Massive Wildfire Closes Pacific Crest Trail

A huge wildfire on San Bernardino National Forest and adjacent lands in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County,California,has closed part of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and its connecting trail system.The Mountain Fire had grown steadily to 27,179 acres as of four hours ago.The blaze ignited at 1:45 pm Monday. Several communities have been evacuated,including Idyllwild,Fern Valley and Trails End.Local high schools are being used as American Red Cross evacuation centers for the 6,000 evacuees,and both their large and small animals are being sheltered in San Jacinto. A number of camps in the area and Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 243 have been closed,as well as San Jacinto State Park and National Forest Wilderness.The iconic Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Highway 74 north to Saddle Junction. The inferno is being battled by 3316 wildland firefighters with 263 engines,19 helicopers,10 fixed wing aircraft and 10 bulldozers.Humidity is only 12-15% in the remote chapparal and timber ecosystem. The fire's cause is under investigation.The affected area is roughly between Los Angeles and San Diego,just south of Palm Springs. Update:As of Saturday,progress had been made against the Mountain Fire,with containment of the fire at about 50%.Evacuations remain in force.Ten structures had been lost,including homes and mobile homes.The progress was partly attributed to pinpoint determination of drop zones by new digital technology in the tanker aircraft.

Knicks Stay On Top;Sandy Suffering Continues

The New York Knicks continued their outstanding start to the new NBA season Friday night,topping the Dallas Mavericks 104-94.The Knicks are now 4-0,and are the only unbeaten team in the NBA.It is their best start since 1993-94,when they went on a 7-0 run to begin a road to the NBA finals.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 31 points and 7 rebounds.For the Mavs,OJ Mayo contributed 23 points.
Let's pause to remember the suffering that still goes on in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.Our thoughts,prayers and other support are needed in the New York/New Jersey area,where many thousands continue to lack lights,heat and easy access to food and medicine.Some are stuck on the upper floors of high rises.They rely on the American Red Cross and other helpers.
The lower third of Manhattan remains in the dark.To contribute,please visit www.redcross.org

A Terrific Sandy Telethon;Knicks Win

It was a big Friday night for New York/New Jersey as a terrific telethon was held for Hurricane Sandy relief and the New York Knicks won their NBA season opener.The telethon,"Hurricane Sandy:Coming Together" was broadcast on the networks of NBC Universal.The phones will be open all night at 1-800-HELP-NOW,1-800-435-7669.Proceeds go the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.
We will do all we can to help,because every one of you matters,promised Christina Aguilera.The singer opened the live performance before a studio audience at Rockefeller Center with her strong and amazing voice in "You Are Beautiful.".She is a native of the devastated Staten Island.
Host Matt Lauer noted that,ironically,the people we're trying to help can't watch the telethon because they have no power.Text 90999 to donate 10 dollars to the Red Cross.
Steve Tyler,Jimmy Fallon,Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen joined in a rendition of the classic "Under The Boardwalk,"so appropriate given that much of the Jersey Shore boardwalk was lost to the superstorm.Donate to the Red Cross on Twitter at #SandyHelp.
Jon Bon Jovi performed a mournful medley of "Who Says You Can't Go Home" and "Living On Prayer."He is a New Jersey native and resident.
The music was interspersed with film clips of the destruction and survivors pleading for assistance.
Aerosmith performed  the haunting "Dream On."Sting rendered an acoustic version of "Message In A Bottle"with its apt refrain "Sending out an SOS."
Corporate sponsors of the program included Allstate;Bank of America;State Farm;Google;and JP Morgan Chase.
One affecting still photo shown on the telethon depicted National Guard troops rescuing an English sheepdog from the flood.The show was concluded by Bruce Springsteen singing a committed "Land Of Hope And Dreams."
In  NBA basketball,the New York Knicks reopened the sporting life of their damaged but not defeated city with a 100-84 victory over the Miami Heat.Carmelo Anthony starred with 30 points for the Knicks,while LeBron James led with 23 points for the Heat.
The phones are open all night at 1-800-HELP-NOW,1-800-435-7669 to donate to the American Red Cross hurricane relief.Twitter #SandyHelp.Thank you from another New Jersey native.