text: I suppose we should be posting this in a Ride Reports forum, but it is so much more appropriate to post a sidecar adventure here among all my Hack brethren's. Trying to emulate Hacker inmates who have done it; Mikepa, MzCountryboy, Beemerchef and many others, also encouraging other Hackers to take the high roads of adventure. We hope the powers to be that run this ADV site will allow us to continue our trip report in the Hack Forum. Inmate Abenteuerfahrer; here again, as some of you may know, part of my retirement has been riding the good ole' USA and Canada two up in 2007 and then solo Newfoundland/Labrador last year. Having just completed; farkled, and attached Jay's Dauntless Tub to the hip of our 2005 1200GS so that I can schlep my Brooklyn Frau with me….we're ready to roll north by northwest. Also as the ride reports unfold let us introduce to you "Brunhilde", our robust, well endowed, gas thirsty 1200GS and "Ingrid" our sidecar, so named in honor of our loyal, faithful longhaired Dachshund that has given us so much joy in our life. We hope to post scenic/cultural/hack-oriented pictures and some perspectives from a deaf couple as we trek to the great white North: Alaska and the rest of Sara Palin's, "I can see Russia from my window"…. State! Posting will be sporadic from NC to the beginning of the Northwest but will be more frequent once entering the wilderness. If you see us and shout, but if you get no response…..that's us! We welcome any and all comments, questions, etc. that you may wish to post. We look forward to this epic journey in good company…along with you. Cheers…your couple on the road Ready to roll.....NC....>>....AK Ingrid along for the ride... Slab tested the Tug and Tub for 670 miles straight to Ohio through humid; cold heavy rains; various elevations..etc. All went well, except poor gas mileage..anything from 26-29 mpg. Speeds were mostly 65 mph on the slab with an occassional surge to 85 mph. Plenty of power reserve for all occassions. No vibrations whatsoever from the Dynabeaded tires. Rolling along at 65 mph..steady as she goes.. Taking the grandkids for a sidecar ride to Starbucks..in Monroe, Oh. Here riding through Monroe. Notice that the sidecar wheel is not square of 90 degrees? I noticed the tire street wear as well, it isn't centered. Solution?? Tomorrow it's westward Ho...!


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Aldec's Spec-TRACER for safety-critical FPGA & ASIC designs
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The folks at Aldec pioneers in mixed-language simulation and advanced design tools for FPGA and ASIC devices have just announced the launch of Spec-TRACER, a new requirements lifecycle management solution for use in safety-critical industries in which rigorous certification standards exist; such as DO-254 for avionics, ISO 26262 for automotive, IEC 61508/61511 for industrial, and IEC 61513 for nuclear.
Managing and recording how an FPGA or ASIC is developed against its requirements is an increasingly complex task, yet essential for certification and critical to produce high-quality, reliable, safe and compliant products.
Click Here to download a whitepaper on requirements traceability.
Click Here to register for a free webinar on June 20th.
Spec-TRACER is exactly what the avionics industry needs to help satisfy the traceability objectives of DO-254, said Louie De Luna, Aldec DO-254 Program Manager, Ensuring that traceability exists throughout the entire development lifecycle is crucial to proving that the product has been designed and tested through a requirements-based process, from top-level design requirements to HDL source code, and from verification test cases to the testbench and through to the simulation results.
Spec-TRACER helps organizations manage, control and track requirements efficiently throughout the entire FPGA/ASIC development lifecycle to help keep the project on track and within budget. It does this by streamlining and automating the requirements engineering process such as capture, traceability, requirements versions tracking, results management and reporting.
Features within the launch version of Spec-TRACER (2013.05) include: specification import (from MS Word, MS Excel and DOORS), change impact analysis, requirements coverage analysis; pre- and user-defined traceability reports, and multi-user access (which in team-based environments allows project stakeholders to collaborate and communicate more efficiently). In addition, traceability links between requirements, test plans and HDL source code are established easily and multi-directional traceability reports are generated automatically.
Spec-TRACER 2013.05 is designed specifically for FPGA and ASIC designs, and is available today for use with commercially-available Windows-based design and simulation tools. Click Here for more information, a white paper, and an evaluation download.
If you found this article to be of interest, visit Programmable Logic Designline where in addition to my Max's Cool Beans blogs you will find the latest and greatest design, technology, product, and news articles with regard to programmable logic devices of every flavor and size (FPGAs, CPLDs, CSSPs, PSoCs...).
Also, you can obtain a highlights update delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for my weekly newsletter just Click Here to request this newsletter using the Manage Newsletters tab (if you aren't already a member you'll be asked to register, but it's free and painless so don't let that stop you [grin]).

subset: commoncrawl


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We should probably be excited that we're getting a new, powerful system with a bunch of pretty looking games, but it's far more fun to complain. And Sony's unveiling of the PlayStation 4, a two-hour long display of hardware specs and game trailers, gave us plenty to moan about. Whether it was the absence of an expected title or an underwhelming announcement, the event had its share of disappointments. Below are some of the biggest.
The announcement of a Final Fantasy announcement
As disappointing as: Your best friend telling you he has a big secret but refusing to spit it out until next week.
Why it was disappointing: Square Enix had a weird showing at the event. The Japanese publisher and developer started with a tech demo for a graphics engine that it already unveiled last year. That's already plenty underwhelming, but it wasn't as bad as announcing that a new Final Fantasy would be coming to the PS4 without giving us a single picture or even a full title. But Square did promise to tell us all about it … at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.
We don't even know what kind of Final Fantasy game to expect. Will it be the next installment in the main role-playing series, Final Fantasy XV? Or will we finally see Final Fantasy Versus XIII, a game long stuck in the deepest depths of development hell? We have no idea. Guess we'll just have to wait (waiting is the worst).
Where was The Last Guardian?
As disappointing as: Your fiancée leaving you at the altar, later reconnecting with you, and then leaving you at the altar again.
Why it was disappointing: The Last Guardian is one of the most anticipated PlayStation 3 games. Many consider developer Team Ico's last two efforts, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, as some of the best classics released for the PlayStation 2. The Last Guardian looked like an adventure similar in spirit but with improved visuals.
Team Ico announced the game back in 2009, and we still don't seem any closer to release. Meanwhile, we hear constant rumors of a troubled development. Many were hoping that we would finally hear news during Sony's recent event, specifically that The Last Guardian was now a PlayStation 4 title. That didn't happen. Once again, the much-anticipated Sony exclusive was a no-show.
Blizzard's gigantic announcement … of a port
As disappointing as: Having your dad tell you to hop in the car for a surprise trip, fulling expecting that he's about to take you to Disneyland. You end up going to see the La Brea tar pits instead.
Why it was disappointing: We've long known Blizzard as a company that focuses exclusively on PC gaming, so it was a huge shock to see exec Chris Metzen on stage during Sony's event. We were beginning to expect something big to happen. Maybe the follow-up to the historically popular massively multiplayer online game, World of Warcraft, would be coming to the PS4. Maybe Blizzard was going to announce an entirely new game, built to take advantage of Sony's new hardware.
Instead, Metzen announced a port of Diablo III, an action role-playing game that came out for the PC last May. Not that Diablo III is a bad game, but a console version was something we were expecting last year. It's not like the gothic hack-and-slasher is a technological wonder that's only possible on next-gen hardware. The fact that Metzen also announced a PlayStation 3 version proves that.
We didn't see the PlayStation 4 at the PlayStation 4 event
As disappointing as: Dating a girl online who refuses to send you a picture of herself.
Why it was disappointing: We got to see plenty of the new system's controller, but the actual box that houses all of that delicious hardware was strangely absent. This continues a trend originally started by Nintendo, who also put the emphasis on the Wii U's new controller without showing the actual system during its unveiling.
But Nintendo may have actually been more justified to make a such a move than Sony. The controller is the Wii U's biggest selling point, since the hardware isn't anything special. But Sony is touting the PS4 as a graphical powerhouse with streaming and social features, while the controller, despite a few added gimmicks like a small touchscreen, isn't all that different from the PS3's (which was basically the PS2 controller to begin with).


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10. EVENTS: Connect 2013: The Palm Springs Photo Festival, April 28-May 3
Photo lovers and professionals are scheduled to flock to the desert next weekend for days of networking and learning. In town, the Woodman/Shimko Gallery, Palm Springs, Calif.'s new gallery right on Palm Canyon Drive, will play host to an exhibition starting Friday, April 26, at 5 p.m., featuring eight Hollywood photographers' work of rarely seen work. For more information visit Facebook.com/WoodmanShimkoGallery
9. MUSIC: Fantasia: Side Effects of You
Fantasia Barrino remains one of the memorable American Idol winners thanks to her scratchy baby voice and likeable demeanor (we'll leave that weird Instagram message in the past). The former star of Broadway's The Color Purple releases her fourth album, Side Effects of You, on Tuesday. The sexy second single, "Without You," features Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliott.
8. EVENTS: Philadelphia Black Pride, Sunday and April 25-28
Going to be in Philly this week? Head down to the city's Black Gay Pride festivities. Sunday kicks off a week of events with the Mr. & Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Pageant. The 14th annual weeklong event is in tandem with the historic Penn Relays (of which, coincidentally, Bill Cosby is a big fan). For more information, check out PhillyBlackPride.org.
7. Theater: Comrades Mine
Chicago's City Lit Theater presents the true story of Emma Edmonds, who disguised herself as a man to serve as a Union soldier in the Civil War. It's a world premiere production, written by Maureen Gallagher and directed by Anna C. Bahow. Now through May 19.
6. ART: "A Marriage 1: (Suburbia)"
Artists Nick Vaughan and Jake Margolin explore their marriage and their ambivalence toward their new standing as a "normal American couple" through a mix of video, sculpture, drawing, sound, and performance art. The exhibit opens Tuesday at New York City art space Here (no relation to The Advocate's parent company) and runs through May 4, with installations viewable during gallery hours and performances nightly. There will be a cocktail reception Wednesday night, along with a post-performance panel discussion, and another post-performance discussion is set for May 1.
5. EVENTS: SF MOMA Art Auction
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's biennial fund-raiser offers the chance to own works by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Cindy Sherman, Chuck Close, and many others, all to benefit the museum, which is undertaking a major expansion. The event, set for Wednesday evening, will also feature gourmet food, champagne and cocktails, and live music, and for the first time prospective buyers will be able to bid via mobile devices, making this a thoroughly modern auction.
4. FILM: TCM Film Festival
Hollywood returns to its historic glory with the fourth annual filmfest presented by cable channel Turner Classic Movies. The festival takes over multiple Hollywood venues to showcase films dating from the 1920s through the 1980s, most of them with a star, director, or film expert present for discussion. Among this year's most anticipated screenings: the premiere of the 45th anniversary restoration of Funny Girl, Barbra Streisand's first film, for the opening-night gala, and a showing of the Joan Crawford classic Mildred Pierce, with a personal appearance by Ann Blyth, featured in the movie as Veda, the most ungrateful daughter of all time. There will also be extended onstage discussions with Tippi Hedren and Eva Marie Saint, trivia contests, panels with film historians, and more. Thursday, April 25, through Sunday, April 28.
3. TV: What Would Ryan Lochte Do?
The Olympic swimmer's new reality show may prove to be as vapid as anything Paris Hilton has done, but we can guarantee he'll be hotter and a lot more likable than she ever was. Plus, did we mention how hot he is? And how often we'll be able to marvel at his hotness? The show premieres Sunday on E!
2. MUSIC: Paula Cole: Raven
Raven, the fifth album by Grammy-winning folk artist, Lilith Fair alumna, and cowboy fan Paula Cole, is out Tuesday. Cole used crowd-sourcing to fund the album, admitting she was initially embarrassed to turn to her fans for assistance. "I guess because I was being proud," Cole told the Washington Examiner. "I thought that maybe there was something wrong with asking."
1. TV: Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life
Get unprecedented access to the "Crazy Beautiful Life" of chart-topping bisexual pop star Ke$ha in MTV's newest docu-series. Shot over the course of two years by Ke$ha's filmmaker brother, Lagan Sebert, the show provides unparalleled access to the singer's meteoric rise to fame, her professional and personal life, and her coming-of-age as a musician, a woman, and a star. Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life premieres Tuesday at 11 p.m. on MTV. Watch the trailer below:
Get More: Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life, Full Episodes


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, May 3, 2013, 12:43 AM
Town Square
Missing teen located
Original post made on May 3, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, May 3, 2013, 12:43 AM
Comments (6)
a resident of Danville
on May 3, 2013 at 6:42 am
I've asked my child who goes to school with her; knows of her, but doesn't interact with her. I will be checking facebook & text also.
To all parents: this is the time to go beyond asking, someone knows something. Teens will protect their friends. You may be able to find info that they are not willing to tell you.
I pray that God will be with this child & her parents for a happy conclusion.
a resident of Danville
on May 3, 2013 at 7:09 am
Contact ALL her friends in person! Last year when my daughter ran away her friends hid her & lied about seeing her. One of them finally called to tell me where she was. My hearts breaks for her parents. I know your pain.
Kids, do not lie or hide your friend. You have no idea how horrible it feels as a parent to fear the worst.
a resident of Danville
on May 3, 2013 at 7:45 am
I feel for the parents, they have probably tried to get help for their child but finding competent help in the tri-valley is an up hill battle. Too often the "therapist" sees the child without the parents, wrong approach!
a resident of Danville
on May 3, 2013 at 8:49 am
The Discovery Counseling Center is a fantastic resource for mental health services in the SRV!
Web Link
As a therapist AND a mom of a challenging teen, I can say that it is never easy.
And Bill... please be careful with your comments of judgement.
My prayers are with the family and especially for Maddie.
a resident of Danville
on May 3, 2013 at 9:51 am
Who said this child needs help? Please don't assume, it's probably a normal teenager that got mad at a parent for a deserved punishment.
To All Teenagers: please remember that a good parent is a Mom or Dad that is NOT your friend; they will love you during good times & in bad, they will support you when you need it, they will be proud & brag when you accomplish something special, they will give you constructive criticism when you are getting out of line, & they will give punishments or consequences when your actions are inappropriate. You will understand this when you are older.
Also, if you know of anything, please tell an adult or call the anonymous tip line at 802-5632 or 800-222-tips. This is not the time to lie for a friend.
a resident of San Ramon Valley High School
on May 3, 2013 at 10:39 am
Just got an email from the school district saying that Maddy is back home safe!
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 24 comments | 505 views
Time for new collaboration between city and school district
By Tim Hunt | 2 comments | 435 views


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SAN DIEGO (AP) — A research firm says California housing prices cooled last month as inventories grew and investor interest waned.
DataQuick said Thursday that the median sales price for new and existing houses and condominiums was $355,000, up nearly 24 percent from the same period last year. It was the 10th straight month of annual percentage gains above 20 percent, but the median fell by $6,000 from August.
There were more than 36,000 homes sold in the state, up nearly 6 percent from a year earlier. It's the highest September sales tally since 2009.
The California Association of Realtors says there was a 3.6-month supply of unsold single-family homes in the state last month, up from 3.1 months in August.


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Eisenhower Opens New Neurological Care Unit
On July 29, 2009, the Eisenhower Neuroscience Institute held an open house to celebrate the opening of the hospital's new Neurological Care Unit. The event was well attended by community members, staff and physicians, and featured free stroke risk assessments, opportunities to meet physicians and therapists, and refreshments.
The Neurological Care Unit is located on Three North and provides care for individuals who have just had a stroke, in addition to other neurological patients. According to Sue Effinger, RN, MSN, MHA, Clinical Director of Eisenhower's Neurological Care Unit, there are medically-proven benefits to having a unit and medical team dedicated to the care of acute stroke patients.
"Studies have shown that when stroke patients are treated in a setting dedicated specifically to their needs, we have better patient outcomes," Effinger explains."Mortality rates improve, and hospital stays are shorter."
Effinger says that at Eisenhower, the stroke team is staffed by a multidisciplinary group that works collaboratively to ensure that stroke patients get the best possible care. There are several stroke certified neurologists on staff who deal specifically with stroke, and neurosurgeons with extensive experience with hemorrhagic stroke care and treatment. Eisenhower Medical Center also has the Coachella Valley's only neurointerventional radiologists, who can treat patients with advanced neuroradiological procedures. There is an ongoing program to educate the unit's staff about the latest protocols for treating stroke, including monthly grand rounds where the different disciplines come together.
The Eisenhower neurological team also places a great emphasis on informing the community about stroke. The goal is to educate Valley residents about the warning signs of stroke, and get the message out that if you act quickly, and treat patients at the first signs of a stroke, patient outcomes can be dramatically improved.
In 2010, the Neurological Care Unit will move to the new Walter and Leonore Annenberg Pavilion, where the entire second floor will be dedicated to neurological conditions and treatment, including a new neuro-intensive care unit.
Eisenhower Medical Center's program for stroke care has been consistently recognized for its excellence. Last year Eisenhower was designated as a Certified Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. Eisenhower is the first hospital in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to earn the organization's Gold Seal of Approval™, its highest level of certification.
Eisenhower received the Joint Commission's designation soon after being awarded the prestigious HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™, which is given to the top ten percent of hospitals in the United States that specialize in stroke. Eisenhower has received that honor from HealthGrades for the past three years, and has been Five-Star Rated for the Treatment of Stroke by HealthGrades for five years in a row (2005 through 2009).
Stroke is the nation's number three killer (behind heart disease and cancer) and is the world's number one cause of physical disability. A stroke interrupts blood flow to the brain.When a stroke occurs cells are deprived of oxygen and can begin to die within minutes, often leading to permanent damage and disability. Treating stroke quickly, and restoring blood flow to the brain, is critical to recovery.
•Sudden one-sided weakness, numbness or paralysis
•Sudden blurred or decreased vision
•Sudden confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding
•Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking
•Sudden severe or unexplained headache.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 911 immediately.


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Shortly after 12:30 on the first day of September, Todd Gurley stepped Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium for the first time, for his first real college football play.
Some 435 miles away in Tarboro, N.C., a town of about 12,000 people situated a couple of hours west of the Outer Banks, Jeff Craddock's pregame tailgate was spilling over into the first quarter of the Georgia Bulldogs' season opener against Buffalo.
Craddock rattled off the menu: "Chicken wings—deep-fried chicken wings, homemade fries like you get at the fair and nacho dip." After all, it was a big occasion. Big enough for Craddock, the head coach at Tarboro High School, his wife Jennifer and their four children—Clay, 10, Kayla, 9, Kara, 7, and Cole, 6—as well as some of his assistant coaches and friends, to gather at Craddock's house to watch the Bulldogs.
You see, Gurley is sort of a big thing in Tarboro. Now a freshman running back at Georgia, Gurley led Tarboro to the Class 2A North Carolina state title the previous season. Understandably, a good many of the folks in Tarboro are big Gurley fans.
And on Week 1 of the college football season, they were not going to miss seeing him step onto the field for the first time, no matter if it was in mop-up duty or a starring role in the Bulldogs' game against underdog Buffalo.
It didn't take long to see it would be the latter.
On Georgia's opening series, Gurley got his first carry—1 yard. On the next play, he was better, shedding a tackle for a 10-yard touchdown run. The third time Gurley touched the ball? Well, he took the kickoff at the goal line, burst through a crowd at the 20 and darted up the sideline. With one man to beat, Gurley juked and finished off a 100-yard return for another touchdown. Three touches, two touchdowns. Craddock and his crew celebrated (and were able to forget—if only for a few minutes—about the 35 points they allowed the previous night in a win against Northern Nash).
"I think our community is nuts about Georgia now," says Craddock, whose Vikings are 6-0 and ranked No. 1 in 2A again this year. "I go to church and hear, 'Coach, I know you watched Todd (Saturday). He's making us so proud.' I get that everywhere in town. Right now, Mark Richt has a huge Georgia fan base in the small town of Tarboro, North Carolina."
The numbers are eye-popping: 536 yards on just 68 carries, a 7.9 yards-per-carry average, nine touchdowns and 107.2 yards per game. He leads the SEC in rushing. He averages more yards than future first-round pick Marcus Lattimore at South Carolina, and Florida senior Mike Gillislee, who's having a career year.
He has done it by running around, past and through opponents. He has hit the 100-yard mark in every game but one, a still-impressive 10-carry, 65-yard night with a touchdown against Missouri.
"I didn't think it would be like this; maybe a touchdown, maybe 30 yards or something like that," Gurley told reporters after his breakout game against Buffalo. "But I didn't know it was going to be like this."
He impressed himself, and others have been equally awed by his achievements.
"I've been blown away with what I'm seeing," legendary Georgia quarterback Buck Belue says. "You don't see a lot of guys who can run over you and past you. That jumps out immediately. One guy is not bringing him down; he's outrunning these cornerbacks and defensive backs. That combination, you don't see much."
Of course, these are all attributes Craddock saw up close for two seasons at Tarboro. Why only two seasons?
"I didn't even pull Todd up (to varsity) as a sophomore," the Vikings coach laughs. "I get joked about it now. We went 15-1 and won the state championship (in 2009), so we had some pretty good running backs then, too. I just left Todd alone—I did pull him up for the playoffs. But I told anybody listening, 'You ain't seen nothing yet. This kid is a freak.'"
That's showing now. Vanderbilt coach James Franklin is a believer. All the 6-foot-1, 218-pound freshman did against his Commodores was run for 130 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.
"Just how powerful he is and how big his legs are," Franklin marveled. "They list him at 220. I'd be surprised if he's 220. I think he's 230. He's a big, strong, physical downhill runner, and again, he's playing with a lot of confidence right now and playing behind a pretty good offensive line."
When Gurley committed to Richt, he knew what he was stepping into at Georgia. He was going to be, at best, a backup to the player everyone considered the next back to join that elite group of Georgia runners. Isaiah Crowell arrived in Athens with as much hype as any back in years. When Crowell announced he was committing to Georgia on Feb. 2, 2011, he did so by pulling out a bulldog puppy dressed in a red sweater. He backed up his brashness with 850 yards last season as a freshman and was named SEC Freshman of the Year.
On top of the prospect of starting his career behind the sophomore Crowell, Gurley was also part of a two-back recruiting class for the Bulldogs, joining highly touted Keith Marshall, also from North Carolina.
Then, a door opened for Gurley—and closed for Crowell. Crowell was arrested on weapons charges and dismissed from the team in late June, marking the second consecutive season that Georgia's top returning rusher was sent packing. Washaun Ealey led the Bulldogs in rushing in 2010, but he was granted his unconditional release in May 2011 after several violations of team rules. Another one-time mega-recruit, Caleb King, was declared academically ineligible for what would have been his senior season in 2011.
Through five weeks of the 2012 season, it's obvious that Gurley is up to the task of producing on the field; it's what he does off it that will keep Bulldogs coaches and fans on edge. That's not a knock on Gurley, but more a swipe at those who've come before him.
Craddock says Georgia fans shouldn't worry about the same thing happening.
"It's never just about him," says Craddock, who talks with Gurley after every game. "He's taken that down to Georgia. He was never afraid of the competition. We've talked behind closed doors and I've always told him: 'Life is all about the choices you make. You have a great opportunity to be great and do great things.' I would be shocked if Todd would get into any trouble. … Todd is not going to put himself in that position."
And now, after seeing what happened to Crowell, Gurley has an example staring him straight in the eyes.
"You would hope that we'd all learn from the mistakes other people are making," Belue says. "That's certainly out in front of (Gurley and Marshall). It's hard for them to not see and understand what happened with Isaiah."
In Gurley, legendary Bulldogs coach Vince Dooley sees the type of person who can avoid the pitfalls that sunk Crowell, Ealey and King.
"I think the fact that he did come (to Georgia) knowing there was a guy there who was a highly touted freshman—he still wanted to come and be a part of it and compete—is a tribute to him," says Dooley, who won 201 games at Georgia, including its last national title season in 1980 during Herschel Walker's freshman season.
"I know that he must have thought that he could compete with Crowell, otherwise he wouldn't have come.
"I'm not sure he would have wanted to come when Herschel was there. In fact, I couldn't sign a running back for three years when Herschel was there. It didn't matter how good they were, they knew they were going to sit on the bench. In this case, I don't think that's quite the comparison."
To hear them talk in Lincolnton, N.C., a city roughly the size of Tarboro, located about 45 minutes west of Charlotte, you'd think Gurley stood 7-feet tall, bench-pressed 600 pounds and ran the 40 in 3 seconds flat. The way he played against the city's high school in the 2A state title game in Raleigh on Dec. 3, 2011, he might as well have been each of those things.
As legend has it … OK, it's not legend, it's the truth, Gurley injured not one, but both of his ankles in the second week of the playoffs. "Actually, on one ankle he had a high and low ankle sprain and on the other ankle it was a low," Craddock clarifies. "So he had three sprains on two ankles."
You can see where there is going.
Gurley managed 33 yards in the state semifinals. He scored the game-winning TD, but only because it was close to the goal line and he could only (barely) run straight ahead. He didn't practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday the following week in preparation for the title game. He gave it a shot at Friday's practice.
"We were practicing against Lincolnton's screen and Todd picked it off and just took off like a deer running down the sidelines and the whole spirit of the team," Craddock paused, "It was amazing, the uplift. I said, 'Todd, you're done.' That was all I really needed to see."
The following afternoon, Gurley dominated the Lincolnton defense. When the day was done, the stat line on Gurley read: 242 rushing yards, four touchdowns and a 39-36 state title victory.
To those who watched, Gurley was part Julius Peppers, part Ethan Horton. He had etched his name among the great high school players to come through North Carolina.
"We saw film on the previous week and he could barely walk," Lincolnton coach Scott Cloninger says. "I didn't expect him to be at the speed he was at. For someone to be injured—and he was injured—and perform like he did on that Saturday afternoon … that was just unbelievable.
"I was told both of his ankles were injured. If he's unhealthy and looks like that, then he's almost Superman."
It didn't take long for Richt to see that Gurley would be a perfect fit at Georgia.
"He did have good size and speed, agility and balance—all the things you're looking for in a great back," Richt said of recruiting Gurley. "We knew that he was a serious student and he was a humble kid. He was a very well-mannered guy—a guy who was attractive to us. The first thing you do, you look at film and say, 'Can the guy play or not? Can he help us win?' Obviously, we thought that."
They thought right. And with just a small sample of his work and less than a year since Crowell conjured up memories of Walker, Rodney Hampton and Garrison Hearst, Gurley is drawing the same comparisons—and then some.
"I expect Gurley to be right underneath Herschel, breaking some of his records, breaking some of my records," says Robert Edwards, who led the Bulldogs in rushing in 1996 and '97. "That's fine with me."
You don't just throw around Herschel comparisons. Herschel is Georgia football. No. 34 goes hand in hand with red and black. But even Herschel has described Gurley as "incredible."
"Let me just say, there's been a lot of great backs—the Georgia fans have been blessed to see a lot of great talent come through there," says Belue, who handed the ball off to Walker in 1980 and '81. "As far as the Herschel comparisons go, I think it's a wonderful thing for a guy like Gurley to shoot for. I don't expect him to come out and verbalize it, but why not shoot for the stars and be the best you can be?
"From what we've seen so far, he's a special talent. I don't see anything wrong with trying to accomplish some of the things Herschel accomplished."
Dooley recruited Walker to Georgia. Heck, he even skipped a family trip to Boston for Easter while waiting on Walker to make his college choice. Dooley said Walker had three things that separated him from everyone else: world-class speed, strength and mental discipline and toughness.
But he's not ready to put Gurley in that class … or is he?
"For a freshman, he's certainly off to a great start," Dooley says. "He may be right in the class of the Knowshon Morenos. I don't think he's a Herschel, but he may certainly be a Knowshon Moreno if he continues to play like he's playing now and has the normal improvement that comes with experience.
"He's got the chance to be in the mix with some of the great running backs, but it will be hard to duplicate and be a Herschel … but you never know, you never know."
Georgia's all-time leading rushers | Best Bulldogs freshman RBs


text:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tribal Sith, Dark Jedi, Sith Lords, Leviathans, and more, all on the next Star Wars Beyond the Films. YOUR Star Wars discussion podcast! YOUR ticket to the EU!
This week true believers, Beyonders, Fanboys, Fangirls, respected aliens around the galaxy, The Defender of the EU; Mark Hurliman, and your EU Guru; Nathan P. Butler, sit down to discuss Dark Horse Comic's latest foray into the Star Wars Expanded Universe; Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith: Spiral. Strap in and tighten your crash webbing Fandom, Star Wars Beyond the Films is setting off on another rapid-fire trip into the galaxy far, far away!
Jumping in Nathan has more details about the Heir to the Empire Contest, and announces our winner, as well as announces a NEW CONTEST.
How does Spiral tie into the events of Fate of the Jedi? Stay tuned to find out!
Once again, your dynamic duo cover entirely too much Keshiri action in their ONE hour, but don't worry, give it a go; you'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even get a little education on the EU while you're at it. But no matter how you slice it and dice it, you'll be having another adventure Beyond the Films. So sit back, hang on, enjoy the show, and may the Force be with you!
Also be sure to check out the latest SWBTF Video Links from your hosts:
- Nathan's From the Star Wars Library
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text:
Jessica Simpson warned America that she and fiance Eric Johnson had selected a name for her baby girl and that it wasn't bizarre, but it was going to raise a few eyebrows. Her daughter's name is Maxwell Drew Johnson. Normally you'd picture a little boy with a name like that, but in this case, a little girl will answer to Maxwell.
Many celebrities have names you'd typically associate with the opposite sex. Here's a list of our Top 10 celebrity names that both guys and girls can answer to. Did we miss any?
You may remember Jessica's younger sister Ashlee for her early singing career with hit singles "Pieces of Me" and "L.O.V.E." or from her reality show The Ashlee Simpson Show. Turns out Ashlee is not only a girl name. Another singer, Ashley Parker Angel formerly of boy band O-Town also shares the same name.
Drew is usually referred to as a boy's name (remember Jessica's ex-husband Nick Lachey from 98 Degrees? His brother Drew was also in the band.) But, actress Drew Barrymore shows this doesn't always have to be the case.
Hayden seems to be a popular name for actors. Actress Hayden Panitierre got her start at just four-years-old on soap opera One Life To Live. She is perhaps best known for her role as Claire in popular TV show Heroes and Remember the Titans. Meanwhile, George Lucas surprised the acting world when he cast the then-unknown Hayden Christenson as Anakin Skywalker in the two prequels to Star Wars.
Jamie Lee Curtis is well known for her acting roles in the Halloween series, among others. Her name isn't unique to her though as it can be confused for a man's. In fact, up-and-comer Jamie Scott of Graffiti 6 shares the same name. He has penned songs for One Direction and is currently touring in support of his latest album Colours.
There is no shortage of Jesse's in the music industry. Remember musician/actor Jesse McCartney of "Leavin'" fame? U.K. songstress Jessie J shares the same first name, albeit with a different spelling.
Boy band heartthrob Jordan Knight got his start in the music industry as a teen in New Kids On the Block. Jordin Sparks also rose to fame at 17-years-old through her American Idol win.
Though it's neither of their first names, both Marylin Manson and Marylin Monroe have made a name for themselves under the moniker Marylin. Bet you never thought you'd read both their names in the same sentence.
More frequently than one would think, Nikki relates to both men and women. Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe frame shares the same name with current pop sensation Nicki Minaj.
When sports lovers hear the name Peyton they think of football quarterback Peyton Manning. It turns out he's not the only Peyton in the limelight. Actress Peyton List plays Roger Sterling's estranged wife on Mad Men but before that landed guest roles on TV series including Law & Order, Sex and the City and Smallville.
Mostly considered a boy's name, it comes as no surprise that Taylor Swift's parents actually named her after one of their favorite artists: James Taylor. Much was written about Taylor in 2010 when it was rumored that she and costar Taylor Lautner were dating.
What are some unusual names you've heard that made you do a double take when you saw who they belonged to?
– Annie Reuter with additional reporting by CJ Robinson CBS Orlando


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Romero chats with Blue Jays fans
By /
Moderator: Ricky will be coming up from the Blue Jays' clubhouse shortly. Keep sending in your questions!
Moderator: Hey Fans. Ricky is here. Start sending in the questions!
citorules: Hey Ricky! Thanks for chatting with us Jays fans. Is it hard for you to really take enjoyment out of your tremendous rookie season in light of how the team has performed lately?
Ricky Romero: Well, I guess that you just try to stay positive through everything and go out there and play hard. Play for pride. You just go out there and do your job as best as possible.
fast__ball: Hey Ricky. Who was your baseball idol growing up?
Romero: I think that it would actually have to be a football guy, and it would be Steve Young or Jerry Rice. I actually got to meet them in Oakland thanks to Kevin Millar.
luvingjays: Ricky, you're the man! From a young player's perspective, what is the biggest difference [between] playing in Canada [and the] U.S.?
Romero: To be honest with you, there isn't really any difference. You're still playing all the teams here that you would there.
redgal: You seem incredibly humble and mature. Who has been a major influence in your life outside of baseball?
Romero: My mom and dad. They've been my biggest inspiration and they're the reason that I'm standing here today. And if it wasn't for them, it wouldn't be possible.
cndnbat: What are your plans for the offseason and when do you plan to get back into baseball mode?
Romero: Plans for the offseason: probably just take some time to relax and enjoy visiting with my family. Getting into baseball mode: probably in November.
bigbat80: Hey Ricky. Thanks for taking the time to chat today. As a rookie, who has been your biggest influence this year, and how so?
Romero: From a baseball standpoint, I'd probably say the guy that has kept me positive is our pitching coach Brad Arnsberg.
cdnstud: Hey Ricky! Love the fight that you guys showed in NYC last week during the brawl. Were you squared off with anyone?
Romero: I was just in there trying to grab our guys, and then I got taken down for a second there, too, but I got back up on my feet. Jesse Carlson is the man! But he's a straight suspect!
linder26: I think the Jays should do a Ricky Romero bobblehead next year! Do players think it's cool if they get a bobblehead, or is this something that is not a big deal to guys? Be honest!
Romero: I think it's pretty cool. Anytime you get something like that done for you -- not too many people can say that they have a bobblehead of themselves.
deetz24: How do you plan on improving in the future?
Romero: I guess you just try to learn from every outing. For me, I'm a guy that likes to stay as humble as possible, and I don't take anything for granted. I just try to make the adjustments when the hitters make them on you, and I show up at the stadium trying to learn something new every day.
deetz24: Hey Ricky. Where was your favorite place to travel to with the team, and why?
Romero: The two best places that I've been to are New York and Boston, because of the atmosphere and the fans really get into the games there.
rolenjays: Who are your best buddies on the team?
Romero: I'd say Scott Richmond, we've been roommates since Spring Training, Travis Snider and Casey Janssen.
cyroy: What are some of the goals you would like to accomplish in the future as pitcher?
Romero: I think that everyone's goal is to be part of a winning team, where we get to play in October -- get to play in the World Series. That would be the thing that I want most in my career. All the other stuff is just extra.
jwendle: Hi Ricky! With the potential departure of [Roy Halladay], it looks like you may be elevated to one of the leaders/faces of this team. How do you feel about that added resposibilty at such an early stage of your career?
Romero: First of all, I wouldn't want to see Doc in any other uniform. But, you know, you just lead by example and try to do things the right way either on the field or off the field.
fast__ball: What is your favorite park to pitch in?
Romero: Anywhere!
Manderson: Hey Ricky. I see that you spent time at both Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools -- both known for their football programs. Which of the two schools did you root for on the gridiron?
Romero: Well, I went to Garfield for three years, and then I transferred to Roosevelt so I didn't really root for anyone. I tried not to get into it too much, because it was a huge rivalry.
cndnbat: What is the one thing you plan to work on in the offseason to make you more effective in 2010?
Romero: I plan on working on mechanics more than anything and trying to just repeat my mechanics to the best of my abilities.
cyroy: Are you planning to develop a new pitch for next season?
Romero: Yes. I've talked to Arnie and I'm planning on trying to work on a cutter.
aaaaaaaaah: Who do you think the Jays' MVP was this year?
Romero: I'd say we have three guys: [Marco] Scutaro, Lindo [Adam Lind] and Hilly [Aaron Hill].
dragonzigg: Hey Ricky. Who is the one Major League pitcher out there right now who you most admire?
Romero: Johan Santana, because he's left handed! No, he's a guy that I've always enjoyed watching pitch since college, and I like his style.
deetz24: What kind of music do you listen to before a game?
Romero: Rap -- usually it's Little Wayne, Tupac, TI and recently TO's finest, Drake.
jess1234: What did it feel like pitching your first big league game?
Romero: It's something that you dream of when you're a little kid, and I think the best thing was having my parents here. That was the best thing, and what was even better was that we won and they were here to see that -- no better feeling.
gregheath: What team did you grow up watching?
Romero: The L.A. Dodgers. I grew up about 15 minutes from the stadium and went to a lot of games as a kid.
jess1234: What's your favorite pitch?
Romero: I'd probably have to say fastball. Why? Because, as a pitcher, you work everything off your fastball to get to your other pitches.
jays199293: Ricky, thanks for chatting! I remember when the Jays drafted you. J.P. [Ricciardi] said you were the most big league ready of the top guys available. Why do you think it took you longer than expected to get to the Majors?
Romero: I think the biggest thing that you don't realize when you get drafted is the grind that you go through in a season and pitching every five days. I think that I needed some more time to mature as a pitcher. Looking back, the three years that I spent in the Minors is probably the best thing that happened to me, because it helped me learn a lot.
mark_l: What kind of experience was it coming up to the big leagues and having the publicity related events like photos, a baseball card, signings and such?
Romero: To tell the truth, to me, it's still kind of weird when you see fans wearing your jersey with your name on the back. I don't know -- it's just crazy. I'm just a kid from East L.A., and at times, it's still a little surreal to me and you just have to take a step back. It's really cool, and I'm enjoying every minute of it.
scuba1977: Are you worried about the "sophomore slump?"
Romero: No, I'm not!
gregheath: How many pitches would you say you throw on game day in the bullpen before the game?
Romero: Probably 30-35 pitches.
cyroy: What is best thing about having Roy Halladay as a teammate?
Romero: What people don't know is that he really enjoys talking the game and he's a very knowledgeable guy. And I've had some chats with him about the game, and he has a lot of really interesting things to say.
oldbaldguy: Do you feel that you will be able to keep your pitch count down for next season?
Romero: That is one of my goals. You look at a guy like Roy Halladay that goes deep into the game when he goes out there, and you try to immulate him and learn from it. You throw strikes, and you'll be successful.
aaaaaaaaah: If you were not a baseball player, what do you think you'd be doing?
Romero: Probably a high school baseball coach. My major was kinesiology. Working with kids somehow.
mark_l: Have you preferred being in a six-man rotation, or five? Is it harder to get in a groove having more time between games?
Romero: I prefer five. I think that you just try to prepare the best possible, and I don't mind the five-day rotation.
deetz24: Have you always been a pitcher, or did you have to develop into one?
Romero: I've always been a pitcher. [I] started pitching when I was probably 11 years old, and I've loved it since.
cyroy: You have fared good against most teams you have faced. Is there any particular reason for your struggles against the Red Sox?
Romero: Walks. I think that I've beaten myself in these games. ... It's just been the walks, and you can't walk guys with teams like that.
jess1234: Can you hit, or just pitch?
Romero: Just pitch. I saw my performance this year -- not very good with the bat.
shane111: What advice do you give kids for being a pitcher?
Romero: Take care of your arm. That was my dad's biggest concern when I was a little kid, and watching how many pitches that I threw. The off-the-field work is just as important -- staying active as far as conditioning goes.
scuba1977: When players come up to bat, they have a certain song that they have chosen to play. If you were a hitter these days, what would be your song?
Romero: There are so many! I'd probably come out to "California Love" by Tupac. It's always been a favorite.
fast__ball: What is your favorite thing to do on off-days?
Romero: Depends on if we are in Toronto or on the road. If we're in a place like New York or Boston, then go shopping, but otherwise just get some rest. Here in Toronto, I always end up here at the ballpark working out.
thesven55: Do you have any pregame rituals?
Romero: I just like listening to music, and that's pretty much it. I'm not too crazy about anything else.
jeffey36: Why do they call you the big guy?
Romero: Eric Neilson?
mark_l: Will you be cheering for the Dodgers in the postseason?
Romero: I won't be cheering for anyone in particular. I just like to watch good October baseball.
jeffey36: Ha ha!
scuba1977: Would you prefer to play your entire career in Toronto? It's a rarity these days.
Romero: Yes, I'd like to win a World Series here.
mark_l: I've heard you had your little brother with you in the dugout for some games. That's pretty cool. Has he expressed interest in following in your footsteps?
Romero: Absolutely, he has. I think the thing that helps him is that he is a bit smarter than I am as far as schools go, so either way, he'll be successful in life somehow.
Romero: All right everyone. Thanks for the chat. See you at the ballpark. I'm off for the team picture on the field. Suspect son!
Moderator: Just a reminder Jose Cruz Jr. is chatting this Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET!
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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St. Joseph's/Candler on Tuesday agreed to pay the state of Georgia more than $2.7 million to settle claims for Medicaid billings at the two local hospitals.
The health care provider denied any wrongdoing but also agreed to pay an additional $2,500 to defray costs of the 11-month investigation, Attorney General Samuel Olens said.
The hospitals also cooperated with the state's investigation and implemented corrective actions to ensure that similar billing problems do not occur, Olens said.
The probe focused on "cross-over'' claims made for claims made by patients who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.
The investigation found the hospital providers filed claims which did not relect the full amount of Medicare prior payments, allowing the providers to receive excessive Medicaid reimbursements.
"The errors occurred due to a glitch in the state's computer system, which created the overpayment," said Scott Larson, St. Joseph's/Candler spokesman. "The computer system deleted information from the claims without anyone's knowledge, resulting in an overpayment from Medicaid."
Read more in Wednesday's Savannah Morning News and here at savannahnow.com.


text:
Looking for the perfect bike to suit your
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there's something to suit every cyclist from small through to tall.
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Fixie bikes are lightweight and manoeuvrable
with a fixed gear for fuss-free cycling
round the town.
A cross between a mountain bike and a
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with a strong mountain bike-style frame
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Want to combine cycling with a train
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These often feature characters and funky
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See Bike Size Guide tab above.
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you can spin your front wheel 360° and still
have brake power


text:
Topic: "internal server error" when trying to modify domain attributes
==== Required information ====
- iRedMail version: MySQL v1.8.1 with patch as discussed below
- Store mail accounts in which backend (LDAP/MySQL/PGSQL): MySQL
- Linux/BSD distribution name and version: CentOS 6.5
- Related log if you're reporting an issue:
I finally got through my issue at the follow post:
http://www.iredmail.org/forum/topic5975 … perly.html
Now, I am having a very similar issue when I click on any of the domains under "Domains and Accounts". If I click on the domain or the gear icon for "Edit account profile" I get the same thing, "internal server error". So now I have no way to modify the domain properties of any of the hosted domains.
Can this be reproduced or should I create a support ticket?
Thank you.


text:
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Malian soldiers and ethnic Tuareg separatist rebels clashed again in the northern desert town of Kidal early Monday, a day after trading gunfire downtown in a battle that has raised fears about whether an unraveling peace accord could lead to protracted fighting in the region.
The clashes in Kidal began only a day after suicide car bombers killed two civilians and wounded seven others in Timbuktu, another northern provincial capital.
As fears rose over the deteriorating security situation in the north there were reports of tensions at an important military barracks near the capital, Bamako. Soldiers angry about having not received promotions they said they had been promised fired into the air and demanded to speak to the country's former coup leader, officials said.
In Kidal, after a lull in violence overnight, fighting flared again early Monday but was brought to a halt when French soldiers arrived at the scene several hours later.
"The French forces are trying to calm the situation but it's very complicated," said Hubert de Quievrecourt, a communications adviser with the French military mission. "For the moment there is no casualty toll but the fighting has stopped."
Residents said the fighting on Monday again centered around a bank being guarded by Malian soldiers, where gunfire rang out on Sunday. The same Kidal bank was targeted in a grenade attack two weeks ago. Each side accused the other of firing the first shots.
The clashes, which wounded three people, marked the first such violence in Kidal since the rebels from the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad, or NMLA, announced last week they were suspending participation in a peace accord signed with the government in June.
That accord allowed the Malian military to return to the town, where a separatist rebellion sparked in early 2012 forced the soldiers into retreat. The June agreement also allowed for democratic elections to go forward, the first since a March 2012 coup.
Coup leader Amadou Haya Sanogo was later elevated to a four-star general in the Malian military, skipping over a number of grades and drawing outrage from human rights groups who say he should be tried for abuses committed during his brief rule.
On Monday, soldiers took up arms at the Kati military camp near Bamako, according to two military officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to reporters.
Sanogo's spokesman Lt. Mohamed Bou Coulibaly said the situation was under control Monday afternoon and blamed the unrest on elements close to Col. Youssouf Traore.
The tensions on several fronts underscore the enormous challenges for new Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, who took office in September after winning the election in an August runoff. In an acknowledgement of those obstacles, Keita has made reconciliation a priority for his new government, even naming a minister responsible for the effort and for developing the north.
Talks were to resume between the two sides in Burkina Faso later this year. However, the rebels accused the government of failing to make good on its promises under the deal. Separatist sentiment remains high in Kidal, and the presence of the Malian soldiers since June has been highly controversial.
Tuaregs in northern Mali have sought autonomy dating back to the country's independence from France in 1960. The government has put down several rebellions over the years, though the one sparked in early 2012 allowed separatists to make their greatest gains to date.
After the March 2012 coup in the capital, al-Qaida-linked jihadists also sought to control northern Mali and temporarily sidelined the separatist rebels. After a French-led military intervention ousted the radical Islamic militants from power, though, the NMLA began reasserting itself in Kidal.
Associated Press writer Krista Larson in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report.


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The once gleaming AMD name was tarnished in many minds when the company launched its Barcelona CPUs. Barcelona was plagued from the start with poor performance and poor availability leading many to jump the AMD fence for the greener pastures offered by Intel.
AMD announced today that its Shanghai quad-core Opteron processors are now available. The new Shanghai platform is optimized for virtualization, live migration capability, and promises up to a 40% improvement in virtualization performance.
In addition to improved virtualization performance, AMD also says that the new 45nm Shanghai parts will deliver up to 35% more performance and up to a 35% decrease in power consumption at idle.
AMD senior vice president for Computing Solutions Group Randy Allen said in a statement, "Flawless execution in bringing the 45nm Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor to market early results in new performance leadership on x86 servers. In concert with our OEM and solution provider partners, AMD is addressing the need for enterprises to focus on their bottom line while giving them the innovations they need to build for the future.
"This enhanced AMD Opteron processor represents the most dramatic performance and performance-per-watt increases for AMD products since the introduction of the world's first x86 dual-core processors by AMD nearly four years ago. Simply put, the Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor is the right technology at the right time."
It's important to note that Shanghai isn't a completely new architecture and is more a refresh of Barcelona, which was a 65nm CPU. Processors available today include 75-watt Shanghai parts running at clock speeds from 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz. All of the CPUs have a much larger 6MB L3 cache to support memory-intensive applications like Java and virtualization.
The chips support DDR2-800 memory, which AMD says is more energy efficient than fully buffered RAM. AMD also has enhancements to the AMD Direct Connect Architecture with coherent HyperTransport 3.0 technology in the pipeline for Q2 2009. The update will provide up to 17.6GB/s of bandwidth for processor-to-processor communications.
The new Shanghai parts that AMD launched today are not the last coming in the line. In Q1 2009 AMD will launch a 55-watt Opteron and a SE 105-watt part. Many sever makers will be offering servers using the new 75-watt Opteron parts starting today, one of which is HP.
HP's Paul Gottsegen, VP of marketing for Industry Standard Servers said in a statement, "Customers can drive down costs through new Shanghai-based HP ProLiant servers that set new levels of power efficiency and performance. HP has experienced unparalleled success over the past four years working with AMD in bringing AMD Opteron processor-based platforms to customers of all sizes. Early results indicate Shanghai is a winner."
CNET News reports that AMD also has a new desktop platform codenamed Dragon on the roadmap for Q1 2009. Dragon will use 45nm Shanghai desktop CPUs in conjunction with AMD 700 Series chipsets and ATI Radeon HD 4000 graphics. Whether or not the Shanghai-based Dragon platform can compete with Intel's new Core i7 X58 chipset duo remains to be seen, it's good to see AMD trying to mount a comeback. AMD is working hard to prevent another plagued launch like it executed for Barcelona.


text:
Where Can You Afford to Live Now?
Real estate in cities where you might want to live is expensive again. The gulf between expensive and inexpensive cities is large. It's time to accept the fact that you can't buy a house where you want to live, and start thinking about where you can buy something.
Wouldn't it be fun to live in Hawaii, or the coastal cities of California, or The Big Apple? It sure would. That's why they're America's most expensive housing markets. Forget them. We all know humans cannot afford to live in those places. You're sick of the media telling you where you can't buy a home. Where can you buy a home?
1. Farmland. "Farmland prices in Iowa fell 3% over the second half of last year, and those in Nebraska fell 1%." You can put a big old house on a farm.
2. Fiji. "After a few difficult years following the country's 2006 military coup and the global economic slowdown, Fiji is back on the upswing." A vacation home lot is less than a 1BR apartment in Bed-Stuy!
3. A vacant foreclosed home. "If there is no written lease, you need to provide the tenants with at least 90 days' notice." Squat, move, squat again. See the country.
4. A "ghost city" in China. "Under-occupied cities, where vast sums of money has been spent on real estate projects that then generate insufficient income to service the enormous debts." Spacious.
5. 508 West Washington Ave, Artesia, New Mexico. Affordable. Comes with garage.
Unfortunately you cannot afford to live anywhere else.


text:
DETROIT - The sister of Kwame Kilpatrick's former mistress testified Thursday that she signed countless charity checks for lavish expenditures on the instructions of the former mayor of Detroit.
April Edgar, sister of former Kilpatrick Chief of Staff Christine Beatty and one-time scheduler for Kilpatrick, testified that after Beatty's departure in early 2008 she took over as one of the authorized signers for the Kilpatrick Civic Fund.
The other authorized signers on the account were Kandia Milton, Chief of Staff after Beatty, and William Phillips, the lawyer for the Kilpatrick Civic Fund. All checks issued from the charity account required two authorized signatures.
The government presented Edgar with a dizzying array of checks she had signed from the Civic Fund account. Amongst them, two checks totaling $110,000 to Maiyen Consulting LLC, Beatty's company, in March of 2008 and 2 checks totaling $50,000 to Bernard Kilpatrick's Maestro Associates in 2008. Former Kilpatrick aide DeDan Milton was issued a $5,000 check in November 2008 for consulting services while Impact Strategies/Philanthropy LLC, the Judy Smith crisis management company, received 3 checks for almost $96,000 also in 2008.
And that was just the beginning.
A cashier's check for $69,636.88 was purchased with Civic Fund money for American Mailers Inc in July 2008 and two separate checks totaling $125,000 were issued to Inland Press.
There was an April 2008 check for $4,500 to Super Camp on behalf of Kilpatrick's sons and Chase Beasley, son of former Detroit Teasurer Jeff Beasley.
-- April Edgar outside court on Thursday.
Then there were the hotels.
In 2008 alone, Kilpatrick Civic Fund checks were issued to pay the following:
• $1,150 to the Four Seasons Resort & Spa Dallas in Irving, Texas.
• $964.65 to the Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, North Carolina.
• $982 to Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano, Texas.
• $8,489 (total from 3 separate checks on 2 dates) at the Hilton Southlake in Southlake, Texas.
• $550 to Irvine Marriott for $550 in Irvine, California.
• $1,228.64 to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas.
• $3,750 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. This reservation was ultimately canceled and a credit for $1,875 was issued. Edgar couldn't recall if that amount was ever deposited back into the Civic Fund.
Edgar testified that Kwame and Carlita Kilpatrick would often make reservations under their aliases, Kevin and Carla Kitchen, in a bid to throw the media off their trail.
And finally, there were the moving costs: $15,042.69 to University Moving Company and $12,800 to Regality Management Services for temporary housing.
Jim Thomas, Kwame Kilpatrick's defense lawyer, referred to a September 2008 meeting at the Manoogian Mansion where board members discussed wrapping up the Civic Fund and how to distribute the last of the monies. Thomas pointed out that "transition costs" for moving out had been targeted for a portion of those funds in that meeting.
Other witnesses on the day included Matt Allen, former Kilpatrick press secretary, and Mary Fleming, a former board member of the Manoogian Mansion Restoration Society.
Court is in recess on Friday and Monday. Session will resume next at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Copyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Watch This Single Mom Blow the Judges Away on X Factor Premiere
[There was a video here]
A year after Simon Cowell abandoned ship on American Idol to produce an American version of his other popular televised singing competition, he returned to Fox tonight—and reunited with a no-doubt hysterical Paula Abdul—as The X Factor made its stateside debut.
Our own Richard Lawson will have a proper recap sometime tomorrow, but for now let's get you water cooler-ready: first, watch the video above. Then, remember that her name is Stacy Francis and she's the 42-year-old single mom who took full advantage of her last chance at stardom with a stunning performance of Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," which Cowell described as "one of the best auditions I have ever heard in my life."
In other words, get ready for the upcoming onslaught of "The American Susan Boyle" headlines.


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Spring WS Security
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Two vehicles are on the left side and one on the right on southbound 694 at Hwy. 36 in Pine Springs. Look for minor slow ups in the area.
It's another spin out. This one is on Hwy. 36 at Hwy. 61. Roads are slippery so don't be decived by pavement that appears dry.
In the north metro, look out for a crash on westbound 694 at Hwy. 10 in Arden Hills. One lane is blocked.
Also watch for a spin out on Hwy. 61 at Glen Road in Newport
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More From The Drive
Northbound I-35W into downtown Mpls. closing tonight, much of Thursday
MnDOT will close the segment of freeway that leads to 5th Avenue S., Grant Street and the ramp from northbound I-35W to westbound I-94 from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday and again from 9 a.m. Thursday until 3 p.m.
With Vikings' win, Metro Transit will collect on bet with New Orleans Regional Transit
The "Miracle in Minneapolis" catch by Stefan Digs that gave the Vikings an improbable win over the New Orleans Saints Sunday also was a win for Metro Transit.
Super Bowl LII
Super Bowl-themed light-rail cars begin rolling this weekend
In a first for Metro Transit, the agency has wrapped the interior of three light-rail vehicles to make it feel like riders are at the "Big Game."
St. Paul
New app lets drivers reserve parking spots in downtown St. Paul
Anybody heading downtown for a sporting event, theatrical performance or simply enjoy a night on the town invariably asks the question: Where do I park?
Super Bowl LII
MnDOT to modify downtown Mpls. street to help Super Bowl traffic flow
Changes are coming to a little used street on the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis, and they could have a big impact the traffic flow during the Super Bowl.


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Less crowded than Nový Smíchov Centrum, Palác Flóra is also directly accessible from the metro station. There's something for most shoppers here, with...Vinohradská 149
It's not a mall, it's an entertainment centre. Well, that's how Palladium likes to style itself. It has tons of restaurants (including conveyor belt sushi)...Náměstí Republiky 1


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Do you have a business that needs help? Then you should seek the expert help of an online business coach. I recently hired a consultant for my small business that was dying because of a lack of funds. I was immediately provided with a full time consultant, dedicated to my case. She first listened to my problems and understood my situation.
Then she slowly started sharing ideas that could help my business grow back to its glorious days and I followed her advice very closely. My online business coach gave me ideas to increase my earnings through the implementation of very innovative methods. She then told me to revamp my business and change some of the strategies.
I was also advised to use attractive ads in different locations to increase publicity and attract customers towards my business. These things really helped change the state of my business and now I can proudly say that I am a leading businessman in my area.


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Spring training: A's 9, Giants 0
Barry Zito called Thursday's outing against the Oakland A's a throw away game. And that's a good idea. Because there wasn't much worth keeping.
The A's jumped on Zito from three runs in the first inning and strolled to a 9-0 win in the opener of a three-game series.
"My timing was off tonight," Zito said. "Just the timing and the delivery, a couple of things I'm going to clean up before the next start."
Good idea, because he's next start his Tuesday in the second game of the regular season in Houston.
Zito needed 74 pitches to get through three innings of work. He gave up five runs on seven hits and walked one. He had four strikeouts.
It wasn't a good night for the Giants offense, who managed just five singles off four A's pitchers — one single each by Travis Ishikawa, Edgar Renteria, Pablo Sandoval, Juan Uribe and John Bowker.
Kevin Pucetas, who had been in the mix for the No. 5 starter spot, came in relief of Zito and didn't fare much better, giving up three runs in 1 2/3 innings of work.
If you were looking for good news, there were scoreless innings of work in relief by Brandon Medders, Jeremy Affeldt and Dan Runzler.
Up next
Matt Cain will go to the mound as the series continues at 7:05 p.m. Friday. MLB Network will carry the game again.


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As far as the coastal cities of North County are concerned, it doesn't get much better than Encinitas. A perfect blend of surf culture, beachgoers, and health fanatics, Encinitas is a greatvacation getaway for anyone interesting in slowing things down a little bit.
Home to the most triathletes in the country, this suburban neighborhood of San Diego is rife with organic and natural eateries, bike shops, running shops, surf shops and more. There are a number of beach rentals throughout the communities of Encinitas and Leucadia, and greatly discounted deals at restaurants and bars in the area. Read through some of the great local attractions and plan your next trip to a North County neighborhood gem!
Downtown Encinitas: The six blocks of Downtown Encinitas include a number of great local spots, as well as boutiques, late night taco shops, and more. This area also boasts a low-key swap meet on Sunday afternoons that incorporates local art, food, and crafts.
Del Mar Races: Just a few miles south of Encinitas is the lovely town of Del Mar. Each year the San Diego Fair and Del Mar Races come to town, attracting high rollers from all over the country. If you're looking for a great place to check out some horse races, this is the place to start. Bets start at $2, so it's great for amateur gamblers and those just looking to have fun.
Local Favorites: A gourmet pizza shop, craft brewery, and all-around fun environment, you cannot miss stopping at Pizza Port during your trip to San Diego. With four locations in Southern California, Pizza Port is a SoCal favorite. The main brew is in Carlsbad, which borders the northern side of Encinitas, and a second location is in Solana Beach, about 4 miles south of downtown Encinitas. Within Encinitas, a great spot for burgers and beers is the Encinitas Ale House. On Tuesday nights, they offer buy one get one free burgers (these big burgers are not for the faint at heart), and they have the largest selection of craft and imported Belgian beers in North County.
Swami's Seaside Park: A small park, beach, and great surfing spot, Swami's is a favorite among locals, and a nationally-acclaimed surf spot. It has been rated among the top 5 surf spots in the country numerous times, and was mentioned in The Beach Boys' song, "Surfin USA."
Distances to Main Attractions
Beaches: While the city of Encinitas encompasses inland areas, it is a beach city at heart. About 6 miles of Encinitas is along the beach, and it includes the communities of Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhein. The beach is never more than 8 minutes away.
San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park: Depending on the route you take, the Wild Animal Park can be 30 to 45 minutes away from your vacation rental in Encinitas.
SeaWorld San Diego: By jumping on the 5, any vacation home in Encinitas is about 30 minutes from SeaWorld.
Legoland: Located in the largest North County area of Carlsbad, Legoland is about 10-15 minutes from Encinitas.
San Diego International Airport: A 35-minute drive south will take you to the San Diego airport.
Historic Gas Lamp District and Downtown San Diego: You can reach the center of downtown in 30-40 minutes from most areas of Encinitas.
Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo: The drive to the San Diego Zoo from Encinitas is a quick 30 minutes on the 5 and 805 Freeways.
Old Town San Diego: About 25-20 minutes away, the Historic area of Old Town San Diego is easily accessible from Interstate 5, and loaded with culture.
Easy access to the 5, and the Pacific Coast Highway (101)


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Nice replacements
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Nice replacement for the oem rear speakers in my 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cap. Installation was little harder than the front speakers since the adapter didn't work. The fit guide also calls for 4x6 speakers for my truck which is incorrect. You have to use the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche to get the correct ones and you have to do some modifications to these speakers to mount them. 6-3/4 would have worked better. The supplied wire connecter worked great. Much better than the original paper cone speakers.
Pros: Good quality and price. Pretty good sound.
Cons: Could be a litter better with the bass output.


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Prices, promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.
allen + roth 18-in L Red Alison Tailored Valance
Item # 55934 Model # X104 .017VALZ
This item is no longer available on Lowes.com.


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30 Minutes with Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof of Lost
Just to set the stage: You guys are working on Season 3 as we speak, right? CARLTON: Yes. We started shooting back on August 7. We're working on new episodes right now, in fact.
So you're writing the zombie episode, then? [all chuckle - Damon and Carlton have a running joke on their Lost podcasts about writing an "all-zombie" episode if the show is ever in danger of becoming too long in the tooth.] DAMON: That one's already written and in a safety-deposit box in case anything happens to us.
And that's for Season 7, right? CARLTON: Yeah.
DAMON: Exactly. They would have to accelerate the airing of that episode should a horrible fate befall either of us.
Ah. I feel so much better, now that I know. So let's dive on into the DVD set for Season 2. I love the bonus materials like the on-location stuff, flashback outtakes, and "Secrets of The Hatch." When you work on the actual season itself, are you actively thinking that you have to shoot extra material? DAMON: Obviously, the show - the mother ship - is our main focus at all times. But when Carlton and I, along with [executive producer] Bryan Burk, were in Hawaii last year for the Season 1 DVD release party, we sat down with all the guys at Buena Vista and the DVD producers and started filling them in on everything we were up to in Season 2. At that point, we were probably writing "Orientation" [Episode 3 of Season 2], and we gave them some ideas we had for the Season 2 DVD, so that they could immediately start thinking about what they would need us to be doing for them.
Everything we shoot is for the show. It's all intended to air, but every so often in the editing room, Carlton and I find ourselves saying, "You know what? That'd make a great scene for the DVD, because we have to knock some time out of the show" or "While that's a great scene, it doesn't quite fit in the episode the way we originally intended in the script." And then of some scenes, we'll say, "You know what? That scene doesn't work at all, so it shouldn't be on the show or the DVD, period."


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As a teacher, I value choices for my students in both how they learn and in how they demonstrate that learning. I try to give my students choices about as many things as I can each day, including whether to use technology in their learning or to use more traditional methods. Because I am fortunate enough to now have a classroom set of iPads, I am able to offer the choice of using technology much more often.
Our iPads have apps for math, writing, arts education and many literacy activities, but it bothered me that these devices did not have a good choice for just reading. There are apps available that contain leveled books of some kind, but these books are always a bit contrived. There are also some good "listening to reading" apps available that read stories to the students. The best of these highlight the words as they are read. I appreciate the value of this as part of my literacy program, but I looked in vain for quality books that the students could read on their own.
Finding the Solution
Back in the spring, someone on Twitter shared a link to onehundredfreebooks.com. This site has a constantly changing list of books that are currently free at Amazon. When you click on the link to a book on this site, it takes you right to the Amazon page selling that book and you can then purchase the free book. Because I had the Kindle app installed on my iPad, I could view all of my purchases there. I loved this site for myself. I could try books from authors I had never heard of without spending money on something that might not be as good as I had hoped. Last summer, I noticed that there were sometimes children's books available. This intrigued me. I wondered about using these books in my classroom. Could this provide me with some choice for my students who like to read on the iPad?
I set up an account and tried it on my student's iPads, only to discover that a book can only be viewed on a maximum of five devices. After five children had downloaded a book, the other children could see the book in the Kindle app, but not read it. The other children were more than a little disappointed when the Halloween book they wanted to read was not available to them. So I started over.
Making it Work
This time I set up four different accounts. Since all of my iPads are numbered, I set up four gmail and Kindle accounts– accountname1, accountname6, accountname11 and accountname16. I put the Kindle account from accountname1 onto iPads 1 – 5, the account from accountname6 on iPads 6 – 10 and so on.
Then, I started watching for good books on onehundredfreebooks.com. Now, when I see a book I think might interest my students, I first check it out on Amazon. I have a look inside (Amazon provides this option) to see if it is an appropriate reading level, whether the illustrations are good ones, whether the illustrations are supportive of the text—in short all of the things I look for in a paper book. I have learned to NOT purchase any books that do not give you a look inside at the first few pages. If I think the book is worthwhile, I get my student's iPads that are numbered 1, 6, 11 and 16. These iPads always have their Amazon account open. (This has never been an issue and saves me a lot of time). I choose onehundredfreebooks.com in Safari—and purchase the book on those four iPads. When my students next open their Kindle app, the book will be available to all of them.
I try to check the site a couple of times per week, and if I see something interesting, the whole process takes me about two minutes. Books on this site do disappear without notice, though. More than once I have found an interesting-looking book that has been taken off the site by the time I got to the iPads.
Here is a screenshot of what their Kindle app currently looks like. We have books from a variety of genres and reading levels.
Onehundredfreebooks.com has recently added genre selection to their home page, so I now go directly to their children's books page and browse all the titles available there.
I appreciate the variety of books I have been able to provide for my students. Now, all of the students have access to a variety of books on their iPads as well as in their self-chosen bin of paper books. During our "read to self" time, the students can choose paper books or digital books. Some choose to read on the iPad every day, some rarely do and some switch back and forth. My students have another choice.


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An ambitious bid to see the world's last remaining flying Vulcan take to the skies alongside the globe's last two airworthy Lancaster bombers has been launched.
Vulcan XH558, which is based at Robin Hood Airport, took over from the Lancaster after World War Two as the Royal Air Force's main bomber aircraft.
Now the Vulcan To The Sky Trust has been asked to join a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity of a three ship meeting with the two remaining Lancasters.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster was reunited with her Canadian counterpart for the first time in more than sixty years last week. The planes are the only two remaining Lancasters still airworthy in the globe and will never fly together again after a series of air shows and flypasts this summer.
Lancaster Thumper is based in Britain as part of the RAF BBMF and Lancaster Vera is based in a museum in Ontario in Canada.
A spokesman for VTTS said: "We feel sure you all want us to take part but the extra costs are simply not budgeted."
"This is why we are now asking XH558's followers to support a limited issue of just 558 shares at £15 each - as this will directly cover our additional operating costs."
It will cover a dedicated flight this Wednesday to RAF Waddington to arrive in good time for the meeting, a static photo shoot on Thursday, together with the logistical costs of the support team and equipment needed to look after her at and for the extra fuel costs involved before departing to display at Clacton.
The spokesman added: "In return for your support, not only do you help secure this extraordinary meeting, but we will issue a receipt for each share supported in the form of a special commemorative certificate that you can display and treasure with pride as a memento of a very special day. "
To help support the appeal, visit www.vulcantothesky.org


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Local farmers interested in being a vendor at the Yell County River Market need to meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Arkansas River Valley Regional Library in Dardanelle.
Applications and guidelines will be handed out a this time. Please share information with other interested local farmers.
River Valley Heat youth fundraiser
The River Valley Heat youth basketball fundraiser will include several fundraising efforts on Saturday at the Yell County Courthouse in Dardanelle. A garage sale and bake sale will begin at 7 a.m., a car wash at 9 and chicken dinners will be available at 11.
Welcher family reunion
Friends and relatives are invited to the annual Welcher family reunion on Saturday at the W.J. Matthews Civic Center at 108 W. Main St. in Atkins. Doors will open at 9 a.m. with a potluck meal at noon. Meat will be provided. An auction will be held following lunch to raise money for next year's reunion. Those attending are asked to take a dish for the meal and an item for the auction.
Barnett, Bachelor family reunion June 10
The Barnett and Bachelor family reunion will be June 10 at Chickalah Community Building. Potluck lunch will be served at noon.
Appleton Homecoming Saturday, Sunday
The annual Appleton Homecoming will be Saturday and Sunday at the Appleton Community Building.
Saturday's festivities include a parade at 1 p.m., a cake walk at 2 p.m., a dinner to be served from 4-6 p.m. and music by The Heaven Jublees at 5:30 p.m. and by Marion and Louise Henderson, James and Jean Stanton and their "Pickin Buddies" and Sandy Stroud at 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the Homecoming will be at the Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church. There will be worship, congregation singing, special music talks, etc. A potluck lunch will be served at noon in the fellowship hall. Everyone is invited.
For more information, call Angie Cook at 280-7193, Pam Curtis at 886-6022 or Kitty Hamilton at 223-0723.


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Oni Review
In the long run of action/adventure titles, few have even come close to the achievements set by Sony's/989 Studios' Syphon Filter series. The first Syphon Filter quickly became one of the PSOne's most popular action titles ever, while the hype wasn't there, the minute the game launched and the press got in on the action, gamers flocked to pick this title off from their store shelves, Sony has cashing in, not only was Syphon Filter well received by nearly every publication out there, the demand for a sequel began just weeks after the release, and once again exactly a year later 989 Studios delivered a sequel. They delivered a 2 CD journey, with tons of weapons, a two-player mode and even more Syphon Filter action, gamers were in heaven. Now we have the PS2, and even though Syphon Filter 3 is not to be released until the end of the year, Rockstar may have something just for you SF fans to calm you over with their Oni title. Half-way developed by Bungie -who is now smelling Bill Gate's Benjamins- Oni is an action title that plays similar to Syphon Filter, but the premise is a bit more than just guns.
  It's obvious that Oni is first generation material, that isn't exactly a letdown but it isn't anything for Bungie to be happy about. Bungie, who developed half of Oni before Microsoft bought them out, did a nice job of creating the overall look of Oni, but there are still some things missing. First let's talk positives, Oni has got nice environmental detail, as vast and large the areas are, there is just no pop-up or fade-in of any kind, that would be a big plus. The character detail is very nice as well, while the characters aren't composed of as many polygons as say a game like Orphen, the detail is still quite good. For the negative aspects, I must say that while the texture detail is solid, the textures themselves are often repeated way too much, so environmental detail lacks any variation, this con cost the visual category many points.
  The frame rate on the other hand isn't always so steady, at one point it could be pacing at a nice 30 frames, but when you face a wall, where there are no textures or bodies, the frame rate would bump all the way up to 60. If more than two characters are present on the screen, along with textures the frame rate may a go little below 30 when you rotate the camera, while it is no big deal, it is still something Bungie and Take-Two overlooked. I should also make note that most of the game's cut scenes are in real-time, so that means no FMVs or CGs. Overall, the developers could've done a lot more for Oni, even though anti-aliasing is there, the character detail is solid, and environments are reasonably vast, the repetitive structures and the overall lack in polish, bring down the visual score significantly.
  This is where Oni is like no other action game out there. Instead of just guns and deadly weapons, the main character of Oni is able to punch and kick her enemies, as well as perform devastating 'Tekken-esque' throws. But you can't go playing the game using only your physical form, you have to ante-up the action and bring in the artillery to teach those baddies a lesson. Oni features a variety of cool weapons for you to choose from, but in order to get them, you will have to pry them out of an enemy's hands by attacking either physically or with a weapon. After beating an opponent mercilessly you can pick up what he dropped by pressing down R3, which would either be a weapon or Hypo Spray (health). The enemies can be brutal sometimes, they will sometimes outnumber you two to one or even three to one, so keeping safe distance is always a must.
  Oni's gameplay is certainly no Syphon Filter but there are a lot great things about Oni, a lot like Syphon Filter, this game also has those tough spots that really make you scratch your head. The game stars Konoko, a TCTF (Tech Crimes Task Force) agent who lives in the year 2032, and the world has significantly changed. The government follows your every move, you have absolutely no freedom, and it almost seems like the storyline is a sci-fi re-creation of the 1920's and 30's during the times of Fascism and Communism. Konoko and her league of TCTF agents are here to put an end to all of this. In a Metal Gear Solid fashion, Konoko also has a CODEC like feature where her mates can contact her and fill her in on new info. Oni will take you through 14 missions, and in total it should really take you about a week and a half to complete if you've got a strategy guide on-hand. The game offers a lot for the average gamer, but the lack of replay value, and any intriguing story line severely hits the game hard. If the story was thought further and wasn't as clichéd as it is, Rockstar may have had a better title on their hands, but despite it all, Oni is a purchase worthy action game, if you have second doubts, you should at least rent Oni.
  For an action what would you expect in the sound area, your average techno fast beats and sound effects such as gun shots and explosions. But besides average sound effects, Oni features a lot of voice acting, most of which occurs during cut-scenes. The voice acting for the most part is good, the voices are well fit for their individual character, the timing is precise most of the time, but during speech pauses it sounds more like the speakers microphone was cut-off. Nothng much to really complain over, but nothing to hail and ga-ga over.
  Now here is another reason why Oni's gameplay isn't as high as you would think. The control could be incredibly sluggish, especially when you are outnumbered by enemies. Instead of the traditional L1 and R1 buttons to rotate the camera, Oni uses the right analog stick to control the camera, and in all honesty, I dislike the feature. I don't like the fact that I have to have both of my hands busy (controlling character and moving camera), when enemies may surround me. As much as I would prefer the camera to follow and rotate by itself, Bungie must have thought about this and thankfully allows Konoko to kick and punch backward. By tapping the analog stick down and pressing an action button, Konoko will whack an enemy. She is also capable of doing a variety of moves, such as rolling, doing a cart wheel, dashing, throwing enemies, jump kicking and baseball sliding. Oni's control will take time to get used to for those who are still Syphon crazed, but once you get a feel for it, Oni should be a pleasant game to play.
  Concluding this review, I must admit in the beginning Oni isn't exactly the best game, but once you get into at least the third stage, you will most likely enjoy yourself. While the graphics aren't astounding or groundbreaking, they still hold their own ground. The gameplay is quite enjoyable if a story-line isn't all you care about, the 14 stages may give you about a little over a weeks worth of challenge if you use a guide, but if you use your head, Oni may put you through 3 weeks of adventure. Oni overall is a good game, hampered by a few flaws here and there, but a good game nonetheless, give it a shot if you are looking for a Syphon Filter-like action title.
2/21/2001 Arnold Katayev
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DIVERS have retrieved the first bodies from the submerged South Korean ferry that capsized nearly four days ago, marking a grim new stage in the search and recovery process.
SYDNEY - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 has struck off Papua New Guinea, the US Geological Survey says, but a tsunami warning issued for PNG and the Solomon Islands has been cancelled.
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has baptised 10 people and urged them to bring their faith "to the ends of the earth" as he presided over an Easter Vigil in St Peter's Basilica.
KATHMANDU - An Australian mountaineer who narrowly escaped the deadliest accident ever on Mount Everest says some local guides and climbers are questioning whether to scrap their summit plans after 13 Nepalese guides were killed in an avalanche.
JUBA - More than 100 people have been killed in a cattle raid in South Sudan's Warrap state, a local information minister has told UN radio, the latest atrocity in the war-torn country.
LONDON - A mother and two children have been forced to flee their car after it overheated and caught fire in a lion enclosure in a safari park in Britain.
Originally published as World News Update, what you need to know