Monday – 6:10 p.m. Comcast SportsNet – Jason Marquis vs. Jonathon Niese
Tuesday – 6:10 p.m. Comcast SportsNet – Sean Marshall vs. Johan Santana
Wednesday – 6:10 p.m. Channel 26 – Carlos Zambrano vs. Oliver Perez
Thursday – 6:10 p.m. Comcast SportsNet – Dick Harden vs. Pedro Martinez
September 22, 2008 at 7:41 pm
hahaha jason marquis grandslam.. feels good to humiliate these fucks. this isnt good enough for payback for 69 but it is payback for 04.
September 22, 2008 at 8:02 pm
guys do you smell sheep copied this off of cbs sportsline.com
The Cubs are going to reach 100 Wins i think, and its going to be awesome, I also dont’ wanna jinx it, but I think we will make the world series and even win it!~ What do you fellow cubbies think 100 or world series my answer to that is simply why not both, and it would be great. I want BOTH!~~~~ Well I’m a cubbies fan too!~
LAter my PEEps!~
Go CUBBIES!~
like any dipshit in there right mind would ask a question like that 100 wins or a world series title I dont give a shit about getting to the playoffs this is the 6th playoff appearance in my lifetime I WANT THE WORLD SERIES
PS GENRE THIS WAS NOT POSTED BUY AL YELLIN
September 22, 2008 at 9:24 pm
the term “cubbies” should be against the law.
if i was the sheriff, one would be jailed or pelted with bags of goat shit for uddering it…err, i mean uttering it…out loud.
al yellin created a website…and the pathetic sheeple flocked to it. BARF
PATHETIC.
tick tock…
September 22, 2008 at 9:35 pm
can Cubs bullpen have a 1-2-3 9th inning soon? geez…………..
September 22, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Amen Genre. Amen.
I am surprised the Cubs held on tonight. Marquis did ok. The grand slam was huge but his pitching was still a little shaky.
Maybe Lou should tell Marmol to act like he is protecting a one-run lead rather than a five-run lead. He seems to do better when the game is on the line rather than having a large lead.
September 22, 2008 at 10:24 pm
If anything Marquis deserves a spot on the playoff roster, for his BIG BAD BAT!!
He considers himself not just a pitcher, but a baseball player. I do like him despite his shaky pitching. He does pull his weight and contribute to the overall effort. In response to the song of the sheeple, 100 wins will be difficult to get since they need to go 5-1. That would sure be awesome though. Hell, 95 wins is great! But as everyone said before, WS or bust!
GO CUBS GO!!
September 22, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Genre
Not only should the word “Cubbies” be outlawed, but the idiot douchebags who use that term should be arrested and forced to live on another planet.
And sent there at their own expense.
September 22, 2008 at 11:07 pm
chucky, as an option they could be forced to watch replays of every losing game Dusty Baker managed for the Cubs (think “Clockwork Orange”)…and if that doesn’t cure them, your idea is good.
Fro, trying to be positive and believe me I’m enjoying the position the Cubs are in at this moment…but we all know that in the end only a WS Title will do. The bullpen does concern me, especially in a short series.
September 22, 2008 at 11:10 pm
I understand people are trying to be positive. We are real fans here though so it is hard to do that. I am trying as well but having faith is a hard thing to have with this team. That is a fact.
We all agree on one thing: World Series champs or bust. If anybody tells you different, punch them in the throat.
September 22, 2008 at 11:27 pm
“We all agree on one thing: World Series champs or bust.”
That’s true, but winning the pennant will be easier than winning the WS (just wrapped up home field advantage tonight, and that’s huge). I don’t like the Cubs chances against either the Red Sox or the Angels, and you know one of those two will be there. The Tampa Bay Rays will put up a good fight, but they’re too inexperienced to go far, and the White Sox will be one-and-done.
Our biggest weakness is that bullpen, and having a strong bullpen is absolutely crucial in big games. Every WS champ since Rollie Fingers with the Oakland A’s has had one. Wood and Marmol do not instigate fear in their opponents like a Papelbon or a Rivera do. Marmol’s performance tonight is just one more example of that. Neither one of them can be considered “lights out.” Not saying it can’t be done, but they are going to have to pitch a heckuva lot better in the playoffs than they have during the season. By the way, Wood’s three pitch strikeout was more like it.
September 23, 2008 at 12:57 am
I was looking at the division races where it looks like the White Sox and Dodgers will have to watch their steps this week to hold their leads. The Phillies have been playing well and they close their season against the Braves and Nationals; I don’t think they will bow.
MLB should be thrilled that so many teams are in the chase, but they are probably devastated that the Yankees aren’t in the mix for the first time since 93′. All I can say is – the Cubs have won the most games in the NL and shouldn’t have to play this elimination round.
September 23, 2008 at 1:23 am
The White Sox got 4 consecutive complete games to win the 2005 ALCS-that’s one way to conceal a soft bullpen.
September 23, 2008 at 2:41 am
Dempster, Marmol, and Wood had strong outings in the All-Star Game against some of the American Leagues best hitters. If the Cubs do reach the World Series, this could be an advantage if all three pitch well.
I think the Angels and Red Sox are the top teams entering post-season in the AL. If the Red Sox get the wild-card, they will face the Angels in the first round. This will eliminate one of the top two after the divisional series. I have a feeling that Boston will come out the winner of this series. The Angels haven’t played a meaningful game for a couple of weeks already.
September 23, 2008 at 2:45 am
Sorry, I fucked that last post up. Wood was on the DL during the All-Star break, but still made the trip.
September 23, 2008 at 5:35 am
genre what about anyone who mentions the word cubbies has to listen to all of dustys pre and post game interviews ever recorded
September 23, 2008 at 8:49 am
robert, your idea will work provided they are tied to a chair, forced to stay awake and listen to a nonstop “loop” (dusty, pre & post game) for a minimum 36 hours. btw, the accompaning video is itzuris giving a-ram the nutrub followed by neifi bunting in the bottom of the 9th with the bases loaded, two outs and tying run on 1st….over and over and over…
HA HA HA HA HA HA
September 23, 2008 at 12:10 pm
BOO BOO BOO
Jerry Manuel, you whiner…think you got problems? Big demons getting to you? How do you think I felt in 1970? Lucky you don’t manage the Cubs. How would you feel about 100 years of losing…shitfuck!
“When you sign on with the Mets, you sign on with being a part of what happened last year,” manager Jerry Manuel said. “We have to exorcise those demons at some point, there’s no question. Some big ones, too.”
September 23, 2008 at 5:15 pm
genre 1 bad thing about that I just read the 8th ammendment to the constitution….al whackin you ought to your remember your miranda rights
September 23, 2008 at 5:41 pm
“anyone who mentions the word cubbies”
Should be given a pink teddy bear, a pair of pink booties, a pacifier, and a copy of “The Three Little Cubbies.” They should be made to lay down on the pitching mound at Wrigley, then all true Cub fans get to pelt them with silk pillows that say, “Lovable Losers.”
After that, confiscate their season tickets – Cub tickets are precious and not to be trusted in the hands of children – give the tickets to FroDog – who runs the only true Cubs site – then ban them from Wrigley.
September 23, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I think it is safe to say that Gaudin and Hart are not making the playoff roster. Gaudin has been hurt and when he has been pitching, he has been garbage. He has given up quite a few homeruns in the limited time he has been pitching.
Our bullpen is just as suspect as anyone else’s.
We need to be prepared. October is going to be a roller coaster ride and a bumpy one at that.
September 24, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Well…walks still don’t clog the bases, do they?
Ugly game tonite.
September 24, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I don’t believe Howry got out of the 9th.
I still hate his guts.
September 24, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Howry got out of it largely due to the fact that there was/is no real pressure…until the playoffs begin.
If a meaningful game is on the line, I have no confidence in him.
September 24, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I have no confidence in Samardzija either.
September 24, 2008 at 10:44 pm
How about Zambrano? I don’t have any confidence in Zambrano.
September 24, 2008 at 10:58 pm
agreed
September 24, 2008 at 11:24 pm
damn…me, too. i’m getting bummed out now.
September 24, 2008 at 11:27 pm
garcon: più vino, por favor!
September 25, 2008 at 12:18 am
Zambrano is a meathead, pure and simple. If this guy doesn’t get his act together soon were looking at a “L” in game one of the playoffs.
Cotts did surprisingly well, that’s good news.
Samardzija is too green yet, he’s proving it more and more. Ditto for Kevin Hart.
Howry walked his usual tightrope, and escaped – this time.
Wood is starting to show some “lights out” stuff here lately, that’s also very good news.
The offense is picking up, finally. That’s great news.
Lou’s doing what he said he’d do, giving the guys rest, but keeping them sharp.
Good job all around!
September 25, 2008 at 12:34 am
Love the payback to the Amazins for 69!
Also love the fact that teams now fear playing the Cubs, haven’t seen that in my lifetime.
September 25, 2008 at 12:41 am
I am hoping that Wood will be extra-determined in the playoffs-not just because of being injured so much, but because of his shitty pitching performance in game 7. I do remember he took full blame for that-something dustfuck’s players rarely did. So, I am hoping that he will be laser focused on redemption. And we need our starters to go 7, cuz I am terrified of everyone in the bullpen besides Marmol, and possibly Wood.
September 25, 2008 at 2:31 am
I know that this was suppose to be a meaningless game for the Cubs, but when Zambrano gave up the grand slam to Delgado my fucking head just about blew off. Other than the no-hitter, Z has pitched like jack fucking shit for 2-1/2 months. Come playoff time, the Cubs can’t afford this kind of bullshit from him. You want to be touted as the ace of this staff, start pitching like one.
September 25, 2008 at 5:22 am
big z did not pitch great but jim wolf is a horrible umpire he is one of the worst in the majors???you dont have 19 3-2 counts buy the 6th inning…maybe he was pissed of cause we no hit then 1 hit his brothers team
September 25, 2008 at 8:36 am
There is no way that Zambrano should pitch game one of the NLDS. The man is either injured or is a basket case or maybe even both. I pitch him Game 4 at the earliest. I would pitch Dempster, Lilly, Harden, and then Z, or switch Lilly and Harden. It’s time the Cubs quit putting up with his emotional breakdowns. He didn’t do all of that against the Astros and threw a no hitter. If there is a brain between his ears that all to tell him something. Pitch the ball and quit all that other nonsense. Nice win last night because I really don’t want to play that team in a short series. I prefer the Cubs play LA, but they do look like a better team with Manny Ramirez. I guess we will see if the Cubs have learned anything from last year, I doubt it but as a Cubs fan you have to have hope.
September 25, 2008 at 10:31 am
To those of you who believe Zambrano is NOT the ace of the staff.
To those of you who believe he should NOT start game 1 of the playoffs.
To those of you that believe he is a “meathead”, a headcase who lets his emotions get the best of him.
To those of you who doubt his ability to change.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE.
I have as much faith in Kingsford as I do in Zambrano, hell maybe more. The next time Z melts down publicly, Lou should make him wear a dunce cap and stand in the corner of the dugout. Z’s antics have grown tiresome…the game is NOT about him, it’s about the team. Control yourself, you’re a HIGHLY-PAID male professional athlete.
C’mon “Big Z”…get it together. It’s been 100 fucking years since the Cubs won a World Series….DO YOU GET IT?
1 + 1 = 2. See spot run. et cetera.
Sheesh. I hate “Lil Z”. Will the REAL Carlos Zambrano please stand up? And will we still like him?
September 25, 2008 at 11:59 am
I have some exciting news…my work is raising money for the united way one of the prizes up for auction is an autographed photo which comes in a frame suitable for displaying proudly…who wants me to bid on the autographed photo of douchebag…..for them
September 25, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Did any of you guys hear about this one:
Reds manager Dusty Baker denies rumors about kid dating player
Reds manager Dusty Baker took the unusual step of bringing up a rumor Wednesday to deny it. There’s been a persistent rumor floating around the Reds that Baker’s 28-year-old daughter, Natosha, is dating and/or engaged to outfielder Corey Patterson.
Baker finally had enough when players on the Astros asked him about it.
There’s no truth to it, Baker said. Natosha is not dating Patterson. “She hasn’t even been to Cincinnati,” Baker said. “This is so far out of line. It’s hurtful to my wife and daughter. How can people stoop that low? I don’t know who started it. But I’ve been hearing from fans, players, announcers.”
Baker has long been a target of criticism, particularly after things ended badly for him with the Chicago Cubs.
“There’s been a lot of gossip about me,” Baker said. “But this is the worst.”
Patterson has been the fans’ whipping boy all season. He hasn’t hit.
His average was .203 going into Wednesday.
Former general manager Wayne Krivsky said after he was fired that CEO Bob Castellini had told him to get the Patterson deal done, the implication being that Baker was behind the signing. Patterson played for Baker in Chicago.
But Baker asked: “Who am I to get someone a job like that?”
Baker also pointed out that Patterson’s playing time lately is largely due to injuries and trades.
Patterson was sent to Triple-A Louisville in late May, but he was recalled June 4 when Ryan Freel went on the DL with a hamstring problem.
Patterson started only one game from June 29 to July 27. But after the trade of Adam Dunn and a hamstring injury to Jerry Hairston Jr., Patterson has gotten significant playing time.
“Who else was I supposed to play the last two or three months?” Baker said. “Dunn and (Ken) Griffey are gone. Jerry’s been hurt. Chris Dickerson was hurt.”
— Cincinnati Enquirer
BWHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
Poor me! Poor, poor me. No fair!
Dusty, you are a whiney annoying stupid fuck. Just shut up and go the fuck away from the game of baseball, you ignorant asshole piece of shit!!!
September 25, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Chucky, EXCELLENT post!
Dear Dusty,
Soon you will have time to plan your Thanksgiving dinner. Have fun with your buddies KKKorey, Jack Jones, Freddie Bynum, Neifi, Kent Mercker and Latoya Hawkins. Is Todd Walker invited to the festivities?
Have a blessed day.
September 25, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I had no idea Dusty even had a daughter. I thought it was just his son that he uses as defense when he is criticized. I feel bad for that kid.
I am not criticizing Dusty as a person but as a baseball person, yes. He is the dumbest fucking idiot when it comes to baseball.
September 25, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Don’t forget Jose Macias
September 25, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Did you guys hear the good news? Lou is starting Dempster in game 1 of the NLDS. So, that gives us a fighting chance to go up 1 – 0.
Oh, and here’s a little valentine from one of our sheepie friends:
“Dempster has been great at home, but why not start off with our best pitcher and team leader; Zambrano? You could then throw Dempster in game two (still at home), and Harden in game three. I’d rather have Zambrano pitch twice if needed, or else he’d get extra rest should the Cubs make it to the NLCS before game 5. This move is pretty strange, but hopefully the Cubbies continue to play like the best team in the NL.”
He wants Big Z to throw twice in the NLDS! What is wrong with those people? Seriously! Do they want to lose? Do they like punishment? It is as if Dr. House had been doing free lance lobotomies on these guys. And did you catch this? “but hopefully the CUBBIES continue to play like the best team in the NL.” I don’t know about the “CUBBIES” but I think the CUBS will do just fine. What a cement head!! He sounds like that “guy” on YouTube that was under the covers, in full makeup, crying “leave Brittney alone!” Maybe he is that guy?
September 25, 2008 at 6:43 pm
“leave the Cubbies alone””!!!!!!! wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
September 25, 2008 at 6:45 pm
huge storm system moving into nyc-possible rainout and possible game to makeup.
September 25, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Lou is starting Dempster in Game 1?
Well well, I am happy to hear that.
I have about had it with the ignorant sheeple, they make me sick.
September 25, 2008 at 8:17 pm
nice to hoff showing his potential and hitting the ball.. could be a nice starting right fielder next yr and possibly in the playoff but lets not go to that far.
nice to see us beating these new york fucks but im really concerned about harden, hes having such a hrd time throwing a strike..
my idea for a the video.
“leave our hero big z alone!!!!!! bahhhhhhhhhhh” shit then comes out there mouths because thats what comes out of a sheeples mouth when they talk
September 25, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Sparky Howry rides again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BARF BARF BARF
WHEN is this BAD experiment going to be completed?
He doesn’t have it and can’t be trusted.
BARF BARF BARF
………………………………………………………………………..enough already.
September 25, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Are you watching this bullpen meltdown?
Cotts can’t get anyone out –
Howry can’t get anyone out –
Gaudin can’t get anyone out –
Is Lou aware that he has no bullpen? He cannot trust any of these morons. He only has two relief pitchers, one is another headcase (like Zambrano), the other is Kingsford!!
How are they going to handle playoff teams?
September 25, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Hoffpauir earned his spot tonight. Fuck Ward! Cubs better win all their home games in the playoffs-this bullpen will crumble on the road.
September 25, 2008 at 9:32 pm
and Kevin Hart can’t get anyone out. Remember when everyone was calling for Hendry to get another arm in the bullpen. This is why.
September 25, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Kevin Hart can’t get anyone out –
Ballgame, Mets win.
What a bullpen we have to enter the playoffs – these guys are pathetic!!
September 25, 2008 at 9:45 pm
If Howry is on the playoff roster, then I say Lou is not serious about winning. Because if Howry is on that roster, you can bet your next paycheck Piniella will call on him. Why? I honestly don’t know. The only thing I can think of is that he believes he’ll get his stuff back if only he’ll give him another chance. But that is just wishful thinking!
September 25, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Well, it’s no secret what the opposition strategy in the playoffs: take pitches, take pitches, take pitches! run up the pitch count, knock the starter out in 5 innings or so and feast on the middle relief.
September 25, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Just one inning was all Lou was asking for
Just one inning to close Shea’s doors
A Cubs loss in the bottom of the ninth will bring you down
Yea! Kevin Hart will always surrender a run Yea!
Kevin Hart you are a piece of shit!!! Don’t blame Howry you fucker! BTW Hart: You don’t make the postseason roster now HA HA HA
September 25, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Harden walked 5 tonight. That’s not like him. The bullpen is a mess. Marmol and Wood had better be ready to pitch in postseason. Ditto for the rotation, especially Zambrano and Harden. When your reserves put up six runs you should be able to win the game.
September 25, 2008 at 10:06 pm
a good idea to somehow salvage this fucked up, shitty bullpen is using the jack mckeon strategy of 03. if you guys ont know what that was, it was when mckeon would put his starters in the bullpen if they were on at least two days rest for the days game and use them late in the game. that strategy really fucked us up in the last 2 games of the series. if lou had any senses, he would use that same strategy. it will be a huge toll on out starters but this is the playoffs and you have to give everything you got no matter what. its been 100 fucking years and i dont want to see some cockshit named neil cotts comig in the 6th inning of a crucial game.
September 25, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Does anyone remember Lou’s excuse in 2001? I suppose you could say everyone was down in the dumps after 9/11, but that didn’t stop Arizona from winning the World Series that year. How many wins did that Mariners team have? Something like 116.
September 25, 2008 at 10:08 pm
“Well, it’s no secret what the opposition strategy in the playoffs: take pitches, take pitches, take pitches! run up the pitch count, knock the starter out in 5 innings or so and feast on the middle relief.”
Absolutely correct, Nemo. That’s exactly what I tell my team if I was managing against the Cubs; “We can take their bullpen, just take pitches and knock their starters out early. Get into that bullpen and the game is ours.”
September 25, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Harden has walked at least 4 batters in 3 of his last 4 starts. He has walked at least 3 batters in 6 of his 12 starts. He has failed to pitch 6 innings in 6 of his 12 starts as a Cub. I contend his start tonight was quite like him-and with the bad bullpen, this spells trouble.
September 25, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Well, if the batters want to take pitches, then just pitch right down the cock. Try to get seven or eight innings from the starters. Then Marmol in the eighth, and Wood in the ninth. As long as the offense scores a ton of runs, the Cubs should be OK. I don’t even want to think about that series against Arizona last year. The Cubs acted like they didn’t even want to be there. As Brenly would say, “Just keep the line going”.
September 25, 2008 at 10:17 pm
“I contend his start tonight was quite like him-and with the bad bullpen, this spells trouble.”
psssssstt, Nemo, not too loud you’ll scare the Cubbie fans and make them cry.
September 25, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Dear Mr. Hart:
I beg of you, PLEASE throw the ball over the plate…because regardless of what you may have heard, WALKS DO NOT CLOG THE BASES.
At least make the opponent beat you.
Cubs bullpen is a bad joke. WEAK. Nobody is frightened. The buzzards will be circling soon if this bullshit continues.
And if it does, I blame Hendry for not paying attention.
Maybe fatass Hendry, the Cubs and the real fans will get lucky…and the Cubs will miraculously win it all with this bullpen/team.
I hope so, but I’m not betting the farm on it. Especially if the Red Sox advance, there is a team with heart and experience.
tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…tick FUCKING tock…
100 years.
Barf.
PATHETIC.
September 25, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Chris, it was 116 and Lou’s excuse was/is LAME.
Anything less than a WS title is FAILURE…sorry if that offends anyone but 100 years of LOSING is unbelievable and unacceptable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This (the Cubs) are a MAJOR MARKET professional sports organization….unbelievable. But not as amazing as the legions of ignorant asshole sheeple who think it is cute.
…the “Cubbies” are PATHETIC, EMBARRASSING LOSERS. It is past time for them to go away. Bye bye.
We’ve waited long enough: bring on “the Cubs’, a team and franchise that is respected — maybe even feared — by their opponents.
Does this “Cubs team” even exist?
September 25, 2008 at 10:29 pm
…uhhh…..sorry Mitch. “This” should have been “they”….
September 25, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Hmmmmmmmm…how about those White Sox?
I bet Ozzie is a drag to be around tonite.
HA HA HA HA HA
September 25, 2008 at 10:46 pm
You’re right genrebuster….
Tick FUCKING tock Tick FUCKING tock Tick FUCKING tock
Blame it on Bartman
Blame it on a black cat
Blame it on a man who was not allowed to bring his goat to Wrigley (Well, actually, the woman at the ticket counter said that he just had to buy a ticket for the billy goat).
Blame it on THINKING about it too much so that it affects play on the field. Athletes are very superstitious.
Ah, but the Red Sox got over it. So can the Cubs. Lou is a motivator/father figure to the Cubs players. Lou is a good man. He knows his baseball. Certainly a hell of a lot more than Dusty. I can’t wait to go up to Chicago (I’m from Peoria). Still nice to play into October!!!
September 25, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Twins sweep White Sox and take half game lead in the division!
September 25, 2008 at 11:38 pm
“Lou is a motivator/father figure to the Cubs players. Lou is a good man. He knows his baseball.”
Lou led the Mariners to a 116 win season, and still couldn’t get them past the Yankees. He won a championship with the Reds, but that was 28 years ago. He doesn’t have the “Nasty Boys” in the pen to bail him out, and he doesn’t have the kind of players that spill their guts out on the field to win ballgames; players like Paul O’Neil and Barry Larkin.
I don’t have a lot of faith in his managing abilities to be honest. But, if he can somehow manage these guys to the championship, a la Trader Jack McKeon, then he’s the greatest manager in the history of MLB. In my humble opinion, of course.
September 26, 2008 at 2:01 am
I FUCKING HATE JACK MCKEON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!