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ZHENGZHOU, China — Rory McIlroy outdueled Tiger Woods in the first one-on-one exhibition match between golf's two biggest names.
Woods thinks he'll have plenty of chances to get revenge.
McIlroy yesterday shot a 5-under 67 to beat Woods by one stroke in an 18-hole match between the two top-ranked golfers at the Jinsha Lake Golf Club in central China.
"This is certainly not like most Mondays. To have this many people come out and watch us play golf in an exhibition was something special. This doesn't happen," Woods said. "As far as doing something like this down the road, it would be fun."
The event, dubbed "Duel at Jinsha Lake," marked the first time the two golfers had played head-to-head without other competitors. It probably won't be the last.
Woods said he'd relish the chance to take on McIlroy more often to create a rivalry at the top of the game similar to the one between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray that has made men's tennis so exciting in recent years.
"If you look at the history of the game, it's not like other sports where the guys play against each other all the time. Jack [Nicklaus] and Arnold [Palmer] didn't go at it that often," Woods said. "But you know what, if we can do this for the next 10, 15 years, then certainly we can have that type of rivalry. I think having matches like this to promote the game of golf is what it's all about.''
"We're trying to promote the game of golf in this region and it's come a long way since my first time here 11 years ago."
McIlroy took an early lead with two birdies on the first three holes and held on to beat Woods, who had two bogeys to go along with his six birdies for the day. The 14-time major winner finished with a 68.
Both players competed elsewhere Sunday and had to make long journeys to Zhengzhou, an industrial city in China's Henan province. McIlroy finished second to Peter Hanson in the European Tour's BMW Masters at Shanghai, while Woods tied for fourth in the PGA Tour's CIMB Classic in Malaysia.
The first head-to-head matchup between Woods and McIlroy — at the eight-player World Golf Final in Turkey this month — was far more one-sided. Woods shot a 7-under 64 to defeat the Northern Irishman by six strokes in a group match at the exhibition event.


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subset: commoncrawl


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TEL AVIV, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alvarion® Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALVR), a global provider of optimized wireless broadband solutions addressing the connectivity, coverage and capacity challenges of public and private networks, today announced that it plans to report its Fourth Quarter and full year 2012 results on February 20, 2013, during pre-market hours. Following the announcement, Alvarion's management will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. EST.
Please call the following dial in number to participate:
USA: +1 800-230-1059; International: +1 612-332-0107
The public is invited to listen to the live webcast of the conference call. For details please visit Alvarion's Investor Relations website at www.alvarion.com/investors/webcasts.
An archive of the online broadcast will be available on the website.
A replay of the call will be available from 11:00 a.m. EST on February 20, 2013 through 11:59 a.m. EST on February 27, 2013.
To access the replay, please call:
USA: +1 800-475-6701; International: +1 320-365-3844
To access the replay, users will need to enter the following code: 277649
About Alvarion
Alvarion Ltd. (NASDAQ:ALVR) provides optimized wireless broadband solutions addressing the connectivity, coverage and capacity challenges of telecom operators, smart cities, security, and enterprise customers. Our innovative solutions are based on multiple technologies across licensed and unlicensed spectrums. (www.alvarion.com)


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Junior Auxiliary of Russellville recently announced that "Aim for Success," an educational organization that promotes sexual abstinence, will be presenting its program to students in sixth through ninth grades in the Russellville School District and their parents.
The parent program will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Gardner Education Complex auditorium. A student program will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, with separate presentations for male and female students.
Aim for Success is a nationally acclaimed educational organization and the largest provider of sexual abstinence programs in the nation. These programs cover the risks of teenage pregnancy, the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, the pain of emotional scars, and much more.
According to Rhonda Orsburn, who is co-chair of the Aim For Success project for Junior Auxiliary of Russellville, the organization brought the program to the area in 2001 and was encouraged to bring it back again.
"From what I understand, when they did this program a few years ago, there was a lot of interest," Orsburn said. "The teachers really liked it and thought it was something that we needed to bring back."
Orsburn said she sees a definite need for the program among pre-teens and teenagers.
"As a parent myself, what I've noticed is over the last year or so, we've had some instances dealing with young children and sex, even here locally," she said. "It's a problem. Pope County has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the state, and if we do, then we definitely have an abstinence problem."
Although Orsburn said students receive some education about sexual responsibility and abstinence through health classes, she said the increasing demands on teachers from the state and national levels have limited the time available to talk with students about issues like sex.
"The standards have changed, and teachers have to do so many things to meet frameworks and standards that they don't have time for anything else," Orsburn said. "It's up to organizations like [Junior Auxiliary] to bring in programs to help with that."
Orsburn said she believes the program will be beneficial to students, their families and the community as a whole.
"What I hope this will do, more than anything, is bring awareness to the community," she said. "I think kids are bored and need something to do, and sometimes they find not-so-good things to do that can get them into trouble."
The program will hopefully help clear up stereotypes as well, Orsburn said.
"I think sometimes when we open up programs like this for the community, automatically we think of people who aren't good parents," she said. "We stereotype parents. But sometimes it's the kids who come from good homes and whose parents are involved who get into these situations. Sometimes those parents have a tendency to be more trusting. The whole stereotype has changed.
"But one thing that hasn't changed is how kids treat each other. I don't know how you change that, but hopefully this is going to open the door for parents to take time to find out the hows and whys of talking to teens about sex and making good decisions.
"This is not someting we can say only the poor kids do or only the bad kids do."
Aim for Success presented about 2,500 of these health-based programs last year. Ninety percent of those programs were in public schools across the nation, reaching about 200,000 students and their parents.
The organization has received local, state and national recognition for its work in public schools. Marilyn Morris, founder and president of Aim for Success, Inc., will be the guest speaker.
Morris is the author of several books, including "ABC's of the Birds and Bees for Parents of Toddlers" to "Teens and Teens Sex and Choices." She has been married to Charles Morris for 36 years, and they have two married daughters and five grandchildren.
Morris founded Aim For Success in 1993 as a non-profit educational organization. Since that time, Aim For Success has challenged more than 1 million teenagers with the message of sexual abstinence until marriage.
Through live presentations, teenagers are encouraged to develop strong character as they deal with one of life's most difficult issues - sexual pressure. Morris believes students who embrace the abstinence until marriage lifestyle have the freedom to pursue their dreams and goals without the worry of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases or emotional scars.
Morris is a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences of all ages. Her presentations are fun, interactive and never embarrassing. Responses from teen-agers on Aim For Success' anonymous surveys indicate they are ready and willing to take up the challenge of a responsible lifestyle of sexual abstinence.
Morris also helps adults through her parent programs as she motivates and equips them to be their child's sex educator.
She has received local, state and national recognition from President George W. Bush, Focus on the Family and Dr. Laura Schlessinger. She has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine and on National Public Radio (NPR), The Discovery Channel, Public Broadcast System (PBS) and Fox News-New York.
The parent meeting includes a preview of the student program so parents can see firsthand what the students will be hearing. This program equips parents with the tools and medical information needed to communicate effectively with their children without embarrassment.
Parents will learn how, when and why to talk to their children - toddlers to teens - about sex. Aim for Success believes parents should be their children's primary sex educators but has found that many parents don't know how to approach this critical subject.
The event is open to family members, youth workers, counselors, nurses, school administrators and anyone who is concerned about teenage sexual activity.
Information will be distributed to parents at parent-teacher conferences, Orsburn said. Parents who do not wish for their child to view the presentation can fill out the appropriate forms, which will be included with the information packets.
For more information on the program please contact Rhonda Orsburn or Cathy Huett, project co-chairs, at 967-9964.


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ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County Judge Belvin Perry ordered a new mental examination on Wednesday for accused murderer Jason Rodriguez to see if he is competent to stand trial.
After exhaustive testimony covering his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, his defense team shared their concerns about his competency and his mental health behind bars.
Perry agreed to have a psychiatrist assess Rodriguez before testimony continued on Thursday morning.
Rodriguez's mother took the stand in her son's murder trial early on Wednesday.
Anna Rodriguez told the jury her son has heard voices in his head since 2006 and feared he was being watched and stalked.
Jason Rodriguez is accused of killing one of his co-workers and wounding five others when he opened fire at his former workplace, an architectural firm north of downtown Orlando four years ago.
His mother also testified that on the morning of the office shooting, he pulled a gun on her. She said she had to convince him that it was his mother who was talking to him before he put the weapon down.
Also on the stand for the defense on Wednesday morning, a psychiatrist testified Rodriguez suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and suffers delusions.
The defense is trying to convince the jury that Rodriguez should be found insane, while the prosecution contends Rodriguez knew what he was doing and was seeking revenge for being fired from the firm.
Perry had told the jury testimony would wrap up on Thursday with closing arguments coming on Friday, but the new mental assessment could prompt a delay.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Photographer's Note
This is the Mchirgue peak, one of the most outstanding places at sunset, Extreme-North of Cameroon along the Nigerian border. The area is roughly 1100m high and this peak reaches 1224m.
People from this area are Kapsiki named after the mountains around. There are about 25 Kapsiki villages with a common local language on this side of the border. Most of them used to be animists but a significant part was turned into catholic religion now.
One of the funny thing to experiment in this village is to meet the Crab sorcerer who can teach you few things about your future if you ask him a question and provide him with the appropriate tip.
The place is quite easy to find but the road up to Rhumsiki is quite exhausting. It takes roughly 2h30 of a bumpy, rocky track to get there.
I took this shot when climbing back to the village after we walked down the valley. The light became nicer and nicer. We were lucky since we normally face Harmattan at this time of the year. The Sahara wind would bring a dusty atmosphere which does wrap everything into a misty look.
The previous day was really disappointing because of the haze but it ran the whole night and when we got up, the sky got cleared leaving place to this nice blue sky I strengthened using the polarizer.
Critiques | Translate
hawranek (22) 2007-04-12 16:12
Very beautiful photo. I like this colour. It real? :)
Nice shot.
enedimd (1532) 2007-04-12 16:17
hello Steven,
Very nice shot. Colors and shadows are so good.
Your explanation is also very good.
Emir Nedim
jonathan_hart (21276) 2007-04-12 16:22
nice framing & compo, but too much contrast or saturation, i don't know, something is wrong, beautiful place !
Cormac (26565) 2007-04-12 22:36
I haven't seen many shots from the Cameroons, but this is a spectacular start! The rocky peak is very dramatic, and the lighting coming from the side really enhances that. The golden light from the sunrise adds a nice contrast with the cool blue of the sky. Wonderufl work!
Wahclellaspirit (4125) 2007-04-13 2:03
Hello Steven,
I like your decision in placing the fault line of these rocks into the scene. The color is fantastic,
Good Job...
athos99 (6894) 2007-04-15 15:15
Salut Steven
Une très belle photo de paysage.
C'est bien composé, le sujet est mis en valeur, les couleurs et la lumière sont bonnes.
quelquepart (810) 2007-04-17 8:57
Hi Steven,
very nice lines and warm colours in this picture.
Thanks for sharing,
Jgirl (27) 2007-06-09 6:09
Another lovely shot, Steven, particularly the shadows and colour scheme. Good work!
Photo Information
- Copyright: Steven Le Vourc'h (Curioso) (9271)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2007-03-21
- Categories: Nature
- Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon 17-40/4L USM, Digital RAW, Hama Circular Polarizer 77 mm
- Exposure: f/9.0, 1/60 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2007-04-12 16:10


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FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens Today
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for El Paso County residents opens TODAY, Tuesday, Sept. 24 in Colorado Springs. Survivors who suffered losses and damages as a result of the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides may obtain information about disaster assistance.
Disaster Recovery Center
Colorado Springs Fire Department Complex
375 Printers Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week
Representatives from FEMA and the SBA are among the agencies represented at the DRC to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.
For individuals who have hearing and visual disabilities or are deaf, Disaster Recovery Centers can provide such accommodations as:
• Captioned telephones, which transcribe spoken words into text
• The booklet "Help After a Disaster" in large print and Braille
• American Sign Language interpreters, available upon request
• Magnifiers and assistive listening devices
• 711-Relay or Video Relay Services
Survivors with losses from the storms, flooding, mudslides or landslides will save time by registering for help from FEMA before going to a DRC.
Register with FEMA by phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who have a speech disability or are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY)800-462-7585; users of 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362. Help is available in many languages.
Register online: www.disasterassistance.org .
Register by Web-enabled device, tablet or smartphone: type m.fema.gov in the browser.
For more information on the disaster operations, go to fema.gov/disaster/4145
Information from local agencies will be on-hand at the Fire Department Complex to assist flood victims with additional resources and services.
For further information regarding local assistance please call 719-385-INFO (4636) between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F, or reach Pikes Peak United Way by dialing 2-1-1
Media Note: Media queries regarding the Disaster Recovery Center or to set up an interview: contact the FEMA Media Relations Specialist Renee Bafalis at (202) 531-9391.
Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.The social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management supports the needs of local government and partners with them before, during and after a disaster and to enhance preparedness statewide by devoting available resources toward prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery, which will ensure greater resiliency of our communities. For more information: www.coemergency.com
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government's primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants can go to www.sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955


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Senator Charles Schumer has asked the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize funding to bring the East River Ferry to Astoria, the Upper East Side and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
"The East River Ferry expansion project can become a 'Nerd Boat' that connects our rapidly-expanding tech hubs like Dumbo and the Brooklyn Navy Yard with the new Cornell-NYC's applied science campus," said Schumer. "It will also maximize ferry use throughout the city and better connect these waterfront neighborhoods to public transportation, benefitting the local economy."
The East River Ferry expansion is one of five New York City projects that Schumer is singling out for a chunk of $1 billion in transit funds allocated to New York in this year's Federal Transportation Bill. The FHA and DOT have final say on which projects will receive the funding.
If they pick the East River Ferry expansion, additional services will reach Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Hallets Point in Astoria and the Upper East Side. The expansion also entails a new ferry to Roosevelt Island to accommodate students at Cornell's applied science campus.
Schumer said private developers are planning to build nearly 4,000 housing units on Hallets Point's waterfront in 2015. He added that expanding the ferry service would benefit the new residents.
The East River Ferry pilot program began in June 2011 and has since served over 1.7 million commuters. The ferry currently transports almost 150 passengers per trip connecting Manhattan with Long Island City, Brooklyn and Governors Island.
Recently, there had been a push to move the service from Hunters Point in Long island City to Gantry Plaza State Park.
Schumer is also pushing to get funding for projects including the Lower East Side/Brooklyn Greenway expansion, construction on the Cross Bronx Service Roads, HOV extensions on the Long Island Expressway and expansion of underground rail tunnels to Grand Central Terminal.


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The theraphy is excellent, had a problem with bld circulation now i fell so relieved and the pain are gone. i now sleep like a baby.Thanks to Kim and May.melville branch.
Treatments & Therapy have helped and assisted me a great deal...Just keep the consistency, and all will settle into place. Balanced energy levels, no aches or pains, weight management...& much more! Thanks a mill
"Ancient Health Care Centers" Offer Alternate Healing that Benefits the Body as well as the Mind. Often times we discover patients that come to us who have already exhausted western medication and thus return to the Ancient Source of Healing.
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This enables us to achieve the balance required in the body and the nervous system. Discover a place where your Body, mind and soul emerge re-energized, balanced and rejuvenated. A place where time stands still...Where all cultural and traditional healthcare needs are met. Ancient Health Care Centers are the Perfect place where you can escape to heal. Our Chinese therapists practice Ancient Chinese Healing Methods, and are dedicated to serve and heal those who visit us.
so Ancient,yet effective


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NCUA Report Shows Highest Net Worth Since 2009
Federally insured credit unions saw membership, loans and net worth grow in the fourth quarter of 2013, while net interest margins declined, according to call report data released by the NCUA on Monday.
Compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, compressed net interest margins contributed to a reduction in return on average assets. However, the agency said the majority of federally insured credit unions remain well capitalized.
NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz warned credit unions about excessive interest rate risk.
"The current rate environment is a challenge for profitability, but federally insured credit unions should avoid falling into the trap of over-concentration in long-term investments. It's easy to get trapped chasing near-term profits by increasingly concentrating investments in long terms," Matz said in a statement.
"That can imperil a credit union because it increases interest rate risk. The growth in 5-to-10 year investments of nearly 60% is cause for concern. For many credit unions it may be prudent, at this time, to accept lower return on assets to avoid exacerbating interest rate risks," she added.
Also of Interest:
5 Reasons Credit Unions Worry About Risk-Based Capital
JPMorgan Net Settlement Amount Is $1.073B
After Years of Attending, Metsger Takes Stage
Loan growth has continued for the 11th consecutive quarter, rising 2.2% to $645.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013. Loans grew nearly 8.0% compared to the last quarter of 2012. Auto loans, first mortgage loans, net member business loan balance and non-federally guaranteed student loans all saw growth in the fourth quarter.
"The growth in loans contributed to a rise in the overall loans-to-shares ratio, which reached 70.9%, the highest level since the end of 2010. Loan growth among federally insured credit unions out-paced growth in deposits for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2007," said an NCUA press release.
The aggregate net worth ratio was 10.78% at the end of the fourth quarter, an increase of 13 basis points compared to the end of the third quarter. This represents the highest level since the first quarter of 2009.
"The vast majority of federally insured credit unions remain well-capitalized, with 97% reporting a net worth at or above the statutorily required 7.0%. The percentage of well-capitalized credit unions is slightly higher than the previous quarter," said the release.
NAFCU questioned the need for the NCUA's proposed risk-based capital given the latest call report data.
"While NAFCU supports a risk-based capital system for credit unions, with the vast majority of credit unions remaining well-capitalized and maintaining net worth ratios well above the prompt corrective action statutory requirements, NAFCU continues to believe that a legislative solution is necessary to achieve a fair system for risk based capital," said NAFCU Director of Regulatory Affairs Michael Coleman.
Credit unions also added more than 343,000 members in the fourth quarter, bringing the total for the year to 2.4 million new members. The NCUA said total membership is now 96.3 million. While membership grew, the number of federally insured credit unions fell to 6,554 at the end of the fourth quarter – 66 fewer than at the end of the third quarter of 2013.
The NCUA noted that the decline is consistent with trends from the last four decades.
Total assets grew by $5.3 billion in the fourth quarter of the year and by $40 billion during the entire year. Credit unions' return on average assets decreased by 85 basis points compared to the end of the 2012. Annualized net income at federally insured credit unions also declined 1.9%.


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*Covers her eyes and sticks her head into the room*
I have read Eragon and Eldest. I bought Brisingr as soon as it came out because I hate leaving a series undone. However, I didn't like Eldest as much as Eragon and so I'm not running to read Brisingr. Would one/some of you who've read it please PM me and let me know if I should move it up my priority list or not? Thanks!!


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The low-slung two-seat Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports car is powered by a V-8 engine that makes 420 horsepower. It looks much like Aston Martin's larger DB9 and is available as a coupe or convertible. Competitors include the Audi R8 and Porsche 911.
The V12 Vantage is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2013
For 2013, the V8 Vantage gains new standard features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and a backup camera. A sport suspension is a new no-cost option.
Aston Martin also made some changes to the V8 Vantage late in the 2012 model year with the addition of standard navigation, satellite radio, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity. The standard six-speed manual transmission carried over, but a new seven-speed automated manual became available. The V8 Vantage also gained quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires.
Styling tweaks included a new front splitter, rear diffuser and different side sills.
(Skip to details on the: V8 Vantage S)
ExteriorThe V8 Vantage's frame replaces welding with advanced adhesives for better vibration damping, and aluminum and magnesium components reduce weight throughout the chassis. Exterior features include:
- Twin-bezel headlamps flank Aston Martin's trapezoidal grille
- Flared front fenders are trailed by inset side vents, and all lines flow rearward to the V8 Vantage's twin-bar taillamps
- Integrated deck lid spoiler and twin exhaust pipes
- Convertible has a fabric top that stows beneath a metal tonneau cover
- 19-inch wheels
- Front and rear parking sensors
InteriorA dizzying array of interior choices means each V8 Vantage can be personalized by its buyer. Premium materials line the aluminum-trimmed dashboard, which includes a ringed engine-start button above the radio controls. Interior features include:
- 10-way power seats feature twin lumbar adjustment and memory function
- Optional heated front seats
- MP3 jack
- Information screen can display Russian, Chinese and Greek
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Garmin-based navigation system
- Satellite radio
- Analog clock, stitched dashboard seams and machined instrument dials are among the upscale touches
Under the HoodThe 4.7-liter V-8 generates 420 hp. Its aluminum construction uses a dry-sump lubrication system that eliminates the oil pan and allows the engine to sit lower to the ground, thereby lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Mechanical features include:
- Standard rear-mounted six-speed manual transmission or available seven-speed automated manual with paddle shifters
- Aston Martin claims top speed is 180 mph
SafetySafety features include:
V8 Vantage S
Influenced by Aston Martin's GT4 racecar, the V8 Vantage S is designed to offer greater dynamic capability compared with the regular model. Offered as a coupe or roadster, the car shares its 4.7-liter V-8 with the V8 Vantage, but the engine has been tuned to produce 430 hp and 361 pounds-feet of torque. A seven-speed automated manual transmission, controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is the only transmission available. Pushing the standard Sport button quickens gear changes, increases throttle response and opens bypass valves in the exhaust system.
The V8 Vantage S features different springs and dampers, and it has unique stability system tuning. Exterior cues include a carbon fiber front splitter and wide side sills. Back to top


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Posted at: 01/18/2014 9:00 PM
By: Julie Sherwood/Messenger Post
Ontario County Sheriff's deputies charged a Phelps man Friday with two counts of second-degree harassment after deputies say the man told police he was going to shoot them.
Deputies charged Joseph Charles Burchim, 52, after being called to Junius Auto Sales on Route 96 in Phelps for an alleged civil dispute between Burchim and a customer. Deputies said Burchim became confrontational and stated he was going to shoot the police that were there.
Burchim was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Phelps Town Court to answer the charges at a later date.


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Franklin caps Mariners' rally after Ibanez's big blast
SEATTLE -- Rookie second baseman Nick Franklin has been in the Majors for only four weeks, but the Mariners are quickly learning that the youngster has a little something special to offer.
Franklin, 22, went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs on Saturday night and drove in the winning runs in a 7-5 comeback victory over the A's as Seattle snapped a three-game losing streak.Full Game Coverage
SEATTLE -- Rookie second baseman Nick Franklin has been in the Majors for only four weeks, but the Mariners are quickly learning that the youngster has a little something special to offer.
Franklin, 22, went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs on Saturday night and drove in the winning runs in a 7-5 comeback victory over the A's as Seattle snapped a three-game losing streak.Full Game Coverage
"I just think you're a better baseball player when you play with no fear and that's what we've seen from him so far," manager Eric Wedge said after Franklin's two-run single in the bottom of the eighth broke a 5-5 tie.
Franklin, hitting .295 with 13 RBIs in his first 25 games, helped the Mariners improve to 2-32 in games where they've trailed after six innings this season -- after Raul Ibanez knotted things up with a three-run homer in the seventh.
"It's most important when the situations do arise to stay relaxed and not try to put too much pressure on yourself and force things to happen," said Franklin, who was born the year Ibanez was a senior in high school. "Your adrenaline gets going a little bit, I'm not going to lie. But at the same time, you just have to take a few deep breaths, just relax from the get-go and know everything is going to be all right and not worry about the outcome."
Ibanez has been singing Franklin's praises since his arrival and was happy to do so again after the rookie's first game-winning hit of his career.
"Just more proof," Ibanez said. "He's got a great approach at the plate, doesn't try to do too much and has a really good eye. He's a very disciplined hitter."
Brendan Ryan singled leading off the bottom of the eighth, took second on a wild pitch and moved to third when Endy Chavez singled on a perfectly placed bunt. After the A's allowed Chavez to take second without a throw, Franklin singled to center off reliever Ryan Cook for the go-ahead runs.
Ibanez tied the game with a three-run blast off A's lefty Jerry Blevins in the seventh inning, his 15th home run of the season, as the 41-year-old took over the team lead in RBIs with 39.
"That's why you like him up there against righties or lefties," Wedge said. "He might not have the best average against lefties, but he does damage and he does damage at the right time, and you've seen that happen multiple times. That was a huge lift for us to get us right back in the ballgame."
Blevins said the 0-1 curve Ibanez belted wasn't a bad pitch.
"I'm more upset about the walk to bring the tying run to the plate," Blevins said. "That's something you don't do. As for the home run, he's a professional hitter and has done it his whole career and was better than me today. It was a little bit more middle than I wanted, but it wasn't a bad pitch. He just hit it well."
Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez also supplied some offensive punch in his initial game off the disabled list as he homered in his first at-bat and later doubled on a 2-for-4 night.
"I was excited because we won the game today, and I was able to play and help my team," Gutierrez said. "It's important to win these games because we're playing teams in our division. It was a really good game today."
Rookie right-hander Yoervis Medina pitched the final 2 1/3 innings to get the victory, the second of his Major League career.
The win improved Seattle to 33-43, while leaving the A's in a tie with Texas atop the American League West at 44-33.
Mariners starter Aaron Harang wound up with a no-decision after going five innings with six hits and three runs before turning over a 3-2 deficit to the bullpen.
Harang had thrown two shutouts in his previous five starts but has been inconsistent otherwise since being acquired from the Rockies in an early-season trade. The 35-year-old right-hander has lasted past five innings in just five of his 12 starts and remains 3-7 with a 5.29 ERA.
Gutierrez, activated off the 60-day disabled list prior to the game, homered in his first at-bat since April 22 leading off the second inning. Gutierrez took rookie right-hander Dan Straily deep to the opposite field on a 3-2 pitch for his fifth home run, the first four coming before a hamstring injury three weeks into the season.
"I think it was a good at-bat on that one because he threw me all his pitches," Gutierrez said. "I was fighting all the way through until I got a good count at 3-2. He threw me a fastball and I hit it good, but I was surprised it went out to that side because that's pretty far."
Franklin doubled high off the wall in right-center in the first inning, then ripped an RBI single in the second that gave Seattle a 2-0 lead.
But the A's cut the margin to 2-1 in the third with a sacrifice fly by shortstop Jed Lowrie, then took the lead with a two-run single by Lowrie with the bases loaded in the fifth.
Oakland tacked on a pair of runs in the seventh off relievers Charlie Furbush and Medina to take a 5-2 lead before Ibanez launched his three-run shot.
Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak went 2-for-3 with a walk and has now hit .333 (5-for-15) in four games since coming off the disabled list, raising his batting average to .249.
Greg Johns is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB as well as his Mariners Musings blog.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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So, here I am in southwest Montana, in what is called "God's Country" by some people. It is a gorgeous place. But I must say, there are many areas of this nation that can easily be referred to as God's Country. Our nation is, to put it mildly, a fantastically beautiful place. I've seen much of it in the last 10 months and, the good Lord willing, will see more of it in the future.
However, I'll be taking a short "vacation" from traveling for a few weeks. (It is hard to believe that I've been here over a week already!)
The Agenda: Simply relaxing and taking care of a few "chores" such as sorting photos and deleting duplicates from my hard drive, which is rapidly filling up. Never fear, ALL photos (except the obvious duds) are also stored on two external drives. The van is in need of a good cleaning too so I'll be removing everything from it as well as doing some sorting and discarding of things I think I no longer need, which I don't think will be all that much.
The local library has wifi (Yay!!) that is not "fast" but isn't too awfully slow so I've spent an hour or two there nearly every day (they are closed on Sunday and Monday). But most of my time has been spent working on the computer. I have made some headway with sorting and deleting images from the netbook but it is a slow and somewhat tedious process. However, seeing those pictures again has brought back some wonderful memories as well as more than a few "Huh, what is that? Why did I take that?" moments. LOL.
Now, Susan, if you're reading this, I just want you to know that I'm not complaining... but television reception is nearly nonexistent (one channel comes in but it's fuzzy) and NPR is the only radio station that comes in clear. Luckily they have a collection of DVDs and VCR Tapes (remember those?) so I've been watching a few movies (most I've never seen and some I've never heard of). It's almost like leading a "normal" life!
I haven't done much sightseeing yet, but that too is on the agenda. After all, Yellowstone National Park is only two hours away! The day after my arrival I visited with an acquaintance who also has a place here (he influenced Susan and Don's choice of vacation homes) and he gave me a list of "must see" places in the area. So Sunday afternoon (July 4th) I went for a drive along one of the area highways. Soooo pretty. I think I'm going to like it here...
I will be forever indebted to my friends Susan and Don for their generosity. I know I've said it before, but it truly cannot be said often enough – THANK YOU!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Greetings from Montana!
Posted by Becky Wiseman at 6:00 AM
Labels: Montana, The Journey
1 comment:
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Conor Gillaspie homered leading off the 12th inning Thursday night, lifting the Chicago White Sox to a 4-3 victory over the Royals and their first three-game sweep in Kansas City since 2005.
Gillaspie drove the second pitch he got from Luke Hochevar (3-2) just over the outstretched glove of right fielder Justin Maxwell for his 11th homer.
The tiebreaking shot came after Jacob Petricka made his major league debut in the 11th inning for the White Sox, inheriting runners on first and second with nobody out. Petricka calmly got Salvador Perez to ground into a double play to end the inning.
Addison Reed preserved Chicago's sixth straight win, and the first of Petricka's career, when the he left the tying run on second base for his 34th save.


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Now another perk of the new console has
emerged -- an improved CPU. According to a video posted on
Sony's U.S. website, the new console will feature a 45
nm updated version of the Cell processor based on IBM's Power
architecture, jointly developed by IBM, Sony, and Toshiba. The
new processor will be cooler and use less power, and is also cheaper
to make than the 65 nm processor found in the old PS3.
primary high-graphics competitor, Microsoft, still uses 65 nm GPUs.
Heat has proven to be a major concern for the next generation
consoles -- Microsoft started on a 90 nm process and suffered from
many console failures due to the larger chip's heat.
Sony is
very pleased with their new processor. States President and CEO
Jack Tretton, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, "We're
extremely pleased that we've been able to meet production
efficiencies that have allowed us pass those savings on to
The GPU on the PS3 has not been officially
announced, except for that it will be made by NVIDIA. For the
sake of compatibility, it will likely be similar or identical to the
RSX GPU in the current PS3.
The new console will launch on
September 1 in the U.S. and will retail for $299.


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Lockheed Martin Receives 2011 Community Impact Award
SUNNYVALE, Calif., November 4, 2011 --
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major business area of the Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT], received a 2011 Community Impact Award from the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal for the company's commitment to improving math and science education during a Nov. 3 Corporate Philanthropy Awards ceremony in Santa Clara.
Lockheed Martin was recognized for its long-standing support of the Bay Area-based Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) that brings together industry and education to improve the quality of science, math and technology instruction in local schools.
A key IISME initiative is its Summer Fellowship Program that places teachers in local companies to augment their skills in solving real-world challenges and then inspire their students once they return to the classroom. Lockheed Martin has sponsored a total of 334 teacher fellowships over the past 27 years.
"Like most companies in the Silicon Valley, Lockheed Martin relies on a talented team of scientists and engineers with innovative skills to deliver our products," said Kevin Bilger, a Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager who serves on IISME's senior advisory council. "Our industry partnership with IISME is a long-term investment to inspire and educate our nation's next generation of engineers and technologists. We're honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Business Journal."
In addition to IISME, Lockheed Martin supports other educational ventures in Santa Clara County. Employees volunteer in the classroom to excite students in kindergarten through high school about careers that have their foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math. They also support after-school robotics competitions and entrepreneurship programs that develop competitive skills.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company designs, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellite systems; observation and interplanetary satellites; ballistic missiles and missile defense systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.7 billion.


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Stock Graphic >> Illustration - Old Fashioned Framed 29694 by Antique Paperie @ CreativeMarket
File Size: 2.15 MB; DPI: 300 DPI.
Original Compilation Digital Collage Sheets to print at home or office.
Each file is jpg format, printable onto an 8.5" x 11" paper, and is created using Photoshop CS7
Saved at 300 DPI in "High Resolution" - Perfect for Altered Art or Journals
Each Image on the sheet measures 3" x 4" and is also great for Project Life
Commercial use on my images is fine so long as the printed version is incorporated into Artwork you create by hand. Of course, Unlimited personal use as well.
Please do not copy, lift, or sell this Collage Sheet or claim as your own.
All Rights stay with the Artist, Antique Paperie ~ 2014
Keywords: digital collage sheet, frames, framed tags, framed cards.


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>Off the Beaten Path>49er's vs seahawks
so who all is watching this game tonight? predictions?
being from the PNW I'm a fan of both teams, big 49'er fan from back in the days of John Brodie ,Ken Willard, Frank Nunley (big #64). and then Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, Jerry Rice etcc,, & then Young/Rice. lost interest in 49'ers during the TO years. As good as he was, have always hated his attitude which is/was very poisonous for anyone around him. Fan of Frank Gore but not so much Alex Smith. Their new QB looks like maybe the real thing & very dangerous.
born in Seattle area & moved to N.Ca. when very young became 49'er fan but always had eye on Seattle sports. After moving back up to Seattle area (95) more of Seattle fan & keeping eye on San Francisco sports teams.
hoping Seahawks win because they need the win more, otherwise don't care too much as long both make & do well in playoffs.
49'ers 24 Seahawks 21 with niners winning in last 2 minutes
Go 9ers. Hoping they give LaMichael James some more play time.
I'm still bummed about Smith losing his starting job, but can't complain about how Kaepernick is doing.
I'm a Packer fan.
I think the 49ers are one of the teams better than the Pack, and Russell Wilson went to Wisconsin
So go SEAHAWKS!
I'm in my Fantasy Football championships and I desperately need a big Seahawk win. My opponent has Kaepernick and the 49ers defense. Arian Foster has carried me this season and a big bagel from him today. Ugh.
Hoping Seattle wins. If so, a Packers win next week assures a first round bye. Seattle owes Green Bay a favor after refs gave them the game in that week 3 Hail Mary debacle. I am a fan of Russell Wilson after his great play at Wisconsin and overcoming bad rap of being too short to play in NFL.
Those who try, fail! Those who do what it takes to succeed, succeed!!
wow, was not expecting that score at all. wow! will they meet in the playoffs at some point? if so, the 49er's will remember this butt kicking by the Seahawks. Seahawks look dangerous heading into last game of season & playoffs. anything can happen
Ahhh,I see you live at ground zero! I used to hit a few games a year in Green Bay until a few years ago,it's just is too expensive for me right now with the economy in the tank. I've been up there at least 30 times since 96' though.
Wow is right, Seahawks looked impressive! 49ers looked flat and lost. Thanks Seattle!


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I've been testing WSUS on my personal machine, pushed every update up to 2 weeks ago to it, and I've had no issues with redlining the CPU. No problems at home (xp pro on two hosts) over the last few months, where I simply let auto-update do its thing.
Has anyone still got these hotfixes.
I'm suffereing the same problem
This was a huge problem for me on several machines. It completely went away after uninstalling Microsoft Update and reverting to Windows Update.
Downside is manual updating of Office afterwards. Way better than the CPU hogging though.
Has there been any new developments with this issue? I'm still seeing it on about 10 machines. I use Policies and if I turn off autoupdates all is well with those 10 machines. As soon as I re-enable autoupdate and point the machine to my WSUS box, cpu cycles climb to 100% and stay there for hours.
Nothing new here, still have the problem. I'm seriously tempted to open a PSS case, or just as our Technical Account Manager at Microsoft to take a look at this thread for any ideas they may have internally. I just don't want to blow $1,000 if they do not label it a "bug".
The way I've found to fix it:
If you get the error and then click ok to terminate the process it usually leaves the system in an unstable state until you reboot (and most probably get the error again when AU decides to do its thing) so the best way I've found is to reboot and immediately stop the AU service. Delete the softwaredistribution folder under c:\windows and then apply kb916089. Reboot and hopefully all should be good.
Scorp, you have a PM.
Much appreciated. Our TAM is on vaca until the 7th, I'll give her a call then.
I have seen this in a VMWare virtual machine I use for testing, and I continue to see it every time I boot that VM, and every time I revert it to an older checkpoint. Basically, Windows becomes almost unusable for 2 minutes while WU detection is running.
I am attempting to get hold of the MSI.DLL hotfix and will test it on my own XP laptop, which can go 100% CPU for up to 5 minutes while AU (Automatic Updates) is running.
One other thing to check is that you have followed Microsoft's recommendations for AV scanning exclusions for all versions of Windows, as specified here.
This recommends excluding most of the files under %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore\ If you don't do this, AU and your AV could be fighting and making the CPU problem worse than it has to be. This is a very common oversight.
Elsewhere, I note the comments about Windows 2000 servers "hanging" at the "Shutting down..." splash. I see this randomnly following WSUS-deliverd updates on our IBM kit and would be very interested in any solutions out there, even if it is a suggestion to try the standard refresh of the Windows Update log and folder.
Wow, I've never done that, on any client, and I've yet to see the high cpu util issue. I added it to my AV exclusions however, just in case.
I long since pulled AV file scanning of file servers.
woohoo no reboots for patch Tuesday this month!
Hi guys, we have just started to have an issue with this same problem in the last couple of days (since the January patches came out). Have tried a number of attempted fixes including the updated msi.dll but nothing has fixed it so far except to disable the Automatic Updates service. Have noted it on both WXP and W2K workstations but it does seem random, we have around 2000 desktops with around 2% affected. Hope there is a fix soon.
Hi All,
Nick here (thenakedmvp)
Just saw you were linking into my blog. You may note that there is a new update coming... this may help more of you.
In the mean time, I beg you to call the local Microsoft support line and demand the fixes I mention on my blog (the newer ones).
Cheers, Nick.
I sure hope it helps, Nick, thanks for checking in. I asked our TAM to take a browse through this thread, hopefully they'll get to along with some others to spread the word.
I saw this on the WSUS Product team blog.
Ugh... you can't even download it from the Premier site. I'm calling PSS right not to get it, hopefully I can report later if it works.
This is the same #'d KB from before, but it looks like they are rereleasing it. I'll try to get file versions for whatever it replaces.
Boy it just gets more wierd. The poor guy at PSS says it is marked as "Private" right now in their system and that requires a developer's ok for it to be given to anyone. He's off trying to find out how they can get it to me right now.
Wow. I just now got the hotfix. They gave me what they claim to be a newer hotfix than 916089. This one is KB927891. There isn't even a KB article out there yet for it.
This is the hotfix/KB that Nick mentions in his blog.
I never mentioned this KB # to them, I only gave them 916089, so it looks like Nick is spot on.
I applied it to the machine I'm on right now and so far so good. I'm going to apply it to some of the machines that I had having trouble before and see how they do with it.
um, so scorp...
any chance we'll manage to get your copy of this fix we have ALL paid for?
(I mean without each and everyone of us wasting hours on the phone with MStechsupport?)
I'll seed the torrent, this is a fix
A fix for something that 99.99% of us have legal copies of, so I really don't see the big deal
That first machine I put it on was a hyper-threaded 3.20GHz machine w/2GB RAM. It seemed to do the Microsoft Update site nearly 3x faster than usual, but maybe I was running under the placebo affect at that time.
I put it on a couple other lower class machines last night. (700MHz w/512MB RAM & 1200MHz w/384MB RAM) These were the machines that actually made me start this thread.
Both machines had svchost.exe using 50-90% CPU if you went to Microsoft Update. In fact the 1200MHz machine timed out with an error on the page after about 10 minutes. The 700MHz machine would take about 6 minutes to finally refresh and show you what patches you needed.
I've not been able to test just general boot up and Automatic Update background scanning. I'll try to do that later today.
So... I don't know really if this is a "fix" yet. I don't want to go handing it out since MS made such a big stink about it and given the fact that I can't prove anything is better yet. If things were much better, I'd be seeding the shit outta it.
Ya, but had you considered that perhaps we WANT your placebo effect? ;D
I note that I have this issue with Microsoft Update (but not plain old Windows Update) on multiple machines on both Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The culprit appears to be the Windows Installer, and the KB916089v5 I installed seemed to mitigate this by replacing msi.dll. (As it happened the replaced file was identical to that on Windows 2000, confirmed with fc /b, so I copied over the replacement msi.dll to Windows 2000 with similar effects . . .)
The only trouble is now instead of actually listing updates it usually times out with 0x80072EE2 or 0x80072DDD or similar error.
I find that going back to Windows Update from Microsoft Update is another effective way to resolve the issue. Of course, this also means that Office, Visual Studio, etc. that are updated via Microsoft Update need to be updated manually via their own mechanisms.
If a newer patch finds a way to mitigate this as well, the "placebo" would be much appreciated!
Edit: Found http://hotfix.xable.net/ . Caveat lector.
Yes, msi.dll gets replaced. Even though the page says to check the version of msi31.dll for XP, which does not exist. I contacted MS, hopefully they've fixed the page by now for that.
Go to a command prompt, run proxycfg.exe -dd or -d I forget which, and then re-try MS Update.
I'm starting to gain some trust for this last release. No noticeable slowdowns once a day like before.
Is the latest release you're talking about WindowsXP-KB927891-v2-x86-ENU? Is there anything you did in addition to that to all your machines (the msi.dll update)? I've had this svchost.exe CPU issue for a really long time. I don't notice it as much on new machines I roll out, but people with older machines and less amounts of memory suffer after logging in and whenever checking for updates. I've also noticed this on some Win2K machines (like others here).
Yes, that one. Did you include Microsoft Update in your new machine rollout? That seems to trigger it.
msi.dll version 3.1.4000.4003 is currently installed.
Just a quick update, in my case what really triggered a major slowdown is with Microsoft Update or WSUS (but not the old windows update) and more than one version of Office has been or is installed. For example, I setup a new machine on my network and it was fine until I installed a program that uses a runtime version of Access (XP) that is different than the version of MS Office (2003) installed on the PC.. After that SVCHOST.exe in conjunction with WUAUCLT.exe use 100% CPU.
I had this problem on my work machine (2000), and all three home machines (XP Pro)
Turning off automatic updates set things right
Thats what the update (927891) addresses (just in case you were confused)
It's a shame 927891 doesn't work. Well, it didn't for me anyway. Back to the drawingboard with VM's and a test laptop that is known to have the problem to try and figure it out.
Work for 10ish companies, only one and a bit have this issue (they're at the same site). All of one company, 2-3 from another. All started on Thursday out of the blue about an hour before I released a whole bunch of patches.
Edit: I've just built a VM session and it only started having this issue when I pointed it to that sites WSUS server. Still unsure as to why it's affecting some people and not others, but pointing them to the MS site looks like a decent work-around in the meantime.
This didn't seem to work on my slower PCs...I think. After applying the patch and checking for the correct version of msi.dll, I did NOT see svchost pegging the CPU after a reboot. However, as soon as I went to Microsoft Update (but before even starting a scan for updates), svchost.exe started running at 99 for many minutes. Blast.
Looks like there is still an issue:
Hi All,
I am under NDA, but I can tell you that this is being worked on by the "top" people.
Don't worry, we won't spill the beans.
I've had this problem for the last two months or so. Every time I turn on my laptop the cpu goes to 100% and stays there.
I've disabled automatic updates. Yay microsoft.
I assume you did install the hotfixes mentioned and called into Microsoft?
Microsoft need the feedback. That is the way....
I have found an odd piece of additional info. While it doesn't fix the problem, it does help out a bit.. And I don't really understand why. For some reason, even though I am using WSUS, when I set the computer to use the old Windows Update instead of Microsoft Update (go to the Microsoft Update page and click on "Change Settings" then scroll down) the amount of time that svhost.exe spends using 100% cpu goes down. Even though with WSUS it still updates all the products like Microsoft Update does.


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The Granite State, as New Hampshire is popularly known, is a study in contrasts. Since the late 19th century it has been among the half-dozen most industrialized states in the Union, yet it is frequently portrayed as agricultural and pastoral. Vermont and New Hampshire supposedly constitute a "Yankee Kingdom" dominated by white Anglo-Saxon Protestants, yet the state has a large population of residents with French Canadian, German, Italian, Polish, and other non-English ancestors. Its political reputation is probusiness and conservative, yet the single largest internal source of state funds is a business profits tax; in addition, the state was among the first to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. New Hampshire's regional subdivisions are so distinct that numerous people have suggested it be divided in thirds, with roughly equal parts being added to Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Despite these contrasts, the state has developed a distinct identity. Central to that identity is the image of governmental frugality: New Hampshire has no general sales tax or individual income tax. Frugality at the state level has accentuated the dispersal of responsibility to towns. Although town governments exist in all the New England states, in no state do they carry as much authority nor as much responsibility for providing their own services as in New Hampshire. Still another component of that identity is a craggy adherence to tradition, long powerfully symbolized by the rock profile in Franconia Notch known as the Old Man of the Mountain; the rock outcropping collapsed in 2003. The combination of frugality, decentralization, traditionalism, industrialization, ethnicity, and geographic diversity makes New Hampshire very attractive to many Americans. Area 9,282 square miles (24,040 square km). Pop. (2000) 1,235,786; (2007 2009 est.) 1,315324,828575.
The basic physical features of New Hampshire are the result of the most recent glacial age (approximately 70,000 to 10,000 years ago), during which the Wisconsin ice sheet moved like a huge bulldozer across New England from the northwest to the southeast. Loose sand, silt, clay, and gravel were deposited as masses of glacial till that, near the town of Greenland, are 395 feet (120 metres) in depth. The mountain notches of New Hampshire—Crawford, Dixville, Franconia, and Pinkham—are the result of the glacial action, as are the potholes and cirques (deep, steep-walled basins on mountains) found in the state. The great glacier left many deltas and hillocks of stratified deposits. The many lakes that dot the New Hampshire countryside are also the results of glacial action; the largest of these is Lake Winnipesaukee in the east-central part of the state.
The mountains are the most striking feature of New Hampshire's landscape. There are about 1,500 classified elevations, including several peaks in the White Mountains, rising above 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) in elevation. The best-known is Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet (1,917 metres) the third highest peak in the country east of the Mississippi River. The mean elevation of the state is about 1,000 feet (300 metres) above sea level.
New Hampshire has five main drainage basins. The largest is that of the Merrimack River, in the central part of the state. Second in size is the Connecticut River drainage basin, along the western border. The remaining waters flow into the Saco, Piscataqua, and Androscoggin rivers, known collectively as the coastal rivers, as well as into several smaller streams. There are some rich deposits of deep soil along these rivers, but in general the soils within the state are rocky, thin, and difficult to farm.
New Hampshire's climate is highly varied. In winter temperatures may drop below 0 °F (−18 °C) for days at a time. Summers are relatively cool, and the mean annual temperature is about 44 °F (7 °C). Annual precipitation is approximately 42 inches (1,070 mm) and is rather evenly distributed over the four seasons. Average snowfall is about 50 inches (1,270 mm) along the coast and 100 inches (2,540 mm) in the northern and western parts of the state. The greatest climatic extremes occur on the summit of Mount Washington, the site of a noted weather observatory. On April 12, 1934, the observatory there recorded a world-record wind speed of 231 miles (372 km) per hour.
More than four-fifths of New Hampshire is under forest cover. The majority of the trees found in the eastern United States are indigenous to the state. The most valuable single species of tree has always been the white pine.
The wooded areas support a flourishing range of wildlife. White-tailed deer are numerous everywhere, and moose, once exceedingly scarce because of habitat loss, have returned to all regions of the state. There are annual deer- and moose-hunting seasons. Beavers, once almost exterminated, benefited from a restocking program begun in the 1920s and have rebounded to their previous numbers. Black bears are relatively common, while smaller mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, and mink are plentiful. There is an abundance of birdlife, including species of grouse, woodcocks, pheasant, and ducks. State rearing stations keep the interior lakes and rivers well stocked for fishing. There has been much concern about the effects of pollution and acid rain on aquatic life, and strenuous efforts, both public and private, have been under way to prevent further contamination of lakes, streams, and coastal waters.
New Hampshire has a number of distinct regions, each deeply rooted in the state's history. The heavily forested White Mountains area in the north is popular with outdoors enthusiasts and tourists in summer and winter alike. The lakes region around Lake Winnipesaukee is a favoured locality for summer camps and resorts and for aquatic sports. The seacoast region, which includes Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, and Hampton, has many maritime activities. The south-central, or Merrimack, region surrounds Manchester and Nashua and is the most heavily industrialized section of the state. The Dartmouth–Sunapee Lake region in the west-central portion of New Hampshire is dotted with educational institutions and summer homes. The area around Monadnock Mountain, in the southwestern corner of the state, is noted for many small industries and such attractions as the MacDowell Colony, a residential retreat in Peterborough for artists, and for the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, an outdoor shrine dedicated to the country's war dead. Each region is officially organized and finances its own promotional activities. White Mountain National Forest constitutes more than one-tenth of the state's area and is almost uninhabited.
In the colonial period the majority of the people were of English origin, but a significant influx of Scotch-Irish, who were largely Presbyterian in faith, began in 1719. They settled in the south-central and southwestern portions of New Hampshire and named their principal towns Derry, Londonderry, Antrim, and Dublin, for places they had left behind in Ireland.
In the past New Hampshire had a system of town churches in which any officially recognized denomination could be designated at the annual town meeting to receive public tax support. Prior to the American Revolution, five denominations were officially recognized: Congregational, Baptist, Presbyterian, Quaker (Society of Friends), and Church of England. The system was discarded in 1819 by the Toleration Act passed by the legislature. Since then all churches have been privately supported, and any denomination may function freely.
Between 1845 and 1920, immigrants came to New Hampshire from all parts of Europe. The first Roman Catholic congregation was established in 1823, the first Roman Catholic school in 1859, and a statewide diocese in 1884. The first Jewish congregation was organized in 1892 and the first Greek Orthodox church in 1905. The New Hampshire Council of Churches, organized in 1945, has developed broad ecumenical policies to include many faiths.
New Hampshire's citizens are overwhelmingly of European heritage (white); Asians and Pacific Islanders and African Americans constitute only a tiny fraction of the population, as do Hispanics. The largest group not directly descended from origins in the British Isles are the French Canadians, or Canado-Américaines, who first began to arrive in the years immediately after the American Civil War, chiefly from Quebec. They were attracted mainly to such industrial cities as Manchester, Nashua, Laconia, and Berlin. By the end of World War I, New Hampshire had the largest percentage of French Canadians among the states.
In the first U.S. census, in 1790, New Hampshire had a population of 141,885. Since then each decennial count has recorded a growth, except for that of 1870, when there was an extensive post-Civil War exodus to the Midwest. The urban population is concentrated to a large extent in the southern and southeastern regions, and the larger urban centres, with the exception of Berlin, are all located south of the White Mountains.
The historic shoemaking, woodworking, apparel, and textile industries have declined in productivity and employment, while electrical equipment and high-technology industries have grown rapidly. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (actually located across the harbour from Portsmouth at Kittery, Maine) is one of the largest employers in the seacoast region. Established in 1800 as the country's first naval shipyard, it is now renowned for building and maintaining submarines.
Agricultural acreage decreased by two-thirds in the 20th century. Ornamental and greenhouse plants, dairy products, and a variety of fruits and vegetables are still grown or produced on the state's some 3,000 farms; livestock raising is also important. More than half of the timber harvested is used for sawlogs, and nearly two-fifths goes for pulpwood to supply paper and newsprint industries. The state ranks low in commercial fishing yields but has marketable catches of lobsters and deep-sea fish.
There are many rock quarries, chiefly of granite, throughout New Hampshire, but only the granite quarries in Concord are still in operation. Sand and gravel are the major minerals produced in terms of both tonnage and value. Other native minerals that have commercial value include garnet, zircon, beryl, and bog iron.
Hydroelectric power was once the predominant energy source in New England, but it has been surpassed by nuclear power—much of it produced at the plant in Seabrook—and petroleum-derived power. There are still a number of electricity-generating dams in operation on New Hampshire rivers, including the Connecticut, Androscoggin, and Merrimack; the energy they generate meets a small but significant percentage of the needs of the state and the region.
The manufacture of machinery and electrical and electronic goods, along with precision-instrument and computer-related products, has largely supplanted the textile and garment industry, much of which either closed or moved to the South after 1945. Paper and wood products are the next largest industries. The only large industrial centre north of the White Mountains is Berlin, which has paper and pulp mills.
In 1955 the state legislature established an Industrial Park Authority, now the Business Finance Authority, to attract more business to New Hampshire. Supplemented by the endeavours of individual cities and towns and by various private organizations, the authority has been successful in modernizing the industrial and business life of the state.
Next to manufacturing, tourism contributes the greatest proportion to the state economy. An organized effort began in the early 20th century to publicize New Hampshire as a tourist area, and this effort has steadily expanded. With the increase in popularity of winter sports following World War II and the lure of a fall foliage season, New Hampshire became as attractive to visitors in the cold months as it had been in the summer. Among other service activities that also have grown significantly are insurance and banking, medical and health care establishments, miscellaneous business services, and wholesale and retail trade.
Rail transportation in New Hampshire is quite limited; most of the state's rights-of-way have been abandoned. Amtrak provides passenger service along the Connecticut River—mostly on the Vermont side—and via its Boston-Portland (Maine) route, which crosses through the New Hampshire seacoast region. Freight service operates on a limited scale in several parts of the state. There are also a few scenic railroads offering rides to tourists. Outstanding among these is the Cog Railway, a 6-mile (10-km) line running to the summit of Mount Washington that has been in operation since 1869.
Although there is limited local bus service in a few of New Hampshire's larger cities, intercity buses connect New Hampshire communities with the Boston metropolitan area. The interstate highway system runs to most parts of the state and is complemented by state turnpikes (toll roads) and a well-developed network of state highways. The state's topography tends to make travel easiest in a north-south direction.
The road system lets many people living in southern New Hampshire commute to jobs in Massachusetts and gives tourists from eastern metropolitan areas access to the state's lakes and mountains. New Hampshire has two commercial airports: the rapidly developing Manchester Airport and Portsmouth International Airport, part of the Pease International Tradeport complex developed on the site of the former Pease Air Force Base (which closed in 1991). New Hampshire also has a number of smaller airports that offer commuter and private services, as well as numerous local airports.
The constitution of New Hampshire, the second oldest among the 50 states, was adopted in 1784. Every 10 years the residents may vote on the question of holding a convention to consider modifications of the constitution. Proposals that pass these conventions must be approved by two-thirds of the voters at a popular referendum. Several conventions have been held in the state's history, and a large number of modifications have been adopted, but a considerable portion of the original constitution remains intact.
The governor is elected for a two-year term and is assisted by a five-member executive council, a surviving institution from the colonial era. Members of the council, elected every two years from five geographic districts in the state, must approve most appointments to state offices, all appointments to judicial posts, and all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more.
The bicameral state legislature, the General Court, comprises more than 400 members elected every two years. The House of Representatives, the lower chamber, has between 375 and 400 delegates; the number depends upon the results of the decennial redistricting but in practice is usually maintained at 400. It is thus the largest state-level legislative body in the United States. The state Senate has 24 members.
The state's judicial functions take place in three levels of courts: municipal and district courts, county superior and probate courts, and the state Supreme Court. All justices are appointed by the governor and executive council and serve until retirement at age 70 or sooner, unless they are removed for cause.
Below the state level, government is organized into counties, cities, and towns. Besides their court functions, county governments run prisons, nursing homes, and some a registry of deeds. Each of the 13 cities has its own charter providing for a mayor-council, a mayor-alderman, or a council-manager form of government. Virtually all the 221 incorporated towns rely on the annual town meeting to guide policy. Towns have a variety of elected and appointed committees, but those matters of general concern recommended by these advisory groups appear as articles in a warrant distributed before the town meeting. With an elected moderator presiding, the town votes on every article. It also elects a wide range of local officials. A state law enacted in the late 20th century enabled some towns to vote on all warrant items at polling places instead of at town meetings. Elected selectmen, from three to five in number, manage daily affairs.
New Hampshire has always been a two-party state. Prior to the Civil War era, New Hampshire was overwhelmingly Democratic, but from then to the Great Depression of the 1930s it was dominated by the Republicans. The voters, however, have opted on several occasions for Democratic presidential candidates—Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Bill Clinton—and have sent a number of Democrats to Congress. New Hampshire holds the first primary in the nation during each presidential election season and has thus taken on great importance as a bellwether of national trends.
The state provides the standard health and social services. The state department of health and human services employs about one-third of all state employees.
New Hampshire has an unusual system for raising revenue. The state has clung tenaciously to its distinction of having neither a general sales tax nor a comprehensive state individual income tax. Because it raises some money from dog and horse racing, from state-operated liquor stores, from cigarettes, and from a lottery, New Hampshire has a reputation for relying on "sin" taxes. The state actually derives only a small portion of its revenue from these sources, however. Much more important are a business profits tax, business enterprise tax, license fees, and taxes on meals, lodging, and motor fuel. The main support of public education used to come from local property taxes, but in 1997 this method was declared unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court. In 1998 the state legislature adopted a statewide education property tax, which was put into effect the following year. The state government now carries much more of the burden for funding public schools.
New Hampshire has had a public school system since 1647, when, as a part of Massachusetts, it was required to provide different kinds of schools depending on community size. The statewide system is administered by a board of education headed by a commissioner. Each town is constituted a school district, unless it is part of a school administrative unit (SAU). The land-grant college that became the University of New Hampshire was founded in 1866 in Hanover and moved to Durham in 1893; it has a branch campus in Manchester (1985). The state university system also includes Plymouth State University and Keene State College. There are several state vocational colleges and a technical institute; a public television system at the state university has been in operation since 1959.
New Hampshire also has many private educational institutions. Phillips Exeter Academy (in Exeter; 1781) and St. Paul's School (Concord; 1856) are the best known among the state's college-preparatory schools. Colleges include Dartmouth, one of the eight Ivy League schools, founded at Hanover in 1769; St. Anselm (Manchester; 1889); and Colby-Sawyer (New London; 1837).
New Hampshire has several outstanding cultural institutions. The MacDowell Colony, a retreat for musicians and writers founded in 1907, is a memorial to the composer and Peterborough resident Edward MacDowell. The 86-acre (35-hectare) former home of the noted sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at Cornish is now a national historic site. The Currier Museum of Art and an institute of arts and sciences are located in Manchester; Dartmouth College is a distinguished fine arts centre, and there is an arts and science centre in Nashua.
Other cultural attractions include the Museum of New Hampshire History and the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, Shaker museums in both Enfield and Canterbury, and "The Fells," the estate of U.S. Secretary of State John Hay in Newbury. Several towns have smaller galleries, art centres, and museums. Summer theatres flourish in a dozen or more resort areas.
Recreation and tourism are perhaps the state's best-known cultural assets, the Great North Woods drawing outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. New Hampshire has some 30 ski areas, many of which also operate their lifts in the summer for sightseers, and thousands of youngsters flock to its scores of youth camps each year. There is an extensive system of state parks and forests, and White Mountain National Forest occupies much of the north-central portion of the state. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses a great southwest-northeast swath of the mountain region, from Hanover to east of Berlin.


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Judgment Day
A federal judge ruled today that the family of Louis Conradt, a man who committed suicide after being featured on an episode of the most disheartening and soulless news program ever made, To Catch a Predator, can continue with their lawsuit against NBC, which produces the "let's bust an alleged pederast" Dateline segments. The family is suing for $105 million, saying that Conradt's civil rights were violated and that the network willfully inflicted emotional distress. Conradt shot himself in the head moments after a TCaP-prompted child sex raid led police to break into his home. Host Chris Hansen could not be reached for comment, because he's currently hiding somewhere in the bushes, waiting for some sorry sick fuck to drink a fake thirteen year old's margarita. [UPI] If you're not familiar with TCaP, a video is after the jump.


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James May hopes for war poetry show
Top Gear host James May is hoping to turn to poetry for his next TV project after his programmes about cars, toys and booze.
The presenter says he aims to convince BBC bosses to make a programme about First World War poets such as Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and Rupert Brooke.
May hopes to make the programme to coincide with this year's centenary of the outbreak of the Great War.
The 51-year-old said he had proposed the programme to commissioning bosses at the corporation, which is preparing dozens of hours of shows to commemorate the anniversary with many more planned over the next four years.
In an interview for forces radio BFBS - recorded while visiting troops at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan for tonight's Top Gear - he said: " I've put it forward - I haven't heard from them yet, weirdly obviously this year is the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.
"But I thought for the first year we could commemorate the Christmas truce of 1914 when they all got out of the trenches and played football and swapped gifts and so on - and we could do that through the words of the war poets and the people who kept diaries and postcards and things."
"The words of the really big poets like Sassoon, (Edmund) Blunden and Owen have endured, while a lot of the other things about it, the understanding of it, is fading away - and those words may be the bit that survive the longest, and actually tell us a great deal about it in a very short space of time and very few words. Which is what poetry is about, it's about imagery and stuff."
May has hosted a number of his Toy Stories challenges and been on drink-inspired journeys with Oz Clarke for TV alongside his Top Gear commitments.


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I know Toronto isn't a part of this trade, but I was thinking it was a great trade for all 3 teams. OKC gets a stacked starting lineup, Pheonix and Orlando give up stars that will leave in FA anyway, for young talent.
Okc sends: Dallas' 1st round pick top 20 protected, Lamb, Jackson, Jones, Thabeet, Perkins
Okc recieves: Gortat, Afflalo, Tucker
This team is going for a championship, and this squad matches up well against Miami
Pheonix sends: Gortat, Tucker, Frye
Pheonix recieves: Perkins, Lamb, Jones
Flip Gortat who will leave in FA for a future starting SG in Lamb. They send a bad contract and receive one
Orlando sends: Afflalo
Orlando receives: Jackson, Thabeet, Frye, Dallas 1st rounder
Get maybe their future PG, pick


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Lady Cyclones get taste of 6A playoffs
By Kevin Hill
The Russellville Lady Cyclones are back in the playoffs, and this time they don't have to worry about Bentonville. The Lady Tigers have been the bane of head coach Harley Sisson's existence as they have eliminated the Lady Cyclones two of the past three seasons.
This year, however, RHS will play Pine Bluff at 1:45 p.m. Friday at Sherwood Park in North Little Rock in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs. The Lady Cyclones are the No. 3 seed in the state tournament after winning eight of their last nine games.
Sisson said the turning point came when Russellville, for the first time, swept the Lady Charging Wildcats at North Little Rock.
"That was kind of a turnaround time," he said. "We were just playing well that night, and North Little Rock wasn't playing that good. That's how upsets occur."
It also hasn't hurt that Russellville has found its stroke at the plate - getting offensive production from six or seven different players.
"Savannah Jackson has started hitting real well," the coach said. "Jolynda Davis has been on a four game hitting streak. Megan Hale has been playing really well. Kayla Sisco has been playing great defense. It's just been a combination of a bunch of different girls contributing to help us win."
Another big boost has been the infusion of young talent into the lineup. Catcher Cortney Norman and left fielder Dianna Hale have been solid in the field and at the plate. Another freshman, Zoey Adkins, has been a boon on the basepaths as a courtesy runner.
The two-headed pitching monster of Darian Simmons and Sydney Rupe has also helped the Lady Cyclones keep opponents off their game.
"We have Sydney Rupe and Darian Simmons splitting time on the mound," Sisson said. "We've got a lefty and a righty, so if one of them starts to get in trouble, you can bring the other one in and put (opponents) off balance. It helps us get out of some situations."
Now it's time to see how the Lady Cyclones adjust to the switch to the Class 6A softball postseason situation.


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Office of Vice President and
Chief of Staff
Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd S.
Fort Myers, FL. 33965-6565
Phone: (239) 590-1006
Fax: (239) 590-1066
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
FGCU Hosts the Children's Summer Leadership Experience
"The Money Game" Summer Camp
FORT MYERS, FL - Florida Gulf Coast University hosts "The Money Game" summer camp for kids who are interested in theme parks and money. Designed for children in grades five and higher, "The Money Game" is a summer experience in teamwork, leadership and business, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 14 through June 21 in Alico Arena.
Each child designs and runs a theme park attraction with $100 of startup money. Whatever profits children make, they keep.
"The Money Game" is offered through the FGCU Wachovia Consortium for Consumer and Financial Education, which supports educational events for seniors, children and web-based education designed to enhance consumer literacy and the financial health of citizens.
Wachovia, McDonald's, Wal-Mart, Germain Motor Sports and Moe's Southwest Grill are sponsors.
For more information, contact camp co-director Deanna Burgess at (239) 209-9123 or visit the camp web site at: https://www2.fgcu.edu/dburgess/themoneygame.


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States Look for Alternatives in Face of Rising Correctional Budgets
WASHINGTON — Faced with increasing inmate populations, lawmakers across the United States are exploring measures beyond prison expansion in order to reduce incarceration and recidivism rates.
Prison construction and expansion still abounds as states, such as Califor-nia, concentrate efforts to reduce prison overcrowding by expanding system capacity through the addition of new beds. However, as already overcrowded correctional systems struggle to keep pace with inmate populations, state legislators are increasingly looking at alternatives to new prison projects.
The escalating costs of correctional systems are pushing states, including Kansas and Texas , to explore reducing recidivism rates through the implementation of rehabilitation programs.
In May, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius approved a $4.4 million recidivism reduction plan that provides financial incentives to community correctional systems for reducing inmate admissions associated with technical violations of parole and probation. In order to be eligible for the state grants, authorities must cut recidivism rates by at least 20 percent, officials say.
The initiative permits low-risk inmates to win reductions to their sentences by participating in education and counseling programs. The early release initiative would cut sentences by several months for the completion of a program that lowers an inmate's chances of returning to prison, officials say. Other states, including Michigan , have instituted similar good-time credit and work-release initiatives.
The Texas Legislature recently approved a plan that could divert thousands of inmates from prisons to treatment facilities and rehabilitation programs. The plan provides treatment facilities for 5,700 more inmates and adds space for 2,700 more inmates in prison and jail treatment programs.
The plan, which awaits approval from Gov. Rick Perry, includes a new 500-bed facility for those convicted of DWI/DUI offenses, who often have substance-abuse problems, but would otherwise receive little treatment while incarcerated, officials say.
Texas legislators also included a diversion initiative that would send first-time parole violators to short-term or intermediate facilities rather than back to prison.
Some states are considering an overhaul of sentencing, probation and parole guidelines, which could reduce incarceration rates for minor crimes or technical parole and probation violations.
Nevada recently reconvened a commission to review and make recommendations on changing the state's sentencing laws to reduce prison overcrowding. More than 20 states have revised their sentencing laws since 2004.


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City councils in Charlottesville and Richmond approved ordinances extending benefits to the spouses of employees in same-sex relationships. But the moves are only symbolic.
Virginia's constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Media outlets report that Richmond City Council approved a same-sex benefits ordinance Monday on a 5-3 vote. Charlottesville City Council approved a similar ordinance Oct. 7.
Richmond Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano abstained from voting on Richmond's ordinance. She said that she doesn't consider passing an ordinance that can't be enforced as good policy.
Richmond council President Charles R. Samuels, who supported the ordinance, said that it is similar to preemptive measures that Richmond has taken to prepare for the potential privatization of state ABC stores.
"We know that's coming,'' Samuels said. "And when it comes, the city of Richmond's ready.''
The ordinance drew both support and opposition from residents, who spoke during a public comment period before Monday's vote.
"The day will come that you will answer for what you done here tonight by condoning something that's contrary to what God said to do,'' said South Richmond resident Charles Evans Hughes. "The devil has got to be in you. Y'all can laugh at that all you want, but the devil is in you.''
Jim Hill, who identified himself as a gay city employee, thanked the council for the ordinance.
Richmond Councilman Chris A. Hilbert defended his support of the ordinance.
"I'm very assured that when I'm standing there that my vote tonight won't be something that I am ashamed of,'' Hilbert said. "It will be something where we are expanding compassion to our fellow human beings.''
Charlottesville council members passed their city's ordinance without discussion. City Attorney Craig Brown had called the ordinance a "statement of policy'' when the council first considered the measure.


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Over the years, hip hop has earned an infamous reputation for glorifying a street life of crime and misogyny while boasting about expensive jewelry and designer clothing. Today, mainstream hip hop rarely discusses the day-to-day struggles that are faced by a majority of its listeners. Even less often do we hear rappers talk about the struggles of being homeless, paying for college tuition or simply making ends meet and when this type of message is presented, the resolution is usually selling drugs, robbing or killing.
Despite the image of self-aggrandizement that is usually portrayed in hip hop, there are some artists who believe in giving back to and refining the communities that raised them.
Hip Hop Cares was founded in January 2013 when members of hip hop collective Solo Grand decided to mix their greatest passions, music and giving back to their community, thus leading to the creation of the Hip Hop Cares Festival.
With a majority of the group members experiencing homelessness at some point in their lives, Hip Hop Cares is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to end homelessness.
According to the Homelessness Task Force, Atlanta is the poorest city in the U.S. for children. More children in Atlanta live in poverty than in any other city and the average age of a homeless child in Atlanta is 6.
"The thing that is so disturbing is that there are so many homeless children in the city," said Maria Talbert, who regularly volunteers to feed the homeless. "Homelessness is a bigger issue here in Atlanta than a lot of people think."
It has been estimated that more than 21,000 people are homeless in Georgia. A survey done by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs concluded that 50 percent of homeless people in Georgia are African American.
"Hip Hop Cares is an organization geared toward helping our local communities through charity and music," said Jackie Murphy, the event's coordinator.
In conjunction with I Care Atlanta, Inc., members from Solo Grand, BlackShades Music Group and TTM will host the first ever Hip Hop Cares Festival. The festival will consist of an artist showcase, Miss Hip Hop Cares Pageant, beat and freestyle battles and hip hop trivia contests among other activities.
"We all come from similar struggles," said rapper MH of BlackShades Music Group. "We all experienced some type of homelessness and we all do music so we decided to bring awareness to this issue through the music."
Music from the festival's performers will be combined into a compilation mixtape and will be sold during the festival. Proceeds from the festival and the mixtape will be donated to I Care Atlanta, Inc. and its effort to end homelessness.
Featured artists for the festival include Colonel Stahl, Yunge Ace, Fasho, Forever Young Ent. and Don Cazz.
I Care Atlanta, Inc., formerly known as My Brother's Keepers Reaching Out, is dedicated to a mission of ending homelessness. The organization's founder, Anthony Delgado, even experienced homelessness at one point in his life. The organization provides resources such as mentor programs, job placement and food collection.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, only 30 percent of income should be spent on housing. Thrirty percent of minimum wage in Atlanta is roughly $270 per month for rent. The average two-bedroom apartment in Atlanta rents for $834 a month.
With such an epidemic sweeping across the city so rapidly, MH and the other artists are determined to tackle an issue that once affected some of them.
"Our main objective is to build awareness," said MH. "We want to get people regularly involved in giving back. It doesn't always have to be monetary. It could be spiritual, or advice or just a kind gesture."
Those interested in giving back for the cause are encouraged to make donations at the festivals website. Donations will also be collected on the day of the festival.
The festival's organizers are still looking for interested sponsors and volunteers.
The festival will take place Sunday, April 21 from 2 pm until 11 pm at Space Atlanta. Tickets for the event can be purchased at HipHopCaresATL.com for $10.