ZT News Today

Suicide – The Devil’s Alternative

by on May 17, 2012

This generation seems to have a special tag on it. Suicide – that odd thing people do to end a life – ranks as the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 19. every day, 11 people between the ages of 15 and 24 commit suicide. the fastest growing age group for suicide is between 10 and 14 years old. the majority of adolescents who die by suicide use a firearm. More young men take their lives than young women.

However, for every male suicide, three females will attempt to take their lives. Despite these alarming statistics, God is more than capable of changing them. Satan is out to destroy this generation. he is deceiving young people into thinking that suicide is the answer to their problems. It’s not the solution; it’s only a way to lure you to an early grave. the answer to any situation comes from the Word, and it’s up to you to arm yourself with scriptures to beat the Devil at his game. It’s the only way that you can live your life to the fullest.

The Devil doesn’t want you to impact anyone’s life. he hates you because he hates who you represent: Jesus. As a result, he will always try to trick you into doing something that will ultimately harm you. he clouds your thinking so that you end up making bad choices. that way, he can destroy your witness as well as your self-esteem.

Satan knows that you were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). he also knows that if you would stand in the authority that has been given to you in Christ, you could dominate your circumstances and rule and reign in every area of your life. because of your godly identity and potential, he wants to stop you at all costs.

The word, dominate, means to influence, control or rule by superior power or authority; to have dominion, supreme authority or control. God gave you the ability to control your own destiny by giving you the power to choose. Life is choice-driven (Deuteronomy 30:19); you live and die by the choices that you make. that means you have the ability to succeed, live out loud and dominate Satan by taking full authority over all of his wicked works, including depression, suicide, loneliness, negative words and feelings of worthlessness.

The Bible says that you will reap a harvest from the words that you speak. you have the ability to speak life over yourself. There are rimes when you will have to counteract what the enemy is saying to or about you by speaking what God says in His Word about you. you will also have to remind yourself that you are beautiful, capable and able to do anything, because you have God’s ability within you. you will have to remind Satan that you are not a failure. It’s up to you to release life from your lips by declaring God’s Word in faith.

Death and life are in the power of your tongue, and you’ll eat the fruit of your lips any day. Similarly, you are a dominator, not a victim. you must live out loud so that the world can see the outer manifestation of the fruit of God’s greatness inside of you.

Jesus, the greatest man to live on planet earth, chose to live out loud and make an impact on all those who were around him. As a result, there are millions of people around the world today living out loud because of the example he set.

Imagine where the world would be today if Jesus had given up after all of the things that he had faced. I don’t know about you, but I don’t even want to imagine it because of Christ, you have been redeemed from the curse of death – it has no power over you. Choose today to walk in your redemption and don’t allow the enemy to trick you any longer.

Happiness is not an accident; nor is it something you wish for. Happiness is something you design and create. So make a decision to live your life out loud

Suicide – The Devil’s Alternative

Family Succeeds In Lawsuit Against Doctor After Patient Died Of Misdiagnosed Necrotizng Fasciitis

by on May 17, 2012

Necrotizing fasciitis is a condition that can be treated only through surgery and that can become deadly within a very short amount of time. although there are certain classic symptoms unique to necrotizing fasciitis some symptoms, especially in the early stages, can easily be mistaken as being due to cellulitis. in certain cases it is critical for doctors who examined a patient with such symptoms to conduct tests in order to determine the actual cause of the symptoms, especially in situations where the patient is immuno-compromised. not doing so could allow enough time to pass for necrotizing fasciitis to spread to the point where it is fatal for the patient.

In one documented case a 46-year-old male lupus patient went to see his rheumatologist after several days with a fever. His doctor admitted him to a local hospital for observation and testing. Blood tests showed that he had a highly lowered WBC. Even though the staff put the man on an IV when he was admitted there was no entry in his chart showing that he had an IV. Because the start of the IV had not been documented it was not until four days later, on the night before he was to go home, that the IV was moved to the other arm. this only happened because the man complained multiple times of pain in the forearm in the area of the IV. When the nursing staff told the attending doctor, the doctor examined the site, concluded that it was cellulitis, and ordered antibiotics but discharged the man.

The man’s family pursued a medical malpractice lawsuit alleging that the lack of documentation concerning the IV had caused a multi-day delay in changing the site of the IV by the nursing staff and that the man had been improperly discharged when the doctor concluded he had cellulitis without testing. in an attempt to defend the case the defendants argued (1) that no error had been committed, (2) that it had been appropriate to discharge the man given the nature of the symptoms he displayed at the time, (3) that the nature of necrotizing fasciitis is such that earlier treatment would not have made a difference, (4) that because the man was unemployed at the time there was no loss of earning capacity, and (5) that his general health was such that he is life expectancy was no more than five years. the law firm that handled this case reported, however, that they were able to achieve a settlement for $675,000 on behalf of the man’s family.

This case illustrates that even though a person with early stage necrotizing fasciitis may exhibit symptoms that resemble those of cellulitis and that cellulitis is much more common, it is nonetheless important to run diagnostic testing in order to determine the difference. this is especially true given the deadly nature of necrotizing fasciitis. in addition, if surgery for necrotizing fasciitis does not remove all of the infected tissue it will continue to spread and can become fatal in a short amount of time.

On the Rebound: Fantasy Baseball Buy Low Candidates for 2012

by on May 17, 2012

So many fantasy baseball owners are obsessed with the latest ‘hot prospect’, MVP candidate or a player coming off a monster season. if you like to target these types of players, then expect to pay top dollar at the draft table or auction for Brett Lawrie, Matt Kemp or Justin Verlander. When you consider some of the strongest fantasy baseball seasons, they are often delivered by players coming off a poor statistical season or have lower expectations entering the draft/auction. Kemp was arguably the best player in fantasy baseball in 2011 and did so after a poor showing the season before.

The key is to target players this season that may be had for a reduced price (or selected at a lower draft position) in relation to the fantasy value they will give your team. Often, this can be as simple as targeting players who have had productive seasons in the past but are simply coming off a poor year. Baseball players are people too, and as such can suffer ‘ups-and-downs’ along the way. much like in life, these gambles don’t always pay off, however it is much safer to take a risk with a lower draft pick as opposed to getting burned by an underachieving first round pick.

Some players of note in 2012 who may perform better than their relative auction value/draft position may dictate include:

Alex Rodriguez (NYY) -

A-Rod limped his way through 2011 and ended the season with 16 HR and 62 RBI. he has spent the off season working vigorously to regain his status as one of the most feared hitters of his generation. a return to the level of 30 HR and 100 RBI would not be a surprise. after all, he achieved those levels for 13 consecutive seasons entering last year.

Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) -

After 10 consecutive seasons of 200+ hits, Ichiro hit only 184 en route to a career-low.272 batting average in 2011. However, the stolen bases were still there making Ichiro one of the best base stealers in the game. this is one very proud athlete with a multitude of skills. Expect a return to 200+ hits as a drop to third in the Mariners order should provide an interesting opportunity for one of the games most skilled players.

Vernon Wells (LAA) -

Wells has made a habit of bouncing back after poor seasons in the past. if he approaches his 2010 numbers, he will make the Angels brass (and his fantasy owners) very happy indeed. his contract all but guarantees he will continue to see playing time for the Halos and adding a player like Albert Pujols can only help the entire batting order in Los Angeles.

Adam Dunn (CWS) -

2011 was a season of epic failure for the beleaguered White Sox slugger. It is almost easy to forget that entering last season, Dunn was one of the most consistent power sources in fantasy. he has worked hard in the off season on his swing mechanics and the change in managers certainly won’t hurt. An increase in playing time in the field may be just what the doctor ordered to get Dunn untracked.

Josh Johnson (MIA) -

It’s not that Johnson didn’t put up the numbers last season. he was lights out when he pitched. However, he was sidelined in May for the remainder of the season with shoulder issues. Injuries have limited the Marlins ace from blossoming into one of the elite pitchers in the game. his off season prior to 2011 was focussed on strength training. this past off season he has concentrated on a more well-rounded approach and hopes to remain healthy for 2012. if he does, look out.

Carl Crawford (BOS) -

Crawford never seemed to fit in with the Red Sox last season. Perhaps it was a management issue. regardless, he lost his confidence early and never got it back. An off season wrist injury will further push him down the depth charts of fantasy owners. However, a rejuvenated Crawford has the opportunity to regain his status as one of the top players in the sport. Even if he isn’t ready to go until May, he may be worth the risk. He’ll certainly come cheap.

Shin-Soo Choo (CLE) -

Choo’s issues last year weren’t confined to the field as a DUI charge combined with several injuries to decimate the season for the Indians outfielder. Don’t forget, prior to last year, Choo was money-in-the-bank for a.300 batting average, 20 HR and 20 SB. Expect a bounce back.

Joakim Soria (KC) -

Right near the top of many experts’ pre-season lists entering 2011, the Mexicutioner stumbled early last year and even pulled himself from the closer’s role in June. his issues seemed to be based more upon his over-reliance on his cutter than any mechanical issues as his strikeout rate and control remained intact. he also went 21-for-23 in save opportunities once he resumed the 9th inning role. he should be a top closer again in 2012 and at a reduced price to boot.

Down seasons can be a warning sign of things to come. However, when it comes to players with proven past success, it can also mean a bargain may be available to the fantasy owner willing to take the risk. The good news is that risk will not be too costly.

Hello Race Fans! – 2012 Preakness Cheat Sheet

by on May 17, 2012

Did you watch the Derby? Of course you did. did you feel unprepared? we tried to help! Here it is two weeks later and you’re still in the same boat. Well, fret not, we’re here for you… again! Although we strongly suggest that you sign up for our Derby Prep Alert so you’re not so unprepared next year.

Here’s a little something about the 2012 Preakness field by post position. be sure to check out our 2012 Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet for more back story on the starters coming from the Derby.

1. Tiger Walk (30-1) – Ran in all three new York graded preps without cracking the top two (was third in the Withers). He’ll get blinkers for the first time, a successful angle for his trainer.

2. Teeth of the Dog (15-1) – Ran third in the Wood Memorial behind Gemologist and Alpha and showed some interest in the stretch, but the Derby performances of Gemologist (16th) and Alpha (12) don’t exactly flatter him.

3. Pretension (30-1) – Local horse did some Derby trail traveling to no avail (5th in the Gotham, 9th in the Illinois Derby). he won last out in a non-graded stakes by stalking an incredibly slow pace — apples and oranges to the likely Preakness pace scenario.

4. Zetterholm (20-1) – has won three in a row since breaking his maiden, moving nicely up the class ladder with each victory, albeit in state-bred company. his high percentage trainer has given him solid works leading up the race, he might be a nice trifecta or superfecta filler.

5. Went the Day Well (6-1) – had the fastest final quarter in the Derby while closing for fourth. Prior to the Derby he had been closer to the pace in his two wins. It wouldn’t be surprise to see him do better with a cleaner trip but plenty of freaky Derby closers did not deliver on the promise next out.

6. Creative Cause (6-1) – Put in a solid Derby performance for fifth and headed back to California to prep. He’s said to be looking good on the home front, but multiple cross-country trips might work against him.

7. Bodemeister (8-5) – Garnered more praise than the Derby winner with his front-running second (as evidenced by the fact that’s he’s the morning line favorite). the Preakness distance works in his favor for turning the tables, but the Derby winner is likely to be a lot closer from the get-go.

8. Daddy Nose Best (12-1) – Derby buzz horse did not live up to the hype and has not since had any buzz, but the smaller field and distance cut-back should help his chances.

9. I’ll Have Another (5-2) – Kentucky Derby winner proved that his prior two wins were no fluke and he’s got the perfect position to stalk Bodemeister.

10. Optimizer (30-1) – no doubt many would love to see this guy back on the turf, but you have to think his performance for second in the Rebel is the reason his connections keep trying to make lightning strike twice.

11. Cozzetti (30-1) – Finished 10 lengths behind Bodemeister in the Arkansas Derby (who didn’t?) and put in what was characterized as a “moderate rally”. Fired a bullet work in the slop in preparation, mud would help his chances but there’s no rain in the forecast.

Looking to play the 2012 Preakness?Grab the free Brisnet 2012 Preakness past performance and then open a TwinSpires account!(promo code: helloracefans)

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Hello Race Fans! – 2012 Preakness Cheat Sheet

6th and Gladys-Skid Row-Los Angeles

by on May 17, 2012

The corner of 6th and Gladys Street in Downtown Los Angeles is much like any other in this teeming city. Lots of traffic, lots of pedestrians, and lots of dirt and grime.

But this one corner is also very unique. a magical corner, almost. And somewhere at this intersection in both the richest and poorest city in the world is a story.

Let’s see if I can tell it.

In Los Angeles, Skid Row is the common name for a six square-block area of downtown that provides clothing, food and shelter for thousands of the most downtrodden residents that have chosen to call L.a. home.

These men and women battle with alcoholism, drug addictions and homelessness. many others suffer from mental illnesses that range from simple depression to full-blown schizophrenia. These castaways from what we call society wage a daily war against a combination of all of the above, if they have the strength or the resources to fight at all.

Cardboard condominiums, sleeping quarters made from boxes, paper and trash line the side streets. Down here on the Row the number of liquor stores far outnumbers places of employment. there are more opportunities to score crack cocaine and heroin than there are for training or medical assistance.

The men and women that make up the population of Skid Row are not recent immigrants, nor are most of them people who have chosen to live on streets and in alleys.

They were our neighbors, friends and schoolmates. they are our veterans. Some are our brothers and sisters. Before they fell this far some of them were called still other names; Mom and Dad.

At this intersection of Hopelessness and Despair the soup kitchens and detox centers are rarely lacking for customers. AA meetings are held each evening and twice on Sundays in a park that is a park in name only; some concrete and a few old trees surrounded by a very high metal fence. The far lines of fence form a point that ends where our magical corner begins.

But just as a magician must be experienced in person, so must 6th and Gladys St. Visit during daylight, so that you can see it clearly and experience it immediately. come see how the other half really lives. And as you walk towards our magical corner do what its residents almost never do.

When you get to the bus stop that borders the concrete park, surrounded by the grim realities of life for those on the other side. stand there for a moment and look around at what we’ve become.

And then do what its residents can’t afford to do.

Look up, and read.

Read the sign above the bus stop that says, MTA 460-Disneyland.

You see from the corner of 6th and Gladys, from Downtown on Skid Row, is a bus ride directly to The Magic Kingdom, The Happiest place on Earth.

Except The Happiest place on Earth isn’t a destination for those that live here.

Somewhere, somehow, someone made a very big mistake.

And while it may not be magic, it is most definitely a trick.

Diablo III Windows OSX-Preload

by on May 17, 2012

Two decades have passed since the demonic denizens, Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal, wandered the world of Sanctuary in a vicious rampage to shackle humanity into unholy slavery. yet for those who battled the Prime Evils directly, the memory fades slowly and the wounds of the soul still burn.

When Deckard Cain returns to the ruins of Tristram’s Cathedral seeking clues to new stirrings of evil, a comet from the heavens strikes the very ground where Diablo once entered the world. the comet carries a dark omen in its fiery being and it calls the heroes of Sanctuary to defend the mortal world against the rising powers of the Burning Hells – and even the failing luminaries of the High Heavens itself.

Explore a fully-realized Sanctuary – the living, breathing gothic fantasy world of Diablo III rendered in gorgeous 3D.

Battle the unholy forces of the Burning Hells with all-new character classes like the otherworldly Witch Doctor, or with re-imagined warriors from Diablo’s past: such as the fierce Barbarian.

Rain Hell on your enemies wielding the interactive environment as a weapon: lay cunning traps, turn destructible objects against your foes, and use environmental obstacles to your advantage – all powered by the Havoc physics system.

Experience the intensity of multiplayer Diablo III over an all-new, wickedly-enhanced Battle.net platform with numerous enhancements to make connecting with your friends easier – and cooperative gameplay more fun.

Release Date: may 15, 2012M for Mature: Blood and Gore, ViolenceGenre: Third-Person ActionPublisher: Blizzard EntertainmentDeveloper: Blizzard Entertainment

Suggested system requirements:Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz, 1 GB RAM (1.5 GB dla Vista/7), graphic card 896 MB (GeForce GTX 260 or better), 12 GB HDD, Windows XP/Vista/7.

Release name: Diablo.III.Windows.OSX.PreloadSize: 7.60 GB

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Diablo III Windows OSX-Preload

Manny Pacquiao: ‘I’m not against gay people’

by on May 17, 2012

"I'm not against gay people. I have a relative who is also gay," the boxer insisted. "we can't help it if they were born that way. what I'm critical of are actions that violate the word of God. I only gave out my opinion that same-sex marriage is against the law of God."

The writer of the original story also backed up Pacquiao's account. But some media outlets attributed the quote to the boxer.

"I sincerely apologize for the confusion my column has caused. I certainly do not represent Pacquiao nor his team," the author wrote.

ALSO:

Pacquiao will do 'Extra' show despite gay marriage comments

Drunk mom late to child’s birthday party hit 100 mph, CHP says

Kelly Thomas' father, other angry Fullerton residents want cops fired

– Andrew Blankstein, Bettina Boxall and Shelby Grad

Photo: Trainer Freddie Roach, left, with Manny Pacquiao. Credit: Frank Franklin II / Associated Press

The Greatest Head Coaches for the Boston Celtics

by on May 17, 2012

The Boston Celtics, winners of 17 Championship, have passed through 16 head coaches in the team’s history. The Celtics 17 titles are the most by any NBA team and they had eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. their first title came in 1957, having been founded some nine years earlier in 1946. The Boston Celtics top three head coaches of All-Time are K.C. Jones, Tom Heinsohn and Red Auerbach.

No. 3: K.C. Jones (1983 – 1988)

K.C. Jones led the team in 102 playoff games, the second highest playoff games appearance by a Celtics Coach. his playoff winning percentage stands at (.549) and his regular season winning percentage stands at (.751), which is the highest winning percentage in the regular season by any Celtics Coach. In 1984 and 1986, K.C. Jones won the Championship with the Boston Celtics. He coached the team in 410 regular season games, winning 308 of them. K.C. Jones is one of a great few to have played and coach for the Boston Celtics.

No. 2: Tom Heinsohn (1969 – 1978)

Coach Heinsohn was named Coach of the Year in the 1972-73 season and then brought to Boston two Championships in 1974 and 1976. A player and coach of the Celtics, Heinsohn called the plays in 690 regular season games and 80 playoff games. his regular season winning percentage is an impressive (.619) and playoff winning percentage stands at (.588). Tom Heinsohn has been in some capacity with the Celtics in all their 21 NBA Finals appearance and 17 Championship rings. The Hall of Famer as both coach and player with the Celtics is situated at the heart of the franchise fulfilling history and his valuable role cannot be denied.

No. 1: Red Auerbach (1950 – 1966)

In 16 seasons Red Auerbach led the Celtics to nine NBA titles. Auerbach brought the Celtics their first ever title in 1957. He leads all other head coaches for the Celtics in regular season wins at 910 and playoff wins at 90. The coach was on the sidelines for 1,192 regular season games and 148 playoff games with the Celtics and surpasses any other Celtics coach in these categories. Auerbach was named Coach of the Year in the 1965-66 season and is responsible for the Celtics eight consecutive titles.

Any NBA coach who leads a team to win eight consecutive titles, even if his team was absolutely loaded with the best players in the game, deserves to be recognized as the greatest of All-Time for that team. Red Auerbach is the greatest head coach for the Boston Celtics and there is no one who is more fitting for that honor.

Chuck Brown, go-go music pioneer, dies at 75

by on May 17, 2012

(AP) WASHINGTON – Chuck Brown, who styled a unique mix of funk, soul and Latin party sounds to create go-go music in the nation’s capital, has died after suffering from pneumonia. He was 75.

Brown, widely acclaimed as the “Godfather of go-go” for his pioneering sound, died Wednesday at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. Hospital spokesman Gary Stephenson confirmed Brown had died after a hospital stay that began April 18.

Thanks to Brown and his deep, gravelly voice, go-go music was uniquely identified with Washington. That’s where he continued to play the city’s club circuit to a loyal audience late in life.

Mayor Vincent Gray said the nation’s capital will be a different place without him. Mournful admirers of the musician were called Wednesday evening to an impromptu candlelight vigil in Washington, where a sound truck was to blast a special Chuck Brown music mix to the crowd before a prayer session for him.

“Go-go is D.C.’s very own unique contribution to the world of pop music,” he said. “Today is a very sad day for music lovers the world over.”

In 2007 Brown told the associated Press that go-go was influenced by sounds and fast beats he heard early in life, growing up in North Carolina and Virginia, combined with his experience later, playing with a Latin band.

“Go-go is a music that continues on and on, and it’s a call and response communication with the audience,” Brown said.

Go-go was heavy on percussion with drummers as lead players, accented by guitar riffs, keyboards and horns. Sometimes the musicians would play for two or three hours without stopping. in between tunes, Brown would keep the thunk of percussion going and talk to the crowd.

Brown’s hit “Bustin’ Loose” with his group, the Soul Searchers, helped define go-go’s sound. It spent several weeks atop the R&B chart in 1979. Rapper Nelly later sampled Brown’s “Bustin’ Loose” in 2002 for his massive hit “Hot in Herre,” which won Nelly a Grammy.

Brown didn’t get credit at first, though, and “had to go through some legalities to get it right, but we knew, once we heard the song, that’s Chuck Brown,” said Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott, lead singer of the go-go band EU (Experience Unlimited.)

In 2007, rapper Eve sampled Brown’s song, “Blow your Whistle,” in her hit single “Tambourine.”

Brown told the AP he admired such artists.

“Go-Go had some influence on rap because a lot of rap musicians come to my shows,” he said. “Some of them were students at Howard University. People like Puff Daddy, he’s been to see us when he was a young Howard University student.”

Spike Lee, a fan of Brown’s, used go-go for his movie “School Daze.”

“Chuck Brown Will Always be ‘Bustin’ Loose’ – the Godfather of Go-Go,” Lee said through a spokeswoman.

Elliot said Brown had been a father figure since he was a teen when he aspired to be a rocker like Jimmy Hendrix but realized he wouldn’t make it that way as a young black man. When he saw Brown perform, he said he “instantly knew” what he wanted to do.

“Chuck Brown is going to live on forever. I’m going to make sure of that,” Elliott said. “When they see me, I want them to see a reflection of Chuck because he inspired me so much.”

He added: “The go-go sound is still going strong.”

When Brown was younger, he spent some time in jail. while behind bars, he traded five cartons of cigarettes for his first guitar. after he was freed in 1962, Brown played with several bands and then formed the Soul Searchers. to comply with terms of his parole, they couldn’t play where alcohol was served, so they went to churches, recreation halls and youth centers.

Brown’s daughter, Cherita Whiting, said he had died from complications with pneumonia and was gone too soon.

“I just want to tell all his fans, thank you, for lovin’ our dad,” she said. “He had the best fans in the world.”

During the crack epidemic of the 1980s, violence in some clubs affected go-go’s reputation. Brown said “we can’t blame the go-go for that,” though.

More recently, he said he had seen more grandparents at his shows, with an audience ranging in age from 18 to 60.

In 2005, he was named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Washington was always his most loyal fan base, Brown told the AP, and he was happy to play here the rest of his life.

Chuck Brown, go-go music pioneer, dies at 75

ABC 33/40 – Birmingham News, Weather, SportsOthers leave Ariz. town as wildfire’s size triples

by on May 17, 2012

CROWN KING, Ariz. (AP) – an evacuation order for a historic northern Arizona mining town didn't prompt Taryn Denyce to flee earlier this week, when a wildfire began sending flames through the trees and smoke swirling in the air.

Despite what became a mandatory order, she didn't budge until early Wednesday morning when she felt she had no other choice. she didn't fear for her life, nor for the bed and breakfast she took over from her parents a few years ago that was being powered by a generator.

Instead, authorities mistakenly told her she could be arrested if she didn't leave, even if she was on her own property, Yavapai County sheriff's spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said. When a sheriff's official showed up at her door in downtown Crown King and offered to help pack her truck, she reluctantly left.

“I felt I had no choice. I was raised a Catholic girl,” said the 48-year-old retired nurse. “I follow the rules, and if he's telling me 'it's time to go Taryn,' it's time to go.”

High winds on Wednesday nearly tripled the size of the fire in the Prescott National Forest. it was at an estimated 5,400 acres, or nearly 8 1/2 square miles, by Wednesday evening – up from about 2,000 acres Tuesday.

The winds were pushing the blaze away from the community of mostly summer homes about 85 miles north of Phoenix. But fire incident spokeswoman Michelle Fidler said winds could shift and push the fire back into the community where it started and possibly threaten some communications towers in the area.

Road access also is a concern. Fewer than 10 residents remain in their homes, D'Evelyn said, and they could become trapped if the flames cross or block access roads.

Firefighters also would be pulled out if that happens, Fidler said.

Most of the 350 residents initially chose to stay in the town that's popular for all-terrain vehicles because of its numerous hills and gorges. But D'Evelyn said sheriff's officials persuaded about 20 of the 30 residents still left early Wednesday morning to go – including Denyce.

“Most people have come down from the hill,” he said. “We want them all down. we don't want to have to worry about anyone who doesn't need to be up there.”

High winds have helped fan the flames, and fire officials were expecting much of the same conditions for the next couple of days.

The fire has destroyed two homes and a trailer, and prompted an evacuation order on Sunday. the fire started at an occupied home, but fire investigators have yet to determine the cause. it remained 5 percent contained Wednesday.

Denyce gathered what she could from her home in 20 minutes and is now staying with a friend in Glendale. she said she would rather be protecting her property and trying to keep her business viable but now is prohibited from returning, as are other residents who have left.

“I have my daughter and my animals and I'm just happy we're out, but I don't think I was in imminent danger,” she said.

Smoke from a larger fire that began Saturday south of Payson drifted into Phoenix over the weekend. U.S. Forest Service officials said the 12,500-acre blaze was burning in the high wilderness area of the Tonto National Forest and was 10 percent contained. No structures were threatened.

Another wildfire in the Tonto National Forest northeast of Young was at about 1,900 acres Wednesday but 15 percent contained. That fire was believed to be lightning-caused and wasn't threatening any structures.

The fires follow a warning from Arizona land managers that hot temperatures and dry vegetation have created a very high fire risk in some parts of the state.

In northern Colorado, 200 firefighters were battling a 1,000-acre blaze that is 5 percent contained. Two groups of residents have been told to prepare for evacuations, but no one has had to leave. the fire was within a quarter-mile of some homes.

The U.S. Forest Service says the fire was caused by humans. the investigation into how it started is continuing.

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