GROWING PAINS' ANDREW KOENIG AKA BONER FOUND DEAD

They believed he claimed his own life.

Andrew Koenig, also known as Boner of the 80s TV show Growing Pains, was found dead in Stanley Park in Vancouver. It was said that the last time the actor was spotted by was last February 14, near a bakery, also found in Vancouver.

Reports said that Koenig was supposed to have gone back to the States but had missed his flight last February 16. It was only last February 25 when Koenig was found dead did the whole mystery of his disappearance was answered.

At first the authorities were involved in the search operations. It was only when the family did their own private search did they found Koenig’s body. It was indeed hard to discover it as it was off the trail in the Stanley Park.

Authorities who confirmed the news said that there was no evidence of foul play involved in Koenig’s death. According to the actor's parents, before his disappearance, there were already evidences of depression involving their son. This was reason enough to believe that Koenig claimed his own life.

At this point Koenig's pictures of his Growing Pains time are shown on the internet--reporting his death and how this great talent will be missed, especially by those who loved Boner.

CR JOHNSON DEAD DUE TO SKIING ACCIDENT

CR Johnson was killed at Squaw Valley, California while skiing. Reports say that the 26 years old Johnson was caught on an edge rock while entering the Light Towers area just above the Cornice II lift.

Reports about the accident say that Johnson fell hundred yards just below the entry before falling through the rocks. Ski patrol were there minutes later but was unable to revive him. He received injuries especially on his head that caused his death.

CR Johnson became famous for his phenomenal comeback after suffering traumatic brain injury last December 2005. He was in a coma for 10 days and in total stayed 34 days in the hospital where he afterwards went to rehab for months. After his fight he came back on the snow and finished third place last winter in the prestigious Red Bull Line catcher event.

Johnson became first known as a park and pipe skiing prodigy showed great skills on twin tip skis. He won the Winter X Games two times plus took home a bronze for the 2001 Big Air. The same year he also got silver for slope style.

With the said tragedy current Olympians and the rest of the skiing community are mourning for the loss of one of their comrades. CR Johnson will never be forgotten.

GENERATION ZERO-THE REALITY OF WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE WORLD'S ECONOMY

October 18 2008, is the day that changed many people's way of living. At this point we are forced to see reality as it should be seen with the how we question the economy and with the way we see everyday life.

Firstly the issue on jobs has flooded people's minds across the globe. True that there are millions of positions available at the moment but it may only cater a few who have finished a degree in college. Secondly the issue on the new meaning of poor comes as more people seem to be at hardship compared to how they were before. Thirdly is the undeniable fact that budgeting has become a trend in today's society.

Generation Zero is a video documentary that may help us see why the things stated above happened. It takes us in an exploration on the cultural roots of the global financial meltdown; the narcissism that was said to have started during the 1960s and spreading its spawn through the "self-indulgent" 90s.this has exploded across the world in what we know as the present economic cataclysm.

The said documentation goes beyond today's economic nightmare as it gives us sound information as to how these things started and why it seems that even with the said progress people are still without jobs (at the most).

It is cry for reality--a tangible truth of how history has affected us and our way of life.

1 DEAD AND 1 INJURED AT SHOOTING INCIDENT IN LUKE AIR FORCE BASE

a shooting and fatal car crash occured on Luke Air Force Base in Litchfield, Arizona leaving one person dead and another injured.

According to Officer Karen Gerardo, public information officer at the Glandale Police Department, the incident started when two men who were found inside a previously reported stolen car. the two men ran the said vehicle towards the entrance gate of the main base.

Security forces officer who tried to confront the two men, was hit by the car as they drove it directly at him. the officer then shot the car which later on crashed.

One of the two men inside the car was killed although the cause has not yet been determined. the other however was left injured. these two are not suspected of terrorism and was said to be just regular car thieves.

the said base where the incident happened is trains pilots to fly F-16s.

THE LATE ILLUSTRATOR, HER ASHES AND HER ESTATE: DIVISION BETWEEN THE TUDOR CHILDREN

After two years since Tasha Tudor died at the age of 92, her ashes were finally set to scatter on the grounds--different grounds that is.

the ashes of the famed illustrator, who had given us great delight through her water colored artistry in books like "Little Women", "The Secret Garden", and her very own "the Corgiville affair", was finally scattered by her four children after a long dispute over where she should be buried and the division of her properties.

It was a war of the Tudors: since her death Tasha Tudor’s children has quarreled over her remains and her $2 Million estate. Last Oct 17 her sons Seth and Thomas, and daughters Bethany and Efner, buried her ashes at her beloved rosebush, on Seth's neighboring property, and where her precious Pembroke Welsh corgi dogs are buried.

the order to divide the ashes of Tasha Tudor was ordered by the judge after the children couldn't agree where and how to settle it--just like the late illustrator's properties.

Until now the fight continues as her children quarrels over who should rightfully own the estate; the proper divisions of her it due to one of the children's claims that there's a possibility that their brother Seth (who has been with their mother) might have been plotting the renaming of the tutelage in the will under his name.

It seems that the rest of the children are said to be estranged that caused most of her property to be under Seth's name, however Thomas says otherwise and that he had never been estranged with his mother.

At the moment the quarrel continues, and with the next court schedule for the deposition of Amelia Stauffer, a close friend of the author, there's hope that all this issue regarding the will, will definitely end.

US President Obama unveils new health proposals

US President Barack Obama has unveiled new plans to advance legislation to overhaul the US healthcare system.

One of the key proposals gives the US government new power to block health insurers from imposing excessive premium increases.

Mr Obama has made healthcare reform a centrepiece of his presidency, but has so far failed to get a new law passed.

On Thursday, Mr Obama is to hold televised, bipartisan talks at the White House to discuss the issue.

The proposal "helps over 31 million Americans afford healthcare who do not get it today - and makes coverage more affordable for many more," the White House said on its website.

It gives the federal Health and Human Services Department - in conjunction with state authorities - the power to deny substantial premium increases, limit them, or demand rebates for consumers.

Mr Obama's latest plan requires most Americans to carry health insurance coverage, with federal subsidies to help many afford the premiums.



I ask members of both parties to seek common ground in an effort to solve a problem that's been with us for generations

Barack Obama
Q&A: US healthcare reform
Heath bills: House v Senate

It bars insurance companies from denying coverage to people with existing medical problems or charging them more.

A tax on high-cost health insurance plans objected to by House Democrats - and trade unions - is to be scaled back.

Mr Obama says reform of the healthcare system is crucial for the US economy to rein in costs over the long term.

The plan would put "our budget and economy on a more stable path by reducing the deficit by $100bn [£64.5bn] over the next 10 years - and more than $1tn [£644bn] over the second decade - by cutting government overspending and reining in waste, fraud and abuse", he said.

One senior Republican rejected the proposal.

"This is not a serious attempt to address the concerns the American people have expressed about the Democrats' bills and does not truly include important policy changes Republicans have been pushing to address them, like ending junk lawsuits that drive up healthcare costs," Dave Camp, the top Republican on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement.

Bitter debate

The Democrats' loss of a Senate seat in Massachusetts to Republican Scott Brown in January deprived them of their filibuster-proof 60-seat majority in the Senate, although they still control both houses.

Thursday's debate is seen as a key moment in Mr Obama's bid to pass new legislation, and comes after months of often bitterly-contested congressional debates.

Mr Obama referred to the talks in his weekly radio address on Saturday, saying: "I don't want to see this meeting turn into political theatre, with each side simply reciting talking points and trying to score political points.

"Instead, I ask members of both parties to seek common ground in an effort to solve a problem that's been with us for generations."

The House of Representatives and the Senate adopted different versions of the bill at the end of last year, and they must now be combined into a single bill Mr Obama can sign into law.

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8528100.stm

Illinois stops payments to university system, mass furloughs result

The state of Illinois, confronting a deficit estimated at nearly $13 billion, has ceased making scheduled payments to multiple state agencies, among them the University of Illinois, which is owed more than $436 million in unpaid bills. The state is also behind in payments to all other Illinois public universities, including $125 million owed to Southern Illinois University and $62 million to Northern Illinois University.

In response, the University of Illinois has ordered a series of furloughs. All administrators, academic professionals and faculty—more than 11,000 employees at the campuses in Chicago, Champaign-Urbana, and Springfield—will be required to take 10 unpaid days of leave by mid-June of this year. Interim University of Illinois President Stanley Ikenberry announced the furloughs in a January 5 press release and e-mail to university faculty members and staff.

The press release also announced freezes on hiring and salary raises not deemed “of critical importance to ongoing operations.”

These emergency measures will do little to resolve the university’s funding shortfall caused by the state’s withholding of promised payments. While the university incurs expenditures of an average $11 million per day, the furloughs and related measures are predicted to save it a mere $17 million.

Ikenberry has suggested that layoffs and cuts to department funding may follow, and he extended a warning to students attending the state school system of the possibility of a substantial tuition hike in 2010. Ikenberry has even hinted that the university may not be able to finish its school year without the state providing a proportion of its outstanding payments.

Since July 1, 2009, the University has only received $51 million, 7 percent of the fiscal year’s $743 million allotment from the state.

According to current Illinois comptroller and failed Democratic candidate for governor, Dan Hynes, the state has $5.1 billion in unpaid bills, and the figure is growing rapidly.

Other agencies operating with unpaid bills from the state include an untold number of local offices that contract with Springfield to provide services, as well as the state’s library system and public school districts.

Stateline.org reported that the Vermilion Country Health Department, which covers the city of Danville and surrounding areas, was short $800,000 in state funding as of December 1, 2009.

As a result, Vermilion County public health administrator Stephen Laker “had to cut programs he had built up over a 39-year career,” including maternal and child care programs.

“For the last three recession cycles, it’s been common for states to reduce financial support for local governments during the recession, and once they come out of it, they restore most of what they’ve cut,” said Michael Pagano, dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

But, as Stateline notes, “This time is different. Now local officials are wondering whether that money will ever come back.”

Funded through the state budget by the Illinois State Library and the secretary of state’s office, Illinois libraries have received only a third of their allotted budget for the current fiscal year. The unpaid bills come after a 17 percent budget reduction from 2009 that forced staff layoffs and the shutting down of programs and services such as inter-library lending.

Federal stimulus funds have provided a temporary funding source allowing most scheduled payments from Illinois to its public schools to go forward. However, state grants for student transportation and special education programs were not received until January, and even then provided a small portion of the millions owed.

Its inability to make payments to its colleges, agencies, and contractors demonstrates that the state of Illinois is functionally bankrupt—-in spite of two years of cutbacks targeting social program and the jobs and pay of state workers.

The worst is yet to come. The state budget review released January 22 places the current deficit at $12.8 billion, third in the nation behind New York and California.

State lawmakers reject meaningful tax increases on the wealthy and Illinois’ large number of big businesses. They offer no solution beyond more budget cuts—and accounting gimmickry. Governor Pat Quinn’s proposal for the 2010 fiscal year does not balance the budget, but proposes transferring a $334 million deficit into the state’s Fiscal Year 2011.

The state’s budget cuts, furloughs, and failure to make payments will only exacerbate the suffering of millions in the state, and will likely further dim long-term fiscal prospects.

Illinois’ unemployment rate, 11.1 percent, is the highest in over 26 years. The budget deficit has been caused by a falloff in both income and sales tax revenue, which have, in turn, been caused by layoffs and wage cuts.

Illinois’ fiscal and social crises are being transmitted into the political sphere, and especially the state Democratic Party, which has dominated the state capital for years. The Republican Party, which has been unable to win statewide elections for the better part of a decade and remains extremely unpopular, is now perceived to have a good chance to win the governor’s mansion in 2010 and also the senatorial election—the seat formerly held by President Obama.

Source : http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/feb2010/illi-f18.shtml

Over 75,000 PCs victims of Cyber Attack

malicious software--Trojan--recently caused much trouble as it infects over 75,000 corporate computers. around 2,500 organizations world wide were infested by the said botnet.

botnet is a malicious program that can commandeer the operating systems of both residential and corporate computing systems through the internet. these are usually used by cyber criminals who usually send this virus via email spam or by stealing digital documents and password from infected computers.

in recent news regarding the said infestation, Wall Street Journal reported that some of the companies that are said to have the targets of the said attack are Merck,Cardinal Health, Paramount Pictures and Juniper Networks. there are presently specultions from NetWitness that said Eastern Europe who uses command-and-control server in Germany were the one who sent the said Malware via attachment in emails.

NetWitness also reports on their discovery of 75 gigabytes worth of stolen data. this was discoverd during routine analytic tasks as part of their evaluation of client network last January 26. the stolen data includes 68,000 access codes to email systems. banking sites. Facebook. Yahoo, and 2,000 SSL certificate files.

the said attack is one proof of the troubling reality that crime has reached even cyberspace. at this point what seems to be something that has benefited greatly of mankind has been polluted by the same crimes we try to escape from.

Radio and TV Personality Bo Griffin Dies at 51

She was once known as "Bo the Party Animal" back in the 80s and 90s. Bo Griffin, one of the country's celebrated media personalities, died of Intestinal Cancer last Tuesday, February 16. She was 51 years old.

Griffin is one talent that will be greatly missed. She propelled Power 96's Mindy and Bo Morning Show into one powerful program in South Florida radio. However it was when she left South Florida that her career really blossomed after she appeared on Good Day Live and guest-hosted at the travel series Blue Ribbon on Turner South. She was also in the home makeover show The Big Reveal for HGTV as well.

The cancer that claimed the 51 year old Griffin was diagnosed after her doctor ordered her to stay at the hospital after complaining of pain at her back. It all happened just last January of this year.


Griffin died after three weeks of hospitalization. Before her death she recently owned a successful boutique shop which she named Goddess in Greenville which is set up in Greenville, South Carolina her hometown. She however sold the business as she plans on moving back to Los Angeles for good. She was said to have just signed a contract as a work correspondent for Extra a news magazine show where she once done stints as well.


Bo Griffin is one amazing talent that shared herself to the people. She will always be dearly remembered.

Jeff Bridges a man with a smile

Monday, February 15, 2010--From the Santa Barbara Independent:
In Honor of their hometown's famed resident, Jeff Bridges, Santa Barbara celebrated Jeff Bridges Day.

Santa Barbara International film Festival gave tribute to Jeff Bridges by having a day-long film viewing of all the movies the actor starred on including the recently released "Crazy Heart". This was all shown in Lobero theatre.

The screening of Crazy Heart made the Lobero Theater packed than ever which was followed with a series of Q and A with Jeff Bridges. He came on stage with cheers thundering from the crowd.

Jeff Bridges was always one of the best loved actors, portraying his role with such pizzazz that definitely earned him much consideration to star the films he starred on.

TheAustralian.com even commented Jeff Bridges, on their February 17, 2010 release, as a natural with Crazy Heart. As was once said by American critic Pauline Kael Jeff Bridges "may be the most natural and least self-conscious screen actor that has ever lived". Further more in the story Bridges was also claimed to likely win the Academy Awards. The film has recently earned him his fifth nomination to the Oscars which he is thrilled.

Picking up awards will hopefully be Jeff Bridges thing this year. Crazy heart is a film focusing on the life of Bad Blake, a hard-living country singer who's been married many times. It was only through the help of Jean (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal who also got a nomination), a journalist, did he receive salvation from his weary life.

A dramatic plot that turned the awakening of people's interest to the beauty of country music plus a role that definitely meant established in the mind--Jeff bridges is definitely one of the best actors that people should salute. Santa Barbara truly is lucky to have him as its son.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/arts/bridges-just-a-natural-with-a-crazy-heart/story-e6frg8n6-1225831104727

John Mayer Playboy Interview Text Too Raw Even for Mayer

by : Robert Dougherty

The John Mayer Playboy interview text is still getting the singer in trouble. Thanks to the John Mayer Playboy interview text, he has had to apologize for his use of the n-word, among other things. For once, Playboy is making more headlines for an interview than for naked pictures - but these kinds of headlines are nothing new for Mayer. These days, he may be best known for his off-stage antics and comments than his actual singing. Now that the John Mayer Playboy interview text has gone down in infamy, this is truer than ever.

It says something that in the Playboy interview, John Mayer's comment about his penis being a white supremacist may not be his wildest one ever. Of course, since the quote involved race, it garnered more outrage than Mayer's average comment. But his history of being raw and uncomfortably open in interviews is starting to overshadow his career.

Even before the John Mayer Playboy interview text started, he is quoted as saying 'I think the world would be better off if I stopped doing interviews.' Given the backlash of the last several days, Mayer could be considered a prophet.

Though most of the outrage is over his comments about a "n***er pass" and his "white supremacist" penis, it actually overshadowed his words about exes Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Simpson. Not much can make people forget about Mayer calling Simpson "sexual napalm" and saying he still loves Aniston. Yet his racial comments have put a new spin on his usual media firestorms.

John Mayer's Playboy interview is just one of many texts where he shocked fans and readers. In the past, he slammed the 'hatrix' of the Internet media and just had a rambling Rolling Stone cover story, which asked "why can't rock's biggest playboy shut up and enjoy?"

Mayer himself is becoming all too aware about the problem, as he said he needed to "stop being so raw in interviews" in his apology. In addition to apologizing on Twitter, he apologized again at a performance in Nashville last night, announcing that he would 'quit the media game.'

He now says that he just wants to play his guitar, but thanks to his reputation, people just don't want to see him do that anymore. Nowadays, audiences want to hear his next wild comment more than his next song - but after the John Mayer Playboy interview text came out, that might have changed a bit.

In the end, Mayer may not be able to quit the 'media game' cold turkey, at least not right away. But he may want to write another hit song before he lets himself go again - or stick to making comments about sex and not

Sources

Playboy- "John Mayer: Playboy Interview"

MTV.com- "John Mayer's Playboy Interview Caps A History Of TMI"

Gossip Cop- "John Mayer Breaks Down On Stage: 'I Quit The Media Game"

Source : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2694583/john_mayer_playboy_interview_text_too.html?cat=33

Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen Found Dead

By GINA DINUNNO

Top British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at his London home Thursday morning, his family said. He was 40.

Check out photos of celebs wearing McQueen

"On behalf of Lee [Alexander] McQueen's family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand, has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family," said a statement released by McQueen's office.

A Scotland Yard spokesman, who asked that his name not be used, declined to comment on the cause of death until a post-mortem exam can be completed.

One of McQueen's contemporary lines, McQ, was scheduled to be shown next week at New York Fashion Week, People reports.

McQueen was one of the youngest designers to earn the title of British Designer of the Year, which he won four times. His unconventional early runway collections earned him the nickname "the hooligan of English fashion."

Celebrities including Rihanna and Lady Gaga often wore McQueen's pieces.

source:http://www.seattlepi.com/tvguide/415309_tvgif11.html

DeKalb Earthquake Sycamore and Virgil IL !

DEKLAB, CHICAGO - Today’s 2010 earthquake struck Virgil and Sycamore in DeKalb County.

The earthquake hitting Virgil and Sycamore in DeKalb County struck just before 10 AM local time as broke by LALATE NEWS first this morning.

Under Mayor Mundy, Sycamore describes itself as the following:
“A major factor in strengthening the Sycamore Community is having people living and working in Sycamore or in the immediate area. Those who can do both quickly become vested in the community and have time, energy and resources to volunteer and participate in bettering our “Home Town”.”

Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Maps
Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Map 1
Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Map 2
Chicago Illinois Earthquake 2010 Map 3

The quake was located just four miles both Sycamore and Virgil.

Sycamore sits on Route 64 and had a 2005 census popululation under 15,000. It’s also know by itsannual Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, a pumpkin festival established in 1962 that attracts tens of thousands.

Data from the USGS includes the following:

4.3
Date-Time

* Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 09:59:34 UTC
* Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 03:59:34 AM at epicenter
* Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones

Location 41.978°N, 88.597°W
Depth 5 km (3.1 miles) set by location program
Region ILLINOIS
Distances

* 6 km (4 miles) WNW (292°) from Virgil, IL
* 8 km (5 miles) E (94°) from Sycamore, IL
* 8 km (5 miles) N (1°) from Maple Park, IL
* 35 km (22 miles) NW (315°) from Aurora, IL
* 77 km (48 miles) WNW (282°) from Chicago, IL

Reports of injuries and damage have not yet been reported. The quake struck at 9:59 AM local time. The earthquake while not substantial - 4.3 magnitude - did have a nominal depth of only 3.1 miles below the earth’s surface causing it to be felt a greater distance.

For continuing coverage of this and other potential earthquakes, click here: http://news.lalate.com/category/earthquakes.

Source:http://news.lalate.com/2010/02/10/dekalb-earthquake-sycamore-and-virgil-il/

Doritos Sizzles, Tim Tebow Fizzles

The Monday after the Super Bowl should be considered National Ad Day. USA Today's Ad Meter says Snickers' Betty White commercial was tops last night. We're not so sure, and neither are those of you hitting up Google for the big game's best ads. This is What You're Searching for Today...

Tim Tebow Super Bowl Ad – Did the "controversial" 30-second spot leave you disappointed? Did you miss it altogether while microwaving nachos during the commercial break? If so, we don't blame you. The internet was ready to pounce on Focus on the Family's pro-life commercials. But then the ads kinda just popped up (one shortly before the game, another during the first half) and fizzled away. No mention of "abortion," or even "pro-life" – though Timmy is called a "miracle baby" by his mum. The ad's closing directs you to Focus on the Family's homepage, where you can get the full, and considerably more religious, story of the golden boy's birth.

Super Bowl Doritos Commercial – Frito-Lay aired four user-generated Doritos ads during the Super Bowl. If you're like the rest of America, then you're probably trying to hunt down "House Rules," which according to TiVo, was the most-watched ad during this year's game. It was also the most tweeted commercial, according to Squawq. TiVo ranked Snickers' "Betty White" ad second, Focus on the Family's ad third, and Doritos' "Snack Attack" took fourth. But USA Today's Ad Meter ranks "Underdog" tops among Doritos spots, and second overall behind the Snickers ad. Count Doritos among Sunday's big winners among the Saints, CBS and Snickers.

E-Trade Super Bowl Commercial – Perhaps no company has benefited more from advertising during the Super Bowl than E-Trade. The online brokerage firm debuted its trademark talking baby in 2008. Last year the tyke's friends joined in the fun. And this year talking baby's girlfriend jumps in the picture. This campaign may never get old.

Filed under:
• TV News
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• YouTube

Posted By Sam Brand
Source: http://www.popeater.com/2010/02/08/super-bowl-commercials-tim-tebow-doritos-e-trade/

Thoughts of the day: February 2, 2010

By Franz Beard • Permalink

few thoughts to jump start your Tuesday morning.

1. IF IT’S FEBRUARY, THAT MEANS MAT DRILLS HAVE BEGUN: For 58 returning scholarship players, 11 early enrolled freshmen and a few walkons, the next month is all about experiencing hell on earth and living to tell about it. The drills might seem sadistic, but they serve a purpose of teaching toughness and getting players to exert themselves beyond what they perceived as their physical and mental limits. It’s not unusual for the garbage cans that line the walls of the strength and conditioning complex to be filled with puke at the end of one of the 5 a.m. sessions. If Mickey Marotti is satisfied with the progress the team made when March 1 arrives, then that’s a pretty good sign the Gators are going to have a terrific season in the fall.

2. ONE MORE DAY: Faxes start pouring in at 7 a.m. Wednesday, which means the silly season comes to an end for 2010 with the Gators finishing with the top class in the country. While I doubt Florida will lose any commitments, I think it’s possible the Gators will get a surprise on signing day. I think Chaz Green, Darrin Kitchens and Adrian Coxson are definitely signing with Florida. The surprise? I think either James Louis or Ivan McCartney will choose UF. A month ago, writers and recruiting analysts alike were predicting the end of the world as we know it for the Gators. Looks like a few folks were wrong, doesn’t it?

3. JILTED AT THE ALTAR: Georgia lost committed linebackers B.J. Butler and Deon Rogers to Louisville last week and Monday night got the news that Lowndes County linebacker Telvin Smith, who got the class A treatment in Athens, has decided to stick with his commitment to the Seminoles, and defensive tackle Jeff Whitaker of Warner Robins spurned Georgia for Auburn. As if that isn’t bad enough, the Poodles figure to lose wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers to Tennessee and Frostproof do-everything athlete Nickell Robey to South Florida. Even though his dad (Hiram Green) says Georgia is very much in play, Tampa Catholic’s Christian Green will probably jilt the Poodles in favor of the Tallahassee Trade School as well. There is also a very good chance stud defensive tackle Mike Thornton will pick either Auburn or Penn State over the Poodles. Looks like the Suicide Prevention Center in Athens better add some extra staffers for Wednesday.

4. STILL ON THE BOARD: The five big names still uncommitted are Seantrel Henderson (6-8, 350 St. Paul MN Cretin Derham-Hall, #8 ESPNU 150); Demar Dorsey (6-1, 180, Lauderdale Lakes, FL Boyd Anderson #12 ESPNU 150); Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6-3, 235, Portland, OR David Douglas #17 ESPNU 150); Marcus Lattimore (6-0, 214, Duncan, SC Byrnes #19 ESPNU 150); and Markeith Ambles (6-2, 185, McDonough, GA Henry County #23 ESPNU 150). Henderson seems likely to announce for Ohio State but Miami seems very confident after the big guy paid a visit this past weekend. With Dorsey, who knows? The folks in Tallahassee are confident but so is Lane Kiffin. I’m going with Kiffin and Southern Cal on this one. Odighizuwa seems a lock for Nebraska. It’s a tossup for Lattimore but the folks in the Spartanburg area where he lives think he stays in-state. Ambles was once committed to Tennessee but he backed out of that commitment when Kiffin bolted for USC. USC seems the likely choice but don’t be surprised if he puts on a North Carolina hat on signing day.

5. FINISHING FAST: In the SEC, that’s Auburn, which could finish strong with defensive tackle Michael Thornton (6-1, 280, Stone Mountain, GA Stephenson), stud tailback Marcus Lattimore (6-0, 214, Duncan, SC Byrnes #19 ESPNU 150) and defensive end Corey Lemonier (6-4, 221, Hialeah, FL #94 ESPNU 100). The Tigers already have tailback Michael Dyer (5-9, 200, Little Rock, AR Little Rock Christian #5 ESPNU 150) so it’s unlikely they get Lattimore. Auburn’s best signee is former Gator quarterback Cameron Newton (6-6, 245, Atlanta, GA/Blinn, TX Junior College), who is a perfect fit for Gus Malzahn’s version of the spread offense. If Alabama loses wide receiver Keenan Hubbard (6-2, 190, Greensboro, NC Northern Guilford #33 ESPNU 150) to Clemson and Auburn manages to land Lattimore, Lemonier and Thornton, it’s entirely possible Gene Chizik will finish with a higher-ranked class than Nick Saban. Now that will turn some heads.

6. ALSO FINISHING FAST: Jumbo Fisher has a chance to come up big Wednesday if he lands Dorsey, Christian Jones (6-4, 230, Casselberry, FL Lake Howell #27 ESPNU 150), Christian Green (6-1, 190, Tampa, FL Catholic #53 ESPNU 150) and Corey Lemonier (6-4,221, Hialeah, FL #94 ESPNU 150). Getting all four would be a coup for the Seminoles. The bet here is that three out of the four wind up in Tallahassee. Jones and Green look to be Seminole locks ... Tennessee’s class fell apart when Lane Kiffin went to Southern Cal, but the Vols have a chance to finish fast if they can land Ambles (6-2, 185, McDonough, GA Henry County #23 ESPNU 150), Da’Rick Rogers (6-2, 205, Calhoun, GA #30 ESPNU 150), defensive tackle James Stone (6-5, 300, Nashville, TN Maplewood #100 ESPNU 150) and Damien Robinson (6-8, 320, Olive Branch, MS #104 ESPNU 150). If Derek Dooley lands those kids, he’s pulled off a minor miracle.

7. BASEBALL HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME: That’s what Florida baseball coach Kevin O’Sullivan must be saying these days. The Gators are ranked #7 nationally in the preseason polls and with hitters like Preston Tucker and Matt den Dekker, the offense should be better than last year. What will definitely be better than last year is the pitching. Last year, the Gators made the Super Regionals with just enough pitching to get by. This year, O’Sullivan has a staff that is deep enough and talented enough to take the Gators all the way to Omaha. It’s going to be a fun year at the Mac.

8. AT $3 MILLION A POP: If you were hoping to buy a 30-second Super Bowl ad, you’re a little late. CBS announced Monday that all the 30-second ads have been sold, some at a mere $3 million a pop. If you’re disappointed and wondering what you’re going to do with all that cash, there are still a few pre-game show ads available. The 2009 game brought in approximately $213 million in ad revenues for NBC even though there were unsold 30-second slots and only 69 ads sold altogether. This year CBS figures to easily surpass that total. Makes me wonder how much money would be changing hands if there were a couple of higher profile teams than the Colts and Saints.

9. KISS AND MAKE UP: Supposedly, the rift between John Wall and John Calipari lasted only a day or so. After Kentucky’s win over Vanderbilt Saturday, a game in which Wall shot poorly (4-12) and turned the ball over often (7 times), Wall lashed out a bit at Calipari, saying, “He’s [Calipari] probably going to say I played bad today too so I don’t know. I just try not to listen to him and go out and play basketball and try and help my team win.” Monday, Wall said everything is cool and Cal was acting like nothing happened. Back in his high school and AAU days, Wall had a habit of doing his own thing and ignoring coaches, so while Wall and Cal probably kissed and made up, Wall was probably telling the truth that he just doesn’t listen.

10. RANDOM THOUGHTS: Reserve forward Jordan DeMercy announced he is leaving the basketball team at the Tallahassee Trade School just a day after scoring six points in ten minutes off the bench in the Seminoles’ win over Boston College Saturday ...

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Scott McCarron, who is accused of calling Phil Mickelson a cheater for using a wedge with square grooves that the PGA says is legal, was called out. His response is rather interesting. McCarron said, “I responded, ‘It’s cheating and I am appalled Phil has put it in play. I never called Phil Mickelson a cheater.”

Have a great Tuesday.

Franz

Source: http://www.gatorcountry.com/interim/article/thoughts_of_the_day_february_2_2010/

John Murtha hospitalized, political future in doubt?

The news that Rep. John Murtha is in intensive care following complications from gall bladder surgery last week is sure to stoke rumors that the longtime Pennsylvania Democrat may choose to retire rather than run for re-election to a 19th full term in November.

Murtha's hospitalization, which was first reported by Politico's David Rogers, lands just days after his fourth quarter fundraising report -- just $100,000 raised in the final three months of 2009 with $388,000 in the bank -- had raised some eyebrows among national strategists about the possibility that Murtha, at 77 years old, might not be fully committed to running again.

The simple fact -- as Republicans acknowledge privately -- is that as long as Murtha is on the ballot in the western Pennsylvania 12th district, he cannot be beaten. Murtha was first elected to the seat in a 1974(!) special election and since then has rarely faced a real challenge -- with the exception of a redistricting-forced primary fight in 2002 against then Rep. Frank Mascara (D) that Murtha easily won.

Without Murtha seeking re-election, however, the district would be extremely competitive. In 2008, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) carried it by less than 1,000 votes (out of more than 260,000 cast) while Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) won the 12th by a narrow 51 percent to 49 percent margin four years earlier. The trend line in the district is not moving in the right direction for Democrats, however, as the Vice President Al Gore carried Murtha's seat with 55 percent in 2000.

Republicans believe Pennsylvania is shaping up as very friendly territory for them. The party has united behind state Attorney General Tom Corbett in the governor's race and former Rep. Pat Toomey in the Senate contest. On the House side, Republicans see Pennsylvania's 4th, 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th districts as potential pickup opportunities. Democrats see the 6th and 15th districts are chances for them to gain Republican-held seats in the fall.

Posted By Chris Cillizza | February 2, 2010; 1:33 PM ET
Source: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/house/john-murtha-hospitalized-polit.html?wprss=thefix

UIL Realignment 2010 List Released

The official 2010 UIL realignment list has been released this morning, Monday at 9.00am. It is thought that many American schools are concerned about where they would fall for the 2010-2011 season, and with the changes, the UIL have moved two Palestine school districts back to familiar ground as part of District 20-3A. Palestine and Westwood will be joined by Fairfield, Mexia, Madisonville, and Groesbeck.

A number of other interesting changes are set to occur, with the Longview Lobos, who will open the University Interscholastic League realignment season with Marshall. This will be the second year in a row that the Lobos will feature a Class 5A state champion.

FHS remain in AAA and will play in Region IV District 26 AAA with others such as Boerne, Canyon Lake, Bandera, Geronimo Navarro, San Antonio Hawkins, and Wimberly.

According to a press release from UIL, they say that schools may appeal against their realignments, and must do so before February 11. Realignment happens on a two year basis, and the UIL try and group similar size schools, in neighbouring districts.

Dallas News has the entire list.

Source: Merinews