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The nice thing about being the Bulls is you don't have to win tobe successful. Team leaders in merchan-dise sales at the NBA Storeand NBA.com since the start of the 2002-03 …

Who needs a V8?

The GMC Envoy is another highly practical, versatile seven-passenger SUV, although slated for the mid-sized sector and likely in the budget range of more CFI readers. We've tested an array of Envoy's and Chevy Trail Blazers since they were launched two years back, in both five and seven passenger versions, and found little to fault them with. They are smooth, relaxing to drive, roomy, and attractively arranged inside.

One of the best things about this SUV, however, is the torquey in-line six. Its 275 hp and similar torque spread over a long, flat curve move the Envoy along with gusto, and even the 7-passenger Envoy XL hauled a full load without complaint. So with an efficient …

Unlocked iPhone 3G on sale in Hong Kong

Apple Inc. is putting on sale unlocked iPhone 3G in Hong Kong, allowing people to use it with any mobile phone carrier.

The move seems to depart from its previous strategy of introducing the popular device capable of 3G, or third-generation, through specific service providers in 22 nations.

On its Hong Kong Web site, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company is advertising direct sales of iPhone 3G, saying people can "buy directly from Apple" and choose their own carrier.

"Phone 3G purchased at the Apple Online Store can be activated with any wireless carrier," it said on the site.

Offering free shipping, the 8-gigabyte …

Social housing overhaul ; news in brief

Social housing overhaul Property developers are being encouragedto rent out newbuild homes under a scheme to overhaul the UK'ssocial housing system announced by Housing Minister Grant Shapps.The Affordable Rent programme will allow landlords to offer homes onfixed tenancies and charge a rent of up to 80% of local market rate.The extra revenue raised from rents would then be invested intobuilding new homes. On top of this private …

Scoopsville . . .

Dateline: The broken line . . . Sneed has learned ChristopherKennedy, who injured himself in a horseback riding accident whilevacationing at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannisport recently,broke three bones in his back.

"He is out of the hospital, but it was a pretty bad fall," hissister, Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, wife of HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, toldSneed at a private dinner this week.

Kennedy, one of the late Robert F. Kennedy's youngest sons, livesin Kenilworth and is executive vice president at the ChicagoMerchandise Mart.

The ad-lib controversy . . .

Let's set the record straight: Sneed saw a personally autographedcopy of President Clinton's …

Sprint leader Groothuis reinstated in 500

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (AP) — Disqualified overnight leader Stefan Groothuis was reinstated Sunday to the speedskating sprint world championships despite earlier appearing to skate over the line in the final straightaway.

The Dutchman's coach Jac Orie said referees reversed the disqualification after studying video images following a protest by Dutch officials.

"I'm glad they overturned it," Orie said. "I just hope we can get rid of this ridiculous rule."

Groothuis was cleared to skate in Sunday's closing 1,000-meter race.

Groothuis was in the final pair of the 500-meter race when his right skate crossed the center line as he sped out of the final bend at about 60 …

Wal-Mart to roll out smart tags on men's basics

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is putting electronic identification tags on men's clothing like jeans starting Aug. 1 as the world's largest retailer tries to gain more control of its inventory. But the move is raising eyebrows among privacy experts.

The individual garments, which also includes underwear and socks, will have removable smart tags that can be read from a distance by Wal-Mart workers with scanners. In seconds, the worker will be able to know what sizes are missing and will also be able tell what it has on hand in the stock room. Such instant knowledge will allow store clerks to have the right sizes on hand when shoppers need them.

The tags work by …

A test of faith

The Amish of Lancaster County, Pa., spiritual siblings of the Old Order Mennonites of Ontario's Waterloo County, have managed to live with intrusion and insult for decades-the kind of taunting against which detective John Book (played by Harrison Ford) struck back in the 1985 Hollywood film Witness. But this assault-the binding and execution of little girls at school-is a violation so deep that it will test their faith to the point that some will, privately, not survive it.

We have only begun to learn of the deep mental afflictions that drove 32-year-old Charles Roberts to murder five female children in cold blood and seriously injure others. He appears to have recognized a …

Al Gore, Bono: efforts to fight climate change, poverty, moving forward, but slowly

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and U2 frontman Bono offered measured praise Thursday for efforts in tackling climate change and global poverty, but warned the World Economic Forum that conditions were not improving as much as they could.

At an early-morning session that drew several hundred attendees, many clutching cups of coffee or tea to stave off sleep, Gore warned that the world climate crisis was worsening.

"We could take the whole session talking just about the new scientific evidence of the last few weeks and months," said Gore, who shared last year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to fight climate change, adding that the …

Searching for signs of King’s dream

"The daily life of the Negro is still lived in the basement of the Great Society."

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., from "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?"

More than four decades later, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words ring louder than the thunder on this gray summer day as I drive down Emmett Till Road. The skies cry.

The "dream" now more resembles a nightmare, no matter how great our stride toward freedom, or having now witnessed a black man sworn into the White House, or even the looming dedication Sunday of the grand white-stone structure on the National Mall in King's memory.

Out here, in ghetto America this afternoon, the sound of …

Footwear made with recyclables

Deep E Co. is a manufacturer of footwear, apparel and accessories that uses natural and synthetic recycled materials such as tire rubber, wool and recycled polyester in many of its products. One example is the "Headwaters Hiker," which comes with a black outsole that is 45 percent postconsumer tire rubber, or a speckled outsole of 35 percent preconsumer materials that include rubber and mixed resin plastic residuals from footwear factories. Other components and their materials are: removable sockliner and midsole in …

US, Australian filmmakers die in helicopter crash

SYDNEY (AP) — Award-winning American cinematographer Mike deGruy and Australian television writer-producer Andrew Wight have died in a helicopter crash in eastern Australia, their employer National Geographic said Sunday.

Police said two people — an Australian pilot and an American passenger — died Saturday when their helicopter crashed soon after takeoff from an airstrip near Nowra, 97 miles (156 kilometers) north of Sydney, but did not immediately release the victims' identities. Australia's ABC News reported that Wight was piloting the helicopter when it crashed.

National Geographic and "Titanic" director James Cameron confirmed the victims' identities in a joint statement …

Guatemalan authorities order lawmaker's arrest in parliamentarians killings

Guatemalan authorities on Thursday ordered the arrest of a congressman suspected of conspiring to kill three Salvadoran politicians and detained the lawmaker's alleged accomplice.

The charred bodies of the three Salvadoran politicians, all members of the Guatemala-based Central American Parliament, and their driver were found along a rural road Feb. 19. No motive has been determined for the crime.

The lead investigator in the case, prosecutor Alvaro Matus, said an arrest warrant had been issued for Guatemalan Congressman Manuel Castillo. On Wednesday, a court stripped Castillo of his immunity from prosecution. He leaves Congress this month to become mayor of Jutiapa.

Neither Castillo, nor his lawyers were available to comment on Thursday. Castillo has repeatedly refused to answer questions about the accusations.

Matus alleged that Castillo has links to Carlos Gutierrez, another suspect in the case who was arrested Thursday in Jutiapa, near the border with El Salvador.

Gutierrez, a suspected drug trafficker, was in constant telephone communication with the parliamentarians' killers the day of the slayings, Matus said.

Castillo "told us he didn't know (Gutierrez) but we have evidence to the contrary," Matus said.

Two former police detectives have also been detained in the case, and four other detectives linked to the crime were murdered by inmates inside their prison cell just hours after they turned themselves in to authorities.

Bears' draft strategy based on Grossman

The key player in the Bears' 2003 draft, the centerpiece of theirentire plan, wasn't the guy they wound up taking first. Floridaquarterback Rex Grossman, the second of two first-round selectionsacquired when the team traded out of the No. 4 slot, was the guy theBears wanted most.

Months ago, the Bears identified Grossman as their quarterback ofthe future and the one player they felt they must have to justifytheir trading down and stockpiling talent. Michael Haynes, the PennState defensive end selected No. 14 overall, was one of threedefensive linemen--along with tackles Johnathan Sullivan and JimmyKennedy--that the Bears felt they would be choosing among with theirfirst pick.

But Grossman, not Byron Leftwich or Kyle Boller or DewayneRobertson, was the guy the team wanted to land in 2003. In fact, thegreatest moments of tension in the team's war room didn't come asdefensive linemen fell off the board early, but rather during picks20 and 21, when the Bears feared Green Bay might trade ahead of themand take Grossman.

The Bears thought about taking Grossman at No. 14 and doublingback for a lineman later but felt the best way to ensure the coachingstaff got the player it needed for today while the franchise got theplayer it wanted for tomorrow was to sweat out the middle of thefirst round.

With Dick Jauron and his staff on the coaching hot seat, takingthe player couldn't have been an easy sell, but Jerry Angelo knowsthe role of a general manager is doing what he believes is right forthe future of the franchise while still giving the team a chance towin immediately. And if everything works out as expected, the key manin this draft, Grossman, won't play a down next season.

"You nailed it right on the head," Angelo said. "You hit themother lode on that one. We came together as a unit on that decision.[The coaches] bought into [the draft plan], which made me a happycamper because at the end of the day, it's best for business."

Angelo said the key to drafting any quarterback is having a planon how to develop the player and that the Bears' coaches "had a lotof influence and input on that." That might sound a bit scary becausethe last time the Bears traded down in a draft with the idea oftaking a quarterback, they selected Cade McNown and attempted todevelop him by giving him the third series of every game early in hiscareer. But the plan has changed significantly with Grossman.

"We wanted to speed up the process for Cade," Jauron said. "Thatis not necessarily the case now."

Jauron said circumstances have changed this time around withKordell Stewart signed as a free agent and taking the reins of theteam. When the Bears signed McNown, they had Shane Matthews as theirstarter, but the coaching staff was in a grace period, not fightingto save its jobs. Matthews hardly had the reputation or experience ofStewart, and the Bears were a less talented team.

"Everything is different," Jauron said. "When we are healthy, wehave a team that can contend. We're going to put Kordell in controlof that team, and he's going to run it for us. It will give Rex achance to learn as he goes along. We won't throw him right out there,and that's probably a better way to do it. It might work the otherway too. The other way, there are a lot of things you have to dealwith if you're going to play a guy for a series. You have to dealwith your starter. How is it going to affect him?

"Shane was pretty resilient in that regard. I'm not certain Iwould want to take a guy that was an established starter and saywe're going to take you out a series of the game, particularly withthe team we have right now. That's not a very good idea."

With the Bears in the unusual position of teaching two newquarterbacks--Stewart and Grossman--their system, Jauron said the No.2 man next season will be Chris Chandler.

"Chris is our second," Jauron said. "He has done an outstandingjob in the offseason. He will only help us on the field, off thefield in the meetings, those kind of things. It will be positive."

Does Jauron resent being involved in the process of developing aguy when he might never reap the benefits of that development?

"I like this guy," Jauron said. "I like coaching everybody, butwhen you have guys that are talented and coachable and have a passionfor the game, that is a fun guy to coach."

Spammers sent packing _ for now _ by Web shutdown

E-mailers, enjoy the early holiday gift: Spam volume has been cut by more than half because Internet providers pulled the plug on a Web hosting firm that was allegedly helping some of the world's most dastardly junk e-mail gangs.

The break won't last long. Garbage e-mail levels are already swelling again, and are expected to return to normal in a matter of days.

'Tis the season, after all: The holidays are the busiest time of the year for spammers, and criminals are hustling to reconnect with potentially millions of virus-infected PCs that they once used to send spam _ which accounts for 90 percent of the world's e-mail.

Spam fighters scored big last week with the takedown of McColo Corp., a U.S.-based company apparently catering to bulk e-mailers. But the battle against McColo also highlights the difficulty in squashing spam-sending operations. Slapping one down means it just pops up somewhere else.

"It is always a cat-and-mouse game, and we fully expect there will be a countermove," said Doug Bowers, senior director of anti-abuse engineering for Symantec Corp.

Companies like McColo can be difficult for law enforcement to take down. Authorities have to prove company officials knew crimes were being committed through their servers. Web hosting companies often argue that they don't monitor how customers use their services.

In this case, security researchers amassed evidence of wrongdoing on their own and confronted McColo's Internet providers to get the Web hosting service taken down.

McColo, which claims a Delaware mailing address and a data center in Silicon Valley, has been on security researchers' radars for more than a year. Many spam filters blocked messages coming through McColo's service.

The FBI declined to comment. However, it appears that spam senders used McColo's service to send commands to large numbers of PCs they had hijacked.

Having that conduit is critical. Spammers use networks of compromised computers _ known as "botnets," or networks of robot or zombie PCs _ to amass enough computing power to send millions of messages a day. The owners of those machines typically don't know their computers are secretly being used for this purpose. But criminals need a way to communicate with these computers and a Web hosting company willing to look the other way.

McColo representatives didn't return calls for comment from The Associated Press. McColo's Web site was no longer working.

A big problem in tracing the Web hosting companies responsible for enabling botnets is that the traffic from infected computers goes through different Internet providers, so the trail goes cold fast.

The case against McColo, first reported by The Washington Post, was built by security researchers over time and detailed in a recent analysis by HostExploit, a group that tracks Internet threats.

McColo was apparently a choke point for the spamming industry. Some of the world's biggest botnets operated through McColo's servers, according to security researchers.

Worldwide spam volume was about 153 billion e-mail messages on Nov. 11, the day McColo's Internet providers yanked its service. In two days, that dropped to 64 billion messages, according to IronPort, a security firm owned by Cisco Systems Inc.

It hasn't taken long for things to pick up again.

Security firm Sophos PLC reported Sunday that McColo was back online again after scoring service from a Swedish Internet provider. The service was withdrawn after the Internet provider heard from security researchers.

IronPort said Monday that spam volume was climbing, and had reached an estimated 71 billion messages.

Just a few years ago, when spammers lost access to a botnet of infected PCs _ because their Internet connection was severed _ the operation could be decapitated. Now it's like cutting off an arm. The criminals can find another Internet provider, and they've changed their tactics to get things running again quickly.

One change in strategy includes seeding infected computers under their control with information about the location of other infected computers in that botnet. That means they only need to contact some of them after an outage to touch off a chain reaction to contact all the other infected computers and resurrect the entire army.

"This is a temporary reprieve," said Nilesh Bhandari, a product manager with IronPort, "and we should enjoy it while we can."

NATO Strike in Question

NATO Strike in Question. A late November skirmish that resulted in the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers appears to be a case of mistaken identity, in which both NATO and Pakistani troops claim to have mistaken each other for Taliban forces.

Pakistan's immediate response was to close two border crossings into Afghanistan, blocking NATO and U.S. supplies. Pakistan also ordered the United States to vacate a Pakistani air base used by U.S. drones.

Afghan and U.S. officers say they called in the airstrikes on two border outposts after coming under fire from Pakistan. The Wall Street Journal reported that anonymous officials said the United States had obtained clearance for the raid from Pakistan. Pakistan insisted the U.S. gave incorrect coordinates for the strikes and said Pakistani forces returned fire only after the attacks on them had begun.

An investigation into the incident led by U.S. Central Command was begun almost immediately, and an initial report is due as we go to press.

A look at foreign quake aid for Haiti

Governments have pledged nearly $1 billion in aid to Haiti, according to an Associated Press estimate, including $575 million from the European Union's 27 nations. Those promises include:

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AUSTRALIA: $13.8 million in aid pledged.

AUSTRIA: $1.9 million to United Nations and international aid organizations.

BRAZIL: $19 million in aid pledged. Eighteen flights have delivered 200 tons of aid including food, water, tents, medicine, a hospital and medical equipment. Forty six medical doctors and nurses have been sent, along with 50 firefighters who specialize in search and rescue using search dogs. Nearly 1,300 Brazilian U.N. peacekeepers are working in rescue operations.

BRITAIN: $33 million in aid. A 64-member search and rescue team is on the ground.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: $80,000 in aid.

CAMBODIA: $50,000 in aid from the government; $10,000 from Cambodian Red Cross.

CANADA: $130 million in aid pledged. So far, Canadians have privately contributed more than $39 million and Ottawa will match those funds. Some 2,000 military personnel, including two warships.

CHAD: $500,000 in aid.

CHINA: $4.2 million in aid pledged. Deployed a 60-member rescue team to the island, including search and rescue specialists with sniffer dogs and monitoring equipment, medics, and seismological experts.

CONGO: $2.5 million in aid.

CROATIA: $137,000 from the government and a similar amount donated from citizens to the Red Cross.

CYPRUS: $141,000 in aid.

CZECH REPUBLIC: $1.1 million in aid pledged.

DENMARK: $9.67 million in aid.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: $11.4 million in aid.

FRANCE: $28.6 million in aid pledged, plus more than 500 personnel, especially rescue workers, and 61 tons (55 metric tons) of supplies. Dispatched Francis Garnier, a ship that specializes in humanitarian missions.

GERMANY: $14.28 million in aid pledged by government. $25.56 million donated by private citizens.

GRENADA: $215,000 in aid.

HUNGARY: $140,000 within an aid program coordinated by the EU, plus three medical teams and three search dogs.

INDIA: $5 million in aid.

ISRAEL: Established field hospital, sent some 150 doctors and rescue workers and 10 tons (nine metric tons) of medical equipment.

ITALY: $8.14 million as part of $131.37 million in emergency aid from EU member states. Separately it is donating $2.57 million to international groups to help children in Haiti. A field hospital that can treat 150 patients a day has been airlifted in.

JAPAN: $5 million in aid, plus $330,000 in emergency supplies. One 24-member civilian medical team on the ground, sending 110-member military team of medical and other personnel via a Japanese C-130 transport plane.

LIBERIA: $50,000 in aid.

NETHERLANDS: $2.86 million in aid from the Dutch government, which has pledged to double the amount raised by the public. So far the appeal has raised $9.28 million. A Dutch plane with search and rescue team and sniffer dogs has been sent.

NORWAY: $17.5 million in aid earmarked for the World Food Program, Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross and other aid organizations. The country's Red Cross and other aid organizations have raised at least $4.5 million for the country.

PORTUGAL: Around $860,000 from private donations. The government has sent a military transport plane with more than 20 emergency rescue workers and sniffer dogs, as well as medical equipment and water.

RUSSIA: Has sent 138 emergency workers and doctors and five transport planes to deliver aid.

SENEGAL: $1 million in aid. President Abdoulaye Wade has said he would give a region of Senegal to Haitians wishing to move to Africa. He argued that because Haiti was settled by African slaves they are owed a right of return. The eccentric proposal was met with criticism by many who say the government is not even able to house its own people.

SIERRA LEONE: $100,000 in aid. The government has also offered to send police, soldiers and medical teams.

SLOVENIA: $70,000 in aid, and has sent tents worth $98,000.

SOUTH AFRICA: $135,000 in aid, and has sent a search-and-rescue team and plans to send forensic experts to help identify bodies.

SOUTH KOREA: $10 million in aid from government, aid agencies, religious groups and business companies.

SPAIN: $8.56 million in emergency aid disbursed, sending 450 troops, 50 doctors, technicians and specialists.

SWEDEN: $25.6 million to organizations working in Haiti, including the U.N. and E.U.

TAIWAN: $5 million in aid. Dispatched a team of 23 rescue personnel and 33 medical staff.

THAILAND: $120,000 in aid; 20,000 tons (18,000 metric tons) of rice.

UNITED STATES: $130 million in aid, according to USAID. Has sent about 12,000 military personnel so far, 265 government medical personnel, 18 Navy and Coast Guard ships, 49 helicopters and seven cargo planes to assist in aid delivery, support and evacuations. Is managing operations at the Port-au-Prince airport.

VENEZUELA: 679 tons (616 metric tons) of food and 127 tons (116 metric tons) of equipment, including water purification systems, electrical generators and heavy equipment for moving rubble. 225,000 barrels of diesel fuel and gasoline is on its way, and the Venezuela-led Bolivarian Alternative trade bloc also sent two ships carrying 5,248 tons (4,761 metric tons) of food aid

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WORLD FOOD PROGRAM: More than 250,000 ready-to-eat rations delivered. More than 10 million to arrive within the next week.

Talking Drums: A Selection of Poems From Africa South of the Sahara

Talking Drums: A Selection of Poems From Africa South of the Sahara Edited by Veronique Tadjo Bloomsbury Children's Books, January 2004 $15.95, ISBN 1-582-34813-8 Ages 10 and older

A broad range of work, both modern and traditional. Delicate black-and-white drawings are a pleasing accompaniment to the poems.

-S.R

[Sidebar]

Recent Biographies and Notable Historical Fiction

Benjamin Banneker: Pioneering Scientist

by Ginger Wadsworth,illustrations by Craig

Orback, Carolrhoda Books, Inc.

February 2003, $5.95, ISBN 0-876-14104-1

Fires of Jubilee

by Alison Hart

Aladdin Library/Simon & Schuster

November 2003

$4.99, ISBN 0-689-85528-1

York's Adventure with Lewis and Clark: An African-American's Part in the Great Expedition

by Rhonda Blumberg HarperCollins, December 2003

$17.99, ISBN 0-060-09111-8

Milestone: Hard Labor:

The First African Americans, 1619

by Patricia C. McKissack &

Fredrick L. McKissack, Jr.

Illustrated by Joseph Daniel Fiedler

Aladdin Library & Schuster January 2004

$3.99, ISBN 0-689-86149-4

Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Drearn

by Doloris Jordan with Roslyn M. Jordan

Illustrated by Kadir Nelson Simon & Schuster Children's Pub.,

November 2003, $16.95, ISBN 0-689-83371-7

Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman

by Louise Borden, illustrated by Teresa Flavin

Alladin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster (reprint)

January 2004, $6.99, ISBN 0-689-86462-0

Seward Born

by Lea Wait

Margaret K. McElderry Books, January 2003

$26.95, ISBN 0-689-84719-X

A Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr.

by Denise Lewis Patrick,

illustrated by Rodney S. Pate

Aladdin Library, December 2003

$3.99, ISBN 0-689-85397-1

Report: Tiananmen student leader arrested in Tokyo

Wu'er Kaixi, a prominent student leader in the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy protests, was arrested in Tokyo for allegedly trespassing at the Chinese Embassy on Friday, the 21st anniversary of the bloody crackdown, reports said.

The 42-year-old activist jumped over a small steel fence in front of the embassy and was quickly overpowered by Japanese police, TV footage by Japanese public broadcaster NHK showed. Kyodo News agency said Wu'er was arrested on the spot.

Japanese police say they arrested a 42-year-old Taiwanese man for trespassing at the Chinese Embassy but could not confirm he was Wu'er. The former student leader is now a Taiwanese citizen.

Wu'er was No. 2 on China's list of 21 wanted student leaders after the 1989 military crackdown at Beijing's Tiananmen Square. He escaped and has lived in exile in Taiwan, where he has been a businessman and political commentator.

Wu'er _ one of the best known leaders from the Tiananmen student movement _ rose to fame as a pajama-clad hunger striker haranguing then-Chinese premier Li Peng at a televised meeting during the protests in Beijing.

Before the arrest, Wu'er told Kyodo that he wanted to return to China and sought dialogue with the communist government.

"Today, I take this action to go back to China to continue to press the Chinese government for the dialogue, even if this dialogue has to take place in a court room," he said.

"My turning myself in should never be read as admitting any wrongdoing. I would like to take this chance to discuss ... about Tiananmen, about basic right and wrong."

Wu'er also said he wanted to return to China to see his aging parents, according to Kyodo.

China has never fully disclosed what happened when the military crushed the weekslong, student-led protests on the night of June 3-4, 1989, possibly killing thousands of students, activists and ordinary citizens.

Beijing has long maintained that the protests were a "counterrevolutionary riot."

Public discussion or displays referencing them remain forbidden on the mainland.

____

Associated Press writers Annie Huang in Taipei and Min Lee in Hong Kong contributed to this report.

Showdown Looms in Attorney Firings Probe

WASHINGTON - President Bush and the Democratic-controlled Congress careened closer to a full-blown legal showdown over the firing of federal prosecutors Wednesday as a House subcommittee voted subpoenas for top administration officials in defiance of the White House.

"After two months of stonewalling, shifting stories and misleading testimony, it is clear that we are still not getting the truth about the decision to fire these prosecutors and its cover-up," said Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif.

In response, an unyielding White House threatened to rescind its day-old proposal for top strategist Karl Rove and other officials to answer lawmakers' questions away from the glare of television lights and not under oath. "If they issue subpoenas, yes, the offer is withdrawn," said presidential spokesman Tony Snow. Democrats "will have rejected the offer," he said.

Despite the rhetoric, Rep. John Conyers, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, repeatedly suggested there was room for negotiations in a confrontation that has threatened Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' hold on his job and forced his chief of staff to resign.

"What we're voting on today is merely a backup," said the Michigan Democrat, adding that he would refrain from issuing the subpoenas, at least for the time being.

Documents made public during the day did little to clarify the circumstances surrounding the firings of the eight U.S. attorneys. Instead, they showed the Justice Department scrambling to answer questions from California Republican lawmakers critical of the record compiled by the U.S. attorney's office on immigration cases. Carol Lam, the U.S. attorney at the time, was among the group that was fired.

In an apparent attempt to mend fences, Gonzales arranged a series of meetings in the coming days with groups of U.S. attorneys around the country, beginning Thursday in St. Louis.

It seemed likely the next act in the political drama would be a separate vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve a second set of subpoenas for Rove, former White House counsel Harriet Miers and William Kelley, who was Miers' deputy.

Senate Democrats, in particular, have been insistent on gaining testimony under oath, and Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., dismissed the idea that Rove would be allowed to answer questions on the White House's terms. "Anyone who would take that deal isn't playing with a full deck," he said.

Republicans forced a delay in a vote on Senate subpoenas a week ago, and it was not clear whether any of the GOP members of the panel were now prepared to support them. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the senior Republican on the panel, floated a compromise in which Rove and others would answer questions from selected lawmakers without being sworn in but with a transcription made. It was not clear whether that would satisfy either the White House or congressional Democrats.

The clash comes less than 100 days after the new Democratic-controlled Congress took power and pledged to confront Bush aggressively.

Both houses are to vote in the next few days on legislation requiring the beginning of a troop withdrawal from Iraq after four years of war. And a House committee provided a stage last week for testimony by Valerie Plame, a one-time covert CIA official whose exposure figured in the recent trial and conviction of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, on charges of obstruction of justice.

The furor that has engulfed Gonzales stems from the dismissal of eight federal prosecutors last winter and a shifting series of explanations that followed. Initially, the Justice Department said most if not all were dismissed because of poor job performance.

Then David Iglesias, who had been removed as U.S. attorney in New Mexico, disclosed he had received calls close to last fall's elections from two Republican lawmakers, Sen. Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson. The two inquired about the pace of a corruption investigation, he said, adding that he interpreted the calls as pressure to rush indictments that might harm Democrats politically. Wilson was in a hotly contested race at the time. Both she and Domenici have denied any wrongdoing.

Officials also insisted that the White House had played a limited role in the decision to fire the eight. Then Snow told reporters Miers had first raised the prospect of firing all 93 U.S. attorneys shortly after Bush's re-election in 2004.

Snow soon had to recant that claim. "I don't want to try to vouch for origination," he said last Friday as e-mails surfaced shedding new light on Rove's role. "At this juncture, people have hazy memories."

In the days since, Gonzales has been buffeted by calls for his resignation by Democrats and even a few Republicans, particularly in light of separate disclosures that FBI practices had resulted in the illegal collection of personal data on Americans and foreigners.

Despite expressions of support from Bush, one member of the House GOP leadership, Rep. Adam Putnam of Florida, said Wednesday that Gonzales "has to evaluate how effectively he can continue to serve as our attorney general. I am stopping short of calling for his resignation."

Concern was evident among Republicans at the House subcommittee hearing, although GOP lawmakers repeatedly pressed Democrats to hold off on approval of the subpoenas.

Rep. Tom Feeney, R-Fla., told Democrats he would support subpoenas in the future "if some evidence of misconduct comes up."

Democrats were unmoved.

"The White House has offered a proposal that allows limited access to witnesses, no access to key documents and no testimony under oath," said Sanchez. "We have worked toward voluntary cooperation on this investigation, but we must prepare for the possibility that the Justice Department and the White House will continue to hide the truth."

Russian bailiffs prepare to sell Telenor stake

Russian bailiffs said Monday they are preparing to sell most of Norwegian telecom company Telenor's 29.9 percent stake in Vimpelcom, Russia's No. 2 mobile phone operator, in order to recover $1.7 billion owed in damages.

"The shares will be transferred in the near future for sale at auction," the bailiffs' press office said in a statement on its Web site.

Telenor could not be reached for immediate comment.

Bailiffs seized the stake in March after Telenor refused to carry out a Siberian court order to pay VimpelCom $1.7 billion in damages related to a years-old acquisition in Ukraine. The suit was brought by Farimex Products, an obscure shareholder with a tiny stake in Vimpelcom.

Telenor has accused billionaire Mikhail Fridman's Alfa Group, the other main shareholder in Vimpelcom, of bringing the suit under the guise of Farimex.

Telenor is appealing the Siberian court ruling.

What Goes On In The Market For Compost?

Commercial composters need to understand how state agriculture departments can affect how they do business - from tonnage fees to minimum (or maximum) product standards.

MANY BIOCYCLE READERS have already been introduced to AAPFCO by past articles which described the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) as a volunteer organization of state Department of Agriculture (DOA) officials. More specifically, the organization represents the state Control Officials who regulate the distribution and sale of fertilizer, soil amendments and liming agents in each U.S. state, its territories, as well as Canada. The organization creates model laws and regulation in order to assist interstate commerce and consumer protection, by requiring "truth in labeling," and promoting uniform regulation from state to state. It should be noted, however, that their model laws, regulations and Statements of Uniform Interpretation and Policy (SUIP) are created to provide guidance to states - they are not forced upon them. Composters should understand that state DOAs (AAPFCO members) can greatly impact the way they do business - from requiring them to pay tonnage and other registration fees, to creating minimum product standards, to changing the way we label our products.

Over the past 10 years, working through the Market Development Committee of the U.S. Compost Council (USCC) and my own company, great headway has been made in certain compost related initiatives. With this said, the following is an update of AAPFCO committee activities, following the winter 2005-06 meeting.

Uniform Bills Committee

The Uniform Bills Committee met to discuss a variety of subjects, with the most relevant to composters being the "Rules and Regulations for Bulk Compost." First, it should be noted that a tentative version of this document text has been published in the AAPFCO Publication 59 (which is available for purchase through AAPFCO - www.aapfco.org). The "Rules and Regulations for Bulk Compost" will be model regulation, under the Uniform State Fertilizer Bill, which will allow for the more accurate regulation of compost when nutrient claims are made. The "tentative" version of the "Rules and Regulations for Bulk Compost" is in the sidebar.

The goal of the Committee meeting was to make final modifications to the document so that it could be forwarded to the AAPFCO Board for review and approval (so that the updated version could be placed into "tentative status" again). Certain modifications to the document were required for clarity and overall improvement, while another was necessary in order to add the final list of Compost Claims to the document. After adding a definition for the term "feedstocks" to the document, the USCC was asked to develop a list of common compost feedstocks and related definitions. By completing the document at this meeting, and gaining Committee and Board approval, the document could be voted on by the AAPFCO member states at the August (2006) meeting in Oklahoma City (OK). This, in turn, if no additional changes to the document are made, will allow the document to go into official status in 2007. On Tuesday, February 21st the AAPFCO Board approved the document as "tentative." We will now wait for member approval in August.

Soil Amendment Subcommittee

It was decided over a year ago that a subcommittee should be formed to consider a rewrite of the current Uniform Soil Amendment Bill. The model bill is not considered strong enough or inclusive of many of the products now registered as soil amendments. Furthermore, it does not contain any draft rules and regulations (only the legislative language). It was decided that within a new model bill, soil amendments should be categorized by their intended benefits (intended use) to the soil: 1. Microbial (e.g., microbes); 2. Chemical (e.g., wetting agents, moisture gels); or 3. Physical (e.g., compost, peat) - and maybe, 4. Other category.

Further, it was proposed that the definition of "soil amendments" be modified to include the "chemical, physical and biological improvement of the soil." The model Bill currently states that soil amendments are "products that provide (only) physical improvement to the soil." The USCC (represented by my firm) was asked to continue assisting in the process of rewriting the bill, and in developing some additional definitions for use within it. This overall process is very good for the long-term regulation and marketing of compost. We will work to have the list of Compost Claims (now within the draft Uniform Fertilizer Bill Rules and Regulations language (see sidebar) added to the updated Uniform Soil Amendment Bill.

Environmental Affairs Subcommittee

The By-Products and Recycled Materials Subcommittee (within the Environmental Affairs Committee) once again met to discuss several issues, most of which were not relevant to composters. However, it was noted at the meeting that the full list of Compost Claims (developed by the USCC, through this Subcommittee) was provided to the AAPFCO Board to add to the "Rules and Regulations for Bulk Compost." Although this action has actually delayed the approval process of that document, it has allowed for a better overall document to be developed.

Although many state regulations for the distribution and sale of compost are firmly in place, composters must be aware that other government bodies are involved in this process, and that the issue is constantly "in play." Now, in the composting industry for over 22 years, many of us who have been around for a while are afraid that the industry has become complacent - thinking that all of the regulatory and related battles have been fought. This is untrue. The composting industry must understand that there are still situations occurring which can/will negatively impact the production and sale of compost, as well as our competitiveness as a waste management option. As our industry continues to grow, we must stay vigilant - staying involved and engaged, and supporting such efforts.

[Sidebar]

The Uniform Bills Committee met to discuss a variety of subjects, with the most relevant to composters being the "Rules and Regulations for Bulk Compost."

BioCycle Coverage Of AAPFCO Regulations

THE following articles, authored by Ron Alexander, provided background in understanding the latest update in the accompany article.

Making Claims With Your Compost Product - Legally!, May 2005,p. 63.

To Register Compost Or Not - That Is The Question, May 2004, p. 60.

Compost And The Fertilizer Regulation World, Dec. 2003, p. 60.

Setting Metals Standards For Fertilizers, May 1999, p. 66.

[Sidebar]

Onemodel proposal specifies that soil amendments should be categorized by their intended benefits to the soil - microbial, chemical or physical.

[Author Affiliation]

Ron Alexander is President of R. Alexander Associates, Inc. in Apex, NC 919-367-8350, alexassoc@earthlink.net. R. Alexander Associates, Inc. specializes in product and market research and development for organic recycled products. He currently serves as an Industry Liaison to AAPFCO representing the US Composting Council. Aside from his voluntary efforts on behalf of the composting industry, the US Composting Council partially funds his work with AAPFCO. Further, certain composters (most recently, Kellogg Garden Products, Carson California) have sent representatives to AAPFCO meetings to assist in ongoing efforts.

Turquía Tercer Lugar

Seul, Tokio. -- Ambos conjuntos se aventuraban en un terreno totalmente nuevo al jugar su septimo partido de la competicion, ya que ninguno de ellos habia disputado mas de tres encuentros en anteriores ediciones. Pero, en lugar de acomodarse, los dos equipos nos deleitaron con un choque vibrante, haciendo gala de su reputacion de practicar un futbol vistoso.

Para Corea fue una despedida carinosa, ya que, una vez mas, su aficion vistio sus mejores galas y pinto de rojo intenso la excelente organizacion que ha tenido el torneo. Segun pudo verse, el holandes dio total libertad a sus Guerreros de Taeguk para que se divirtiesen ante su encantadora hinchada. Quizas Hong Myung-bo, nominado para recibir el Balon de Oro de adidas, se haya tomado demasiado al pie de la letra el consejo. El capitan de Corea regalo la pelota al numero 9 turco, Hakan Sukur, quien, con gran tranquilidad, batio al portero de un tiro con el exterior del pie. El jugador del Parma habia disputado quinientos minutos del torneo sin ver puerta, casi un record para el mejor delantero de su pais. Sin embargo, esa marca sera pronto olvidada y sustituida por otra: la del gol mas rapido de la historia de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA. A Sukur solo le hicieron falta once segundos para estrenarse, superando en cuatro el tanto del checoslovaco Vaclav Masek ante Mexico en Chile 62. Y sin el concurso de su companero Hasan Sas.

El gol tempranero provoco una autentica fiesta. En un regreso al futbol mas puro, y gracias a su entregada aficion, los sacrificados coreanos encontraron nuevas reservas de energia y atacaron una y otra vez.

Sin embargo, Hiddink, cuya condicion de idolo quedo patente con la aparicion de su retrato entre los miles de seguidores que dieron vida al estadio de Taegu, debera conformarse una vez mas con el cuarto puesto, que ya habia alcanzado con Holanda hace cuatro anos, si bien el conjunto europeo tiene una reputacion mucho mayor que el asiatico.

Para los coreanos, ahora el futuro se muestra borroso. Como de costumbre, los Diablos Rojos lo celebraran hasta bien entrada la noche oriental, pero el amanecer traera un nuevo dia a la tierra de la tranquilidad matutina. Durante un mes, la inmensa mayoria de la poblacion ha estado viviendo un sueno. Ahora es el momento de despertar de el y reflexionar sobre su extraordinaria e historica proeza.

Para Turquia, un tercer puesto en el segundo torneo que disputa, y el primero desde Suiza 54, habra sido el deleite de millones de seguidores en las calles de su pais. Al derrotar a los coorganizadores, los hombres de Senol Gunes han demostrado que tienen la capacidad y el deseo de competir al maximo nivel durante muchos anos mas.

McCartney's ex donating $1M in vegan food to Bronx

Paul McCartney's ex-wife is donating $1 million worth of soy hamburgers, soy hot dogs and soy chicken cutlets to one of the poorest neighborhoods in the Bronx.

Heather Mills is set to announce the donation just before the Hunts Point Back to School Fair kicks off Saturday afternoon. The vegan animal rights campaigner is an honorary chairwoman of the nonprofit that organizes the event.

She tells the New York Post that she wants to make sure children in the neighborhood "have as many nutritional advantages as anyone else."

Children in Hunts Point have some of the highest obesity and asthma rates in the city.

Mills and McCartney were granted a divorce earlier this year.

___

On The Net:

Heather Mills: http://www.heathermills.org

Hunts Point Alliance for Children: http://huntspointallianceforchildren.wordpress.com /

From the Editor: Two ways to teach standards

From the Editor: Two ways to teach standards

Reading the words, it seems self-evident: "We needed to know if our kids were getting it. You don't know unless you look at what they do." That was curriculum coordinator Marcie Siegel's simple explanation of how teachers at Corkery Elementary School in South Lawndale came to examine student work for clues to how they could improve their own work -- teaching. While the notion is simple, the process is not. Teachers need to go beyond counting the number of right answers and determine, and with the help of a rubric, or template, identify where students' thinking falls short. They also need to summon the courage to let colleagues examine their methods and confront their own shortcomings. School officials in Boston, where examining student work is a major element of a citywide improvement plan, say it took two years for the first two waves of schools to get comfortable with the process.

Given the potential benefits, that was time well spent. For one, the rubrics make quality concrete for students, parents and teachers alike. During a recent visit by CATALYST, Corkery's Maria Goslin lead her 1st-graders through examples of work of varying quality, pointing out where they fell short or met the mark. As an aide for improved learning, the approach renders traditional test scores and grading (6.8, 67th percentile, "needs improvement") almost laughable. Teachers who have bought into this budding trend say that they now give more challenging assignments.

While this bottom-up approach to improved instruction has begun to creep into the school system, a new, top-down approach recently emerged full grown: the Chicago Public Schools Structured Curriculum Handbooks, which contain lesson plans for every day at every grade in each of the four core subjects. The plans are comprehensive; they spell out needed materials, test objectives the lessons cover, appropriate assessments, homework assignments and ways to integrate subject areas. They even script what teachers are to say to their students. Just the idea sends shivers down the spines of many who advocate greater teacher professionalism. Yet, the word filtering back to CATALYST is that the plans are good and do promote challenging work. This being the case, they, too, have potentially significant benefits. Both local and national studies have shown that teachers typically underestimate how quickly students can move ahead and that lessons are rife with repetition. Geared to the Chicago Public Schools Learning Standards, the new structured curriculum shows the pace required for all students to meet the standards.

To be effective, both approaches to improved instruction require sensitive school leadership. As a Boston school official said about that city's focus on student work, "Teachers had to understand we were not evaluating them." Schools chief Paul Vallas has said repeatedly that Chicago's pre-packaged lesson plans are optional. Yet some Nervous Nellie principals see anything coming out of central office as a command. One principal, we've been told, set his entire faculty on a forced march, directing them to follow the plans day by day. Fortunately for his students, some teachers dissuaded him, arguing that they'd be leaving many kids behind. Teaching directly to standards is not going to happen over night, and a mandate usually is an abdication of leadership. In contrast, a principal who welcomes the plans for her many new teachers told her staff to use what they consider helpful. However, even with well-crafted lessons, the board's structured curriculum carries a danger: Teachers may see their job as sticking to the scripts rather than getting their students to learn. An antidote is at hand: the organizations and schools that are trying to help teachers examine student work.

CATALYST ON THE AIR The Dec. 12 edition of "City Voices," broadcast from 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. on WNUA 95.5, will feature a discussion on helping new teachers. The participants: Principal Sandra Lewis of Harold Washington Elementary School, James Pudlewski of Golden Apple Teacher Education and Frank Tobin of Teachers for Chicago.

Geithner slams Republican debt limit plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is strongly criticizing a Republican proposal that would prioritize interest payments on the U.S. debt and cut spending rather than raise the borrowing limit.

Geithner says in a letter addressed to Sen. Jim DeMint, a Republican, that the idea is "a radical and deeply irresponsible departure" from previous practices by presidents of both parties. The letter was copied to 16 other Senate Republicans, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The debt limit is the amount the government can borrow to finance operations. The United States reached its $14.3 trillion borrowing limit in May. It could default on its debt if it doesn't raise that limit by Aug. 2.

Republicans say they will not support an increase without a plan for cutting spending by an equal amount.

Men with rhythm wanted for Olympic ceremonies

LONDON (AP) — Wanted: Men with rhythm. Task: To perform for an audience of billions.

Organizers of the London Olympics say they are short on male candidates as they look to finalize the cast of 10,000 volunteers who will participate in the opening and closing ceremonies.

Organizers say "this means those of you who can dance but also drum, or do any sport, job, or hobby that involves keeping to time."

Those who make the cut will take part in up to three four-hour rehearsals a week starting in April, and a number of all-day rehearsals in the three weeks leading up to each ceremony.

Oscar winning film director Danny Boyle is in charge of the opening ceremony on July 27.

GRAND MESA NATIONAL FOREST - TRICKEL PARK ROAD #121 TO SEE TRAFFIC DELAYS DUE TO PAVING PROJECT

DELTA, Colo., July 29 -- The U.

S. Department of Agriculture's U.

S. Forest Service unit - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests - issued the following press release:

The US Forest Service has announced that folks driving on the Trickel Park Road #121 on the Grand Mesa National Forest may experience daytime road delays from approximately July 28 through August 20 due to a road rehabilitation/paving project.

The public should anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes from 8am to 5pm daily during construction. The road should be re-opened and passable for 2-way traffic every evening after 6pm and be open on weekends.

Ward Lake campground, Thunder Mountain Lodge, Frost RV and Alexander Lodge will remain open during this time period. Travelers may chose the alternate route of the Old Grand Mesa Road, #123 to access the Grand Mesa Resort private property or any of the amenities located on the eastern end of the Tickle Park Road.

The road project will occur on the paved section of the road and will include removal of protruding rock within the existing roadbed, replacing culverts, improving of the road ditch, road milling/grinding of the old pavement and then placement of rejuvenated pavement by the US Forest Service and Delta County.

"We are extremely excited to complete the road repair and repaving on the Trickel Park Road," states Ranger Connie Clementson, "However, we regret that some delays of traffic while road work occurs will pose an inconvenience to travelers on the Grand Mesa National Forest." All road work should be completed and ready for 'Color Sunday' slated in late September. The funding of this project is a cooperative effort between the Forest Service and Delta County. For the latest information, contact the Grand Valley Ranger District at 970-242-8211 or the Grand Mesa Visitors Center at 970-856-4153. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

Connie Clementson, 970/242-8211.

GRAND MESA NATIONAL FOREST - TRICKEL PARK ROAD #121 TO SEE TRAFFIC DELAYS DUE TO PAVING PROJECT

DELTA, Colo., July 29 -- The U.

S. Department of Agriculture's U.

S. Forest Service unit - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests - issued the following press release:

The US Forest Service has announced that folks driving on the Trickel Park Road #121 on the Grand Mesa National Forest may experience daytime road delays from approximately July 28 through August 20 due to a road rehabilitation/paving project.

The public should anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes from 8am to 5pm daily during construction. The road should be re-opened and passable for 2-way traffic every evening after 6pm and be open on weekends.

Ward Lake campground, Thunder Mountain Lodge, Frost RV and Alexander Lodge will remain open during this time period. Travelers may chose the alternate route of the Old Grand Mesa Road, #123 to access the Grand Mesa Resort private property or any of the amenities located on the eastern end of the Tickle Park Road.

The road project will occur on the paved section of the road and will include removal of protruding rock within the existing roadbed, replacing culverts, improving of the road ditch, road milling/grinding of the old pavement and then placement of rejuvenated pavement by the US Forest Service and Delta County.

"We are extremely excited to complete the road repair and repaving on the Trickel Park Road," states Ranger Connie Clementson, "However, we regret that some delays of traffic while road work occurs will pose an inconvenience to travelers on the Grand Mesa National Forest." All road work should be completed and ready for 'Color Sunday' slated in late September. The funding of this project is a cooperative effort between the Forest Service and Delta County. For the latest information, contact the Grand Valley Ranger District at 970-242-8211 or the Grand Mesa Visitors Center at 970-856-4153. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

Connie Clementson, 970/242-8211.

Trapattoni signs new 2-year deal as Ireland coach

Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has signed a two-year contract extension through 2012.

The 70-year-old Italian's original deal was due to expire next year.

Trapattoni said Friday: "I am delighted to continue my job ... This squad has huge potential. Our results demonstrate what self-belief and structure can …

Stocks Sink on Black Monday Anniversary

NEW YORK - The Dow Jones industrial average dropped more than 360 points Friday - the 20th anniversary of the Black Monday crash - as lackluster corporate earnings, renewed credit concerns and rising oil prices spooked investors.

The major stock market indexes turned in their worst week since July after Caterpillar Inc., one of the world's largest construction equipment makers, soured investors mood Friday with a discouraging assessment of the U.S. economy. In a week dominated by mostly negative results from banks facing difficult credit markets and rising mortgage delinquencies, investors appeared surprised that an industrial name was feeling an economic pinch, too.

…

Abbott to submit Synthroid NDA.(Abbott Laboratories, new drug application)(Brief Article)

Abbott Laboratories plans to submit an NDA for Synthroid (levothyroxine sodium, USP), a treatment for hypothyroidism. The …

Utah.(INSIDE POLITICS: ACROSS STATE LINES)(Brief article)

By the time voters go to the polls Nov. 6 to decide on a state-funded schools voucher program, they'll have heard from advocates and opponents from around the country.

Supporters of the program (which promises to give each private school student between $500 and $3,000 in financial aid) received $240,000 from All Children Matter last year to help elect …

IMMIGRATION REFORM PRESSURES GROWING.(MAIN)

Byline: ALAN C. MILLER and RONALD J. OSTROW Los Angeles Times

The current immigration law is viewed as so unsuccessful that its co-author has asked Attorney General Janet Reno to explore the merits of a proposed constitutional amendment that would revoke the sacrosanct right to citizenship for anyone born on American soil whose parents are here illegally.

Rep. Romano L. Mazzoli, a believer in the contributions immigrants make to this country, co-authored the exhaustively debated 1986 law that was touted as the remedy for the problems of illegal immigration.

Yet concern over the issue has grown so intense that the moderate Kentucky Democrat is ready to start over.

"I want to provoke some thinking about the issue," Mazzoli said recently. "I said when you're going to sit down and think about this whole issue, you've got to think about it from the bedrock up. And I've asked her to start with the whole question of citizenship."

Mazzoli's admission is an unmistakable sign that the uproar over illegal immigration is no longer confined …

Mavericks-Lakers, Box

…

DALLAS (107)

Green 2-2 0-0 4, Nowitzki 7-15 3-3 19, Dampier 0-0 0-0 0, Wright 5-12 2-2 14, Kidd 4-10 0-0 12, Terry 13-23 0-1 29, George 2-3 0-0 6, Bass 4-7 3-3 11, Barea 5-11 0-0 10, Diop 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 43-84 8-9 107.

L.A. LAKERS (114)

Radmanovic 1-4 0-0 3, Gasol 7-12 0-0 14, Bynum 6-12 6-7 18, Bryant 14-26 6-6 35, Fisher 8-14 0-0 19, Odom 1-6 0-0 2, Farmar 2-6 0-0 4, Ariza 7-12 0-0 15, Vujacic 1-4 2-2 4. Totals 47-96 14-15 114.

WVON-AM

Chicago-based Midway Broadcasting Corp. owns WVON-AM, its solesubsidiary and one of the oldest urban radio stations in the Chicagoarea. Known as the "Voice of the Negro" in the 1960s and 1970s, WVONranked among the top three stations in the Chicago market when AMmusic stations were in their heyday. Today with different ownershipand a talk format, it refers to itself as the "Voice of the Nation"and is one of few African-American and female-owned stations in thecountry. Here are the views of Melody Spann-Cooper, 37, WVONpresident and Midway chairwoman.

Challenge: "The challenge is being an independently owned radiostation in a market that is run by conglomerates. We are …

Warburg Coverage.

Warburg Dillon Read (New York) has launched equity research coverage of several chemical firms, including Engelhard, PPG Industries, Cytec …

Olympic Gold for 'Deal or No Deal'.

By Michael Malone

Show promos have top viewer recall

While Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and beach volleyball were winners at the Olympics, Howie Mandel had a good couple of weeks, too.

According to an independent study from Frank N. Magid Associates on Olympic viewing, Deal or No Deal had the highest ad recall and intent to view of any NBC show promoted, while the network may already have cause for concern about rookie Kath and Kim . The strong push and response for Deal is timely, as in addition to its primetime return this fall, it is also debuting in syndication.

Forty-five percent of viewers remember seeing Deal or No Deal ads, followed …

JAMES STARS BEFORE IDOL.(SPORTS)

Byline: Associated Press

CHICAGO -- With his idol Michael Jordan watching from a skybox, LeBron James scored a game-high 32 points and had a career-high 10 assists Saturday night to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their second straight road win, a 95-87 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

It was James' third double-double of the season, his first since Nov. 29. He was 11-of-22 from the floor, and was 10-of-12 from the line. He also had six rebounds, two steals and two blocks while turning the ball over four times.

The loss spoiled the Bulls' homecoming party. Jordan attended his second game of the year, watching in a suite with former teammates Charles …

KLEIN TO LEAD SARATOGA BOARD.(Local)

The Republican majority of the county Board of Supervisors Monday night nominated a Saratoga Springs supervisor to chair the board in 1992.

Supervisor Philip W. Klein, who starts his third two-year term next year, said he was picked Monday night to move up to chairman of the heavily Republican board in January, replacing outgoing Chairwoman Barbara Ahner, R-Clifton Park.

Klein's nomination is a departure from the board's tradition, which would have Supervisor Carl Seymour, chairman of the Law and Finance Committee, take over as county board chairman for 1992. Seymour, however, failed to win re- election to his Northumberland post. He was beaten by Democrat …

Dominique Gisin wins Crans-Montana women's super-G

Dominique Gisin of Switzerland won her first World Cup super-G race Sunday, denying Lindsey Vonn a second win in two days.

Gisin attacked hard on the Nationale course to finish in 1 minute, 24.14 seconds for her third career World Cup victory. Vonn came 0.15 seconds behind to take second, with U.S. teammate Julia Mancuso 0.38 seconds back in third.

"It's incredible. I still feel like I'm going to wake up," Gisin said. "I just tried to go a half-meter closer everywhere and take an even more direct, even more radical line."

Vonn, who won gold in the downhill and bronze in the super-G at the Olympics, already has the World Cup …

US Industrial Output Up Only Slightly

WASHINGTON - Production at the nation's factories, mines and utilities edged up in August at the slowest pace in three months.

The Federal Reserve reported Friday that industrial production was up just 0.2 percent in August. That was slower than the 0.3 percent gain that analysts had been expecting.

It was the poorest performance in three months and reflected a 0.3 percent drop in output at U.S. factories, the first decline …

UBS Warburg grabs top spot in year-end 2001 RMBS league tables.

After a comparatively feeble showing in the previous year, UBS Warburg is the emerging winner in 2001 RMBS league tables.

UBS is first place in the year-end RMBS manager activity rankings for both agency and non-agency MBS, according to final results from Thomson Financial. The bank's lead comes at a time when industry totals shot up to $523.9 billion from $136.7 billion in 2000.

UBS - which made a huge leap from its No. 6 position for the 2000 rankings - sold $85.6 billion in 2001, grabbing the top slot with a 16.4% market share. This is compared to its 2000 showing, when the firm boasted only $9.89 billion in proceeds and a 7.2% market share.

UBS …

New pool brings healthy revival for naturist club.

THE world of naturism may be in trouble but a Brighouse naturist club is enjoying a healthy revival with the added attraction of a new pool.

Nationally, membership is said to be falling and fewer young people than ever are getting involved. But members of Ashdene Naturist …

ON THIS DATE...(LIFE & LEISURE)

Byline: Associated Press

Today is Saturday, Jan. 10, the 10th day of 1998. There are 355 days left in the year. In 1928, the Soviet Union sent Leon Trotsky into exile. Ten years ago: Soviet media reported that Mikhail S. Gorbachev, in an interview with Chinese journalists, praised the state of Sino-Soviet relations and called for a summit. (However, Beijing rejected the summit call, saying Soviet-backed Vietnamese forces …

Collmenter outpitched by Humber

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona right-hander Josh Collmenter was back in form, his pitches working and over-the-top delivery keeping hitters off balance.

He just wasn't good enough to beat Phil Humber and the Chicago White Sox.

Collmenter bounced back from his first shaky outing with a solid one, but was outpitched by Humber in the Diamondbacks' 8-2 loss to the White Sox on Sunday.

"Josh threw a good game for us," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said.

After confusing opponents with his quirky motion his first six starts, the right-hander hit his first big bump the previous start, giving up five runs — one less than the previous 13 appearances combined — in five innings of …

How to win tough elections in the South: 10 strategies

How close did the Democrats come to retaking the House of Representatives in '96? No less than 10 Republicans won with less than 50 percent of the vote. And a handful more won by fewer than 4,000 votes.

But as close as those races were, we believe one of the main reasons Dick Gephardt is not Speaker today is because our party squandered opportunities in the Deep South. Look inside the numbers. At the same time that Democrats were defeating Republican incumbents and winning hotly contested open seats across New England, the Rust Belt and the West Coast, we were losing Democratic-held open seats across the South. Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas all saw retiring …

AZERBAIJAN NATIONAL LIBRARY TO BE REPRESENTED AT GLOBAL E-LIBRARY.

Baku, July 15, 2010 (AzerTAc) -- The M.F. Akhundov Azerbaijan National Library will be represented at the global electronic library. The world readers now can get full and wider access to Azerbaijan realities, the country`s history, culture, geography, economy and other fields. The idea of global electronic library appeared in 2009. …

MIKE LILAC TAKES A SEAT IN THE STANDS.(SPORTS)

Byline: ALAN HART Staff writer

Section II boys basketball chairman Mike Lilac had just finished with the task of distributing pairings sheets for the annual sectional tournament to members of the media last week at a hotel conference room in Saratoga Springs.

Lilac, as always, had everything under control. Even if one didn't know already, it was obvious to anyone that Lilac is a man accustomed to getting things organized and making sure everything is order. Veteran basketball coaches are like that.

``If anyone has any questions about any class or anything about the tournament, just ask me or any member of the committee,'' Lilac said politely as the writers and TV broadcasters in attendance perused the material.

OK, here's a question: Why, Mr. Lilac, did …

Riesch wins final World Cup downhill

Maria Riesch of Germany beat Lindsey Vonn of the United States by nearly half a second in the final downhill of the season to keep the race for the overall title alive between the two Olympic champions and good friends.

Vonn, who took gold in the Olympic downhill, could have clinched her third straight overall title Wednesday but she still retains a 225-point lead going into the final three races. A win is worth 100 points.

"I haven't won it yet," Vonn said. "It's not finished yet. It's still possible (for Riesch to win), it's unlikely but it's not finished."

Riesch claimed an emphatic victory on her home course, leaving Vonn …