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Think of it this way, before 2000, or so, most people in the developed countries were not connected to the internet either. But that did not prevent us from attaining a high level of education, standard of living, etc. We landed a man on the moon with most engineers still using slide rules!
So I'm not buying it that the life of the average African would be substantially improved by their ability to download videos from YouTube. The article uses the example of Rwanda, that only 1% of the population can connect to the internet. OK, that is very low, I admit. But maybe decades of genocidal tribal warfare might also be a factor here, and addressing the root causes might a higher priority than the ability to set up a Facebook page.
I think it comes down to the basics: pubic safety, rule of law, market structures, literacy, infrastructure, etc. A connection to the internet can certainly help, in some cases. But in no way is it a necessity. Lower tech solutions may be more robust and effective, e.g., long distance shortwave radios, packet radio BBS's, etc.
Didn't word of Tienanmen Square spread via fax machines?
My point is if you are looking for the greatest impact, then your idea of robustness needs to encompass more than the physical properties of the device. You're more likely to fail for lack of training, spare parts, support, basic infrastructure, etc. I think shortwave radio is far more robust. That is what we whip out in hurricanes, etc., when all the basic infrastructure is down. It is what works when nothing else does.
If I dropped you at a random spot in Africa, would you rather have a handheld shortwave radio? Or an iPhone?
(And forget for a moment that you would be more likely to be able to trade the iPhone for a ride to the nearest international airport)
Very good point. I think people are a little too gungho about the Internet...although it is quite robust, it's not quite as robust as the old shortwave radio. I guess projects are more likely to get funded if they mention the Internet...
I think that this is what you're looking for. [febo.com] Well, sort of anyhow. The problem is, that amateur radio is only supposed to be used for non-commercial purposes, so people can't access the 'general' Internet via Ham Radio (adverts, commercial sites, etc). Also, that link is, I think, somewhat dated - it discusses tcp/ip as a totally seperated system from the O/S. I think there are now Amateur TCP/IP implementations that integrate with the native O/S TCP/IP stacks, so that you could use any program that you wo
I think that this is what you're looking for. [febo.com]
Or this [peoplefirst.net.sb]. I've been actively supporting the work done by the People First Network (specifically their efforts to get a similar project up and running in neighbouring Vanuatu) for years now. PFNet has a network of dozens of HF radio stations transmitting email to the farthest reaches that lacks even the most basic infrastructure.
The service they provide is essential, even saving lives occasionally. When a 7.0 earthquake caused a tsunami in one remote area of the Solomons, PFNet staff were the first to genera
The difference in needed infrastructure between power and internet is approximately the difference in energy provided. Internet access can be provided for days or weeks off a relatively small battery pack, assuming that the sun doesn't shine over that time. Years otherwise. Electric power for that time requires large energy stores and generation capacity.
Let's try comparing apples to apples
If I dropped you at a random spot in Africa, would you rather have a handheld shortwave radio? Or an iPhone?
If that placed happened to be Somalia, I would go with the iPhone. You may think I am joking but I am not [wikipedia.org].
Arguably I'd rather have an AK-47 and a few bodyguards while visiting, but I should be able to either barrow a wifi signal from an internet cafe or make a call to the US without too much trouble.
For the locals it works fine with the other types of phones they use.
Oh and...
You're more likely to fail for lack of training, spare parts, support, basic infrastructure, etc.
Won't that give people jobs? Hell if computers and internet worked just fine here we'd all be unemployed or working at McDonalds.
"Hell if computers and internet worked just fine here we'd all be unemployed or working at McDonalds."
Funny you should say that...
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archives/1142-The-Bond-Saga-It-Gets-More-Odd.html [denninger.net]
You said shortwave, but I'm changing it slightly to HF.
The organization for which I normally work has policies about this kind of thing and almost all of our vehicles, without exception, are equipped with HF. The problem is, they don't work all the time, either. The vagaries of atmospheric conditions, time of day, blah blah blah and the skip zone, it's usually just as efficient to call on the phone instead of screwing around on the radio for half an hour. Because let's face it, even in Africa, if there's
What help is an airport, if you got no *money*? ^^
"While I agree with you, there are also some things to be gained from having access to the internet. For example how many people would care about the situation in Iran if Iran had no internet?"
They'd care even less if cell-phones didn't come with cameras.
While I agree with you, there are also some things to be gained from having access to the internet. For example how many people would care about the situation in Iran if Iran had no internet?
What does it matter if people in Rwanda (as specified in the grandparent) care about Iran? They can't do anything about it (and neither can people in the developed world) and caring about Iran doesn't help them with any of the problems they face.
Not that the internet really cares about anything but the latest s
By and large, you are right. I made a post about this same thing...
But... the internet does have some useful information on it as well, and periodically, people stumble into it and become aware.
I'm definitely in favor of pubic safety, as you said. I should be the only person allowed to take a razor to my crotch.
You are right, being able to watch youtube videos it not very useful.
Unless it's a youtube video about treating a livestock disease, or better techniques for planting.
Or perhaps being able to contact someone at the market *before* you set of on the three day trek to sell your crops/animals so that you know it's worth going and that you'll get a good price, rather than getting there and getting stiffed because you have to sell to *someone* but there's a glut.
Seriously, this isn't about being able to watch Star Wars parody videos on YouTube. It's about communication. In large, thinly populated countries, with terrible physical infrastructure, and sod-all education provision, communication can make a huge difference.
Mobile phones are massively popular in Africa, incredibly useful for farmers and traders, allowing them to organise, and work more efficiently. They have made a very real difference to the way these societies operate.
Remember, unlike the developed world, which is replacing otherwise functional communications infrastructure with the Internet, the developed world is jumping straight to it. This isn't about having the internet in Africa, it's about having any working communications system at all in Africa, and at the moment the best candidate systems are mobile phones and the internet.
There are plenty of lectures available online. The OP underestimates the potential of Youtube and similar stuff.
See: http://www.youtube.com/user/MIT [youtube.com]
Don't like MIT? Try Stanford then.
http://www.youtube.com/user/stanforduniversity [youtube.com]
Plenty more. e.g.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ucberkeley [youtube.com]
How about seeing what people can learn in IIT, India?
http://www.youtube.com/user/nptelhrd [youtube.com]
Or UNSW in Australia?
http://www.youtube.com/user/unswelearning [youtube.com]
Or "attend" a lecture given by the Noble Prize winner Richard Feynman?
http://w [youtube.com]
Unless it's a youtube video about treating a livestock disease, or better techniques for planting.
Why couldn't it be? Just because the value we find in youtube is in watching a crazy cat get out of a washing machine or some emo crying/singing doesn't mean that's all it could be for. The potential for teaching techniques to people who might otherwise be illiterate (or only read and write in a language used by a few hundred people) could be very useful.
Or perhaps being able to contact someone at the market *before* you set of on the three day trek to sell your crops/animals so that you know it's worth going and that you'll get a good price, rather than getting there and getting stiffed because you have to sell to *someone* but there's a glut.
People who've actually had experience with agriculture know that when an animal or crop is ready for sale - it's ready for sale. You don't have much of a choice because crops rot and animals cost money to hold ready
OK. Do you take it to the market to the North or to the market to the South. Which one has a better going rate at the moment?
If you were going at the moment - that would be fine. But the poster specified a three day trek.
There's also the question of whether the market in the South means crossing a dangerous rapid, while the one to the North is via a smooth flat route. Etc... Etc...
The point about mobile phones is well made. The Internet is mainly useful when you can read, and read the language in which your chosen resources are written. A mobile phone is useful regardless of literacy or native language.
The parent is correct. I've worked internationally, and very few problems can simply be solved by providing material possessions to those without them. You can donate a tractor to a village and even provide them training in how to use it, but chances are it will never see even a portion of its potential. Even the most trivial of maintenance tasks for us can become incredibly compounded and complicated out there even if they have enough of a fundamental grasp of how to perform the maintenance. Where do I
I think it comes down to the basics: pubic safety, rule of law, market structures, literacy, infrastructure, etc. A connection to the internet can certainly help, in some cases. But in no way is it a necessity. Lower tech solutions may be more robust and effective, e.g., long distance shortwave radios, packet radio BBS's, etc.
They taught us pubic safety in the military before we went to strange ports. It's important for everyone to know and will certainly increase quality of life.
I would assume so, it's basically an over-sized wireless router, instead of being able to network with your neighbour, you can network with the other side of a city. I'm too lazy to bother looking further into it, but I would hope that it can (or it should) be able to sort of repair itself, ie: if you had 10 of these set up, then only one would need to be connected to the Internet, the rest would link through that one. In a really desperate situation you could drop (if they were completely self-contained, p
I was just wondering how this system would work inside a nation or region that is actively trying to censor internet access or jam any "illegal networks"
Short answer? It doesn't.
This is an Internet Cafe in a Box. This is WiFi.
The base install costs 15 grand. The hardware has to clear customs.
You need an access point to the Internet.
There are antennas and solar panels, battery banks and all the rest that cannot be easily concealed. It will be trivially easy for the regime to find you.
You can encrypt the tr
The U.S. has nearly broken the bank, fighting for freedom by, well, fighting.
Even in 2001, some technical people felt the better way to promote freedom would be to work to establish communications in countries that are now beset with violence and poverty and totalitarian control by oppressive governments (none of these three problems necessarily being related, mind you).
There exist problems with doing this. One is addressed by this idea, how do you even make computers work where the utilities and support a
Let's say that you get these people online. They certainly won't be using the Internet in any manner remotely similar to how we use it. Consider the following:
1. Very few resources will be in their native language. This means that very few people in these countries can use it to learn more effective agricultural practices, learn how to obtain safe drinking water, or learn how the reduce the spread of disease. (Not to mention the millions of other things that we have access to with a keyword search.) A
This means that very few people in these countries can use it to learn more effective agricultural practices, learn how to obtain safe drinking water, or learn how the reduce the spread of disease.
It's even worse than you describe. Even if they understood every word about more effective agricultural practices, even if they understood every word about the need for clean drinking water, even if they understood every word about how to reduce the spread of the disease (see: clean water), they do not and will not actually follow that advice because they do not believe it.
When a wave of child rape sweeps the continent because witch doctors tell adult men that fucking a virgin can cure AIDS, do you reall
I want stable internet and I live in a developed nation!
Comcast business = crap
- The net often goes down 6+ times a day.
- When the net doesn't go down the cable modem seems to run out of memory for its routing table so random websites will stop loading. Rebooting the mobem will fix this. Slashdot's IP was one a while back and I thought Comcast was just blocking
- Field techs have been out here countless times and are as dumb as a sack of bricks.
Blah.. meant ".org" for the
I think a cell phone network and donated refurbished cell phones would have a bigger and better impact
One new approach from SolarNetOne strives to allow users in those developing areas to have access to an internet connection without having to depend on unreliable infrastructure.
Much as I hate to be greedy, any chance we could accomplish this in the US of A?
I'm not sure that no-infrastructure internet is possible in a heavily-bureaucratized, corporate-dominated country like this.
Unless you're talking about just the "unreliable" infrastructure part. In which case it's still impossible in a heavily-bureaucratized, corporate-dominated country like this.
To paraphrase the telecom apologists: broadband economics are different in a sparsely populated country such as the USA than they are in regions of higher density, like sub-Saharan Africa.
Translation: We have Congress by the balls. Good luck, sucker.
I have been working the IT related fields in Latin America for over 10 years, both rural and urban. I have also spent some time teaching in China.
One problem I see with this article is that it makes no mention of how they get the internet connectivity. Is it sat? Is it connecting to an existing upstream provider? Both are often unrealistic is developing countries even inside urban areas because of reliability issues, corruption, cost, monopolies, and so on. In rural areas there simply are not options, and because of low population with limited economic resources it is too expensive to provide it.
The other problem that is an even greater issue is when the dam thing breaks, there are very very few people to maintain them. If someone has sufficient know how to fix something like this, chances are they are working for someone that pays a lot more (in local terms) because there is high demand for very few qualified IT people. Again, in rural areas they are often none existent. Anyone with those sorts of skills leaves. I have run in to this problem, even when money was no issue. There simply is no one to provide the support.
Marvelous! The super-user's going to boot me! What a finely tuned response to the situation!


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A Vengeance
Eclipse spoilers incorporated. (read author's note below for explanation) Victoria has nothing and everything. She has no home, no surname, and no real memory of her human life. But she has James, and that is all that matters. When he is abruptly snatched from her life, she can't cope with the human emotion called pain and reacts with anger - anger toward one Isabella Swann. This is her vengeance. Author's note: The first chapter originally contained no spoilers. The first two chapters had been written before the launch of Eclipse. However, this story, from the first chapter onward, will contain one or two small spoilers. I had promised I wouldn't incorporate anything from the third novel, but from what I've read, I can't avoid it. I have NOT betrayed any plot detail from Eclipse -- merely used the few traits of Victoria we had learned. I personally had the book spoiled by a friend of mine, albeit on my request. I used everything I learned from her to write this story. Nothing directly out of Eclipse. I can assure you that what I came to know before even attaining the book did not affect the story in any way. Again, I reiterate: No plot has been given away. By the time this story reaches Eclipse - era, I doubt you will need to fear for spoilers. However, I feel that it is only fair that I warn you some aspect of Eclipse is spoiled in this story. Thank you for reading.
My first chaptered Twilight work. The story will switch categories a few chapters in. **SMALL SPOILER IN THE STORY** Author's note: The first chapter originally contained no spoilers. The first two chapters had been written before the launch of Eclipse. However, this story, from the first chapter onward, will contain one or two small spoilers. I had promised I wouldn't incorporate anything from the third novel, but from what I've read, I can't avoid it. I have NOT betrayed any plot detail from Eclipse -- merely used the few traits of Victoria we had learned. I personally had the book spoiled by a friend of mine, albeit on my request. I used everything I learned from her to write this story. Nothing directly out of Eclipse. I can assure you that what I came to know before even attaining the book did not affect the story in any way. Again, I reiterate: No plot has been given away. By the time this story reaches Eclipse - era, I doubt you will need to fear for spoilers. However, I feel that it is only fair that I warn you some aspect of Eclipse is spoiled in this story. Thank you for reading.
1. Chapter One - Games
Rating 5/5 Word Count 1485 Review this Chapter
A Vengeance
Chapter One - Games
by Marauder by Midnight
"What do you hear, James?"
I edged closer to his still form, not wanting to interrupt his concentration. This was different. Something was making those thunderous cracks, and it had nothing to do with the storm clouds that had gathered.
"They're playing baseball." James didn't hide his incredulity.
I was amazed. What ever compelled these vampires to be so docile with the humans around them, being so…mortal they could take up human hobbies with such ease? I didn't understand the game of baseball. I had never been fully able to mingle with the creatures whose existences were fleeting, not like James, so I had never even entertained the fact of learning their peculiar cultures.
"Curious," Laurent sounded astounded. It was he who had suggested we get a bit closer. I glared at him. Laurent always had a strong, and annoying, interest in anything that was unusual. "Let's go play."
Reluctant agreement burned within me, but I shrugged noncommittally and peered at James to gauge his reaction. "We haven't encountered any of our kind in a while," I prodded. I never react without James' approval, but secretly, I felt a desire to see what exactly this coven looked like. So strange.
James' red eyes flashed with annoyance. "Very well." I could tell that though he was unhappy about the nearby covet, he seemed as intrigued by them as we were. "I can't tell how many there are from here. Victoria, be on your guard."
I nodded eagerly, the hunger to prove myself lashing out as it always did when James needed me. Once more, I will prove my usefulness. My uncanny ability to slip through the heaviest defenses was prized by my mate, especially during games. That and my unwavering devotion to him were gifts I was too happy to give.
It was better than what Laurent offered. I smugly glanced at him; he had only his ability to remain civilized – a mere nuisance when hunting.
"Laurent, you will take the lead. That gives me the flexibility to examine the others." Without warning, James broke into a sprint in the direction I had been facing.
I glared sharply at Laurent before following. I was still wary of the French vampire; I knew he would as soon turn on us as he had turned on his previous coven. I did not even glance back at the broken bodies we had left in our wake.
As I ran, the thundering overhead had died out. I told James briskly, never altering my pace, "They know."
I heard his reply clearly, "Good."
In front of me, I noticed James had slowed to a human's jogging pace; he had seen the break in the trees before I did. I mimicked him, Laurent beside me, and waited cautiously. James seemed to be drinking in his surroundings. They were there in the clearing, I knew. Laurent and I waited silently as James listened.
Finally ready, James emerged first. I shoved Laurent forward, silently cursing him for forgetting his place. James seemed to have forgotten too and oriented himself quickly next to Laurent. When they had advanced a few paces, I myself stepped from the brush.
The field was large, too large to be natural. I could see places where the blades of grass were bent permanently; this field was frequented often. I could make out seven figures at the other end.
I was surprised by the others. They were so different. They clearly had the stink of civilization around them. Their postures were humane, erect, opposite of our almost crouched positions. They stared at us with golden irises; I could see the wariness in their eyes, though I didn't know why they seemed so tense. I fleetingly thought about how wild I must look; I could hear the crackle of the leaves in my hair as I walked.
As if he read my mind, James began to straighten his back. In a split second, Laurent followed, and I inconspicuously stood straighter. Laurent began speaking sociably with the leader of the coven, but I paid no attention. My eyes flickered instinctively from each of the seven who were staring at us. I caught a glimpse of brown behind the one with copper hair. Eight.
Their casual stance wasn't natural. Something was out of place. I began to get anxious. I couldn't fail James here. I continued to look from face to face, trying to find a weak link in the barricade. If we needed to leave quickly and unexpectedly.
From the corner of my eye, I saw James' neck muscles twitch. The slight movement went unnoticed by everyone else, but I knew what that meant. Something – or someone – in the clearing had caught his interest. I glanced at all the faces again suspiciously.
"…come back to our home with us and we can talk comfortably?" the blond leader was offering.
I couldn't hide my surprise and exchanged a look with James. He, too, was caught off-guard but did not object. His silence gave Laurent the indication he needed.
"That sounds very interesting, and welcome," Laurent responded with ease. Again, I tuned out the conversation and proceeded to study the vampires before me. I followed James' line of sight to a petite pixie-like female near the middle of the huddle. Before I could ponder this any further, something happened.
James reacted just as I caught wind of the scent. Immediately he dropped into a crouch and took a step toward the source of the smell. I, too, responded though much more subtly; my sense of smell was not as strong as James'. My eyes began to flicker hungrily from the blank expressions of the males to the tiny thing they vainly tried to hide behind them.
The male closest to the human let out a snarl when James took a step. I saw a smile tug at James' lips as he ducked to the right. As expected, the copper-haired one countered the move. The way he so ferociously guarded this human girl made it evident she was no snack.
Laurent, the buffoon, continued to speak diplomatically. "…we will not harm the human girl. We won't hunt in your range, as I said."
James' blank eyes glanced at me, and I knew Laurent was now speaking for himself. It would do Laurent well if he knew of James' wrath; he would have known to back off then and there. I knew there was no way James can ignore the girl now, not after the way the other had defended the mortal. We had to retreat, plan, and attack. I went back to attempting to look for a way in through these guarded and tense vampires and to the meal that lie behind them.
I watched suspiciously as three of them pulled the human away. Most likely hiding her from us. No use, I thought smugly. James and I were unstoppable. Not only will we slip past their defenses, but we will slip just as unharmed out fully satiated.
Then she disappeared in the shrubs. As soon as her entourage reached the cover of the trees, I knew they were running. I couldn't help but smile. The mortal was certainly a handicap; I knew James would be able to catch up to them with no problems. Now it was only a matter of escaping the other four.
When the sounds of retreat was inaudible to James' ears (they had completely faded for me by that point), he spoke quietly, "I'm afraid we," he gestured toward me, "will have to decline your offer. It seems we are unwelcome here and have overstayed our visit." I hid a grin. I knew the hunt had started.
Apparently the other coven leader understood as well. "That is fine." His tone was still amiable though strained. "However, I would like to remind you that hunting on our grounds will be disastrous for you."
I saw Laurent, who stood to my side and slightly forward, stiffen. Anger rippled through me, and my claw-like fingers curled. How dare he feel for those human-lovers! I couldn't see his eyes, but I had a feeling he was embarrassed by our behavior. I couldn't control myself, and a throaty growl came from my mouth. The four vampires tensed and took a step forward, but my attention was on Laurent. He began to glance around frantically at anything but me. He knew he was being warned – treachery, especially against James, was punishable by utter annihilation.
James bowed solemnly. "Of course. We understand." He began to back away non-aggressively.
I, too, retreated slowly, my eyes nailed on Laurent. I was not as good a tracker, but this quarry had gotten me almost as excited as it had James. A couple paces back, I turned and broke into a run, James by my side.The game had begun.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Imagine the board game Operation infused with crazy scenarios, and even wackier medical tools. If you can picture that, then you have the basis for Amateur Surgeon, which relies on chainsaws, pizza cutters, lighters, car batteries, and other objects to perform on-call medical procedures. The game is now in its third version, and developers Adult Swim Games have done a lot to make Amateur Surgeon 3 stand out. This game focuses on rookie surgeon Ophelia Payne sent into the world to face medical disasters in an inmate run prison, cannibal filled jungle, radioactive cave, and more. All told, there are 20 outrageous surgeries to perform in six outlandish locations.
The highlight of the game is you never know what to expect, and that ranges from the overreaching storyline to the individual medical procedure at hand. Randomness is the overwhelming feature of the game as you simply have to experiment to discover the right technique to eradicate poisonous frogs in the liver, remove cement from the lungs, and find what goes where within mutant bears. The game definitely has a distinct style, and it leverages that to the fullest with such a crazy cartoon art style that delivers crude medical humor. Once you understand the premise of operating in wild and crazy scenarios with any tools you can find, you can fully appreciate how much went into the over the top theme.
The most distinguishable aspect of number three is the surprising focus on the gameplay to the point that the theme is actually second fiddle. The entire game is designed around touch, and it's another Adult Swim game that offers a crazy action packed experience following along the lines of Extinction Squad, Velocirapture, Heads Up! Hot Dogs, and Super Monsters Ate My Condo. Each surgery delivers a unique challenge, and it's quite an intense experience with so much to do in each case. There are all kinds of swipes, drags, and taps as you cauterize wounds with a lighter, apply a healing gel, cut out maligned organs with a chainsaw, and more along these lines. Not only do the touch controls exist, but they're extremely fine tuned for silky smooth operations. The 20 surgeries offer hours of entertainment, and there are also two bonus challenges per surgery to give you time, score, and error constraints.
The third version of the game is also distinguished by the free to play nature. There's a deluxe upgrade chain for your medical tools that you can unlock by playing, or buy some coins to upgrade quicker. You also have three bloodpacks, and any failed procedure costs a blood pack, so they kind of work like the hearts in Candy Crush, where you have to wait or spend money to replenish your supply if you fail three times in quick succession. Another IAP option is to get an extra 30 seconds of surgery time in reviving a patient. Through it all, you can enjoy the entire game for free, and make it through all 20 surgeries without paying a cent. Finally, Amateur Surgeon 3 has the tagline, Tag-Team Trauma, and you can unlock different characters which act as special abilities to help in individual surgeries.
The only thing missing would be an electrical shock emanating out of the screen when you make a mistake. The challenge is definitely there, as each procedure isn't just about completion, as you also have to contend with time constraints, and a BP monitor. You usually have about three minutes to perform numerous sequences, and the entire time your patient is slowly dying. You will need to replenish them with an injection from time to time to help you survive. The main drawback with the game is that the actions can become exceedingly repetitive as you tap and swipe to heal numerous wounds time after time.
Amateur Surgeon 3 (Free, Universal) is an action packed game extremely well suited for touch that is a should buy for some entertaining wild and crazy Operation.


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Mitch Moreland hit a three-run home run to help the Texas Rangers take a 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game set.
David Murphy and Nelson Cruz each drove in a run for the Rangers, who have won three straight. Matt Harrison (13-6) pitched 6 2/3 innings and gave up two runs on eight hits with three walks and three strikeouts to snap a two-start losing streak.
"It's all about execution and making your pitches," said Harrison. "Wins are hard to come by. If you keep the game close, anything can happen. I'm happy to get the win, but the most important thing is we're on a roll right now and hopefully we'll continue that."
Alcides Escobar and Yuniesky Betancourt each drove in a run for the Royals, who had a three-game winning streak stopped. Jeremy Guthrie (0-3) dropped his third straight start since coming to Kansas City as he gave up three runs on six hits over six-plus innings.
Texas went on top in the first inning thanks to a sacrifice fly from Cruz, but a run-scoring double play by Betancourt in the second tied the game for Kansas City.
"The first inning I was up in the zone a lot and got into some trouble, but after that I felt like I was able to make some better pitches and give us a chance to win," said Guthrie.
The Rangers went back on top in the fourth. Adrian Beltre singled to start the frame and later moved to second on a wild pitch. Murphy then singled him home for a 2-1 lead.
In the seventh, the Rangers struck again. Michael Young led off with a single and Geovany Soto later walked. Moreland followed with his 11th home run of the year, a shot to right, for a 5-1 advantage.
Kansas City chipped away at its deficit in the seventh as an Escobar single scored Chris Getz, and the team made it a two-run game in the eighth on an RBI double from Betancourt.
Alexi Ogando, though, set the Royals down in order in the ninth for his second save of the season.
Game Notes
Kansas City took both games of a two-game set in Texas on May 14 and 15...Harrison improved to 3-1 in five career starts against the Royals...Including his time with the Rockies this season, Guthrie is 0-9 in his last 14 games. He fell to 3-3 lifetime against Texas over 13 games...Kansas City left nine men on base.


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Oakdale Youth Baseball Association 11-12 All Star catcher Broderick Medrano proved his home run derby title was no fluke by belting a huge three-run bomb over the center field fence during third inning action at Fair Oaks Field on Wednesday, June 30.
Oakdale Gators youth swimmer Hayley Rivera dominated the 7-8 age division at the team's first home meet, June 5, with the Manteca Dolphins. Rivera won three events in her age division, dominating across the pool.
The 33rd Annual Nitro Night of Fire event attracted many of the best racers from around the Sacramento area and surrounding counties over the weekend. The counties of Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced and San Joaquin were all represented at the event.
With ear buds from his I-pod firmly implanted in each lobe, Oakdale High graduate Boone Whiting was a bit confused when his collegiate summer league Santa Barbara Forrester teammates rose to their feet and began shaking his hand on the bus ride to Compton on Tuesday, June 8.
Tracy Invitational 2010, Saturday-Sunday, May 29-30
The leading hitter and pitcher in the major division Oakdale Baseball Association American League rocked opposing batters for 59 strikeouts and accumulated an astounding .631 average at the plate.
I can't watch Wheel of Fortune anymore without flying into a fit of rage.
With spring rains pelting the Northern California Central Valley area throughout the week, it was time for the sun to come out. And come out it did, just in time to allow another great weekend of drag racing at Sacramento Raceway for the annual "Funny Car Fever" event.
The short but muscular frame of two-year old Staffordshire bull terrier, Koukla, mimics the same profile of her owner, Oakdale High graduate Martin Sandoval.
Amarillo, Texas native Trevor Brazile is a lot like the U.S. Postal Service.
Four months before the 59th Annual Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo, volunteers were already preparing for the 60th.
Jerold Camarillo's lasso is about as accurate as a sniper rifle.
The opening of the 52nd Annual March Meet at the famed Famoso Raceway just north of Bakersfield got off to an auspicious start for Oakdale's nostalgia drag racing team and driver Josh Crawford on March 5.
Preparing for his final run at the half pipe in the Freestyle Skiing Junior Olympics in New Hampshire, Oakdale sophomore Neal Cadra got some last minute advice from a coach who told him to go for a trick he had never landed in competition.
Roughly 200 runners took to the streets of Oakdale on Saturday morning for the 2010 Don Osborne Memorial Library Run. Hosted by the Oakdale Lions Club and overseen by the Modesto-based ShadowChase Running Club, the run began near the library at South First Avenue and G Street. Two different races were offered, the one-mile run and the 5K walk/run. Conditions were picture perfect, with cool morning air and some sunshine greeting those on hand for the event, which raises money for the local library and its programs for the community.
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An Internet Calendar Subscription is a calendar that you download and view in iCal. However, unlike a schedule download for calender applications, Internet Calendar Subscriptions are updated automatically.
For iCal:
- Click the link for your desired sport in the list below for the Internet Calendar Subscription.
- At the prompt, choose "Subscribe."
- Choose desired options, select "yes" for auto-refresh, and subscription is complete. Auto refresh settings can be adjusted within the subscription info for iCal
Here's how to download and import a schedule:
- Click the schedule below that you want to import. (In some web browsers, you might have to right-click).
- Select "Save File" (it is easiest to save the file to your Desktop).
- Find the location of the file you downloaded and double-click.
- Enter a name for the calendar (or accept the default) and click "OK".
- If you are using Safari as your web browser, once you click on a schedule below it will automatically load into Apple iCal.
System requirements:
Operating System/Platform: Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or
Windows Vista
Calendar/Outlook: Outlook 2000, XP, 2003 or 2007
Other: Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0. Most computers have this installed and otherwise you can download it here. You may be required to download a newer version, such as Microsoft. NET Framework Version 3.5 SP1, which is available here.
iCal Subscriber for Outlook download instructions:
- Save iCal Subscriber 1.2 for Outlook from here.
- Ensure your Microsoft Outlook is completely closed.
- Locate the file "MarkThisDateSetup-12.msi" that you saved, double-click and to open and run the setup. You may receive a confirmation message asking if you are sure you want to run the program, select "Run".
- The MarkThisDate Setup Wizard will appear and guide you through the installation.
- Once installed, you may add and subscribe to iCalendars. For more information or instructions on adding iCalendars using "iCal Subscriber for Outlook", click here.
Download Harvard Sport Schedules:


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BELOIT (WIFR) -- The Beloit Police Department has announced that K-9 Nick will retire May 12, 2013.
"The department and the community are grateful for the years of service K-9 Nick has provided to the Beloit Police Officers who depended on him to help with their daily policing duties," said Chief Jacobs.
Nick will retire to his new life with his handler, Officer Brian Daugherty and family.
K-9 Nick began his tour of duty September 6, 2006. Nick and Officer Daugherty worked tirelessly together since those early years, mostly on second shift, doing what this multi task K-9 was trained to do. Nick was used extensively over the years for drug interdiction work, searches of vehicles and buildings, and tracking.
Nick's retirement will occur during National Police Week, which is May 12th through May 18th, 2013, when we honor past and present officers for their service.
"The K-9 program, the community has allowed us to have since 1985, is a valuable tool to law enforcement" said Chief Jacobs. We will begin considering the future of the program balancing resources with the community needs.
Sheriff Bob Spoden from the Rock County Sheriff's Office and Chief David Moore from the Janesville Police Department have offered their K-9 resources should they be required.
The following is a historical K-9 list:
1. Vince Sciame "Buddy" 1985 – 1993 (Captain)
2. John Fahrney "Juri" 1992 – 2000 (Detective)
3. John Baumgartner "Fronz" 1992 – 1998 (Officer)
4. Mark Douglas "Scarlet" 1994 – 2002 (Sergeant)
5. Tracey Summers "Tucker" 1994 – 2006 (Retired)
6. Dan Molland "Max" 2000 – 2004 (Sergeant)
7. Bryan Hasse "Mike" 2005 – 2010 (Retired from B. P. D)
8. Brian Daugherty "Nick" 2006 – 2013 (Officer)


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Another JUBber and I have been discussing plans to organize a meetup in Minneapolis, sometime next spring. Just wanting to see who would be interested...
A couple of the things we'd plan on doing:
-Mall of America outing
-Valley Fair?
-Sculpture Garden
Anyway, leave a reply or PM me if you're interested at all in joining up with us for a meetup!


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Norma Woodlee of Petersburg, a former town alderman and local businesswoman, died Wednesday (April 24, 2013) at her residence. She was 73.
She was born in Marshall County on Feb. 29, 1940 to the late R.L and Louise Wright Beard.
Mrs. Woodlee was employed at Inter-City Products and later owned Petersburg Flower Shop. She was a former Petersburg alderman and a member of Lone Oak Church of Christ.
Mrs. Woodlee is survived by her daughter, Teresa Knighten of Petersburg; son, James Richard Wilkes of Petersburg; brother, Jimmy Beard of Monrovia, Ala.; seven grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Saturday morning in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with Bro. Kevin Callahan officiating. Burial followed in New Hope Cemetery.
Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home assisted the family.


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Submission + - Professor ditches grades for XP system (itnews.com.au)
schliz writes: Like in World of Warcraft, students of Indiana University's game design classes start as Level 1 avatars with 0 XP and progress by completing quests solo, as guilds, or in 'pick up groups'. Course coordinator Lee Sheldon says students are responding with "far greater enthusiasm", and many specifics of game design could also be directly applied to the workforce. These included: clearly defining goals for workers; providing incremental rewards; and balancing effort and reward.


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Today I had the opportunity to peer into the next evolution of the iPhone and the next evolution of VoIP. I'm not talking about the shady pseudo functioning implementation of Skype from fring – not that those guys aren't great, I just very rarely had a working call – I am talking about the next step in VoIP technology as a whole – iCall for iPhone.
I've been working with the iCall crew for a couple of weeks now, starting out trying to get them to let me in with ad-hoc distribution. I talked with Arlo their CEO about why it has taken so long since we first saw the video back in June. At the time he told me that the applications in the AppStore where really more like applets and not industrial applications – he assured me that this would not be the case with iCall. I have to tell you, the man didn't lie. There is no reality distortion field here just an absolutely incredible application.
The first time you open the application you'll be asked to pick a get a free local number to make and receive calls using the application. For me I chose one close to my new apartment, although you could pick one in a different location if need be. Once you've got your number go in and enter your cell number which assists in making the switch from cellular network to iCall's VoIP.
Now, unfortunately this doesn't work quite like we all had thought (at least if you watched the [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNoq5w3mkMU"]video[/ame]) – one must have forwarding enabled to your iCall number in settings to switch from a cell call to VoIP.
Andy of iCall explains –
In order to transfer calls from GSM to WiFi, you must have forwarding enabled in "Settings". Additionally the call must be received at the new iCall number that we have assigned you. Below is a sample scenario:
• You receive a call at your iCall number, but you are not logged into iCall
• The call is automatically and transparently forwarded to the "My cell number" you have configured in iCall
• You answer the call and initiate the conversation
• You start iCall and are prompted to switch
Unfortunately, last time we called AT&T and said "Hey, can we connect directly to your call switches and radios?" they said no  We'll call again next week.
• You receive a call at your iCall number, but you are not logged into iCall
• The call is automatically and transparently forwarded to the "My cell number" you have configured in iCall
• You answer the call and initiate the conversation
• You start iCall and are prompted to switch
Unfortunately, last time we called AT&T and said "Hey, can we connect directly to your call switches and radios?" they said no  We'll call again next week.
Call Forwarding is included on all*AT&T and former AT&T Wireless rate plans. Forwarded calls are billed airtime from the time the call is answered until it is ended. Each call forwarded may receive, depending on your location, per minute/per call or interconnect charges based on where the call is forwarded. Long Distance charges apply if the call is forwarded to a long distance number. If you are on a former AT&T Wireless rate plan, call forwarding minutes*may not apply to your included minutes.
Only for the portion of the call that is spent on your regular cell. Once the call is transferred to iCall, AT&T is not even aware of the call.
Every call I have made with iCall, save for one, has been crystal clear for me and the recipient and vice versa on my family's internet in Kansas City (I believe it is a 3Mbps connection from Time Warner, but I live in Chicago with Crapcast so what do I know).
The application pulls all of your contacts (or you can do that lame dialing thing) up which makes it really easy to use and make calls with. Voicemail is also included with the application so you can get message while you can't answer the phone – awesome. When I get back to Chicago where WiFi is more ubiquitous I'll definitely be checking it out.
One of the iCall founders, Arlo Gilbert, took the time to respond to a few questions I had –
Kevan (Me): When do you plan on submitting the app to Apple?
Arlo: We intend to submit to Apple in the next week.
K: What are you going to charge for the application? For the service?
A: [For] The service [we] will offer a free trial period, 29.95 for the first month, 9.95 per month thereafter. The application download from the store will be free.
and a very important question –
K: Any hope of getting the app to work with an iPod Touch + Mic (we are a modification site after all )?
A: We won't officially support any 3rd party or hacked hardware, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work, somebody would have to be the brave soul to try it out though at their expense and risk.
Risk. Expense. Hacking. These have never stopped us before.
In the interim before the app is submitted, If you would like a call to hear how it sounds feel free to PM me with your phone number and I'll give you a call.


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Playing this video requires the latest flash player from Adobe.
Download link (right click and 'save-as') for playing in VLC or other compatible player.
Black holes are the elementary particles of gravity, the
final state of sufficiently massive stars and of energetic collisions. With a
forty-year long history, black hole physics is a fully-blossomed field which
promises to embrace several branches of theoretical physics. Here I review the
main developments in highly dynamical black holes with an emphasis on high
energy black hole collisions and probes of particle physics via superradiance.


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2010 Football
Franklin 56, Bluffton 9
Franklin pulls away in second half for 56-9 win over Beavers
September 18, 2010
FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Franklin College football team used a 28-point third quarter to pull away from the Beavers in a 56-9 victory over Bluffton on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010. Bluffton dipped to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the Heartland Conference, while Franklin improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in HCAC play.
Franklin took advantage of great field position at the Bluffton 40-yard line to start its second possession, capping it with an 18-yard Craig Reece scoring run with 9:16 to play in the first quarter. Bluffton responded with a 10-play drive that culminated with a 35-yard Austin Sweeney (Adrian, Mich./Whitmer) field goal, cutting the deficit to four points.
A Bluffton fumble early in the second quarter following a Franklin punt set up another Grizzly touchdown which made it 14-3 with 13:19 to play in the half. The two teams traded turnovers before Bluffton took over thanks to a Dominique Chester (Mansfield/Comprehensive) interception in the end zone. The Beavers fashioned a 94-yard scoring drive that encompassed 16 plays and 5:35 on the clock. Tyler Wright (Troy) hooked up with sophomore Jason Brown (Napoleon) on a four-yard scoring toss, making it 14-9 at the half.
The Beavers were unable to move the chains in the third period as Franklin hit paydirt four times for a 42-9 lead heading to the final quarter. The Grizzlies tacked on 14 more points in the fourth quarter for a 56-9 win over the visitors.
Franklin finished with 508 yards (346 passing), while the Beavers tallied 67 on the ground and 150 through the air for a total of 217 yards. The home team moved the chains 30 times, compared to 12 for Bluffton. On third down, Franklin was successful 6-of-11 times, compared to 5-of-16 for Bluffton.
Tyler Wright completed 11-of-19 passes for 140 yards and a score. He also went for a team-high 51 yards on the ground. Alex Carter (Troy) and Jason A. Johnson (Lansing, Mich./Eastern) both finished with 49 yards receiving on three catches apiece. Todd Trotter (Cincinnati/Aiken University) and Jason Brown also hauled in three receptions each for the Beavers.
Dominique Chester and junior Jacob Luthy (Ida, Mich.) paced the Bluffton defense with five tackles each, including a team high four solos from Chester. Freshman Josh Hadley (Harper Woods, Mich.) tallied 4.5 stops, while sophomore Stephen Miller (Logan) added a 16-yard sack for the Beavers.
Bluffton welcomes Mount St. Joseph to Salzman Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. The HCAC home opener is slated for 1:30 p.m.


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Posted by Peg in South Carolina
This has been really really slow going. My heart has not been in it. My juices have not been flowing. There has been no eagerness.
But now all that is beginning to change just a bit. I feel as though deep inside there is a spring that is beginning to come alive and reveal a bit of its bubbling water.
It is true. My heart is in singing. Nearly my entire heart. I was beginning to think that there was no room there for weaving. But I think that maybe there is. The real trick will be to pace my energies.
Related Posts:
Lashing on to the Loom: Part One
Test Weaving the Warp
"Ready to Weave Once Again" was written by Margaret Carpenter for Talking about Weaving and was originally posted on October 13, 2010. ©2010 Margaret Carpenter aka Peg in South Carolina


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Most people think turtles and tortoises are one and the same. When it comes down to it, turtles are aquatic and tortoises stay mostly on land.
Most people think turtles and tortoises are one and the same.
When it comes down to it, turtles are aquatic and tortoises stay mostly on land. It's common to find either basking in the sun or cooling off in a small pool of water.
Tortoises are protected from predators by a shell. The top part is called the carapace and the under shell is called the plastron. The part connecting the upper and lower is called the bridge. The strength of the shell comes from it being fused to the rib cage, making its structure all one piece.
Most land-based tortoises are herbivores, feeding on weeds, grass, flowers, and some fruits as a treat. A tortoise will spend its days grazing for food and basking on sunny days to absorb the needed UVB vitamins for healthy growth. Too much or not enough proteins and certain foods can lead to deformity in the growth of the shell.
The largest of the tortoises is the Galapagos. This is made up of 15 subspecies that grow in weight to more than 800 pounds and 200 years of age. The smallest tortoise is the Speckled Padlopers. These reach a size of just a few inches and weigh less 100 grams.
Many species of tortoises exist all over the world. These include the Aldabra, Bells Hingeback, Desert, Elongated, Gopher, Greek, Hermann's, Leopard, Marginated, Pancake, Radiated, Red Foot, Russian and the Yellow Foot. Each of these has many subspecies, making for a huge variety of tortoise types. Even though many of these vary in size, most require similar diets and living conditions to survive.
One of the most popular tortoises for pets is the Sulcata, also known as the Spur Thigh. This tortoise is the third largest in the world, weighing up to 200 pounds. With a lifespan of more than 100 years, it does take a long time to become full grown. The Sulcata likes temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees. For sleeping and hiding, the Sulcata will dig 2 feet in the ground under roots or fallen trees.
Be sure you research the tortoise type you want before taking it home. The larger tortoise species will require some room as they get older.
[ Scott Wisneski is owner of Family Reptiles in Lakeland, www.familyreptiles.com. ]


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by the Rev. Andrew Kuyvenhoven
Monthly Theme:
Philippians is Paul's love letter. The epistle is also a good instrument for learning the secret of this great man. Paul considered living Christ and dying gain. And, although he wrote from a prison cell, his refrain was "Rejoice in the Lord always."
Bible Reading:
Philippians 4:18–23
Bible Text:
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
God has endless supplies and will look after your needs. He will "meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." He has it all, and he gives it all "in Christ." "In Christ" we receive all blessings—yes, God himself.
This thought still ties in with the matter of giving and receiving that Paul discussed with the church of Philippi. Together they had a partnership in God's mission. And Paul asserts that, since God has all the wealth in the universe, those who are God's partners will receive more than they give.
This truth has been abused. Those who are building religious empires always tell their donors that an investment in their company will make the givers rich. One wealthy fellow made a contribution that paid for a whole building with furnishings. People who knew the donor called this building "George's fire insurance." Of course, God knows as well as you and I when he gets a gift with strings attached.
But all the abuse in the world cannot alter the truth of this saying: God is generous with the generous. Our gifts to God never make us poorer. Our partnership with him guarantees a rich reward in this life and in the life to come—as long as we understand this covenant of grace on God's own terms.
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. His grace be with your spirit.
Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.
A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version
Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.


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BRISTOL, Tenn. – Follow the final conference regular season match of the women's volleyball season, King learned its postseason destiny on Tuesday afternoon. The Lady Tornado will play Belmont Abbey College in their quarterfinal round match in Concord, N.C. on Saturday, Nov. 10.
With Lees-McRae falling to Queens (N.C.) on Tuesday afternoon in three games, King jumped into the No. 3 spot in the West Division, placing them in a cross-divisional match with the No. 2 Belmont Abbey Crusaders out of the East Division. Queens (N.C.) slipped into the No. 1 spot in the East, lining them up for a rematch with the Bobcats (No. 4 West) in their opening round contest.
King (16-15, 9-7) will travel to Concord, N.C. to take on the Crusaders at the Wheeler Center. The quarterfinal match will be held this Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. The Lady Tornado and Crusaders met once this season where Belmont Abbey took a 3-0 win away inside the Wheeler Center. In that match, Belmont Abbey outhit King .333 to .072 in hit percentage. Hannah Schellenberg led the Crusaders with 14 kills while Summer Kremer tallied eight to lead the Lady Tornado. King held the block advantage, 8-4.
The winner of King/Belmont Abbey will play the winner of East No. 4 Barton and West No. 1 Erskine on Nov. 14 at the home of the higher seed.


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NEW YORK (AP) — The "Today" show's top producer is speaking out against stories portraying anchor Matt Lauer as being difficult to work with during the show's slide in the ratings.
Executive Producer Jim Bell said Wednesday Lauer is the heart and soul of NBC's morning news show and that negative stories about him have been hard to deal with.
"Today" has slipped behind ABC's "Good Morning America" in the ratings recently, particularly since Lauer's former co-host, Ann Curry, was replaced by Savannah Guthrie. That's led to a wave of bad publicity, much of it focused on Lauer.
Bell said there's a clear contrast between his show and "Good Morning America" now, one that will become even more apparent in the coming months.


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Cards bust out, rely on 'pen to ink Game 1 win
Relievers toss 5 1/3 shutout innings to make early burst stand up
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com | 10/15/2012 1:36 AM ET
NLCS Gm1: Beltran belts a two-run homer to deep left
SAN FRANCISCO -- Manager Mike Matheny gave the directive to bullpen coach Dyar Miller, who summoned Joe Kelly to join him in a jog to the 'pen.
A once-seemingly safe six-run St. Louis lead had already shrunk to two, and Lance Lynn was giving little indication that he was about to stop a surging San Francisco offense. And so, as Lynn faced pinch-hitter Aubrey Huff -- a batter he'd eventually walk -- Kelly rushed through his warmup sequence.
Kelly had time for about 10 fastballs and another five offspeed offerings before he was jogging again, this time to the AT&T Park mound. Wondering himself if he had had ample time to prepare, Kelly -- with an assist from a diving Daniel Descalso -- closed the inning, setting off a stellar bullpen stand that ensured the Cardinals would exit Sunday with a 6-4 win to open the National League Championship Series.
"As young as they are, I look at their demeanor, and that's the coolest thing about this," said David Freese, speaking specifically of Kelly and fellow rookie reliever Trevor Rosenthal, who also came up clutch in Sunday's game. "They get on that bump with 50,000 people roaring at them, and they don't care."
Indeed, in a game that opened with the Cards racing out to a six-run lead, it took a boost by the bullpen to pluck home-field advantage away from the Giants. The same bullpen that posted a pedestrian 3.90 ERA during the regular season has now allowed only six earned runs in 30 postseason innings.
That's after six relievers combined to toss 5 1/3 shutout innings behind Lynn on Sunday.
"We've got a good bullpen, a strong bullpen, and we have to be ready," Edward Mujica said. "We have to be ready in different situations, no matter what situations. If the starters go four or five, just try to pick them up."
The needed pick-me-up came unexpectedly, as it appeared early that the defending World Series champs were going to cruise. The Cardinals took no time hushing the San Francisco crowd, and they chased left-hander Madison Bumgarner from his start before he could finish four innings.
Freese's two-run homer -- his first postseason long ball since the iconic blast he sent over the center-field wall in the 2011 World Series -- gave St. Louis the early advantage.
"We were ready for mistakes," said Freese, whose six postseason home runs are tied for the third most in franchise history. "Coming in here, we were wanting to get a lead early."
The bottom of the Cards' lineup then sparked a four-run fourth.
Surprising postseason contributors Descalso and Pete Kozma delivered consecutive one-out doubles. Jon Jay extended the inning with a two-out, two-strike RBI single. Carlos Beltran, whose career made a brief stop in San Francisco last season, then drilled a 3-2 slider into the stands.
At the time, Beltran joined Albert Pujols and Babe Ruth as the only players with at least 14 homers and a .325 batting average in the postseason. It was his third home run in seven playoff games this month.
"I'm just really enjoying myself, honestly," Beltran said. "Right now, I'm seeing the ball well. ... I'm not trying to do too much, good things are happening. I feel good about that."
With Lynn having held the Giants hitless through three innings, a six-run cushion seemed plenty substantial. But the club that overcame that same deficit to send Washington to an early winter endured a similar scare from San Francisco. Before the fourth inning ended, the Giants had chased Lynn from the game and climbed back to within two.
They did it with four consecutive two-out hits, including a two-run triple by Gregor Blanco and a subsequent RBI double by Brandon Crawford. It wasn't until after Crawford's knock that the bullpen stirred.
"I threw a lot of fastballs early, and then they started jumping on it and got a lot of big hits in a row," Lynn said. "Before I knew it, they had four runs. I wasn't able to make as quick an adjustment as they did."
When Lynn walked Huff, Matheny made his move.
"His fastball looked good, but when he was working behind in the count, it serves into a team like the Giants' hand," Matheny said. "And they've got an explosive offense and made a strong run and put Lance in a hard spot."
Descalso's diving stop helped Kelly retire Angel Pagan and halt the inning, and a formidable line of arms took their turns from there. Not one of them buckled.
Rosenthal and lefty Marc Rzepczynski bridged the gap to the team's three late-inning arms with scoreless appearances. Mujica, Mitchell Boggs and closer Jason Motte followed in similar fashion.
"Their bullpen's pretty tough," said Pagan. "That's why we have to score some runs against their starters so we won't have to face the nasty guys."
The game ended with the 'pen retiring 14 of the last 16 Giants hitters. That meant that, while down only by two, San Francisco managed to get the potential tying run to the plate only twice after the fifth.
The first came with Rosenthal on the mound in the sixth, and the 22-year-old powered his way past Pagan with six straight 99-mph fastballs. The Giants had one last gasp in the ninth, when Pagan singled with two out. Motte answered with a game-ending groundout.
"It's contagious," Motte said of the bullpen's success. "Just like over the first couple of innings, the hitting was contagious."
The Cardinals needed the nearly perfect bullpen stand, too, because San Francisco's relievers were just as dominant, holding St. Louis hitless after the fourth. The combined 10 2/3 innings of scoreless relief from the two clubs set an LCS record.
It was the Cards, though, who rode the relief to a win, one that puts history on their side. Over the past 20 years, the club that won the first game of the NLCS has advanced to the World Series all but four times.
"People are going to look at the Cardinals and say, 'Well, they only won 88 games and were the second Wild Card,'" said Lance Berkman. "But if we had this team for the entire season, we would have won 100 games easy. If we have a lead after five innings, you're going to be facing five guys that throw 100 mph. That's a tough task for any team to overcome."


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I recently moved into house that has a water filtration system that I want to learn how to manage. This is how the water appears to flow from my well:
pumped out of well with a pumptro water pump to well saver pump tank (blue tank)
then to GE whole-house smartfilter(GXWH35F) then to rust/iron removal tank(structural) and then to salt/potassium chip tank(big blue tank).
Then the water flows to a purepro RO tank (RO-132) and then through 6 filters:
1)sediment filter
2)carbon filter
4)RO membrane tube
5)in-line filtration tube
6)taste and odor reduction tube
The water then flows to sink and fridge.
I managed to track down all the filters and a replacement RO membrane. The previous owner said he swapped the filters on a regular basis. I plan to swap out all of these filters every 6-12months.
So my questions are:
I was told that the RO tank has a bladder inside and the whole tank needs to be replaced every 5 years? Is that correct?
Does anyone know what maintenance is needed or how often the iron removal tank lasts?
I plan to shut off the water, wipe down the housings and o-rings, replace all the filters, and turn water back on and drain the RO tank a few times before we start drinking again.
I was told that the system was probably installed in 2008
Any other suggestions?


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4-15-07 -- Seattle found a solution for its early-season struggles at the plate: Texas pitching.
The Mariners hit four home runs and had a season-high in hits and runs in a 14-6 win over the Rangers on Sunday.
Jose Vidro homered into the right field seats in his first two at-bats, Ichiro Suzuki had four hits, and Adrian Beltre went deep for the second straight day.
The top three hitters in Seattle's order -- Suzuki, Beltre and Vidro -- were 9-for-14 with 10 RBIs and nine runs scored.
"If we have people on base with this ballclub, it's going to be good," Vidro said.
Seattle's hitters staged a turnaround against Texas, after entering the series hitting just .187. They raised their averaged nearly 50 points in the three games, collecting 33 hits, including 14 on Sunday.
Seattle scored 24 runs in taking two of three from Texas.
Getting three consecutive games without interruption certainly helped Seattle. The Mariners played three straight days for the first time since their season-opening series at home against Oakland.
"Guys are getting more comfortable getting to play every day," Beltre said.
Suzuki hit his 21st career leadoff home run and one out later Vidro connected for a solo shot, quickly erasing a 2-0 deficit and setting the tone for the afternoon. Vidro then hit a three-run homer in the second inning, the first of Seattle's two four-run innings. It was Vidro's sixth career two-homer game, the last coming in 2003 while with Montreal.
Vidro started the day batting .143, and spent time in the video room with hitting coach Jeff Pentland trying to find answers.
"It's always good to have somebody like that who can correct you," Vidro said. "I listened to him and went out and tried to work on things early today in (batting practice) and it worked in the game."
That was more than enough offense for Horacio Ramirez, who made his first official start for Seattle, 14 days into the season. Ramirez started on April 6 at Cleveland, but a snow storm forced the game to be called one strike short of being official. Ramirez trailed that game 4-0, but his slate was wiped clean.
Ramirez (1-0) allowed Sammy Sosa's two-out, two-run single off the left field wall in the first, then held the Rangers mostly in check. He pitched six innings, giving up seven hits and one earned run, picking up his first win since July 17 of last year while with Atlanta.
Texas starter Brandon McCarthy (1-2) lasted two innings, giving up six runs and six hits including a trio of homers. It was the shortest outing in McCarthy's 15 career starts.
"It wasn't one of the more positive outings I'll have this year," McCarthy said.
Suzuki's 26th career four-hit day including a one-out bunt single in the fourth that started Seattle's second four-run inning. Suzuki snapped an 0-for-13 slump on Saturday, then raised his average from .192 to .290 just on Sunday.
The reason?
"Yesterday, I had two ice creams. Usually I only eat one," Suzuki said.
Beltre then walked and Vidro's infield single loaded the bases. Raul Ibanez lined a shot past pitcher Kameron Loe into center field, scoring two. After a groundout, Texas third baseman Matt Kata made his second error of the day, misplaying the hop on Jose Guillen's chopper, allowing Vidro to score.
Kenji Johjima followed with a liner off Loe's glove. Loe rushed his throw to first, sailing it over Mark Teixeira's head and into the right field seats on a hop, allowing Ibanez to score.
Kata also had a throwing error in the first and had Beltre's RBI single in the second skip under his glove. That hit came after a 13-pitch at-bat by Suzuki, who fouled off eight straight pitches before reaching on an infield single.
Beltre's homer came with two outs in the seventh and hit high off the foul pole in left field.
Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler hit a solo home run in the ninth, his sixth of the season.


text:
ONCE upon a time, before the global financial crisis, Australian banks relied on the euromarket to fund most of the shortfall created by Australia's lending boom. No one was the wiser.
But then the GFC hit and in the aftermath the European Union hit the skids and the Australian banks had to look elsewhere for funding, in particular the US.
The theory goes that the Australian housing market boom was funded by bank access to lots of cheap offshore debt. With that cheap debt gone, the Australian housing market was supposed to go into terminal decline.
But a funny thing has happened.
The big Aussie banks were able to resume their borrowing in European markets, particularly in the second half of last year and at steadily improving rates to boot.
According to data supplied by ADCM Services, euromarket borrowings by the Aussie banks amounted to the equivalent of $59.4 billion last year - a new record. All this against a backdrop of the eurozone unemployment rate hitting 11.8 per cent and real GDP contracting 0.4 per cent.
The major banks' AA- credit rating and Australia's strong economy meant that the big Aussie banks were able to keep borrowing - their paper was seen as a safe investment.
More recently all-up funding costs of wholesale debt have fallen below 100 basis points compared with 150 basis points for most of last year.
The market is now expecting the big Aussie banks to hold their net interest margins flat in the first half of 2013 - a remarkable achievement against a backdrop of a decline of about 10 basis points a year and the turmoil of recent years.
In other words, the banks have been able to use their market power in the domestic market to pass on some of the pain. They have held back rate cuts, toned down mortgage discounting and upped margins for the perennial whipping boy - the SME (small and medium-sized businesses) sector.
All the funding indicators are going the right way for the big banks. None of this is to suggest that banking stocks are cheap - only to justify the 30 per cent rise in banking stocks over the past eight months. It's still important because as long as the big banks can keep raising money offshore, there is a chance Australia's economic dream run can continue.
The easing of offshore credit markets has come just in time.
Equities managers are reporting the first discretionary flows from retail customers. With equity markets back in bull-run mentality, mums and dads are pulling cash out of low-return term deposits to jump back into the stockmarket.
Domestic deposits now make up about 55 per cent of total bank funding, compared with less than 40 per cent before the GFC, but don't expect it to keep rising.
All that sticky deposit funding the banks had built up in the aftermath of the GFC might turn out to be anything but.
Banks are inherently unstable entities if only because they borrow money for shorter durations than they lend.
Despite a higher reliance on deposit funding, Australian banks still have the highest proportion of wholesale funding of comparable foreign countries. This makes them more susceptible than most to a repeat of any global funding crisis.
But for the time being all the signs are good for the once-neglected liability side of Australian bank's balance sheets. And that is good news for the entire Australian economy, including our stockmarket.
Banks negotiate their balancing act with aplomb
ONCE upon a time, before the global financial crisis, Australian banks relied on the euromarket to fund most of the shortfall created by Australia's lending boom. No one was the wiser.
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text:
Jazz in Progress will hold a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb.
Donations collected at the concert will benefit DeKalb Music Boosters.
Jazz in Progress is a nonprofit community jazz band whose purpose is to support local musical, charitable and educational organizations.
Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jazzinprogress or email email@example.com for more information.


text:
I'm currently looking to buy cabernet-sauvignon based wines from California made in the 90s. I've seen these:
Dunn Howell Mountain
Ridge Monte Bello
Diamond Creek
Château Montelena
Araujo Estate
Is one better than the other ones ? A better vintages in that specific decade ? What is average price ?
Will be bought in the US then brought back to Canada (to be shipped in NY state)
The '87 Mondavi Cabernet Reserve is great juice. The same can be said for the DC. I've enjoyed the '92 Dunn. All of these are outstanding and pretty much on an even keel imho. Good luck and please post what you purchase.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Have enjoyed (greatly) the 1992, 1994 and 1999 Dominus (Domini??? ) this year. If you can source the 1992 or 1999 at or near $100 with good provenance, go for it. The 1994 has been priced beyond my comfort level over the past few years......
The first producer you have listed (Dunn) is bar-none, my favorite. The remainder are in my Top-10, minus Araujo & Mondavi.
I have experience through many vintages of each of these (minus the Araujo, which I've only had once). I can tell you that it all comes down to personal preference. All of these producers make rock solid wine that will go the distance.
Dunn: I have never had a less than stellar bottle, to include "off vintages" like '98 & '03. Both the "Howell Mountain" & "Napa" Cabs are built to lay down for a LONG time. If I had to pick my favorite vintages of the "Howell Mountain," it would probably be:
- 1987 (My favorite vintage of this wine, and probably my favorite wine in general. Getting kind of tough to find, so scoop it up if you can find it for < $150)
- 1982 (Again, I don't see these come up very often, but they usually sell for around $150)
- 1985 (Easier to find, and can be had for less than $100)
- 1988 (This is exactly why I love this producer. This is an awesome wine, and can pretty easily be found for less than $60)
- 1992 (Arguably the best HM ever produced, and the price reflects. I think the '87 is better, but not by much It usually sells for $150-175, but I have seen it for as low as $120)
- 1994,'95,'96,'97 (Like many producers in California, Dunn had a hot-streak during these years. They're all awesome, but they all need time. We opened a '97 HM at an offline last month, and while spectacular, the wine needs (10) more years. Out of these, the '94 usually sells for the most, at around $120. The rest can be found for less than $100).
...I could go on!
Ridge MB:
Another wine with some serious shelf life. Paul Draper is a master of his craft, and the MB is his baby. Again, I've never had a bad bottle. My favorite vintages are probably the '85 & '91. These get kind of pricey ($175-200), but IMO, they're more than worth it compared to some of the overpriced gas-a-hol crap coming out of Napa today.
IMO, older Montelena Estate Cab (pre "Bottle Shock") is some of the best wine ever made in Napa. At another recent offline, a member brought a '91 Montelena Estate, and it's a contender for my wine of the year.
Diamond Creek:
Awesome stuff. I just opened an '86 "Volcanic Hill" last week (TN's posted), and it was gorgeous. When people say "They just don't make wines like this anymore," older Diamond Creek can always be in the conversation. Out of the bunch, the "Volcanic Hill" is my favorite, and the winery claims it is the longest lived. You can't go wrong with anything from the late '70's - early '90's, and they're often available for less than $100. They also make a "vintage dependent" Cab called "Lake Vineyard," which is both pricey & rare. I have yet to try one.
I love this wine, and it's definitely the most "Bordeaux-like" of the bunch. I'm not sure a bad vintage exists of this wine, to include the '98. We tasted the '97 & '98 side-by-side last month, and both were incredible. Most vintages are readily available for around $120-150. Also, most people will tell you that the '94 is the best Dominus ever produced, and an iconic example of Cali Cab. I have yet to taste it, so I can't comment. But, I have had the '92 (next in line for a lot of people), and it was great.
I better stop here...
I've had the '95, '97, and '99 Ridge Monte Bello the last 2 years, and they've been excellent and still on the upside. I think I like the '97 best.
In the same price range is the '97 Heitz MV. It's not in your list, but I think it's worthwhile.
I agree with Shane re; the Diamond Creek. I had a '94 Volcanic Hill last week and it was outstanding. Several others who tried it agreed that it was very good, but thought that the Diamond Creek from the 80s are even better.
The Ridge MBs are also excellent.
I tried the '96 Dominus a few weeks ago. It was $99. The nose was a bit off - it gave off a metallic/nickle smell that was not real pleasant. But that blew off after a while and the palate was better than the nose.
In addition to the wines that you identified, you might consider Etude. The Etude cabs from '94, '95 and '97 are all very good and drinking extremely well right now. I was able to purchase these during the past few months for $70-80 per bottle.
The '94 Dalle Valle is also a very nice bottle and worth picking up if you can find it. I was able to purchase several bottles for $110 each.
dzitt- is this making it easier or more difficult for you to decide? Basically, thay are all outstanding in their respective years. It's a win/win imho. Good luck choosing and many of us would avail ourselves to you to check for wine of the night.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
91 and 92 are two of my favorite CA cab vintages.
Thread drift: recently saw 87 and 88 Mondavi Reserve for what seemed a reasonable price. Worth a flier?
Sometimes I read a thread and think we ran out of stuff to talk about like 4 years ago. ~spo
Many people don't know this, but it's possible to read something you don't agree with on the internet and simply move on with your life. – Michael Rock
They are drinking well right now. The 87 in particular drinks very well.
Sometimes I read a thread and think we ran out of stuff to talk about like 4 years ago. ~spo
Many people don't know this, but it's possible to read something you don't agree with on the internet and simply move on with your life. – Michael Rock
Anything said here helps. Looking right now through wine-searcher to find something to buy then ship it to NY state at a friend's familly place, then will be brought here after.
I thought that the chance to get a better wine from a good prevenance would have benn from the 90's as their are not too old, but some seems to be available in the late 80's at a good price. Even saw some good price for a 79 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill
Will try to get my hands on something before the end of the year...
Bon chance with your quest and please post what you find and how they drank.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Indeed, and truly not worth that extra coin if you source the '92 with good provenance.
Will do
Ditto. '87 Reserve is fantastic.
"Wine only turns into alcohol if you let it sit."
-Lindsay Bluth Fünke
dzitt - do you not know any of these wines? Might you not want to try one or two before making a purchase you might really regret? Don't sink real money into something based on random recommendations of strangers!! Go out and buy a bottle or two and drink them. Even if the vintages aren't exactly the ones you're considering, you'll get an idea of the house style.
"The best part is how he said the ENGLISH language. Fine irony. Use American next time."
The problem where I am is the price and the availability of older vintages. What we have is usually twice the price, so I don't mind buyind one or two bottle to build an experience with older USA cab. Never had anything older than 95, but had many old Bordeaux, so if it could be compared, I will enjoy the purchase...
You will not be disappointed.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Provenance is always the key to buying older wines. I haven't bought anything that old that I didn't get at or near release. However, I have had some GREAT wines from '87 and early 90's. The Montelena '87 and '91 were fantastic. The '91 Heitz Martha's Vineyard was one of the most impressive wines I've had......and I had over a case of that. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep my hands off of them. Sure wish I had saved a few. Don't overlook Spottswood as well in that era if you can find them.......great wines.
Any online retailer (or one that ships to NY state) that you would recommand more than an other ?
Check out "cellaraiders.com"
They have an awesome inventory of older Cali stuff, and I have never had an issue with them.
Also, "JJ Buckley" has a fairly decent selection and competitive price points.
A lot of people are up & down about "Winebid," but I have had nothing but good experiences with them.
* +1 on the Spottswoode.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shane T.,
Saw a 1979 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace on Cellaraiders website for 85$. Can't find a way to estime the shipping cost to NY state though.
Does it seem to be a deal or a great oppotunity ? 79 is my birth year...
Sorry deleted; wrong thread.
"The hardest thing to attain ... is the appreciation of difference without insisting on superiority" George Saintsbury
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