Travel Calendar

Long Beach – The LA Travel and Adventure Show – the West’s biggest consumer travel expo – kicks off tomorrow in Long Beach.

The show features more than 400 exhibitors and travel experts presenting informative seminars.

On Friday, Lauren Sivan got a preview of the expo… and tried out the “bubble rollers.”

Check out the GDLA video report in the media player.

LA Travel and Adventure Show
www.latravelshow.com

Imagine doing something you never thought you could do. Imagine taking on a challenge you always thought was going to be too difficult. Now, imagine success.

For two young women traveling across America on bicycles, success has become a way of life. Rachel Wiederhoeft, originally from Wisconsin, and Jessica Barnthouse, originally from Tennessee, met in Boston, Mass., as they were both working as film makers.

They thought a lot about the journey of woman kind and the struggles each woman has had to work to overcome, and they came up with an idea to travel across the continent. Along the way, they would talk to women who had overcome obstacles or pushed the envelope, and they would transfer the interviews onto film for a documentary.

Their most recent stop was in Gonzales, La., where both women stayed with Wiederhoeft’s cousin.

“We started in Madison, Wisconsin,” said Wiederhoeft. “We went into Georgia, and now along the Gulf Coast, with our final destination being California.”

These young women with a plan have had to make sacrifices along the way. They’ve roughed it by sleeping outdoors and have been exhausted on numerous occasions, but the trip with a purpose has true meaning to both of them.

“Along the way, we’ve interviewed women who have overcome challenges,” said Barnthouse. “People told us we couldn’t do this trip, and it only made us want to do it more, and to share the stories of other women.”

The two women run a company called Against The Grind where they show their work in the world of filmmaking, and this trip is the latest in a number of stories they wish to share.

“Our first interview was with a woman in Atlanta (Ga.) who didn’t think she was anything special; she didn’t think she had anything to say that was important,” said Wiederhoeft. “Then she starts telling us how she overcame bulimia and is teaching her daughters the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. Now that’s important.”

Neither woman began this journey having trained for it. In fact, both are quick to point out that they don’t come from athletic backgrounds. They did, though, feel that to do it was a calling, and one that would be forever important to them.

As Wiederhoeft puts it, “This journey has allowed us to get these perfect, inspirational snapshots of what it’s like to be a woman in America.”

Apart from meeting so many fascinating people along the way, both women have been amazed at how their perception of America and her people have changed.

“We’re brought up to be kind of mistrustful,” said Wiederhoeft. “This trip has taught us otherwise. People have been so kind to us.”

Barnthouse agrees, “If I can pass along anything from this trip, it’s to teach Americans that we’re a really nice people as a whole. Trust your neighbors more, because not everyone is after something. People have offered us help along the way just because they wanted to, and they haven’t expected anything in return.”

“It used to seem so foreign for someone to stop and care or show compassion,” said Wiederhoeft. “It doesn’t seem so foreign anymore.”

Both women are proud of what they have achieved so far along their journey, and they urge the rest of America to take notice and look towards something each individual person can do.

“America is this really great country, and we forget that,” said Wiederhoeft. “There’s something a little sad about just staying in your own community when there is so much else to see.”

“Americans, and especially women, need to give themselves more credit,” Barnthouse said. “Women should think about doing something that scares them, whatever that may be. It really isn’t as hard as they think it’s going to be.”

For more information about Against the Grind, visit againstthegrind.com.

Freshman DeShon Minnis has averaged 2.8 assists over the last five games.

Jan. 13, 2012

GAMEDAY CENTRAL

Texas Tech Notes  | Texas AM Notes | Live Stats

THE OPENING TIP
• Texas Tech is coming off of a 81-46 loss to No. 10 Kansas at United Spirit Arena.
• Texas AM returns home after falling to Texas, 61-51, in Austin on Wednesday.
• Today’s game is on the Big 12 Network. Dave Anderson (Play-by-Play) and Reid Gettys (Analyst) are on the call.
• Texas Tech head coach Billy Gillispie will be making his first appearance in College Station as the visiting team head coach, since serving as the Texas AM head coach from 2004-07.

TEXAS TECH-TEXAS AM SERIES
• This is the 124th meeting between the Aggies and the Red Raiders. The two first met on Dec. 17, 1941, 10 days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor with Tech prevailing in College Station, 48-36, in the first meeting. Texas Tech leads the all-time series, 62-61.
• Texas AM holds the series advantage in College Station, 34-21.
• Since the Big 12 was formed, Texas AM holds the edge, 17-15.

ABOUT TEXAS AM
• Texas AM is coached by first-year head coach Billy Kennedy, who spent the last five years at Murray State.
• The Aggies are led by Khris Middleton (13.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg) and Elston Turner (13.3 ppg and 3.3 rpg). Ray Turner adds 10.6 points and a team-best 6.3 rebounds.
• Texas AM’s five starters account for 77 percent of the Aggie offense and 67 percent of the team’s minutes played.
• Texas AM has won 41 of its last 46 home games, including 16 of its last 20 in Big 12 play … the Aggies are 54-7 at home since the start of the 2008-09 season with an 19-6 mark in conference games.

FROM THE START
Last time out against Kansas, the starting lineup was Terran Petteway, Ty Nurse, Javarez Willis, Robert Lewandowski and Jordan Tolbert. This is the second time this season this lineup has been used and one of eight different starting lineups used this season.

A STRUGGLE AT HOME
Texas Tech’s loss to No. 10/10 Kansas on Wednesday ranks as the largest home loss, in terms of deficit, in program history. The Red Raiders lost by 35 points to Kansas (81-46), eclipsing the previously largest home loss set on Feb. 28, 1998, when Texas Tech fell to Oklahoma (89-56) by 33 points at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum. It also eclipses the largest loss at the United Spirit Arena, which happened last year against Texas when the Red Raiders fell to the Longhorns (83-52) by 31 points. The largest loss in any game came at Kansas on March 3, 2008, when the Jayhawks toppled the Red Raiders, 109-51.

GILLISPIE RETURNS TO AM
Texas Tech head coach Billy Gillispie is in his first year on the High Plains, but he is no stranger to the Big 12 Conference. Gillispie served as the head coach at Texas AM from 2004-07, leading the Aggies to a 70-26 record and three postseason appearances during that span. This will mark the first time that Gillispie has coached against a former team at the collegiate level. He has also served as head coach at UTEP (2002-04) and Kentucky (2007-09).

TOLBERT 4TH AMONG BIG SIX FRESHMEN
Jordan Tolbert is just a freshman, but his play has definitely not been that of a first-year player. The 6-7 Tolbert is fourth in the nation in scoring among freshmen competing in the nation’s six power conferences. Washington’s Tony Wroten leads players from these leagues with 16.5 points  per game, followed by St. John’s D’Angelo Harrison (16.0) and Moe Harkless (15.3), while Tolbert is tied for fourth with Arkansas’ B.J. Young at 14.8 an outing. Tolbert has seen his scoring average steadily climb as the season has progressed from 8.0 points per game to its current 14.1 points a game. He ranks 11th among freshmen in the six power conferences in rebounding at 6.1 boards per game. According to the Hollinger Efficiency Ratings, Tolbert ranks fourth in the Big 12 and 46th nationally in player efficiency.

WILLIS STEPS UP PLAY
Javarez “Bean” Willis is one of three returning players from last year’s squad who has started all 15 games this season. Willis is third on the squad in scoring (9.3), leads in assists (33) and second in 3-point field goal percentage (.339) and free throw percentage (.865). He has recorded nine or more points 10 times this season and had a season high 16 against Cal State-Bakersfield thanks in large part to a season-high four 3-pointers. Willis followed up that outing with a team-best 15 points against Southeastern Louisiana and another 11 against Oklahoma State. He has also dished out at least two assists in 10 of 14 games this season, while distributing four assists or more four times. Willis has connected on 25 straight free throws, including 8-of-8 against Southeastern Louisiana.

TOLBERT’S RACKING 20s
Jordan Tolbert leads the team in points (14.1), rebounds (6.1), field goal percentage (.611), field goal attempts (131) and makes (80) and he ranks fourth on the team in free throw percentage (.729). The 6-7 freshman is ninth in the Big 12 Conference scoring and 10th in rebounds and ranks second in field goal percentage. He is the leading freshman scorer in the league and is second in rebounding. Tolbert has scored in double figures nine times this season, including a season-high 27 twice — once at TCU on Dec. 6 and once against CSU-Bakersfield on Dec. 27. It was the most by a Tech freshman since John Roberson went for 28 against Northwestern State on Dec. 29, 2007. It is the second highest scoring mark by a Red Raider freshman in the Big 12 Era. He also netted 20 points against Indiana State at the Old Spice Classic, 22 against Grambling State and 21 against Oral Roberts. Tolbert has pulled down five rebounds in 11 of 13 games this season and had a his first double-double at Oklahoma State with 13 points and 13 rebounds. He has recorded five 20-point games as a freshman, which has only been recorded one other time in the last 20 years at Texas Tech by a freshman. He also did it four times in a row, which was last done by Jarrius Jackson in November, 2006. He ranks 10th nationally in field goal percentage, and second among freshmen in the NCAA.

TOLBERT WINS WEEKLY HONOR
Texas Tech’s Jordan Tolbert was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Conference Rookie of the Week for the week of Dec. 26-Jan. 1, in voting by a panel of media covering the Conference. Tolbert continued his strong play as the Red Raiders notched wins over Cal State Bakersfield (74-58) and Southeastern Louisiana (62-54). The freshman averaged 19.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 78.9 percent (15-of-19) from the field. He was also 8-of-13 (.615) from the line, adding two assists, two blocks and three steals. He tied a career-best versus CSU-Bakersfield with 27 points, which was his fourth consecutive 20-point outing and fifth this year. Tolbert leads all Big 12 freshman in scoring (15.4 ppg) and field goal percentage (.652) while ranking second in rebounding (6.1 rpg). The scoring mark is fifth in the league overall, while his shooting percentage places him second. Tolbert is the first Red Raider to win a Big 12 honor since Mike Singletary earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors on Jan. 31 of last year. He is the first Texas Tech player to win Rookie of the Week since David Tairu won the honor on Nov. 16, 2009.

PLAYING 11 AGAINST KANSAS
For the second time this season, the Red Raiders saw 11 players enter the lineup. On 10 occasions, 10 players saw action in a game and three times nine players played. Eight of the 11 players scored against Kansas.

NURSE ONE OF NATION’S BEST FROM LINE
Ty Nurse has the ability to be an offensive threat each time he steps on the floor. He has led the team is scoring three times this season and scored in double figures on seven occasions. Nurse had a remarkable debut, chipping in 29 points. He has scored in 12 of 14 games this season. Nurse is second on the team in scoring at 9.9 points per game, while chipping in 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He is an 91.5 percent foul shooter, connecting on 43 of 47 from the charity strip this season. He has converted 21 straight free throws for the Red Raiders. He currently ranks eighth nationally in free thrown shooting at 91.5 percent. Texas Tech is 7-5 when Nurse plays at least 22 minutes.

CROCKETT’S UTILITY ROLE
Jaye Crockett has become the key cog off the bench for the Red Raiders this season, but has also earned a pair of starts. After sitting out the opener, Crockett has averaged 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds over the next 14 games. In three Big 12 games, the sophomore has averaged 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. He has had five double-digit scoring games – Stephen F. Austin (13), Texas AM-Corpus Christi (12), Southeastern Louisiana (10), Oklahoma State (11) and Baylor (11) – and recorded five rebounds in seven games this season, including nine against North Texas, Texas AM-Corpus Christi and Southeastern Louisiana. In the Corpus Christi game, Crockett led the team in points, rebounds and assists off the bench. He leads the team in blocks (11) and is second on the team in rebounding and fourth on the team in assists (1.3).

BOTH ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM
The Red Raiders rank 49th in the nation in field goal percentage (47.2 percent), but did you know that Texas Tech ranks 339th in shot attempts (48.1 attempts per game)? The Red Raiders are making on average 22.7 field goals per game, which ranks 255th out of the 345 schools in the NCAA Division I. The Red Raiders rank fourth in the Big 12 Conference in field goal percentage, 10th in shot attempts and ninth in shots made.

SHOOTING FOR AVERAGE
Texas Tech is fourth in the Big 12 Conference in field goal percentage through 15 games, as the Red Raiders have hit on 47.2 percent of its shots from the field. The Red Raiders are 49th nationally in field goal percentage this season. Tech has hit 60 percent or better in a game three times this season — Troy (61.1 percent), Stephen F. Austin (62.9 percent) and CSU-Bakersfield (60.0 percent). When Texas Tech shot 61.1 percent from the field (33 of 54) against Troy in the opener, it eclipsed the highest percentage of any game last season. The highest percentage last season was 58.8 percent (30-of-51) against Delaware State on Jan. 4. Two games later against Stephen F. Austin, the Red Raiders connected on their first six shots of the game to take a 15-5 lead. Texas Tech connected on 14 of 17 shots from the field in the first half (82.4 percent) and hit four of five 3-pointers (80 percent). The Red Raiders finished the game hitting 62.9 percent from the field. It is the best shooting performance by Tech in the last three years, eclipsing the 62.1 percent the Red Raiders shot against Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 22, 2008. The Red Raiders added their third 60 percent shooting performance against Cal State-Bakersfield, as Texas Tech connected on 24 of 40 shots, including 7-of-14 from 3-point range. In all, the Red Raiders have shot better than 50 percent in five of 14 games this season. Only six teams in the nation shoot 50 percent or better from the field.

LEWANDOWSKI CLOSES IN ON 400
Senior Robert Lewandowski has been a steady stalwart for the Red Raiders for the last four years. As he enters the game against Texas AM, it will be his 110th career game and possibly his 63rd career start. The 6-10 native of Kansas needs just four rebounds to reach 400 for his career. He also has 84 career blocks, which rank eighth all-time at Texas Tech. This season, Lewandowski is averaging 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. He has scored eight or more points in six of his last eight games and has had seven outings of five rebounds or more this season. Lewandowski also recorded his first career 3-pointer in just his third career attempt against Southeastern Louisiana. The 6-10 Lewandowski has played in 109 career games. It was 61 games between his first 3-point attempt against UTEP on Jan. 3, 2010 and his first career make against Southeastern Louisiana.

ADAMS EXTENDS 3-POINT STREAK
Texas Tech extended its streak of consecutive games with a 3-pointer to 30, when Luke Adams hit a trey with 3:21 to play in the game. Prior to that shot, Texas Tech had been 0-of-9 from 3-point range. The last time The Red Raiders did not connect from the 3-point line was against Texas (0-11) one year ago today, Jan. 11, 2011.

LUKE STEPS UP IN A BIG WAY
Walk-on Luke Adams stepped onto the court against Grambling State not only playing in his second career game, but making his first career start. The freshman from Big Spring, Texas, who is legally deaf, connected on his first four shots of the game (all 3s) to spark a 27-2 Texas Tech run against the Tigers. He earned his second career start at Oral Roberts, chipping in with four points and four assists. In six games, the 5-9 walk-on has averaged 3.6 points, 1.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 82 total minutes of play.

UP AND DOWN FROM THREE
The three seemed almost nonexistent against Kansas. Prior to the game, Texas Tech has hit 15 of 42 treys over the last three games (35.7 percent). Here is a look at how the Red Raiders have fared this season — 43% (Troy), 18.2% (North Texas), 54.5% (Stephen F. Austin), 22.2% (Indiana State), 50% (DePaul), 30% (Wake Forest), 44.4% (Texas AM-CC), 25% (TCU), 42.1% (Grambling State), 14.3% (Oral Roberts), 50% (Bakersfield), 40% (SE Louisiana), 31.3% (OSU), 37.5% (Baylor) and 9.1% (Kansas). For the season, the Red Raiders are 66 of 180 from beyond the arc (36.7 percent). Ty Nurse leads the way, hitting on 22 of 58 attempts (37.9 percent) from 3-point range.

MEMORABLE DEBUT
Ty Nurse’s 29 points against Troy is the most by a Red Raider since Mike Singletary had 33 against Iowa State on Jan. 26 last season. It is also the most points in a season opener by a Texas Tech player since Curtis Marshall had 30 against UNC-Ashville in 2004 and Andy Ellis had 30 against Indiana in 1999. It is also the most points in a newcomer debut in the Red Raider Big 12 Era.

NATIONAL RANKINGS
Texas Tech ranks 49th nationally in field goal percentage (47.2), 82nd in 3-point percentage (36.7), 46th in field goal percentage defense (40.1), 111th in 3-point field goal percentage defense (33.2) and 75th in free throw percentage (71.7). Jordan Tolbert ranks 33rd in field goal percentage (61.1) 206th in scoring (14.1) and 248th in rebounding (6.1). Ty Nurse ranks eighth in free throw percentage (91.5).

FROM THE LINE
Texas Tech shot 92 percent from the free throw line (23 of 25) against North Texas. It is the highest output since connecting on 23 of 24 last season against TCU (95.8 percent). The Red Raiders connected on nine consecutive free throws over the final 3:04 to secure the victory.  For the season, Texas Tech is 218 of 305 from the line (71.5 percent).

FROM THE FIELD
Texas Tech has now out-shot its opponent from the field in 12 of 14 games this season. In the last outing, Texas Tech was a mere 39.6 percent from the field (19-48), giving way to Baylor’s 48.9 percent (23-47). DePaul is the other team to out-shoot the Red Raiders this season. The Blue Demons hit 46.6 percent from the field, while the Red Raiders connected on just 42.3 percent from the field. The lowest shooting performances of the season have come against Oklahoma State and Baylor with identical 19-of-48 performances (39.6 percent).

HITTING FOR 20
Since Texas Tech joined the Big 12 Conference at the beginning of the 1996-97 season, there have been 39 Red Raider players scored 20 points in a game at least once. In that group, 25 have performed the feat twice. The school’s all-time leading scorer, Andre Emmett did it 55 times. In all, five of the school’s top seven scorers have played in what we call the Big 12 Era. Here is a complete list of the 39 Red Raiders, who have compiled 372 20-point games at Texas Tech. Red Raider freshman Jordan Tolbert is the newest member with five 20-point games this season. He had 20 against Indiana State, added 27 against TCU, netted 22 against Grambling State, added 21 against Oral Roberts and 27 against CSU-Bakersfield. His 27 at TCU are the most by a Red Raider freshman on the road in the Big 12 Era, but John Roberson holds the freshman record with 28 against Northwestern State in 2007. Tolbert is one of 10 freshman to record a 20-point game at Texas Tech, but joins just Roberson (7) as Red Raiders who have done it at least five times. Red Raider Ty Nurse also joined the list this year, when he went for 29 points against Troy in the season opener. Tolbert and Nurse are the Red Raiders’ top two scorers this season.

CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ – As the year kicks off, a new online travel magazine is offering travelers to Central America and beyond a unique resource for insider advice, inspiring true stories, and stunning photography. The Ambler encompasses the best of travel guidebooks, personal travel blogs, and traveler reviews while offering members of the travel community a forum for conversation.

Amble Resorts’ travel blog began in 2008 as an in-house conversation covering trends in sustainability, applications for green technology at the company’s flagship eco-development project on Isla Palenque, and the natural, historical and cultural attractions of Panama.

Last fall, after three years of growth, Amble Resorts re-launched The Ambler as an innovative new online resource for travelers. Featuring an impressive catalogue of informative articles and firsthand storytelling from up-and-coming travel writers, The Ambler is bridging the gap between traditional travel publications and online forums. Another distinguishing aspect of The Ambler is its commitment to encouraging others to pursue truly immersive experiences, while respecting the natural and cultural attractions of their destinations.

The environmentally conscious and culturally sensitive perspective found on The Ambler is also pioneering advocacy for tourism in emerging markets with information on off-the-beaten path destinations for which reliable information is currently lacking. Specific destination coverage on The Ambler currently focuses on Belize and Panama, filling a gap left by National Geographic and other established travel resources. Thanks to The Ambler’s dedicated team of contributors and travel insiders, visitors to these regions in general and Amble’s luxury eco-resorts in particular stand to be better-informed than ever before in their pursuit of meaningful travel. “Emerging markets are frequently neglected by mainstream travel sites,” says Benjamin Loomis, Founder and President of Amble Resorts. “With The Ambler, we’re creating a resource that offers comprehensive, thorough, insider information on these often overlooked regions. We hope to instill in travelers an appreciation for the natural and cultural significance of these emerging travel destinations.”

The unique melange of travel stories, informative articles, tips from industry professionals, and stunning travel photography creates an online experience as immersive as the travel experiences Amble Resorts hopes to provide through its eco-resorts and sustainable vacation home communities. With a commitment to sustainable development practices and cultural awareness, Amble Resorts seeks to create life-changing experiences that allow travelers deeper connection to the earth, other peoples, and each other. Each boutique resort and vacation home celebrates the spectacular natural beauty, authentic culture, and unique spirit of its individual location.

The Ambler has already attracted a wide-ranging audience, from backpackers to expatriates to the most discerning luxury travelers, to share their individual travel experiences and learn about the destinations they hope to discover. Already The Ambler has been receiving high praise from the people it values most: those looking to explore the world by taking the road less-traveled. Meg Chappell, a student of Manhattanville College in New York, found Amble Resorts’ online travel magazine to be “the most useful thing I’ve read on Panama” while planning her two-week vacation in Central America. She also commended the site on its “great off-the-beaten-path advice.”

Fostering community is another top priority of Amble Resorts’ revamped travel blog. The Ambler encourages dialogue between individuals interested in learning more about sustainable travel in emerging tourism destinations. Members of the Amble Resorts team also participate in a variety of other travel forums, such as Travel Talk on Twitter (#TTOT), a weekly discussion hosted by top travel bloggers. The Ambler is hosting several contests in early 2012 to generate excitement about life-changing travel in the coming year. Those who join the dynamic travel community on The Ambler will enjoy more opportunities than ever before to pursue immersion in nature and culture, with a treasury of adventure stories to inspire them in their journeys.

Images:

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Ambler-IP.jpg http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Ambler-embera.jpg

About Amble Resorts:

Amble Resorts is an ecologically sensitive resort development company focused on giving travelers life-changing travel experiences in places of spectacular natural beauty and historical significance. Those who want more out of travel, amble with us.

Media contact: Emily Kinskey, Marketing Associate, Amble Resorts, ekk@amble.com, 773-769-1145

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Amble Resorts

Submitted by Peter McIntosh / UGC

Rabun County, Ga.

Longing for the golden colors and warmer temperatures of fall? This photo of autumn in a small mountain valley in Georgia will take you back to October in an instant.

Peter McIntosh, a frequent It’s a Snap contributor, submitted the image, which won last week’s gallery vote with more than 860 votes.

“When I saw the pasture and the church, I knew it was a composition I wanted to capture,” McIntosh told TODAY.com. “But the light was a problem as it often gets hazy in this valley late in the day. I returned to this spot several days in a row and was finally rewarded with warm sunlight and great shadows.”

McIntosh did not use software to enhance the photo, but did use a polarizing filter to get “good color saturation.” You can see more of his work at his website.

Do you have some photos you want to share? Submit them for a chance to be featured in the weekly gallery by clicking here.

You can also join our It’s A Snap Facebook community by clicking here, and share your photos with others.

More photos:

• It’s a Snap! Travel photos from around the world
• Play peek-a-book with a panda
• An Alaskan glacier up close

The Counter-Terrorism Bureau issued a travel advisory warning Israelis
to avoid trips to Thailand
and especially to the Bangkok
area.

Friday’s advisory, prioritized by the CTB as “High – Concrete Threat,” followed an arrest made by Thai authorities of a Hezbollah-linked
Lebanese national, suspected of plotting a terror attack in the city.

Related stories:

• Thailand says Lebanese arrested in security scare

• ‘Hezbollah planning to target Israelis in Europe’
• 
  MI chief: Iran, Hezbollah arming Syria
  

The CTB’s warning urges Israelis to avoid the area altogether if possible and to avoid mass gatherings in Bangkok areas known to be favorite tourist hotspots; as well as to be alert to any suspicious objects or people, to avoid accepting parcels form strangers in Bangkok and to abide by Thai security forces’ orders.

Earlier Friday, Thai authorities confirmed that a Lebanese national with ties to the Shiite terror group was arrested for allegedly plotting an attack in Bangkok.

Bangkok (Photo: AFP) 

“A Lebanese suspect from the Hezbollah group has been taken into custody by Thai officials and police are investigating further,” Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobamrung minister said.

“Following concern raised by the Israeli Embassy about a possible attack by a group of Lebanese terrorists in Bangkok, Thai police officials had been coordinating with Israeli officials since before the New Year,” he added.

Defense Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha said Thai and US intelligence officials were monitoring the movements of other individuals and were stepping up precautions in areas deemed to be at risk such as tourist sites and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

A Thai defense ministry source said Israeli Intelligence had contacted Thai officials on December 22 and again on January 8 with information of a viable terror threat and the possibility of an imminent attack on sites known as high-profile tourist attractions.  

The arrest was made after the second Israeli warning, the source said, adding that Thai security officials were working closely with the United States and Israel.

The US embassy had warned of a possible attack by “foreign terrorists” and told its citizens to be careful in areas of the capital frequented by tourists.

“We’re warning all US citizens to take caution when visiting public areas where Western tourists are known to gather in Bangkok,” Walter Braunohler, a spokesman at the embassy, said.

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Voted by World Travel Awards, 2011

The Oberoi, Gurgaon has been voted World’s Leading Luxury Hotel, 2011 by the World Travel Awards. This was announced at the Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Doha, Qatar.

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“This is indeed a very proud moment for us. To win this accolade is an affirmation of The Oberoi Group’s unwavering commitment to offering guests world class facilities and unsurpassed service standards. I accept this award on behalf of my entire team who work passionately to give our guests warm, personalised and caring service.” said Kapil Chopra, Executive Vice President, The Oberoi, Gurgaon | Trident, Gurgaon.

Described as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel and tourism industry by The Wall Street Journal, World Travel Awards are recognised globally by the travel, tourism and hospitality industry as the foremost acknowledgement of excellence in product and service.

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G4

The fourth-grade girls once again used their trademark defense to defeat the visiting Mahar team by a score of 41-5. The girls had very good balance on offense, led by Abby Eisenklam and Jillian Van Pelt with nine and eight points, respectively. Defensively, Carolyn Mullins played tenacious defense and grabbed seven rebounds.

B4

The fourth-grade boys returned from the holidays with a 39-17 win over Lunenburg, keyed by exceptional first half defense when they built a 24-2 lead. The team was led offensively by Sammy Eggiman, who contributed 14 points. Steve Dzwonek was a dominant force on the glass with five strong rebounds and Jack Foster added eight points with some long-range shooting.

G5

The fifth-grade girls played a very tough defensive game, pulling out a victory against Littleton. Groton-Dunstable gave up only five points to a very strong Littleton team. Julia Stathis and Sarah Willcox led the way on defense. Jacqueline Forbes was the high scorer with eight points. The final score was 18-5.

B5

The fifth-grade boys won a hard-fought contest against Acton-Boxborough Blue, 38-29 to improve to 5-0 for the season. Jeremy Keast led the offense with 11 points, followed by Finn Lynch with eight and Brian Scott with seven. Groton-Dunstable received strong rebounding from Connor Keegan, Jacob Gavel and Joshua Fiorentino.

G6

In front of an electrified home crowd, the sixth-grade girls (5-0) defeated Mahar’s seventh-grade

team 31-29 to remain the only unbeaten team in the seventh grade Div. II Central Youth Basketball League. It was a full team effort with all 10 players making major contributions. Abby Hoey (two points, two rebounds) and Avery Dichter (two rebounds, one steal) were tenacious on defense, stopping many fast break attempts by the visitors. Madison Tammaro’s on-ball defense caused havoc for Mahar in the half-court set. Tammaro had three assists and four steals. Sarah Mullins (two points, four steals) hit a key 12-footer in the first half, sparking a Groton-Dunstable offensive run. Ellie Eisenklam (three steals) led the game at point guard, skillfully controlling the ball in the final minutes of the game. Jordan Wynn hustled at both ends, finishing with six points, five rebounds, four steals and three assists. Erin Keough (three points, four rebounds) hit a huge three-point shot in the second half and had key rebounds down the stretch. Gillian Lindquist paced the team with seven points, grabbed seven rebounds and had three steals. Leah Garside was the game leader in rebounds with eight and added six points. Chloe McDonald had one of the best defensive games of her career, forcing numerous turnovers while finishing with five points and two rebounds.

B6

The sixth-grade boys improved to 4-1 with a 28-17 win over Leominster. After a slow start offensively, the Crusaders stretched it out to a 10-point lead at half behind a three pointer from Wiley Ordemann. Jack Smethurst also made a key finish off a nice pass from Drew Stone, who had several assists in the game. In the second half, when Leominster had gained momentum, Rip Carr came up with game-changing rebounds and baskets to swing the game back to the Crusaders side. Joey Femia, just back from an injury, was a strong presence on the defensive end.

The Crusaders won two of three games at the Fundamental Hoops Holiday Tournament. Against Tewksbury, Groton-Dunstable scored 41 points and pulled away in the second half. Patrick Ryan led the Crusaders on both ends of the court, contributing seven points and was a disruptive force on defense. In the second game, G-D took care of Chelmsford 30-13, holding them to just two points in the first half. Will Zimmon had a very strong game on both ends of the court, contributing offensively in key parts of the game in the first half. In the finals, a slow start was costly in a 40-21 loss to Lunenburg. Neil Swain and Graham Chilcoat led the team offensively, scoring 13 of the Crusaders’ 21 points.

G7

The seventh-grade girls fought a spirited battle against last year’s league champion, Lunenburg. Carly Smith led the Lady Crusaders with 17 points in a 36-44 loss. G7 faces Wachusett next week.

B7  

With a six-point lead and 1:30 left to play, Nashoba overtook the seventh-grade boys to win 54-50. Ultimately, turnovers at the end of the game contributed to the loss. Some tough luck led to ball handlers Dean Tornaritis fouling out and Logan Higgins exiting with an ankle injury. Gavin Keough led the team with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Also playing well, with fierce rebounding, were: Michael Tammaro (eight), Nate Forbes (six), and Mitchell Townsend (five). Ethan Cook played a physical game and hit some key free throws down the stretch. Nick Poitras, Tyler LeClerc, and Zach Gavel contributed with solid defense.

G8

When the eighth-grade girls traveled to TAP for a rematch of last year’s divisional semifinal loss, they had hoped to extract some revenge on a team with a similar record. Instead the Crusaders lost a tough game 50-27. Julie Barberich (11 points, 15 rebounds, four steals) was G-D’s top scorer, followed by Val Lutkevich (seven points, three rebounds), and Nicole Moody (five points, three steals). The Crusaders kept the score close at the half, but early foul trouble and injuries were too much for the team to overcome. Maddy Eggimann (two points, four rebounds), Meghan Hanagan (two points, three rebounds), and Mariana Murphy (three rebounds, one steal) all contributed to a strong second-half comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. The Lady Crusaders, now 3-2, play undefeated Wachusett on Sunday.

By Chris Erskine

Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 13, 2012, 5:00 a.m.