text:
The 100 meters is the fastest running event in Olympic track and field. But for the last nine days, the women's 100 at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials in Eugene, Oregon has been stalled by a much talked about tie. Today, finally, a resolution. Sprinters Alyson Felix and Jeneba Tarmoh will race in a run-off to break their tie for third place in the 100 they first ran two Saturday's ago. First one to cross the finish line today makes the U.S. women's 100 team. NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman joins us to talk about this.
Good morning, Tom.
TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: Hi, Renee.
MONTAGNE: So tell us what's going to happen today exactly.
Well, exactly 5 P.M. Pacific Time two women alone on the track, live national TV, the crowd at Hayward Field in Eugene gets in free. And the weird sight of fans filing in for basically an 11 second event.
GOLDMAN: Now, neither athlete is really thrilled about this runoff. In fact, Allyson Felix was quoted as saying if she lines up for the race and doesn't feel quite right, she's out, you know. She doesn't want to risk injury this close to London.
The decision on what to do was delayed over a week because a coach for both these athletes wanted them to focus on the 200. Once that was over, there were discussions, a two-hour meeting Sunday. Finally, they came to the agreement about the runoff. They also had the option of a coin flip or of one of the athletes forfeiting their position. Neither did that. So we've got today.
MONTAGNE: And there has there has been a lot of criticism directed at the sports governing body, USA Track and Field, for not being better prepared to handle a tie in the 100, although I must say it's not something anybody really expected.
GOLDMAN: It's not. And as, you know, USA Track and Field didn't really expect it, because they say it had never happened before, although is actually did happen in 1980 in a men's hurdles event. There was a tie for third in the Olympic trials. But since the U.S. boycotted the 1980 Olympics that year there was no need to resolve the tie.
So right after the tie for third in the women's 100, the USA Track and Field was left to scramble and figure out the tiebreaking plan, which it did the day after the race. Now, a track spokesperson says the organization has learned through this the importance of having all your procedures in place. There's the implication that there will be rules changes and that this kind of delay and indecision won't happen again.
MONTAGNE: And as we've been talking about the Olympic trial sprints, U.S. sprint rival Jamaica has been having its own Olympic trials. And there have been surprises there. Tell us about that.
GOLDMAN: Yeah, well, the big surprise, the unbeatable Usain Bolt was beaten twice at the trials by his countryman Yohan Blake. He's the new it guy for men's sprints in London. So remember that name - Yohan Blake. He beat Bolt in the 100 and 200. Bolt, of course, is the reigning Olympic champ in both. And he's the world record holder in both.
But now there are questions. You know, was he taking it easy at the trials. Is he out of shape? Is he hurt? Will he use this as extra incentive in London? The plot thickens.
MONTAGNE: And, Tom, before I let you go, let's bring Tiger Woods into this.
GOLDMAN: Why not?
MONTAGNE: Let's talk about golf for just a few seconds. He's obviously playing better and better golf. He won another tournament.
GOLDMAN: Yeah, how about that? He won again. And this is the guy - even Tiger said I remember there was a time when people were saying I can never win again. Well, Tiger is now the first on the tour this year to win three events. He won yesterday at Congressional in the D.C. area as the 74th win of his career, moved him past Jack Nicklaus into second place on the PGA Tour list.
The guy he was playing with, Bo Van Pelt, said, you know, Tiger's won three. He led after the second round of the U.S. Open. I mean, Tiger's playing the best golf in the world right now. And, Renee, it's been a while since we've heard that.
MONTAGNE: Well, it's been good talking to you, Tom.
GOLDMAN: Thanks.
MONTAGNE: NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman.
MONTAGNE: This is NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
Latest Gear Live Videos
Rage: Mutant Bash TV review
Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Games, iPad Apps, Reviews, $0.99, $1.99,
After a high hype and anticipation level, iD Software's Rage game called Mutant Bash TV finally hit the App Store this week. The creators of the original Doom and Quake games showcased the full Rage for consoles many times in the past, and promised to provide a graphically rich companion for the iPhone. Now that the game is out, is it worthy of all that wait?
First, the game is available in two different versions. Yet, unlike most apps, they aren't limited to iPhone and iPad. Both apps are universal, with the difference being the quality of textures. Rage, at $0.99, has regular graphics, while Rage HD, at $1.99, has high definition graphics, and is aimed at iPhone 4 and the iPad. This is a fairly large app, weighing in at over 700 MB, so it may take a while to download.
Click to continue reading Rage: Mutant Bash TV review
Gallery: Rage: Mutant Bash TV review
Gifters, currently available for $1.99, lets you create and manage gift lists. If you're patient and comfortable with getting friends and family on-board, this may be for you. To some though, the app may be just a little too cumbersome.
After creating an account - where you're forced to input your physical address, for some odd reason - you're guided through a tutorial by means of several notification windows. Following that, you're free to create and share lists. The app has no gift database though, so when creating lists you have to fill in several information fields all on your own.
Click to continue reading Gifters app review
Read More | Gifters
Gallery: Gifters app review
Holograms for iPhone Review
Posted by Brandon Gribin Categories: Entertainment, Photography, Reviews, $1.99,
I'm almost certain this is a one-of-a-kind app. It has to be.
Holograms, recently released on the iPhone and iPod touch, allows you to create virtual holograms in a flash.
Click to continue reading Holograms for iPhone Review
Gallery: Holograms for iPhone Review
Push Gmail coming soon with GPush iPhone app
Posted by Brandon Gribin Categories: Productivity, New Apps, $0.99, $1.99,
While you can't have true Push Gmail on the iPhone [Editors Note: You can, if you set up Gmail as an Exchange account, but you don't get Push Notifications this way], an app arriving very soon on the App Store will come close to replicating the true experience.
Currently, the iPhone's Mail App pings Gmail periodically, or when you hit refresh, to see if you have any new messages. Push e-mail would be virtually instantaneous - as push notification on the phone is.
GPush is an app that will shoot off push notifications whenever you get new e-mail. You'll then be able to go into your phone's Mail App and see your new e-mail as the Inbox refreshes.
Click to continue reading Push Gmail coming soon with GPush iPhone app
Gallery: Push Gmail coming soon with GPush iPhone app
Cleopatra for iPhone and iPod touch Review
Posted by Brandon Gribin Categories: Games, New Apps, Reviews, $1.99,
As I see it, there are three types of slots players:
- People who sit for hours on end at a single machine
- People who pull on a machine once, hoping for a lucky spin, as they stroll by
- People who refuse to touch a machine (they just don't know they're slot players yet)
Cleopatra is the perfect iPhone and iPod touch game for the first type of slots player. And possibly a fun diversion for the other two types of players.
IGT, International Game Technology - a slot machine manufacturer, recently released Cleopatra on the iPhone and iPod touch. The app is a portable version of the video slot game that's in casinos all over the world. The iPhone and iPod touch version is a solid rendition and should be up your alley if you're looking for a slots game.
Click to continue reading Cleopatra for iPhone and iPod touch Review
Gallery: Cleopatra for iPhone and iPod touch Review
Exit Strategy NYC cuts down subway travel time
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Travel, New Apps, $1.99,
We've got a couple of NYC MTA-related subway apps we want to share with you today, the first being Exit Strategy NYC. A simple app, Exit Strategy NYC basically shows you which car you should ride in depending on where you plan on getting off the train. You tell it what line you are riding, and which direction you are going, along with telling it your final destination. It will then show you which train cars are closes to the exits and staircases for transferring.
We do know that a majority of the lines and stops in all of New York City are covered, but there are a few that aren't complete. Still, those will come in a future update, and this app can really end up saving you a ton of time. Even better, it's only $1.99, which means it costs less than a ride on the subway. This one is highly recommended, and you can purchase Exit Strategy NYC now in the App Store.
Read More | Exit Strategy NYC
Gallery: Exit Strategy NYC cuts down subway travel time
Sometimes, it's the simplest apps that turn out to be the best, and SmackTalk! for the iPhone proves that point. You see, all SmackTalk does it record your voice, and play it back to you at a faster speed. However, they also have animals whose heads move when it plays back your voice, so it appears that a hamster (or cat, or dog, etc.) is repeating back to you what you said. Kids love this, as I have witnessed first-hand. Check out the video above for a demo, and you'll be wanting to grab SmackTalk for $1.99 from the App Store.
Read More | SmackTalk
Gallery: SmackTalk! 1.1 for iPhone
Next time you travel overseas, think about downloading eCurrency. The simple interface supports 34 currencies with rates provided by the European Central Bank. All its functions are on one screen and it has a "shake to inverse calculation" feature. There is also a designated keypad for faster entry and it is compatible with iPod touch and iPhone and with a 2.0 software update. eCurrency is available at the App Store for $1.99.
Read More | Eidac
Gallery: eCurrency Converts for Travelers
Easy Dials It, One Handed Contact
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Productivity, $1.99, Free Apps,
Easy Dials It was conceived by Riverturn as the answer to dialing one-handed. You can flip through full screen images of contacts and merely double tap to dial up a number. Tilt your iPhone's screen and you can automatically scroll through the list or add an image. Also available is the Easy Dials It Lite that only keeps two of your contacts. Both are available at the App Store for $1.99 and $0.00 respectively.
Read More | Riverturn
Gallery: Easy Dials It, One Handed Contact
Become a samurai and slice through your opponents, even if you do not own a Wii. The Katana application lets you pull out the sword, then swing your iPhone/touch at the evil-doers until they are defeated. Sound effects though your headphones or speaker include weapon noises and your enemies' defeat when you put your sword back in its scabbard. Katana is on sale 30% through February 28. You can get a copy at the App Store for $1.99.
Read More | Appliya
Gallery: Turn Samarai With Katana
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ideal for people with a sense of humor, our custom promotional novelty hats are too much fun to pass up! With a huge selection of styles for men, women and youth available at IASpromotes.com, you can personalize any design to create amusing promotional products. Customized novelty caps are great for events, especially fundraisers, birthday parties, and costume parties! Or, if your business supports a sports team, choose a promotional novelty cap similar to the mascot and people will cheer for the team and your logo!
Choose your favorite promotional novelty hat to personalize with your company's name and logo, and you will be guaranteed to have people noticing your customized look! Contact us with any questions you may have, our sales representatives are here to help!


text:
From Dodgers.com:
Hiroki Kuroda will try to bounce back from a rough outing San Diego, but the more intriguing appearance will be 22-year-old Josh Lindblom, for the second spring making a strong bid for a job. Lindblom only pitched two innings last time, so if he makes the club, it appears it would be as a reliever.
photo by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers


text:
Computer Program Detail Page
GR Schwarzschild Light Program
written by
Wolfgang Christian, Mario Belloni, and Anne Cox
educational validator: Bethany Zach
The GR Schwarzschild Light program simulates the path of light around a black hole using the Schwarzschild metric. It also displays a plot of the effective potential of light in the vicinity of a black hole. The default setting is a light trajectory that escapes the black hole.
GR Schwarzschild Light is part of a suite of Open Source Physics programs that model aspects of General Relativity. It is distributed as a ready-to-run (compiled) Java archive. Double clicking the gr_schwarzschild_light.jar file will run the program if Java is installed. Other programs provide additional visualizations. They can be found by searching ComPADRE for Open Source Physics, OSP, or General Relativity. Please note that this resource requires at least version 1.5 of Java.
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
Christian, W, M. Belloni, and A. Cox. "GR Schwarzschild Light Program."
AIP Format
W. Christian, M. Belloni, and A. Cox, Computer Program GR SCHWARZSCHILD LIGHT PROGRAM (2008), WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385).
W. Christian, M. Belloni, and A. Cox, Computer Program GR SCHWARZSCHILD LIGHT PROGRAM (2008), <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385>.
APA Format
Christian, W., Belloni, M., & Cox, A. (2008). GR Schwarzschild Light Program [Computer software]. Retrieved May 27, 2024, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385
Chicago Format
Christian, W, M. Belloni, and A. Cox. "GR Schwarzschild Light Program." https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385 (accessed 27 May 2024).
MLA Format
Christian, Wolfgang, Mario Belloni, and Anne Cox. GR Schwarzschild Light Program. Computer software. 2008. Java 1.5. 27 May 2024 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385>.
BibTeX Export Format
Author = "Wolfgang Christian and Mario Belloni and Anne Cox",
Title = {GR Schwarzschild Light Program},
Month = {May},
Year = {2008}
Refer Export Format
%A Wolfgang Christian %A Mario Belloni %A Anne Cox %T GR Schwarzschild Light Program %D May 23, 2008 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385 %O application/java
EndNote Export Format
%0 Computer Program %A Christian, Wolfgang %A Belloni, Mario %A Cox, Anne %D May 23, 2008 %T GR Schwarzschild Light Program %8 May 23, 2008 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=7226&DocID=385 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 2 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. GR Schwarzschild Light Program:
Is Part Of
General Relativity (GR) Package
The General Relativity (GR) Package contains curricular materials for the teaching of general relativity using the GR Schwarzschild Light Program. relation by Mario BelloniKnow of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it. |
SupplementsContributeRelated Materials
Is Part Of
Similar MaterialsGR Schwarzschild Light Impact Parameter Program GR Schwarzschild Light Launch Angle Program Featured By
Spacetime Emporium |


text:
TopStyle 4 on sale - 1 day ONLY:
TopStyle contains powerful tools for building standards-compliant web sites.
* Preview CSS while you write it.
* Easily create pleasant color schemes for your site.
* Style Checker validates your CSS syntax against multiple browsers.
* Use Site Reports to see at-a-glance where CSS styles are used in your site.
* Style Upgrade quickly replaces all outdated HTML code with equivalent CSS styling.
Sale $39.95 - 1 day ONLY - 03/01/2010


text:
USA Fast Cash Loans in Aneth, Utah, UT
We specialize in servicing Fast Payday Loans and offer you Quick Cash in Aneth, Utah, UT!
May of us know how difficult it may be for one not to be able to have and spend money at the moment it is really needed. There can be different reasons for such urgent need – work, health etc. Now and then financial problems lead to really severe consequences – from depression to (in the saddest examples) even death. This would not be once a person has a possibility to get fast USA cash payday loans. Let's just consider an example when you have to go to work and the car suddenly broke down. It could result in loss of income and even make you lose your job. So what can you do then if there are no good relationships with a bank and thus there is no opportunity for a loan or overdraft?
Get Cash in a Moment in Aneth, Utah, UT USA
Do you live in the US? Do you reside in Aneth, Utah, UT? Then you have no reason to worry or get frustrated. We are here to revive hope and let you find the way out for any kind of financial issues. With quick cash payday loans online everyone can request a cash loan and obtain it within the shortest possible time. There are great chances today for getting small short-term loans to deal with important things or just to make a purchase you want.
Procuring a cash advance loan to this day has never been any easier for the US residents and it can be done merely by filling an application form. Luckily, obtaining an urgent payday loan today can be done in literally a few minutes after the form is filled out and the application is submitted. For those who reside in the United States in Aneth a cash advance loan application from $100 to $1000 can be done instantly. It is only part of the story! To make the life more pleasant and easy for our clients, applications can be done in the comfort of their offices or homes. With Internet connection, an application can be made and submitted in a few moments.
All one needs to do is to fill the application form available on our website. Please check that you have entered your real location of residence – Aneth and Utah, UT. After you click "Submit" we will need several minutes for finding offers from the credible organizations. This would be tailored to meet your needs. We guarantee that this is done in only a couple of minutes. You will not need to wait for days and even hours. We have a really great database of lenders and our system needs some time to analyze all available solutions and find the best one one. It is an efficient way to get a good payday loan without checking accounts.
After it is done, and we receive your online USA payday loan application and have it approved, at that moment, redirection would be made in your browser to the website of the selected lender. Each financial organization we deal with is supposed to clearly state all terms and rates in accordance with your location and other important factors. So this is not just an east and quick thing to get payday loans – moreover, it will not require more than 30 minutes or so of your time. As we have already told today there are plenty of life situations when one may need some money really urgently and without delay.
Unexpected expenses should not become a problem anymore because we can find a decent solution for you. Every application made here is taken carefully by our lending partners. We would like to put it clear and say that everytime you submit an application for a cash advance, you should rest sure about your personal data security. There is no reason to worry about. APPLY FOR A LOAN NOW!
No Faxing No Credit Check Payday Loans Online in Aneth, Utah, UT!
Factors that make payday loans more preferable:
• If approved, money comes directly to your bank account and can be drawn out in any ATM.
• Payday loans in Aneth, Utah, UT offer a wide array of propositions based on consumers interests.
• No need to go through a lengthy documentation gathering process – all you require is your passport and a sheet of paper with contact details.
• The time for getting a payday loan in Aneth, Utah, UT is usually within one hour.
• Refusal probability is very low.


text:
Vancouver Island Wedding Photography
If you are looking for the type of pictures that you have seen before, you're in luck! There are tons of photographers out there who can take adequate pictures for you!
BUT, if you want something fresh, unique, creative and fun, then you should hire me to capture your every photography need!
If your images are getting cut off at the top, please change the image view mode to 'FIT'
All Music Courtesy of Cam Ray


text:
If you've had a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for a few years, you'll know that December is the end of Medicare Open Enrollment. This year, the last day for you to choose new Medicare health or prescription drug coverage for 2012 is December 7, earlier than it's been in previous years.
December 7 is tomorrow. But you still have until midnight tomorrow if you want to make a change to your medical or prescription drug coverage.
And as you are reviewing your plan, remember that Medicare is only getting stronger. New data released today shows how millions of seniors have gotten cheaper prescription drugs and free preventive services, all thanks to the President's health reform law.
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the donut hole is starting to close. Through the end of October, 2.65 million people with Medicare have received discounts on brand name drugs in the donut hole. These discounts have saved seniors and people with disabilities a total of $1.5 billion on prescriptions – averaging about $569 per person. For State-by-State information on the number of people who are benefiting from this discount in 2011, visit this page.
Over the coming years, the Affordable Care Act will help close the coverage gap completely. Each year from now to 2020, you'll pay less for brand name and generic drugs in the coverage gap. And in 2020, the coverage gap will be eliminated and the donut hole will be closed for good.
In addition to cheaper prescription drugs, the Affordable Care Act also made preventive services available to people with Medicare for free. Preventive care helps people stay healthy and live longer lives. Through the end of November nearly 24.2 million people with Medicare have received one or more free preventive services, including Medicare's new free Annual Wellness Visit. For State-by-State information on the numbers of people who are utilizing preventive services in 2011, visit this page.


text:
Alexandria Police arrested Jonathan Dekker, a former member of the Super Bowl-bound Pittsburgh Steelers, for obstruction of justice at around 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning in Old Town. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end was neutralized with pepper spray, according to a member of the Sheriffs Department.
In response to a complaint, police approached Dekker, who tried to flee but was apprehended, arrested and taken to jail. Police would not expand on the nature of the complaint or the exact location of the incident.
The ex-Steeler posted $1,000 bail Saturday. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing February 2.
Dekker signed with the Steelers in 2006 out of Princeton University. He played three games for Pittsburgh in 2007 and was waived from the team last August after injuring his knee.


text:
Withered crops and steep hay prices. Underwhelmed river guides. Overworked firefighters. Neighborhood visits from hungry, foraging bears.
Drought conditions have thrown the rhythms and daily routines off kilter for many Colorado subgroups in 2012, including aquatic species.
Life cycles for Kokanee salmon, the landlocked freshwater cousins of coastal Sockeyes, typically run like a fine Swiss timepiece. In this part of the state, mature Kokanee adults depart McPhee Reservoir each fall and swim upstream, battling the Dolores River current, to spawn eggs (females) and milt (males). Insiders call it the run.
Spawning begets a new generation, but also means the end of another. Just weeks after the orange bloom of salmon eggs are released and fertilized, the circle of life for the adults is complete and they die.
A similar scenario happens in La Plata County above Vallecito Reservoir.
This season, drought hampered the annual run. Low water levels in the Dolores River posed too great an obstacle.
The run has been virtually nonexistent, said Jim White, an aquatic biologist with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The way (McPhee) deposits sediment in dry years, it creates a shallow, delta-like area where the river meets the lake. In effect it blocks the salmon from migrating.
White said such a blockage also occurred in 2002, another year ravaged by drought and wildfires; accumulated layers of mud, silt and debris made the river impassible for the determined Kokanee. This fall only about 150 fish made it through to spawn, a far cry from the usual thousands.
Fertile seasons can yield upwards of 10,000 salmon, White said.
Its common for Parks and Wildlife staff to harvest catches of fertilized eggs from the Dolores River, incubate them at the Durango Fish Hatchery over the winter and use them for restocking come April. But with mature salmon largely absent this year, they needed a contingency plan.
In October Parks and Wildlife collected eggs from Roaring Judy State Fish Hatchery near Gunnison, and moved them to Durango. The embryonic fish waited there for five to six weeks.
On average it takes 40 days to reach the developmental stage called eyed-egg stage. You can see the eye of the small fish forming. At that point you can safely transport them, White said.
Parks and Wildlife released the pea-sized eggs into the Dolores River last week. After hatching later in December, the battle for survival begins. Many tiny hatchlings can withstand the frigid winter water, White said, because they hide in little spaces between cobbles and gravel in the riverbed, absorbing the yolk sac. Once they are an inch long theyll start to drift passively into the reservoir.
But their small size makes them vulnerable to predation. In the end only a fraction of the stocked fish not much above 5 percent, White said will arrive upstream to spawn next October.
If there is enough water, that is.


text:
Under Armour Men's UA Freedom Flag T-Shirt
Men's performance t-shirt.
BodyFit Member
Ships from Supplier
California Proposition 65 Warning
[[ ca_prop_message ]]
Shipping Restrictions
[[ shipping_restrictions_header ]]
[[ shipping_restrictions ]]
[[ eligibility_message ]]
Price Match Guarantee
At Bodybuilding.com, we are dedicated to always offering the best price to our customers. We will match the price on a Price Match Guarantee product if you find the same item at a lower price at a qualifying online retailer.


text:
How Microsoft can save Xbox games for Windows Phone: Part 4
Remember that huge five week long game drought we just went through? We didn't get official word from Microsoft until the fourth straight week without a release, after the drought had almost passed (and not for lack of trying on our part). As every week went by, your humble author and most avid Windows Phone gamers became increasingly distressed. The whole situation brought to light the ever-worsening handling of Xbox games for Windows Phone by the platform holder.
It also led to the creation of this very series of editorials about how Xbox games for Windows Phone can be turned around. Microsoft has a wonderful gaming synergy on its hands with Xbox Live and Windows Phone, if only they will make proper use of it. We've already explored several ways to do so: overhaul the certification system that's completely inappropriate for mobile games, get internal forces within Microsoft on the same page about the value of Xbox Live, and then promote Windows Phone directly alongside Xbox consoles.
Today we follow up on that last point by looking at the lack of public relations management that affects mobile Xbox games and makes it difficult for both Windows Phone and Windows 8 developers and publishers to promote their own games.
Windows Phone needs competent and dedicated PR staff focused specifically on Xbox features and games.
KooZac coming to Windows Phone is kind of a big deal, but nobody at Microsoft seems to understand why.
When I talk about PR staff, I refer specifically to the people whose job it is to send out press releases and other Xbox Windows Phone gaming news to the press, respond to articles about the platform and its games, and answer press inquiries. Their goal at the end of the day is to maintain enthusiasm and confidence in the brand and software.
The release drought I just mentioned is the perfect symbol for how little effort Microsoft has put into Xbox Windows Phone PR as of late. Had there been even one full-time Xbox Windows Phone PR person, he or she would surely have contacted the press much sooner in order to calm gamers' fears. Ideally we'd have been notified before the drought even started and asked to remain patient. It'd be nice to know that Microsoft cares about this audience and doesn't consider it an afterthought.
Dial time back a bit to 2010 and 2011 and you'll see much greater evidence of PR care from Microsoft and their third-party PR firm Edelman. In those years, Microsoft regularly announced Xbox Windows Phone games in large batches, either during events like E3 or directly to the media. Sometimes games like Top Gun ended up as vaporware, but at least fans had something to look forward to. What do we know we have to look forward to these days? What improvements are definitely coming?
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
To give you a better idea of the shift in PR attitude and efforts, the last time Microsoft announced more than a single Xbox Windows Phone game was February 2012. We do know of a few more Microsoft-published Xbox games in development: Pinball FX2 (announced February 2012), Ms. Splosion Man (announced April 2012), Ascend: New Gods (announced June 2012), Fairway Solitaire and Temple Run (both quietly announced July-August 2012).
Beyond those long-in-coming titles (the first of which could end up as vaporware) and 12 games that Gameloft announced on its own, we have no idea what Microsoft and third parties have in store for Windows Phone in 2013. Even the release schedule has become haphazard. Microsoft's partners at Edelman used to let us know about new releases a week in advance, but nowadays we learn about titles one day before release at most. Third party games like KenKen and KooZac just show up, never having been announced in advance (and despite our efforts to maintain relationships with every known Xbox Windows Phone developer).
Longtime readers have probably noticed a drop-off in our Xbox Live Developer Interview series as well. The reason is twofold: one, Microsoft stopped presenting us with interview opportunities - the person responsible shuffled off of Windows Phone without being replaced. The good lady who gave us advance release dates is also gone and sorely missed. Two, so few Xbox Windows Phone games get announced in advance any more that we hardly have anyone to interview even when we reach out on our own.
Sharing is caring, Microsoft.
If you want to know how NOT to promote a game like Big Buck Hunter Pro, just ask Microsoft.
Most of the PR problems I lament stem from budgetary cutbacks and simple negligence. But Microsoft and whatever PR agents do remain are also far too dedicated to the culture of secrecy. Basically, they like to keep an extremely tight leash on how and what information about digital Xbox games get out, even when there is no logical reason to do so. If some detail about a game hasn't been published on Microsoft's PlayXBLA blog and Microsoft has any say in the matter, that detail will not be given to the press. Remember, PlayXBLA barely shares any advance information in the first place.
I can't count how many innocuous questions I've asked only to be told no comment or given a wordy non-answer. The best example is when we asked Microsoft directly about Big Buck Hunter Pro in September 2012. The Windows 8 version (still unreleased as of this writing) had already been announced at PlayXBLA a few weeks prior. I sent them 11 questions, including the obvious "Will [this game] come to Windows Phone 8 as well?"
Their response: a refusal to answer any of those questions, although they did send over a description and images of the Windows 8 game. One month later, we received the standard one day advance notice of Big Buck Hunter Pro's release for Windows Phone. The game was one month away and Microsoft just plain didn't want anybody to know about it. We came to them with a perfect opportunity to hype that title and they turned us away.
The end result of all this secrecy is Windows Phone gamers never know anything about games in advance, the games that do come along don't get hyped, and those games sell at least a little less as a result. Yes, controlling the flow of information is a basic part of PR, and I don't insinuate that information shouldn't be discussed behind closed doors before sharing it with the press. But Microsoft's policy towards Windows Phone and Windows 8 games keeps the leash so unthinkingly tight that it strangles any potential for building excitement or even confidence in the platform and its lineup of upcoming games.
Windows Phone and Windows 8 badly need a download code system.
The Windows Phone Store needs a screen just like this.
Here's a problem of PR and infrastructure. After more than two years, Windows Phone has absolutely no download code system or any other way for Xbox developers to 'gift' their games to outside parties. Nor does the recently-launched Windows 8 tablet and PC OS. This despite the fact that Xbox 360 already has a great code system, as does practically every other digital game distribution system: iOS, Android, Playstation Network, Steam, and Origin (Blackberry lacks codes but has a gifting system). We're talking about a lack of independent volume control-level oversight here.
What effect does the lack of a code or gifting system have? This Xbox Windows 8 developer explains it quite well:
For one thing, it's impossible for publishers to give out Windows Phone and Windows 8 games via contests, limiting their ability to promote games directly to consumers. But they can't give games to reviewers either. Here at Windows Phone Central, we have to purchase every single mobile Xbox game we review. Think of the unnecessary cost over the years. And we're dedicated to Windows Phone games. Consider a site like Kotaku that only has a casual interest in Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8. The developer quoted above can't send those guys a game and inspire them to review it, so the title goes unmentioned.
Software costs aside, developers and publishers can't give out their games in advance. Reasons they'd want to do this include allowing the media to preview games and ensuring that games can be reviewed on their actual release dates. The day of release is when review interest is at its highest. But because we can't play Xbox games in advance and our reviews are real reviews as opposed to quick impressions pieces, we always have to review at least one week after release.
Yes, they had to mail actual phones out to share these games with the press.
An example of the difficulties caused by a lack of review codes: back in January 2012, Microsoft actually had to ship us a phone preloaded with its assortment of Must Have Games in order to share those titles before release. Reviewers couldn't use their own Xbox Live profiles to play the games, which conflicted with Windows Phone Central's Achievement-centric style of reviewing. After a set date, recipients had to ship the phones back to Microsoft. What a costly and time-consuming workaround for a problem that could easily be fixed with a modicum of engineering effort.
In short, Microsoft must remove an obstacle to the promotion and reviewing of mobile Xbox games by creating a download code system on these platforms – just like every other platform has.
Calm before the storm
This article focused on the challenges we face in bringing Xbox Windows Phone game news and reviews to you, our terrific and impressively good-looking readers. Part 5 deals with problems gamers would encounter even if they never visited a Windows Phone site, such as the inability to back up save games as well as many online features. Come back this Friday to see it, and then stay tuned next week for the series conclusion!
If you enjoyed this editorial, please let us know in the comments below and tweet it to everyone you think would benefit from it. Let's make a difference together!
Paul Acevedo is the Games Editor at Windows Central. A lifelong gamer, he has written about videogames for over 15 years and reviewed over 350 games for our site. Follow him on Twitter @PaulRAcevedo. Don't hate. Appreciate!


text:
Chris Brown -- D.A. Moves to REVOKE PROBATION In Rihanna Beating Case [UPDATED]
Chris Brown D.A. Moves to REVOKE PROBATION In Rihanna Beating Case [UPDATED]
1:26 PM PT -- How's this for crazy ... sources tell TMZ, the lawyer for the victim in Chris Brown's hit-and-run case will be in court this afternoon to SUPPORT Brown against the D.A.'s allegations the singer violated his probation.
As we reported, the victim does NOT want Chris to go to prison over the car accident -- and her lawyer is prepared to say that in court today.
12:08 PM PT -- Chris Brown isn't happy ... he just tweeted, "I did everything I was suppose to do during the so called hit n run, I provided the correct info. There were no injuries or damages. C'mon!!"
Chris Brown is in HOT WATER -- because we've learned the L.A. County District Attorney has just filed legal docs asking the judge in the Rihanna beating case to REVOKE HIS PROBATION.
According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, the D.A. is asking for the revocation based on charges being filed against Brown in connection with a hit-and-run last May. Brown left the scene without forking over a California driver's license and proper insurance info.
The D.A.'s legal docs claim Brown "willfully and unlawfully" broke the law in the hit-and-run case. And, law enforcement sources tell us, even if the L.A. City Attorney ultimately agrees to drop the hit-and-run case because the victim doesn't want Brown prosecuted, the D.A. will press on because Brown has a duty to obey all laws as a condition to his probation.
The D.A.'s documents asks the judge to revoke his probation and immediately remand him into custody. But we've learned that's a standard request and when the D.A. goes to court today at 1:30 PM PT, they will not ask the judge to haul Chris to the pokey.
If the judge finds that Chris violated his probation, he faces 4 YEARS IN PRISON.


text: SCOOBA Pearl River Wildcats amassed a season-high mark of 583 yards of total offense here Saturday, but couldnt overcome the high-scoring offense of defending state champ East Mississippi and took a 42-36 MACJC intra-division loss.PRCC dropped to 4-3 overall, while the host Lions improved to 3-4.Despite the setback, quarterback Melvin German etched himself securely in the Wildcat Record Book with his incredible aerial performance, completing 74.5 percent (41 of 55) of his throws for 503 yards second-best in PRCC history and three touchdowns.The redshirt freshman from Fort Myers, Fla., also ran for another score, while his 41 pass attempts ranks first in individual and second in team marks and his 55 attempts is second-best in River history.Ninth-year Wildcat head coach Tim Hatten said his team was its own worst enemy, particularly on the defensive side.You produce nearly 600 yards of total offense and lose? Well, we did, unbelievably, he said. But we were our own worst enemy. Defensively, we just couldnt seem to stop them.East Miss, coached by former Wildcat co-offensive coordinator Buddy Stephens, finished the game with 439 yards of total offense (162 rush, 277 pass) and never relinquished the lead even though PRCC knotted things at 7-7 midway in the first quarter.We had several opportunities, but didnt take advantage of them when we needed to, Hatten continued. But give them (EMCC) credit. They made plays to win the game…we didnt.The Lions committed their first and only turnover of the day on the game opening possession when Delvin Ervin of Oak Grove High intercepted EMCC quarterback Brad Henderson on a third-and-nine and returned the pick his team-high fifth of the season to the East Miss 37.Unfortunately, Pearl River immediately answered with its first of three lost fumbles of the game when German coughed up the ball via a hard defensive shot and the Lions recovered at their own 45.After going three and out, the Lions seemingly forced The River into a three and out, but gave the Wildcats new life when East Miss was flagged for 12 men on the field on the punting play. Three plays later, PRCC had moved to the Lion 47, but German again coughed up the ball and EMCC Denico Autry recovered at the Wildcat 36.Trayshun King ran for five on first down before Henderson kept for 31 yards and the score around left end for the game opening score. Taylor Walker extra point made it 7-0 East Miss with 8:46 left in the first period.But the Wildcats answered on their ensuing possession. Starting at its own seven, The River drove to its own 40 in three snaps before German hit LSU transfer Jhyryan Taylor of Franklinton, La., with a 60-yard catch-and-run score. Travis Bradley of Pascagoula High kicked the PAT to knot things up at 7-7 with 6:02 left in the quarter.Exactly two minutes later, EMCC regained the lead. After Rodney Davis returned the ensuing kickoff 21 yards to his own 41, Henderson methodically drove the Lions down the field, capping the seven-play scoring drive with a 27-yard pass to Andre Taylor on a third and 10. Walker extra point put East Miss up 14-7 with 4:02 left.Again, it appeared the Wildcats would answer, but German connected with Leonard Johnson on a five-yard dump off pass on the last play of the first quarter only to see the freshman out of North Forrest High fumble his catch and Autry recover and return the miscue to the Wildcat 44.From there, it was King, who ran twice for a combined nine yards before Henderson hooked up with him on a 35-yard scoring pass. Walker PAT made it 21-7 with 13:46 left in the half.After an exchange of punts, the Wildcats put together a nine-play, 76-yard scoring drive. German went five-for-six on the series, capping the series with a 10-yard scoring pass to Steve McNair, Jr., of Oak Grove High. Bradley extra point made it 21-14 with 6:49 left before the intermission.Davis returned Pearl River ensuing kickoff 44 yards to the Wildcat 41 and it took EMCC only six plays to pad its lead. Henderson converted a third and 10 with an 18-yard completion to Termarcus Conner, then an 11-yard catch by Mario Creer two snaps later pushed things to the PRCC 10. King then got the call and ran it in. Walker extra point made it 28-14 with 4:46 left in the half.Two series later, Davis shanked a 12-yard out-of-bounds punt from his own 26, giving The River possession at the 38. Four straight completions moved things to the eight before German was dropped for a minus-three and German spiked the ball with a second left on the first-half clock. Enter Bradley who booted a 27-yard field goal to make it 28-17 at the break.Pearl River cut East Miss lead to five on the opening possession of the second half. Starting at their own 34, German had back-to-back completions for a combined 22 yards to the Lion 44 before being sacked for a minus-seven. He redeemed himself with a 25-yard scramble to the EMCC 26, but back-to-back PRCC penalties for a combined 15 yards pushed things back to the 41 where German found for Steve Simon of East Marion High for a 10-yard completion. A 15-yard roughing the passer penalty on the Lions moved The River to the 16 where German hit Simon again for four, then kept left for 11 to the one before sneaking it in on a first and goal. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but things were 28-23 with 10:22 left in the third.Floyd Graves returned the ensuing kickoff 19 yards to his own 49 and Henderson took over from there. After a first-down incompletion, Henderson hit on three straight passes for 16, 20, and 15 yards the last to Taylor for the score. Walker PAT made it 35-23 with 9:07 left in the third.Leonard Johnson of North Forrest High followed with a 25-yard kickoff return to his own 27 and the Wildcats managed to drive to the East Miss 17 eight plays. After Marcquis Smith of Hattiesburg High got the first-down carry for 10, German went five for eight from there. Meanwhile, he saw Snoop Rollins of North Forrest High drop a sure-fire, over-the-middle scoring toss on a first and 10 from the Lion 47 before hitting Jonathan Duncan of Petal High with a 19-yard pass to convert a fourth down two plays later. Three snaps later Taylor dropped another sure-fire scoring pass on a third and seven from the 17 before a holding penalty pushed things back to the 27 and Bradley arrived for a 43-yard field goal attempt. An errant snap resulted in a minus-eight yard rush for holder Beau Underwood out of St. Patrick High in Biloxi and the Lions took over.Opportunity knocked for the Wildcats who held the Lions to a three and out and Davis shanked a 22-yard punt out of bounds giving PRCC possession at its own 41. German hit Duncan with a 17-yard pass on first down, then found McNair with a 37-yard completion to the Lion five a play later. Three snaps later, German attempted a sneak in on a second and goal only to fumble, but Dunzie Goins of Lumberton High recovered the miscue in the end zone for the score. The two-point conversion try failed, but things were 35-29 with five seconds left in the third quarter.East Miss cranked up its ensuing possession at its own 23 with Henderson putting on a perfect four-for-four aerial show over the seven-play scoring drive. Henderson hit J.J. Harbin with a 42-yard scoring pass with 11:58 left and Walker extra point ended the scoring for the home-standing Lions.Pearl River answered to pull to within six. Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for a score only to see his dazzling effort nullified by an illegal block in the back. Still, the Wildcats took possession at the EMCC 48 and German converted a third and 10 four snaps later with a 20-yard run to the Lion 28. After a minus-one-yard completion and a 15-yard facemask penalty on the Wildcats, German hit Duncan for 12 yards, then Seth Roberts of Tallahassee, Fla., with two straight passes the last a razzle-dazzle scramble-throw good for 31 yards and the score. Bradley kicked the PAT to make it 42-36 with 8:19 left.The Lions drove to the Wildcats 36 on their next possession only to see Walker come up short on a 53-yard field goal attempt, then Pearl River drove to the East Miss 14 where German fourth-and-three pass attempt was batted down. McNair had a 36-yard catch earlier in the drive to push The River to the EMCC 28.King got two straight runs to kick off the final possession of the game with his second being a 65-yard burst down the PRCC sideline to the Wildcat 21. A Lion personal foul pushed things back to the 36 where Henderson had back-to-back keepers for only a combined four yards before King completed a halfback pass to Conner to the two with 1:25 left. Two straight kneel downs ended the game.Pearl River finished the game with 25 first downs to East Mississippi16, while both squads drew plenty of penalty flags. The Wildcats were called for 13 miscues for 126 to the Lions 11 for 98.Simon led Wildcat rushers with 59 yards on nine carries, while King led the Lions with 99 on 10 and Henderson kept 10 times for 53.McNair exploded for a season-high eight catches for 134 yards to lead all receivers in the contest, while Roberts had nine for 94, Taylor three for 81, Simon seven for 60, Snoop Rollins of North Forrest High six for 57, Duncan four for 57, and Johnson three for 15.Other Week Seven Action In The MACJC Jones County dropped its fourth South Division game to East Central 24-14 in Decatur in the only Thursday game last week, while in other South action on Saturday, Hinds defeated Southwest Mississippi 20-12 in Raymond and 11th-ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast handed eighth-ranked and previously-undefeated Copiah-Lincoln its first loss of the season with a lopsided 23-3 decision in Perkinston. In the North, sixth-ranked and undefeated Northwest Mississippi bombed Mississippi Delta 33-6 in Senatobia, Northeast Mississippi defeated Coahoma 31-17 in Booneville, and Itawamba smacked winless Holmes 33-20 at Goodman.This Week In The MACJC This Thursday around the MACJC sees Copiah-Lincoln (6-1, 4-1) hosting East Central (2-5, 2-2) in Wesson in the South Division, while in the North, Mississippi Delta (1-6, 1-3) hosts East Mississippi (3-4, 3-2) in Moorhead, Itawamba (4-3, 3-1) hosting Northeast Mississippi (5-2, 4-1) in Fulton, and Northwest Mississippi (7-0, 4-0) hosting Holmes (0-7, 0-4) in Senatobia. Coahoma (2-4, 1-4) hosts Mississippi Gulf Coast (6-1, 4-1) in the week only intra-divisional contest in Clarksdale.Two Homecoming games are set for Saturday with Pearl River (4-3, 3-1) hosting Hinds (5-2, 3-1) in Poplarville and Southwest Mississippi (2-5, 0-4) hosting Jones County (2-5, 0-4) in Summit.


text:
The man who murdered Beatle John Lennon in December 1980 has been denied parole for a seventh time, The Associated Press reports.
Mark David Chapman, New York State Corrections inmate No. 81A3860, is now 57-years-old. He's serving a prison term of 20 years to life.
Lennon was gunned down at the entrance to his Manhattan apartment building.
From Day to Day in 2005: "The Night John Lennon Died."
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
Who says the traditional Easter ham has to be traditional?
We understand that there is good reason for many traditions, particularly when it comes to food. After all, many food traditions earned their place because they are simply delicious. The glazed ham is a fine example. And that's why we decided not to mess with that part of this spring staple.
We did, however, play around with what our ham is glazed with. We decided to ditch the orange marmalade, brown sugar, pineapple-cherry, and various clove-spiked glazing options. Instead, we took our inspiration from an Asian pantry staple — hoisin sauce. It comes ready-made by the jar, usually in the Asian food section of the grocer.
From there, we stirred in a few extras to jazz it up, then used it as a simple glaze. In keeping with the theme, we served the ham with a light slaw made from Napa cabbage and snow peas dressed with a light vinaigrette. While our ham was on the large size, if you don't need one quite so big, you can always use any extra glaze as a sauce alongside the ham.
We know... Twenty-four servings is a lot. But Easter ham is like Thanksgiving turkey; you want ample leftovers. So we went big to ensure you'll have plenty to send home with guests, and still have more for sandwiches and soups the next few days.
Start to finish: 5 hours (30 minutes active)
Servings: 24
For the ham:
10- to 12-pound bone-in ham
9.4-ounce jar hoisin sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
For the slaw:
1 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and sliced
6 ounces snow peas (about 1 heaping cup)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of salt
Ground black pepper
Heat the oven to 300 F. Fit a large roasting pan with a roasting rack.
Set the ham on the rack, then slice a hash pattern over the entire surface, cutting about 1/2 inch deep. Roast the ham for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the hoisin, five-spice powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder and ginger. Once the ham has roasted for 1 hour, brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham, being sure to get some of the glaze down into the checked slice marks. Roast for another hour, then brush the ham with the remaining glaze.
Continue roasting, monitoring the temperature and colour. Cook the ham until it reaches 160 F at the centre, about another 2 hours. If the outside of the ham begins to get too dark, tent it with foil. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
While the ham bakes, prepare the slaw. In a large bowl, combine the Napa cabbage, scallions and snow peas. Cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready, in a small bowl whisk together the rice vinegar, oil, ginger, sugar and salt and pepper. Toss the slaw with the dressing just before serving.
Nutrition information per serving: 330 calories; 180 calories from fat (55 per cent of total calories); 20 g fat (6 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 90 mg cholesterol; 10 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 26 g protein; 1720 mg sodium.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Alison Ladman is a recipe developer for the AP. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CrustAndCrumbCo


text:
Did you see Jimi Hendrix in concert? Did you meet Jimi Hendrix or have the opportunity to interview him or have some other unique, first-person encounter with Jimi Hendrix? If so, Experience Hendrix wants to hear from you.
Jimi Hendrix
Did you see Jimi Hendrix in concert? Did you meet Jimi Hendrix or have the opportunity to interview him or have some other unique, first-person encounter with Jimi Hendrix? If so, Experience Hendrix wants to hear from you.
Fillmore East, New York Two Shows Prior to their two concerts later that evening, Hendrix and his Band Of Gypsys held an afternoon sound check and rehearsal at the Fillmore East. Later that evening, before a sold out crowd of 2,639, Hendrix rang in the New Year and new decade with two unforgettable performances. The evening's festivities opened with a spirited set by the Voices Of East Harlem, an enthusiastic young gospel ensemble. With the anticipation of the sold out Fillmore audience heightened to fever pitch, Hendrix led his trio through a scintillating, seventy-five minute opening performance. None of the eleven songs presented had yet to grace an Experience album. In the place of signature songs like "Purple Haze" and "All Along The Watchtower" were confident renditions of "Izabella" and "Hear My Train A Comin'". At midnight, Kip Cohen, the venue's master of ceremonies, rang in the new year and decade buffeted by Guy Lombardo's "Auld Lang Syne". Never one to be upstaged, Jimi and company greeted the joyous house with their own inspired reading of the holiday staple. For Amalie Rothschild, the Fillmore East's house photographer, the experience was an unforgettable one. "Then there was the countdown at midnight. It was the countdown that was a real scream. We're talking about the end of the Sixties. December 31, 1969 turning into January 1, 1970–.A new decade. This was significant. After all, we were living through it and we knew that the Sixties were the Sixties. We had this big countdown on the [Joshua White] light show screen with this big clock 10, 9, 8, 7, 6…and everybody is yelling together. Then the light show screen pulls up and everybody is on stage–all the crew and the musicians. Hendrix, who is now on stage, launches into this amazing rendition of 'Auld Lang Syne' and I filmed it [excerpts of Rothschild's color film footage can be seen in the VHS/DVD Band Of Gypsys]. This was history in the making. You could not miss this. His performance was just so inspired. It was just terrific and I can't find the words to describe it." The recordings which make up both Band Of Gypsys and its two disc sequel Live At The Fillmore East certainly bear out Rothschild's remembrances. Jimi's celebrated work with the Band Of Gypsys stands among his most impressive and lasting achievements. After the show, Ian Dove of Record Mirror interviewed Jimi Hendrix for the January 10, 1970 edition of the British paper. Later that night, Hendrix retreated to The Café Caliph (previously known as The Café Au Go Go) in Greenwich Village where he joined The James Cotton Blues Band on stage for a jam.
Band of Gypsys Events Fillmore East hear my train a comin' Izabella Voices Of East Harlem


text:
Yesterday was a day for people in some states to vote in primary elections. Kansas Republicans unseated some of their own lawmakers who were seen as too willing to cooperate with Democrats, and we'll have more on that in a moment.
We'll also report on a primary vote that affects this fall's contest to control the Senate. Democrats hold an advantage in the Senate now. Republicans have many opportunities to gain seats or even win control.
INSKEEP: And one of those opportunities is in Missouri. In a primary yesterday, Republicans chose their candidate to challenge Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill.
Here's St. Louis Public Radio's Tim Lloyd.
TIM LLOYD, BYLINE: Congressman Todd Akin's upset victory came straight out of right field last night. Polls had showed him trailing the other two major candidates, businessman John Brunner and former state treasurer Sarah Steelman.
During his victory speech, Akin thanked God, and said his campaign's prayers had been answered.
REPRESENTATIVE TODD AKIN: And this campaign is about reclaiming our Godly values, rebuilding the American dream, restoring the America that we love.
LLOYD: Initially, Brunner was reluctant to concede, but eventually he tipped his hat to Akin. Digging into his very thick wallet, the wealthy Brunner had spent almost $7 million of his own money to plaster ads on Missouri televisions.
Steelman, on the other hand, was quick to voice her support for Akin.
SARAH STEELMAN: And I'm really excited for him, because it's very important for him to beat Claire McCaskill. And I'm going to what ever I can to help him do that.
LLOYD: But analysts say it may be McCaskill who ultimately came out on top. During the primary, she ran this ad that calls Akin too conservative, then lists a handful of his GOP selling points.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Akin would completely eliminate the Departments of Education and Energy and privatize social security.
LLOYD: Many around the state read the ad as a clear message that McCaskill likes her odds in a head-to-head with Akin, and wanted to tip the primary scales in his favor.
A recent poll by the St. Louis Post Dispatch showed she stacked up better against Akin than the other two candidates. But Republicans plan on giving her a run for her money, literally.
Outside conservative groups like Karl Rove's Crossroads GPS have already spent millions of dollars for ads that target McCaskill.
For NPR News, I'm Tim Lloyd, in St. Louis. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
Friday, June 24, 2022
About Me
- Name: Pro Ecclesia
- Location: Ohio, United States
A convert to the Catholic Church who became Catholic because of a belief in and devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. * A graduate of Baylor University and the University of Virginia School of Law. * Former Mayor of the Town of Columbia, Virginia. * Married with four children: two boys and two girls. * Primary interests include the Catholic Church, family, Early American History, and law/politics * Primary purpose of this blog is fostering enlightened discussion about the roles played by the institutions of religion, family, and state in our daily lives. * Under the protection of St. Thomas More, martyr, and patron of lawyers, judges, civil servants, politicians, statesmen, and large families (not to mention troubled marriages).
Thomas More, counselor of law and patron of statesmen, merry martyr and most human of saints:
Pray that, for the glory of God and in the pursuit of His justice, I may be able in argument, accurate in analysis, keen in study, correct in conclusion, loyal to clients, honest with all, courteous to adversaries, trustworthy with confidences, courageous in court. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my clients' tales. Read with me in my library and stand always beside me so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
Pray that my family may find in me what yours found in you: friendship and courage, cheerfulness and charity, diligence in duties, counsel in adversity, patience in pain -- their good servant, and God's first. AMEN.
Prayer to St. Thomas More for Lawyers and Judges
Dear Scholar and Martyr, it was not the King of England but you who were the true Defender of the Faith. Like Christ unjustly condemned, neither promises nor threats could make you accept a civil ruler as head of the Christian Church.
Perfect in your honesty and love of truth, grant that lawyers and judges may imitate you and achieve true justice for all people. AMEN.
"Give me the Grace Good Lord, to set the world at naught; to set my mind fast upon Thee and not to hang upon the blast of men's mouths. To be content to be solitary. Not to long for worldly company but utterly to cast off the world and rid my mind of the business thereof."
Litany of St. Thomas More, Martyr and Patron Saint of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
"The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest."
"What does it avail to know that there is a God, which you not only believe by Faith, but also know by Reason: what does it avail that you know Him if you think little of Him?"
"The things that we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labour for."
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]


text:
The Ark of Taste Docks at Cheese
27 Sep 2013
The focus of the 2013 edition of Cheese was endangered foods. With a special focus on the Slow Food Ark of Taste – a project to catalog and protect traditional foods at risk of disappearing – we invited all those coming to the international festival in Bra, Italy, to bring along a sample of a cheese they wanted to save.
As the streets began to fill up, so too did the shelves in the Ark of Taste area. During the four-day event, a total of 250 diverse products were presented as nominations for the catalogue. Here we bring you a selection ten weird and wonderful products that we discovered.
Marcetto from Italy: Also known as Formaggio Puntato (pitted cheese), this cheese is characterised by the presence of saltarelli, or "hoppers". These are maggots which grow inside the cheese. The basic ingredient of Marcetto is over-ripe pecorino cheese and the cheesemaking process consists solely of the steps necessary to salvage the "bad" pecorino. Marcetto is produced throughout the region of Abruzzo, but the version from the Upper Teramo area is particularly prized. The ageing process lasts for about a year. Inside, the cheese is pale pink, creamy and has an extremely tangy flavor while the aroma is strong and pungent.
Latte d'asina (donkey milk) from Italy: Found in the southern region of Basilicata, it has traditionally been used for young children during their growth phases, as a substitute for mother's milk. It is also used during other periods of life such as puberty or menopause because of its health characteristics. Produced only for the local market, its limited consumption puts it at risk of extinction.
Janu Sier from Lativa: A half-cooked, half-curdled cheese, it is prepared by heating (never boiling) cow's milk and adding whole eggs, salt and caraway. The cheese can either be eaten when it is still warm, accompanied by honey; or after a few weeks once it has hardened. The cheese has a special role during the traditional Summer Solstice celebration, when families stay up all night preparing local dishes to be eaten with close friends and relatives. Any family member that chooses to sleep is considered 'lazy', and legend holds that they will remain lazy all summer long. On June 24, a special celebration for everyone named 'John' takes place, in which the cheese (sier) named John (Janu) is prepared and consumed.
Kargi Tulum from Turkey: A semi-hard cheese with a crumbly texture, it is produced in the Kargı district of Çorum province. The cheese is produced by small-scale dairies using whole raw sheep, goat, cow or buffalo milk, or a mixture of these, with no added lactic starters. Its name comes from its production process: It is pressed and aged in tulum – goat or lamb skin. Hygiene rules and procedures enforced due to the EU accession period have put this product at risk. In addition, many young people are now leaving rural areas and moving to cities. Three years ago there were 150 producers, today this number is just 25-30.
Murtrit from Italy: This cheese is a smoked ricotta connected to the Upper Elvo Raw Milk Butter Presidium in Piedmont. After the production of butter, the cheese is made from the leftover whey. Pepper is added, and the cheese is smoked over local varieties of wood. It is eaten grated over pasta or boiled potatoes. With fewer wood burning stoves and fireplaces now being used, its production is declining and only two or three producers remain. The cattle breed used is also at risk of extinction.
Pirot Mixed Hard Cheese from Serbia: Originating in Stara Planina, near the town of Pirot, this cheese used to be very well known and exported worldwide, including to the US. Today it is still produced, however most of the dairies are in the lowlands and use pasteurized milk and mechanized methods. Only few producers have remained in the mountain pastures, still using raw milk and traditional manual techniques.
Ricotta Ossolana di Andorra Mascherpa from Italy: Produced using the whey from cow's milk, it is smoked over coals of juniper wood, and aged for between one month and a year, it becomes a hard cheese. In the tradition of the Walser population (a German speaking group that lives in Ossola) the cheese is grated over a plate of hot, boiled potatoes with diced herbs and onions. In Piedmont, ricotta is often called by the name "Mascherpa" (other variants exist), a term with Lombard origins that originally referred to any fresh or white cheese. The word "mascarpone" also comes from this despite belonging to a totally different cheesemaking practice.
Skyr from Iceland: A fresh acid-curd cheese, made from skim milk, it is a very soft cheese traditionally consumed as a full meal. Today it is normally sweetened with fruit or sugar, and enjoyed with cream or milk during breakfast, or as a snack. Skyr is a traditional product, mentioned in medieval Icelandic literature. Remnants of products similar to Skyr have also been found in archaeological excavations of medieval farms in Iceland.
Turkmen Sacak from Turkey: A string-shaped, odorless, semi-soft cheese produced in Kars and Ardahan in East Anatolia. Usually made with cow's milk (but sometimes sheep's) it gets its stringy shape during the curdling process. As the curd is stretched, it is rubbed with salt continuously until it becomes similar to thin angel hair pasta. The cheese can then be preserved in a cold place for 1-2 years. Before consumption, it is soaked in water to remove excess salt. Due to the hygiene rules and procedures enforced due to the EU accession period and advancing mechanization, producers (normally women) are finding it hard to get a production license.
Caprini di Trasquera from Italy: A goat cheese from the Italian Alps. Home to 13 different recognized goat breeds, the region represents a wealth of biodiversity. The last remaining Vallesana Red and Vallesana Grey goats can be found in the valleys around Trasquera; once widespread, today they risk extinction. The cheese was brought to the Ark of Taste stand by Giuseppe Paltani who explained that the recovery of this breed and the dairy traditions associated with it must start in Trasquera: It represents an opportunity to safeguard the agricultural and pastoral activities of the mountains.
Find the facebook album of these 10 cheeses here
Find more images of "Cheese Savers" from this year's event here
Find out more about the Ark of Taste catalogue of endangered products here: www.slowfoodfoundation.com/ark
Blog & news
Change the world through food
Learn how you can restore ecosystems, communities and your own health with our RegenerAction Toolkit.


text:
When in doubt-twitter..I know that mantra works all the time.The thought of having a helping hand a tweet away is a pleasure we tweeters enjoy."Tweet tweet",I got Ria as my Guru.Poor thing,she kept giving me ideas after ideas,but I was too scared to try out something new and something elaborate.She then suggested Deeba's Chocolate Orange gateau,which she had tried out recently and got rave reviews from friends and family.Though that sounded quite a tough task to achieve for a limited baker like me,I calmed down and went through the recipe slowly.It wasn't too hard after all..:)
I baked the cake immediately,lest I change my mind later.Then one by one I went about making the filling and the frosting.Since the birthday was a day later,I had lots of time to re-do if at all things went wrong[which,Thank God was not required].
The cake was a breeze to make.[Now I can say this..but while making it I was jumping up and down the floor in tension].Whipping the cream was a tough task,but I was very patient[for a change]and got the required results.Making the ganache was the easiest step-I really don't know why I kept shying away from ganache all this while.Ganache frosted cakes..here I come..:).
Transporting the cake was another hiccup.I placed it on my lap and the AC was on full blast lest the frosting decide to do a melting game.But nothing like that happened and I was able to present the cake to the birthday girl-lady in its proper avatar.The cake was ♥ed by all,chilled to perfection and the flavours gelled with each other,one of my best cakes so far-lookswise and tastewise.
Changes I made-
I cut the cake into two[was too chicken to attempt 3-4 layers].
Skipped the almond paste in the whipped cream.
Mixed some leftover ganache with the whipped cream and went crazy piping swirls and designs and what not.
Take my word for it and bake it for your friends family or why,even for yourself.If I can make it look like this,believe me,anyone can!!
Thanks to Deeba for the wonderful recipe and Ria for the required push..:).♥ ya peeps:).
Chocolate Orange Cloud Gateau
Recipe adapted from Mandarin Orange Cloud Gateau by Sue Ross, pg 17;Re-adapted from Deeba.
Plain flour - 150gms (1/2 cup + 1/8 cup)
Whipping Cream - 200ml
Almonds - 3 tbsp (ground)-I did not add this
Castor sugar - 2-3 tbsps
Cream - 150 ml (15% fat)
Dark chocolate - 150gms / broken into pieces
Some extra chocolate for garnishing (grated, scrolls etc)
Silver dragees, orange slices, powdered sugar etc for garnishing.
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C. Line an 8" springform tin. (the original recipe uses 2 8" sandwich tins)-I used a normal 8' cake tin.
Sift the cornflour + flour + baking powder + salt + icing sugar (yes, it's correct) into a mixing bowl.
Beat the egg whites till they stand in soft peaks & keep aside.
Lightly beat the oil + water + yolks together & stir into the dry ingredients.
Beat until smooth, & stir in the juice & zest.
Fold the whites gently into the yolk mixture.
Turn into lined tin & bake for about 45 minutes till well risen & golden brown. Check if it is done with a wooden pick.( Slide a sheet of foil lightly over the top if it begins to brown too fast).
Leave in tin for 10 minutes, & then cool completely on rack.
Once cool, cut into 2 or 3 layers.
Reserve a little cream for the topping, & sandwich the layers with the rest.
Put the cream & dark chocolate into a pan heat over low heat till all the chocolate has melted, stirring constantly. Stir well, & leave to cool.
Frost the sides & top of the cake with the ganache.
Decorate the top with grated chocolate curls & pipe a design with the reserved almond cream.
Top with a few slices of orange, chocolate shavings & silver dragees etc.
Dust with some powdered sugar.
Chill well & serve right out of the fridge! This gateau doesn't need to sit at room temperature for a while; it's great! -Believe me,it truly is!!
[Am off to Kerala for a while,so will be MIA for a couple of days.Till then,all of you take care and have fun..Happy blogging;)]


text:
Honda recalls more than 800,000 minivans and SUVs
Honda is recalling more than 870,000 minivans and SUVs worldwide because they can roll away even though drivers have removed the keys from the ignition.
The recall announced Wednesday affects older-model vehicles sold mainly in the United States. They were big sellers with families because of their ample space and reputation for quality.
Here are details of the recall:
Trending Cars
Models Affected: 347,000 Honda Odyssey minivans and 277,000 Pilot SUVs from the 2003 and 2004 model years. Also 247,000 Acura MDX SUVs from the 2003 through 2006 period. All have automatic transmissions. More than 807,000 were sold in the US.
The Problem: The mechanism that locks the key in the ignition while the vehicles are in gear can wear out. When that happens, drivers of the vans and SUVs are able to remove keys without shifting into park. Some have left the vehicles, which have rolled off unexpectedly while in gear. The U.S. safety regulators began investigating the problem in October after owners filed 43 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners reported 16 crashes due to the problem.
Injuries: Two people were hurt in the crashes, according to NHTSA's database. In the most serious case, the driver reported a broken leg after being run over by a 2003 Odyssey. The driver parked the van in a sloped driveway and after leaving the Honda, the van started to roll backward. The driver tripped while trying to stop the van. 'I had an open fracture of my fibula (lower leg bone) and crush injuries on my shin area,' the driver reported. NHTSA does not identify drivers who file complaints.
The Fix: Dealers will repair the ignition interlock system free of charge. Owners will get notices starting in February.
Other Problems: NHTSA also is investigating brake problems with the 2005 Pilot. The probe covers nearly 88,000 SUVs. The brakes can come on without drivers stepping
on the pedal. There's no fix yet, but investigators are looking at problems with a computer-controlled system that stops the vehicle as fast as possible in emergency situations. Honda says it's cooperating. Investigators will determine if the problem is bad enough for Honda to recall the SUVs.
The 2003 Pilot was recalled in March because the low-beam headlights can fail.


text:
We use them to give you the best experience. If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website.
We have recently upgraded our technology platform. Due to this change if you are seeing this message for the first time please make sure you reset your password using the Forgot your password Link.


text:
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission (CSCE), praised the full Senate passage of a package of loan guarantees for the new Ukraine government and economic sanctions on those responsible for the invasion of Crimea.
"With today's vote the Senate sent a clear message of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and indignation for those responsible for the invasion of the Crimea. Russia must be held accountable for its blatant violations of international agreements. The sanctions leveled by Congress are intended to show that Mr. Putin's inability to conform to international norms, and honor Russia's agreements, will come at a heavy price. The government in Kyiv has the full support of United States and we will use all available diplomatic and economic tools to return stability to Ukraine," said Senator Cardin.
"I am disappointed that H.R 4152 does not include essential reforms that would strengthen the International Monetary Fund. Despite the omission this bill is a firm and confident step towards returning the region to normalcy. "


text:
Use with FLUX WARP brushless motor
Discontinued, replacement part: #106627
The functional and powerful Flux Motiv brushless ESC is the way forward when it comes to the power of the future! With the capacity to handle powerful brushless motors, 3S (11.1 volt) LiPo batteries or up to 12 NiMH cells (14.4v) with up to a 4600Kv motor, plus convenient and strong connectors, the Motiv will take you to the limit safely and easily!
The Flux Motiv features:
- Up to 12 NiMH cell (14.4v) or 3S (11.1v) compatability with 4600Kv motor
- LiPo programmable low-voltage cutoff
- Proportional braking for great control off-power
- Huge amount of continuous power handling
- Reversing with programmable reverse lock-out for racing
- Small size: 46 x 36 x 23mm (1.8"L x 1.4"W x 0.9"H)
- Extremely light weight: 62.4 g (2.2 oz)
- Authentic Dean's battery plug for a secure zero-loss connection
- Durable on/off switch
- Simple initial programming
- Ability to easily adjust speedo parameters with Castle Link (not supplied)
- When fitted with the Flux Warp 5700 motor or other motors with 5700Kv of power, you can use up to 8 normal NiMH cells or a 2S LiPo battery.
- When fitted with a motor with 4600Kv of power, you can use up to 12 NiMH cells or a 3S LiPo battery.


text:
Vision Charities to Help You Give Back This Holiday Season
Imagine trying to succeed at work at school if you could not see clearly. Unfortunately, that's the reality for far too many people in the world. Whether they cannot afford eye care, are blind or have a vision disability, poor eyesight makes life much more difficult. You can make a difference this holiday season by supporting one of the following vision care charities.
American Foundation for the Blind
The AFB helps blind and visually impaired people enjoy full lives. The national non-profit organization is committed to improving access to technology and helps people find the services and products they need.
Blinded Veterans Association
The Blinded Veterans Association, formed by blind World War II veterans, advocates for and assists blind veterans. The organization's Field Service Program helps veterans navigate the Veteran's Administration claims process while another program helps newly blind veterans adjust to life without sight.
Choroideremia Research Foundation
Choroideremia is an inherited disorder of the retina that causes gradual vision loss and, eventually, blindness. The Choroideremia Research Foundation raises money to support research that will hopefully lead to a treatment or cure.
Council of Citizens With Low Vision International
The Council of Citizens With Low Vision International is an advocacy organization that educates the public about the capabilities of the visually impaired and establishes outreach programs that ensure that everyone has access to services.
Delta Gamma Center for Children With Visual Impairments
Early identification of visual problems is the key to helping children make the most of their usable vision. The Dental Gamma Center for Children With Visual Impairments offers low-vision evaluations, early intervention services, orientation and mobility training as well as occupational, physical and speech therapies.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
The Foundation Fighting Blindness raises money to support research that's devoted to the study of retinitis pigmentosa and other related retinal diseases. They also provide support and information to people affected by these diseases.
Glaucoma Research Foundation
The Glaucoma Research Foundation funds research in support of better treatments for glaucoma and provides education and support.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Established in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has a long history of helping visually impaired people become self-sufficient. Clients are matched with guide dogs that help them live more independent lives.
Macular Degeneration Association
Macular degeneration, the loss of central vision, predominantly affects senior citizens; although people of all ages can be affected. The Macular Degeneration Association supports research and offers information to people affected by the disease.
Optometry Cares – The American Optometric Association Foundation
Optometry Cares was established to ensure that all Americans have access to vision care. The charity offers the infantSEE program, a free program that provides eye care to infants and provides free basic vision services to low-income, uninsured people through the VISION USA program.
Restoring Vision
This non-profit organization provides sunglasses and new reading glasses to underprivileged people in the U.S. and developing nations. In the last decade, Restoring Vision distributed 3,000,000 new pairs of glasses and sunglasses.
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity/International
Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH)/International supports eye clinics, optometry schools and optometric educations in underserved areas throughout the world. More than 100,000 people yearly receive eyeglasses, treatment or vision surgery every year thanks to VOSH/International.
3 Reasons to Visit Your Optometrist by the End of the Year
The end of the year is fast approaching, and there is no better time to visit your optometrist. Not convinced? These three reasons may change your mind.
You Won't Waste Your FSA Balance
Don't lose the money remaining in your flexible spending account (FSA). Use it for an eye exam or new pair of glasses or contacts. Although some employers extend the FSA deadline to March, others are firm about the December 31st deadline. If you don't use your FSA funds by your employer's due date, you will lose the remaining balance. Why not make an appointment now and avoid worries about missing the deadline, whenever it may be?
You Just Might Find a Great Deal on Eyewear
A new year means a new selection of frames, but it also often means there's not enough room to display them in your optometrist's office. Holiday shopping deals are not just limited to big-screen TVs; your optometrist may also offer deals you won't want to pass up.
You'll Start the New Year off Right
Cross off a few of your New Year's resolutions a little early. Don't put off making that visit to your optometrist a minute longer. Even slight changes in your prescription can affect your vision. After your visit, you will be able to face the New Year with crystal clear vision and a fashionable new pair of frames.
Ready to make your eye care appointment? Contact our office today!


text:
News•July 26, 2013
The Lake at the North Pole, How Bad Is It?
The pictures are dramatic — a camera at the North Pole Environmental Observatory, sitting in the middle of what appears to be either a lake or open ocean, at the height of the summer sea ice melt season. Set against the backdrop of the precipitous decline in sea ice cover in recent decades due in large part to global warming, this would seem to be yet another alarming sign of Arctic climate change.
Image from one of the North Pole Environmental Observatory webcams, taken on Thursday, July 25.
Credit: NSF's North Pole Environmental Observatory.
These images have attracted media attention, such as this AtlanticWire post and this Daily Mail story, both of which portray the images as potential signs of an intensifying Arctic meltdown.
But before concluding that Arctic climate change has entered an even more ominous phase, it's important to examine the context behind these images.
First, the cameras in question, which are attached to instruments that scientists have deposited on the sea ice at the start of each spring since 2002, may have "North Pole" in their name, but they are no longer located at the North Pole. In fact, as this map below shows, they have drifted well south of the North Pole, since they sit atop sea ice floes that move along with ocean currents. Currently, the waterlogged camera is near the prime meridian, at 85 degrees north latitude.
Annotated map showing the location of the North Pole and the location of the buoys with the webcams.
Credit: NSF's North Pole Environmental Observatory.
"It's moved away from the North Pole region and it will eventually exit Fram Strait," said Mark Serreze, the director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colo., in an interview. Fram Strait lies between Greenland and Norway, and is one of the main routes for sea ice to get flushed out of the Arctic Ocean.
The second thing to keep in mind is that melting sea ice at or near the North Pole is actually not a rare event. Observations from the webcams dating back to 2002, and from satellite imagery and nuclear-powered submarines that have explored the ice cover since the Cold War era dating back several decades, show that sea ice around the North Pole has formed melt ponds, and even areas of open water, several times in the past.
The webcam depicting what seems like open water is most likely "just sitting in a big melt pond" that has formed on top of the sea ice cover, Serreze said. This melt pond started forming around July 10, and is likely close to its peak depth and extent. The occurrence of a melt pond at or near the North Pole is "just not that unusual," Serreze said, and is even less rare at a more southern location such as where the camera is now.
"The whole Arctic sea ice cover does show melt during summer even at the North Pole," he said, speaking of a typical melt season.
Serreze said it's usually possible to walk through these melt ponds with hip boot waders on, as opposed to having to swim, since there is ice underneath the meltwater.
Video of images taken by the North Pole Environmental Observatory webcam during the 2013 melt season. (The pond starts to appear at 1:25.)
James Overland, a researcher at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told Climate Central in an email that the melt pond does seem unusually large compared to what is typically observed in a melt season, though. "We have extensive melt ponds every year, but I do not remember such an extensive lake in previous years. The lake is more a product of how the ice was configured earlier in the year," he said.
Walt Meier, a research scientist at the NSIDC, said the lake's apparently large size may be the result of snowfall totals this winter and other factors. "The pool seems rather larger than normal, but that could likely be simply due to factors other than the temperature: how much snow fell on the area over the winter (more winter snow = more melted snow), the topography of the ice (little hills and valleys in the ice causing the water to pool in certain regions), etc.," Meier said in an email.
Arctic sea ice cover has been rapidly shrinking and thinning since the start of satellite observations in 1979. Last year, sea ice extent and volume plunged to a record low. When the melt season finally ended in late September, the Arctic Ocean managed to hold onto less than half of the average sea ice extent seen during the 1979-to-2000 period.
The past six years have had the six smallest sea ice extents since 1979, indicating that the ice has not recovered from the previous record low in 2007. Researchers attribute this to the loss of thicker multiyear ice, which has been replaced by thinner ice that forms in the fall and melts in the spring and summer.
Serreze said the thinness of the ice cover has made it much more susceptible to weather patterns that promote ice transport and melting. So far this summer, sea ice extent has tracked above that of 2012, with a slow rate of ice melt in June followed by much more rapid melting during the first three weeks of July after weather patterns became more favorable for melting, Serreze said.
"I would be extremely surprised if we were not" well below average come September, Serreze said, but the prospect of setting another record low "depends on the vagaries of the weather, and we just can't predict that."


text:
Casey Anthony detectives overlooked Google search
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Florida sheriff's office that investigated the disappearance of Casey Anthony's 2-year-old daughter overlooked evidence that someone in their home did a Google search for "fool-proof" suffocation methods on the day the girl was last seen alive.
Orange County sheriff's Capt. Angelo Nieves said Sunday that the office's computer investigator missed the June 16, 2008, search. The agency's admission was first reported by Orlando television station WKMG. It's not known who performed the search. The station reported it was done on a browser primarily used by the 2-year-old's mother, Casey Anthony, who was acquitted of the girl's murder in 2011.
Anthony's attorneys argued during trial that Casey Anthony helped her father, George Anthony, cover up the girl's drowning in the family pool.
WKMG reports that sheriff's investigators pulled 17 vague entries only from the computer's Internet Explorer browser, not the Mozilla Firefox browser commonly used by Casey Anthony. More than 1,200 Firefox entries, including the suffocation search, were overlooked.
Whoever conducted the Google search looked for the term "fool-proof suffication," misspelling "suffocation," and then clicked on an article about suicide that discussed taking poison and putting a bag over one's head.
The browser then recorded activity on the social networking site MySpace, which was used by Casey Anthony but not her father.
A computer expert for Anthony's defense team found the search before the trial. Her lead attorney, Jose Baez, first mentioned the search in his book about the case but suggested it was George Anthony who conducted the search after Caylee drowned because he wanted to kill himself.
Not knowing about the computer search, prosecutors had argued Caylee was poisoned with chloroform and then suffocated by duct tape placed over her mouth and nose. The girl's body was found six months after she disappeared in a field near the family home and was too decomposed for an exact cause of death to be determined.
Prosecutors presented evidence that someone in the Anthony home searched online for how to make chloroform, but Casey Anthony's mother, Cindy, claimed on the witness stand that she had done the searches by mistake while looking up information about chlorophyll.
Many jurors apparently went into hiding amid public outrage over the verdict and refused to comment, but two have said prosecutors couldn't conclusively prove how Caylee died.
Prosecutors Linda Drane Burdick and Jeff Ashton didn't respond to emails from The Associated Press on Sunday.
But Ashton told WKMG that "it's just a shame we didn't have it. This certainly would have put the accidental death claim in serious question."
Baez didn't respond to phone or email messages Sunday from The Associated Press but told WKMG that he expected prosecutors to bring up the search at trial.
"When they didn't, we were kind of shocked," Baez, who no longer represents Anthony, told the station. Her attorney, Cheney Mason, who was also on the trial team, didn't return an email message from AP Sunday, and his office answering service refused to take a phone message.
The sheriff's office didn't consult the FBI or Florida Department of Law Enforcement for help searching the computer in the Anthony case, a mistake investigators have learned from, Nieves said.


text:
The theme of the 2012 GOP presidential contest has been dissatisfaction with the candidates, and a rollicking battle for the honor of being the anti-Mitt Romney alternative.
We were curious about what young conservatives have been thinking about the race, which moved to New Hampshire Wednesday after Iowa's decidedly non-decisive caucuses.
So NPR photographer John Poole and I, after a night at former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum's headquarters in Bedford, N.H., decided to head west to Dartmouth College in Hanover.
In the Collis Center for Student Involvement, bustling with students just back from winter break, we sat down with three editors of The Dartmouth Review. The publication was founded three decades ago to give voice to conservatives on campus. Its alums include conservative writers and talkers, including Laura Ingraham and Dinesh D'Souza.
Joining us were editor-in-chief Sterling Beard, 22, a senior from Abilene, Texas; and editors Blake Neff, 21, from Sioux Falls, S.D., and Benjamin Riley, 20, from New York City, both juniors.
Here are excerpts of our conversation:
On The Quality Of The Republican Field
Beard: "After two or three debates, I felt like I was looking at a room of vice presidents. No one is excited about a [former Massachusetts Gov.] Mitt Romney candidacy. It tells me that the party as a whole wants to shift further right."
Riley, who describes himself as conservative on fiscal issues, libertarian on social issues: "It seems to me that Republicans are looking at candidates with crossover appeal. People are scared because they don't see a good candidate out there. [Texas Rep.] Ron Paul is very good at galvanizing support, but he's not electable. He does this every election cycle."
On What They've Been Encouraged To See
Neff: "I like the furor over the individual mandate. It's allowed the spread of a lot of conversation about constitutional principles. It wasn't a big issue for Republicans before; now the party has regained a principle of government not controlling what you do in the economic realm."
Riley: "I've been heartened by the emergence of [former Utah Gov.] Jon Huntsman. He won't win, and may not make a dent. But that he could run for the Republican nomination brought me back a bit. It makes Republicans look more reasonable."
Beard: "During the Bush years, the party became more centrist. It's nice to see people discussing fiscal responsibility."
On Who They Would Have Liked To See Run
Beard: "Paul Ryan [the House Budget Committee chairman from Wisconsin]. He has a wonkiness that appeals in economic hard times."
Riley: "Chris Christie [the New Jersey governor]. He has just the right amount of panache, the 'X' factor that a guy like Barack Obama had."
Neff: "Mitch Daniels [the Indiana governor]. He's still not perfect, but he embodies what people want Romney to be. A true anti-Obama. But a very bland guy."
On How The Party Should Handle Social Issues, Including Abortion And Same-Sex Marriage
Beard: "Now is not the time to fight those battles. People think about those issues when they can pay their mortgage. Santorum has the right message, but at the wrong time."
Riley: "These issues for me are secondary. The best thing would be to have the federal government take its hands off."
Neff: "I'm totally on the anti-abortion crusade. I morally can't vote for a pro-abortion candidate. The Republican Party would make a huge mistake by copying Democrats on social issues. Gay marriage? While I oppose it, it's becoming an albatross for the party."
On The Anti-Intellectualism That Some See Starting To Define The Party
Neff: "There is an intellectual atrophy. Republicans use to be the party of strong fiscal policy. Now it is the party of tax cuts. It's not an intellectual approach to just talk about cutting taxes. I feel there's a lot of populism choking off what could be cool new ideas. On education, on immigration."
Riley: "The most troubling part of the rightward shift, for someone like me who believes in evolution and the climate change issue, has been the anti-intellectualism that has infected that. I don't know if candidates actually believe what they're saying, or are just saying dumb things intentionally to appeal to the lowest common denominator."
On Whether Republicans Can Take The White House In November
Riley: "No way Obama doesn't win, not with the candidates the Republicans have thrown out there."
Beard: "We're chain smoking our candidates. But unemployment is close to 9 percent," and Beard noted that no president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a second term with an Election Day unemployment rate higher than 7.2 percent.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.