Yanks Hire Cubs Pitching Coach Rothschild To Take Over For Eiland

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – After firing Dave Eiland following a poor playoff performance on the mound, the New York Yankees put their hopes and pitching staff in the hands of Chicago Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild Friday.

The Yankees signed Rothschild to a three-year contract for about $2 million after the coach dissected a video of stalled big money pitcher A.J. Burnett.

“I do a lot of video work during the season, so it was nothing new,” Rothschild told MLB.com. “As far as an interview process, it was something that I’ve never thought of, never seen and never heard of.”

Rothschild beat out bullpen coach Mike Harkey, Triple-A pitching coach Scott Aldred and Athletics pitching coordinator Gil Patterson.

The now 56-year-old never earned in a win pitching in the majors from 1981-82, but went on to a long and successful career in the dugout.

The Chicago native won a World Series ring in 1990 as the Reds bullpen coach and another in 1997 with the Marlins as a pitching instructor.

Rothschild posted a 205-294 record as the manager for the expansion Devil Rays from 1998-2001 and was hired as the Cubs pitching coach in 2002.

To replace Rothschild, the Cubs will look within their organization at minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins, bullpen coach Lester Strode, Triple-A pitching coach Mark Mason and Double-A pitching coach Dennis Lewallyn.

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Breaking News: Rallies against homophobic violence tonight and tomorrow

‘Homophobia Kills Die-In’ Flash Mob Tonight (New York , New York) An estimated 400 gay rights activists will stand up against homophobia by laying down in New York’s Grand Central Terminal tonight at 6 p.m. These advocates are playing dead in hopes of keeping members of the LGBT community alive. By lying on the floor like corpses as the names of recent suicide [1] and murder [2] victims of homophobia in the U.S. are read aloud, the protesters hope to, quite literally, make the point that homophobia kills. Banners will hang to inform commuters at a glance: “END HOMO/TRANSPHOBIC APARTHEID in AMERICA” and will urge them to find out more about The American Equality Bill [3] (AEB), a new proposed bill aiming to “secure equal civil rights protections and end the second-class citizenship of 30 million LGBTQ Americans.” The bill seeks to stop the societal abuse by adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the 1964 Civil Rights Act [4] (CRA)-the iconic law introduced by President Kennedy and secured through the efforts of Martin Luther King and gay hero, Bayard Rustin. It outlaws discrimination across many areas of life including employment, housing, public places, government buildings and social programs, but its most renowned for its ethical guidance as the official U.S. policy against discrimination based on “race, color, sex, national origin and religion.” Iana Di Borna, a full-time AEB organizer says: “The CRA said no to racism and sexism, and our inclusion will say no to homophobia and transphobia as it should have long ago. This is the law that allowed a young Barack Obama [5] to dream of becoming President, and our children deserve nothing less.” In this way, she, along with many others, believe the AEB is more than just your ordinary bill – it’s a symbol of dignity for the LGBT community in a country that: “Acts like homophobia is an acceptable moral opinion, when in fact it’s the exact opposite. It violates every fundamental ideal of human rights,” said Todd Fernandez, the AEB’s project campaign facilitator. [6] “With 400 [people] symbolically dying in Grand Central the message is clear: We will wait no longer,” Fernandez asserts. To take part in the “Homophobia Kills Die-In” flash mob simply arrive at Grand Central Station [7] on Friday, October 8th at 6p.m. and prepare to show the world how you’re “dying” to turn this country’s homophobic ideologies on their heads. Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons “Stand Up to Youth Suicide” Tonight (San Francisco, California) Rally and march at 6:30p.m. tonight at the San Francisco Civic Center, followed by a candlelight march to Harvey Milk Plaza at Market and Castro streets. Find more information at www.affirmation.org [8]. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) “Protest Against ‘Kill Gays’ Performer” Oct. 9 (Chicago, Illinois) A quaker organization open to people of all faiths who are devoted to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Most closely aligned with the principles of the Religious Society of Friends are opposing local club’s decision to perpetuate anti-gay acts in its venue. afsc.org [9] This rally [10] is being held to protest Kinetic Playground Nightclub, located at 1113 West Lawrence Avenue, as it moves forward in booking its infamous “Kill Gays” performance, Capelton, despite Gay Liberation Network’s “polite and informative” request to cancel the concert and mention of protest. Club owner Jim Gouskos replied: “Don’t threaten me because I can get a bunch of goons outside to throw eggs at you guys.” Show your pride by attending the protest and inviting [11] your friends on Facebook. “Vigil to Raise Awareness of Recent LGBT Youth Suicides” Oct. 9 (Fresno, California) On the opposite coast? Fresno Country, California will hold a candlelight Vigil to Raise Awareness of Recent LGBT Youth Suicides 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, to direct attention to the recent tragedies surrounding the wave of students that took their own lives as a result of anti-gay bullying. The vigil will be held at the Equality California Central [12] Valley Office at 1055 North Van Ness Avenue and will feature their speakers, as well as those from Gay Central Valley [13], Marriage Equality USA [14] and Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network [15]. *Know of any protests or vigils not listed here? Please leave information and links in the comments section below. [1] http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-teen-suicides-create-a-teachable-moment/ [2] http://www.365gay.com/news/atlanta-police-investigating-slaying-of-black-gay-pride-organizer/ [3] http://www.aebnow.com/ [4] http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/civil-rights-act/ [5] http://glassbooth.org/explore/index/barack-obama/11/gay-rights/15/ [6] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news-no-gay-violence-rally-lay-down-top.jpg [7] http://grandcentralterminal.com/ [8] http://www.affirmation.org/ [9] http://afsc.org/ [10] http://afsc.org/event/protest-against-kill-gays-performer [11] http://tinyurl.com/capletonkinetic [12] http://www.eqca.org/ [13] http://gaycentralvalley.com/ [14] http://www.marriageequality.org/ [15] http://gsanetwork.org/

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Racial predatory loans fueled U.S. housing crisis: study

CHICAGO (Reuters) – Predatory lending aimed at racially segregated minority neighborhoods led to mass foreclosures that fueled the U.S. housing crisis, according to a new study published in the American Sociological Review.

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Analysis: Lions Offense Not Exactly Motoring Through Season

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Here is a position by position breakdown, pardon the choice of words, of the Detroit Lions offense through the first three weeks of the season.

Quarterbacks - Sadly the injury suffered by franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford in week one against Chicago has limited those expectations. Stafford is expected to start throwing this week, but Detroit’s coaching staff is not going to allow Stafford to be exposed to a very skilled and very fired up Green Bay defense.

Lions backup quarterback Shaun Hill has been serviceable, but clearly lacks the arm strength to squeeze the ball between defenders on seam routes, or the zip to get the ball to receivers on deep out routes.

This was clear in last Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. Hill had Tony Scheffler open on a seam route down the middle, but he didn’t have enough zip on the ball, and this allowed the defender time to make a play on the ball. I have to think with Matthew Stafford in there, that is seven points on the board.

One of the more positive things Hill has brought to the table, is his pocket awareness. Multiple times against the Vikings, the pocket collapsed, and Hill was able to maneuver and buy himself a few more seconds to find an open receiver.

It still appears however, that if the Lions have any hopes of winning multiple games this year, they are going to need Matthew Stafford under center, and they are going to have to PROTECT HIM.

Running backs - This is without a doubt one of Detroit’s greatest strengths on offense, as well as their deepest position for talent. That is until the injury bug hit. Last week against Minnesota Detroit suffered injuries to three running backs.

Rookie sensation Jahvid Best had to leave the game with a foot injury which was later diagnosed as turf toe, which can can be extremely painful and can put quite a hamper on a speedster like Best. The Lions other speedy back, Aaron Brown, suffered a broken hand and will be out for a few weeks at the least. Maurice Morris was the Lions last back and he was even shook up on a play but was still able to return to the game.

Detroit can’t afford injuries to this talented group. Look for Kevin Smith to return to action soon to make up for the damaged backfield. Both Best and Morris are expected to play this week. One possibility the Lions could explore is a trade for disgruntled New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.

Jacobs only had four rushing attempts for 17 yards and one catch for one yard in the Giants loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Lions running game has struggled in short yardage situations, and Jacobs could be the answer.

Wide Receivers - This was expected to be Detroit’s greatest strength heading into the season. Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Bryant Johnson, and Derrick Williams made up what seemed to be a young and talented receiving corps.

Calvin has been relatively ineffective against opposing defenses, except for the first and fourth quarters. Burleson was expected to draw coverages away from Calvin, but an ankle injury in week two has left him sidelined, and his return against the Packers is doubtful.

Bryant Johnson still seems to struggle to find his place in the offense, and for such a big bodied receiver, he has to do better in catching the ball and taking hits.

Derrick Williams seems to remain in the coaching doghouse, but when he got on the field against the Vikings, he once again made plays. The Lions have to incorporate Williams into the game plan more.

Overall, Detroits receiving group has great talent, or potential, but it’s up to Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to find ways to stretch the field and get the ball to his playmakers.

Tight Ends – This has been one of Detroit’s steadiest groups this season. Tight ends Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew have been a real spark for Detroit’s offense. Pettigrew had a 100 yard receiving performance against the Eagles in week two, and Scheffler caught his first touchdown pass of the season last week against the Vikings.

With the struggles the Detroit receiving corps seems to be having, its important that both Pettigrew and Scheffler continue to step up and pick up the slack.

Offensive Line – Detroit’s offensive line is improved over last year, but unfortunately it is still poor overall. Detroits struggles on the offensive line cannot be directed at any one member. All five of their starting lineman has had blown plays and struggled at times.

This unit has to start playing with some consistency. They looked solid in week two against the Eagles, helping rookie Jahvid Best to have a breakout game. The next week however, the Vikings completely dominated, and the Lions were unable to produce any sort of running game at all.

In the passing game, they are having their struggles as well. The number of QB sacks allowed is down compared to last year, big time, but the line is still allowing far too many hits and knockdowns on the quarterback.

A franchise quarterback like Matthew Stafford does the Lions no good if they can’t keep him healthy, protected, and on the field.

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U.S. Funds $1 Billion For Anti-Greenhouse Gas Facility

Chicago, IL, United States (AHN) – The Department of Energy has committed $1 billion from the Recovery Act to create a anti-greenhouse gas emissions facility, FutureGen 2.0, which will be built and operated by the FutureGen Industrial Alliance and Ameren Energy Resources.

The initiative will help develop technology to reduce carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. The facility is touted as the world’s first large-scale oxy-combustion repowering project that will use carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

“FutureGen 2.0 will develop oxy-combustion technology that can repower world’s fleet of coal-fueled power plants but largely eliminates CO 2 emissions. It will create the world’s first permanent CO 2 storage hub and substantially advance the science of CCS,” FutureGen CEO Ken Humphreys said in a statement.

The partnership will select an Illinois host community for carbon storage site, geologic sequestration research complex, visitors’ facilities and a craft labor training center.

FutureGen 2.0 is expected to become a regional CO 2 storage site estimated to bring 900 jobs to Illinois and another 1,000 to suppliers across the state.

“This milestone will help ensure the U.S. remains competitive in a carbon constrained economy, creating jobs while reducing greenhouse gas pollution,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

“This federal commitment is a critical step as we look forward to demonstrating to the world that we can use one of greatest natural assets in a way that protects environment and puts more people to work,” Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said.

The DOE funding to FutureGen 2.0 is part of an integrated strategy to repower America’s coal industry. FutureGen Alliance secured a $$553 million contract.

Ameren estimated that plant retrofitting is expected to create some 500 jobs and additional some 50 workers once the repowered unit is operational.

The Alliance and Ameren, B&W, and Air Liquide develop a technical cooperation pact to ensure coordination and provide foundation for rapid commercial deployment for the exciting new technology once the first-of-a-kind facility operates.

The Alliance will also build a CO 2 pipeline network and storage site that will transport and store more than 1 million tons of captured CO 2 per year.

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