CHICAGO (AP) — Winter storms at both ends of the country dumped snow and snarled air and land travel Friday, killing at least 10 people, blocking major highways and even stranding 400 train passengers in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

Nearly 7 1/2 inches of snow was reported at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport before the front moved out of the area Friday. About 500 flights were canceled at O'Hare, which canceled 600 flights Thursday and housed hundreds of stranded travelers who spent the night awaiting planes from other cities also affected by the storm.

At least 12 inches of snow was reported in Springfield by Friday morning, said National Weather Service meteorologist Gino Izzi. Other parts of Illinois saw similar amounts.

"If you don't have to be out here, don't," Ty Wilson, a very wet Chicago bicycle messenger, said as he stopped along a slushy street between morning deliveries.

Teen cyclist hit by bus had big dreams

Austin Miller's family gathered around a computer to watch one of the early works of the budding 15 year old filmmaker. "He wrote it, shot it, directed it, did all the editing," said his mother, Stephanie Miller. "He was unbelievably creative."

Hayashi needs improvement

Kim Hayashi can do the math. The Chandler BMX rider is 24 points out of first place in USA Cycling rankings with six points events left to determine the team for the Beijing Olympics. It's next to impossible for her to make up that deficit and earn the automatic Olympic berth that goes to the points champion. A selection committee will choose the second U.S. woman rider for the sport's Olympic debut. The first qualifier race this year is at noon Friday at Estrella Mountain BMX track in Goodyear. The National Bicycle League Coyote Nationals, not part of Olympic qualifying, are Saturday and Sunday. .

Winthrop author to present his ‘Stories Around a Katahdin Campfire ...

WINTHROP — John Neff, 78, of Winthrop, has hiked and backpacked the Mount Katahdin region for 45 years and climbed the 5,267-foot peak 30 or 40 times. The past president of the Maine Appalachian Club and a founding member of Friends of Baxter State Park, he still maintains a five-mile section of the Appalachian Trail within Baxter State Park. .

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Review - In Carbon County Wyoming

Though some have complained about blind spots because of the closed rear side panel, I found the outside rear view mirrors so good as to mitigate that blind-spot problem. And, the complaints of some reviewers about the cute, half-size, rear-hinged, rear passenger doors being restrictive is a bit overcritical, I think. It certainly is a big step up and into the less-than-roomy rear seat, but unless you regularly haul folks back there it would probably not be an issue.

So, let's wrap this up. In just our few days in Carbon County we've explored two mountain ranges and at least three world-class trout streams, drank beer and discovered characters (including an old cowboy singer) at six great old rustic bars, 4-wheeled up the side of a mountain and down into an otherwise inaccessible mountain valley in our remarkably competent Toyota FJ, relaxed at two beautiful alpine lakes, scorched my uvula on the hottest green chili in Wyoming, overnighted at some amazing inns, met dozens of fascinating people, encountered thousands of pronghorn antelope and one solitary bald eagle, and learned all about Carbon County, Wyoming.

Otto Digital's Mendez Launches Optimization, Marketing Firm

There's limited inventory in search and display, but the amount of advertising spend is going to double in the next two to three years. Optimization and improving conversion rates is going to become essential."

Problem is, Mendez said: "There's not that many people who understand how to execute on that technology, what to be done, what to test, how to test, and when to test. Traditional agencies don't really have that knowledge in house to deliver that to clients."

Pointing out that optimization technology vendors, such as Offermatica, Kefta, and Optimost, have been acquired by other companies, Mendez hopes to offer optimization services as a pure play or standalone company.

Ramp will work with brands, advertisers, and agencies to establish benchmarks around brands to optimize key metrics such as time spent per visitor, then determine the appropriate actions based on testing, and develop a strategy.