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State funds integrated pest management projects
Several integrated pest management technique projects on the South Plains have been funded by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Cotton exchange to host dinner, golf
The Lubbock Cotton Exchange will host its annual dinner and golf tournament Monday at the Hillcrest Country Club.
USDA leaders, researchers to attend Southern Plains leadership confab
Agricultural administrators and research leaders from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service will be in Lubbock on Monday through Thursday for the Southern Plains Area Leadership Conference.
Deadline nears to take part in agriculture marketing course
AMARILLO Producers interested in taking an in-depth marketing course being coordinated by Jackie Smith of Lubbock have until April 15 to register.
Economist not sure what area of state will see cotton reduction
The USDA's latest prospective plantings report suggests that Texas' cotton acreage will be cut by 400,000 acres this year, but local cotton economist Carl Anderson is not sure from where the reduction will come. If the USDA is on target, this state's cotton acreage will be shaved to an even 6 million acres, says the Texas Agricultural Extension Service economist, who upped his estimate last month to 6.5 million acres, or some 100,000 more than in 2000.
Fuston selected as FSA state director
Johnny Fuston, who has been with the Farm Service Agency for 30 years, has been named FSA state director.
Cautious optimism catching at cotton ginners trade show
Optimism wasn't a word tossed around with abandon this week by Texas Cotton Ginners Association members, although several said they were encouraged that winter rains help set the stage for a good start to the upcoming season. ''I think we have some optimism all over the state because of the moisture,'' said Randy Kennedy of Shallowater, outgoing TCGA president and Citizens-Shallowater Co-op Gin manager.
Symposium set on wildlife, range topics
LEVELLAND The emphasis will be on range and wildlife-related topics Tuesday during a symposium at South Plains College.
Sunflower growers get exemption
The Environmental Protection Agency, acting on a request from the Texas Department of Agriculture, has approved a Section 18 emergency specific request that will allow sunflower growers to use SPARTAN Dry Flowable Herbicide to control broadleaf weeds.
Engagements - April 7, 2001
BEARDHOYT Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Dorman and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Beard, all of Lubbock, announce the engagement of their daughter, Krystina Diane Beard, to Michael Aaron Hoyt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hoyt of Idalou.
Bridal courtesies
SARAH McDONALD Sarah McDonald, bride-elect of Stephen Mark Pate, was honored at 7 p.m. March 29 with a bridal shower at Day Break Coffee Roasters.
Weddings - April 7, 2001
DUNCANROSALES Karen Elizabeth Duncan and Federico Rosales were married at 7 p.m. March 16 at The Elliott House in Kokomo, Ind. Jason Shields officiated.
Gift of faith gets better with age
Both sets of grandparents watched at Christmas as an exuberant 3-year-old climbed in and out of a huge box that had contained a gift to her parents. Adding to the attraction of the box were the scattered and torn gift wrappings that the adults were picking up off the floor. She climbed in. She climbed out. She threw the paper out of the box. Then, she put it back in. She played hide and seek with a grandfather, ducking her head under the flaps of the box.
Births - April 7, 2001
Sammy Ray Lopez Sr. and Vickie Gonzales of Idalou, a son weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces at 9:12 p.m. March 26 in University Medical Center.
Lust for talent turns obstacles into obsessions
THERE SHOULD BE a special place for people who make difficult things look easy, and I'll volunteer to choose it. That's coming from a guy who, while claiming no kinship to either Evel Knievel or George Plimpton, was born with a desire to do things that are oft times inconsistent with both his personality and his aptitude.
On The Clock
ack on one extra day to get your taxes done. That's because the traditional April 15 filing deadline this year falls on Easter Sunday. Call it the year of adjustments the year there were no major rule changes to contend with in the tax code, although plenty of talk on Capitol Hill regarding tax cuts as well as repealing the estate and marriage penalty taxes.
Furrs Supermarkets files for Chapter 11
ALBUQUERQUE (AP) Furrs Supermarkets Inc. owes its creditors more than $280 million, according to recent filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Bankruptcy proceedings - April 8, 2001
California utility seeks bankruptcy protection
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Pushed over the edge by the state's disastrous attempt at deregulation, California's biggest utility filed for bankruptcy protection Friday in a move that will not turn out the lights but could mean political and financial turmoil for years to come.
Business TODAY - April 7, 2001
HOUSTON The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States was up by seven to 1,200 this week.
Dallas makes bid for Boeing
Chicago touts its cosmopolitan lifestyle and Lake Michigan. Dallas boasts of no state corporate or income tax and lots of political clout, and Denver its breathtaking mountain vistas and a highly educated workforce.
Bankruptcy hearings take consumers on embarrassing path
ALEXANDRIA, Va. {AP} Your financial life flashes in front of you in a matter of minutes: your mortgage, income, bills, life insurance, taxes. You're being grilled under oath in a room full of strangers, each awaiting a turn under the spotlight.
Wall Street comeback followed by bad news
NEW YORK (AP) Wall Street's huge comeback ended abruptly Friday when a new set of earnings warnings, a weak economic report and a major utility's bankruptcy filing shattered investors' optimism. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 126.96 to close at 9,791.09, according to preliminary calculations. On Thursday, the index scored its second-largest daily point gain, rising 402.63 after positive earnings news from Dell and Alcoa led to a powerful rally.
Business bulletin board - April 8, 2001
Conventions calendar - April 8, 2001
Business calendar - April 7, 2001
Business calendar - April 8, 2001
How women's magazine scores Lubbock
Where does Lubbock rank among the "Best Cities for Women" to live? No. 62, according to the April issue of Ladies Home Journal.
After 'lost' year, Anderson hungry for renewal
Though he's never really been an early bird by nature, big Lamont Anderson still managed to get his ''worm'' this spring at Texas Tech.
A&M overwhelms Jayhawks
COLLEGE STATION {AP} Matt Farnum (4-2) threw his second shutout of the season Friday night, leading Texas A&M to a 8-0 victory over Kansas in front of 4,762 fans.
Chaps split key doubleheader
OKLAHOMA CITY The Lubbock Christian University Chaparrals and the Oklahoma City Stars beat the stuffing out of one another Friday, then walked away even.
Tech's game against Iowa State postponed
Tech's Harshman ends drought in strong fashion
Eva Harshman's not sure what led to a recent 0-for-16 slump and, to be honest, she's not sure how she climbed out of it.
Iowa State dealing with demise of baseball program
For college baseball coaches seeking talent next season, auditions will be held in Ames, Iowa, and select Big 12 Conference cities the next few weeks. The first of those auditions is at Dan Law Field this weekend as Iowa State is in the middle of its final visit to Lubbock. On Monday, Iowa State athletics director Bruce Van De Velde announced that budget constraints will force the elimination of the Cyclones baseball and men's swimming and diving programs at the end of the season.
SPORTS/briefly - April 8, 2001
UT downs Tech men's tennis team AUSTIN The University of Texas cruised to a 6-1 win over Texas Tech Saturday in men's Big 12 tennis action at the Penick-Allison Courts. The loss dropped Tech to 6-13 overall and 1-5 in the Big 12. Borut Martincevic, Tech's No. 1 player, claimed its only win by defeating Craig Edmondson, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4.
SPORTS/briefly - April 7, 2001
Quezada powers WBU to sweep
SHAWNEE, Okla. Steven Quezada unloaded three home runs Friday, leading Wayland Baptist to a 12-4 and 15-9 doubleheader sweep of St. Gregory's (Okla.) on the first day of a Sooner Athletic Conference baseball series.
Defense steps up in Tech scrimmage
Don't blame Greg McMackin for getting a little hot and bothered. Forty-eight hours after his players got embarrassed in last week's intrasquad scrimmage against the offense, the Texas Tech defensive coordinator bluntly challenged his team to do the opposite this week in a team meeting with the defense on Monday.
Tech, Kansas sport new looks heading into game
They meet twice every season, but no one will blame the Texas Tech and Kansas softball teams if they have a little trouble recognizing each other this weekend.
Tech recruit scores 14 in WBCA All-America game
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Loree Moore stopped to glance at a box score after the Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America game on Saturday.
Accused Baylor players return from suspension
WACO {AP} Baylor lifted the suspensions Friday of two baseball players charged with shooting, skinning and beheading a stray cat.
Strong pitching pushes Tech past Iowa State
The pitching and hitting performances put forth by the Texas Tech baseball team on Saturday were nothing new, but still welcome. The Red Raiders received more stellar pitching from right-handers Brandon Roberson and Chris Phillips and put together one of their best offensive days in sweeping a Big 12 Conference doubleheader from the Iowa State Cyclones by scores of 12-2 and 9-3 at Dan Law Field.
Delgado leads OCU to sweep
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Whether he was at the plate or on the mound, Oklahoma City University's Mario Delgado posed a problem for the Lubbock Christian University baseball team.
Duke's Shane Battier wins Wooden Award
LOS ANGELES (AP) Shane Battier, who led Duke to its first NCAA championship since 1992, capped an outstanding college career Friday, winning the 25th John R. Wooden Award as the male player of the year.
Sharp pleased with Lady Raiders' growth
The disappointment of not being able to move past Purdue in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament is easily evident on Marsha Sharp's face. Strangely enough, that disappointment is, in one way, a good thing.
Knight meets with Bellaire's Okafor
HOUSTON (AP) New Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight was in Houston on Friday to make a pitch to Bellaire forward Emeka Okafor, one of the nation's top unsigned high school players.
Tech spring football notebook
Big Fred Thrweatt Saturday's Texas Tech football scrimmage was attended by two signees from Tech's February recruiting class: tight end Ken Ross from Hurst Bell and defensive tackle Fred Thrweatt from Midland Lee. Wearing corn rows in his hair and a jersey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 315-pound Thrweatt closely resembled Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay's top defensive tackle.
Acreage surprise, export sales stabilize cotton market
Prospective U.S. plantings far below expectations and export business generated by historically low prices lowest with rare exceptions since 1975 have stabilized a deeply depressed cotton futures market. Old-crop prices for the week ended Thursday posted modest gains of 28 points in May at 45.97 cents and 47 points in July at 47.50. Technicians say spot May needs to close above 47.90, the high of the previous calendar week, to demonstrate that recent gains are more than a short-lived rally.
Tattling Is Not Bad
FOR GENERATIONS OF students, there has been a code of silence among a large portion of them against telling on their fellow students for infractions of rules. The thinking has been that nobody likes a tattletale, a squealer, a ratfink, a snitch or a stool pigeon to use a few of the slang terms that have been used over the years for kids who told on other kids. That thinking must change.
Making Of A Monster
WE HAVE NOT READ the book "American Terrorist: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing," but we have found the excerpts of the book that we have seen to be absolutely chilling. "Collateral damage" is the term he uses for the 19 children that he killed in the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing. Those young lives that he so casually ended were among 168 victims that day.
College welcome mat still out for high school seniors
For high school seniors who feel down after finding college rejection letters in the mailbox, guidance counselors have some good news: It's not too late to find a school. In fact, it hardly ever is nowadays, when many four-year colleges and universities keep their welcome mat out all year.
Doud speaks at benefit
Lubbock Christian School will hold its annual benefit dinner at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center banquet hall.
Black comedy about performance, concealment
"The Day Room," a black comedy by Don DeLillo, will be staged at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. April 15, at the Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre on the Texas Tech campus. Direction is by Jonathan Marks. Reserved-seat tickets, priced at $10 for the general public and $5 for Tech students, can be purchased in advance by calling 742-3603.
NATIONAL BESTSELLERS - April 8, 2001
'Horatio Hornblower' returns to the seas in new miniseries
LOS ANGELES Horatio Hornblower had to sail to America to find true appreciation. A&E's miniseries about the exploits of an early 19th-century British naval officer was greeted with relative indifference in the lad's native land compared to the enthusiasm of U.S. viewers.
Jude Law on keeping cool in a busy career's increasing heat
LONDON Jude Law sits back, taps the pack of Marlboros that goes unsmoked by his side, and flashes the infectious smile that has an entire industry at his feet.
Gilchrist's stories ring true
Ellen Gilchrist has compiled a broad sampling of her short fiction in "Collected Stories" (Little, Brown, $27.95).
Los Garcia, Pena and Perez big TMA winners
SAN ANTONIO {AP} Singers Jennifer Pena and Jay Perez and Los Garcia, a neo-traditional conjunto foursome, were among the big winners Saturday night at the 21st annual Tejano Music Awards at the Alamodome. The family group Los Garcia walked away with the title of "Most Promising Band," and the conjunto album of the year honors for its CD, "Los Garcia de Jimmy Garcia."
A role to kill for
Tony Award winning musical "Chicago" is a combination of eye-popping dance numbers originally created by Bob Fosse and songs written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the same team whose hits range from "Cabaret" to "Kiss of the Spider Woman." It also includes a character named Roxie that actresses would figuratively kill to play, although Roxie herself did the real thing. Audiences learn early on that Roxie murdered her lover when he tried to walk out on her, then lied about circumstances to her husband in hopes that he'd take the rap.
In latest mysteries, settings range from Arizona to Scotland
"Potshot" (Putnam) by Robert B. Parker Boston private eye Spenser goes west to Potshot, Ariz., a former mining town reborn as a playground and retreat for wealthy Los Angelenos. He is hired by the operator of a tours-on-horseback service who thinks her husband was murdered for refusing to pay extortion money to a local gang. With no witnesses and no help from the local police, Spenser investigates, aided by an assortment of cohorts including his sidekick Hawk.
Glimpse of vaudeville
LOS ANGELES, Calif. Alan Alda knows a thing or two about talent agents and tarantulas. Both are topics of a recent conversation in his dressing room at the Mark Taper Forum at the Los Angeles Music Center before an evening performance of "QED," the new play in which Alda stars as the late Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman.
A Move Of Faith
Duke Underwood believes in prioritizing one's life. "There's God, your spouse, your children and then everything else," he said. "The problem with our world today is that most of the time, we don't have things in that order and the 'everything else' is doing everything it can to crowd out the top three."
Issuing state-backed highway bonds will get traffic moving again in Texas
All across Texas, traffic gridlock is jeopardizing our quality of life, economic opportunity and citizen safety. In 1999, more than 3,500 Texans died on our roads. Since 1960, vehicle traffic in Texas has increased 375 percent, but spending per vehicle mile traveled is now 68 percent below what it was that year. Eighty percent of truck and rail traffic between the United States and Mexico travels through Texas.
Cedar waxwings making their way across Lubbock
The party animals of the bird world Cedar waxwings are beautiful, sleek, graceful and gregarious. The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a visitor to the South Plains every year, and a number of flocks have been reported in several areas of Lubbock right now.
Tigers' big inning, weather blow Big Spring away
HEAD:WOLFFORTH With wind gusts blasting across the field at better than 50 miles an hour Friday afternoon, any run loomed large when Frenship and Big Spring battled at Tiger Field.
Vines, Cooper clip Eagles 9-5Chiefs jump ahead, hold off Mats 10-4
WOODROW Cooper scored five runs in the first three innings Saturday and overcame a sloppy final inning to knock off Roosevelt 9-5 in District 2-3A play.
Monterey tennis ties for second in Midland
MIDLAND Monterey tied for second place Saturday in the Rebel Classic tennis tournament hosted by Midland High School.
Dust storms can't quash King's track momentum
Maybe Heston King should take the nickname ''postman,'' since it seems neither rain nor snow nor gloom of night (nor dust storms) can keep the Monterey senior from his appointed rounds at a track meet. King cleared 7-feet in the high jump competition at the City Meet on Friday at Coronado High School. The jump was good enough to easily land him in first place, set a new meet record and garner plenty of momentum heading into next week's District 2-5A meet.
Carthey powers Coronado to 9-5 win
Alleigh Carthey went 3-for-5 and drove in three runs to lead Coronado to a 9-5 win over Amarillo High Saturday in a District 3-5A softball game.
Amarillo eases to 3-5A tourney win
Robert Evans and Adam Weger shot respective final rounds of 72 and 74 to lead Amarillo High to a 302 total Friday and a four-stroke victory over Coronado in the District 3-5A golf tournament.
Area linescores
CLASS 3ADistrict 2-3AMULESHOE 6, LITTLEFIELD 4Muleshoe211 011 06 9 1
Hodges culminates Hereford career with state tourney
Cody Hodges didn't last long on the bench. It was just the third game of his freshman season and the Hereford boys basketball team was getting drubbed at halftime by Estacado.
Amarillo topples Monterey 6-4
AMARILLO Amarillo struck for five runs in the fifth inning Saturday to topple District 3-5A leader Monterey for the second time this season, 6-4.
Shaw's leadership guided Plainview to state championship
Stephanie Shaw never once panicked.
Sowers paces Coronado to second-place finish
AMARILLO Coronado's Lara Sowers shot a final round 71 to finish second overall and help her teammates finish second in the District 3-5A girls golf tournament that concluded Friday at Comanche Trails Golf Course.
Countryman homers as Frenship pounds Cooper 12-3
WOODROW The trick now for the Frenship softball team is to hit like this in district games. The Tigers pounded out 10 hits, including a solo home run by Courtney Countryman, to roll past Cooper 12-3 Saturday in a rescheduled non-district game.
Weather forces revamped city schedule
Friday's winds and threatening weather forced teams in District 3-5A to shuffle their weekend baseball schedule.
Coronado ends two-game skid
Coronado had been down this road for two games in a row. And senior Mario DeLarosa wasn't about to let his team keep wandering down the same path.
Do The Right Thing
In the three months it took to get our first public hearing, the cities of Leander, New Braunfels and Bryan/College Station banned smoking in public places. They want to protect the health of their citizens, why can't we?
A-J Paper Carriers
Bo and Mary Perez need a note of appreciation. They have placed my paper on my porch for a long time. My son and I both are in wheelchairs and walkers. The paper being on the porch keeps us from having to get out in the weather.
Priorities Backward
After spending two weeks in a local hospital, I would like to say thank you to all the nurses and staff in the emergency room, ICU and on the nursing floor. I was tr
Texas PTA Programs
We, at the Texas PTA, are deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent reoccurrence of deadly school violence. PTA's mission is to promote parental involvement. Recent studies have indicated that children with a propensity to act out in such a violent way can be identified and predicted.
Violence On Television
School shootings could be related to today's society. A young boy who is not accepted by the other students is subjected to being a victim of "society." He goes home from school alone because the cost of raising a family and other expenses make it necessary for both his parents to work.
Aggressive Driver Program
The Aggressive Driver Program (ADP) is a proactive approach to help make Lubbock's streets safer. This is not an easy task and it involves many man hours in planning, implementing and organizing the tasks involved in making it successful.
Lake Alan Henry Settlement
I am so pleased and proud to join the city of Lubbock and the Brazos River Authority to announce the full and complete settlement between us of our differences with regard to my property at Lake Alan Henry. I hope by this settlement the lake may reach its potential and that the citizens of Lubbock will have a guaranteed future water supply and the people of Texas will have a wonderful recreational lake to enjoy. After all these years of dispute, how did this come about? So many, many people were involved, but the impetus was the handiwork of Mayor Sitton and Judge Giles Dalby of Post. These two dedicated public servants and I sat down and worked out our compromise, resulting in the settlement. At all times, Judge Dalby was a wonderful facilitator and was able to bring Mayor Sitton and I together time after time.
Dogs In Back Of Pickups
Re: The letter "Dogs And Pickups" (A-J, 3-20). AMEN! I get scared every time I see these dogs riding in the backs of pickups and especially on the tops of tool boxes! Every time the driver hits his brakes and those little paws start slipping and sliding, I hold my breath waiting for the poor thing to go flying.
Oil Non-Crises
Ellen Goodman's column "Oil exploration to take heavy toll on Arctic wildlife" (A-J, 3-17), is part of the scam foisted on the American public. The reverse is actually true. The Alaska Fish & Game Department reported an increase in caribou herds since 1969 by 35 percent. The Alaskan pipeline was built in 1977 and runs from Prudhoe Bay to the southern shores of Alaska in Valdez. Oil wells have been drilled, but oddly enough, immediately after this massive discovery, the federal government ordered the rigs to be capped and oil production shut down.
Mexican Truck Safety
President Bush has made a smart decision by adding more inspectors and other resources to ensure the safety of American motorists who share the road with Mexican trucks.
Good life leads to woman's long life
Bonnie Carrie Watson Gannaway doesn't walk anymore, and her eyesight has deteriorated with advancing years. But there are certain compensating factors: Her memory never fails, and her favorite hobby talking is fully intact. She was treated to a party Friday at Bender Terrace by the kids she used to serve as a baby sitter, back when she was 90. That was a prelude to the celebration of her 100th birthday today.
One-time real estate gimmick remains fitting symbol of a city and its showy lifestyle
LOS ANGELES San Francisco has its Golden Gate Bridge, Paris its Eiffel Tower and London its Big Ben. Here, it's nine really big letters on the side of a mountain. Hooray for H O L L Y W O O D the most famous sign in the world, proclaims the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which owns the structure and has trademarked its likeness.
Lifestyles calendar - April 8, 2001
Travel/briefly - April 8, 2001
Banquet honors people dedicated to serving youths
Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Centers will hold the fourth annual Barbara Sommerville Found-er's Award Banquet at 7 p.m. Thursday in Texas Tech's Red Raider Ballroom.
Military/briefly - April 8, 2001
Community briefly
Experts speak on safety to seniors The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will sponsor a free Senior Safety Seminar from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carillon, 1717 Norfolk Ave.
Community service/briefly - April 8, 2001
Lifestyles calendar - April 7, 2001
TODAY Story Time 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 6707 Slide Road. Poems from Jack Prelutsky's "It's Raining Pigs & Nooddles" & Eloise Wilkin's "Poems to Read to the Very Young." Free. 798-8990.
Lubbock NARFE installs new officers
The Lubbock Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees has installed new officers for the year 2001.
Tech, Haas join forces at center
Haas Automation Inc. and Texas Tech have formed a machining center in the mechanical engineering department with the Oxnard, Calif.-based company donating $250,000 in equipment.
Services scheduled for victims of truck accident
Three men, originally from Hart, died April 1 in a fiery truck crash in southeast Texas.
Eventful week fills hotels with customers, joy
This week the hottest ticket in Lubbock was a hotel room. For those who made reservations, there was a clean sheet. Those who didn't heard only bad news from front desks.
Perry appoints Tech professor to state board
Gov. Rick Perry announced Thursday the appointment of Rudy Arredondo, a professor in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at Texas Tech University Health Science Center, to the Texas Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
Cotton council aims for new aid package
Facing low prices and higher production costs, farmers likely will get another economic assistance package for 2001, although any major commodity program changes probably won't happen for another two years, Plains Cotton Growers members were told Friday.
County to consider Shallowater sale
Lubbock County commissioners will consider selling county-owned property in Shallowater when they meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the Lubbock County Courthouse.
Man shoots self in chest at apartment
A 48-year-old man shot himself in the chest Friday night after police responded to a domestic dispute call at a West Lubbock apartment, according to police reports.
Public meetings - April 8, 2001
Monday Civil Service Commission 8 a.m., Municipal Building, Room L01
LUBBOCK/briefly - April 7, 2001
Woman injured in one-car accident
Margarita Camacho, 23, suffered serious injuries early Friday when the car in which she was riding struck a light pole and overturned, according to police.
Planning and zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the following applications Thursday for zoning changes in Lubbock:
Talk's Not Cheap
The Texas Tech athletic department has started an intensive budget-control crackdown on cellular phone use this year after ringing up a bigger bill than the nation's richest public universities. Records obtained by The Avalanche-Journal show that Tech's cell phone bill in the athletic department more than tripled from $34,643 in fiscal year 1999 to $104,887 in 2000.
Suspect, mob clash with officer
What began as a domestic argument over a bottle of hot sauce Thursday night turned into a tense situation for Lubbock police officers.
Number of drug seizures growing like weed at LISD
Pot. Weed. Dope. Marijuana. Whatever it's called, it's being found in the Lubbock school district at a record rate.
High winds deliver damaging blow
Power outages, roofs blown off buildings, utility poles and trees either broken or down and broken windows and fences were left behind Friday after strong winds blasted the region.
Skateboard park backers look to get wheels turning
The problem with Lubbock is there's just not a real good place to do a nollie 180 heelflip on a bank.
Tech grads named Distinguished Engineers
Texas Tech's College of Engineering named two graduates as Distinguished Engineers during a luncheon Friday.
Just how much TIME do today's young people have?
Bobby Turner dreams of riding on the professional circuit, but for now he just enjoys jumping on his dirt bike for practice and a little fun after school and on weekends. He, like many of his classmates at New Deal Middle School, jams his free time with everything from athletics to art.
Reading is best tool to help children develop
Parents play a major role in the development of their children. They can do a lot of different things to help their children develop properly, but the most important thing they can do is R-E-A-D.
LISD believes creativity key to reading programs
The Lubbock Independent School District is implementing ways to help encourage reading through fun and interactive programs.
We need more children's advocates
An advocate is one who speaks out for his or her own or another person's interests. The urgency of children's needs (particularly the poorest and neediest children) is great, and children are often the voiceless ones. Children's advocacy groups speak out for children in Washington, D.C., Austin, and Lubbock.
Non-stop activities keep parents hopping
As a mother of five, Toni Martinez said finding time to take her children to school and extracurricular activities was a matter of juggling schedules. She has often worked two and three jobs at a time, scheduled after school, at nights and on weekends so that she could take them to school and their activities.
Child-rearing resources are just click, call away
In recent years, parenting experts have offered their philosophies for parents who want to unlock the mystery of rearing children. Additionally, the Internet and bookstores can help parents seek answers to better child-rearing practices.
Their Turn: Students Talk About Leisure Time
Not surprisingly, a majority of parents place restrictions on the amount of time they allow their children to watch television, use the computer, play video games and talk on the phone.
Point/Counterpoint - Miranda Cornelius
In today's society kids spend most of their time away from home. Whether it is spending time with friends or participating in extracurricular activities, most teen-agers keep pretty busy.
Point/Counterpoint - Jacqueline Vega
It all began one warm August years ago. I was a freshman eager to "be someone," so I joined every possible organization imaginable. My sophomore year, I tried to work on the art of saying no, but it didn't really work out. My junior year approached, bringing premature senioritis, but I continued my community service.
Balancing Act
SUBHEAD:Jobs, kids, commitments mean today's families are busier than ever before
Day-care centers expand repertoires
Local childcare centers are making changes in their programs to meet the needs of parents in today's society.
Fourth Corps
Delivering a firm handshake and a steely gaze to a prospective employer often times locks down a coveted job.
Take time, ask questions when selecting day care
Questions parents might consider when selecting a day care facility (from the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Web site).
March Teens Of The Month
The Lubbock schools teens of the month for March are as follows:
STARS program offers unique opportunity for volunteers to assist students
A reading program at Harwell Elementary is making STARS out of students and community members alike.
FCC issues policy paper clarifying indecent broadcast content
WASHINGTON {AP} The government gave broadcasters specific guidance Friday on what not to say, or even suggest, to avoid accusations of indecent programming.
Plan for joint commission stirs hope for U.S., China resolution
WASHINGTON (AP) Pres-ident Bush and Chinese Pres-ident Jiang Zemin were reviewing drafts of a letter Friday that would have a joint commission resolve a dispute over a U.S. spy plane and its 24-member crew, as the two sides moved toward a diplomatic resolution.
Poll numbers show majority of Mississippians like their flag
RAYMOND, Miss. {AP} Two-thirds of Mississippians say they prefer the current state flag over a new design that removes the Confederate battle flag from the top corner, according to a poll about an issue voters will decide in a week.
Senate shrinks Bush's big tax plan
WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate dealt a blow Friday to President Bush and his drive for a $1.6 trillion, 10-year tax cut, approving a budget that would shave $400 billion off his tax plan and spend billions more than he wants. By 65-35, the Senate approved a budget for next year that would open the way for a $1.2 trillion tax reduction. The vote came after White House officials and top Republicans abruptly abandoned days of intense efforts to pump up the size of the tax reduction, the keystone of the new administration's economic policy.
Georgian's body found in Big Bend
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK {AP} The body of a Georgia man has been found at the base of a steep cliff on the park's South Rim.
Gasoline price surge forecast for summer
WASHINGTON {AP} Drivers could face a new round of surging prices at the gas pump this summer, the government says, citing tight supplies through the year's heaviest driving season. Last year, price spikes reached $2 a gallon.
'Wanderer' takes hammer to Liberty Bell
PHILADELPHIA {AP} A disheveled man yelling "God lives on!" banged on the Liberty Bell with a hammer at least four times Friday, denting and chipping the lip of the 249-year-old symbol of freedom.
Midwest ravaged by high winds, heavy rains of raging storm
OMAHA, Neb. {AP} Wind up to 79 mph ripped across the upper Midwest on Saturday, overturning tractor-trailer rigs, knocking out power and peeling a 2-ton ribbon of copper sheet off the roof of Nebraska's Capitol.
NATION/briefly - April 8, 2001
Bachelor survivor reaps reward CHERRY HILL, N.J. It's been 20 years since a group of friends made a bet, going so far as to have a written charter and start a savings account to hold the pot.
States take lead on prescription benefits
COLUMBUS, Ohio {AP} As Congress debates solutions to high prescription drug costs, more and more states are pushing ahead with their own plans to ease the burden, particularly on the elderly and needy.
Shoplifting suspect dies in struggle
DETROIT {AP} A woman suspected of shoplifting died in a struggle with security guards outside a drug store Friday in the third such death in the Detroit area in less than a year.
Europe's mad cow scare means business for U.S.
WASHINGTON {AP} The bad fortune of European livestock producers is about to pay off for a few Americans like John Johnson.
Raising organ donation awareness YODA's goal
BOSTON {AP} Cristina Weiner and her twin brother, Matt, agreed they would donate their organs if the situation ever arose four years ago after they applied for their driver's licenses.
China resists U.S. deal
BEIJING (AP) China's politically powerful military stepped up pressure Saturday for Beijing to take a hard line against Washington in a standoff over a U.S. spy plane. American diplomats said the plane's detained crew members were in ''high spirits'' after receiving e-mails from their families. Defense Minister Gen. Chi Haotian said the People's Liberation Army won't let Washington ''shirk responsibility,'' dampening hopes for an early release of the 24 U.S. crew members. The crew has been held on southern Hainan island, where they made an emergency landing after colliding with a Chinese fighter jet.
Jose Reyna
HART Services for Jose Juan Reyna, 21, of Amarillo will be at 2 p.m. today at St. John's Catholic Church with the Rev. David Cruz of St. Peter's Catholic Church of Olton officiating.
Roberta McMath
DENTON Services for Roberta Ellison McMath, 79, of Denton will be at 3 p.m. today at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Cliff Feeler officiating.
Tommye Harris
MORTON Services for Tommye Bea Harris, 78, of McKinney will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul Lively officiating.
Rosie Blackwell
BROWNFIELD Services for Rosie Mae Blackwell, 72, of Brownfield will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Brownfield Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with the Rev. J.L. Bass officiating.
Demetrio Reyes
Services for Demetrio Reyes, 80, of Lubbock will be at 10 a.m. today at Flint Avenue Baptist Church with David Caballero officiating.
Lois Birdsell
HOBBS, N.M. Services for Lois O. Birdsell, 85, of Hobbs will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel with Jack Lott officiating.
Flora Payne
HOBBS, N.M. Services for Flora Mae Payne, 86, of Hobbs will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Griffin Funeral Home with Wayne Villar officiating.
Dee Berry
CROSBYTON Services for Dee Berry, 97, of Crosbyton will be at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Lester Griffin officiating.
Ada Russell
SPRING LAKE Graveside services for Ada Elizabeth Russell, 98, of De Leon will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Spring Lake Cemetery in Spring Lake with Tim Pruitt officiating.
Vada Webster
LOCKNEY Graveside services for Vada Webster, 84, of Lockney will be at 3 p.m. today at Lockney Cemetery with the Rev. Phillip Golden officiating.
Peter Redecop
SEMINOLE Services for Peter Redecop, infant son of Peter and Katherina Redecop Sr. of Summer, will be at 2 p.m. today at the Reinlander Mennonite Church with Henry Reimer officiating.
Ramon Castro Sr.
SLATON Rosary services for Ramon Castro Sr., 75, of Lubbock will be said at 7 p.m. Sunday in Englunds Chapel with Msgr. Curtis Halfmann of St. John Neumann Catholic Church officiating.
Virginia Smith
MUNDAY Services for Virginia "Jennie" Smith, 72, of Knox City will be at 3 p.m. today at Gillespie Baptist Church, located between Knox City and Munday, with the Rev. Ross Anderson officiating.
Virgil Drew Jr.
Memorial services for Virgil Jackson Drew Jr., 77, of Lubbock will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Bowman Chapel in First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bruce Parks officiating and the Rev. Marisue Smith assisting.
Ellene Rawlinson
HOBBS, N.M. Services for Ellene Rawlinson, 60, of Hobbs will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Prairie Haven Chapel with Bruce Kirby officiating.
Porfina Duran
FLOYDADA Prayer services for Porfina Casillas Duran, 77, of Floydada will be at 7 p.m. today at Moore-Rose-White Memorial Chapel in Floydada.
Faye Heim
AMHERST Services for Faye Hope Heim, 79, of Amherst will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Amherst Church of Christ with Tim Rush officiating.
Florence Beatty
LAMESA Services for Florence Beatty, 58, of Lamesa will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Second Baptist Church with the Revs. Clifton Igo and Larry Rienike, pastor, officiating.
Adam Greene
Graveside services for Adam Anthony Greene, infant son of Charles Anthony Greene and Melissa Jewell Morris of Lubbock, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Memorial Park-Babyland with Sam Rodriguez officiating.
Homer Warren
FLOYDADA Graveside services for Homer "Bud" Warren, 98, of Floydada will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Floydada Cemetery with the Rev. Glenn Truett, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating.
Ernest Lillard
BIG SPRING Services for Ernest E. Lillard, 69, of Big Spring will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Assembly of God Church with Morris L. Sheats, pastor of Hillcrest Church of Dallas, and the Rev. R.T. Havener, pastor of First Assembly of God of Big Spring, officiating.
Johnny Valdez
Services for Johnny Valdez, 57, of Lubbock will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with the Rev. Jim O'Connor officiating.
Leroy Dunlap
LEVELLAND Services for Leroy Dunlap, 78, of Levelland will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Austin Street Church of Christ with Keith Cormier and Hugh Forehand officiating.
Julius Trauer
HART Services for Julius "Ju Ju" Trauer, 94, of Plainview will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Long officiating.
Today's services - April 7, 2001
W.R. Trammel
ASPERMONT Services for W.R. "Trigger" Trammel, 86, of Aspermont will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Aspermont with the Rev. Bruce Hess officiating.
Maria Jimenez
BROWNFIELD Services for Maria Jimenez, 50, of Brownfield will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with the Rev. Reyenald Reyes officiating.
Billy Townsend
Memorial services for Billy D. Townsend, 72, of Lubbock will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Chapel of Angels Funeral Home with pastor Michael Hudson officiating.
Margaret Gruis
PORTALES, N.M. Margaret Gruis, 76, of Portales died Thursday, April 5, 2001, in Clovis, N.M.
Ramon Torres
LAMESA Rosary for Ramon F. Torres, 75, of Lamesa will be said at 7 p.m. today at Gonzales Funeral Home Chapel.
Jesus Reyna
HART Services for Jesus Reyna, 25, of Amarillo will be at 2 p.m. today at St. John's Catholic Church with the Rev. David Cruz of St. Peter's Catholic Church of Olton officiating.
Cecile Stanton
Funeral services for Cecile Caviness Stanton of Lubbock will be held in First United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Keith Wiseman officiating.
LaVerne Pope
ABERNATHY Services for LaVerne Greer Pope, 63, of Abernathy will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in the Abernathy First Baptist Church with The Rev. Dennis Teeters, pastor of Lamesa First Baptist Church, officiating.
Opal Smith
BROWNFIELD Services for Opal McElroy Smith, 79, of Brownfield will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church with John Reed officiating and the Rev. Billy R. Keller assisting.
Ray Hodges
POST Graveside services for Ray O. Hodges, 92, of Midland will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Terrace Cemetery with the Rev. Steve McMeans officiating.
Thecla Blassingame
SADLER Graveside services for Thecla Blassingame, 85, of Levelland will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Sadler Cemetery with the Rev. Glyn Rives officiating.
Elwood Heberly
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Elwood "Woody" Heberly, 65, died March 27, 2001, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
E.B. Robbins Jr.
PORTALES, N.M. Services for E.B. Robbins Jr., 82, of Portales will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Riley officiating and Marlin Poyner assisting.
Sergio Guerrero
HART Services for Sergio Guerrero, 23, of Angleton will be at 2 p.m. today at St. John's Catholic Church with the Rev. David Cruz of St. Peter's Catholic Church of Olton officiating.
Thomas Galloway II
BURNET Graveside services for Thomas Wesley Galloway II, 92, of Burnet will be at 3 p.m. today at the Post Mountain Cemetery in Burnet with the Rev. Al Cummings officiating.
Today's services - April 8, 2001
Pauline Hickman
LEVELLAND Services for Pauline Hickman, 86, of Levelland will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Geo. C. Price Funeral Directors Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Howe, pastor for Second Baptist Church, officiating.
Sam Cox
Memorial services for Sam Cox, 79, of Lubbock will be 10 a.m. Monday in Sanders Memorial Chapel with the Rev. John Ballard officiating.
Mary Beckmeyer
LAMESA Services for Mary L. Beckmeyer, 71, of Lamesa will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church with Kalith Brown of Welch Church of Christ officiating.
John Buell
PADUCAH Graveside services for John Elmer Buell, 84, of Paducah will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Garden of Memories Cemetery with the Rev. Jeff Utter, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Stanley Bedur
HOUSTON Graveside services for Stanley Jean Ragsdale Bedur, 75, of Lubbock, formerly of Houston, will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Houston National Cemetery.
Brandon Duncan
IDALOU Graveside services for Brandon Ashley Duncan, infant son of Michael and Beth Duncan of Idalou, will be at 3 p.m. today in Idalou Cemetery with Preston Casey officiating.
Omega Dunnam
BIG SPRING Graveside services for Omega LaRue Dunnam, 87, of Big Spring, will be at 1 p.m. today at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park with Claude Craven, retired Baptist minister, officiating.
Little girl's cookies raise constitutional question
Morgan Nyman and Antonio Peck are learning that the phrase "separation of church and state" has become what Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes called a misfortune of law. In Hyde vs. United States, Holmes wrote, "It is one of the misfortunes of law that ideas become encysted in phrases, and thereafter for a long time cease to provoke further analysis."
Crime wrap - April 7, 2001
Blotter information is compiled from reports filed with the Lubbock Police Department. To report information about these or other crimes, call Crime Line at 741-1000. In some cases, cash rewards are offered. Callers may remain anonymous.
Felony charges - April 7, 2001
The Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney's Office has filed the following felony charges:
Suns wrap up playoff berth with 102-98 win over Cavs
CLEVELAND Shawn Marion scored 25 points as the Phoenix Suns beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-98 Saturday night, clinching a playoff berth for the 13th consecutive season.
Cotton Kings complete sweep
Lubbock goaltender Lance Leslie and the rest of the Cotton Kings exorcised a couple of demons Friday in Game 4 of the WPHL playoffs.
Miller Park opens with much fanfare
MILWAUKEE {AP} The Milwaukee Brewers finally have a roof over their heads.
Hargrove not shocked by Hart's retirement
CLEVELAND {AP} The only manager John Hart ever fired wasn't surprised to hear that the Cleveland Indians general manager would step down following the 2001 season.
Celtics' comeback falls short as Lakers' road success continues
BOSTON Horace Grant hit a turnaround jumper at the shot clock buzzer with eight seconds left Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers recovered after blowing a 26-point lead and beat the Boston Celtics 100-96.
Mariners rallypast Rangers
ARLINGTON Brett Boone had three RBIs, two with a single that keyed a three-run fifth inning as the Seattle Mariners rallied for a 6-5 victory Saturday night, overcoming Alex Rodriquez to hand the Texas Rangers their third straight defeat.
Rising Stars end season unbeaten in last 13 games
SAN JOSE, Calif. Mike Modano scored his second goal on a backhand shot with 2:50 left in overtime as the Dallas Stars ended the regular season with a 13-game unbeaten streak, beating the San Jose Sharks 5-4 on Saturday.
Suzuki foils Rodriguez's reunion with Mariners
ARLINGTON Alex Rodriguez won't have a fond memory of his first game against Seattle because of Ichiro Suzuki's 10th-inning home run.
Gordon wins pole for Virginia 500
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) Jeff Gordon won the pole position for Sunday's Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race, his 35th career top starting spot.
Biggio powers undefeated Astros
HOUSTON Craig Biggio went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBIs, and the Houston Astros beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1 Friday night.
Riggs' gamble works in first career truck victory
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) Scott Riggs passed up a pit stop to grab the lead with 108 laps to go Saturday and made the same tires last for 151 laps to win the Advance Auto Parts 250 Craftsman Truck Series race.
Masters cut claims players large and small
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Davis Love III watched the 8-foot putt roll toward the cup, knowing his Masters future hinged on the outcome. As it slid over the right edge of the hole, he let out a groan.
Dwindling numbers of concern to bowling groups
When the Texas Women's Bowling Association state tournament last came through Lubbock in 1982, the number of participating teams was 2,135.
Tiger in position for historic run
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Tiger Woods' score midway through the Masters is exactly the same as it was four years ago when he romped through Augusta National and into golf history. Yet despite a 6-under 66 on Friday that thrust him into position for an unprecedented fourth straight major, Woods was quick to point out a few discrepancies.
Marlins 8, Braves 0
MIAMI Ryan Dempster pitched around five walks in six shutout innings, Charles Johnson snapped a slump with three RBIs, and the Florida Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves.
Big Easy in contention again at Augusta National
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Ernie Els already has two U.S. Open championships. Still, it's clear that something gnaws at this guy, enticing him like nothing else.
Woods-Mickelson showdown set
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) A sudden burst of birdies for Tiger Woods. A late charge from his nemesis, Phil Mickelson. Just like that, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion to one of the most remarkable Masters ever.
It's not all smooth sailing near Lake Erie
SHEFFIELD LAKE, Ohio My wife and I came to this suburb of Cleveland last week to see my Cousin Mary's new, beautiful home on Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes, and, like always, I found myself attracted to the newspapers of the area. When Cousin Mary lived closer to downtown Cleveland, the only newspaper I found when visiting her was the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Now that she has moved to Lorain County and about 40 miles west of Cleveland, I have encountered several other lively newspapers and am learning a lot about life in Northeast Ohio.
Mason, Waterboy walk away with Market Barrow victory
Imagine you're walking around a show ring in the main arena of Reliant Hall in Houston, a show stick of some sort in your hand and a brush in your back pocket. You're following and trying to direct a pig you probably have been feeding and grooming since it was very young.
REGION/briefly - April 8, 2001
TSTC set to host women's conference SWEETWATER The Texas State Technical College's West Texas Campus will host its 6th annual women's conference, titled Choices, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Irrigation workshop to offer wide variety of information
LAMESA Subjects ranging from design to chemigation will be covered Tuesday during a center pivot irrigation workshop in the Dawson County Community Building.
Lorenzo woman among NCWC representatives
MEMPHIS Merle Morrison of Lorenzo was among National Cotton Women's Committee members attending a recent issues brief and planning session at National Cotton Council headquarters.
Area dispatcher honored
When Plainview residents dial 911, the voice on the other end of the line may be award-winning dispatcher Lawrence Roche. Roche was selected as Texas Telecommunicator of the Year for a June 24 phone call from an 11-year-old boy and his 7-year-old sister whose father was unconscious from a seizure.
Man agrees to sentence for intoxicated assault
A driver who critically injured a 69-year-old man in a drunken driving crash agreed Friday to a 10-year prison term.
REGION/briefly - April 7, 2001
Plainview man handed 17-year prison sentence
A compact disc pirate busted by U.S. Customs Service will spend 171/2 years in prison for conspiracy, receiving child pornography and trying to solicit sex from a teen-age girl.
Path to Faith
Jerusalem, the ancient city of faith, draws pilgrims from throughout the world, a situation not so different from its role as the center of Jewish worship in the first century. Danger and turmoil marked the city under first century Roman occupation. A simmering rebellion seemed always just below the surface, making suspect any Jewish leader with a popular following.
Women's seders create new Passover traditions
NEW YORK Naomi Reiss sat with her daughter, sister and grandmother, celebrating the Passover holiday with a seder meal as Jews have done around the world for generations.
Palm Sunday, Holy Week listings offer music, prayer programs
Religion briefly
Spring revival begins today The Second Annual Spring Revival at Carter Chapel CME Church, 420 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., has been rescheduled for today through Friday.
Pass it along
The Rev. Paul Cunningham, senior minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church, considers the foolish things of the world in the church's April newsletter:
Nontechnical workers' future in doubt in dot-com industry
SAN FRANCISCO Workers celebrate as shuttle turns 20
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. {AP} Hundreds of aerospace workers gathered at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first space shuttle flight.
Mars Odyssey rockets toward Red Planet
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. {AP} NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft took off on a six-month, 286 million-mile journey to the Red Planet on Saturday, accompanied by prayers from scientists seeking redemption after back-to-back failures. "Excited, elated, relieved, all at the same time. It's been a year of sleepless nights," NASA's Mars program director, Scott Hubbard, said following liftoff.
Missing UT book found at auction
AUSTIN {AP} A book missing from a University of Texas at Austin collection since 1992 has turned up in a New York City auction house.
Probe into Nocona hospital deaths continues
NOCONA {AP} At Oma Wyler's funeral in January, her family's only comfort was knowing the 95-year-old had lived a full life and was finally ready to leave it behind.
Texas inmates can grow old waiting for justice on death row
HOUSTON {AP} Inmates on death row now spend an average of 10 years there before they are executed. Texas prison officials say they expect that to shrink to five or six years.
Independent reviews corroborate state investigation of Texas Seven escape
AUSTIN {AP} Independent reviews into the December escape of seven convicts from a South Texas prison confirmed the findings of a state investigation and recommended security changes for prisons statewide, the Department of Criminal Justice said Friday. One of the studies corroborated an earlier investigation by TDCJ that blamed employees' mistakes for allowing the convicts to execute their well-planned escape.
Shooting of youth by federal agent spurs lawsuit
HOUSTON {AP} The parents of a Houston teen-ager who was accidentally shot and killed by a federal agent have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court.
GO TEXAN matching fund reaps dividends for partners
The Texas Department of Agriculture's matching fund GO TEXAN partner program is generating a 728 percent return on state dollars through the increased sale of the state's agricultural products.
Man accused of faking death arraigned
FORT WORTH {AP} A man accused of faking his death in 1984 to avoid rape and kidnapping charges in Massachusetts was arraigned Friday.
Kelly makes final cut: Closing end of an era
SAN ANTONIO {AP} Kelly Air Force Base cut 2,000 jobs Saturday in the fourth and final slashing of workers, leaving a skeleton crew of 200 to act as caretakers of the 85-year-old facility until it closes. Kelly, which served the country during five wars, will close July 13.
Negotiations to win release of spy plane crew continue
WASHINGTON {AP} The United States and China are in "intense" discussions to free the detained crew of an American spy plane, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Sunday. He hoped a resolution would come soon so as not to further damage relations between the two countries.
Quick release hope
countered by China's dissatisfaction
HAIKOU, China {AP} China countered optimism for the quick release of a detained U.S. Navy crew, disclosing on Saturday a letter to Washington declaring that American expressions of regret over a spy plane incident were unacceptable.
Mars Odyssey
propelled out
of Earth orbit,
on way to Mars
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. {AP} The Mars Odyssey spacecraft rocketed away Saturday on a 286 million-mile journey to the Red Planet and what NASA hopes will be a mission of redemption.
Teen gets life sentence in killing
of clerk
HOUSTON {AP} A 16-year-old boy charged with capital murder in the execution-style slaying of a store clerk has been sentenced to life in prison.
Las Cruces man killed in two-vehicle accident
LAS CRUCES, N.M. {AP} A 77-year-old Las Cruces man was killed Saturday when the motorcycle he was driving was hit by a pickup, Las Cruces police said.
Exhibit examines cultural impact
of 'Star Wars' series
HOUSTON {AP} Darth Vader: heavy breathing, black helmet, evil. Yoda: small, wise, kind.
Pope marks Palm Sunday and looks ahead to Toronto event
VATICAN CITY {AP} Pope John Paul II celebrated Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square before tens of thousands of faithful, urging young people to renew their commitment to Christ.
Russia's NTV holds protest rally against takeover by gas giant
MOSCOW {AP} Saying their independent voice was under threat, journalists from Russia's pioneering NTV held a rally under rainy skies Saturday and urged their supporters to help fend off a takeover by the state-run gas company Gazprom.
China and U.S. disagree
over whether U.S. flight violated
U.N. convention
UNITED NATIONS {AP} China and the United States disagree on whether a U.S. spy plane violated a U.N. treaty governing activities over, under and on the world's oceans.
Gas field fire quenched
in Indonesia's Aceh
JAKARTA, Indonesia {AP} Rebels in Indonesia's Aceh province slung a grenade into a natural gas field belonging to Irving-based energy giant Exxon Mobil on Saturday, and the resulting fire raged for 10 hours, authorities said.
No end in sight for strikes that have shut down Hawaii schools
HONOLULU {AP} After two days of strikes shut down public education in Hawaii, the Department of Education said it would reopen one school that had enough staff to teach its 20 seniors.
PG&E files bankruptcy
in federal court
SAN FRANCISCO {AP} Gov. Gray Davis lashed out Pacific Gas and Electric's decision to file for bankruptcy, calling it selfish and "a slap in the face for Californians."
Leaders of Iran's main opposition group arrested
TEHRAN, Iran {AP} Forty members of Iran's main opposition group have been arrested on charges of trying to overthrow the Islamic establishment, media reported Sunday, detailing another serious blow to reformers ahead of the June presidential election.
Arafat extends Passover greetings to Israelis; asks them to back
peace talks
JERUSALEM {AP} Yasser Arafat extended Passover greetings to Israelis and urged them to support a resumption of peace talks, Palestinian officials said Saturday, following a night of heavy Israeli-Palestinian gun battles in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
California utility gave out bonuses hours before bankruptcy filing
SAN FRANCISCO {AP} The parent company of a California utility awarded about 6,000 bonuses and raises to midlevel managers and other employees hours before the utility filed for bankruptcy, a newspaper has reported.
Tight game ends
with Tech on top
With opportunities few and far between Sunday for the Texas Tech softball team, Shauna Briggs made the most of the one she was given.
U.S. ambassador accuses Croat leadership of 'extensive' criminal activity
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina {AP} Raising the stakes in the showdown with Croat separatists, the U.S. ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina claimed the leadership of the Croat hard-line party wanted a separate state to protect its "extensive" criminal activity.
Blankenship, Metzler clinch Tech win over Iowa State
The Texas Tech baseball team found itself in a position Sunday that has become all too familiar.
U.S. Army says man shot by its troops
is linked to 'extremist activities'
VITINA, Yugoslavia {AP} An ethnic Albanian man shot by American troops in this Kosovo town was believed involved in "smuggling and extremist activities," the U.S. Army said Saturday, a description used for those suspected of aiding rebels in nearby Macedonia.
Siamese twins' operation
in Singapore stretches
into third day
SINGAPORE {AP} Surgeons on Sunday entered the third tense day of a nonstop operation to separate 10-month-old Siamese twin girls from Nepal who whose brains are partially fused.
Bomb explodes at Thai railway station; one killed, dozens injured
BANGKOK, Thailand {AP} A bomb exploded at a busy railway station in southern Thailand on Saturday afternoon, killing a 7-year-old boy and injuring more than three dozen other people.
Communist rebel leaders announce peace talks
to be held in Norway
MANILA, Philippines {AP} Communist rebels leaders, greeted with handshakes from government negotiators as they arrived in the capital Sunday, announced they will hold talks with the Philippine government in Norway on ending a decades-long nationwide rebellion.
Water will be shut off to farmers
to keep endangered fish alive
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. {AP} The government is cutting off irrigation water to hundreds of farmers in a basin along the Oregon-California border to help threatened and endangered fish survive a drought.
Palestinian accused of collaborating with Israel killed
JERUSALEM {AP} A Palestinian accused of collaborating with Israel was killed Sunday in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, and two bombs exploded in the Gaza Strip as the Jewish Passover holiday stirred concerns of more violence.
Rock show opens busy week of entertainment
A bit of this and a bit of that ... leading with the delightful news that David Gaschen, a Lubbock native and Texas Tech graduate who sang the lead in "The Phantom of the Opera" abroad and on Broadway, returns home soon. He plans to spend Easter with his family and stay in Lubbock through his performance on April 21 at the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra's Pops Concert.
Bank seizure causes melee in restless Bosnia
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina {AP} Bosnian Croats stoned NATO peacekeepers, overturned vehicles and attacked employees of international organizations Friday after police and troops seized a major bank used by Bosnian Croat hard-liners bent on setting up their own ministate.
Sweep nets more suspects in bomb attack on Cole
SAN'A, Yemen {AP} Three Islamic militants were arrested in Aden on Saturday in connection with last year's bombing of the destroyer USS Cole, security officials said.
Crash kills MIA search team in Vietnam
HANOI, Vietnam {AP} A helicopter carrying a team searching for Americans missing in action from the Vietnam War crashed into a mountain Saturday, killing at least 16 people, including seven Americans. There were conflicting reports about the number of casualties. Vietnamese officials said there were 20 people on board and that all of them died in the crash. But a Pentagon spokesman in Washington, Lt. Cmdr Terry Sutherland, said 16 were killed, including seven Americans and nine Vietnamese.
U.S. diplomats encouraged by China talks
HAIKOU, China {AP} An American diplomat met Friday with a detained Navy air crew, and U.S. officials said they were encouraged about talks aimed at winning their release.
Iraqi group ready to give Saddam boot
TEHRAN, Iran {AP} An influential Iraqi opposition group previously opposed to cooperation with the United States said Saturday it would now welcome U.S. efforts to help oust President Saddam Hussein.
Recent violence outbreak changes Passover habits
JERUSALEM {AP} In the traditional family meal that marks the beginning of the Passover holiday, the youngest child asks: "What makes this night different from all other nights?"
Algerian man convicted in terror scheme
LOS ANGELES {AP} An Algerian man was convicted Friday of terrorism for bringing a car loaded with explosives into the United States in what authorities said was a global plan to bomb buildings at the time of millennium celebrations.
Palestinians upset over two men's arrests
JERUSALEM {AP} Israeli special forces entered a Palestinian area in the West Bank on Friday night and seized two local militia leaders, Palestinian officials said.
Basques pray for peace at holy shrine
ARANTZAZU, Spain {AP} Heads bowed into the wind and rain, thousands of Basques marched in a pilgrimage Saturday to a mountaintop Roman Catholic shrine and prayed for an end to the 33-year-old conflict that has divided their region.
Wingman blames collision on U.S. crew
BEIJING {AP} The pilot of a Chinese fighter jet had no chance against the U.S. spy plane that banked suddenly, striking it and sending the smaller aircraft spiraling out of control over the South China Sea, his wingman said on state television Friday.
Iraqi opposition group, in shift, willing to work with U.S. to topple Saddam
TEHRAN, Iran {AP} An influential Iraqi opposition group previously opposed to cooperation with the United States said Saturday it would now welcome U.S. efforts to help oust President Saddam Hussein.
U.N. sends arrest warrant for Milosevic
BELGRADE, Yugoslavia {AP} A U.N. war crimes tribunal envoy handed Yugoslav authorities an arrest warrant for Slobodan Milosevic on Friday and said the country's justice minister promised to serve it on the jailed former president. But the largely symbolic procedure doesn't mean Milosevic is headed for trial in The Hague, Netherlands, anytime soon. The Yugoslav government wants to try him first, and many Serbs distrust the U.N. court, contending that it has singled them out in its quest to bring suspects to justice.
Yugoslavia faces arduous, uncertain road to recovery
BELGRADE, Yugoslavia {AP} President Vojislav Kostunica, under whose banner the anti-Milosevic camp rallied, is a colorless, bespectacled man whose dark locks and creased face bear a fleeting resemblance to Al Pacino. A law professor, he has inherited a legacy of lawlessness.
Peruvians cast wary eye at candidates
LIMA, Peru {AP} Having driven their last president from office, Peruvians are choosing a new one Sunday from a field led by a one-time shoeshine boy who went to Harvard, the daughter of a former political prisoner and a disgraced ex-president returned from exile.
Boxes could point finger at Milosevic
WASHINGTON {AP} Cyprus has turned over 25 boxes of potential evidence against former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to an international war crimes tribunal, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said Friday.
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In what is thought to be the largest-ever donation to a public park, hedge fund manager John Paulson gave $100 million to the not-for-profit Central Park Conservancy, which maintains the 843-acre public space. What do you think?
"Finally, a gift for the impoverished people of Manhattan."Wayne Volaitis Electrical Drafter
"With that kind of money they should be able to get Simon & Garfunkel to play there again, no problem."Donald Canovas Baseball Scout
"God knows Central Park needs the money. I mean, they're still depending on horse-powered carriages for transportation."Lisanne Sable Screwhead Polisher

subset: commoncrawl


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Lower Back Pain
If you are experiencing lower back pain and are not sure what you should do, then you have come to the right place. This site was designed to give you an informative look at lower back pain. Here, you will find information on the common causes ofback pain, as well as information on the more severe causes. Not only will you learn the causes of your pain in your back, but you will also learn some basic treatment methods that you can do yourself, such as stretches and exercises.
Your Questions Answered
Is surgery an option you should look into? Is your back pain the result of a kidney infection? Is your pain the result of a herniated disc? Should you use heat or ice? Should you rest after your back starts to hurt? What does it mean when the doctor says you have acute lower back pain or chronic lower back pain? Will exercise make your back pain worse or better? These are just a few of the questions you will find the answers to on this site.
Not only does this site tackle common questions you may have when you experience physical suffering, but you will find more advanced information. You will learn some information on Paget's Disease, Scheuermann's Disease, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, as well as other severe health issues that could be causing your back pain.
Lower Back Pain Defined
Lower back pain is described as anywhere on your back below the ribs and above your legs. It is the connection between the upper and lower body. Your lower back bears the most weight, which makes it susceptible for being injured easily when you reach, twist, or lift.
It is not a specific disease, but instead is a symptom. Back pain can occur due to a variety of underlying causes. Sometimes, these causes are never identified and your back pain will cease after a few days, weeks, or months. Dull lower back pain that stops hurting within three months is considered acute. Pain that continues past three months can be considered chronic.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
There are so many different reasons why you could be experiencing pain in your lower back. However, the majority of the time lower back pain is the result of an overuse or strain on your muscles, joints, and ligaments in your lower back. While this is the most common reason, more severe health complications could be the cause. The pain can be categorized into three categories: common, spinal conditions, and medical conditions.
Some common causes can include:
- Herniated Disc
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Vertebrae Fractures
- Compression Fractures
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Some spinal conditions can include:
- Bacterial Infection
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Paget's Disease
- Sciatica
- Spinal Degeneration
Some medical conditions include:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Peptic Ulcers
- Kidney Stones
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Prostate Disease
The location of where your pain is matters. Pain on your lower left side could be an indication of certain health issues, while pain on your right side could indicate other reasons. You will find more detailed information on this site regarding your lower left side back pain and your lower right side back pain. Many times, pain on either side could indicate health issues that will need to be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent further complications.
Your doctor will prescribe some form of treatment to help you relieve that pain. There are many different options available to you for taking care of your pain on your own; however, there are some instances when you will not be able to do it on your own. In these instances, you will have to rely on your doctor's advice.
There could be some surprising information regarding how to handle your lower back pain at home. For instance, did you know that rest could be the culprit that is causing you even more pain than your original pain? You can learn how this is possible by reading the article dedicated to treatment.
In this same article, you will learn there are differences between pain medications. Learn what types of over-the-counter pain medications will work best for you. Some are anti-inflammatory, while others are simply pain medications. Many times, back pain is due to an inflammation of the joints. Therefore, NSAIDs will be the type you should try. If none of the over-the-counter medications available are working, then you can be prescribed a stronger one by your doctor.
Surgery is not generally an option that most people will have to consider. However, there are surgical procedures that can help to alleviate the cause. The problem with surgery is that it does not always work resulting in failed back surgery syndrome. While it is not common, it may be your only option to relieve severe pain. Just because it does not always work, does not mean it will not work for you. Be prepared to commit to physical therapy after your surgery.
Stretches and Exercises
Lower back pain stretches and exercises can help to alleviate pain, as well as to prevent problems in the future. Exercise is an important part of the healing process. However, it is equally important to choose exercises and stretches that will not add to your problem.
On this site, you will learn some stretches and exercises you can do for your lower back, as well as the types of exercises to stay away from. Not all exercises are suitable for a person suffering from back pain.
This site is dedicated to helping you learn information regarding your lower back pain. It is designed to answer questions that you could possibly have regarding pain you could be experiencing in this area.
While there is a lot of information available to you through this site, it is not designed to take the place of a medical professional. It is extremely important to contact a doctor as soon as you experience lower back pain and especially before you attempt any of the exercises or stretches on this site. We wish you the best of luck and hope the information on this site helps you to relieve your lower back pain.
28 Responses to "Lower Back Pain"
My dad is 70 years old he has very untolerable low back pain . he also has hernia surgery 1 yearback after that has lost 11 kg weight.(before hernia surgery weight was 77 kg after sugery weight is 66 kg) please suggest how can he get rid of such pain
I had back surgery in 2009, I went back for my two year checkup and the doctor said he could take the cage and screws he put in if it ever bothered me. I didn't think I ever would have to have it taken out but now it is hurting down my legs. What would this consist of if he takes the cage and screws out.
Extended, tho short-lived, bending over or even dish washing creates an ache. Also, the pain is extreme on waking up in the morning. Arising from a sedentary position can also be painful, tho not long-lived.
a'm sufferd a back pain 3 weeks ago on my left lower back it so painful mostly when i stand up a'm so worried about this it could be a kidney infection a'm sure could i see a doctor please suggest to this such pain
Have intense lower back pain when I try to sleep I go off to sleep ok but toss and turn all night with an aching lower back don't get pain during day only if I bend over for long periods or lift anything too heavy. Please help I'm so tired!
i have lower back pain. on my left side and down my left leg to my toes. i had an exray by a chiropractor .it found mild to moderate degeneratve disc disease at l-4and l-5, l3 and l1 has no space between. i have ben treated with traction by my chiropractor it worked for a mounth no pain now the pain is back. what should i do for treetment?
I have been having pain in my hip/joint area, I broke my pelvic bone about 25 yrs ago in a car accident. Now the pain is in my lower left side of my back and travels down to my feet, My ankle gives out on me when i am going down stairs. Today I have noticed a lump where my pain is, Also, my left side of my shoulder/neck has gotten so bad in the past week i can hardly move it. I noticed today, I have a lump where the pain is in my back. I am not sure what it is but I did make an appt. for 3 weeks from today. Not sure if i can handle it for that long, Any suggestions. I also broke every rib in my body during the car accident. Need some advise,
I am 24 years old and my lower back has been hurting for
the past week. I work in retail, so I'm standing and walking
8 hours a day. When I rest at night it goes away but during the
day is comes back and its an extreme pain. Constant throbbing
where I am hunch over and Sharp pains. It's on both sides
sometimes it stops when I sit down. But bending over and
Standing it horrible. What should I do to ease this pain??
Hi I hav had server lower back pain on my left side for 3 months now and its getting worse I have also descoverd a lump near my spine left side that hurts pain killers and rest donot take away the pain lease helpp its worse at night and is also getting worse in rthwe0 day
I am 29 years old and have 4 boys. From the bottom of my ribs to my tale bone hurt so bad and this has been going on for about 6 years now and it keeps getting worse. The pain is so bad I can hardley walk sit stand or anything. I can't get comfortable on anything I do. When I sit down there is so much pressure in my back I have to stand up but when I stand up it shoots pain to my tale bone and my hips. My spine looks like it is caving in. Like I don't have any bones there. My spine looked normal Friday and today its caved in. I can't sleep walk sit or anything. I have no insurance to go to the Dr but I have to do something really quick cause the pain is so bad. Put it to you this way I would rather be in labor than this. Someone please help me I have 4 babys to take care of and I can't right now. Please someone HELP me.
I have tried several medications for my lower back pain but I only find relief when I lie flat on the floor. What significance can you deduct from this fact?
I am an 20yrs old black girl . I am 4"7 height and my weight is 186 .. I am really think out thought my body …. I do have an medical problem but its only a insomnia … I work at a ware house lifting box and putting them together and organized … One thing is that have had an back injury before but it was two years ago … should I just try water everyday ,than exercise and than a back brace …Would the things help me .. My back i hurting all day specialty at work so what do I do .
I have a lump/ mass in my lower back but not near spine. I can no loner sleep on my back or stomach. It hurts to pick anything up basically the bending motion seems to irritate the most. Very hard to exercise. I can no longer scrub tub, sweep and those type of motions. My doctor told me it was a generic word loki "lympoma"?? Not sure spelling but was not concerned about cancer. I went into Boston to pain specialist And confirmed it was was this mass giving me such pain and not the bulging disk I have had for many years. He also suggested a general surgeon to remove. I am willing to do this if the percentage is high for relief as it had caused me so much pain ( no doctors will give pain meds) I have tried ma y meds including muscle relaxers that DON'T HELP. I have bad anxiety about traveling so I'm trying to find a very good doctor not far from Norton, MA. I am afraid and I know I can't go on living like this anymore. The lump moves around freely when pressure is put on it and appears to become larger and inflamed. All I can do is ice every 20 min then rest when I have irritated it. Many people warn me not to let a surgeon work on my back and give me horror stories. I am on disability due to other issues and this added over the years is just awful and makes my depression worse. Can someone help me have some hope? Not one do tot has xray'd or had MRI or cat scan…???
Signed; scared and in pain in massachusetts.
Hi I am 24 years old and have been having problems in my lower back for 2 days now but today my right hip joint is give me sharp pains. Whenever I try to stand up my right leg gives way as it can't hold my weight. I try very hard to lift myself up with my arms but because my back hurts really bad whenever I straighten my back it is taking longer or I have times where I feel like not getting up is easier!! Can you help? I went to see the nurse yesterday n she prescribed me a ibruprofen gel I don't feel any differnce as it has not improved!! Help me please? Thank you
I am feeling lower back pain since 2 days. My uterus stands removed since 10 years. I observe some gland on right side of vigina. Kindly advise how to go for it.
I have had lower back pain for some years now and seems to get worse. Years ago I was lifting something about 50lbs and felt like something pulled in the lower part of my back. I couldn't walk when this happened for about 2 days. Everyone once in a while it affects me so bad that its hard to walk. When I sit for a while pain gets a little worse and sometimes feel pain in my testicles from my back pain.What could possibly cause pain from your back to your testicles?
I have been having pain in rigt lower back which moves into right leg. I am 51 years old
I went to the beach with a friend and we were having fun and the next day my back started to hurt just in the lower part and I have rested it and it still hurts. What should I do?
I had a spinal fusion surgery 7 months ago after the surgery . I still have pain on my right side only in my lower lumbar. and numbness and weakness going down my right leg and 3,4,and 5th toe. I am expierencing severe neck pain and numbness and weakness down the right arm and cannot hold anything in my right hand. the hand and wrist are swollen and painful. I did have an MRI done in the cervix. What can cause this? and what can be done to relieve the pain, numbness and weakness?
I have several conditions which can cause radicular and referred pain. Starting with cervical disk degeneration, arthritis in neck, shoulders, back, right knee, I also have, carpal tunnel syndrome left, right. stenosis cervical, lumbar and sciatica. I am currently experiencing lower left back pain, which traveled up to left rib. I currently take gabapentin, relaxer, and morphine. I'm still in pain when I try to stand up and move around.
I have had lower back pain for over 8yrs. Have had 2 surgerys with one they put titaniun in my lower back. I am still have pain. Have trouble trying to stand long to do my dishes.
I am also having these symptoms. has anyone given any advice on this one?
i am a 42 yr old female ,when i was dishes for about 5 minutes or walk about a block ,i have a pain so bad at the crack of my butt and all on the left…i flipped a 4wheeler 2 yrs ago and also wrecked a truck in which i busted driver side window out,plz tell me whats causing this….i also take gabapentin
I am 35 I was in a car wreck when I was 16 I broke 4 vertebrates. My lower lumber is in so much pain.I have pain in my butt hips,down my left leg and iam also weak in the left leg and arm? I cant live with this pain!


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Plan B Skateboards Team Overlap Gold Skateboard Deck Black 8.75"
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Plan B pressed and manufactured 7 ply USA hard rock maple wood.
Deck comes with FREE Jessup Or MOB griptape supplied.
Built to the exact specs of the Plan B Pro team.
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Thursday, March 29, 2012
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Adjusted Lineup Rankings
Recently, 82games put up some pages listing the top five-man lineups from this past regular season in terms of plus/minus and points scored and allowed per possession. You can find similar rankings on BasketballValue. I wanted to go a step further and adjust each lineup's ranking based on the quality of the opposing lineups that it faced during the season.
To do this I started with lineup data from BasketballValue. To adjust each lineup's offensive rating, I calculated a weighted average of the season defensive ratings of all the opposing lineups that that lineup faced. These defensive ratings were weighted by the number of possessions the original lineup played against that defensive lineup. This meant that for each lineup I had its offensive rating and its average opponents' defensive rating. I subtracted the second from the first to get an adjusted measure of the lineup's offensive production. So if a lineup had a good offensive rating but played against poor defensive lineups, its rating was decreased, while if a lineup had a poor offensive rating but played against good defensive lineups, its rating was increased.
The adjustments I made were only one level deep. In college football ranking systems you sometimes see similar multi-level adjustments for strength of schedule that take into account a team's record, its opponents' records, and its opponents' opponents' records. The same thing could be done here - I'm adjusting each team's offensive ratings for their opponents' defensive ratings, but I could first adjust the opponents' defensive ratings for their opponents' offensive ratings. Theoretically, one could do this infinitely, and I think the results would ultimately be similar to what you'd get from a regression-based method like Dan Rosenbaum uses for his adjusted plus/minus. But I'm just going to do one level of adjusting, partly because it can be calculated pretty quickly with some pivot tables in Excel, and partly because you just don't gain that much the deeper you go. This is because over the course of a season, things tend to even out, and most lineups end up facing a similar mix of good and bad opposing lineups. The variance in opponents' defensive ratings is a lot less than the variance in lineup offensive ratings, and the variance in opponents' opponents' offensive ratings would be even smaller.
Below are the adjusted rankings for offensive rating, defensive rating, and point differential. I excluded lineups that played together for less than 200 offensive possessions (or 200 defensive possessions). "ORtg" is the lineup's offensive rating (points per 100 possessions), "oppDRtg" is the weighted average of the defensive ratings of the opposing lineups faced. "offDiff" is the additional points scored per 100 possessions over what would be expected based on the quality of the defenses faced. "DRtg", "oppORtg", and "defDiff" are the defensive counterparts to those stats. "totDiff" is the sum of "offDiff" and "defDiff", which represents the additional point differential per 100 possessions over what would be expected based on the quality of the offenses and defenses faced.
Best and Worst Offensive Lineups:
Best and Worst Defensive Lineups:
Best and Worst Overall Lineups:
The Data
I uploaded a table containing every lineup's offensive and defensive numbers to Swivel (it was too big for Google Spreadsheets). You can view it here or download it in CSV form here.


text: Pete Prisco grades: Houston Texans Best pick: Second-round pick Brooks Reed fits in their 3-4. I think he can be a lot like Clay Matthews of the Packers. Questionable move: Picking J.J. Watt in the first round instead of Prince Amukumara, but that's being nitpicky, especially since they later landed two corners. Third-day gem: QB T.J. Yates. Matt Schaub is their quarterback, but this is nice developmental pick. Analysis: They were dreadful on defense last season, but their top four picks should help change that. The first three all could be starters as rookies. Wade Phillips had to be happy. The Texans had a good draft. Grade: A Rob Rang grades: Houston Texas: B In fielding one of the league's worst defenses -- and certainly the NFL's least-reliable tackling units -- the Texans went to work on draft day investing their first five picks on that side of the ball. Even before drafting Wisconsin defensive end with the No. 11 overall pick, the Texans used the equivalent of a first-round pick in adding Wade Phillips as their defensive coordinator. His impact will be every bit as important to Houston's improvement defensively as Watt -- though the former Badger is a prototypical five-technique defensive end. I'm not as high on Arizona's Brooks Reed as some, but he does give the Texans competition with Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin as threats off the edge. The Texans did get nice value in former ACC cornerbacks Brandon Harris (Miami) and Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech) later in the draft and took a quarterback in North Carolina's T.J. Yates who demonstrated the leadership and intelligence that could someday make him a surprise starter in the NFL. Adam Caplan Fox Sports grade: Houston Texans: A Analysis: Texans general manager Rick Smith finally started to address the Texans' woeful defense and he did so with the first five selections. The first two draftees should see plenty of time as rookies and the next two could start down the line. Yates could be veteran quarterback Matt Schaubs eventual replacement in a few years. Personally I think this is by far the Texans best draft since 2006. Only time will tell but the initial prognosis by several draft experts seem to agree with me. I always felt and probably why I still have some faith in Kubiak is our offense under him always seemed to have a game plan. Whether we agreed or not he/they seemed to have a handle on what needed to be added/replaced to make things work. They seemed to know that 1st round picks weren't needed to make the running game work ala Arian Foster and Wade Smith. Who knew these 2 guys would make a major impact on the running game last year. On defense was a completely different story. It didn't matter who they added although Cushing, Ryans, Smith and Williams were good players it never seemed to add up to a better defense. There never seemed to be a plan on how best to use these guys talents to make the whole better. I already see a big difference on the attitude of this with Philips in charge. Listening to Phillips and his new linebacker coach and secondary coaches talk at the recent draft news conferences, it sounds like they knew exactly what they wanted, needed and intend to do and more importantly got it. The one thing that struck me about the past DC's is although they knew Mario was a big athletic freak, they didn't have a clue as to how to utilize him best. Listening to Philips, Kubiak, Smith and the NEW defensive assistants and reading between the lines, Philips knows exactly what he wants to do and they're going to put him in a place he's going to be the most disruptive. They haven't said where that'll be but whatever they feel is his best attributes, they are going to use him in a military sense as a shock and awe player. I think we are going to be shocked at the improvement of this defense. The old DC's always seemed to be in a patch and repair mode. Ooooops the running defense sucks, pick up Pollard, oooops the passing defense sucks, oh crap, we don't know what to do now. With this draft I think Philips knows what he needs and got it. Maybe I'm a drinker but I'm really optimistic that the ship has direction for a change.


text:
4 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1/2 lemon, juiced
Strawberry Puree:
1 pint fresh strawberries, reserve 6 for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
-In a saucepan gently heat the cream. Add the sugar and gelatin. Once dissolved add the grated lemon and lemon juice. Bring the cream to a simmer infusing the flavors for about10 minutes. Once it thickens pour mixture into 6 ramekins. Place ramekins onto a tray and then put in the refrigerator to chill and set about 6 hours or overnight. Serve with strawberry puree and top with a fresh strawberry. Serves 6.
-For raspberry strawberryRemove leaves and stem. Wash and pat dry. In a food processor puree strawberries and sugar.
Note: Blueberries or raspberries may be substituted for strawberries.


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I am considering undergoing smartlipo treatment. However, I have read that there is due to be a new smartlipo machine on the market from July 08.
Please could someone tell me how much effective the new machine is in contrast to the old? Further, if the new is more effective, I would like to ensure that I receive treatment with the new. Please could someone advise me on the name of the new liposmart machine?
Thanks very much,


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Is it okay to give my dog ice cream? When we're out driving in the summer and stop for a cool treat my husband insists we get one for the dog as well. Of course, she loves it, but I don't want to give her something that I shouldn't. Is there too much fat, too much sugar, what? Would moderation be the key?
By Jean from Canada
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We have had two different Chinese Pugs, at different times, they were both given to us as adult dogs, and they just plain refused to eat any form of dog food. They wouldn't eat meat without ketchup on it. Vanilla ice cream wasn't eaten without chocolate syrup on it. They could tell the difference between real M&Ms, and the cheaper brand. They lived to ripe old ages.
A few licks out of your bowl when you are finished is ok but don't give her any huge amount. Do you know that they make a special doggy ice cream? It is called Frosty Paws and should be available at your grocery store - I know here in CA that Ralphs and Albersons carry it. Ask your grocer about it. Here is a link to their website: http://www.fros … lt.aspx?tabid=37
A little lick or bite or two is probably okay once in awhile but please keep in mind the size, weight and age of your baby and that pets can get diabetes too :-( Perhaps you can ask for some ice or cold water as a treat to cool your baby down instead?
One of my first jobs as a teenager back in the
early 1950's was working for a Dairy Queen. I lived
in Florida, and you know how hot it can get in July
and August in our state.
My boss made a practice of "giving" anyone's
doggie a small cone with just a little bit of
vanilla soft ice-cream when their humans
came with them. Even back then, we were not the
only place in town who sold soft ice-ceam, but I'll
The owner and his wife were animal lovers, and they
knew how much a little treat meant to other people's
pets. They prospered wonderfully well and deserved
every bit of it. Wonderful people.
I would not hestitate to give my dog a cone with
a little taste of vanilla ice-cream today if I had a
dog. We give it to our Boxer GrandDoggie and she is as healthy as can be and she adores her old
Grandpa and Grandma...LOL
We do have a kitty (Sir Catty-Kit) who insists on
having a "bite"...and he gets it too. Very little as
I think it might upset his stomach. I know kitties
are suppposed to love milk and cream, but have
been told not to give it to them now. I wonder why.
Have a great day
Julia in Boca Raton
Thanks folks for all the great feedback. To Julia: Our doggie always gets the treat of soft ice cream when we go to Dairy Queen, they offer a dog biscuit but we buy her an ice cream lol. I had a cat who could not tolerate dairy products, it caused bowel problems and surgery. I grew up on a farm where the cats drank all the milk they wanted, but I do not feed any dairy to mine now just in case.
We always bought our dog an ice-lolly. Just one thing; watch out for wasps!
Hi Pookarina Julia,
Believe it or not, cats are lactose intolerant once they have been weened. I do give my Rachel a measured teaspoon of plain cream cheese every morning because it keeps her from having fur balls, but other than that I only let her lick my ice cream bowls. I don't eat ice cream very often so she really loves that extra treat. ;-)
No most dogs should not have that much dairy product at one time. Always check with your vet. You could prob call one. Jeannie
Dogs love ice cream. Our dog, a golden retriever, waits patiently for her ice cream every night. She doesn't know it, but we switched to fat free yogurt or fat free sherbet years ago. Just a couple of teaspoonfuls makes her happy.
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Boise, Idaho -- Albertsons LLC said it has teamed with Recall InfoLink to manage its recall process.
The supermarket chain is launching the Recall InfoLink deployment in its pharmacy operation. Recall InfoLink improves efficiency by providing standardized messages, automated communications, inventory tracking and reports for compliance efforts.
"The safety and well-being of our pharmacy customers is our highest priority," said Stewart Edington, VP pharmacy operations, Albertson's. "Recall InfoLink's system to process pharmacy recalls is easy to use and efficiently streamlines our processes for contacting customers when the need arises."