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DETROIT - The man charged in connection to a series of roadway shootings across four Michigan counties will appear in court Wednesday in two different counties.
Raulie Casteel, 43, will begin the day in a Novi courtroom for charges he faces in connection to nine of 12 shootings in Oakland County.
Casteel then will appear in a Howell courtroom for charges related to a Livingston County shooting.
He has yet to be charged in the 11 other shootings in Ingham and Shiawassee counties.
Read more: Roadway shootings suspect to get mental test, more charges
The shootings began Oct. 16 and stretched from Oakland County west to Ingham County. The targets mostly were cars traveling on roads near Interstate 96. Only a handful of shootings actually occurred on the interstate. In all, 24 shootings were reported to police.
Casteel first was charged for an Oct. 18 shooting on Interstate 96 in Howell. He most recently was charged with intent to murder, among other charges, in connection to shootings in Oakland County.
Police had said they were looking for a man in his late 20s or early 30s driving a dark car. They put out a sketch of him.
Police were urging people to stick to their routines, but the shootings caused some anxious drivers to avoid their usual routes. Authorities said they received 2,800 tips in their hunt for the gunman and a $102,000 reward was being offered for information.
Casteel was arraigned on 60 felony charges in Oakland County
Copyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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NETBALL: Witton progress in promotion play-offs
10:10am Tuesday 18th February 2014
By Andrew Simpson
10:10am Tuesday 18th February 2014
By Andrew Simpson
WITTON Albion picked a perfect moment to beat opponents for the first time as they progressed to the next stage of the South Cheshire Premier League play-offs last night, Monday.
A narrow 27-25 success against Cheshire Stars Pink keeps alive the Northwich-based team's hopes of playing in the Championship Division next season.
Witton, who finished sixth in Division One, will play the victors of Ringwood's head-to-head with Roundabouts tonight, Tuesday.
They had lost both league meetings this term with Pink.
Earlier in the evening, Cheshire Stars T emerged as comfortable 36-11 victors against clubmates Cheshire Stars S in the Championship Division promotion play-offs quarter finals.
The Middlewich outfit now meets Wright Manley Rubies, slender 26-24 winners against CE KAM, on Thursday at Sir William Stanier Leisure Centre in Crewe.
Before that they return to court tonight, Tuesday, to play a Dot Mack Cup semi final against lower-ranked Oaklands B.
Cheshire Police, handed a bye due to Indigo's withdrawal, await in the final.
Meanwhile Winsford start their Division Two play-offs campaign against Glasshouse at Victoria Community Centre, also in Crewe, tonight.
South Cheshire Premier League
Promotion play-offs quarter finals
Championship Division
CE KAM 24 Wright Manley Rubies 26
Cheshire Stars T 36 Cheshire Stars S 11
Division One
Cheshire Stars Pink 25 Witton Albion 27
Division One
Ringwood v Roundabouts (7.30pm)
Division Two
Lions v Hills (8.30pm)
Winsford v Glasshouse (9.30pm)
Dot Mack Cup
Semi finals
Cheshire Police w/o Indigo
Cheshire Stars T v Oaklands B (8.30pm)
© Copyright 2001-2017 Newsquest Media Group

subset: commoncrawl


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New character models introduced for the heroes...
The heroes of the Republic get a visual upgrade in "Heroes on Both Sides"
For a great selection of film, comic and TV action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, PastGenerationToys.com, Urban-Collector.com, MonkeyDepot.com, HobbyLinkJapan.com, and Sekaido.com.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with our sponsor Collectibles Insurance.
When Padme Amidala and Ahsoka Tano travel in secret to Raxus to forge a peace agreement with the Separatists, Ahsoka must confront her own prejudices and preconceptions when she comes face to face with the enemy. She will learn that there are "Heroes on Both Sides" in an all-new episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - airing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT Friday, November 19 on Cartoon Network.
In addition to exploring some of the complexities of the war itself, the episode is notable because it introduces all-new character models for some of The Clone Wars' heroes – including Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ahsoka.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMDICL2tAII"]Character Tease[/ame]
"Over the course of the series so far, our characters have been affected by the conflict, so the changes we are seeing are a reflection of what they've gone through and how they've changed," says Supervising Director Dave Filoni. "We're getting closer to the events of Episode III, and the look of the series is moving toward that look and those designs. We don't have a live-action point of comparison for Ahsoka, but her development is definitely as pronounced as anyone's. When the war began, she was just a kid; she was strong and capable, but she had a lot to learn – and she's been through a lot. She's been changed by the things she's seen and done, and now we're seeing that reflected in her look. She's older, more mature. In this episode, we see a significant step for her emotional development, in addition to her aesthetic development. Coming face to face with the enemy is going to be an eye-opening experience for her."
In addition to showcasing the series' character development and its progression toward the Episode III aesthetics, the new CG models also reflect a change in the way that The Clone Wars is produced.
"Our production keeps getting better; as we move forward, we're able to incorporate new techniques and improved animation," says Filoni. "As a weekly series, we've been pushing ourselves to do things that haven't been done in TV animation, and it's always a struggle just to get it done at all. But we are learning tricks that help to streamline the process, and we continue to build our asset library. We're at a place where we can explore and develop new and improved character assets for some of our primary players. In addition to the look change, these new models are so much more expressive."
Source: Lucasfilm PR


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Hello, Dolly
R.D. Enterprises' Uni-Dolly car-dolly system allows a disassembled drivetrain, chassis, subframe, or car body to be placed anywhere in your shop, garage, or driveway. Constructed from powdercoated steel, it's capable of supporting up to 4,800 lbs. Swivel casters and a range of adjustability—from 14 to 21.5 inches tall and from 30 to 60 inches wide—make it the perfect tool for your next Corvette project.
Check it out! www.uni-dolly.com
Round and Round
Flatstoppers are the newest way to prevent flat-spotting on your Corvette's tires during long periods of storage. These lightweight, non-slip ramps measure 22.34 x 13 x 3.39 inches and are constructed from 100 percent solid polystyrene coated with polyuria. Unlike your garage or driveway, Flatstoppers disperse your Corvette's weight evenly and do not conduct heat or cold into your tires, regardless of floor temperature.
Check it out! www.raceramps.com
Looks That Chill
PRW Industries' new line of LS Series thermostat and housing kits add some chilling "cool" to your '97-or-newer Corvette's cooling system (LS7 and LS9 excluded). Choose from as-cast or polished water necks; both flow better than the OE unit and feature a 90-degree neck outlet for proper radiator-hose alignment. A 180-degree thermostat is included.
Check it out! www.prw-usa.com
Mr. Know it All
Superchips' iHawk turns your smart phone or tablet into an intelligent performance-data monitoring tool. Just plug iHawk into your late-model Corvette's OBD-II port, download the iHawk app, and then pull up a myriad of high-tech helpers, including a personal dynamometer, hundreds of vehicle parameters in user-configurable gauges, a diagnostic-trouble-code (DTC) scanner, a data-logger, a weather station, a dragstrip density-altitude-correction calculator, and much more.
Check it out! www.superchips.com
Rise to It
Holley's Modular Mid-Rise intake for Gen III LS engines utilizes a 2x4 EFI intake manifold along with a plenum-base adapter to mate to any Holley Hi-Ram plenum top of your choice. The cast-aluminum unit serves up a mix of low- and high-rpm power gains, making it an excellent choice for naturally aspirated, blow-through, or turbocharged Corvettes. The kit pictured here uses a 92mm EFI plenum top that can be mounted facing the front or back.
Check it out! www.holley.com
Gasket Case
Taylor Cable Products' Graph-Flex header and collector gaskets for Chevy SBC, BBC, and LS-series engines offer the ultimate flange repair for headers or factory exhaust manifolds. They're constructed from 100 percent graphite bonded to a stability-adding stainless-steel metal core, creating extreme temperature resistance. According to the manufacturer, "Graph-Flex is the ultimate repair gasket! It will seal when nothing else will!" Made in the USA.
Check it out! www.taylorvertex.com


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Ivanka Trump cozied up to her husband Jared Kushner last night at the NYC opening of her fine jewelry boutique. The proud parents left their baby Arabella at home, but they had a great afternoon out with her at the MOMA over the weekend. Ivanka twittered Sunday that Arabella was "squealing with excitement looking at all the colorful de Koonings canvases. It was too cute!"
Even without Arabella's company, Ivanka was surrounded by family yesterday. Donald Trump Jr. came out with his wife Vanessa, as did Eric Trump. Ivanka and Jared also mingled with famous friends like Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness. It was only four months ago that Ivanka welcomed Arabella, but the new mom nonetheless looked amazing in a LBD, which she paired with a huge statement necklace.


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Taxpayer dinner winners
The highest and lowest examples of governance were honored this week by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the business-friendly nonprofit that examines local government spending.
San Diego County and the Port of San Diego were singled out for the association's top honors for adopting building and purchasing practices that save public resources. The public-private partnership award was presented to Project 25, a city-, county- and United Way-driven effort to help chronically homeless people.
The Otay Water District was awarded the "Grand Golden Fleece" prize for bestowing lifetime health benefits on employees while consistently raising water rates.
San Diego City Hall and schools received "Golden Fleece" awards for spending practices, and the San Diego SAFE call-box authority was honored with a "Repeat Offender" award for its use of tax dollars.
Media awards were presented to Ashly McGlone and Wendy Fry and the U-T San Diego Watchdog Team for work uncovering problems at the Sweetwater schools.
KGTV 10News was awarded the broastcast media prize for exposing problems in a $2 billion statewide court records computer system.Copyright © 2017, The San Diego Union-Tribune


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At Casino.com every effort is made to process your withdrawal request as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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VIP and Elite players enjoy higher monthly withdrawal limits.
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|1-2 business days
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|Local Bank Payment (Envoy)
|3-4 business days
|Instant Banking by Citadel
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|Wire Transfer
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|CC Refunds, Instadebit
|3-5 business days
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|Bank Draft
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text:
'Tis the holiday season. Be sure to pay a visit to the many local festive events — including the upcoming Rockaway Beach Tree-Lighting ceremony this Sunday which promises to be a special holiday treat for all ages.
The Pacifica Tribune is also in the holiday spirit and will be publishing, starting this week, several weekly pages devoted to local holiday happenings. Kids, it's time to get your "letters to Santa" sent in or dropped off at the Tribune's office at 59 Bill Drake Way. An official "Santa Letter" form can be found on 12A in this issue. Deadline for timely delivery to the Tribune (and on to the North Pole) is this Friday, Dec. 7, for publication in the Dec. 12 issue and Thursday, Dec. 13 for publication in the Dec. 19 issue. (Parents: please help Santa's Elves at the Tribune when it comes to deciphering "wish lists" from the kids.)
There will be early deadlines for editorial and advertising copy and photos for the Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 issues. All materials for publication Dec. 26 must be submitted no later than Dec. 14. The Tribune offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24-25 although there will be no change in the Wednesday, Dec. 26 delivery date to homes and businesses.
The early deadline for the Jan. 2 issue is Dec. 21. The Tribune again will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 but the paper will be delivered as usual Wednesday, Jan. 2.
Back by popular demand is the Tribune's annual "Best of Pacifica" contest, which will allow Pacificans the opportunity to vote by paper ballot or online for their favorite eateries, merchants and service providers in Pacifica. The official ballot with all the categories is on Page 13A of this issue. Pacificans can vote online starting this Thursday by visiting the Tribune's page at mercurynews.com/pacifica
— Elaine Larsen


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This game was classified by the community with the following category scores - Violence=1/3, Sex=0/3, Mature Content=0/3. A fun packed micro sized motorbike trials game.
Buy Xbox content on Xbox.com. Your Xbox 360 console will automatically download the content next time you turn it on and connect to Xbox Live.Learn More


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Yummy Cupcake Lamp
|Couldn't be Yummier!
This almost edible Yummy Cupcake Lamp will add bright light, everlasting cuteness and sweet charm to your little girl's room. It features a pink and yellow cupcake and sweet strawberries upon it's white base. The adorable shade boasts a flourish of a pink bow with a strawberry in the center. This lamp is so sweet and stunning that it could look great in just about any room in your house.
|Product Rating
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text:
African Drum Women T-Shirts are an Idakoos specialtiy! Idakoos has many things to offer. Whether you want to get a African Drum Women T-Shirt for a special occasion, give a Printed African Drum Women T-Shirt as a present or need to represent with a funny African Drum Tee during Holidays or Family and Friends get-togethers, Idakoos is sure to have the right African Drum Women T-Shirt for you! Even if it turns out you can't find the right African Drum Tshirt with the perfect design for your mother, father or children; Idakoos offers all of its men's women's and children's African Drum Tshirts as Custom African Drum Women T-Shirts. Personalize any African Drum Women T-Shirt the way you want to ensure the perfect gift.
Showing 1 - 24 of 92 Women T-Shirts


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Virtual Pressroom 2012
54th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics
Monday - Friday
October 29 - November 2, 2012
Providence, Rhode Island
Press & Media
About APS Plasma Physics Meetings
APS DPP Media Contacts
If you have any questions about any virtual press room, please email APS Media Relations (email@example.com).
2012 Plasma Physics ResearchMajor achievements in plasma research this year included:
- New results from magnetically confined fusion experiments provide key answers for ITER
- Plasma traps enable new wave of table-top antimatter research
- Experiments and computer simulations are unraveling the physics of 3D magnetic fields in space and laboratory plasmas
- Laser fusion experiments push cryogenic targets into new regimes as part of the National Ignition Campaign
Highlighted Plasma Physics Papers
Over 1800 papers covering the latest advances in plasma-based research and technology were presented at the 2012 APS DPP Annual Meeting. Highlighted below are some of the particularly newsworthy presentations.All press releases are in PDF () format.


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Can you dig it?
Basic bare-roots: sticks and stuff
Ukiah Daily Journal
Time to break out your gloves, shovel and back brace, because bare-root tree planting season is upon us. All over the Ukiah Valley folks are digging holes in preparation for planting the ever popular fruit tree, rose or vine. Despite the fact that they don't look very lively, bare-roots are easy to plant, cost effective and adapt quickly - sometimes more quickly than potted plants. Without the bulk of soil, bare-root trees are easier to ship and save time, materials and labor keeping prices to around $22-27 per tree, while those sold in containers will average about $30 to $35.
John and Sally Jensen will be celebrating their 39th year in business at Oak Valley Nursery in Ukiah and have stocked the yard with hundreds of bare-root trees - all appropriate for our area - in anticipation of local green thumbs needs, including some items new to the U.S. market this year.
"This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love selling bare-roots even if they look like sticks and stuff," smiled John.
"Bare-root season starts at about the 10th of January and runs through the second week in March."
When choosing a fruit tree, John recommends paying close attention to the graft, found about 5 to 7 inches above the root ball for a "nice, strong graft," and says, "The root system is of the utmost importance; without them, the tree won't do very well."
Even though he advises pruning novices to have a nursery professional pre-prune a bare-root tree prior to planting, he recommends choosing a tree with a good balanced branch set and pay attention when buying varieties that may need a pollinator companion to fruit.
"You have to prune the trees back at least a third before planting because the root system isn't as big as when it was pulled out of the ground and you don't want it to struggle as much with planting shock," reflected John. "You want about three to four scaffolding branches with no center leader and the top of the tree should be open to the sun."
Knowing your soil drainage before planting will better ensure the tree won't rot and "that applies particularly to cherry trees," according to John. It's also a good idea to have your holes already dug before buying a bare-root tree or vine, as quick planting is paramount.
Traditional circular holes are not preferable as the roots tend to stay within the area and not spread out.
John advises, "Dig a square or jagged hole three to four times larger than the root ball and make sure to aim the graft to the north to avoid sun scald."
Many bare-root planting instructions call for soaking the root ball before planting to make roots more pliable, but John says to do so no longer than one hour before planting. After the initial watering at planting time, wait until the tree "wakes up" to water again as rot is always an issue.
Those who live in high wind areas throughout Mendocino County may need to stake their newly planted tree, but it's largely unnecessary in valley homes noted John. If disappointment isn't your thing, residents of deer prone areas may need to take an extra step of fencing around new trees as Bambi really enjoys munching new growth.
While fruit trees get the most attention during bare-root season, nursery visitors will notice a plethora of bare-root roses, berries, asparagus and kiwis available at local nurseries and garden centers as well.
In addition to the usual bare-root apple, peach, cherry and nut trees, Oak Valley will be offering potted items like hazelnuts, Elder Berries, Strawberry Vines and artichokes, to name a few.
New to Oak Valley's repertoire this year is Goji, Sea and Honey Berries, all are popular in Europe where they are grown for juice, preserves and medicinal benefits.
Oak Valley Nursery is located at 1575 South State St., is open seven days a week and is currently offering quantity discounts on bare-root fruit and nut trees, as well as sales on bare-root roses.
Kelly Hancock can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com, 468-3520 or on Twitter @udjKelly.


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Chairman Berman, Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen, Members of the Committee, I am honored to join you here today in support of the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Foreign Operations Budget Request.
It has been less than two months since I was sworn in as Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Co-Chairs Thibault and Shays, thank you for your kind invitation to testify before the Commission on Wartime Contracting about the coordination of programs and contracts among interagency and international entities in Afghanistan.
In my remarks, I plan to focus on three main issues: 1) planning of USAID reconstruction in Afghanistan; 2) interagency and international coordination; and 3) and, lessons that we have learned in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Chairman Kerry, Ranking Member Lugar, and Members of the Committee.
I am honored to be nominated by President Obama to serve as Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, and I appreciate his confidence in me to lead the Agency.
Secretary of State Clinton has expressed the conviction that, along with diplomacy and defense, development serves as a pillar of American foreign policy. I am grateful for her support for my nomination and, if confirmed, look forward to the opportunity to help her give full effect to that conviction.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Isakson, and Members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the role USAID is playing in the fight against terrorism in Africa's Sahel region.
Chairman Levin, Ranking Member Brady and distinguished members of the Subcommittee on Trade: on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), I thank you for the opportunity to present our experience in implementing trade capacity building (TCB) programs. I hope to provide the Committee insight into how effective TCB assistance activities can advance both the objectives of our trade preference programs and the long-term development needs of our developing country partners.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, and Members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to update you on the humanitarian situation in Darfur and our support for comprehensive peace and stability in Sudan. I am pleased to join my colleague, Special Envoy Scott Gration, on this panel and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the excellent cooperation and coordination between USAID and the Special Envoy's office.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to update you on Pakistan's internally displaced persons and the humanitarian assistance efforts of the United States. Operating in support of the Government of Pakistan, the whole of the United States Government - from the State Department and Department of Defense, to USAID and the Department of Agriculture - is working to ensure assistance is provided to Pakistanis in need.
On behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), I want to express our appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the agency's recent humanitarian assistance efforts in response to significant population displacement within Pakistan.
Thank you Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today to address this important topic.
Last updated: July 19, 2012
If you are a member of the press, you may contact our press relations office at:
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text: Hello, I'm looking to replace my CE Eagle with a CE disc that will get more distance of the tee. Currently throwing a 162g and would like to go up to about 172. Have thrown the monster and I'm not a fan of that. Was leaning towards a viking, but I'm looking for opinions on what you guys think would be the best replacement for it.


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Photo gallery:
2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i
The X3 was one of BMW's most long-neglected models, introduced in 2004 and only now getting a serious update. During the seven-year interim, BMW developed substantial power-train and cabin technology, all of which benefits the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i.
This new-generation X3 hits the road with BMW's renowned turbocharged 3-liter, six-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission with eight gears, a navigation system featuring some of the lushest maps in the industry, and new connectivity featuring in-dash Google search. The X3 also becomes the torchbearer for BMW Bluetooth streaming audio, heretofore unavailable in BMW cars.
A five-seat SUV, or Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW's terminology, the new X3 does not look radically different from the previous version. And as the new generation is slightly larger than the old, there is no shame in mistaking it for an X5. The big changes for this car are in the tech.
Dual character
Recent BMW models show a dual character, with a default, rather blah, personality in which everything feels a little loose, suitable for grocery runs and slogging through suburban traffic. But hit sport mode and everything tightens up, with the cars going from paunchy middle-aged couch potato to lean athlete.
After years of neglect, BMW finally updates its smallish SUV.
That sort of schizophrenia afflicts the new X3. Leave it in its Normal drive mode and the gas pedal produces a muddy response, like spurring a lazy horse. The transmission makes full use of its tall gears, keeping the engine speed low to maximize fuel economy.
The ride quality never goes soft, but a good amount of travel in the suspension becomes obvious when going over bumps or cornering. And in the turns the ride height makes itself felt, letting inertial forces have their way with the car. However, among all this sloppiness, the steering feel remains engaging, a hint at what the X3 can really do.
As seen in just about every other BMW model, and newly come to the X3, a rocker switch on the console takes the car through Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus settings. The Sport settings not only sharpen throttle response, turning that lazy horse into a thoroughbred, but also cause the active suspension system to tighten up.
This suspension system is one of the X3's new high-tech performance features, using sensor data to dynamically adjust actuators in the suspension, enabling it to deal better with driving style and road conditions. Putting the suspension in Sport mode keeps the tires in contact with the pavement. Going over a series of humps in the road at speed, you can feel the car push its wheels down, maximizing grip and never taking air.
Like its siblings, the new X3 gets BMW's active suspension technology and programmable throttle response.
However, BMW has a further technology, active roll control, that it does not make available on the X3. As well as the active damping works in Sport mode, it cannot completely counteract the car's high center of gravity. In fast cornering, the X3 still feels tippy.
The X3 uses an electric power-steering system, and BMW has this tuned better than any competitor. It always feels tight, giving substantial road feel. This steering response also suggests that the X3 is aimed at people who really enjoy driving. Typical commuters will get tired of the constant road input from the wheel. Not present on the car CNET tested was BMW's Variable Sport Steering, a system that adjusts the ratio dynamically depending on driving style, another tech point in the X3's favor.
Twin scroll turbo
Like many of its siblings, the X3 xDrive35i gets BMW's direct injection 3-liter straight six-cylinder engine fitted with a twin scroll turbocharger. Making 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, this mill has continually proven excellent in every application. It maintains its performance in the X3, providing the right amount of push and efficiency for this little SUV.
Jumping on the gas from a stop causes some initial hesitation, a frequent problem with modern cars. But once the X3 sorts itself out, it powers forward with a satisfying exhaust note, pushing occupants back in their seats. BMW claims zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds for the X3.
BMW fits the new X3 with an eight-speed automatic transmission, letting the engine run at more efficient speeds, and also offering excellent manual shifting performance.
Some of that hesitation seems to come from the new eight-speed automatic transmission, an otherwise superb piece of engineering. Using BMW's signature alien-looking shifter, this transmission has Drive, Sport, and Manual modes, with shift paddles on the steering wheel as an option.
As mentioned above, Drive mode pushes for the high gears, letting the engine run at a low 1,500rpm when cruising on the highway. Even in passing maneuvers, it shows a little hesitation before stepping down a gear or two. Sport mode is more aggressive, keeping the engine speed higher, but it doesn't tap into all the X3 has to offer. Going into a corner in Sport mode, the transmission keeps to a moderate gear, although it will step down harder when you give it the gas.
The real fun comes in Sport Plus mode and switching the transmission to Manual shifting. Sport Plus not only tightens the suspension and sharpens the throttle, but also engages BMW's Dynamic Traction Control, essentially dialing down how much the electronics interfere. The result is real sport driving, as it lets the back end rotate out in the corners.
Manual shifting complements Sport Plus well, as each pull on the paddles results in a hard gear change, with little feeling of torque converter slush. While flogging the X3 over twisty country roads, we found it took turns at around 40 mph easily, fourth and fifth gears keeping the engine speed at a powerful 5,000rpm to 6,000rpm.
BMW uses direct injection and a twin scroll turbo to maximize efficiency from this 3-liter straight 6-cylinder engine.


text:
The more you walk,
the more they ride.
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A sharply divided Florida Supreme Court says lawyers are not entitled to an absolute shield against defamation lawsuits for out-of-court comments made in connection with legal cases.
A 4-3 majority ruled Thursday that lawyers can be sued for defamation but that plaintiffs must prove their comments expressed malice. The decision also applies to out-of-court comments made by judges, parties and witnesses related to pending cases.
The opinion reverses two lower courts and reinstates a defamation action against attorney Arthur Rodgers Traynor in a Broward County case. A boat dealer had accused a competitor of making defamatory statements that the plaintiff had supplied prostitutes to a company that did business with the plaintiff.
The defendant dealer hired Traynor. The plaintiff then accused Traynor of making similar defamatory statements to potential witnesses.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Military Atheists (MAAF Official)
This is a group for anyone who is or ever has been in the military. And it has the longest name ever, just for search purposes. Be sure to sign up officially at MAAF Website.Also find us on Facebook and Twitter. The RSS Feed below is available at the MAAF Site.See More


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This property has been removed by the agent. It may be let or temporarily removed from the market
5 bedroom house to rentMclauchlan Rise, Aberdour, Burntisland KY3
£1,470 pcm| £339 pw
Property Description
Letting information:
|Reduced on Rightmove:
|10 January 2012 (2085 days ago)
Key features
- Close to Train Station
- Balcony
- River views
- Garage
- Garden
- White Goods
- Utility room
- Double Glazing
- Gas Fire
- Spacious Accommodation
Full description
Superb detached villa situated in a quiet cul de sac with stunning panoramic views of the River Forth. Impressive lounge, dining room, family room with balcony, fully fitted kitchen, utility room, office, 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & ensuite shower room. Double Garage. Minimum 12 Months lease
We endeavour to make our property particulars accurateand reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements have been taken as a guide to prospective renters only, and are not precise. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are travelling some distance to view.
More information from this agent
To view this media, please visit the on-line version of this page at www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-20609982.html
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Please refer to our Renting Guides for further information on how to safely rent a property.
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Subtotal: $3811.72
This section contains books on candlemaking, mineral makeup, labeling, and more. Basically if it isn't about making soap or toiletry products you'll find it here!
A comprehensive guide to cosmetics and body-care products you can make yourself with essential oils that are healthier and less expensive than their commercially made equivalents
We're a friendly group who love social media. See you 'round the web!
Quantity: 1


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A)The topic title really says most of what I'm looking to do. Obviously, most character movement, and even object movement (non-physics related by and large, I mean) is done via character meshes with prior animation loaded and ready to be performed at certain button strokes or happenings. What I'd like to do, in addition to that, is be able to programmatically create animations via some algorithms of mine in-game without prior creation of said animations. I'd like to have certain parts of the character meshes "tagged", even certain vertices, so my particular algorithms can intake controller input and create animations on the fly intelligently utilizing greatly the "tags" of the mesh. I don't know if this is common, uncommon, not at all done, or whatnot, but I'd like to be able to do so. I'm utilizing Unity and a mixture of K-3D and Blender for some of the meshes. I'm also creating generating meshes real-time and would like to be able to run said animation algorithms on them.
B)Also...is there a technique by which I can have a standard set of really basic meshes and then run custom algorithms in-game to form them realtime to various objects which the code logic would determine?
Ok, you are stepping into a world I am actually working on now.
Creating animations from skeletons can be done. A company I am working with called Natural Motion did a system for just that a few years ago. They were featured on UK television as the results were so impressive. However they have since dropped it as no one wanted to buy it. I want it.
It works by a GA routine. The code allows the skeleton to try and walk, at first all the generations fall over in a snotty heap. After about 20 generations it can walk. After a few more it can run. I don't know how long the code took to run, but I am going to have to do this myself in a few months, so I guess I will find out.
On your other question, I have a library of parts I combine to create meshes. Things like tubes, cylinders, boxes, quad patches, bezier patches, etc. All of these generate a single vertex buffer and a single triangle buffer which can just be thrown at the rendering engine.
On top of these basic shapes you need a couple of blend shapes to clean up the joins. I use bezier surfaces for this and it works really well. You have a set of rules for combining the objects. Say you have a box that joins on to a cylinder. You can take each edge of the box and create a number of points that match the number of points on the corresponding arc of the cylinder. Use these as the end of the patch, then interpolate the normals to create a smooth patch that links them together.
The only real limitation with this technique is texturing. It's really, really difficult to generate texture coordinates that makes sense for some of the shapes, and impossible to add details into a single texture like most people do these days. If you look at a texture for a plane as an example. Typically the upper wings are placed as a separate region on the texture and details added such as roundels or swastika's. The sides of the body are two separate regions as well. You can't do that procedurally with any sort of good results.
However if you are on a fast enough machine you can animate the patches as well, really fun stuff to play with.
Most of the links are dead, but you can still get a free demo app
Wow, totally kick-butt Stainless. Thanks a ton for that. I've already downloaded the LE or SE or whatever edition. What a great concept.
That leads me to another Q regarding a similar thing: is there a way to take meshes and assign "tags" to certain vertices, and overall sections as well, of a mesh? I would like to be able to do so so that I can run custom algorithm logic on different parts of the environ, objects, and characters and manipulate their meshes and behavior realtime.
Yes you can.
I do this for things like engine exhausts and undercarriage state.
The exact details vary by engine.
In OpenGL you pass in the stride to all draw calls. This allows you to have custom variables in a vertex buffer.
In XNA you define the vertex shader input with your own variables.
So it can be done.
Is this doable in Unity? That's exactly what I'm looking for...
A video of Endorphin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAwCqQNiu1c
> Is this doable in Unity? That's exactly what I'm looking for...
Sure it is... Like in just about any other engine.
Holy smokes, that's an incredible video. Wowzers. Dang, I hope the license for the non-LE package isn't a million bucks.
I am working with Natural Motion on another project, they are good people based in Oxford and very approachable for corporate deals.
I don't know if they have some kind of entry level deal yet, but I will email them today and ask.
Wow, now that's a charitable post. Thanks Stainless, that's very kind of you.
Actually, this thread is sparking a track of thought for me; I had already started to develop algorithms of my own that would do what Natural Motion's software does, and that sparks a new Q for me.
Basically, the reason I'm on these forums is because I decided to adapt my own comic book story into game form late last year. Not knowing how in the heck to get it published by large studios, with no background in games and no desire to have other artists wrestle my dear characters and story around, I thought I was stuck. However, over the course of a few days after realizing that games were my final frontier, I rapidly developed a programming algorithm based on (really) Einstein's equations and subatomic particle science that can intelligently generate worlds, buildings, vehicles, creatures, and, well...games themselves. I, by myself, could sit down and create a game in a week or two that would normally take a hundred people, millions of dollars, and several years to create. It would also present huge leap forward in AI technique.
At any rate, being a total neophyte in game programming, I'm having to pick it all up now, which is why I'm on this forum and others. I realize that sounds a tad extreme, and I'm certainly not looking for advice on how "that can't be done" or "what are you thinking", as it most certainly does work. The hang up is, I either need to sell my development to a company and get grafted on as a developer of it, or start my own company myself. I'm currently working on the latter, but regarding the former, I would be up for it; I just don't have a clue in hades as to getting a quality word with a good company. I'm also, obviously, very protective of it. I'm willing to talk with any good, decent company anywhere.
Ideas are ten a penny, sadly.
Pitching an idea to a company is just about as worthwhile and painful as banging your head against a reinforced concrete wall.
I am working on a ten year plan (with another industry veteran) of an AI that writes games. Ten years may be a little optimistic.
However, the money a successful game produces is so immense that a lot of people are creating competitions.
Hell even the company I am working with is running one for £100K
Might be an idea to look at those


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Not only have my little ones started dancing, laughing and playing together which is absolutely adorable, but my house is looking more and more as if it has been taken over by them and their belongings.
I'm not saying I spoil them with new toys every week, it is just they get everywhere and you spend your life clearing them all up; only to have the box of bricks you just put away tipped out again.
Sometimes I'll be out in the shops rummaging in my bag looking for my purse, only to pull out a piece of Lego for currency.
Michael and I have the children's routine sorted, so if one's working the other knows what to do and it's brilliant.
The cutest thing is being away for the day and having my son talk to me on the phone.
He chats away excitedly telling me he's looking at cars or seen a lorry. Wow!
So life is good.
The only thing getting me down is the fact I never have any time to do things for myself.
I looked in the mirror and saw two caterpillars growing on my face; I haven't had my eyebrows tidied since before Christmas.
My skin looks dull too.
No more pregnancy glow here.
And I need to get to the gym to wake up my endorphins – they've been hibernating for a couple of years now, so are going to have a rude awakening when I get going. I need to take control.
The fact is, before I had two little people, I had time to take care of myself and now that time has transferred to them.
So this is it. I'm booking a facial, massage and going to bikram before the end of the month and I'll just have to find the time.
Wish me luck.


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LOS ANGELES – A man was killed early today when his car rear-ended another vehicle on the eastbound Ventura (134) Freeway at the connector to the southbound Golden State (5) Freeway, burst into flames and went off the road, authorities said. | CHECK ALTERNATE ROUTES
California Highway Patrol officers completing an earlier fatal accident investigation nearby dashed to the scene, pulled the man out of the burning car and attempted to perform CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, said CHP Officer J. Will. The accident occurred at about 2:30 a.m.
The eastbound 134 Freeway was closed at the southbound 5 Freeway connector for the investigation and to enable the coroner to collect the body. All lanes were reopened shortly before 6 a.m., the CHP reported.
About 12:30 a.m., a man was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on the southbound 5 Freeway at the 134 Freeway.


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The winner of round seven of the Three-Minute Fiction contest will be announced in a few weeks. Weekends on All Things Considered guest host Rebecca Roberts introduces Darius Kroger by William Sirson from Laramie, Wyoming. More stories from the contest can be found at npr.org/threeminutefiction.
Three-Minute Fiction
By editor • Oct 16, 2011


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CLARKtoys.com Exclusive knocks it out of the park...
The limited edition Ken Griffey Jr. SportsPicks action figure is exclusive to www.CLARKtoys.com and can be ordered now priced at $19.99 HERE.
What can you say about one of the greatest baseball players of all time? Watching him play over the years has been a show of spectacular catches and awesome hitting displays. Ken Griffey Jr. definitely has the pedigree (his father a 3x All-Star during his 19 year career) and followed his being drafted 1st overall in the 1987 draft by the Seattle Mariners. His stats are Hall of Fame worthy: career .285 batting average, a whopping 630 homers, 1,829 RBIs, 2,763 hits, 10x Gold Glove winner, 13x All-Star, and perhaps one of the prettiest swings in the history of the game.
Its not only because of the gawdy hitting stats that fans have loved watching Junior play all these years. Clips of him jumping up the centerfield walls in Seattle's dome to make homerun saving catches are still frequently shown on highlight reels. The rocket of an arm throwing runners out at the plate with a laserbeam from 250 feet away. Its all these tangibles that made the decision for McFarlane Toys to make a special exclusive Griffey Jr, SportsPicks figure an easy one. And add to that giving one of the most well known and respected toy sites on the web, www.CLARKtoys.com, the sole rights to selling this figure also came easily.
As far as the figure goes, McFarlane could've easily given this exclusive lackluster treatment with shoddy paint and inadequate sculpting and still produced good sales numbers. Fortunately though, McFarlane produced a figure that dates back to a few years ago when their SportsPicks were known for excellent sculpts at a decent scale and paint applications that seemed to be done meticulously by hand.
SCULPT: When McFarlane Toys introduced their line of Sportspicks several years ago, they instantly became known of the quality of likeness their figures bore to their real life counterparts. But over the last couple years the sports lines have become increasingly smaller in stature and poses have been rehashed for other players with some lines having no original sculpts at all. So when fans and detractors alike heard that a Griffey Jr. exclusive was being produced everyone had the right to be doubtful if McFarlane could bring back the luster it seemed to be missing.
Im glad to say that they have done quite well on this piece as Griffey's trademark follow-through is accurately portrayed. I have heard grumblings that some don't like the girth of Griffeys midsection for the sculpt, but if you have seen him recently one would know he's not built like he was 21 years ago as a rookie. As this sculpt is from his current playing days the body shape is quite accurate. Other details such as the legs, arms, and other extremities are all nicely done as well.
I do have one quip though about the pose and it's that the jaw is a little too wide. Griffey Jr. has pronounced cheek bones with a slender jawline and the sculpt here portrays his face as being slightly chubby. Now, I did mention earlier that he has gained a few pounds around the ol' midsection but his face still has that iconic look to it that isn't quite captured here. But despite the gripe about this inefficiency I would still rate the sculpt of this figure as being higher than last few MLB lines and nearly equal to that of the top lines.
PAINT: This is the area where many McFarlane SportsPicks collectors might be wary because of inadequacies in recent lines. Im happy to say that any past issues (molded plastic instead of actual paint has been a big gripe) have been resolved for this piece. Everything from the shoes to the uniform are painted very evenly with no sloppy application and no part of the body itself is glossy resulting in contrasting looks (one part of the uniform having a plasticy shine to it while another has a dull look from bad paint). The white paint is bright in hue yet evenly portrayed throughout. The dark blue that acts as the secondary color is also nicely applied with no spottiness. The Mariners emblem on the left sleeve is simply a work of art in that every detail of a fairly extensive logo expertly comes through.
Some other details I should point out are the lines down the sides of the paints, through the middle of the jersey, and that of the gloves, Each line is very straight in nature and never deviates from the intended width. The gloves have some detail in them as well that really shows how much effort McFarlane put into this figure. The only area I wasnt completely happy with as far as the paint app is that of the base. I think that the lightening of the textured portions of the dirt couldve been done in a manner that it didnt seem like dead grass was growing in the batters box. Again, not a big detail and it certainly doesnt detract from the piece.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: Overall, I must say that Clarktoys received an impressive figure as their store exclusive. Im sure Mariners fans, as well as baseball enthusiasts, are glad to see Junior back with the team that introduced him to all fans. McFarlane has done a near masterful job in capturing the quintessential essence of what makes Griffey so iconic: that backswing follow-through on one of his many bombs.
You can order this figure exclusively at www.CLARKtoys.com for the suggested retail price of $19.99, while supplies last.
For more images of the Ken Griffey Jr. figure, CLICK HERE!
Review and Photos by Aaron Binder
Review Sample Courtesy of www.CLARKtoys.com


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Larkin made the HOF yesterday.
Reds sign a big time reliever today.
Been a nice 48 hrs.
"Boys, I'm one of those umpires that misses 'em every once in a while so if it's close, you'd better hit it." Cal Hubbard
My dad got to enjoy 3 Reds World Championships by the time he was my age. So far, I've only gotten to enjoy one. Step it up Redlegs!
Amazing! Great job by Walt and the Reds. This has been an amazing offseason. Wow.
Mat Latos, Sean Marshall, and Ryan Madson. I would have never dreamed the Reds would added even two of those players, let alone all three.
Now we just need Cespedes...
Domo Arigato, Here Comes Joey Votto
"I do what I want to do and say what I want to say."
--Bronson Arroyo
But add him to Marshall in the pen and that might do it.
Then add Latos to the mix.
That should get you there with wins to spare.
From Opening Day 2010, Cincinnati has lost:
Jonny Gomes OF
Ramon Hernandez C
Edinson Volquez SP
Travis Wood SP
Matt Maloney RP/SP
Dontrelle Willis RP/SP
Francisco Cordero RP
and replaced them with:
Mat Latos SP
Sean Marshall RP
Ryan Madson RP
Devin Mesoraco C
Zach Cozart SS
Juan Francisco 3B
Todd Frazier OF
"You can learn little from victory. You can learn everything from defeat."
-- Christy Matthewson
"Show me a good loser and I'll show you an idiot."
-- Leo Durocher
So, what are we supposed to hold our horses for?
Can't win with 'em
Can't win without 'em
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The new farm bill passed the Senate and was signed by the President last week. Now that the long arduous legislative process is behind us, USDA will have to scramble to implement the new provisions with many that need to be put in place by spring planting time.
Farmers will need to make a one-time choice between the new Agriculture Risk Coverage program and the Price Loss Coverage program. Other new provisions will take more time. For example the new cotton insurance program – STAX – will not be available until next year and the same is true of the new Supplemental Coverage Option that will be available to farmers that choose the Price Loss Coverage option.
The new dairy Margin Protection Program must be established by September 1 of this year. The 2014 farm bill covers the 2014/15 through 2018/19 crop years.
The Keystone pipeline project is a step closer to reality now that the U.S. State Department raised no major environmental objections to its construction. The State Department did not recommend approval of the project that would carry oil from Canada to a hub in Nebraska where it would connect with existing pipelines that would move the oil to Texas refineries.
Other departments, including the EPA, have 90 days to comment before the State Department makes a final recommendation. State Department approval is needed because the pipeline crosses the U.S.-Canadian border. The President blocked the Keystone pipeline two years ago, saying he needed more time to review all of the information. The latest environmental review indicates that development of the tar sands in Alberta will create greenhouse gases but other methods of transporting the oil would be more damaging than the pipeline.
Other news from Washington:
- Attorney Generals from 21 states are appealing a federal court ruling that validated EPA's establishment of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The suit contends that EPA does not have the authority under the Clean Water Act to tell states how to meet federal water quality standards. The states contend that instead of setting an aggregate amount of certain pollutants allowed in impaired waters, the EPA used the TMDLs to "micromanage sources of pollution that by tradition – and by statute – have been beyond EPA's reach". This process is expected to drag on a while, but states are worried that EPA will set TMDLs for the Mississippi River watershed which would significantly impact agriculture over 31 states.
- The current congressional debt-ceiling limit ended on Friday and now the debate over raising the debt ceiling will get started. It is not clear when the government will run out of money and be unable to pay its bills, but it will probably be right around the end of February. Many republicans want to use the need to raise the debt ceiling as leverage to extract cuts in government spending, but democrats say they will not negotiate conditions. Few members of Congress from either political party want to trigger another government shutdown so the two sides will probably reach agreement before we get to the next fiscal cliff.
- USDA is unveiling a new effort to coordinate the government's response to extreme weather events related to climate change. Seven new "climate hubs" will be developed around the country and these hubs will act as clearing houses for data and research efforts. The objective is for these hubs to assess local climate changes and develop plans for dealing with them.
- In 2012, 16.5 million full- and part-time jobs were related to agriculture—about 9.2 percent of total U.S. employment. Direct on-farm employment provided over 2.6 million of these jobs. Employment in the related industries supported another 13.9 million jobs. The data appears in ERS's data product, Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials, on the ERS website.


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At the halfway mark of the season for the Pacers, how would you grade this team so far? I'll simply grade them on offense and defense, or somebody can make an elaborate grading of their own (starters, bench, home, road, etc.). Here are my takes:
Offense: C
It's been a struggle all season long so far, and it has been a problem not only of the bench but by the starters as well. 2nd worst offense overall will need to be fixed if this team needs to go full throtle in the playoffs. We are starting to get some production from PG, but it's practically being offset by Hibbert's poor offensive outing most of the time. Danny may fix the current offensive woes somehow, but we still need to see some consistency from our current starters.
Defense: A+
I can't say anything much as it was already said by many, but the Pacers are the biggest surprise in defense this season. Sure, they have been great last season, but nobody thought that they'll have the superb and elite defense that once owned by the likes of Chicago and Boston in the past few years. I can say it has been an improvement overall by everybody from the starters (special mention: PG and Hibbert) and the bench (special mention: Mahinmi), and a wonderful job by Vogel and company.
Overall: B
Defense is at playoff level at this stage. No question about it. Just needs to keep this up and improve further to get the wins and possibly end up getting the rings. But offense is still left to be desired. Better FG%, even better FT%, less turnovers, and better control of the pace will do wonders for this team.
It's still a long ways to go and anything can happen, especially with the tight race in the East. A loss or two can easily put this team from third to 6th. But keeping up the wins and we maybe surprised to be sitting at the top after 82 games. Our boys just needs to keep the consistency and defense and hopefully once Granger comes back this team will improve further by a notch or two.


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My experience...
I take an anti-depressant and mood stabilizer & have been on this regimen for the last two years. When I first started, it felt like night and day. The meds lifted me out of the apathetic gloomy haze of depression I'd been stuck in for over a decade. It's kept the depression at bay and I'm very grateful that I found the right cocktail for me. If I get lazy with my regimen, my mood dips within a few days and I start to see the effects in my daily life.
In the time that I've been medicated, I've purged my life of unhealthy relationships, got in a 12-step program which rejuvenated me spiritually, started really working deeply with my therapist, got a job that I like quite a bit & got promoted, sat two 10-day courses, and committed myself to The Path. More or less in that order.
I may have gotten to this point eventually but there's little doubt in my mind that it would have taken a lot longer. And that I might have been dead before it happened. No exaggeration.
At my last retreat, I got severe anxiety during deep meditation and my AT prescribed a meditation technique and sent me to my room. It worked and staved off a panic attack which is great because I'd left my anti-anxiety meds at home.
Anyway she later told me to take prescribed meds if I needed to because that is what they were prescribed for. No big deal and it doesn't reflect on my discipline.
So here's my take on this debate. If medication is taken with the right volition (vs. abusing medication for instance) and if it aids in developing dhamma and one's practice, it is all good.
IMHO, the beauty of Dhamma is its universality. Sila is universal, samadhi is universal, panna is universal; all three are no-brainers if one is aware. Dhamma is grounded in practicality, not in dogma.
So the middle path may be to do what you need to do in order to develop in Dhamma. True, a fully enlightened being wouldn't be rocked by psychosomatic stuffs but in my case it's a long walk before I hit that point. Along the way, I'm going to use whatever tools I have been gracefully given (including 12-step, meditation, and therapy) to get there.
There may be a day when I can feel this normal without my meds but if I'm in it for life, that's cool too. They help me stay balanced so I can focus on my top priorities. Helps me cultivate samadhi, check. Keeps energy/life/connectedness-sucking depression at bay, check. Allows me to get out of bed so I can meditate and go to work, check. Makes me a non-liability for ten-day retreats, check. That can't be a bad thing.
As for the pain-killer thing, is the loving action to give balm to a feverish child / AIDS or cancer patient / someone suffering severe pain? Or to tell them to observe bodily sensation and detach?
Maybe the most loving thing would be to leave the choice to them. This applies to anyone who has chosen to take refuge in Buddha as well.
Just my two cents.


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maybe lacrimosa can help me out with this one...
located about 30 mins north of san francisco, stafford has become the home away from home if i can talk anyone into driving up there. as far as i'm concerned it's a great course to play all the time because it teaches you a lot of lessons every time. elevation, long holes, technical holes, fast greens, big hike.
hole 1: when this hole is in the short position it's about 250' with 50' elevation increase. in the long it is 495' with 99' in elevation increase. just a brutal way to start your round... not to mention walking up it. a good shot for the long will end up just short of the short where it gets flat for a little bit.
hole 2: a completely blind shot. you're faced with trees directly in front of the tee you must shoot over and then land on a hillside sloping from right to left. the basket is either straight ahead on the slope or well up to the right. if a righty can nail a huge anhyzer it's birdieable... but it's a tough shot. if a disc lands incorrectly it can roll down the slope and maybe even into the woods and you're taking a 5 most likely... one of those lessons i was talking about this course teaching you. my friends thumber it to just stick into the ground farther up... i've honestly yet to be consistent with a strategy on this hole as a lefty but i think my line is to throw a high anyzer with an overstable disc and let it flex out into the fairway. tricky hole!
hole 3: my personal favorite. it's about 30' down and 400' out just going down a hillside into a grove of trees. to throw it to the trees isn't too tough, but to get a shot to hit a tunnel through the trees 400' out is what makes this hole cool. if the baskets on the left side of the grove of trees it's a little easier to save a par or even birdie. if it's up behind the trees you should try and throw it over them on your drive if you want to birdie, or be looking at a tricky second shot to get it over or under the trees and then up a hill where the basket is.
hole 4: the easiest shot thus far. if you're even at this point you're probably stoked and the next 4 holes will give you a bit of opportunity to get under if you play 'em smart. this shot is either a righty hyzer over some tree tops into a headwind with a tricky uphill putt to follow. or in its easiest placement it's a righty spike hyzer over tall bushes (or a tight line right at it) onto a hillside with the basket. still room for problems if you get hung up in a tree or hyzer too much into dense bushes, or catch the wind and loose the hyzer. i lefty anhyzer a roc when it's left, and sidearm a stable driver right at it when it's right.
hole 5: first 200 feet is brush and bushes you'de like to make it past... then the fairway opens up except for a big bushy tree on the left. the throw is across a hillside so it's easy to land wrong and roll away. in the short position the basket's about 280' and straight. long it's more like 340' and right. very fast scary putting green... but still a good bird opportunity.
hike up to hole six's tee and relax at the highest point on the course overlooking the lake, the rolling hills, and most of the holes.
hole 6: a putter shot? well, it's about a 60' drop into a nice grassy field... behind the field is dense forest (and it's easy to go too far, especially with the headwind that won't let you fade). on either side of the field it drops downhill another 60-80' so you better not go too far off line or you made this easy shot a 4 or 5. i think the basket is 350' but it plays like 250' or less. this is one of the windiest putting greens on the course most days. i like to spike hyzer the shot.
hole 7: in front of the tee is forest of tall trees you must either go around, over, or through. a thumber must go about 60' up to make it over, a hyzer must be so steep it's almost coming backwards at the end to not go too far past the basket since it's right on the other edge of the woods. a finesse shot or roller through the woods is only about a 200' shot, downhill about 30' but you MUST hit a 5' window about 50' out to have a chance. i usually opt for going right at it... but i've been known to be foolish sometimes. fun hole.
hole 8: a little over 300' and uphill about 10' with nothing in the way. the basket has a little protection with some small trees but this is either an easy par for smaller arms, or a great birdie opp for those throwing 350'.
hole 9: the infamous 1000' foot hole. the locals still call it a par 3, even though they know a 4 is a good score to take on it (i'm sure a lot of them are slightly dissapointed when they get a 5 on it, though). many people have threed it, however, either with 2 rediculously huge shots and a big putt. or make a 150'+ approach go in. in the short position it's about 980' and long it's 1080... something like that. there's about 12' of elevation drop throughout, but it's not too noticeable. this hole's really grown on me, since the strategy is a little different than most golf holes.
i'll stop there today... whew.


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A gunman is on the run after robbing a bank in Seddon.
The armed robber struck about 4pm on Friday at the Bendigo Bank in Charles Street and fled shortly after.
No shots were fired, but it is unclear what was stolen, a police spokeswoman said.
Police arrived soon after the man had fled the bank, and are believed to have blocked the street. A police helicopter is involved in the search for the man.
The story Search on for armed bank robber first appeared on The Age.


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Looking for Bounce Plays
When the market has been pounded for two days, the natural inclination is to look for some sort of bounce to kick in. That is especially so on a Friday, when the shorts may cover as the president is supposed to make an announcement about the fiscal cliff.
We started very slow, but the buyers are inching in a bit more aggressively now. Apple (AAPL) is finally up and that will provide some comfort for those who have been waiting so long for it to find some stability. Breadth is now positive and we have relative strength in biotechnology, steel and chips....85 more words left in this article. To read them, just click below and try Real Money FREE for 14 days.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj02U3xJ ... ata_player
2nd vid. This throw went about 325. Had good release angle, ended up hyzerflipping but as u can see the steps are still weird. It's Not continuous. I look like I just step for the motion not for the momentum.
I started thinking and I might have come to an idea why it looks so damn off. After my pull back I plant my right foot. THEN I start to open my hips from closed to neutral.
Are u supposed to rotate from closed to neutral WHILE your planting that foot? So that when ur foot plants u start the acceleration?


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Science Features
As the climate has warmed, many plants are starting to grow leaves and bloom flowers earlier. A new study published in the journal, Nature, suggests that most field experiments may underestimate the degree to which the timing of leafing and flowering changes with global warming.
Understanding how plants are responding to climate change will help develop more accurate indicators of spring, forecast the onset of allergy season or the chances of western wildfires, manage wildlife and invasive plants, and help inform habitat restoration plans.
In this new study, scientists evaluated the sensitivity of plants to changes in temperature using two sources: experimental plots versus historical observations from natural sites.
The experiments analyzed in this study were conducted by artificially inducing warming in small study plots, and then measuring plant responses. The historical observations entailed long-term monitoring of multiple species at natural ecological research sites without any manipulation. The date of leafing and flowering was synthesized for dozens of warming experiments and monitoring sites across the Northern Hemisphere.
Scientists conclude that compared to warming experiments, historical monitoring shows temperature sensitivity to be four times greater for leafing and over eight times faster for flowering.
On average, the warming experiments predicted that every degree rise in Celsius would advance plants' flowering and leafing from half a day to 1.6 days, while historical observations indicate a temperature sensitivity of about 5 to 6 days per degree Celsius. The finding was strikingly consistent across species and datasets. Conclusions from this study are based on analysis of more than 1600 plant species on four continents.
The study of how climatic variations and trends impact seasonal events in plants and animals is termed "phenology." This includes when cherry trees or lilacs blossom, when robins build their nests, when salmon swim upstream to spawn, or when leaves turn colors in the fall.
The study was conducted by an interdisciplinary team led by Elizabeth Wolkovich, with the University of British Columbia, and Ben Cook, with NASA-Goddard. The study was funded by the National Science Foundation, the State of California and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the USA-National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) also provided support and assisted with assembling and analyzing historical phenological observations and climate data.
Future Tracks: Experiments and Observations
The authors of the Nature paper recognize the value of both experiments and monitoring. They call for standardization of measurements and protocols as well as improvements in experimental design, and continuation and expansion of long-term monitoring efforts like the USA-NPN.
The USA-NPN brings together citizen scientists, government agencies, non-profit groups, educators and students of all ages to monitor the impacts of climate change on plants and animals in the United States. The USA-NPN was established by the USGS in collaboration with the National Science Foundation.
"This study underscores the reasons for recent establishment of a USA-NPN to help track, understand, and hopefully forecast different species responses to climate variability and change across the U.S.," said USGS scientist Julio Betancourt, who is a co-author of this new report.
You Can Help! Track the Pulse of our Planet
We need your help to track the pulse of our planet. Through the USA-NPN's Nature's Notebook, citizens across the nation are providing data on plants and animals.
People like you — gardeners, farmers, birders, hikers, anglers, joggers, or all-around nature enthusiasts — are already recording the recurring events they see in the lives of the plants and animals around them. This includes when cherry trees or lilacs blossom, when robins build their nests, when salmon swim upstream to spawn, or when leaves turn colors in the fall.
Become involved and sign up through the USA-NPN website, or contact the USA-NPN Executive Director Jake Weltzin at firstname.lastname@example.com.
More Information
Read a University of California, San Diego, press release, as well as a NASA feature, on this new article.
Track seasonal changes in plants and animals with Nature's Notebook Read more.
Each summer the Northwest Climate Science Center hosts a weeklong Climate Boot Camp. The Boot Camp invites early career climate professionals from the Northwest and across the country get together to expand their knowledge and skills. Read more.
California's hotter droughts are a preview of a warmer future world. Read more
Researchers from the Northwest Climate Science Center are working to better understand the factors that effect aspen resiliency. Read more.
Ecological drought is an important climate stressor for fish and wildlife species. Scientists are working to identify areas and species most at risk. Read more
While Alaska burns, researchers grapple with how fire will shape the boreal forest in the future. Read more
Landsat 8 paints intriguing geology feature in vivid detail. Read more
Researchers from around the world take a look into a future with warmer forests. Read more
USGS and partners unravel climate change effects on fish in the United States and Canada. Read more
May is American Wetlands Month! Scientists across the country examine climate change impacts to these important ecosystems. Read More
Interior's Climate Science Centers helping coastal tribes and indigenous peoples prepare for climate change. Read more
Game of Thrones is one big earth science lesson!
Helping prepare communities for climate impacts. Read more
Reef corals are finding refuge from warming seawater temperatures, increased solar radiation and ocean acidification in an unlikely place. Read more
Once again, an extreme retreat of Alaska's summer sea ice has led large numbers of Pacific walruses to haul out on land instead of on offshore ice. Read more
Careful estimates of the future look of the land. Read more
Indigenous peoples are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change – Interior's Climate Science Centers collaborate with them to develop adaptation strategies. Read more
Accurate elevation data heighten climate investigations worldwide. Read more
A new plan aims to improve coordination of Earth observation efforts among government agencies. Read more
USGS releases an assessment of biologic carbon sequestration for the eastern United States. Read more
Become an iCoast citizen scientist and help identify coastal changes using aerial photographs! Read more
Water is key to life on Earth. Read more
On March 3, the U.S. Geological Survey marks 135 years of science for America. Read more
The Olympics is the world's premier athletic competition but also a tribute to Earth science. Read more
The extent and distribution of the world's ice, primarily in the form of glaciers, provide insight about changes in the Earth's climate and changes in sea-level. Read more
For the first time, all of Iceland's glaciers are shown on a single map. Read more
Thoroughly tested and calibrated, Landsat 8 officially begins round-the-clock and round-the-world duty on May 30. Read more
Crews respond to spring flooding in the Midwest and Northern Plains. Read more...
The USGS is ready to address some of society's most critical issues for years to come. Read more
Join citizens and scientists in tracking The Pulse of Our Planet!
On March 3, the U.S. Geological Survey turned 134. Established by Congress in 1879 and built on a legacy of impartial science, the bureau faces unusual challenges in the near term.
The Nation's next Earth-observing satellite was successfully launched on February 11. Once it is mission-certified in orbit, the satellite will become Landsat 8. Read more
The recent past sheds light on preserving the future of economically and ecologically important native trout populations across the West. Read more
Watch USGS scientists in the Arctic track Pacific walruses to examine how these animals are faring in a world with less sea ice. Read more
The world's longest-running Earth-observing satellite program.
Dust storms July 21-22 blinded motorists, grounded flights and knocked out electricity. What's causing the dust storms?
The majority of the nation is facing dry conditions; in most areas drought conditions are expected to persist or intensify. Read more
A contest to celebrate 40 years of Landsat. Read more
Please comment on the USGS' draft science strategies! Read more
Timing is everything! Consider helping track changes in spring's arrival
Need a historical map for your genealogy research? You are in luck. We've got what you need! Download and view USGS historical maps from the comfort of your own home.
Flood Safety Awareness Week is March. 12-16. What can you do to prepare?
National Groundwater Awareness Week is Mar. 11-17, 2012. See how USGS science is connecting groundwater and surface water.
Since Japan's March 11, 2011, Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami, scientists at the USGS have learned much to help better prepare for a large earthquake in the United States.
Five USGS employees honored with Distinguished Service Awards for their service to the nation
The USGS and UNESCO have produced a book that gives us a new way to look at our shared global heritage.
Groundwater in aquifers on the East Coast and in the Central U.S. has the highest risk of contamination from radium, a naturally occurring radioactive element and known carcinogen.
The proposed USGS budget reflects research priorities to respond to nationally relevant issues, including water quantity and quality, ecosystem restoration, hydraulic fracturing, natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, and support for the National Ocean Policy, and has a large R&D component.
Caribou expert Layne Adams discusses the lives of reindeer — apart from their famous role on Christmas Eve. How they survive the cold.
Climate science is helping to predict food shortages, identify impacts on human health, and prepare for future conditions.
As demand grows, Landsat data can help us track trends in key resources. Remote-sensing satellites help scientists to observe our world, monitor changes, and detect critical trends in forestry, water, crops, and urban landscapes. Learn more.
A new study provides crucial information for difficult decisions regarding conservation, economic interests, and food and water security. Projected changes for 2010-2099
It's only the beginning of their careers, but these 3 young scientists have forged ahead with innovative research at the frontiers of science. How they've transformed their fields
Oct. 9-15, 2011, is Earth Science Week, themed "Our-Ever Changing Earth," and Oct. 12, 2011, is International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. Answers to questions posed by a changing world
By 1936, devastating losses of wildlife populations were threatening the Nation's natural resource heritage. America's first wildlife research center
A dust storm on Tuesday, October 4, blinded motorists and caused a large string of motor vehicle crashes, multiple injuries, and at least one death. What's causing the dust storms?
USGS scientists study walruses off the northwestern Alaska coast in August as part of their ongoing study of how the Pacific walrus are responding to reduced sea ice conditions in late summer and fall.
USGS scientists are collecting water samples and other data to determine trends in ocean acidification from the least explored ocean in the world.
In support of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, USGS scientists use satellite remote sensing to assess agricultural conditions that foretell famine.
New USGS research shows that rice could become adapted to climate change and some catastrophic events by colonizing its seeds or plants with the spores of tiny naturally occurring fungi. The DNA of the rice plant itself is not changed; instead, researchers are re-creating what normally happens in nature.
Now that field work has wrapped up at the Ice Age "Snowmastodon" fossil site near Snowmass Village, Colo., USGS and other scientists will begin work on unraveling the climate and environmental history of the area.
USGS scientists are studying the Earth's conditions 3 million years ago to gain insight into the impacts of future climate. Join us Aug. 3 in Reston, Va., to learn how this information is used to better understand the magnitude of changes forecast for the end of this century.
USGS crews continue to measure streamflow and collect water quality and sediment samples in the Ohio and Mississippi River basins using state-of-art instruments.
Over the past four decades, about 14% of the ice and permanent snow of Washington's Mount Rainier has melted due to combined recent warming and reduced precipitation.
USGS science supports management, conservation, and restoration of imperiled, at-risk, and endangered species.
In a unique application of data, this year's report provides the nation's first assessment of birds on public lands and waters.
The USGS, NASA, and other organizations and Federal agencies are studying how climate change affects wildlife and ecosystems.
Early maps of America, documents establishing the provenance of the Hope Diamond and documentation of explorations of the American West-- Join us in discovering the many treasures of the USGS Library.
Using coral growth records and measurements of changing ocean chemistry from increased atmospheric CO2, USGS scientists are providing a foundation for predicting future impacts of ocean acidification and sea-level rise to coral reefs.
Increased dust storm activity may result from enhanced aridity in the Southwest, according to a USGS study.
Provide your input on the draft USGS Global Change Science Strategy by April 8, 2011.
Sea-ice habitats essential to polar bears would likely respond positively should more curbs be placed on global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new modeling study published today in the journal, Nature.
Landscape photos taken in the same place but many years apart reveal dramatic changes due to human and natural factors. The USGS Desert Laboratory Repeat Photography Collection, the largest archive of its kind in the world, is 50 years old.
Decreasing pH and warming temperatures are changing ocean conditions and affecting coral and algal growth in South Florida. USGS scientists are conducting field measurements to learn more.
Many coastal wetlands worldwide including several on the U.S. Atlantic coast may be more sensitive than previously thought to climate change and sea-level rise in the this century.
USGS findings support recent predictions that climate change will stress ecosystems at lower elevations more than higher elevations. This information may guide future conservation efforts in helping decision makers develop regional landscape predictions about biological responses to climate changes.
The Earth as Art 3 collection, the latest set of Landsat satellite images selected for their artistic quality, reveals an intricate beauty in Earth's natural patterns.
USGS scientists are investigating sea turtles and their habitats in Dry Tortugas National Park to provide insight that will be used as decision-support tools for managing coral ecosystems.
Looking for information on natural resources, natural hazards, geospatial data, and more? The USGS Education site provides great resources, including lessons, data, maps, and more, to support teaching, learning, K-12 education, and university-level inquiry and research.
The timing of animal migration and reproduction, and observing when plants send out new leaves and bear fruit, is increasingly important in understanding how climate change affects biological and hydrologic systems. Photo credit Copyright C Brandon Cole.
The United States Group on Earth Observations (USGEO) is working to connect Earth observations with public health, agriculture, climate, and data management and dissemination.
USGS studies the relationships among earth surface processes, ecological systems, understanding current changes in the context of prehistoric and recent earth processes, distinguishing between natural and human-influenced changes, and recognizing ecological and physical responses to changes in climate.
5 Scientific Words from Languages Around the World!
Our next EarthWord is what Vanilla Ice's most famous song might be called one year after it was released.
Think our bad jokes for EarthWords are drying up? Think again...
Watch these acrobatic-sounding winds take a tumble! Read More
Our very first EarthWord! Read More
Get ready to fall in love as the fall season approaches.
7 p.m.—Public lecture (also live-streamed over the Internet)
USGS-led survey finds that national wildlife refuges rate highly with visitors.
Stressed agricultural lands may be releasing less of the moisture needed to protect the breadbasket of a continent.
Spring rains in the eastern Horn of Africa are projected to begin late this year and be substantially lower than normal.
In recognition of World Forestry Day, let's take a glimpse at USGS science to understand the fate of forests from climate change.
A new study concludes that fossil fuel emissions are likely contributors to a substantial amount of organic carbon found on glaciers in Alaska. Fossil fuel emissions, which contain organic carbon, can speed up the rate of glacier melt when deposited on glacier surfaces. In addition, the organic molecules associated with these deposits can be transportedContinue Reading
The U.S. Geological Survey had a very busy 2011 — below are a few of our highlights from last year.
Despite news articles warning of large-scale releases of methane due to climate change, recent research indicates that most of the world's gas hydrate deposits should remain stable for the next few thousand years.
Join us on February 1 to view the Earth from space, and discuss the profound impact Landsat has on many facets of our economy, safety, and environment.
Scientists have discovered an outbreak of coral disease called Montipora White Syndrome in Kāneohe Bay, Oahu. The affected coral are of the species Montipora capitata, also known as rice coral.
USGS scientists will join thousands of scientists, managers, and decision makers in Boston this week to present new findings on toxics at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) conference in the Hynes Convention Center, Nov. 13-17.
On Nov. 3, USGS scientists Patrick Barnard and William Ellsworth will present a public lecture in Menlo Park, CA, providing Bay Area residents information about USGS research in the San Francisco Bay Area, including recent discoveries beneath San Francisco Bay and ongoing studies to better understand earthquake probabilities and the potential hazards associated with strong ground shaking.
Rivers and streams in the United States are releasing substantially more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than previously thought.
Climate Change Impacts to Tribal Communities The USGS is working with Native American communities and organizations to understand climate change impacts to their land and neighborhoods. Projects include interviews with indigenous Alaskans to understand their personal observations of climate change, as well as studying how climate change is impacting sand dunes and posing risksContinue Reading
As climate changes, it affects the timing of when leaves emerge, the amount of foliage that grows as well as the timeframe when leaves begin to fall.
How will accelerated glacial melting over the next 50 years as a result of climate change affect the unique Gulf of Alaska and Copper River coastal ecosystems? USGS scientists are studying these processes and impacts.
USGS scientists are assessing the potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere for storage in other Earth systems through a process called carbon sequestration.
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Sunday, September 24, 2017
Head and Neck Cancer
Back of head pain
I`m getting really concerned. I started having pains when I lift my head in the shower (and outside) when I was overseas. The pain was in the back of my head. It also happens when I`m laying on my stomach, head up using my lap top or reading a book. I know I get migraines, but this is different.
When I was driving from Florida to Massachusetts I felt disorientated and thought I was just tired. However, when I went to take a nap, just as I fell asleep I felt almost paralyzed and used all energy within me to wake up. I was so scared. I then felt my neck and in the back of my neck was a small lump the size of a gumball. It went away a couple days later.
These headaches are getting worse. What exactly is happening to me? Excedrin migraine isn`t working as well as it used to. I`m taking the maximum amount, what could be wrong?
It is difficult to come up with a diagnosis based on the provided information. You need to see a Neurologist in an expedited time. If no cause for the headache is found, a pain specialist can help control the symptoms.
Salim M Hayek, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University