Canadian Tamil protesters demand intervention

Canadian Tamil protesters marched in front of the Prime Minister's office Thursday, demanding the government restart peace talks in Sri Lanka.

Canada is home to about 300,000 Tamils, one of the largest Tamil populations outside Sri Lanka and India.

Demonstrators want Canada to remove the terrorist label it placed on the Tamil Tigers, who are fighting for an independent homeland in Sri Lanka, said Senthan Nada, one of the organizers.

The Sri Lankan High Commission has called on Canadian authorities to crack down on public demonstrations of support for the Tigers.

But Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said that's not going to …

Seeing life through a child's eyes

On a perfect summer afternoon in Chicago, a shiny little toddlerwas on a tourist walk with her thirtyish mom and dad. She held handswith both parents as they crossed Wacker Drive at Wabash Avenue,stopping on the median in front of the fountain.

The little girl was thrilled by the falling, splashing water.Her parents, who might have walked right past the fountain if theyhad been alone, stopped and took the time to share their daughter'sinterest and join in her delight. They seemed happy to take part inthe wonder of her discovery.

When Joan and I were expecting Jenny, I would stop and watchscenes like this one, smiling and walking away almost light-headedwith …

Swiss club Thun hires coach Challandes

THUN, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss club FC Thun has hired coach Bernard Challandes to take charge of his third top-tier team in less than five months.

Thun says Challandes signed a one-year contract with the club, which has qualified for the Europa League preliminary rounds next season.

Challandes left Neuchatel …

'Avatar' races to $4.8M opening day in China

Already a global hit, James Cameron's "Avatar" raced to a $4.8 million first day in populous China, with a publicist predicting the sci-fi blockbuster will set a new Chinese box office record.

"Avatar" raked in 33.03 million Chinese yuan ($4.8 million) on Monday, in a 3-D, 2-D and IMAX joint release, Weng Li, spokesman for state-run film importer China Film Group told The Associated Press in a phone interview on Wednesday.

Weng called the result a strong showing but wasn't sure if it was a first-day record. The modern benchmark for a hit in China is 100 million yuan ($14.6 million), and "Avatar" is on track to easily pass that …

Tough subject, strong response A little 'Night' reading has big impact on 8th-graders Series: ONE BOOK ONE CHICAGO

Timing isn't everything. Suzanne Saposnik planned to teach herunit on the Holocaust to coincide with the city's selection of Nightby Elie Wiesel for its second One Book One Chicago program. But shedidn't know spring vacation would occur during the week the city wasculminating the program with special events.

Despite the fact school was not in session, Saposnik and 13 of herstudents took time out from their vacations to hear Wiesel speak.

"His book made a deep impact on me," said Yelena Mironova, one ofSaposnik's students. "Meeting someone like that in person who's beenthrough history and experienced it made it more real."

Reading Night is only a small part of …

Super-concentrated microbial potion banishes MTBE

BIOTECHOLOGY

A microbial mixture that can clean up groundwater contaminated with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate used in gasoline, and tertbutanol (TBA), a byproduct from the degradation of MTBE, at one-tenth the expense and at 50-80% less time than required with conventional methods, such as pump-and-treat technologies (e.g., spargers and strippers), has been commercialized by Osprey Biotechnics, Inc. (Sarasota, FL; www.ospreybiotechnics.com). The product, called MTG-3, contains 6 x 10^sup 8^ colony-forming units (CFU) of patented strains of Pseudomonas bacteria per mL of water. "We know of no other product with such high cell concentrations that is able to maintain …

Reports: Patrick Thoresen rejects Philadelphia Flyers renewal offer; set for European hockey

Philadelphia Flyers winger Patrick Thoresen has decided to reject a final contract offer and temporarily return to European hockey.

"I wanted a so-called one-way contract, which is to say the same salary regardless of whether I played in the NHL or a farm team," the 24-year-old Norwegian told the state radio network NRK on Tuesday. "That makes things more predictable for me and my family."

In February, the Flyers claimed Thoresen on waivers from the Edmonton Oilers, which he joined in 2006. He said because that club change was so …

Playing possum with Queen Latifah

LOS ANGELES -- "I love the message of the movie, which is thatfamily is love," says Queen Latifah about her latest venture. "Itdoesn't matter if you don't look like each other. The love is whatmatters."

In "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown," she voices the new character ofEllie, the only female woolly mammoth left in the world. The onlyproblem is she thinks she's a giant possum and spends her last daysin the wild -- before the world floods -- with her two possumbrothers (Seann William Scott and Josh Peck).

Manny the Mammoth (Ray Romano) falls in love with Ellie and takesher on a journey to survival.

She says watching her animated self "was a trip."

"I …

Musical fundraiser

Arts notes

Howard Dyck, well-known CBC Radio host and choral conductor, had difficulty sleeping after seeing the horrendous images of the tsunami devastation in Asia in late December. So he decided to rally the musical community in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, to help out. Dyck had no difficulty persuading the Kitchener-Waterloo Philharmonic Choir, which he conducts, to mount a benefit concert. Members of the K-W Symphony Orchestra were eager to donate their talents, and the Centre in the Square donated the concert hall and staff for the event. Local media carried notices of the benefit concert free of charge and …

Peter Lovenkrands to leave Schalke

Denmark striker Peter Lovenkrands is leaving Schalke after 2 1/2 years with the German club.

Schalke said Wednesday that Lovenkrands' contract, which ran through June 30, has been terminated "by mutual consent."

Lovenkrands scored six goals in 44 Bundesliga matches for Schalke. He has not played in the league this season.

Schalke managing director Andreas Mueller said …

Patriots quarterback Eason holding out

Tony Eason, the New England Patriots starting quarterback, wasamong nine unsigned veterans failing to report to training camp,choosing to hold out over a contract dispute.

Eason, who threw for 3,300 yards last season and 19 touchdowns,remained in Millis, Calif., as a trickle of veterans checked intotraining camp at Bryant College. More players were expected to showup Friday night.

Tom Ramsey, New England's third-string quarterback behind Easonand Steve Grogan, signed with the club.

DARBY RELEASED: The Philadelphia Eagles released tight end ByronDarby, who has played for the Eagles for four seasons.

Darby, a 6-4, 249-pounder from Southern …

Security raised after Pakistan Sufi shrine attack

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Police stepped up patrols in Karachi on Friday to try and prevent renewed violence after angry mobs rampaged through the city in the aftermath of a suicide attack on a Sufi shrine that left eight dead and 65 injured.

The attack by two suicide bombers on the most beloved Sufi shrine in Pakistan's largest city was a stark reminder of the threat posed by Islamist militants to this U.S.-allied nation.

Mobs took to the streets after the Thursday evening attack, firing weapons, setting tires on fire and torching at least two buses.

The city of more than 16 million was quiet early Friday, as most traffic remained off the road to avoid new possible …

Russia's economy back on its feet

Russia's oil-dependent economy is getting back on track after its biggest downturn in a decade as higher crude prices and new inflows of capital have shored up the country's banks, government finances and stock markets.

Fitch Ratings on Friday became the second ratings agency to raise its outlook on Russia's creditworthiness, following Standard and Poor's.

The agency said the upgrade from negative to stable reflects a greater confidence in Russia's economic and financial stability, as the broader domestic economy picks up and more money from abroad comes into the country, reversing the outflows that alarmed markets during the crisis.

Investors have flocked back to the Russian market, considering it undervalued at the start of 2009 after it lost 74 percent during 2008. The market was the second-best performing in 2009 next to Brazil. The ruble-denominated MICEX benchmark has more than doubled since January 2009, moving from under 600 points to close at 1,410.38 on Friday though it remains well below its peak.

A year ago, Russia was flirting with financial and currency collapse. The ruble was routinely losing 2 percent a day against the U.S. dollar, while the government was spending billions of dollars from its reserves _ earned from oil profits during better years _ every week to shore up the currency. Investors feared that Russia would burn through its rainy-day fund and watch the ruble plunge sharply.

But the Central Bank was able to manage a gradual decline of the ruble's exchange rate and avoid a sharp drop like the one during a 1998 collapse that saw the country default on its debts. With oil prices recovering, the ruble has now regained about 10 percent in value against the dollar since late January 2009.

"The market then was seized by fears that the Central Bank would fail to stabilize the ruble and spend all of its reserves," said Yulia Tsyplyayeva, chief economist at Merill Lynch in Moscow.

"We are talking about completely different things now."

Oil has been key. The price of crude rose from a 2008 low of $45 to $83 a barrel this month.

Russia posted a net private capital inflow of $11.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009 against outflows of $33.4 billion in the third quarter. The Central Bank has forecast some $42 billion to flow into the country this year.

Although the gross domestic product is expected to have contracted by 8.5 percent in 2009, the economy has been growing for two consecutive quarters and is expected to grow by at least 3 percent this year. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on Friday upgraded its forecast to 3.9 percent from 3.1 percent.

A year ago, the market was worried about non-performing loans, and although their share in banks' loan portfolios remains high _ at 20 percent across the sector _ the country seems in better shape to cope with that problem now.

Fitch said in its Friday report that "downside risks to the banking sector have lessened somewhat due to the stabilization of the economy and banks' increasing loss absorption capacity".

"Even if NPLs are high, (the government has) resources at hand to re-capitalize the banking system," Tsyplyayeva said.

Russia's government has reported that the federal budget deficit was 5.9 percent of GDP in 2009 compared with a projected 7.7 percent. Six months ago, most analysts predicted the deficit would be as much as 10 percent.

Yaroslav Lissovolik, chief economist at Deutsche Bank in Moscow, said this demonstrates that the government not only received extra revenues but also managed to cap expenses.

The downturn has shown how vulnerable Russia is to any movement in oil prices _ the true backbone of its economy. President Dmitry Medvedev has repeatedly emphasized the need to shake off the dependence on oil and diversify the economy, but little has been done.

Lissovolik, however, said the government should be given time, as its priority during the first year of the crisis was to mitigate the impact of the recession.

"Now that the crisis is easing, one could expect that the task to modernize the economy will start to get implemented," he said.

Russia announced last year that it would have to borrow abroad _ for the first time in a decade _ to cover its budget deficit. Although the budget will need less money than originally thought, the government is still set to tap debt markets later this year.

Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin lauded Fitch's move on Friday, saying this will help Russia borrow more cheaply on global markets.

Lissovolik of Deutsche Bank said Russia is likely to borrow less than previously thought but still needs to do so, at least in order to set a benchmark for future borrowings.

"To some extent it will also make it easier for Russian companies to borrow abroad," he said.

Tsyplyayeva agreed that borrowing would be wise, since this would allow the government to keep its $60 billion rainy-day fund in reserve in case oil prices drop. As less money is being pumped into real economies around the world, Moscow-based economists fear that Russia's recovery might be bruised as any slowdown in the global recovery will hurt oil prices.

Ryanair threatens to cut Dublin jobs over new tax

Budget airline Ryanair on Thursday threatened to cut 200 jobs in Dublin if the Irish government imposes a new tax on outbound flights from Ireland's airports next month.

The carrier said traffic through Dublin Airport, the nation's busiest, was down 9 percent compared to last year, and said it believed that decline would "accelerate on 30th March next when the Irish government's idiotic euro10 ($12.80) tourist tax is introduced."

Ryanair said it was prepared to cut the number of aircraft based in Dublin from 22 to 18.

"The staff affected by today's announcement will be offered a relocation with the aircraft in question," the airline said.

Ryanair has more than 6,000 employees.

"These cuts can and will be reversed if the government's suicidal euro10 tourism tax is reversed on or before 30th March," said Michael O'Leary, the airline's chief executive.

"This travel tax has already failed in the U.K. and Dutch markets, where they caused traffic declines and sadly the Irish government's tourist tax is doomed to a similar failure. This government must realize you can only promote tourism by welcoming visitors, not taxing them," O'Leary added.

Symonds in Australia's Champions Trophy squad, despite concern over Pakistan as venue

Andrew Symonds has been included in Australia's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy but says he will not risk his safety if unrest continues in Pakistan.

Symonds has long expressed concerns over Pakistan staging the limited-overs tournament for the world's top eight cricket teams in September.

He previously threatened to boycott a test tour to Pakistan before it was postponed, in March, also due to security concerns.

"My feelings haven't changed a great deal," Symonds said in a radio interview soon after returning from Australia's test and limited-overs series wins in the West Indies.

Symonds was selected in the 30-man preliminary squad, along with injured skipper Ricky Ponting and fast bowler Shaun Tait, announced Thursday by Cricket Australia. The squad will be trimmed to 15 next month.

The International Cricket Council has said it will not risk the safety of any player or official and is reviewing security in Pakistan. It is expected to make a final decision on the Sept. 11-28 tournament before the end of this month.

Alternate venues include Sri Lanka and South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board says it is confident it can stage the tournament despite recent attacks that have raised security concerns.

The promise came the same day a suicide attack killed at least 18 people in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. The next day, a series of small blasts in Karachi wounded 43 people.

Australia holds the World Cup and Champions Trophy and is ranked No. 1 in test cricket, but has lost several experienced players in recent seasons, including Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

"The squad recognizes the continued success of the one-day side and its outstanding efforts in the West Indies, together with the strong performance of our young emerging talent," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said. "While Australia is clearly in a rebuilding phase, it was very pleasing to see the efforts of the new players in the West Indies and the manner in which the senior players have taken to the role of mentoring their development."

Beau Casson was excluded despite joining the test lineup on the West Indies tour following Stuart MacGill's sudden retirement, with Hilditch saying the young spin bowler needed more exposure to limited-overs cricket.

Tait, who quit cricket suddenly in January due to "physical and emotional exhaustion," has been recalled.

"Shaun Tait has been included as he continues his extensive rehabilitation program to resume playing cricket. Shaun had a significant impact in our World Cup victory and at his best is a formidable weapon in one-day cricket."

Australia has matches against India at Lahore on Sept. 13, host Pakistan at Rawalpindi on Sept. 17 and West Indies at Karachi on Sept. 21 in the group stage. The semifinals will be held in Karachi and Rawalpindi on Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 and the final in Lahore.

___

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), George Bailey, Doug Bollinger, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Dan Cullen, Xavier Doherty, Brett Geeves, Ryan Harris, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Ashley Noffke, Tim Paine, Luke Ronchi, Andrew Symonds, Shaun Tait, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

No Japan-China talks seen at UN due to boat spat

TOKYO (AP) — Chinese and Japanese leaders are not planning any talks next week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly partly because of escalating tension over a collision near disputed southern islets, the top Japanese government spokesman said Thursday.

Meanwhile, Japan's embassy and consulates in China issued a warning to its citizens in the country to watch their words and actions so as not to provoke Chinese after nationalistic protests and reports of vandalism at a Japanese school.

The diplomatic spat broke out last week when Japanese authorities arrested the captain of a Chinese fishing boat after it collided with two Japanese patrol boats near islands in the East China Sea claimed by both countries.

The 14 crew members and the trawler have returned to China. But the captain remains in Japanese custody and could face prosecution for obstructing the coast guards' public duties — triggering harsh criticism from Beijing.

Beijing has said the confrontation could damage its relations with Japan and has summoned Ambassador Uichiro Niwa five times, underlining the sensitivity of the territorial dispute. The incident has also led to protests in Taiwan, which also claims the islands, called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, which are located 120 miles (190 kilometers) east of Taiwan.

Last week, in a sign of its anger, Beijing postponed talks with Japan on contested undersea deposits in the East China Sea. The talks would have been the second meeting over gas exploration related to the territorial dispute.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku told a regular news conference that neither Tokyo nor Beijing is seeking to arrange talks for the two leaders during their visit in New York next week to attend the U.N. meeting.

Kan's predecessor had met with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao at last year's General Assembly, and leaders of the two nations usually meet at international gatherings. So while it was assumed Kan and Wen would meet, no meeting or agenda had been set.

"At the moment, nothing has been decided, as neither side is making a move to set up (a meeting)," Sengoku said. He cited "the problem involving the Senkaku," as part of the reason why both sides are not arranging talks. He also cited scheduling conflicts on both sides.

"We have not received any request from China, either," he said.

Japan urged its citizens in China to "take full caution" for the time being, especially on Saturday, a sensitive day marking the anniversary of the 1931 "Mukden Incident" that led to the Japanese occupation of China's northeast.

"Watch your words and behavior when you have contact with the Chinese people," the embassy said in a safety notice posted on its Web site. "Refrain from making a scene in a Japanese-only group or other provocative acts."

Last week, a few dozen people gathered in front of the Japanese embassy in Beijing to shout slogans and wave flags. Such protests usually occur only with the approval of local police or officials.

Vandalism was reported Sunday at a Japanese school in Tianjin, with graffiti painted on the wall. A Japanese school in Beijing said it has decided to postpone a sports event scheduled for Saturday until October.

During times of periodic tension between the two countries in the past, Japanese schools, stores, restaurants and diplomatic installations in China have been attacked.

China was confident that "the Chinese public will express themselves in a rational and legitimate way," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu, adding that she had not heard of any arrangements for Wen and Kan to hold talks at the U.N.

She repeated Bejing's demand for the captain's release "to avoid further detriment to relations."

Japan stepped up its presence over the disputed islets, with Transport Minister Seiji Maehara inspecting patrol boats on Ishigaki, a Japanese island near the disputed islets, on Thursday. He also visited coast guard personnel to praise their efforts to seize the captain.

Japan's Defense Ministry arranged a press tour to the area Wednesday, showing journalists a pair of P3C surveillance planes flying over the islets. A ministry official said that the surveillance is part of a daily routine, not a newly added duty since the ship collisions.

___

Associated Press writer Cara Anna in Beijing contributed to this report.

Advocates: Leave local school councils alone!

Black and Latino leaders from several Local School Councils crowded the sidewalk in front of the Chicago Board of Education offices Wednesday to oppose Mayor Richard M. Daley's desire to strip the councils of the ability to hire and fire principals.

"City Hall's proposed action would disenfranchise the largest group of minority elected officials in the state, and the nation, and the people who elected them," said Eric Outten, an LSC vice-chair at Burnside Scholastic Academy.

According to a report released by South Side United Local School Council Federal at the rally, LSCs in Chicago contain significant numbers of Blacks, Latinos and Asians elected to hold the office. The combined numbers of the three groups in the city is 3,750. The total for Blacks, Asians and Latinos on the remaining 900 school boards statewide is just 380, with 5,600 white members, according to the report.

The mayor also is trying to grab control of jobs for principals at 550 schools and millions of dollars in salaries, charged South Side United leaders. City hall has enough corruption problems and can't be allowed to go back to handing out school jobs based on patronage or political connections, they added.

Daley broached the idea of taking hiring and firing ability away from LSCs after a controversy over the dismissal of Jerryelyn Jones, the highly regarded principal at Curie High School, Daley condemned the March decision by a Latino majority on the Curie LSC to depose the African American principal. He called the vote racist and a "national disgrace." Jones has appealed the decision and the case is in arbitration.

Local School Councils need to be left alone, advocates say.

"We have a problem with the possibility of central office, through the mayor's office, taking power away from Local School Councils in choosing their principals," said Eben Credit, of South Side United. "When you're talking about taking the right to chose from Local School Councils, you're not just talking about those 12 people. Those 12 people represent the community as a whole legally," he said.

If you count nearly 400,000 mostly Black and Latino public school students and their parents, you talking about taking away the rights of about one million people, Credit argued.

"The school board simply wants to centralize control of the principal appointments and go back to the old system of principal patronage where we had principals being assigned to plum schools just to retire and friends of downtown just sitting there to have a job as opposed to being accountable to the local community, to the parents and the students of that school," said Outten.

The school board's central office has failed to help LSCs and LSCs are never called on to help with back to school efforts, violence prevention of academic achievement, he complained.

University of Chicago research shows 83 percent of principals believe LCSs help schools improve and over half of LSCs were rated "high functioning", and 30 percent were rated "performing well but need support," said South Side United.

"The proposals that the mayor and board of education have been shopping around with legislators would critically weaken the links between schools and communities when we need everyone to work together to improve our schools and radically decrease violence," said Outten.

LSCs, created by state law in 1988, are responsible for the onsite management of city public schools, which includes selecting school principals, approving plans to improve school academics and approving the school's budget. The idea was to put more control and power over education into the hands of local people. The ability to hire and fire principals for renewable four-year contracts represents significant power for LSCs, which hold elections every two years, on even numbered years. LSCs are composed of six parents, two community representatives, two teachers, principals, and students in high schools.

Rally participants didn't comment on the Curie controversy, except to say that the process outlined in the law is underway. The entire system should not be changed because of one LSCs decision, they said. Nothing should change because the system is working, said Valencia Rias, of Designs For Change, an education advocacy group and rally organizer. The mayor and Chicago Public School leadership want to intervene now, but they have never acted when principals at low performing schools were rehired year after year, she said.

State legislators and aldermen asked to oppose mayor. Rally organizers have contacted some state legislators and aldermen, but plan to mount a campaign to derail the mayor's plan. A state legislator would have to offer changes to state law to take away LSC hiring and firing power. Advocates fear the change could be tucked away in a late minute, late night legislative act.

"The only way we can stop the types of backroom maneuvers that are possible in Springfield is to contact all of our state legislators and tell them not to let this last minute manipulation happen," said Al Rogers, an LCS member at Morrill Elementary School and Gage Park High School. Rogers has been an unpaid public education advocate for 18 years.

"If the Chicago Board wants to change the law, we must ask our representatives to demand that the Chicago Board does it in the legislative session next spring with public hearing in Chicago," Rogers said.

The fight could also offer new city council members an opportunity to show how deep their commitment to change runs, when they asked to buck the mayor.

Given city bond issues for school construction, each alderman has a stake in the LSC discussions, Rogers observed. "Each and every alderman does have a point to make and they (school board officials) listen," he said.

[Author Affiliation]

by Richard Muhammad

Defender Contributing Writer

Komarow named AP's deputy Washington bureau chief

Steven Komarow, senior deputy international editor for The Associated Press, has been named deputy Washington bureau chief for the news cooperative.

Komarow, a veteran correspondent with extensive background in Washington, Europe, and the Middle East, moves to Washington after two years in the AP's international news department. In his new role, he will help manage the AP's largest U.S. bureau, with broad oversight on all key initiatives including an expanded enterprise report and closer interaction with other AP departments and formats.

The appointment was announced Monday by Washington Bureau Chief Ron Fournier.

Komarow, 52, first joined the AP on the Metro Desk in Washington in 1979. He later was Washington Metro editor and chief congressional correspondent. He covered the presidential campaigns in 1988 and in 1992.

In 1993, Komarow moved to USA Today as a defense correspondent, covering three secretaries of defense and troops in the field. He was the first reporter to cover a cruise missile launch from inside a B-52 bomber. He accompanied the first ground troops into Bosnia, Kosovo, and Haiti.

In 2000, Komarow opened USA Today's Berlin bureau and wrote news and feature stories from Central and Eastern Europe. After Sept. 11, 2001, he covered the U.S.-led military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He was embedded with the Army during the invasion of Iraq and went on to cover the capture and trial of Saddam Hussein, reconstruction efforts and the insurgency. He also has reported from across Europe and in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Yemen, Djibouti, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf states.

Komarow returned to USA Today's Washington bureau in 2003, splitting his time between national security coverage in Washington and reporting from Iraq.

"Steve has the temperament and the experience to help the Washington bureau retain its reputation for being first and fair while taking us to a new level in enterprise and watchdog journalism," Fournier said.

Komarow, born in New York, holds a B.A. in political science from George Washington University.

Pre-trial delay in Fla. woman NY case

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — A Florida woman accused of directing the killing of her millionaire husband and mother-in-law is angry about a new pre-trial delay.

The New York case against Narcy Novack of Fort Lauderdale was adjourned Thursday to Aug. 1.

A visibly frustrated Novack insisted her lawyer complain to the judge about the delay. The lawyer did, but Novack continued speaking to him angrily during the federal court session in White Plains, N.Y.

Two factors caused the delay. Prosecutors said the Justice Department hasn't yet decided whether to seek the death penalty against Novack. And, a new lawyer took over the case against her brother and a co-defendant.

They're accused of hiring others to kill Bernice Novack in Florida and Ben Novack in New York.

Ben Novack's father built the Fontainebleau hotel in Miami Beach.

Formation of fair-weather cumuli

CUMULI

Fair-weather cumuli are among the most common phenomena in the boundary layer. Exploring why and how these clouds form under different conditions can provide insight into the interaction between the atmosphere and the underlying surface. In a study addressing the formation of fairweather cumuli, we find that moisture entrainment at the top of the boundary layer and fluxes at the surface play important roles in the formation of these clouds. The effect of these processes on cloud formation can be determined by a combination of the surface Bowen ratio (between sensible and latent heat flux) and the ratio between the entrainment moisture flux and the surface moisture flux.

The stratification above the inversion and large-scale subsidence are the other keys to cloud formation. Weaker stability provides a greater potential for cloud formation. Generally, subsidence tends to reduce the chances of cloud formation, but the intensity of this reduction may vary depending on boundary layer conditions. For a moist boundary layer with a small surface Bowen ratio, subsidence may be a minor factor affecting cloud formation even though it can reduce the boundary layer depth substantially. However, subsidence may be a major obstacle to cloud formation when the surface Bowen ratio increases.

Over land the cloud formation process is complicated not only by changes of surface and ambient meteorological conditions, but also by other factors such as terrain, land use, and variations in source and abundance of cloud condensation nuclei. Thus, for continental fair-weather cumuli, cloud formation could be as important as other cloud-related issues.

This study systematically applies mixed-layer theory and uses observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program. The analyses shed new light on the mixed-layer model and provide some useful avenues for future research on cloud formation processes. They also provide the framework for effectively using datasets like those collected by the ARM program to comprehensively study the factors that affect cloud formation and fractional cloudiness.-PING ZHU (MPO/RSMAS, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI) AND BRUCE A. ALBRECHT. "A Theoretical and Observational Analysis on the Formation of FairWeather Cumuli, "appearing in the 15 June Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences.

Stop the violence

WHEN WILL SENSELESS violence in this country stop? The murder of32 college students at Virginia Tech boggles the mind and senses.America must stop showing so much violence and needless brutalitythrough TV series such as "The Sopranos," "CSI: Miami," "CSI: NY"and "Law & Order," where the shows' creators are vying for ratings;in movies such as "Saw" and "Saw II" with their gory scenes; inreality shows, music videos, the Internet and especially video games-- where kids sit for hours watching and participating in violentscenarios, etc.

These images are DESENSITIZING Americans . . . especially ourkids. Yet, the United States is always meddling in other countries'business, telling them how to live. WE better clean up our ownbackyard.

The Virginia Tech killer, 23-year-old senior Cho Seung-Hui,obviously was nuts, and now it's been revealed that in a 2005 courtorder, Cho was said to be "an imminent danger to others."

There was a time when peace officers who suspected someone ofbeing mentally unbalanced and possibly a threat to himself or othershad the right to take that person into custody and request, before ajudge, that the person be given a mental evaluation. But due to achange in the law, it is almost impossible to detain such a person.

We all have run across overly aggressive panhandlers or streetpeople who make you want to cross the street because of theirerratic behavior . . . but as a citizen, what can you do?

Banning guns and gun laws won't stop a person determined tocreate carnage. You can't police an individual 24/7 . . . and yousurely can't determine if or when that person may wake up and decideto kill.

What's an unarmed and defenseless person supposed to do?

CHAKA KHAN . . . CHAKA KHAN: The Music Experience store and hostDedry Jones presents an evening with Chaka on May 1 at the ChicagoHilton.

"THE APPRENTICE" finalist, Naperville's Nicole D'Ambrosio, willbe the special guest at the Marklund Golf Classic May 8 at IndianLakes Resort in Bloomingdale. . . . Cheryle Jackson, new CEO of theChicago Urban League, will be interviewed by John Callaway on his"Friday Night" program Friday on WTTW-Channel 11.

THE RL COOL SET: Boy, the trendy RL restaurant was just jumpingwith fashionable notables Monday evening, such as top photog VicSkrebneski, Marsha Brenner, Dorothy Fuller, Chuck and Candace Jordan(on their way to a rare-book fair in New York), Ald. Ed Burke andstate Supreme Court Justice Ann Burke, who was chatting with goodbuddy and former Chicago FBI Agent in Charge Kathleen McChesney (nowvice prez of threat assessment and crisis management for Disney),Steve (Gibsons) Lombardo, Ald. Brendan Reilly, Vonita Reescer, Dr.Linda O'Bannon, Bev Blettner, Mamie & Julius Walton, and the newvice chairman of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, BradleyGriffith, with wife and lifestyle diva Tiffani Kim.

Whew! Did I miss anybody? Heck no! I know this is a long "SightSeen" . . . but my head was spinning saying hi to everyone!

LONGTIME comic/actor Shelley Berman, 81, is to be honored byChicago's Great Vest Side Club May 7 at the Crystal Palace Banquetsin Park Ridge. . . . WMAQ-Channel 5 anchor Dick Johnson is set tohost the National Able Network's "Outstanding Worker" awardsluncheon May 15 at the Palmer House Hilton. . . . Award-winningcelebrity chef Rick Bayless speaking at the Executives BreakfastClub of Oak Brook at the Drury Lane Theatre and Convention CenterFriday. . . . Deborah Gray Young of E. Morris Communications isspeaking today at the National Alliance of Market Developersconference at DePaul University.

THE HAPPENINGS: The rock group Chicago with special guest America-- June 30 @ Charter One Pavilion. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m.Saturday. . . . Brooks & Dunn with Alan Jackson June 2 at FirstMidwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, with tickets also going onsale at 10 a.m. Saturday. . . . Gwen Stefani with Akon and LadySovereign June 8 at First Midwest Bank.

JOAN RIVERS and daughter Melissa are out as the divas of the RedCarpet shows for the TV Guide Channel. Actress Lisa Rinna is in.

THE BIRTHDAY SET: Politico Mike Madigan, WBBM-Channel 2's MaryAnn Childers, WBEZ radio's Claude Cunningham and belated to MarvinDaniels. Friday: Ryan O'Neal. Saturday: Tony Danza, and anniversarywishes to Thom and Ann Serafin. Sunday: D. Michelle Flowers, TanyaMitchell, Paul Robin and limo driver Jim Nelson. Monday: GeorgeO'Hare, WLS-Channel's 7's Leah Hope, Sue Carey, Flynn David Toomeyand Richard Miller.

South Korea beats Dutch for Champions Trophy 3rd

South Korea scored four second-half goals to beat the Netherlands 4-2 and claim third place at the men's Champions Trophy field hockey tournament.

Earlier Sunday, Spain defeated England 5-2 to take fifth place. Germany was scheduled to play Australia for first place later Sunday.

Meanwhile, Australia's Jamie Dwyer was named world player of the year, adding to his earlier wins in 2004 and 2007.

Argentina's Luciana Aymar shared the women's player of the year award with the Netherlands' Naomi van As. It was Aymar's sixth world player trophy.

England midfielder Ashley Jackson was named men's young player of the year and Australia midfielder Casey Eastham women's young player.

Swimmers take on Channel challenge

Sixteen staff and friends from Bath estate and lettings agencieshave swum a distance equivalent to that of the English Channel tohelp raise money for Dorothy House Hospice.

The team from Whitfield Nash and JD Lettings set themselves thechallenge of covering the 22-mile distance from Dover to Calais inthe outdoor pool at the Royal United Hospital - by swimming 1,690lengths between them.

But once the distance was completed the swimmers were determinedto continue and between them swam 2,461 lengths, which is theequivalent of swimming the channel and halfway back again.

Staff members raised sponsorship for their efforts and reached atotal of Pounds 1,355 for the Winsleybased hospice.

Dan Davies started the team off at 7.30am, closely followed byJoan Sims.

Danny Vilalta completed the swim at 7.30pm, after around 12 hoursof almost continual swimming from the team for the charity.

This is not the first challenge completed by the Whitfield Nashand JD Lettings team for Dorothy House, they also took on their ownversion of the three peaks challenge.

Normally the challenge involves scaling the highest peaks inScotland, Wales and England. However, their event did not involvemountains and instead saw staff scaling some of Bath's toughestclimbs - Bathwick Hill, Wellsway and Lansdown Road.

GOING OUT WITH A BANG

Lawmakers shoot it up with cops, sine die

Checking the social calendar this week, Unda' the Rotunda noted a Tuesday afternoon "Day at the Range," the Fraternal Order of the Police event for Idaho legislators. Having never shot anything bigger than a paintball gun, this reporter figured he'd drive up and snap some picture of lawmakers with guns.

When I walked up to the table wearing protective earmuffs and eyeglasses, the plainclothes officer was skeptical of my credentials.

"Do you have something proving you work for the Boise Weekly? How am I supposed to believe you?" he asked.

Stuttering, I watched as Rep. Cliff Bayer, West Boise gunslinger, walked up and shook hands with the officer.

"You know this guy? He wants to take some pictures and write a story," said the cop.

"He looks like a shady character to me. He's probably press," Bayer responded. He recognized me.

"Well, do you mind if he comes in?" the cop asked.

"I guess now that you've put me on the spot, sure, why not ..." Bayer chuckled.

Dodging quips about liberal media and press in the crosshairs (Now don't tell your boss about this ... Stand up there by that target ... etc.), we stepped up to the folding table that held a pile of ammunition and a matte black Heckler and Koch MP5. Having only sported such a weapon in video games, the sleek steel barrel looked ominous and summarily badass.

Rep. Dick Harwood of St. Maries brought a bill this year - the Idaho Firearms Freedom Act - that sought to exempt locally produced guns and ammo from federal regulations, in an attempt to micromanage the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. It would also task the state with representing Idahoans brought to court over the matter.

Though they opposed the largely symbolic gun bill, Democrats got in on the fun as well.

"They pitted me against Durst," said Boise Rep. Brian Cronin, speaking of Rep. Branden Durst, also of Boise. "I hadn't shot since high school, and I don't think he had either. I think Durst may have won ... After we were done, one of the police guys said, 'that's why Republicans fight wars' ... I thought that was a little harsh," he laughed (sort of).

Cronin and I spoke as the House was at ease on March 26, while he ate bean dip provided for the forthcoming "sine die," or "without day," 'party marking the end of the legislative session.

Back at the range, as Bayer flipped the safety toggle, I noticed his loafers and suit pants - he was wearing his legislative business attire under a Columbia jacket - while shooting the $1,000 machine gun. When he switched to fully automatic and sprayed a staccato burst of rounds, I finally understood Idaho, a place I've lived for nearly four years after moving from Washington state.

When I was a kid, Idaho meant hot summers and sprawling acres of farmland. I came face to face with a cow for the first time in this state. I didn't know what a potato cellar was. It wasn't until I moved to Boise and found myself peering down the sight of an assault rifle surrounded by my elected officials, that I realized Idaho is really a nation apart - a world away from the larger country. All the seemingly crazy bills about state sovereignty finally made sense.

Next station: 12 gauge shotgun and Noveske N4. After popping off bird shot with the shotgun, relishing the red cartridge ejected with each pull of the pump-action firearm, my shoulder was sore from lack of practice. The kick was a surprise and made me feel powerless in comparison to the machined metal tube that spit fire. Bayer stepped up to the target and promptly blew a hole in its head with six sprays of shot.

Back at the Capitol the next day, I watched George Eskridge of Dover attempt to swipe some of gun-toting Rep. Lenore Barren's bean dip. Watching them joke showed a different side to the lawmakers who seemed cold, calculating and authoritative earlier in the session. Maybe they're trying to dismantle the state with the budget cuts. Maybe they're making the best of limited resources.

The real stars of the show at the range were Reps. Pat Takasugi and Marv Hagedorn. Takasugi, with a holster on his hip, practiced drawing his revolver and popping off shots at a Christmas tree-like structure with metal targets that pinged nicely when hit.

"I've got a few guns, I mean I come from a military background. I brought my Colt .45 with me that day," Takasugi said a few days later.

With the median age in the Capitol around that of Rotunda's mother, it's a strange place for a 21 -year-old Seattle expat reporter.

With some fatal wounds to the target's abdomen, both from the buckshot and the full-auto MP5, this reporter netted a kill. Watching the legislators interact with the officers, with each other, with the press, you learn a lot about the lawmakers. They pander to lobbyists, they bicker with one another, but ultimately they do represent a cross section of the state. They are the folk they came here to represent - and just like Joe Idaho, they shoot first and ask questions later.

Top Indian scientist optimistic about the upcoming UN climate change conference

A U.N. climate change conference in Indonesia may produce a roadmap for countries to reduce their global-warming emissions after the Kyoto protocol expires in 2012, a scientist said Monday.

World leaders will start negotiations next month on the resort island of Bali for a replacement to the Kyoto protocol, which requires 35 industrial nations to cut their global-warming emissions 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, when the accord expires.

"What may happen in Bali is a likely agreement on the roadmap for the future ... likely timetables and deadlines towards defining the broad contours of where an agreement may take us post-2012," said Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which won this year's Nobel Peace Prize along with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

Pachauri did not offer specific details but said that he had reason to believe that no country would be "obstructionist" when negotiating.

"There is an unprecedented level of awareness about climate change among people and leaders worldwide," he said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made climate change a top priority and that should help, he added.

The United States is not a party to the Kyoto agreement and neither are large developing countries like India and China. They are afraid they will be called on to reduce emissions after 2012, which would hurt their economic growth and poverty-eradication efforts.

Tackling climate change is often a contentious subject because of competing environmental, economic and energy concerns from countries with different priorities.

"What will be of critical importance is for all the countries of the world to realize that we are all in this together," Pachauri said.

China: Optimistic Prospects for Polyester

Industry sources expect that demands for polyester fiber will continue to grow at a rate of about 7.4% per year in the next 10 years. China produced 9.9 million tons of man-made fibers last year, which is expected to increase to 13.6 million tons in 2007. By fiber, polyester production will probably increase from 7.72 million tons to 11 million tons, and occupy the majority of MMF production. The breakdown of the 11 million tons is 6.9 million tons for filament and 4.1 million tons for staple.

At present, China imports special, types of polyester fiber which are not produced by local makers. The rate of consumption in apparel use is 52%, and the remainder is shared by bedding and interior goods. 21% is occupied by industrial applications. Sources says that the rate of consumption in 2010 will be 49% for apparel, 30% for home products and 21% for industrial use.

Polyester resin for use other than textile production is around 1 million tons, of which 600,000 tons are used for bottle-grade chips. Other than these fields, a large amount of polyester resin is used for package films and IC cards.

Per capita fiber consumption is 6.6 kg and lower than the world's average of 7.5 kg. However, consumption is expected to increase to 7-8 kg by 2005. Polyester fiber will fulfill a large part of increased demands in 2005.

Mavericks-Grizzlies, Box

DALLAS (82)

Howard 5-12 0-0 12, Nowitzki 11-21 6-6 28, Dampier 1-1 2-4 4, Kidd 0-4 1-2 1, George 0-1 0-0 0, Diop 1-1 2-2 4, Terry 8-15 0-0 18, Barea 2-5 2-2 7, Singleton 2-5 0-1 4, Bass 2-9 0-0 4, Williams 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 32-76 13-17 82.

MEMPHIS (102)

Gay 9-17 0-0 18, Arthur 2-8 0-1 4, Gasol 8-14 3-3 19, Lowry 3-5 2-2 9, Mayo 7-14 2-2 21, Warrick 6-13 6-6 18, Buckner 2-3 0-0 4, Conley 1-4 4-4 6, Jaric 1-3 0-0 3, Miles 0-0 0-0 0, Haddadi 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 39-82 17-18 102.

Dallas 25 20 23 14_ 82

Memphis 35 15 26 26_102

3-Point Goals_Dallas 5-18 (Howard 2-4, Terry 2-5, Barea 1-3, Nowitzki 0-1, Bass 0-1, Singleton 0-1, Kidd 0-3), Memphis 7-15 (Mayo 5-8, Jaric 1-2, Lowry 1-2, Conley 0-1, Gay 0-2). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_Dallas 42 (Barea, Kidd 6), Memphis 50 (Warrick, Gay 7). Assists_Dallas 15 (Kidd 5), Memphis 18 (Lowry 5). Total Fouls_Dallas 18, Memphis 20. A_11,731 (18,119).

Basenotes

LEADING OFF

When Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and JuanGonzalez were in the Texas Rangers lineup, balls always were flyingover the fence.

That powerful quartet departed over the past few years, but theRangers are still hitting a lot of home runs -- perhaps even a recordnumber by the end of this season.

"After they started going to other teams, people were going, 'Whatare you going to do now?' " longtime Rangers hitting coach RudyJaramillo recalled. "I took that personally. I said, 'Man, I know I'mgoing to get it done with these kids, because they have that type ofability.' And here we are again."

The names in the lineup have changed, not the power.

Mark Teixeira, who replaced 3,000-hit, 500-homer club memberPalmeiro as the Rangers starting first baseman, has been among themajor league leaders in homers all season. Yet the 25-year-old switch-hitting All-Star is just one of seven Texas hitters with at least 15home runs already.

Teixeira went into this weekend tied with Rodriguez and Boston'sManny Ramirez for the AL lead at 28. Alfonso Soriano, who came toTexas from the New York Yankees in the A-Rod trade before lastseason, was right behind that trio with 26 homers.

Just like from 2001-03, before the other All-Star sluggersdeparted, the Rangers lead the major leagues in home runs -- thisseason by a long shot. Through their first 101 games, the Rangers had170 homers -- 30 more than the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles andCincinnati Reds. That put them on pace for 273, nine more than theSeattle Mariners hit when they set the major league record in 1997.Michael Young, Hank Blalock, Kevin Mench, David Dellucci and RichardHidalgo are the other Rangers with at least 15 homers. AssociatedPress

NEWS AND NOTES

-- Rodriguez turned 30 Wednesday. "Thirty feels special, it's acool number," he said. A-Rod said he wasn't sure how much longer hewould play after his current contract expires after the 2010 season."Four or five years ago my whole life was baseball," he said, "butnow I have a family and a baby, I want to see where I am. I do a poorjob of thinking ahead."

-- Giants manager Felipe Alou lamented the state of the NL West,which has none of its five teams above .500. He said the reason forthe poor records within the division was simple. "To me, it's badbaseball, because this team has the talent to be better," he said."I'm not talking about everybody, I'm talking about us. I don't knowwhere it comes from. I know there are injuries."

-- The Nationals lost three straight one-run games in a seriessweep against Atlanta last week. "It's the law of averages," managerFrank Robinson said. "We had a lot of one-run wins. We're on the lossside right now. We have to kick Mr. Law out of here."

BY THE NUMBERS

5 -- Number of stolen bases by Cincinnati's Ryan Freel against theDodgers on Wednesday, a franchise record.

11 -- Number of home runs hit by the Nationals in July throughThursday's game. Washington was swept in Atlanta.

587 -- Number of career home runs by Baltimore's Sammy Sosa, goodfor fifth place in baseball history.

FROM THE WIRE

On the same field where Manny Ramirez made his famous U-turn fromthe batter's box and was belatedly chastised by Red Sox manager GradyLittle three years ago, the Red Sox left fielder once again disgracedhimself and the uniform he wears, insisting Tuesday night that he begiven the day off Wednesday even though Sox manager Terry Franconatold him the club was in a "bind" because of Trot Nixon's injury, andneeded him.

Ramirez's demand not to be inserted in the lineup came only ashort time after he jogged to first base in the 10th inning of theteam's 10-9 win over the Devil Rays, arriving safely only because ofa misplay by the Devil Rays. Jason Varitek subsequently hit a doublethat scored Edgar Renteria with what proved to be the winning run,but no thanks to Ramirez, who appeared unperturbed at the notion ofhitting into an inning-ending double play.

Because he is the team's cleanup hitter, has Hall of Fame ability,and possesses the second richest contract in the game that makes himunmovable, Ramirez is rarely held accountable. "Manny being Manny"has become as much a part of the New England lexicon as pahking thecah in Hahvahd Yahd. -- Gordon Edes, The Boston Globe

QUOTABLE

"We have to keep reminding him this isn't as easy as he makes itappear." -- Joe Torre, Yankees manager, quoted in the New York DailyNews about rookie second baseman Robinson Cano

Basenotes

LEADING OFF

When Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and JuanGonzalez were in the Texas Rangers lineup, balls always were flyingover the fence.

That powerful quartet departed over the past few years, but theRangers are still hitting a lot of home runs -- perhaps even a recordnumber by the end of this season.

"After they started going to other teams, people were going, 'Whatare you going to do now?' " longtime Rangers hitting coach RudyJaramillo recalled. "I took that personally. I said, 'Man, I know I'mgoing to get it done with these kids, because they have that type ofability.' And here we are again."

The names in the lineup have changed, not the power.

Mark Teixeira, who replaced 3,000-hit, 500-homer club memberPalmeiro as the Rangers starting first baseman, has been among themajor league leaders in homers all season. Yet the 25-year-old switch-hitting All-Star is just one of seven Texas hitters with at least 15home runs already.

Teixeira went into this weekend tied with Rodriguez and Boston'sManny Ramirez for the AL lead at 28. Alfonso Soriano, who came toTexas from the New York Yankees in the A-Rod trade before lastseason, was right behind that trio with 26 homers.

Just like from 2001-03, before the other All-Star sluggersdeparted, the Rangers lead the major leagues in home runs -- thisseason by a long shot. Through their first 101 games, the Rangers had170 homers -- 30 more than the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles andCincinnati Reds. That put them on pace for 273, nine more than theSeattle Mariners hit when they set the major league record in 1997.Michael Young, Hank Blalock, Kevin Mench, David Dellucci and RichardHidalgo are the other Rangers with at least 15 homers. AssociatedPress

NEWS AND NOTES

-- Rodriguez turned 30 Wednesday. "Thirty feels special, it's acool number," he said. A-Rod said he wasn't sure how much longer hewould play after his current contract expires after the 2010 season."Four or five years ago my whole life was baseball," he said, "butnow I have a family and a baby, I want to see where I am. I do a poorjob of thinking ahead."

-- Giants manager Felipe Alou lamented the state of the NL West,which has none of its five teams above .500. He said the reason forthe poor records within the division was simple. "To me, it's badbaseball, because this team has the talent to be better," he said."I'm not talking about everybody, I'm talking about us. I don't knowwhere it comes from. I know there are injuries."

-- The Nationals lost three straight one-run games in a seriessweep against Atlanta last week. "It's the law of averages," managerFrank Robinson said. "We had a lot of one-run wins. We're on the lossside right now. We have to kick Mr. Law out of here."

BY THE NUMBERS

5 -- Number of stolen bases by Cincinnati's Ryan Freel against theDodgers on Wednesday, a franchise record.

11 -- Number of home runs hit by the Nationals in July throughThursday's game. Washington was swept in Atlanta.

587 -- Number of career home runs by Baltimore's Sammy Sosa, goodfor fifth place in baseball history.

FROM THE WIRE

On the same field where Manny Ramirez made his famous U-turn fromthe batter's box and was belatedly chastised by Red Sox manager GradyLittle three years ago, the Red Sox left fielder once again disgracedhimself and the uniform he wears, insisting Tuesday night that he begiven the day off Wednesday even though Sox manager Terry Franconatold him the club was in a "bind" because of Trot Nixon's injury, andneeded him.

Ramirez's demand not to be inserted in the lineup came only ashort time after he jogged to first base in the 10th inning of theteam's 10-9 win over the Devil Rays, arriving safely only because ofa misplay by the Devil Rays. Jason Varitek subsequently hit a doublethat scored Edgar Renteria with what proved to be the winning run,but no thanks to Ramirez, who appeared unperturbed at the notion ofhitting into an inning-ending double play.

Because he is the team's cleanup hitter, has Hall of Fame ability,and possesses the second richest contract in the game that makes himunmovable, Ramirez is rarely held accountable. "Manny being Manny"has become as much a part of the New England lexicon as pahking thecah in Hahvahd Yahd. -- Gordon Edes, The Boston Globe

QUOTABLE

"We have to keep reminding him this isn't as easy as he makes itappear." -- Joe Torre, Yankees manager, quoted in the New York DailyNews about rookie second baseman Robinson Cano

Basenotes

LEADING OFF

When Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and JuanGonzalez were in the Texas Rangers lineup, balls always were flyingover the fence.

That powerful quartet departed over the past few years, but theRangers are still hitting a lot of home runs -- perhaps even a recordnumber by the end of this season.

"After they started going to other teams, people were going, 'Whatare you going to do now?' " longtime Rangers hitting coach RudyJaramillo recalled. "I took that personally. I said, 'Man, I know I'mgoing to get it done with these kids, because they have that type ofability.' And here we are again."

The names in the lineup have changed, not the power.

Mark Teixeira, who replaced 3,000-hit, 500-homer club memberPalmeiro as the Rangers starting first baseman, has been among themajor league leaders in homers all season. Yet the 25-year-old switch-hitting All-Star is just one of seven Texas hitters with at least 15home runs already.

Teixeira went into this weekend tied with Rodriguez and Boston'sManny Ramirez for the AL lead at 28. Alfonso Soriano, who came toTexas from the New York Yankees in the A-Rod trade before lastseason, was right behind that trio with 26 homers.

Just like from 2001-03, before the other All-Star sluggersdeparted, the Rangers lead the major leagues in home runs -- thisseason by a long shot. Through their first 101 games, the Rangers had170 homers -- 30 more than the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles andCincinnati Reds. That put them on pace for 273, nine more than theSeattle Mariners hit when they set the major league record in 1997.Michael Young, Hank Blalock, Kevin Mench, David Dellucci and RichardHidalgo are the other Rangers with at least 15 homers. AssociatedPress

NEWS AND NOTES

-- Rodriguez turned 30 Wednesday. "Thirty feels special, it's acool number," he said. A-Rod said he wasn't sure how much longer hewould play after his current contract expires after the 2010 season."Four or five years ago my whole life was baseball," he said, "butnow I have a family and a baby, I want to see where I am. I do a poorjob of thinking ahead."

-- Giants manager Felipe Alou lamented the state of the NL West,which has none of its five teams above .500. He said the reason forthe poor records within the division was simple. "To me, it's badbaseball, because this team has the talent to be better," he said."I'm not talking about everybody, I'm talking about us. I don't knowwhere it comes from. I know there are injuries."

-- The Nationals lost three straight one-run games in a seriessweep against Atlanta last week. "It's the law of averages," managerFrank Robinson said. "We had a lot of one-run wins. We're on the lossside right now. We have to kick Mr. Law out of here."

BY THE NUMBERS

5 -- Number of stolen bases by Cincinnati's Ryan Freel against theDodgers on Wednesday, a franchise record.

11 -- Number of home runs hit by the Nationals in July throughThursday's game. Washington was swept in Atlanta.

587 -- Number of career home runs by Baltimore's Sammy Sosa, goodfor fifth place in baseball history.

FROM THE WIRE

On the same field where Manny Ramirez made his famous U-turn fromthe batter's box and was belatedly chastised by Red Sox manager GradyLittle three years ago, the Red Sox left fielder once again disgracedhimself and the uniform he wears, insisting Tuesday night that he begiven the day off Wednesday even though Sox manager Terry Franconatold him the club was in a "bind" because of Trot Nixon's injury, andneeded him.

Ramirez's demand not to be inserted in the lineup came only ashort time after he jogged to first base in the 10th inning of theteam's 10-9 win over the Devil Rays, arriving safely only because ofa misplay by the Devil Rays. Jason Varitek subsequently hit a doublethat scored Edgar Renteria with what proved to be the winning run,but no thanks to Ramirez, who appeared unperturbed at the notion ofhitting into an inning-ending double play.

Because he is the team's cleanup hitter, has Hall of Fame ability,and possesses the second richest contract in the game that makes himunmovable, Ramirez is rarely held accountable. "Manny being Manny"has become as much a part of the New England lexicon as pahking thecah in Hahvahd Yahd. -- Gordon Edes, The Boston Globe

QUOTABLE

"We have to keep reminding him this isn't as easy as he makes itappear." -- Joe Torre, Yankees manager, quoted in the New York DailyNews about rookie second baseman Robinson Cano

Basenotes

LEADING OFF

When Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and JuanGonzalez were in the Texas Rangers lineup, balls always were flyingover the fence.

That powerful quartet departed over the past few years, but theRangers are still hitting a lot of home runs -- perhaps even a recordnumber by the end of this season.

"After they started going to other teams, people were going, 'Whatare you going to do now?' " longtime Rangers hitting coach RudyJaramillo recalled. "I took that personally. I said, 'Man, I know I'mgoing to get it done with these kids, because they have that type ofability.' And here we are again."

The names in the lineup have changed, not the power.

Mark Teixeira, who replaced 3,000-hit, 500-homer club memberPalmeiro as the Rangers starting first baseman, has been among themajor league leaders in homers all season. Yet the 25-year-old switch-hitting All-Star is just one of seven Texas hitters with at least 15home runs already.

Teixeira went into this weekend tied with Rodriguez and Boston'sManny Ramirez for the AL lead at 28. Alfonso Soriano, who came toTexas from the New York Yankees in the A-Rod trade before lastseason, was right behind that trio with 26 homers.

Just like from 2001-03, before the other All-Star sluggersdeparted, the Rangers lead the major leagues in home runs -- thisseason by a long shot. Through their first 101 games, the Rangers had170 homers -- 30 more than the Yankees, Baltimore Orioles andCincinnati Reds. That put them on pace for 273, nine more than theSeattle Mariners hit when they set the major league record in 1997.Michael Young, Hank Blalock, Kevin Mench, David Dellucci and RichardHidalgo are the other Rangers with at least 15 homers. AssociatedPress

NEWS AND NOTES

-- Rodriguez turned 30 Wednesday. "Thirty feels special, it's acool number," he said. A-Rod said he wasn't sure how much longer hewould play after his current contract expires after the 2010 season."Four or five years ago my whole life was baseball," he said, "butnow I have a family and a baby, I want to see where I am. I do a poorjob of thinking ahead."

-- Giants manager Felipe Alou lamented the state of the NL West,which has none of its five teams above .500. He said the reason forthe poor records within the division was simple. "To me, it's badbaseball, because this team has the talent to be better," he said."I'm not talking about everybody, I'm talking about us. I don't knowwhere it comes from. I know there are injuries."

-- The Nationals lost three straight one-run games in a seriessweep against Atlanta last week. "It's the law of averages," managerFrank Robinson said. "We had a lot of one-run wins. We're on the lossside right now. We have to kick Mr. Law out of here."

BY THE NUMBERS

5 -- Number of stolen bases by Cincinnati's Ryan Freel against theDodgers on Wednesday, a franchise record.

11 -- Number of home runs hit by the Nationals in July throughThursday's game. Washington was swept in Atlanta.

587 -- Number of career home runs by Baltimore's Sammy Sosa, goodfor fifth place in baseball history.

FROM THE WIRE

On the same field where Manny Ramirez made his famous U-turn fromthe batter's box and was belatedly chastised by Red Sox manager GradyLittle three years ago, the Red Sox left fielder once again disgracedhimself and the uniform he wears, insisting Tuesday night that he begiven the day off Wednesday even though Sox manager Terry Franconatold him the club was in a "bind" because of Trot Nixon's injury, andneeded him.

Ramirez's demand not to be inserted in the lineup came only ashort time after he jogged to first base in the 10th inning of theteam's 10-9 win over the Devil Rays, arriving safely only because ofa misplay by the Devil Rays. Jason Varitek subsequently hit a doublethat scored Edgar Renteria with what proved to be the winning run,but no thanks to Ramirez, who appeared unperturbed at the notion ofhitting into an inning-ending double play.

Because he is the team's cleanup hitter, has Hall of Fame ability,and possesses the second richest contract in the game that makes himunmovable, Ramirez is rarely held accountable. "Manny being Manny"has become as much a part of the New England lexicon as pahking thecah in Hahvahd Yahd. -- Gordon Edes, The Boston Globe

QUOTABLE

"We have to keep reminding him this isn't as easy as he makes itappear." -- Joe Torre, Yankees manager, quoted in the New York DailyNews about rookie second baseman Robinson Cano

Obama for rejects public funding in favor of private donations

Barack Obama became the first candidate from a major party to reject public funds for the general election, abandoning his pledge to compete within a system designed to reduce the influence of money in politics.

The decision allows him to continue his record-breaking fundraising but opened him to attacks from Republican rival John McCain and risks damaging the image he has cultivated as a fresh candidate who would change the money-tainted ways of Washington.

The public funding system devised after the Watergate scandal is designed to reduce the influence of money in politics. It levels the playing field, as each candidate receives the same amount. Accepting …

The Gab Group Acts as Agency of Record for 'SLAM,' Boca Raton's in Table Tennis Concept.

The Gab Group, a South Florida PR and marketing agency, announced that it has been retained as the agency of record for SLAM, a new social table tennis concept opening at the Premier Level of Bogart's this June.

According to a release, the Gab Group will deliver a grand opening and media strategy campaign designed to increase public awareness for the newest venture by Burt and Robin Rapoport, owners of Bogart's, Deck 84 and Henry's.

Located on the second floor at the Cinemark Palace 20, SLAM will cater to the general public, moviegoers and local table tennis aficionados, introducing Boca Raton to the new table tennis trend sweeping the nation. It will feature four …

The Gab Group Acts as Agency of Record for 'SLAM,' Boca Raton's in Table Tennis Concept.

The Gab Group, a South Florida PR and marketing agency, announced that it has been retained as the agency of record for SLAM, a new social table tennis concept opening at the Premier Level of Bogart's this June.

According to a release, the Gab Group will deliver a grand opening and media strategy campaign designed to increase public awareness for the newest venture by Burt and Robin Rapoport, owners of Bogart's, Deck 84 and Henry's.

Located on the second floor at the Cinemark Palace 20, SLAM will cater to the general public, moviegoers and local table tennis aficionados, introducing Boca Raton to the new table tennis trend sweeping the nation. It will feature four …

Dynamical seasonal prediction

ABSTRACT

Dynamical Seasonal Prediction (DSP) is an informally coordinated multi-institution research project to investigate the predictability of seasonal mean atmospheric circulation and rainfall. The basic idea is to test the feasibility of extending the technology of routine numerical weather prediction beyond the inherent limit of deterministic predictability of weather to produce numerical climate predictions using state-of-the-art global atmospheric models. Atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) either forced by predicted sea surface temperature (SST) or as part of a coupled forecast system have shown in the past that certain regions of the extratropics, in …

CARICOM-DR FREE TRADE ACCORD.

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on August 22, 1998 between the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Dominican Republic, whose combined populations are 14 million, will comes into effect on January 1, 1999 or upon completion of an action plan 90 days after the signing of the FTA. Goods excluded under the FTA will be phased in by the year 2005. The …

Editor's Notebook: Working Together.

By Joy Finnegan, Editor [Jfinnegan@Accessintel.Com]

In my last Editor's Notebook I wrote about a test I had taken in fourth grade and how I learned about following procedures from that lesson. I also introduced you to the terms PiNC and PuNC and how those terms relate to aviation maintenance. I was delighted to hear from other readers that they too, had been subjected to that procedures lesson in various grades, and in different parts of the country. One reader even said, "Thanks for the memories!"

In this issue you will find part two of Ed Mitchell's article, "Why Good Employees Violate Procedures" (see page 16). In the article, Mitchell introduces a …

PERU PROTECTS TOP NORIEGA AIDE ASYLUM GIVEN IN PANAMA CITY.(Main)

Byline: Combined wire services

Peru said Tuesday it granted diplomatic asylum to a top Noriega associate who is on the U.S. most-wanted list and to 11 others who took refuge in the Peruvian ambassador's residence in Panama City.

U.S. troops have ringed the residence since Monday afternoon.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Jose Torres told the Associated Press that Gonzalo Gonzalez, identified by Panamanian authorities as a former captain and chief of security for deposed dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega, has taken refuge in the residence and been granted diplomatic asylum by the Peruvian government.

Torres said the 12 would be allowed to come to Peru if they wished, but no discussions had taken place thus far about where they would go.

"It is supposed that they will try to …

Gorilla celebrates her 55th birthday with frozen cake

Jenny, recognized as the world's oldest living gorilla in captivity, celebrated her 55th birthday Thursday with a four-layer frozen fruit cake and banana leaf wrapped treats at her wooded home in the Dallas Zoo.

Her caretakers say she's having a few joint issues and her eyesight isn't what it used to be but she still looks good for an old ape.

"It's a special milestone for us," said Todd Bowsher, curator of the zoo's Wilds of Africa exhibit. "It signifies that we've made great strides in veterinary care, nutrition and animal husbandry."

The International Species Information System, which maintains records on animals at 700 …

Geraldine Hardwick, Day Care Operator

Funeral services will be held Thursday for Geraldine Hardwick,91, a former day care center operator who once studied at TuskegeeInstitute under George Washington Carver.

Mrs. Hardwick, a South Side resident, died Dec. 9 at St. FrancisHospital in Blue Island.

"Her love was always for children, and she was a warm,kind-hearted person who really loved to assist and help," said herson, Harry Hardwick, dean of students at Olive-Harvey College inChicago.

The Spartanburg, S.C., native graduted from Alabama's TuskegeeInstitute - now Tuskegee University - in 1922. Famed scientistGeorge Washington Carver was one of …

Mon Parrain for the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

We've teamed up with Victor Chandler to look ahead to this week's big race.

The two mile four-and-a-half furlong course has 15 fences and the combination of these features makes the course quite challenging for the horses.

It's always a bit more difficult to choose a winner in a handicap race but here at Victor Chandler we are backing the French horse Mon Parrain to win at 4/1.

Although Mon Parrain is the favourite, he has only had two runs over fences in the UK. Yes, he won his UK debut at Sandown last season and came second at Aintree in April but trainer Paul Nicholls has hinted that he will have to work hard in order to improve and easily …

Classy redesign; Home remodel a work of love for owners, homework for students.(Life-Spaces)

Byline: JENNIFER GISH - STAFF WRITER

Rebecca Taft fell in love with the 1921-built, foursquare-style home the day she and her husband walked through the door with the real estate agent.

A home improvement lover who had been yearning for the first home that would serve as her first big project, Taft easily overlooked the Albany home's quirks the dated carpet, the wallpaper wrapping every room, and even the kitchen, so problematic it would require a major overhaul.

But she never figured that after she moved into her dream home last August, her challenging kitchen would become a lesson in floor plans for some Columbia High School interior design students.

Taft had posted photos of her kitchen and a description of the redesign challenges a radiator under the sink prohibiting installation of a dishwasher and a rather …