Success in ‘space elevator’ competition

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE  -- A robot powered by a ground-based laser beam climbed a long cable dangling from a helicopter on Wednesday to qualify for prize money in a $2 million competition to test the potential reality of the science fiction concept of space elevators.

Remington Ramblers: Climbing Mt. Fuji, Part 5

Our group really didn't get acquainted until a bunch of us formed a circle while we ate. Everyone exchanged their goods, which varied from canned herring to peanut butter and crackers. One of the schoolteachers reached into her bag and emerged with a bottle of Italian brandy liqueur that topped off the rather fancy dinner. I enjoyed my hot dinner over the assortment of cold goods of my climbing partners. As we sat exchanging jokes of what had happened, the room became crowded with Japanese hikers -- some ordering rice while others removed chow from their packs. We were about 10,000 feet above sea level and the small amount of the brandy I had made me feel even more lightheaded.

Happenings

-- Taoist Temple Museum

Servicemen

Jacob D. Ramirez: Air Force Airman Jacob D. Ramirez graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Whodunit? - Reporter joins cast of Hanford characters to solve murder mystery at Irwin Street Inn

Occasionally being a reporter does give one access to privileged information. But up until the evening of Sept. 23, that never meant having carte blanche access to the investigation of a murder - or any crime for that matter.

When a good night's rest is just a dream

In every family there's at least one person who's known for a rafter-rattling snore that can keep others up into the wee hours of the morning.

Tracing the branches on a family tree

The late actor, Patrick Swayze, President George W. Bush and George Donner of the Donner Party all have at least one thing in common. They can all be traced to the lineage of Hanford resident Teddy Curtis, who discovered they were her distant relatives after hours of sifting through public records and piecing together her family tree.

Hanford's top model

For nearly 10 years, Rudy Lopez has lived a double life of sorts. In his hometown of Hanford he's the friend, brother and son who's worked as a personal trainer and physical education teacher.

What goes around comes around

Fitness and exercise trends can be hard to keep up with. In the '80s it was all about aerobics until the so-called "low impact" step classes became all the rage. The '90s brought an onslaught of at-home exercise equipment and videos, before yoga and pilates took the spotlight.

'Star Trek' costumes go far beyond Halloween attire

If John Castillo were dressing up for Halloween, he could put together one heck of a costume.

Happenings

-- Free diabetes screening Nov. 9 at Walgreens

Keys to preventing depression that may save your life

In last week's Health and Fitness section, you learned about prevalence and risk factors for depression. This week, you will learn about the latest and greatest ways to prevent depression.

A reason to run

As Sarah Hunt laces up her sneakers and stretches her calves before the New York City Marathon on Nov. 1, there's a good possibility she'll be thinking about her mother.

Health

--Recovery from grief

House opens debate on health care overhaul bill

President Barack Obama's landmark health care overhaul moved toward a vote in the House Saturday after anti-abortion lawmakers won a chance to knock out language that would let federally subsidized health care plans cover abortions.

Island village hit by suspected swine flu

Suspected swine flu is sweeping a traditional Eskimo whaling village on a remote Alaska island _ prompting an urgent medical mission to deliver help.

In Europe, most swine flu shots by invitation only

In Britain, there are no long lines of people seeking swine flu vaccine. Doctor's offices aren't swamped with desperate calls. And there are no cries of injustice that the vaccine is going to wealthy corporations or healthy people who don't really need it.

Poll: One-third able to get swine flu vaccine

Only about a third of adults who have tried to get a swine flu vaccine have been able to get it, according to a new national poll released Friday.

FDA warns Web companies not to sell flavored cigs

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that it has warned several companies to stop selling banned flavored cigarettes to U.S. consumers online.