#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Summary

Another fab holiday enjoyed by the Billinghams. But what’s our thoughts on the five major National Parks we experienced on our holiday?

Zion National Park

What a great start to our holiday. Zion had some lovely features and we managed to do Angel’s Landing which has been on my bucket list for a while.

We stayed for two nights at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Springdale, which was ideally situated, and had great access to bars and restaurants in Springdale. Springdale isn’t that big but has just about enough facilities to satisfy the average tourist. Two nights was just about right for us, but you could easily spend more time here if you wanted to explore more of the trails in the park.

A minor downside of going at the height of summer is that you are reliant on a public shuttle service to get you up to see the major attractions. Out of season, you can drive up Canyon Drive yourself.

Bryce Canyon National Park

By far our favourite National Park. Why it never seems to register on American’s favourite National Parks is a complete mystery to us. Perhaps it’s because there are no serious trails like you find in Zion?

We stayed at the Best Western, which was well appointed, and fairly big. Bryce Canyon isn’t a big place, with very little going on, but it’s perfectly located for getting access to the park.

Capitol Reef National Park

We were underwhelmed by this park. It’s got some great vistas and steep mesas but after Bryce Canyon, it was always going to struggle. One night here is plenty - there’s just not that much to do to be honest.

We stayed at the Capitol Reef Resort, and the cabin we ended up in was great - very well appointed and comfortable. Although the idea of sleeping in a tepee was very romantic, it just wasn’t that practical for us on so many different levels.

Arches National Park

Another amazing park - obviously focused on the thousands of arches scattered around the park. The approach up a winding road with breathtaking views is a great entrance, and specifically the Windows Section is a wonderful experience.

We stayed at the Homewood Suites at Moab, where the rooms were very well appointed and gave us the space we desired. The hotel catering leaves a lot to be desired. One-use plastic plates and cutlery is not enviro-friendly, and just doesn’t cut it nowadays.

Three nights here was right for us, since we combined visits to Arches and Canyonland National Parks.

Canyonlands National Park

We met many people on our holiday that all highlighted how underrated Canyonlands is, compared to the other Utah National Parks. We tended to agree, although there are not quite as many big attractions as at Zion (for example). It’s main attraction was Mesa Arch which was truly stunning, especially close to sunrise.

We also had some additional stops at other parks on our route:

Cedar Breaks National Monument

This place doesn’t get that much press, but it’s got some amazing views, and really sets you up for arriving at Bryce Canyon. It’s not that far off Highway 12, and it’s well worth the minor detour.

Natural Bridges National Monument

This ended up being a fairly long diversion for us on the way from Moab to Monument Valley, and it’s fairly tame in comparison to all of the other attractions in Utah. The three natural bridges are good to look at/hike to, but we wouldn’t go out of my way to visit.

However, we must praise the organisation of the park. It’s a one-way loop, with plenty of parking, and very clean and tidy.

Monument Valley

We had been here before (early 2018), but we enjoyed driving around here again. Although, we don’t need to come back here again though - we have thoroughly done it now.

The View Hotel was good, but again, as we have experienced in many National Park-type places, the staff just don’t offer any sort of personal service, let alone offer a smile - shame.

Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim

We have been to the Grand Canyon South Rim on three previous occasions and thoroughly enjoyed the place. The North Rim is completely different, and in many respects much nicer.

Apparently of the total visitors to the Grand Canyon, only 10% of them visit the North Rim. We get it though - it’s our preference, simply due to it being so much quieter.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #grand circle #hols #nige #vick #all

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junker-town · 3 years

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United States vs. France men’s basketball live blog: Updates from Olympic gold medal game

Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

We’ll be posting updates on the gold medal game in men’s basketball between the United States and France.

The United States is playing for its fourth consecutive gold medal in men’s basketball when it enters the final round at the Tokyo Olympics. Standing in the way is a team from France that has upset the U.S. in each of their last two meetings during official international play.

France beat the United States in the 2019 World Cup, and then topped Team USA again in the first game of group play in the Tokyo Olympics. The French team enters the game at a perfect 5-0 in Tokyo and is looking for its first ever gold medal in men’s basketball.

The French team is loaded with NBA talent, led by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. Gobert is a mammoth presence at the rim in FIBA play, and will look to shut down the United States’ drives to the rim. Gobert is flanked by Knicks guard Evan Fournier, Clippers forward Nicolas Batum, former Spurs guard Nando De Colo, and one-time Knicks lottery pick Frank Ntilikina.

France advanced to the gold medal game after Batum made a game-saving block at the buzzer against Slovenia in the semifinals.

The Americans have looked strong since falling to France in their Olympic opener. The U.S. just blitzed a strong Australia team in the semifinal behind big performances from Kevin Durant and Jrue Holiday. Durant will be expected to be the primary scoring option again for Team USA. Head coach Gregg Popovich will have his hands full trying to matchup with Gobert with what is an uncharacteristically undersized U.S. roster.

We’re going to be live blogging the United States vs. France for the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Tokyo Olympics when it tips at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC (streaming on Peacock) on Friday, Aug. 6.

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How to watch U.S. vs. France gold medal men’s basketball at Tokyo Olympics

TV channels: NBC

Live stream: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, fuboTV

Date: Friday, Aug. 6

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

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bongaboi · 5 years

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Northwestern: 2018 Holiday Bowl Champions

SAN DIEGO -- A cold, hard rain in normally warm, dry San Diego made the Northwestern Wildcats feel right at home, especially as they enjoyed a downpour of Utah turnovers in the Holiday Bowl.

In a dizzying nine-minute stretch of the third quarter, the Wildcats turned three turnovers into 21 points to stun the No. 20 Utes 31-20 Monday night.

The highlight was Jared McGee's 82-yard fumble return for a touchdown, the middle turnover in the nightmarish stretch for Utah.

"Did I think we were going to be able to create that amount of turnovers?" coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "I love San Diego but man I love it when it rains on game day. That was sweet because I think it played a really big factor. It was raining a little bit harder coming out of halftime than it was before the half and I think that played a role in the game."

The Wildcats (9-5) scored 28 points total in the third quarter to win their third straight bowl game under Fitzgerald. The Green Bay Packers reportedly want to interview Fitzgerald for their head coaching job.

Fitzgerald credited the seniors for winning 36 games in four seasons and gushed about the program's future.

"They have set the bar now at a whole new level for our program and we couldn't be more excited about our future," he said.

Asked about his own future, he said: "Hashtag GoCats, man. I'm not going anywhere. This is home forever. Listen, these are my guys. ... I'm a Wildcat for life. I'm so thankful for these guys. ... We're just getting started."

Senior Clayton Thorson became the all-time leading passer for Northwestern, going 21 of 30 for 241 yards for 10,731 career yards. He broke Brett Basanez's school record of 10,580. Thorson threw for two touchdowns and was intercepted once in making his 53rd straight start for the Wildcats, the most by a quarterback in Big Ten history. He is the program's all-time winningest quarterback at 36-17. He was replaced after taking a hard shot midway through the fourth quarter, but came back in.

Utah (9-5) cruised to a 20-3 halftime lead behind redshirt freshman quarterback Jason Shelley before it all fell apart in the third quarter. Shelley had two interceptions and a fumble. Utah had four turnovers in the third quarter and five in the second half.

On the opening drive of the second half, Shelley threw the ball right to Northwestern's Blake Gallagher. Thorson's 52-yard pass to Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman set up his 4-yard scoring toss to Riley Lees.

"We talked at halftime about, get a stop, get a score, seize momentum," Fitzgerald said. "The credit goes to our guys. They were resilient all year. Today was indicative of our team."

The Utes had the ball first-and-goal at the 6 when Shelley rolled right, was hit from behind by Joe Gaziano and fumbled. McGee picked it up on the third bounce and ran down the sideline untouched for an 82-yard return that pulled the Wildcats to 20-17.

"I definitely can't take credit for anything that happened on that play other than running with the ball," McGee said.

The Utes advanced to the 30 and looked like they had enough for a first down on a catch by Jaylen Dixon, but he was stripped by Trae Williams. JR Pace recovered and returned it 34 yards. Two plays later, Northwestern took a 24-20 lead when Thorson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to senior offensive lineman Trey Klock, a key player in goal line and short-yardage situations.

Northwestern added another touchdown in the third quarter when Lees scored from 8 yards out for a 31-20 lead.

Pace had a second interception in the third quarter, on a deflected pass.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the second half was a nightmare.

"I've been coaching a long time and I don't think I've ever been a part of third quarter like that," he said. "We had complete control of the game at halftime and we came out in second half and proceded to turn the ball over five times. ... You turn the ball over like that and you win almost never."

Shelley was making his fourth start in place of Tyler Huntley, who broke his collarbone against Arizona State on Nov. 3. Also out were leading rusher Zack Moss, leading receiver Britain Covey and leading tackler Chase Hansen, a senior.

Shelley threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Dixon and a 4-yarder to tight end Jake Jackson, both in the first quarter.

Utah lost for the just the second time in its last 16 bowls dating to 1999. Whittingham's bowl record dropped to 11-2. He was trying to become the first to win the Holiday Bowl as a player and coach. He played in the first four Holiday Bowls with BYU, going 2-2. He was inducted into the Holiday Bowl Hall of Fame in 2009.

THE TAKEAWAY

Northwestern: The Wildcats had minus-6 yards rushing at halftime and didn't get into positive until late in the third quarter.

Utah: Shelley was impressive with his passing and his scrambling until running into trouble in the third quarter.

UP NEXT

Northwestern: The Wildcats will have to replace Thorson, who leaves with a legacy as the most productive quarterback in program history. The Wildcats will be back on the West Coast to open the 2019 season at Stanford on Aug. 31.

Utah: After winning their first Pac-12 South title, the Utes will look for more in 2019, if they can stay healthy. They'll get Moss and Covey back, and there could be a spirited QB competition between Huntley and Shelley. The Utes open the 2019 season with their rivalry game against BYU, at Provo on Aug. 29.

#2018 #holiday bowl #saimoe #sakurasou no pet na kanojo #sakurasou #nanami aoyama #northwestern wildcats #college football #bowl season

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goldeagleprice · 4 years

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New Hobby Podcast Available

By Clifford Mishler

Illustrated on the cover page of the Utah Numismatic Society’s monthly “The Mint Master” newsletter for March 2020 is an interesting and fascinating scrip issue of the Iosepa Agricultural and Stock Company. The note dates from Aug. 1, 1901, being just one of two examples believed to exist, and was issued in a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints desert colony in Utah’s Skull Valley, populated by settlers of Hawaiian descent, located in Tooele County about 75 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. “Iosepa” is Joseph in Hawaiian, the colony being named for the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, and for Joseph F. Smith, who conducted a mission to the Hawaiian Islands in 1854. The value is 50-cents, or Hapalua Kala – 50-cents in Hawaiian – with the back of the note displaying the Hawaiian monarch’s arms shield. The first 46 Polynesian settlers arrived in the colony on Aug. 28, 1889; by 1901 the population was about 80; the population peaked at 228 in 1915; the community lasted until 1917, when the residents returned to Hawaii and the properties were sold to a livestock company. Only a cemetery remains today. Info: [email protected]

The face and back of a scrip issue of the Iosepa Agricultural and Stock Company.

NEW MEXICO: The Albuquerque Coin Club’s monthly “Pocket Change” newsletter for January 2020 details their “Club Bucks” program. Members earn $10 in Club Bucks for winning the monthly door prize, $1 for correctly answering quiz questions, $5 for bringing in a new, dues paying member, and $5 for working a two-hour shift at one of their semi-annual shows. Members can use the bucks to buy 50/50 tickets, pay winning auction bids at club meetings, buy club medals, tokens or shirts, admittance to the annual picnic, pay for year-end holiday dinner events, admission to club shows, and pay for certain trips and/or special events. Dealers at club shows “should accept them” on any purchases. They cannot be used in payment of annual dues … “need real money for that.” Info: [email protected]

OHIO: The history tied to China’s 1914 “Fatman dollar” is explored in detail in the April 2020 issue of the Cincinnati Numismatic Association’s monthly newsletter – “The Cincinnati Numismatist” – in an article by Michael Rice. The coin takes its name from the bulbous Yuan Shikai portrait engraved for its obverse. Born in Henan Province of China in 1859, Yuan was a prominent military and political figure that bridged the time span from the late 19th century Qing Dynasty, the revolution and the early 20th century birth of the republic (1882-1916). Having installed himself as the first emperor of the Hongxian Dynasty on Dec. 23, 1915, rescinded by an edict he issued on Mar. 21, 1916, ending the monarchy and declaring himself just “president,” his fight for status ended with his death on June 6, 1916. Info: [email protected]

WISCONSIN: The Waukesha Coin Club snuck in under the wire with their 51st annual coin show, according to a report appearing in their April 2020 newsletter. The show was held on Sunday, March 15, the day before the coronavirus/Covid-19 “Social Distancing Guidelines” were announced by President Trump. While the reported attendance was 230 for the roughly 40-table, 30-dealer show layout, down significantly from its usual numbers near the 400 level, “dealers reported those that came wanted to spend … one dealer dropped out at the last minute, but (we) gained one that walked in.” It was also announced that the club’s April 1 meeting had been cancelled, with that on May 6 still scheduled. Info: [email protected]

REGIONAL: A “Friends of the Exhibits” program for the annual CSNS convention was announced by the Central States Numismatic Society in the Winter 2019/20 issue The Centinel, their quarterly magazine. This program is “intended to give everyone who has personally benefitted from, enjoyed and appreciated” the exhibits area among the “small, passionate cadre of our membership” dedicated to educating others, the opportunity to “help perpetuate and strengthen this aspect of our educational initiatives.” Annual and lifetime donors at “member, patron and sustainer” levels from $50 to $1,000 are encouraged to join. Info: [email protected]

An interesting collector-focused test program was announced in the quarter 2020 issue of “The Nor’wester,” published by the Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association. Enthusiasts of Washington state centennial medals, which were being offered to interested registrants at their recent shows while available supplies lasted without charge on a first come, first served basis, looking to fill holes in their collections are invited to satisfy their remaining needs by working through a test PNNA “clearing agent” program. Interested members are invited to share their needs and trade stock with the agent – [email protected] – who will search for matches and connect the interested parties; there are 50 medals in the centennial series, 38 issued by counties, plus 12 special issues. That’s a concept that other organizations might find reason to test as well. Info: [email protected]

NATIONAL: The American Numismatic Association’s numismatic educator, Rod Gillis, announced in the March 2020 issue of The Numismatist that a feature – “Past Tense” – that he introduced in the July 2011 issue is ending its 117-installment run over the past 10 years. Editor Barbara Gregory announced at the launch that the feature would take readers “on a trip down memory lane (recalling) what was happening in the world when America’s favorite coins were introduced.” The first coin and year featured was the 1921 Peace dollar. Tidbits of history from the year were tied to the subject coins. In his closing presentation, Gillis observed in part; “Before I wrote my first column, I already knew what the topic of my last would be … The 1943 steel cent … the bane of my existence … I can’t count the number of phone calls I have fielded about its value.” Info: [email protected]

The American Numismatic Society has announced the launch of a new monthly educational program – The Planchet – that is available as a podcast. Recorded for non-specialists and professionals alike, the programs will present conversations by numismatists and other scholars exploring the stories and histories of currency and medals. The first program in the series is presented by Jesse Kraft, ANS Curator of the Americas, explores mathematical formulas, exchange charts, and prolonged usage of British monetary terminologies in America, from the earliest days of the British-American colonies, up through the 1850s. Info: [email protected].

The post New Hobby Podcast Available appeared first on Numismatic News.

#Precious Metals

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chestnutpost · 5 years

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‘The Hills’ Is Coming Back. See How Much The Cast Has Changed Since 2006

This post was originally published on this site

As you may have heard by now, the cast of MTV’s “The Hills” is coming back for more drama, drama, drama.

At the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, MTV announced it would be launching “The Hills: New Beginnings,” a new docuseries based on the reality show that first premiered in 2006.

Plenty of the show’s original cast members ― including Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port, Brody Jenner, Spencer and Heidi Pratt (formerly Heidi Montag), Frankie Delgado, and Justin Bobby (of “home boy wore combat boots to the beach” fame) ― are set to return, though it looks like Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari are sitting this one out.

The show will also feature a few new faces, including Mischa Barton, who starred in the teen soap “The O.C.,” Kyle Massey, who starred in “That’s So Raven,” and two mystery bloggers, according to Cosmopolitan.

“New Beginnings” doesn’t have an official premiere date just yet, but the cast has already been making the rounds in the press. The four starring women (Partridge, Port, Pratt and Barton) recently appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan and were featured in Vogue (in which Pratt made a questionable comment about diversity on “The Hills”). The whole group also posed for a spread in Interview magazine.

In anticipation of the reboot, we’re taking a look at how much the show’s biggest stars have changed from the time the show premiered to now. See for yourself below:

Lauren Conrad, 2006

Scott Gries via Getty Images

Conrad, who isn’t returning for “The Hills” reboot series, poses backstage at the MTV Networks 2006 Upfront: Feed The Need at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on May 2, 2006, in New York City.

Lauren Conrad, 2018

Steve Granitz via Getty Images

Conrad arrives at the The 2018 Baby2Baby Gala Presented by Paul Mitchell at 3LABS on Nov. 10, 2018, in Culver City, California.

Heidi Pratt, 2006

Jeffrey Mayer via Getty Images

Heidi Montag attends a pre-MTV Movie Awards party.

Heidi Pratt, 2019

Amy Sussman via Getty Images

Pratt attends VH1 Trailblazer Honors at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Feb. 20, 2019, in Los Angeles.

Spencer and Heidi Pratt, 2006

Michael Buckner via Getty Images

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag attend the kick-off party for MTV’s reality show “Twentyfourseven” at Area on Nov. 29 in Los Angeles.

Spencer and Heidi Pratt, 2018

Tibrina Hobson via Getty Images

Spencer and Heidi Pratt and their son attend the Stephanie Pratt MeMe London jewelry event at Switch Boutique on Dec. 15, 2018, in Beverly Hills.

Audrina Patridge, 2006

Dale Wilcox via Getty Images

Patridge attends Shane West and Eric Podwall’s Birthday Party in 2006.

Audrina Patridge, 2019

Tommaso Boddi via Getty Images

Patridge attends Steven Tyler’s Second Annual Grammy Awards viewing party to benefit Janie’s Fund presented by Live Nation at Raleigh Studios on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles.

Whitney Port, 2006

Amy Graves via Getty Images

Port during MTV, Brent Bolthouse Productions and TeenVogue Presents “The Hills” viewing party at LAX in Hollywood.

Whitney Port, 2019

Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images

Port attends Galentine’s Day Glow with Biossance hosted by Katherine Schwarzenegger at Alo Yoga Beverly Hills on Feb. 12 in Beverly Hills.

Stephanie Pratt, 2008

Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Stephanie Pratt attends an event at Fred Segal Fun on April 22 in Santa Monica.

Stephanie Pratt, 2018

Tibrina Hobson via Getty Images

Pratt hosts the MeMe London Jewelry Event at Switch Boutique on Dec. 15 in Beverly Hills.

Brody Jenner, 2006

Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Brody Jenner attends an event in celebration of Playstation 3 in Beverly Hills on Nov. 8.

Brody Jenner, 2019

Phillip Faraone via Getty Images

Jenner attends the 27th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Celebrating EJAF and The 91st Academy Awards on Feb. 24 in West Hollywood.

Kristin Cavallari, 2006

Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari attends Mark Burnett and AOL’s Gold Rush Launch Party at Les Deux on Sept. 12.

Kristin Cavallari, 2019

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images

Cavallari is seen on March 1 in New York City.

Mischa Barton, 2006

Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images

Barton attends an event for Roberto Cavalli vodka in Holmby Hills, California.

Mischa Barton, 2018

Tasia Wells via Getty Images

Barton attends the Wild Spirit Fragrance holiday collection dinner at Norah in West Hollywood on Oct. 24.

Justin Bobby, 2007

Chris Weeks via Getty Images

Justin Bobby (real name Justin Brescia) and Patridge attend Brody Jenner’s birthday party at PURE Nightclub on Aug. 18 in Las Vegas.

Justin Bobby, 2019

David Becker via Getty Images

Brescia arrives at the grand opening celebration at On The Record Speakeasy and Club at Park MGM on Jan. 19 in Las Vegas.

Jason Wahler, 2006

Amy Graves via Getty Images

Jason Wahler attends an event at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Jason Wahler, 2019

Paul Archuleta via Getty Images

Jason Wahler and his wife Ashley attend the 2019 Pre-Grammy event presented by OK!, Star, In Touch and Life & Style magazines at the Liaison Restaurant on Feb. 7 in Los Angeles.

Frankie Delgado, 2006

Michael Buckner via Getty Images

Frankie Delgado arrives at the kick-off party for MTV’s “Twentyfourseven” at Area on Nov. 29 in Los Angeles.

Frankie Delgado, 2018

Tommaso Boddi via Getty Images

Delgado arrives at the Taste of sbe Grand Dinner at Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles with Rolling Stone to benefit Make A Wish on Oct. 20.

Patridge, Pratt, Port and Conrad, 2006

KMazur via Getty Images

The original female cast members pose on the blue carpet at the MTV Movie Awards.

Pratt, Port, Barton and Patridge, 2019

Cosmopolitan

The “New Beginnings” cast members on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine.

The post ‘The Hills’ Is Coming Back. See How Much The Cast Has Changed Since 2006 appeared first on The Chestnut Post.

from The Chestnut Post https://thechestnutpost.com/news/the-hills-is-coming-back-see-how-much-the-cast-has-changed-since-2006/

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 18 - Sat 31 Aug 2019 - London Heathrow to Home

After picking up our luggage, we called for an Uber from the Sofitel to take us back to the Hilton Heathrow T5, where we had left Bobby Tesla 2.

Our car seemed to be in good order, and I popped in to reception to pay for the extra 2 days parking. The receptionist wasn’t that friendly, but after reading the notes, she gave us the extra 2 days free of charge “as a thank you for my diamond membership”. Fair enough!

The M25 was pretty busy on the way back, and we saw our first serious rain for over 2 weeks. We stopped off briefly at Breaconsfield Services to do some M&S shopping and then it wasn’t long before we were driving back into Drayton.

It was great to be home, but of course it’s always a bit disappointing to finish off a holiday. Back to the routine tomorrow!

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #grand circle #hols #nige #vick #all

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junker-town · 7 years

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Anthony Davis to the Celtics rumors won't go away. Here's why

A trade isn’t imminent, but if the Pelicans can’t win, they’ll want to trade Davis before losing him for nothing.

The Cavaliers and Celtics will likely soon finalize a blockbuster trade that sends Kyrie Irving to Boston. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, landing Irving could be the the precursor to hooking a bigger fish in the future: Anthony Davis.

If Anthony Davis becomes available — and the Celtics’ eyes are very much trained on him — Boston could throw together a package more compelling than just about anyone else’s.

Irving would be an indirect part of that package. The NBA’s superstar class respects his ballsy showman’s game.

There’s no way in hell the New Orleans Pelicans deal their transcendent star now — that’d be straight-up negligence. Davis is under contract with New Orleans through 2021 with no player option after signing a lucrative five-year max deal worth $127 million. He was an All-Star starter who made First Team All-NBA, becoming the biggest name the city has seen since Chris Paul.

As of August, at least on the surface, Davis has no desire to part ways with the franchise that drafted him first-overall in 2012.

“I am happy here as a Pelican,” he said during his Aug. 6 youth camp in New Orleans. “I am happy here.”

But even though he’ll be dressed in Pelicans’ red and blue for the foreseeable future, Davis has been linked to Celtics’ green for quite some time. Nothing is remotely close to imminent, so Pelicans fans shouldn’t worry. But the rumors will continue to persist over the next few years, especially if New Orleans’ ship capsizes again this season.

Davis hears those rumblings. If it doesn’t come from his agent, he says, he doesn’t pay attention. But if the losses continue piling, as they have in previous seasons, one question will prevail:

How long will Davis put up with the Pelicans’ losing?

New Orleans has missed the playoffs in four of his five seasons in town, and in his first healthy season playing 75 games, the Pelicans went 34-48. That’s during the same season they traded for DeMarcus Cousins.

New Orleans couldn’t build on its 2015 playoff appearance after hiring Alvin Gentry as head coach. Instead, they’ve regressed into a team that has won 64 games over the past two seasons and is projected to miss the playoffs in an ever-improving Western Conference, yet again.

The Pelicans were also unable to meaningfully upgrade their roster this summer: They re-signed Jrue Holiday to a five-year, $131 million deal, and added Rajon Rondo and Ian Clark. Now, with more than $86 million in guaranteed salaries through 2020 committed to Davis, Holiday, Solomon Hill, Omer Asik and E’Twaun Moore, New Orleans will find it difficult to add impact players around their core — regardless of whether Boogie Cousins re-signs or not.

Davis, though, believes the Pelicans have enough depth to make a playoff run, according to The New Orleans Times-Picayune’s William Guillory. He wouldn’t have re-signed with New Orleans if he was thinking about leaving, he said on ESPN Radio’s Meet the All-Stars show.

But when Davis signed his five-year extension in 2015, the Pelicans looked like a team on the rise.

Yes, they were swept out of the West’s first round by the Warriors, but they looked like a totally different team then under Monty Williams. Then New Orleans fired Williams in favor of Gentry, and things have fallen through ever since.

Now, it’s fair to wonder: If things don’t change in New Orleans, will Anthony Davis change for them?

Star players on losing teams traditionally leave

Most recently, Gordon Hayward left a Utah Jazz franchise he helped revitalize for Boston this summer. The Jazz could have dealt him elsewhere before last year’s trade deadline and recouped something for losing him. Instead, they were left twiddling their thumbs as their best player jetted town for brighter lights.

This happens often, though some teams orchestrate last-ditch sign-and-trades.

Shaquille O’Neal left Orlando for Los Angeles. LeBron James left Cleveland for Miami, then Miami for Cleveland. Kevin Durant wrenched out Oklahoma City’s heart on the way to Golden State.

The list goes on. Those teams got nothing in return for their star players. Should the worst happen and the Pelicans’ situation fail to improve, New Orleans may want to follow the mold of those who did.

Just this summer, the Pacers traded Paul George on the final year of his contract to the Thunder for an underwhelming package of Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Had the Pacers dealt George sooner, maybe they would have received more -- but at least they got something.

The Kings dealt Cousins with a year and a half left on his contract to New Orleans for a package highlighted by Buddy Hield and a lottery pick they flipped into Justin Jackson and Harry Giles. The Bulls traded Jimmy Butler with two years left on his contract to Minnesota for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the pick that became Lauri Markkanen.

The Nuggets famously dealt Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks for a deep bundle of young players and draft picks. That’s the best-case scenario for the Pelicans if life doesn’t improve and Davis looks elsewhere. New Orleans wants to be a team that recoups assets, not one that watches its biggest star leave for nothing.

The Celtics, even after the Kyrie Irving trade, still have loads of future trade chips

Yes, Boston surrendered the prized unprotected 2018 Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick as part of the Irving deal, but Danny Ainge has more gems hidden up his sleeves.

For starters, he has both Jaylen Brown and rookie Jayson Tatum as two pieces to begin a conversation. Boston also owns the rights to the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2018, so long as it lands between picks No. 2 and No. 5. If that pick lands at either No. 1 or below No. 5, Ainge gets his pick of the more favorable of the Kings’ and 76ers’ 2019 first-round picks (unless either of those picks are No. 1 overall).

The Celtics also own the Clippers’ lottery-protected 2019 first-round pick, the Grizzlies’ top-10 protected 2019 first-rounder, and a bevy of second-round picks, as well as Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, Semi Ojeleye and Aron Baynes. Boston could also throw in either Gordon Hayward or Al Horford to match contracts, though dealing Horford for Davis would make more sense for the Celtics.

If the Pelicans’ situation continues to flounder, Boston certainly has the assets to allow New Orleans to save face instead of losing their star for nothing.

Pelicans fans definitely don’t need to worry about the team trading Anthony Davis anytime in the near future. A DeMarcus Cousins trade, in fact, is more likely than an AD trade if things go south this season.

But as long as the Celtics hold onto their assets, which Danny Ainge has proven he will, the connection to Boston will always be there. Because if things don’t straighten up in New Orleans and fast, Davis’ frustration will only grow.

And if the Pelicans don’t want to lose their star player for nothing when his contract expires in 2021, trading him to the Celtics could be their best option .

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 18 - Sat 31 Aug 2019 - Dublin to London Heathrow

As experienced on our B2B a couple of weeks before, by the time we got back to Gate 204, boarding had started, but passengers were being held at the bottom of the steps, so we joined the back of the priority boarding queue.

Flight: BA0835 Equip: A321 Sched Depart: 13:00 Actual: 12:59 Sched Arrival: 14:30 Actual: 14:13 Takeoff: 13:12 Landing: 14:06

Back on board into seats 1D and 1F, the cabin crew didn’t really show that much interest in our unusual activity, not that we needed them to.

We pushed back on time, and we were soon up in to the air, looking forward to some lunch.

Another short flight, and we were soon on final approach into Heathrow.

By this time we were both pretty tired, and we were looking forward to getting home, after a long day of flying.

We arrived in to Gate A23 (as normal), and we scooted through arrivals and headed up to the north of the terminal to retrieve our bags from Left Luggage.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #ba flight #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 18 - Sat 31 Aug 2019 - London Heathrow to Dublin

We headed through to the Arrivals Lounge and got showered. We then had an issue – this was the first trip from London (rather than Manchester), and that meant we couldn’t leave our bags in the CCR, so that we could do a painless Dublin B2B. This time we would either have to take all our bags, or leave some in left luggage, or come up with some other creative means.

Flight: BA0834 Equip: A321 Sched Depart: 10:35 Actual: 10:39 Sched Arrival: 12:10 Actual: 12:04 Takeoff: 11:07 Landing: 11:57

I came up with a good and cheap way to avoid paying £25 to store two cases in left luggage for a few hours, and that was to book a fully refundable ticket somewhere, so that we could leave the bags in the CCR, and I would be able to pop through after coming back from Dublin, pick up the bags and then cancel my ticket. All perfectly legit, but Vick couldn’t be bothered with the hassle of waiting for me to go through the system before being able to head home. So we left our bags in Left Luggage, and would need to carry our rucksacks with us to Dublin and back.

Headed through The First Wing which was fairly quiet, and in to the CCR for breakfast. Almost as good as normal, but even though we asked for hot plates, we only got luke-warm plates. Consequently, food chilled fairly quickly.

We left from Gate A9 which was perfect for us to pick up a Starbucks on the way. We have both noticed that the queues for Starbucks in T5 are less than they used to be. It was not unusual for us to wait 10 mins before being able to order due to the long queues. Nowadays, we wait about a min or so max. What’s going on?

On into our normal seats 1D and 1F. We received a luke warm welcome - the crew seemed fairly young, and my floppy hat had to go in the locker because it was “ a trip hazzard” - there’s a first time for everything.

Breakfast was quite tasty on board. Vick didn’t bother, and I didn’t eat it all, but it was a Spanish omelette, so it had potato in it. Lovely.

We dozed most of the way, and it was only a short flight (about 50 mins).

We arrived in to the normal gate, Gate 201/204, and we were first off. We hit some traffic on approach into the passport control area, and in fact the eGates were not easily accessible. However, we managed to get through in a reasonable amount of time.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #ba flight #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 17 - Fri 30 Aug 2019 - New York JFK to London Heathrow

We exchanged our AA-printed boarding cards for BA-printed boarding cards, and we headed through security. TSA Pre-Check is a bit of a joke in T7, so it’s minimal help in getting through security. However, it was still fairly quick to get through in to the CCR.

We immediately asked for a table in CCR Dining, and (again) we were delighted with the quality of food. We started off with a fruit-based salad, which was refreshing.

Then we had a mushroom starter which included a consommé. Nice.

Finally, we both went for the rib-eye steak which was stupendous.

Pudding was offered which was also fairly tasty.

I had a scan around the CCR and business class lounges, and scavenged another 2 of the collectable High Life mags – I’m now up to 6.

Off to Gate 6 and we boarded late with Priority Boarding, but I managed to snag another of the High Life mags when onboard – I am now up to 7 out of 12.

When we finally pushed back, it took an age to taxi to the runway, and we weren’t in the sky until about an hour after our scheduled departure time. We quickly got our beds made up, and although we got our heads down soon after take-off, it was really turbulent for the first 20 mins or so. Vick got some good quality sleep – me not so much.

Flight: BA0174 Equip: 747 Sched Depart: 19:00 Actual: 19:02 Sched Arrival: 07:10 Actual: 06:52 Takeoff: 19:55 Landing: 06:48

It was a fairly quick crossing, and although we were delayed in leaving JFK, we arrived a tad early into LHR. We arrived in to Gate B36, and it the fastest I’ve ever experienced door 1L opening, and First Class passengers able to leave the aircraft.

Passport control was mad busy – busiest I have ever seen it, but it still only took us 5 mins to get through. For a change the system seemed to be fairly quick in recognising passport details, and allowing people through.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #ba flight #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 17 - Fri 30 Aug 2019 - Los Angeles to New York JFK

It was good to reach the Flagship Lounge. I headed off to TBIT and Gate 153 in order to pick up our second Starbucks coffees of the day. Vick secured some seats in the lounge and I was back in 17 mins, which I think must be a record for me.

We were called in the lounge to re-check, and the CK woman was there to say hello, and to invite us to pre-board at 7:30am.

Flight: BA4311 Equip: A321T Sched Depart: 08:00 Actual: 07:53 Sched Arrival: 16:26 Actual: 16:15 Takeoff: 08:07 Landing: 16:00

We headed down to Gate 42A about 40 mins before scheduled departure, and we only hung around for 5-10 mins before we were invited to pre-board. On into seats 6A and 6C, and we settled down for the long-ish flight to JFK.

We were welcomed on board and offered a mimosa/champagne to get the flight off to a great start. The business class cabin manager seemed really nice to start with, but it soon became apparent it was a bit superficial.

Breakfast was ok – steel oatmeal, but it wasn’t that hot unfortunately.

We both watched a film initially – Vick watched some period drama based just after WWII, and I watched the third film in the Glass trilogy with Bruce Willis, Samuel L Jackson etc. Bit weird – will need to watch the second film for it all to make sense no doubt.

The rest of the flight was uneventful. We both attempted to sleep, to varying levels of success.

We arrived on time in to Gate 35, and we were soon off to the AirTrain heading to T7.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #aa flight #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 17 - Fri 30 Aug 2019 - Las Vegas to Los Angeles

The alarms were set for 2:45am, and we were both awake-ish well before then. Vick did me proud and was up and we were leaving the room after 20 mins. Although our first flight wasn’t leaving until 5am, there were lots of opportunities for delays, and so for good risk management reasons, we always leave a good amount of time spare, just in case.

One Uber later, we were in T1, heading up to the D Gates security. TSA Pre Check wasn’t open at this ungodly hour in the morning, but we got slightly expedited screening through the normal channel.

Flight: AA2530 Equip: A321 Sched Depart: 05:00 Actual: 04:57 Sched Arrival: 06:18 Actual: 06:10 Takeoff: 05:08 Landing: 05:53

Once through and on to the train to D Gates, we hot footed it up the escalator, and found Starbucks had already opened! Yippee!

We were due to leave from Gate D7, so we sat down there patiently until gate staff arrived, whilst we drank our Starbucks.

We were first in the queue for priority boarding. There was no call for us, nor was there any specific pre-boarding announcement for CK members, so we had ample time to secure some overhead bin space. In to seats 1F and ID, and we watched everyone else walk through the cabin.

It was still well and truly dark when we pushed back, slightly ahead of schedule. The cabin crew had offered us a plastic glass of water/orange juice, but we weren’t expecting too much from this seriously short flight to LA.

Vick dozed most of the way, and I took a few photos of Vegas as we took off. No service as such - we were offered another drink, but we didn’t need anything.

We landed ahead of schedule, and as with most arrivals in to LAX, we did the taxi-shuffle, doubling back on ourselves to get access to T4/T5 gates. We were delayed by another AA aircraft being backed out of the T5 gates, but we finally arrived into Gate 50A. I scooted out and retrieved our cases, and we were quickly on our way to T4 and the AA Flagship Lounge.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #aa flight #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 16 - Wed 28 Aug 2019 - Lake Las Vegas/Henderson

After settling into our fancy room, we had a walk around the grounds, and the wider Lake Las Vegas leisure area, and it was seriously hot by this time.

It was almost deserted, which perhaps wasn’t surprising: firstly it was mad hot, so who wants to be outside in this heat? Secondly, the kids are back at school in the US, so it’s outside peak time now. The quiet didn’t bother us.

We decided to try out the swimming pool, which was large and beautifully cool - cool enough to cool us down, but not too cool to put me off getting in!

For dinner, we decided we would seek out The Cheesecake Factory in Henderson.

For starters we shared the stuffed mushrooms, which was gorgeous, as always.

For main course, Vick had her normal salad, and I tried the spicy cashew chicken, which was really tasty, but there was far too much of it.

We decided to hunt down some Ben & Jerry’s for pudding, and luckily there was a store in the same mall as TCF.

That finished off the day nicely, other than to say that we ended up watching US Open tennis later on.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 15 - Wed 28 Aug 2019 - Kanab to Lake Las Vegas

We had a fairly relaxed start to the day. All we needed to do was drive the 200+ miles to Lake Las Vegas, and chill out - there was nothing specific planned. As a result, it really felt like our holiday was drawing to a close.

The breakfast at the hotel wasn’t very satisfactory. I ended up with some raisin bran and muffins with jam, and Vick had some oatmeal and yoghurt. We were looking forward to reaching St George where we knew there was a Starbucks.

After checking out, we were on the road by 8am. It had been fairly cool earlier on, but as soon as the sun was over the horizon, you could feel the burn potential.

As we drove south-west, we left the iconic National Park mountains behind us, and we looked forward to enjoying our regular Starbucks, and visiting The Cheesecake Factory.

As we crossed over the Arizona/Utah border a number of times, our watches kept moving since Utah is an hour ahead of Arizona.

When we arrived in Henderson, we popped in to a Bank of America branch to pay a cheque in, then we found a Jimmy John’s close by for a spot of lunch.

Once we were sated, we pressed on to our hotel at Lake Las Vegas. Our room was ready, so we were pleased to be able to settle in.

When we got into our room, we were well chuffed. It was massive, albeit a tad dated.

We also had a great view from our room, overlooking the pool.

Time for a wander around the hotel grounds.

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 14 - Tue 27 Aug 2019 - Grand Canyon North Rim to Kanab

We were keen to get back on the road, and head up to Kanab, where we were due to spend the night, before pressing on to Las Vegas the following day.

The drive didn’t take that long, and other than having to wait for the bison to clear the road, there were not that many delays.

When we arrived at the Hampton Inn in Kanab, our room was ready. We got the impression that the hotel wasn’t that busy - schools were back, and we didn’t see anyone in the hotel.

We obviously watched a bit of US Open tennis in the afternoon, and in the evening we decided to pop out for a drink at the Wild Thyme Cafe, and then walk to Sego. With the licensing rules in Utah, we had to order some food in order to be able to get some alcohol in Wild Thyme Cafe, and it was so good, we decided to stay for dinner, it was that good.

We enjoyed a house salad as a starter. It was supposed to be our “cheap” food to accompany the alcoholic drinks we wanted to order, but they turned out really tasty.

We both went for steaks for main. Both were tremendous.

Vick had already decided that she was ordering lava cake for pudding (which is gluten free), and I decided to go for the strawberry New York cheesecake.

Overall a stupendous meal, and it became apparent that our holiday was drawing to a close, so we headed back to the hotel and watched more US Open tennis!

#Holiday to Utah in Aug 2019 #hols #nige #vick #all

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billinghamn · 5 years

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2019 Aug – Utah Hols: Day 14 - Tue 27 Aug 2019 - Grand Canyon North Rim

After a fab breakfast, we decided we needed some exercise, and there were three hikes we had in our schedule: Bright Angel Point Trail, Transept Trail and the Bridle Way. In total, about 4 miles, which was about what we were capable of doing after a long drive.

Bright Angel Point Trail

We were advised to do this trail early due to the limited cover/shade from the sun. It starts from the Grand Canyon Lodge, and heads down to a point where (in theory) you can see the Bright Angel Trail which runs from the South Rim to the North Rim.