text:
John Beilein: Close losses 'wear on you, but they're not wearing you out'
"Even after all those years of coaching," Beilein says on The Huge Show, "I have never wanted to go to practice as much as I do now. I have never wanted to make a road trip like I do ... right now."
Unverified Voracity Mimics Dhani
Kellen Jones M bowtie FTW.
Improving the not LOI. Compliance people complain to each other on twitter about people who abbreviate the "National Letter of Intent" as "LOI" instead of "NLI." Apparently there are other LOIs. You have been warned.
In any case they should be heavily reformed. Right now they're one-way binds with silly timing that have created a cottage industry of kids who attempt to reserve their spot by being "committed, but open." Paul Johnson's opinion of this is similar to Artur Boruc's about corn:
What I'd like to see happen, but I'm probably by myself: if you have 85 scholarships, and you can sign 25 a year or however many you have. When they commit, they sign the papers and you stop. It would stop all the verbal commitments and all the hats. The guys who weren't ready wouldn't commit. You'd call their bluff. They couldn't make their reservation. We'll talk to kids all the time, juniors right now, who are committing. We'll say 'Are you sure you want to do that?'
"Oh coach, I'm open."
[HT: Get The Picture.]
I'm not really sure what the argument against early signing is. The way it's set up now everyone scrambles to get their class locked in on Signing Day, so someone like FL WR AJ King who has his scholarship pulled by Purdue is in a tough spot in his attempt to find a landing place. If he was signed, he'd be signed and hijinks both ways would be seriously reduced.
The Bylaw Blog has a few other suggestions, one of which I've made in this space before: the NCAA should implement a "no contact" agreement. That piece of paper would be non-binding but would allow the school specified by the player to contact the kid without restriction… and make it a violation for anyone else to. Official visits would also be off the table. That's a verbal commitment that actually exists and would help coaches figure out who's serious and who's just making a backup plan.
Heart-hurting. Remember that video of the Detroit Renaissance coach declaring Michigan's treatment of former Ren players "hurt his heart," thus explaining why Michigan couldn't get anyone out of there no matter what? Raise your hand if you're surprised that Ren's Lawrence Thomas recited the entire negative recruiting playbook:
"Why not Michigan? They had problems. There were some past experiences with other Renaissance players that I didn't like. Plus, Rich Rodriguez sent an assistant to our school to recruit me. He wouldn't even send the defensive coordinator, just an assistant. Then we'd hear that Rich Rod would be in Florida recruiting."
The Renaissance players were Andre Criswell, a last-second addition at FB who never saw the field and was kept on as a GA after leaving the team before his fifth year, and Carson Butler, the insane tight end who finally ran out of chances towards the end of Rodriguez's first year. Butler was treated so badly he stuck up for Rodriguez during the jihad. Michigan did as well by those kids as they could given the latter's hatred of nerds, be they in the wrong dorm room or playing for Notre Dame.
So… this was not a situation likely to produce a commitment even if Rodriguez showed up with every assistant he had, and one that would likely have continued under Hoke. Similarly, when Taiwan Jones complains about a lack of attention from Michigan during his visit to the UConn game he's complaining as a guy who had been a MSU commit for months already and who Michigan never even considered offering.
This continues the theme from these Blue Chip articles in the News since the beginning of time: Michigan commits asked about State say something short, polite and vague, State commits asked about Michigan rant about a lack of respect, and the guys towards the bottom of the list submit a tear-stained questionnaire because neither school thought they were good enough. This will happen next year, and the year after, and so on and so forth.
Adventures in re-evaluating wins. So… how about not losing to Iowa by twenty points? Yeah, got a whole new sheen on it today, that does.
I mention it by way of inserting this "Fran-graph" from BHGP:
Michigan's at the top and you can see the extreme focus on the rim or the three point line in Michigan's field goals. BHGP's Horace E Cow explains:
In men's basketball in the NCAA this year, players have made 34.5% of threes and 48.2% of twos. The average value, then, of a three-point attempt is 3*.345 = 1.04, and the average of a two is 2*.482 = .964. This fact has led many college (and pro) coaches to the reasonable conclusion that three-point shots are better bets than two-point shots, and that their teams should take as many threes as possible (Todd Lickliter was one of these coaches, actually).
Not all twos are worth less than threes, though: shots at the rim are usually made at a very high percentage (60-70%) and thus the average dunk or lay-up is worth 1.2-1.4 points, much more than the average three. Putting these two facts together (threes are better than most twos, but dunks are better than threes), coaches have developed what could be called a "hollowing-out" strategy on offense: threes and dunks are encouraged, anything in between in discouraged.
My first experience with this line of thinking was watching some Kentucky game back in the day when Pitino was coaching them and hearing the announcer go on about how Pitino loathed shots just inside the arc. Beilein's system is the logical extension of that thinking. Michigan's makes against Iowa: 14 threes, nine layups/dunks, and ten anything else.
If you can get it to work it's great, and it's not a strategy that seems to have a ceiling. One of this year's other proponents of the dunk-or-deep strategy is #1 and current opponent Ohio State. Because they have Jared Sullinger they aren't launching as many threes but both their 2PT% and 3PT% are off the charts—they're in the top ten in both nationally. They've got four guys who take a large volume of two-point shots, and two of them are shooting a Jordan-Morgan-like 59%. Ohio State's distribution isn't quite as extreme but it's essentially the same thing.
The slight difference between the programs is the ability to recruit Jared Sullinger and Deshaun Thomas every damn year.
BONUS: Do you like slow? You'll love tonight's basketball game.
180 update. Media 180, Signing Day edition:
- Brady Hoke's first recruiting class looks like unqualified success
- Brady Hoke earns first win as U-M head coach — in recruiting
- Brady Hoke's first recruiting class adds toughness to Michigan football team
And I'm not even looking at the Free Press, which remains dead to me. I can only imagine the tiny drawings of angels.
I like the one that says there's more toughness now. That's definitely true. Being not tough was the problem, not the secondary being old enough to drive only if they all stood on each other's shoulders in a huge trenchcoat. Also that's the same guy who wrote about the "impossible expectations" driving Tate Forcier away. Pete Bigelow needs to make up his mind about toughness.
[Disclaimer section: Hoke did an okay job, but nothing that should push opinions either way. Not going into the year down eight kids is good. Losing Willingham to Central Florida(!?!?) is pretty wack, but being in a position to say that's wack is impressive since Michigan was nowhere with that kid before Mattison showed up. Losing Jake Fisher makes the tackle depth chart terrifying. I also don't understand telling Rivals 250 receiver Devin Lucien, a guy who was seriously looking at Stanford and silently committed to Rodriguez during The Process because he liked Michigan's academics, "defense or GTFO." Even if you don't want Hakeem Flowers, Michigan had room for another five players and has no receivers in this class.
Meanwhile, most of the guys picked up were of the low-hanging fruit variety: guys who were committed to Indiana or Minnesota or Vandy and didn't have a ton of other confirmed Big Ten options (Heitzman, Carter, Taylor, Bellomy) or guys who had been openly coveting Michigan offers (Poole, Rawls, Taylor again) but didn't get them until later. TX TE Chris Barnett is the exception.
This class is a wait-and-see sort of thing. We won't know if these late pickups were players RR and other Big Ten schools misevaluated or warm bodies for a while, and we won't know about Hoke's recruiting prowess until the 2012 commits start rolling in and he's competing against Ohio State. Not that Rodriguez won many battles against OSU.
On the other hand, a quarter of the class won't fail to show up or wash out by the end of spring like the last RR class so that's cool. Snatching Frank Clark away from MSU despite his existence in close proximity to Ted Ginn is promising. Also: kicker. Hoke uber alles.]
Etc.: Thomas Rawls may be a member of the Jackson family. The awkward Hoke-Rodriguez video. Going back to the 4-3. Michigan finishes 21st in the Rivals rankings. Hoke's got 8 years before the deck stacks against him significantly. Don't play the Hoke "toughness" drinking game. Nutt greyshirt hijinks.
Former WVU Players On Rich Rodriguez, Unvarnished
Grant Wiley, Dee McCann, Quincy Wilson
So MGoUser fab5 found a West Virginia blog called Couch Fire Sports that had an interview with former WVU linebacker Grant Wiley—a totally unvarnished interview. The blog's managed to land almost a dozen of these interviews with former athletes and they're… blunt. A section of cornerback Dee McCann's interview:
CFS: Was WVU your first experiance with mass amounts of "white girls"?
DM: Yes it was, and I had fun.
CFS: Is it true you knocked out a younger star recruit at Hardees and sent him straight to Divison 2 ball over a very cute female athlete?
DM: NO COMMENT, Hahahaha. NO COMMENT !!!
These things have a zero BS rating, and a lot of them talk about Rich Rodriguez. The results follow.
Dee McCann [CB, JUCO, 2004-2005]:
CFS: How were the practices in the NFL compared to thoughs of Rich Fraud? Did he have you practice to many hours also?
DM: The practice hours were about the same but Coach Rods practice was more high tempo but he prepare me for the next level. …
CFS: If you could tell Rich Fraud one thing it would be … Hey Coach …
Anthony Mims [CB, 2000-2005]:
CFS: How do you feel about the negative light being shed on WVU by Ex Coach Rich Rodriguez?
AM: I think it's some BS, but not mainly on Rods part, but the NCAA. Those "violations" can be seen at any other school in the country.
CFS: If you talked to Coach Rod on the phone, you would say … Hey Coach ….
AM: I'd wish him luck on the upcoming season and thank him for everything he's done for me.
Quincy Wilson [RB, 1999-2004]:
CFS: So is Rich Rod a dick? What are your thoughts?
QW: The whole Coach Rod thing was handled wrong on both ends. I never had a problem with Coach Rod. I think if you want to leave then fine will find a coach that bleeds blue and gold like Coach Stew.
CFS: What are your thoughts on the Super Bowl Shuffle?
QW: one of the classiest songs ever.
Vaughn Rivers [CB, 2003-2007]:
CFS: How do you feel about the negative light that is shed upon WVU with all the Rich Rodriguez drama?
VR: Alot of propaganda you know alot of behind the scenes issues the public really never knew about. Some things that never get brought to light but the loyalty of the West Virginia faithful is incomparable and I can also understand their feelings of betrayal.
CFS: If you talked to Coach Rod on the phone, what would you have to say to him? Hey Coach …
VR: I would tell him as I always have and always do, thank you for the opportunity you gave me and the work ethic you installed in us.
John Pennington [walk-on WR, 2000-2003]:
CFS: How do you feel about the negative light Rich Rodriguez has brought upon WVU with the investigations?
JP: I know Bill Stewart will do a great job handling the situation and I hope we can turn it into a positive.
Finally, Grant Wiley [LB, 2000-2003] wrote paragraphs and paragraphs, too many to replicate here. Here's a chunk:
Couch Fire Sports: First impressions of Rich Rod?
Grant Wiley: … Michigan players, fans, and alumni need to stop crying like a bunch of babies and turn on the 2007 Mountaineers so they can see their future.
I remember coming back to school after the Music City Bowl, on crutches, for our first meeting with Rich. I didn't research him or read any of the papers so I really had no idea what to expect. I wouldn't have known that I was Big East Rookie of the Year hadn't it been for the trophy I was presented with. So Rich introduced the staff and very adamantly told us we were going to play like our hair was on fire or not play at all. From the start he was re-instilling the discipline I feel we needed at the time. The meeting ended and typically people were overreacting, trying to find their exit strategy, and a lot of guys were just ready to take that next step to win, coming off of destroying another SEC team.
Rich pulls me into his office and breaks me down like this. "Grant, you had a good year, and I think you are a good player. You didn't really have to work for your position, it was kind of handed to you." At the time I wanted to tell him to go fuck himself, but I knew what I went through to start as a freshman and the work I put in to be the best linebacker in the country. So I didn't over react, I just took it as more motivation to prove this guy I was the best. Maybe that is what his objective was to begin with.
Wiley's "one knock" on RR was his lack of "truly genuine relationships" with the players he didn't recruit. Wiley says he's sure that's changed, but the transition at Michigan suggests it hasn't.
A second question about whether he'd rather play for RR or Bill Stewart has this section:
I loved the fact that Coach Rod's in your face attitude was being embodied by guys I played with that naturally didn't have that attitude, so in the end they were better players because of it. I mean the proof is in the pudding. Coach Rod wins games. No matter where he goes, he is going to win games. Coach Stew has been winning games as well. But, I don't see the same attitude out on the field, offensively, as when Rich was in charge. You can teach technique until your blue in the face but if you don't have that killer inside come out when you play, you won't stand a chance.
You should probably read the whole thing; it's more insight into Rich Rodriguez's philosophy and program in a few paragraphs than we've gotten since his hire.
BONUS UNEXPECTED BEILEIN HATE. One basketball player who experienced the John Beilein era was interviewed, Drew Schiflino:
CFS – If you and Coach Beilein had a phone conversation how would it go, Hey Coach ….
DS – Hey coach you're so fake and the biggest asshole ever, karmas a bitch … CLICK.
That's like… hanging up the phone, right? Not pulling a trigger?
UPDATE: should note that Schiflino was kicked off the team before his senior year. You could probably find some WVU football guys who did not complete their careers with unkind words for RR, too.
Beilein calls new NCAA Tournament set-up a happy medium
Steve Hawkins… Not a Happy Camper
now Beilein's getting it. I LOVE THE OFFSEASON.
Unverified Voracity Goes Eeee Once More
More meta UFR stuff. Biological fun fact: because of Chris Chelios, Mike Comrie, and my loose affiliation with the Wings due to a childhood spent in then hockey-free Colorado, I migrated my NHL fandom to the Edmonton Oilers a while back. How's that working out? Just fantastic, thanks.
One of the compensations of following the sort of team that would sign 70-year-old Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year deal without giving him a physical is that the blogging community around the team is spectacularly good. I've read Lowetide and MC79 for years and have just stumbled on the SBNation Oilers blog. It has a post called "Groupthink, Confirmation Bias, Hockey Fans And Microstats." I put in in the feed reader three times.
Anyway, here's UFR motivation in a nutshell:
In the world of sports fans, confirmation biases abound. It's impossible for individual fans to record, catalog, process, analyze and interpret the results of hundreds of independent events occurring constantly throughout a game, but it's much easier to pick out those events and sequences of events that support their conclusions. Any hockey fan that has sat silently shaking their head while the crowd piles on an undeserving player recognizes this immediately. It's a powerful psychological force, especially in a setting like sports. Fans can confirm their biases for themselves and immediately fall back on thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands of fellow fans to confirm what they already know.
It seems that the Michigan fan's groupthink these days has been pretty accurate. Most of the people who have come in for internet horsewhippings have subsequently fluttered in and out of the lineup (Mike Williams, JT Floyd, Obi Ezeh, Jonas Mouton, Dorrestein/Huyge platoon) or been moved to less terrifying spots for their athleticism (Kovacs). Even so, it's nice to have UFRs around for when it's unjustified, like when Steve Breaston was getting killed for dropping about the same number of balls as any other receiver on the team.
And yes, I will UFR the Ohio State game, probably about a week after spring practice finishes up.
Right, I forgot about the pablum. So Da'Sean Butler suffered an ugly ACL tear in his Final Four game against Duke and then had that uncomfortable moment with Huggins.
But before that he said a bunch of nice things about Beilein:
"Everybody has to buy in, and you have to get the right people," Butler said, referring to Beilein's offense, which requires discipline and precise shooting. "You've got to get the absolute right people for that system, because if you have even one person that doesn't understand or doesn't care to understand, a cancer on the team of some sort, then it can throw everything off, honestly.
"The system works. That's the best system I've ever been part of in my life as far as just running an offense. It suited me so well. I think everybody kind of gets into, you've got to get all these five-star and whatever recruits, and for him, you just need to find the right players who can obviously make shots, but who will work hard. And if you find that right group, and not like prima donnas, it could be a very good system."
I guess that's nice but I bet the "whole lot of nothing" quote Butler dropped a few days ago resulted in a sharp thwack on the head and a reminder to never say anything that could be construed as not wildly positive. On the other hand, Huggins is still running Beilein's 1-3-1 regularly. That does seem meaningful.
Might be time for another "eeee" tag. Yes, more David Brandon hype ahoy:
"I don't put a disproportionate amount of emphasis on any one year, but clearly this year was a year we hoped for better and certainly lost a little bit of momentum in terms of our improvement," Brandon said. "But that doesn't detract from my belief that going forward we can regain that momentum, and our program is going to get bigger and better and stronger when we get those practice facilities in, and we do some things that will afford us to be able to recruit a little more aggressively. It's going to help both those programs a lot."
He manages to strike a balance between acknowledging things have been disappointing and offer public support of his coaches in response to the machine-gunned "when can we fire this guy?" questions he appears to field 24/7.
That comes from an article that focuses on the future of the basketball program with a couple of Brandon quotes that give an indication of what the U has planned for Crisler:
"We need wider concourses, we need more restrooms, we need better amenities in terms of food service and service opportunities for our fans," Brandon said. "We need to re-seat the bowl, think differently about the kind of seating that we use and probably put in some kind of club-seating opportunities to give special experiences to people who are willing to take advantage of those.
"Probably come up with a different game plan as to where we put the media and just how we professionalize that arena."
Emphasis mine. That sort of talk would be an anethma about Michigan Stadium—though it is basically undergoing the same process—but is welcome in reference to Crisler, which is what you'd get if you took Joe Louis Arena and turned off half the lights. If Brandon can fulfill his goal of having the broadcaster who declared Crisler one of the worst in the country return to eat crow*, Michigan's facilities renovations will be essentially complete. The last thing to do would be another Yost renovation that brought in video boards and some other things.
*(This has to be Bilas, right? I imagine this happened during one of his many defenses of Tommy Amaker.)
This was a Malcolm in the Middle plot. MVictors has detailed Michigan's tumultuous 1909 on his blog and in HTTV, and now we have a postscript thanks to mgouser and extremely unusual person Alaska Hokie. Michigan QB Joy Miller was the Demar Dorsey of his day, except with academic laziness (the classes: he had none) substituting for juvenile robberies. He was eventually booted from the team and ended up cleaning pots for a horrible woman in Alaska. Or something close to that:
Famous Football Player on the Wolverine Team is Located at Walla Walla Working as Laborer.
Disappeared Months Ago From His Home and All Trace of Him Has Up to the Present Been Lost.
WALLA WALLA, March 19.—James Miller, the famous quarterback of the Michigan team last year, who has been missing from his home for several months, was located in this city yesterday working as a laborer. His mind is a total blank and he is quite unable to recognize his friends. He was elected to the captaincy of the Wolverine team for next season.
The end. It was Washington, but same difference.
Assessing Spartans. Dr. Saturday has struck upon Michigan State in his ongoing series of previews. In doing so he breaks the cardinal law of predicting the Spartans:
Man-for-man, his isn't the most talented offense in the conference, but given the close-to-the-sweatervest approach at Ohio State and widespread inexperience at Penn State, I'd put my money on MSU leading the conference in scoring at a little over 30 points per game. Just like last year, though, part of that will be out of necessity, to overcome the growing pains of a pair of new and/or ineffective cornerbacks, specifically, and a back seven in general that just doesn't have the horses to seriously contend for the conference title or one of the floating BCS slots. Assuming the offensive line holds up, though, the passing game will have a few eye-popping afternoons, and a Gator or Outback Bowl bid likely awaits after a borderline top-25 finish in the neighborhood of 8-4.
That is not within a game or two of .500, which will be its undoing. Spartan .500 gravity is one of the universe's most powerful forces.
Etc.: Devin Gardner is walking around campus in a sling. He's still practicing, though. Canadian hockey writer/broadcaster person Bob McKenzie sent his son to St. Lawrence to play college hockey. The younger McKenzie has just played out his eligibility, causing the elder to post on his experience with college hockey. Browser-crippling version of Inside Michigan Football #3 up.


text:
Playing for the first time in eight days prompted Penn State coach Patrick Chambers to set one goal on Sunday: Play harder than New Hampshire.
''I think we did that,'' Chambers said after Penn State limited UNH to 22 percent shooting (12 of 53) during a 72-45 victory at State College, Pa.
Jermaine Marshall scored 15 points and Sasa Borovnjak 11 for Penn State (7-4), which used a 32-5 first-half run to open a commanding 34-8 lead over the Wildcats (4-7).
New Hampshire was led by Ferg Myrick and Scott Morris with 9 points each.
''We were just so ready to play,'' Chambers said. ''We wanted to go out and play harder than them. I hope we played that much better.''
Brandon Taylor and D.J. Newbill added 10 each for the Nittany Lions, who have won three straight games and are 6-1 at home.
New Hampshire shot just 17.9 percent (5 of 28) in the first half, enabling Penn State to open a 39-14 halftime lead with a 16-for-29 field goal performance.
Penn State continued to widen its lead in the second half as Marshall scored 8 points and UNH was unable to come back with 28 percent second-half shooting (7 of 25). Marshall finished with a career-high five steals.
Penn State surpassed 70 points for the third straight game and shot 46 percent overall.
The Nittany Lions' lead reached 52-26 on a jumper by Ross Travis after Donovon Jack blocked a shot by New Hampshire's Chandler Rhoads. Penn State extended the margin to 64-32 as nine of the team's 12 players scored at least 3 points.
Northwestern 63, Brown 42 — Dave Sobolewski scored 14 points and Kale Abrahamson, Alex Marcotullio, and Tre Demps added 9 each to lift the host Wildcats (9-4) over the Bears (3-6).
Sean McGonagill scored 20 points to lead Brown, which has lost three straight and five of six. It was the Bears' first game since Dec. 8, when they lost, 84-57, at No. 22 Notre Dame.
Northwestern, which never trailed, made 13 of 24 from 3-point range, with Sobolewski and Marcotullio each hitting three. Six Wildcat players made at least one 3-pointer. The Wildcats scored the first 15 points of the game, all on 3-pointers.
The Wildcats had 21 assists and just 12 turnovers.
Northwestern shot 49 percent from the field while Brown made just 31 percent.
Matt Sullivan, who leads the Bears in scoring with 16 per game, had 2 points. Only eight players suited up for Brown.
Northwestern's biggest lead was 33 points with 8:32 remaining after a 17-0 run.
Sobolewski, Jared Swopshire, and Marcotullio combined to hit four consecutive 3-pointers during the run. Sobolewski was fouled on his second 3 and made the foul shot for a 60-27 lead.
The Wildcats went 6 of 13 from beyond the arc in the first half to lead 28-18 at the break.
After Northwestern's 15-0 start, Tucker Halpern hit a 3-pointer for Brown's first points with 15:21 left in the half. Brown had four 3-pointers in the game, with McGonagill making the other three.
Brown will play crosstown rival Providence on Friday.
San Diego St. 62, Indiana St. 55 — Jamaal Franklin had 19 points and 15 rebounds and the No. 18 Aztecs (11-1) held off a charge by the Sycamores (6-4) at the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
Chase Tapley scored 13 points and the Aztecs won despite poor free throw and 3-point shooting.
San Diego State pulled ahead for good during a 7-point run that included 5 straight points from Tapley.
With less than five minutes to play, Tapley drove to the basket and was stopped by Jake Odum, who was called for an excessive foul.
Tapley made two free throws and a quick 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, giving the Aztecs a 51-44 lead.
The Sycamores pulled no closer than 3 points after that.
RJ Mahurin had 15 points for Indiana State.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Western Iowa Salon Exhibition
March 5 - April 9, 2012
Fifty-five high school students participated in the second annual Western Iowa Salon Exhibition (WISE) at Buena Vista University in March.
Students representing 15 high schools from Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska submitted 183 works, of which 91 works were accepted for the exhibition.
The winning entries were:
- First place ($300 prize): Miranda Dooley, Lincoln High School, Sioux Falls, S.D., stoneware, Sisters
- Second place ($200): Carly Holmstrom, Lincoln High School, Sioux Falls, acrylic, Midday Repose
- Third place ($100): Bailey A. Hansen, Redwood Valley High School, Redwood Falls, Minn., digital photography, Untitled
"The overall quality of work that is on display in the gallery is quite impressive," says David Boelter, associate professor of art. "Both the quality of the work and the range of media improved this year. Once again, I was impressed by the number of high school students, parents and art teachers in attendance for the day's events, and especially the turnout for the awards presentation."
Juror for the exhibition was Eric Ouren, professor of art at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn. He previously taught at Bethel University, the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and Minnesota State University in Mankato.
During the WISE Day of Art and Design on March 10, the high school students had the opportunity to interact with BVU art students and faculty — Boelter; Mary Mello-Nee, associate professor of art; and Rebecca Frates, professor of graphic design — and participate in hands-on workshops. Prof. Ouren also conducted a presentation of his personal art work.


text:
LED rear light guide
Privacy glass, rear and rear side windows
Instead of a conventional key, the Smart Entry & Start
System features a transmitter that allows you to unlock
the doors by pulling the handle and lock them again by
pressing a button. To start or stop the engine, simply
press the Start/Stop button. All you need to do is carry
the Smart Entry key in your pocket or handbag.
3-spoke leather steering wheel
Electrochromatic (auto dimming) rear-view mirror
Dual zone climate control
Colour 4.2" TFT multi-information display
Toyota Touch® 2 with Go navigation system with 8" screen
The 1.6 litre direct injection, 4 cylinder, common rail diesel engine provides responsive power throughout the rev range. Its advanced design, high pressure fuel injection and precise timing combine to enhance combustion, which reduces emissions while also optimising output and torque for a superior driving performance and greater comfort.
The capable 2.0 litre D-4D diesel engine with common rail direct injection provides clean, responsive power. Environmentally friendly diesel technology injects fuel at high pressure for superior performance and a refined driving experience.
The 1.8 litre Valvematic petrol engine includes the next generation of Toyota's successful VVT-i system. Valvematic varies the timing and lift of the engine's valves to suit your driving requirements. The result is improved responsiveness, better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
Toyota Safety Sense's Pre-Collision System uses a camera
and laser to detect other vehicles in the road ahead. When
the possibility of forward collision is detected (15-140km/h) the driver is alerted with audio and visual warnings and brake assistance is activated (30-80km/h). If the driver fails to brake in time the Autonomous Emergency Braking system activates (10-80km/h) to prevent or mitigate a collision

Technical name: Pre-Crash Safety System
Toyota Safety Sense's Automatic High Beam is designed
to optimise visibility during night driving for all road users.
A camera detects the lights of oncoming vehicles and leading
traffic whilst also monitoring the brightness of street lights.
It switches automatically between high and low beam for
safer night-time driving (approx. 40km/h upwards).

Toyota Safety Sense's Road Sign Assist monitors the road
signs ahead, displaying useful information such as the current
speed limit or overtaking restrictions in clear view on the
new colour TFT cockpit display. The system also provides
a visual and acoustic warning if you are not following the
road sign indication

Vehicle Stability Control Plus (VSC+)
Using a camera to detect the lane markings in the road ahead,
Toyota Safety Sense's Lane Departure Alert will alert the driver (50-200 km/h) with audible and visual warnings if the vehicle starts to deviate from its lane without the turn indicator being applied – the
driver can then take corrective action.

If you accelerate too hard and cause the drive wheels
to lose grip and begin spinning, TRC will automatically
reduce engine power and control brake force to help
restore traction.

The system features a sensor valve within each wheel to constantly monitor tyre air pressure. These sensors link with a dashboard indicator that illuminates to warn you if the pressure falls below the recommended level. By doing so, the system contributes to safer driving, better tyre wear and greater fuel efficiency.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags - 7 airbags


text:
Here is his comment.
In response to Murphstahoe and regarding ZoomSafer....
ZoomSafer is software that actively encourages safe and legal use of mobile phones while driving.
ZoomSafer detects when you are moving faster than 10mph and automatically activates and applies safe driving policies.
It does include the ability to exit as passenger so you can use your phone if you were on a bus or in a taxi.
The software itself is fully configurable -- and you can remove the "exit as a passenger" option if you prefer.
Parents and corporations might want this. Individuals and prosumers probably don't. It's up to you.
Matt Howard
I had to refer to the NY Times Article before I could make an accurate response - I did recall that the lead in to the story was from an individual who was using ZoomSafer. Mr. Howard certainly didn't repudiate the PR for his product that does not dovetail with his comment here. And on ZoomSafer's website - the first menu button after "ABOUT" is "PERSONAL".
Individuals buying this product is sort of akin to putting your credit card in a block of ice. You haven't really changed your behavior for good, but you get some style points. When you get down to it, we'd need a pretty gnarly technical solution in order to stop cellphone usage in cars.
I watched some of the videos on the site and while I really like the features where texts and phone calls are automatically responded to with a message saying the receiver is driving their car - this should be enough. "I'm driving, will call you back when I am not driving". But the video then goes on to show how you can override the block for "close contacts", and says "Then, with your eyes on the road" as the driver looks over to the blackberry. Improved, sure, but it sends the message that we can come up with all sorts of solutions to make an inherently unsafe proposition safe.
Howard somewhat repudiates any lackadasical use of his product in the comments, I give him credit for that. And Businesses and Parents could - if they wanted - use his product as a big hammer to completely prevent cellphone use while driving by using the "exit while passenger option", or at least monitor it closely with the email alert. Turning the phones off and sending the message "I'm driving" could be one small stone in building the mindset that "I'm driving" is no different than "I'm not home" used to be in the bad old days of landlines.
Upon review I think the product has value in creating a technical solution to a non-technical problem. I'd love to see insurance companies allow a discount for strict implementation of such a product for companies - professional drivers are some of the worst abusers of cellphones in cars (take for example Taxis - brutal). It's sad that we humans cannot simply process a bad behavior and stop it, but that can be said about several things more pernicious than texting and driving (yes, many such things exist).


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SPRING GROVE – All Spring Grove Fire Protection District employees except the chief will receive a 25-cent raise, its board of trustees decided Tuesday.
"They looked at budgets, and there isn't a lot of money to do a bigger raise," Fire Chief Rich Tobiasz said. "They wanted to give them something because cost of living is going up for everybody."
The 25-cent raise is on average a 1.6 percent increase in wages.
Instead of a raise, Tobiasz received an additional three days of vacation, bringing him to five weeks total of vacation and sick time.
Tobiasz has been with the fire protection district 32 years, 20 of them as chief.
– Emily K. Coleman


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From ThinkProgress.org: This past summer, Target became embroiled in a fierce political controversy when it was revealed that the retail giant was using corporate funds to support anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Target gave $150,000 to a Republican political group that ran ads in support of Emmer's candidacy.
Because Target had earned a reputation of being a progressive leader among its corporate competitors — for instance, the company extends domestic-partner benefits to gay and lesbian employees — the revelation of the company's political giving came as a surprise and spurred calls for a boycott. In a few short days, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel apologized in a letter to his employees:
While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry. [...]
Going forward, we will soon begin a strategic review and analysis of our decision-making process for financial contributions in the public policy arena. And later this fall, Target will take a leadership role in bringing together a group of companies and partner organizations for a dialogue focused on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including GLBT issues.
But as new FEC records indicate that, despite Steinhafel's apology, Target maintained its corporate contributions to right-wing, anti-gay candidates. After Steinhafel's written apology, Target's Political Action Committee "recorded $41,200 in federal election activity. Of that total, $31,200 went to anti-gay rights politicians or PACs supporting those candidates."
One of the biggest recipients of Target's cash was Republican lawmaker John Kline, who has voted against prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation, against treated anti-gay violence as a hate crime, and in favor of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The Human Rights Campaign has given him a zero rating in terms of support for GLBT issues."
Target also supported Erik Paulsen, "a consistent opponent of gay marriage. He voted against repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and against workplace anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation."
Target also gave support to a range of other anti-gay candidates, including Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), Dave Camp (R-MI), Dave Reichert (D-WA), David Dreier (R-CA), Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Sen.-elect Rob Portman (R-OH). The Awl's Abe Sauer reports, "We asked Target to explain these donations. They chose not to provide any answers."
While Target's PAC also gave small amounts to pro-gay politicians, including Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), it's clear that even after the political controversy erupted Target's behavior did not change


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The Masked Meat Marauder - While the Botsfords and the Mings go head to head in a charity car wash, the Butcher battles his new rival--the Masked Meat Marauder. Can this town handle two meat-flinging villains or will WordGirl have to send one of them packing? Sandwich World - Chuck is fed up with living at home in his mom's basement. So he builds an evil lair, Sandwich World! Will WordGirl and Captain Huggy Face escape Chuck's crazy sandwich theme park? And will Chuck be strong enough to avoid getting homesick?
Visit the Website: http://pbskids.org/wordgirl
Episode #120 / Length: 28 minutes


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Without rookie contributions, the Detroit Lions would not be in first place in the NFC North. It's as simple as that.
While conventional wisdom is that it takes five years to judge an NFL team's draft, we're jumping the gun on this one in Week 14.
It's almost become a Detroit tradition to throw Martin Mayhew under the bus following NFL draft weekend. Remember, it was no different at the end of April.
The Detroit Lions general manager was confident though and said he expected immediate contributions from his rookies.
The doubters were out in full force.
He was generally questioned about his draft picks starting with defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, the first-round pick (fifth overall) who was limited on football experience yet brimming with potential. Fans were angry Mayhew didn't make a move to take one of the three offensive tackles drafted in the top four.
The criticism continued to selecting punter Sam Martin in the fifth round.
Funny, no one is complaining any more. The Lions have had as many as six rookies start a game and five start regularly — Ansah, Larry Warford, LaAdrian Waddle, Joe Fauria and Martin.
Turns out Mayhew knew what he was doing in the draft and grabbed a few bonus points by signing two undrafted guys — LaAdrian Waddle and Joe Fauria — who have played major roles this season.
Waddle starts at right tackle and plays like a five-year veteran.
While Fauria, a 6-foot-7 tight end, has 11 catches with six of them touchdowns.
It is still unbelievable that neither was drafted, but Mayhew saw something that he liked.
Thirteen weeks into the season, let's take a look at the 2013 draft picks:
First round: Ansah was nominated this week for the NFL's rookie of the week. He had a pair of sacks in the Thanksgiving massacre of the Packers which brought his total to seven for the season which leads the team. It could be higher, but he missed two games with an ankle injury. He didn't start the first two games, instead was eased in. It was a plan that worked. Ansah will just get better
Second round: Darius Slay had a rough start, literally. He started the first two games, but was benched even though the coaches didn't use that word. Cornerback is a tough position for any rookie and like Ansah, Slay is short on experience since he played just one season at Mississippi State after transferring from junior college. The good news is that his best game was on Thanksgiving when he started with Chris Houston out with an injury. The coaches have never given up on Slay and now we're beginning to see why. The bad news is he injured his knee in practice this week and is doubtful for Sunday's game.
Third round: Somewhere along the line, Larry Warford picked up the nickname "Big Larry." It is really no mystery. Not only is he big (6-foot-3, 333 pounds) and solid, he's stepped in at right guard like it was no big deal. He has started every game and continues to grow his abilities. He's a rock in there.
Fourth round: Defensive end Devin Taylor, like Ansah, has steadily improved. He started two games when Ansah was injured and played solid. On Thanksgiving he sacked Matt Flynn twice and forced a fumble. He's a force on the end. A great pickup in the fourth round.
Fifth round: Punter Sam Martin, who also handles kickoffs, has had a few rocky plays including a 28-yard shank that could have cost the Lions a win against Cincinnati. The two most recent goofs came on kickoffs in the Thanksgiving game that went out of bounds, giving the Packers an extra 20 yards each time. Overall he ranks fifth in overall punt average at 48.1 yards and sixth in net average at 41.5. He's tied for third for longest punt of season at 72 yards. He's a rookie in a pressure position. He's smart, he was a good pick.
Sixth round: Wide receiver Corey Fuller, a track athlete who turned to football, was signed to the practice squad. He is speedy, yet raw. Fuller has a huge advantage in being on the same practice field with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson, veterans who can help him along. He's a work in progress.
Sixth round: Running back Theo Riddick has seen limited action on offense, spending most of his time on special teams. He has only missed two games. He's a different running back than either Reggie Bush or Joique Bell. Again, he's made contributions as a rookie.
Seventh round: Linebacker Brandon Hepburn also is learning through work on the practice squad. Again, a work in progress which is no unexpected for a seventh-round pick.


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Greg Smith: Boy Wonder and new Wahoo
UVA registration is always a bit hectic, but this year the frenzy was stirred by international attention. Greg Smith, whose 14th birthday happened to also fall on registration day, Monday, June 9, balanced signing up for classes on subjects such as "Real Analysis and Linear Spaces" with interviewing and posing for pictures for media outlets from near and far.
The Keswick-based teen with an earnest gaze and signature blond bowl cut graduated in May from Randolph-Macon at the tender age of 13. To say there's international interest in his endeavors would be an understatement of magnificent proportion.
He's been nominated for two Nobel Peace prizes already (2002's and this year's, which he still has a chance to win, if he can beat out his 149 fellow nominees including President Bush, Jaques Chirac, and U2's Bono).
The reason for his nomination? Smith is the founder and board chairman of International Youth Advocates, a nonprofit organization whose mission as stated on its website is to "promote principles of peace and understanding among young people throughout the world..."
In furthering his cause, Smith has met with a multitude of world leaders including past president Bill Clinton and South African archbishop Desmond Tutu. As for media attention, it's impossible to list every time Greg's been featured. Oprah, The Today Show, Sixty Minutes and Late Night With David Letterman are but a few shows whose invitations he has accepted. He's also graced the covers of numerous magazines and newspapers, including The Washington Post Magazine and The New York Times Magazine.
His tenure at UVA has just begun; he'll be working on a Ph.D. in mathematics, the first of four planned doctorate degrees. And he's already got plans for sometime after his 35th birthday.
"I'd like to become president," he has said seriously on several occasions.
So how does he stay grounded?
Would you believe video games and Nascar?
We put Smith in the Hot Seat to see just what makes this prodigy tick his answers may surprise you.
Age: 14
What brought you here? Graduate school at the University of Virginia
What's worst about living here? No arcade in Fashion Square Mall, but nice remodeling
Favorite hangout? Downtown Mall
Most overrated virtue? No virtues are overrated; we all need to live a life of moral choices.
What would people be surprised to know about you? How much I enjoy NASCAR
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? That I am too young to drive
What accomplishment are you proudest of? Helping to bring together three warring tribes in Kenya– the Samburu, Turkana, and Pokot– in peace. We are building an Amani Peace School where the children of all three tribes will learn and grow together.
What do people find most annoying about you? My math jokes that no one understands, such as "A picnic is a function on a field."
Whom do you admire? Mahatma Gandhi
Favorite book? Archimedes' The Method
What subject causes you to rant? The diplomatic stranglehold of semantics
What thrills you about life in the 21st century? The limitless possibilities for a new biomedical century
What creeps you out about life in the 21st century? The apathy of those who somehow believe that the suffering of others is not their responsibility
What do you drive? Still too young; ask me again in two years.
What's in your car tape/CD player right now? AfroCelts
What's your next journey? Academically, the pursuit of a mathematical PhD. Globally, the connection and empowerment of young people around the world to value education, compassion, justice and freedom
What's the most trouble you've ever gotten in?
I have too much respect for others to get into trouble.
What do you regret? That so many children die everyday from preventable illnesses, starvation and violence
Favorite comfort food? Baked Ziti
What's always in your refrigerator? Chocolate Milk
Must-see TV? The Agency
Favorite cartoon? Scooby Doo
Describe a perfect day. Hiking the White Oak Canyon-Cedar Run Trail
Walter Mitty fantasy? Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge first held by the tutor of Isaac Newton and then by Newton himself
Who'd play you in the movie? Jake Lloyd
Most embarrassing moment? Too embarrassing to tell
Best advice you ever got? Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu has asked me to ask all of you to think of us as a family. When we look upon the world as one family, we will no longer be able to turn our backs on the suffering of others. We will no longer send a band-aid to heal a mortal wound. We will no longer point a weapon at our brothers.
Favorite bumper sticker? Wahoo Country


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Update: A gated home in Los Feliz once owned by Walt Disney has sold for $3.7 million, which is $50,000 more than its list price.
The two-story French Normandy house, built in 1932, was on the market for 12 days before entering escrow, and it closed in about a month.
Original features include the stained leaded-glass windows, two bars and a Juliet balcony overlooking the two-story living room. The house has four bedrooms and five bathrooms in about 6,000 square feet.
Disney, who in the 1920s co-founded what became the Walt Disney Co. with his brother Roy O. Disney, died in 1966 at 65.
Listing agent Patricia Ruben of Sotheby's International Realty, Los Feliz, received inquiries from around the world about the house. Jody Margolis of Keller Williams, Studio City, represented the buyer.


text: Square Enix has been oft criticized for its abundance of Final Fantasy games. However, even as we reach the third Final Fantasy XIII game, it's clear that the company never rests on its laurels. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is a radical departure from the previous two games in the Fabula Nova Crystallis series. In fact, by moving to a new "Amazing ATB" battle system, Lightning Returns may represent the boldest change for a mainline Final Fantasy game ever. focalbox Producer Yoshinori Kitase, who has worked on the franchise since FFV, introduced the game by setting up our expectations. The first game in the XIII trilogy was "story-driven," he said. It was a game very much driven by the vision of its creators. However, XIII-2 evolved to be "player-driven," after tepid fan response had the team go back to the drawing board. For the oddly-numbered sequel, players had far more flexibility in how they wanted to approach the story, jumping into time periods in whatever way they fit. Lightning Returns further evolves the game with a "world-driven" approach, which features a "living" world that evolves as players impact it. The end result is an open-world game that harkens back to the N64 classic, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. The game places a great deal of emphasis on time, with a persistent clock appearing not only on your HUD, but throughout the world. In the hands-off demo we saw, Lightning was exploring a train station, looking for clues on how to infiltrate an enemy base. At 6am, the town was quiet and easy to move through. However, as the clock continued to move, the town became noticeably more lively. NPCs will have their own lives and schedules: they'll commute to work, go out to eat, head back home, etc. And like in Majora's Mask, certain missions are time-critical, and will only be available at certain spots in the day. BOOM video 14516 The flow of time not only introduces a "living world" to the franchise, but also adds a sense of urgency to the game. The world is ending, and it's up to Lightning to try and save as many souls as she can before the world comes to an end. A timer on the HUD constantly reminds you how much time is left before the apocalypse: in our demo, it said "2 Days." Having a persistent countdown clock to what seems to be a Game Over screen certainly raises the stakes and ups the tension. It's clear that the Final Fantasy team is struggling on exactly how "hardcore" to make the game. "To be honest with you, [playtesters] did seem to experience a lot of stress," game director Motomu Toriyama told us. "We've modified the system a bit so that it's more about valuing each day, and to maximize how [Lightning] spends the time that is available." Toriyama tells us there will be multiple ways to extend the amount of time available to the player, whether it be through fighting certain enemies or progressing to specific points in the story. In fact, he hopes that most players will be able to beat the game on their first try. However, Toriyama says there's plenty of reason to play through multiple times, regardless of success or failure. "We do encourage multiple playthroughs," he told us. "Time is constantly changing in the game, and there are different elements you can experience depending on what time it is." A "New Game+" feature should also make subsequent playthroughs more revealing. Lightning has a new arsenal of moves, both in and out of battle While having a persistent clock already marks a significant change for Lightning Returns, Square Enix has also returned to the drawing board for the battle system. Players have direct control of Lightning throughout the entire game, whether exploring the environment or fighting an enemy. Even outside of battle, players have significantly more control over their character: Lightning can jump, take cover, and dash even when exploring the town. This opens up brand new mission types for the game, like a stealth mission that has you stalking a key NPC through the map. Combat looks more like a traditional action RPG, with players mapping different abilities to the face buttons. You can customize three loadouts. For example, you may want a magic-oriented loadout, with different spells assigned to the different buttons. You may want a physical loadout with brawling moves, or a defensive loadout with status-changing spells. You'll have access to all three loadouts and will be able to switch between them freely; it's essentially Lightning Returns' take on "Paradigm Shifts." When in battle, Lightning can move around with the analog stick and, for the first time ever in the Final Fantasy franchise, will be able to dodge attacks. However, it is a Final Fantasy game, so you can't really button-mash your way to success. You'll have to manage the ATB gauge for each of your different loadouts. For example, if you focus entirely on magic, you may find yourself needing to switch to physical attacks as that gauge replenishes. "It is a lot more action based... [but] we believe it has kept the goodness and strategy of conventional Final Fantasy ATB battles," Toriyama said to us. When grilled if this is too much like other action JRPGs (specifically Tales), he told us that "we feel like it isn't much like that of Tales." Customizing Lightning will also play a big role in the game. Toriyama's directorial debut at Square Enix was with FFX-2, and I was amused to see how much emphasis has been placed on Lightning's outfit. You can equip new swords, shields, and more on the character--in fact, you can have one for each loadout. Lightning can become quite the formidable Barbie (and selling costume parts as DLC should prove to be quite lucrative, no?). Battles involve far more player control than before Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII certainly has a lot of interesting ideas. However, one can't help but wonder if may be coming too late. Given its late 2013 release, a new generation of consoles are likely to launch near this game's release--will players want to see how the FFXIII trilogy ends? And the shift to an open world design has clearly affected the visuals, which even Kitase admits are not yet up to "conventional standards." (It's something that will undoubtedly improve as the game gets closer to release.) Lightning Returns will release on PS3 and Xbox 360 this fall.


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Alton Woman Wins Trip to Play Wheel of Fortune
Illinois Lottery sends three players to Hollywood
|For Immediate Release
|Contact: Tracy Owens (312) 793-1682 (office)
ALTON, Ill. – Aug 24, 2011 – The Illinois Lottery announced today that an Alton woman is one of three to win an all expenses paid trip to Hollywood to play a Lottery players-only game of Wheel of Fortune with Pat Sajak and Vanna White.
Nikeyla Thomas won the trip through the Illinois Lottery's Wheel of Fortune instant game, which features a second-chance drawing that gives players the opportunity to enter their non-winning tickets for a chance to win $1 million and an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood to play Wheel of Fortune.
Ms. Thomas will fly to Hollywood with three guests. She will also receive $1,000 in spending money in addition to prizes won during the game.
The Wheel of Fortune instant game debuted in June and boasts more than $28 million in total prizes, including top prizes of $250,000, $10,000 and $1,000.
Players can learn more about the Illinois Lottery and its Wheel of Fortune instant game by visiting www.illinoislottery.com.
Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $20 billion to the state's Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes like Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to playing in-store, the Illinois Lottery offers online and mobile play for Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto at www.illinoislottery.com. Players must be at least 18 years old.


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Woodridge murder suspect Adam Belmont on Tuesday became the third DuPage County defendant to have his arraignment photographed in court.
With cameras rolling, Belmont, 23, of Northlake, pleaded not guilty to the Dec. 15 slaying of his former girlfriend, Alyssa Van Meter, 25.
Belmont is accused of stabbing the victim in the heart with a pocketknife engraved with a commemoration of their anniversary. He then sexually assaulted her body, prosecutors said.
DuPage County Judge Blanche Hill Fawell is presiding over the case and allowed the media to photograph and video record Belmont's arraignment over defense objections.
It was the third time a DuPage criminal defendant was photographed in court since the Illinois Supreme Court last year launched a pilot program offering extended access to the media.
Van Meter was killed inside her Woodridge apartment about a week after she and Belmont broke off a long-standing relationship. Prosecutors said the defendant scaled the building and climbed through a window. He had no prior criminal history.
Belmont faces charges of first-degree murder, home invasion, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and abuse of a corpse, Assistant State's Attorney Demetri Demopoulos said. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
Prosecutors on Tuesday turned over 317 pages of investigative reports and 10 DVDs containing evidence to Belmont's defense counsel, Vincent M. Miceli. Outside of court, Miceli said it would take some time to go through the materials.
"(Belmont) knows there's a long road ahead of him, but like any murder case, it's not resolved in one or two court dates," he said.
The arraignment came a month after Belmont collapsed at a court appearance where prosecutors outlined in detail the charges against him -- but there was no noticeable drama this time.
Miceli had objected to the presence of cameras, arguing they could compromise Belmont's right to an impartial jury. Fawell wasn't swayed. She also denied a defense request to remove Belmont's handcuffs and allow him to attend court in street clothes, saying it would go against public transparency because in-custody defendants are routinely arraigned in jail attire.
Belmont is being held without bond and returns to court March 18.


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AUBURNDALE, Fla. -- The baseball team put the go-ahead run on first base in the top of the ninth inning but came up on the short end of a 7-6 loss to Franklin and Marshall on Tuesday in Florida.
Tim Osborne continued his early season tear, going 2-for-4 with a triple, home run, two RBI, and three runs scored. After five games, he is hitting at a .632 clip.
The Franklin and Marshall Diplomats picked up single runs in the first and fourth innings and a pair of runs in the fifth. In the top of the sixth, the Panthers used an RBI triple from Osborne and an RBI ground out by Hunter Bryan to cut the deficit in half.
Franklin and Marshall scored twice in the sixth to make the score 6-2 before the Panthers put three runs on the scoreboard in the top of the eighth.
In the eighth inning, Jared Storment and Dalton McFarland had RBI singles, and Tommie Brown drove in a run on a groundout.
Franklin and Marshall came right back with a single tally in the bottom of the eighth, but the Panthers answered, getting a run in the top of the ninth on Osborne's homer. Panther runners were on first and second base when the game ended.
Sophomore C.J. Opp was Greenville's starting pitcher. He went five innings, allowing four runs, one earned, on seven hits. He walked one and was credited with the loss.
He was relieved by Michael Wittmer, Jason Collingwood, and Nick Bifano.
Tyler Whitworth put together a 3-for-5 afternoon with a double and a run scored.
The Panthers (2-3) resume their Florida trip on Thursday afternoon with a double header in Auburndale against Dickinson at 3 p.m. ET.


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Marcia Elaine Carr, 55, of Toney, Ala., died Wednesday (May 1, 2013) at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in Ardmore, Ala., with Bro. James Turner officiating. Interment was in Ford's Chapel Cemetery in Harvest, Ala. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Elmer Lanier, 78, of Toney, Ala., died Friday (May 3, 2013) at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Ala., with Bro. Buddy Payne officiating. Interment will follow in Huntsville Memory Gardens, Huntsville, Ala. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Larry Wayne Lewter, 66, of Fayetteville, died Friday (April 19, 2013). He was a native of Huntsville and a resident of Fayetteville for over 28 years. Mr. Lewter was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. He also served 20 years as a radio officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Mr. Lewter was a multi-talented individual who loved computers, science fiction, astronomy and his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Aletha G. Lewter of Fayetteville; two daughters, Natalie Lewter of Fayetteville and Jennifer Lewter of Russellville, Ark.; a son, Homer Lewter of Birmingham, Ala.; two sisters, Wilma Lewter of Rogersville, Ala., and Marie Lewter of Huntsville, Ala.; a brother, Mike Lewter of Huntsville, Ala.; and a grandson, Alex Lewter. Services were held April 22nd at Berryhill Funeral Home with Pastor Wendell White officiating. Mr. Lewter was laid to rest with his parents at the historic Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.
Melba Morris Parks, 65, died in her home on Sunday (April 21, 2013). A native of Lawrenceburg, she was the daughter of John and Margaret Morris of Lawrenceburg. Mrs. Parks was the wife of Dr. Calvin H. Parks, D.C., of Fayetteville. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother to four children and eight grandchildren. She is survived by three of her children, Sarah Branch of Fayetteville, Melissa Casserly of Murfreesboro and Jennifer Hancock of Fayetteville. She was preceded in death by her son, John Parks of Fayetteville. Mrs. Parks was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Visitation and memorial services were held at First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.
Gloria May Pearson, 89, of Jamestown, N.Y., died Sunday (May 5, 2013) following a long illness. A native of Jamestown, she was the daughter of immigrant parents, Arthur Eckman of Sweden and May Rushton Eckman of England. On March 11, 2013, she made a confession of faith in Christ Jesus her Savior and was baptized. She was an inspector at Marlin Rockwell and retired after more than twenty years of employment. She loved the outdoors, enjoying golf and cross-country skiing, continuing until her early 80's. She had a gentle sense of humor and developed many life-long friendships. A compassionate individual, she cared for friends and neighbors when they became debilitated, and she had a soft heart for animals, supporting non-profits such as the Humane Society and North Shore Animal League with regular donations. She is survived by her children, Scott Pearson of Jamestown, Laurie Pearson of Fayetteville and Bill (Carol) Pearson of Randolph, N.Y.; a sister, Doris Johnson of Jamesville, N.Y.; grandchildren, Jeremy (Kelly) Pearson, Adam (Mikki) Pearson, Eli Pearson, Amanda (Mike) Jones, Jacob Pearson and adoptive grandchildren, Manuel Pearson, Brittany Pearson and Rosa (Aaron) Pearson Williams; seven great-grandchildren; many loved nieces and nephews and their spouses: several great-nieces and nephews; and a beloved little Pug, Gracie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, George Johnson, and her former husband, Walter Pearson in 2006. A graveside memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, at Lake View Cemetery. The Rev. Steve Kilburn of Zion Covenant Church will officiate. Visitation will not be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701. You may send a condolence to the family by visiting www.hubertfuneralhome.com. The Hubert Funeral Home and Cremation Services in charge of arrangements.
Ruben E. Sanchez, 90, of Flintville, died Sunday (April 28, 2013) at Donalson Care Center. He was born in Mexico on June 14, 1922 to the late Juan and Felicitia Sosa Sanchez. He was a retired industrial engineer and was of the Catholic faith. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Fuentes Sanchez, and son, Richard Medina. Mr. Sanchez is survived by daughters, Carol Holt of Flintville and Christine Barlog of Burbank, Ill.; son, Ruben Sanchez, Jr., of St. John, Ind.; 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Graveside services were held on Friday morning in the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Justice, Ill. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is serving the family.
Wade Arlen Stevenson, 79, of Fayetteville, died Friday (May 3, 2013) at Donalson Care Center. He was born in Lincoln County on May 6, 1933 to the late Thomas and Winona Quick Stevenson. He worked in retail sales and was a veteran of the United States Navy. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Tela Stevenson. Mr. Stevenson is survived by sons, Tommy and Melissa Stevenson, Ricky and Misty Stevenson, both of Fayetteville; sister, Martha and C.L. Jean of Fayetteville; brother, David and Janice Stevenson of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Jeremy and Jenna Stevenson, Reagan Stevenson, Reed Stevenson; great-grandson, Casen Stevenson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Johnson officiating. Burial followed in Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Raymond Hershell Vernon, Jr., 83, of Shelbyville, a coach in Huntsville, Ala., for 34 years, died Monday (April 29, 2013) at his home. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Ala., with Bros. Randy Davis and Jeff Smith officiating. Interment was in Blanche Cemetery. Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.


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Some Republicans are exploring the creation of a "carve-out" or separate tax category for small-business owners to shield them from a tax increase on wealthier Americans, according to an article published Friday. Read Politco article.
An increase in marginal tax rates on the rich is a sticking point among Democrats and Republicans as they negotiate to avoid the onset in January of deep federal spending cuts and tax increases on most Americans. Economists warn that the government will go off a so-called fiscal cliff if a compromise isn't reached, endangering the health of a fragile U.S. economy.
Conservatives have long resisted an increase in marginal tax rates because they believe it would punish small-business owners who file their taxes as individuals instead of as corporations. They claim such an increase would stifle job creation. Democrats counter that only a tiny number of small businesses would be affected.
The economic argument for either side is murky, though both Democrats and Republicans have trotted out studies to support their point of view.
The problem is, it's hard to calculate how businesses would be affected and how many new jobs they are responsible for creating. Most small businesses only employ a few workers. Only the most successful tend to grow and add workers as they expand.
The creation of a separate form of tax treatment for small businesses would give Republicans a face-saving means of allowing tax rates on the rich to rise while allowing them to claim to be protectors of small business.
Another carve-out in the tax code, however, could create additional problems. The government would have to develop a more precise definition of a small business and figure out which ones would quality. Under current law even self-employed individuals who hire no additional employees can claim to be a small business.
What's more, Democrats say another major carve-out in an already complicated federal tax code would give individuals or businesses an additional route to game the system to reduce their payments to the government.
-Jeffry Bartash
Follow Political Watch blog on Twitter @MKTWPolitics
Follow Jeffry on Twitter @jbartash


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NARS2000 is an experimental APL interpreter. The first NARS (Nested Arrays Research System) was designed and implemented in the early 1980s as a testbed for new ideas in APL, principally with nested arrays. A quarter of a century later, it's time to try again. The goal of this effort, as with the last one, is to foster new ideas about the language and its implementation. Language ideas include new functions, operators, and datatypes. Implementation ideas include algorithms to enhance code space (smaller executable), time space (faster execution times), or expressibility (clearer and more understandable code). A goal of the existing implementation is to be open and easy for others to change so new ideas may be inserted smoothly.
A flexible and manageable operating system for PCs, notebooks, and thin clients.
performance monitoring toolkit and API


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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU)-A building is evacuated after a woman hit the building with her car.
The Eau Claire Fire Department says the woman was driving a car into the parking lot of the Oakridge Medical Building around 9:50 Friday morning. She hit a station wagon, and then hit an exterior wall of the building, and ended up crashing into a column at the front of the building. It caused about $20,000 damage to the building.
"She was talking, talking with us," said Ben Hays, a paramedic with the Eau Claire Fire Department. "She thought maybe something mechanically happened, you know, with her car. That's still yet to be checked out...whether something happened with her braking or if possibly her foot slipped off the brake and onto the gas, causing her to strike the vehicle."
Officers evacuated the building as a precautionary measure. More than 20 people were evacuated. They stood in the parking lot or waited in their cars for about 20 minutes, and then were let back inside. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.


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Teamlist Tuesday is here with #NRL Teamlists and officials for Round 12 confirmed.
Head to bit.ly/L...
4 days ago
The Manly Sea Eagles have crafted a tough win at Brookvale today, defeating the Warriors 13-10, after trailing 6-0 at the halftime break.
The Sea Eagles claimed their fourth successive Premiership victory with a powerful second half to storm home over a Warriors side that ultimately lost it's legs in the late stages of the game.
Brett Stewart's first half, while brilliant in attack and defence, served him short as he was denied up to three tries either through great Warriors defence, or silly errors by fellow players that cost him the four pointers. His dues finally were paid after halftime as he scored the second of Manly's two quick tries between the 50th and 60th minutes to turn a six-point deficit into a 4-point lead.
New Zealand opened the scoring earlier in the match, crossing after 14 minutes through pointscoring machine Tony Martin, who converted his own try. No more points were added to the board in the first half for either side, with brutal defence and the odd basic error from both sides ensuring the scoreboard attendants would go untroubled.
The second half saw both sides come out steadily, a few sets being pushed up and down the park before Manly began winning the arm wrestle, culminating in Chris Hicks' try out wide. Jamie Lyon's conversion saw scores level, but just minutes later the sensational turnaround was complete, a great movement from Monaghan across the park to put Stewart in. Despite an easier angle, Lyon couldn't convert and the Warriors were still in with a sniff.
However, it was clear the Eagles' onslaught had taken it's toll on the visitors, and the hosts continued to dominate possession and field position. A penalty ten minutes from time gave Manly a 6-point buffer before a calmly-slotted field goal saw them go 7 points clear. From there it was a race against time for the Warriors, who were only able to take advantage of some rushed errors by Manly to post a try to bring them within three points.
Just 50 seconds remained and the Warriors options became shallow from deep in their own half, with Grant Rovelli (who played an otherwise great game) grubbering through to nobody, Chris Hicks cleaning up, and the two competition points staying at Brookvale Oval.
Best on ground was Brett Stewart, Michael Monaghan also rating a mention amongst the Manly side, with most of the forward pack turning out a sensational game, particularly in the second half, to get Manly home. The Warriors best was Grant Rovelli, his kicking game putting a lot of pressure on the Manly backs, while Tony Martin and Wade McKinnon also took it to the home side with all they had.
The Sea Eagles will head on to face a fired-up Bulldogs side next Saturday at Telstra Stadium, while New Zealand's journey continues at home against the Cowboys next Sunday afternoon.
League Unlimited Live Commentary:
Round 4 - Full Time Sunday April 8, 2:00 PM Venue: Brookvale Oval Referee: Ben Cummins
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (13) Tries: Chris Hicks, Brett Stewart Field Goals: Michael Monaghan (1/1) Goals: Jamie Lyon (2/3) New Zealand Warriors (10) Tries: Tony Martin, Simon Mannering Goals: Tony Martin (1/2)
Welcome to Brookvale Oval this afternoon for this Round 4 Easter weekend clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Warriors. The Warriors will be looking to get back on the winners board after faltering against Melbourne last week, while Manly played scrappy football and still managed to pluck the Roosters by plenty.
A solid crowd in at Brookvale on a 'four seasons' type of day, earlier rain has now cleared but the clouds still loom.
The Warriors and Eagles have both made on change, swapping a bench player for a forward. The visitors interchange forward Sam Rapira will start, and Ruben Wiki will come off the bench, while for Manly Luke Williamson drops to the bench to allow George Rose to start, shifting the lineup back to have Glenn Stewart at lock.
Kickoff in a moment.
0 min: And it's game on!
5 min: The Warriors with the early pressure on the Manly line, already forcing a repeat set after a silly offside penalty from Manly gave them ample field position.
9 min: A reasonably fast-paced first ten minutes and Manly have had the better luck since the repeat sets - some shallow options on the last few tackles costing the visiting side dearly.
10 min: VIDEO REFEREE... possible Sea Eagles try for Brett Stewart. Checking for double movement... Decision Pending... NO TRY. The Sea Eagle fans heckle but Video Referee Phil Cooley has disallowed a Brett Stewart try and the Warriors escape with a penalty.
13 min: VIDEO REFEREE... possible Warriors try. Decision pending, checking offside and grounding. TRY for Tony Martin.
14 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors A great kick through sees Tony Martin score out wide for the visitors to draw first blood. Conversion attempt by Tony Martin successful. New Zealand Warriors 6-0
17 min: An important interchange for the Warriors, Ruben Wiki coming onto the field.
23 min: VIDEO REFEREE - possible Sea Eagles try to Brent Kite. Decision pending... NO TRY. Manly still on the attack.
27 min: Manly just plugging away at the line - the find a hole... Stewart is over! But Cummins has ruled no try without even checking upstairs, an obstruction call. Stewart looks in a bad way, injured.
POSSESSION: Warriors 51% Sea Eagles 49%
31 min: Ben Cummins on the money again, not worrying the video referee as the Warriors appear to knock the ball on over the line. Manly to come back off their own 20.
34 min: Stewart denied again, this time just falling short after a brave short-side play on tackle five. Pressure now off the visitors once again after some sustained attack.
35 min: UPDATE - Stewart as quoted above now appears to be fine, just a niggle in his leg earlier it would appear.
38 min: Smashing hit by Tuimavaive on Burns ends up knocking out the second man George Gatis. Time off for a bit as they bring him back to.
HALFTIME: Warriors 6 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 0 A brilliant first half of footy, both defences grinding each other to a halt in many ways. Just the one try to speak of, some brilliance from Tony Martin securing the only points of the day. Brett Stewart and Michael Monaghan have featured strongly for the home side, but are yet to cross with the referee's blessing. The Warriors have had to defend a significant amount more, and done it superbly. In general, a good end-to-end game of footy, despite the lack of points.
Back for the second half in approximately 10 minutes.
41 min: The weather remains clear as the second half begins at Brookvale.
45 min: Silly errors and great refereeing getting the Warriors out of gaol again. Robertson appeared to have scored of a Monaghan cross-field punt, but was ruled to have pushed Warriors back Crockett in the back. Penalty Warriors.
52 min: The Warriors looking the bigger threat but neither side able to cross the line as yet. The men from New Zealand lead by six.
54 min: TRY Manly Warringah Sea Eagles The Warriors finally crack and Hicks goes over for a four-pointer in the corner. Scores now level as the Conversion attempt by Jamie Lyon successful. 6 all
60 min: TRY Manly Warringah Sea Eagles A brilliant set play from Monaghan and Stewart, and the fullback finally bags a try. Four now the difference in Manly's favour as Conversion attempt by Jamie Lyon unsuccessful. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 10-6
66 min: Manly really lifting in intensity at home coming into the final 20 minutes, while the Warriors appear to have dropped a gear... even from four points down it looks like a long way back for the visitors.
68 min: PENALTY GOAL Manly Warringah Sea Eagles A simple offside penalty just on the line gives Jamie Lyon a perfect opportunity to extend the Manly lead to six points. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 12-6
72 min: FIELD GOAL Manly Warringah Sea Eagles A no-pressure field goal for Monaghan sees Manly take a seven point lead now and the spirits of the Warriors side sink as there is now just 8 minutes remaining. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 13-6
76 min: The Warriors in with one last shot from seven points down, Lyon losing the ball from the first tackle just 20 metres out.
78 min: TRY New Zealand Warriors TRY in the corner for the Warriors and it's game on! Conversion attempt by Tony Martin unsuccessful. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 13-10
FULLTIME: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 13 Warriors 10 And Manly have held on to a 3 point victory here at Brookvale today, a quite sensational game given the low scoreline. Both sides had dominant periods, although the home side certainly had the lions share of attacking football in opposition twenties. A thrilling finish fizzled in the final minute from a dud Grant Rovelli grubber but the Warriors clearly had little petrol in the tank once the sixty minute mark had passed. A good win for the home side in the end, now undefeated after four matches.
LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match: 3 Points: Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 2 Points: Michael Monaghan (Sea Eagles) 1 Point: Grant Rovelli (Warriors)