Saturday, March 31, 2012

Golf Course Review - La Costa Resort & Spa - Golf - The Olympian ...

By Sports Network | The Sports Network ? Published March 30, 2012 Modified March 30, 2012

FACTS & STATS: Champions Course Architects: Dick Wilson (1965), Joe Lee (1973), Damian Pascuzzo/Jerry Pate with Jeff Brauer (2011). Year Opened: 1965. Location: Carlsbad, California. Slope: 140. Rating: 75.1. Par: 72. Yardage: 7,172.

Hole-by-Hole:

1 - Par 4 370 Yds 10 - Par 5 556 Yds

2 - Par 5 577 Yds 11 - Par 4 367 Yds

3 - Par 3 183 Yds 12 - Par 3 244 Yds

4 - Par 4 379 Yds 13 - Par 4 392 Yds

5 - Par 4 418 Yds 14 - Par 4 493 Yds

6 - Par 5 538 Yds 15 - Par 4 340 Yds

7 - Par 4 465 Yds 16 - Par 3 170 Yds

8 - Par 3 200 Yds 17 - Par 4 471 Yds

9 - Par 4 415 Yds 18 - Par 5 594 Yds

Par 36 3,545 Yds Par 36 3,627 Yds

South Course Architects: Dick Wilson (1965), Joe Lee (1973, 1984), Damian Pascuzzo/Jerry Pate with Jeff Brauer (2011). Year Opened: 1965. Location: Carlsbad, California. Slope: 136. Rating: 74.6. Par: 72. Yardage: 7,077.

Hole-by-Hole:

1 - Par 4 392 Yds 10 - Par 4 450 Yds

2 - Par 4 357 Yds 11 - Par 3 210 Yds

3 - Par 4 467 Yds 12 - Par 5 587 Yds

4 - Par 4 371 Yds 13 - Par 4 448 Yds

5 - Par 4 406 Yds 14 - Par 3 211 Yds

6 - Par 3 170 Yds 15 - Par 4 384 Yds

7 - Par 5 501 Yds 16 - Par 4 428 Yds

8 - Par 3 166 Yds 17 - Par 5 575 Yds

9 - Par 5 494 Yds 18 - Par 4 460 Yds

Par 36 3,324 Yds Par 36 3,753 Yds

Key Events Held: Kia Classic (2010, 2012-present), WGC - Accenture Match Play Championship (1999-2000, 2002-06), PGA Tour Qualifying School (2000), Lexus Challenge (1996), Mercedes Championships (1994-98), Infiniti Tournament of Champions (1991-93), MONY Tournament of Champions (1975-90), Tournament of Champions (1969-74), Haig Scotch Invitational (1967), Haig & Haig Scotch Mixed Tournament (1965-66).

Awards Won: 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest (North), Best Places to Play (2006-07), 4 stars by Golf Digest (South), Best Places to Play (2006-07), Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America, Golf Digest (2002-06), World's Best Golf Resorts, Travel & Leisure Golf Survey (2006), Diamond Golf Resort Award, Luxury Golf & Travel (2006), #3 Golf Resort in the West, Travel & Leisure Golf Survey (2005), Top 100 Courses in California, Golfweek (2005), Top 75 Courses in North America, Golf Digest (2004), #2 by Travel Channel - Most Family Friendly Resort in U.S. (2010), Gold Tee Award - Meetings & Conventions (1991-2002, 2006, 2011), Fodor's Choice Award Hotel Diderot - Fodor's Travel (2011), Top Women-Friendly Courses, Golf for Women.

Website: www.lacosta.com

HISTORY: Since opening in 1965 as the first resort in the United States with a full-service spa, La Costa Resort and Spa has been home to Hollywood and some of the greatest sports personalities. From Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra to Joe Namath, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, all of the superstars from yesteryear and today have graced the legendary fairways.

The original 18 holes at La Costa were designed by Dick Wilson, who passed away in the late 1960s, with an additional nine holes added by Joe Lee in 1973 and in 1984. The closing nine of the South Course are from Wilson's original design, while the other 27 holes are a combination of Wilson and Lee's work. Wilson and Lee both designed many courses around the United States, such as Bay Hill (Fla.) and Laurel Valley (Pa.) by Wilson and the Magnolia and Palm courses at Walt Disney World by Lee or their co-design work at Cog Hill (Ill.) and Doral (Fla.).

Set amongst the foothills of Carlsbad, just 35 miles north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa rambles through over 400 acres of prime real estate in Southern California. Featuring classic and traditional design, La Costa is for all levels of golf, with four sets of tees and yardages ranging from 5,600 to just under 7,200 yards.

The professionals have been coming to La Costa ever since it first opened its doors, with such events as the Haig & Haig Scotch Mixed Tournament and the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions.

After several years in Las Vegas, the TOC moved to La Costa thanks in part to Allard Roen, the event's first tournament director. Roen felt that the resort and golf courses were a perfect fit. "The respect the players have expressed has been gratifying," Roen commented. "They've shown that this is a golf course worthy of the caliber of players and the tournament itself."

Roen, you see, was the brainchild behind La Costa. A real estate entrepreneur in the early '60s, Roen discovered the remarkable area while riding horseback and joined with a partner to begin purchasing some of the land. Starting as a 90-room inn, La Costa has developed into a world-class resort and spa.

South African Gary Player captured the first TOC at La Costa back in 1969, as he defeated Lee Trevino by two shots. Player enjoyed his time at La Costa, winning the event again in 1978 and finishing runner-up on three other occasions. Player's winning score of four-under-par 284 remains the highest winning score in La Costa's TOC history.

Jack Nicklaus was another player who had great success at La Costa. The "Golden Bear" won the TOC at this venue three times with one second-place result. Joining Nicklaus as a three-time winner at La Costa was Tom Watson, who won back-to-back events in 1979 and '80 and again in 1984. With his win in '84, Watson recorded his 30th PGA Tour victory.

When Calvin Peete captured the 1986 tournament, Peete posted a record of 21- under par, winning by six shots over Mark O'Meara.

Notable champions of this glorious event at La Costa were Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Lanny Wadkins (twice), Tom Kite (twice), Davis Love III, Phil Mickelson (twice) and Tiger Woods.

Mickelson's victory in 1994 was the fourth of his career and it came in a playoff over Fred Couples. Mickelson, from the Southern California area, added his second title four years later by one over O'Meara and Woods.

The world's No. 1 player, Woods titled for the first time at La Costa in 1997, as he defeated Tom Lehman in a weather-shortened event.

The newly created World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship came to La Costa in 1999, as Jeff Maggert outlasted Andrew Magee on the 38th hole. Maggert, the 24th seed, defeated Fred Funk, Nick Price, Bernhard Langer, Woods and Steve Pate en route to the final.

Darren Clarke, the only European to advance to the semifinals, defeated Woods in the 2000 event. Clarke played stellar golf in defeating Woods quite handily, 4 & 3.

In 2002, Kevin Sutherland became a first-time winner on Tour, as he defeated Scott McCarron, 1-up. On the final hole, Sutherland, who missed the green with his approach, blasted out of the sand to within a foot and when McCarron missed his eight-foot birdie putt, he earned his only PGA win.

With his win in 2003, Woods became the first player to sweep all four of the WGC events, as he clipped David Toms, 2 & 1. Woods opened up a huge 5-up lead after 19 holes, but Toms battled back to get within one down after a birdie on the 11th (29th hole). Woods, however, closed out the match with a three-foot par save on the 35th hole.

Woods made it two straight as he dispatched Love, 3 & 2, for his 40th career PGA Tour title in 2004. In doing so, Woods passed Watson and legendary golfer Gene Sarazen on the all-time wins list.

Toms gained a little redemption from his 2003 loss as he pasted Chris DiMarco, 6 & 5, in 2005. The win, the most lopsided in event history, was over early, as Toms won holes often, posting a 9-up lead after 26 holes. Toms' play over the week was quite amazing, as he recorded just four bogeys in 116 holes. Even after nine holes, Toms won seven of the next eight holes to put the match away.

The final WGC - Match Play event held at La Costa was captured by Geoff Ogilvy as he knocked off Love III, 3 & 2. Ogilvy, who became just the second Australian to win a World Golf Championships event, played a record 129 holes to win the title. His first four matches went extra holes, including wins over Michael Campbell and Mike Weir. Ogilvy clipped Charles Howell III in the quarterfinals and then dispatched former British Open champion Tom Lehman to reach the final. Ogilvy's win was deemed a "Major" victory, as he knocked off former U.S. Open, Masters, British Open and PGA Championship winners.

The LPGA made its initial foray to La Costa in 2010, as Hee Kyung Seo routed the field in winning the Kia Classic by six shots over Inbee Park. Seo was the only player in the field with four subpar rounds as she recorded her only LPGA Tour title. Park, who started the final round 11 shots back, finished with a tournament-record 65 to place second. The course played quite difficult, as the cut came at five-over par.

Following the 2010 event, La Costa Resort and Spa enlisted the services of Damian Pascuzzo and Steve Pate, along with Jeff Brauer, to restore the integrity and tradition of the Champions Course (formerly the North Course).

Picking the right team to accomplish the $50 million investment to the resort by KSL Capital Partners was of utmost importance.

Certainly not widely known like the big boys of Dye, Fazio, Nicklaus or Doak, 2P Golf Course design made sense.

Former PGA Tour and current Champions Tour player Pate is California-bred, growing up in nearby Santa Barbara, and La Costa is very near and dear to his heart. "La Costa is one of the greatest places in the world," he said.

Not only did Pate see his first professional event at La Costa as a child, his second of six career PGA titles came at the Tournament of Champions in 1988. "I know that this project will do justice to Dick Wilson's work here and is a fitting tribute to La Costa's legacy," Pate added.

In all, every green on the Champions Course, along with four on the South Course, were replaced. In addition, some of the routing, contours, length, bunkering and drainage technology was either replaced, added or enhanced to the Champions Course.

"We have a lot of respect for La Costa's original design and have maintained its integrity," Damian Pascuzzo, one of the course architects, said. "We did a lot of research before starting to work on an historical golf site like this."

Changing the greens from turfgrass to bentgrass was a no-brainer. Not only did it conserve water, but it created a different flow to each putting surface.

Every bunker was modernized and sculptured, new lakes were added, the poor drainage of the past was improved throughout the resort, each hole on the Champions Course was expanded to six sets of tees, the 16th hole was completely redesigned and the course was lengthened over 75 yards.

"Our goal was to unveil an ideal combination of championship challenges within a user-friendly golf facility appealing to members and resort guests," Pascuzzo said.

Pate continued, "I know that this project will do justice to Dick Wilson's work here and is a fitting tribute to La Costa's legacy."

Addressing the drainage issues was critical.

In doing so, 3,000 truckloads of sand were brought in to help reshape and raise fairways and greens.

"We are excited to begin a new chapter in La Costa's legacy," said Paul McCormick, vice president and general manager at La Costa Resort and Spa. "La Costa has been synonymous with the top echelon of golf for more than 40 years, hosting 37 PGA Tour events. It is important that we keep its championship spirit alive."

The changes had immediate results, as the LPGA returned to La Costa in 2012 for the Kia Classic.

"We are excited to return to the newly renovated La Costa Resort and Spa for the third edition of the Kia Classic," said Dennis Baggett, tournament director. "The Southern California region, and San Diego in particular, has been a longtime supporter of the LPGA Tour and we look forward to bringing the world's best female golfers back."

The players certainly enjoyed their stay at La Costa, especially Yani Tseng, who cruised to a six-stroke win over Sun Young Yoo on the South Course. Tseng, the No. 1 player in the world, shot four sub-par rounds and finished 14- under-par, despite a bogey on her final hole.

Although Tseng had little trouble with the course, she did give it high praise. "This golf course is very narrow, and the rough is really long. If you don't hit on the fairways, it's kind of very hard to get close to the pin."

REVIEW: CHAMPIONS COURSE - The Champions Course opens with a relatively simple par-four. Originally, this straightaway hole featured fairway bunkers and was 43 yards longer with an extremely wide fairway. Now, from an elevated tee, the fairway has been tightened and the bunkers are gone. A three-metal off the tee will leave a short-iron approach to an uphill to an elevated green. The two bunkers on the right have been repositioned to the left, with another trap short and right of the green. The putting surface, which slopes from back to front, has been increased from 23 paces to 31 yards in depth, with a very narrow landing area in front. Any approach coming up short, will certainly run back down the fairway.

A new tee has been added on the second, changing this par-five from the shortest on the course to the second-longest. Now stretching 577 yards, No. 2, although reachable for the touring pros, is really a three-shotter. The landing area off the tee is still very generous, with a left-side placement the best angle of attack. Laying up is the prudent play here again down the left, thus leaving just 100 yards to the green. An extra bunker was added around the 63-yard mark, so be wary if you attempt to bite off too much. The green is ever-so slightly elevated with a quartet of deep bunkers surrounding the promised land. For those going after this green in two, be wary of the water hazard down the right. Trust me, it does come into play.

One of the most difficult par-threes on the course, the third is just 183 yards from the tips, but plays slightly uphill, and the green, well, it's just 20 paces deep. Four bunkers, short and deep, make club selection a necessity. This hole plays pretty much the same as it did before, prior to the enhancements. Adjusting and reshaping the bunkers and tees were the biggest differences. Par here is a great score.

The fourth is the start of four consecutive, dogleg left holes. Not only has the fairway been shifted to the right, the landing area has been tightened and the bunkers have been repositioned to make for a tougher tee ball. The length of the hole is roughly the same, but now accuracy is crucial. Your approach to the elevated, two-tiered green will require an extra club, especially when the flag is deep. Three traps remain around the putting surface, with the fronting bunker creating most of the difficulty.

New tees boxes on the fifth have been sculptured to the right, adding almost 30 yards to this bender. In addition, the angle of adjustment has created an uphill climb from the back tees, adding to the difficulty. Before the redesign, bunkers were positioned down the right and left. Now, a series of bunkers cover the bend of the dogleg, forcing the player to either cut the corner (highly unlikely) or play down the right. An extra club will be needed to get home, while four, highly visible bunkers flank either side. The putting surface is two paces longer, inviting a three-putt. Originally rated the 13th handicap hole, it now rates as 11th.

The sixth at one time was the longest hole on the course, now it's ranked as the shortest par-five on the Champions layout at 538 yards. A new elevated tee box was crafted, giving the player an illusion of a generous fairway. Don't be misled, as two bunkers pinch the landing area. From there, it's uphill all the way to the long and narrow putting surface. Yes, it's reachable, but you might have to flirt with the OB left. Sand right, guards the layup area, while two additional bunkers lay in wait closer to the green. Rolling from back to front, this green is as slick as they get, so stay below the hole. Despite being the shortest, it's still the hardest hole on the course.

Although not rated as the most difficult hole on the course (now the fifth- most difficult), the seventh certainly stacks up against any at La Costa. A rugged par four that stretches 465 yards from the tips, this bender to the left had its dogleg enhanced by the encroachment of the bunker on the left, while the trap on the right was brought in a smidgen to tighten the landing area. Despite its downhill shape, it will take two really good shots to reach the green. The elevated putting surface is fairly benign with a trap on either side. If your long-iron second shot is true, you just might make par.

One of the prettiest par-threes at La Costa, the eighth on the Champions Course can not only be beautiful, but quite diabolical. Stretching a modest 200 yards from the black tees, this gem plays over water to one of the smallest greens on the course. Only 25 paces deep, the putting surface slopes hard from back to front and features a boomerang swale in the center. Any play long will be gathered up by a deep bunker. A front flag can be fun, but you better select the right stick or you'll find the H2O.

The closing hole on the outward nine is a great, dogleg right par-four. Your tee shot must carry across the lake that borders the eighth. Depending upon how much you want to cut the bend, you might be left with a wedge or a five- iron. The two fairway bunkers on the left side have been repositioned and define the angle of the dogleg. Following a successful teeball, your approach shot will play uphill to a blind and narrow putting surface. The back-to-front rolling green is guarded in front by a deep bunker. Sand on the right has been removed in favor of a shaved shipping area. This two-tiered surface can create plenty of problems if you're not careful.

Number 10 is a sharp, dogleg to the right, now playing 556 yards from the tips, as a new tee box was added, increasing the total 17 yards. Playing downhill from the tee, the key is avoiding the pair of traps down the right side, not to mention the tall stand of trees that guard the corner of the elbow. A big decision comes into play on your second shot, as water guards the entire left side of the fairway toward the green. So the choice is, do you go for the green in two, or lay up down the right side of the fairway? If you need to pick one up, play a high draw and hit it hard. Bailing out to the right will set up an easy pitch, so if you lay up, leave yourself a comfortable yardage, so you can wedge it close for birdie. The 36-yard long green is the largest on the course, so adjust accordingly to the pin placement. Either way, birdie is a real possibility.

Even before the renovation, accuracy reigned supreme on the 11th, now it really stands out. Originally 384 yards long, the hole has been shortened just a bit to 367 yards. The fairway bunker down the left side has been lengthened and widened, but it still serves as a great target off the tee. The key here is placement in the fairway from the elevated tee, as water hugs the entire right side through the green. Even after a successful tee shot, you'll have a difficult approach, as the green complex has been reconfigured. Sand right and deep has been removed and the putting surface now hugs the lake, while a new bunker has been placed to the left of the crescent-shaped green. Even with a short-iron, you have a longer putting surface, water drastically in play and a hole that's open to the elements of Mother Nature, so be thankful if you make par.

The longest par-three on either course, the 12th is a difficult 244 yards from the back markers. That's right, 23 yards were added to this already beast of a hole. A long-iron or fairway-metal will be required in an attempt to reach this lengthy one-shotter. Sand on either side has been shifted to appear on just the left side with four traps, while the right side is now a collection area. Although not over slick, the putting surface is slightly crowned and raised, making your up-and-down just a bit harder.

The definition of the new fairway bunkers down the left side of the 13th hole really accentuates this wonderful par four. Originally, three nondescript traps, barely visible from tee, occupied this area. Now with the addition of these robust bunkers, the sharp dogleg right has plenty of bite. Water is in plain site from the elevated tee box down the right side. Your approach to the green with a short-iron, plays to a slightly elevated green that falls sharply toward the water's edge. Sand lurks deep and left, but it's the green that takes center stage. The smallish putting surface is just 27 paces long, slopes hard from back to front with a shelf in the back-left quadrant.

The following three holes certainly qualify as signature holes on the Champions Course.

The first is the very difficult, par-four 14th. At a whopping 493 yards, some 46 yards longer than in previous years, it's not the length that will get you, but the angle of the fairway. A meandering creek, beginning on the right side of the tee box, runs in front of the teeing area and then dissects the fairway as it angles toward the right. The fairway has been tightened with a pair of added bunkers on the left. Missing this fairway no doubt will make this a three-shot hole, as thick rough and trees guard the landing area. A long iron or fairway metal will be required to get home, as the green is elevated and guarded in the front by a pair of traps. Another smallish green will play havoc on the player, and it stands to reason that this is the No. 2 handicap hole on the course.

Many of the changes at La Costa came at the 15th. Originally a slight dogleg to the right and 389 yards in length, this hole has been transformed into a wonderful risk-reward, reachable par four of just 340 yards. The 15th was always plagued with drainage issues, due to a stream on the right that cut across in front of the green. Now the hole features water behind and to the left of the putting surface. Three bunkers pinch the fairway at the 70-yard mark, but the landing area is quite accessible if you decide to play safe. Going for the green, and why not, can be risky, but that's the beauty of golf. Now with your approach, instead of playing back toward the resort to a minuscule green over water, you can attack a long, but narrow putting surface that's slightly elevated, but very birdieable. Go for it!

Although shortened a smidgen to 170 yards, the beautiful 16th is one of the most famous holes at La Costa. Back in 1997 at the Mercedes Championships, Tiger Woods tied with Tom Lehman in a playoff, knocked his tee shot just two inches from the hole for the victory. Both players were forced to return Sunday morning to complete the playoff due to rain, as Woods basically ended the extra session with just one shot. Lehman, who led Tiger by four shots at one point, hit his approach into the water, thus ending his chances. Nineteen yards were taken away from the hole, but it still remains a full carry over a lake, with sand front, rear and right. The putting surface is just 24 paces deep, but quite wide. Miss short or left and you'll wish you took your pictures before your tee shot.

Despite losing eight yards, the 17th is still the second-longest par four on the course at 471 yards. Before Pascuzzo and Pate got a hold of it, this hole featured an extremely wide fairway and although it was long, it presented very little resistance. Jump ahead 45 years and the landing area has been tightened, the bunkers lengthened, deepened and strategically placed. A medium- to long-iron still remains to an hourglass shaped green that has been stretched to its original length and fronted by a pair of traps. Distance control will be tough as the bunkers will block the full view of the pin.

Talk about a transformation, the closing hole is all that and more. Start off with a new tee, 54 yards back, stretching this par five to 594 yards. The original carry over water was just 180 yards. Now you'll need a blast over 240 yards just to reach the fairway. But that's just the start of the adventure. A lake has been added down the left side of the layup area, tightening this fairway drastically. So instead of several fairway bunkers, water lays in its place. Your approach to the green, albeit with a short iron, will still need to cross the fronting creek. Only one trap on the right side of the green remains on the entire hole and it sits well below the putting surface. Sand to the left has been replaced with grassy hollows, which can make for a tough up- and-in. The hillside green is slightly elevated, usually plays into the wind, and runs from back to front, so stay below the hole for a chance at birdie.

Just 78 yards was added in the renovation of the Champions Course, but it sure was placed in the right areas.

SOUTH COURSE - The opening hole on the South Course is a fairly gentle one; however, the key is position off the tee. A dogleg to the left under 400 yards, the sensible play is a three-metal with a draw, as a driver could run through the fairway. Your approach shot with a short-iron must carry a creek 30 yards from the green, while the putting surface is guarded on both sides and deep. Fairly long at 32 yards, avoid the back-left corner, as it falls off away from the green.

Not much trouble on the second, although the tee box points you toward the out of bounds on the right. Just a hybrid from the back markers will set up a wedge to a tiny, narrow green. Sand right and left could make for a difficult up-and-down. It's one of the easiest holes on the course.

In contrast, the third is a bear of a par-four. In fact, it's the longest on the South, stretching 467 yards from the gold tees. Not only that, the hole plays uphill from a tee box overlooking a pond. For starters, you must avoid the left bunker next to the fairway and the out-of-bounds down the entire right side. With a medium-to-long iron, your second must be spot-on, as the putting surface is long and narrow with five surrounding bunkers. The green slopes gently from back to front, so once on, you have a reasonable chance of making par. Don't be disappointed at bogey, it is the No. 3 handicap hole.

One of just four par-fours on the South under 400 yards, the fourth is a straightaway, downhill 371-yard beauty. Sand down both sides of the fairway will keep you honest, so choose wisely off the tee with a three-metal or hybrid. Your second shot will play slightly uphill to a green guarded on both sides by deep traps. The putting surface is long and narrow, with a ridge in the back-left. Below the hole and you'll make birdie.

The fifth is a lovely hole that bends to the right, as it plays downhill to the green. The tee shot requires a fade toward the bunker in the distance. From there, just a short-iron remains to a very accessible green. Although sand guards both sides of the putting surface, the chance of making par or better is quite good.

The first par-three on the course, the sixth is one of the best at La Costa. Just 170 yards, the key is finding the putting surface. The green is small and narrow with sand on both sides and in front, so club selection is quite important. Once on the green however, take dead aim at the cup because there is very little slope.

Another chance at birdie, the seventh is a reachable, dogleg-left par-five. Just 501 yards from the tips, the hole features a stream running down the entire left side. The fairway is quite wide with just one trap on the left in the landing area. Trees flank both sides of the fairway, but are much closer on the left side. Bunkers complicate matters around the minuscule green, so when going for it in two, you must be precise. Who knows, maybe an eagle is possible.

The eighth is another real solid par three. A short-iron should suffice, but a back-right pin and the wind in your face might force you to hit a couple of extra clubs. Sand left and right are the real detractors; however, a marshy area can snare any offline shots to the right. Take your par and move on.

The final hole on the front side, the ninth is another reachable, dogleg par- five, this time bending to the right. Once again, driving is the key, as too far right and you'll be blocked by trees and left, a fairway bunker is sure to snatch your shot. Wind off the ocean, just a few miles away can affect your second shot, whether you're going for it or laying up. The smart play would be to lay up because the landing area is devoid of traps. The aggressive player will have to cross water, 60 yards from the promised land. Bunkers left, right and deep provide plenty of drama as you pull the trigger on your approach. A back-right pin on this puny, 24-yard green requires pin-point accuracy. Don't be greedy!

The 10th is certainly one of the harder holes on the course. At 450 yards, it requires length and accuracy. At all costs you must avoid the left side of the fairway because three bunkers and trees come into play. The right side is the play, as it opens up the hole toward the green that bends ever so slightly to the left. The green is again, long and narrow with deep sand pits on both sides. This putting surface is tricky, so being bold might cost you a stroke or two.

One of the longest par-threes on the course, the 11th is made difficult, not by the length, but by smallish target. Sand guards all angles of the putting surface, making the depth of the green hard to identify. Choose your club wisely and trust your swing or you'll be playing from one of the deep bunkers, like I did. The green slopes hard from back to front, so stay below the hole.

A big, bending par-five, the 12th is the longest hole at La Costa, stretching 587 yards from the back tees. You'll need two big blows to have any shot at reaching this monster and you'll need to fade both shots around four fairway bunkers and trees guarding the right side of the landing area. The proper play would be to lay up around the 100-yard marker and take your chances with your wedge game. The green is smallish with plenty of guarding sand. Just make birdie the old fashion way - make a putt.

Another lengthy par-four, the 13th doglegs to the right as it reaches 448 yards. The fairway is generous, although sand and trees right will make you think twice. A medium-iron should remain to a fairly large putting surface with a ridge in the center. A trio of bunkers, including a deep one in front, guard the green, making your approach quite difficult. Play to the center and stay clear of the sucker pin.

My favorite par-three at La Costa, because it's the only one I made birdie on, is the 14th. This is where the course really heats up as you head for home. Playing over a creek, a long-iron is needed to reach the small, slick putting surface. Just 26 paces deep, with four deep traps standing watch, the green slopes right to left and back to front. A two always looks good on the scorecard.

This final stretch of holes makes up what has been deemed, "The Longest Mile in Golf." So named by the tour pros, the final four holes, usually played into the prevailing wind, add up to 1,847 yards, just 87 shy of an actual mile.

As picturesque as they come, the 15th is a great risk-reward par four. Just 384 yards from the tips, the hole plays downhill and doglegs sharply to the left. Water cuts in front of the tee boxes, swings to the left and then cuts in front of the green. The landing area off the tee is tree-lined with two bunkers down the right, so accuracy and placement are crucial. Just a short-iron remains to an uphill and tiny putting surface, surrounded by five diabolical bunkers. Missing this green will spell bogey, but hitting it in two, can result in birdie. Go for it! Back in 2006, Phil Mickelson took a chance in his match against Charles Howell III, ended up halving the hole and winning the match.

What makes the 16th one of the hardest holes on the course with no sand until you reach the green and just 428 yards long? First of all, the fairway is tight with trees running down both sides of the fairway. Next, the hole doglegs to the right and generally plays into the wind. Finally, the putting surface is slick and guarded by deep bunkers on either side and when the pin is back-right, forget about it.

One of the most exciting, not to mention difficult holes on the course is the sensational 17th. A par-five of 575 yards that meanders around a lake, this gem is all you can handle. Just ask David Toms, who played Tiger Woods in the championship match in 2003 of the Accenture Match Play. Toms, who missed the fairway off the tee, played through trees to more rough, left his third in the rough and although he chipped within inches to save par, lost to Woods after the world's best sank a three-footer to close out the match. The tee shot is of utmost importance, as two bunkers guard the left side and trees the right. Laying up is the prudent play down the left, as water comes into play on the right; however, stay clear of the bunker on the left. Just a wedge should remain to a fairly round green with sand left and water right. Don't be a hero.

The closing hole on the South Course is a robust, 460-yard par-four, generally playing into the wind. Two bunkers guard the wide open fairway on either side, which is a must to dissect to have any chance of getting home in regulation. Your approach, which is played slightly uphill, must clear the crossing creek fronting the green. The putting surface is the smallest on the course at just 24 steps deep. Three bunkers protect the promised land, which slopes from back to front. It's a wonderful finishing hole.

FINAL WORD: It comes to reason that when the PGA and LPGA Tours visits a resort for over 45 years, when celebrities and sports personalities continue to vacation year after year, then La Costa must be doing something right.

They most certainly are!

It helps when you decide not to sit on your laurels and pump in an additional $50 million, on top of the $150 million that was spent from 2002-07.

Let's open with the resort itself. Completion of the original redevelopment enabled the resort to remodel the guest rooms, villas and suites, redesign the Spa, rework the pools, slides and kids clubs and refurbish and expand the practice facility, not to mention restoring the venerable layouts to peak condition.

With over 600 rooms and suites, restaurants and cafes, seven swimming pools, water slides, a 43,000-square-foot luxurious spa, 17 tennis courts, fitness club, children's programs and, of course, two wonderful golf courses, La Costa has so much to offer.

The practice facility received a face-lift as well, enlarging the range to twice its original size, complete with putting and chipping greens, a new short-game area and two distinct winds for hitting.

The two traditionally designed layouts are beautiful, with lush conditions, sensational vistas, slick putting surfaces, well-positioned and shaped bunkers, diabolical streams and lakes and, best of all, a real challenge for even the greatest players in the world.

The first phase of the golf renovation project is complete, as the Champions Course has been transformed into a world-class venue.

Pascuzzo and Pate, along with Brauer, have brought back the character of the layout, while injecting their course design beliefs to restore the integrity of La Costa.

When originally designing the courses Wilson and Lee had almost all levels of players in mind, as they produced four sets of tees.

With the renovation, the Champions Course now boasts six sets of markers, ranging from 7,172 at the Professional level down to 4,356 for the Family.

That is one of the variances that sets La Costa apart, family.

It's not often that Mom and Dad, along with their 8- and 10-year-olds can stroll down the fairways of one of the nations most respected golf courses, having fun and enjoying life.

With the varying distances, the redesign and positioning of the bunkers, the changing contours and, of course, the water hazards that are quite intimidating, both courses make for quite a challenge.

Imagine this, the Champions course rating of 75.1 is just shy of Pine Valley's 75.2!

Next up will be the renovation of the South Course, as already four holes (1-9-10-18) have been transformed.

As mentioned before, La Costa is great for the whole family, not just the serious golfer. Golf and spa packages, not to mention the "Kidtopia Experience" family package are available. I'm sure I left out a few items, so check the website (lacosta.com) or call (800) 854-5000.

What makes La Costa even more appealing is the sensational weather. Year- round temperatures in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. Imagine this. You wake up in the middle of June and walk out of your suite to the crisp morning air. Stroll to the clubhouse through the mist of the morning air. As you play your round, the fog clears, the sun shines through and you're well on your way to having one of the best days of your life.

Ahh ... that's La Costa Resort and Spa.

Aces, pars or bogeys, send your thoughts to psokol@sportsnetwork.com.

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Karmanos Cancer Center Dedicates Dresner Family Clinic ? CBS ...

DETROIT ? The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center dedicated its new Joseph Dresner Family Clinic for Hematologic Malignancies & Stem Cell Transplantation with a ribbon-cutting celebration Thursday. It was made possible by a $2.5 million contribution from the late Joseph Dresner, who passed away earlier this year.

Dresner was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2002 and was treated by his physician Charles A. Schiffer, M.D., leader of the Malignant Hematology Multidisciplinary Team at the Karmanos Cancer Center. To show his gratitude, he made his donation in May 2010 to honor Dr. Schiffer for his world-renowned expertise in treating hematologic malignancies.

Lori Dresner, daughter of the late Joseph Dresner, recalled the special relationship her father had with Dr. Schiffer.

?From the first time my dad met Dr. Schiffer, about 10 years ago, he was so impressed; not only because of Dr. Schiffer?s expertise, but also for his warmth and genuine caring demeanor,? Lori Dresner said. ?They just seemed to connect. Shortly before my dad passed away, he was able to tour this clinic while it was under construction. Being a builder, dad could envision what the clinic would look like long before there were defined spaces. He was so weak at the time but touring this clinic gave him a spark. He couldn?t stop talking about it. He was so excited to see this take shape, knowing his gift would impact patients for years to come.?

The 15,000 square-foot Dresner Clinic opened to patients earlier this month. It brings together Karmanos? bone marrow transplant and hematology services in one centralized area to streamline the coordination of patient services, allowing patients continuity of care and the optimal patient experience. It also provides physicians and medical staff easy access to patients. Patients being seen for bone marrow and stem cell transplants, MDS, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other hematologic malignancies, are treated in the Dresner Clinic.

In addition to Lori Dresner and Dr. Schiffer, on hand for the dedication were Gerold Bepler, M.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute; Deputy Mayor Kirk Lewis, representing Detroit Mayor Dave Bing; Alan S. Schwartz, chair, Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors; and other supporters and friends.

?This is the first major renovation project at Karmanos since my tenure began, just over two years ago,? said Dr. Bepler. ?We are truly grateful to the late Joseph Dresner and his family. His generous gift will continue to enhance our patients? treatment and care at the Karmanos Cancer Center. Mr. Dresner has created a wonderful legacy for our patients now and in the future. I would also like to thank our dedicated Karmanos team. When it comes to caring for patients with cancer, nowhere is there a more compassionate and extremely qualified team than at the Karmanos Cancer Center. I?m honored to work beside you.?

Once fully operational, the Dresner Clinic will help expand Karmanos? ability to conduct future cancer research and clinical trials focusing on leukemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma and MDS. This will facilitate Karmanos researchers? ability to collect clinical data and samples for laboratory research.

?Joe Dresner participated in a number of clinical trials during his treatment here and I know that he would have been most pleased with the results of his generosity ? satisfying his goals of increasing the comfort and convenience for patients, while providing a setting to gain new knowledge that will improve outcomes for patients for generations to come,? said Dr. Schiffer. ?It was my privilege to participate in the care of this fine gentleman for many years and I am most proud to have helped in the development of this wonderful legacy to his memory.?

The Dresner Clinic has 16 examination rooms and 13 infusion rooms for hematologic malignancy and bone marrow/stem cell transplant patients; patient and physician consultation rooms; and a patient and family waiting area with a beverage station. In addition, the clinic has the Versus system, which allows staff to track patients and physicians within the clinic to assist with workflow and cut down on wait time, enhancing the patients? experience. The beautiful photographic scenes of Michigan displayed throughout the clinic were submissions from staff, faculty, family and friends.

It?s estimated that the clinic will have approximately 19,200 clinic visits per year and an additional 6,000 infusions visits per year.

Approximately 60 health care providers, including physicians, nurses, bone marrow/stem cell transplant coordinators, and oncology and ambulatory care associates, make up the Dresner Clinic staff. Employees transitioned from their previous areas at the Karmanos Cancer Center to be together in this new clinic to enhance continuity of patient care, as well as staffing needs.

Dresner also supported Karmanos prior to his gift for the Dresner Family Clinic. His overall financial contribution totaled $5 million.

Additional donors have also supported the Dresner Clinic, providing funding for artwork, infusion chairs and medical equipment.

More at www.karmanos.org.

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Friday, March 30, 2012

Free of charge Video games Computer

There are lots of people who choose a totally free gaming laptop. It is often instances another time the fact that advancement of the internet has evolved the way you attempt our everyday projects. Furthermore we make use of this medium for organization purposes like delivering and obtaining established e-mails, we utilize it for leisure purposes very. Until the internet had become favorite, a common ways of doing offers were being Bearshare by means of devoted video games consoles. Obviously, just one also acquired to ensure who else was seeing the telly while doing so. The gaming consoles employed the telly for presenting the outcome signals.

Another joining was that a maximum of 2 avid gamers could have fun with video game titles in unison within the games console. Individuals that was missing a games console could look at the gaming shops and have fun with different video game titles there. Particular this sort of video game titles helped 4 avid gamers Photoshop download every video game. Even so, every one of these rules are already drastically changed as a result of internet. It?s possible to now contend in opposition to a large number of online avid gamers while doing so. Even so, you need to be mindful when taking part in this sort of video game titles. Exclusive competitions are support every so often by this sort of on the web internet sites, along with the victor of the same can certainly earn a totally free gaming computer that may be normally offered as the Photoshop initially award.

As it has been already mentioned? you need to be diligent when taking part in. The advertisements for these particular internet sites might appear for a few just a few seconds within your gameplay and you will have to click on it. Doing so will wide open a different instance of a visitor home window using a sort. Refill exactly the same with authentic details and distribute it. If you?re sufficiently fortunate to have earned the free gaming computer, you shall be turned off with the electronic mail that can incorporate further facts.

Source: http://cmast.info/free-of-charge-video-games-computer/

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Keith Jarrett Trio: When I Fall in Love (Little green footballs)

Share With Friends: Share on FacebookTweet ThisPost to Google-BuzzSend on GmailPost to Linked-InSubscribe to This Feed | Rss To Twitter | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/210264304?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

DSK attorneys: He has immunity in maid's suit

Dominique Strauss-Kahn's lawyers tried to persuade a judge Wednesday to throw out a hotel maid's lawsuit against the former International Monetary Fund leader, arguing that he has diplomatic immunity from a civil case that stems from sexual assault allegations dropped in criminal court last year.

"Dismissal, your honor, may seem like an unfair result to some, but it's the result the law compels," said one of Strauss-Kahn's lawyers, Amit P. Mehta.

But housekeeper Nafissatou Diallo's lawyers said Strauss-Kahn was stretching the rules of immunity to shield himself.

"Strauss-Kahn doesn't have immunity, and Ms. Diallo is going to get her day in court," said one of Diallo's lawyers, Douglas H. Wigdor.

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Bronx state Supreme Court Justice Douglas McKeon didn't make an immediate decision during Wednesday's hearing, which came as Strauss-Kahn faced fresh charges in his native France amid a prostitution investigation. McKeon said he would issue a ruling "expeditiously" but didn't specify a date.

Strauss-Kahn, once a potential French presidential candidate, was charged last year with attempted rape and other crimes after his May 14 encounter with Diallo, but the criminal case was dismissed after prosecutors lost faith in her credibility.

Video: Nafissatou Diallo?gives her?first interview

Still, she vowed to have her day in court and sued Strauss-Kahn. He has called the encounter a "moral failing" but insists it wasn't violent.

Wednesday's hearing, the first in the lawsuit, dealt with complex laws that shield diplomats from prosecution and lawsuits in their host countries.

Strauss-Kahn's lawyers argued that their client is immune under a 1947 United Nations agreement that afforded the privilege to heads of "specialized agencies," including the International Monetary Fund. Although the United States didn't sign that agreement, Strauss-Kahn's attorneys say it has gained so much acceptance elsewhere that it has attained the status of what's known as "customary international law."

Strauss-Kahn was carrying a travel document at the time that said he was entitled to those immunities, his lawyers note.

McKeon vigorously questioned Strauss-Kahn's lawyers. He noted that the IMF's own organizing documents specifically don't grant its director the broad immunity Strauss-Kahn claims, and that Strauss-Kahn ? who resigned his IMF post days after his arrest ? didn't assert immunity in the criminal case.

Mehta said that was because Strauss-Kahn was trying to clear his name.

"He'd been falsely accused of something he hadn't done, and it wasn't in his interest to raise a defense that might seem purely procedural. It was in his interest to fight those charges," Mehta told McKeon before an audience that included a cadre of reporters. Neither Strauss-Kahn, 62, nor Diallo, 33, attended the hearing.

He argued that although Strauss-Kahn no longer had the IMF job when he was sued in August, he still had immunity because another international agreement gives departing diplomats a "reasonable" amount of time to leave their host countries before their immunity expires. Strauss-Kahn was sued while he was under a criminal court order to stay in the country, so he couldn't leave, his lawyer noted.

The judge asked for examples of court cases or legal writing to support that argument; Mehta said he wasn't aware of any legal writing on the issue.

Diallo's attorneys said Strauss-Kahn's argument is overreaching and misses the mark, and they echoed many of the judge's questions. Shortly after Strauss-Kahn's arrest, an IMF spokesman said Strauss-Kahn didn't have immunity because he was on personal business during his encounter with Diallo, Wigdor noted. Strauss-Kahn, often dubbed "DSK," was visiting his daughter in New York.

Story: Strauss-Kahn held in French prostitution probe

"DSK thinks he can unilaterally, himself, in his own personal capacity, assert diplomatic immunity and not be held accountable for his actions," Wigdor said.

When police pulled Strauss-Kahn from an Air France flight and arrested him, he declared he had diplomatic immunity, but he ultimately didn't push the issue amid the criminal case that eventually dissolved in August.

Since then, Strauss-Kahn has seen his sexual behavior scrutinized internationally. On Monday, he was handed preliminary charges in France alleging he was involved in a hotel prostitution ring including prominent city figures and police in Lille.

Video: DSK faces prostitution ring charges (on this page)

Investigating judges questioned him for about eight hours and gave him preliminary charges of "aggravated procurement in an organized gang." Under French law, preliminary charges mean authorities have reason to believe a crime was committed but allow more time for investigation.

A judge has barred him from speaking with media until further investigation.

His French lawyer said the married Strauss-Kahn engaged in "libertine" acts but did nothing legally wrong, and is being unfairly targeted for his extramarital sex life. He's free on bail.

After Strauss-Kahn's New York arrest, a French writer also came forward to say Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her during a 2003 interview, but Paris prosecutors said the case was too old to try.

The Associated Press generally doesn't name people who report being sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Diallo has done.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46885554/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Angry Birds Space: Should you download it?

Review: Released on Thursday, Angry Birds Space offers dazzling new physics.

The Angry Birds series has been one of the most successful mobile games to date ? and for good reason. Rovio has taken a simple gameplay approach and elevated it to an addictive medium for all kinds of players, both skillful and casual.

Skip to next paragraph

But no previously released game can prepare you for "Angry Birds Space," which sticks with the same concept, but adds more than enough new tricks to make it a must-have sequel (avaialble for Apple and Android mobile devices, Macs and PCs).

Once again, the birds are battling evil pigs as they sit in prebuilt arrangements ? this time in space. Your team includes both old favorites like the yellow speeding bird, as well as newcomers such as the ice cube-shaped homing bird that freezes enemies on contact.

What?s cool about "Angry Birds Space" is how it conceptualizes using gravity. Pigs are usually placed on planets that have a gravitational pull. You?ll need to adjust trajectory to compensate. Once you do, though, you?ll be surprised with the results. Rovio includes plenty of ingenious designs here, including ones that take advantage of outside debris, such as mines and asteroids.

But that doesn?t mean the game?s gone off the deep end with presentation. This is still an Angry Birds game through and through, with cute little animations, sharp images and a great spacey soundtrack that makes you feel as if you?re on the far reaches of the universe.

Along with?accessing plenty of inspired free levels (some paying homage to classic video games like 'Breakout' and 'Super Mario Bros.'), you can also unlock 60 additional levels for a dollar more ? not a bad price for filling your Birds fix. While they may be challenging at first, there?s always a solution available, either by figuring out the best one or using an Eagle Tin to get through it. These are provided throughout the game, and you can buy extras for just a buck more through an in-app purchase.

While some may feel that the Angry Birds series has overstayed its welcome (especially with stuffed animals and fruit snacks on shelves), Rovio still has the magic touch when it comes to designing a game around them. "Angry Birds Space" is one of their most engaging affairs to date, filled with dazzling new physics and plenty of challenges you?ll be trying to three-star throughout the night and well into the next morning. It?s intergalactically awesome.

RATING 4/ 4

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/P6MPuhdbiR0/Angry-Birds-Space-Should-you-download-it

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Strauss-Kahn's French lawyers: Lust isn't a crime

Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, partially visible at center, leaves a court after being questioned in a probe into a suspected prostitution ring in Lille, northern France, Monday, March 26, 2012. Investigating judges are deciding whether to file preliminary charges against him. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, partially visible at center, leaves a court after being questioned in a probe into a suspected prostitution ring in Lille, northern France, Monday, March 26, 2012. Investigating judges are deciding whether to file preliminary charges against him. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, center, leaves a court after being questioned in a probe into a suspected prostitution ring in Lille, northern France, Monday, March 26, 2012. Investigating judges are deciding whether to file preliminary charges against him. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

(AP) ? Lawyers defending Dominique Strauss-Kahn against allegations he was involved in a French prostitution ring say he is being unfairly targeted for his active extramarital sex life and committed no crime.

They are also protesting a judge's order barring the former International Monetary Fund chief from talking to the media pending further investigation.

Strauss-Kahn, a former French presidential hopeful, was handed preliminary charges Monday alleging he was involved in a hotel prostitution ring in France.

Lawyer Henri Leclerc said Tuesday that Strauss-Kahn didn't know he was having sex with prostitutes, and that he's certain the case against Strauss-Kahn will crumble.

A New York court is holding a hearing Wednesday in a civil case in which a hotel maid accuses Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-03-27-EU-France-Strauss-Kahn/id-0d6ec95f2c6e48bd81ef57499592019f

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Monday, March 26, 2012

Debt | Debt Rating Cut Likely At GE Affiliate | Freedom Debt Relief

March 25, 2012 ? 6:20 am

General Electric?s financial unit may receive a debt rating from Moody?s Investors Services lower than the parent company?s for the first time in at least two decades because of higher risk.

The Aa2 grades of GE and General Electric Capital are both on review for possible downgrade and may ?no longer be equalized,? Moody?s said. GE, based in Fairfield, Conn., with operations in Fort Wayne, said a shift in Moody?s methodology, not the company?s creditworthiness, drove the move.

?It?s Moody?s deciding to change the rules of the game,? said Joel Levington, head of corporate credit at Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in New York. ?There?s not a lot as a company they can do about that.?

The Moody?s review is getting under way even as GE works to diversify funding at the finance unit by reducing borrowing in unsecured debt markets and seeking alternative sources of capital. Levington said he expects the review to have little or no effect on GE Capital?s debt prices.

Tags: Debt

Source: http://freedom-debtrelief.org/debt-debt-rating-cut-likely-at-ge-affiliate/

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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Tough start to swan song

Chipper Jones? final season isn?t getting off to the most promising start.

According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Jones will undergo arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Interestingly, Bowman hears that the 39-year-old third baseman suffered the injury running in the outfield Thursday just before he announced his intention to retire following the 2012 season.

Jones had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee last year and only missed around three weeks, so the hope is that he?ll be ready for the home opener against the Brewers on April 13.

Martin Prado is likely to fill in at third base during his absence while Eric Hinske and Matt Diaz figure to share playing time in left field.

Source: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/24/chipper-jones-needs-surgery-to-repair-a-torn-meniscus-in-his-left-knee/related/

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Step by Step Guide to Paddington Tube Station in London

Guide to Paddington Tube Station in London

Paddington station is a London Underground complex and also a railway terminus that is located in central London. This station has a long history, which can be envisioned from the fact that it was not just the last stop of Great Western Railway in London, but its successor too since 1838. Therefore, Paddington station still has several things that date from 1854, even though the complex was recently renovated. As a result of that modernization, numerous new facilities were installed on the station. So now it has amenities like escalators, gates, payphone, help points and waiting rooms as well. Plus Paddington station has the additional role of London terminal due to that last modernization. The new terminal is solely devoted for the Heathrow Express airport service. Due to these expansions, at present, Paddington station is serving a huge number of passengers on everyday basis. For the convenience of these passengers, five various points were made in order to enter and exit from this historical complex without facing any trouble.

Source: http://london.stepbystep.com/guide-to-paddington-tube-station-in-london-13105/

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Friday, March 23, 2012

Larson, Vikings shut down Ballard | Prep baseball, tennis roundup

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Inglemoor's Danny Larson was nearly perfect against Ballard on Thursday night at home, allowing just one Beaver hit in a 9-0 4A Kingco shutout.

Larson went the distance in the win, striking out two along the way while walking none.

Offensively, Tyler Beahan and Josh Seefeld both had multi-hit games for the Vikings, who improved to 1-1 in league play and 2-1 overall.

?

Bothell baseball struggles against Woodinville

The defending 4A champion Cougars couldn't find the answer against Woodinville ace Spencer Greer last night on the Falcon's home turf, falling 7-1 in a league game.

The Falcons put up a four-spot in the first inning, with the Cougars scoring their lone run in the fourth inning off Greer, who struck out six and walked none.

Offensively, Rex Carlin led the Cougars going 2-for-3.

Bothell fell to 0-2 in 4A Kingco play and 1-4 overall with the loss.

?

Cougars' tennis falls to Redmond

The Bothell girls' tennis team lost a 4A Kingco match to Redmond on Thursday, winning just one match in singles and doubles action.

Highlights for the Cougars included Erica Takano beating Sophia Xu 6-4, 6-1 in the No. 2 singles match, and No. 3 doubles Lauren Weldy and Amanda Ernster winning over Amanda Lin and Celine Dejong 6-4, 6-3.

Source: http://feeds.soundpublishing.com/~r/northkingsports/~3/0qjMdFzKMhQ/144014836.html

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Some Important Points to be able to Learn About Insolvency and ...

Posted on March 22nd, 2012

Insolvency services can be an failure to cover one?s debt. The organization in which fails to cover its an will be said to be an insolvent. This phrase is usually combined with business. Business financial distress will be regarding 2 types- 11Cash flow insolvency- the company can?t pay out debt, because they tumble due. 12Balance sheet insolvency- with this case, the company possess damaging net assets. Their liabilities go beyond their assets. It happens, whenever a organization holds extended debt.

If you might be operating several business, you need to be mindful if your small business is going through any kind of financial problems. Before this gets into the understanding regarding insolvency, you need to contact several financial distress practitioner.

Signs regarding insolvency

You must maintain any check into a number of the essential matters from the company, before you go insolvent. Check in case your property are lower than your liabilities or can you pay back your debt, should they tumble due? If both from the tests will go negative, you are able to move financially troubled sooner. It will not means you could forget about make it through within the clutches regarding insolvency services, but instead, you are able to take the the aid of several financially troubled specialist before you decide to actually obtain entrap.

Some further signs to check financial distress of one?s organization are:-

13Are a person possessing changed cheques by the bank? 14Have a person changed vendors for your new traces regarding credit? 15Are happened able to make your tax as well as other tax obligations in time? 16Are a person continuously in the roof of one?s overdraft? 17Are a person personally getting some cash from the pants pocket frequently to maintain your company floating?

Operations done through financial distress companies or agency

Insolvency companies in group regarding financially troubled practitioner, which would be the licensed brokers to guide organizations in the verge regarding insolvency. They can give you expert consultancy to get over in the event of difficulties with their knowledge, knowledge as well as skills. Some frequent operations done through financial distress companies are since follows:- 18Acts since liquidator, exactly where there isn?t any visit of private field financial distress practitioner. 19Administer as well as investigates personal bankruptcy circumstance regarding companies. 20Takes the lawful action in the event of sending personal bankruptcy reports as well as director?s misconduct. 21Deals along with personal bankruptcy restrictions orders as well as undertakings. 22Deals along with disqualification regarding not fit directors in companies. 23 Act since supervisor or nominee in steps for success voluntary arrangements. 24Assess as well as pay out governmental entitlement in order to redundancy payment. 25Regulates financial distress profession. 26Offering financial as well as purchase companies for personal bankruptcy as well as liquidation estate funds. 27Advises BERR ministers as well as governments organizations about insolvency services related issues. 28Provides details in order to open public about redundancy as well as financial distress matters.

Thus, all since items can assist you to get over in the event of in a prepared manner.


Source: http://growingsound.org/finance/some-important-points-to-be-able-to-learn-about-insolvency-and-also-insolvency-services

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Why spring is blooming marvelous (and climate change makes it earlier)

Why spring is blooming marvelous (and climate change makes it earlier) [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 21-Mar-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Zoe Dunford
zoe.dunford@nbi.ac.uk
44-160-325-5111
Norwich BioScience Institutes

With buds bursting early, only for a mild winter to turn Arctic and wipe them out, we are witnessing how warm weather can trigger flowering, even out of season, and how important it is for plants to blossom at the right time of year.

BBSRC-funded scientists have unpicked why temperature has such a powerful affect on how plants flower. In research to be published in the journal Nature, scientists from the John Innes Centre on the Norwich Research Park have identified the switch that accelerates flowering time in response to temperature.

With warm air, a control gene, called PIF4, activates the flowering pathway, but at lower temperatures the gene is unable to act.

"What is striking is that temperature alone is able to exert such specific and precise control on the activity of PIF4," said Dr Phil Wigge, the lead scientist in the study.

Previously, it has been shown that PIF4 is vital for controlling other aspects of plant responses to warmth, for example growth, but this is the first time that the gene has been shown to be necessary for the activation of flowering by temperature.

Flowering is activated by a special molecule, called Florigen. Florigen is activated by many signals, including the longer days of spring. Some plants rely more on temperature, others more on daylength to control key stages in their life cycle such as leaf emergence and flowering. This is reflected in the old saying "Ash before Oak, you're in for a soak; Oak before Ash, you're in for a splash."

While the pathway that activates florigen in response to daylength has been known for many years, how temperature activates Florigen has been a mystery until now.

At lower temperatures, plants do still flower eventually but via other pathways. Any acceleration triggered by PIF4 is lost as it does not bind to and switch on the Florigen gene. As temperatures increase, PIF4 is able to bind the Florigen gene and trigger flowering.

"Our findings explain at the molecular level what we observe in our gardens as the warmer temperatures of spring arrive," said Wigge.

"It also explains why plants are flowering earlier as a result of climate change."

Wigge and colleagues hope their research will eventually allow temperature-resilient crops to be developed. Crops plants often respond very strongly to warmer temperatures, reducing yields. By understanding at the molecular levels how plants sense temperature, the team hopes to breed crops which are more resilient to climate change.

"Knowing the key players in the temperature response pathways will be a valuable tool for safeguarding food security in an era of climate change," said Wigge.

With all seven of the warmest years on record in the UK having occurred in the past decade, the race is on to help crops cope with the effects of higher temperatures caused by climate change.

###

The John Innes Centre is strategically funded by the BBSRC.

Reference:

Transcription factor PIF4 controls the thermosensory activation of flowering, Nature doi:10.1038/nature10928


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Why spring is blooming marvelous (and climate change makes it earlier) [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 21-Mar-2012
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Contact: Zoe Dunford
zoe.dunford@nbi.ac.uk
44-160-325-5111
Norwich BioScience Institutes

With buds bursting early, only for a mild winter to turn Arctic and wipe them out, we are witnessing how warm weather can trigger flowering, even out of season, and how important it is for plants to blossom at the right time of year.

BBSRC-funded scientists have unpicked why temperature has such a powerful affect on how plants flower. In research to be published in the journal Nature, scientists from the John Innes Centre on the Norwich Research Park have identified the switch that accelerates flowering time in response to temperature.

With warm air, a control gene, called PIF4, activates the flowering pathway, but at lower temperatures the gene is unable to act.

"What is striking is that temperature alone is able to exert such specific and precise control on the activity of PIF4," said Dr Phil Wigge, the lead scientist in the study.

Previously, it has been shown that PIF4 is vital for controlling other aspects of plant responses to warmth, for example growth, but this is the first time that the gene has been shown to be necessary for the activation of flowering by temperature.

Flowering is activated by a special molecule, called Florigen. Florigen is activated by many signals, including the longer days of spring. Some plants rely more on temperature, others more on daylength to control key stages in their life cycle such as leaf emergence and flowering. This is reflected in the old saying "Ash before Oak, you're in for a soak; Oak before Ash, you're in for a splash."

While the pathway that activates florigen in response to daylength has been known for many years, how temperature activates Florigen has been a mystery until now.

At lower temperatures, plants do still flower eventually but via other pathways. Any acceleration triggered by PIF4 is lost as it does not bind to and switch on the Florigen gene. As temperatures increase, PIF4 is able to bind the Florigen gene and trigger flowering.

"Our findings explain at the molecular level what we observe in our gardens as the warmer temperatures of spring arrive," said Wigge.

"It also explains why plants are flowering earlier as a result of climate change."

Wigge and colleagues hope their research will eventually allow temperature-resilient crops to be developed. Crops plants often respond very strongly to warmer temperatures, reducing yields. By understanding at the molecular levels how plants sense temperature, the team hopes to breed crops which are more resilient to climate change.

"Knowing the key players in the temperature response pathways will be a valuable tool for safeguarding food security in an era of climate change," said Wigge.

With all seven of the warmest years on record in the UK having occurred in the past decade, the race is on to help crops cope with the effects of higher temperatures caused by climate change.

###

The John Innes Centre is strategically funded by the BBSRC.

Reference:

Transcription factor PIF4 controls the thermosensory activation of flowering, Nature doi:10.1038/nature10928


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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/nbi-wsi032012.php

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Supreme Court Brief on SB 1070: Arizona ... - Immigration Impact

When Arizona Governor Jan Brewer wagged her finger in President Obama?s face at a Phoenix airport earlier this year, she may have been seeking to score political points with the White House?s ideological opponents. What the governor may not have realized, however, is that she was giving the Obama administration the photographic equivalent of its closing argument in the legal challenge to SB 1070?namely, that Arizona is more interested in confronting the federal government than cooperating with it.

Filed approximately one month before oral arguments on April 25, the administration?s brief powerfully argues that SB 1070 represents a simple disagreement with federal immigration policy, not a good faith attempt to assist federal immigration authorities. As the brief bluntly puts it, ?Arizona?s attempt to set its own policy for enforcement of federal immigration law is not cooperation; it is confrontation.? The brief said that while the federal government welcomes ?genuine cooperation? from the local authorities, measures like SB 1070 create irreconcilable conflicts with federal immigration enforcement. For example:

  • By requiring state and local officers to investigate the immigration status of all stopped persons where ?reasonable suspicion? exists that they are in the country unlawfully, SB 1070 may result in prolonged detention of both U.S.citizens and immigrants with federal permission to be or remain in theUnited States.
  • Even though federal law does not make unlawful presence a criminal offense, undocumented immigrants may be imprisoned under SB 1070 for failing to carry ?registration? papers from the federal government.
  • While Congress deliberately decided to impose only civil penalties (i.e. deportation) on foreign visitors who work without authorization, SB 1070 permits such immigrants to be imprisoned for up to six months simply for soliciting work.
  • By allowing law enforcement agents to unilaterally arrest persons convicted of ?removable? offenses, SB 1070 will allow local police to harass or punish legal immigrants and other individuals with federal permission to remain in the country.

In addition to citing SB 1070?s numerous conflicts with federal immigration law, the administration?s brief also refuted the contention in Arizona?s brief that it should have greater leeway to create its own immigration policies by virtue of its status as a border state. In a clever legal tactic aimed at conservatives like Justice Antonin Scalia, the government cited an argument in one of the Federalist Papers?articles written by the Framers in defense of the Constitution?that the federal government should have exclusive power over international affairs precisely because states along the border would otherwise be free to incite conflicts with other nations.

While states may be justifiably frustrated with Congress? failure to reform the immigration laws, the administration?s brief makes clear why they should not be free to create their own immigration policies. No matter their intentions, state politicians like Governor Brewer are powerless to solve the underlying problems of our immigration predicament?problems that only Congress can solve. Even if passed in the name of ?cooperation,? laws like SB 1070 only add an additional layer of dysfunction to a system that is already broken.

Photo by?Mesut Dogan.

Source: http://immigrationimpact.com/2012/03/20/supreme-court-brief-on-sb-1070-arizona-seeking-confrontation-not-cooperation/

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