International
Brittany Wilkins, C, VA Legends, to Boston College
Alyssa Sceppaguercio 2b has verballed to Siena
2008 Saint Peter's College Commitments
Samantha Bennett C/3B CA Case Batbusters
Jillian Magee 2B/OF PA Blazing Angels
Melissa Rand P/OF NJ Pride
Nicole Schnecker P PA Sports Connection
SOME SURF CITY RESULTS
So Cal Xplosion 4 - Las Vegas Lil Rebels 0
Offensively So Cal Xplosion was led by Brittanie Kulpa (uncommitted 08 OF) 2-2, Carly Land (uncommitted 08 P/OF) 2-2, Emiley McEwen (Uncommitted 08 3b/C) 1-3 with a triple and 2 RBI's. WP Carly Land 3 IP, 3 hits, 4 K's; Kristen Little 3 IP, 2 hits, 3 K's.
So Cal Xplosion 4 - Synergy 0
Offensively So Cal Xplosion was led by Cara Methven (Uncommitted 08 OF/2B) 2-3 with 2 RBI's, Brittanie Kulpa 2-2. WP Alicia Dzandzara (Uncommitted 08 P) 3 IP, 1 hit, 2 K's, Bianca Lopez 2 IP, 1 hit, 2 K's
So Cal Xplosion 10 - Spoilers 0
Offensively So Cal Xplosion was led by Kylie Wagner (Uncommitted 08 P/1B) 3-3 with 3 runs scored, Emiley McEwen 2-3 with 2 doubles, Shainna Groom (Uncommitted 09 OF) 2-3 with a home run and 3 RBI's, Jackie Munoz 2-2 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Bianca Lopez 2 IP, 0 hits, Kristen Little 1 1/3 IP. Carly Land 1 2/3 IP, 5 K's.
So Cal Xplosion 2 - Cal Thunder (Joe) 1
Offensively So Cal Xplosion was led by Emiley McEwen 2-2, Ashley Larios 1-2 with 2 RBI's, Carly Land 1-1. WP Kylie Wagner 5 2/3 IP, 5 hits, i run, 6 K's.
PRIVATEERS AT WAR
The news media reports suggest that many Americans were surprised to learn that our government was paying 20,000 to 30,000 “private contractors” in Iraq – such as Blackwater. Make no mistake – these are guns for hire – and while they work under a cloak of legitimacy, ie, government contracts, they are brothers of the sword with the various mercenaries and private armies around the world.
They’ve been with us as long as nations have gone to war.
Witness the Hessians who were imported by the British to fight our colonials.
The term “privateers” was given to independent ship-owners who hired out to the French to protect cargo ships from pirates – and many were in fact pirates themselves. The South, lacking a Navy, contracted with privateers to run Northern blockades. All were paid well, just like Blackwater is today.
Their modern-day counterparts, sometimes called “soldiers of fortune,” spread across the world after the French wars in Indochina and Africa. Soon, they were joined by Americans who had fought in WWII and Korea, and, ultimately, by the sophisticated warriors from our Viet Nam experience.
In particular, they hired out in Africa’s many wars of independence. There was the legendary Mike Hoare. And, infamous hired gun Bob Denard who died this week in Paris, who was among a group of postcolonial French mercenaries known as les affreux – the horrible ones. He led the coup in the Comoros and actually controlled the island for a period of time. Denard took part in the uprisings in Nigeria, Angola, and Rhodesia, and trained troops in the Belgian Congo. See or read “Dogs of War.”
There is a special passion which drives such men, inspired less by money than the love of the game of life and death, bullets and bombs. I knew a few. One, named “Brownie” stopped me once walking through Grand Central Station; we hadn’t met in years, but there was none of the usual greeting; instead, he grabbed my arm, and asked, “Can you still fly a plane? I have a contract to fly supplies in Biafra.” I actually thought about it. There are worse ways to die. I once wrote a story about the guys who flew in the danger zone and lived for the excitement out on the edge of the envelope. Still, I said no.
GIGANTIC NIGHTMARES
Fishermen in Florida just hooked and landed an 844 pound mako shark. Japanese fishermen are losing catch to giant jelly fish. Thai fishermen caught a 646 pound catfish in the Mekong. New Zealand fishermen caught a colossal squid weighing 990 pounds. Lobstermen in New England caught a 23 pound crustacean. Watch the blogs. Some group will undoubtedly contend these monsters of the deep result from our messing with the environment, overuse of chemicals, etc. Maybe, like the movies of old, they’ve always been there.
Unsigned seniors
Micah Docherty
Third Base/Outfield
Indy Edge #7
3.2 GPA
1356 SAT
home (317)-821-0834
cell (317)-670-2643
micahdee7@aim.com