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West Virginia 2nd District Congressional candidate Ed Rabel bristles at any suggestion that he's a spoiler in the race.
Rabel, who obtained enough signatures to qualify as an independent, told me on Talkline Tuesday:
"I do hear that argument out there, but I think it's passé. This is a new year. People are demanding change and I think, honestly, it's an insult to me and the people supporting me to suggest I can't win."
It would be dismissive to say Rabel can't win, but it is accurate to say it's highly unlikely he will finish ahead of the party nominees Democrat Nick Casey and Republican Alex Mooney. Libertarian Davy Jones is also on the ballot.
West Virginia voters, for all our grousing about politicians and party marching orders, still tend to stick with candidates who identify themselves as Democrat or Republican.
Also, Casey and Mooney are going to be much better financed than Rabel or Jones.
But Rabel could impact the race for a variety of reasons.
The West Virginia native is a former award-winning television reporter for CBS and NBC.
He is smart, expressive and comfortable in front of a microphone or a crowd. His timbered broadcast voice suggests confidence and credibility.
Don't dismiss the presentation.
One of the reasons we vote for people is that we can imagine them being in an elected office.
Rabel sounds like a guy who should be giving a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Rabel doesn't want to be labeled, but many of his positions line up on the left with a populist ring.
He speaks derisively about "big coal," supports a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing and mountaintop removal mining, backs a higher minimum wage and more wealth redistribution through the Earned Income Tax credit.
In a commentary earlier this year in the Charleston Gazette, Rabel opined darkly poetic about West Virginia:
"The Kanawha Valley, and most of Southern West Virginia beyond it, is a blighted land, willfully ignorant, active only in perpetuating its misery of that and its children.
"It will not change. It does not want to change. Not even God could save Sodom, because the people were complicit in their own misery and willfully blind to reality. So it is in my home. I weep for it."
Not exactly Ronald Reagan's "Shining City on the Hill," but that message could appeal to the small, but passionate segment of voters that remains liberally rooted in the Mountain State.
A 2013 Gallup Poll found that one in five West Virginians (18 percent) say they are liberal. Who will they support in the 2nd District Congressional race?
Casey is running on the Manchin middle-of-the-road model of pro-coal and pro-life, trying to gather in centrist Democrats and independents, but potentially alienating liberals.
Do those on the left stay home or hold their noses and vote for Casey? Those voters could, however, make an ideological statement and support Rabel, even though that could end up helping Mooney.
The irony here is that the more support Rabel receives, the more likely it is that his candidacy becomes what he detests the most -- a spoiler in the 2nd District race.
Kercheval is host of Talkline, broadcast statewide by the Metronews Radio Network from 10 a.m. to noon weekdays. Listen locally on WCHS 580 AM.


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text: Back again with more problems lol , I've been recommended a decent mechanic locally who I'm going to see soon but before I do is there any way of distinguishing between valve stem oil seal or turbo oil seals in regards to a smokey ride ? Only does it when hot and after I've lifted off the pedal . I've had a brand new head fitted recently so I'm guessing it will be the turbo but I had some issues during said work on head so could do with double checking before I pay out again , £2850 spent in last few months so I wanna hedge my bets if possible . Cheers guys n gals . P .


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©2003-2016 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved
Planetary Synodic Cycles are cycles that occur between one planet and another. There are many cycles occurring at the same time, all interweaving and nesting in one another. Synodic Astrology explores these planetary cycles, the themes of the cycles, and where we are in the progression of the cycles.
A natal astrology chart (or any astrological chart) is a picture of one moment frozen in time. Looking at the aspects of the chart in the context of the cycles in which they exist is like looking at the movie from which that picture was taken. In doing so we gain far greater understanding of the meaning of the picture and how it fits into a greater evolutionary narrative. Looking at the location of the planets at the start of a cycle, the theme of the cycle defined by the conjoining stars, and where we are in each cycle provides far more insight about the snapshot in time. This embracing context offers a far greater understanding about our opportunity for growth in life and the nature of our life experience.
Planetary Synodic Cycles start when two planets align in their orbits, looking from the Sun (although we can look at cycles relative to other planets as well, and even relative to a location on Earth). "Synod" means place of meeting. Although synods occur with all planets, when we say a Venus synodic cycle or a Mars synodic cycle, we are referring to those cycles that occur with the Earth and the planet. If we are referring to a synodic cycle created by two planets other than Earth, we then clarify that by saying a Mars-Jupiter synodic cycle or a Venus-Jupiter synodic cycle, etc.
The following illustration shows two successive synods between Earth and Venus, which creates one Earth-Venus synodic cycle, and which has a duration of 1.6 Earth years.
See the Venus web page for more about Earth-Venus synods and their precessional pentagonal pattern.
The Earth-planet star alignments (looking from the Sun / heliocentric view) reveal the nature of the specific synodic cycle theme. That theme will unfold until the two planets align again, marking the completion of the synodic cycle and the beginning of the next one. The synodic theme can be thought of as expressing through the Earth-planet relationship (much like the nature of their conjunction) and then unfolding in a cycle of growth in human consciousness through a progression of aspects.
Because the Earth and each planet orbits the Sun at different rates of speed, the duration of the synodic cycle between the Earth and each planet is unique as is the location in the ecliptic where each synod occurs.
There are many synodic cycles with unique astrological themes occurring simultaneously creating a harmonic symphony of creative unfoldment in consciousness. This synodic symphony provides an underlying astrological context guiding our evolution.
Note to astrologers:
When a planet and the Sun are opposite in a geocentric chart (excluding Mercury or Venus), this is the same as seeing the Earth and the planet conjoined in a heliocentric chart (a chart which views the planets from the Sun's perspective.) This is when the Sun, Earth, and planet align. Thus, the geocentric opposition marks the beginning of the planet's synodic cycle. The star alignments of the planet reveal the planetary theme at the moment, and that of the synodic cycle to follow. The star alignments for the planet in the geocentric chart will be the same as those for the Earth-planet conjunction in the heliocentric chart. When a planet is opposite the Sun in a geocentric chart, think of that planet as conjoined Earth! (There is more on this topic below.)
When Mercury or Venus is involved, because their orbits lie inside that of Earth's, we see the Sun and the retrograde planet conjoined in the geocentric chart. And, we see the Earth and the planet conjoined in the heliocentric chart. But now, in the geocentric chart, the star alignments that lie opposite the planet-Sun conjunction are those that define the new synodic cycle. These will be the same stars of the planet-Earth conjunction as seen in the heliocentric chart. Thus, in the geocentric chart, the stars of a planet-Sun conjunction and those opposite the conjunction are both of significance when we have a retrograde Mercury-Sun conjunction or a retrograde Venus-Sun conjunction.
(Note: Not all astrological programs will generate a sidereal heliocentric chart.)
Any Earth-planet synodic cycle begins during a planet's retrograde. A retrograde occurs only looking from Earth's view (geocentric). A retrograde is seen when a faster moving planet catches up to and passes a slower moving planet during their orbits around the Sun. This is when the Sun-Earth-planet alignment occurs that creates the start of the new synodic cycle—as seen from the Sun's view. It is also when Earth and the planet are closest in their orbits, which is also when the planet appears to be the largest in the sky (excepting Mercury and Venus because they lie between the Earth and Sun—thus they are not visible).
The Venus Retrograde
The above illustration shows when a Venus retrograde occurs. From Earth's view, planets normally appear to move east to west (right to left in the illustration) in the backdrop of the heavens. When the yellow line tilts left to right, Venus begins to overtake Earth in their respective orbits. This is the time when we experience a Venus retrograde. That is, from Earth's view, it appears that Venus is moving in the opposite direction in the heavens, from west to east (left to right in the illustration).
To learn more about the fundamentals of retrogrades also visit the Venus page.
Thus, a retrograde period of a planet marks the time when we disengage from a planet's previous synodic cycle and engage in its next one. The first part of the retrograde period is a time of disengagement, of letting go of previous cycle of growth (that associated with the previous planetary synodic theme). The second half of the retrograde is when we become conscious of and start to integrate the new cycle of growth (that associated with the new synodic theme). We move forth fully engaged in the new theme when the planet completes its retrograde and returns prograde (direct).
Planetary synodic cycles create a continuous spiral of growth, with the retrogrades making the times when we shift from one octave to another within that spiral of growth. Retrograde periods provide the opportunity to redefine the corresponding psychophysiological (mental-emotional-physical) facet of our selves that the planets resonate with. During the retrograde period, lower-order patterns within ourselves can surface to be released so we can then engage in the new octave of growth to follow.
If we have difficulty with a specific planet during its retrograde, it is often because we have resistance to let go, to redefine our lives, a fear of changing, moving on, growing. Mercury retrogrades provide a good example. How many times do you hear someone say: "I hate when Mercury is retrograde." The difficulty with Mercury retrogrades are more obvious because it often involves relinquishing modes of thinking, of how things are or "should" be—something many people have difficulty doing. They can also provide opportunity to change the daily logistics in our lives.
Exploration of planetary placements and their aspects in the context of synodic cycles and their themes can reveal a far more embracing astrological context underlying the natal chart since the natal chart is a punctual moment, a snapshot, occurring within the synodic symphony expressing the evolutionary unfoldment of human consciousness, which synodic cycles reveal.
If there is a retrograde planet in a natal chart, it can be quite revealing to explore the theme of the synod cycle that occurs during that retrograde as well as the previous synodic cycle theme (which started during the previous retrograde). Considering the retrograde planet in the embracing context of the change from one synodic cycle to another can shed light on how a retrograde planet in a natal chart reveals how a person is shifting / redefining the expression of that particular planet / dynamic of self in life.
Since the ecliptical location of the actual synod of the retrograde planet may be different than the location of the retrograde planet at the time of birth, it is well worth exploring where the synod occurs in the chart, especially if it resides at a significant location in the chart; i.e., on an angle or conjoined another natal planet. This type of exploration can bring a far deeper understanding of the nature of a retrograde planet in a natal chart.
The planetary placements in a natal sidereal heliocentric chart, their aspects, and the timing of the planetary cycles those aspects reveal, delineate the transcendent evolutionary opportunity for the soul, which articulates through the natal sidereal geocentric chart as soul's manifest experience in form on Earth.
For example, consider that you have Jupiter approaching its first square to Saturn in a geocentric chart. The time leading into a first square in any cycle expresses as "stimulus to action." The Jupiter star alignments and the Saturn star alignments reveal the nature of this stimulus. The Jupiter energetic delineates mobilization and expansion toward a greater truth, expression of your greater wisdom, etc. (all that the Jupiter energetic delineates). The Saturn energetic brings context to Jupiter's stimulus to action, impelling mobilization and expansion from the established conformity and constructions of the past, etc. (all that the Saturn energetic delineates).
Now, if you search back in time to when Jupiter and Saturn conjoined in the heliocentric chart, you will find when and where the Jupiter-Saturn cycle began, which is the Jupiter-Saturn synod. The star alignments of the synod reveal the theme of that specific Jupiter-Saturn cycle. This brings embracing evolutionary context to the "stimulus to action" that your Jupiter-Saturn geocentric square impels.
If for example your Saturn is in sidereal Aquarius and your Jupiter is in sidereal Taurus in your geocentric chart, you would naturally look at those planets in the context of those signs and the stars expressing through their placements in those signs. However, looking back in time to the Jupiter-Saturn synod, you would find it occurred in late sidereal Sagittarius, and of course with entirely different star alignments. Thus the Saturn-Aquarius / Jupiter-Taurus geocentric square nests within the Jupiter-Saturn-Sagittarius cycle and its theme. This brings far greater context to the square, and to your stimulus to action, that you would not even be aware of when looking at your geocentric alignments alone.
Because Mercury orbits the Sun faster than Earth does, the Mercury Synodic cycle is the shortest (averaging 116 Earth days). The orbital rate of Mars is much closer to that of Earth, thus it takes longer for the Earth and Mars to re-align. Slow moving planets like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto have cycles close to that of Earth's year because Earth catches up to those planets before they have moved very far in their orbits.
Planetary Synodic Cycle Lengths
(Average length in Earth Days)
A graphic timeline of Planetary Synodic Cycles.
This timeline shows the inter-relationship
between each planetary synodic cycle.
Synodic Cycles of the Planets: revealing the dates
of each synodic cycle, their sidereal locations, and links to
monthly Lunar Planners where their themes are presented.
Synodic Cycles of the Outer Planets: Jupiter through Pluto, and Eris: 1940-2040
Synodic cycles occur not only with the Earth and a planet, but with any set of planets. When we say a "Venus Synodic Cycle," we are referring to a cycle created by Earth and Venus. We can also have a Mars-Saturn Synodic Cycle, or a Venus-Saturn Synodic Cycle, or a Venus-Jupiter Synodic Cycle, and so on. Thus, there are many synodic cycles occurring at the same time, all with different starting times and all with different durations, and all are cycles occurring within our solar system's grand symphony—a divine orchestration of the evolutionary unfoldment of consciousness. Like an Earth-planet synodic cycle, the star alignments, looking from the Sun toward the two conjoining planets (the heliocentric view), set the theme for any synodic cycle.
Although there are many planetary synods occurring regularly, some cycles are less than a year in duration while others take many years. Cycles created by Mercury and another planet occur within one Earth year because Mercury orbits the Sun much faster than Earth, thus conjoining the other planets quite often. Cycles created by very slow movers can take many years, like that of Uranus and Neptune for example, which has a duration of about 172 Earth years. The last Uranus-Neptune synod occurred in 1993, while the next will not occur until 2164.
In the case of Pluto, Quaoar and Ixion, the synods of these planets occur in a very irregular and interrupted fashion. Because of the accentuated elliptical orbits of these planets, their rate of movement changes greatly throughout their orbital periods. When one of these planets is furthest from the Sun in its orbit (at its aphelion), its rate of movement is the slowest. When the planet is closest to the Sun (at its perihelion), the planet moves its fastest—whipping around the Sun as if being hurled like an athlete would throw a discus. Because of the ever-changing orbital rates, one of these planets may overtake another, but then the second planet may speed up while the other slows down, allowing the second planet to overtake the first, similar to horses racing around a track, where each horse may change lead position several times as the make their way around the track. Thus, in the case of these planets, one planet may overtake the other, and vise versa as if they were competing for lead place. Because of this, a synodic cycle never has a chance to finish, bur resynchronizes and changes its theme in mid-stream.
All of the synodic cycles within our solar system created by the planets orbiting our Sun continuously formulate a symphonic expression that drives our evolutionary unfoldment. These (heliocentric-based synodic cycles) can be thought of as the longer-term backdrop themes underlying our more obvious or in-the-moment experience revealed by geocentrically-based planetary conjunctions.
The two following images show the difference between a heliocentric conjunction (synod) and a geocentric conjunction, and the shift in time between the two. In this example, all three planets move a bit further in their orbits after the synod before Mars and Jupiter conjoin from Earth's view. Thus, the synod energetic (created by the heliocentric conjunction) has a time-shifted expression on Earth. It is, however, the heliocentric conjunction that marks the start of the actual synodic cycle.
The actual synod between Mars and Jupiter.
This is a heliocentric conjunction (looking from the Sun).
A Mars-Jupiter geocentric conjunction, looking from Earth.
When a synod occurs between two planets, the planetary conjunction is seen looking from the Sun's perspective. However, the conjunction of those same two planets often occurs at a different time when viewed from the Earth. Depending where Earth resides in its own orbit with respect to the other two planets, the geocentric conjunction can occur before or after the actual heliocentric synod. Thus, we can think of the heliocentric synod expressing on Earth in its own unique way and time. In addition to this different time, the star alignments of the planetary conjunction as seen from the Earth may also be quite different from the heliocentric star alignments that create the primary synodic cycle theme. Further to consider is that the conjunction as seen from Earth may involve planetary retrogrades, thus causing three triggers of the conjunction on Earth, whereas there is but one primary conjunction at the heliocentric level.
The sidereal heliocentric synod star alignments reveal the actual planetary synodic cycle theme—thus revealing the deeper transcendent nature of the cycle of growth occurring in our solar system—relative more to soul-level consciousness. The geocentric conjunction's star alignments reveal more of a surface (incarnate personality) level expression of, or an augmentation upon, the transcendent synodic theme.
Jupiter-Saturn: 20 years (19.859 yrs)
Jupiter-Uranus: 14 years
Jupiter-Neptune: 13 years
Jupiter-Pluto: 12-years
Note: The actual length of a cycle can vary around its average time depending on the eccentricity of a planet's orbit and a planet's changing velocity during its orbit.
Current Jupiter-Saturn Synodic Cycles
Sidereal Heliocentric Location
Influencing Stars
Nov 15, 1940
~18° Aries
Mu Ceti (the head of Cetus), Almach Andromeda, Beta & Gamma Triangulum
April 16, 1961
~29° Sag
Theta Sag, Delta Aquila, Peacock Pavo
April 16, 1981
~13° Virgo
Diadem Coma, Porrima & Vindemiatrix Virgo
June 23, 2000
~27° Aries
Botein Aries, Omi & Xi Taurus, Rana & Zaurak Eridanus
Nov 2, 2020
~7° Cap
Altair Aquila, Alberio Cygnus, etc. (Natal U.S. Pluto)
Dec 7, 2040
~21° Virgo
Theta Virgo and the stars of Corvus, Seginis and Muphrid Bootes
This is but one consideration in synodic astrology, but one that is fundamental. Note where a synod occurs (in a heliocentric chart). Find this location in your natal (geocentric) chart (or that of a nation, etc.). Note the location (house) where it occurs in your chart. This defines the area of life where this synod most directly effects your life experience. The synod and its entire cycle will be especially significant if it conjoins a planet or personal point. The influence will continue throughout the entire synodic cycle and it may influence major life changes and periods your life.
In conventional astrology, aspects are generally seen as events that come and go (and sometimes considered as either good or bad, malevolent or beneficent). When we look at aspects as harmonic transition points occurring in planetary synodic cycles of growth we see them in a much broader light. Aspects mark the transition from one phase of growth to the following phase of growth, phases occurring in a greater life cycle. It is also important to realize that the characteristic of an approaching aspect is different than the characteristic just after the aspect.
A "NEW" synodic cycle begins when two planets conjoin when looking from the Sun. The cycle continues as the planets orbit the Sun and until the two planets conjoin again. The first quarter (90°) square occurs when the faster moving planet is 90° from the slower moving planet. The synodic opposition occurs when the faster moving planet is 180° from the slower moving planet. At this time the two planets are on opposite sides of the Sun. The last quarter (270°) square occurs when the faster moving planet is 270° from the slower moving planet (90° to the next synod).
Example of the four primary phase transitions occurring in a synodic cycle.
The Synod, the 90° square, the 180° opposition; and the 270° square.
When a planet (exclude the inner planets, Mercury and Venus for the moment) lies opposite the Sun in a geocentric astrology chart, a new Earth-planet synodic cycle begins. This is because Earth and planet conjoin when looking from the Sun, the time of their synod. This is much like a New Moon in the lunar cycle, where the new cycle's theme begins to emerge and unfold. Thus, think of a Sun-planet opposition (in a geocentric chart) as the "dark time" (like the dark New Moon), when a new theme just begins to emerge regarding that planet's expression in our Earthian experience. The Sun-planet "opposition" can feel like a challenge of opposing forces because it is when an entire cycle ends and a new theme is about to begin in our process of growth, one still unseen. As we approach the geocentric opposition (the new synod), we are letting go of the previous synodic cycle, thus this is a time of surrender, with need to let go. Just after the opposition (synod), we are engaging in the new synodic cycle, thus a time to be open to the new theme, which is just starting to emerge into our awareness.
When Earth makes its first (90°) square from the other planet (as seen in the heliocentric chart), this is much like the First Quarter Moon in lunar cycle, which creates an "external stimulus to initiate action" in the context of the original Earth-planet synodic cycle's theme. Note: the time of the squares in the synodic cycle are not obvious in a geocentric chart as they are in the heliocentric chart.
The trine (120°), which had been merely a good or easy aspect, one providing opportunity, now becomes either a portal of coming together, of intermixing, or an opportunity to give away, a time to share. The first trine (120°)—one planet separating from another planet—creates a magnetic attraction, a time of receiving, it is a time of connecting, of coming together in an alchemical mixing to become more than one could be alone.
When Earth and the planet lie opposite in the heliocentric chart (180°) (when the planet and Sun conjoin in the geocentric chart), this is much like the Full Moon in the lunar cycle—the climax in the synodic cycle. The time leading into the opposition is one of vision, enthusiasm and excitement. The time following is one of realization about the meaning of the synodic cycle's theme. This is why a Sun-planet conjunction (in the geocentric chart) is emblazoned, thus realizations about issues we may have surface to consciousness awareness regarding the planet and its current synodic cycle theme.
The second trine in the cycle (240°)—one planet approaching another planet—creates a magnetic release, an opportunistic time of giving forth, of sharing in demonstrable manifestation, marking the birth point in the cycle.
When Earth makes its second (270°) square to the planet (as seen in the heliocentric chart), this is much like the Last Quarter Moon in the lunar cycle, which creates an "inner need to initiate change" in the context of the original Earth-planet synodic cycle's theme. Again, the squares in the synodic cycle are not obvious in a geocentric chart.
These "aspects" (like all astrological aspects) are transition points in unfolding planetary cycles. They mark changes from one phase to another in the greater cycle, with each phase having its unique characteristic in an unfolding cycle of growth in consciousness. When we look at aspects in this way, we can see they are not good or bad, nor something that happens and is gone, but that they mark shifts in ongoing cycles of growth in our lives—cycles we can consciously understand and work with.
Again, an important point to realize (one ignored when thinking in terms of aspects alone and out of the context of the synodic cycle) is that the time immediately before an aspect is quite different than the time immediately after an aspect. The time before marks the ending of one phase in the cycle, the time after marks the beginning of a new phase in the cycle, with each phase having different characteristics in the embracing "cycle of growth." Another example: The time just before the 90° square brings an external stimulus that challenges us to move into action. Here we may deal with fears about acting, or what we are going to do with this stimulus. The time just after the 90° square is about initiating action itself. Thus to merely say an aspect is active in some orb and that it means the same thing independent of whether it is approaching the aspect or leaving the aspect, is to miss what that aspect is asking of ourselves in the context of the greater cycle in which it is occurring.
To learn about the changing phase characteristics of a planetary cycle, you can download the Lunar Planner Introduction PDF file. Although different aspects may be emphasized in a planetary cycle compared to the lunar cycle's "octad" (8-fold harmonic division), all cycles progressively unfold in a similar way, They are "cycles of growth in consciousness." Related Material: The Unfoldment of Number
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©2003-2016 Nick Anthony Fiorenza, All Rights Reserved


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I am trying to read and understand the article "Obama team to form agenda group."
It was too much for my 85-year-old mind to grasp ? to understand, whatever. So I looked up the word agenda.
It told me what Obama wanted with such a group. Roget's College Thesaurus translates the word as nothing's to be done ? order of the day ? schedule ? docket ? calendar ? program ? plan. Obama's order of the day - etc..
Mignon J. Perry


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Or in other words things that I'm working on currently.
I decided that I should have a post up to let you all know what I'm writing, what's recently been signed, sent out etc... so you can all keep up to date.
Presently I'm working on a few pieces although my main story is about two people who have recently lost a mutual friend. They are brought together via his will during a cold and snowy weekend.
I'm also having a go at some flash erotica something I've not tried before - fingers crossed!


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The keys to addressing well water quality problems are to determine what the problem is, whether it is preventable, and, if not, how to treat it effectively, the National Ground Water Association said today.
NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens said there are basic steps well owners can follow to take the mystery out of solving water quality issues.
"The answer to water quality problems begins with water testing," Treyens said.
NGWA recommends that household water well owners test annually for bacteria, nitrate, and anything of local concern. Local contamination concerns could be manmade or substances that can occur naturally in the environment, such as arsenic and radon.
NGWA suggests well owners check with their local health department to determine what might be of local concern. This is important even if the well owner is not experiencing any obvious water quality problems because some potentially harmful contaminants such as arsenic and radon have no odor, taste, or smell.
Next, Treyens said well owners should determine how substances that are causing water quality problems are getting into their water supply.
"If a contamination source is too close to the well, removing that contamination source may be the answer. If one of the well system's seals is broken and allowing contamination into the well, fixing it may be the answer. And if the contamination is naturally occurring in the groundwater, treating the well water to make it safe is the solution," Treyens said.
If contamination can be kept out of the groundwater or the well system, it is preferable to address that first. Treyens compared this to a doctor treating the cause of a patient's illness instead of just the symptoms. But if a substance cannot be kept out of the groundwater that flows into a well, treatment is almost always feasible to address it.
NGWA recommends that well owners use a qualified water well system professional to diagnose the cause of water quality problems and recommend solutions.
For more information, visit www.WellOwner.org.
About National Ground Water Association
NGWA, a nonprofit organization composed of U.S. and international groundwater professionals -- contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers -- is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge. NGWA's vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the responsible development, management, and use of water.
SOURCE: National Ground Water Association


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Case Reports in Medicine
Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 658393, 3 pages
Late Onset Anaphylaxis in a Hydatid Cyst Case Presenting with Chronic Urticaria
1Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Dikimevi, 06590 Ankara, Turkey
2School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
Received 13 April 2013; Revised 12 June 2013; Accepted 2 July 2013
Academic Editor: Hagen Sandholzer
Copyright © 2013 Insu Yilmaz et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Hydatid cyst is still endemic in various regions of the world. It is the most frequent cause of liver cysts worldwide. Urticaria is sometimes the first manifestation of the disease. However anaphylactic reaction and urticaria have been very rarely reported in the literature. Traditionally, surgery has been the only accepted mode of treatment; however, percutaneous treatment has recently been proposed as an alternative. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported after percutaneous drainage of hydatid cyst. However, anaphylaxis usually develops within a few hours. Herein, we describe the case of a patient who presented with hydatid cyst causing chronic urticaria and late anaphylactic reaction following percutaneous aspiration of a liver hydatid cyst. We emphasize that physicians should be aware of hydatid cyst as a possible etiology for seemingly chronic spontaneous urticaria, especially in endemic regions. Patients should be kept under observation for at least one day due to the risk of early and late anaphylaxis after percutaneous aspiration treatment.
1. Introduction
Urticaria is a heterogeneous group of diseases. All types and subtypes of urticaria share a common distinctive skin reaction pattern. Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as urticaria that persists for more than six weeks and is further classified into subgroups such as physiologic, spontaneous, and other ones. Chronic persistent bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections have been suspected of triggering urticarial symptoms in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) [1]. One of these agents, the hydatid cyst (HC), is a parasitic infestation that is still endemic in most regions of the world and is still found in Turkey [2]. The HC is formed from the larvae form of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus and resides in the liver (65%) and lungs (25%). As anaphylactic reactions and allergic symptoms generally involve cases of HC rupture the treatment regimens for spontaneous cases have also been reported [3]. In this report, a case of CU with a liver HC and anaphylactic shock developing after percutaneous aspiration of the cyst is presented.
2. Case Report
A 21-year-old male patient presented to our polyclinic with a 3-month history of urticaria. Urticaria treatment was started with pheniramine maleate of 22.7 mg at a twice daily dose in an outside clinic setting. A decrease in symptoms with this treatment was not seen and urticaria reoccurred on days when the patient did not take the antihistamines. The patient was therefore referred to our department for further investigations into the etiology of the urticaria. The patient, who appeared cachectic on presentation, had a complaint of a 4-5 kg weight loss in the last 6 months. Physical examination findings were blood pressure of 110/70, heart rate of 76/min, respiratory rate of 16/min, and body temperature of 37°C. Other physical examination findings were normal. Laboratory findings were as follows: leukocyte: 14800/mm3, sedimentation rate: 45 mm/hour, and C-Reactive Protein: 14.3 mg/dL. On chest X-ray a cavity with irregular borders and nonhomogenous infiltration was seen in the upper lobes (Figure 1(a)). A sputum acid fast test was positive. With the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment with isoniazid (300 mg/day), rifampin (600 mg/day), pyrazinamide (1500 mg/day), and ethambutol (1500 mg/day) was started. Further tests conducted to identify the etiology of CU were specific IgE (with food and aeroallergens), thyroid autoantibodies, antinuclear antibody, vitamin B12, complete blood count, routine biochemistry, urinary analysis, stool analysis for parasites, and Helicobacter pylori antigens, and hepatitis markers were found to be normal. The patient was referred to a Tuberculosis Clinic. He was called for a control checkup six months after treatment and presented with a gain in weight and restoration of appetite but urticarial lesions continued in the patient whenever he did not take the antihistamine drugs. Chest X-ray showed a nearly resolved lesion (Figure 1(b)). An abdominal ultrasonography that was requested for investigation into the etiology of the urticaria showed a mm sized mature minimally fluid filled, capsuled HC with layered membranes in the posterior section of the right lobe of the liver. The patient was therefore referred to the Gastroenterology Department for further evaluation. On an abdominal computed tomography an approximately cm sized cystic lesion with thin internal septations and lobulizations was found in segment 7 of the anterior portion of the liver. With a positive HC indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) (1/256 titre) a diagnosis of HC was made and treatment with albendazole 400 mg/day was started. Percutaneous aspiration of the HC was performed after a week. The procedure was uneventful and the patient, who had normal vitals and no complications, was discharged an hour after observation in the hospital. After 7 hours the patient presented to the emergency service with generalized pruritis, urticaria, angioedema on the face, tongue and hands, dyspnea, cyanosis on the lips and dizziness. Treatment with adrenalin 0.5 mg (intramuscular), methylprednisolone 80 mg (intravenous), and pheniramine maleate 45.5 mg (intravenous) with intravenous hydration was started and the patient was hemodynamically stabilized. The patient presented to our clinic a day after the anaphylactic presentation. On examination his vital findings were normal. Physical findings included angioedema on the face around the eyes, erythematous and edematous uvula, and soft palate. A maintenance dose of methylprednisolone 40 mg/day, desloratadine 5 mg/day, and famotidine 40 mg/day was started and treatment continued for 5 days. At the end of the fifth day clinical presentations had completely resolved and systemic steroids and antihistaminic treatments were stopped.
3. Discussion
Urticaria is a dermatologic reaction that can be caused by several different factors. Chronic urticaria is defined as urticaria that persists for more than six weeks [1]. In our patient as physiologic urticaria, other subtypes of urticaria such as cholinergic, aquagenic, contact, and exercise were excluded based on history. A diagnosis of CSU was made since a history of more than 6 weeks persisted. Food and drug related urticaria was excluded based on history and specific IgE tests. No pathologic findings were present in laboratory studies conducted to determine the etiology of CSU. A chest X-ray presentation compatible with tuberculosis and a positive acid fast test led to the diagnosis of tuberculosis and treatment was started. Chronic persistent bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal infections have been suspected of triggering urticarial symptoms in patients with CSU [1]. However, regression of urticaria was not seen after antituberculosis treatment even though the clinical and radiologic presentation of tuberculosis improved. As part of further investigations into the etiology of CSU an abdominal ultrasonagraphy was requested and showed a lesion in the liver compatible with HC. With a positive IHA, a diagnosis of HC was made. As anaphylactic reactions and allergic symptoms generally involve cases of HC rupture the treatment regimens for spontaneous cases have also been reported [3]. In our case urticaria lesions were present even though there was no evidence of rupture. Although speculative, this condition led us to believe that the antigenic components of the cyst, without cystic rupture, could have entered the systemic circulation through diffusion and cause a Type 1 sensitivity resulting in urticarial symptoms. This is because definitive tests targeted at Echinococcus specific IgE to support a HC mediated Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction causing urticaria in our patient were not conducted.
There are 3 different types of treatment for HC, medical treatment, surgical treatment, and percutaneous drainage. Traditionally, surgical treatment has been the most accepted method of treatment. However surgical treatment carries a high morbidity rate of 14%–60% and a mortality rate of about 7% [4]. The issue of medical treatment of an HC with only albendazole or mebendazole is controversial. Percutaneous drainage treatment has been used as an alternative treatment method to abdominal HC surgery for selected cases since the 1980s [5]. In recent years, instead of surgical removal of the cyst alone by surgical treatment, needle aspiration of the cyst and synchronous application of medical treatment have been suggested [6]. In our case, after a diagnosis of HC was made, treatment with albendazole was started and percutaneous drainage performed afterwards. Even though treatment with percutaneous drainage is commonly used most surgeons prefer open surgery due to fear of the risk of fluid leakage, dissemination, and anaphylaxis and this has caused open surgical treatment to take the place of percutaneous drainage [7]. However anaphylactic reaction is not the only complication of percutaneous drainage [7]. It can also be seen during surgical treatment [8]. Symptoms may present as mild urticaria or anaphylaxis [9]. In the current literature reported cases are generally of patients with early development of anaphylaxis [10, 11]. In our case percutaneous drainage was performed with no complications and anaphylaxis occurred seven hours after the procedure when the patient had been discharged from hospital. For this reason an allergist should be consulted for an allergy risk evaluation, before percutaneous drainage is performed in a patient who presents with a history of urticaria and is diagnosed with an HC. Furthermore these procedures should be performed in a well-equipped institution under intensive care conditions and patients should be kept under observation for at least a day before discharge. In our case the late presentation of HC anaphylaxis may have been due to late fluid leakage of the antigenic contents of the HC into the systemic circulation.
4. Conclusion
Chronic spontaneous urticaria cases should be carefully investigated for chronic bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Particularly in regions where HC is endemic, HC as an etiology should be kept in mind. Due to the high risk of anaphylaxis that can develop during procedures in the treatment of HC, procedures of this sort should be conducted in settings that may possibly require emergency interventions with adrenaline and have intubation sets available. Patients should be kept under observation in a clinical setting for at least a day before being discharged due to the possibility of the development of late anaphylactic reactions.
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare they have no conflict of interests.
- T. Zuberbier, R. Asero, C. Bindslev-Jensen et al., "EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guideline: definition, classification and diagnosis of urticaria," Allergy, vol. 64, no. 10, pp. 1417–1426, 2009. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- M. Milicevic, F. Saidi, and I. Sayek, "Liver hydatid cyst," in Basic Surgery, I. Sayek, Ed., pp. 1317–1324, Gunes Tıp Kitapevi, Ankara, Turkey, 3nd edition, 2004. View at Google Scholar
- A. Gelincik, F. Ozseker, S. Büyüköztürk, B. Colakoğlu, M. Dal, and A. Alper, "Recurrent anaphylaxis due to non-ruptured hepatic hydatid cysts," International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, vol. 143, pp. 296–298, 2007. View at Google Scholar
- Y. Ekrami, "Surgical treatment of hydatid disease of the liver," Archives of Surgery, vol. 111, no. 12, pp. 1350–1352, 1976. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- C. Filice, E. Brunetti, R. Bruno et al., "Percutaneous drainage of echinococcal cysts (PAIR - puncture, aspiration, injection, reaspiration): results of a worldwide survey for assessment of its safety and efficacy," Gut, vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 156–157, 2000. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- R. A. Smego Jr. and P. Sebanego, "Treatment options for hepatic cystic echinococcosis," International Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 69–76, 2005. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- R. Yaghan, H. Heis, K. Bani-Hani et al., "Is fear of anaphylactic shock discouraging surgeons from more widely adopting percutaneous and laparoscopic techniques in the treatment of liver hydatid cyst?" American Journal of Surgery, vol. 187, no. 4, pp. 533–537, 2004. View at Publisher · View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- A. Baraka, R. Matossian, J. P. Yared, and A. Dajani, "Anaphylactic reaction during hydatid surgery. An immunological hazard," Middle East journal of anaesthesiology, vol. 5, no. 8, pp. 505–508, 1980. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- D. A. Vuitton, "Echinococcosis and allergy," Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 93–104, 2004. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- G. Stoianov, N. Grigorov, V. Slavov, and E. Bogusheva, "Intraoperative anaphylactic shock following the percutaneous puncture of a hepatic echinococcal cyst," Khirurgiia, vol. 48, no. 4, pp. 12–13, 1995. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
- S. Men, B. Hekimoglu, C. Yücesoy, I. S. Arda, and I. Baran, "Percutaneous treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts: an alternative to surgery," American Journal of Roentgenology, vol. 172, no. 1, pp. 83–89, 1999. View at Google Scholar


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Ghazali, R. and Fisal, N. and Ariffin, S. H. S. and Latiff, L. A. and Yusof, S. K. and Ali, A. (2007) Security in enhanced AODV routing for wireless sensor network. In: IEEE International Conference On Telecommunications And Malaysia International Conference on Communications, 2007, Penang.
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|Item Type:
|Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
|Uncontrolled Keywords:
|AODV, wireless sensor
|T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
|Electrical Engineering
|ID Code:
|Deposited By:
|Mrs Liza Porijo
|Deposited On:
|24 Aug 2011 07:08
|Last Modified:
|12 Nov 2012 01:44
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NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Mountain View, CA, United States, 2010/05/07 - Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, announces the results of an end user study, 2010 U.S. Consumer Choice of Commercial Airlines.
The survey evaluates airline preferences among 1,000 U.S. air-traveling consumers who have traveled at least once within the past six months. The survey measures consumers' awareness of commercial airline carriers (network, non-network, and regional) and the important drivers of the ticket purchase process, customer service, check-in process, in-flight experience, and frequent-flyer programs.
While network carriers garner better brand awareness and market share of air travelers, overall non-network and regional carriers are rated higher for their check-in processes, customer service contact, and in-flight experiences.
According to the survey, most air travelers start their commercial airline ticket purchase process on travel websites or commercial airline websites. Even though travel websites are a good source of information, the largest proportion of air travelers actually switches purchase channels and purchases directly from commercial airline websites.
"Interestingly, the top purchase drivers are the same among those who purchase using a travel website versus those using a commercial airline website," comments Tonya Fowler, Global Director with Frost & Sullivan's Customer Research Team. "Thus, I think deeper investigation in a follow-up study may reveal more emotional aspects (i.e., trust, loyalty, etc.) that lead more airline travelers to purchase via commercial airline websites versus travel websites."
Overall, most air travelers used check-in processes that did not require in-person interactions. However, ratings of the check-in process overall including all types of check-in are relatively high, to which the lack of "live" interactions may contribute to these high ratings.
"Low-cost airline airfares are not always the lowest airfare when compared to those of legacy carriers and travel websites," comments Nathan K. Smith, Industry Analyst with Frost & Sullivan's Aerospace & Defense Team. "Strong advertising and branding have lead to the myth of 'look no further.'"
As a final point, the most important factor contributing to the in-flight experience is having "luggage that arrives at its destination." Top-rated airlines for flight experience garnered the largest proportion of future flight intentions.
This survey was conducted by Frost & Sullivan's Customer Research Team, working in conjunction with Frost & Sullivan's Aerospace & Defense Team. Specifically, the Customer Research Team conducts independent, unbiased research among end users to evaluate and measure companies and trends in the market.
For more information, please send an email to Jake Wengroff, Corporate Communications, at jake.wengroff[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company web site, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by email.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents.
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Duncan over at Blog Herald has a good guide to Promoting your blog with advertising where he looks at Google's Adwords, the BlogAds system, smaller advertising firms and direct advertising on other blogs.
I've used Adwords twice and like the idea of it but had pretty average results. Apart from that I've never advertised any of my blogs. Having said this I'm interested to hear others experiences. Do you advertise? When, how, what were the results?


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Fixated Silver Balisong Butterfly Knife - Polish Plain
- Overall Length:8.90"
- Blade Length:4.10"
- Cutting Edge:3.75"
- Blade Thickness:0.11"
- Blade Style:Clip Point
- Handle Length:4.80"
- Handle Thickness:0.40"
- Color:Gray
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:5.00 oz.
- Knife Type:Butterfly
- Best Use:Recreation
- Brand:Folder-Tec
- Blade Material:Stainless Steel
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Material:Aluminum
- Model:Fixated
- Country of Origin:China
- Product Type:Knife
The Fixated butterfly knife has superb action and a feel-good heft for a budget balisong. This smooth rotating butterfly features a polished 440 stainless steel clip point blade with decorative blood grooves and two highly functional tang pins that improve lock-up and reduce blade wear. The handles are polished stainless steel with spectrum press-fitted screws. Warning: These screws are decorative and are not meant to be removed! The knife is constructed with Torx screws for easy adjustment of the knife.
Please Note: As with all butterfly knives, please be sure to maintain and tighten the screws, especially the pivot screws. We recommend using a threadlocker (Click HERE!) for best results. Adjust with care, we do not warrant stripped screws!


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* Great size and length
* Agile and mobile for his size
* Moves well off the ball and fights for position
* Uses physical advantage quite well
* Good timing in blocking shots, disruptive on defense in the paint
* Needs to add strength
* Needs more work to become a reliable shooter away from the basket
* Gets pushed around by powerful centers
NBA Projection:
A likely mid to late second round pick, he's a perfect target for a good NBA franchise with no urgent needs that can bet on a player and wait for the kid to develop. He could be a low risk-high reward type of pick. Has to add lot of weight and keep working on his skills, but has very good tools and can become a great option as intimidator/rebounder who can also produce offensively off the ball. Not easy to find a guy with his size, length and agility with a strong work ethic.
2011-2012 season:
Ognjen signed a 3-year deal with Malaga and joined the second team (Clinicas Rincon) in the Spanish second division. A quite unknown prospect until this season, Kuzmic has seen lot of interest from NBA and European scouts. He has played a very solid season in LEB Gold, having some sensational outings (both games against Leon, Palencia, Mallorca, etc). A hard worker and mature guy, he´s developing at a good pace, is focused and gets the job done in practice. Until he arrived in Málaga, he had never played any major competition so lacks high level experience. He had a high game of 22 points and in the final four games of the season averaged 15.2 rebounds.
Key statistics:
10.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 0.7 apg, 2.1 bpg, 24.5 mpg, .536 FG, .671 FT
Reminds me of:
Fran Vazquez, based on his rebounding and shot-blocking ability
What Insiders say:
Luka Bassin, International Scout and Coach
"The young Bosnian developed really well this season in Unicaja's farm team Clinicas Rincon. He is late-bloomer and is NBA prospect in the future but must play couple of seasons in Europe. Must develop physically and polish his offensive moves. Definitely a very intriguing player. The GM who will selects him will be rewarded…or not."
Carl Berman, NetScouts Basketball
"Kuzmic is very inexperienced but has shown quick development. A 7-footer with a long wingspan, he can block shots, is mobile and is developing his skills quickly. He has a high potential and would be worth a second round pick. In several years he can be something special."
Danny Mills, Assistant Coach, UPEA Orlandia Basket
"A 7-footer with a good wingspan who although playing in the LEB Gold has drawn some interest by scouts. Not very athletic and doesn't play above the rim much, Kuzmic has shown good fundamentals down low on the post that with continued work give him the chance to be an effective scorer inside. Lacks strength to finish against contact and this is an area he will need to work on. Defensively he has great potential and his shot blocking and rebounding ability will definitely attract some interest of scouts. He could be a low risk and high-reward type player for a team picking late in the second round."
-- Chris Denker and Carl Berman are Managing Partners of NetScouts Basketball, "The International Basketball Connection." You can follow NetScouts Basketball on twitter, or follow Chris and Carl on twitter or email them.


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The Washington State University Cougar men's hoop team built a 12-point first half lead only to allow Arizona to whittle it away as the Wildcats came back for a 65-63 win at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman. With the loss, the Cougars drop to 4-4 in conference play and 14-6 overall and now face an uphill battle for a potential NCAA tournament berth.
Wazzu jumped all over the Wildcats in the first half, jumping out to a 10-2 lead which they then built up to 16-5 and finally 22-10 - their largest lead of the game. But the Wildcats responded with a 12-2 run that cut the Cougars lead to 24-22 with 3:02 remaining in the half and despite Wazzu building the lead back up to six at 28-22 after a bucket by junior Faisal Aden, Arizona was still able to wrest the lead away from the Cougars at halftime, going into the locker room with a slim 32-31 advantage.
DeAngelo Casto has been on fire of late and the junior forward continued to have success in this game. Casto opened up the Cougars' second half scoring with a bucket that gave Wazzu a 33-32 lead which they eventually built out to an eight point margin at 45-37 when junior Marcus Capers slammed home a dunk with 11:53 remaining in the game. But Arizona once again came storming back with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to a single point then tied it up at 47-all. Sophomore Brock Motum scored and Capers added a free throw to give Wazzu a short-lived 50-47 lead but the Wildcats tied it with a trey with 5:06 remaining in the game and the Cougars would never lead again.
Capers tied it at 52 with a bucket but missed a free throw and Arizona scored on their next possession and the Cougars could never get ahead after that point.
Casto led the Cougars in scoring with 17 points followed by Capers with 11 points and sophomore point guard Reggie Moore with 10 points.
- The Cougars may have lost the game at the free throw line - where they shot a paltry 53% [9-for-17].
Washington State University continues their Pac-10 season with a game against rival Washington at 7PM on Sunday, January 30, at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman. The game will be televised by Fox Sports
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LSU Football: Week 2 Spring Practice Stock ReportMarch 21, 2014
Spring practice is heating up at LSU.
The Tigers practiced on Tuesday and Thursday this past week and will scrimmage for the second time this spring on Saturday. Miles says it will be more intense.
#LSU coach Les Miles: Longer scrimmage than last week. A live go, some thud. Special teams, third and short, third and medium.— Jim Kleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) March 20, 2014
Practices have begun to get more physical, which gives Les Miles and his coaching staff a better look at the battle in the trenches. The live snaps on Saturday should be a good indicator of the Tigers' progress.
Line play will probably be the focus. LSU needs to fill holes at right guard and both defensive tackle spots as Trai Turner, Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson all declared for the NFL draft with eligibility remaining this offseason.
News from This Week
Redshirt freshman receiver John Diarse participated in practice sparingly Thursday, according to Jim Kleinpeter of The Times Picayune. Kevin Spears and Avery Peterson have been battling hamstring issues for the Tigers, according to The Advocate. The depth of the receiving corps is beginning to hollow, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was reportedly visibly frustrated. Miles said he is not panicking at their struggles.
Miles says struggling with the new WRs isn't anything to worry about. Says it happens to any position. #LSU— Mike Gegenheimer (@Gegs_TDR) March 20, 2014
The Advocate's Sheldon Mickles reports that the quarterback play of Anthony Jennings, Hayden Rettig and Brandon Harris have been shaky. But guard Vadal Alexander said he is not worried at all about their progress.
Jennings told Shea Dixon of Geaux247.com that Cameron understands that his quarterbacks are young and they are improving. LSU struggled with ball security in its first scrimmage last Saturday. The sophomore quarterback said that if the Tigers hold on to the ball, "nobody can beat us."
LSU running backs coach Frank Wilson has been giving Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard a high volume of carries due to the lack of depth at running back, according to David Ching of ESPN.com
DandyDon.com has the latest video from LSU's "Big Cat" drill from Thursday.
Updates on Current Position Battles
LSU is still shuffling bodies around at linebacker, looking to find the right mix in John Chavis' 4-3 base defense. Kwon Alexander is starting at weak side, D.J. Welter in the middle and Lamar Louis at strong side, according to Kleinpeter. Sophomore Kendell Beckwith and junior Deion Jones are getting snaps as backups. Welter is the only linebacker of the group not learning a new position.
Hunt Palmer of Tiger Rag reports that Jordan Allen, Danielle Hunter, Quentin Thomas and Christian LaCouture have been the starters at defensive line. Palmer says defensive tackle Maquedius Bain has been receiving plenty of praise.
What to Look Forward to Next Week
Saturday's scrimmage will be longer than last week's and feature special teams, according to The Daily Reveille. It is closed to the public and media, so stats and details will come from LSU Sports Information. How the injury-depleted, inexperienced LSU passing game performs against a seasoned secondary will be the main story. Last week, the LSU defense outperformed the offense, according to Miles.
LSU will probably give some walk-ons snaps at skill positions. Help is on the way at running back in Leonard Fournette and Darrel Williams, but not until the fall. Miles will want to lighten the carries on Magee and Hilliard. Expect to hear more from former linebacker Melvin Jones.
After tomorrow's scrimmage, LSU will practice Tuesday and Thursday of next week, via Matt Boudreaux of NBC 33.
LSU kickoff specialist James Hairston officially transferred earlier this month. Hairston had a superb leg which greatly aided the solid coverage unit. The Tigers will have to adjust its unit as it works on special teams.
Other News
LSU will have a high school coaching seminar beginning next Thursday night. Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will be speaking. Quarterback guru George Whitfield and Oakland Raiders special teams coach Bobby April will also instruct seminars.
Joe Alleva told The Advocate that LSU will play a home-and-home with Syracuse in 2015 and 2017, and that Tiger Stadium's stadium expansion is currently on schedule, despite some bad weather slowing down the process.
LSU will be renovating its locker room this offseason. It will sell old lockers for just under $4,000.
GIMME RT @McMurphyESPN: LSU selling about 100 lockers from football locker room b/w 96-13 "as is" for $3,950 each pic.twitter.com/LOFU8q7lSZ— Pod Katt (@valleyshook) March 19, 2014
Follow me on Twitter @CarterthePower.


text:
Details & Dimensions
- W51.5 x H3.5 x L36.5cm
- When extended: H22cm
- Lacquered wood.
Product Code: 102007
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Drivers weigh in on Danica Patrick, Richard Petty
February 14, 2014, Holly Cain, NASCAR.com
RELATED: Play NASCAR Fantasy Live | Sign up for RaceView today
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- In varying ways, Danica Patrick's competitors issued a unanimous sentiment of support for her during Thursday's NASCAR Media Day interviews.
And while they all reiterated their respect for NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and his right to voice his opinion, they didn't all agree with his public assessment that the only way Patrick would win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race was "if everybody else stayed home."
Further, Petty told the Canadian Motorsports Expo audience this past weekend, "if she'd have been a male, nobody would ever know if she'd showed up at a racetrack."
Patrick's team owner Tony Stewart immediately dismissed the notion he needed to respond to the situation. "I'm not even going to waste my time talking about that topic," he said. "Danica's probably the best to talk about it."
Asked about the topic during her early morning interview session Thursday, Patrick reacted to the comments, smiling politely and saying that fundamentally she appreciates Petty's right to share an opinion.
"You know, people have said things in the past and they will say things in the future. I still say the same thing and that's that everybody is entitled to their own opinion," Patrick said. "People are going to judge what he said and I'm just not going to."
Her former team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who shares a Goody's Headache Powder sponsorship with Petty and has known the family his whole life, seemed torn between his longtime respect for Petty and the NASCAR icon's opinion about Patrick that Earnhardt didn't agree with.
"I thought he was a little rough on Danica," said Earnhardt, whose JR Motorsports team fielded a car for Patrick in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for parts of three seasons (2010-12).
"You can't call out (Petty) because he's 'The King' and he's such a patriarch and icon in the sport and has tons of wisdom and insight and done a lot for this sport. But at the same time, she deals with more criticism than anyone who has ever raced in the sport. It seems like she goes by a different set of rules because of her gender, and that's unfortunate.
"It seems like she's always having to answer to something like that and it's a pain in her butt and frankly, it's got to get old."
Understandably, Richard Petty Motorsports driver Aric Almirola asked people to remember context and perspective. The team cautioned this week that Petty insisted his words weren't meant in a sexist manner and Almirola is convinced the whole situation is being overblown.
"In text and a newspaper or website there's no emotion in that," explained Almirola, who is also friends with Patrick. "You can't see his facial expression. You can't hear what was talked about (before and after) that one-liner, so there is a lot that goes into it. People love a story. We all know that. People love drama, so he said one sentence that got taken out of context and blown up all over the media and now it's gone viral.
"I'm sure if you asked him if he could take it back he probably would, but at the end of the day, he said it and what he probably meant is exactly what I'm telling you. For those expectations of people to think, 'Hey, is Danica Patrick gonna win a race this year?' Maybe, but in all likelihood, probably not. I'll go on record saying that, too.
"I think it's just tough. I'm telling you, look at guys like Denny Hamlin. He goes all year until Homestead without winning a race. Dale Jr. goes all year and doesn't win a race. It's not easy. If it was easy, everybody would do it and I think she does a damn good job. I think the time will come that she will go to Victory Lane and that's about all I have to say about that."
One of Patrick's new teammates at SHR, Kevin Harvick, smiled and shared his observations of Patrick and the whole topic, stressing the one thing he's learned about Patrick is "she does not get rattled."
"She's so used to people saying this and it doesn't bother her," Harvick said. "And that's not a front. It really doesn't phase her and you really don't have to stick up for anything that someone says or does.
"She is not phased by anything I've seen. She just doesn't care and moves on and lets it roll off. I think she's dealt with so much for so long that she's just immune to it."
Furthermore, in his short time working alongside Patrick, Harvick said he has been impressed with both her work ethic and ability in transitioning from IndyCar to stock cars. He said he thinks she can win in NASCAR, but cautioned she's still early in the development stages.
"I think this year is going to be really good for her and her learning curve just for the fact that we went and tested together at Nashville," Harvick said. "Just a couple of conversations can help. She can drive the car. Most all of us have done this for … I've been in a stock car since I was 16, so that's 22 years. You aren't going to make that experience up. She's realistic about what she needs to do and accomplish. Just getting those little conversations over before you get to the track can overcome a lot of hurdles."
Patrick's strongest supporter is her boyfriend, 2013 Sunoco Rookie of the Year Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who joked that the media was talking about Danica and Richard (himself) during last year's Media Day, too.
He said they haven't spent much time discussing Petty's comments and conceded he didn't appreciate the sentiment. But, he was quick to remind everyone, Patrick has dealt with this before in her career.
"It's tough," Stenhouse acknowledged. "But she's been going through it for a long time so she can handle it better than others I would say. I would not be happy if they said that about me like that. I think she handles it very well.
"I think she's proved she can drive these race cars. She's still got a lot to learn, I've got a lot to learn. It takes a lot to figure these cars out. If you look at my season, I've run a lot more races than she has in stock cars and last season wasn't the greatest season for me either."
Then Stenhouse grinned and restated that Patrick will be just fine.
"We talked about it once, right when the comments came out, but as far as letting it worry her, no she hasn't," Stenhouse said. "She's really good at just letting it go, she has a lot of experience with it -- a lot of people that talk good about her and a lot of people that talk bad about her, you've just got to take the good and stick with it and be positive about it."
READ: Expansion, eliminations
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Date: Friday, March 30th - Saturday, March 31st, 2018. Race starts at 7:00 AM Friday, course closes at 3:00 PM Saturday (32 hours).
Registration will open on November 1st, 2017!
"Late" registration is March 18th - 23rd.
There is no opportunity to register after the 23rd.
The 2018 BMC 100-mile race is now a UTMB qualifier worth 6 points!
Entry: The entry fee is STILL just $140, which includes entry for one entrant into the running of the Badger Mountain Challenge 100 Mile Endurance Run, a race t-shirt, a limited edition 100-miler hoodie sweatshirt, one goody bag with an assortment of swag from event sponsors, access to fully stocked aid stations, drop bag transport, lots of high-fives, and a custom belt buckle for all finishers!, one pre- and post-race meal, and access to race photos. Late registration is from 3/18-3/23 and is $10 more. There is no opportunity to sign up after 3/23/2017. Pick the size of your t-shirt and hoodie during registration.
Pre-race dinner (for the 50 and 100 milers only, and their crews and families for an additional fee!)
The volunteer meeting / aid station gear pick-up will happen immediately after the dinner at 7:00pm. If you have a member of your party that's volunteering they need to attend this short meeting, so please stick around and help!
Friday morning schedule:
Check in / Drop bag drop-off: 5:30-6:30 AM at the Badger Mtn. Trailhead Park gravel parking lot located at the corner of Queensgate Drive and White Bluffs St.Pre-race Briefing: 6:40-7:00 AM
Race Start time: 7:00 AM
Early start time: 6:00 AM (let us know in advance if you need an early start)
Packet pick up: at Runner's Soul at 5020 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick on Thursday, March 29th, 2018 from 12pm-5pm. Any packets that were not picked up will be at the pre-race dinner that night after 5:00. If they're not picked up there they will be at the race start Friday morning. Please come an hour early if you can't get your packet on Thursday.
The course: The course consists of footpaths, multi-use trails, rocky and rolling jeep trails, dirt roads, and short stretches of pavement on and around Badger, Candy and Red Mountains, and then heads out to the scenic Horse Heaven Hills.
Because of a very recent DNR land sale, a major section of the course has been made inaccessible (Red Mountain, specifically). We have re-routed the course and new maps are posted below. It was our intent to make the revised course just as challenging and unique as the old route. The 50 mile course is now an out & back course utilizing some of the better parts of the original loop.
The 100 mile course is the same as the 50 mile course but done twice, and the 50-milers start at the same time as you.
The route has some rough jeep roads and also some nice single track trail, and also some steep, challenging climbs. There are a few short paved road sections but good aid station (A/S) and crew access. The entire 100 mile course has approximately 15 total miles of pavement, but the rest is on dirt or rock. There are several steep 800'-1000' climbs with the lowest elevation around 500' and the highest at 2000'. This region is unique in that there are very few native trees so a person can see for miles in all directions, but that also means that it can also be very windy on the ridges. Several sustained climbs make the cumulative elevation gain near 7,000' per loop, or 14,000' for the 100 miler (since it's a loop course there's also 14,000' of elevation loss for a total of 28,000' of elevation change). The course will be well marked with flagging and reflective tape at night.
Aid Stations: Located every 3-7 miles and stocked with electrolyte drink, warm food, and all the goodies you'll need. There will be all the supplies that you need to keep you on the trail. If there is anything specific that you will need let me know and I will try to make sure we have it. There will also be a few specified A/S's where your drop bags will be waiting for you.
To see a chart with detailed info about each aid station, please click HERE.
Click HERE for updated driving directions to the crew accessible aid stations.
Drop Bags: There are two drop bag locations available for the 100 miler, but you will pass by these locations 5 times:
- The "Start/finish" area (which is also the 50-mile turnaround),
- And "McBee Parking" (which you will access 4 times at miles 18, 31, 68 and 80).
There will be a drop bag drop-off area at the start on race morning, and they will be transported to the designated A/S for the runner. Please make sure that the runners name, bib number and aid station name is clearly written on each drop bag.
We will do our best to get drop bags back to the finish line ASAP.
Cut-off: the 100 mile race will end at 3:00 pm on Saturday which is a 32-hour cut-off. This is definitely not an easy course. It is strongly recommended that those who enter the 100 miler have completed at least one difficult, mountainous 50 miler and have trained properly for the hills and weather, or they will have a hard time and not likely finish. There is no qualifying race for BMC so please be prepared. When a runner gets to an A/S and feels that going further is not an option it is best to just sit down, eat, and drink, and eventually the runner will be revitalized. Having a pacer that runs the second half of the race with you increases your chance of completing the race. As a last resort a runner always has the option to DNF and can catch a ride back to the finish from an A/S volunteer but you will likely regret it. If a runner does end up dropping from the race it is extremely important that the runner informs the A/S volunteers.
Pacers: Each runner can have one pacer at a time to help them complete the run. Pacers can enter the race only after their runner has reached the 50 mile turnaround at Trailhead Park. They may also join their runner at any of the crew-accessible aid stations after 50 miles (Badger West, Jacobs Road, Field Road, or McBee Parking). It is important to let the aid station volunteers know where the pacer is meeting the runner and for how long the pacer will be with the runner so we can keep track of all of those on the course. Pacers may eat from the aid stations, but remember it's not a free buffet, the food is there for the paid entrants. Please plan on bringing some of your own food too!
Dogs? Yes, dogs are allowed to accompany 100 mile runners provided the runner takes responsibility for their dogs actions, and the dog is well-mannered and does not interfere with other runners or other dogs. Please be aware that it's the policy of the "Friends of Badger Mountain" that all dogs on Badger Mt. be on leashes. Please also be aware that there are sections of the course where cars are present.
Weather: Suffice it to say, the weather during the Badger Mtn. Challenge is anything but predictable. It's true that the course is quite hilly with rugged sections, but the weather is the main cause of our high DNF rate (in 2014 our finish rate was 56%, in 2015 and 2016 and 2017 it was 34%). It can range from a beautiful sunny and 75 degrees, then plunge to 35 degrees at night with 40 mph winds, rain, hail, and white-out fog conditions. It's VERY important that you come prepared with proper clothing and attitude. It's not uncommon for runners to experience hypothermia during this event, especially up on McBee ridge.
Awards: Special awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female finishers and a custom belt buckle for all sub 24 hour finishers to help signify their hard work, athleticism, and ability to endure. There is a custom 5 year buckle for those who are up for the challenge. All finishers will receive a custom 100-mile belt buckle.
Course Map: The race is 2 trips on a 50-mile course. A link to the overall map of the 100 mile course that can be zoomed in on or downloaded is here:
Profile is below (remember, you're doing this TWICE). For a downloadable copy click here:
sub 24-hour buckle photo courtesy of Matt Hagen
Photo of each year's buckle courtesy of Brian Meyers. Yes he earned each!
(5-year buckle in the center)
Accommodations: Click here for a list of hotels in the area. The closest airport is in Pasco (PSC).
Drive Times to Richland:
Seattle WA- 3.5 hours via I-90 to I-82
Tacoma WA - 3.75 hours via I-90 to I-82
Vancouver WA - 3.25 hours via I-84 to Hwy 395
Spokane WA - 2.25 hours via Hwy 395
Portland OR - 3.25 hours via I-84 to Hwy 395
Coeur D'Alene ID - 2.5 hours via Hwy 395
Boise ID - 4.5 hours via Hwy I-184 to Hwy I-84 to Hwy 395.
"For those of you who do make it, you will cross that finish line as a different person. You will be forever changed by the experience. You will learn more about yourself in the next day than you have previously known in an entire lifetime."
"Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one" -Bruce Lee
"Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one" -Bruce Lee
"Perhaps the genius of ultrarunning is its supreme lack of utility. It makes no sense in a world of spaceships and supercomputers to run vast distances on foot. There is no money in it and no fame, frequently not even the approval of peers. But as poets, apostles and philosophers have insisted from the dawn of time, there is more to life than logic and common sense. Ultrarunners know this instinctively. And they know something else that is lost on the sedentary. They understand, perhaps better than anyone, that the doors to the spirit will swing open with physical effort. In running such long and taxing distances they answer a call from the deepest realms of their being -- a call that asks who they are ..."
"If you can't run, then walk. And if you can't walk, then crawl. Do what you have to do. Just keep moving forward and never, ever give up."
"Courage isn't the absence of fear — it's knowing that you are afraid and doing it anyway. Don't spend your days avoiding risk, being fearful. Act. Live your life on your own terms. Life is precious; spend it without regrets in your own precious voice."
"You're not puking and nothing's broken, so get going." - B. Lott
Train harder. Go further.


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Innovation Expands Cable Media Options1 May, 2008 By: Response Contributor Response
Tips on mixing media, where to find great rates and the sexier side of ROI.
Media on the Move
Mobile media poses one of the most relevant marketing challenges. According to Research and Markets, a Rockville, Md.-based source for market data and industry trends, consumers are using smart phones and other mobile devices to watch television episodes, Web-hosted video content and even movies, and the trend is starting to shift TV viewing habits and also influence broadcast distribution. The study, "2008 Trends to Watch: Media and Broadcasting," said that on-demand entertainment could pose a threat to advertisers unless they find alternative ways to leverage multiple platforms.
The mobile craze in the United States is still in its infancy compared to countries in Europe and Asia, but the transformation of media consumption is eminent. Apple's iPhone comes standard with a YouTube icon that links users directly to the site, and Apple's iTunes now holds the title of No. 1 music retailer in the United States.
2007 Ad Spending Growth and Total
MTVN announced that it streamed more than 57 million mobile videos between February 2007 and February 2008 — 94 percent year-over-year growth, a record, and solidified its reputation as the world's largest provider of mobile video.
According to Fays, the popularity of mobile video demonstrates just one of many collaborative opportunities. Clients have already integrated messaging into these video streams and negotiated a revenue share with MTVN. In these cases, however, some DR media metrics are not as readily available, which makes mobile video more appealing to brand advertisers, or direct response marketers with deep pockets and an appreciation for the inherent value in brand awareness.
Going Green with Envy
When it comes to delivering cross-network partnership opportunities and true direct response ad solutions and accountability, Discovery Communications is also at the top of its game. Discovery's 100-plus worldwide networks, which reach more than 1.5 billion people in more than 170 countries, includes Discovery Channel, TLC, Travel Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Health.
Next month, the company will reposition its Discovery Home Channel as Planet Green and re-launch with 24/7 eco-friendly entertainment to more than 50 million viewers. Leonardo DiCaprio will executive produce one of the network's first series, which chronicles the totally-green rebuild of Greensburg, Kan., which was devastated by a tornado last May.
"There are many opportunities for product integration and sponsorship opportunities on most of our emerging networks such as Planet Green, Science and the Military Channel," says Maria Kennedy, vice president, direct response/paid programming and a member of the Response Editorial Advisory Board. "We can also work with our I-media division to create multiplatform opportunities that integrate on-air and online."
Planet Green is complemented by PlanetGreen.com, an informative site on how to live, eat, work and even travel green. It's filled with original articles as well as expert opinion and advice from TreeHugger.com and HowStuffWorks.com, two recent Discovery acquisitions.
"HowStuffWorks.com is a source for credible and entertaining, easy-to-understand explanations of how the world actually works," says Kennedy. "In March 2008, there were more than 80 million page views. HowStuffWorks is one of the top search vehicles on the Web."
Kennedy adds, "This is an opportunity for DRTV advertisers to create an even larger partnership with the Discovery brands. They can advertise in programming with a proven success story and extend their reach to a new audience."
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Pharrell enjoys pushing the limits of what he can accomplish. His newest project apparently involves Miley Cyrus, who he had in the studio along with Tyler, the Creator recently. It's hard to imagine what Pharrell could possibly be cooking up for Tyler, the Creator and Miley Cyrus, but the collaboration is sure to raise eyebrows.
Cyrus tweeted on Saturday, "You can't deny what @Pharrell and I have together. #LOVE=MAGIC #bigbrother4life".
Source: complex.com


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The science behind white clover decline
I'm hearing a cacophony of denial out there in farm-land. I am not talking about the local sports teams or politicians. I am referring to my pet hobby-horse - white clover.
We give ourselves so many reasons to justify why white clover no longer thrives on our farms like it did back in Dad's day - it must be the dreary droughts, or the fickle flea, the evil weevil, miss's management or mister drug, fertiliser N. The list goes on.
I have no doubt that these events, practices and insects have some effect - sometimes all of them - but I'm not willing to concede that we should take an early shower, pack the kit and retire to our clover-less farms.
These are just excuses, and I say excuses because the science behind growing clover is mature, thanks to our scientific forebears like the late great Professor TW Walker.
Clover like most plants needs 16 nutrients. Thankfully, for us, most of these are abundant in our soils.
Some are ubiquitous like hydrogen, oxygen and carbon. Others are abundant in our soils - for example, calcium, iron, manganese zinc.
The ones typically lacking in our soils are: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and on some soils magnesium and the trace element molybdenum.
There are some qualifications required. Selenium and cobalt are added to fertilisers in specific cases, not because the plant needs them (they are not one of the 16 essential nutrients) but because animals require them.
A further important clarification is to do with nitrogen (N). All soils and this is universal are N deficient. Thus fertiliser N is essential for all non-leguminous crops (eg cereals, maize, brassicas).
That is why it is the dominant nutrient traded and sold around the world. It is estimated that 48 per cent of the world's population can and are being fed as a consequence of fertiliser N.
This simple fact, of course, is hardly likely to dampen the enthusiasm of the fertophobic green fringe.
Our pastoral system in New Zealand is different because we have that mighty forage legume white clover.
It is a great food for ruminants and adds "free" nitrogen to the system. An ideal clover-based pasture containing 30-40 per cent clover should add about 150 to 200kg N/ha/yr.
I say "free" in inverted commas because there is a cost. White clover, this otherwise marvellous plant, has a serious flaw.
It was born with a weak root system - its roots are shallow and are non-fibrous, quite unlike grasses. Compared with grasses, it struggles to compete for water and nutrients and hence it needs higher soil nutrient levels than grasses, except of course for N. The clover plant is biophysically retarded. Like a shy but otherwise prodigious child, it needs tender loving care.
That is why it is the first component of the pasture to struggle and ultimately disappear if one of those 16 essential soil nutrients is not present. The exception is N - because it fixes its own N it will easily out-compete grasses when the soil N levels are low, like after cropping, providing it is fed plenty of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S) etc.
And clover, like all plants, is subject to Leibig's famous law: A plant can only grow as fast as the most limiting nutrient. Putting more and more super (P and S) on a soil that is K deficient for example is a waste of money. You would be surprised how frequently this occurs.
We ignore these facts at our peril and that is of course exactly what we are doing these days in pasture-land. Clover-based pastoral farming in New Zealand is, in my view, in a perilous state.
A sad anecdote will illustrate the point. I was asked to audit the fertiliser programme on a large dairy operation. I inspected the pasture, collected clover samples for analysis and summarised their very good soil test records.
It was clear that despite above-optimal levels of all other nutrients, the farm was severely deficient in K. I reported this fact to the owners and indicated what was required to rectify the problem together with information on the likely production and economic benefits.
In turn they sought an assessment of my recommendation from their fertiliser co-operative. Amazingly, they were told that it was not economic to correct K deficiency. Imagine going to the doctor and being told after suitable testing that you had Type 1 diabetes but it was not economic to give you insulin. If you are a pastoral farm, then correcting any nutrient limitation is always economic.
The outcome of the inevitable squabble was a field trial to determine whether the pasture on this soil (Soil Quick Test Level 4) would respond to increasing rate of fertiliser K.
Surprise, surprise. Eliminating the K deficiency increased pasture production over three years by about 35 per cent. This result was entirely predictable from the known science.
That is the true value of mature science - we can use it to accurately predict future outcomes.
So, thanks to Prof Walker and all the other scientists who contributed to accumulating all of this science know-how. As Isaac Newton, that irascibly brilliant mind, once quipped referring to his scientific predecessors; "I can see further because I am standing on the shoulders of giants."
Is it more giants we need or just more people prepared to climb on science's shoulders?
* Dr Doug Edmeades is managing director of agKnowledge and was Federated Farmers' Agriculture Personality of the Year in 2012.
The Timaru Herald


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HUDSON — Linda Roma and her daughter went to TJ Maxx on Wednesday night to buy hand towels, a vase and shower curtains for the home Jennifer Roma recently bought to be 1.7 miles away from her mother.
The two joked around as they walked out of the Hudson store at 8:53 p.m. That's when Jennifer noticed a suspicious man just beyond the outer doors.
The man walked past Jennifer and lunged toward Linda, 62, and grabbed her purse. The two struggled, and Linda fell to the ground, hitting her head.
Linda Roma died the next day at Tampa General Hospital after suffering bleeding in her brain, according to Jennifer's fiance, Damon Michau.
"I lost a piece of my life that may never be replaced," said Jennifer, 33, sobbing during a news conference Friday afternoon. "My mother was my rock."
Pasco authorities are searching for the man and a female accomplice who drove him away in a pearl or gray '90s Buick Regal.
Pasco authorities are investigating the case as a homicide.
"Do I think that this guy went (to TJ Maxx) with this intention? No," said Detective Lisa Schoneman. "But this is murder."
A man in the Point Plaza shopping center just north of State Road 52 heard Linda screaming during the struggle. He followed the Buick onto U.S. 19, but eventually lost the car.
An hour later, at the Wal-Mart Supercenter a mile away on U.S. 19, the suspect was seen on a surveillance video with the female driver and an unidentified man. The suspect tried to use Linda's credit card to buy something at the jewelry counter, but the card was declined, authorities said.
Linda's purse was found sometime later at the Winn-Dixie at U.S. 19 and Hudson Avenue, Schoneman said. Her credit cards were gone.
"We know there's people out there who know the suspect," Schoneman said. "We need them to come forward."
Linda and Jennifer Roma were frequent shoppers at that TJ Maxx.
On Wednesday, Jennifer, a private school teacher in Pinellas County, left work early to go to her mother's house in the Barrington Woods subdivision off Hudson Avenue. The two then headed to TJ Maxx.
In addition to items for Jennifer's home, they also bought washcloths for Linda's home and a baby bib for one of Jennifer's friends.
Jennifer said her mother loved animals, "prided herself on being a lady" and doted on her family. Her son, Glenn Roma, 30, is a researcher at the University of South Florida.
Linda was a retired nurse and full-time caretaker for her husband, Ralph, 78, who has diabetes and heart failure, Jennifer said.
The two celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary Nov. 4, Michau said.
Jennifer said she and her mother often bonded while chatting on the porch of her home.
"I looked forward to us talking, and our shopping trips," Jennifer said Friday. "Now, it's gone … I'm angry. Very angry. I'm never going to get her life back."
Camille C. Spencer can be reached at email@example.com or (727) 869-6229.