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There's been a changing of the guard on TSN's Mid-Season 2013 NHL Draft Ranking, or more specifically a change to a rearguard.
Portland Winter Hawk defenceman Seth Jones has eclipsed Halifax Moosehead centre Nate MacKinnon for the No. 1 spot in a TSN survey of 10 NHL head scouts.
Jones was ranked No. 1 by seven of 10 - MacKinnon garnered the remaining three first-place votes - in a survey done on Jan. 17, exactly one month after a pre-World Junior Championship survey of the same scouts had MacKinnon at No. 1 by the same 7-3 margin over Jones at No. 2.
So what happened in the space of one month?
Well, the World Junior Championship, for starters.
Jones played a prominent role in helping to lead Team USA to the gold medal. MacKinnon, meanwhile, was used in a limited role on Team Canada, which failed to win a medal of any colour for the first time since 1998.
Of the seven scouts who voted MacKinnon No. 1 just prior to the WJC, five of them switched over to Jones, but one of the three who voted Jones No. 1 in December actually changed his vote to MacKinnon in January.
The net effect was MacKinnon's 7-3 edge in December being flipped to the exact 7-3 margin for Jones.
"The whole world junior thing tends to get overblown a bit," said one scout who switched from MacKinnon to Jones. "A lot of us have been waiting for Jones to step up and play at a really high level for more than a period or two at a time and he happened to do that at the World Juniors. I don't think MacKinnon did anything to hurt himself there. He wasn't in as prominent a role as Jones. That's just the way things are with Team Canada. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went first overall in his draft and he got cut by Team Canada, didn't even make the team.
"To be honest, it's really, really close between these two (Jones and MacKinnon). I said MacKinnon in December but Jones was real close for me and I say Jones now but MacKinnon is real close. I think it will probably come down to a positional thing. If the team picking first needs a defenceman, they'll take Jones and if they need a No. 1 centre they'll take MacKinnon. I could see these two flip-flopping all the way to the draft."
Another scout agreed.
"We're only human and the last impression you get is often the strongest impression," the scout said. "When I picked MacKinnon No. 1, I'd just seen him score five goals in a game. When I came back from the World Juniors, I'd just seen Jones take it to another level."
But one scout who went from MacKinnon to Jones said his view changed not so much because of the WJC but how Jones played since he returned to his Western Hockey League team in Portland.
"He's been a man amongst boys since he got back," the scout said. "It was almost laughable watching opposing players in the WHL try to beat him one on one. It was like peewee kids against a midget-age player. And he's learned to play to the score, play to the game. If his team is ahead, he's playing a safe, solid defensive game and not running around trying to force things. If his team is behind, he's stepping up and trying to make things happen offensively. He's reading all the situations a lot better than he did before."
A fourth scout who switched from MacKinnon to Jones said the defenceman's strong effort at the WJC is just part of a tremendous growth in his game that started from the time he arrived in Portland for his first WHL season.
"I just really think he's matured very quickly playing in the WHL," the scout said. "He's demonstrated to us that his hockey sense is better than we thought it was. He's gained a lot of confidence. And what a lot of people forget is that Jones is older than MacKinnon."
By almost a year. Jones was born on Oct. 3, 1994. Had he been born three weeks earlier, his draft year would have been last year (2012). MacKinnon was born on Sept. 1, 1995. Had he been born two weeks later, his draft year wouldn't have been until 2014.
"At this age," one scout said, "an 11-month difference can be a lot in terms of the development curve."
As for one scout who switched from Jones to MacKinnon from December to January?
"I was watching the CHL Prospects game and I was looking at MacKinnon and how fast and skilled and tenacious he is and I realized that a centre who has those tools is tough to beat," he said. "They're both gifted players. You can't go wrong either way."
In addition to his seven first-place votes, Jones was ranked No. 2 by three others. He's the only player who didn't get a third-place or lower vote. MacKinnon had three first-place votes, four second-place votes and three third-place votes.
The scouts all agree on one thing: Jones stands alone as the premier defenceman prospect in this draft. The next closet blueliner to him in the rankings is Finn Rasmus Ristolainen, at No. 7. MacKinnon, meanwhile, is facing a challenge for top forward status and that challenge comes from none other than his linemate, dynamic offensive left winger Jonathan Drouin. Two of the 10 scouts surveyed had Drouin ranked ahead of MacKinnon, but the majority of them believe MacKinnon is the top forward in the draft.
"Drouin's hockey sense and skill level is elite, off the charts," said one scout who ranked Drouin ahead of MacKinnon, adding that Drouin, not MacKinnon, seized the opportunity for more icetime and a prime-time role on Team Canada.
But just as MacKinnon will be challenged by his linemate, Drouin, and to some extent MacKinnon, could also be challenged by big Finnish centre Aleksander Barkov, who is ranked No. 4 on the TSN midseason list.
One scout ranked Barkov No. 2 overall, behind only Jones, and three more ranked him No. 3, trailing only Jones and MacKinnon. The Finn plays a big, pro-style game and many scouts feel he's ready to jump into the NHL immediately and contribute.
Swede Elias Lindholm, a gifted offensive centre, checked in at No. 5, followed by Ottawa 67's strong two-way centre Sean Monahan at No. 6, Finnish blueliner Ristolainen at 7, Medicine Hat Tiger offensive forward Hunter Shinkaruk at eighth and a pair of Russians to round out the TSN Top 10 - big London Knight defenceman Nikita Zadorov at No. 9 and big Russian winger Valeri Nichushkin, who was a star at the WJC, at No. 10.
Five of the top 10 are Europeans - two Finns, two Russians and one Swede, although Lindholm leads a group of five Swedes ranked in TSN's Top 30 and two of them - Alex Wennberg at No. 11 and Andre Burakowsky at No. 14 - have Top 10 potential.
It's also a very strong year for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, which is often the poor cousin in the draft to its WHL and Ontario Hockey League counterparts. On this mid-season ranking, seven of the top 30 are from the Q and four of the seven are Francophones. There are another six QMJHLers ranked between 31 and 60 on TSN's current list. The OHL has eight and the WHL six in the Top 30.
The No. 1 ranked goalie, and the only netminder to be ranked in the Top 30, is the QMJHL's Zach Fucale of Halifax. Tri-City's Eric Comrie (ranked No. 38), who recently underwent season-ending hip surgery, and Mississauga's Spencer Martin (ranked No. 46) are amongst the goalies who could challenge.
Forwards, 21 of them, dominate TSN's Mid-Season Top 30, followed by eight defencemen and one goalie.
The NHL draft will be held on June 30 in Newark, N.J.
The draft lottery is on April 29 and this year, for the first time ever, all 14 non-playoff teams will have a shot at securing the No. 1 overall pick. Unlike past years, when the lottery winner could only move up a maximum of four spots in the draft order of selection, the winner of the lottery will be guaranteed the first overall pick. But the NHL and NHLPA haven't worked out the details yet of exactly what the weighted odds will be for each of the 14 non-playoff teams.


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Our loving mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend, Sandra Kay Wells, age 54, passed away April 11, 2012 in Provo while surrounded by her children.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 14, 2012, 1 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are welcome to share memories of Sandra at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net

subset: commoncrawl


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About the Piece
La mer
Claude Debussy — La Mer (30-second excerpt)
Last Modified:
Composed: 1903-1905
Length: c. 23 minutes
Orchestration: piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, 3 bassoons, contrabassoon, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 cornets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (bass drum, cymbals, glockenspiel, tam-tam, triangle), 2 harps, and strings
First Los Angeles Philharmonic performance: February 27, 1925, Walter Henry Rothwell conducting
Debussy's La mer is a unique mix of tone poem and symphony, a three-movement impression of the ocean. As the idea took shape in his mind, Debussy wrote to a friend in September 1903 that "I was destined for the fine career of a sailor," and that "only the accidents of life put me on another path." He acknowledged that a musical work about the ocean "could turn out to be like a studio landscape," but concluded that "I have countless reminiscences. This matters more, in my opinion, than a reality."
Debussy was decidedly not interested in pictorialism or program music. Indeed, only a few months earlier, in a concert review for a Paris newspaper, he had written that the popularity of Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony "rests on the common and mutual misunderstanding that exists between man and nature." Debussy wrote that the bird calls in that symphony were "more like the art of M. de Vaucauson [an 18th-century creator of a famous mechanical duck] than drawn from nature's book. All such imitations are in the end useless — purely arbitrary interpretations." In other places, he wrote, the "Pastoral" succeeded "simply because there is no attempt at direct imitation, but rather at capturing the invisible sentiments of nature."
If Debussy thought that Beethoven could not pull off an imitation of nature in music, he certainly was not about to try it himself. The determination to depict the ocean generally rather than specifically led to changes in titles. In a 1903 letter to his publisher, Debussy proposed "The Sea; Three symphonic sketches for orchestra: I. Beautiful sea by the bloodthirsty islands. II. Play of the waves. III. The wind makes the sea dance." By the time Debussy finished La mer in March 1905, he had changed the title of the first movement to "From dawn to midday on the sea," and that of the last movement to "Dialogue of the wind and the sea." The original title of the first movement was the title of a short story by Camille Mauclair. Though Debussy liked the contrast between beauty and blood-thirst, he gave it up, probably because using Mauclair's title might give the idea that the music tracked the story.
The three movements have a similar feel, perhaps because some similar building blocks went into them. The first thing heard above the quietly droning basses is a rising progression built on the whole tones, fourths, and fifths, and using the rhythmic figure of a short note on the downbeat moving to a much longer one. Fourths and fifths stacked on each other have a strong, forthright quality (they are the key elements of fanfares) but also a sort of blankness (the open strings of violins, violas, and cellos are tuned in fifths, those of double basses and guitars are in fourths). The fourth and fifths recur throughout the work without calling much attention to themselves, since they are such a fundamental part of tonal music, but they bring an elemental quality to the music, as if conveying something wide and open and vast – the ocean, for example. The short-long rhythmic figure is easier to pick out, and conveys a sense of poignancy in places and sheer power in others, as when the brass thunder it out at the end of the first movement.
— Howard Posner


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Additional information about the proposed parcels is included in the EAs, which are now available for public review and comment. Electronic copy of the EAs can be found on the following webpage:
Hard copies of both the Salt Lake Field Office EA and the Fillmore Field Office EA can be obtained in person at the BLM Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City. Hard copies of the Salt Lake Field Office EA can be obtained at the BLM Salt Lake Field Office, 2370 S. Decker Lake Blvd., West Valley City, Utah and hard copies of the Fillmore Field Office EA can be obtained at the BLM Fillmore Field Office, 95 East 500 North, Fillmore, Utah.
The public review and comment period closes at 4:30 p.m. on April 21, 2014. Please note that the most useful comments are those that identify issues relevant to the proposed action or contain new technical or scientific information. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. Please reference the "August 2014 Oil and Gas Lease Sale" when submitting comments.
Written comments on the Salt Lake Field Office EA should be mailed or emailed to:
Salt Lake Field Office
Attn: Larry Garahana
2370 S. Decker Lake Blvd.
West Valley City, UT 84119
Written comments on the Fillmore Field Office EA should be mailed or emailed to:
Fillmore Field Office
Attn: Cindy Ledbetter
95 East 500 North
Fillmore, UT 84631
Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so. The BLM will not consider anonymous comments. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety.
For further information, contact Justin Abernathy at (801)539-4067. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question with the above individual. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are sent during normal business hours.
To learn more about BLM-Utah oil and gas lease sales, visit:


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>Off the Beaten Path>I miss zoomy!
You'll ruin your knees!
""...the truth that someday, you will go for your last run. But not today—today you got to run." - Matt Crownover (after Western States)
Needs more cowbell!
• Keep doing stuff.
Roads were made for journeys...
Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head." - Joe Henderson
Abs of Flabs
Running in BelgiumAnn
Glad you're back Zoom-zoom....
Your son is 5, isn't he? Yes, that's the age a child can start to realize that 'dead' is not for a short time, but that it is something forever....
When my son was that age, my grandfather died. It helped him to talk about all the beautiful memories he had, all the things he remembered about 'pa', all the nice things they had done together... Knowing that Pa had died, but that the beautiful memories would always be there, something like that....
My dogs are fast, not me
*chuckle* - Jake said woot!


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Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet are both going to see their successors arrive shortly.
It's rather imperative that Kindle Fire 2 and Nook Tablet 2 are compelling devices. They already have to compete with Google Nexus 7. They might have to compete with an iPad Mini. They will have to compete with Windows Surface Tablets.
With that context in mind (i.e. Kindle Fire 2 and Nook Tablet 2 are likely to determine whether Amazon and B&N survive in the Tablet Space) let's look at some Kindle Fire 2, Nook Tablet 2 predictions and rumors.
Kindle Fire 2 Rumors
Let's look at all the Kindle Fire 2 Rumors that have come up and consider their likelihood of being true –
- 10″ Kindle Fire 2 not arriving on September 6th. Likelihood: High. Not sure why Amazon shied away from going up against iPad in 2011. It's quite possible Amazon chickens out again and sticks to 7″ Tablets. Which would be a shame – the market for a low priced 10″ Tablet is very large. It also attacks iPad where it hurts.
- 7″ Kindle Fire 2 with Ads option. Likelihood: Almost Guaranteed. Amazon gets to undercut everyone on price. It's already tested this feature extensively on eInk Kindles (where it actually makes less sense).
- Two 7″ Kindle Fire 2 models. Likelihood: High. One with Ads and one Ad-Free.
- 7.85″ or 8.5″ Kindle Fire 2 model. Likelihood: Low. This would be a very cool addition. However, the economies of scale for 8.5″ Kindle Fires might not exist yet.
- Color eInk Screen. Likelihood: Low. This would be very cool but it's perhaps far away from being in usable shape.
- Dual Screen (Either a Folding Tablet or a Tablet with LCD on the front and eInk on the Back). Likelihood: Low to Medium. While a very striking idea, it's worth noting than a 7″ eInk screen would cost approximately $25 to $55 (guesstimate). That's way too much given Amazon is wedded to keeping prices low.
- Free Kindle Fire 2 with 3 Year Prime Membership OR 2 year Book Buying Agreement ($20 per month for 2 books a month). Likelihood: Medium. If offered, this would be one option out of many and there might be very strict terms.
- Kindle Fire 2 with Amazing New LCD Screen. Likelihood: Low. Nook Tablet 2 is far more likely to use a new screen technology.
- International Release. Likelihood: Almost Guaranteed. Amazon App Store has been expanded to lots of European countries. It seems almost guaranteed that Kindle Fire 2 will be available in lots of European countries by end of 2013. Perhaps even at launch.
- Folding Screen. Likelihood: Low. Amazon has a patent for a Triple Folding Tablet. Might that be Kindle Fire 2? It's very unlikely. It would be very cool if it happens.
For the last 2 to 4 years, we've been talking about how color eInk and/or dual screens (eInk+LCD) would give a company a huge advantage in the Tablet and eReader markets. Perhaps it's just not feasible yet. Perhaps the price involved makes it unpractical. I still think a screen that can switch between eInk and LCD (or uses Color eInk) is an unbeatable proposition. Apple might be the company that brings that to market (sad given that Amazon and B&N have been making eInk eReaders for years and years).
Related Rumor: Kindle Smartphone. Likelihood: Medium to High. I would put this as Very High based on my gut instinct. Unfortunately, Amazon has shown an amazing ability to avoid and/or delay moves that make perfect sense. It might very well delay Kindle Phone to 2013 or even 2014. Despite the fact that now is when Apple is most vulnerable.
If Amazon's only 'innovation' is an Ad supported, cheaper 7″ Kindle Fire – Well, that would be sad. It would make their Press Releases seem even more ridiculous and needy.
Nook Tablet 2 Rumors
Let's list the Nook Tablet 2 rumors and their likelihood of being true –
- Amazing New Screen Technology. Likelihood: Quite High. B&N's Nook Tablet screen still holds up very well. B&N has had two years to work on improving its Tablets (Nook Color came out in October/November 2010). There are rumors that B&N has been working with another company on 'revolutionary' screen technology never seen in any device. It is possible, though by no means guaranteed, that B&N's Nook Tablet 2 really will come out with an amazing new screen technology.
- New Media Types. Likelihood: Very High. The partnership with Microsoft means access to music and movies and other media. There are also rumors that Nook Tablet 2 will have types of media never seen before on tablets. Not sure what that means – perhaps it will start playing Vinyl Records.
- Xbox Game Streaming and Xbox Live Integration. Likelihood: Medium and Very High. There will almost certainly be Xbox Live integration of some sort. Whether Xbox games will be streamed (the way OnLive and Gaikai stream games) is hard to predict.
- Windows 8 based Nook Tablet 2. Likelihood: Medium for a Separate Nook Tablet 2. It's very unlikely that B&N will drop all its investment into Android and its current OS and switch to Windows 8 in 2012. It is, however, very likely (and also quite sensible) to release a SEPARATE Windows 8 based Nook Tablet 2 (either now or in 2013).
- Color eInk. Likelihood: Low to Medium. Color eInk just might not be ready. So the chances of the 'amazing new screen technology' being color eInk are quite low.
- Drastic Improvement to LCD Screen. Likelihood: High. B&N has focused a lot on the screen and on things like avoiding glare. The natural long-term direction for that focus would be a huge LCD screen technology improvement, a shift to Pixel Qi type screens that have multiple modes, or a shift to color eInk screens. Given that color eInk is very far off, the only natural choices left are – Pixel Qi, a big improvement in LCD screen technology.
- Kinect. Likelihood: Very Low. This would be a really amazing addition. For me, the most obvious Microsoft technology Nook Tablet 2 could benefit from is Kinect. It would allow for gesture based operation of the Tablet and give it a uniqueness no other Tablet has. It would be an unmatched feature. Note: Kinect would also allow for a 'virtual keyboard' that lets you type on any surface.
- International Availability. Likelihood: High. B&N is bringing its eInk eReaders to UK this Fall. Bringing Nook Tablet 2 to UK and rest of Europe seems the obvious next step. B&N could really help its bottom line by selling Nook Tablet 2 outside of the US. There is huge demand worldwide for really well made, low-price Tablets. There is more than enough room for a good, solid Tablet like Nook Tablet.
It's interesting that –
- The Media totally ignores B&N's Nook Tablet (to the point of claiming that Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire 'created' the 7″ Tablet Market).
- The only rumors about Nook Tablet 2 involve – new screen technology, new media types, Xbox integration, Windows 8. There has been no mention of 10″ Nook Tablets or Dual Screens or anything else.
B&N is a bit of a wild card. When companies are faced with huge odds, or their impending demise, they are likeliest to come up with the most creative ideas and the best products. Of all the companies introducing Tablets this year, B&N is the one with the strongest motivation to make something amazing. Its survival in the Tablet Market, and perhaps even its future existence, depends on Nook Tablet 2.
Kindle Fire 2 Predictions
I can only see two paths here.
Path 1: Hype and then a No-Show.
Kindle Fire 2 would be a slightly improved Kindle Fire 1. It would be somewhat competitive with Nexus 7. There would be a cheaper Kindle Fire 2 with Ads. There would be a 3G model with data charges but a very low upfront free ($50 or Free).
Amazon has shown in the past (Kindle Touch and Kindle WiFi) that it will sometimes hype a product launch that should not be hyped. Let's hope that isn't the case with all the Kindle Fire 2 hoopla.
Path 2: Hype and A Real Winner
We would have some of the options above. We would also have two real winners –
- Kindle Fire 2 Pro with a Color eInk or Dual LCD+eInk screen.
- Kindle Fire 2 Prime which is free when you sign up for Amazon Prime for 3 years ($210 or so) OR a 3 year Book-Buying Subscription.
Either of the above would make the Kindle Fire 2 very, very hard to compete with.
If Amazon takes Path 2, then by April 2013 it would release a very similar 10″ Kindle Fire 2 Model. If it takes Path 1, then it would probably stick with 7″ Kindle Fires for a long time.
Nook Tablet 2 Predictions
Things are more nuanced here. My prediction here would be that B&N ships a Nook Tablet 2 based on Android in October 2012. It would then ship a Nook Tablet 3 based on Windows 8 in March or April 2013.
- Nook Tablet 2 (Fall 2012) – Amazing new screen technology that is not quite revolutionary but gives B&N a unique selling point. Very strong device overall. Lots of new media types and integration with Xbox. B&N survives but doesn't necessarily become the front-runner in low-price Tablets.
- Nook Tablet 3 (April 2013) – Here we get the actual revolutionary screen technology (color eInk or something as impressive). We also get Windows 8 as the Operating System. We get Xbox Games streaming.
B&N would keep Nook Color and Nook Tablet 1 available as low-priced models. These would compete against Kindle Fire 2 with Ads.
Best Case Kindle Fire 2 and Nook Tablet 2 Predictions
What would be best for users and competition would be –
- Kindle Fire 2 – Color eInk or Dual LCD. A PROPER Design. 7″ and 8.5″ and 10″ Models. Kindle Phone (with strong integration with Kindle Fire 2). Subscription Model with Books and Prime Subscriptions = Free Kindle Fire 2. International Availability.
- Nook Tablet 2 – Amazing new LCD technology. Windows 8 and Android Models. 7″ and 9″ Models. Kinect Support now or in early 2013. Xbox Games streaming. Book Subscription Model that offers heavily subsidized Nook Tablet 2. Lots of new types of Media Content. Availability of types of Media that have not been available on Tablets so far. International Availability (at least 4-5 big countries).
If Amazon and B&N could deliver all these things, or even half of these things, then they would eat away large chunks of the Tablet Market this Holiday Season and in 2013. Customers have shown they will buy Low Price, High Value Tablets. Amazon's claim of 22% market share in the US, if true, and decent sales for both Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet (which seems quite likely given all the data points) highlight that. Lack of international availability is hurting both companies and their biggest opportunity is probably expanding worldwide.
Kindle Fire 2 and Nook Tablet 2 carry the Tablet hopes of Amazon and B&N. They determine the amount of competition in the Tablet market. A win for one or both of them would demonstrate how a company can survive and thrive amidst monsters like Google and Apple and Microsoft. For the sake of users and competition, let's hope that Kindle Fire 2 and Nook Tablet 2 are absolutely stunning Tablets.


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The Coast Guard says four people have been flown to a hospital and two may be missing in Gulf oil rig explosion off the coast of Louisiana. (Nov. 16) AP
The Coast Guard says the blaze was started by a torch cutting an oil-filled pipe during maintenance.
NEW ORLEANS – Four oil platform workers have been critically injured and two are missing after a fire and explosion Friday morning on a shallow-water rig off the coast of Louisiana, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Lt. Cheryl Hickey, command duty officer for the New Orleans sector, said earlier reports confirming that two people were dead were inaccurate.
Eleven workers suffering less serious injuries were airlifted to area hospitals in helicopters from energy companies, and nine others were evacuated safely. The fire was extinguished after about two hours.
West Jefferson hospital officials told WWL-TV that four people were brought in by helicopter in critical condition. The men reportedly suffered second- and third-degree burns over most of their bodies.
The fire erupted at a shallow-water platform 36 miles east of Port Fourchon, on the tip of Lafourche Parish, said Chett Chiasson, executive director of Port Fourchon, which services oil and gas companies in the region.
Hickey said crews were performing maintenance on the rig at the time of the fire and that the platform was not actively pumping oil.
Coast Guard Incident Commander Ed Cubanski said the fire was started by a torch cutting a pipe that was filled with a maximum 75 gallons of oil.
A sheen was reported in the area, likely caused by onboard oil, but no active discharge from the well has been reported, she said.
The Coast Guard sent two rescue boats, two helicopters and a fixed-wing CG 144 plane, Hickey said, but private commercial helicopters and boats were already engaged in search-and-rescue efforts.
The platform, which is in 30 to 40 feet of water, is operated by Houston-based Black Elk Energy, which in recent years has acquired platforms in the Gulf, Chiasson said. WWL-TV reports on the company's safety record.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are impacted," the company said in an initial statement. "We have Black Elk personnel on the scene and en route. We are still collecting information at this time. We will release a statement this afternoon when we have more details."
Unlike the 2010 Deepwater Horizon rig explosion, which killed 11 crewmen and unleashed more than 100 million gallons of oil into the Gulf, Friday's incident does not pose a similar threat. Chiasson said.


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Online Health & Social Care Course£99 instead of £274 (from My Distance Learning) for an online health and social care course - save 64%
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They say your health is your wealth, but with today's bargain deal you get to have both...
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Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is located about 60 miles south of Chicago on Historic Route 66. Midewin is not only the largest prairie restoration site east of the Mississippi River, but also the largest open space in northeastern Illinois. Trails available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A small herd of bison was introduced here in October 2015 and it is possible (although not guaranteed) to spot them from our trails.
Tutty's Crossing Trailhead provides easy access to the Jane Addams Trail and to the Pecatonica Prairie Trail (under development). It is located on the banks of the Pecatonica River. A bridge, part of the Pecatonica Prairie Trail, crosses the river and provides scenic views. The Trailhead provides parking, a boat ramp, and walking area. Future planned developments include a shelter/restroom, fishing/observation pier, picnic tables, and floating dock. Open: Dawn to Dusk
Aurora's Zagster Bike-Share Program
The City of Aurora and Zagster, Inc. launched a new bike-share program that will provide Aurora visitors with a convenient, affordable and healthy way to get around town. 18 cruiser bikes are available at three downtown stations for riders to use for on-demand, local trips. Stations are located at RiverEdge Park - 360 Broadway Ave., Aurora City Hall - 44 E. Downer Place and Santori Public Library of Aurora - 101 S. River Street. This initiative creates new opportunities for visitors to experience the Aurora Area from a different vantage point and see it in a whole new light.
McHenry County Conservation District
McHenry County Conservation District manages over 25,000 acres of diverse woodlands, wetlands and prairie. Explore outdoor recreational opportunities, programs and special events at 33 sites.
Lake View Nature Center is dedicated to bringing fun, hands-on environmental education and recreation opportunities to promote awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Learn and play with hands-on exhibits, live animals, fishing pond, and summer paddleboat rentals.
CITY:Oakbrook Terrace
The Huntley Park District has been providing Recreation for Generations since 1965. Facilities include the REC Center which features a fitness center, Seedlings Preschool and theater, Stingray Bay Family Outdoor Aquatic Center, Tomaso Sports Park, Pinecrest Golf Club and Restaurant.
The Lan-Oak Park District manages 23 park sites, the Eisenhower Fitness & Community Center and the Pennsy Greenway (Bike Trail) which is part of the 475-mile Grand Illinois Trail.
Forest Park is a municipal park with the Chautauqua Auditorium, Vietnam Memorial, Family Aquatic Center, picnic areas, pavilions, baseball & softball diamonds, fishing lagoon (Crystal Lake), skateboard park, soccer fields, a youth athletic center, and more. There is an entrance to the General Dacey trail at the back of the park and the Memorial Sunken Gardens have been revitalized. The park is also home to the Festival of Lights.
Savanna Marketplace Bike Rental
Come explore the Great River Bike Path. Rentals of mountain bikes, junior mountain bikes and recumbants are available April 1 - September 30. Locks also available. All rentals include helmets and a printed map.
Nestled on the east bank of the Fox River, the Red Oak Nature Center is surrounded by 40 acres of lush forest and wildlife habitat – an ideal setting for visitors to learn about the great outdoors through direct interaction with nature. Six wood-chipped hiking trails and the nationally renowned Fox River Trail offer avenues of exploration via hiking and biking, with interpretive signs along the way that explain the ways of nature. Inside the Nature Center, the "Sense the Seasons" exhibit further enhances the educational experience, featuring environmental exhibits and "hands-on" participation.
CITY:North Aurora
For those with an urge to explore a genuine Illinois prairie, this ride takes you past one of the largest pieces of preserved prairie in the state. The Rock River Cruise is 34.7-miles of moderate difficulty, with a few small climbs along the way. Stop off and visit some of the many attractions along the way, including the John Deere Historic Site and the charming town of Oregon.
CITY:Franklin Grove
The path begins at Forsyth Village Hall and winds around Forsyth Pkwy.
See Quincy via bikes! Rent an automatic Trek Lime or a 7-speed Cruiser Tandem. Available on an hourly or daily basis at the Villa Kathrine (Quincy's Tourist Info Center). Reservations recommended. Complimentary architectural driving route with rental. Helmets & locks available.
Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway
Explore the heart of America! Follow the Mississippi River as it winds its way along Illinois' western border from Galena to Cairo. Experience over 550 miles of small towns, big cities, historic sites, recreational areas, cultural attractions and museums. Follow the green and white paddle wheel signs as they guide your next adventure!
Let us save your soles today! We'll take you for a ride, give you a tour, provide shuttles for your party or even run errands with our fleet of pedicabs (aka bicycle rickshaws). Call us at 773-771-3922 or visit www.rickshawrick.com. Catch us at the Oak Park Visitors Center, Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Write Inn, Harvey House, Under the Ginkgo Tree B & B and other fun spots.
CITY:Oak Park
The Hennepin Feeder Canal Trail located just south of Rock Falls is where you will pick up this medium to difficult trail. Cyclists, hikers and anglers come to enjoy the stocked waters, the peaceful wooded banks and the abundance of bird life. As the trail heads south toward the rural countryside the path frees itself from the throngs of people allowing you to enjoy the serene environment all to yourself.
Enjoy this park offering a picnic area, playground, shelter and restroom facilities as well as access to the Pecatonica Prairie Path which is currently under construction. The Pecatonica River may also be accessed for boating and canoeing approximately 200 yards from the park.
Rollins Savanna Trails in beautiful Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve is a outdoor enthusiasts dream; with 5.7-miles of easy to moderate terrain and a thriving habitat to explore. The landscape is dotted with ponds and marshes. Take a walk through lush prairie and thriving wetlands and see why the National Audubon Society named it one of America's most important bird sites in 2005.
Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve
The Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is an easy hike consisting of a 3.2-mile loop. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Nearly all of the hike follows Salt Creek as it winds around the bluff and past a few islands on its way to the historic watermill at the south tip of the park.
CITY:Oak Brook
Lake View Park Trail is an advanced single track dirt trail, 6 miles in length. It's quite technical in nature, offering good descents and heart-pounding climbs.
Greenline Wheels rents ecologically friendly and affordable transportation - bikes, electric bikes, and neighborhood electric vehicles. Easy to use maps with self-guided tour loops and easy access to many of Oak Park's independent tour guides makes Greenline an ideal starting point.
CITY:Oak Park
Ride your bike or walk from Charleston to Mattoon on the Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail.
The Millennium Reserve stretches from downtown Chicago to the Indiana border and suburban Park Forest. It encompasses numerous neighborhoods, the Southeast lakefront, and 37 South suburban municipalities. In aggregate, the Reserve includes a collection of over 15,000 acres of open space such as trails, wetlands, and forest preserves; Making it ideal for runners, bikers and kayakers alike.
The Richland Creek Trailhead serves as the main trailhead for the northern end of the Jane Addmas Recreation Trail. It features parking, a large shelter house with electricity, lights and picnic tables, a restroom, water and a primitive campground area.
Forest Preserve District of Cook County's Camp Sagawau is an environmental education center established to promote the study of nature. Call for program schedule.
The North Branch Trail stretches from Chicago to the northern suburbs. Starting at the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve it twists through 15 miles of small bluffs, ponds, prairie, open grassy parkways and quaint little streams that trickle into the Chicago River. Paved with asphalt, The North Branch Trail makes for an easy to medium level of difficulty.
George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail
Enjoy a scenic ride or walk along this new concrete trail inside Fort Massac State Park. Use of the bicycle and pedestian path is free, and parking is located inside Fort Massac State Park. Upon its completion, the 9 mile trail will begin at Superman Square, continue through Fort Massac State Park, and end in the city of Brookport.
Metro East Park and Recreation District
More than 150-miles of trails line the rural, suburban, and scenic landscapes found throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois. Put it this way, you will personally run out of fuel before you run out of trails! The interconnected system of trails that crisscross the region have been built utilizing partnerships and collaboration amongst multiple public agencies, but no contribution has been more significant than that of both Madison and St. Clair County Transit Districts. Each of the transit districts have made trail building a top priority, so new trails are always coming online. Be sure to check out MEPRD's online trail map to see the latest developments!
This 17-mile trail replaces the abandoned main line of the Chicago Great Western Railroad. It is a flat easy ride connecting the communities of St. Charles and Sycamore.
CITY:St. Charles
Owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Sand Ridge Nature Center emphasizes the natural history of the Calumet region.
CITY:South Holland
Bicentennial Riverfront Park is a five-acre community park on the south bank of the Fox River. Bicentennial Riverfront Park makes optimum use of the river, with abundant fishing, plus canoe and kayak access to the white water chute. There is also a beautiful view of the Glenn Palmer Dam as you follow the trail along the river and the picnic area, playground and river-side pavilion are popular community gathering spots in the summertime.
Explore the acres of woods and lakes, with scenic trails, shelters and beautiful views of Aurora and surrounding areas. Premier example of environmental restoration and a fine national oasis in an urban setting. This forest preserve has a 55-acre lake/marsh complex that provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking and wildlife observation. Hill suitable for winter sledding, strength training or kite-flying.
Lehigh Memorial Park located in Oglesby has an advanced singletrack dirt trail two miles in length. However, what it lacks in duration, it makes up for in the intense network of trails that splinter off from it, offering very fast, large natural drops and jumps.
The MEPRD Trailhead features dawn to dusk trail parking, parking lot surveillance, trail maps, air compressor, bicycle parking, picnic areas, drinking fountains, a pet drinking fountain, rest areas and most importantly, clean restrooms! Conveniently located in close proximity to I-55, I-70, I-255, and IL 157, MEPRD's Trailhead offers easy access to the regional trail system.
two miles of paved surface and 10 miles of aggregate surface. Jogging, walking, equestrian riding and biking permitted.
The Wright Woods Forest Preserve located in Mettawa offers 4 miles of scenic trails: a short loop for hikers, bicyclists and skiers that circles a pond, and a 3-mile loop for hikers, bicyclists, skiers and horses. This preserve also has footbridge spanning the Des Plaines River, which links Wright Woods to Half Day Forest Preserve.
32 miles of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing featuring some of the most scenic trails of the Fox River. Points of interest include Carpenters Dam, Fox River Shores, Tyler Creek, Voyageur Landing, Shoemaker Nature Center and Fabyan Forest Preserve.
CITY:St. Charles
McDonald Woods Forest Preserve
The McDonald Woods Forest Preserve in Lindenhurst, offers gentle, rolling grassy terrain. It's the perfect place to hike, bicycle and cross-country ski. Take the 3.8-mile loop around the woods and wetlands for some great exercise. A 0.3-mile wood-chip trail designed for hiking and cross-country skiing leads to a basswood and sugar maple forest, glowing yellow in autumn. A cooling ravine beckons below where migrant songbirds feast on insects, and water skimmers dart atop the clear water.
CITY:Lake Villa
Enthusiasts of all kinds find enjoyment in the wide array of activities the park offers including 4-miles of fully accessible paved paths that wind through natural prairie, woods and riverfront of the Perry Farm site.
This paved hiking and biking trail follows a historic rail bed for 15 miles across the Illinois prairie.
The 9-mile Green Bay Trail covers North Shore towns such as Kenilworth, Winnetka, Highland Park and Lake Bluff. Because the trail stays generally within a mile of Lake Michigan, you can take any number of on-road side trips for beachfront views of the lake. The trail is suitable for even the youngest of riders, although the route does use some sidewalks and even a very small portion of residential road in Kenilworth. In addition, the surface alternates between asphalt and crushed limestone. Inexperienced cyclists and those with young children should use particular caution at road crossings and with any road riding.
Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.
This Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woodlands, restored prairies and shallow streams. Over four miles of winding trails are great for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, nature study and quiet reflection. Facilities, which are available to rent, include the Mogle Learning Center with meeting space for 20 people and two picnic shelters.
The Busse Woods Trail system is located within Ned Brown Forest Preserve, a 3,700-acre property in the western suburbs. There are 11.2 miles of paved trails for cyclists, equestrians and pedestrians. The main loop is nearly 8 miles, circling some lakes and meadows, while a couple of much shorter side loops will take you to the north and south end of the forest preserve. The Busse Woods Trail connects with the Schaumburg Bikeway on the west, and on the north, Busse Woods links to the Rolling Meadows Bikeway system. Some key features of the forest preserve include fishing, boat rentals and a small herd of captive resident elk. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
CITY:Elk Grove
This 8-mile singletrack in Carpentersville, IL. is perfect for beginners without giving up on the excitement. The terrain is varied with steep descents, plenty of jumps, twisty trails through the woods and long stretches through meadows.
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Biking and running trails, bird watching, camping, cross-country skiing, sledding, outdoor ice skating, canoeing and rafting and fishing. The district office provides all information on preserves and issues picnic permits.
Mill Creek Park is located seven miles northwest of Marshall, Illinois on the Lincoln Heritage Trail road. Mill Creek consists of 2,600 acres of land and 811 acres of water with 39 miles of shoreline. Since opening, the park has continued to develop; there are picnic areas on either side of the boat launch and at areas around the lake, a 139 site campground with shower facilities and playground, 15 mile ATV trails, horse and walking trails, courtesy docks, cabin and boat rental including kayaks and paddle boats.
The Rock Island Trail provides 27 miles for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. One of the premier rails-to-trails facilities in Illinois, this trail is a sure-fire winner for the entire family.
Located in Palatine, IL, Deer Grove Forest Preserve has trails that offer a moderate level of difficulty. At almost 10 miles in length, the hiking trials make Deer Grove worth a visit. Split into two very individual sites connected by paved and unpaved trials, the east preserve features open wetlands surrounded by old fields and an in-progress savanna and prairie restoration. The west side is wilder, the forest denser and crisscrossed with footpaths along the rolling terrain. Quite woodlands, white-tailed deer and a completely different experience await the hiker on the west side. Both paths are equally enchanting.
Hike or bike into Buehler Preserve from Galena and experience the prairie life! Pets welcome. Fishing is allowed.
Home to one of the earliest educational enterprises in Illinois, the park and its sister site, Jubilee College State Historic Site, are located 15 miles northwest of Peoria near Kickapoo. In addition, to the rich history of the college, the park offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping. Jubilee College State Park has more than 40 miles of multi-use trails that wind through woodland, hills, ravines and prairies. Mountain bikers are reminded that horses have the right-of-way on the trails.
Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Illinois, has everything an outdoors fanatic could want. Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails, including a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path. Trails around the McKee Marsh area feature two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh.
This easy to traverse asphalt trail, starting in Sprigfield, winds you through wooded landscapes, over bridges and alongside a well-groomed community park.
The Illinois Prairie Path was the first successful "rail-to-trail" conversion in the United States and inspired a national rail-to-trail movement in the United States in the mid-1960s. The trail is named for its rare segments of original, thousand year-old prairies. With 62 miles of biking, hiking, jogging, equestrian, and nature trails, this is an amazing natural resource that encompasses 4 towns: Elgin, Aurora, Batavia and Geneva and 3 counties. The surface is both asphalt and crushed stone.
Shabbona Lake State Park has 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and features a 318 acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports, Shabbona Lake is a convenient and comfortable retreat where you can refresh and reinvigorate yourself in a rare, unspoiled environment.
Bicycle/Hiking Trails - Aurora
More than 35 miles of scenic trails, from Aurora to Crystal Lake, pass through scenic landscapes. Active travelers enjoy biking, hiking, jogging and cross-country skiing. Nature-seekers enjoy bird watching and tranquil vegetation. Routes include the Fox River, Virgil Gilman and Red Oak Trails, and the Illinois Prairie Path.
Cemetery Trail in Palos lives up to its name with narrow tracks that snake through dense foliage. A must ride for any thrill-seeking trekking enthusiast.
CITY:Willow Springs
The 4,000-acre park extends along both sides of the Kankakee River offering unspoiled settings that are surrounded by scenic bluffs and woods. The park includes hiking trails, biking trails, canoeing, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, picnic areas, hunting, boat launches, and much more! In addition there are several shelters available for picnic events.
Rent a bike and ride along the city's breathtaking Lakefront Trail with a guide from Bike Chicago, or pick up a free map and take your own self-guided tour. The section of the bike path that winds along North Avenue Beach.
Lake Katherine Trail is a 3.2-mile trail of moderate difficulty, located near Palos Heights, Illinois. This 1.5-hour hike over wood chip, dirt and gravel roads is one of the best urban nature walk trails in the area. The Preserve features an attractive lake, an arboretum, a waterfall garden, an herb and conifer garden and expansive views from atop a ridge in the eastern section.
CITY:Palos Heights
Columbia Not-So-Secret Training Loop
The Columbia Not-So-Secret Training Loop is a 63 mile trail of medium to difficult level trails, where local roads interlace across a seemingly endless valley of floodplains, levees, bluffs, and sheer cliffs hundreds of feet high. Start in Columbia where you'll roll over hills that add up to about 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Coast through quaint Mayestown, where store signs read "Open by luck or accident". You won't need to leave much time for the fast return trip along the riverbank, where tailwinds can push you home at 30 miles an hour.
Spring Lake Park in Macomb, IL. has three different singletrack trails ranging in intermediate to difficult. At 10 miles in length this park has a nice smattering of everything an adrenaline junky would want. The trails here are tight in some spots with a few ladder bridges, log piles and even a teeter-totter, and the hills just keep coming with jumps that make you feel weightless.
Bike rentals through the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau are available at their Visitor Center located at 1601 River Drive, Suite 110 in Moline. Bikes are available in a variety of sizes and come with locks and helmets. They also offer Kiddie Trailers to hook on the back of adult bikes for toddlers and small bikes that can be attached to the adult bike for children still needing training wheels. Rentals are available from Memorial Day through October. Rent by the day or by the hour.
CITY:Rock Island
This multi-use 17 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and 21 decked bridges, including a covered bridge in Orangeville, passing wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail, named after Jane Addams, is part of the Grand Illinois Trail which traverses northern Illinois from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclists, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. The The tow miles of trail between the Wes Block Trail Access and Illinois 26 is an asphalt paved surface. The final two mile asphalt paved segment from Highway 26 to the Tutty's Crossing Trailhead on the riverfront in historic downtown Freeport will open in summer 2015. This segment crosses the 1885 Van Buren Street Bridge to the Old River School Historic District, the original north entryway into the City, and through historic downtown Freeport offering specialty shops, restaurants, a bicycle shop offering repairs, and more. At Tutty's Crossing, the Jane Addams Trail connects with the Pecatonica Prairie Trail currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. The Jane Addams Trail connects the Wisconsin state line to the Badger Trail which extends to Madison. Access to the trail is available at the West Block Access, 2636 W. Fairview Road, Freeport, at the Richland Creek Trailhead, 101 N. Ewing Street, Orangeville, at Cedarville Road, at Red Oak off of Beaver Road, and by mid-summer at Turry's Crossing in downtown Freeport. Trail Maps are available.
Moraine Hills State Park located in McHenry, Illinois, offers a tapestry of mosaic marshes, lakes, prairies, bogs, wooded hills and streams that are perfect for hikers, skiers and cyclists. The hike consists of two 8-mile loops of crushed gravel that takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. With a rating of moderate to difficult, Moraine Hills State Park hike will surely make the top of every outdoor enthusiast's list.
Coral Woods - McHenry County Conservation District
This sugar maple forest provides the sweet sap necessary for annual maple sugar programs, and is also known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers. Activities include hiking, x-country skiing, picnic shelters and scenic views.
Dawn until dusk, a 36 m. trail is the forefront of outdoor recreation passing through Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora. It winds along the banks of the Fox River through miles of prairie grass, overshadowing trees and blooming flowers.
Homer Lake Forest Preserve contains 892 acres for fishing, boating, hiking picnicking, cross-country skiing and sledding. Also available is an exciting Homer Lake Interpretive Center, which hosts thousands every year through programs like "Homer Lake Take Me Fishing" and the unique Natural Playscape.
Boone County Conservation District
The Boone County Conservation District manages over 3,00 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands in scenic Boone County, Illinois. Minimum impact recreational opportunities, special events and educational programs are offered to the public throughout the year.
Enjoy this 411-acre park and 132-acre lake. Biking/running trails, beach/swimming boats, canoeing, fishing, lakes and rivers. Sight of the Heritage Days Festival, the Cardboard Boat Regatta, & the Great Balloon Race.
Located in the northeastern corner of Illinois in both McHenry and Lake counties, the Chain O'Lakes State Park is 60 miles northwest of Chicago. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the Chain, Chain O'Lakes State Park is the heart of a water wonderland. And, with six miles of relatively easy hiking and biking trails to navigate the scenery, Chain O' Lakes State Park has become a treasure to behold.
CITY:Spring Grove
March 16, 2015 - Bluegill Music Festival will lunch its inaugural event on July 4, 2015 for a one-day festival packed with some of country music's hottest acts. The all-day festival will be complete with Southern Illinois' largest fireworks display, along the shores of the Rend Lake Dam, in Benton, IL. The lineup includes Eli Young Band, LoCash, Clayton Anderson and more exciting acts to be announced. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 20th and can be purchased at www.bluegillfest.com and at Black Diamond Harley Davidson. Drawing fans from around the country, including Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana, the festival is at the intersection of some of the nation's most dedicated country music fans. Bluegill Music Festival will feature nationally recognized BBQ vendors from around the country. Interactive entertainment for fans will also include activations, like: bags, washers, bubble soccer, Illinois longest slip n' slide, helicopter rides from Black Diamond Harley Davidson, a mechanical bull, a kids area with a large inflatable slide and the "Bluegill Lagoon", featuring a 60 x 100' VIP beach, with cabanas, private wading pools & lounge area. Additionally, Southern Illinois' largest fireworks display will begin at 9:30pm, and is free for all guest.
Located in Algonquin only 30 short miles west of downtown Chicago is where you will find the Fox River Trail. This medium level trail hugs the Fox River between Aurora and Algonquin. The trail travels along the routes of historic railroad lines and crosses six bridges along the way while it changes surfaces between concrete, asphalt and crushed stone on its way through charming towns such as Carpentersville, Elgin and West Dundee.
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
A pool of clear bubbling water which sparkles like silver on sunny days provides the basis for the name of Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area. Even on extremely cold days, this pool does not freeze, and visitors marvel at the bordering beds of watercress. Majestic oaks and prairie grasslands provide a panorama of natural beauty to park visitors. The Fox River runs through this picturesque area which is also home to several small manmade lakes. A natural prairie restoration project gives visitors a feeling of the original landscape with native wildflowers, songbirds, waterfowl and upland game. Picnicking, fishing and hiking are popular pastimes in summer, with ice fishing, sledding, ice skating and cross-country ski trails available for the winter sports lover. For relaxing, exercising or just enjoying nature, Silver Springs is the perfect get away location.
Enjoy hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, canoeing and biking along the I&M Canal State Trail. This 61-mile recreational trail begins at Brandon Road in Rockdale and parallels the canal to LaSalle Peru.
Situated in Sunset Park in Rock Island is the Mississippi River Trail. Listed as a difficult trial, mainly due to its length and many portions not protected by shade, this asphalt trail hugs the bank of the river as you move through parks, industrial sections, downtown business districts and small river towns.
CITY:Rock Island
Old Plank Road is a 21-mile recreation and nature trail used by in-line skaters, walkers, runners, bikers, bicyclists and even cross-country skiers in the winter. This trail reaches from Park Forest all the way to Joliet.
Located on over 325 acres including a 28-acre fishing lake with a one-mile multiple use trail and a restored prairie grass development. The remains of the extinct elephant-like mastodon were found in this lake in the 1930s. Attractions include a life-size sculpture of a mastodon at the Mastodon Gallery, the gorgeous Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, a zoo, war memorials, a winter recreation area and a 8,000-square-foot BMX & Skate Park.
Beverly Lake Forest Preserve Trail is perfect for hiking and biking. The five mile out and back trail located near Dundee that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
CITY:Hoffman Estates
The TREC trail system is a public trail designed to create recreational opportunities. The trails provide a great place for visitors to exercise, whether its walking, riding bikes, or roller blading. The mission is to develop a countrywide, multi-use trail system, educate the communities on the benefits of the trails, and promote an active lifestyle by providing recreational activities.
The Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail is one of Central Illinois' most unique parks. This 37-mile jogging, walking, cycling and rollerblading trail has become a hit with the community and visitors alike. The trail is broken into four segments: the north-south segment, east-west segment, the Liberty Branch and the Freedom Branch, all reaching across numerous areas in Bloomington-Normal. Parking for the trail is available at adjoining lots throughout the area. The trail is open to walkers, runners, in-line skaters, skateboarders, cyclists, wheelchair users and other non-motorized forms of transportation. During winter months, it is not cleared of snow, and is available to skiers; weather permitting.
All the beauty and excitement of the great outdoors awaits you at Lake Jacksonville. Whatever you're looking for in outdoor recreation, fishing, sailing, swimming, skiing, canoeing, hiking, and picnic areas you'll find it here.
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
The Hennepin Canal State Park, a 104-mile linear park, is a rustic, historic, educational, and recreational jewel spanning five counties and includes the entire width of Henry County with access points in Annawan, Atkinson, Geneseo, and Colona. It offers an up-close look at a fascinating piece of transportation history. It is popular with bicyclists who ride from town to town exploring the history, dining, lodging, and entertainment possibilities as they travel. The canal multi-purpose recreational trail is a portion of the American Discovery Trail, a 6,800-mile coast-to-coast trail devoted to non-motorized use. It is also part of the Grand Illinois Trail, a 535-mile loop through northern Illinois. The tree-lined park is a refuge with prairie restorations and wetlands slicing through corn and soybean farmland. Home to diverse flora and fauna, it has become a favorite for bird watchers and prairie enthusiasts. It offers numerous year-round opportunities to boat, hike, bike, fish, ride horseback, snowmobile, ice skate, and cross-country ski. Explore Henry County's jewel – the Hennepin Canal. In wintertime experience the longest snowmobile trail in the state -- 91 miles on the tow path. You can use the ice at your own risk, but pay heed to the locks, bridges and culverts where the ice likely is thinner than the rest of the canal. Bring your blades, skating along the canal is free! Keep in mind the rule is there must be 4" of snow and 6" of frost on canal for route to be open. Call the Visitor Center for automated message.
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Lake of the Woods County Park is a 900-acre preserve that features an 18-hole regulation golf course, a 9-hole par 3 course and practice range, fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, sledding the Hi-Tower bell carillon and observation area, a 3.3 mile bicycle/pedestrian path, the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens, building rentals and various programs.
This quiet and clean preserve features a 1-mile trail for hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers, three beautiful picnic shelters, a 3-acre pond for fishing, open playfields and a playground. The Half Day Forest Preserve is also the starting point for the Des Plains River Trail which links this preserve to the Wright Woods Forest Preserve. The entrance and parking area are located on Route 21 (Milwaukee Avenue) at the light for Woodlands Parkway, south of Route 60 (Townline Road) and just north of Route 22 (Half Day Road).
CITY:Vernon Hills
This beautiful Freeport park offers an antique carousel, waterfall, seasonal duck pond, miniature golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, 3 miles of recreational paths, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, fishing, hiking, biking, a performance amphitheater, gardens, picnic areas, shelters, boat rentals, playgrounds including "Kid's Kastle", a carousel and sledding in the winter. The Yellow Creek Adventure Golf Course (miniature golf) is open daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day from Noon to 8 pm. The Disc Golf Course is open during regular park hours and is free to play. Park attractions are open seasonally; call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions.
The Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) is a 535-mile loop trail in northern Illinois. It goes from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi along the northern border of Illinois and then loops back across the state along the Illinois River and the Hennepin Canal. 200 miles of the route is on paved township and county roads while the rest is on limestone trails or paths. Hennepin Canal Communities - Annawan, Atkinson, Geneseo and Colona.
What a way to travel - about 75 miles, from one major river to another (the Illinois and the Mississippi), all on one newly built trail. The Hennepin Parkway State Trail (a linear state park) offers surcease from the flat, treeless Illinois prairie with a lock-strewn straight course of water and a green tunnel over the old tow path of a canal that was obsolete before it was completed. Quaint towns lie nearby, camping spaces (usually primitive) abound, and history is there for the dipping of your fingers in the water. At Sheffield, a comprehensive trail museum more than fills the gaps in your experience of a very unique way to travel through the heart of America.
Located 4 miles north of I-80 at exit 19 and adjacent to the historic Hennepin Canal. Shady, quiet camping in the midst of nature's wonders. Spend a night in one of our four rustic cabins. Try the Yurt Accommodations. It is 20 foot diameter, and sleeps 8. It has one queen bed and 2 bunk beds with a full on bottom and twin on top Rent a canoe or kayak and relax on historic Hennepin Canal. Bring you own bicycle or simply walk to enjoy the recreational trail along the Hennepin Canal. The town of Geneseo has great Victorian homes with welcoming porches. In additional to the RV camp sites, there are 12 tent sites available. Internet services on site.
Bicyclists and hikers can travel this trail that runs from Caldwell and Devon Avenues in Chicago, to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The 20-mile trail winds along the Chicago River past the Skokie Lagoons and through forest preserves.
With over 3,000 acres of rolling plains and two lakes, Rock Cut State Park is a hiker's paradise. It's also home to some of the best mountain biking in northeastern Illinois, offering 10 miles of dirt and sand terrain, doubletrack and singletrack trails. One of the loops is 4.25-miles, the Main Trail, which runs around Pierce Lake. Another loop snakes around the northeast corner of the park and leads through dense trees and hills.
CITY:Loves Park
Just minutes away from the city but a world away, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds and creeks round out the outdoor experience.
Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago Tours
Tour Chicago on a cool cruiser-style bicycle and follow a guide who makes brief stops at the most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained. Some fun rides include the Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour, Bikes, Bites and Brews Tour, and the Southside Gangster Tour.
Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area
The Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area consists of 2,700 acres of grass, forest and cropland, and wildlife habitat. The area also includes a portion of the Middle Fork River, a State and National Scenic River, with over 1,000 feet of scenic corridor for canoeing and fishing. The area also allows for hunting, hiking, picnicking, and camping.
The Chief Keokuk Campground features 70 pads with electrical hook-ups for trailers, plus 25 tent sites. There is a shower building on site. A sanitary dump station is near the camping area. The cabin is located on a slope overlooking Johnson Lake. A fire grill, table and BBQ grill are provided outside. A full-size bed, two sets of bunk beds, a table and benches are provided inside. The cabin has heat and air conditioning as well as two ceiling fans.
Whether you're interested in science or just fishing in the ponds near the buffalo herd you're welcome at Fermilab. Take a self-guided tour of the laboratory, the Art Gallery and science and educational displays. View the grounds from the 15th floor observation area. Visitors may also visit the Lederman Science Center. Performing arts and lectures. Groups welcome by appointment. Public tours are offered every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and as part of the Ask-a-Scientist event on the first Sunday of each month.


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Bruno Magli Colzate Leather Bow Pump
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February 27 2012 12:49PM
Sometimes you name a Goat at the start of the NHL season. Sometimes that Goat gets traded. Sometimes you are happy.
On what has been a pretty unevenful Trade Deadline day so far, the Oilers traded "Edmonton's Fanciest Shoe Wearer 2006-2012" to the Minnesota Wild for Defenceman Nick Schultz.
Gilbert's reaction to the trade can be seen in the clip above gripped from the Oilers website.
People will come along soon enough with quality analysis debating the merits of trading Tom Gilbert - arguably an offensive defenseman - for a defensive defenseman in Schultz.
But in the mean time let us all scream and yell like only Oilers fans on Trade Deadline Day can.
February 27 2012, 12:50PM
and fist
February 27 2012, 12:52PM
and fist
Well then smart guy.......Put this in your pipe and BE BETTER NEXT TIME!*
*That's what she said**
**To Tom Gilbert
February 27 2012, 12:56PM
Sad to see Gilbert go, but at least it was a hockey trade. Schultz is a quality Dman from what I can gather.
Too bad we couldn't have both.
Its not the first time Tambo has made me shake my head. Im not saying its bad but I'm very concerned.
February 27 2012, 12:59PM
Interesting that the reaction depends on your perspective. Check out the minny fan boards - they are just as upset as the oiler boards seem to be. Maybe that means it is a good deal - both sides walk away thinking the other team got the best of it.
February 27 2012, 01:00PM
I think the Oilers lose this trade based on the on-ice aspect of it. Though the more I read about Schultz the more I see a veteran leader personality. I don't think Gilbert has that so much, so maybe it will be good for team chemistry or something.
I was glad that the Oilers at least got another body coming back instead of the player for prospects thing I was dreading.
February 27 2012, 01:00PM
lol how is this deal bad? people were on Gilbert for ages, now that he is gone and there is sudden change , people get concerned! its hilarous. We got Klefbom coming up soon, potter petry and whitney all being similar D, Gilbert was expendable. I think when you got young stay at home guys like Teubert coming you need more reliability with those stay at home D guys above the offensive D's, so this trade just gives the oilers stability.
February 27 2012, 01:05PM
What is schultz cap hit
What is schultz cap hit
Only time will tell! Its too bad we cant see shultz in action tonight.
I don't think Tambo understands this whole trade to make your team better concept. That trade shouldn't have had Gilbert in it. It should have been peckham and a prospect and/or picks for Schultz. I don't view this as helping the defense at all its just a trade off of offense from your backend for a more physical player. And this was Gilberts breakout year, stupid move I just don't get it. Gilbert is worth more there should have been a pick involved at least. Tambo is useless.
And what the hell is with TSN have they ever heard of buffering because their streaming is complete sh*t. I can't stream their show more than 30 secs at a time and then it cuts out for 45secs. Yet I can go and stream a full HD movie no problem.
February 27 2012, 01:14PM
If they made this move because they are handing the ball over the Petry (top 4 mobile D with a right hand shot) then this is a good move.
Hope they are not basing it on Potter's play.
Wow I can't believe we made the biggest move on deadline day and still have Hemsky, what a weird trade deadline this year
Not a big fan of this...at all.
February 27 2012, 01:18PM
Call me if he ADDED a defenceman or goalie. Gilbert has been bar none the best D-man on the squad this year. A lttle grit is good but I thinknwe lost this one. Unless the D on the farm are good enough to replace pretty boy's puck moving (I say no) I think this is more change for the sake of change.
Well... as far as future goats go. Schultz has all the markings.
I would have offered Minny Peckham + Chorney/Plante + 4th rounder maybe a littel more. The only way I would have moved Gilbert is for a much better Defenseman even if you did have to add more than just Gilbert, this just doesn't make the team any better.
I agree with Wanye and many others...good riddance. He's from Minnesota and was probably homesick. Shultz is a Warrior.
February 27 2012, 01:34PM
Gilbert's stick - where good plays go to die, especially in the defensive zone.
I like this trade though am surprised it was the only one.
February 27 2012, 01:35PM
Seems like a trade based on perceived need in terms of playing styles. I suppose the development of Petry, the (slight) return to form by Whitney, and the oncoming prospects (Marincin, Musil, Davidson, Gernat, etc.) made Gilbert expendable. I know the stats guys don't like Schultz, but he's a "Jason Smith"-type and the Oilers could always use another guy like that. I don't hate the trade exactly and I like what Schultz brings to the table, but Gilbert's a talented player who was rounding into form. I'm sorry we're going to miss it.
Zach Kassian to Vancouver for Cody Hodgson , Edmonton should have a philosophy like this. Edm likes small forwards see how that works in the playoffs
February 27 2012, 01:39PM
This trade is confusing. It addresses a hole (sort of) on the D while more or less opening up another (kinda). Like Lochenzo up there said, they better be planning on deferring Gilbert's role to Petry, because now we're out our best "offensive" D-man. The Oilers site has Gilbert and Petry tied at 17 points this year, which could be a good omen. I think Petry has more natural talent and ability than Gilbert, he's just gotta finish rounding his game out, a-la Smid.
Petry has been playing 20+ minutes a night for a little while now, maybe management already sees him as a viable top 4?
Don't know much about Schultz, but I have seen several comments re: his slow skating. Overpaying for another slow d-man from Minnesota over the summer worked out so well thus far that Tambi could not resist going back for another.
Good trade. Gilbert's not a fierce competitor. He is a good top 4 defenceman but you watch his interviews and you see a lack of compete. Watch Whitney or hall post game and compare that to Gilbert. If you look across the dressing room floor you gotta be able to look at a guys eyes and see that he is giving it his all. My gut feeling- no facts to base this on.
Re: All the comparisons to Jason Smith - he ended up being too slow to play post-lockout. That is what worries me the most. If Schultz has skating issues then he is too small to make a difference. Add in the fact that I have seen a lot of comments that he is a #5 d-man for the wild, and it does not make sense unless he somehow becomes a much better player over the next few months.
If Tambi wanted to move Gilbert, why not package him with a forward prospect contract for something better? This looks like a waste of an asset by the Oilers "braintrust".
Add in the fact that the pro scouting department does not have a stellar track record, and I am very leery about this deal.
February 27 2012, 01:52PM
I couldn't agree more, how does this move make the Oilers better? I see this as a lateral move, no better, no worse. If the Oilers could have kept Gilbert and added Shultz then it would have been a win.
February 27 2012, 01:55PM
@Walter Sobchak
I'd agree lateral for sure, but i think its easier for a skilled D to come into the mix than a defensive minded young guy like Teubert to consistently be good on a night by night basis, so in getting Schultz you get stability. Klefbom is coming up soon and you hope Potter and Petry can fill the type of game Gilbert brought. But i agree with you its more lateral for now.
February 27 2012, 02:01PM
February 27 2012, 02:03PM
Maybe Clutterbuck will stop running our players now. Schultzie was his favorite team mate.
I'm still angry about this trade. At the very least, we should have had a prospect coming our way. #FireTambo
The front of the Oiler net just got a little less comfortable........and that is not a bad thing
Tough call to say who wins. The funny thing is Oiler fans are all against Gilbert then he is traded and we complain but if we kept him I would guarantee people would be on here next year saying we should have traded Gilbert while is value was high.
I don't think it hurts us or makes us much better. But from comments of teammates in Minny sounds like Shultz is a heart and soul guy.
February 27 2012, 02:16PM
I think Tambo could have gotten more for Gilbert. I'll be the first to say I have not been a fan of Gilbert for many years but this season it seems like he grew a pair and figured out what it takes be be a real good defenseman. There should have been a 3rd or 4th round pick coming back in this deal or package Gilbert with a pick/prospect for a better d-man.
The front of the Oiler net just got a little less comfortable........and that is not a bad thing
Good thing because they are going to be playing infront of it more often now seeing how Gilbert was the best puck mover this season and Peckham, Barker, and Smid can't move the puck out of the zone without icing it.
February 27 2012, 02:20PM
I'm still angry about this trade. At the very least, we should have had a prospect coming our way. #FireTambo
Gilbert is not a top 2 D on any other NHL team, maybe 3 or 4 on some teams, what more do you expect to get? We arguably just got a legitimate top 4 D thats CONSISTENT, unlike a lot of players on this team.
February 27 2012, 02:22PM
Plus if Smid ever got hurt, we would be SCREWED. At least Schultz gives a Smid-like stability back there, Gilbert injury really opened the door for Petry. Next year we won't even be talking about this trade anymore cause it'll pay dividends long term.
Plus if Smid ever got hurt, we would be SCREWED. At least Schultz gives a Smid-like stability back there, Gilbert injury really opened the door for Petry. Next year we won't even be talking about this trade anymore cause it'll pay dividends long term.
Schultz has been a consistently negative player on one of the better if not top defensive teams in the league. At least Gilbert had an excuse as he is more about the offense and has played on the worst team in the league for the last 5 years.
February 27 2012, 02:53PM
Like I said lateral move, The Oilers have been in last place for 3 years and defense is a major concern going forward, how does this trade make us better?
If the Oilers expect Petry to take the place of Gilbert's ability after one year of NHL game play then I'm afraid they have overvalued there own talent.
Gilbert is not a top 2 D on any other NHL team, maybe 3 or 4 on some teams, what more do you expect to get? We arguably just got a legitimate top 4 D thats CONSISTENT, unlike a lot of players on this team.
Umm......from what I have read, Schultz is the #5 d-man for the Wild this season. Sounds like we landed another 5/6/7 d-man than another top 4.
February 27 2012, 03:57PM
Schultz is a "Shut Down" defensive Defenceman.. Gilbert, im not even sure what u would call him. cuz for an "offensive" minded defenceman he only had 17 points in 49 games.. and correct me if im wrong but isnt Schultz about a Million dollars cheaper?
February 27 2012, 05:01PM
Hemsky: cmon please sign me ill take anything Tambo: 5 mil for two (he'll never take it and we can trade him for picks that wont turn out) Hemsky: ok i want be oiler Tambo:what!!!! *fans applaud move Tambo: well now what i gotta do sumthin. *enter minesota Min- we want gilbert, well give u shultz Tambo: well we need defense, shultz is way better right Min- well actually they're about even except shultz doesn't have any offense Tambo: ill do it(thank god i was starting to get a good rep)
Honestly what were we thinking. Stupid,stupid,stupid.
February 27 2012, 05:23PM
I do think that this is a lateral move by the team by trading an offensive-minded defenceman for a stay at home type. I would think that it would be easier to find, develop, draft, trade or sign a defensive defenceman over the summer than an offensive defenceman.


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In the latest episode of Game Face, MMORPG.com's Pokket takes a look at The Voidstar, one of the warzones in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Pokket gives her thoughts on the best strategies and layouts for winning the epic battle. Come back every Thursday for more MMO goodness from Pokket. Check out Game Face #19: Pokket's Guide to the Voidstar.
thanks for all your work on these vids, good stuff : D
Your vids Pokket!
Defense is all about DoTs...you literally need nothing else
For offense, we usually send stealth to one side and bodies to the other. Stealthers are rare on our server though, so basically we zerg a side. With multiple planters on Defense, I tend to force storm.... but Death Field works too.
Also, if you plan to make PVP your business, get the PVP gear when you get 50. A little expertise goes a long way.
Error: 37. Signature not found. Please connect to my server for signature access.
Here's a small tip: When defending the door, stay behind pillars, if possible, to avoid getting focused down by ranged combatants, but don't stay crammed up in the same spot as to avoid being neutralized by a sequence of flashbangs.
This is all good, but when you are not part of a PvP guild and just play with randoms like me then there is team play or strategy involved anyway. Most people who play don't have a harcore PvP guild with voice chat and such that you need to pull off a good strategy.
Originally posted by Mr.Wizard
What my team (playing Republic) usually does is... doing things too much solo and die... :-/
I normally pvp with friends, but yes pugs that do not work together just get smashed.
For anyone that doubts Pokkets skills: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRLgrXvFe0Y
"Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places..." ~ H.P.Lovecraft, "From Beyond"
The worst strategy--and this happens a lot--is having 3 or more people trying to plant the bomb at the same time. It takes one defender to interrupt this when easily 2 or 3 of the extra bomb planters could have taken the defender out. If you only learn one thing...
When defending and losing a door, some people don't realize this and it is very important.
Survive: If you die after losing a door, you respawn at your new location which is on the other of the bridge/shield where you cannot help your teamates. Which is why it is very important to keep yourself alive by any means possible. It is important to rush for the terminals to interrupt the enemy but dying on the way there while you might have been able to save your life, would further help your team since you are still in action and not sitting on the other side waiting.
Originally posted by Fierytex
The worst strategy--and this happens a lot--is having 3 or more people trying to plant the bomb at the same time. It takes one defender to interrupt this when easily 2 or 3 of the extra bomb planters could have taken the defender out. If you only learn one thing...
That's another good point.
Do not try to cap a door if there are enemies around, it is very easy to AoE interrupt you.
Even if you are a healer, help dps him does as quickly as possion and then cap the door. Everyone else at that point should head for the middle section where they can slow/CC the incoming reinforcement.


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Skechers Bikers Verified Sneaker - Womens
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