text:
713-213-4286 email@example.com
Timothy Macalino, a senior at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston, is the first student from the school ever accepted to University of St. Thomas. With the unique education he received from Cristo Rey Jesuit, a school that advocates personal responsibility through academics and work-study, Macalino has his eye on his future collegiate success.
"This was my first option," Macalino said. "It is a local Catholic college, and I wanted to stay in Houston. I visited campus, and I liked that everybody knew everyone else. I also saw a bunch of clubs I want to be a part of. It was the perfect choice."
Macalino, who lives in Pearland, is a part of the first class to attend Cristo Rey Jesuit for four years because the school opened in 2009. At Cristo Rey Jesuit, every student is required to work one day a week at entry-level jobs with sponsor companies across Houston, including UST. This allows students to pay for about 60 percent of the cost of a private school education.
"It was very different," Macalino said. "My mom found out about it and the big thing was a Catholic, affordable education. It made me well-rounded too. How many 18-year-olds come into college having worked at corporations?"
He worked at Dresser-Rand and Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP. Macalino said he wasn't just filing either. He was actively working on projects and participated in formal presentations.
Arthur Ortiz, assistant vice president of enrollment management, recognizes the similarities between St. Thomas and Cristo Rey Jesuit.
"Cristo Rey Jesuit, like UST, has a mission of educating academically and forming one's faith," Ortiz said. "Cristo Rey Jesuit is a Catholic high school that believes strongly in developing the whole person."
The Rev. TJ Martinez, S.J., president of Cristo Rey Jesuit said from the beginning the school has partnered with St. Thomas for the further education of its faculty and with thoughts to the future education of its students.
"It is a dream come true to have one of our seniors from the first graduating class accepted to this incredibly prestigious institution," Father Martinez said. "I have no doubt many will follow in his footsteps. UST will be continuing the Catholic values and traditions we have instilled in all of our students from the moment they walked onto this campus four years ago."
Macalino, whose parents are from the Philippines, has an older brother and sister both pursuing higher education.
Check out this 2017 Q&A with Timothy, one of the very first alumni of Cristo Rey Jesuit's first class to graduate from UST.
Educating Leaders of Faith and Character
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- Mercedes news
W04 'a clear step forward' - Brawn
- Drivers:
- Ross Brawn
- Teams:
- Mercedes
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn says the W04 is "a clear step forward in design" compared to last year's car.
The W03 won the Chinese Grand Prix and was competitive early in the season before the team struggled with development and finished the year poorly. With the W04 having been launched in Jerez on Monday, Brawn said that a lot of work behind the scenes at Mercedes has started to pay off with the new car.
"2013 marks the start of a second era for our Silver Arrows works team," Brawn said. "The restructuring we undertook at the team over the past 18 months are now growing in maturity and this is reflected in the F1 W04, which is a clear step forward in design and detail sophistication over its predecessor."
Brawn also said that the aim was to deliver "a step change in performance" with the new car compared to the W03.
"Many thousands of hours of work have been invested by our technical teams in Brackley and Brixworth to ensure that the new car delivers a step change in performance compared to last season. We are also hugely proud to welcome Lewis [Hamilton] to the team as a works Mercedes-Benz driver. With Lewis and Nico [Rosberg], we have what I believe to be the strongest driver line-up in Formula One and I know that a healthy level of competition between them both will help drive the team forward."
He explained that improving the aerodynamics had been the main focus over the close season, but that he is confident Mercedes' other problem areas in 2012 would also be eased.
"Simple aerodynamic performance is always very significant," he said. "If you can improve the downforce and improve the efficiency then the management of tyres and other factors become easier.
"Understanding the exhaust has been a key factor over the winter and we have a much better understanding now. And we've wanted to take the car forward in the basic principles such as centre of gravity, stiffness and the dynamics of the suspension; all of those are things that have been worked on hard really since the car started to be conceived, which was early last year.
"But aerodynamic performance has been core and that's been helped by the 60% model in the wind tunnel and the restructuring of the aero group under Mike Elliot, which I'm very optimistic about."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, December 14, 2007, 4:06 PM
Town Square
Decking the streets
Original post made on Dec 15, 2007
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, December 14, 2007, 4:06 PM
a resident of Vintage Hills
on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:55 am
Pleasanton Weekly reports..."The decorators are at it again this year providing holiday displays even better than the years before."
Did I read that correctly?? HOLIDAY displays.
I belive those are CHRISTMAS light displays.
a resident of Canyon Creek
on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:34 am
better listing can be found at www.lightsofthevalley.com
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 17, 2007 at 12:26 pm
It is great to observe energy being wasted on the Holiday Season displays...in the name of Jesus???
a resident of Livermore
on Dec 17, 2007 at 3:38 pm
You can't say "Christmas" nowadays due to the Polically Correct mess. My daughter got suspended from work at Nordy's for saying that to the customers.
a resident of Downtown
on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:49 pm
I agree with Waste Energy! The holiday lights on Main Street are on all night! Not to mention many residents leave their holiday light decorations on all night! This makes me furious because it is such a waste of energy. Since when was one of Pleasanton's characteristics of its community (over)consumption? The men and women fighting in Iraq come back home and look at us with awe at our unconscious wastefulness. It's disgusting. I'm ashamed that Pleasanton allows its holiday decorations to be on all night. Nobody is downtown to enjoy them. Nobody is walking around in neighborhoods at 2am to look at the light decorations. For the love of our precious Earth and natural resources, TURN OFF YOU LIGHT DECORATIONS AT 9PM!
a resident of Foothill Knolls
on Dec 18, 2007 at 2:57 pm
All the great CHRISTMAS displays in the Tri Valley are at Web Link . There is no one that can compete with that website. The Times and the Herald try to with their Holiday Lights Map that shows a whole 5 houses. Wow. Why bother?
a resident of Birdland
on Dec 19, 2007 at 10:40 am
you should sue Nordy's that is religious discrimination.
a resident of Ridgeview Commons
on Apr 26, 2017 at 4:52 pm
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?


text:
There is growing concern that the current global positioning system network of satellites used by the United States is aging and will begin to routinely fail starting in 2010, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report indicates.
The U.S. Air Force now uses 30 different GPS satellites -- which launched into orbit in the early 1990s -- and has become noticeably less reliable and may be sending inaccurate navigational information to people using mobile GPS units.
In 2010 "as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to," the GAO's "Global Positioning System: Significant Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Widely Used Capabilities" report claims.
The US government is expected to invest almost $6 billion into new GPS satellite technology over the next four years, in an attempt to try and get back on schedule after suffering several years of "significant" technical issues. If the Air Force is unable to get back on track, however, the GAO warns there could be wide-ranging ramifications for all GPS users.
As there is growing concern regarding GPS, Boeing recently lost a lawsuit that would have prevented the Air Force from disclosing Boeing GPS satellites cost. Boeing believes Lockheed Martin, the company's biggest competitor, may be behind the request, which was filed several years ago under a Freedom of Information request.
A few years ago only specialized GPS units made use of GPS, but now many mobile phones and smartphones now utilize the technology for consumers to enjoy. Furthermore, an even larger number of new cars are shipping from the factory with built-in GPS units.
However, there is a much larger concern regarding possible intercontinental flights being canceled or delayed, and the military's reduced amount of "smart bombs" for use in Afghanistan.
It should be interesting to see if the Air Force is able to straighten out budget issues and make sure there isn't a serious GPS gap in the coming years. Military officials said its IIIA block of satellites will be launched three years earlier than planned, but the GAO report said it's "optimistic given the program's late start, past trends in space acquisitions, and challenges facing the new contractor."


text:
Behind hole 2 (27 hole layout) in the long position. Ching special utility - turnover, mid range driver. Complete with helicopter flying and shooting or getting shot at. Name on back very faded Jim 503.254.9385, number disconnected. Probably happy that you didn't have to play it from where I found it. Contact bart @ firstname.lastname@example.com....
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text:
Iowa Trails 2000 sets forth a vision for a statewide
trails network. This network includes corridors of national, statewide,
or regional significance, with the understanding that numerous local
trail systems will be interconnected. The implementation of this vision
is a significant task, but can be accomplished through the cooperation
of various state agencies, local governments, and private interests.
The 1990 Iowa Statewide Recreational Trails Plan proposed
approximately 3,000 miles of trails as part of the backbone and support
systems. In 1990, approximately 400 miles of the system were in place.
In 2000, at the time of Iowa Trails 2000, approximately 1,180
miles of trails have been built as part of the statewide system. This
indicates a construction rate of approximately 78 miles of trails per
year. Iowa Trails 2000 proposes 4,391 miles of new trails as
part of the statewide vision. At the current rate of trail construction,
the statewide trails vision would be complete in approximately 56 years.
In order to accomplish the statewide trails vision
and to speed the rate of trail development, several action items should
be considered. These action items describe the general tasks which should
occur throughout the implementation of the vision plan. Rather than
offering a specific sequence of events, the action items describe ongoing
tasks necessary for implementation of the vision.
The statewide trails vision will be implemented through:
The statewide trails vision, as set forth in Iowa Trails
2000, will be implemented through a cooperative effort between state
agencies, regional agencies, local governments, trails advocacy groups, and
non-profit organizations. Continued coordination of efforts is necessary
in order to maximize funding, efficiently use staff time, and market completed
Ultimately, the implementation of the statewide trails
vision is based on the successful development of specific trails projects.
There are two principal ways in which trails projects are developed in Iowa:
In addition to the above two methods, some trails may be
implemented by private developers, typically within housing or office developments.
How these trails work into the public system depends on whether the trails
are turned over to a local jurisdiction upon completion or are held by a
management company or homeowners association. If these trails become
public facilities owned by a local government entity, they inherently become
a part of the statewide trails vision. This is a desirable practice, and
local communities should strive to extend their trails systems in cooperation
with private developers.
Since the adoption of the 1990 Iowa Statewide Recreational
Trails Plan, local governments have been developing trails within the statewide
trails system. A large amount of the funding has been provided by the Iowa
DOT through the State Recreational Trails Program and through other funding
mechanisms operated by the DOT and DNR. Under this system, trail developers
apply to the DOT or DNR for funding, and are responsible for all aspects
of trail planning, design, and construction. This method has allowed local
governments to prioritize and select trail corridors according to local needs
and desires.
A significant number of trails in Iowa will continue to
be developed in this way. Some recommended changes to this system, such as
evaluation of funding criteria and state agency involvement in the resolution
of difficult issues, are discussed in Chapter 8: Recommendations.
Funding opportunities are discussed later in this chapter.
Beginning with Iowa Trails 2000, state agencies
will be taking a more active role in the implementation of the statewide
trails vision. Trails implemented by state agencies are planned, designed,
constructed, and managed by the DOT or DNR. Some examples of trails that
have already been built according to this model include all trails within
state parks and some local connectors implemented by the DNR, and trails
within state highway rights-of-way.
The Statewide Trails Vision in Chapter 3 sets forth a framework
for further trails planning by state and local agencies. Iowa Trails 2000
will be followed by specific trails plans, prepared by state agencies and
designed to prioritize projects for implementation. These additional plans
will be based on the statewide trails vision set forth in Iowa Trails
Recommendations specific to these additional trails plans
are discussed in Chapter 8: Recommendations.
As discussed above, the development of trails in Iowa
is a cooperative effort between various agencies, communities and organizations.
The level of involvement by local governments, county and regional governments,
state agencies, federal agencies, or private groups depends on the type of
trail being proposed and the exact location of the trail. In general, however,
these different groups have specific responsibilities during the trail planning
and development process.
For locally developed trails, the DOT is a significant
funding source through administration of the states major trail grant
programs. It also offers some planning and design assistance, offers financing
guidance, and reviews final trail plans for Iowa DOT funded projects.
For trails developed by state agencies, the DOT is responsible
for subsequent trails planning and implementation, specifically for bicycle
and pedestrian facilities. The DOT will be primarily involved in developing
trails within state highway rights-of-way, but may partner with other agencies
or communities in the development of other trails.
For locally developed trails, the district offices are
the primary contact point for local communities and organizations. These
offices offer guidance in navigating through the funding process, and provide
planning and programming assistance.
For trails owned by the DOT, the district offices may
have significant responsibility for the day-to-day operations and maintenance
of trails. These offices may also have some responsibility for planning,
programming, and project development of specific trail projects.
For locally implemented trails, the DNR works cooperatively
with local jurisdictions in providing funding and management assistance
for trail links between state parks and neighboring communities. It also
offers guidance on funding options and reviews trails plans for DNR-funded
The DNR also maintains a system of multi-purpose trails
within state parks, recreation areas, and forests totaling more than 650
miles. The DNR may also be responsible for additional trail planning, specifically
for OHV, canoe/kayak, and snowmobile facilities.
Table 6-1 tabulates the various responsibilities of the
above groups.
A crucial early step in trail planning is to broaden
awareness of the trail project and begin to gain consensus. An important
way to gain public support early on is to make sure the community and
trail users are involved in the system planning process. Iowa Trails
2000 employed extensive public involvement strategies, including
open houses, newsletters, and a website. Throughout the implementation
of the statewide trails vision and the development of specific trails
projects, this kind of public involvement should continue.
For each subsequent planning effort or trails development
project, a public information strategy should be developed. Trail planners
and developers may decide to hold meetings on a regular basis, establish
a trail advisory committee, publish a newsletter, send direct mailings,
maintain a website, establish an e-mail list-serve for interested parties,
or any other method they see fit to use. What is important is to establish
a strategy, communicate that strategy to the public, and follow the
strategy throughout the trail planning or development process.
In addition to the recommendations listed above for
public involvement, there may be legal requirements for notification
of adjacent landowners. The agency or government responsible for trail
planning or development should be aware of any local requirements.
Public involvement and public support go hand in hand.
By involving the public early and often, Iowa Trails 2000 addresses
the desires of the citizens of Iowa. State and local agencies should
continue to strive for increased public support for the statewide trails
vision throughout the implementation process.
In addition, it is important to increase the support
for the statewide trails vision among local, regional, and county governments;
non-profit organizations and trail advocacy groups; other state agencies;
and legislators. By increasing support for trails both at the grassroots
level and the administrative level, the statewide trails vision can
be effectively implemented.
With a good public process, legitimate issues, concerns,
and opposition to trails developments can be aired and resolved. However,
some opposition to trails comes from misunderstanding and not being
informed. This may occur for a variety of reasons, but primarily because
there is little time given to "public" involvement and education. In
order to assist communities in addressing and alleviating these concerns,
a summary of common reactions to trails is included on the following
pages, along with possible responses to each issue or concern. These
should be thought of and used as aids for public information, and not
as rebuttals for opposition arguments.
Liability risks involved in constructing or designating
bicycle facilities are too great.
In most states, recreational use statutes protect
adjacent property owners along trails.
Ninety-two percent of rail-trails are owned and
managed by a public agency. In every case, the liability risks associated
with the trail are folded into the public agency's umbrella insurance
Public agencies can reduce their potential exposure
to legal action by incorporating the following activities: use accepted
facility planning and design guidelines (AASHTO or FHWA); apply
common maintenance standards to public facilities; monitor the use
of facilities and be aware of any developing problems; and post
warnings to users regarding actual or potential hazards.
Rail-trails in many states are used for transportation
purposes. On trails in Seattle, Washington; North Virginia; and
Clearwater, Florida; 39 percent of the weekday use is for commuting
All automobile trips are not solely for transportation
purposes, up to one-quarter of all automobile trips are for social
and recreational reasons.
Most communities can afford the federal governments
required match of 20 percent of the project cost. On average, communities
contribute 27 percent of a project's total cost.
Trails can generate additional revenue for public
Local businesses of all kinds, from antique shops
and bed & breakfast establishments to hardware and even clothing
stores, frequently see an increase in sales when a trail opens on
a previously unused railroad corridor. New businesses such as snack
bars and bicycle shops often open to accommodate trail users.
Approximately 5 to 22 cents is saved (through reduced
pollution, damage to the environment, etc.) for every automobile
mile displaced by walking and bicycling.
Statistics indicate that crime on trails occurs
no more frequently than in any other public place.
Safety on trails can be increased through design
practices. Lighting, elimination of dead ends, aesthetics and paying
close attention to the design of tunnels and underpasses can reduce
safety concerns.
Providing active management of the facility, including
garbage pickup, mowing, etc., indicates to users and potential abusers
that a local agency is monitoring the trail.
Management practices such as regular observation
of trails by volunteer trail patrols or police officers, placement
of emergency phones, and vegetation maintenance can also increase
Planting vegetation screens or constructing fences
can be included in trail designs along the properties of concerned
Where trails pass through or are adjacent to private
property, trail signage can include reminders that trail users are
to remain in the trail corridor and that private property abuts
the trail.
Bicyclists and pedestrians are also motorists who
pay gas taxes. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) users also pay gas taxes
and registration fees.
Many cycling and pedestrian improvements are made
on road rights-of-way and can improve conditions for drivers. Added
shoulder provisions for bikes also improve roadway safety for vehicles.
Additionally, removing pedestrians and bicyclists from the roadway
decreases the operational concerns for motorists.
Some trail users pay fees that go directly to trail
development and maintenance (OHV registration fees, trail passes,
Trails near residential areas actually increase
neighboring property values. There is no indication that trails
cause property values to decrease. The 2000 Omaha Recreational Trails
Study, the 1992 National Park Service Study, the Burke-Gilman Study
and the Colorado State Parks Survey all found that property values
either increased or remained constant. Real estate agents list proximity
to the trail in advertisements and homeowners report that the presence
of the trail would make their home easier to sell.
Trails near residential areas actually increase
neighboring property values, potentially increasing community tax
Important wildlife habitats are protected along
rail-trails. Dense vegetation gives cover to a variety of species.
Rail-trails that parallel rivers and streams provide vital buffer
zones for birds, turtles, fish and plant life.
Railroad corridors have significant value as part
of American culture and history. Rail-trails preserve historic railroad
depots, bridges, markers, sites and routes. Historic interpretation
is widely used on rail-trails to keep history alive for generations
to come.
Numerous studies have documented that trails do
not contribute to an increase in crime and vandalism.
Trails are generally safer and cleaner than unused
abandoned rail corridors.
Get information on successful trails and projects
out to the public before there is hard-core resistance. Bring in
individuals or organizations from other communities that were originally
opposed to trails developed in their area but are now in favor of
trails because of the positive experience with a trail in their
Trail corridors can be visually appealing to adjacent
landowners. Landscaping or amenities such as split-rail fencing
not only make a corridor attractive, but they provide a buffer between
the trail corridor and adjacent property.
Work with adjacent farmers to identify needed access
points and incorporate field access provisions (including privacy
gate, if needed) into trail design.
Surveys of adjacent landowners prior to and following
construction of trails indicate that most landowners who were originally
opposed to trail construction eventually accepted or became proponents
of the trail corridor.
Early notification of proposed trails and education
of landowners regarding the above issues can minimize the number
of opponents. (Note: 1999 Iowa legislation requires prior notification
of all landowners adjacent to proposed trail corridors.)
The above concerns and recommendations come from a
variety of sources, which can be consulted for more detailed information
on how to deal with specific issues. Resources include the following:
Doherty, Susan. "Rail-Trails and Community Sentiment
A Study of Opposition to Rail-Trails & Strategies for Success."
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. January, 1998.
Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands. "Stearns
County Parks Department Lake Wobegon Regional Trail Survey of Adjacent
Property Owners." 1999.
Greer, Donald. "Omaha Recreational Trails: Their Use and
Effect on Property Values and Public Safety." University of Nebraska at
Omaha. June, 2000. Available on-line at www.unomaha.edu/~greer/trails.
Moore, Roger. Et al. "The Impacts of Rail-Trails:
A Study of the Users and Property Owners from Three Trails." National
Park Service. 1991.
National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse. "Overcoming
Opposition to Bicycling, Walking and Trail Development." Technical
Assistance Series No. 7. March, 1996.
Robertson, Robert. "The Raccoon River Valley Trail
User Study: Summary and Recommendations." Recreation Management
Program at Iowa State University and Dallas County Conservation. April,
Tracy, Tammy and Hugh Morris. "Rail-Trails and
Safe Communities - The Experience on 372 Trails." Rails-to-Trails
Conservancy. January, 1998.
Trails Advocate, The Iowa Trails Magazine. "Foes
Turned Friends." Reprinted from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy publication
in the Spring of 2000. Volume 16, No.1. February, 2000.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Trails and Greenways
Section (located in Des Moines) has also provided Iowa trail advocacy
groups with information on how to address landowners and trail
opponents concerns. They can also be contacted for additional
information and ideas.
Iowa Trails 2000 sets forth a framework for
the development of trails projects in Iowa. It offers a variety of resources
for trail developers and owners, and maps a vision of corridor implementation
by state agencies and local governments. The implementation of the statewide
vision, however, will be effected by a variety of agencies, at all levels
of government, that plan, develop, and manage trails.
Whether trails are to be developed by state agencies
or local communities, system planning is a crucial first step. Implementing
agencies should consider what types of users will be accommodated by
their system, to what attractions will their system be connected, how
projects within their system will be prioritized, and how trail projects
will be funded. A system plan may be as simple as a single corridor
to be developed over time, or as complex as a community-wide system
of multi-use trails. System plans are discussed further in Chapter 8:
Recommendations. In addition, Iowa Trails 2000 includes a handbook,
"Connecting People and Trails: Local Community Planning for Pedestrian
and Bicycles," which offers extensive guidance on the process of trail
In its essence, the Iowa Statewide Trails Vision is a network
of yet-to-be-developed, interconnected trail facilities. The implementation
of this vision is to be accomplished by the ongoing development of trail
facilities. As stated above, trail projects will be developed by local governments,
state agencies, and private interests. Three tasks, however, should be accomplished,
no matter which agency or government is developing the trail project. These
tasks ensure the quality, increase the cost efficiency, and assist in the
marketing of the statewide trails vision:
Early in the planning and development process for trails
projects, the trail owner should consider the operations and maintenance
of their trail facilities. In the case of locally implemented trails,
funding awarded for trail implementation cannot typically be used for
ongoing maintenance. The trail owner must determine how the trail will
be managed, policed, and maintained, and how that maintenance will be
funded. For more on operations and maintenance see Chapter
Additional funding will be required in order to implement
the statewide trails vision in a timely manner. There are numerous existing
grant programs and a variety of innovative funding techniques that provide
financing for different types of trail projects, but, in general, money requested
is much greater than money available. Some recommendations regarding securing
additional funding are included in Chapter 8: Recommendations.
This section describes existing and innovative funding mechanisms that state
agencies and local governments may use to develop trails, thereby implementing
the statewide vision.
There are two primary issues relating to funding: where
trail money comes from and how to secure it. In the case of locally
implemented trails, trail implementers will most likely seek funding
from outside sources, including state and federal government agencies.
There are a variety of sources for this funding, but its availability
can depend on the type of trail and size of project. The following sections
give an overview of how trail money is acquired and how local communities
can receive funding, both through existing and innovative sources.
Some of the funding that can be used for trails comes
from sources with restricted uses. The following is an overview of various
existing funding sources, how the money is accrued, and how it may be
Federal transportation funds come from a variety of
sources, including federal gas taxes. A portion of this money can be
used for trail initiatives under the Transportation Equity Act for the
21st Century (TEA-21). This act appropriates a certain amount
of money to each state to be used for transportation enhancements, which
includes trails. This money is available on an application basis and
is programmed and prioritized by the Iowa DOT, Regional Planning Affiliations,
and Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Some funding may also be available through federal
recreation or conservation programs, such as the National Recreational
Trails Fund and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This money also
comes from a variety of sources and is administered by the State.
The Iowa Legislature has appropriated a designated
amount of money specifically for trail development. This money comes
from the General Fund and the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. These
funds may be used for any type of trail. Money for the General Fund
is acquired from a variety of taxes, including income tax. The State
Recreational Trails Program, Recreation Infrastructure grants, and Resource
Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) grants are funded in this
Otherwise known as the state gas tax, the Iowa road
use tax fund acquires money from taxes on gasoline. Only trails within
road rights-of-way may be constructed using the Iowa road use tax fund.
The use of this money for the implementation of any other trails is
Users of snowmobiles, ATVs, and off-road motorcycles
pay a fee to register their vehicles in Iowa. The fund created from
these fees is used for the development of facilities for snowmobiles,
ATVs, and off-road motorcycles. Funding from this source may be used
for linear trails or nodal parks, but may not be used for trails that
do not accommodate motorized recreational vehicles.
Some trail operators elect to collect use fees on their
trails. Where this is the case, these fees typically are used for maintenance
of the trail, and are usually controlled by the trail operator.
The great majority of trails are funded by a variety
of sources, including local, state, and federal money. Local agencies,
community groups, or non-profit organizations wishing to implement trails
have a variety of funding options, including both existing grant programs
and innovative funding strategies.
Table 6-2 lists existing grant
and fund money that may be used for trail implementation. Table
6-3 lists innovative funding concepts that have been employed elsewhere
and could apply to trails in Iowa.
Trail Development
State Recreational Trails Program
Iowa Department of Transportation District Planners.
See Appendix F for detailed contact information.
The State Recreational Trails Program funds public recreational
trails. The grant requires a 25% local match and the trail must
be maintained as a public facility for a minimum of 20 years. Proposed
projects must be part of a statewide, regional, areawide, or local
trail plan.
National Recreational Trails Fund
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5145)
Iowa Department of Transportation
Office of Systems Planning
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-1621www.dot.state.ia.us
The National Recreational Trails Fund is a federal granting program
with a 50% local match. It can be used to construct and maintain
motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail related
projects. Proposed projects must be identified in the Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan or the State Trails Plan.
Federal Transportation Enhancements Program
Iowa Department of Transportation District Planners
Metropolitan Planning Organizations
Regional Planning Affiliations.
The Federal Transportation Enhancements Program, also known as
TEA-21, funds enhancement or preservation activities of transportation
related projects. Trail projects may fall into one of three categories:
trails and bikeways, historic preservation, or scenic and natural
resources. A 20 to 30% local match is required, depending on whether
the project has regional or statewide significance.
Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program
See Appendix F for detailed contact
The Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program funds street, transit, or
trail projects which help maintain Iowa's clean air quality by reducing
transportation related emissions. A 20% local match is required
and application forms must be submitted with emission reduction
Trail Development and Amenities
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Arnie Sohn
Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5814
The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides 50% grants for acquisition
and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Grants
are made to the State of Iowa or its political subdivisions.
Building Repair and Renovation, Trail Construction
Recreation Infrastructure Grant Program
This program provides 1/3 grants to cities, counties, organizations,
and associations for repair, renovation, and/or replacement of vertical
infrastructure and trails.
Corridor Protection and Greenway Establishment
Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)
Kevin Szcodronski
Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-8674
REAP provides 100% grants to cities and counties for open space
protection and passive outdoor recreation.
Federal Supply Service
General Services Administrations Federal
Supply Service
Surplus items are used by state and local public agencies for carrying
out or promoting one or more public purposes, such as conservation,
parks, and recreation, by certain non-profit organizations for tax-exempt
activities for public health or education purposes. Donated land
could be used for the creation of trails, parks and open space.
Economic Development Administration
United States Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
This agency offers grants for public facilities, including port
facilities, tourism facilities, etc. Public works projects can include
trail and other recreational facilities.
Wildlife Conservation and Appreciation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
(703) 358-2156
The Wildlife Conservation and Appreciation program funds initiatives
for which the principal purpose is to provide opportunities for
the public to use and enjoy fish and wildlife through nonconsumptive
activities. This program recognizes the public recreational opportunities
pertaining to nongame wildlife enjoyment, including trails and waterways.
The Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program
National Park Service
Mark Weekley
1709 Jackson Street
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 221-3350
The Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program was established
in response to increased public demand to conserve rivers and provide
trail opportunities.
American Greenways Kodak Awards Program
The Conservation Fund
1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1120
Arlington, VA 22209
American Greenways Kodak Awards Program, administered by The Conservation
Fund, provides grants of $500 to $2,500 to local greenways projects.
Grants can be used for almost any activity that serves as a catalyst
for local greenway planning, design or development.
American Greenways Dupont Awards Program
The American Greenways Dupont Awards Program is administered by
the Conservation Fund, in partnership with Dupont and the National
Geographic Society. This program provides grants of $500 to $2,500
to local greenways projects.
Bikes Belong
Bikes Belong Coalition, Ltd.
1368 Beacon Street, Suite 116
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 734-2800
Bikes Belong Coalition is sponsored by members of the American
Bicycle Industry. Their goal is putting more people on bikes through
the implementation of TEA-21. They seek to assist local organizations,
agencies, and citizens in developing bicycle facilities that will
be funded by TEA-21. Matching grants up to $10,000 are awarded.
Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT)
Iowa Department of Economic Development
Mark Eckman
200 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 242-4770
The Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT) Program funds community
attractions and tourism development activities which enhance the
economic impact of tourism. Some trails may meet these criteria.
Trail Development and Improvement
The National Trails Endowment
American Hiking Society
Attn: National Trails Endowment
1422 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910
The National Trails Endowment was established to provide grants
to trail organizations working to establish, protect and maintain
America's foot trails. Grants will be awarded to trail organizations
and other non-profits with a trail-related focus. Grants will typically
be limited to $1,000 to $10,000 amounts.
Community Facilities Loans
Community Facilities Loans
Community facilities loans fund the construction, enlargement,
extension or otherwise improvement of community facilities. Trail
benefits could include improved access through utilities extensions.
Trail Development, Maintenance, Land Acquisition
Snowmobile Grants
Tony Tiogo
Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division
502 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-6101
The DNR Snowmobile Trail grants offer funding for the development
of riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, trail groomers,
insurance, and land acquisition.
Trail Development and Maintenance
ATV Trail Grants
The DNR ATV Trail grants offer funding for the development of public
riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, trail groomers,
insurance, and land acquisition.
Mark Edwards
Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-8959
Americorps is a national volunteer program in which agencies, communities,
or non-profit groups can sponsor personnel to assist in a variety
of activities. Funds must be used to operate or plan community service
programs. Programs could include trail building, environmental education
and community restoration work.
Challenge Cost Share Program
The Challenge Cost Share Program funds any partnership which benefits
National Park Service projects or programs. This may include historic
and archaeological site restoration, resource management, resource
inventory and monitoring, scientific research, trail maintenance,
interpretive videos for environmental or heritage education programs,
interpretive exhibit enhancement or summer youth employment for
recreation activities.
Trail Development & Preservation
Conservation Alliance
Conservation Alliance
Jill Zilligen
259 West Santa Clara Street
Ventura, CA 93001
The Conservation Alliance was founded to fund grassroots conservation
organizations and their efforts to protect rivers, trails, and wild
lands for non-motorized recreation. Grants are made annually.
Trail Preservation
Direct Impact on Rivers and Trails (DIRT)
Powerfood, Inc.
Attn: DIRT Program
2150 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
PowerBar's Direct Impact on Rivers and Trails Program (DIRT) provides
grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 in support of efforts to protect,
preserve and restore recreational lands and waterways.
Trail Promotion, OHV Recreation Promotion
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. provides grants for projects that
create partnerships and promote OHV recreation and club development.
Trail Safety
Polaris Industries, Inc. provides grants of up to $1,000 to snowmobile
clubs or associations to help fund safety related projects such
as rescue toboggans and two-way radios.
Local Funding Mechanisms
Trails may be developed, managed, and maintained using local funds.
There are numerous ways such funds can be dedicated for trail use.
Bond referenda, assessments, special financing districts, park/trail
dedication, or general fund money may be used at a local governments
discretion. Often, this money is used as the local match for other
federal or state trail grants.
Land Acquisition
Purchase Assistance
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
505 5th Avenue, Suite 444
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-1846
The INHF can offer assistance in land acquisition by purchasing
land on behalf of local or state governments. The INHF can typically
move more quickly than a government agency, and can purchase land
and hold it for eventual sale to a public interest.
Corporate Sponsorship
Continental Divide Trail Alliance
Bruce Ward
PO Box 628
Pine, CO 80470
(303) 275-5058
In order to raise funding to complete the Continental Divide Trail,
corporate sponsorship was solicited. Businesses put their corporate
logos on signs at trailheads along the trail in exchange for large
donations. The corporate logos are confined to trailheads that connect
with the Continental Divide Trail, and the logos cannot be larger
than the Forest Service's seal.
Jackson County, Oregon
Karen Smith
(541) 774-6231
The Great Bear Creek Greenway Foundation has learned to be imaginative
when helping Jackson County raise matching funds for trails. In
addition to the usual fundraising events of membership drives, silent
auctions and direct appeals, the Greenway Foundation has held a
successful Great Bear Creek Greenway Yard Sale for the last four
years. For $40, a person can purchase a symbolic "yard" of the trail
and have their name added to the donor list. A future permanent
marker at each trailhead will bear the name of the contributor and
the section to which they contributed.
Apollo, Pennsylvania
The people of Apollo, Pennsylvania, wanted to purchase 300 acres
of undeveloped land for use in future trails and greenspace. They
applied for Transportation Enhancement awards and other Federal
funds, but also started a "300 Club", a project that gave the townspeople
something tangible to work with while the application process was
underway. The price of land Apollo was buying was $400 an acre.
They sold honorary acres at $400 each, which meant each purchaser
could have honorary ownership of one acre of the land. More than
100 acres were sold, raising $40,000. This amount, in addition to
the TE awards and other funds, enabled Apollo to buy the land.
Poudre River Trail Corridor
(970) 350-9783
In order to raise money for trail development, the supporters of
the Poudre River Trail Corridor met with local merchants and the
local college to sell items featuring a Poudre River Trail Corridor
logo. Three supermarket chains and Aims Community College are locating
displays that feature items offered for sale by the Trail Marketing
Committee to raise funds to construct the trail.
Watchable Wildlife Program
Bob Hernbrode
Colorado Division of Wildlife
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
The purpose of the Watchable Wildlife program is to manage wildlife
resources and people and to provide sustainable recreational benefits
to those who wish to observe, photograph and otherwise enjoy wildlife
through activities other than hunting and fishing. This program
presents opportunities for trail planners to look at possible funding
as a way to enhance the attractiveness of a trail and as a means
of increasing public awareness of trails with wildlife interest.
In-kind Donations
Colorado School of Mines
Bob Knecht
Design (EPICS) Division
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-3592
Assistance to communities can take the form of involving small
or large groups of students in local projects. Students are able
to perform conceptual and detailed engineering design, project development,
and data acquisition and processing. Projects are approached on
a multidisciplinary basis with mentor (faculty) supervision and
Multiple Grants
Calhoun County, Alabama
(256) 237-6741
In Calhoun County, Alabama, sponsors of a Transportation Enhancement
funded rail-trail sought non-U.S. DOT federal funds to help finance
their project. The sponsors of this rail-trail, the Chief Ladiga
Rail-Trail, received $100,000 of Land and Water Conservation Funds
for the acquisition of 22 miles of the trail corridor. Trail sponsors
also secured $30,000 from the US Forest Service for bridge rehabilitation.
The Forest Service money and $12,000 raised by county citizens was
used to rehabilitate four bridges on the Cleburene segment of the
Chief Ladiga Rail-Trail. In addition, the trail's sponsors obtained
National Recreational Trail program funds for trail connections.
Private Sector Contributions
Department of Parks and Recreation
Green County, Ohio
(937) 376-7440
The Green County Department of Parks and Recreation tries to exhaust
all state and local sources of funding first. The DPR then pursues
private in-kind contributions from Chambers of Commerce and local
banks that like to be identified with trail amenities. Finally,
significant force account work (design or construction of a project
performed by the agency's own work force) is contributed. For example,
the county competitively awards small contracts for earth moving
on a "tasking" basis. The basic unit of procurement is the "equipment
operating hour" - just request the machine, tell the operator what
is to be done, and pay by the hour when the work is completed.
Public/Private Partnerships
University of California, Davis
(530) 752-3727
The University of California, Davis, received transportation enhancement
(TE) funds to construct a bike and pedestrian path and related lighting
and landscaping on the east end of the campus adjacent to a new
on-campus housing project. The housing developer agreed to give
the university the money that the developer was considering for
use for a pathway along the west side of the housing project. UC
Davis combined the money from the developer with funds received
from campus parking fines to create the matching funds for the TE
When implementing trail projects, local and state communities
and agencies should consider the established policies and guidance of
a variety of state agencies. Such adherence to state policy is essential
if state funding is being used.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently adopted
a policy on OHV park acquisition and development. This policy was formulated
by a working group led by the DNR, which included a variety of stakeholders.
The working group determined that the first consideration
of the DNR in any decision to buy, lease and/or develop a tract as an
OHV facility will be to assure that the piece of land which will become
an OHV riding area is disturbed and degraded so that it does not contain
native plant communities, cultural resources or critical habitat for
threatened and endangered species or species of special concern.
To that end, the DNR will target previously disturbed
areas for OHV facilities. Previously disturbed areas include but are
not limited to agricultural lands (including logging and pasturing of
timbered ground), mining or other intensive land uses that have resulted
in the elimination of high-quality natural areas, native plant communities,
critical habitats and cultural resources. If a tract contains fragments
of high-quality natural areas it will be managed and contained as an
off-limit site.
The DNRs policy also contains specific information
on acquisition criteria. For the full text of the policy, see Appendix
Based on guidance adopted by the Iowa DOT in 1999, Iowa
Trails 2000 has developed a method for evaluating the need for priority
bicycle and pedestrian trails within highway rights-of-way. This accommodation
guidance is included in Appendix C. All jurisdictions
responsible for roads, streets, and highways should consider the development
of a similar policy.


text:
Episode 1
I'm Not Sleepy And I Will Not Go To Bed
Will Lola ever be sleepy enough to go to bed, Charlie wonders?
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Lola is an energetic, imaginative little girl. Charlie is her patient and kind older brother who has his work cut out (but is always willing) to help Lola learn and grow.
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I'm Not Sleepy And I Will Not Go To Bed
Will Lola ever be sleepy enough to go to bed, Charlie wonders?
But That Is My Book
You have to be quiet when you're in a library, but that's very hard for Lola.
Boo! Made You Jump
Lola wants more than anything to make Charlie jump, which proves quite tricky.
I Want to Play Music
Lola is desperate to join in with Charlie and Marv's musical journey.
The Most Wonderfullest Picnic in the Whole Wide World
You cannot have a picnic without swirly tennis and boildy eggs.
You Won't Like This Present as Much as I Do
It's Lotta's birthday, and Lola has the perfect present.
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text:
Audi reveals the limited edition 2012 R8 GT SpyderSome readers may remember (hey, we believe in you guys) that Audi released the R8 GT coupe a few months back. Well this is the convertible version, also limited to 333 units. The car is just under 190 pounds lighter than the standard V10 Spyder. It also gets a power bump just like the coupe, 560 horses. No idea how much money it is but considering the coupe starts at $198,000, this is not going to be cheaper.
This article was originally published in forum thread: Audi reveals the limited edition 2012 R8 GT Spyder started by Sticky View original post3 Comments
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text:
The Berkeley City Council has thrown its support behind a growing group of activists, public officials and entrepreneurs calling upon governments to seize mortgages to provide relief to financially troubled homeowners.
The idea of using governments' powers of eminent domain to help homeowners has been gaining traction nationwide. But Berkeley's plan is the first to gain impetus from the Occupy movement and from self-described Silicon Valley startup specialist Michael Sauvante.
Sauvante is urging local governments to seize mortgages in foreclosure, potentially with assistance from a nonprofit corporation he founded called the National Commonwealth Group Inc. Sauvante believes home loans could be annulled through government's power of eminent domain, which can apply to all sorts of property, including mortgage contracts.
"I don't think we could be doing this without Occupy," said anti-Wall Street activist Susan Harman, who's been proposing Sauvante's plan to officials in Alameda County, San Bernardino County and elsewhere. "It's just catapulted the whole issue into the public consciousness."
The Berkeley City Council on July 31 unanimously passed a resolution to ask Alameda County officials to explore "strategies including eminent domain to enable homeowners to stay in their own homes."
However, the idea's Berkeley champion, Councilman Kriss Worthington, was unaware that Sauvante's background included significant financial instability of a different sort. Beginning in the 1990s, Sauvante founded a series of technology companies that a federal judge in a 2007 bankruptcy case declared were created to defraud investors.
Told about Sauvante's past, Worthington said that his resolution was not tied to Sauvante or his companies. Instead, he said he was enticed by the possibility of channeling eminent domain in a positive direction.
"We are not proposing this for the benefit of a particular individual or business," Worthington said. "As a general notion, (the approach is) poetic justice and beautiful, and we need to work out details to make sure whether it's legally possible to help these people."
Sauvante, who recently moved from Lompoc to Youngstown, Ohio, strenuously denies the North Carolina judge's characterizations of past businesses linked to his nonprofit.
"He did this parting shot, saying 'I believe you guys are scam artists,' " Sauvante said. "It wasn't true."
Sauvante's plan is one of several proposals in which counties would use eminent domain to help troubled homeowners.
San Francisco-based Mortgage Resolution Partners has pitched a similar plan to San Bernardino County and to Suffolk County in New York. San Francisco Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently told reporters that plan was a "bold" and "meaningful" response to the mortgage crisis.
New York attorney Ira Hecht and New York small-business lender Steve Kravitz have proposed another plan involving eminent domain to the state of Arizona as well as to San Bernardino County.
Under Sauvante's approach, counties would notify banks of eminent domain proceedings. Investors holding the notes might find it difficult to prove ownership, allowing counties, and potential partners such as the National Commonwealth Group, to possibly keep the mortgages for free, Sauvante said. They could then create a bank and issue affordable loans to troubled homeowners.
According to the IRS, National Commonwealth Group is a new name for Rolltronics Foundation, a nonprofit that Sauvante founded in 1999, naming himself as chairman.
Rolltronics also is the name of one of a series of linked companies Sauvante founded, which "were all non-operational shell corporations," wrote U.S. bankruptcy Judge J. Craig Whitley, in a September 2007 order closing the bankruptcy of a company also founded by Sauvante,Seertech Corp. They were created "in succession to bilk investors," Whitley added.
Sauvante's companies claimed to be developing advanced batteries and digital displays.
"But what it really was, was a scheme wherein we start a company, we sell stock," said federal bankruptcy trustee Richard Mitchell during a May 2008 hearing. "We close that company up, transfer the purported technology, and it just keeps going on and on and on."
The Seertech bankruptcy proceedings ended in 2008 without relieving Sauvante of his debts. He said his only current income is from Social Security payments.
Sauvante said many of his investors agree that he did nothing wrong. The Bay Citizen spoke to four former investors referred by Sauvante, and each called him an honest businessman.
"I've never seen him do anything that was inappropriate," said Chelli Croucher, a bail bondswoman in Mariposa County who also lost thousands of dollars investing in Rolltronics and VoltaFlex, another Sauvante company.
Sauvante also said that publicity about his rocky business past would distract from his current efforts to help people hold on to their homes. His plan, for which he said he is currently raising money, is poised to go viral, he said.
"With Facebook and the other social networking sites, we could potentially get a viral dissemination of it, both inside and outside the Occupy movement," Sauvante said. "That will just create that much more motivation on local governments to break free from the Wall Street banks."
Already, the Occupy-friendly Public Banking Institute has put Sauvante on its advisory committee. In January, Sauvante gave a presentation to a nationwide Occupy movement conference call. In April, he presented his plan to a Public Banking conference in Philadelphia. His proposals have been picked up by Occupy movement blogs.
Harman, a national volunteer coordinator with the Public Banking Institute, was the link between Sauvante and the Berkeley City Council. In the spring, Harman proposed Sauvante's idea to Worthington, who subsequently talked directly to Sauvante. Worthington then sponsored a measure to send a letter to the Alameda County Recorder of Deeds and the county sheriff inviting them to discuss an "action plan about stopping foreclosures."
Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates expressed enthusiastic support for the measure when Worthington initially introduced it at a July 18 council meeting, and he joined the rest of the council in unanimously approving it two weeks later.
"We should really get on top of this issue," Bates said. "I'd be happy to be involved in this. We could put together a delegation with the mayor of Oakland. So let's do this right."
Oakland City Council members Rebecca Kaplan and Nancy Nadel also support Worthington's measure, according to Worthington.
"We are very interested in working with them to explore what options we have available to go after foreclosure," said Kaplan's spokesman, Jason Overman.
View this story on Bay Citizen
This story was produced by The Bay Citizen, a nonprofit, investigative news sources in the Bay Area and a part of the Center for Investigative Reporting. Learn more at www.baycitizen.org.


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Tax office warns dodgers: beware
Tax dodgers will be caught, the Australian Taxation Office has warned after nabbing and convicting 356 people in the third quarter of this year.
One person went to jail for five years.
Acting tax commissioner Jennie Granger says tax refund fraud continues to be a focus for the ATO, which uses technology, national and international networks and community intelligence to catch wrong doers.
"It is not a matter of if, but when we find you. Ask yourself: is doing the wrong thing really worth the risk?" Ms Granger said in a statement today.
During the September quarter, 356 people and 122 companies were prosecuted and convicted for taxation and superannuation offences, while 12 people received prison sentences during this period, ranging from two months to five years.
Ms Granger said a Sydney man with a background in commerce was recently sentenced to five years' jail for deliberately lodging 41 false income tax returns totalling $180,000.
"Even if penalties do not include jail time a criminal conviction will mean a permanent criminal record," she said.
"As well as disqualifying you from many kinds of employment this can impact on other areas of your life including restricting travel to some countries."
Dodgy tax statements don't have to be large scale to attract the tax office's attention.
Earlier this year, a Sydney fencing contractor who made false statements in his business activity statements was fined $18,000 and ordered to pay an additional $17,319 to the commissioner.
"Providing false or misleading information to the ATO is a criminal offence. If you do the crime, you will face the consequences, and they can be significant," Ms Granger said.
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text:
Eastern States Climbers Peak List > Pilot Mountain > Climber's Log
Pilot Mountain Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
|Not since the fire
|I hiked it from the base as Bob suggests and done both the climbing wall trail and the knob trail. Have not been back since the fire, though. Will put up a few picture albumns once I get back to do some top roping when the weather cooperates. See some pics on my article. Climbing in the Southeastern Part of the US section
|Posted Jan 31, 2013 2:02 pm
Date Climbed: Nov 1, 2011
|Beautiful area with miles and miles of trees and farmland surrounding this prominent pinnacle. Autumn leaves were out in full effect. Great place to visit.
|Posted Nov 2, 2011 5:54 pm
|Sunny day, nice elevation gain
Date Climbed: May 2, 2008
|Enjoyed a pleasant day of hiking up and back. Just a cool looking mountain, even from the highway. About ten miles up and back.
|Posted Apr 19, 2011 9:51 am
|Fun loop hike and if you happen to bring some rock climbing gear - the cliffs by the edge of the parking lot have some good routes. Top-rope and a few lead.
|Posted Jul 31, 2009 4:28 pm
|Rock Climbing Fun
Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2009
|Great day rock climbing with friends
|Posted Jul 12, 2009 9:00 pm
|Lots of good climbs
|Nice climbing crag if you like short top-roped climbs and lots of people, but it is really close to the parking lot. Plus it has a lot to offer various levels of climbing.
|Posted Mar 15, 2009 5:53 pm
|First big route & various
|I did my first 5.13 here. And by 'did' I mean flailed a lot on top rope until sweaty and delirious I could touch the bottom most part of the anchor. Great climbing though for all levels.
|Posted Mar 17, 2008 5:41 pm
|Always fun
Date Climbed: Apr 10, 2004
|Many fun trips, proposed to my wife in the shadow of the pinnacle
|Posted Sep 27, 2007 4:06 pm
|Grindstone Trail, various climbing routes
Date Climbed: Jun 2, 2007
|First real hiking trip for my 11-month old son - he had the best views perched in my backpack. The "big pinnacle" looks pretty cool.
Dec 9, 2007
Finished Pee Break, had problems on some others. Way out of climbing shape.
|Posted Jun 2, 2007 5:51 pm
|Route Climbed: Grandpa's Belay Date Climbed: May 1995
|Various climbs since then in the designated climbing area along the cliff west of the pinnacle. Nice top-roping, with a couple of good single pitch climbs for leading.
|Posted Aug 16, 2005 2:29 pm
|Route Climbed: Various Date Climbed: April 10, 2005
|Beautiful day in NC. Got some good climbing in.
|Posted Apr 11, 2005 9:28 am
|Route Climbed: Various Date Climbed: 1999
|Various climbs top rope and lead
|Posted Mar 17, 2005 6:45 pm
|Date Climbed: 1986-
|Ah the memories. My first hike EVER.
|Posted Oct 29, 2004 3:49 am
|Route Climbed: Many Date Climbed: 1996-1999
|Lots of good climbing on the cliffs of Pilot Mtn. Nice views, and right outside of Mt. Airy, the real-life Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show.
|Posted Sep 2, 2004 4:13 pm
|Date Climbed: October 1989
|Hiked as far as we could on a beautiful autumn day. What a great area! The summit looked very inviting.
|Posted Aug 15, 2004 12:23 am
|Route Climbed: Ledge Spring Trail Date Climbed: June 22, 2004
|You can't really "summit" Pilot Mountain, since the top of the mountain is off limits to people. The very top is completely surrounded by cliffs and is prime habitat for ravens and for several endangered plant communities. Other than park personnel and research folk, no one has been legally to the top for decades.
But you can get to the base of the surrounding cliffs via the Ledge Spring Trail/Joemokee Trail. The day I was there, I could only climb as high as the junction of the two trails since the Joemokee Trail was undergoing improvements.
|Posted Jun 23, 2004 10:07 pm


text:
25 die in a wave of deadly attacks across Iraq
At least 25 people were killed in Iraq on Monday in a surge of killings throughout the country. An American soldier was killed by a roadside bomb in the town of Karbala, southeast of Baghdad, while a suicide bomber who blew himself up on a bus in Baghdad killed 12 people and injured 15.
Dozens others were injured in fresh attacks, including a rocket strike on a truck convoy and a bomb in a restaurant which left five Iraqis dead, according to AFP.
At least six people were killed and 19 others wounded when a bomb exploded on Monday morning in central Baghdad. The explosion, according to the AP, occurred in a main square in the capital city.
Iraq's Ministry of Interior stated that the bomb detonated alongside a group of Iraqi workers as they gathered in the morning hours in search of work, reported Reuters.
Another bomb attack targeted the Abu Ali restaurant in the heart of Mosul, killing five people, including one policeman and wounding 21.
Elsewhere, a civilian driving in his car died early Monday in Balad, north of Baghdad, by armed men. And three American troops were injured Monday morning when a roadside bomb exploded in southern Iraq, the US military said.
Meanwhile, two kidnapped Macedonian contractors were freed Monday in the southern city of Basra, a British official said. The two men, who were nabbed Thursday, worked for a Macedonian cleaning company at Basra International Airport. Their kidnappers demanded a $1 million ransom from their employers.
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)


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OCEAN CITY — A land battle that seemed destined to end up in court took a turn this week as the two sides settled on a price for a highly coveted midtown property without the help of a judge and jury.
A verbal agreement between the town of Ocean City and local businessman Rick Laws has allegedly been reached to the tune of $5.1 million for ownership of the site of the old Slide-n-Ride on 64th Street. Laws owns the property and had begun the construction of a 104-room, five-story hotel despite Ocean City trying to acquire the site via condemnation proceedings, citing that it needed the land for expansion to its wastewater facility that directly abuts the property.
Laws said that the final paperwork will be signed in the next few weeks, making the transaction official, but noted that he is pleased that the battle is finally coming to an end.
"I don't think it's the perfect arrangement for either side, but for the most part I'm pleased with the outcome," said Laws. "It ends up being a good negotiation if both sides don't get everything they want."
On Monday night, the Mayor and City Council voted 5-1, with Margaret Pillas in opposition and Joe Hall absent, to pass a resolution enabling the town to go to the bond market and essentially pay itself back the $5.1 million that it will take out of the fund balance to pay for the property.
City Manager Dennis Dare said going to the bond market was the best and most economical way for the city to acquire the land in the amount of time that Laws' side wanted to settle in.
"We kind of had to fast-track this because they wanted a quick settlement," said Dare. "Oftentimes, when you go to the bond market, it can take up to 90 days to advertise, sell and then settle on the bonds. So, the council voted the other night to spend the money and then basically reimburse itself."
Rather than the 90 days for the final settlement on the finances involved with the transaction, Laws said that he was hoping for something more like 45 days, in order to pursue a new location for his hotel project.
"I think it's a case of 'the quicker the better' for everyone here," said Laws. "We are actively looking for a new location for the hotel project, and the sooner this is done, the sooner we can move on."
The $5.1 million price tag was based on the average assessment of both parties, according to Mayor Rick Meehan, who said that although the price is more than the last assessed value of the site (a little more than $3 million), the long-term savings for the town is substantial.
"This was an absolute essential purchase for the future of Ocean City," said Meehan. "This may have cost us a little bit more now, but it will literally save us millions of dollars in the future as we move forward and address the expansion of our wastewater treatment facility. If we didn't get this land, I'm not sure what we would have done."
Dare said the wastewater facility is the town's most expensive asset and noted that the town's plan is to not necessarily expand the capacity for wastewater treatment, but rather, expand the process to improve the way the town treats its waste. He also noted that the site could become multi-purpose.
"There's three things that we are looking at, one of which is obviously the long-term plan for the wastewater facility, but on the shorter-term is an expansion of our city bus housing facility, which we have federal grants for, and also the possibility of installing a boat ramp near the water tower on 64th Street," Dare said.
Conversations about the town's apparent need to add another boat ramp in town have been going on for years, most notably in the Little Salisbury neighborhood where residents have been displeased with the public usage of the boat ramp off 87th Street. Currently, that is the only public boat ramp in the resort. Meehan said that although there is no current money allocated in this year's budget for capital projects, securing ownership of the 64th Street property would help ease the residents' concerns in the future.
"We made a promise to Little Salisbury that we would do all that we could to address their concerns, and this purchase will eventually satisfy those concerns," said Meehan. "As for additional units to house our city buses, it will protect our fleet and make them last much longer, thus saving us money in the long run."
As for Laws, he says that his deal with national hotel chain Hampton Inn is still in the place despite the change in plans, and he said that wherever he chooses as the site for his new hotel (one of the sites sources say is the Cropper Concrete Plant near 1st Street), the scope of the five- story project should stay relatively the same, "within 25% either way, depending on the site", he said.
Town officials are quietly conceding that they dodged a bit of a bullet by settling out of court on the property, as it was presumed that Laws' decision to begin the construction of the hotel would have shot the price of the property up well past the $5 million mark, as the judge and jury would have determined the not only the highest and best use for the property in the condemnation proceedings, but also would have accounted for Laws' investment, which to date, is alleged to be in the $700,000 range.
"It worked out for the town, because they really needed the land, and if it would have gone to court in August, we would have had a great deal of the hotel already built," said Laws. "So, I think this was kind of their last shot at getting it at what they felt was a reasonable price."


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 7:24 PM
Town Square
The library is looking for volunteers
Original post made on Aug 25, 2010
Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 7:24 PM
a resident of Vintage Hills
on Aug 25, 2010 at 3:00 pm
I have books that I hate to throw away. I am sure someone would get the enjoyment I did in reading them. Does the library except used books?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 25, 2010 at 4:29 pm
"Does the library except used books?"
Yes, sometimes they except used books, but more often, they accept them ;-)
a resident of Downtown
on Aug 27, 2010 at 12:26 pm
...without the grammar lesson.
The Friends of the Library has a mini ongoing book and magazine sale in the library and then a larger sale several times a year.
Just drop off at the desk and tell them it's a donation. You'll also receive a receipt for your taxes.
I'm sure they will appreciate your generousity.


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Secondary Sources: No Fiscal Cliff Progress, Buffett Tax Avoidance, Services Spending
A roundup of economic news from around the Web.
–No Fiscal Cliff Progress: Stan Collender says you shouldn't believe reports of progress on the fiscal cliff. "In spite of what you may be reading elsewhere, we are no closer today to avoiding the fiscal cliff than we were the day after Election Day. All of the so-called progress to date has been one of three things: the media looking for a story, a misunderstanding of what it's going to take to get a deal or hype."
–Buffett Tax Avoidance: Greg Mankiw notes an op-ed by Warren Buffett doesn't mention the Berkshire CEO's tax-avoidance techniques. "Warren Buffett has an op-ed in today's NY Times on one of his most popular themes: The rich should pay more in taxes. At first blush, his position seems noble: A rich guy says that people like him should pay more to support the commonweal. But on closer examination, one realizes that Mr Buffett never mentions doing anything to eliminate the tax-avoidance strategies that he uses most aggressively."
–Services Spending: Jonathan McCarthy updates his look at sluggish spending on services. "The pattern of a similarly sluggish pace of recovery for discretionary and nondiscretionary services expenditures suggests that the fundamentals for consumer spending remain soft. In particular, it appears that households—more than three years after the end of the recession—remain wary about their future income growth and employment prospects even though consumer confidence measures have improved in recent months. In addition, households may still see the need to repair their balance sheets from the damage incurred during the recession, especially if they expect that increases in asset prices will be subdued at best and that credit will continue to be constrained. Consequently, a positive resolution of these issues is likely necessary before a stronger services and overall consumer spending recovery can be sustained."
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39 Acres521 County Park RoadChilo, OH 45112Located on US Highway 52, in the village of Chilo513-876-9013GPS CoordinatesN 38.79336W 84.13135Park MapArea Map
The park is located on the site of a former US Army Corps of Engineers lock and dam. The highlight of the park is the Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Center and Museum, which offers three floors of exhibits and interactive displays focusing on the history of the Ohio River and locks and dams. A 1.5 acre wetland is located in the park, providing great wildlife watching opportunities. Two picnic shelters are in the park and a steamboat themed playground. The park is adjacent to Crooked Run Nature Preserve. Click here for more pictures of Chilo Lock 34 Park on Flickr.
2228 US Highway 50Batavia, OH 45103
Google Maps


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Top 15 Wins of Georges St-Pierre's Career
By Brendhan Conlan on November 15, 2013
15. Frank Trigg (UFC 54: Boiling Point / August 20, 2004)
Trigg was a gatekeeper of sorts at the time as a veteran with solid skill. In the end, it took St-Pierre less than five minutes to lock up a submission and crank for the finish. Clearly, the future was bright for the French-Canadian.
14. Sean Sherk (UFC 56: Full Force / November 19, 2005)
While his striking was never more than slightly above average, Sherk's wrestling and powerful physique made him a threat to most. Of course, St-Pierre is a few steps above "most", and showed such in the tilt by snapping Sherk's twelve-fight winning streak and handing "The Muscle Shark" the first stoppage loss of his career.
13. Karo Parisyan (UFC 46 / January 31, 2004)
Parisyan was on his way up in the UFC when he ran into a debuting youngster by the name of Georges St-Pierre. For further perspective, Parisyan had won four straight entering the effort and picked up five more consecutive victories after the scrap including success against Chris Lytle, Matt Serra, and Nick Diaz. GSP's potential was immediately noticeable in the fight, going on to outpoint "The Heat" with relative ease.
12. Thiago Alves (UFC 100 / July 11, 2009)
Alves entered the Octagon at UFC 100 as one of the scariest dudes in the division. He'd won seven straight with ferocious stand-up and seemed sure to test St-Pierre's chin at some point. However, he never got the chance, as GSP picked him apart from the outside and put Alves on the mat whenever he wanted to. The performance marked yet another lopsided win and came on a significant stage, further cementing St-Pierre as one of the greatest Mixed Martial Artists of all time.
11. Josh Koscheck (UFC 124 / December 11, 2010)
After coaching against each other on the Ultimate Fighter, Koscheck and St-Pierre locked horns a second time. Despite the time between tilts, Koscheck showed little growth and went down with similar ease. In the bout, St-Pierre turned his adversary's eye into a swollen mess with an incredible display of boxing, primarily using his jab to ultimately end up breaking Koscheck's orbital bone.
10. B.J. Penn (UFC 94 / January 31, 2009)
After some smack spewed in St-Pierre's direction, he and Penn hooked up in a rematch of their 2006 tilt. In addition to the bad blood, Penn was also lightweight champ at the time, so there was some added intrigue in that regard. St-Pierre had little trouble dismantling "The Prodigy", eventually forcing Penn's corner to throw in the towel after the fourth frame. Afterwards, Penn would accuse St-Pierre of greasing up to make him a harder target for submissions, also reiterating his belief the renowned champion relied on performance enhancing drugs to succeed.
9. Josh Koscheck (UFC 74: Respect / August 25, 2007)
It was hard to know what to expect from GSP entering UFC 74. A handful of months earlier, St-Pierre suffered a shocking TKO loss to lackluster veteran Matt Serra. Instead of wilting under the pressure brought on by the manner of defeat, St-Pierre came back strong and took it to Koscheck in their clash en route to a decision win.
8. B.J. Penn (UFC 58: USA vs. Canada / March 4, 2006)
St-Pierre's win over Penn in 2006 was a testament to his heart. He suffered a good deal of damage courtesy of the iconic Hawaiian's hands but remained relentless in his attack, earning a closely-contested Split Decision win in the end.
7. Matt Hughes (UFC 79: Nemesis / December 29, 2007)
Hughes and St-Pierre closed their trilogy out unexpectedly after champ Matt Serra had to pull out of a planned pairing with the former due to injury. An interim title was created for Hughes vs. St-Pierre III, setting the winner up with a guaranteed shot at Serra's strap. Fittingly, St-Pierre ended up finishing Hughes via Armbar after the polarizing grappler clowned the Canadian's ability to defend the technique based on having beaten him with it a few years earlier.
6. Jake Shields (UFC 129 / April 30, 2011)
For a long time, Shields was seen as the man to beat St-Pierre. He'd shown an ability to take out bigger, stronger wrestlers and had submission skill to boot. As had become par for the course, St-Pierre ended up earning a clear-cut decision win after beating Shields in every phase of the game despite suffering some damage from an eye-poke and ensuing strikes. The fight also drew the largest MMA crowd in North American history (55,724), making it notable for reasons outside of St-Pierre's successful title-defense.
5. Jon Fitch (UFC 87: Seek and Destroy / August 9, 2008)
There was no question that Fitch was the #2 welterweight in the world when he got his go at Georges. However, St-Pierre made him look like #12, picking Fitch apart with strikes and out-powering him on the ground. Fitch's face was an absolute mess after the match-up while St-Pierre's skill-set had never looked better.
4. Nick Diaz (UFC 158 / March 16, 2013)
The heat between Diaz and St-Pierre was immense after an initial meeting fell apart due to the former's lackluster PR skills (i.e. he missed some press conferences and was removed from the rumble). Diaz made it a point to ruffle St-Pierre's feathers after beating B.J. Penn, earning a title-fight despite having lost a controversial decision to Carlos Condit prior to the pairing. Though Diaz landed a few solid shots, he failed to back up his trash-talk and was unquestionably outpointed come the collision's conclusion.
3. Matt Hughes (UFC 65: Bad Intentions / November 18, 2006)
St-Pierre received a shot at redeeming himself against the only man to have beaten him (with one second remaining in the attached round no less) after stringing together five wins. Things started out competitive but quickly went St-Pierre's way with a Superman Punch almost ending things early. In the second stanza, he landed a beautifully timed kick on a ducking Hughes and put his rival down. GSP followed up with some strikes and quickly drew the referee's intervention, winning his first UFC title at the age of 25.
2. Matt Serra (UFC 83 / April 19, 2008)
Revenge wasn't necessarily the motivation for St-Pierre's interest in beating Serra when the two squared off a second time. Rather, he wanted to prove the first fight was a fluke but one he was thankful for based on how it had affected his competitive mentality. He also had an opportunity to make magic happen in front of countrymen in Montreal at the UFC's first event in Canada. "Rush" dominated Serra from the get go, eventually putting him away with knees to the midsection in the second round while Serra turtled up from St-Pierre's relentless attack.
1. Carlos Condit (UFC 154 / November 17, 2012)
After eighteen months away from the Octagon to recover from a knee injuries including a torn ACL, St-Pierre came back to face one of the biggest tests of his career in Condit. "The Natural Born Killer" had momentum on his side with five straight wins including those over Rory MacDonald, Jake Ellenberger, Dong Hyun Kim, and Nick Diaz, not to mention a ton of tools to work with as a solid striker with power and accomplished BJJer. The clash was competitive and even saw Condit rock St-Pierre with a head kick, but GSP never wavered and kept coming until he had his hand raised at the end. To beat such a strong adversary after so much time off and a serious injury is truly as impressive a feat as GSP has ever accomplished.
The MMA gods broke the mold when they crafted UFC welterweight Georges St-Pierre out of a stringy Canadian kid whose brush with bullying put him on the path to becoming one of the greatest fighters to ever grace the Octagon. In addition to being supremely talented, St-Pierre works his tail off in the gym and remains exceptionally humble even as the millions keep piling up. Whittling GSP's record down to a Top 10 where wins are concerned would be a disservice despite "Rush" only having 24 total victories. In that regard it's time to take a look back at fifteen moments of past success from St-Pierre's career. Whether he'll add Johny Hendricks to the list after their showdown at UFC 167 remains to be seen… (Photos by USA Today Sports Images)
Front-Page Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
- SBERG says:
It really is amazing when you look at who he's beat and that when he did it all were in their prime. That's the one thing I've always liked about GSP, he ducks no one.
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text: 297 Like Plants vs Zombies (series) Alternative? YES NO Plants vs. Zombies is a tower defense video game by PopCap. A mob of fun-loving zombies is about to invade your home, and your only defense is an arsenal of... Freemium Mac Windows Web Android iPhone Windows Phone iPad Kindle Fire ... Steam No features added Add a feature


text: Okay, so we have McCoy still puttering around at the age of 137, which FYI is 13 years longer than the longest confirmed lifespan in real life of Jeanne Calment who lived to be 122. (No other human has reached 120). Dr. Soong apparently wasn't quite that old when he died, but seemed to be pretty active as a guy over a hundred. Keiko's mother and Beverly's grandmother both lived to be a hundred. Dr. April Wade live to be 106. The fact that McCoy's and all these centenarians out there doing stuff leads me to suspect there are probably humans even older than him. (Dax once O'Brien dying around 140, but she wasn't being too serious). So short of being in suspended animation, or kept young by some sentient cloud that's in love with you, or something like that, how long do you think the average human lifespan is in the 24th Century?


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ABC/RICHARD HARBAUGH, Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
ABC/RICHARD HARBAUGH, Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Apparently, teen idols are a hot commodity among conservative politicians in the U.K. Someone just forgot to tell Justin Bieber.
Unbeknownst to the "Boyfriend" crooner, British Prime Minister David Cameron purportedly auctioned off a meet-and-greet with the Biebs at the Tories' annual Black and White Party to raise funds for future election campaigns.
According to The Sun, a wealthy financier ended up forking over £10,000 ($15,700) for the privilege of giving four teenage girls an access backstage pass to meet Bieber when his 2013 Believe Tour rolls into London's O2 Arena on March 7.
While Beliebers might well assume the Canandian hitmaker has a special relationship with Cameron, it turns out he was in the dark about the get-together, according to the paper.
That's because the deal was donated by Universal Music UK, Bieber's record label in Britain, and touted as "every girl's dream" prize in a catalogue advertising various lots.
"The four golden ticket holders will get the chance to go backstage to meet face to face with the gorgeous teen heartthrob," read the listing.
A rep for Bieber's camp was unavailable, but a Universal UK publicist said the 18-year-old popster "wouldn't expect to be informed" about who gets backstage passes to his shows. But that didn't stop Labour MP Steve McCabe from taking a shot at the opposition party, saying Cameron's selling access to Justin was a "cynical" stunt that would ultimately backfire.
Bieber is set to be the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live this weekend.


text:
Cole Hamels dominate as the Phils win another series on the road as they defeat the D-backs, 4-3.
Cole Hamels appears to have returned to his dominate form as he four hits the D-backs as the Phils' offense score enough runs to defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-3.
The D-backs took the lead in the first as, with one man out, Ryan Roberts hits a solo home run, his second home run of the season, as the D-backs took a 1-0 lead. The Phils would tie it up at one-all in the third as, with two men out, Shane Victorino hits a solo home run of his own, his eighth home run of the year. The Phils took the lead in the fifth as, with two men on, and one man out, Victorino hits a ground-rule double, knocking in Hamels, who had earlier doubled, and gone to third on D-back shortstop Stephen Drew's fielding error of a Jimmy Rollins ground ball, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead, while Rollins, who was earlier safe on an error, moved up to third. The Phils would then take a 3-1 lead as Chase Utley hits a fielder's choice ground ball to D-back's first baseman Chad Tracy, who threw the ball away while trying to get Rollins out at home plate, allowing Rollins to score and Victorino to reach third, while Utley was safe at first. The Phils made it 4-1 in the seventh as, with the bases loaded, via a single to Victorino, Utley being hit by the pitch, moving Victorino up to second, a double steal to third and second by Victorino and Utley, and a walk to Raul Ibanez, and one man out, Jayson Werth hit into a force out, 6-4, forcing out Ibanez at second for the inning's second out, as Victorino scored and Utley moved up to third. Meantime, Hamels would dominate the D-backs, giving up only three more hits, as he struck out nine D-backs, in eight strong innings of work. The D-backs cut it close in the ninth as, with a man on, and nobody out, Mark Reynolds hits a two-run home run, knocking in Justin Upton, who had earlier walked, and then stole second, making it 4-3 Phils. But that would be it as Brad Lidge would buckle down, and get out the next three batters for his twentieth save of the season.
Hamels got the win as he pitched eight quality innings, giving up just one run on four hits, while striking out nine. His record is now 7-5 with an ERA of 4.42. Brad Lidge recorded his twentieth save as he pitched one inning, giving up two runs on a hit and a walk. Dan Haren received the lost as he pitched five innings, giving up three runs, two of which were earned, on four hits and three walks, as he struck out five, His record is now 10-6 with a 2.19 ERA. Clay Zavada pitched a scoreless inning, only giving up a walk. Scott Schoeneweis pitched a third of an inning, giving up a run on one hit and a walk, as he struck out a batter. Juan Gutierrez pitched one and two-thirds scoreless innings, striking out two. Chad Qualls pitched a scoreless inning, giving up two walks, while striking out one.
The Phils had only seven hits in the game, with Shane Victornio having three hits, as he was a triple short of hitting the cycle, as he raised his batting average to .319, knocking in two runs. Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels had the other four Phils' hits, with Hamels' hit being a double. Jayson Werth knocked in the other Phils' run with a force out. The Phils have won another road series, as their lead in the NL East stay at seven games as the Marlins defeat the Braves.
The Phillies (58-40, 1st National League East) will conclude their three-games series with the D-backs (43-58, 4th National League West) with a night game. The game will be play at Chase Field and will start at 9:40 pm Eastern (6:40 pm Mountain). The Phils's starter will be J.A. Happ (7-1, 2.97), who is coming off his first career lost against the Cardinals on July 24, as he went six innings, giving up five runs on ten hits, as he struck out six, in the Phils' 8-1 lost. He will be trying to get back on the horse while trying to help the Phils sweep the D-backs. The D-backs will counter with Yusmeiro Petit (0-5, 7.68), who is coming off a lost against the Pirates on July 24, as he pitched four and a third innings, giving up six runs on nine hits and a walk, while he struck out six. He will be trying to help the D-backs avoid a sweep. The Phils will be trying to end the series in Phoenix with a sweep before heading on to San Francisco for four games with the Giants.


text:
When Matthew McConaughey gave his much-talked-about acceptance speech for Best Actor during this year's Academy Awards, his "All right, all right, all right" wasn't just off the cuff: it was a reference to his first film role, and it was inspired by a legendary rock icon.
The line was first uttered by McConaughey as the character Wooderson in the 1993 Richard Linklater homage to the '70s, Dazed and Confused. But on a recent appearance with Canadian talk show host George Stroumboulopoulos (via Rolling Stone), McConaughey discussed the now-legendary line, citing Doors frontman Jim Morrison as the inspiration of that particular exclamation.
McConaughey, who was listening to a live Doors album before shooting the scene, figured that his character had four motivating factors in this world: "his car, gettin' high, rock & roll and pickin' up chicks."
When it came time to shoot his first scene, Morrison's repetitive "all right" mantra came into play as McConaughey recalls, "I'm in my car, I'm high as a kite, I'm listening to rock and roll, action! And there's the chick. All right, all right, all right! Three out of four!"
And here is Morrison's original "All right, all right, all right!"
-Brad Haynes, 1059 SUNNY FM-Orlando


text:
Digital F.Y.I. DVDDigital's latest DVD features Alex Carolino, Felipe Gustavo, Derek Fukuhara, and many more. F.Y.I. also has tons of footage from many other up and coming ams for your viewing pleasure. Check it out before they're all gone.
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"According to someone in his camp, Monta Ellis may soon request that the Warriors trade him.
On media day Monday, Ellis said emphatically that a backcourt tandem of he and Stephen Curry cannot work. "
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I like this i think walsh should go after him, D'Antoni will no doubt bring the best out of him and Ellis is young and his best years are ahead of him, he has all-star potential and would be a great second option and bargaining chip to getting a superstar in 2010
Do it Donnie