November 2008

Robots Battle At Legoland

by The Editors on November 20, 2008

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It’s not like the robot battles out of the Steven Spielberg movie AI, but a kinder, gentler, smarter kind of robot competition as kids like Cameron Di Robertis from Team Evil Genius Too (pictured above) flock to Legoland to put their “autonomous robots” up against others in The First Lego League Tournament December 6-7, 2008..

On Dec. 6, 2008, LEGOLAND hosts the FLL Southern California Championship Tournament and as well as the FLL Los Angeles Region Championship Tournament on Dec. 7. Competition is expected to be fierce as 102 teams of children ages 9 to 14 compete in using robots to understand and create solutions for one of today’s most critical environmental issues: climate conditions. Winners from these tournaments advance to the FIRST World Festival. . . .The tournament challenges teams to use science and technology as they build, program and test an autonomous robot to compete with other teams’ robots in an obstacle course.

And yes, these events are more fun than they sound. All the info after the jump.
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Pfankuch Hunts A Championships In Baja 1000

by The Editors on November 20, 2008

Adam-4Img 1967 SCarlsbadistan desert racer Adam Pfankuch, 26, could finish up in the number one position in the SCORE International Off-road Racing season if he does well in tomorrow’s 41st running of the Baja 1000, according to a story in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

We are knocking on the door,” Pfankuch said. “But we have to conquer the Baja 1000 before we can take a breath and enjoy what we’ve done this season in SCORE,” said Pfankuch, who earlier this year won his class in the Baja 500 over parts of the Baja 1000 course.

The race begins tomorrow November 21, 2008 in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico. Watch it live by clicking here.

[Link: San Diego Union-Tribune]

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Carlsbad Resident Named Teacher Of The Year

by The Editors on November 20, 2008

Carlsbadistan resident Alex Kajitani, the Rappin’ Mathematician was named California Teacher of the Year yesterday, and while he actually teaches at Mission Middle School in Escondido, we’re still proud of him.

As the state Teacher of the Year, Kajitani will join other teachers in March in representing their states in a White House visit with the president. . . . “It’s such an honor and something I’m really looking forward to,” Kajitani said. “I think this country is on the verge of potentially great change, and I think the same is true for education as well.”

Just line up the dots, and give it all you got.

[Link: North County Times]

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Aptera Rolls After $10 Million Prize

by The Editors on November 20, 2008

Apteracar-300X141Carlsbadistan’s fuel efficient car company Aptera is one of 22 automaker teams who have registered for the Progressive Automotive X Prize, according to a story on Xconomy San Diego.

. . .the teams wlll compete in two dramatic, long-distance stage races scheduled for next year, X Prize spokeswoman Carrie Fox said. The $10 million purse is split between the alternative class and a mainstream class that requires entrants to operate cars with four-doors, 4-wheels and other basic features.”

Not a bad way to add $5 million to the bottom line while getting a little press along the way.

[Link: Xconomy San Diego]

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TaylorMade Completes Ashworth Purchase

by The Editors on November 20, 2008

Footer Logos-Over 02There is now officially one less golf company in Carlsbadistan as TaylorMade-adidas Golf has finished its purchase of golf clothing manufacturer Ashworth for $1.90 a share.

As a result of the acquisition, Ashworth will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of TaylorMade-adidas Golf and any shares of Ashworth common stock not tendered will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive the $1.90 in cash per share to be paid in the tender offer, without interest and less any required withholding taxes.

TaylorMade’s parent company, the adidas Group, has 37,000 employees and generated $10.3 billion in sales in 2007. Seems like a nice family to belong to in these times of economic distress.

[Link: Trading Markets]

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Say Goodbye To The Alga Norte Skatepark

by The Editors on November 20, 2008

110P-TmThanks to some proposed budget cutting by the City of Carlsbad the Alga Norte Skateboard Park and Swim complex may be put off until 2014 in a plan that includes trimming as much as $4.5 million, according to Barbara Henry story in the North County Times.

The proposed spending reductions will be submitted to the City Council in January as the city begins its process of putting together next year’s budget, Elliott said. . . . Among other things, the city may stop filling vacant positions and hold off on new equipment purchases. It also might delay the long-sought Alga Norte swim complex. Instead of opening in 2012, that complex might not open until 2014, Elliott said. A new city public works center and renovations at the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park also may be postponed.

Equipment purchase and hiring freezes are fine, but let’s not stall out on Alga Norte. This city needs a respectable skateboard park and it would be nice if today’s kids could get in there before they’re not kids anymore.

[Link: San Diego Union-Tribune and North County Times]

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Free Truffles At Godiva’s On Nov. 20

by The Editors on November 19, 2008

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Normally, we’re not big Carlsbad Premium Outlet Mall shoppers, however, we are freestylers. So when it’s free we’re stylin’. And tomorrow November 20, 2008 from 1-3 PM Godiva Chocolatier will be handing out free truffles in celebration of Truffle Month. And yes, they are worth the drive. Chocolate up!

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Torch Club Builds Leadership Skills

by The Editors on November 19, 2008

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Former Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad’s Youth of the Year Toni Brown recently joined the staff at the La Costa Branch, and immediately put her leadership attributes to good use by organizing Torch Club, a service club for members ages 10-12. First order of business? Electing officers in a fiercely contested campaign complete with slogans, debates, and ballots.

Since then, the “Torchers” have been hard at work organizing activities for the younger members, implementing fundraising ideas (including selling great healthy snacks like smoothies!), and building leadership skills. Their first big event was the Family Fun Festival held on November 6.

“Torch Club helps meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents,” said Unit Director Jim Salvia. “Toni’s background is a perfect fit; she’s a cool mentor for the tweens.”

Pictured (L to R): Back row: Toni Brown, Reily Jacobucci, Erick Lara. 2nd row: Seienna Papini, Misha Scott. 1st row: Hale Ambrose, Jon-Jon Dittoe, Griffin Salmon.

[Link: Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club]

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Tamarack Beach Resort Robbery Victim Dies

by The Editors on November 19, 2008

NovelichBarbara Novelich, 67, the Tamarack Beach Resort employee who was assaulted and had her car stolen during a robbery at the hotel early on the morning of November 16, 2008, was found dead Monday on the boat that was her home, according to a story in the North County Times.

On Monday at about 11 a.m., a friend checking on Barbara Novelich found her dead on a bed on the small sailboat where she had lived alone for a few years, according to the friend, 47-year-old Michelle Gill. . . It was unclear Tuesday whether Novelich died as a result of the injuries she suffered in the robbery.

Our thoughts are with Novelich’s family and friends.

[Link: North County Times]

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Garcia’s Mexican Cuisine’s New Face

by The Editors on November 18, 2008

State St1Carlsbadistan’s State Street got a little upgrade last week as Garcia’s Mexican Cuisine put up a new sign as part of their total face lift. At first we didn’t recognize the place.

The new look was designed by Alan Gelbman and built by Ford Signs in Oceanside. The front of the restaurant has been painted, fauxed, and muraled. A “canopy” has been added that protrudes out over the sidewalk and features inset lighting.

Looking at all the upgrades made us so hungry we had a hard time leaving without grabbing a bite. We just hope these exterior changes don’t effect the menu. Garcia’s is one of our favorite spots for consistent, hearty, no-frills Mexican food. And we like it just the way it is.

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