Strange story: 2012

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Whitney Young Classic coming this fall

Defender Staff Report

It was in 1971 when the late Collie J. Nicholson of Grambling University had an idea: Bring Black college football to the North.

The result was the annual Urban League Classic, now known as the Whitney Young Classic in honor of the founder of the Urban League.

The oldest Black college football classics in the North will be played Sept. 15 when North Carolina Central University battles Elizabeth City State in the 37th annual event at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The game will be a rematch of the 2006 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship game won by North Carolina Central, 17-14 on a last second field …

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Bangladesh vs. South Africa scoreboard

Eds: UPDATED with South Africa declaring first innings

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (AP) _ Scoreboard Saturday after South Africa declared its first innings on the second day of the second and final test match against Bangladesh at Chittagong Divisional Stadium:

South Africa, 1st Innings (Declared)

(Overnight: 405-0)

Neil McKenzie b Hossain 226

Graeme Smith b Razzak 232

Hashim Amla lbw Hossain 38

Jacques Kallis not out 39

Ashwell Prince b Hossain 2

AB de Villiers b Hasan 1

Mark Boucher c Hasan b Rafique …

SPEED CAMERAS CAUTION

A LEADING motoring organisation has welcomed the repainting ofroadside speed cameras to make them more visible.

But the RAC Foundation warned it was not the only answer tocutting the death toll on Avon and Somerset roads.

All 50 speed detection and 19 red-light fixed cameras in the area,and any new ones installed, will be painted orange on the front andback by the end of next month.

The first new-look camera box was unveiled in Taunton this week.

The Government has given the Avon and Somerset Safety CameraPartnership permission to use money from camera-generated speedingfines to buy extra cameras.

A condition was that the cameras must be highly …

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Translation firm grows with international trade

When Julio Pena came to this country from Mexico City 10 years ago, he never dreamed he would use his ability to speak Spanish to build a career.

Today, he and his wife, Cathy, maintain a home office in Palmyra for their 5-year-old firm, Exact Communication, which specializes in interpretation at live events and teleconferences, as well as translating company documents such as training manuals into foreign languages.

Since 1989, Cathy, a Reading native who calls herself "a writer by nature," has worked as an independent consultant on computerized documentation, which involves technical writing for corporate policies, proposals and manuals.

But when she and Julio …

Iceland elects ordinary folk to draft constitution

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Iceland's getting a new constitution — and it's really going to be the voice of the people.

The sparsely-populated volcanic island is holding an unusual election Saturday to select ordinary citizens to cobble together a new charter, an exercise in direct democracy born out of the outrage and soul-searching that followed the nation's economic meltdown.

Hundreds of people are vying for the chance to be among up to 31 people who will form the Constitutional Assembly slated to convene early next year — a source of huge pride for Icelanders who have seen their egos take a beating in recent years.

"This is the first time in the history of the world …

Man in US terror case gets 20 years in prison

One of three men convicted of plotting to recruit and train terrorists to kill U.S. soldiers in Iraq was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison.

Mohammad Amawi, who had faced a maximum sentenced of life in prison, will get credit for the three years he's already spent in custody and will be under lifetime supervision when released, U.S. District Judge James Carr said.

Amawi and two other men of Middle Eastern descent met in Toledo about five years ago and began plotting and training to help insurgents in Iraq, the FBI said during their trial last year. Defense lawyers said the three were set up by an undercover FBI informant.

Carr said …

Lionel Richie Takes 1st Movie Acting Role

NEW YORK Singer Lionel Richie has quietly accepted his first filmacting role in an upcoming Disney movie.

He'll film scenes in New York this week for "The Preacher'sWife," directed by Penny Marshall. Richie plays a friend of WhitneyHouston's character from her days at a jazz club. He meets up withher again and tries to …

Biographical information on Jack Lew

WASHINGTON (AP) — NAME: Jacob "Jack" Lew

AGE-BIRTH DATE-LOCATION: 56; Aug. 29, 1955; New York City

EDUCATION: Graduated with bachelor's degree from Harvard in 1978 and a law degree from Georgetown University in 1983.

EXPERIENCE: Served in Obama administration as deputy secretary of state from 2009-2010 and as budget director from Nov. 2010 to present. Served as budget director in Clinton …

Police arrest 3 men over in journalist robberies

Police say they have made three arrests in the armed robbery of journalists in South Africa for the World Cup.

In a statement Thursday, South African police said the arrests were made overnight.

A Portuguese photographer was held up at gunpoint early Wednesday and two other journalists at the same hotel were …

For the record

* Bankruptcy filings

The following people filed petitions in U.S. Bankruptcy Court forthe Southern District for May 29, 2003: * Gary Jackson Wooten, 142Circle Drive, Cross Lanes. Chapter 13. No schedule provided.

* Ronald James and Barbara Markey Filipiak, 5317 Edgebrook Road,Cross Lanes. Chapter 7. Assets: $209,248.51. Liabilities:$386,005.99.

* Betty Jane Lee, 116 Ninth Ave., South Charleston. Chapter 7.Assets: $75,295. Liabilities: $93,867.11.

* Mark Gregory and Thelma Fay Harrison, P.O. Box 30, Poca. Chapter7. Assets: $92,425. Liabilities: $148,070.02.

* Lynne Marie Samples, 3607 36th St., Nitro. Chapter 7. Assets:$70,688. Liabilities: …

Britain's prime minister says airports need better protection against car bombs

British airports, train stations and shopping malls will get new defenses against car bombs following a major security review, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said …

Guests for the Sunday TV news shows

Guest lineup for the Sunday TV news shows:

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ABC's "This Week" _ White House senior adviser David Axelrod; Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

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CBS' "Face the Nation" _ Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

___

NBC's "Meet the …

Builder knows Naperville

MidAmerica Developments is a familiar name around Naperville,having contributed nearly 3,000 homesites to Naperville'slong-running housing boom.

MidAmerica has developed several major subdivisions, includingKnoch Knolls, Winding Creek, Hobson Woods, Buttonwood, Hobson Villageand Hobson West.

Nearly all of its residential development projects have been inNaperville, said Tom Miers, senior vice president of marketing forMidAmerica Federal, and the company's interests primarily are inresidential real estate.

MidAmerica began building in Naperville 15 years ago and isfamiliar with city codes and officials, Miers said.

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerica FederalSavings Bank, a Clarendon Hills-based savings and loan with assets of$1.5 billion. It has branches in Cicero, Western Springs, Wheaton,St. Charles and Naperville.

"MidAmerica Federal has always been a source for financinghomes," Miers said, "so that was a natural lead into the developmentbusiness. It works hand in hand."

MidAmerica Federal offers special financing to buyers of homesat MidAmerica's developments.

At Ashbury, the giant planned-unit development in Naperville,the perk is a half-point reduction in the mortgage service charge. Abuyer financing a $150,000 mortgage, for instance, would save $750 inclosing costs.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Upper Deck gets in on Vick sack attack

'Any publicity is good publicity," an old saying goes. The recentlegal proceedings and negative press coming Michael Vick's way isputting that theory to rest.

The Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback is no stranger to themedia, though, as his stellar moves on the field earn him loads ofpress coverage.

But in light of his recent indictment on federal dog-fightingcharges, the NFL superstar is finding his descent from grace to be ameteoric plunge. Vick's alleged involvement in dog fighting causedthe NFL last week to order him to stay away from training camp.

The repercussions from his actions have trickled down to hisstanding in the endorsement and collectible world, with companieseither cutting ties or distancing themselves from the three-time ProBowl QB.

In a bold move by trading-card giant Upper Deck, Vick cards willbe removed from future releases of UD and Fleer sets.

"This is a very unique and nearly unprecedented situation we arein," said Don Williams, public relations manager at Upper Deck,"Obviously, we want to stress Michael Vick is innocent until provenguilty, but the overwhelming outpouring from the public dictates wemake these moves."

The California-based company also has pulled Vick memorabiliafrom its Web site and online store.

The decision wasn't easy. In a statement released last Friday,Upper Deck stated, "The allegations alone have resulted in anoutpouring of very strong emotion with our organization and amongthe collecting community. We believe collectors will agree andsupport this decision as being the best course of action for ourfootball business."

Reebok, the official uniform supplier for the NFL, is takingsteps to stop sales of Vick's No. 7 jersey, while Nike has suspendedVick's endorsements and stopped the sale of Vick-related products,including shoes.

With Vick merchandise vanishing from shelves, is it likely theitems currently in circulation will escalate in value? No, saysDavid Lee of Beckett Football Series.

Vick cards have witnessed a decrease in value over the last fewyears and the indictment saw their value plummet even more, makingit a buyers' market.

"There has definitely been a secondary market reaction bycollectors," said Lee.

Vick's rookie cards from the 200l season peaked at $6,641 in2005. Their current value is $4,115.

"Vick's indictment has already caused collectors to distance[themselves from his merchandise]. If he misses a big part of theseason, his cards can drop even more in value," said Lee.

"If companies should happen to reinstate Vick merchandise, thatmay spark a renewed interest, but only if he's on the field andplaying well."

doneal@suntimes.com

Army aviation: Making transformation a reality

Introduction

Army aviation is a core functional area in combat and combat support battlefield operations. Aviation resources are available to the battlefield commander at all echelons to execute the complete range of Army missions and achieve full-spectrum dominance. If the electronic link among forces is command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I), then the maneuver link is Army aviation. The close and direct relationship between Army aviation and the ground combat soldier is well documented in numerous accounts of decisive battles where infantry and aviation were used for mutual support and maneuvering. Combining ground and air capability produces a formidable force with greatly magnified effects.

Joint Vision 2010 And The Army Chief Of Staff's Vision

Joint Vision 2010 (JV 2010) postulates that the Nation must be ready to fight and win across a wide range of warfare situations involving terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, military operations other than war, transnational threats, information security, and major theater warfare. JV 2010 focuses on integrating joint capabilities, closing seams between Service competencies, and developing and fielding breakthrough warfighting capabilities. Furthermore, the foundation of JV 2010 rests on quality forces consisting of our people, first-rate equipment, training and readiness, and leader development.

Execution of this vision requires an array of versatile, agile, lethal, survivable, and sustainable forces. We must obtain strategic responsiveness when and where needed through force projection from CONUS or any other location. Deploying a warfighting division in 5 days will require equipped combat and service support units to overcome unimproved roads, hostile terrain, and difficult geography.

The ability to move forces from stability to support operations and, if needed, into hostilities and back, is the essence of an aviation unit. Crosscoordination from higher to lower, left to right, compels the Army to rely on future digitization that can surpass the traditional line-of-sight radio and communicate in three dimensions over the horizon. Making light forces more potent while increasing the agility and nimbleness of heavy forces is achievable by combining Scout and reconnaissance aircraft with the "big stick" of attack and transport helicopters.

As Army aviation moves from "mass as a center of gravity" to "maneuver and deploy," its existing platforms already support low-observable systems, ballistic protection, long-range acquisition and targeting, early attack, and higher first-round kills. We have shifted to an acquisition process in which a system, from research and development to production and life-cycle management, is fielded as a total system, including human factors and training. We are moving heavily, and for some components even exclusively, toward use of commercial items and away from "build to print." The interaction of the Army aviation community with commercial aircraft practices, communications and computers, materials, and flight dynamics ensures the infusion of new technologies into our systems. We ensure our technological overmatch through the remanufacture and upgrade of our platforms, such as the Apache to Apache Longbow and the CH-47D Chinook to a CH-47F improved Cargo Helicopter. New systems such as the Comanche and the Joint Transport Rotorcraft will add next generation technologies into the standard Army force.

Full-Spectrum Dominance

The aviation assets that support full-spectrum dominance through the year 2010 are currently found in the UH-60 for utility missions and in the Apache Longbow for total warfare (see the article by BG(P) Armbruster and LTC Hazelwood that begins on Page 28). Without prudent upgrades such as the service life extension of the CH-47D to the CH-47F and a similar upgrade of the Army's workhorse aircraft, the Black Hawk, our already strained system readiness will become increasingly stressed. All systems undergoing a true upgrade will include requisite digitization for performance and interoperability through software and communication systems modifications. Aviation plays a unique role in combating weapons of mass destruction, where advanced sensors like the Longbow Fire Control Radar and the Radio Frequency

HELLFIRE Missile work effectively against deep threats while air defense radar deter less capable weapon systems. More broadly, transport aircraft such as the Black Hawk and Chinook allow the combat commander to insert and sustain precision formations that shape and influence the operation.

Enabling, Capabilities

The Vietnam War, peacekeeping operations, Desert Storm, and the current operation in Kosovo all underscore the need to deploy a warfighting division on the ground in 5 days. Enabling capabilities include the early entry of Apache Longbows, Comanche Attack/Recon, Black Hawks, CH-47 Chinooks, and C4I systems such as the Army Airborne Command and Control System (A2C2S).

A forward command post with highly lethal assets provides a versatile anticipatory base for the remainder of the force. These systems, used in conjunction with an unmanned sensor such as the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, provide sustained long-range reconnaissance or deep-attack capability out to 200 kilometers for up to 4 hours. Additionally, the force package can tailor quantities and location of transport, attack, and recon aircraft to suit the mission need.

Reducing Deployment Times

The division commander must possess an inherent flexibility to reduce deployment and redeployment times. The CH-7F "fat boy" is a cargo helicopter modified to deliver thousands of gallons of fuel in forward refueling points in support of ground or air forces. Primary weapon systems like the Apache Longbow and Comanche are clearly the weapon systems of choice in the attack or Scout role. However, the improved Black Hawk (with digitization capabilities) and the improved cargo helicopter offer genuine versatility. With these types of aviation assets, the force can train for all missions across the spectrum of operations.

Improving Survivability

The interactivity of the program executive officer (PEO)-managed weapon systems with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and the Black Hawk creates a more survivable force for the aviation commander and the tactical ground forces. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS), non-line-ofsight radios, future joint tactical data radios, Embedded Battle Command, and the Aviation Mission Planning System, each aviation platform will operate with relative autonomy, yet be digitally connected to other equipment and formations. The Longbow HELLFIRE missile, with its fire-and-forget capability, is employed on the Apache Longbow and Comanche. The Longbow millimeter wave radar coupled with a digital aircraft and the Longbow HELLFIRE missile is the world's most lethal combat system. PEO, Aviation is working with the Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) to improve the targeting system and extend the range of the missile, thereby reducing the net weight while improving performance, in some cases by 50 percent.

Enhancing Support Efforts

A core staff of logisticians, engineers, and business and program managers is vital to each of the project managers within PEO, Aviation. These staff elements work in interlocking product teams with Army agencies such as the U.S. Army Materiel Command, TRADOC, U.S. Army Forces Command, the Eighth U.S. Army, and U.S. Army Europe. They also interact with other Services, U.S. government agencies, and international customers.

With full life-cycle support responsibility, the PMs aggressively conduct research and development efforts as well as seek operations and support improvements as the systems are designed, developed, procured, and fielded. The use of Alpha contracting for the key multiyear Apache and Fire Control Radar procurements enabled the Army to realize stable long-term production and support, including seamless support to the fielded units through performance-based contracting and warranties. PEO, Aviation has and will make a sizable investment in operator and maintenance trainers to provide initial entry training and sustainment training around the world. We use the knowledge gained in Apache training systems to reduce the procurement cost of trainers in the CH-47F and the Comanche.

Enabling Technologies

As a low-observable, lowacoustical, rotary-wing aircraft, Comanche provides technological overmatch through active and passive measures. These include radar cross-section reduction, infrared signature reduction, sensor fusion, night target acquisition range, advanced engines, Link 16 communications, advanced materials, and onboard diagnostics. In our Aviation Electronic Combat Project Office, emerging and future systems such as the Embedded Battle Command, improved GPS, Joint Tactical Radio System, and the non-line-of-sight radio are selected for all platforms.

As the Apache Longbow enters its second multiyear procurement, we expect to incorporate the following features: fire control radar combat and technology overmatch, second generation forward looking infrared optics, improved rotor and drivetrain systems for cost and performance enhancements, color digital mapping, fully adaptive algorithms, and wavelet technology.

Aircrew integrated systems will provide beneficial assets such as the Digital Source Collector (DSC) on the improved Black Hawk and CH-47F. The DSC will gather and analyze data on history and trends to enhance maintenance operations, aircrew training, human performance, aircraft system/subsystem monitoring, and aircraft accident prevention and investigation. The Air Warrior provides microclimatic cooling to allow operators to sustain 100-degree heat with 50-degree humidity as well as reduce the 57 pounds of crew equipment weight.

Aviation Platform Force Mix

The TRADOC: approved Aviation Modernization Plan shows a force mix of four principal platforms: Utility (Black Hawk), Transport (CH-47F), Scout/Reconnaissance (Comanche), and Attack (Apache Longbow). These four primary platforms fulfill the vision of the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) and allow for systematic technology improvements for many years. Air Warrior applies communications interoperability through GPS, Joint Tactical Data Radio, Link 16, Embedded Battle Command, and A2C2S. Maintenance and operator trainers provide technology and interoperability. With the development of the Joint Transport Rotorcraft, we will add a common transport aircraft for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps and further enhance the relevance and effectiveness of Army aviation.

Conclusion

The Army aviation community brings 50 years of rotary-wing contributions to Army operations. We've made a huge financial and operational investment in current platforms and sensor and communication systems and will upgrade core platforms such as the Black Hawk and CH-47. Emerging and future systems such as the Comanche, Joint Transport Rotorcraft, and the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System should ensure a balance of versatility, responsiveness, fullspectrum dominance, and sustainment for the Army. Aviation is essential to the realization of the CSA's vision. PEO, Aviation and its products fully support the CSA's stated and implied missions now and in the future.

[Author Affiliation]

LTC JOHN BURKE is the Product Manager for the Longbow Fire Control Radar on the Apache and Comanche aircraft. He received his B.S. from Florida State University and his M.S. from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is Level 111 certified in program management and communications/computers, and is a member of the IEEE and IEEE Computer Society.

MG JAMES R. SNIDER is the PEO, Aviation. He has M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in aerospace engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Citations

Ajustements de la retraite

Pendant les ann�es 1990, il a sembl� que le R�gime de pensions du Canada (RPC), jusque-l� un suppl�ment de revenu fiable pour les retrait�s, se transformait en relique sur le bord de la faillite en raison des �ternelles promesses de largesse du gouvernement. En 1996, le RPC versait 17 $ en prestations pour chaque cotisation de 11 $. La crainte suscit�e par ces chiffres est encore pr�sente; un sondage r�cent montre que plus de la moiti� des personnes de la g�n�ration X doutent qu'ils toucheront des prestations du RPC. Mais aujourd'hui, les futurs b�n�ficiaires peuvent respirer plus librement gr�ce aux r�formes du r�gime : les projections montrent que le RPC s'autofinancera environ jusqu'en 2080.

�Plus de gens que pr�vu se sont pr�valus des dispositions de retraite anticip�e du RPC, cr�ant un co�t initial que !es actuaires avaient sous-estime.�

Monica Townson, consultante en �conomie, �mettant l'avis en 1992 que, malgr� certains rat�s, le RPC soutiendrait encore longtemps les retrait�s, gr�ce aux ajustements alors en cours

�N'importe queue personne sens�e sait que le R�gime de pensions du Canada est foutu.�

Edward Sweet, dans une lettre au r�dacteur en chef du Financial Post, commentant l'�tat du RPC en 1995. En 1996, le r�gime accusait un d�ficit de 5 milliards

�Les d�clarations des experts... de droite continuent de sonner le glas du RPC, m�me si ce dernier a r�cemment connu des r�formes judicieuses.�

Keith Ambachtsheer, membre d'un groupe de travail de l'Association canadienne des administrateurs de r�gimes de retraite, constatant en 2000 que le RPC est bien plac� pour accumuler un investissement important

�Nombre de Canadiens s'inqui�tent toujours de l'absence possible de fonds [du r�gime de retraite] au moment de leur retraite - mythe propag� au moment des RER.�

John MacNaughton, de l'Office d'investissement du RPC, lors d'un discours prononc� devant la Chambre de commerce de Calgary en 2004 Steve Brearton

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Color Photo: TOUAREG 2: JedlickaA diesel that can -- and doesPage 3 ;

African mediators to meet both sides in Chad fighting as gunfire continues

Sporadic gunfire rang out Tuesday around Chad's capital, which was awaiting African mediators after three days of fighting between rebels and the army took a heavy toll on civilians and increased instability in the restive region along Darfur's border.

Oil-rich Chad's Foreign Minister Ahmad Allam-mi said rebels who had entered the city on Saturday had been chased 50 kilometers (30 miles) from N'djamena, and said the capital was calm. Thousands of people had fled, and more than 1,000 had been wounded, many of them civilians.

"I think they are awaiting some reinforcements but all threat to the security of the city of N'djamena can now be put aside," Allam-mi told reporters in Paris after talks with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

French military spokesman Capt. Christophe Prazuck reported gunfire earlier Tuesday, but said rebels pursuing their most forceful attempt yet to oust President Idriss Deby _ who himself seized power at the head of a rebellion _ appeared to be holding back around the fringes of N'djamena.

Rebel chief Mahamat Nouri told French radio Europe-1 that French aircraft had been bombarding the rebels from Sunday night until early Tuesday. Nouri said the rebels were ready to launch a new offensive and said they would be able to take the capital except for the French army.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said French troops have taken no part in the fighting _ except Friday night, when they opened fire to protect French civilians. Sarkozy dismissed rebel claims that French forces had killed civilians.

So far, French forces were only securing the safety of foreigners and the capital's airport and offering logistical, medical and intelligence help to the Chadian military, Prazuck said. French Foreign Minister Kouchner stressed that France had no intention, for the time being, of stepping that up, "especially since peace seems to be on the agenda more than it was two days ago."

On Monday the U.N. Security Council strongly condemned the rebel attack and authorized France and other nations to help Chad's government. France, Chad's former colonial rule, has given Deby strong support in the past and has 1,800 soldiers backed by fighter jets based in Chad.

Pressed in France on the possible effects of the Security Council statement, Kouchner responded, "If you want to make me say that we will go to war against the rebels, I'm telling you, no. There's no question of it."

Chadian Foreign Minister Allam-mi said his country had been successfully fighting the rebels, "and for the moment, we don't need extra help."

Sarkozy, speaking to reporters in La Rochelle, France, said France was ready to attack the rebels only if necessary.

France was to protect the high-level officials and diplomats from the Republic of Congo and Libya who were to arrive Tuesday on an African Union mediation mission, the republic's Foreign Affairs Minister Basile Ikouebe said Monday in Brazzaville.

Chad is in an already violent swath of Africa that is home to hundreds of thousands of refugees and borders Sudan's war-ravaged Darfur region. The violence endangers a US$300 million (euro200 million) global aid operation supporting millions of people in Chad. The U.N.'s World Food Program said it could disrupt delivery of food to 420,000 Darfur refugees and Chadians displaced by violence.

Chadian officials have repeatedly accused Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir of supporting the rebels, and even deploying Sudanese troops in rebel offensives in eastern Chad. Sudan denies involvement, and in turn has accused Chad of aiding Darfur rebels.

A French presidential aide has said Sudan wants to crush Deby to derail the imminent deployment of a European Union peacekeeping force that is to protect refugees along the Darfur border.

The United States asked Sudan to halt any possible aid to the rebels and use its influence "to tell them to withdraw," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Monday.

The AU mediators also were to talk to Sudan.

The fighting in N'djamena has at times been intense. Bodies lay on the streets and the hulks of burned out tanks and other vehicles stood abandoned. An Associated Press reporter saw a Libyan military cargo plane evacuating dozens of wounded Chadians in civilian clothes Tuesday. A Chadian soldier said the plane was taking them for treatment in Tripoli.

More than 1,000 people have been wounded in recent days, Anna Schaaf, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, told reporters in Geneva Tuesday. She said staff had been unable to move around N'djamena over the weekend so the assessment made Monday was likely incomplete.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said most casualties were civilians with bullet wounds.

Thousands fled across the Chari River into Cameroon, though estimates varied widely, with the U.N. putting it at up to 20,000 and U.S. charity World Vision at about 300,000 of N'djamena's 700,000 people.

"As of this morning, frightened people were still crossing in a continuous flow," Ron Redmond, a spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency told reporters in Geneva.

French soldiers used armored vehicles to evacuate French nationals and other foreigners over the weekend. About 1,000 foreigners had been evacuated by Tuesday, with 245 remaining under French protection at their military camp or other protected sites, Prazuck said.

Human Rights Watch said it had reports that Chadian security forces were detaining political opposition leaders, "using the fighting as a pretext for settling scores," according to acting Africa director, Georgette Gagnon.

She recalled that her organization documented abuses by Chadian security forces in the aftermath of a 2006 rebel offensive, including torture and summary executions of civilians suspected of rebel affiliations.

Deby himself rose to power just as the rebels are trying to, heading an insurgent force that captured N'djamena in 1990. He has won two elections since then, neither considered free or fair.

The rebels are a coalition of three groups whose leaders include Mahamat Nouri, a former defense minister, and Timan Erdimi, a nephew of Deby who was his chief of staff. They accuse Deby of corruption and embezzling millions in oil revenue.

Kids know thing or two about how to garden

At the recent Chicago Flower & Garden Show, children were askedthe best gardening techniques, answering the nursery rhyme: "Mary,Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?"

The kids' answers ranged from sensible to silly.

Most kids declared that water, sun and soil are the best ways tomake gardens grow.

Cindy, 5 years old, said: "Saying nice things to them" is theideal approach. (Perhaps little Cindy knows about talking-to-plantsresearch.)

For Claire, 7, gardening requires a powerful combination of "loveand water." She is also careful "not to drown the flowers." (Claireis right, of course. Overwatering is the most frequent mistake bybeginning gardeners.)

The opinionated Devin, 8, said: "You make 20 different holes for20 different plants, put seeds in the hole, water the seeds, put sandaround them, water every day-and I hate it."

But many kids did say they happily helped their parents take careof their lawns and gardens by performing watering, raking andplanting duties.

Of course, other kids have different gardening duties. "I keep ourdog away," said 5-year-old Jacob. Tommy, also 5, strongly stated: "Idon't walk on it."

As to why flowers smell good, Rebecca, 10, offered thisperspective: "Because they're pretty, and pretty things smell good."

Ace Hardware interviewed 78 children for the survey. The ChicagoFlower & Garden Show annually draws about 175,000.

Hearn dead at 85; voice of Lakers

LOS ANGELES--Chick Hearn, who made phrases like "slam dunk" and"air ball" common basketball expressions during his 42-yearbroadcasting career with the Los Angeles Lakers, died Monday night.He was 85.

Hearn, the only play-by-play announcer the Los Angeles Lakers everhad, died at 6:30 p.m. Pacific time at Northridge Medical CenterHospital, team spokesman Bob Steiner told a grim-faced newsconference outside the hospital.

Hearn was taken to the hospital Friday night after falling andhitting his head in the back yard of the Encino home he shared withhis wife, Marge. They would have celebrated their 64th weddinganniversary Aug. 13.

Surgeons operated twice Saturday to relieve swelling in his brain,but he never regained consciousness.

"Chick, we'll miss you dearly, Quite simply, you're the best,"said Mitch Kupchak, the team's general manager and a former player,his voice breaking.

About 100 fans gathered outside the hospital, and many broke intotears when they heard Hearn had died.

"The city of Los Angeles has lost an incredible icon," said formerLakers star Jerry West, the Memphis Grizzlies president of basketballoperations. "For all of the years he's been around as the voice ofthe Lakers, he helped capture so many special moments for fanseverywhere."

Hearn called a record 3,338 consecutive Lakers games starting in1965 before missing a game because he had to have an operation inDecember 2001 for a blocked aortic valve. While recovering, he felland broke his hip. Despite that setback, he returned to work April 9and broadcast the Lakers' playoff run to their third consecutive NBAchampionship. Throughout his career, Hearn refused to call in sick.He came to work a couple of times with laryngitis that forced him tosit out the second half.

A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and the AmericanSportscasters Hall of Fame, Hearn received a standing ovation on his85th birthday in November during a Lakers-Milwaukee Bucks game.

He became the Lakers' announcer when the team moved fromMinneapolis to Los Angeles at the beginning of the 1960-61 season.

Hearn's career with the Lakers was far longer than such standoutsas West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy and Michael Cooper. And he wascalling games long before current stars Shaquille O'Neal and KobeBryant were born.

"There's never going to be another Chick Hearn," Johnson saidMonday. "Some people grow bigger than their sport, bigger than theirjob."

Hearn called his first Lakers game in March 1961. His last gamewas June 12 when the Lakers beat the New Jersey Nets 113-107 in EastRutherford, N.J., to complete a sweep of the NBA Finals and earntheir ninth title since moving from Minneapolis in 1960.

During the finals, he told The Associated Press he was gettingstronger and planned to work at least one more season. He said hebelieved his call of the Lakers' Game 7 victory over Sacramento inthe Western Conference finals might have been as good as any in hiscareer. Last week, he drove to Las Vegas with his wife to speak at afantasy basketball camp.

Born Francis Dayle Hearn on Nov. 27, 1916, in Aurora, Hearnpeppered his rapid-fire delivery with terms like "no harm, no foul,""the mustard's off the hot dog," "ticky-tack foul," and "faked himinto the popcorn machine."

CHICK'S verbal legacy

Chick Hearn didn't invent basketball, but he had a lot to do withhow the game is described. Highlights from Hearn's basketballdictionary:

SLAM DUNK: Originated to describe the powerful dunks of WiltChamberlain.

NO HARM, NO FOUL: There was a foul but no blood, so the ref let itslide.

THE MUSTARD COMES OFF THE HOT DOG: He tried to get too flashy andgot burned.

WORD'S-EYE VIEW: How he paints the game for the listener.

HE FAKES HIM INTO THE POPCORN MACHINE: Replaced faked out of hisjockstrap.

SKYHOOK: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's high-arching hook shot.

YO-YOS UP AND DOWN: Dribbling while bopping the body.

SHOWTIME: How he described the Lakers' style in the '80s.

THE GAME IS IN THE REFRIGERATOR: It's as good as over.

HE SHOOTS AN AIR BALL: It missed everything.

Phelan presses Edgar on Martwick

Cook County Board President Richard J. Phelan called on Gov.Edgar to sign a bill that would eliminate the office of RegionalSchools Supt. Richard Martwick at the end of four years.

Phelan sent letters to 122 suburban mayors asking them to joinin his appeal to ensure that Edgar signs the legislation that wasapproved last month by the Illinois Legislature.

Phelan, who vowed during his campaign last year to abolish theoffice, said he fears Edgar won't sign the bill.

"The office was a waste and I promised to eliminate (it), and wewere able to get the Legislature to do just that," Phelan said.

This year, Phelan reduced Martwick's $1.9 million budget to$1.04 million and promised to eventually phase out all appropriationsbefore the Aug. 7, 1995, deadline.

Originally, the office had 57 state-funded positions, including45 positions paid through the Cook County budget. Nine of the countypositions were eliminated, and 18 others were transferred to othercounty agencies.

The bill will eliminate the post of regional schoolssuperintendent in districts with 200,000 or more people. Cook Countyis the only county meeting that criterion.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Suns-Thunder, Box

PHOENIX (99)

Barnes 4-8 4-4 16, Stoudemire 10-13 1-2 22, Lopez 4-7 3-5 11, Nash 8-14 2-2 20, Bell 3-8 0-0 6, Singletary 1-3 0-0 3, Diaw 5-10 0-0 11, G.Hill 2-3 0-0 4, Barbosa 1-6 2-2 4, Amundson 1-1 0-1 2. Totals 39-73 12-16 99.

OKLAHOMA CITY (98)

Durant 9-19 8-8 29, Green 4-12 5-5 13, Collison 3-5 1-2 7, Watson 1-5 0-0 2, Wilkins 3-11 2-2 10, Westbrook 6-11 3-4 15, Wilcox 8-15 2-3 18, Smith 2-8 0-0 4. Totals 36-86 21-24 98.

Phoenix 26 15 29 29_99

Oklahoma City 25 29 27 17_98

3-Point Goals_Phoenix 9-21 (Barnes 4-7, Nash 2-5, Stoudemire 1-1, Singletary 1-1, Diaw 1-3, Bell 0-2, Barbosa 0-2), Oklahoma City 5-10 (Durant 3-4, Wilkins 2-3, Green 0-1, Smith 0-1, Wilcox 0-1). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_Phoenix 42 (Nash 8), Oklahoma City 49 (Wilcox, Watson, Green, Smith 6). Assists_Phoenix 21 (Nash 15), Oklahoma City 28 (Watson 13). Total Fouls_Phoenix 22, Oklahoma City 14. Technicals_Phoenix defensive three second 2. Flagrant Foul_Bell. A_19,136 (19,134).

Report: Int'l AIDS Conference shortchanges at-risk populations

A new report charges that the biennial International AIDS Conference, the premier gathering for people working in the HIV field, shortchanges groups most likely to become infected with HIV, including gay men, transgender people, sex workers and drug users.

An "audit" of conference programming, conducted by the Global Forum on MSM & HIV, analyzed last year's gathering in Vienna and found that the percentage of sessions exclusively focused on such groups was 2.6 percent for men who have sex with men, 1.1 percent for transgender people, 3 percent for sex workers and 4.5 percent for drug users.

"While the International AIDS Society turns a blind eye, HTV rates among these populations continue to climb around the world," said the forum's executive officer, Dr. George Ayala. "The IAC is the world's most important opportunity for international exchange and collaboration on HIV and AIDS. Such abysmal representation of most-at-risk groups only serves to reinforce the invisibility, discrimination and disregard that drive the epidemic among these communities."

The report recommends that conference organizers ensure a transparent process for reviewing abstracts and designing programming, increase their support of authors developing abstracts focused on key populations, and broaden representation on the committees that develop conference programming.

'It is incumbent upon the organizers to ensure that the IAC becomes a vehicle for change, shifting the global landscape so that funding, research and programs are directed to those who need them most. Right now it's part of the problem," Ayala said.

Palestinians: U.S. Promises Embargo End

RAMALLAH, West Bank - The United States strengthened its offer of support for President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, telling him an international aid embargo against the Palestinians would end as soon as he forms a new government without Hamas, aides to Abbas said.

The State Department said only that U.S. officials were studying how to bolster Abbas' administration given the upheaval in the Palestinian territories.

Hundreds of Fatah gunmen stormed Hamas-controlled institutions across the West Bank, seeking revenge for the Islamic group's takeover of the Gaza Strip.

In Gaza, the deposed prime minister appointed a new security command to solidify control. Despite Hamas pledges to restore calm, looters attacked several prominent Fatah symbols, including the home of longtime Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and the Fatah-controlled West Bank have effectively become separate political entities, endangering the Palestinian dream of forming an independent state in the two territories.

In the West Bank, Abbas' newly appointed Palestinian prime minister, Salam Fayyad, moved forward with plans to form an emergency government. Officials close to Abbas said the government would also include members from Gaza, underscoring Abbas' claim to lead all Palestinians. Hamas, which now claims its own government in Gaza, called the move illegal.

Abbas aide Yasser Abed Rabbo said the new government would be sworn in by Sunday. He also rejected negotiations with Hamas: "There will be no dialogue with killers who carried out field executions in Gaza."

Abbas also rejected a plea from the Arab League to meet with Hamas' exiled leader, Khaled Mashaal, an Abbas aide said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The international community, both in the Arab world and the West, have sided with Abbas in the dispute.

In a major boost for Abbas, the U.S. consul-general in Jerusalem, Jacob Walles, said Washington would end 15 months of sanctions once the new Palestinian government is formed, aides to Abbas said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed.

The sanctions were imposed after Hamas, which the U.S. has branded a terrorist group, was elected in January 2006. Hamas and Fatah have been locked in a power struggle since then, especially over which group would control security forces.

In Washington, Sean McCormack, State Department spokesman, said the Bush administration was examining its options for providing support to Abbas, but added that "I can't offer any specifics for you at this point."

He described Fayyad, Abbas' new prime minister, as "a person that the international community has long experience with, has great confidence in."

In Gaza, deposed Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh - who has ignored Abbas order firing him - replaced security commanders loyal to Abbas, a spokesman aid.

Since seizing control of Gaza on Thursday, Hamas has tried to impose law and order in the area - in part due to fears of retribution in the West Bank. Saturday's attacks on Hamas targets were the most serious so far.

In Ramallah and Nablus, hundreds of Fatah gunmen took over the Palestinian parliament and other Hamas-controlled government offices, and said staffers with ties to Hamas could not return.

At the parliament, several hundred Fatah supporters chanted, "Hamas out," while gunmen climbed on the roof of the building and fired in the air. They also whisked the deputy speaker, a Hamas ally, out of the building, but were prevented from pushing him into a car.

Many government employees tied to Hamas, apparently fearing they would come to harm, never came to work Saturday, the start of the work week in the West Bank.

In Gaza, meanwhile, Hamas forces on Saturday blew up the home of a prominent Fatah family, collected rivals' weapons and deployed hundreds of security men at strategic locations.

"They are going to provide the people with all the security they have lacked in the past few years due to the bad behavior of some corrupt agents," said Abu Hilal, the Hamas spokesman.

With Hamas firmly in control, Gaza City's streets largely returned to normal Saturday. Outdoor markets were alive, and traffic jams clogged the streets - a dramatic contrast to the street battles seen earlier in the week. Still, jittery residents stocked up on flour and other basic supplies in fear of further violence.

Hamas units took up positions at former Fatah security buildings. At the damaged headquarters of the Preventive Security Agency, Hamas said it found the bodies of seven people it claimed were executed by the pro-Fatah force before it was routed.

Despite Hamas' pledges of calm, looting persisted at key Fatah symbols, including the home of Arafat, the founder of Fatah who ruled the Palestinians for 40 years.

Witnesses said gunmen stormed the house early Saturday, taking furniture, including a bed, and three cars. Hamas security forces later arrived and locked the house. The home had been empty since Arafat left Gaza in 2001. He died in 2004. The witnesses declined to be identified, fearing for their safety.

Other targets of looters were former Fatah security buildings and what had been the opulent home of Gaza strongman Mohammed Dahlan. Looters ripped out electric wiring from the wall, and a group of people also burned down the garden outside, witnesses said. Dahlan has fled to the West Bank.

Despite Hamas promises of amnesty, dozens of fearful Fatah supporters converged on the Erez border crossing with Israel in hopes of traveling to the West Bank. One young man shouted "bye, bye, Gaza," and waved as he walked through the covered walkway that leads to the Israeli side.

Israeli government spokesman Shlomo Dror said about 100 people arrived at the checkpoint but said only a small number of "humanitarian cases" were allowed to pass. He said many people were turned back.

At the same time, hundreds of people looted police positions on the Palestinian side of Erez, and at one point Israeli troops fired in the air to keep the crowd at bay. The looters walked off with furniture and scrap metal.

Grapes: the perfect fruit year-round

Grapes have been part of our diet for thousands of years.Today, it is estimated that some 63 million tons are producedthroughout the world - twice the world banana production. Grapes areused in three ways: Crushed for wine, spirits and other processes.

Dried for raisins. For fresh consumption.

California produces approximately 4 million tons of grapes peryear. Approximately 63 percent are crushed for wine, 27 percent aremade into raisins, and 10 percent are sold as fresh table grapes.

California produces about 97 percent of the table grapes in theUnited States, with Arizona accounting for about 3 percent. Thereare some imports from Mexico, Chile and South Africa. The varietiesfrom Chile and South Africa are identical to our California varietiesand come on the market during the two months of the year whenCalifornia table grapes are not available. This makes grapes aperfect fruit year-round.

The per capita consumption of table grapes in the 1950s reacheda high of nearly 6 pounds per person. With the disappearance of thefactory lunch pail, the sack lunch and the family fruit bowl and withthe rise of junk foods, that consumption dropped to 1.7 pounds in1971.

However, the change in national eating habits and the movementback to natural foods increased consumption to 5.1 pounds in 1983 -and it's still climbing. The advent of the lunch bunch for thereturning brown bag lunch has been partly responsible. At-homeintake of grapes also has increased by 195 percent.

This delicate and flavorful fruit has a history as old asmankind. According to the Bible, grapevines were planted by Noahafter the flood.

Grapes are bursting with flavor and vitamins and minerals. Theycontain vitamin C, some B vitamins, magnesium and phosphorus.Grapes also are low in sodium.

Once picked, the sugar content of grapes won't increase, so theydon't gain additional sweetness. Only ready-to-eat grapes areshipped, so there is no need for additional ripening. Select grapebunches that are well-formed with fruit that is smooth, plump andwell-colored for the variety.

Sweden sets world record in men's 4x50-meter freestyle relay

Sweden set a world record Sunday in the men's 4x50-meter freestyle relay event at the European Short Course Swimming Championships.

Petter Stymne, Marcus Piehl, Per Nylin and Stefan Nystrand improved Sweden's own world record set in December last year in Helsinki, Finland, to 1 minute, 24.19 seconds.

The previous mark was set by Stymne, Piehl, Nystrand and Jonas Tilly.

"To clock a world record again in the last race of the European championships is simply great," Nystrand said.

On the closing day of the competition, Yuliya Efimova of Russia set a European record in the women's 100-meter breaststroke. She finished in 1:04.95, bettering the previous record of 1:05.11 set by Emma Igelstrom of Sweden on March 16, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden.

"I didn't really reckon with the two gold medals and two European records in the 100- and 200-meters here before the event," Efimova said. "I now want to attack the world records next year during the Olympics in Beijing."

Efimova was the most successful female swimmer of the championships, also winning the 50 and 200 breaststroke.

The most successful male swimmer was Laszlo Cseh of Hungary, who won the men's 200 and 400 individual medleys _ setting world records in both _ as well as the 200 butterfly.

The other European record on Sunday was by Hungarian Olympic silver medalist Daniel Gyurta, who clocked 2:05.49 in the men's 200 breaststroke event to defend the title he won in Helsinki last year.

The previous continental record of 2:05.63 was set by Ian Edmond of Britain in Dublin, Ireland, on Dec. 14, 2003.

In the women's 200 freestyle, Laure Manaudou of France, who set a European record in this event at the Berlin World Cup last month, was upset by Josefin Lillhage of Sweden, who won in 1:53.55.

Manaudou's time of 1:54.15 was good enough for silver but was 0.62 seconds slower than her European record.

"I am disappointed. I wanted to win," the Frenchwoman said. "At the end I was missing strength."

Her performance may have been affected by personal issues. Her former boyfriend, Italian swimmer Luca Marin, stormed into the last call room before the 200 freestyle preliminary heats Sunday morning and had a heated quarrel with Manaudou.

HK index rises on China's rate cut

Hong Kong's benchmark stock index advanced for a third straight session Thursday, boosted by China's biggest interest rate cut in 11 years to spur economic growth.

The blue chip Hang Seng index rose 182.61 points, or 1.4 percent, to 13,552.06.

The gains came after China slashed a key interest rate by 1.08 percentage point _ its biggest cut since 1997 and the fourth in three months _ after markets closed on Wednesday.

Analysts said China's aggressive move helped improve sentiment, but investors still remained cautious about the global economic outlook.

"Although it looks like sentiments are better, there are still concerns about negative news or any asset liquidation of financial institutions," said Castor Pang, an analyst at Sun Hung Kai Financial.

Mainland Chinese property stocks soared on the country's rate cut. Guangzhou R&F Properties Co., Ltd. jumped 12.2 percent to 4.14 Hong Kong dollars. China Overseas Land and Investment also gained 7.6 percent to HK$9.79 and China Res Land was 5.3 percent higher at HK$9.30.

Chinese financial stocks also moved higher with China Construction Bank adding 2.4 percent to HK$4.20. Major Chinese lender ICBC also rose 1.6 percent to HK$3.82.

Index heavyweight HSBC was 0.8 percent higher at HK$81.65.

___

On the Net:

Stock Exchange of Hong Kong: http://www.hkex.com.hk

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wildfires May Lead to Stringent Rules

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. - Dr. Jorge Llorente became irritated recently when the fire department kept rejecting his plans to landscape his hacienda-style home with jacarandas and avocado trees.

But he is grateful now.

Those restrictions may well have saved his multimillion-dollar home when a wildfire passed through last week.

"Now that we have a chance to see how it works we are tickled pink," the retired surgeon said. "I'm a convert. I'm a true believer."

Rancho Santa Fe has lots of converts after braving last week's Southern California's wildfires, the first major test of the stringent construction and landscaping standards adopted by the community in 1997. The San Diego suburb lost 53 houses, but none of them were in the five subdivisions that embraced restrictions designed to be so tough that people can stay in their homes if they cannot evacuate.

As Southern California begins to rebuild from the blazes that killed at least seven people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes, homeowners and government officials are looking at places as far away as Australia and as nearby as Stevenson Ranch in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles, that have adopted super-strict standards that require such precautions as nonflammable roofs, indoor sprinklers and regular watering of shrubs.

Rancho Santa Fe practices a strategy known as "shelter-in-place," designed to insulate homes from flames if people cannot evacuate.

The fire department in Rancho Santa Fe, whose past residents include Bing Crosby and Howard Hughes, scrutinizes plans for every tree and bush and sends inspectors with measuring tapes to make sure its orders are obeyed.

Trees and bushes must be a certain distance from the house and cannot exceed a certain height. Roofs must be nonflammable; shrubs near the house must always be watered. Indoor sprinklers are a must.

Columns must be masonry, stucco or precast concrete; windows must be dual-paned or tempered glass; wood fences cannot touch the home.

"Rancho Santa Fe has done some really, really pivotal work," said Ron Coleman, former California state fire marshal and vice president of Emergency Services Consulting Inc. in Elk Grove, Calif. "It's a success story."

Cliff Hunter, Rancho Santa Fe's fire marshal, believes the standards saved homes.

"I just go by the results," he said as he drove through the wide streets of The Crosby subdivision, where hillside flames stopped just short of homes.

Fire experts caution that no home is fireproof; they prefer the term "ignition-resistant." Advocates say such precautions give firefighters time to save more vulnerable homes in fast-moving fires.

But some critics say the shelter-in-place strategy may lull homeowners into a false sense of security, leading them to stay put when they should flee. And some say it only encourages construction in tinderbox areas in California and elsewhere across the West.

Nearly 1 million homes in 11 Western states border undeveloped wildlands, and builders are increasingly breaking ground on the edge of wooded areas, according to a study last month by Headwaters Economics, a consulting firm in Bozeman, Mont.

Despite the destruction in Southern California - and widespread acknowledgment that fire will strike again - there is little doubt homeowners will be allowed to rebuild on the same lots. San Diego County has already issued its first building permit for a home destroyed in last week's fires.

But government officials and fire experts say the blazes may lead to stricter standards.

San Diego County, which was hardest hit, will revisit building codes and may add restrictions, said Supervisor Dianne Jacob. In March, the county Department of Planning and Land Use expanded the shelter-in-place concept as an option for new subdivisions in areas where the topography prevents the building of a second escape road.

It is difficult to say how much a shelter-in-place design adds to the cost of a home. Roofing and sprinkler systems can easily run tens of thousands of dollars, said Dan Bailey of the International Code Council, which advises governments on building restrictions. Other measures, such as trimming trees, cost little.

Rancho Sante Fe is a community of about 10,000 people with giant homes on large lots, where golfing and horseback riding are popular pastimes. The median household income in the 92067 ZIP code tops $200,000.

Residents in the five protected subdivisions get a fire department brochure that tells them that they can survive a fire without evacuating and that they should keep a three-day food supply. Those who live outside the area get a brochure titled "Getting Out Alive."

Llorente, who moved to his 2 1/2-acre lot last year from San Diego, thought Rancho Santa Fe's restrictions were overkill until he and his wife were ordered to evacuate their home. They fled the nearby flames Oct. 22 with their two cats and a computer. That night and the next day, they were convinced they lost their home.

The couple drove north to the first hotel they could find - out of range of San Diego television stations - and waited for morsels of news. A friend said a fruit stand burned near the gated entrance to their subdivision, where homes sell for $2 million to $12 million.

The flames came within about 200 feet of the house, wilting rose petals next to one wall and dumping ash on the pool and hot tub. But the house itself was unscathed.

"We were very, very lucky," he said Monday on the patio on his hillside lot, which is filled with peppermint willows and olive and citrus trees, with views to the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

His neighbor, 47-year-old investor Don Ceglar, also felt the rules went too far when he moved from Connecticut in 2003. The fire department refused to let him in until he removed two 8-foot cypress plants near the front door.

Ceglar ignored three reverse 911 evacuation calls the morning of Oct. 22, thinking it made more sense to stay put than to drive narrow, winding roads surrounded by fire.

He said the community's fire-protection standards passed last week's test with flying colors.

"The fire surrounded our community like a doughnut," he said. "It's remarkable. It literally looks like someone took a torch and went to the edge of these properties, and the fires just stopped."