Romantic crooner Tony Martin dies at 98

FILE - This Feb. 14, 1957 file photo shows singer Tony Martin at testimonial dinner given Jack Benny by the Frizes Club in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Martin, the romantic singer who appeared in movie musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s and sustained a career in records, television and nightclubs from the Depression era into the 21st century, died of natural causes Friday, July 27, 2012, at his West Los Angeles home, his friend and accountant Beverly Scott said Monday. He was 98. (AP Photo, file)

FILE - This Feb. 14, 1957 file photo shows singer Tony Martin at testimonial dinner given Jack Benny by the Frizes Club in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Martin, the romantic singer who appeared in movie musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s and sustained a career in records, television and nightclubs from the Depression era into the 21st century, died of natural causes Friday, July 27, 2012, at his West Los Angeles home, his friend and accountant Beverly Scott said Monday. He was 98. (AP Photo, file)

FILE - In this September 1956 photo, singer Tony Martin arrived in New York from London where he recently completed "Jeannie" and immediately took off for Los Angeles where lovely wife, Cyd Charisse, was waiting for him. Martin, the romantic singer who appeared in movie musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s and sustained a career in records, television and nightclubs from the Depression era into the 21st century, has died Friday, July 27, 2012. He was 98. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - This July 8, 1960 file photo shows singer Tony Martin at the Cocoanut Grave night club at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Martin, the romantic singer who appeared in movie musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s and sustained a career in records, television and nightclubs from the Depression era into the 21st century, died of natural causes Friday, July 27, 2012, at his West Los Angeles home, his friend and accountant Beverly Scott said Monday. He was 98. (AP Photo, file)

FILE - In this Dec. 5, 1999 file photo, singer Tony Martin and his wife Cyd Charisse pose for photographers as they arrive for the Los Angeles premiere of "Diamonds" at the Mann Festival Theater in the Westwood section of Los Angeles. Martin, the romantic crooner and star of Hollywood musicals, has died on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 98. (AP Photo/Neil Jacobs, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Tony Martin, the romantic singer who appeared in movie musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s and sustained a career in records, television and nightclubs from the Depression era into the 21st century, has died. He was 98.

Martin died of natural causes Friday evening at his West Los Angeles home, his friend and accountant Beverly Scott said Monday.

A peer of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, Martin sang full voice in a warm baritone that carried special appeal for his female audience. Among his hit recordings were "I Get Ideas," ''To Each His Own," ''Begin the Beguine" and "There's No Tomorrow."

"He's the ultimate crooner who outlasted all is contemporaries," musician and longtime friend Gabriel Guerrero said from his Oregon home. Martin recently sang to Guerrero over the telephone.

"He has truly remained the butterscotch baritone until he was 98," Guerrero added.

Although he never became a full-fledged movie star, he was featured in 25 films, most of them made during the heyday of the Hollywood musicals. A husky 6 feet tall and dashingly handsome, he was often cast as the romantic lead.

He also married two movie musical superstars, Alice Faye and Cyd Charisse, and the latter union lasted 60 years, until her death in 2008.

Martin found his escape through music while growing up in San Francisco and Oakland amid a poor, close-knit Russian Jewish family, enduring taunts and slights from gentile classmates.

"I always sang," he wrote. "I always played some instrument or other, real or imagined. ... At first, of course, my music was just for my own fun. I didn't recognize it right away as my passport away from poverty."

Performing on radio led to his break into the film business. His first singing role came in the 1936 "Sing Baby Sing," which starred future wife Faye and introduced the Ritz Brothers to the screen as a more frenetic version of the Marx Brothers.

As a contract player at Twentieth Century-Fox, Martin also appeared in "Pigskin Parade" (featuring young Judy Garland), "Banjo on My Knee" (Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrea) "Sing and Be Happy," ''You Can't Have Everything" (Faye, Don Ameche) "Ali Baba Goes to Town" (comedian Eddie Cantor) and "Sally, Irene and Mary."

In 1940 he shifted to MGM and sang in such films as "The Ziegfeld Girl" (James Stewart, Lana Turner, Judy Garland), "The Big Store" (the Marx Brothers), "Till the Clouds Roll By," ''Easy to Love" (Esther Williams) and "Deep in My Heart."

In 1948, he produced and starred in "Casbah," a well-received film musical version of "Algiers" with a fine score by Harold Arlen and Leo Robin. He made singing tours of Europe and had a yearly contract at London's Palladium.

Martin had fallen in love with Faye while at Fox, where she was one of the studio's biggest stars. Married in 1937, the newlyweds were considered one of Hollywood's handsomest couples. But the marriage eroded because of career conflicts and his distaste for becoming known as Mr. Alice Faye. They divorced after two years.

Martin met Charisse, then a rising dance star at MGM, when they were dinner partners at a party given by their mutual agent. Just returned from the war, Martin was busy greeting old friends and paid her little attention.

They didn't meet until a year later, when the persistent agent arranged another date. This time they clicked, and they married in 1948. She had a son Nicky, born of her first marriage to dance director Nico Charisse. She gave birth to Tony Jr. in 1950.

Charisse became a star at MGM during the 1950s, dancing with Fred Astaire in "The Band Wagon" and "Silk Stockings" and Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain" and "Brigadoon."

In later years, Martin and Charisee put out a 1976 double autobiography, "The Two of Us," and often toured in a singing and dancing shows. He continued appearances into his 90s, his voice only slightly tarnished by time.

"His voice is more or less intact," a New York Times critic wrote when he appeared at a New York club in early 2008. "Time has certainly taken its toll. He no longer belts. ... But the essential Tony Martin sound was still discernible."

Martin was born Dec. 25, 1913. His parents divorced when he was an infant.

"I was a Christmas present in a family that didn't believe in Christmas," Martin wrote. "The name they gave me when I was born on Christmas Day, 1913, was Alvin Morris. Tony Martin wasn't born for a long time after that."

He attended St. Mary's College of California, where he and other students formed a popular jazz combo, The Five Red Peppers. After college, he formed Al Morris and His Orchestra, and played in San Francisco nightclubs like the Chez Paree, often appearing on late-night national radio.

MGM chief Louis B. Mayer heard the bandleader sing "Poor Butterfly" on radio and ordered a screen test. It was a failure, but an agent landed Morris a contract at RKO, where he got a new name. He had enjoyed the music of Freddie Martin at the Coconut Grove, so he borrowed the name. "Tony" came from a magazine story.

His career at RKO was notable for a one-line bit in the 1936 "Follow the Fleet," which starred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He had better luck at Fox, but nightclubbing every night with a succession of film beauties detracted from his work.

"I was so busy having fun that I didn't even learn my lines," he admitted in 1955. "I muffed a wonderful chance, and that was the end of me for a while."

World War II brought the one big scandal in his life. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and was given a specialist ranking. A year later, a Navy officer who facilitated Martin's enlistment was court-martialed, accused of accepting a $950 automobile from him. The singer was not charged but was dismissed from the Navy for unfitness. He asked his draft board for immediate induction into the Army and served three years in Asia.

The scandal lingered over Martin's head after the war, but he managed to rebuild his career with radio, films, personal appearances and records.

He is survived by stepson Nico Charisse.

Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City was handling funeral arrangements.

___

Associated Press Writer Jeff Wilson contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-07-30-Obit-Tony%20Martin/id-7b49336c647d4d78bff8312837316876

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Apple reports 3 million Mountain Lion downloads in four days, 'most successful OS X release'

We heard some rumblings ahead of the weekend from third-party sources, and like clockwork, Apple has kicked the week off with its weekend box office returns. According to Cupertino's numbers, the latest version of OS X hit 3 million downloads in four days, making for "the most successful OS X release in Apple's history." Price has surely played a role in Mountain Lion's speedy success, running $20 for 200-plus features, according to Apple's numbers. That list includes big additions like Notification Center and AirPlay Mirroring and a selection of smaller tweaks to the decade-old operating system. More information can be found in the customarily self-congratulatory press release, after the break.

Continue reading Apple reports 3 million Mountain Lion downloads in four days, 'most successful OS X release'

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Introduction of Asian ladybugs into Europe serious mistake, experts say

ScienceDaily (July 30, 2012) ? In retrospect, introducing the Asian ladybird into Europe was a serious mistake. The insect was introduced some twenty years ago in a conscious attempt to combat aphids. But research carried out at Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) into the invasion of this foreign insect has shown that the disadvantages far outweigh this single advantage. The Asian species is displacing the native European ladybird and has become a pest that can contaminate homes and spoil the taste of wine.

The researchers concerned have reported their findings in the latest edition of the scientific journal PLoS One.

The Asian ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, which originated in China and Japan, is larger than its European counterpart and has an almost invisible dent towards the rear of its wing cover; the colour and dots are much the same. The foreign insect was introduced into France in the early 90s, and was first used in the Netherlands in around 1996. The Asian ladybird was a formidable weapon in the fight against aphids in greenhouses and on avenue trees, from which lice excrete sticky honeydew onto cars. However, time has shown that these insects, which have very few natural enemies in Europe, are also devouring the native ladybirds. Furthermore, colonies of the Asian variety hibernate in houses and other buildings, where their excrement can cause contamination. Last but least, it has been discovered that when the supply of aphids runs out, this insect has an appetite for grapes and spoils the taste of the wine.

Escape

In order to understand how the Asian species has been able to establish itself in Europe so swiftly and decimate the native ladybird population, PhD student Lidwien Raak from Wageningen University and researcher Marieke de Lange from Alterra, part of Wageningen UR, conducted research into the biology of this invasion. They carried out experiments on both native and Asian ladybird species. Previous laboratory tests had shown that the Asian ladybird would always win a physical fight between the two species. But the researchers from Wageningen wanted to know whether this was also true in the wild. They were keen to discover how often they encounter each other, and whether the native ladybirds could escape. The two devised a clever experiment whereby native and foreign ladybirds were placed on the leaves of lime saplings. Their behaviour was monitored for many hours. The long-term observations generated clear data that is at odds with the results of laboratory experiments. They found that native ladybirds often manage to escape their Asian counterparts by running away or dropping to the ground when under attack. However, if their attempts fail, the highly aggressive Asian ladybirds will devour the two European species and the native Dutch species. This goes a long way to explaining the success of this foreign insect.

Banned

On discovering that introducing Asian ladybirds had been a mistake, use of these insects in Europe was banned. Unfortunately, populations had already become well-established in many European countries. The best way to tackle the nuisance caused by non-native animals and plants is to introduce natural enemies. But this too can be a risky business, which is why the Netherlands has asked Wageningen University and the Plant Protection Service to draw up an environmental risk analysis for the natural enemies of non-native species.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Wageningen University and Research Centre.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. C. Lidwien Raak-van den Berg, Hendrika J. De Lange, Joop C. Van Lenteren. Intraguild Predation Behaviour of Ladybirds in Semi-Field Experiments Explains Invasion Success of Harmonia axyridis. PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (7): e40681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040681

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hxkSCCq0Zh4/120730094916.htm

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Dozens die as blaze engulfs train in India

NWS via AFP - Getty Images

Officials and rescue personnel trying to break into a burnt-out railway carriage after a fire ripped through a coach on a speeding express train near the town of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, India on Monday.

By The Associated Press

Updated at 4:03 a.m. ET: HYDERABAD, India -- A fire swept through a train car packed?with sleeping passengers in southern India on Monday, killing at?least 47 people and sending panicked survivors rushing for the only?clear exit once the train stopped, officials said.

Investigators found charred remains of victims still in their?sleeping berths and were struggling to identify them.

---

A railway station worker noticed the burning coach as the?overnight train from New Delhi to the southeastern city of Chennai?passed through the town of Nellore at about 4 a.m. local time,?official B. Sridhar. Nellor is nearly 310 miles?south of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh state.

Once the alarm was raised, the train was stopped and the?passenger car detached from the rest of the train to prevent the?blaze from spreading.

Electrical short?
Passengers were evacuated once the train was halted.

"Since the fire had engulfed one door of the coach, people had?to rush to the other end of the coach to exit," Sridhar told The?Associated Press by telephone, speaking from the accident site.

He said the fire may have been caused by an electrical short?circuit in the coach.

The blaze killed 47 people, said Anil Kumar, regional railway?manager.

At least 28 other passengers were hospitalized with burns,?Sridhar said, adding that at least two of the injured were in?critical condition.

Massive India blackout leaves 300M without power

AP

Railway workers and officials inspect the burnt coach of a passenger train at Nellore, India, on Monday.

Railway and medical workers were now trying to identify the?dead, he said.

"This is a very difficult task, since some of the bodies are?charred beyond recognition," Sridhar said, adding that officials?are making preliminary identification based on the reservations?chart from the train's records.

India has one of the world's largest train networks. Around 20?million people in India travel by train each day.

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? 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/30/13026876-dozens-die-as-blaze-engulfs-overnight-train-in-india?lite

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EYES ON LONDON: British gymnasts feel expectations

LONDON (AP) ? Around the 2012 Olympics and its host city with journalists from The Associated Press bringing the flavor and details of the games to you:

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KEEP CALM, CARRY ON

LONDON ? Get off Twitter, keep your eyes on the ground in the Olympic village and, whatever you do, don't gape at all those British flags or messages of encouragement from what seems like the entire country. Like all British athletes, the gymnasts are feeling the magnitude of competing in a home Olympics. Add to that the heightened expectations for a program that's become an emerging power since Beijing and, well, it can be a little much. "It's been overwhelming, definitely," says Rebbeca Tunney, who, at 15, is the youngest member of the entire British delegation. "I wasn't expecting it to be like this. I was expecting it to be huge. But this is different."

?Nancy Armour ? Twitter http://twitter.com/nrarmour

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BECKHAM TO FEATURE

He had hoped for more, but David Beckham will at least have some degree of participation in the games. "It is some kind of role in the opening ceremony which I am honored to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago," Beckham told The Associated Press. "And for Seb (Sebastian Coe) to have kept me involved, I'm very proud of that." The 37-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder had wanted to play for Britain's football team at the games, but he was not included in the squad.

?Rob Harris ? Twitter http://twitter.com/RobHarris

___

READY TO GO!

After years of preparation work, organization chief Sebastian Coe says London is ready and ? like an athlete ? raring to go. "We're now in the last of the call rooms. We've gone from the training track to the warmup track to the stadium. The volunteers are in place. The city is dressed. The torch is on its way."

?Stephen Wilson ? Twitter http://www.twitter.com/stevewilsonap

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TRAVEL TROUBLES

More signs Tuesday that London's transit system is feeling the strain, but it's all quite good-natured ? at least for now.

At St. Pancras International station, the launching point for the high-speed Javelin train that takes visitors to the Olympic Park gates, more than 100 people couldn't get onto the platform this afternoon. Eventually, they got on to two trains but neither was going anywhere.

Confused passengers flip-flopped trains, hoping to get lucky with one that would wisk them away, but both were delayed for at least 50 minutes, with little communication from train supervisors to explain what was happening. Some shouted questions to passing train workers, but this was no foul-mouthed, rush-hour mob foaming at the mouth. Everyone remained calm, if a little agitated, until the first one pulled out of the station.

?Jon Krawczynski ? Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Apkrawczynski.

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AN AIRPORT STRIKE ? NOW?

British authorities are going to court to try and prevent a major strike at U.K. airports on Thursday, the eve of the games. Immigration staff are angry over pay and job losses, but officials are urging them to stop and think about the consequences given that "the eyes of the world" will be on the U.K.

?Cassandra Vinograd ? Twitter http://twitter.com/cassvinograd

___

DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR BRYAN TWINS

Twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan had a bit of trouble getting into the Olympic Park when the American tennis team arrived in London, but it had nothing to do with security guards trying to tell them apart.

The Bryan brothers, among the favorites in the men's doubles tournament, missed the team's news conference because they were stopped at the security check point. According to Tim Curry, the director of the U.S. Tennis Association, they had failed to go to the proper welcoming desk to have their accreditations validated.

"They were trying to get by with the non-laminated one, which is step No. 1 ? laminate your credential," Curry said. "They got stopped in security and are heading back to the welcome center."

?Mattias Karen ? Twitter http://twitter.com/mattekaren

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FROM ROW 62 AT THE OLYMPIC AQUATIC CENTER

The worst seats in the Olympics? Check out the very top row of the London Aquatic Center.

From the main concourse, it's a staggering hike up 169 steeply pitched steps to row 62. Tickets in that part of the building should've at least come with a warning: Making this climb could be hazardous to your health unless you're in decent physical condition.

The view isn't much, either. The entire pool is visible, in spite of the sloping roof over the temporary seats, but the swimmers look like ants in the water. Fortunately, there are video screens hanging from the ceiling.

Also note, on days when the weather turns unseasonably balmy, as it did Tuesday on the hottest day of the year in Britain, the top row of the aquatic center is downright boiling. The building is already kept on the warm side for the comfort of the scantily clad swimmers, and the heat was nearly unbearable on the top row Tuesday.

Just imagine what it's going to feel like with 17,000 fans around you.

?Paul Newberry ? Twitter http://twitter.com/pnewberry1963

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GETTING A GLIMPSE

The Olympic Park is ringed off by security fences, making access for the public difficult except for those with credentials and, later this week, tickets. But that hasn't stopped the public from coming out to take a look. And some locations are clearly better than others.

At the large, multistory John Lewis department store ? on the edge of the Olympic Park and nestled in a sprawling shopping mall ? dozens of people took advantage of the wide, tall window that overlooks the park and provides a clear view of the main stadium that will be the site of Friday night's opening ceremonies.

Children and adults pressed against the window to catch a view, as today's clear, cloudless skies provided a crystal-clear picture of the park and other parts of London.

?Lou Ferrara ? Twitter http://twitter.com/louferrara

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ROUGH ASSIGNMENT

Prince Harry's office says he will attend the women's beach volleyball event on Aug. 8 ? the day the gold medal is awarded. The event is being held at Horseguard's Parade in central London near Downing Street, the prime minister's residence.

Tickets for the event have been one of the most sought after in the games.

?Danica Kirka ? Twitter http://twitter.com/danicakirka

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SERENA'S BACK ? AND NOT BOTHERED BY HER BACK

Serena Williams says her back is just fine and won't hamper her attempt at another title at Wimbledon.

But whether she'll go for three Olympic golds or just two is still up in the air.

Williams pulled out of a World Team Tennis match last week to rest her back ahead of the London Olympics, but said Tuesday she's fit and ready for a quick return to the All England Club. She won her fifth Wimbledon title there this month, and also teamed with sister Venus to win the doubles tournament.

"I feel really good going into these Olympic Games, and wanting to do really well," Serena Williams said at a news conference with the U.S. team.

Venus and Serena will try to defend their doubles gold medal as well, though the team has yet to announce which players will feature in mixed doubles.

Venus said both she and Serena have the ability to win all three tournaments, but that "we know we have to be in the ultimate fitness level to do so."

"At the end of the day it's really up to what our team captains want, and obviously being realistic and seeing who really has the best chance to win because we really want to bring medals home," Venus said.

?Mattias Karen ? Twitter http://twitter.com/mattekaren

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ATCHOO!

New Zealand is taking no chances with the health of its rowing squad in the run-up to the London Olympics.

A quarantine was in operation Tuesday for the squad's first and only press access before the Olympic regatta begins on Saturday. Media who had arrived in Britain less than 48 hours previously were banned from attending.

Officials wouldn't say whether the decision was made as a direct result of the bug picked up by squad standout Mahe Drysdale just before the single sculls event at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, which cost him the chance of the gold medal. He started a clear favorite but finished third.

Bottles of hand antiseptics were on tables in the sprawling gardens at their residence close to Dorney Lake, the venue for the regatta, as the Kiwi rowers enjoyed some down-time before afternoon practice.

Part of the rowers' Olympic briefing kit even contains directives on how to wash your hands ? at least 30 seconds should be spent on each wash, apparently.

"I'm being a little bit more careful but I'm not going to be wearing masks around and not shaking people's hands," Drysdale said. "That's just going overboard."

?Steve Douglas ? Twitter http://twitter.com/Sdouglas80

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GOLD IS NOT THE ONLY COLOR

With tennis players getting a respite from the traditional all-white outfits usually donned at Wimbledon, Venus Williams is going all out to flaunt some red and blue as well.

The defending Olympic doubles champion arrived in London with her hair done up in thin braids, with extensions inserted in various variations of red, white and blue. To that she added plenty of blue eye makeup and bright red lipstick, for a distinctly patriotic look.

"I'm here to represent the U.S., from head to toe basically. Hair right down to the finger nails," Williams said at a news conference with the American team. "It's just so much fun, I think we all find how proud we are of where we come from when these weeks come around. It's just fun and amazing to just represent, we all feel that way."

?Mattias Karen ? Twitter http://twitter.com/mattekaren

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WHAT ? NO A/C?

You'd have to forgive the organizers for smirking at this one.

So many people feared the games would be a washout. Yet now the Dominicans are saying it's too hot.

"The apartments in the village don't have any air conditioning and at least since we've been here it's been really hot," says Edwin Rodriguez, the country's gymnastics federation president.

Relief is probably on the way. Forecasts suggest the hot spell should end by the weekend.

?Dionisio Soldevila ? Twitter http://twitter.com/dSoldevila

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WORD FROM THE WILLIAMSES

Venus and Serena Williams love London. Not surprising, given how many Wimbledon titles they've won here. But they were not buttering up the host city as they arrived for the Olympic tennis tournament. Rome, says Venus, is her favorite city. Serena likes Paris.

Do the fashion-conscious sisters go in for London shopping? Not really.

"In terms of shopping, the pound has always been so strong," Williams says. "We stay away from a lot of the shopping here. We get it done where the American dollar has a bit more impact."

?Warren Levinson ? Twitter http://twitter.com/warrenlevinson

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CAN'T GET IN

Dominican gymnast Yamilet Pena, who has high hopes of winning a medal, almost didn't get into the country Tuesday.

There was a discrepancy between her passport details and her Olympic credentials and she was barred from entering for four hours ? "but it's all been solved now," says Edwin Rodriguez, the country's relieved gymnastics federation president.

?Dionisio Soldevila? twitter? http:/twitter.com/dSoldevila

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IT'S BEEN A SCORCHER

It's hot out.

Today has officially been the hottest day of the year in Britain. A temperature of 85.5 Fahrenheit (29.7 Celsius) was recorded in the southeast of the country near Gatwick Airport outside London. True, if you're in Arizona (where parts of old London Bridge now sit), that's not too bad. But for London, it's pretty intense.

After initially predicting a chance of rain Friday, forecasters now say the hot, dry conditions might hold out for that evening's opening ceremony.

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TRAIN-ING TROUBLES:

London is expecting 1 million visitors a day during the games and up to 3 million extra journeys each day on an already beleaguered transit system.

And having spent 6.5 billion pounds ($10 billion) upgrading London's network since it won the bid in 2005, organizers need that investment to pay off or risk spoiling the experience for tourists ? and grumpy locals ? who could get stuck on trains and in queues when they should be getting stuck into the Olympics.

On Monday night, two train links into the Olympic Park were temporarily down as organizers held their test event for the opening ceremony.

?Gerald Imray ? Twitter http://twitter.com/GeraldImrayap

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FROM CHINA WITH LOVE

Standing outside Buckingham Palace and peering through the railings are three ladies in bright white T-shirts with 'I love London' emblazoned across the front.

The mother and two daughters from Fuzhou, China, had planned to come for the Olympics but couldn't get any hotel rooms or tickets so they decided to come earlier instead with the intention of absorbing a bit of the pre-Games atmosphere.

"We just came to see how everything looks, from the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, all the way here," said 25-year-old Yang Pei. She says it feels similar to China shortly before the Beijing Games in 2008.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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SOAKING UP THE SUN

Londoners are flocking to St. James' Park to make the most of the sunshine ? something you just have to grab when you can. They would usually only have the ducks and pigeons to watch but now they can look across the park's lake at the hustle and bustle of workers preparing the Olympic venues and facilities.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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TICKLED PINK

Could romance blossom on the Olympic badminton courts at Wembley Arena? China's coach seems to think so.

China's team is familiar with the courts ? it won all five events in the arena at the 2011 badminton world championship ? but not the new color scheme.

"The pink color ? it's romantic," said coach Li Yongbo. "It's like a place where boyfriends and girlfriends meet."

?Mike Corder ? Twitter http://twitter.com/mikecorder

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ELUSIVE NORTH KOREANS

The North Korean women's soccer team is eligible to play at the Olympics despite being banned from the next World Cup after five players tested positive for steroids.

Team officials at the time said the players failed the test because they'd been given musk deer gland therapy after getting struck by lightning during training.

It seems they're taking no chances this time. Says coach Sin Ui Gun: "There is a hall with some games machines and table tennis. They love to spend the time inside because in Glasgow, as you know, it rains quite heavily on us."

?Frank Griffiths ? Twitter http://twitter.com/frankgriffithsap

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STEPPING ASIDE

The most decorated woman in the history of British gymnastics isn't ready to call it quits, but 27-year-old Beth Tweddle says she won't be around for Rio in 2016.

The three-time world championship gold medalist plans to keep on training after the games because "I wouldn't know what to do with myself," but says she'll cede the stage to "the younger generation" well before Rio.

?Will Graves ? Twitter http://twitter.com/WillGravesAP

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PRANKSTER ALERT

What do you do to calm the nerves before the biggest meet of your life? If you're the British men's gymnastics team, you play practical jokes on each other.

It was Kristian Thomas' turn on Monday night. The 23-year-old was complaining he couldn't get his air conditioning to work. Teammate Louis Smith fixed it. Sort of. Smith purposely neglected to hook up the exhaust fan. When Smith returned to the room a couple hours later, Thomas was drenched in sweat, then laughter when Smith figured out what happened.

?Will Graves ? Twitter http://twitter.com/WillGravesAP

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WATER, THE WRONG TYPE

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink. Sweltering photographers working at the Olympic pool found one crucial thing in short supply Tuesday ? water. Sure, the pool was full of the stuff (the average Olympic pool holds 2,500,000 liters or 660,430 gallons of the stuff if the Internet is to be believed) but it's not for drinking. An official at the pool says the venue is not yet officially open and for now there's a drinking fountain outside.

?Mark Baker

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LONDON'S EYEFUL TOWER

A writer at Building Design magazine branded it "a contorted mass of entrails". The BBC said: "a catastrophic collision between two cranes." Others, though, are giving it a thumbs-up.

Will the ruby red steel tower that rises above the Olympic Park ? conceived as London's answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris ? win over the public? Remember this: The Eiffel Tower, one of Europe's most loved landmarks, was once loathed. It was built in the 19th Century as a temporary structure for a world fair. And Parisians weren't impressed.

?Rob Harris ? Twitter http://twitter.com/RobHarris

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THE O-WORD

Stores and pubs around London are getting in the spirit of the Games ? but don't call 'em the Olympics.

With concerns running high about running afoul of Olympics branding rules and confusion over what is or isn't allowed, locals are getting creative in promoting their Olympic offerings. One pub in Camden placed chalkboards on the sidewalk saying "the torch with no name will pass us by" and "can you guess why we'll be open Thursday," highlighting their hours and specials for the torch relay day.

Bartender Georgie Fisher said she'd written the boards for the Lyttelton Arms after hearing she might not be allowed to use the O-word. "My boss said specifically not to use it and instead to try to think of something sassy," she says. http://bit.ly/Qxmo0B

?Cassandra Vinograd ? Twitter http://twitter.com/cassvinograd

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NERVOUS CABBIES

Special Olympic road lanes don't open until Wednesday, but some cab drivers are already baffled and fearing the worst. "If I go into a bus lane, I'll get fined 100 pounds ($155). If I go into an Olympic lane I'll get fined 130 pounds ($200). If I turn right where I'm not supposed to, it's 60 pounds ($93)," said Rahmid Mohamed, slamming on his brakes to avoid an angry cabbie who swerved in front of him to avoid white barricades.

?Paisley Dodds ? Twitter http://twitter.com/paisleydodds

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WATCHING IN PYONGYANG?

It must be one of the last frontiers for Olympics fever.

The chief of Asia's broadcasting union is in North Korea on Tuesday for talks on providing the country with TV and radio coverage of this year's games.

During the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa, North Korean state television aired unprecedented coverage of three matches as well as snippets from the opening ceremony ? but not the games played by wartime enemies South Korea and the United States.

?From AP staff in Pyongyang, North Korea

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THE LONDON BUZZ

Standing in front of the official Olympics countdown clock to soak up the atmosphere, Robin Marsh from Bromley in Kent is looking forward to the games.

"There is a real buzz. Everyone is really excited," says the 18-year-old graphic designer.

Marsh is going to the athletics with his whole family. But what about his friend who couldn't get tickets to see anything he wanted?

"I think if you live in the greater London region, there is just a great feeling for something historic," said Danny Vance, 18, a Christian minister, also from Kent. "This is only going to happen once in your lifetime, so there is definitely a sense that we are involved with something very important for our country. And you can feel that."

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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NICE VIEW AT LEAST

Traffic jams are building up across London ? and the skies are pretty clogged, too. An incoming plane from Mexico circled the city repeatedly just now as the pilot waited for an available runway. But it was a stroke of luck. With sunny skies, passengers enjoyed a unique view of London's monuments.

?Luis Ruiz

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AIRLINE SAYS: DON'T FLY

British Airways doesn't want your money ? unless you're flying INTO the country. The airline has been calling on the British people to stay home, sing the national anthem and get behind Team GB.

Their ads are on TV and on billboards around London. One broadcast ad shows a plane taxiing through the streets of London, picking up fans to take them to the games.

?Alon Bernstein

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FAMILY REUNION

On Friday in London, sprinter Jeneba Tarmoh will meet her half brother for the first time. It's been in the works since she made the U.S. Olympic team as a member of the relay pool.

Tarmoh says her brother John Mannah was born in Sierra Leone and moved to London with his father when he was 8 years old. Her mother ended up relocating to San Jose, Calif., where Tarmoh grew up.

Although she's never met him, Tarmoh has talked to her sibling on the phone. He's 15 years older than her.

Her plan: to catch up over dinner at his house.

"It's going to be great running and meeting my brother for the first time, having my nieces and nephews watch me in my element," Tarmoh says.

?Pat Graham ? Twitter http://twitter.com/Pgraham34

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ODDS ? ON ANYTHING!

What are the odds of a UFO sighting during the opening ceremony? Or of the final torch bearer tripping as they ascend to light the flame? Or would you prefer a more traditional wager on who will win gold? London betting houses are offering odds on almost anything and the industry expects to handle a record 100 million pounds ($155 million) in wagers over the next three weeks or so. Will aliens make an appearance on Friday night? You can get odds of 1,000 to 1 on that. Do they know something we don't?

?Paul Haven ? Twitter http://twitter.com/paulhaven

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THE OTHER OLYMPIC RINGS

You know something major is happening when you hear this: For the first time since the funeral of King George VI in 1952, Big Ben is temporarily changing its tune to celebrate the start of the Olympics. For three minutes, starting at 8:12 a.m. (0712 GMT) on Friday, the famous bell at the British Parliament will ring more than 40 times.

People across the country are being urged to join in the fun, ringing doorbells and bicycle bells as loudly as possible.

The melody will even stretch to Antarctica, with British researchers ready to ring.

?Ian Phillips ? Twitter http://twitter.com/phillipsian

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'I'M MELTING'

How hot is it in London right now?

Seems parts of the pavement outside Olympic Stadium are melting, and crews are out there to repair cracks before the foot traffic arrives en masse.

Warned one worker: If anyone in high heels comes around, there are going to be problems.

?Rob Harris ? Twitter http://twitter.com/robharris

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TURKISH SENDOFF

In Istanbul, Turkey, the Turkish women's basketball team got a strong sendoff to its first Olympics. With music blaring and 70 members of the hotel staff cheering and waving Turkish flags, the team boarded a bus to the airport. Turkey qualified for its first Olympics by finishing in the top four at the final qualifying tournament.

"That's pretty cool. They might surprise some teams in London. They are pretty talented." says U.S. basketball player Diana Taurasi, who watched the sendoff as she headed to practice.

?Doug Feinberg ? Twitter http://twitter.com/dfeinberg

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Beach volleyball will be what people flock to see at London's Horse Guards Parade landmark once the Olympics begin, but right now it is very much business as usual.

London is all about tradition, and at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday is the changing of the guard at Horse Guards Arch.

Wojtek Delik, a 28-year-old restaurant worker from Poland, was watching the ceremony for the very first time with friends Tuesday.

"I think it's quite cool, you can see modern times mixed with old times so it's quite good, in London, in a big city like this," he says.

Household troops, typically dressed in red tunics and bearskins, have been guarding the Sovereign and Royal Palaces since 1660.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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I SPY ... THE COMPETITION

It's never too early to get a look at the competition.

At gymnastics training, Russian coach Alexander Alexandrov stood in the doorway watching the US women vault. He got quite a show, too, as the Americans landed one Amanar ? one of the toughest vaults you'll see in the women's competition and the Americans' biggest advantage ? after another.

?Nancy Armour ? Twitter http://twitter.com/nrarmour

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CEREMONY OF WONDERS (NO BLABBING)

Danny Boyle has let 60,000 people in on the secrets of his Olympic opening ceremony ? and then begged them to keep the information to themselves.

Tens of thousands of spectators who attended a technical rehearsal for Friday's ceremony entered the stadium to be greeted by signs imploring them to "Save the Surprise." Boyle, the Academy Award-winning director of "Slumdog Millionaire," addressed the crowd with a personal plea not to blab, for the sake of future viewers and the 10,000 volunteer performers who have been working on the spectacle for months.

Many details have already leaked out out of the ceremony, titled "Isles of Wonder" and inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and by two centuries of British history and culture.

And Boyle left some gaps in Monday's run-through where extra-secret segments will appear on Friday.

Most of those who saw the show seem to be keeping mum. Many tweeted enthusiastically, but vaguely, about the contents of the show, which mixes grand spectacle with British humor and irreverence.

Many of the spectators streaming out of the stadium afterward said they had been wowed ?even those who had been skeptical at first.

?Jill Lawless ? Twitter http://twitter.com/JillLawless

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BETTER THAN SYDNEY?

The Aussie team's chief says the Brits might just do a better job than the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Nick Green tells Australian reporters Tuesday that in his opinion London 2012 will be "the best Olympics ever." The predominantly Australian media responded with mock shock.

Australia's games 12 years ago have until now been considered among the best. But, says Green, "London's learned a lot out of Sydney ... my view is it'll be the best ever."

?Gerald Imray ? Twitter http://twitter.com/GeraldImrayAP

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EDINBURGH'S FINEST

Olympic fever hasn't swept through all of Britain ? at least not yet.

Most people in Edinburgh, Scotland, are focused on the upcoming Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual festival and demonstration that takes place on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. But that doesn't mean there wasn't a cheer inside pubs such as Maggie Dickinson's on Grassmarket on Monday when Edinburgh's own cycling star Sir Chris Hoy ? already Scotland's most successful Olympian ? was chosen to carry the British flag for the Opening Ceremony.

Hoy won his first Olympic gold at the Athens Games, but cemented his legacy in Beijing, where he became the first Brit to win three gold medals in a single Olympics since Henry Taylor in 1908. Hoy was chosen to carry the Union Jack at the Closing Ceremony in 2008, and will now carry it for the Opening Ceremony on Friday after a vote of the 542 members of the British team. Hoy will be trying to defend his gold medals in the keirin and the team sprint when the track cycling program begins.

Just how popular is Hoy in Scotland? The Scottish National Velodrome being built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be named in his honor.

?Dave Skretta ? Twitter http://twitter.com/APdaveskretta

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EXTRA TROOPS

The British government has just announced it is deploying an extra 1,200 more troops to protect Olympic venues. There's no indication that the step was taken as a result of any specific threat.

British troops stepped in earlier this month after the private security company hired to protect the games failed to hire the number of guards it promised.

?Danica Kirka ? Twitter http://twitter.com/danicakirka

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FROWN FOR THE CAMERA

Only boring, mean people can be a part of the Olympic Games. That goes for athletes, volunteers, journalists ? everybody.

Don't believe it? Just look at those bulky credentials around everyone's necks.

The International Olympic Committee requires that mug shots have a completely colorless facial expression. They say it's needed for security purposes, but it sure makes us all look miserable ? or worse.

U.S. women's soccer player Sydney Leroux put it best when she tweeted a photo of her credential. She said: "I look like I would burn down your house."

?Joseph White ? Twitter http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP

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FLAME MYSTERY

So where will the Olympics flame burn? Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal says the ruby-red sculpture that towers over London's Olympic Stadium is not the cauldron that will hold the ceremonial flame. Mittal had floated the idea, but plans arrived too late for consideration.

The lighting of the cauldron is always a big moment for the Olympics, and organizers usually withhold details to ensure drama. But usually there is some structure ? somewhere ? that hints where the flame will burn.

Suspicion had long fallen on the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower, but Mittal says the tower is art, not a fire vessel for the games that start Friday.

?Danica Kirka ? Twitter http://twitter.com/danicakirka

___

GAMES ? WHAT GAMES?

AP's Joseph White reports in from Scotland:

Yes, I'm at the Olympics ? but I'm some 400 miles (640 kilometers) from center stage.

Glasgow is hosting some of the soccer matches but the Scottish city doesn't have much of an Olympic vibe. In London, one can hardly walk 20 feet without spotting a special Olympic traffic lane or a billboard or some sort of notice; in Glasgow, there is a lonely sign at the main train station telling fans where to queue to catch the subway to historic Hampden Park, plus some Olympic-themed banners lining the streets.

The action starts with a pair of women's matches Wednesday ? two days before the opening ceremony in London ? and the locals have given away thousands of tickets to schools and other youth so the 52,000-seat stadium won't feel so empty.

The two cities can't even agree on the weather.

London had a beautiful sunny day Monday, while Glasgow was so wet and dreary that the U.S. women's team had to take their team photo in the stadium's VIP seats instead of on the field to stay dry. Tuesday in Glasgow, however, is sunnier.

?Joseph White ? Twitter http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP

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OLYMPIC VARNISH

Kati Elliott has got a nail for you.

The 20-year-old manicurist can paint 240 different designs ? all versions of national flags ? at the P&G Salon in the Olympic media village. The company has similar salons in the athletes village and in central London at the US Olympic family home, where they cater to athletes' moms.

On a recent day, Kati was sporting designs for Great Britain, Sao Tome and Principe, USA, Myanmar and South Africa, all on one hand. The most complicated design? She thinks it's the U.S. Virgin Islands, which packs an eagle, state colors and a shield all into one nail.

?Sheila Norman-Culp ? Twitter http://twitter.com/snormanculp

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TORCH INTERLUDE

From AP's Fergus Bell, a Londoner:

At 8:47 a.m. the Olympic Torch passed along the route near my house, and I was able to experience the torch relay as it was meant to be experienced. And what is that, precisely?

Hundreds of excited men, women and children lined the residential suburban streets. Next came the huge police presence: I counted at least six police motorcycles before I caught a glimpse of the procession.

One poor woman innocently reversed out of her driveway at the wrong moment and was promptly surrounded. The police were good-natured; with three days left, they've probably seen it all.

Then you see the runner. Well, not quite.

First you have at least three buses representing various Olympic sponsors adorned with toned promotional staff cheering about the runner behind. When members of the crowd do finally catch a glimpse of the runner decked out in the official white torch relay uniform, they rush in, cameras out, as they cheer and shriek.

And then it's over. In moments, it's all gone. The cheers echo down the street as everyone disperses, each carrying a big grin.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

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RIVER GOLF

Talk about a water trap.

U.S. PGA Tour players Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson previewed golf's inclusion at the 2016 Olympics by hitting purple balls toward a floating green on London's River Thames in late evening sunshine.

The tee box was on a barge and the floating green bobbed under the giant Olympic rings on the historic bridge. Using lob wedges, Garcia got three of his five shots on the bright green artificial turf island from around 75 yards while Johnson got two ? or maybe it was three.

The pair struggled to see where those little magenta balls ? the official color of the London Olympics ? landed. Curious Londoners peered over the edge of the bridge in bright evening sunshine to see what was going on. Some waved flags.

Golf will be included at the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, returning for the first time since 1904.

Said Garcia just before the stunt on the choppy water: "Courses usually don't move this much, but it's definitely going to be fun."

?Gerald Imray ? Twitter http://twitter.com/GeraldImrayAP

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EDITOR'S NOTE ? "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eyes-london-british-gymnasts-feel-expectations-000842027--oly.html

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ARTspot Edmonds offering classes for kids, teens this summer | My ...

Home ? Blog ? Edmonds Events ? ARTspot Edmonds offering classes for kids, teens this summer

ARTspot Edmonds offering classes for kids, teens this summer

ARTspot in Edmonds is holding the following classes and camps for kids and teens:

Sky, Land and Sea: a look at our own backyard!
Instructor: Mona Fairbanks
July 30-Aug. 3 (Monday through Friday)
Ages: 8-12
Time: 10-3 p.m.
Cost: $320 (all materials included)
Description: Students will use a variety of mediums to create unusual and unique pieces of art. The focus will be on native flora, fauna and even a little Edmonds history. You will go on walking field trips in Edmonds, making sketches and creating art! Lots of surprises are in store for you in this camp.

An Afternoon with Clay
Instructor: Barbara Wyatt
August 18 [Saturday]
Ages:? 8-14
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $ 50 (all materials included)
Class Description: Come play in the clay and learn some of the basics of hand building. Class can expect to make and decorate one or two pieces ? pot, cup or bowl, wall hanging, and/or flower wall vase. Learn how to build figures using slab or coil construction. This one-day class will include construction and glazing all in one session. We will call you in about two weeks when your work is fired and ready to be picked up! All tools and materials provided.

Tribal Art 3-Day Workshop for TEENS
Instructor: Kim Brayman
August 6-8 [Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday]
Ages: Teens
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Cost: $105 (all materials included)
Description: Tattoo your T-shirt or sneakers! Learn to express yourself with Sharpies in a decorative, Urban Tribal style that includes symbols and curly-Qs and graffiti-style lettering. This art is based on the Maori, Celtic and Art Nouveau styles and has endless possibilities personalized by your creative vision. Bring a pair of canvas sneaks or T-shirt. Poster material, paint and Sharpies provided.

Build it! Draw it! Paint it!
Instructor: Laurie Hansen
Aug. 20-24 (Monday-Friday)
Age: 8-13
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Cost: $265
Description: A week of exploration with a variety of materials. First take apart apparatuses and reassemble into sculpture. Then draw it, and paint it. Kids will love the combinations of activities and seeing how an art project can grow from one idea to the next.

ARTspot is located at 408 Main St., Edmonds. For more information, call 425-640-6408 or email ARTspotEdmonds@gmail.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012 and is filed under Edmonds Events, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Source: http://myedmondsnews.com/2012/07/artspot-edmonds-offering-classes-for-kids-teens-this-summer/

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Firefighters battling Neb. fires face hot weather

SPARKS, Neb. (AP) ? The firefighters battling wildfires in north-central Nebraska will again face temperatures above 100 degrees on Tuesday.

The hot temperatures and strong winds will make it difficult for the more than 300 firefighters to contain the fire in the Niobrara River valley.

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will hit a high of 107 degrees on Tuesday in Valentine, which is about 20 miles west of the main wildfire.

A cold front is expected to move across the state Wednesday and provide some relief from high temperatures over 100 degrees, but the highs Wednesday will still be in the mid 90s.

The front may also bring some rain, but the National Weather Service says major storms aren't likely near the fire. Any storms could also bring lightning and spark new fires.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/firefighters-battling-neb-fires-face-hot-weather-183629865.html

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Video Games Vs Console Gaming ? Real Bizzy

When you have a look at computer games versus the most recent batch of next generation movie system games - as in the PS3, the Xbox 360 and the Wii - there are several large differences in both features and superlatives, such as design, and the overall charge of playing the games. Let's not forget that many video console games are ready to play, or really plug-and-play, while computer games tend to require long installation. For example, when you obtain a computer game, you've to set it up to your hard disk drive, and you have to guarantee that your computer meets the technical requirements so as to play.Speaking of technical requirements, that's where a large portion of the charge could be included. PC games usually charge a comparable as movie console games do. However, it is the top end graphics card, the sound card and any personalized USB controllers that can cost you some serious dough.Most video graphics cards for gaming can run a few hundred dollars or maybe more, about the cost of getting your hands on a next-gen video game console these days.But, the general experience that one gains when playing computer games is far better than that of game consoles. A good example can be found in a sport named Elder Scrolls: The Oblivion. The game is out for PS3, Xbox 360 and the PC. It's great on all systems, and there aren't many visible differences that you will see in the graphics.On a, nevertheless, there are nearly unlimited personalized panels that different PC players have created, which you can generally download and install for free to boost your gaming experience. Likewise, the additional gambling packages, like Shivering Isles, can be bought and installed on both platforms.The actual difference is that hardcore participants may enjoy PC games over the latter. It is because they feature more adjustments - as in the entire keyboard - exceptional graphics, provided you've a quality graphics card, and more add-ons. But also for many participants who only want to put a game computer in and get to the action, video game consoles will forever be their mainstay.

Come to our website for more info about world of warcraft gold store (http://vcmmo NULL.com)

Source: http://realbizzy.com/video-games-vs-console-gaming/

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Sunday Morning Wisconsin Sports Report

Posted Sunday, July 22, 2012 --- 6:30 a.m.

Here is the latest Wisconsin sports news from The Associated Press:

CINCINNATI (AP) ? Ryan Ludwick and Brandon Phillips each hit two-run homers Saturday night, powering Cincinnati to a 6-2 victory over the fading Milwaukee Brewers. The NL Central leaders have gone 6-2 against Milwaukee this season. Phillips homered in the eighth off reliever Jose Veras at the Great American Ball Park, dropping the defending division champion Brewers to 9? games out.

DETROIT (AP) ? Rick Porcello pitched brilliantly into the ninth inning, and the Detroit Tigers took first place in the AL Central on Saturday with a 7-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Porcello struck out four with no walks, outdueling Sox pitcher Chris Sale at Comerica Park.

ST. LOUIS (AP) ? Chicago Cubs starter Matt Garza was taken out after working three scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday with cramping in his right triceps. The injury had prompted speculation that he had been traded. The Cubs didn't reveal the injury until the bottom of the sixth inning in St. Louis, adding that X-rays were negative. In the seventh inning the Cardinals hit seven doubles en route to a 12-0 blowout at Busch Stadium.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ? Mike Lynn, the longtime Minnesota Vikings executive who made the lopsided trade with Dallas for Herschel Walker that ignited the Cowboys dynasty of the Nineties, has died. He was 76. The Vikings confirmed Lynn's death yesterday with a statement on the team website. Lynn served as the team's general manager from 1975 to 1990.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Source: http://www.nbc15.com/sports/headlines/Sunday-Morning-Wisconsin-Sports-Report-163327686.html

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Otley beer makes official top 50 British food and drink list

O-Garden, a clear wheat beer spiced with roasted orange peel, coriander and cloves, crafted by the Otley Brewing Company in Pontypridd, has been named among the best-tasting food and drink products in Britain.

Named Champion Beer of Wales at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival in 2010, the 4.8% beer was chosen from 123 entries awarded a coveted three-star gold from 8,807 products judged in the 2012 Great Taste scheme run by the Guild of Fine Food.

Ranging from beers to brownies, saffron to smoked rack of bacon and mincemeat to marmalade, many reflect the return to more traditional foods but given a modern twist.

Judges this year included Masterchef winner and restaurateur Mat Follas, restaurant critic and Masterchef judge, Charles Campion, food writers Lucas Hollweg and Xanthe Clay and over 300 food buyers from leading food halls, delicatessens and farm shops including Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason.

According to Guild of Fine Food chairman, Bob Farrand, each of these food and drink products was rigorously scrutinised. He said: ?To achieve a 3-star grading involves at least 25 experts unanimously agreeing that the product tastes divine.

?

?But to be included in the Top 50 Foods in Britain meant each one had to satisfy the discerning palates of a further 25 dedicated foodies. These products all deliver the most extraordinary taste.?

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Nick Otley, managing director of the Otley Brewing Company, said: ?To reach the top 50 Great Taste List is brilliant news and a real testament to the quality of our beers.

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?O-Garden has always been a firm favourite in our portfolio since it was first brewed in 2009. Since then it?s received critical acclaim from top beer judges such as Melissa Cole who described it as exciting, refreshing and complex.

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?We have only been brewing since 2005 and the company has grown so much since then. It?s an exciting time for the craft beer industry right now and many people are seeking out new flavours and fusions. We?re always thinking of new ways with beer by cooking with it and matching beers to different foods.

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?To be part of Great Taste is a fantastic industry stamp of recognition and we?re pleased to have been ranked alongside some other top Welsh and UK food and drink products.?

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Great Taste is the biggest independent benchmarking scheme for local, regional and speciality foods in Britain. Over 350 professional foodies are brought together each year to take part in 45 days of judging, deciding which foods deserve one-star, two-star or the ultimate three-star awards.

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The scheme has become known for launching little-known artisan producers into the big time of the fine food world, while occasionally discovering the odd mainstream surprise. Speciality foods in this year?s Top 50 also include a North African Berber cake made in Gloucestershire, a pear juice from a college in Warwickshire, a sourdough miches from Cumbria, a corned pork from Northern Ireland and a Lithuanian Scalded Rye Bread from Essex.

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The annual programme culminates with the ?Golden Fork? Awards in London in September and the naming of the Great Taste Supreme Champion, a title won last year by a corned beef from traditional Northern Ireland butcher, McCartney?s of Moira which has been nominated again in 2012.

www.greattasteawards.co.uk

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For further information please contact any of the following:

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Rebecca Richards or Sian Taylor at Golley Slater on 029 2078 6054 or rrichards@golleyslater.co.uk / staylor@golleyslater.co.uk

?

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Saskia Leuchars or Sarah Lewis at Complete Media Group on:

saskia@completemediagroup.co.uk / sarah@completemediagroup.co.uk | 0207 420 3550

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Guild of Fine Food, Guild House, Station Road, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9FE

www.finefoodworld.co.uk www.greattasteawards.co.uk

john.farrand@finefoodworld.co.uk / bob.farrand@finefoodworld.co.uk | 01963 824464

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Notes:

The market for artisan and local food

Despite tough trading across all retailing, sales of speciality food and drink have remained resilient through the recession. Consumers are eating out less but are unwilling to compromise on the quality of food eaten in the home. This coupled with an increasing awareness of the positive impact local food and drink has on rural communities, employment and the environment is thought to be the driving force behind the continued growth in artisan food and drink in the UK.

?

According to ?Field to Fork? the recent report from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, sales of local foods continue to rise. Local food sales in some 750 towns across England could currently be as high as ?2.7 billion a year. This is achieved through independent outlets (including social enterprises and co-operatives)

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These outlets support over 103,000 jobs (full-time and part time) of which over 61,000 can be attributed directly to local food sales. Money spent in local food networks is re-circulated within the local economy for longer: it could be contributing as much as ?6.75 billion of total value to local economies.

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Pound for pound, spending in smaller independent local food outlets supports three times the number of jobs than at national grocery chains: outlets selling significant to high percentages of local food support on average one job for every ?46,000 of annual turnover. By comparison, at three national chains one job is supported per ?138,000 to ?144,000 of annual turnover.

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What is Great Taste?

Great Taste is the largest and most trusted accreditation scheme for speciality and fine food & drink. Established in 1994, it encourages and mentors artisan food producers, offering a unique benchmarking and product evaluation service leading to an independent accreditation that enables small food and drink businesses to compete against supermarket premium own label brands.

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Since 1994 over 60,000 products have been evaluated. This year alone, over 8,000 products were blind-tasted by panels of specialists: top chefs, cookery writers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers.

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What are Great Taste judges looking for?

They?re looking for great texture and appearance. They judge the quality of ingredients and how well the maker has put the food or drink together. But above all, they are looking for truly great taste.

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How do they work?

Working in small teams, experts taste 25 foods in each sitting, discussing each product as a coordinating food writer transcribes their comments directly onto the Great Taste website which producers access after judging is completed. Over the years, numerous food businesses, start-ups and well established producers have been advised how to modify their foods and have subsequently gone on to achieve gold standard.

Any food that a judging team believes is worthy of gold is judged by at least two further teams. Only when there is a consensus will Gold be awarded ? that means at least 16 judges will have tasted every gold accredited product. For 3-star Gold, every single judge attending the session, which can be as many as 30 experts must unanimously agree the food delivers that indescribable ?wow? factor.

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What should consumers look for?

The logo. The Great Taste symbol is their guarantee a product has been through a rigorous and independent judging process. It?s not about smart packaging or clever marketing ? it?s all about taste.

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Great Taste 2012: Top 50 foods in Britain

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WALES

Organic Shoulder of Pork ? Slade Farm Organics, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

www.sladeorganics.co.uk peter@daviesslade.plus.com

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Welsh Organic Shoulder of Lamb ? Rhug Ltd, Denbighshire, Wales

www.rhugorganic.com joanredmond@rhug.co.uk

?

Lamb Carpacchio ? Trealy Farm Charcuterie, Monmouth, Wales

info@trealyfarm.com? www.trealyfarm.com

?

O-Garden Wheat Beer ? Otley Brewing Company Ltd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales.

www.otleybrewing.co.uk info@otleybrewing.co.uk

A clear wheat beer spiced with roasted orange peel, coriander and cloves.

?

SOUTH-WEST

M?Hencha ? Sophie?s Baked Delights, Gloucestershire

www.sophiesbakeddelights.co.uk sophie@sophiesbakeddelights.co.uk

A North African Berber cake made from an almond sugar paste, flavoured with rosewater, orange and lemon zest, wrapped in brick pastry, coiled into a cake.

?

Passion Fruit Curd ? The Bay Tree Food Company, Somerset

www.thebaytree.co.uk stephanie.baker@thebaytree.co.uk

A passion fruit curd, made in small batches.

?

Strong Horseradish & Cream ? The Tracklement Company Ltd, Wiltshire

www.tracklements.co.uk info@tracklements.co.uk

A powerful, fresh-grated horseradish root mixed with cream.

?

Jack Ratt Vintage Dry Cider ? Lyme Bay Winery, Devon

www.lymebaywinery.co.uk shows@lymebaywinery.co.uk

A 7.4% vol cider, fermented from freshly-pressed traditional cider apple varieties such as Dabinett, Kingston Black & Yarlington Mill.

?

French-Style Saucisson ? The Cotswold Curer Ltd, Gloucestershire.

www.thecotswoldcurer.com pete.crumby@gmail.com

A fully cured artisan salami, handmade using a traditional French recipe and locally produced free range pork. All the spices used are freshly ground, and include cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

?

Potted Wild Boar with Sherry & Thyme ? The Potted Game Company Ltd, Gloucestershire.

www.pottedgame.com jemima@pottedgame.com

?

Gooseberry and Elderflower Ice Cream ? Jolly Nice, Gloucestershire.

www.westonbirticecream.co.uk harriet@westonbirticecream.co.uk

Gooseberries & elderflowers mixed with a rich custard base and infused with a subtle hint of orange and lemon.

?

Tregothnan Honey Yoghurt Ice ? Salcombe Dairy (UK) Ltd, Devon

www.salcombedairy.co.uk info@salcombedairy.co.uk

A rich yoghurt with a hint of honey.

?

LONDON & SOUTH EAST

Lithuanian Scalded Rye Bread ? Amber Foods Plus Ltd t/a Karaway, Barking, Essex

www.karawaybakery.com

info@karawaybakery.com

?

English Wagyu Sirloin Steak ? C. Lidgate Ltd, London.

www.lidgates.com info@lidgates.com

English Wagyu beef, with vivid marbling and a velvety, buttery consistency.

?

Lime & Chilli Chutney ? Geeta?s Foods Ltd, London.

www.geetasfoods.com asamtani@geetasfoods.com

An authentic Indian chutney made from Kagzi limes, green chillies and aromatic spices.

?

Gizzards Confit ? 1 Chef 4U, London

www.1chef4u.com tomcookfr@yahoo.fr

?

Barkham Blue ? Two Hoots Cheese, Berkshire

www.twohootscheese.co.uk twohoots.fc@btinternet.com

A soft, blue veined cheese..

?

Imperial China ? Demarquette Fine Chocolates, London

www.demarquette.com? kim@demarquettechocolates.com

A ganache chocolate made with single origin cacao from Vietnam and infused with Jasmine White Monkey Tea..

?

MIDLANDS & EAST ANGLIA

Concorde Pear Juice ? Pershore College (Part of Warwickshire College), Worcestershire www.warwickshire.ac.uk/applejuice rtoft@warkscol.ac.uk

A juice made from Concorde pears, but with 10% Bramley apples added to complement and balance the flavour. All fruit is hand-picked, pressed and bottles in Worcestershire.

?

Creme Fraiche ? Marybelle, Suffolk.

www.marybelle.co.uk katherine@marybelle.co.uk

Made with milk and cream from local farms.

?

Jaipur IPA bottled beer ? Thornbridge Brewery, Derbyshire

www.thornbridgebrewery.co.uk alex@thornbridgebrewery.co.uk.

?

Capra Nouveau Goats? Milk Cheese ? Brock Hall Farm Dairy, Shropshire

sarah@brockhallfarm.com

A semi-soft, unpasteurised, artisan, rind-washed cheese using milk from their own free range, herd of pedigree, Pure-Saanen goats.

?

Gloucester Old Spot Smoked Middle Back Bacon ??Ludlow Food Centre Ltd, Shropshire

www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk greatfood@ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk

Made with pork from Ludlow Food Centre?s own herd, cured and smoked on the premises.

?

?

NORTH

Sourdough Miches ? More? The Artisan Bakery, Cumbria.

www.moreartisan.co.uk patrick@moreartisan.co.uk

A three-flour sourdough bread fermented for 24-36 hours.

?

Four-Bone Rack of Heather-Fed Lamb ? Alberts -The Artisan Butcher, Lancashire

www.theartisanbutcher.co.uk roger@mattpost.co.uk

?

Raspberry Vinegar ??Womersley Fruit & Herb Vinegars Ltd, Yorkshire

www.womersleyfoods.co.uk wendy@womersleyfoods.co.uk

A triple-filtered fruit vinegar.

?

Rack of Wild Northumberland Roe Deer ? Ridley?s Fish & Game, Northumberland.

www.ridleysfishandgame.co.uk info@ridleysfishandgame.co.uk

?

Silver Smoked Eel Fillet ? Port of Lancaster Smokehouse Ltd, Lancashire.

www.glassonsmokehouse.co.uk sales@polsco.co.uk

Brined in pure sea salt and subtly kiln-roasted over oak.

?

Salted Butter ? Winter Tarn Cheese, Cumbria

edenview@talktalk.net

A salted butter made with organic cream and salt.

SCOTLAND

Marinated Springbok Portioned Fillet ? Kezie Foods, Borders, Scotland

www.keziefoods.co.uk juliaT@kezie.com

A marinated and portioned fillet of wild/free-range springbok.

Jaffys Mallaig Kippers ? J. Lawrie & Sons, Inverness-shire, Scotland

www.jaffys.co.uk s.lawrie@hotmail.co.uk

Smoked in a traditional brick kiln over oak shavings from malt whisky casks to produce plump succulent kippers. The traditional cure and smoking methods have been handed down over four generations.

?

?

Arbroath Smokies ??Original Smokies from Arbroath, Angus, Scotland

www.arbroathsmokies.net iain@arbroathsmokies.net

Fresh haddock, cleaned, tied and salted, then smoked in the original way over a smouldering hardwood log fire contained within a whisky cask.

?

Hot Smoked Salmon ??Donaldsons of Orkney, Kirkwall

www.donaldsonsoforkney.co.uk erikdonaldson@btconnect.com

?

Knockraich Crowdie Soft Cheese ? Katy Rodger?s, Knockraich, Stirlingshire, Scotland.

www.knockraich.com enquiries@knockraich.com

A traditional, British Friesian cows? milk crowdie, with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, this soft white cheese can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient.

?

NORTHERN IRELAND

Dry-Aged Marrow Butter ? Kettyle Irish Foods, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

www.kettyleirishfoods.com gemmaj@kettyleirishfoods.com

A butter with bone marrow, blended with a mix of sea salt and cracked black pepper.

?

Hand-Made Corned Beef ??McCartney?s of Moira Ltd, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

www.mccartneysofmoira.com info@mccartneysofmoira.com

Dry-aged beef (heels of silverside) is slow cooked with pork trotters for 14 hours, then shredded, with all fat removed. Natural juices are added back before pressing.

?

Hand-Made Sweet Corned Pork ??McCartney?s of Moira Ltd, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

www.mccartneysofmoira.com info@mccartneysofmoira.com

Shoulder pork is dry cured, slow cooked with pork trotters for 12 hours, then shredded, with all the fat removed. Natural juices are added back before pressing.

?

Moyallon Guanciale ?? Hannan Meats Ltd, Old, Moira, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

www.hannanmeats.com ken@hannanmeats.com

?

IRELAND

Smoked Rack of Bacon ? Oliver Carty Ltd, County Roscommon, Ireland

www.olivercarty.ie tcarty@olivercarty.ie

A reduced-salt smoked rack of bacon.

?

Yeats Country Spreadable Goats? Cheese ? Green Pastures (Donegal), Lifford, Ireland www.greenpasturesdonegal.com info@greenpasturesdonegal.com

?

G?s Gourmet Rhubarb & Ginger Jam ? G?s Gourmet Jams (Abbey Farm Foods), County Laois, Ireland.

www.gsgourmetjams.ie gsgourmetjams@eircom.net

Rhubarb and ginger jam, handmade made using rhubarb, sugar and ginger.? Cooked in small batches using the traditional ?open pan? method and hand-stirred using a wooden spoon.

?

?

IMPORTED

Cortijo De Suerte Alta Coupage Natural????? Extra Virgin Olive Oil ? Cortijo De Suerte Alta SL, Spain.

www.suertealta.es almazara@suertealta.es

An organic, DOP oil from a traditional family-owned olive grove. Produced from three varieties of olive: Picudo, Hojiblanco and Picual.

?

Azada Hazelnut Oil ? Azada Organic, Barcelona

kevin@azadaorganic.com

?

Belazu Preserved Lemons ? The Fresh Olive Company, Middlesex.

www.fresholive.com? sales@fresholive.com

Pickled in salt and their own juices, these lemons are an essential, authentic ingredient in a wide range of Moroccan recipes.

?

Thyme Honey ??Melissourgion, Greece.

mariankapiki@gmail.com

A natural, unprocessed thyme honey.

?

Persian Nougat with 90% Pistachio ??The Exquisite Range, London

www.exquisiterange.com mail@exquisiterange.com

A nougat from Iranian producers.

?

Liquorice & Peppermint Tea ? Teapigs Ltd, Brentford

www.teapigs.co.uk nicole@teapigs.co.uk

?

Amacha tea ??Momo Cha Fine Teas, Essex.

www.momochafineteas.com contact@momochafineteas.com

Organically grown ?Buddha tea? comprising only rolled and dried leaves of Japanese Hortensia.

?

Double Fillet of Smoked Salmon ? Stefan Palsson AB, Sweden.

www.stefanpalssonab.se

?

Jamon Iberico de Bellota ? Jamones Juan Pedro Domecq SL, Spain.

www.jamonesjuanpedrodomecq.com julian@jamonesjpd.com

100% pure Iberico ham from 100% naturally reared, acorn-fed pigs fed.

?

Source: http://www2.beerguild.co.uk/?p=2436

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'It was Life' by Fauzia Rafique ? Fauzia Rafique

(To estranged and un-estranged women friends)

It was life
i lived back then
not a story
that was told

You were there, hiding my injured body
in a colourful shawl
i was stumbling
falling
you too helped me up
the truth of the moments
spent with you, in the strength
of the glow
of our togetherness
over years I applied the balm
of my spirit to make it work on me
and now the wounds have healed
without leaving a single ugly scar
on my person
don?t take it to mean
there was
no attack

I lit candles of tears
with the blood of my heart
to enlighten the inside of my body
don?t take it to mean
the darkness
was never
here

Lightening sight in the eye
glow of life
jumps out of me
whirling into a wild celebrative dance in the yard
don?t take it to mean
that the age of sorrow
did never
arrive

It was life
i lived back then
not a story
that was told

If you take it to mean
there was no
attack, darkeness did not
descend, that
the age of sorrow
was never here,
there will remain a pinch in my heart
because my story
is yours also
the truth will become jumb
-led with the lie
and at some point
when you are about
to tell your story
the truth all jumbled up with the lie
it may be hard to see
the attacker, to tell
if it?s darkness
or light
because my story
is yours also

You have sustained
attacks here as well, dodged
lethal hits, in offerings
to the times of sorrow you also have
drank tears an eyeful
at a time, you know
all shades of your darkness, recognize
the face of grief
or say it
yes say it
your story
is not my story

It was life
i lived back then
not a story
that was told
..

From Urdu poem ?Zindgi Thee?

This poem is my first creative writing in Urdu since the late 70s when i stopped writing in Urdu to protest the discriminatory policies of Pakistan government against my mother language Punjabi. I followed many Punjabi writers who had chosen to do it.

Urdu recently returned to me through my mother Zohra Begum?s Punjabi poetry, whose persistent Urdu speaking readers wanted me to provide assistance for them to understand her thoughts. I had just begun translating her Punjabi verses in Urdu last week when I felt this longing to connect with my friends from the 70s and before.

This poem is written in Urdu because as they say it in Persian ?zuban-e yaar-e-man toorkey wa man toorkey na-mee danam? or ?my friend speaks Turkish and I don?t know it?. Luckily in this case, i do, so i hope you enjoyed ?It was Life?, an Urdu poem in English.

Fauzia
July 2012
.

Source: http://gandholi.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/it-was-life-by-fauzia-rafique/

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