Tuesday, March 01, 2011
BREAKING: Authorities say they believe a body found over the weekend in Tennessee is that of Dick Russell, a man missing from Logan County since mid-February: http://ping.fm/knI1O
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Murder suspect turns up in Michigan
Slaying of woman
Murder suspect turns up in Michigan
Friday, September 18, 2009 3:13 AM
A man wanted since Sunday in the stabbing death of a young mother on the Near East Side has surrendered to police in Pontiac, Mich.
Fred D. Brooks III, 20, is charged with murder in the death of Christie M. Lyles, 21, of 544 Lilley Ave. She was the mother of his children.
Police said Brooks turned himself in to Michigan state police on Wednesday night. He faces extradition to Ohio.
Police were called at 8:24 a.m. Sunday by Lyles' mother. They found her daughter dead inside her Near East Side apartment. Lyles' two daughters, 3 months and almost 2 years old, were inside but unharmed.
Brooks killed Lyles during an argument, police said. Neighbors said they heard a fight late Saturday.
Relatives and neighbors reported past disputes between the couple. Court records show that Brooks was charged with domestic violence and assault against Lyles in July 2008. That case was dismissed in Franklin County Municipal Court.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/09/18/homiarrest.ART0_ART_09-18-09_B2_QLF45P5.html
My opinion, I hope the scumbag gets the death penalty. I think I'll keep an eye out for when his trial is and be there to support the family.
Murder suspect turns up in Michigan
Friday, September 18, 2009 3:13 AM
A man wanted since Sunday in the stabbing death of a young mother on the Near East Side has surrendered to police in Pontiac, Mich.
Fred D. Brooks III, 20, is charged with murder in the death of Christie M. Lyles, 21, of 544 Lilley Ave. She was the mother of his children.
Police said Brooks turned himself in to Michigan state police on Wednesday night. He faces extradition to Ohio.
Police were called at 8:24 a.m. Sunday by Lyles' mother. They found her daughter dead inside her Near East Side apartment. Lyles' two daughters, 3 months and almost 2 years old, were inside but unharmed.
Brooks killed Lyles during an argument, police said. Neighbors said they heard a fight late Saturday.
Relatives and neighbors reported past disputes between the couple. Court records show that Brooks was charged with domestic violence and assault against Lyles in July 2008. That case was dismissed in Franklin County Municipal Court.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/09/18/homiarrest.ART0_ART_09-18-09_B2_QLF45P5.html
My opinion, I hope the scumbag gets the death penalty. I think I'll keep an eye out for when his trial is and be there to support the family.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Man Sought In Woman's Slaying
Man Sought In Woman's Slaying
Monday, September 14, 2009 7:10 AM
Updated: Monday, September 14, 2009 6:09 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Authorities continued to search Monday for a man charged with killing the mother of his two young children.
Christie M. Lyles, 21, was found stabbed to death Sunday inside her Lilley Avenue apartment on the Near East Side, 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.
Her two children were found inside the apartment with her body, police said.
A warrant filed accused Fred D. Brooks III, 20, with Lyles' slaying.
On Monday, police and SWAT teams searched a southeast side home after receiving a tip that Brooks was there, 10TV News reported.
He remained at-large Monday evening.
Homicide detectives were called to Lyles' east side apartment on Sunday morning after her mother came to check on the family.
"(The mother) didn't hear from (Lyles) last night," said Columbus police Detective Patricia Dailey.
Neighbors told McEntyre that they heard a commotion coming from Lyles' apartment and heard her and another man arguing.
"I heard them fighting, and then it would cool down for a minute," said D. Robinson, who lives nearby. "Then I (heard) them fighting again. Then, I (heard) him (say) some words, talking about he's going to kill her."
"I heard him say, (expletive), you're going to die tonight," said Pooh Jackson, a neighbor. "I just shook. I just froze up because I heard her screaming, 'I don't want to die.'"
No one called police because neighbors said they heard noisy fights at the apartment before, McEntyre reported.
"I heard a lot of fighting but I really didn't think (anything) of it," Robinson said. "They go through it all the time. He'll leave and blow off some steam and come back and they'll be cool. I never think it would go this far."
"I thought everything was alright until I heard her mom at 8 a.m. screaming and hollering, talking about (her) daughter's dead," Johnson said.
An autopsy was scheduled for Monday to determine Lyles' cause of death. Investigators said that they noticed signs of trauma.
The children were unharmed and were with family members, McEntyre reported.
Since 2007, Brooks has been charged with crimes ranging from petty theft and aggravated menacing to domestic violence and assault, 10TV's Patrick Bell reported.
Police said that they thought Brooks was driving a stolen blue 2001 Chevrolet Blazer with Ohio license plate No. FB1-3EL.
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2009/09/14/story_lilley_slaying.html
This whole thing is so sad...
I knew Christie when she was a little girl. She was so cute and smart. My prayers go out to the Lyles family. May Christie find peace in Heaven. I know those girls are loved. I pity the scumbag who murdered this innocent soul because I know he will have to pay a high price for his actions.
Monday, September 14, 2009 7:10 AM
Updated: Monday, September 14, 2009 6:09 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Authorities continued to search Monday for a man charged with killing the mother of his two young children.
Christie M. Lyles, 21, was found stabbed to death Sunday inside her Lilley Avenue apartment on the Near East Side, 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.
Her two children were found inside the apartment with her body, police said.
A warrant filed accused Fred D. Brooks III, 20, with Lyles' slaying.
On Monday, police and SWAT teams searched a southeast side home after receiving a tip that Brooks was there, 10TV News reported.
He remained at-large Monday evening.
Homicide detectives were called to Lyles' east side apartment on Sunday morning after her mother came to check on the family.
"(The mother) didn't hear from (Lyles) last night," said Columbus police Detective Patricia Dailey.
Neighbors told McEntyre that they heard a commotion coming from Lyles' apartment and heard her and another man arguing.
"I heard them fighting, and then it would cool down for a minute," said D. Robinson, who lives nearby. "Then I (heard) them fighting again. Then, I (heard) him (say) some words, talking about he's going to kill her."
"I heard him say, (expletive), you're going to die tonight," said Pooh Jackson, a neighbor. "I just shook. I just froze up because I heard her screaming, 'I don't want to die.'"
No one called police because neighbors said they heard noisy fights at the apartment before, McEntyre reported.
"I heard a lot of fighting but I really didn't think (anything) of it," Robinson said. "They go through it all the time. He'll leave and blow off some steam and come back and they'll be cool. I never think it would go this far."
"I thought everything was alright until I heard her mom at 8 a.m. screaming and hollering, talking about (her) daughter's dead," Johnson said.
An autopsy was scheduled for Monday to determine Lyles' cause of death. Investigators said that they noticed signs of trauma.
The children were unharmed and were with family members, McEntyre reported.
Since 2007, Brooks has been charged with crimes ranging from petty theft and aggravated menacing to domestic violence and assault, 10TV's Patrick Bell reported.
Police said that they thought Brooks was driving a stolen blue 2001 Chevrolet Blazer with Ohio license plate No. FB1-3EL.
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2009/09/14/story_lilley_slaying.html
This whole thing is so sad...
I knew Christie when she was a little girl. She was so cute and smart. My prayers go out to the Lyles family. May Christie find peace in Heaven. I know those girls are loved. I pity the scumbag who murdered this innocent soul because I know he will have to pay a high price for his actions.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Patrick Swayze dies after cancer battle
Patrick Swayze dies after cancer battle
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Patrick Swayze, whose good looks and sympathetic performances in films such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" made him a romantic idol to millions, died Monday. He was 57.
Swayze died of pancreatic cancer, his publicist, Annett Wolf, told CNN.
Swayze's doctor, Dr. George Fisher, revealed in early March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from the disease.
Most recently, Swayze starred in A&E Network's "The Beast," which debuted in January. He agreed to take the starring role of an undercover FBI agent before his diagnosis.
The network agreed to shoot an entire season of the show after Swayze responded well to his cancer treatment.
In an interview with ABC's Barbara Walters in January, Swayze said his work on that show was exhausting, requiring 12-hour workdays in Chicago, Illinois, doing his own stunts. But he said the show's character "just felt right for my soul."
"If I leave this Earth, I want to leave this Earth just knowing I've tried to give something back and tried to do something worthwhile with myself," Swayze told Walters, when asked why he decided to do the show. "And that keeps me going, that gets me up in the morning. My work ... is my legacy."
Swayze was mostly known for a handful of supporting roles when he broke through with his performance as dance instructor Johnny Castle in 1987's "Dirty Dancing.
Three years later, he became an even bigger star with "Ghost," in which he played an investment banker who dies and learns to tap into his unspoken feelings for his partner (Demi Moore). The film won Whoopi Goldberg an Oscar and helped make Swayze People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991.
''The movies that have had the most powerful effects on my life have been about romantic characters,'' he told Entertainment Weekly in 1990.
He expanded on the effort he put into love scenes for People in 1991.
"It's possibly the scariest thing I do," he said, "doing something so personal and giving people out there the opportunity to see if you're a good kisser or not."
Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas. His father was an engineering draftsman; his mother was a ballet dancer and later the director of the Houston Ballet Dance Company.
She led her son into the dancing world, which wasn't always easy for a Texas male. Indeed, the young Swayze played football, practiced martial arts and was an accomplished diver and track star while growing up, though he was good enough at dance to earn a college scholarship.
After an early professional job playing Prince Charming in an early '70s version of "Disney on Ice," Swayze returned to Houston, where he met Lisa Niemi, a student of his mother's. The two were married in 1975 and moved to New York to pursue their careers.
Swayze seemed set on a dance career: He studied with the prestigious Joffrey Ballet and joined another company, the Eliot Feld Ballet Company. But surgery for an old football injury ended his ballet career and he turned to acting, nabbing the lead role of Danny Zuko in the long-running Broadway production of "Grease" in 1978, around the time the movie starring John Travolta was hitting theaters. "Grease" earned him some Hollywood attention, and he and Niemi moved West.
After a couple of bit parts, including one in a 1981 episode of "M*A*S*H," Swayze picked up the role of Darry Curtis in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film of "The Outsiders," which also included future stars Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise. Swayze was also one of the leads in 1984's "Red Dawn," about teenagers defending their town from a Soviet attack on America.
But it was with "Dirty Dancing" that Swayze hit it big. The film about a girl's coming of age at a Catskills resort in the early '60s was intended for a limited release but became one of the decade's biggest sleeper hits and made Swayze and co-star Jennifer Grey household names.
The film gave birth to a catchphrase -- "Nobody puts Baby in a corner," spoken by Swayze's character to Grey's domineering father (Jerry Orbach) -- and eventually led to a follow-up, 2004's "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights." Swayze even sang a Top 10 hit, "She's Like the Wind," on the film's soundtrack.
Swayze, known as a down-to-earth, nice-guy actor, was determined not to follow a predictable career path.
He followed "Dirty Dancing" with "Road House" (1989) in which he played a manager at a rough-and-tumble bar (the film was particularly popular on late-night cable). He succeeded "Ghost" with "Point Break" (1991), about a group of thieves; "City of Joy" (1992), in which he played a doctor in a poverty-stricken Indian village; and "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" (1995), in which he starred as a drag queen.
''I don't want to be Mr. Romantic Leading Man. I don't want to be the Dance Dude. I don't want to be the Action Guy. If I had to do any one of those all my life, it'd drive me crazy,'' he told Entertainment Weekly in the 1990 interview.
Swayze's career diminished in the late '90s. He broke both legs in 1997 while making a film, "Letters From a Killer," and went into rehab to overcome an admitted drinking problem. In 2000, he was flying in his own twin-engine plane when the plane depressurized; Swayze landed in a housing development in Arizona. Though some witnesses say he appeared intoxicated, he was later revealed to have been suffering from hypoxia, related to the depressurization and his three-pack-a-day cigarette habit.
Swayze re-established his knack for picking sleepers with "Donnie Darko" (2001), the dark film about a troubled student that became a sensation on video. Swayze played a creepy motivational speaker and won raves for his performance.
Swayze's more recent films included a TV version of "King Solomon's Mines" and 2007's "Christmas in Wonderland."
Though he still had the power to make women's hearts flutter -- 22-year-old Scarlett Johansson, upon receiving Harvard's Hasty Pudding Award in February 2007, said her dream date was "probably Patrick Swayze, my dream come true" -- Swayze wasn't too impressed with himself.
"Good-looking people turn me off," he once said. "Myself included."
Swayze is survived by his wife, Lisa, of over 30 years and his mother, Patsy.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/14/patrick.swayze/index.html
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Patrick Swayze, whose good looks and sympathetic performances in films such as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" made him a romantic idol to millions, died Monday. He was 57.
Swayze died of pancreatic cancer, his publicist, Annett Wolf, told CNN.
Swayze's doctor, Dr. George Fisher, revealed in early March 2008 that Swayze was suffering from the disease.
Most recently, Swayze starred in A&E Network's "The Beast," which debuted in January. He agreed to take the starring role of an undercover FBI agent before his diagnosis.
The network agreed to shoot an entire season of the show after Swayze responded well to his cancer treatment.
In an interview with ABC's Barbara Walters in January, Swayze said his work on that show was exhausting, requiring 12-hour workdays in Chicago, Illinois, doing his own stunts. But he said the show's character "just felt right for my soul."
"If I leave this Earth, I want to leave this Earth just knowing I've tried to give something back and tried to do something worthwhile with myself," Swayze told Walters, when asked why he decided to do the show. "And that keeps me going, that gets me up in the morning. My work ... is my legacy."
Swayze was mostly known for a handful of supporting roles when he broke through with his performance as dance instructor Johnny Castle in 1987's "Dirty Dancing.
Three years later, he became an even bigger star with "Ghost," in which he played an investment banker who dies and learns to tap into his unspoken feelings for his partner (Demi Moore). The film won Whoopi Goldberg an Oscar and helped make Swayze People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991.
''The movies that have had the most powerful effects on my life have been about romantic characters,'' he told Entertainment Weekly in 1990.
He expanded on the effort he put into love scenes for People in 1991.
"It's possibly the scariest thing I do," he said, "doing something so personal and giving people out there the opportunity to see if you're a good kisser or not."
Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18, 1952, in Houston, Texas. His father was an engineering draftsman; his mother was a ballet dancer and later the director of the Houston Ballet Dance Company.
She led her son into the dancing world, which wasn't always easy for a Texas male. Indeed, the young Swayze played football, practiced martial arts and was an accomplished diver and track star while growing up, though he was good enough at dance to earn a college scholarship.
After an early professional job playing Prince Charming in an early '70s version of "Disney on Ice," Swayze returned to Houston, where he met Lisa Niemi, a student of his mother's. The two were married in 1975 and moved to New York to pursue their careers.
Swayze seemed set on a dance career: He studied with the prestigious Joffrey Ballet and joined another company, the Eliot Feld Ballet Company. But surgery for an old football injury ended his ballet career and he turned to acting, nabbing the lead role of Danny Zuko in the long-running Broadway production of "Grease" in 1978, around the time the movie starring John Travolta was hitting theaters. "Grease" earned him some Hollywood attention, and he and Niemi moved West.
After a couple of bit parts, including one in a 1981 episode of "M*A*S*H," Swayze picked up the role of Darry Curtis in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film of "The Outsiders," which also included future stars Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, Emilio Estevez and Tom Cruise. Swayze was also one of the leads in 1984's "Red Dawn," about teenagers defending their town from a Soviet attack on America.
But it was with "Dirty Dancing" that Swayze hit it big. The film about a girl's coming of age at a Catskills resort in the early '60s was intended for a limited release but became one of the decade's biggest sleeper hits and made Swayze and co-star Jennifer Grey household names.
The film gave birth to a catchphrase -- "Nobody puts Baby in a corner," spoken by Swayze's character to Grey's domineering father (Jerry Orbach) -- and eventually led to a follow-up, 2004's "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights." Swayze even sang a Top 10 hit, "She's Like the Wind," on the film's soundtrack.
Swayze, known as a down-to-earth, nice-guy actor, was determined not to follow a predictable career path.
He followed "Dirty Dancing" with "Road House" (1989) in which he played a manager at a rough-and-tumble bar (the film was particularly popular on late-night cable). He succeeded "Ghost" with "Point Break" (1991), about a group of thieves; "City of Joy" (1992), in which he played a doctor in a poverty-stricken Indian village; and "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" (1995), in which he starred as a drag queen.
''I don't want to be Mr. Romantic Leading Man. I don't want to be the Dance Dude. I don't want to be the Action Guy. If I had to do any one of those all my life, it'd drive me crazy,'' he told Entertainment Weekly in the 1990 interview.
Swayze's career diminished in the late '90s. He broke both legs in 1997 while making a film, "Letters From a Killer," and went into rehab to overcome an admitted drinking problem. In 2000, he was flying in his own twin-engine plane when the plane depressurized; Swayze landed in a housing development in Arizona. Though some witnesses say he appeared intoxicated, he was later revealed to have been suffering from hypoxia, related to the depressurization and his three-pack-a-day cigarette habit.
Swayze re-established his knack for picking sleepers with "Donnie Darko" (2001), the dark film about a troubled student that became a sensation on video. Swayze played a creepy motivational speaker and won raves for his performance.
Swayze's more recent films included a TV version of "King Solomon's Mines" and 2007's "Christmas in Wonderland."
Though he still had the power to make women's hearts flutter -- 22-year-old Scarlett Johansson, upon receiving Harvard's Hasty Pudding Award in February 2007, said her dream date was "probably Patrick Swayze, my dream come true" -- Swayze wasn't too impressed with himself.
"Good-looking people turn me off," he once said. "Myself included."
Swayze is survived by his wife, Lisa, of over 30 years and his mother, Patsy.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/14/patrick.swayze/index.html
Why is it so hard to say ‘I’m sorry?
Why is it so hard to say ‘I’m sorry?’
Apologizing shows those you love that you care enough, says Dr. Ludwig.
By Dr. Robi Ludwig
TODAYShow.com contributor
We all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. So why is apologizing so darn difficult to do? Most of us like to be the recipient of a heartfelt apology, but giving is different from receiving, isn't it?
As I'm sure you've figured out, there are many reasons why saying, "I'm sorry" is such a challenging endeavor. First of all, who likes to admit they're wrong? It's NOT fun! Believe me, I know. I've had lots of practice.
Sometimes it's the fear of rejection that makes an apology so hard to say. The prospect of getting a cold shoulder, not being forgiven or losing a friend can understandably be unsettling, especially when it comes from someone you still love, care about and want to maintain a relationship with. Sometimes people feel that initiating an apology is a sign of weakness.
Apologizing can make some people feel vulnerable, or feel like they are in danger of loosing their power and status. Others simply equate saying "I'm sorry" with admitting they're inadequate or incompetent, which makes admitting mistakes so much harder to do. Some people find saying they’re sorry humiliating. Perhaps they were criticized harshly by parents or other important people while growing up, and as a result avoid admitting mistakes because of the horrible feelings it brings up.
Some people prefer to stay in denial. Their logic goes something like this: If you don't admit you've done anything wrong, then it's almost like not doing anything wrong at all. If there is no admission of fault, then there is no need to take responsibility. If it were only that easy! Some view giving an apology in very black and white terms. Giving an apology is like being the “loser” and the person receiving the apology is the “winner.”
The one who is wrong needs to ask forgiveness from the one who is right. Understandably, that's not a fun thought. Sometimes it's our pride or ego that gets in the way. And of course those who lack empathy can have a hard time embracing another person's feelings or perspective altogether, which makes saying sorry virtually impossible to do.
Apologies aren't supposed to be easy. They are supposed to be soul-baring. That’s why, when done right, they are so powerful and rehabilitative. It’s hard to admit that we’ve hurt someone’s feelings or caused someone pain, whether it's intentional or not. It’s also hard to see ourselves in a less-than-positive light. It requires taking off the blinders we wear and facing our flaws.
Saying sorry is meant to make us feel vulnerable. How could it not? But here’s the thing: It’s really important to do in order for us to have healthy relationships. We all want and need to feel safe with the people we allow into our inner circle. We want to know that the people we are close to care about how we feel and are willing to admit their flaws. Not taking responsibility for wrongdoings makes us seem unsafe or untrustworthy. And withholding an apology is certainly not going to win us any friends! Saying you’re sorry shows those you love that you care enough about them and the relationship to be aware of your shortcomings and take responsibility for your hurtful actions. In the end making things right is way more important than being right.
Psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig has hosted two seasons of TLC’s reality show “One Week to Save Your Marriage” as well as GSN’s reality game show “Without Prejudice.” She currently has a private practice in New York City where she treats both individuals and couples. Find out more at drrobiludwig.com.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32845175/ns/today-today_relationships/
Apologizing shows those you love that you care enough, says Dr. Ludwig.
By Dr. Robi Ludwig
TODAYShow.com contributor
We all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. So why is apologizing so darn difficult to do? Most of us like to be the recipient of a heartfelt apology, but giving is different from receiving, isn't it?
As I'm sure you've figured out, there are many reasons why saying, "I'm sorry" is such a challenging endeavor. First of all, who likes to admit they're wrong? It's NOT fun! Believe me, I know. I've had lots of practice.
Sometimes it's the fear of rejection that makes an apology so hard to say. The prospect of getting a cold shoulder, not being forgiven or losing a friend can understandably be unsettling, especially when it comes from someone you still love, care about and want to maintain a relationship with. Sometimes people feel that initiating an apology is a sign of weakness.
Apologizing can make some people feel vulnerable, or feel like they are in danger of loosing their power and status. Others simply equate saying "I'm sorry" with admitting they're inadequate or incompetent, which makes admitting mistakes so much harder to do. Some people find saying they’re sorry humiliating. Perhaps they were criticized harshly by parents or other important people while growing up, and as a result avoid admitting mistakes because of the horrible feelings it brings up.
Some people prefer to stay in denial. Their logic goes something like this: If you don't admit you've done anything wrong, then it's almost like not doing anything wrong at all. If there is no admission of fault, then there is no need to take responsibility. If it were only that easy! Some view giving an apology in very black and white terms. Giving an apology is like being the “loser” and the person receiving the apology is the “winner.”
The one who is wrong needs to ask forgiveness from the one who is right. Understandably, that's not a fun thought. Sometimes it's our pride or ego that gets in the way. And of course those who lack empathy can have a hard time embracing another person's feelings or perspective altogether, which makes saying sorry virtually impossible to do.
Apologies aren't supposed to be easy. They are supposed to be soul-baring. That’s why, when done right, they are so powerful and rehabilitative. It’s hard to admit that we’ve hurt someone’s feelings or caused someone pain, whether it's intentional or not. It’s also hard to see ourselves in a less-than-positive light. It requires taking off the blinders we wear and facing our flaws.
Saying sorry is meant to make us feel vulnerable. How could it not? But here’s the thing: It’s really important to do in order for us to have healthy relationships. We all want and need to feel safe with the people we allow into our inner circle. We want to know that the people we are close to care about how we feel and are willing to admit their flaws. Not taking responsibility for wrongdoings makes us seem unsafe or untrustworthy. And withholding an apology is certainly not going to win us any friends! Saying you’re sorry shows those you love that you care enough about them and the relationship to be aware of your shortcomings and take responsibility for your hurtful actions. In the end making things right is way more important than being right.
Psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig has hosted two seasons of TLC’s reality show “One Week to Save Your Marriage” as well as GSN’s reality game show “Without Prejudice.” She currently has a private practice in New York City where she treats both individuals and couples. Find out more at drrobiludwig.com.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32845175/ns/today-today_relationships/
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Fire Evacuates 500 Homes In Volusia (BE SAFE FLA. FRIENDS)
POSTED: 6:15 pm EDT May 11, 2008
UPDATED: 10:29 pm EDT May 11, 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A growing brush fire prompted authorities in Volusia County to order an evacuation of 600 homes near Daytona Beach on Sunday.
Officials said the LPGA community west of LPGA Boulevard is under a mandatory evacuation order, and the Bayberry Lakes subdivision on the east side of LPGA Boulevard is under a voluntary evacuation.
The brush fire is grown to cover more than 500 acres and 500 families were told to leave their homes."This fire is dangerously close to houses in the subdivision around the LPGA Country Club ... LPGA Boulevard is shut down in this area. The ramp from I-95 southbound to LPGA is also shut down," Chopper 2 pilot Dan McCarthy said.
The Division of Forestry dispatched airplanes and helicopters to battle the brush fire, and fire engines and brush trucks were also assisting in the battle, but gusty winds hampered the firefighting effort.
"We've seen the fire come within 25 to 30 feet of some of these houses. We can't tell if the houses have caught on fire. The smoke and the winds keep shifting, pushing the smoke toward us," McCarthy said.
Authorities said they hoped to establish a fire line at LPGA Boulevard, but the fire jumped the line late Sunday evening. It also jumped a small lake earlier in the day.
Police are also preventing residents from entering the area because of the dangerous conditions.
A shelter is open at the Hampton Inn at 1715 W. International Speedway Boulevard for evacuees.
The City of Daytona Beach has established a hot line for evacuated residents at 386-671-5347.
Stay with WESH 2 News and WESH. com for further details.
http://www. wesh. com/news/16233156/detail. html
Slideshow:
http://www.wesh.com/slideshow/16233930/detail.htmlindex.html?currentSlide=0&taf=orl
UPDATED: 10:29 pm EDT May 11, 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A growing brush fire prompted authorities in Volusia County to order an evacuation of 600 homes near Daytona Beach on Sunday.
Officials said the LPGA community west of LPGA Boulevard is under a mandatory evacuation order, and the Bayberry Lakes subdivision on the east side of LPGA Boulevard is under a voluntary evacuation.
The brush fire is grown to cover more than 500 acres and 500 families were told to leave their homes."This fire is dangerously close to houses in the subdivision around the LPGA Country Club ... LPGA Boulevard is shut down in this area. The ramp from I-95 southbound to LPGA is also shut down," Chopper 2 pilot Dan McCarthy said.
The Division of Forestry dispatched airplanes and helicopters to battle the brush fire, and fire engines and brush trucks were also assisting in the battle, but gusty winds hampered the firefighting effort.
"We've seen the fire come within 25 to 30 feet of some of these houses. We can't tell if the houses have caught on fire. The smoke and the winds keep shifting, pushing the smoke toward us," McCarthy said.
Authorities said they hoped to establish a fire line at LPGA Boulevard, but the fire jumped the line late Sunday evening. It also jumped a small lake earlier in the day.
Police are also preventing residents from entering the area because of the dangerous conditions.
A shelter is open at the Hampton Inn at 1715 W. International Speedway Boulevard for evacuees.
The City of Daytona Beach has established a hot line for evacuated residents at 386-671-5347.
Stay with WESH 2 News and WESH. com for further details.
http://www. wesh. com/news/16233156/detail. html
Slideshow:
http://www.wesh.com/slideshow/16233930/detail.htmlindex.html?currentSlide=0&taf=orl
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Keeping a Cool Head
Keeping a Cool Head
Neurosurgeons are counteracting brain trauma by lowering the body heat of their patients.
By: Dinha Kaplan
Sprain a knee and your doctor will tell you to ice the injury to prevent swelling. Now neurosurgeons are applying the same principle to people with severe head injuries.
By lowering patients' body temperature to a relatively chilly 88 degrees Fahrenheit, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) are counteracting one of most troublesome side effects of brain trauma. The body's inflammatory response often produces swelling in newly injured tissues, whether in the ankle or cerebrum. But since the skull's rigidity doesn't let a swelling brain expand, pressure can build inside the head after an injury. "If the pressure gets high enough, it cuts off the blood supply to the brain," notes UPMC neurosurgeon Donald Marion, M.D. Such "secondary injuries" are responsible for up to half of the neurological problems that plague brain-injured people after an accident.
In a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, Marion's team was able to boost the odds of recovery by chilling the brain (and the rest of the body) for 24 hours after the trauma. Among brain-injured patients who were unconscious but not comatose upon arriving at the E.R., 55 percent were back at work six months later if their brains had been cooled after their injury. Only 12 percent of those who didn't receive the treatment were able to return to work or school in that time.
Psychology Today Magazine, Jul/Aug 1997Last Reviewed 24 Mar 2008Article ID: 863
http://www.psychologytoday.com/rss/pto-19970701-000006.html
Neurosurgeons are counteracting brain trauma by lowering the body heat of their patients.
By: Dinha Kaplan
Sprain a knee and your doctor will tell you to ice the injury to prevent swelling. Now neurosurgeons are applying the same principle to people with severe head injuries.
By lowering patients' body temperature to a relatively chilly 88 degrees Fahrenheit, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) are counteracting one of most troublesome side effects of brain trauma. The body's inflammatory response often produces swelling in newly injured tissues, whether in the ankle or cerebrum. But since the skull's rigidity doesn't let a swelling brain expand, pressure can build inside the head after an injury. "If the pressure gets high enough, it cuts off the blood supply to the brain," notes UPMC neurosurgeon Donald Marion, M.D. Such "secondary injuries" are responsible for up to half of the neurological problems that plague brain-injured people after an accident.
In a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, Marion's team was able to boost the odds of recovery by chilling the brain (and the rest of the body) for 24 hours after the trauma. Among brain-injured patients who were unconscious but not comatose upon arriving at the E.R., 55 percent were back at work six months later if their brains had been cooled after their injury. Only 12 percent of those who didn't receive the treatment were able to return to work or school in that time.
Psychology Today Magazine, Jul/Aug 1997Last Reviewed 24 Mar 2008Article ID: 863
http://www.psychologytoday.com/rss/pto-19970701-000006.html
Shakespeare
Live in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed,
Stew'd in corruption,
honeying and making love ove the nasty sty!
from Hamlet
Stew'd in corruption,
honeying and making love ove the nasty sty!
from Hamlet
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Shannon and Craig on their nuptuals on March 19, 2008, Birmingham, Alabama. Love you bunches and best wishes to you, my friends!Saturday, February 09, 2008
Busch and Stewart trade bumps, words at Daytona
By David Newton
ESPN.com
Updated: February 9, 2008, 12:57 AM ET
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR chairman Brian France kicked off the 2008 media tour in Charlotte, N.C., last month by saying Sprint Cup drivers needed to show more of their personalities.
Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart obliged on Friday night.
Two of NASCAR's most controversial characters got into a sheet metal exchange on pit road after an on-the-track incident that wrecked both of their cars in the final practice for Saturday's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.
Both drivers immediately were summoned to the NASCAR hauler to meet with Series director John Darby and competition director Robin Pemberton. They will meet again on Saturday before the governing body determines what fines, if any, will be issued.
The only words spoken by either driver -- both left through a side door without commenting -- came from Busch before entering the hauler.
"It's a great way to start off 2008," he said, clapping his hands together.
It was more like the way NASCAR started the 1979 season, when Bobby and Donnie Allison got into a fight with Cale Yarborough in the infield grass following an altercation on the last lap of the Daytona 500 to spark national interest in the sport.
"This is the NASCAR everybody fell in love with," said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, playing off France's back-to-the-basics theme. "Emotions run high."
Hunter said what happened showed the fine line between letting drivers be themselves and crossing the line where safety becomes an issue.
"It's going to be difficult as a matter of fact," he said on how NASCAR would handle such situations. "Professional race drivers need to control their emotions when they're in the racecar. And we've shown in the past that we'll do whatever we need to do to make sure they do. After tomorrow's meeting we'll see where we are."
Hunter said the history of the drivers would not be a factor in any fines. Busch was fined $100,000 and docked 100 championship points in June after sending Stewart into a barrier at Dover and nearly hitting a member of Stewart's crew making additional contact on pit road.
He also was parked for the remainder of the race.
"It's a new season," Hunter said. "You said earlier today it was quiet. It's not quiet now."
Those weren't the only fireworks of the night session. Moments prior to that incident Ryan Newman spun out after a tap from Clint Bowyer. His car slid up the track and took out two-time defending Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon.
Both drivers will use backups, not their Daytona 500 car, in the Shootout. The car in which Johnson won both races at Richmond last season and was scheduled to be tested at Nashville is expected to arrive at Daytona on Saturday morning for Johnson. Bill Elliott, David Gilliland and Carl Edwards also were involved in that accident.
Newman said the speeds were marginally fast and suggested that NASCAR should do something to lower them before the race. Darby said the speeds were well below the concern area and nothing was being planned. "The fastest I saw was 192 mph," Darby said. "We usually race at 195."
Speed had nothing to do with what happened between Stewart and Busch, who spun into the wall after a tap from Stewart. Busch felt Stewart caused the accident with the bump. Stewart felt Busch caused it by blocking.
"This was a typical reaction for an accident on a racetrack when neither driver felt they were at fault," Hunter said. "Anytime there's an accident, there's difference of opinions on why the accident happened."
Hunter declined to compare the incident to any others, specifically one last season in which Kevin Harvick and Juan Pablo Montoya got out of their cars and shoved each other after an accident at Watkins Glen. Neither driver was fined.
"There's a lot of emotion in driving a racecar, and this is an example of that," Hunter said. "Both drivers were emotional."
That crew members were not on pit road will factor into NASCAR's decision on a penalty.
"If the pit crews are out on pit road, it's very dangerous," Hunter said. "Under a circumstance where there were people on pit road that would be different than what happened."
Gordon, standing in the garage talking to crew chief Steve Letarte, couldn't take his eyes off the big screen television as the Busch and Stewart saga unfolded.
Ironically, Gordon pointed specifically to Busch and Stewart earlier this year as drivers that have buried their personality for fear of being punished by NASCAR.
Gordon predicted Saturday night's race would be wild.
"I think we're going to see a lot of things like this happening because the drafting is so severe that there is a lot of movement going on out there," he said. "It's going to be exciting. I've been saying it's going to be exciting and I think there is a whole lot of excitement yet to come."
Newman agreed.
"It's not pretty," he said. "We're the crash-test dummies out there in a round-about way trying to figure out the new car at Daytona. The cars aren't handling very well. It's not the ideal racecar right now."
Dale Earnhardt Jr. saw the second wreck as a good reason to park for the rest of the session.
"I saw cars spinning everywhere," he said. "Looked like the No. 2 [Busch] was trying to block the No. 20 [Stewart] and Tony tried to go to the high side. It has been a wild practice out there. It is going to be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
"We liked our car really from the get-go right off the trailer so we weren't going to practice too much. That was a good enough reason to quit right there."
David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.
ESPN.com
Updated: February 9, 2008, 12:57 AM ET
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR chairman Brian France kicked off the 2008 media tour in Charlotte, N.C., last month by saying Sprint Cup drivers needed to show more of their personalities.
Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart obliged on Friday night.
Two of NASCAR's most controversial characters got into a sheet metal exchange on pit road after an on-the-track incident that wrecked both of their cars in the final practice for Saturday's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.
Both drivers immediately were summoned to the NASCAR hauler to meet with Series director John Darby and competition director Robin Pemberton. They will meet again on Saturday before the governing body determines what fines, if any, will be issued.
The only words spoken by either driver -- both left through a side door without commenting -- came from Busch before entering the hauler.
"It's a great way to start off 2008," he said, clapping his hands together.
It was more like the way NASCAR started the 1979 season, when Bobby and Donnie Allison got into a fight with Cale Yarborough in the infield grass following an altercation on the last lap of the Daytona 500 to spark national interest in the sport.
"This is the NASCAR everybody fell in love with," said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, playing off France's back-to-the-basics theme. "Emotions run high."
Hunter said what happened showed the fine line between letting drivers be themselves and crossing the line where safety becomes an issue.
"It's going to be difficult as a matter of fact," he said on how NASCAR would handle such situations. "Professional race drivers need to control their emotions when they're in the racecar. And we've shown in the past that we'll do whatever we need to do to make sure they do. After tomorrow's meeting we'll see where we are."
Hunter said the history of the drivers would not be a factor in any fines. Busch was fined $100,000 and docked 100 championship points in June after sending Stewart into a barrier at Dover and nearly hitting a member of Stewart's crew making additional contact on pit road.
He also was parked for the remainder of the race.
"It's a new season," Hunter said. "You said earlier today it was quiet. It's not quiet now."
Those weren't the only fireworks of the night session. Moments prior to that incident Ryan Newman spun out after a tap from Clint Bowyer. His car slid up the track and took out two-time defending Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon.
Both drivers will use backups, not their Daytona 500 car, in the Shootout. The car in which Johnson won both races at Richmond last season and was scheduled to be tested at Nashville is expected to arrive at Daytona on Saturday morning for Johnson. Bill Elliott, David Gilliland and Carl Edwards also were involved in that accident.
Newman said the speeds were marginally fast and suggested that NASCAR should do something to lower them before the race. Darby said the speeds were well below the concern area and nothing was being planned. "The fastest I saw was 192 mph," Darby said. "We usually race at 195."
Speed had nothing to do with what happened between Stewart and Busch, who spun into the wall after a tap from Stewart. Busch felt Stewart caused the accident with the bump. Stewart felt Busch caused it by blocking.
"This was a typical reaction for an accident on a racetrack when neither driver felt they were at fault," Hunter said. "Anytime there's an accident, there's difference of opinions on why the accident happened."
Hunter declined to compare the incident to any others, specifically one last season in which Kevin Harvick and Juan Pablo Montoya got out of their cars and shoved each other after an accident at Watkins Glen. Neither driver was fined.
"There's a lot of emotion in driving a racecar, and this is an example of that," Hunter said. "Both drivers were emotional."
That crew members were not on pit road will factor into NASCAR's decision on a penalty.
"If the pit crews are out on pit road, it's very dangerous," Hunter said. "Under a circumstance where there were people on pit road that would be different than what happened."
Gordon, standing in the garage talking to crew chief Steve Letarte, couldn't take his eyes off the big screen television as the Busch and Stewart saga unfolded.
Ironically, Gordon pointed specifically to Busch and Stewart earlier this year as drivers that have buried their personality for fear of being punished by NASCAR.
Gordon predicted Saturday night's race would be wild.
"I think we're going to see a lot of things like this happening because the drafting is so severe that there is a lot of movement going on out there," he said. "It's going to be exciting. I've been saying it's going to be exciting and I think there is a whole lot of excitement yet to come."
Newman agreed.
"It's not pretty," he said. "We're the crash-test dummies out there in a round-about way trying to figure out the new car at Daytona. The cars aren't handling very well. It's not the ideal racecar right now."
Dale Earnhardt Jr. saw the second wreck as a good reason to park for the rest of the session.
"I saw cars spinning everywhere," he said. "Looked like the No. 2 [Busch] was trying to block the No. 20 [Stewart] and Tony tried to go to the high side. It has been a wild practice out there. It is going to be interesting to see how this all unfolds.
"We liked our car really from the get-go right off the trailer so we weren't going to practice too much. That was a good enough reason to quit right there."
David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Announcement
Pfizer Corp. (NYSE PFE) is making the announcement today that VIAGRA will soon be available in liquid form and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola (Pepsi Bottling Group NYSE PBG) as a power beverage suitable for use as-is, or as a mixer, under the name "Mount And Do". Pepsi's proposed ad campaign suggests: "It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one."
The Human Body
The human body is a machine that is full of wonder.
This collection of human body facts will leave you wondering why in the heck we were designed the way we were.
-Scientists say the higher your I.Q. The more you dream.
-The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm.
-You use 200 muscles to take one step.
-The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.
-Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.
-A pair of human feet contains 250,000 sweat glands.
-A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball.
-The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades.
-The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica.
-It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
-The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds.
-Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis of the liver than men with hair...
-At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell.
-There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
-Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
-The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
-Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born.
-When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, and they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate.
-Your thumb is the same length as your nose.
At this very moment I know full well you are putting this last fact to the test...now remove your thumb from your nose and pass this on to the friends you think might be interested in comparing their thumbs to their noses as well.
This collection of human body facts will leave you wondering why in the heck we were designed the way we were.
-Scientists say the higher your I.Q. The more you dream.
-The largest cell in the human body is the female egg and the smallest is the male sperm.
-You use 200 muscles to take one step.
-The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.
-Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.
-A pair of human feet contains 250,000 sweat glands.
-A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball.
-The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades.
-The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica.
-It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
-The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds.
-Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis of the liver than men with hair...
-At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell.
-There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
-Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
-The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
-Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born.
-When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, and they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate.
-Your thumb is the same length as your nose.
At this very moment I know full well you are putting this last fact to the test...now remove your thumb from your nose and pass this on to the friends you think might be interested in comparing their thumbs to their noses as well.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Weekend Update
Well I must say it certainly has been an interesting weekend.
I feel better now that I've cleared the air with a close friend. In doing so, I think I helped her out with an issue. I just can't wait for her to move here from out of state. Even though there is an age difference, we do seem to have a lot in common.
I am still working on another issue with a wise friend. I'm hoping that the stupid mistakes I made will not permanently affect our relationship. I should have listened to her in the first place instead of HIM. I will accept whatever she deems necessary.
I've had loads of fun this weekend with DJ, Jen, and Talia. Now if only the camera was working, I'd post pictures. I never thought I would ever have fun like this. I feel so free to be myself. I am being accepted for who I am.
I must say that the past two years I have been living indoors way too much. Living under someone else's thumb, rules, whatever you want to call it, really is quite a bummer. I am an adult and I can do what I please. The only way someone can dictate what I do is if they are my father or my husband.
I have determined that I am going back to the person I once was. I won't take any bull, certainly not from a man. I will not trust a man until my friends feel comfortable with him. It's too bad I had to go through so much crap and loss to figure this out.
In closing, I hope I will be able to continue to enjoy myself even though I am possibly terminally ill. No, I'm not trying to seek attention by mentioning it. I am not comfortable speaking of it to anyone either. It's apparent though that I have so much more to live for now, I want to enjoy it as much as possible.
Love to you all and be safe!
I feel better now that I've cleared the air with a close friend. In doing so, I think I helped her out with an issue. I just can't wait for her to move here from out of state. Even though there is an age difference, we do seem to have a lot in common.
I am still working on another issue with a wise friend. I'm hoping that the stupid mistakes I made will not permanently affect our relationship. I should have listened to her in the first place instead of HIM. I will accept whatever she deems necessary.
I've had loads of fun this weekend with DJ, Jen, and Talia. Now if only the camera was working, I'd post pictures. I never thought I would ever have fun like this. I feel so free to be myself. I am being accepted for who I am.
I must say that the past two years I have been living indoors way too much. Living under someone else's thumb, rules, whatever you want to call it, really is quite a bummer. I am an adult and I can do what I please. The only way someone can dictate what I do is if they are my father or my husband.
I have determined that I am going back to the person I once was. I won't take any bull, certainly not from a man. I will not trust a man until my friends feel comfortable with him. It's too bad I had to go through so much crap and loss to figure this out.
In closing, I hope I will be able to continue to enjoy myself even though I am possibly terminally ill. No, I'm not trying to seek attention by mentioning it. I am not comfortable speaking of it to anyone either. It's apparent though that I have so much more to live for now, I want to enjoy it as much as possible.
Love to you all and be safe!
Friday, January 18, 2008
LOL...my ramblings...
Do you all know that song "Micky"? Well today I was working hard, singing that song, and instead of the name Micky, I put in DJ. LOL! How hilarious is that?! Like I said yesterday, strange and wonderful things do happen. I've waited so long for this! I actually went to see High Priest today after work and told him what has been going on with me. I know I haven't seen High Priest for a while but he still welcomed me with open arms and blessed me. He told me that I am a good person and that after all I've been through, this is my gift. Someone who cares for, and respects, the person that I am. High Priest knows that I've been channelling within dreams and he told me that I won't have to do that much longer. Astral-projection is so cool when you can see other people's dreams! Anyway, back to DJ. Thank you dear for coming into my life when I was at my lowest point. You are a wonderful person!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Isn't it funny?!
Just when you thought you were in the lowest place in life, you get rewarded by something wonderful! Wow, I must have done something special to deserve this new gift! I thought I wasn't worth a damn and come to find out it wasn't me that was the problem this whole time. It was the tiny little limp dick shmuck that I've had the displeasure of being with these past two years. My newest reward is I guess payment for what I've had to endure. Dealing with cheating, lying, and all-out disrespect deserves receiving such a wonderful gift! My friend's brother has graced my life with shining beams of sunlight. He is such a wonderful person. I can't believe there's someone as awesome as him!
Confessions
Confessions of a middle aged "victim"
I am a player but get caught because I don't know the game.
I am weak, I can't control my urges.
I was loved and trusted but threw it away for lust.
I am well-liked by children but can't talk to them appropriately.
I had two female friends for five years but lost them because I said bad things about them.
I had a woman for two years but lost her because I did bad things to her.
I am a broken man.
I am in pain.
Have I learned my lesson yet?
I should prove to the world that I will get help for my reckless behavior.
I am a broken man.
I have been cursed.
I am a player but get caught because I don't know the game.
I am weak, I can't control my urges.
I was loved and trusted but threw it away for lust.
I am well-liked by children but can't talk to them appropriately.
I had two female friends for five years but lost them because I said bad things about them.
I had a woman for two years but lost her because I did bad things to her.
I am a broken man.
I am in pain.
Have I learned my lesson yet?
I should prove to the world that I will get help for my reckless behavior.
I am a broken man.
I have been cursed.
Too bad...
So...I come to find out that you've dipped your ink pen in many different wells. Too bad you didn't cover your tracks very well. As for my young sprite, it was advised to you on how careful you should be. Too bad you didn't heed the warning. Alas, none of us who were involved with you exist to you any longer. We curse you, we curse you, we curse you. My only wish is that the new love takes care of herself. I'm furious that we all have to do the same. Son, I'd hoped this situation would have turned out better but you must have gotten hit by the lying stick. Oh and the stupid stick too since crack kills the brain cells.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Here goes...
You know, you are really making people quite ill. If flaunting were a sin, you'd be burning in hell right now. Honestly, what have I ever done for you to seek revenge upon me in this fashion. Are you truly that selfish! We all know lying is a sin, but lying to cover your ass because you got caught in lies is pathetic. Good luck because she's going to need it and an extra pair or two of eyes.
What a curve ball!
You know, it's interesting, you get so blinded by love that you just don't truly see what's right in front of you. Maybe you just don't want to believe it could happen. You get so many plans in your mind, you want to do so many things with the one you love. You work hard so you can someday treat the one you love to something special. Maybe as you were working so hard for your dream that your love just couldn't wait. Hmmm...I just don't know. Ah but I do know this, if you ever have any doubts, then they're more than likely true.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Understanding Hodgkin's
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not a common cancer. According to the American Cancer Society Facts and Figures, 2004, about 7,880 new cases are expected to be diagnosed. Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs mainly in young adults, with a peak occurrence between the ages of 16 and 34. Older patients, especially those over the age of 55, may also develop this disease.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that is thought to arise from an abnormal lymphocyte. The disease was named after Thomas Hodgkin, the British doctor who first identified this disease in 1832, long before the existence and function of lymphocytes were known. Because for many years the cell of origin was unknown, doctors referred to this illness as Hodgkin's disease. Since the cell of origin is now known to be a lymphocyte, the disease is now considered a type of lymphoma. All other types of lymphoma are referred to as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and arise from either abnormal B-cells (most commonly) or T-cells (less commonly).
Most people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells. Other abnormal cell types may be present as well. However, the presence of R-S cells alone does not mean that an individual has Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To confirm a diagnosis, the lymphatic tissue sample that contains Reed-Sternberg cells must also be surrounded by a background of other cells and features that are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A pathologist may use immunological tests that look for cell surface markers (antigens) that identify specific cell types in order to help make the diagnosis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been studied more than any other type of lymphoma. The good news is that there have been rapid advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and over 80% of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma are cured.
WHAT CAUSES HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
The exact causes are unknown. Doctors cannot explain why one person gets Hodgkin’s lymphoma and another does not. We do know that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not caused by an injury and that you cannot get it by being in contact with someone who has the disease.
Several factors (called risk factors) have been implicated as playing a role in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People who have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) may be more likely to develop Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HIV infection is also a risk factor. Some evidence also seems to suggest that family members of those with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a higher-than-average chance of developing the disease.
It is important to note that if you have one or more of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will get Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, most people with risk factors never develop the disease. Many who are diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors.
HOW HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA DEVELOPS
Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts in lymph nodes. Since lymph tissues all over the body are connected, abnormal (cancerous) lymphocytes can circulate in the lymphatic vessels. As a result, Hodgkin’s lymphoma often spreads from one lymph node to another throughout the body. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also spread to other areas and organs outside the lymph system. Unlike other lymphomas, Hodgkin’s lymphoma tends to spread more in sequence from one lymph node area to the next, skipping areas less frequently than NHL.
http://www.lymphoma.org/
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that is thought to arise from an abnormal lymphocyte. The disease was named after Thomas Hodgkin, the British doctor who first identified this disease in 1832, long before the existence and function of lymphocytes were known. Because for many years the cell of origin was unknown, doctors referred to this illness as Hodgkin's disease. Since the cell of origin is now known to be a lymphocyte, the disease is now considered a type of lymphoma. All other types of lymphoma are referred to as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and arise from either abnormal B-cells (most commonly) or T-cells (less commonly).
Most people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells. Other abnormal cell types may be present as well. However, the presence of R-S cells alone does not mean that an individual has Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To confirm a diagnosis, the lymphatic tissue sample that contains Reed-Sternberg cells must also be surrounded by a background of other cells and features that are characteristic of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A pathologist may use immunological tests that look for cell surface markers (antigens) that identify specific cell types in order to help make the diagnosis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been studied more than any other type of lymphoma. The good news is that there have been rapid advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and over 80% of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma are cured.
WHAT CAUSES HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
The exact causes are unknown. Doctors cannot explain why one person gets Hodgkin’s lymphoma and another does not. We do know that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not caused by an injury and that you cannot get it by being in contact with someone who has the disease.
Several factors (called risk factors) have been implicated as playing a role in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People who have been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) may be more likely to develop Hodgkin’s lymphoma. HIV infection is also a risk factor. Some evidence also seems to suggest that family members of those with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a higher-than-average chance of developing the disease.
It is important to note that if you have one or more of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will get Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In fact, most people with risk factors never develop the disease. Many who are diagnosed have no identifiable risk factors.
HOW HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA DEVELOPS
Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts in lymph nodes. Since lymph tissues all over the body are connected, abnormal (cancerous) lymphocytes can circulate in the lymphatic vessels. As a result, Hodgkin’s lymphoma often spreads from one lymph node to another throughout the body. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also spread to other areas and organs outside the lymph system. Unlike other lymphomas, Hodgkin’s lymphoma tends to spread more in sequence from one lymph node area to the next, skipping areas less frequently than NHL.
http://www.lymphoma.org/
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Well...
I can honestly say that since I've been off the internet I have learned many lessions and experienced feelings that are new to me. I never thought I'd actually feel hatred toward someone, I was taught better than that. I've had to learn patience, which is not one of my better virtues. I feel I've been hit with a ton of bricks. Health and family issues arise at the worst of times. Clarity of mind is certainly not at the top of my list right now. Karma is a very interesting creature, she is about to strike again. Vengeance is mine, one way or another.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Pull up your trousers!!!
This photo shows a general view of Atlanta, Georgia. Baggy trousers that hang way below the belt and expose what the wearer has on underneath could soon be banned in the southern US city of Atlanta, a city council spokesman said.(AFP/File)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Hurricane Dean
"Mean Dean" as they are calling it, Hurricane Dean is on it's way to Cancun, Mexico. Be careful! Cuidado!My Birthday
Well I had an okay birthday, it was the 10th. My mum's uncle passed away on that day. I did not make it to his funeral because of work. My grandmum and aunt came up from Florida for a few days. All is well as can be now. Take care!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Alex Rodriguez becomes youngest in baseball history to hit 500 home runs
Alex Rodriguez becomes youngest in baseball history to hit 500 home runs
By JAY COHEN, AP Sports Writer
August 4, 2007
NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Rodriguez leaned to his right and watched the ball as it sailed toward the foul pole in left. When it stayed true, he raised his hands in the air -- the long wait for No. 500 was finally over.
Rodriguez became the youngest player in major league history to hit 500 home runs, connecting on the first pitch he saw Saturday to end a 10-day wait.
"I acted like a goofball running around the bases, but you only hit 500 once," he said after the New York Yankees beat Kansas City 16-8.
The 32-year-old Rodriguez stood at home plate for a second after his first-inning drive off Kyle Davies, waiting to see where it would land.
"I haven't hit one in so long I didn't know if it was going to be foul," he said. "Where that ball started, last week that ball would've hooked foul probably about 20 feet."
After more than a week of watching his teammates hit a lot of home runs, it was A-Rod's turn. He started trotting around the bases with a wide grin on his face as the sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium cheered wildly. He finished with three hits, along with a hug from Derek Jeter.
"I've conceded the fact that you can't will yourself to hit a home run. I tried hard for about five days," Rodriguez said.
A-Rod spoke with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and commissioner Bud Selig after the game. Selig was expected to be in San Diego to watch Barry Bonds try to break Hank Aaron's career home run record, and reportedly hasn't talked to the Giants slugger in years.
Rodriguez homered eight days after his birthday and surpassed Jimmie Foxx (32 years, 338 days) as the youngest player to reach 500. A-Rod is the 22nd player to reach the mark, the second this season behind Frank Thomas -- Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome might get there this year, too.
It may not take very long for Rodriguez to rise to the top of the list, either. Bonds was two away from breaking Aaron's record of 755 heading into San Francisco's game Saturday night.
Rodriguez leads the majors with 36 home runs this season, one more than he hit last year.
"His prime years are ahead of him, basically," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "This is a stop-off for him. It's not a destination."
Rodriguez hugged Jeter and Bobby Abreu, who both scored on the landmark home run, and blew a kiss toward the stands after completing his trip around the bases. His teammates were already on the field and he embraced several of them on his way back to the bench.
"It was awesome and then you kind of get that high school reception when you hit a home run and all of the guys are out of the dugout," Rodriguez said. "It was awesome. Pretty cool."
The crowd buzzed and roared again when A-Rod stuck his head out of the dugout for the long-awaited curtain call, which came 10 days after he hit No. 499.
"He deserves it," teammate Johnny Damon said. "He has been a tremendous asset to this game."
After he took his seat next to Jeter, the Yankees captain reached out and playfully rubbed A-Rod's head as the two superstars laughed. They were close when they were younger but Rodriguez admitted in spring training that their relationship had cooled over the years.
The All-Star third baseman became the third player to hit 500 as a Yankee and the second to do it in the Bronx. Babe Ruth did it at Cleveland on Aug. 11, 1929, and Mickey Mantle reached the mark at home against Baltimore on May 14, 1967.
"Nobody wants to give up a homer, be a part of history that way," Davies said. "I was trying to throw a sinker down and in and I didn't get it down and in far enough."
Rodriguez went into a tailspin after hitting No. 499 on July 25 at Kansas City. He was hitless in a career-worst 22 straight at-bats before ending the slump Thursday.
His 500th came in his 1,855th game. Only two players took fewer games to reach 500: Mark McGwire (1,639) and Ruth (1,740).
"This was a fantastic, monumental achievement," Steinbrenner said in a statement released by spokesman Howard Rubenstein.
A Rutgers student ended up with the ball, and the Yankees said he didn't want to be identified. Team spokesman Jason Zillo was negotiating with the man about the ball.
"I really want it back," Rodriguez said. "But if not, I congratulate him for catching it. Nice catch."
In the meantime, his batting helmet was headed for the Hall of Fame.
A-Rod and Yankees fans have had an up-and-down relationship since he joined the team in 2004.
"It takes awhile in New York," Rodriguez said. "For some people, it takes six months to a year. I think it truly took me three to four years to understand New York."
Robinson Cano tied a career high with four hits and Bobby Abreu scored four runs for New York, which has won five of its last six to improve to a season-best 10 games over .500. Mike Myers (3-0) got the last out of the fifth to earn the win.
Davies lasted just three innings in his first start for Kansas City, which acquired him from the Braves on Tuesday for reliever Octavio Dotel. John Bale (0-1) got the loss.
Rodriguez was the overall No. 1 pick in the 1993 draft by Seattle. One year later, he became the third 18-year-old shortstop in the majors since 1900. At that point, he gave little indication that he would develop into a two-time AL MVP and one of the game's greatest home run hitters.
A-Rod's first home run came on June 12, 1995, against Tom Gordon and Kansas City.
Notes:
Rodriguez scored three times and became the first player in major league history with 10 straight seasons of at least 35 homers, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-rodriguez-500homers&prov=ap&type=lgns
By JAY COHEN, AP Sports Writer
August 4, 2007
NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Rodriguez leaned to his right and watched the ball as it sailed toward the foul pole in left. When it stayed true, he raised his hands in the air -- the long wait for No. 500 was finally over.
Rodriguez became the youngest player in major league history to hit 500 home runs, connecting on the first pitch he saw Saturday to end a 10-day wait.
"I acted like a goofball running around the bases, but you only hit 500 once," he said after the New York Yankees beat Kansas City 16-8.
The 32-year-old Rodriguez stood at home plate for a second after his first-inning drive off Kyle Davies, waiting to see where it would land.
"I haven't hit one in so long I didn't know if it was going to be foul," he said. "Where that ball started, last week that ball would've hooked foul probably about 20 feet."
After more than a week of watching his teammates hit a lot of home runs, it was A-Rod's turn. He started trotting around the bases with a wide grin on his face as the sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium cheered wildly. He finished with three hits, along with a hug from Derek Jeter.
"I've conceded the fact that you can't will yourself to hit a home run. I tried hard for about five days," Rodriguez said.
A-Rod spoke with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and commissioner Bud Selig after the game. Selig was expected to be in San Diego to watch Barry Bonds try to break Hank Aaron's career home run record, and reportedly hasn't talked to the Giants slugger in years.
Rodriguez homered eight days after his birthday and surpassed Jimmie Foxx (32 years, 338 days) as the youngest player to reach 500. A-Rod is the 22nd player to reach the mark, the second this season behind Frank Thomas -- Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome might get there this year, too.
It may not take very long for Rodriguez to rise to the top of the list, either. Bonds was two away from breaking Aaron's record of 755 heading into San Francisco's game Saturday night.
Rodriguez leads the majors with 36 home runs this season, one more than he hit last year.
"His prime years are ahead of him, basically," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "This is a stop-off for him. It's not a destination."
Rodriguez hugged Jeter and Bobby Abreu, who both scored on the landmark home run, and blew a kiss toward the stands after completing his trip around the bases. His teammates were already on the field and he embraced several of them on his way back to the bench.
"It was awesome and then you kind of get that high school reception when you hit a home run and all of the guys are out of the dugout," Rodriguez said. "It was awesome. Pretty cool."
The crowd buzzed and roared again when A-Rod stuck his head out of the dugout for the long-awaited curtain call, which came 10 days after he hit No. 499.
"He deserves it," teammate Johnny Damon said. "He has been a tremendous asset to this game."
After he took his seat next to Jeter, the Yankees captain reached out and playfully rubbed A-Rod's head as the two superstars laughed. They were close when they were younger but Rodriguez admitted in spring training that their relationship had cooled over the years.
The All-Star third baseman became the third player to hit 500 as a Yankee and the second to do it in the Bronx. Babe Ruth did it at Cleveland on Aug. 11, 1929, and Mickey Mantle reached the mark at home against Baltimore on May 14, 1967.
"Nobody wants to give up a homer, be a part of history that way," Davies said. "I was trying to throw a sinker down and in and I didn't get it down and in far enough."
Rodriguez went into a tailspin after hitting No. 499 on July 25 at Kansas City. He was hitless in a career-worst 22 straight at-bats before ending the slump Thursday.
His 500th came in his 1,855th game. Only two players took fewer games to reach 500: Mark McGwire (1,639) and Ruth (1,740).
"This was a fantastic, monumental achievement," Steinbrenner said in a statement released by spokesman Howard Rubenstein.
A Rutgers student ended up with the ball, and the Yankees said he didn't want to be identified. Team spokesman Jason Zillo was negotiating with the man about the ball.
"I really want it back," Rodriguez said. "But if not, I congratulate him for catching it. Nice catch."
In the meantime, his batting helmet was headed for the Hall of Fame.
A-Rod and Yankees fans have had an up-and-down relationship since he joined the team in 2004.
"It takes awhile in New York," Rodriguez said. "For some people, it takes six months to a year. I think it truly took me three to four years to understand New York."
Robinson Cano tied a career high with four hits and Bobby Abreu scored four runs for New York, which has won five of its last six to improve to a season-best 10 games over .500. Mike Myers (3-0) got the last out of the fifth to earn the win.
Davies lasted just three innings in his first start for Kansas City, which acquired him from the Braves on Tuesday for reliever Octavio Dotel. John Bale (0-1) got the loss.
Rodriguez was the overall No. 1 pick in the 1993 draft by Seattle. One year later, he became the third 18-year-old shortstop in the majors since 1900. At that point, he gave little indication that he would develop into a two-time AL MVP and one of the game's greatest home run hitters.
A-Rod's first home run came on June 12, 1995, against Tom Gordon and Kansas City.
Notes:
Rodriguez scored three times and became the first player in major league history with 10 straight seasons of at least 35 homers, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-rodriguez-500homers&prov=ap&type=lgns
Another record poppy crop in Afghanistan
Another record poppy crop in Afghanistan
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer
Sat Aug 4, 12:27 PM ET
WASHINGTON - Afghanistan will produce another record poppy harvest this year that cements its status as the world's near-sole supplier of the heroin source, yet a furious debate over how to reverse the trend is stalling proposals to cut the crop, U.S. officials say.
As President Bush prepares for weekend talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, divisions within the U.S. administration and among NATO allies have delayed release of a $475 million counternarcotics program for Afghanistan, where intelligence officials see growing links between drugs and the Taliban, the officials said.
U.N. figures to be released in September are expected to show that Afghanistan's poppy production has risen up to 15 percent since 2006 and that the country now accounts for 95 percent of the world's crop, 3 percentage points more than last year, officials familiar with preliminary statistics told The Associated Press.
But counterdrug proposals by some U.S. officials have met fierce resistance, including boosting the amount of forcible poppy field destruction in provinces that grow the most, officials said. The approach also would link millions of dollars in development aid to benchmarks on eradication; arrests and prosecutions of narcotraders, corrupt officials; and on alternative crop production.
Those ideas represent what proponents call an "enhanced carrot-and-stick approach" to supplement existing anti-drug efforts. They are the focus of the new $475 million program outlined in a 995-page report, the release of which has been postponed twice and may be again delayed due to disagreements, officials said.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because parts of the report remain classified.
Counternarcotics agents at the State Department had wanted to release a 123-page summary of the strategy last month and then again last week, but were forced to hold off because of concerns it may not be feasible, the officials said.
Now, even as Bush sees Karzai on Sunday and Monday at the presidential retreat in Camp David, Md., a tentative release date of Aug. 9, timed to follow the meetings, appears in jeopardy. Some in the administration, along with NATO allies Britain and Canada, seek revisions that could delay it until at least Aug. 13, the officials said.
The program represents a 13 percent increase over the $420 million in U.S. counternarcotics aid to Afghanistan last year. It would adopt a bold new approach to "coercive eradication" and set out criteria for local officials to receive development assistance based on their cooperation, the officials said.
Although the existing aid, supplemented mainly by Britain and Canada and supported by the NATO force in Afghanistan, has achieved some results — notably an expected rise in the number of "poppy-free" provinces from six to at least 12 and possibly 16, mainly in the north — production elsewhere has soared, they said.
"Afghanistan is providing close to 95 percent of the world's heroin," the State Department's top counternarcotics official, Tom Schweich, said at a recent conference. "That makes it almost a sole-source supplier" and presents a situation "unique in world history."
Almost all the heroin from Afghanistan makes its way to Europe; most of the heroin in the U.S. comes from Latin America.
Afghanistan last year accounted for 92 percent of global opium production, compared with 70 percent in 2000 and 52 percent a decade earlier. The higher yields in Afghanistan brought world production to a record high of 7,286 tons in 2006, 43 percent more than in 2005.
A State Department inspector general's report released Friday noted that the counternarcotics assistance is dwarfed by the estimated $38 billion "street value" of Afghanistan's poppy crop, if all is converted to heroin, and said eradication goals were "not realistic."
Schweich, an advocate of the now-stalled plan, has argued for more vigorous eradication efforts, particularly in southern Helmand province, responsible for some 80 percent of Afghanistan's poppy production. It is where, he says, growers must be punished for ignoring good-faith appeals to switch to alternative, but less lucrative, crops.
"They need to be dealt with in a more severe way," he said at the conference sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "There needs to be a coercive element, that's something we're not going to back away from or shy away from."
But, in fact, many question whether this is the right approach with Afghanistan mired in poverty and in the throes of an insurgency run by the Taliban and residual al-Qaida forces.
Along with Britain, whose troops patrol Helmand, elements in the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, the Defense Department and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have expressed concern, saying that more raids will drive farmers with no other income to join extremists.
There is also skepticism about the incentives in the new strategy from those who believe development assistance should not be denied to local communities because of poppy growth, officials said.
Opponents argue that the benefits of such aid, new roads and other infrastructure, schools and hospitals, will themselves be powerful tools to combat the narcotrade once constructed.
One U.S. official said the plan was a good one but might take another year or two before it can be effectively introduced.
___
On the Net:
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/
State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs:
http://www.state.gov/p/inl/
Audio link to comments on new strategy by acting Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Thomas Schweich at the Center for Strategic and International Studies:
http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1350/
U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime:
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070804/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_afghanistan
By MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer
Sat Aug 4, 12:27 PM ET
WASHINGTON - Afghanistan will produce another record poppy harvest this year that cements its status as the world's near-sole supplier of the heroin source, yet a furious debate over how to reverse the trend is stalling proposals to cut the crop, U.S. officials say.
As President Bush prepares for weekend talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, divisions within the U.S. administration and among NATO allies have delayed release of a $475 million counternarcotics program for Afghanistan, where intelligence officials see growing links between drugs and the Taliban, the officials said.
U.N. figures to be released in September are expected to show that Afghanistan's poppy production has risen up to 15 percent since 2006 and that the country now accounts for 95 percent of the world's crop, 3 percentage points more than last year, officials familiar with preliminary statistics told The Associated Press.
But counterdrug proposals by some U.S. officials have met fierce resistance, including boosting the amount of forcible poppy field destruction in provinces that grow the most, officials said. The approach also would link millions of dollars in development aid to benchmarks on eradication; arrests and prosecutions of narcotraders, corrupt officials; and on alternative crop production.
Those ideas represent what proponents call an "enhanced carrot-and-stick approach" to supplement existing anti-drug efforts. They are the focus of the new $475 million program outlined in a 995-page report, the release of which has been postponed twice and may be again delayed due to disagreements, officials said.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because parts of the report remain classified.
Counternarcotics agents at the State Department had wanted to release a 123-page summary of the strategy last month and then again last week, but were forced to hold off because of concerns it may not be feasible, the officials said.
Now, even as Bush sees Karzai on Sunday and Monday at the presidential retreat in Camp David, Md., a tentative release date of Aug. 9, timed to follow the meetings, appears in jeopardy. Some in the administration, along with NATO allies Britain and Canada, seek revisions that could delay it until at least Aug. 13, the officials said.
The program represents a 13 percent increase over the $420 million in U.S. counternarcotics aid to Afghanistan last year. It would adopt a bold new approach to "coercive eradication" and set out criteria for local officials to receive development assistance based on their cooperation, the officials said.
Although the existing aid, supplemented mainly by Britain and Canada and supported by the NATO force in Afghanistan, has achieved some results — notably an expected rise in the number of "poppy-free" provinces from six to at least 12 and possibly 16, mainly in the north — production elsewhere has soared, they said.
"Afghanistan is providing close to 95 percent of the world's heroin," the State Department's top counternarcotics official, Tom Schweich, said at a recent conference. "That makes it almost a sole-source supplier" and presents a situation "unique in world history."
Almost all the heroin from Afghanistan makes its way to Europe; most of the heroin in the U.S. comes from Latin America.
Afghanistan last year accounted for 92 percent of global opium production, compared with 70 percent in 2000 and 52 percent a decade earlier. The higher yields in Afghanistan brought world production to a record high of 7,286 tons in 2006, 43 percent more than in 2005.
A State Department inspector general's report released Friday noted that the counternarcotics assistance is dwarfed by the estimated $38 billion "street value" of Afghanistan's poppy crop, if all is converted to heroin, and said eradication goals were "not realistic."
Schweich, an advocate of the now-stalled plan, has argued for more vigorous eradication efforts, particularly in southern Helmand province, responsible for some 80 percent of Afghanistan's poppy production. It is where, he says, growers must be punished for ignoring good-faith appeals to switch to alternative, but less lucrative, crops.
"They need to be dealt with in a more severe way," he said at the conference sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "There needs to be a coercive element, that's something we're not going to back away from or shy away from."
But, in fact, many question whether this is the right approach with Afghanistan mired in poverty and in the throes of an insurgency run by the Taliban and residual al-Qaida forces.
Along with Britain, whose troops patrol Helmand, elements in the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, the Defense Department and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have expressed concern, saying that more raids will drive farmers with no other income to join extremists.
There is also skepticism about the incentives in the new strategy from those who believe development assistance should not be denied to local communities because of poppy growth, officials said.
Opponents argue that the benefits of such aid, new roads and other infrastructure, schools and hospitals, will themselves be powerful tools to combat the narcotrade once constructed.
One U.S. official said the plan was a good one but might take another year or two before it can be effectively introduced.
___
On the Net:
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/
State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs:
http://www.state.gov/p/inl/
Audio link to comments on new strategy by acting Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Thomas Schweich at the Center for Strategic and International Studies:
http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1350/
U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime:
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070804/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_afghanistan
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
"Prince" Frederick von Anhalt
Prince von A-Hole Naked in His Rolls
Posted Jul 30th 2007 5:14PM by TMZ Staff
Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband, the wacky Freddy von Anhalt, 64, was photographed after a trio of women robbers (he says) pulled up next to him, asked for a photo, but instead robbed him at gunpoint and left him naked and cuffed to his Rolls-Royce. Don't ya just hate when that happens?
The imbecilic 9th husband of 90-year-old Zsa Zsa previously injected himself into the national news by claiming to be the father of Dannielynn Birkhead, saying that he had an affair with the late Anna Nicole Smith. No one has corroborated that alleged liaison. There were also no witnesses to the "robbery."
The wackadoodle Prince has been involved in a feud with Gabor's beleaguered daughter, Francesca Hilton. A Santa Monica Judge fined Zsa Zsa $3,800 for not showing up in court the other day, in a suit said to be instigated by the Prince, claiming that Francesca forged Gabor's signature to take out a $2 million loan with Gabor's Bel Air home as collateral. The Prince said Zsa Zsa will no longer appear in public. According to sources, he also has no interest in the Bel Air mansion because of a prenup with the former Miss Hungary of 1936.
The matter will now go to trial on September 14. Francesca's rep, PR maven Ed Lozzi, told TMZ that Zsa Zsa still talks to her daughter every day. Francesca said (through Lozzi) that when Zsa Zsa called to tell her about "the robbery," she told her daughter, "Dahlink, Frederick first said it was three aliens, but I told him to say it was three humans, because people would think he was crazy." Sources say that video surveillance tapes of Bellagio Road are being reviewed, and that a major publication is asking the D.A. To investigate the "robbery." Filing a false police report is a misdemeanor.
http://www.tmz.com/2007/07/30/prince-von-a-hole-naked-in-his-rolls/
http://www.tmz.com/2007/07/30/prince-von-a-hole-naked-in-his-rolls/
Teen Bullies Man w/ Learning Disability to Death
Hope they rot in Hell. This is why the United States has the death penalty!
-----------------
Evil teenager bullies man with learning difficulties to death
A 17-year-old-girl brutally tortured a man with learning difficulties before forcing him to drop to his death from a 100ft viaduct.
Sick teenager Sarah Bullock ordered Steven Hoskin to dangle from railings high above the ground before she stamped on his fingers until he let go.
Bullock, who was just 16 at the time of the horiffic murder, was jailed for ten years yesterday after being convicted along with her boyfriend Darren Stewart and a second man.
Vulnerable Mr Hoskin, 39, had an IQ in the bottom half a per cent of the population and was treated "like a slave" after the pair moved into his flat.
They beat him up, burned him with cigarettes and made him wear a dog lead call them "sir".
They also took pictures of him sitting against a wall under graffiti spelling out the words "scum bag" and "should be hung".
Then in July last year - after torturing him for an hour and a half - they force-fed him 70 paracetemol.
Along with their friend Martin Pollard, 21, they then made him falsely confess to being a paedophile and frog-marched him to a viaduct in the middle of the night.
As they lead him to his death, Mr Hoskin - who was terrified of heights - was convinced he would be shot by snipers if he cried out for help.
Bullock ordered him to dangle over the edge, where he clung on to a set of railings, before she kicked him in the face and stamped on his hands, shouting "Come on you f***ing* pr**k".
Mr Hoskin, who was described as a child in a man's body and had a reading age of just six - fell 100ft and landed on top of a parked car. He died of massive injuries.
His body was discovered the next day by police who arrested the three friends as well as two 17-year-olds who cannot be named for legal reasons.
During their trial, a jury heard the murder was the culmination of months of physical and mental torture meted out to Mr Hoskin.
Stewart and Bullock, of St Austell, Cornwall, were found guilty of murder at Truro Crown Court on Friday.
A judge lifted an order banning the publication of Bullock's name and jailed her for at least ten years.
Stewart was jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years, while Pollard was cleared of murder but convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter and jailed for eight years.
Mr Justice Owen said their victim had been "bullied to death".
He said: "Your victim was a highly vulnerable man with severe learning difficulties".
"He was subjected to substantial mental and physical cruelty in which he was violently assaulted, degraded and humiliated.
"A dog lead was put around his neck. He was dragged around and forced to lick spilt drink from the floor. Cigarettes were stubbed out on his head.
"He continued: "He was then walked onto the railway viaduct where he was forced to climb over the rail and fell to his death. You literally bullied him to death.
"The judge also criticised social services for failing to protected Mr Hoskin from his killers.
The court heard Stewart and Bullock began their campaign of bullying after moving into their victim's flat in St Austell, Cornwall, in 2005.
On July 5 the violence and bullying culminated in his being beaten and tortured for 90 minutes and then murdered.
After the murder, the jury heard that Pollard went back to Steven's flat and stole his stereo.
Stewart and the girl also returned to the flat, tidied it up, and then had sex.
During the trial Pollard and Stewart both admitted tormenting Steven but said it was Bullock who had killed him.
Pollard, of Bodmin, Stewart, and Bullock, of St Austell, had pleaded not guilty to the murder on July 6, 2006.
The two 17-year-olds have been found guilty of assault occasioning ABH on July 5 and will be sentenced later.
The pair, also from St Austell, and Bullock were found guilty to falsely imprisoning Steven on July 5.After the verdict Mr Hoskin's uncle Thomas said in a statement: "Steven was tortured, beaten and eventually murdered by a group of people who took advantage of his inability to recognise evil in people.
"Steven led a simple life in many ways and our family were devastated to hear of his untimely death. We now hope he can finally rest in peace.
"Senior investigating officer DCI Mike Fowkes added: "Steven was a gentle man. What he lacked in academic skills he made up for in his openness and generosity.
"Collectively their behaviour culminated in unparalleled cruelty and evil that has absolutely no place in modern society.
"Cornwall County Council has pledged to launch a review into the care of Steven Hoskin.
Monday, July 16, 2007
ESCAPED! Criminally Insane Man on the Loose!
ESCAPED! Criminally Insane Man on the Loose!
This happened last night at the facility I work at. There are two buildings, one is for the criminals (the foresnic center) which is a maximum security facility with 62 inmates, and the other is lower security with about 250 psychiatric patients. They don't specify in this article but did report it on the news.
There is a nation-wide manhunt for Bullocks.
Murder Suspect Escapes From Mental Health Facility
Jul 16 2007 6:20PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Police are still searching for a man who escaped from the Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare facility late Sunday night.
Jerry Bullucks (pictured above) was being held at the facility on Columbus' west side on two counts of attempted murder, 10TV's Penny Moore reported.
It was believed that Bullucks, 19, escaped from the facility shortly before midnight. He was last seen near West Broad Street at about 1:30 a.m., police said.
Police searched a home on Oakley Avenue and West Broad Street at about 4:30 a.m. after they received a phone call that he may have been there. Officers broke into home but did not find anyone inside, 10TV News reported.
He was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, one count of felonious assault, one count of attempted aggravated murder and four counts of aggravated robbery.
Bullucks was taken to the mental health facility instead of going to jail, 10TV News reported.
Currently, 62 patients are housed inside individual rooms at Twin Valley. All have been referred to the facility through the Ohio court system to be restored to competency, or because they were found legally insane after committing a crime, Moore reported.
Bullucks is the first patient to escape from Twin Valley, Moore reported.
Laura Wentz with the Ohio Department of Mental Health said staff members are required to take counts of patients several times a day.
"Counts are done every 15 minutes in all of our facilities to make sure people are where they are supposed to be at that time," Wentz said. "To my understanding, the checks were done (Sunday night) as scheduled."
Bullucks is described as black, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and was wearing a blue Nike shirt with a white T-shirt underneath, denim shorts and blue tennis shoes. Police said he is considered to be dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for additional information.
http://10tv.com/?sec=&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200707/325706003.html
Here is more...
If you see Bullocks, please call police!
This happened last night at the facility I work at. There are two buildings, one is for the criminals (the foresnic center) which is a maximum security facility with 62 inmates, and the other is lower security with about 250 psychiatric patients. They don't specify in this article but did report it on the news.
There is a nation-wide manhunt for Bullocks.
Murder Suspect Escapes From Mental Health Facility
Jul 16 2007 6:20PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Police are still searching for a man who escaped from the Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare facility late Sunday night.
Jerry Bullucks (pictured above) was being held at the facility on Columbus' west side on two counts of attempted murder, 10TV's Penny Moore reported.
It was believed that Bullucks, 19, escaped from the facility shortly before midnight. He was last seen near West Broad Street at about 1:30 a.m., police said.
Police searched a home on Oakley Avenue and West Broad Street at about 4:30 a.m. after they received a phone call that he may have been there. Officers broke into home but did not find anyone inside, 10TV News reported.
He was charged with two counts of aggravated murder, one count of felonious assault, one count of attempted aggravated murder and four counts of aggravated robbery.
Bullucks was taken to the mental health facility instead of going to jail, 10TV News reported.
Currently, 62 patients are housed inside individual rooms at Twin Valley. All have been referred to the facility through the Ohio court system to be restored to competency, or because they were found legally insane after committing a crime, Moore reported.
Bullucks is the first patient to escape from Twin Valley, Moore reported.
Laura Wentz with the Ohio Department of Mental Health said staff members are required to take counts of patients several times a day.
"Counts are done every 15 minutes in all of our facilities to make sure people are where they are supposed to be at that time," Wentz said. "To my understanding, the checks were done (Sunday night) as scheduled."
Bullucks is described as black, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and was wearing a blue Nike shirt with a white T-shirt underneath, denim shorts and blue tennis shoes. Police said he is considered to be dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for additional information.
http://10tv.com/?sec=&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200707/325706003.html
Here is more...
If you see Bullocks, please call police!
Murder Suspect Escapes From Behaviorial Center
Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 08:16 AM Updated: 05:54 PM
By Denise Yost
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State authorities are looking for a murder suspect who escaped from a behavioral center overnight.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Gerald Bullocks, 19, escaped from the Twin Valley Behavioral Center shortly before midnight, NBC 4 reported.
Bullocks is charged with two counts of aggravated murder. He is accused of shooting two men during a drug deal in Cincinnati on New Year's Eve. One of the men involved in the shooting died.
Officials at the facility have been tight-lipped about the escape, refusing to answer questions about how Bullocks escaped and how many guards were on duty Sunday night.
When asked specific questions, Twin Valley officials referred NBC 4 to OSP. When OSP officials were approached, they referred questions back to Twin Valley.
According to a confidential source, Bullocks was in the state's only maximum security unit for mental health patients for three weeks. The source told NBC 4 that Bullocks somehow accessed the facility's courtyard where he jumped a fence and was able to escape over a large wall.
According to the Web site for the center, ( http://www.mh.state.oh.us/ibhs/bhos/tvbh.html ), patients at the facility are treated for a variety of disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder.
Some patients are referred to the center by criminal courts.
Bullocks is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a Nike sweatshirt and jean shorts.
Anyone with information is asked to call OSP at 614-466-2660.
According to numbers provided by patrol officials, there have been four escapes, including Bullocks, at the facility since 2002.
The patrol said that in only one of the cases, the escapee was not under court commitment -- meaning that when they escaped, charges would not be filed against them.
In the seven mental health facilities run by the state, there have been an additional 40 escapes since 2002.
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2007-07-16-0003.html
Sunday, July 08, 2007
7 new wonders of the world chosen
7 new wonders of the world chosen
By BARRY HATTON, Associated Press Writer
LISBON, Portugal - The Great Wall of China, Rome's Colosseum, India's Taj Mahal and three architectural marvels from Latin America were among the new seven wonders of the world chosen in a global poll released on Saturday.
Jordan's Petra was the seventh winner. Peru's Machu Picchu, Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer and Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid also made the cut.
About 100 million votes were cast by the Internet and cellphone text messages, said New7Wonders, the nonprofit organization that conducted the poll.
The seven beat out 14 other nominated landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island in the Pacific, the Statue of Liberty, the Acropolis, Russia's Kremlin and Australia's Sydney Opera House.
The pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structures from the original seven wonders of the ancient world, were assured of retaining their status in addition to the new seven after indignant Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace they had to compete.
The campaign to name new wonders was launched in 1999 by the Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber. Almost 200 nominations came in, and the list was narrowed to the 21 most-voted by the start of 2006. Organizers admit there was no foolproof way to prevent people from voting more than once for their favorite.
A Peruvian in national costume held up Macchu Piccu's award to the sky and bowed to the crowd with his hands clasped, eliciting one of the biggest cheers from the audience of 50,000 people at a soccer stadium in Portugal's capital, Lisbon.
Many jeered when the Statue of Liberty was announced as one of the candidates. Portugal was widely opposed to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Another Swiss adventurer, Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the first hot-air balloon to fly nonstop around the world, announced one of the winners — then launched into an appeal for people to combat climate change and stand up for human rights before being ushered off the stage.
The Colosseum, the Great Wall, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal and Petra had been among the leading candidates since January, while the Statue of Christ Redeemer received a surge in votes more recently.
The Statue of Liberty and Australia's Sydney Opera House were near the bottom of the list from the start.
Also among the losing candidates were Cambodia's Angkor, Spain's Alhambra, Turkey's Hagia Sophia, Japan's Kiyomizu Temple, Russia's Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle, Britain's Stonehenge and Mali's Timbuktu.
Weber's Switzerland-based foundation aims to promote cultural diversity by supporting, preserving and restoring monuments. It relies on private donations and revenue from selling broadcasting rights.
The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, keeps a list of World Heritage Sites, which now totals 851 monument. But the agency was not involved in Weber's project.
The traditional seven wonders were concentrated in the Mediterranean and Middle East. That list was derived from lists of marvels compiled by ancient Greek observers, the best known being Antipater of Sidon, a writer in the 2nd century B.C.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos lighthouse off Alexandria have all vanished.
___
On the Net: http://www.new7wonders.com/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070707/ap_on_re_eu/new_seven_wonders
By BARRY HATTON, Associated Press Writer
LISBON, Portugal - The Great Wall of China, Rome's Colosseum, India's Taj Mahal and three architectural marvels from Latin America were among the new seven wonders of the world chosen in a global poll released on Saturday.
Jordan's Petra was the seventh winner. Peru's Machu Picchu, Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer and Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid also made the cut.
About 100 million votes were cast by the Internet and cellphone text messages, said New7Wonders, the nonprofit organization that conducted the poll.
The seven beat out 14 other nominated landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island in the Pacific, the Statue of Liberty, the Acropolis, Russia's Kremlin and Australia's Sydney Opera House.
The pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structures from the original seven wonders of the ancient world, were assured of retaining their status in addition to the new seven after indignant Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace they had to compete.
The campaign to name new wonders was launched in 1999 by the Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber. Almost 200 nominations came in, and the list was narrowed to the 21 most-voted by the start of 2006. Organizers admit there was no foolproof way to prevent people from voting more than once for their favorite.
A Peruvian in national costume held up Macchu Piccu's award to the sky and bowed to the crowd with his hands clasped, eliciting one of the biggest cheers from the audience of 50,000 people at a soccer stadium in Portugal's capital, Lisbon.
Many jeered when the Statue of Liberty was announced as one of the candidates. Portugal was widely opposed to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
Another Swiss adventurer, Bertrand Piccard, pilot of the first hot-air balloon to fly nonstop around the world, announced one of the winners — then launched into an appeal for people to combat climate change and stand up for human rights before being ushered off the stage.
The Colosseum, the Great Wall, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal and Petra had been among the leading candidates since January, while the Statue of Christ Redeemer received a surge in votes more recently.
The Statue of Liberty and Australia's Sydney Opera House were near the bottom of the list from the start.
Also among the losing candidates were Cambodia's Angkor, Spain's Alhambra, Turkey's Hagia Sophia, Japan's Kiyomizu Temple, Russia's Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle, Britain's Stonehenge and Mali's Timbuktu.
Weber's Switzerland-based foundation aims to promote cultural diversity by supporting, preserving and restoring monuments. It relies on private donations and revenue from selling broadcasting rights.
The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, keeps a list of World Heritage Sites, which now totals 851 monument. But the agency was not involved in Weber's project.
The traditional seven wonders were concentrated in the Mediterranean and Middle East. That list was derived from lists of marvels compiled by ancient Greek observers, the best known being Antipater of Sidon, a writer in the 2nd century B.C.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos lighthouse off Alexandria have all vanished.
___
On the Net: http://www.new7wonders.com/
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070707/ap_on_re_eu/new_seven_wonders
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Fierce heat wave fuels Western wildfires
Fierce heat wave fuels Western wildfires
By JENNIFER DOBNER, Associated Press Writer
SALT LAKE CITY - A scorching heat wave coupled with tinder-dry conditions sent wildfires running amok throughout the West on Saturday, forcing authorities to evacuate homes and close highways and wilderness areas.
A 160,000-acre wildfire in Utah jumped a freeway Saturday, forcing the closure of Interstate 15 for a 100-mile stretch through central Utah, fire officials said. The fire, about 120 miles south of Salt Lake City, also forced the evacuations of Cove Fort and the Blundell Geo Thermal Power Plant, where it was threatening railroad lines, bridges and several homes, Color County Fire Information Officer LaCee Bartholomew said.
Interstate 70 was also closed in Richfield, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Steve Winward said.
The fire, which has burned about 250 square miles, was triggered by lightning Friday afternoon and was pushed north and west Saturday by high winds, Bartholomew said. Fire crews had help from air tankers, but the heavy smoke was increasing the risk to those on the ground, she said.
Lightning also sparked more than a dozen fires that have charred about 55 square miles in remote northern Nevada, where the temperature in Elko hit 94 on Saturday.
One fire had burned 36 square miles, or 23,000 acres, along the Idaho border, said Mike Brown, a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. It was 10 percent contained Saturday, officials said. A firefighter was treated at and released from a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho, with burns.
Another fire blackened 11 square miles, or 7,000 acres, about five miles southwest of Carlin. It burned two mobile homes and several smaller structures, and shut down a section of Interstate 80 for six hours overnight, fire information officer Tracie Winfrey said. On Saturday morning, the fire was 40 percent contained.
Yet another Nevada fire that was started by lightning Saturday threatened structures and led to the evacuation of campers about 30 miles south of Elko, officials said.
In California, more than 400 firefighters battled a blaze that has consumed 17,000 acres of the 2 million-acre Inyo National Forest east of Yosemite National Park, forest spokeswoman Nancy Upham said Saturday. Firefighters were searching for and evacuating hikers and backpackers.
A section of Highway 395, which runs along the eastern spine of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, was closed, and many smaller roads leading from the highway into the mountains were also closed. Campgrounds and a lodge had been evacuated, Upham said.
Wildfires also burned in Southern California, western Colorado, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon and northeastern Washington.
The fires have been fueled by an oppressive heat wave that has been felt throughout the region for days but has now eased a bit in places. Still, forecasters predicted little relief in the days ahead for a region where many cities have baked in triple-digit temperatures.
In Idaho, residents of the Wood River Valley and Boise were warned they could see electrical failures in the middle of the heat wave. A wildfire damaged dozens of power poles on Friday and caused one to fall on a substation and destroy a transformer, said Jeff Beaman, a spokesman for Idaho Power.
The damage could cause rotating outages, and residents were asked to reduce their power usage so the utility could meet demand, Beaman said.
In Montana, it was even too hot to fish.
Yellowstone National Park and state fisheries managers asked anglers starting Saturday not to fish on some Montana rivers between noon and 6 p.m. because of drought and scorching weather. Water temperatures in some lower-elevation rivers have reached 73 degrees in recent days, conditions that can stress and even kill fish, the National Park Service said Friday.
Park officials hoped the voluntary restrictions would prevent mandatory closures later in the season.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_re_us/wildfires
By JENNIFER DOBNER, Associated Press Writer
SALT LAKE CITY - A scorching heat wave coupled with tinder-dry conditions sent wildfires running amok throughout the West on Saturday, forcing authorities to evacuate homes and close highways and wilderness areas.
A 160,000-acre wildfire in Utah jumped a freeway Saturday, forcing the closure of Interstate 15 for a 100-mile stretch through central Utah, fire officials said. The fire, about 120 miles south of Salt Lake City, also forced the evacuations of Cove Fort and the Blundell Geo Thermal Power Plant, where it was threatening railroad lines, bridges and several homes, Color County Fire Information Officer LaCee Bartholomew said.
Interstate 70 was also closed in Richfield, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Steve Winward said.
The fire, which has burned about 250 square miles, was triggered by lightning Friday afternoon and was pushed north and west Saturday by high winds, Bartholomew said. Fire crews had help from air tankers, but the heavy smoke was increasing the risk to those on the ground, she said.
Lightning also sparked more than a dozen fires that have charred about 55 square miles in remote northern Nevada, where the temperature in Elko hit 94 on Saturday.
One fire had burned 36 square miles, or 23,000 acres, along the Idaho border, said Mike Brown, a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. It was 10 percent contained Saturday, officials said. A firefighter was treated at and released from a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho, with burns.
Another fire blackened 11 square miles, or 7,000 acres, about five miles southwest of Carlin. It burned two mobile homes and several smaller structures, and shut down a section of Interstate 80 for six hours overnight, fire information officer Tracie Winfrey said. On Saturday morning, the fire was 40 percent contained.
Yet another Nevada fire that was started by lightning Saturday threatened structures and led to the evacuation of campers about 30 miles south of Elko, officials said.
In California, more than 400 firefighters battled a blaze that has consumed 17,000 acres of the 2 million-acre Inyo National Forest east of Yosemite National Park, forest spokeswoman Nancy Upham said Saturday. Firefighters were searching for and evacuating hikers and backpackers.
A section of Highway 395, which runs along the eastern spine of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, was closed, and many smaller roads leading from the highway into the mountains were also closed. Campgrounds and a lodge had been evacuated, Upham said.
Wildfires also burned in Southern California, western Colorado, northern Arizona, eastern Oregon and northeastern Washington.
The fires have been fueled by an oppressive heat wave that has been felt throughout the region for days but has now eased a bit in places. Still, forecasters predicted little relief in the days ahead for a region where many cities have baked in triple-digit temperatures.
In Idaho, residents of the Wood River Valley and Boise were warned they could see electrical failures in the middle of the heat wave. A wildfire damaged dozens of power poles on Friday and caused one to fall on a substation and destroy a transformer, said Jeff Beaman, a spokesman for Idaho Power.
The damage could cause rotating outages, and residents were asked to reduce their power usage so the utility could meet demand, Beaman said.
In Montana, it was even too hot to fish.
Yellowstone National Park and state fisheries managers asked anglers starting Saturday not to fish on some Montana rivers between noon and 6 p.m. because of drought and scorching weather. Water temperatures in some lower-elevation rivers have reached 73 degrees in recent days, conditions that can stress and even kill fish, the National Park Service said Friday.
Park officials hoped the voluntary restrictions would prevent mandatory closures later in the season.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070708/ap_on_re_us/wildfires
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