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Markey could leave energy post to focus on tech – Upton cementing his front-runner status – Halliburton pushes back against spill report – Prop 23 backers complain about ballots
COMMITTEE REMIX – A Republican rout next Tuesday could convince Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey that his time would be better spent elsewhere. Two former Hill aides tell POLITICO's Tony Romm that, given the unlikelihood that a GOP-led chamber would advance meaningful climate change legislation next year, the Massachusetts Democrat may opt to push for a return to the top of the House subcommittee that handles tech and telecommunications.
Rep. Rick Boucher currently chairs the Communications, Technology and the Internet panel, but he has watched his one-time double-digit lead disappear in the lead up to the election. A Boucher loss could further open the door for Markey but, regardless of the outcome in Virginia, seniority would give Markey the edge if he wants to challenge for the spot. http://politi.co/aQncuv
Story Continued Below
ANOTHER OPTION – If Markey is looking for a change of scenery but still wants to play a hands-on role in energy issues, another (long-shot) possibility would be for him to seek a leadership role on the Natural Resources Committee, where he ranks higher in seniority than Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.). That panel would give Markey the chance to stay involved in issues like the BP spill and energy production.
THE QUIET CAMPAIGN – Meanwhile, Fred Upton is quietly cementing his position as the odds-on favorite to pick up the Energy and Commerce gavel in the next Congress, reports POLITICO's Darren Samuelson. http://politi.co/cqOF7E
The Michigan Republican has maintained that he is not campaigning for the post, but his recent actions paint a slightly different story. He has given $144,000 through his political action committee to GOP incumbents and potential new freshmen. And he's also been on the road trying to help candidates in the Midwest and Rust Belt, with recent stops for Randy Hultgren, the Illinois state senator gunning to win back former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's old seat, and Mike Kelly, who is challenging Pennsylvania freshman Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper.
CONSERVATIVE CRED – Upton is also trying hard to play up his conservative credentials as part of his bid to lead the powerful committee. He penned a small-government-hyping op-ed in the Washington Times earlier this month, and followed it up by blasting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Henry Waxman, the man he'd like to replace as committee chairman, for staying quiet after NPR last week fired commentator Juan Williams.
Happy Friday and welcome to Morning Energy, where we remind you that if you paid for your child's Halloween costume you have a legitimate claim to at least a third of their candy. Speaking of treats, keep them coming to Josh Voorhees at email@example.com
LATE BREAKING – Halliburton late last night pushed back against the findings of a new Oil Spill Commission report suggesting it knowingly poured unstable cement into the Macondo well, potentially contributing to April's Gulf spill. In a six-page press release, the Houston-based company took issue with a number of the panel's findings and said that it believed there were significant differences between the tests it performed on the rig and those simulated by the commission. "The commission tested off-the-shelf cement and additives, whereas Halliburton tested the unique blend of cement and additives that existed on the rig at the time Halliburton's tests were conducted," the company said. Read the full release (all 1,800+ words of it) here: http://bit.ly/dolUNJ
** A message from America's Natural Gas Alliance: For natural gas updates, be sure to follow us on Twitter @ANGAus and @NatGasNow ! **
COMING TODAY – California voters will be voting in four days on whether to kill their landmark global warming law. But that's not stopping the California Air Resources Board from today's scheduled release of about 1,000 pages of proposed regulations outlining plans to implement the law.
CARB's spokesman said details would be out at noon EDT. Enviros tell ME they expect the plan to cover the electric utility sector and large stationary industrial sources for the law's first compliance period (2012-14). Transportation and natural gas will follow in the second compliance period. Other details expected today include the design of the allowance allocations and auction, the maximum amount of offsets allowed for compliance, and details for how the cap-and-trade system will be governed and enforced.
The proposals will be the subject to a 45-day public comment period, with the 11-member CARB then scheduled to take a final vote on the regulations during a marathon session Dec. 16-17 in Sacramento.
BALLOT BATTLE – The campaign trying to nix California's global warming law alleged yesterday that two counties are using tainted ballot materials that could throw the whole election into dispute and potentially require a revote.
The Yes on Proposition 23 team sent letters to the registrars of Contra Costa and Fresno counties, as well as the Secretary of State, taking issue with absentee ballots and a Web link that contain an outdated version of their proposal that a Superior Court judge has already ordered to be changed.
Attorneys for the Yes campaign called on the registrars to immediately correct the errors. They also said the tainted ballots "could call into question the state results and possibly give rise to an election contest and require a new statewide election on Proposition 23."
"With Election Day a mere few days away, it is unclear whether or not this egregious situation can be satisfactorily resolved," said Yes on 23 spokeswoman Anita Mangels. "A preliminary investigation shows that other counties may have directly or indirectly distributed similarly tainted materials, errors that could nullify the results of the vote on Proposition 23."
TEXAS FOOTBALL – Team No sees things a little differently. Steve Maviglio told ME last night: "This is a pathetic Hail Mary pass from Texas oil companies trying to salvage the more than $10 million they've sunk in a deceptive ballot measure. To somehow suggest that a website link will tip the balance of an election is ludicrous, and we are confident that election officials will agree."
BACKGROUND – The absentee ballot and link include a statement that Prop 23 would "suspend air pollution control laws," which a Sacramento judge in August had softened to "suspends implementation of air pollution control law (AB32)." The materials also referred to the regulated industries as "major polluters" when the judge had changed it to "major sources of emissions."
Yes on 23 officials issued a similar rebuke earlier this month to Reuters and Ipsos after they released a poll that relied on the outdated ballot language. The news organization retracted its story and the poll.
JACKSON 1, MIAMI JUDGE 0 – EPA chief Lisa Jackson is off the hook for a hearing on lagging Everglades cleanup after an Atlanta appeals court ruled yesterday that a Miami judge can't haul her down to Florida. U.S. District Court Judge Alan Gold didn't have the authority to compel Jackson to testify and will have to settle for EPA's water chief on her behalf, the panel decided. Two of the three judges agreed that there was no compelling need for Jackson to appear in person and that the district court "abused its discretion" by ordering her to appear.
EPA had offered to send another top agency official to a hearing slated for October, citing Jackson's conflicting plans to travel to China. Gold denied the request, demanding that Jackson appear in person, but the appeals court stalled the case after EPA challenged his order. The ruling: http://bit.ly/bXFzCu
EPA FOES EYE SPENDING BILL – A slew of industry heavy hitters is prodding Senate Republicans and moderate Democrats to attach a provision to halt EPA climate rules to any spending bill they take up this fall. There's a good chance that a Continuing Resolution or an omnibus spending bill will be the only thing the chamber does before the end of the year, and EPA opponents see it as their best shot.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the American Petroleum Institute and other industry groups want a moratorium on EPA climate rules for stationary sources, which will officially take effect on Jan. 2.
FUZZY MATH – Blasting industry's feverish efforts to upend EPA regulations, environmentalists and economists yesterday questioned industry reports on environmental rules. NRDC commissioned university economists to grade industry studies of EPA's ozone standard and two reports on the air toxics rule for industrial boilers. Their grades: Incomplete, D/F and F, respectively. "These industry groups are attempting to shape vital public health policies with work that wouldn't pass muster in a college economics class," said NRDC attorney John Walke.
ENERGY STAR LAGGING – EPA still hasn't ironed out the kinks in its Energy Star program, according to a report issued yesterday by the agency's inspector general. The IG previously found that EPA couldn't assure that the products actually deliver savings in energy efficiency and reduced emissions and the program's integrity is still at risk, the IG said. EPA disagreed with many of the report's conclusions. IG report: http://bit.ly/bOGoxR
NYT: Yesterday's spill commission report has Halliburton back in a familiar hot seat. http://nyti.ms/bAPSTR
LAT: A conservative radio talk show host is urging listeners to mount their own write-in campaigns to derail Lisa Murkowski's bid to keep her seat. http://lat.ms/cuT6ON
AP: Major oil companies racked up major gains in net income in the third quarter. http://wapo.st/d9M1mS
** A message from America's Natural Gas Alliance: One solution for more abundant domestic energy is staring us in the face. Natural gas is the natural choice—now and in the future. We know we need to use cleaner, American energy. And, we have it. Today, the U.S. has more natural gas than Saudi Arabia has oil, giving us generations of this clean, domestic energy source. Natural gas supports 2.8 million American jobs, most states are now home to more than 10,000 natural gas jobs. As Congress and the Administration look for ways toward a cleaner tomorrow, the answer is right here: natural gas. Learn more at www.anga.us And, follow us on Twitter @angaus. **


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A WOMAN missing for four days in a national park was rescued after scrawling the word "HELP" in sand.
Lynette Joyce Bond, 68, was winched to safety by the police air wing after it spotted her plea in the Snowy River National Park.
Emergency services were alerted at noon on Saturday after a walker discovered Ms Bond's vehicle on the Deddick Trail.
A note left on the car said it had broken down on Wednesday.
No one had seen or heard from Ms Bond since, prompting local police, search-and-rescue officers, State Emergency Service volunteers, bushwalkers and the police air wing to scour the area.
"Gone for help to McKillops Bridge 2.45pm 3/4 Lynette," the note on the car read.
Searchers found some of Ms Bond's belongings along the track before her message was discovered.
"Air wing members spotted the woman about 11.30am on the banks of Snowy River, where she had written the word 'HELP' in the sand," Victoria Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said.
Ms Bond, from Mornington, was taken to hospital for a check-up and last night was said to be doing well.
"Think I'll buy a bicycle," she told Channel 7 following her discovery.
The police air wing video shows Ms Bond - wearing a red top and black jacket - lying on the ground with a backpack on, waving a hiking stick in the air and making a "sand angel" movement.
Police said it was still early to know the full details of how she survived in the national park, 325km east of Melbourne. However, it is believed there was no phone reception for Ms Bond to call for help.
The road where her car was found is unsuitable for caravans, trailers and semi-trailers due to its long, narrow and steep descent down to McKillops Bridge, which crosses the Snowy River near Deddick River - where Ms
Bond is thought to have been found. The area is popular with swimmers, canoeists and walkers.
Originally published as 'Help me' plea saves woman

subset: commoncrawl


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Now I know Goofy looks a little off to me but I tried and that's the best thing you can do....if your me.
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All in a Day's Work
Disclaimer: The author rightfully respects the genius of Tachibana Higuchi, creator of Gakuen Alice.
Dedication: To the people behind the Alice Times. This was inspired by the first NatsumeSeries Contest they organized.
Author's Note: After Like a Fan Girl, Mikan should be shown grieving Natsume as much as he aggrieves her. Ü The tone is practically AU but with some imagination, this could be set way into the future.
It was the last day of a month-long assignment. All that was left to do was to make sure that the Prime Minister made it safely back to Japan. The last day of the mission also meant the last chance for less-than-peaceful individuals to try anything funny.
They could have bombed the auditorium while the Prime Minister was delivering his arrival speech. They could have ambushed his car when he was on his way to the state dinner. They could have kidnapped him while he was out jogging with the President.
But they did none of those things. Thus, it was highly logical to suspect that they would move now that all the promises have been made and all the agreements and treaties have been signed. The goal might very well be to keep the Prime Minister from following through. So if they were going to act, it was going to be today.
Natsume Hyuuga stood at the sidelines as the Prime Minister and other world leaders addressed the reporters for the last time. They were standing in a wide courtyard where a modest stage had been set up with typical lighting and sound equipment. Cameramen picked up footage from every angle, including from a scaffolding about ten meters high. The turnout was manageable but he wouldn't let his guard down. His eyes watched everyone present to detect anyone that acted the least bit suspicious. Natsume was extraordinarily skilled at determining whether someone was suspicious.
"This is boring," muttered his junior partner and protégé, Youichi Hijiri.
"Be quiet and be alert," Natsume ordered without looking at him.
"Natsume," Youichi began, "all we have here are political folks and glorified paparazzis. I've gone over the list twice. Everyone checks out."
"You should know better than to rely on a list from some public relations officer," Natsume said in a tone that said PR had the competency level of a skater boy. "And don't slouch. You look like science nerds could—"
And that's when he saw him: a tall, lanky man shuffling his way through the crowd of photographers. He looked like a member of the press, with his DSLR camera and the prominent ID hanging about his neck, but there was something about him that made Natsume doubtful of his credentials. The stubble on his face was too uneven and his eyes were a tad too red to be products of a hardworking man who missed a couple of shaves and a few nights sleep. No, this guy looked like he'd been planning something that could seriously overturn the results of a peace talk. These were flimsy indications but he'd been right before.
"Like science nerds could beat me up?" Youichi finished. "They might if they worked for Hotaru."
"Shut up," Natsume hissed then nodded towards his subject, "At two o'clock."
Youichi obediently trained his eyes on the stubbly man. His brow furrowed. "He's a photographer for the CN Journal. Why does he look so edgy?"
Natsume almost commented on Youichi's informal phrasing for the identification of a possible terrorist, but he approved that he caught on. Yes, Stubbly Joe certainly did look edgy.
"He doesn't look like a professional," Youichi commented.
"More likely an angry civilian," he agreed. "Eyes on the charge, I'm invoking DM-13."
Youichi nodded and they immediately parted. Natsume weaved through the crowd of reporters to get a closer look at his suspect. His instincts told him that this was the reason he was signed on for this assignment. He moved a little faster when Stubbly Joe reached into the inside pocket of his coat. Natsume was almost behind him now.
Then his phone rang, and with it the element of stealth disintegrated.
Natsume bit back a very violent curse when Stubbly Joe nearly jumped in surprise. He looked over his shoulder. For a second they locked eyes then Natsume reached into his pocket and moved away, pretending to be engaged in a regular conversation.
"Hyuuga," he said tersely.
"Natsume? Where are you?"
Good god. It was the wife.
Natusme kept his eyes on the suspect and tried the keep the irritation from his voice as he prepared to carry on a mundane conversation to discourage curious eyes.
"I'm exactly where I said I'd be."
"Let me rephrase then," Mikan said from the other end of the line. "Why aren't you here watching your son's play with us?"
"Listen, dear," he emphasized the last word for the benefit of the people who could hear him, "I really shouldn't be talking right now. The Prime Minister is giving a speech."
"Your son is Peter Pan," she returned with equal emphasis. He stopped walking.
"Peter Pan, you know, the spirit of youth. Something you definitely need."
He had to hand it to her. She successfully captured his attention when a very important task of fatherhood came into play. "You put my son in tights?"
"Yes," Mikan said. "And he looks adorable. You should see him."
"I'm working," he said through gritted teeth. He craned his neck and mentally swore when he saw Stubbly Joe had moved twenty paces away. "I'm a very busy man, darling."
"Ruka's busy too, you know," Mikan pointed out, oblivious of his situation. "But he's here. His daughter makes a wonderful Wendy."
"Ruka is a vet."
"He saves whales and African elephants."
"On a good day, I get to save a population of fifteen million households," he hissed, making sure the rest of the audience didn't hear that last part. He ducked behind a person then positioned himself ten steps away from Stubbly Joe.
Mikan remained unimpressed. She sniffed, "He's asking for you."
"Tell him I'll make it up to him. I'll be there in his next soccer game."
She sounded skeptical. "Really?"
"I'll try."
"That's not good enough Natsume," Mikan said testily. "If I have to see that heartbreaking look on his face again when he finds out you're not showing up, I'll just weep. Have you ever seen his sad eyes? They absolutely bore into you."
He couldn't help but smile when he pictured his eldest. "He's five years old."
"He has your eyes!" Mikan insisted. "It's sharp and piercing and when it starts to well up— god, you have to be here."
He didn't answer at once. He realized Stubbly Joe was nearing the stage. He caught the eye of another agent and inclined his head slightly. Unfortunately, more than one guard had picked up the gesture and they started closing in on the suspect.
Damn it. They'll make him panic. Where the hell is Youichi?
"Natsume, did you hear me? You have to be here for sure."
Mikan's voice jarred him back to the conversation. He needed to get her off the phone right now. "I'll take a leave, a month-long leave."
To his annoyance, instead of being appeased, she started to list his next assignments with irritating accuracy. Mikan spoke doubtfully, "You'll give up Washington, Lithuania, the APEC Summit and the FILA World Cup, to be here?"
He paused. "I'll take Lithuania and the World Cup, but I'll attend two soccer games."
He could practically feel her prickle. "Washington and the World Cup, three soccer games and a trip to the ice cream parlor."
"Just the World Cup, two soccer games and a trip to the ice cream parlor."
"Two trips and you'll take our daughter with you."
Natsume scowled. "You're being awfully demanding."
"I'm carrying our third child," she retorted and he bit his tongue.
Mikan had been irritable during her first pregnancy. She became disagreeable in her second. She was being downright impossible in the third. Whoever said women absolutely glowed when they were with child was not a married man.
Natsume watched his teammates converge on the hot spot. Stubbly Joe must have realized he'd been spotted because he began pushing through the audience. Natsume moved too, keeping a constant distance of three meters between them.
"I move to renegotiate when I get back," he said hurriedly.
"Denied," Mikan said at once.
Stubbly Joe started to make his move. With his hand still in his coat pocket, he took a few steps toward the front of the crowd. He was near the stage now, practically at the wings. It wouldn't be a perfect shot but any hit would be breaking news.
"I need to go," he said hastily when Stubbly Joe finally fished out his weapon.
"Don't hang up on me! The last time you did—"
What happened after that was quick, indisputable logic. He really didn't want to negotiate with his wife right then. The suspect was about to take a shot. Therefore, Natsume Hyuuga did what any quick-thinking agent would do in his position.
He threw his cellphone and beaned Stubbly Joe at the back of his head.
The suspect fell forward. There was a unified shriek as he crashed to the floor, upending a railing and some reporters. His gun flew out his hand and was caught by another agent. Then Youichi dropped from out of nowhere and pushed Stubbly Joe to the ground.
The world leaders were ushered off the stage immediately. Natsume ran up to his partner and took a good look at their would-be assassin just as the rest of the security rushed over. Yes, this guy wasn't a hard-core criminal. He was simply another malcontent city voter.
He knelt next to Youichi. "Where did you come from?" His protégé grinned smugly. Natsume glanced up. "Did you just jump the scaffolding?"
"Ten meters, new record. Are you promoting me yet?"
Natsume snorted. He left Stubbly Joe to Youichi and the other security men then finally retrieved his phone, which had clattered a few feet away.
"Still there?"
"Did you just chuck your cellphone at someone?!"
"But I didn't hang up," he responded quickly. Sometimes, Imai-issued gadgets could be such a pain. Who would've thought Mikan's signal all the way from Japan would survive that impact?
"Oh my god! This whole time… you were getting rid of me…" Mikan's voice suddenly softened. "You saved someone's life, didn't you?"
"I'm proud of you." He could hear the smile in her voice and his irritation evaporated. "Will I see this on the evening news?"
"Probably. Show Peter Pan, okay?"
"You're his hero," she answered affectionately. "I need to go, love. Act Two is about to begin. But about your leave—"
"One soccer game, a trip to the ice cream parlor and I'll take our son to the World Cup," he interrupted when his fatherhood synapses finally reconnected.
"Wonderful," Mikan said happily. "When will you be back?"
"Sunday dinner. See you then."
"Take care."
"Sure. Oh, and next time, when I say 'Peter Pan', you hang up, okay?"
She laughed, mentally adding the word to their long list of key phrases and passwords. "Okay." Finally, she disconnected and Natsume pocketed his phone.
"Was that the wife?" Youichi asked with a wobbly grin.
Natsume rolled his eyes. "Isn't it always?"
"What did she say?"
He shrugged then said proudly, "My son is Peter Pan."


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AUGUSTA – Six Republicans and four Democrats are now in the running to replace Olympia Snowe in the U.S. Senate.
The candidates qualified for their parties' primaries by handing in nominating papers with at least 2,000 voter signatures before 5 p.m. Thursday, according to the Secretary of State's Office. Most are party leaders at the state level, but will have to work fast to introduce themselves to voters statewide.
Snowe's decision to pass up likely re-election led some of the biggest names in Maine politics to consider running, but none of the 10 candidates who ultimately filed has held a national office or won a statewide election.
The party nominees can expect to face an opponent who has.
Former Gov. Angus King Jr. announced March 5 that he will run for the Senate, but as an independent he does not have to file nomination papers for the general election until June 1.
The six-way Republican primary features several leaders in state government, including all three of Maine's constitutional officers: state Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, Attorney General William Schneider and Secretary of State Charles Summers. The other candidates are former Maine Senate President Rick Bennett, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Debra Plowman, and Scott D'Amboise, a conservative with tea party support and the only one who entered the race before Snowe's announcement Feb. 28.
The Democratic primary also features candidates with experience at the State House, including former legislator and Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, state Sen. Cynthia Dill and state Rep. Jon Hinck. Businessman Benjamin Pollard also qualified for the June 12 ballot.
Three big-name Democrats decided against running: former Gov. John Baldacci and U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree.
Pingree and Michaud decided to stick to their original plans and run for re-election, rather than seek Snowe's seat.
Republican and Democratic officials said Thursday that the strength of their primary candidates gives them a real chance to win the open seat, which could help determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Political scientists said the question is whether either party's nominee can overcome King's name recognition and favorable public image.
"The voters only are vaguely aware of (the Republican) candidates," said Douglas Hodgkin, a retired Bates College professor who is active in the Republican Party.
"You have basically second-tier candidates in both the Democratic and Republican primaries," said L. Sandy Maisel, a government professor at Colby College who was active in the Democratic Party. "Maybe, in the course of the campaign, one of the candidates" will emerge as a challenger to King, Maisel said.
The Republican primary looks somewhat like the party's gubernatorial primary in 2010.
In that race, seven candidates split the votes in unpredictable ways. Paul LePage, considered the most conservative candidate, surprised observers by winning decisively with 37 percent of the vote.
The three constitutional officers — Schneider, Summers and Poliquin — have the advantage of some name recognition outside the State House, Hodgkin said.
Poliquin, who is believed to have the most personal money to finance a primary campaign, has earned respect among Republicans for his criticism of spending by the Maine State Housing Authority, he said.
But questions about conflicts of interest with Poliquin's private businesses and his use of a tree-growth tax abatement will not help, Hodgkin said. Poliquin got only 4.9 percent of the vote in the 2010 gubernatorial primary.
Two of the Republicans — Summers and Bennett — have the advantage of having run for Congress in the past. "That may have some bearing on people's recognition factor," Hodgkin said.
Plowman has the advantage of being the only Republican woman in the race to replace Snowe, a Republican.
D'Amboise also can't be discounted, said Hodgkin. A candidate could win with less than 30 percent of the vote, and D'Amboise — like LePage in 2010 — has support among tea party conservatives.
"He has strong commitment from activists on the ground," Hodgkin said.
The Democratic race also is hard to predict, the political scientists said. What's most striking about the primary, they said, is that the dust has settled and the four candidates are the same ones who were running before Snowe got out of the race.
King's entrance discouraged better-known candidates from jumping in, Maisel said.
"Gov. King, in many ways, pre-empted the field," he said. "It's very difficult for a Democratic candidate to run against him with any kind of negative campaign."
Snowe's announcement that she would retire because of partisanship and dysfunction in Congress is an ideal setup for an anti-party candidate like King. In fact, Maisel now says the Senate race that some have predicted will be an expensive, high-stakes contest will in fact be "a yawner" in the fall.
"I can't see either national party is going to invest heavily in this race," Maisel said.
Hodgkin disagreed, at least regarding the Republicans. The GOP sees King as leaning toward voting with Democrats, he said.
"The Republicans will not want to give up this seat," Hodgkin said. "It will be a good race, unless both parties quite frankly take a dive and nominate someone who represents an extreme."
Many of the candidates issued statements this week saying they are in it to win and looking forward to November's election.
Hinck, one of the Democrats, said one thing hasn't changed since Snowe got out of the race and King got in: "We're still running against somebody who's already been declared the winner."
MaineToday Media State House Writer John Richardson can be contacted at 620-7016 or at:


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Commentary: Abdulmutallab's life sentence underscores effectiveness of federal courts in terrorism cases
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's life sentence validates the Justice Department's decision to prosecute the Al Qaeda terrorist in a civilian court rather than a secret military tribunal.
The so-called "underwear bomber" was sentenced to life in prison last week for the attempted Christmas day bombing of Northwest Airline flight 253 in 2009. The 25-year-old Nigerian-born, London-educated engineer admitted he was trained and provided the bomb materials by Al Qaeda in Yemen.
The case "shows that the civilian court system is a valuable mechanism for obtaining intelligence and convicting terrorists with the legal certainty and transparency that instills public confidence in American justice," said Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Read more: 'Underwear bomber' sentenced to life in prison
Abdulmutallab's life sentence is the latest in a slew of terrorism cases successfully prosecuted in federal court. Since 9/11, civilian courts have convicted more than 400 terrorists. According to a 2009 study by Human Rights First, terrorist suspects tried in federal court were convicted 91% of the time between September 2001 and June 2009. In comparison, in the 10 years since Guantanamo was opened, the military tribunal convicted only 6 terrorists; another 6 cases are currently pending before the tribunal.
But back in 2010, the Justice Department's decision to file criminal charges in federal court was vehemently attacked by Republican lawmakers, who claimed that Abdulmutallab was a war "combatant" and sought to detain him in Guantanamo, where he could be subjected to "enhanced interrogation techniques" (aka torture) by intelligence officials. Those Republican lawmakers included: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Fla.), then-Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), then-Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.), Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.); they were joined by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.).
Sen. Collins (R-Me.) even introduced a bill – S.2943 – to block the Justice Department from interrogating or filing criminal charges against a terrorist suspect until after the department consults with the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Defense. The legislation would force the Justice Department to transfer suspects to Guantanamo, where individuals deemed as "enemy combatants" may be detained indefinitely without charge or trial. Collins justified her bill by claiming that "our civil justice system, as opposed to military detention, encourages terrorists to ʻlawyer-up' and stop answering questions."
But in reality, those fears were unfounded.
In fact, Abdulmutallab did provide valuable information to federal investigators without the use of harsh interrogation tactics, which would have jeopardized the admissibility of the evidence collected. Even after Abdulmutallab was notified of his Miranda rights, he continued to share information with investigators, including intelligence on Anwar al-Awlaki, the radical American imam who was killed by U.S. drones in Yemen last September.
"[Abdulmutallab] spoke openly without torture being used. But there were people in high position in the United States who wanted him to be sent to Guantanamo and want him to be waterboarded," noted Andy Worthington, an independent journalist and author of "The Guantanamo Files."
The court documents show Abdulmutallab willingly cooperated with investigators shortly after the failed bombing:
"[FBI Special] Agent [Timothy] Waters asked Defendant where he traveled, when he had traveled, how, and with whom; the details of the explosive device; the details regarding the bomb-maker, including where Defendant had received the bomb; his intentions in attacking Flight 253; and who else might be planning an attack. Every question sought to identify any other potential attackers and to prevent another potential attack. Defendant answered, providing information that helped the agents to determine where to go next and investigate if anyone else might be planning to or was already in the process of carrying a similar device on an aircraft."
By the end of that initial 50-minute questioning, Agent Waters and other federal investigators were able to determine that the bombing was an isolated – not a multi-pronged – attack planned by Al Qaeda in Yemen. This determination allowed law enforcement agencies to focus their efforts on collecting evidence and gathering intelligence on other terrorist plots during the critical period after the bombing.
Abdulmutallab did try to get his confession thrown out in court, arguing that he was not notified of his Miranda rights during the questioning by Special Agent Waters. But U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds denied Abdulmutallab's request and allowed his statements to be admitted into evidence, citing that the questioning fell "within the public safety exception to Miranda." Under the Quarles exception, investigators can question a suspect (for a reasonable period of time) without informing of his or her right to an attorney if there's an imminent threat to public safety.
"Mindful of Defendant's self-proclaimed association with al-Qaeda and knowing the group's past history of large, coordinate plots and attacks, the agents logically feared that there could be additional, imminent aircraft attacks in the United States and elsewhere in the world," Edmunds explained in her ruling. "The agents' questions were intended to shed light on the obvious public safety concerns in this case and were 'necessary to secure…the safety of the public[.]"
In the end, the information obtained through non-coercive questioning was used to successfully try and convict Abdulmutallab.
"The Abdulmutallab case was handled as all such cases should be: by U.S. law enforcement, who quickly and lawfully secured a confession from the suspect and then went on to obtain extensive information about his alleged co-conspirator, Anwar al-Awlaki. This is a perfect example of why terrorism should be investigated and prosecuted in the criminal justice system, not by the U.S. military," said Dixon Osburn, Director of the Law and Security Program at Human Rights First.
Learn More:
- Justice.gov: Abdulmutallab's sentencing memorandum filed on Feb. 10, 2012 (PDF)
- Justice.gov: Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempted Bombing of Flight 253 on Christmas Day 2009
- Justice.gov: Fact Sheet: The DOJ 10 years after 9/11 (September 2011)
- Justice.gov: Fact Sheet: Prosecuting and Detaining Terror Suspects in the U.S. Criminal Justice System (June 2009)
- Justice.gov: Letter from Attorney General Eric Holder to Sen. Mitch McConnell on decision to press federal charges against Abdulmutallab – Feb. 2010 (PDF)
- MIED.USCourts.gov: Indictment against Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (PDF)
- MIED.USCourts.gov: Order to deny defendant's motion to suppress statements made at the University of Michigan Hospital filed Sept. 16, 2011 (PDF)
- MIED.USCourts.gov: Biography of U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds
- ACLU.org: Accountability for torture
- Thomas.LOC.gov: S.2943
- Thomas.LOC.gov: Senate Resolution 403: Expressing the sense of the Senate that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab should be tried by a military tribunal rather than by a civilian court
- Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee: Sen. Collins introduces bill to require intelligence officials be consulted about arrested foreign terrorists
- HumanRightsFirst.org: Abdulmutallab's life sentence demonstrates strength of federal courts in terrorism cases
- HumanRightsFirst.org: In Pursuit of Justice: Prosecuting Terrorism Cases in the Federal Courts July 2009 (PDF)
- Law.Cornell.edu: United States v. Quarles
- WhatTheFolly.com: Transcript: Journalist Andy Worthington on Guantanamo's 10th anniversary
- WhatTheFolly.com: Transcript: Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) on Guantanamo's 10th anniversary
- WhatTheFolly.com: 'Underwear bomber' sentenced to life in prison
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Field of Dreams
It is beyond sad that it took a member of Congress getting shot to wake this town up to the divisive
Video-sharing website Vimeo is telling supporters that the FCC is planning to "repeal" net-neutr...More
It is beyond sad that it took a member of Congress getting shot to wake this town up to the divisive
Update (June 14, 2017): Trump Nominating Rosenworcel for Return FCC EngagementThe Buzz around D
Popular Resistance, which protested then-Federal Communications Commission chair Tom Wheeler'
No better place than this week's SCTE•ISBE Cable-Tec Expo, in Denver, for an ample jargon immers...More
The occasion of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona seemed a perfect occasion to drop in on the tech
LAS VEGAS — On the day before CES opened, a seven-mile trek through the ever-expanding exh
Get complete coverage of Cable-Tec Expo 2016 The heavy lifters in tech are in Philadelp
Internet of Things applications are generating a greater recognition of cross-industry involvement a...More
More than half of TV viewers -- 52% -- say they watch their favorite shows online, while 48% watch t
Sports are "holding up better than TV viewership overall," including their attraction to millennial-
There's much more than advanced advertising embedded in the march of blockchain technology into the
Truly conversational devices are becoming more and more prevalent in our daily lives. Through smart ...More
We're at an exciting time in society where revolutionary technology like artificial intelligence i
Cable TV's future is uncertain. The triple-play product — television, internet and telephone —
The largest MVPDs (Multichannel Video Programming Distributors) are often the first to unveil the bi
Pay TV operators and equipment vendors are facing remarkable new changes, as TV consumers increasing...More
Sometimes a view to the future of TV, video and data delivery comes in odd ways, and from unusual so
Following up on six trends driving the future of content, here are six technology-enabled developmen
An awful lot of telecom, media, entertainment -- and especially video -- companies find themse
Ask cable providers these days about their top customer-service priorities and the answer is likely ...More
At lunch the other day a Star Trek fan around my age admired the cool ad in our magazine for the upc
There were lots of important-sounding initiatives mentioned at the Discovery Communication
As this week's cover story and four-page chart by Jeff Baumgartner point out — and you all proba
AT&T is reportedly inching closer to closing its much anticipated $108.7 billion merger with Tim...More
The two biggest cable operators released third quarter results Oct. 26, and depending how sensitive
Charter Communications' carriage deal with Viacom expires on Sunday (Oct. 15), but most analysts b
The unexpected demise of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team – it lost to tiny Trinidad and Toba
The Thanksgiving holiday typically marks a respite from the launch of new scripted shows, providing ...More
This morning (Nov. 17) ESPN morning sports talk show Mike & Mike ended its run after nearly 18 y
National Geographic tonight (Nov. 7) debuts it's eight-part drama series The Long Road H
Hispanic women are more apt to turn to their smartphones for information and entertainment than non-
MCN EXECUTIVE OF THE YEARRichard Plepler | Making HBO GoNetwork CEO keeps gaining Emmys, audiences a...More
THE GAME SHOW ISSUEFinding an Escape in TV Fun and GamesNetwork game shows target viewers looking fo
MCN's MOST READ STORIESmultichannel.com | Oct. 20-271. Xfinity Mobile to Offer iPhone X2.
THE CABLE TECHNOLOGY ISSUECover Story | Talkin' TechTop execs from Charter, Comcast, Cox, Liberty Gl
Didja, a company that has launched an OTT offering featuring several local broadcast channels in Pho...More
If you've been anywhere near an internet connection in the last day, surely you've seen The Weat
AT&T is looking to acquire The Chernin Group's stake in Otter Media, the OTT video focused joi
Zone TV said it is behind two subscription VOD channels that were recently added to Comcast's VOD
INDIANAPOLIS — Public speaking can be anything but easy.Five minutes into his keynote presentation...More
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In the swirl of news from Liberty Global last week, I retweeted a friend's funny meme of actor B.J
RELATED: Jones Was Cable's Renaissance Man I was nervous as hell on the flight from N


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The Selfish Giant takes potshot at Gravity's Bafta British film nod
Click on the tab above to watch the short film. Includes strong language
Heads were scratched when Sandra Bullock space odyssey Gravity was given a Bafta nomination for Outstanding British Film last month.
Now, the team behind the unmistakeably British kitchen-sink fable The Selfish Giant - a fellow contender on the best British film shortlist - has taken a good-natured potshot at Gravity's nomination in a new short video.
The short sees the film's young protagonists, Arbor and Swifty, finding Bullock's space-pod in their dingy local field. In their inimitable (sweary) style, they load it on their cart and head to the scrap-metal yard for it to be destroyed.
For the record, Gravity is allowed in the best British film nominations because it was co-produced here by Heyday Films, and was made by a British crew, with visual…


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Lulia Sucks A Fat Cock
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text: Dorothy Lee Paseley Fountain, age 62. Beloved wife of Howard; loving mother of Duane (Julie), Ray (Adina); and stepchildren, Michael (Denise), Cheryl Lombardo, Steven, Michele (Larry) Pulec, David, Richard, and the late Vicki Lynn Fountain; cherished grandmother of Trey, Alexis and Dorothy; and stepgrandchildren, Michael Jr., Jill, Kevin, Christina, Matthew, Amanda, Karina, Megan, Trevor; and greatgrandmother of 11; dear daughter of Dorothy and the late Lee Paseley; dear sister of Myrtie Spurlock and Darlene (late Bobby) Burns; aunt of Scott, Kenny, Cathy, Dane and Vernon. Retired from Chicago Sun Times after many years of service, and 17 years at N & F Typographers. Funeral service Friday, September 24, at 11 a.m. at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 8025 W. Golf Road - Niles. Interment Memory Gardens. Visitation Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m. Info 847-581-0536 or www.colonialfuneral.com


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Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards Gala at Jammin' Java Sunday
When it comes to crafting a song, a good song, there are certain ingredients that can make the recipe stand out from the herd. Having a strong beginning, a solid middle and a great ending are just a few keys to success.
"Does it have a memorable hook?" said Loralyn Coles, director of the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, explaining the criteria that the competition's judges consider. "Are the lyrics fresh? Does the melody match the lyric and the mood?" Does the bridge take you somewhere? Those are the types of things the judges are looking for."
The Mid-Atlantic Song Contest Awards Gala is Sunday evening at Jammin' Java.
Now in its 29th year, the MASC is put on by the Songwriters Association of Washington. Songs are submitted from June 1 through Sept. 30, then voted on by judges with ties to the music industry.
Winners are announced in multiple categories, with the grand prize winners revealed at Sunday's gala. The event at Jammin' Java will also include 13 performers, all of whom placed first or second in a category.
Coles said that the idea behind the MASC is to help make songwriters better, and to give them a boost.
"It started because we wanted to provide songwriters with credentials to make their songs stand out," she said.
In considering what makes a good song, there's one universal truth.
"Do you want to hear the song again?" Coles said.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10 in advance, $12 day of; jamminjava.com; saw.org
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Strathmore Friday
Just a few tickets remain to see this legendary musical act performing at the Strathmore.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $25 to $65; strathmore.org
Cowboy Mouth at the 9:30 Club Saturday
New Orleans rock act Cowboy Mouth has been around for 20 years now. Hear what the fuss is about at the 9:30 Club. With All Mighty Senators.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25, 930.com
Washington Wine Academy's 1K Beer Walk Saturday and Sunday
Last week featured the 1K Wine Walk. Now it's time for beer lovers to start stretching for the Washington Wine Academy's 1K Beer Walk. Enjoy multiple brews in Crystal City at this very doable course.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $30 on Sunday, $35 on Saturday; washingtonwineacademy.org
Alexandria Restaurant Week through Sunday
Sixty Alexandria establishments are participating in this year's Alexandria Restaurant Week. Enjoy either a three-course meal for $35 or a dinner for two for $35.
When: Through Sunday
Info: $35; visitalexandriava.com


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Get the Recipe
Barbecue sides can be as much of an art as slow smoking meat itself. It's confounding to me then why so many joints treat sides as an afterthought, thinking it's ok to serve sorry items like bland mayo-drenched potato salads alongside masterful pieces of beef and pork. I know the meat is the main attraction, but there's something to be said for a more robust meal, one that is only enhanced by seriously delicious sides like this German potato salad.
What's commonly referred to as "German potato salad" in the United State has its origins in Southern Germany. There, mayo is dropped in favor of vinegar and oil, and the whole thing is laden with crispy bacon. It just so happens that this combo of salty smoked meat and tangy vinegar is a perfect complement to America barbecue.
For this recipe, I like to use a waxy variety of potatoes rather than starchy since they hold their shape better when mixed with the bacon, sautéed onions, vinegar, and mustard. Traditionally it's finished with a dose of parsley, but because I find too much parsley starts to overpower and taste a little bitter, I add a mixture of parsley and chives to give the right amount of freshness with a bonus light oniony flavor.
Now this is a side worthy of a seat next to stack of fatty brisket. The tartness of the vinegar and slight bite of mustard flavor the potatoes well. Add to that the smoky bacon and slightly sweet onions, and the usual bases of barbecue flavor are covered. This potato salad fits seamlessly into a barbecue meal and offers a nice change pace when you need a break from chomping down on meat alone.
About the author: Joshua Bousel brings you new, tasty condiment every other Wednesday and a recipe for weekend grilling every other Friday. He also writes about grilling and barbecue on his blog The Meatwave whenever he can be pulled away from his grill.


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A Lancashire council has defended its decision to raise council tax by two per cent this year.
Lancaster Council has announced it will increase its share of the tax in an effort to protect its frontline services.
Residents will pay an extra £3.84 a year for a Band D property from April.
The move comes a week after Preston Council announced it also plans to raise its share of the council tax by two percent as it struggles to save £3m over the next three years.
Coun Eileen Blamire, leader of Lancaster Council, said: "The city council has frozen its council tax for the last two years to help all households in the short term and during this time we have focused on making big efficiency savings in a drive to protect frontline services.
"Unfortunately we have now reached the point where to maintain a freeze for another year would have an unacceptable impact on service provision.
"The outlook is incredibly bleak.
"Government funding will fall dramatically again over the next couple of years.
"Our budget now stands at £5m less than it did three years ago and in 2014/15 we will have to make further savings of £1.2m and then £2.5m in 2015/16.
"We therefore need to do what we can now to try and protect vital frontline services in the future and to do that a modest increase in council tax is necessary."
Lancashire police also announced plans to increase its council tax precept by 2.5 per cent.


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A Pet's Rebellion Ch. 04— Why not?
The Fool Ch. 09— The guilded cage.
The Fool Ch. 07— Freedom is an Illusion.
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Yearning Hearts Ch. 06— Final chapter: yearning hearts destined for each other, now-forever-always.
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Discovering Me Ch. 01 - Scott's Return— After 3 months away, Scott returns with a surprise.
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Not All Is As It Seems— Tyler reunites with Crystal, but not before leaving Ted.
Four Year Anniversary— James and Stacey's engagement.
Senatorial Secrets Ch. 08— Light BDSM for Savannah & Mitch in this chapter.
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Reunited— Maria hopes her engagement is back on.
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Zobrist on pins and needles for return
Date of utility man's return uncertain, though it could be Monday
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
Zobrist is expected to have the pins removed from his left thumb on Monday morning.
"The doctor told me I can play the same day [the pins are removed]," Zobrist said. "When they take the pins out, it's not going to take but an hour or two, and it won't feel any different than it did before."
Zobrist juggled positions during the early part of Spring Training in hopes of becoming a "super utility" player before he suffered a hairline fracture of the tip of his left thumb while sliding into second base during a March 9 game against the Reds.
Foremost to Zobrist's usefulness was his ability to play shortstop when starter Jason Bartlett needed a day off. Currently, Andy Cannizaro is serving as the backup shortstop.
Zobrist, who was the Rays' Opening Day shortstop in 2007, was hitting .421 (8-for-19) in eight Spring Training games before the injury. Despite having the pins in his thumb, he has been playing, recently playing a four-game Minor League rehab stint at Class A Vero Beach.
"I can play with them. I can bend my thumb, I can do everything I normally can do with them in," Zobrist said. "It's just [that] the pins are still in there. It doesn't hinder the joint or anything."
Zobrist did not spend any time in the outfield at Vero Beach, but he did play shortstop, third base and second.
"[The] last four days in Vero, I had a real good time there getting my rhythm back, spending time with those younger guys," Zobrist said. "I feel real good at the plate. ... That's been a little harder, because I originally thought the hitting would take longer, but the fielding, just catching the ball, has taken longer, until the last few days when I was in Vero and it started feeling normal."
Rays manager Joe Maddon answered "There's a chance" when asked if Zobrist would be activated for Monday night's game.
"They've got to pull [the pins] out, and who knows? It's really freaky looking," Maddon said. "We'll know more when he gets back from the doctor. There is a chance."
Zobrist called his experience a "test of patience."
"I would like to be [activated on Monday]," Zobrist said. "I don't know what they want to do, whether they want me to get a few more at-bats or get a little more comfortable in the field at Durham. I really don't know. But I expect to be ready by at least Thursday."
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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The Dallas City Council took steps Wednesday to increase transparency should the city be found to have inappropriately spent federal housing dollars.
The action came on the heels of City Manager A.C. Gonzalez's disclosure last month that the city had repaid more than $810,000 in the past year to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after HUD questioned the validity of some expenditures of federal money.
The measure directs the city manager to quickly notify the council of reimbursed ineligible expenses and of final HUD audit reports. The vote was largely symbolic, since it applies only to a single council resolution related to one specific HUD allocation.
But supporters of the measure said they hoped it would be taken as broader guidance for how to handle such issues. Gonzalez said he backed the effort.
The discussion led to some tense exchanges between Carolyn Davis, who chairs the council's Housing Committee, and other council members. Davis vocally defended some local groups that HUD identified as having used federal funds incorrectly.
At one point, the council member said she needed to take off her jacket to "get down to business."
She said the groups, including one headed by her political mentor, former City Council member Diane Ragsdale, ran "wonderful programs."
"These are not crooks," she said.
Moments earlier, council member Philip Kingston said HUD described the action of the local groups as less than innocent — and bordering on criminal.
The return of the HUD money came to light only after Kingston raised questions. Gonzalez then detailed the repayments in a council memo.
In general, the returned money dealt with city-approved expenses that HUD determined to be ineligible. Most of the repayments — about $625,000 — related to a scandal-plagued program designed to help ex-convicts re-enter society.
Kingston and other council members complained that they weren't properly notified and that they didn't learn about some of the problems until months later.
That meant the council didn't have the information it should have had when it voted on some subsequent HUD allocations, some council members argued. So Scott Griggs, vice chairman of the Housing Committee, pushed the idea of more explicitly specifying what sort of timely notification the council should receive.
Davis, who's been active on housing issues for years, blasted the idea — and what she saw as the implications tied to it.
She said she and others on the council had been informed of the reimbursement issues. She said the council was briefed in executive session in June and no one raised objections.
Davis eventually came around to support Griggs' proposal after Gonzalez said he was in favor of it.
Follow Tom Benning on Twitter at @tombenning.


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A man died after becoming trapped in his car in flood water as the poor weather continued to cause problems across swaths of the UK.
The victim's vehicle was wedged under a bridge on Thursday night close to a ford in Chew Stoke, Somerset, eight miles south of Bristol. Fire crews and police attended but could not save the man. Rescuers were waiting for the waters to retreat before retrieving the car.
Nearby in Bath, there were problems for rush-hour commuters after a landslip made a street near the city centre impassable. More problems were also in store for train passengers, as Virgin Trains reported disruptions through Watford Junction, and in the north-west, north Wales and south-west Scotland, while South West Trains said there was "major disruption to west of England services caused by severe weather". Southeastern reported major disruptions on three lines.
The heavy rain also caused a wall to collapse last night in St David's Hill in Exeter, Devon. Police said initial searches indicated no one was trapped beneath the rubble but as a precaution the fire brigade was using thermal imaging cameras and a sniffer dog to check.
On Thursday, homes and businesses were flooded, tens of thousands of pounds of damage was caused by high winds, and journeys by road and rail were disrupted as the UK was battered again by rain and gales.
A band of heavy rain accompanied by winds of 70mph moved across much of the country from the north-west, bringing with it chaos. Forecasters said there was likely to be a reprieve on Friday before another weather front arrives at the weekend, this time from the south-west. Next week it is likely to turn calmer but colder, and there could be snow on the way.
The bad weather continued overnight, with the heaviest rainfall between 6pm and midnight – 22mm – recorded in Westonbirt in Gloucestershire, while Bournemouth saw 19mm. On Friday morning the Environment Agency had in place 90 flood warnings across the country – meaning flooding is expected – 45 of them in the south-west, where much of the rainfall overnight fell on already saturated ground. In addition, there were 211 flood alerts.
Paul Gundersen, the Met Office's deputy chief forecaster, said: "The current unsettled spell of weather is set to continue with further spells of heavy rain expected across the country over the next few days.
"There has been some torrential rain and squally winds on Thursday as a cold front moved across the UK, but another deep depression developing off Iberia will head towards us for the weekend. This is expected to bring more heavy rain and strong to gale force winds to many parts of the country."
There is some uncertainty about exactly what track the low pressure will take at the weekend and so where the strongest winds will be. Currently, the Met Office sees the potential for gusts of 60 to 70mph for south-eastern coastal counties of England overnight on Saturday and into Sunday. The Environment Agency warned there could be severe flooding across England.
The Midlands and south-west England bore the brunt on Thursday. In the Sparkhill area of Birmingham, a roof blew off a mosque, damaging three cars but missing passersby.
People in Halberton, Devon, were evacuated after a section of the 200-year-old Great Western canal crumbled, allowing water to pour into fields.
Hundreds of homes were left without power in parts of the south-west as lines were brought down by the high winds and dozens of schools were closed. Christmas light switch-ons in Exeter and Plymouth and Cardiff's Winter Wonderland festivities were postponed.
Trains between Somerset and Devon were cancelled or delayed because part of the track was flooded and there were also problems in Hampshire after a train hit a branch that had fallen across the line.
An RNLI lifeboat stood by on the Somerset Levels amid concerns that more rain falling on ground that has been sodden for months combined with a high tide could lead to severe flooding. Parish councils across Somerset were asked to turn village halls into makeshift shelters.
People were evacuated from the Billing Aquadrome campsite in Northamptonshire, while in Devon the coastguard warned people to stay out of the sea after a canoeist got into difficulty off Burgh Island, sparking an air and sea rescue effort. He managed to get back to shore under his own power.
Bad weather also affected the House of Commons when the Tory MP Roger Gale raised the case of a shipment of livestock that had made it halfway across the Channel before being beaten back by the weather. "This is absolutely intolerable and it is done in the name of free trade," said Gale.
It all made for difficult driving conditions. The M48 Severn crossing was closed to all traffic while the Tamar bridge between Devon and Cornwall was shut to high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorcycles. The AA said it had experienced record callouts this week, receiving 900 breakdown reports every hour. On a typical Thursday it attends about 9,500 incidents. This Thursday it was expecting to reach 13,000.


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Set in Burma during the British invasion of 1885, this masterly novel by Amitav Ghosh tells the story of Rajkumar, a poor boy lifted on the tides of political and social chaos, who goes on to create an empire in the Burmese teak forest. When soldiers force the royal family out of the Glass Palace and into exile, Rajkumar befriends Dolly, a young woman in the court of the Burmese Queen, whose love will shape his life. He cannot forget her, and years later, as a rich man, he goes in search of her.
The struggles that have made Burma, India, and Malaya the places they are today are illuminated in this wonderful novel by the writer Chitra Divakaruni calls "a master storyteller."
©2002 Amitav Ghosh (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
"Ghosh renders the polite imprisonment of the Burmese royal family in India and the lush, dangerous atmosphere of teak camps in the Burmese forest with fine detail––a perfect balance for the broad strokes of romance and serendipity that drive the story forward." (The New Yorker)
"Ghosh ranges from the condescension of the British colonialists to the repression of the current Myanmar (Burmese) regime in a style that suggests E. M. Forster as well as James Michener. Highly recommended." (Library Journal)
"Wonderful Family Saga Set in Burma and Malaysia"
This is a big story written by one of my favorite authors, Amitav Ghosh. He gives the full sweep of history in this region in the 20th century, starting with the end of Burmese royalty, the movement of Indians into the culture of Burma, the horrendous toll of suffering and displacement during WW II, ending with the restrictive political climate of the new "Myanmar". It is told through the intertwined families of the book, a large and intertwined lot. I loved the attention to the characters, and the coming together of many different family connections that span the generations. The characters are quite unique, and the woman are very independent. Ghosh is a great story teller and I would recommend his other books as well. The book's length and detail draw you in, the narrator is very good and brings all the characters alive. It is not a book for someone looking for a fast moving plot, but there is a lot of drama throughout the novel and a fascinating book for a good, long listening experience.
"Marvelous listening experience"
I read the book a few years back and loved it. It is beautifully written, very absorbing, and heartbreaking. This is a great way to re-read the book, or to read it for the first time. Simon Vance is one of the best narrators I've heard, and he does a marvelous job here. A fabulous listen!
"A Delicious Escape into the Past"
Wow, I cannot remember why I selected this, as I had not read Ghosh before. It has been too enthralling an audiobook to put down! It has remarkable language portraits of India, Burma and Malaya, complete with smells, people, built environments, economics and politics. Sometimes it feels that too many historic events directly affect its players, but the reader is extraordinary and the novel's ability to evoke a place and time is superb.
FANTASTIC book! Couldn't stop listening. Now, can't stop thinking about it. I did not find the narrative too long. I would highly recommend this book.
"I struggled to finish... enough said."
I can appreciate the story - young boy grows up during a rough time but ends up becoming very successful, both in his business and personal life. I can even appreciate the author's ability to help you "see" the story. I feel like I got a real sense of how it was in Burma during this time. What I can't appreciate, are some of the long stretches of (seemingly) unnecessary details and conversations. I expect to have loads of details in an unabridged version, but sheesh, those details are usually helpful in telling the story. Not this time; instead I felt like there was a bunch of fluff added in. On top of that, the end read as if the author had gotten tired of writing, but still wanted to cover a 10? 20? 30? year timespan so he just threw it all out there with no clear indication of the year, or the amount of time that had passed. 2.5 stars for the idea of the story, -2.5 stars for making it sooo difficult to finish. (I actually gave up about 5 times).
"Touchng, Beautiful--and Annoying"
The Glass Palace is beautifully written, with wonderfully-drawn characters and many touching moments. However, between Part 1 and Part 2 there was such a quantum leap in time and events that I went back to Audible to make sure that I had downloaded all the parts. There was a gap of 15 years, during which protagonists who were in different countries somehow got together and were married in some unexplained manner that was never clarified. Once I got past this, however, the story continued in a very satisfactory manner, and I am glad I stuck with it. Simon Vance's narration was superb, as always. I highly recommend this book despite its flaws. It is a portrayal of a venue that has not been well-covered in fiction--Burma (now Myanmar) and Malaya from early 20th Century to the 1970s.
"Riveting picture of the human story of Burma!"
The characters were well drawn and very vivid, so that you emphasized with them. I also enjoyed the descriptions of a country I knew very little about. It was an eye opening experience.
This book is similar to Hawaii by James Michener, or Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd. They all are sweeping stories of country's histories told thru a few families. The only difference is that The Glass Palace is only telling a few hundred years of history while the others go centuries.
So many characters I loved. I would have to say Dinu Raha was my favorite. As a young boy he is closer to his mother than father, and survives childhood polio. He loves photography and would be what we call today autistic in his singlemindedness. He falls for Alison the beautiful daughter of Matthew and Elsa and against all odds wins her love.
He also becomes the voice of Burma and a political prisoner for a time.
Just loved his character!
I like the name just fine. Don't think there is a better name.
This story really brought the world to me. The narrative is told by the individual peoples and made me realize that Britain and America's love for their country and belief in a "manifest destiny" nearly destroyed the people and countries they conquered.
A very moving tale of the rights of all people to live free in this world.
Highly recommend!
"Long book made longer by very little happiness"
Only listen if you want a sweeping history of Burma and India. It's well-written and narrated with great detail, but so long! And I found it to be sad on balance.
"Good one third of a book"
The first thirds very good, second third okay. Last third - author gave up any pretense of having a real story and real characters and slipped into thinly-veiled lecture mode. Good performance couldn't save it.
"Sweeping Epic or Fictional Memoir?"
I expect that Ghosh intended this book to be a Ken Follett-like sweeping story of Burma, India and much of south Asia during the late 19th and early 20th century, but it reads more like a mood piece or memoir with its focus on scenery, social conventions and detailed analysis of family/caste relationships. The plot spans the lives of several families, starting with the deposition of the last Burmese king through the end of the 2nd World War, but isn't really plot driven, or character driven. It's more a series of stream of consciousness depictions of the thoughts of various related characters. The strong suit of this story is the beautiful, detailed description of the thoughts of the varied characters, illustrating the ways in which the misunderstandings between ruler and ruled fueled WW I and II. The author assumes that the listener is clever enough to understand some plot points without his spelling them out. He expects a lot from the reader, but that serves the progression of the book well. Simon Vance is always a great narrator, and does a remarkable job with the numerous dialects and languages.
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Cranberry-Apple Relish Recipe
Sauces, dips, dressings, and condiments from around the world.
About the author: Joshua Bousel brings you a new, tasty condiment each Wednesday and a recipe for weekend grilling every Friday. He also writes about grilling and barbecue on his blog The Meatwave whenever he can be pulled away from his grill.
Every recipe we publish is tested, tasted, and Serious Eats-approved by our staff. Never miss a recipe again by following @SeriousRecipes on Twitter!
- Yield:makes about 2 cups
- Active time: 10 minutes
- Total time:10 minutes
- Rated:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 sweet red apple, such as Gala or Fuji, cored and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste
Place cranberries, apple, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and salt in workbowl of a food processor fitted with steel blade. Pulse until cranberries and apple are finely chopped, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as necessary. Transfer to serving dish and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week.


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MIMS, Fla. - A homeowner was brought to tears when firefighters saved her dog from a burning house fire.
The fire broke out just before midnight Wednesday on the 1800 block of Cowan Drive, north of Titusville.
According to fire officials, the homeowners escaped the flames with one dog, but was unable to find the other.
Firefighters went inside the home, and found the dog in a room filled with smoke. The dog was rushed to a rescue unit where crews administered oxygen and wrapped it in warm dry towels.
The owner was brought to tears when the two were reunited. One dog died in the fire, according to authorities.
None of the residents inside the home were injured in the fire.
BCFR determined the fire started in the kitchen from an appliance.
The Red Cross is assisting the family.
A second fire ignited earlier Wednesday night in Merritt Island at a home on Ebb Tide Avenue.
Five people -- two adults and three minors who were inside the home at the time -- escaped. Four of them lived at the home, officials said. The family dog died following smoke inhalation.
The family sought shelter with relatives early Thursday and will be assisted by Red Cross, according to officials.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Lakers can't muster enough vs. Park Rapids
The Detroit Lakes girls' hockey team couldn't find a spark to ignite their first winning streak of the season, losing to the visiting Park Rapids Panthers 2-1 Tuesday.
Both teams seemed stuck in neutral in the first and third periods, while each found the back of the net in the second.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, a short-handed goal by sophomore forward Jessica Gapinski was the deciding factor, after the Panther went unscathed down the ice and put the puck past DL goalie Veronica Roy to put her team up 2-0 with 11:30 left in the second period.
The Lakers also didn't take advantage of three consecutive power plays in the second, recording just five shots on net in the three opportunities.
"We just were not moving our skates all night," said DL head coach Dan Maloney. "We were not as intense and played a little flat. The opportunity was there many times.
"That short-handed goal was tough."
Gapinski broke a scoreless tie just 1:38 into the second period, which was followed by her unassisted breakaway goal.
The Lakers pounced on the board on a nice rebound pickup by forward Emily Payne, who was camped out in the slot and poked the putback in off the shot by Tiffany Iverson.
But the third period produced few shots and no points, as the Panthers held on for the 2-1 win.
"We never got control of the puck during our power plays and we came up short in intensity in the third period," Maloney said.
It was a different story Saturday inside Kent Freeman Arena as the Lakers put on a scoring barrage in an 8-4 win over Pequot Lakes.
The Lakers' first line was also compiling goal after goal, including a four-goal third period to evaporate a 4-4 tie.
"It was a good win, especially after we were tied 4-4 going into the third period," Maloney said. "The girls responded well, too, after falling down 2-0 in the first period."
Forward Brianna Seebold collected two goals and five assists in the game, with both tallies coming in the third, along with two of her assists.
Callie Johnson also found nylon four times, along with two assists.
The Patriots jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a pair of Mandy Carlson goals, but Johnson put DL on the board, with the assist going to Seebold.
Tiffany Iverson scored with eight seconds left in the first to knot the score at 2-2.
"The girls responded well and getting that last goal with eight seconds left was a nice sign," Maloney said.
The visitors rebounded with a goal 4:17 into the second by Emily Erickson, but once again, the Lakers responded, with Johnson notching her second goal just seven seconds later.
Johnson gave DL its first lead at 4-3, with assists by Payne and Seebold, while Erickson forced a 4-4 tie with 2:19 left in the second.
The Lakers outshot the Pats by a 51-30 margin, with Amanda Moore gaining the win in the nets with 26 saves.
The Lakers (2-8-1) will host East Grand Forks Monday for a 7:30 p.m. start.


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Summer heat, few rainy days, may harken an unusual autumn
Thu., Aug. 15, 2013
It's been another hot week across the Inland Northwest with above-normal temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s at Spokane International Airport.
Despite the warm week, the average temperature at the airport for the month has been near 72 degrees, about a degree above normal.
Cool weather during the first four days of the month have helped keep average readings close to normal. On Aug. 2, the high was a mere 61 degrees, more than 20 degrees below average. That was also the day when heavy rains fell across our region.
Despite the cool start to August, Monday was the 20th day this summer with a high at or above 90 degrees. The normal for a summer season is 19 days.
And though it seems like our summer has been drier than normal, precipitation totals have actually been near-to-above normal.
An impressive 0.53 inches fell on Aug. 2 at the airport, while a record 1.31 inches fell in Coeur d'Alene. More rain fell that night and early Aug. 3 as strong thunderstorms moved across the region. More than 10,000 lightning strikes were reported in parts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho. A golf course in Post Falls lost power as well as its computer system.
In June, the airport picked up 1.86 inches of rain, which was .61 inches above normal. In July, there were only traces of moisture, which was .64 inches below normal. So far in August, rainfall totals are about 0.4 inches above normal.
It still looks like the high pressure ridge that's been providing us with the very warm weather will hold on through the end of the month. In fact, I expect the first few weeks of September to have relatively nice weather as well.
Often when we have a weather pattern with few days of rainfall and very warm to hot temperatures during the summer, the fall season will turn much wetter and cooler than normal. I believe that once we get into late September or October, we'll see more precipitation.
We still have a very weak, cooler-than-normal La Niña sea-surface temperature event in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Assuming this La Niña holds on through the end of the year, our winter season may turn out to be a bit colder and snowier than normal.


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There are a number of excellent saxophonists who have worked in the area of gospel jazz, including Kirk Whalum, Angella Christie and Tom Braxton. Todd Ledbetter is another one of these musical pioneers. A student of Dr. Nathan Davis at the University of Pittsburgh, Ledbetter eventually worked with artists like saxophonists Grover Washington Jr., James Moody, Eddie Harris and trumpeter Jon Faddis. Later work in the bands of Joe Harris, Roger Humphries and Bishop Walter Hawkins led to Ledbetter becoming a leader in his own right.
Today Ledbetter serves as a Psalmist with the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, DC and was the convener of the first Gospel Jazz Conference. Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz is a rerelease. He was also the recipient of the 2011 Instrumental Artist of the Year Gospel Blue M.I.C Achievement Award.
In addition to his musical goal of dedicating and advancing the cause of Christ through gospel jazz, there is much to admire about Ledbetter's playing. His soprano playing owes an obvious debt to the work of Grover Washington Jr. Both play with a light sound, yet in a very deep grooving and soulful manner, and with excellent intonation on this highly temperamental instrument. This is seen with great appeal on the opening "Give Me A Clean Heart." Ledbetter's tenor tone is deeply rooted in soul, and on this instrument he prefers to lay back on melodies and phrases more than he does on soprano, as seen on "Holy, Holy, Holy."
Throughout pianist John Stoddart gives exceptional accompaniment. His comping and laying out of harmonies is never showy. Stoddart prefers to allow the sentiments as presented by Ledbetter to take center stage. There is never any musical conflict between the two as they harmoniously work to tell a common story. Do not think, however, that this means Stoddart doesn't have chops, becuase he does and displays them with aplomb on "Meditations." Walter Cosby's bass provides the rock the other two musicians stand on. With drums and percussion being used on only three of the CD's tracks, it falls to Cosby to hold the tempo together, and in this he is a rock.
With so many of this disc's compositions being familiar traditional songs, there will be much to relish in the Spirit. Highlights include "It Is Well," with a great percussion accompaniment by Milton Russ II, and "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me." For those looking for flash, move on, but for those who are looking for a spiritual event presented through an instrumental means, there will be much to admire.


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Nathaniel Edward Simpson, 72, of 90 Gordan St., died Wednesday, March 6, 2002.
A native of Hart County, Mr. Simpson was a son of the late Albert and Laura Simpson and the widower of Dollie Maxwell Simpson. He was a U.S. Marine veteran of the Korean War and a member of Sanders Grove Baptist Church.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Church of God of Prophecy. Burial will be in Sanders Grove Baptist Church cemetery.
Survivors include seven daughters, Almerillis Thornton, Fort Gaines, Sharon Simpson and Danielle Hubbard, both of Marietta, Dawn Simpson, Smyrna, Claretta Simpson, Atlanta, Carlita Simpson, Hartwell, and Virginia Porter, Orlando, Fla.; a son, Nathaniel Simpson, Hartwell; two sisters, Ruby Simpson and Claudie Jones, both of Hartwell; a brother, Roy Gene Simpson, Hartwell; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
The family is at the residence of Nathaniel Simpson, 272 Carter St., Hartwell.
Mack's Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Athens Banner-Herald, Friday, March 8, 2002
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Friday, March 8, 2002.
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text:
ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer waynekaa > Costume of Priest Mahado / Mahaado (Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)
- Most Recent Photo
- Series
- Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
- Character
- Priest Mahado / Mahaado
- Year Completed:
- 2007
- Construction Difficulty:
- Easy
About this Costume
- Personal Thoughts:
- You know I have all these Millenium Items lying around and can't take them anywhere to do pictures. So I made a Mahado, who is the precursor to Dark Magician anyway so it's natural. I remade my Millenium Ring out of resin to be more durable when wearing this costume.
Add a Comment


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Results 1 to 5 of 10
Thread: thoughts on these names....
Hybrid View
May 7th, 2013 07:27 PM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2012
- Posts
- 1,742
thoughts on these names....Married my bestfriend 5/11
Angel Baby Riley Bean 8/13
Mama to Murron Lydia Genevieve 10/20
Solomon Jace
Friedan Henri
Sullivan Wilde
Francis Hart
Phelan Wallace
Caedmon Wolfe
Emerich Frost
Willem Rupert Charles
Nashua Hartley
Agatha Helena Pearl
Cordelia Henrietta Lucille
Hadassah Francine
Livia Pearl
Enid Sylvia Inez/ Gertrude
Florence Adele
Agnes Linnea Frances
Avia Liora Ruth
Imogen Allegra Edith
Junia Edith
Cleora Josephine Helen
May 7th, 2013 07:35 PM #3
Estaleen- I don't like the sound of this. It sounds very frumpy.
Nellie- Cute as a nn for Eleanor, Penelope, etc. I suppose it could stand on its own. I do, however, think Whhooooaaa Nellie!
Lulu- This is a nickname-only name. Beautiful for Lucia, Luciana, Lucy, etc.
Madeline- Lovely! I'd love to meet a little Madeline.
Hazel- GORGEOUS! One of my favorite names ever!
June- Meh. Strikes me as boring.
Ruth- I like it a lot! Very pretty and sweet, with personality.
Elizabeth- Who doesn't like Elizabeth? You can't go wrong with this name!
Grace- Quite lovely, but feels overused.
Gertrude- Eww. Sorry, but I think of a rude old lady wearing lots of leopard print and red lipstick smeared all over her teeth.
Helen- Love! I like Helena too, but Helen is BEAUTIFUL!
Pretty list! My favorites are Hazel, Ruth and Helen. I also like Madeline and Elizabeth.| Arabella Monet | Henrietta Plum | Isolde Noor | Agatha Ruby | Marian Primrose |
| Emma Berlin | Cressida Lilac | Jessamine Lark | Vivienne Snow | Ireland Eve |
May 7th, 2013 07:41 PM #5
May 7th, 2013 08:22 PM #7Calla Frances | Eliza Wren | Esme Clover | Liv Cordelia | Maisie Elowen | Matilda Hazel | Phoebe Kerensa | Sylvie Marigold | Thea Rosemary | Zara Emmeline
Amias Jude | Callum Jasper | Cato Benjamin | Emmett Wilder | Griffin Emrys | Lucian Mateo | Milo Sebastian | Nathaniel Winter | Quentin Rafferty | Theo Francis Wolf
May 7th, 2013 08:52 PM #9


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Discussion in 'Other Equipment' started by cnowak1, Aug 13, 2007.
Does anything else work to increase grip size?
If you don't mind more of a dampened feel, you could put a What-a-grip under your replacement grip.
I want to increase it by 1/8. Can I just wrap tape or something?
Yeah that works too, although you have to be careful how much you wrap.
Yep, I prefer electrical tape to duct or masking. Heat shrink sleeves are simply more "professional," but at the end of the day, you don't see either, and electrical tape can do the job fine. I do sleeve grips now, but I rarely have to bother.
i would not do the tape idea (altough i have tried it myself), it would take too much tape and it would make the racquet heavier with all the compacted tape,
i forgot where i read and is actually true, 1 over grip will increase the size to 1/16 more, 2=1/8 and it makes the handle very confortable
i did and still prefer this method, only draw back is all the over grips i have to use, but i go through overgrips quick so i have a couple old ones i used under the current one
why not use the heat-shrink sleeve?
Because heat-shrinks are quite heavy considering and they can substantially change the balance of your racquet.
Could I get a new pallet to replace the grips on my racquets (MG Radical)?
I don't think you can. Head had replaceable pallets on the Ashe Comp series but I never came across any other frames in their line with this feature.
Overgrip.... Double overgrip... Thicker replacement grip...
If you only want to increase it by 1/8 get a leather grip and put an overgrip over it. Technically it should be only 1/16 bigger but it'll defiantely FEEL 1/8 bigger.
I cut up a bicycle tube (I sliced it lengthwise to flatten it) and wrapped the grip, then covered that with Wilson H2overgrip. It increased the size from 4 3/8 to about 4 1/2. I'm quite happy with the results. I have used the same wrapping technique for other purposes and I'm confident that it will never budge as long as it's stretched tight and held in place.
However my tennis skill/experience relative everyone here is roughly the same ratio as my post count is, so you might take my advice with a grain of salt.
Athletic cloth tape on the handle directly. I use it under a leather grip to increase the size of stock L4 handles (unfortunately, L5 racquets are difficult to find in Europe), without using overgrips. It doesn't really add weight to the racquet
You can apply add-on tape found here http://www.addongrip.com
Separate names with a comma.


text: KSD - 4 String Ken Smith Proto J Bass (Hard Ash body with Maple neck). Upgraded with active 9v EMG pickups, hipshot tuners, bridge and nut (sexy black hardware now). Hard Case included. I have over $400 in upgrades alone in this beast. This bass is a Jazz Bass player's dream and it plays and sounds like a $2k+ instrument! As for trades, I am fairly open. I dont need and amps, cabs or effects right now. $700 shipped CONUS via FedEx ground insured *I had this listed earlier this year, took it down as we recorded an album with it.


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College basketball roundup
No. 22 Michigan St. 62, Iowa 59
Branden Dawson scored a career-high 17 points, including a late steal and tiebreaking dunk that helped Michigan State hold off Iowa on Thursday night.
Gary Harris had 14 points for the Spartans (13-3, 2-1 Big Ten), who hung on late for their eighth win in nine games.
Anthony Clemmons missed a free throw that would have tied it with 12 seconds to go and airballed a 3-pointer at the buzzer as Iowa (11-5, 0-3) lost its third straight.
No. 4 Duke 82, Clemson 45
Elizabeth Williams scored 21 points to help Duke.
Tricia Liston and Haley Peters added 14 points each for the Blue Devils (14-0, 4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference).
No. 6 Kentucky 65, No. 20 Texas A&M 62
A'dia Mathies scored 23 points and Kentucky overcame a sluggish first half to rally past Texas A&M.
Jennifer O'Neill added 15 points as the Wildcats (15-1, 3-0 SEC) extended school-record winning streaks of 14 games overall and 31 in a row at home.
Kelsey Bone's 27 points led Texas A&M (12-5, 2-1).
No. 9 Tennessee 84, Missouri 39
Meighan Simmons scored 18 points and Tennessee relied on suffocating defense to trounce Missouri for its fifth straight victory.
Bashaara Graves added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Vols (12-3, 3-0 SEC).
No. 10 Maryland 84, No. 24 Miami 62
Freshman Chloe Pavlech scored a season-high 20, Tiana Hawkins had 18 points and 11 rebounds and Maryland pulled away to victory over Miami, ending the latter's five-game winning streak.
Alyssa Thomas added 18 points for the Terrapins (12-3, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference).
Morgan Stroman led Miami (12-3, 3-1) with 14 points.
Wake Forest 80, No. 18 Florida State 72
Lakevia Boykin scored a career-high 34 points as Wake Forest used a second-half surge to upset Florida State for its fourth straight win.
Dearica Hamby added 23 points and Chelsea Douglas 14 for the Demon Deacons (9-6, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference).
Florida State (12-3, 2-2), coming off a 71-64 loss at No. 8 Maryland, closed the first half on a 12-3 run to lead 36-33 at the break
Chelsea Davis, who led the Seminoles with 25 points, scored seven of Florida State's first 10 points of the second half to help open up an eight-point lead.
No. 18 South Carolina 64, Vanderbilt 48
Aleighsa Welch scored 13 points, Ieasia Walker added 12 and South Carolina played its usual fierce defense to defeat Vanderbilt.
Sancheon White had eight rebounds and three blocked shots for South Carolina (14-2, 2-1 Southeastern Conference).
Jasmine Lister and Heather Bowe scored 11 each for Vanderbilt.
Many Christian conservatives are backing Alabama's Roy Moore


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