Author: Serkadis

  • Disabled man dies in fire near Round Lake

    The life of a man in his 60s was claimed in a house fire near Round Lake Friday, officials said.

    Firefighters responded to a call about a house fire on the 24000 block of West Clifton Avenue just after 1 p.m. Neighbors reported flames shooting out of two of the home’s windows on the first floor. According to a Greater Round Lake Fire Department news release, firefighters found the man, who was disabled, dead in his first-floor bedroom. The home’s three other residents were away doing grocery shopping at the time of the fire. Lake County Coroner Richard Keller said he was badly burned. “It’s taking a little longer to positively identify him,” Keller said. An autopsy will be conducted at 8 a.m. Saturday.

    Along with Round Lake, Fox Lake, Lake Villa and Grayslake fire departments responded to the scene. The fire was brought under control in about a half-hour.

    Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire and determining damage estimates.

    Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

    Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services


  • Sony Launching New Digital Photo Frames With Stylish Options

    Sony Europe and Japan are showing off some interesting additions to their digital photo frame line – a total of six new products are now coming throughout the Spring and Summer.

    First off, there is the DPF-X85/DPF-X95 (pictured above), which has absolutely stunning picture quality with huge memory capacity and smart, easy to use features. The X85 features a 8″ WVGA 16:10 LCD, with TruBlack screen technology for a delicious view of your pictures that will be noticeably different than other photo frames. Unique to Sony, TruBlack technology boosts contrast while reducing screen reflections for rich, deep blacks and sparkling highlights. For an even bigger picture, the S-Frame X95 showcases the benefits of TruBlack technology with a larger 9″ WVGA screen.

    Just slip in your camera’s memory card or connect S-Frame to your computer via USB, and enjoy a generous 2GB internal memory inside the S-Frame X85 (pictured below)/95 which roughly gives you storage space for up to 4,000 images in Album mode. New ‘X’ models are also able to display large image files up to 48 megapixels: this makes them ideal for showing off the highest-resolution images from your DSLR or compact camera.

    A smart orientation sensor on the X85/95 – and all S-Frame models –automatically rotates images so they’re always displayed the right way up, whether the frame’s in landscape or portrait position. As an extra refinement, the X85/95 (and D85) feature an illuminated Sony logo that disappears automatically when the frame is oriented vertically in portrait position. Both X series models also feature an Auto dimmer function that saves power while ensuring comfortable viewing in darker environments.

    Then there is the DPF-D85, which is virtually the same as the X models (and has all of its memory card options including SD), but only has 256mb of built-in memory and doesn’t have Tru Black technology.

    The value-packed E75 and E73 that make an ideal gift for someone special because it has such cool interchangeable faceplates. The European E75 and E73 come supplied with three interchangeable colored bezels that make it easy to personalize your photo frame whenever you wish. Europeans will be able to pick from a choice of black/red/brown or beige/moss green/white colors to match your interior or mood.

    We noticed the E models have a smaller screen at 7 inches, but is still 16:10. The E75 is margianlly better than the E73 since it has a higher pixel density, Clear Photo LCD mode, and 128mb of additional storage amongst other minor details.

    Then there are some colors we noticed in Japan for the E models. It appears that pastels will be in bloom with these interesting color options such as pink, white, and green:

    Lastly, we have the DPF-A73, which is basically identical to the E73 in specifications but doesn’t have interchangeable faceplates.

    Here are the full specs:

  • Leaning Tower of Niles

    Illinois, US | Strange Statues

    For those who have yet to make it to Pisa, Italy, the Leaning Tower of Niles, located in Niles, Illinois, provides a similar — albeit scaled down — experience of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

    Located just outside the city of Chicago, the Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-sized replica of the famous tower in Pisa. It is made of steel, concrete and precast stone and is 94 ft (28 m) tall with a 7.4 ft (2.2 m) tilt. Completed in 1934 by Robert Ilg, the Niles tower was originally intended to store water for public swimming pools and to serve as a recreation park for the employees of the Ilg Hot Air Electric Ventilating Company.

    Ilg also erected the utility tower as a monument to honor the famous astronomer Galileo, who was rumored to have utilized the original Tower of Pisa in his physics experiments. The land was donated to the YMCA in 1960 and, in 1991, the town of Niles became a sister city to Pisa, Italy.

    Today, the Leaning Tower YMCA consists of four fountains, a 30-foot pool and a plaque on site that reads: “This tower is dedicated to all who contribute and strive to make this earth and its unlimited resources, materially and scientifically a better place for mankind.”

  • Connecting With Fans Is An Ongoing Process: Do Something Small Weekly, Big Monthly

    I’ve been meaning to write about Topspin CEO Ian Rogers’ “moonlighting” foray into managing the band Get Busy Committee. Given Ian’s close involvement with new music business models, it’s no surprise that he’s been doing a lot of interesting things, from selling uzi-shaped USB keys with the album (the album is called “Uzi Does It”) to using Kickstarter to fund a vinyl picture disc — including an offer for $1,000 to have the band write a song about the buyer, which would go on the release. It turns out that option sold out in a day (though it looks like some of the other options are still a bit short on buyers).

    What’s really great, though, is that Ian is revealing as much of the process as he has time for in semi-regular blog posts. Recently, he explained part of the general thinking that he’s been pushing on the band, that they should: “Do Something Small Weekly, Something Big Monthly.” The specific implementation doesn’t fit for all content creators (or even all musicians), but the concept is a good one. It’s a recognition that the old way a content creator related with fans was through major one-off “releases” (new album, new book, new concert, etc.). But times have changed, and the way you connect with fans is an ongoing process, and like it or not (and plenty don’t like it), there is a sense of “what have you done for me lately.” But if you’re going to thrive in that sort of world, you have to keep doing stuff and keep experimenting. Setting a specific pace (something small weekly, something big monthly) is quite a useful way for many to think about this sort of experimentation in small, easy to comprehend and implement steps.

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  • Autoblog Weekender: Bustin’ at the Seams Edition

    The Autoblog Weekender – Click above to check out what you missed

    In this week’s steaming heaping of extras, the Audi A1 absconds to Barcelone, the Rolls-Royce Ghost absconds to Southern California to get some on-screen time, we discover ten dollars can get you a Mercedes and a house but it’ll take 50 to get you Tony Stewart’s Camaro, and we also discover that Wired magazine has a thing for a Saab that makes us go “Yeah baby!”, Miss Teen Georgia has things to say about… things, the Insignia wagon is coming to the States (pinch us), and Tata makes expensive cars, too. Oh, and it is revealed that Uwe Gemballa’s favorite game is hide-and-go-seek. But you can skip that ‘seek’ part if you’re the German authorities. No, really, you Polizei can stay home…

    This week we also say goodbye to the magnificent Tyler Shipman. Follow the jump for all the tidbits…

    Continue reading Autoblog Weekender: Bustin’ at the Seams Edition

    Autoblog Weekender: Bustin’ at the Seams Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Sony Adds Another To H Line Of Cyber-Shot High Zoom Cameras With DSC-H55


    The little brother to the HX5V is the new H55, which has some pretty solid features for the price of $250. With 14.1 megapixels and a 3.0 inch LCD (230k pixels), this workhorse should satisfy someone for quite a long time with its 720p HD movie recording capabilities (30fps, MP4) and our favorite Sweep Panorama Mode, which makes wide shots as easy as a sweeping motion with your hand. Automatic mode (which is really helpful when you need to grab a quick picture is greatly enhanced with iAuto, and you’ll feel comfortable even shooting in low light situations with Sony’s advanced G lens. We have noticed an improvement in overall picture quality and contrast with that type of lens.

    Self-Portrait Timer helps take the guesswork out of self portraits by using Face Detection technology to recognize when your face enters the frame. Once the camera detects your face, it triggers a 2-second timer, and then snaps a picture. The DSC-H55 features 11 convenient scene modes: High Sensitivity / Twilight / Twilight Portrait / Portrait / Landscape / Beach / Snow / Fireworks / Advanced Sports /Gourmet / Pet. In addition to High Sensitivity Mode (ISO), you can select up to eight ISO settings (Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) when shooting in Program Auto Mode to adjust sensitivity to your shooting conditions. For convenient storage and sharing of your images, the DSC-H55 accepts Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media (sold separately) or SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

  • Quinn encourages Duckworth on lt. gov.

    While Democrats continue to jockey for the partys empty lieutenant governor spot on the November ballot, Gov. Pat Quinn said Friday that he has encouraged Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth to consider it.

    Quinn said Duckworth was considering everything because she has a job right now as an assistant secretary at the Veterans Affairs Department in Washington.

    I said that I thought if she was interested, if she wanted to bring her name forward, she should let us know promptly, Quinn said.

    A spokesman for Duckworth, who previously served as Illinois veterans affairs director, did not return a call for comment.

    Quinn and Democratic Party leaders are in the hunt for a new lieutenant governor nominee because primary winner Scott Lee Cohen dropped out after questions were raised about his past.

    Cohen left the race after it became widely known that he was accused of abusing his ex-wife and arrested for holding a knife to the throat of an ex-girlfriend. Cohen has denied the allegations, and charges stemming from his arrest were dropped when the girlfriend didnt show up in court.

    Like Quinn, Duckworth champions veterans issues. She lost both her legs and partial use of one arm in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Iraq in 2004. She ran for Congress in 2006 and lost, but then was appointed to her state post by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    The Cohen debacle has left Democrats with the opportunity to handpick a running mate for Quinn, who squeaked out a win earlier this month after a bruising primary battle.

    Quinn expects to have a lot of input into the decision that ultimately must be ratified by the partys state central committee. The committee is scheduled to meet next month.

    The No. 2 finisher in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, state Rep. Arthur Turner of Chicago, isnt guaranteed the spot, and Quinn seems intent on broadening the search.

    I just think theres a lot of people out there who may be interested and I think its important not to ignore anyone, Quinn said.

    Turner, who has told party leaders he still wants a shot at the states No. 2 post, attended an event Friday with Quinn and said he didnt know where the governors coming from.

    Everybody now wants to open up the process and its amazing how the rules change as we move along, said Turner, a state legislator for nearly 30 years, and I want to say in particular, as minorities start to move up and show that theyre able and qualified.

    If picked, Turner would be the fourth black Democrat on the ticket from the Chicago area.
    Some have suggested Democrats need to balance the ticket geographically because the eventual Republican nominee could be from downstate.

    The Feb. 2 GOP primary ended in a virtual tie with state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington leading state Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale by only a few hundred votes. The final results have not yet been certified.

    State Sen. Rickey Hendon of Chicago, another Democrat who also ran in the lieutenant governor primary, said he isnt upset that the governor wants to consider balancing the ticket with a woman by considering Duckworth. But Hendon said he still wants the job.

    Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services


  • Stimulus prods Waukegan lakefront

    A major remnant of Waukegan’s industrial past will be razed and its toxic legacy removed, providing a clean slate for a new vision along Lake Michigan.

    Top federal and state environmental officials gathered Friday outside the abandoned Outboard Marine Corporation Plant No. 2 to celebrate its pending demolition.

    The high-level attention for this 60-acre Superfund site came as a result of an infusion of $18.5 million in federal stimulus funds to pay the majority of the demolition and cleanup costs.

    “We know it’s a long-term struggle, but this building coming down is a milestone,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for solid waste and emergency response for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

    On the anniversary of the Recovery Act, federal officials have been noting specific examples of how the funds have stimulated the economy.

    The OMB project, one of 51 Superfund sites across the country to benefit, would not be under way without those funds, officials agree. The funding allows the city to “accelerate its own ambitious plans for lakefront and harbor redevelopment,” Stanislaus said.

    Removal by the end of the year of 600,000-square-foot building on Sea Horse Drive is considered another key in Waukegan’s grand plan to reclaim and transform its Lake Michigan frontage.

    “It’s a big deal. This is where it all starts,” Mayor Bob Sabonjian said. “One of these days, it’ll all be gone and you can look to the lakefront from where we’re standing.”

    The OMB plant on the north end of the harbor, operated from 1948 until late 2000. The company declared bankruptcy, then abandoned the plant in 2002. It was subsequently acquired by the city.

    While it was churning out boat motors, the plant during the 1960s and `70s also discharged hydraulic and lubricating oils that was the source of an estimated 1 million pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls found in contaminated soil at the site and in sediment in Waukegan Harbor.

    Leaking tanks of degreasing fluid and trichloroethylene over the years also created a widespread plume of contaminated groundwater and a pool of the chemical beneath the building.

    Asbestos containing materials are being removed from the building before it is demolished. Then, the concrete foundation and contaminated soil will be removed.

    Non-contaminated concrete and steel will be recycled.

    Plant 2 is one of four parcels associated with the OMC cleanup. The others are: Waukegan Manufactured Gas and Coke Plant; containment cells for PCBs created when the harbor was cleaned in the early 1990s; and, the harbor itself.

    Further harbor clean up was necessitated because of changes in federal regulations regarding allowable PCB levels. That $34 million project is anticipated to occur in 2011.

    The OMB site is part of a city redevelopment plan, adopted in 2003, for 1,400 acres along two miles of shoreline. OMB Plant 2 was targeted for residential uses and open space, but the plan may have to be adjusted because of economic changes.

    Sabonjian estimated it could be four to six years before development occurs there.

    “As Waukegan prospers, the region prospers,” he said. “Everyone here has a stake in what’s about to happen.”

    Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

    Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services


  • Northwest suburban man charged in NIU shooting, police say

    A 22-year-old white male from the Northwest suburbs has been charged in Friday’s shooting at Northern Illinois University that left one student hospitalized, police officials said.

    The NIU Department of Public Safety said late Friday afternoon the suspect has been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon. The suspect, who police would not name, is in DeKalb County jail.

    NIU President John Peters said the shooting was an isolated incident involving just the victim and the suspected assailant.

    Students, including friends of the victim, said they don’t perceive NIU to be an unsafe campus, even though it is the second shooting in a little more than two years.

    The shooting occurred as part of an “altercation” at 3:29 a.m. outside Stevenson North dormitory on the DeKalb campus, Peters said. The victim lives in the dormitory and the suspect lives off-campus. Both men are undergraduates in their 20s. The victim’s name has not been released by police nor the university.

    The victim was shot above the knee and his injury is “not life-threatening,” Peters said.

    Kevin Anderson, a freshman from Hoffman Estates, said he and the victim were standing near the front steps of the dormitory smoking cigarettes before the incident. He said the suspected shooter, who was walking in front of the building, was stumbling and appeared intoxicated. The man asked Anderson and the victim for directions.

    “We tried to point him in the right direction, and he took offense to it,” Anderson said. The man then opened his jacket, pulled out a handgun and shot the victim, said Anderson, who would not identify nor give the hometown of his friend.

    “It’s nothing I would ever want to see again.”

    Anderson ran to the lobby windows, trying to alert security and get in the building. Students have to use an electronic pass to open the door.

    An NIU police officer stationed at Stevenson North responded immediately to the incident, Peters said. The suspect, who ran toward a lagoon near the dorm, was apprehended five minutes later.

    Peters said the name of the suspect was not released at the request of the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s office. The first assistant prosecutor for the office declined to give any information, because the matter was still under investigation by NIU police.

    Peters said a handgun was recovered, but he did not know the motive behind the shooting.

    A text alert about the shooting and lockdown of the campus was sent to 12,000 subscribers at 3:48 a.m., and posted on the university’s Web site. The lockdown was lifted about an hour later.

    “Unfortunately, we have learned how to do this from our previous experience,” said Peters, referring to the Feb. 14, 2008 shooting at Cole Hall in which a gunman killed five students before turning the gun on himself.

    “Violence continues to plague college campuses and society across this country. It is important we continue to be vigilant in providing a safe learning environment for our students and faculty,” Peters said.

    Cali Gannon, a 19-year-old student from Chicago, said she feels safe on the campus, but “the fact it is practically in our backyard is just a little too close for comfort.” The sophomore lives in an off-campus apartment near the dormitory.

    Roommate Cristina Aguilera, 20, of Mount Prospect, said, “We were actually surprised” the school decided to go ahead with classes. “I feel (classes should have been canceled) especially because of the students who were here for the first shooting.”

    “It is such a sensitive situation,” Gannon said.

    Michael Multerer, a freshman from Hoffman Estates, said his stepbrother questioned his decision to attend NIU in the wake of the Cole Hall shootings.

    “When was the last time there were two shootings at the same college?” Multerer said he told him.

    Abel Campos of Hoffman Estates, a Harper College student and guest of Anderson’s staying in the dorm Thursday night, said the shooting didn’t scare him off. “I’m still going to come here,” he said.

    Matt Bruns, 19, freshman from Lemont, lives in Lincoln, a nearby dormitory. He defended NIU’s response.

    “People (writing on Facebook) are angry at the police department … and it’s not (the police’s) fault,” Bruns said. “People on Facebook are writing, ‘Another shooting, come on NIU.’ They’re saying the police should be stronger and more proactive. And I think that perception is completely false. The response time to the shooting was something like 47 seconds. The police were right there.”

    Bruns sensed the feeling on campus Friday morning and afternoon might’ve been a bit uneasy, but there was no panic among the students.

    “Everyone has 2-14 (the 2008 date of the Cole Hall shootings) on their mind, so they were a little tense (after Friday’s shooting),” he said.

    Bruns said that despite the shooting two years ago and the one Friday, there is no cause for alarm.

    “I’m a Northern Ambassador. I’m part of the group that gives campus tours to incoming freshmen and transfer students. One of the big things we touch on during the tours is campus security, so I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about it.

    “NIU has something like 65 state- and EMS-trained police officers. We have canine unites. Each dorm has its own police substation. I think security here is really good.

    “There’s no way to tell who has a concealed weapon. If people want a perfect campus, you’d have to have metal detectors in every building, at every entrance. We have 25,000 students. No one would be able to carry a book bag, things would always be searched. No one wants that and it’s just not feasible.

    “The security presence Friday on campus is really good. Any other day, the police are always around, out walking, on bikes … we have call boxes all around campus.

    “Northern is a safe campus.”

    Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

    Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services


  • Next week on Rock Band: HIM, Marilyn Manson, The Police and more

    Harmonix has revealed next weeks Rock Band music store downloadable content which will be headlined by a three pack single from Finnish rockers HIM. It will also include songs from Marilyn Manson, KSM, One Night Only and

  • Sony’s LCS-THQ Water Repellent Camera Case

    Sony’s recent DSC-TX5 announcement also came with an exclusive accessory – a soft, fashionable case (LCS-THQ) in a choice of colors that uses water repellent materials to dry the camera while carrying it. Not that it really matters if the TX5 is dry or not since its water resistant up to 10 feet, but most certainly not invulnerable to scratches. This is the perfect case for bringing the camera to the beach, while your swimming, or the great outdoors. We think the camera is going to big hit in the market and this will definitely be the perfect accessory. No word on MSRP yet but I imagine it will be somewhere around $30.

    Here are some of the color options, starting with green:

    Pink:

    Red:

    Black:

    White:

  • Seeing The Quantum In Chemistry: JILA Scientists Control Chemical Reactions Of Ultracold Molecules

    chemistry(NIST, February 11, 2010) Physicists at JILA have for the first time observed chemical reactions near absolute zero, demonstrating that chemistry is possible at ultralow temperatures and that reaction rates can be controlled using quantum mechanics, the peculiar rules of submicroscopic physics.  The new results and techniques, described in the Feb. 12 issue of Science,* will help scientists understand previously unknown aspects of how molecules interact, a key to advancing biology, creating new materials, producing energy and other research areas. The new JILA work also will aid studies of quantum gases (in which particles behave like waves) and exotic physics spanning the quantum and macroscopic worlds. It may provide practical tools for “designer chemistry” and other applications such as precision measurements and quantum computing. Click here to read more…

  • NSF Solicitations: February Week 2

    nsf11Innovations in Biological Imaging and Visualization (IBIV) – The goal of this activity will be to identify opportunities for investment that will advance the state-of-the-art in biological image capture, analysis, archiving, and dissemination. The Ideas Lab process entails participation in an intensive five-day residential workshop, the development of collaborative proposals through a real-time and iterative review process, and the subsequent submission of full, invited proposals. The process is designed to engage creative individuals in the development of novel project ideas with the potential to advance a field of research. Participation from molecular and cell biologists, biophysicists, ecologists, evolutionary and population biologists, computational theorists and engineers, mathematicians, imaging specialists from other fields, educators involved in training the next generation of researchers, and a range of other specialists (artists, illustrators, etc.) is strongly encouraged.  The Ideas Lab activity is scheduled from May 24 to May 28, 2010. Submission of the preliminary proposal will be considered an indication of availability to attend and participate through the full course of the five day residential workshop.  Venue TBD.  Total Funding: $5M; Number of Awards: 2-10. Eligibility: All.  Preliminary Proposal Due (required): April 12, 2010; Full Proposal Due (by invite only): July 15, 2010

    Posted Date: February 12, 2010

    Program Solicitation – 10-538

  • Stimulus Grant To Expand Broadband Access In Wisconsin

    wisconsin(The Business Journal of Milwaukee, February 18, 2010) Wisconsin will invest $28.7 million, including $22.9 million in federal stimulus money, to expand broadband Internet access in the state, Gov. Jim Doyle’s office announced Thursday.  The project will provide high-speed Internet access to 467 sites in more than 380 communities in every county, according to a press release. It will expand broadband Internet access to 74 schools, eight post-secondary schools and 385 libraries. Eighty-four percent of the school districts and colleges receiving the grant are in rural areas.  Click here to read more…

  • Time To Change (Or Ditch) The USTR Special 301 Process That Pressures Other Countries To Adapt US IP Laws

    A few days ago, you may remember, I posted the comments I submitted to the USTR on the Special 301 report, where I pointed out the value of allowing countries to set their own intellectual property policy, rather than forcing everyone to follow US faith-based intellectual property policy. Traditionally, the Special 301 process was a way for industry lobbyists to get the US gov’t to put countries they didn’t like on a special “watch list,” that would lead US diplomats, who didn’t even understand the lack of factual basis for the report, to start putting pressure on other countries to change their intellectual property policies to make them more draconian (funny, isn’t it, that they only went in one direction?). Basically, lobbyists would submit the details of countries whose IP policies they didn’t like, and the USTR would basically turn around and put out a list based on what was submitted, with little effort to actually look at the situation. This year, at least, the public was able to submit comments (such as mine, linked above), but it’s unclear how much of an impact that will have.

    In the meantime, EFF and Public Knowledge have teamed up to ask the USTR to change the process and, at the very least, stop taking the word of industry lobbyists as if it were gospel. They also suggested that the USTR be more flexible in allowing countries to set their own IP policy — noting, amusingly, that the US itself famously didn’t implement its “international obligations” in the Berne Treaty for decades, because the country felt differently about certain aspects of copyright law. Hell, even today we’re not in full compliance with Berne. But for some reason the USTR acts as if other countries need to fall in line with US IP policy, even as we’ve chosen to go in a different direction when we felt it was warranted.

    Of course, the best thing to do isn’t to change the Special 301 process, but to ditch it entirely. It serves no reasonable purpose and has been abused by industry representatives for years. It puts a strain on US relations with other countries, and harms the ability for other countries to craft IP policy in the way that they feel will best serve culture and innovation.

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  • Ford F-150 SVT Raptor orders exceeding company’s expectations

    Ford is seeing tremendous feedback on the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, as they have received over 5,500 orders for the new car; a number that far outpaces original projections. Ford produced more 5.4L V8 models than originally anticipated, and has opened ordering to the monstrous 6.2L V8. The flexibility inherent in building the truck on the F-150 platform has allowed Ford to keep up with demand.

    Click here to get pricing on the 2010 Ford F-150.

    Most Raptor sales have been in the Southwestern United States and Texas, but there is a large demand for this vehicle in other states like Tennessee, Michigan, Colorado, Ohio, and Georgia. The overwhelmingly favorite color has been Tuxedo Black; over 52% of orders were for that color. Molten Orange, Oxford White, and Blue Flame are also popular choices.

    Pricing starts at $38,995 for the 5.4L and $41,995 for the 6.2L.

    2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

    – By: Stephen Calogera

    Source: Pickuptrucks.com


  • WMPoweruser Series ROM Update

    WMPUBoot
    Well guys we are coming around our first update, and I just want to give you guys an update. The ROM line was very successful when we released it. We have totaled 200GB of ROM downloads, while that number might not seem very impressive to most. We have only had 4 ROMs so far and in a 3 week span, so that is pretty impressive to us.

    That is not all we have to alert you of. I have been relatively busy with MWC stuff and others affairs which have slowed me down on getting more ROMs out for you guys, so with the next update, I will try and get you more device support. I have some devices already cooked and just waiting for me to release them, but for now, they will have to wait till all the update are handed to me before being released.

    We are also still working on the TG01 ROM, and at this point waiting for some replies from the unlock kings. They are yet to respond, but if we are able to get that going, we will have a ROM cooked in no time.

    We have yet to try and get something for the LG eXpo, still awaiting the first update for the device which we can then us to make ROMs.

  • Get Your T-Rex And Dragon Rides In Free Realms


    What’s better than having a T-Rex or a Dragon as a pet? Having a T-Rex or a Dragon to ride you around in Free Realms! Dragon and T-Rex Rides are now available to transport players, with more Ride options coming soon. Players on Rides can have all the fun in-game adventures they had before rides, but at quicker travel speeds. Rides are super-fast and let players travel around Free Realms at more than 150% of their normal speed.

    Ride vendors can be found in Sanctuary, Seaside, Merry Vale, and Lakeshore. At each vendor there is a stable hand and a trainer to answer questions and help with purchases. To buy a Ride, talk to the stable hand or enter the Station Cash™ Marketplace. You will need to click the “View All Categories” button and click “Rides.” T-Rex rides are currently priced at 450 Station Cash and dragon rides are currently priced at 550 Station Cash. Rides are currently available for Members only.

    RIDES FEATURES:
    • Choose T-Rex or Dragon Rides in five different tints
    • Rides provide faster travel speeds of up to 150%
    • Ride vendors available in Sanctuary, Seaside, Merry Vale, & Lakeshore
    • One click of the saddle to get on and off the Ride
    • Run, jump, swim, and bounce off launch pads and more!
    • Ability to own more than one Ride

  • Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.19.10

    Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 5 [w/video]

    We hit up a track day at Mecaglisse to hone our Ice Racing skills and work on our shifting technique with varying degrees of success.

    Want a 550-hp AWD Volkswagen Scirocco? Save up $150k and move to Canada

    The Scirocco might not be available in North America, but HPA has a work-around involving a set of turbos and a steep price tag.

    Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.19.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Two arrested in Hampshire drug bust

    Two Hampshire men with a history of sexual misconduct have been arrested on a series of drug charges.

    At 6 p.m. Thursday, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit, with members of the investigative division, executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Elizabeth Lane and found more than 200 grams of marijuana, as well as several drug pipes, and arrested the two men inside of the house.

    Jose I. Gomez, 44, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

    The marijuana has a street value ranging between $7,000 and $10,000.

    Gomez is also listed as a registered child sex offender for having sex with someone who was 16 (he was 29 at the time), according to the Illinois Sex Offender Web site.

    He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for domestic battery.

    As well, Ralph Malacara, 33, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing justice.

    He is also wanted on several Kane County warrants issued in 2009 for predatory criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault and nine counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

    Malacara had outstanding warrants for domestic battery and resisting a peace officer.

    Their arrests came at the culmination of a two-month investigation that stemmed from a tip that someone was selling drugs from the Elizabeth Lane house, said Lt. Pat Gengler.

    Gomez’s bond was set Friday morning at $303,000 and Malacara’s was set at $261,000.

    Both remained in custody at the Kane County jail, as they were unable to post bond.

    If found guilty of predatory criminal sexual assault, Malacara could spend between six and 30 years in prison.

    Likewise, if Gomez is convicted of the delivery charge, he faces between five and 10 years in prison, because he already has been found guilty of a felony.

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