3 farmer's markets in March, classes & other events | Food and Dining

Posted on 27 February 2013.

Davidson Farmer?s Market is back again Saturday for the first of three winter tailgate markets during March, including an extra market added at the month?s end. Meanwhile, the dining calendar is busy in March, with wine dinners, beer tastings and live music at Ass Clown Brewery, a Russian food and music festival at Davidson College, and a big two-day St. Patrick?s Day celebration at Galway Hooker. Read on for the details.

WINTER FARMER?S MARKETS

Davidson Farmer?s Market will have another in its series of winter tailgate markets this Saturday, March 2, from 9am to noon next to Town Hall in downtown Davidson. The market also is open March 16, and they?ve added a third date this month, March 30.

This weekend, farmers and other vendors will have a variety of seasonal vegetables and foods, including kale, spinach, carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, collards, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, farm-fresh eggs, goat and cow cheeses, butter, honey, flowers, pastured beef and chicken, chicken sausage, pork, and NC seafood. There also will be baked goods, including donuts, artisan breads, sweets, croissants, brioche and empanadas, and locally made soaps.
soaps.

Meanwhile, the market needs volunteers to help with setup and takedown of tents and tables. Are you available to help out? Set up starts at 7:45am, and takedown is at noon. To sign up, visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/volunteers1071? Find our more about the market at davidsonfarmersmarket.org

CLASS: A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN SIX GLASSES

Have you heard about DavidsonLearns? The lifelong learning program is accepting registration through March 11 for a variety of classes, including this one for lovers of food and drink: ?A History of the World in Six Glasses.? Davidson resident and DavidsonLearns president Joey Schnople will teach this course based on the book of the same name by Tom Standage.

Here?s how the author describes the idea: ?Just as archaeologists divide history into different periods based on the use of different materials ? the stone age, the bronze age, the iron age, and so on ? it is also possible to divide world history into periods dominated by different drinks. Six drinks in particular ? beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and cola ? chart the flow of world history. Three contain alcohol and three contain caffeine, but what they all have in common is that each drink was the defining drink during a pivotal historical period, from antiquity to the present day.?

The course will meet Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm, on March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1. It has a maximum enrollment of 20 students, and registration is $72. You can learn more about the course and the instructor and register at www.davidsonlearns.org.

DINING CALENDAR

• Wine Dinners at Lake Norman Cottage, Friday-Saturday, March 1-2, 6-9pm, Lake Norman Cottage, 200 A North Harbor Place, Davidson ? If you haven?t been to one of these wine dinners, it?s worth a visit. Cost is $25 per person includes a light 3-course meal. Friday night will feature wines from Argentina, Oregon, and California. Saturday night wines are from California, Germany and Washington State. Call for a reservation: 704-237-3629.
• Lake Norman Bar Crawl, Friday, March 1, registration 6:30-7:30pm at Harvey?s Bar and Grill, 19707 Liverpool Parkway, Cornelius ? The Lake Norman Bar Crawl offers party bus transportation to five locations around Cornelius. Free beer on the bus, plus drink specials, no cover charges and giveaways. Tickets $10 per person, or $15 for two. Information and tickets at lknfun.com
• Beer and live music at Ass Clown Brewery, Saturday, March 2, 6-9pm, Ass Clown Brewery, 10620 Bailey Road, Suite E, Cornelius ? The local brewery?s tasting room is open with live music by Carolina Bound. Info: www.assclownbrewery.com or 704-995-7767.
• Russian Food & Music Festival, Wednesday, March 13, 5-7:15pm, Davidson College Vail Commons dining hall ? Russian Maslenitsa Food & Music Festival, a festival of Russian food, trivia with prizes, live dancing and music by guitar virtuoso Vadim Kolpakov. Free for students on the meal plan, $12.25 for others. For more information, email amewington@davidson.edu.
• St. Paddy?s Day at Galway Hooker, Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17, 11am until ?? Galway Hooker Irish Pub, 17044 Kenton Drive, Kenton Place, Cornelius ? Galway Hooker presents a two-day celebration of St. Patrick?s Day, with music, food and drink. Eight bars inside and out, bagpipers and dancers and other live bands, drawings and games. Saturday lineup: Thistledown Tinkers, Natty Boh, and Joystick. Sunday: Early Ray, Lipstick on a Pig. Info: galwayhookerpub.com
• DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net will host a Davidson Beer Crawl on Saturday afternoon, March 23, at five venues in Davidson. Cost is $35 per person, including a beer glass and tastings. If you?d like an invitation with details, send an email to David Boraks at editor@corneliusnews.net.

BAD DADDY?S ADDS AN EDAMAME CASHEW BURGER

Bad Daddy?s Burger Bar restaurants in the Charlotte area have added a new veggie option to their menus: the Edamame Cashew Burger. Bad Daddy?s owner Frank Scibelli says: ?We have a lot of vegetarians at our restaurant and we?re always looking at new proteins for our customers. We started with edamame and added the cashews for a nutritional crunch, then created the homemade Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce to add creaminess.? Other menu additions recently include Irish Nachos, Bacon Blue Cheese Fries, Truffle Parmesan Fries, Salt & Vinegar Fries and a Strawberry Greek Yogurt Crunch Shake. Founded in 2007 by Mr. Scibelli and Dennis Thompson, Bad Daddy?s has locations on East Boulevard in Charlotte, Ballantyne, Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Birkdale in Huntersville.

COOKING CLASSES AT WOODEN STONE

Wooden Stone Gallery and the Town of Davidson are offering another series of hands-on cooking classes in April, one focusing on Indian food and the other Thai food. Whether you?re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you?ll have fun in these 2 1/2 hour Sunday classes. Participants will help prepare five to six dishes, then sit down and enjoy a meal with a glass of wine. Classes are for ages 18 and up and require pre-registration.

• Trip to India, Sunday, April 14, 2-4:30pm, Wooden Stone Gallery, 445 S. Main St., Davidson ? Menu includes Potato Samosas, Butternut Squash Jasmine Rice, Spinach with Paneer (Saag Paneer), Indian Vegetable Stew, Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Ground Beef with Peas, and (Kheema), Mango Lassi. Register: https://townofdavidson.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/
• Tasty Thai, Sunday, April 28, 2-4pm, Wooden Stone Gallery, 445 S. Main St., Davidson ? Menu includes Vegetable & Black Bean Egg Rolls; Hot & Sour Vegetable Salad; Tom Yum Soup with Fish; Thai Tofu, Swiss Chard, and Sweet Potato Curry; Green Pork Stir-Fry with Noodles & Peanuts; Red Chicken Curry. Register: https://townofdavidson.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/

HAVE NEWS?

Have restaurant or dining news? Send listings to editor@corneliusnews.net. Dining News appears occasionally on this page, on DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.

Source: http://corneliusnews.net/foodanddining/2013/02/27/3-farmers-markets-in-march-food-classes-and-other-events/

jfk airport faith hill metro north taco bell taco bell Breezy Point Seaside Heights

Don?t Touch That Dial! Low-Power Radio Is About to Make FM Hot Again

Jabari Moketsi was a radio talk show host at WVGB until the struggling station was sold to a company that broadcasts classic rock. He had no interest in spinning songs by Boston and Bad Company, so he launched his own ...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GearFactor/~3/U8-wkq5Mu-w/

st louis weather guinea bissau google stock google stock china gdp dont trust the b in apartment 23 johnny damon

Michelle Obama and the evolution of "mom dancing" (VIDEO) (Washington Post)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/286923230?client_source=feed&format=rss

green book some like it hot duke university whale shark whale shark platypus platypus

Italians head to polls in crucial vote for euro zone

ROME (Reuters) - Italians vote on Sunday in one of the most closely watched elections in years with markets nervous about whether it will produce a strong government to pull Italy out of recession and help resolve the euro zone debt crisis.

A huge final rally by anti-establishment-comedian-turned-politician Beppe Grillo on Friday before a campaigning ban kicked in has highlighted public anger at traditional parties and added to uncertainty about the election outcome.

Polling booths will open between 02:00 am-04:00 pm EST on Sunday and 01:00 am-09:00 am EST on Monday. Exit polls will come out soon after voting ends and official results are expected by early Tuesday.

The election will be followed closely by financial markets with memories still fresh of the potentially catastrophic debt crisis that brought technocrat Prime Minister Mario Monti to power more than a year ago.

Italy, the euro zone's third-largest economy, is stuck in deep recession, struggling under a public debt burden second only to Greece's in the 17-member currency bloc and with a public weary of more than a year of harsh austerity policies.

Italy's Interior Ministry has urged some 47 million eligible voters to not let bad weather forecasts put them off, and said it was prepared to handle even snowy conditions in some northern regions to ensure everyone had a chance to vote.

Final polls published two weeks ago showed center-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani with a five-point lead, but analysts disagree about whether he will be able to form a stable majority that can push though the economic reforms Italy needs.

Bersani is now thought to be just a few points ahead of center-right rival Silvio Berlusconi, the four-times prime minister who has promised tax refunds and staged a media blitz in an attempt to win back voters in recent weeks.

While the center left is still expected to gain control of the lower house thanks to rules that guarantee a strong majority to whichever party wins the most votes nationally, a much closer battle will be fought in the Senate, which any government also needs to control in order to be able to pass laws.

Seats in the upper house are awarded on a region-by-region basis, meaning that support in key regions can decisively influence the overall result.

Pollsters still believe the most likely outcome is a center-left government headed by Bersani and possibly backed by Monti, who is leading a centrist coalition.

But strong campaigning by Berlusconi and the fiery Grillo, who has drawn tens of thousands to his election rallies, have thrown the election wide open, causing concern that there may be no clear winner.

Whatever government emerges from the vote will have the task of pulling Italy out of its longest recession for 20 years and reviving an economy largely stagnant for two decades.

The main danger for Italy and the euro zone is a weak government incapable of taking firm action, which would rattle investors and could ignite a new debt crisis.

Monti replaced Berlusconi in November 2011 after the euro zone's third-largest economy came close to Greek-style financial meltdown while the center-right government was embroiled in scandals.

The former European Commissioner launched a tough program of spending cuts, tax hikes and pension reforms which won widespread international backing and helped restore Italy's credibility abroad after the scandals of the Berlusconi era.

Italy's borrowing costs have since fallen sharply after the European Central Bank pledged it was prepared to support countries undertaking reforms by buying unlimited quantities of their bonds on the markets.

But economic austerity has fuelled anger among Italians grappling with rising unemployment and shrinking disposable incomes, encouraging many to turn to Grillo, who has tapped into a national mood of disenchantment.

(Reporting by Catherine Hornby; Editing by Jason Webb)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/italians-head-polls-crucial-vote-euro-zone-000341345--business.html

colbert report legionnaires disease underwear bomber unclaimed money godspell media matters hana

Israel-Palestine at the Oscars: Amy Goodman?s interviews on 5 Broken Cameras and the Gatekeepers

Home
> Arab Blogs > Israel-Palestine at the Oscars: Amy Goodman?s interviews on 5 Broken Cameras and the Gatekeepers

Amy Goodman?s Democracy Now! has been interviewing the makers and subjects of Oscar nominees for best documentary, including the Palestinian film ?5 Broken Cameras? and the Israeli one, ?The Gatekeepers.? They are in remarkable agreement that the Likud government?s dedication to colonizing the Palestinian West Bank is a disaster for all concerned, including Israel.

The interview on 5 Broken Cameras, pt. 1:

and Part 2:

And here is the segment on ?The Gatekeepers?:

Go to Source

Source: http://www.arabnewsblog.net/2013/02/23/israel-palestine-at-the-oscars-amy-goodmans-interviews-on-5-broken-cameras-and-the-gatekeepers/

gcb mary j blige dionne warwick patricia heaton arsenic and old lace leslie varez ward

Ex-Kent-Meridian teacher, coach receives five-day jail sentence for sex crime

By STEVE HUNTER
Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter
February 22, 2013 ? 5:32 PM

A former Kent-Meridian High School teacher and track coach received a five-day jail sentence Friday in King County Superior Court for communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

After the sentencing at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, King County corrections officers handcuffed Ernie Ammons, 37, of Black Diamond, and escorted him out of the courtroom and to the county jail. Ammons had been free on bail since his arrest in December 2011.

Judge Lori K. Smith also sentenced Ammons to 40 hours of community service and 24 months of probation as well as ordered that he have no contact with the victim, that he must pay restitution to the victim and that he have no contact with minors except under supervision of an adult with knowledge of his registered sex offender status and with the approval of a sex offender treatment provider.

Ammons pleaded guilty to the charge Feb. 1 in exchange for a lighter sentence. He could have been sentenced up to one year in jail and fined $5,000. He must register as a sex offender.

"It's been a very trying year for me and my family," Ammons said in a brief statement to the judge. "I take responsibility for my actions. I will move forward from this. I apologize to everybody I respect, especially my family and the victim."

Prosecutors said Ammons sent sexually explicit text messages to a 16-year-old Kent-Meridian girl from June 27, 2011 to Nov. 6, 2011. Ammons taught health and physical education at the school. He also coached boys and girls track and cross country for the Royals.

The Kent School District placed Ammons on paid administrative leave in November 2011 when the allegations first came to the district's attention. He resigned from the district in January 2012. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charge in December 2011.

"Mr. Ammons lost a lot here," defense attorney Brad Meryhew said to the judge. "In the process he never made any excuses, never tried to blame anybody else - always taking responsibility."

Ammons met with a psychologist last fall to figure out a treatment plan and will participate in a sex offender treatment program with a mental health counselor in Pierce County.

"I think the next phase for him is to find a way to reach out and get support - and group (meetings) is a great way to do that - you meet a lot of other people to get that kind of support," Meryhew said. "I'm confident that Ernie will recover from this and live a good life."

Smith said she received several letters in support of Ammons.

"The court is going to follow the agreed recommendation, given all of the circumstances it seems appropriate," Smith said. "The court is hopeful that the treatment will continue and recommendations will be followed."

Smith ordered a sentence of 12 months of supervised probation and 12 months unsupervised if Ammons meets the sex offender treatment plan.

Ammons signed the following guilty statement on Feb. 1:

"On or about a time between June 27, 2011 and Nov. 6, 2011 in King County, I did communicate with (the 16-year-old girl), a person I believed to be a minor, for immoral purposes of a sexual nature," Ammons wrote in a court statement.

Ammons led the Kent-Meridian boys track team to its first state track title in spring 2011 when the Royals captured the Class 4A meet. He coached track and field at Kent-Meridian for eight years. He led the boys track team to a second-place trophy at state in 2009.

Ammons taught health and physical education at Kent-Meridian. His classes in 2011 included health and weight training. The district hired Ammons in 2004.

During a series of text messages with the girl, Ammons asked the girl to meet him for sex in the school's weight room before school.

The case came to the attention of school officials in early November 2011 when a student at another school who knew the 16-year-old girl contacted Kent-Meridian Principal Wade Barringer about inappropriate conversations between a health teacher at the school and a student. The teacher was later identified as Ammons.

Barringer talked to Ammons about the allegations, according to court documents. Ammons told Barringer the phone contacts with the student started on Facebook and the contact continued via text messaging.

Ammons told Barringer that he had exchanged text messages with the girl and they talked about exchanging money for sex. Ammons said he never intended to act on the suggestion, but he was afraid to stop texting the girl out of fear that she would expose him.

School officials contacted Kent Police Nov. 8, 2011 about the allegations and the police investigation started. Detectives gathered cellphone records and emails that showed Ammons had contacted the girl. Detectives found as many as 46 calls between the girl's phone and Ammons' phone from June 27 to Oct. 24. Several more text exchanges occurred after Oct. 24.

Ammons has volunteered as an assistant Green River Community College men's and women's cross country and track coach in Auburn since 2009.

Ammons was the second South Puget Sound League coach charged with a sex crime by county prosecutors in November 2011.

A jury found Daniel Gregory Lum-Lung, who coached girls volleyball at Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, guilty of third-degree attempted rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes in connection with a 15-year-old girl he met in October 2011 at Kent's Lake Meridian Park. He is scheduled to be sentenced Friday, March 1 before King County Superior Court Judge Andrea Darvas.

Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pnwlocalnewsnews/~3/54fUXgJKryY/192609981.html

taylor allderdice vincent jackson vicki gunvalson pierre garcon brown recluse spider wiz khalifa taylor allderdice eddie royal

Michael Jackson Wrongful Death Lawsuit: Dr. Conrad Murray to Testify

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/02/michael-jackson-wrongful-death-lawsuit-dr-conrad-murray-to-testi/

FedEx Gabriel Aubry halle berry cyber monday deals small business saturday small business saturday best cyber monday deals

California Bolide Fireball Meteor 21FEB2013

California Bolide Fireball Meteor 21FEB2013

If you witnessed this meteor event please do file a meteor sighting report on this website; thank you!

Initial Meteor Sighting Reports:

21FEB2013 Brittney Mcconnell Pleasanton 22:30:00 between 5-10 sec United States Lime green with orange trail Sun white hot but lime green No just the flaming trail behind it. It wasnt heading straight down but angled about 30 degrees. Estimated landing in the Pleasanton/Sunol area

21FEB2013 Mark S. Dobkin Costa Mesa, CA USA Approx. 22:30 PST 2-3 seconds Facing West; E-W Bright white ball of fire, then broke up. ?Was stationary in my car, did not hear any sound. As bright as moon, but not as large. ?Considerably larger than Venus. Yes. ?Fragmentation observed. Fairly large. ?One of the largest I have seen.

2/21/2013 Chloe Michaels Thousand Oaks, CA, USA 10:30 pm PST 2-3 seconds - could only view from window NW White ball and streak of light, with tail Bright as moon No No
21FEB2013 Rejean Hebert Lydia Lake, Ontario, Canada 23:40 ?EST 3 sec S;S-W no same as moon no got it on my sky cam

21FEB2013 Kris Los Angeles, Cali 22:50:00 2/3/2013 N-W green Venus No im curious as to what that was

21FEB2013 Jasmine Brown los angeles, ca, U.S 2235 7 secs WEST Went from Orange to bright Blue heading straight down, couldn't har sound Bright Blue The piece itself looked as though it was off of something It went so fast, I was pulling out of the parallel driving spot to head for work, I turned and went the other way in case it hit the ground. ?I've seen a few fly across but this was heading straight to the ground without disappearing in mid-air

21FEB2013 Nick Bishop Sacrament, California, United Stated Approx 2250 2 Seconds Was looking south in a vehicle. Meteor started at approx 165 degrees and moved nearly directly vertically downwards. Maybe 5 degrees of horizontal movement to the west. Green (Exact color of burning copper) ?with orange/red debris trailing behind that rapidly (<1/4 second) burnt out Brighter then Sun less then moon, Yes. Very rapid movement, hard to judge size but it seemed to be quite small. Object totally disintegrated before reaching the horizon.

21FEB2013 Joe Fresno, CA ?USA 22:31 PST 3 seconds. I was driving, traveling west. ?I was looking forward, but something suddenly caught the corner of my eye out my driver's side window, which was facing outward south. The meteor appeared to be coming from the east/southeast, headed west/northwest. Fluorescent green, no noise. As bright as the moon. Didn't appear to be. Long tail. Very large object, equivalent to approximately 1/6 the size of the moon.

2013 THE Year of Meteors, Asteroids, Comets, and MORE!!

Source: http://www.portaltotheuniverse.org/rview/250369/

veterans day mike brown bcs rankings When Is Veterans Day 2012 brooke burke Alexa Vega Bram Stoker books

Oscar Pistorius gets bail as murder trial looms

Photographers take photos of Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius as he stands in the dock during his bail hearing at the magistrates court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The fourth and likely final day of Oscar Pistorius' bail hearing opened on Friday, with the magistrate then to rule if the double-amputee athlete can be freed before trial or if he has to remain in custody over the shooting death of his girlfriend. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Photographers take photos of Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius as he stands in the dock during his bail hearing at the magistrates court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The fourth and likely final day of Oscar Pistorius' bail hearing opened on Friday, with the magistrate then to rule if the double-amputee athlete can be freed before trial or if he has to remain in custody over the shooting death of his girlfriend. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, silhoetted in front vehicle, center, arrives at a relatives home in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Feb 22, 2013. Pistorius was released on bail and will return to court June, 4, 2013 to face a charge of pre-meditated murder in the shooting deth of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. (AP Photo/Waldo Swiegers)

Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius , in court Friday Feb. 22, 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa, for his bail hearing charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The defense and prosecution both completed their arguments with the magistrate soon to rule if the double-amputee athlete can be freed before trial or if he must stay behind bars pending trial) (AP Photo)

Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius , in court Friday Feb. 22, 2013 in Pretoria, South Africa, for his bail hearing charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The defense and prosecution both completed their arguments with the magistrate soon to rule if the double-amputee athlete can be freed before trial or if he must stay behind bars pending trial. (AP Photo/Antoine de Ras-Star) SOUTH AFRICA OUT

Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius stands in the dock during his bail hearing at the magistrates court in Pretoria, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. The fourth and likely final day of Oscar Pistorius' bail hearing opened on Friday, with the magistrate then to rule if the double-amputee athlete can be freed before trial or if he has to remain in custody over the shooting death of his girlfriend. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) ? Oscar Pistorius walked out of court Friday ? free at least for now ? after a South African magistrate released him on bail, capping four days of often startling testimony that foreshadowed a dramatic trial in the Valentine's Day slaying of his girlfriend.

But as he was driven away, chased by photographers and cameramen, questions continued to hound the double-amputee Olympian about what actually happened the night he gunned down Reeva Steenkamp inside a locked bathroom in his home.

Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder, and even Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair expressed doubts about his story that he mistook the 29-year-old model for an intruder and fired out of fear.

"Why would (Pistorius) venture further into danger" by going into the bathroom at all, Nair asked.

Cries of "Yes!" went up from Pistorius' supporters when Nair announced his decision to a packed courtroom after a nearly two-hour explanation of the ruling.

Nair set bail at 1 million rand ($113,000), with $11,300 in cash up front and proof that the rest is available. The 26-year-old track star was also ordered to hand over his passports, turn in any guns he owns and keep away from his upscale home in a gated community in Pretoria, which is now a crime scene.

He cannot leave the district of Pretoria without his probation officer's permission and is not allowed to consume drugs or alcohol, the magistrate said. His next court appearance was set for June 4.

Earlier, Pistorius alternately wept and appeared solemn and composed, especially as Nair criticized police procedures in the case and as a judgment in the track star's favor appeared imminent. He showed no reaction as he was granted bail.

Pistorius left the courthouse in a silver Land Rover just over an hour after the bail conditions were set. The vehicle, tailed by motorcycles carrying television cameramen, later pulled into the home of Pistorius' uncle.

"We are relieved at the fact that Oscar got bail today, but at the same time we are in mourning for the death of Reeva, with her family," said Pistorius' uncle, Arnold Pistorius. "As a family, we know Oscar's version of what happened on that tragic night and we know that that is the truth and that will prevail in the coming court case."

Dozens of journalists and international and local television crews had converged on the red-brick courthouse to hear the decision ? a sign of the global fascination with a case involving a once-inspirational athlete and his beautiful girlfriend, a law school graduate and budding reality TV show contestant.

Nair said Pistorius' sworn statement, an unusual written account of what happened during the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 14, had helped his application for bail.

"I come to the conclusion that the accused has made a case to be released on bail," Nair said.

Pistorius said he shot Steenkamp accidentally, believing she was an intruder in his house. He described "a sense of terror rushing over" him and feeling vulnerable because he stood only on his stumps before opening fire.

Prosecutors say he intended to kill Steenkamp as she cowered in fear behind the locked bathroom door after a loud argument between the two.

Yet despite poking holes in Pistorius' version of events and bringing up incidents they say highlight his temper, the state's case started to unravel during testimony by the lead investigator, Detective Warrant Officer Hilton Botha.

Botha, who faces seven charges of attempted murder in an unrelated incident, was removed from the case Thursday. His replacement, the nation's top detective, Vinesh Moonoo, stopped by the hearing briefly Friday.

While Nair leveled harsh criticism at Botha for "errors" and "blunders," he said one man does not represent an investigation and that the state could not be expected to put all "the pieces of the puzzle" together in such a short time.

The prosecution accepted the judge's decision without protest. "We're still confident in our case," prosecution spokesman Medupe Simasiku said.

Pistorius faced the sternest bail requirements in South Africa because of the seriousness of the charge, which carries a life sentence if convicted. His defense attorneys had to prove that he would not flee the country, would not interfere with witnesses or the case, and his release would not cause public unrest.

Nair questioned whether Pistorius would be a flight risk when he stood to lose a fortune in cash, cars, property and other assets. Nair also said that while it had been shown that Pistorius had aggressive tendencies, he did not have a prior record of offenses for violent acts.

Anticipating the shape of the state's case at trial, he said he had serious questions about Pistorius' account: Why didn't he try to locate his girlfriend if he feared an intruder was in the house? Why didn't he try to determine who was in the bathroom before opening fire? And why did he venture into perceived "danger" in the bathroom when he could have taken other steps to ensure his safety?

"There are improbabilities which need to be explored," Nair said, adding that Pistorius could clarify these matters by testifying under oath at trial.

Sharon Steenkamp, Reeva's cousin, said the model's family would not be watching the bail decision and had not been following the hearing.

"It doesn't make any difference to the fact that we are without Reeva," she told The Associated Press.

Before the hearing, Pistorius' longtime coach, Ampie Louw, said he hoped to put the runner back into his training routine if he got bail.

"The sooner he can start working the better," said Louw, who persuaded the double-amputee to take up track as a teenager a decade ago. But he acknowledged Pistorius could be "heartbroken" and unwilling to immediately pull on the carbon-fiber running blades that earned him the nickname "Blade Runner."

___

AP Sports Writer Gerald Imray contributed to this report from Johannesburg.

___

Jon Gambrell can be reached at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP .

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-02-22-Pistorius-Shooting/id-6c5cd8e451c149cfaba757a4c67d67fb

Jim Lehrer 666 Park Avenue Kara Alongi Sahara Davenport Resident Evil 6 arnold schwarzenegger revenge

Prisoners, Charter Schools And Sports Doping

Ramzy Baroud: Photographing Tragedy: What Victims Actually Want

When one looks at scenes of fleeing refugees from Syria via images of their squalid refugee camps and hears their pleas for solidarity, mercy or for God?s help to end their suffering, one finds eerie similarities between their experiences and those ... More>>

David Swanson: Hubris Isn't The Half Of It

As our government was making a fraudulent case to attack Iraq in 2002-2003, the MSNBC television network was doing everything it could to help, including booting Phil Donahue and Jeff Cohen off the air. The Donahue Show was deemed likely to be insufficiently ... More>>

Suzan Mazur: Steve Benner: Let's Discuss Origin Of Life On Charlie Rose

Steve Benner describes himself as a "crackpot synthetic biologist to some extent" (i.e., he thinks outside the box). Benner pioneered synthetic biology, for example, and in 1984, generated the first synthetic gene to encode an enzyme. More>>

Joshua Brollier: No More Truthless Heroes

On February 11, 2013, the New York Times reported about the funeral of retired Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle, portraying him as a ?warrior and family man.? The highly politicized and massive public funeral, held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ... More>>

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1302/S00110/prisoners-charter-schools-and-sports-doping.htm

sodastream dan marino godaddy did the groundhog see his shadow Ray Lewis Murder UFC 156 my bloody valentine

Warmer Waters Make Weaker Mussels

Click here to listen to this podcast

When it comes to mussels, bigger isn?t necessarily better. Tiny fibers called byssals enable mussels?the shellfish kind?to anchor themselves to coastlines despite crashing ocean waves. But new research shows that the attachment fibers weaken in warm water. A temperature rise of 15 degrees Fahrenheit lessens fiber strength by 60 percent, possibly causing them to fail completely. As climate change raises ocean temperatures, mussels may be forced to cooler waters. Emily Carrington of the University of Washington presented the research at the meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston: "Researchers have dissected mussel beds and found, I think, upwards of 100 different species. So if the mussels go it really changes that community. "We also eat mussels and so there?s applications in aquaculture. The way they grow mussels, is the mussels have to remain attached to the ropes on their long lines. So if the mussels fall off before the farmers return to reap their harvest, then they?ve lost a lot of money." ?Calla Cofield [The above text is a transcript of this podcast.] Follow Scientific American on Twitter @SciAm and @SciamBlogs. Visit ScientificAmerican.com for the latest in science, health and technology news.
? 2013 ScientificAmerican.com. All rights reserved.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/warmer-waters-weaker-mussels-212508521.html

nfldraft asante samuel salton sea arizona immigration law aubrey huff the killers julianne hough

Reno Tahoe USA ? Food, Drink, Dining & Restaurant Blog ? Blog ...

Campo Reno?s chef/owner Mark Estee is a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in the category of Best Chef: West. Estee?s company for the nomination includes 19 other noted chefs from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, including Top Chef Masters? contestant John Rivera Sedlar and renowned chef-owner Corey Lee.

The James Beard Awards recognize excellence across the food industry, including chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors and food journalists across North America. They are considered the highest honor for food and beverage professionals.

Estee credits his continued success to his superb Campo team, including Chef Arturo Moscoso.

?Campo is dedicated to creating a food culture in Reno that rivals any large city in the U.S. and is honored to be a part of our city?s ongoing redevelopment,? said Estee. ?Reno is on its way and we are proud to be an important part of the journey.?

The list will be narrowed down to finalists and winners will be announced at the James Beard Awards dinner on Friday, May 3 in the heart of New York City. Tickets are available to the public and go on sale March 18.

You can view all nominees at: http://www.jamesbeard.org/sites/default/files/static/additional/2013-jbf-semifinalists.pdf

For more information on the awards visit: http://www.jamesbeard.org/about

###

About Mark Estee:

Mark Estee is driven by a love for authentic ingredients that create true connections between land, farmer, food and diner. Whether it is hand-choosing his restaurant?s produce or meat from a local organic farm or developing new dishes based on his ?Whole Hog Philosophy,? Estee believes in building full-flavored food using every portion of every ingredient.

Estee is the current chef/owner of Campo Reno and the former owner of Moody?s Bistro and Lounge in Truckee. Estee?s downtown Reno riverfront restaurant, Campo was recently named one of Esquire magazine?s Best New Restaurants in America for 2012. Estee emphasizes passion, energy and learning in all he does.? Communications through innovative social media practices at his Reno restaurant have drawn rave reviews.

Source: http://food.visitrenotahoe.com/chef/mark-estee-named-james-beard-award-semifinalist-best-chef-in-the-west/

anthony shadid gary carter this means war bobby brown suzanne somers colbert colbert report

DutchNews.nl - Crime victims should have a say in sentencing, says ...

Crime victims should have a say in sentencing, says minister

Friday 22 February 2013

The victims of crimes should be able to speak in court about the sentence they think the perpetrator should be given, junior justice minister Fred Teeven says in a parliamentary briefing on Friday.

The Telegraaf quotes the minister as saying legislation to make this possible will be sent to parliament later this year. 'If victims are not heard, it can have a terrible impact on them,' Teeven said.

The measure is one of a package of proposals aimed at improving the position of victims. Teeven also wants their privacy to be better shielded in court. This would involve limits on how often their full name should be given.

In addition, he says the parents of young victims should be able to claim damages and backs the introduction of a 'victim tax'. This would require all convicted criminals to pay ?50 into a special fund for victims, website nu.nl quotes the Telegraaf as saying.

Is this a good idea? Have your say using the comment form below.

? DutchNews.nl

?

?

Source: http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2013/02/crime_victims_should_have_a_sa.php

gmail down tim lincecum ryan oneal file taxes online tupac shakur sledge hammer tax day freebies

Chicago district disappointed in ex-congressman

Former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., center, arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Jackson and his wife were to appear in federal court to answer criminal charges that they engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., center, arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Jackson and his wife were to appear in federal court to answer criminal charges that they engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

With the Capitol dome in the background, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Sr. and his wife Jacqueline Lavinia Brown arrive at federal court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, where their son, former Illinois Rep. Jessie Jackson, Jr., and his wife Sandra were to appear to answer criminal charges that they engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Jackson and his wife were to appear in federal court to answer criminal charges that they engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Attorney Reid Weingarten, representing former Illinois Rep. Jessie Jackson, Jr., speaks to reporters outside federal court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, after Jackson entered a guilty plea to criminal charges that he engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his legal team arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Jackson and his wife were to appear in federal court to answer criminal charges that they engaged in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

CHICAGO (AP) ? Residents in this swath of sprawling Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs have brimmed with loyalty to Jesse Jackson Jr. over the past 17 years, giving him an enthusiastic majority each election ? even after questionable links to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, reports of an extramarital affair and a bizarre five-month medical leave.

But the former congressman's guilty plea to charges that he lived off and lavishly spent campaign money for personal use ? on everything from toilet paper to mink capes ? has turned the tide. In territory where it was difficult to scrape up any criticism of Jackson, his Chicago alderman wife or his famous civil rights leader father, the mood is now simply one of disappointment.

"He knew better; it was a very stupid thing to do," said 75-year-old Jeannette Reese, shaking her head as she grocery-shopped at a busy shopping complex. "He and his father came to our church. I thought he was the real thing."

Reese said she had voted for the younger Jackson for years.

Jackson, who resigned from office in November, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Washington to criminal charges that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items. He faces up to 57 months ? more than four years ? in prison and a fine, under a plea deal with prosecutors.

It was an emotional day for Jackson, 47, who held back tears as he addressed the federal judge, just hours before his wife pleaded guilty to filing false joint federal income tax returns that knowingly understated the income the couple received. She faces up to two years in prison and a fine.

"I did these things," Jackson told the judge, adding later, "Sir, for years I lived in my campaign."

Jackson first won office in a 1995 special election and developed widespread support from mayors who said he delivered and constituents who valued his family legacy and said he gave them a voice. That support persevered even through an intense primary challenge last year from former one-term U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson who made Jackson's ethical troubles central to her campaign. He came away with the easy majority even as he remained under a House Ethics Committee investigation for ties to Blagojevich, who's serving a federal prison sentence on allegations that he tried to profit from President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate Seat.

Even the most loyal Jackson supporters who praised him for bringing home nearly $1 billion in federal funding to the district were rattled.

"I hate that circumstances ended up like they did," said Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin. His small community south of Chicago ? one of Illinois' poorest ? got a boost in its water system because of Jackson.

Still, Griffin did not want to pile on criticism. "His situation is between the court system and the family," the mayor said.

Next week, voters in the heavily Democratic district head to the polls in a special primary to replace him. The crowded field of candidates includes Halvorson, former state Rep. Robin Kelly and Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced June 28 and his wife on July 1. Both Jacksons, who maintain homes in Washington and Chicago, are free until sentencing.

More details emerged in a 22-page statement compiled by prosecutors and filed Wednesday. In it, Jackson admitted that he and his wife used campaign credit cards to buy thousands of personal items worth $582,772.58 from 2005 through April of last year. The most lavish purchases included the spending of more than $43,000 on a gold-plated men's Rolex watch.

Court papers said more than $60,000 was shelled out for restaurant, nightclub and lounge outings. Money was also spent on a washer, a dryer, a range and a refrigerator for the Jacksons' Chicago home.

Jackson even arranged for the use of campaign money to buy two mounted elk heads for his congressional office, according to court documents.

Jackson entered the courtroom Wednesday holding hands with his wife and looking a bit dazzled as he surveyed the packed room. He kissed his wife and headed to the defense table.

After the hearing he shouted to a reporter: "Tell everybody back home I'm sorry I let them down, OK?"

The Chicago Democrat disappeared from the public eye last June for a medical leave, though details on his condition and location were always scarce. Doctors later said he suffers from bipolar disorder and was hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

His attorney said after the court appearance that Jackson's health is "not an excuse" for his actions, "just a fact." Jackson's father has said that his son remains under strict medical supervision.

One attorney, Reid Weingarten, told reporters after the hearing that there's reason for optimism.

"A man that talented, a man that devoted to public service, a man who's done so much for so many, has another day," he said. "There will be another chapter in Jesse Jackson's life."

___

Associated Press writers Frederic J. Frommer and Pete Yost in Washington contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-02-21-Jesse%20Jackson%20Jr/id-1aa5af98692943be823fc1faee90e3dc

ravi leigh espn greg oden st patricks day st. bonaventure ira glass

Easy and Inexpensive Home Improvements - Karenshomefinder.com

Buying a home is still one of the best ways to build wealth. If you are looking to add value to your home without breaking the bank there are many projects that will increase your home?s value for less than $1,000.

One thousand dollars can go a long way when it comes to home improvement projects. If you think and plan smart your profit should outweigh your investment. Here are a few projects that will give you the most bang for your buck.

1. Organize Your Home

Declutter your home by organizing closets, cabinets and pantries. Add bookshelves for more storage. Maximize space in the kids? rooms by installing platform or bunk beds. A neat and organized home is easier to live in and shows better to potential buyers.

2. Make an Entrance

Simply updating and replacing your entry door will spruce up your curb appeal. Not only will the new door look great it can also help save money. ?Adding a steel door will save on energy. Most of the new steel doors are made to look like wood. A new door will cost approximately $400.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat.

Another way to save money is to switch from a manual to a programmable thermostat. Prices vary greatly on these thermostats but don?t expect to pay more than a few hundred dollars for a high end model.??A programmable thermostat can save you?$180 a year in energy costs.

4. Update your Cabinets

Cabinet hardware makes a huge difference on how new your kitchen looks. Simply update the cabinet hardware by installing new knobs and pulls in more modern metals and looks. Most large hardware store have a large selection of hardware you can usually buy a 10-pack for approximately $20.

5. No more Bathroom Blues

Bathrooms can be one of the most expensive updates in a home. You can give a bathroom a quick facelift by replacing old tile. Vinyl tiles are inexpensive and easy to install or with ceramic tile can cost as little as $3 per square foot for material and installation.

Source: http://www.karenshomefinder.com/blog/easy-and-inexpensive-home-improvements

bobby petrino fired buffett rule lollapalooza lineup joss whedon ronnie montrose melissa gilbert dancing with the stars dandelion wine

Mel B. joins 'America's Got Talent' as judge

Brendon Thorne / Getty Images file

Mel B. is officially joining "America's Got Talent" as the new judge.

By Anna Chan, TODAY

"America's Got Talent" may have said goodbye long-time judge Sharon Osbourne, who left the show at the end of last season, but they've found a reality TV vet with plenty of stage experience to fill her big shoes: former Spice Girl Melanie Brown.

"This exciting addition of the dynamic Mel B to our lineup of judges promises that fans will see a strong, talented and opinionated woman match up against our equally outspoken judges Howard Stern and Howie Mandel,? said Paul Telegdy, the president of alternative programming for NBC, in a statement Thursday. "Her presence has powder-keg potential for lots of fireworks this summer as the No. 1-rated 'America?s Got Talent' will return with even bigger and more exotic acts than any year before."

The network confirmed in December that shock jock Stern would be returning to judge a second season. The upcoming eighth season of the show will be Mandel's fourth as a judge.

"I?m thrilled to be part of this season of ?America?s Got Talent? and to get to work with Howie and Howard," said Mel B, formerly known as Scary Spice. "It?s so exciting to be bringing some Girl Power to the panel!"

Her reality TV experience includes competing in season five of "Dancing With the Stars," in which she placed second; judging "The X Factor: Australia" for two seasons; co-hosting one season of "DWTS: Australia"; and starring in the Style Network's reality show "Mel B: It's a Scary World."

What do you think of the addition of Mel B. to "AGT"? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

More in The Clicker:

?

Source: http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2013/02/21/17045117-spice-girl-mel-b-joins-americas-got-talent-as-judge?lite

arizona cardinals Big Bird Adam Greenberg Fall Leaves Jim Lehrer 666 Park Avenue Kara Alongi

Rome Symphony announces concerto competition winners

The Rome Symphony Orchestra has announced the winners of its third annual concerto competition.

Grace McMullen from Berry College won the collegiate instrumental division for her performance of the allegro movement of Shostakovich?s ?Piano Concerto No. 2.? McMullen, a music major and a sophomore at Berry College, is from Waxhaw, N.C. Her piano instructor is Kris Carlisle, associate professor of music at Berry.

Caleb Cole, a student at Pepperell High School, won the high school instrumental division. He performed the first movement of Mozart?s ?Concerto for Horn, No. 3, in E-flat major, K. 447.? Cole is a junior and plans to major in music.

He studies French horn with Ellie Jenkins, assistant professor at Dalton State College and adjunct professor of horn at Berry.

This year?s competition included an aria division for the first time. Michael Loredo, a senior at Shorter University, won in the collegiate division. Loredo, a tenor, performed Handel?s ?Comfort Ye, My People? and ?Ev?ry Valley Shall be Exalted? from ?Messiah.? Loredo is majoring in church music at Shorter. His voice instructor is Rianne Chandler, adjunct instructor of music-voice at Shorter.

Kayla Holcomb, a senior at Gordan Central High School in Calhoun, won for her performance of ?O mio babbino caro? from the opera ?Gianni Schicchi? by Puccini. Holcomb is the daughter of Kim Holcomb and LaDonna Holcomb and plans to major in music. Her instructor is also Chandler.

All four winners will perform their winning concerto/aria pieces at the Rome Symphony Orchestra?s spring concert at the City Auditorium on April 27.

?These four talented young people prove that Northwest Georgia has no deficit of serious talent, and we hope many people will turn out for our spring concert to hear the quality of their performances,? said Barbara Beninato, president of the RSO.

Source: http://rn-t.com/bookmark/21771820

nj transit PSEG hocus pocus hocus pocus mta schedule PECO Hurricane Sandy update

Local College Roundup: DSU to add 3 football players

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130221/SPORTS08/302210051/1029/RSS0202

bus driver uppercut Argo Alex Karras BCS Rankings 2012 vampire diaries derek jeter Red Bull Stratos

Future races canceled in wake of Pistorius charge

FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2012 file photo, South Africa's Oscar Pistorius starts in the men's 400-meter semifinal during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius was charged Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, with the murder of his girlfriend who was shot inside his home in South Africa, a stunning development in the life of a national hero known as the Blade Runner for his high-tech artificial legs. Reeva Steenkamp, a model who spoke out on Twitter against rape and abuse of women, was shot four times in the predawn hours in the home, in a gated community in the capital, Pretoria, police said. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 5, 2012 file photo, South Africa's Oscar Pistorius starts in the men's 400-meter semifinal during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius was charged Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, with the murder of his girlfriend who was shot inside his home in South Africa, a stunning development in the life of a national hero known as the Blade Runner for his high-tech artificial legs. Reeva Steenkamp, a model who spoke out on Twitter against rape and abuse of women, was shot four times in the predawn hours in the home, in a gated community in the capital, Pretoria, police said. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File)

FILE - This is a Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012 file photo of South Africa's Oscar Pistorius as he reacts after finishing first in a men's 400-meter heat during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius was charged Thursday Feb. 14. 2013 with the murder of his girlfriend who was shot inside his home in South Africa, a stunning development in the life of a national hero known as the Blade Runner for his high-tech artificial legs. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

Peet van Zyl, managing agent for Olympian athlete Oscar Pistorius, talks to the press outside the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, after visiting Pistorius. Oscar Pistorius faces a bail hearing Tuesday and Wednesday, in which prosecutors will have to offer a great explanation about why they?ve charged the Olympian with murder over the Valentine?s Day shooting death of his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius hasn?t entered a plea in the case, though his family has said they strongly deny the 26-year-old double-amputee runner committed murder. They have not, however, denied outright that Pistorius shot Steenkamp, a 29-year-old law school graduate now being featured in a South African reality television show. (AP Photo)

Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius leaves the Boschkop police station, east of Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 en route to appear in court charged with murder. Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was taken into custody and was expected to appear in court Thursday after a 30-year-old woman who was believed to be his girlfriend was shot dead at his home in South Africa's capital, Pretoria. (AP Photo/Chris Collingridge) SOUTH AFRICA OUT

Arnold Pistorius, right, uncle of Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, comforts his niece after making a statement to selected press in Pretoria, South Africa, Feb. 16, 2013. Pistorius said that Oscar is numb with shock, as well as grief after the shooting death of his model girlfriend at his home in South Africa, Thursday. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell)

JOHANNESBURG (AP) ? Oscar Pistorius' agent has canceled all future track races so the double-amputee Olympian can focus on the murder charge against him, underscoring the possibility the disabled sports icon might never again run competitively on his famous carbon fiber blades.

Pistorius is defending himself against allegations he murdered his model girlfriend by shooting her several times in his upscale house on Valentine's Day morning.

Reeva Steenkamp died from gunshot wounds suffered inside Pistorius' home in the predawn hours of Thursday. Pistorius was arrested and charged with her murder the same day. His family denies he murdered her.

"I have decided that following these tragic events that we have no option but to cancel all future races that Oscar Pistorius had been contracted to compete in," agent Peet van Zyl said in a written statement late Sunday night.

A few hours earlier, Van Zyl had visited his athlete at a police station in the South African capital, Pretoria, where he is being held in custody in a red-bricked, one-story building with green metal fencing.

Pistorius has been there since Friday following the shocking developments at his villa in a gated community in Pretoria's eastern suburbs where Steenkamp was shot dead.

Her death and Pistorius' arrest stunned South Africans, who revered Pistorius for his humble nature and success at overcoming adversity to become an international star, despite having his lower legs amputated as a baby.

Pistorius still had "overwhelming support" from his fans, Van Zyl said as he left Brooklyn police station, but the agent steered away from a question from a reporter on what Pistorius' emotional state was now like following the death of his girlfriend and a possible realization that his entire career was in ruins.

Pistorius' sponsors ? including big-name brands Nike and eyewear manufacturer Oakley ? were also sticking by him, Van Zyl said. But that could depend on the outcome of a possibly lengthy murder trial.

"Regarding sponsors and partners, I can confirm that at this point in time, all parties are supportive and their contractual commitments are maintained," Van Zyl's In Site Athlete Management company said. "They have said they are happy to let the legal process takes its course before making any change in their position."

The Beaverton, Ore-based Nike Inc. and Foothill Ranch, Calif.-based Oakley Inc. did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Pistorius was quickly arrested and charged with murder Thursday, with prosecutors saying at his first court appearance a day later that they would pursue a more serious premeditated murder charge, which carries a life sentence.

Pistorius broke down and wept in the court, with his face in his hands. His family later denied he murdered Steenkamp and said the state's own evidence "strongly refutes" any possibility of a murder.

"I am not going to comment on anything except that (what) is related to his athletics career at this point in time," Van Zyl told reporters outside the police station after being asked how Pistorius was coping. "Obviously from a management side and also as a friend, it's a tragic circumstance and events that have unfolded and we can only give Oscar our support at this point in time."

Family members and his lawyers also visited Pistorius on Sunday, but declined comment both when they arrived and when they left the city center police station.

The family of Steenkamp, a model, law graduate and budding reality TV star, told The Associated Press that her body had been released by police after an autopsy and was back in their hometown of Port Elizabeth on South Africa's southern coast.

"Reeva is back home," the late model's brother, Adam Steenkamp, told the AP by phone. He had flown back from Britain, where he now lives, to be with the family.

They also said Steenkamp's funeral would be held Tuesday and would be a private ceremony for family at a local crematorium. Media would not be allowed in.

The main purpose for Van Zyl's visit to Brooklyn police station Sunday afternoon was to discuss Pistorius' running career, but "also to visit him as a friend and give him my moral support," the agent said. "On a personal level I wanted to offer my support to Oscar, who I have known and worked with for the last seven years and consider a friend and a great professional athlete."

Following the meeting, Van Zyl announced publicly that the five races that Pistorius had confirmed for in 2013 were canceled: two in Australia in March, exhibition races against fellow Paralympic champions Alan Oliveira of Brazil and Jonnie Peacock of Britain, and an appearance at the U.S. Drake Relays in Iowa.

Van Zyl's decision to cancel those races was first reported by the AP on Saturday. All others that were still in negotiation were also now called off, Van Zyl said on Sunday.

The high-profile rematch with Oliveira, who beat Pistorius in the 200 meters at the London Paralympics last year, was to be a straight line 200 race on Copacabana beach to promote the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics.

The runner's main goal for 2013 was to qualify for the worlds in Moscow in August, which is now almost certainly not going to happen.

Pistorius was the first amputee athlete to run at the world championships in 2011, then made history when he competed at last year's Olympics in London.

He and his coach have both said that they aimed to retire from track after the Rio Games, but one of the world's most famous athletes, who fought for years to be allowed to run against able-bodied competitors, is now facing the possibility he will never go to any major meet again.

___

Follow Gerald Imray at http://twitter.com/GeraldImrayAP

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-02-18-OLY-Pistorius-Shooting/id-e1d580181ca343989e46d40930904424

safe house jay z and beyonce baby cpac powell the last lecture kim jong un josh powell

Crazy Guy Remasters 320x240 Doom Screenshot Into a 9,600x7,211-Pixel Photoshop Image

This. Is. MADNESS. Watch Deviant Art user Elemental79 converting a 320 x 240 pixel screenshot from Doom—the legendary 1993 game that made first person shooters popular—into a stunning 9,600 x 7,211 image complete with textures, lighting and 3D effects using Photoshop. It's absolutely nuts. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/e-OhkQVtF00/crazy-guy-remasters-320x240-doom-screenshot-into-a-9600x7211+pixel-photoshop-image

patrick witt leprosy tampa bay buccaneers birdman whip it gabby giffords gabby giffords

Obama wraps up 3-day Florida golf vacation

PALM CITY, Fla. (AP) ? President Barack Obama hit the links with a comparatively low-key group of partners on Monday, the third and final day of a Florida golf vacation.

Obama played at the Floridian yacht and golf club, where he spent Presidents Day weekend, with departing U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, the president's Chicago pal Eric Whitaker and White House aide Marvin Nicholson, the White House said.

Tiger Woods was part of Sunday's presidential foursome.

Obama was returning home late Monday, with days to go before a March 1 deadline to stop billions of dollars in spending cuts that could potentially cripple the government from kicking in.

With his wife and daughters away on an annual ski trip, Obama arranged a post-State of the Union, mini-vacation for himself to the exclusive club along Florida's Treasure Coast. The Floridian is owned by Houston businessman Jim Crane, who also owns the Houston Astros baseball team and has donated money to Obama's political campaigns.

Crane and Kirk also played golf with the president on Saturday and Sunday. Obama also got some instruction from Butch Harmon, Woods' former swing coach.

The White House barred media coverage of the president's vacation, but released the names of his golf partners daily.

March 1 is the start date for $85 billion in across-the-board spending cuts, known in Washington as "the sequester," that would drain the money from the Pentagon and other domestic agencies over the next seven months. The White House has warned that thousands of FBI agents, prosecutors, food safety inspectors, air traffic controllers and other federal workers would either be laid off or furloughed.

Obama has called on Congress to pass a smaller package of spending cuts and measures to close tax loopholes to buy time to negotiate a broader agreement. Republicans so far have rejected that idea.

On Friday, Obama was meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Obama telephoned Abe last week to discuss North Korea's recent nuclear test.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-02-18-Obama/id-82f7af89405f4444a839c78d2afa654d

pebble beach clive davis cause of whitney houston death keanu reeves whitney houston national anthem beverly hills hotel beverly hills hotel