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Moscow (UPI) Oct 30, 2007
Russia-EU energy relations saw a sudden warming last week, as both Russia and the EU made clear that they were ready to make mutual concessions.
The previous excessive politicization of the energy issue has given way to pragmatism.
The last bone of contention was a package of bills published by the European Commission on Sept. 19, requiring European companies to "unbundle" their electricity and gas production businesses from their distribution activities, i.e., control of power grids and gas pipelines.
Since the new legislation applies not only to European companies but also foreign companies investing in the EU energy sector, it directly affects the interests of the Russian gas monopoly Gazprom, which is not only the largest supplier of gas to Europe but also an active investor in the European gas infrastructure.
No surprise then, that Russian Fuel and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko told the Financial Times, in an interview published Oct. 19, that the EU should not "fear money or rank it depending on the country of its origin," adding that Russia could diversify its industrial and energy cooperation by turning to Asian and Pacific countries if an "energy curtain" closes around Europe.
Yet just a few days later, the minister's tone changed. At the Moscow Energy Dialogue on Oct. 23, Khristenko said that Russia and the EU had begun to discuss amendments to European energy legislation and agreed with EC Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs on the establishment of a working group on the issue.
Two days later, prior to the Russia-EU summit, the dialogue advanced still further. Speaking in Lisbon, Portugal, Khristenko expressed certainty that Russia would come to terms with the EU on access for Russian investments to the European market (though he made it clear that under no circumstances would Gazprom be broken up).
There is plenty of time to find agreement. The procedure for putting the new EU energy bills into effect has not yet been finalized; it will be discussed for another year. European companies will be given at least 18, and up to 30, months grace to divide their businesses. Furthermore, the legislation allows for exceptions for new projects, and the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which will run beneath the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany, may be exempted from the new rules.
Simultaneously, a session of the European Commission's gas coordinating group settled the issues arising from the latest gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine, which erupted in early October over Ukrainian payments for Russian gas. Following the group's session the European Commission issued a statement saying it was no longer worried about Russian gas transit to Europe via Ukraine.
On the same day, Oct. 25, it was officially announced that Norway's StatoilHydro had received a 24 percent stake in the company that will develop the Shtokman gas field in the Barents Sea. It was a welcome piece of news for Norwegians and it came after Russian President Vladimir Putin's telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg (in the same way French oil giant Total gained a 25 percent stake in the Shtokman project after French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke with Putin in July 2007).
The warming of relations is thus not confined to the EU -- it also affects relations with Ukraine, and Norwegian investors. But though the thaw has been sudden, it should not be surprising: Russian gas accounts for 26 percent of Europe's total consumption. Europe needs guaranteed fuel supplies, and Gazprom needs the European market.
For the foreseeable future, up to 80 percent of Russian gas exports to Western Europe will continue to be delivered via Ukraine; and the development of the Shtokman gas field will require Western investment and technology.
(Oleg Mityayev is an economic commentator for RIA Novosti. This article is reprinted by permission of RIA Novosti. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.)
(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)
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PetroChina Shanghai IPO attracts record 440 billion dlrs: report
Shanghai (AFP) Oct 29, 2007
PetroChina, the country's largest oil and gas producer, has attracted a record 3.3 trillion yuan (440 billion dollars) in orders for its Shanghai initial public offering, state media said Monday.
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Written on: 10/11/2008 by Kchicka (1 review written)
Good Points
Only good points are 1. The natural ingredients 2. It's easy to apply.
Bad Points
Misleading information with regards to how many treatments it takes to see results.
General Comments
I suffer from red marks left behind from acne (hyperpigmentation) I have used the Zedmed Acne Scar Treatment kit consistently and as per the instructions for 2 months and have not seen any changes apart from the skin around the outside of the red marks getting lighter not the actually pigmentation. I am very disappointed with the bad results and am more than happy to share before and after photos with people.

subset: commoncrawl


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Toronto, June 14, 2002 - The Molson IndyFest is thrilled to announce that Alex Zanardi will be in attendance to receive the Greg Moore Achievement Award at this year's Black & White Gala Dinner July 4 in Toronto. The Molson Indy Achievement...
Toronto, June 14, 2002 - The Molson IndyFest is thrilled to announce that Alex Zanardi will be in attendance to receive the Greg Moore Achievement Award at this year's Black & White Gala Dinner July 4 in Toronto.
The Molson Indy Achievement Award, introduced in 1987 and renamed the Greg Moore Achievement Award in 2000, recognizes an individual, group, or organization that has made a major contribution to auto racing, particularly in regard to the CART/FedEx Championship Series.
"Alex has been a huge supporter of Molson IndyFest events in Toronto over the years", says Charlie Johnstone, Executive Director, Molson Indy Festival Foundation. "He has contributed so much to the CART Series and is a fan favourite in Toronto, exhibiting a terrific spirit both on and off the track".
Zanardi was born in Bologna, Italy, and currently resides in Monaco with his wife Daniela and son Niccolo. Like most Champ Car drivers, Zanardi got his start racing in go-karts. From 1983-1987 he raced karts all over the world, winning races and titles in his native Italy, other European venues, and in Australia. After succeeding in karts, Zanardi made the jump to the Italian Formula 3 spending 1988 -1990 toiling on the Italian tracks. His best season was 1990 in which he scored two wins and four other podium finishes, ending the season as series runner-up. He also took the F3 European Cup at Le Mans.
In 1991, Zanardi moved on to the Formula 3000 series finishing as runner-up in that series as well. In addition to a successful run in F3000, Zanardi also jumped up the ladder to the big time, starting the final three races of the year for the injured Michael Schumacher in Eddie Jordan's Formula One car, finishing ninth in his debut at Spain despite never having tested the car.
From 1992-1994 Zanardi rode the Formula One roller coaster. In 1992 he was the test driver for the Benneton car, as well as starting three races for the injured Christian Fittipaldi in the Menardi ride. In 1993 he seemed to have arrived, landing a full-time position with the Lotus team, but he saw his season ended by an accident in Belgium. In 1994 he returned to the Lotus team as the test driver, replacing the injured Pedro Lamy four races into the season.
In 1995 Zanardi left the Formula One ranks and ran the British Racing Production Championship finishing fourth overall. He also tested for Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, setting the stage for his next career move.
1996 was a sea of change for Zanardi's racing fortunes. In his rookie season in CART with Target/Chip Ganassi, he took six poles, won three races, and took the Rookie of the Year honours by finishing third overall in the series. In 1997 he continued his improvement, garnering four poles, seven podium finishes, and five wins, and taking the series championship. 1998 saw Zanardi move even further up the scale, dominating the circuit with 15 podium finishes and seven victories in 19 starts, including four consecutive wins. He clinched the championship with four races remaining, the earliest such feat in CART history. He became the first back-to-back series winner since Bobby Rahal in 1986-87.
In 1999 Zanardi left CART to return to Formula One as a driver for the Williams team and a team-mate of Ralf Schumacher. In 2000, he took a year's sabbatical from racing, spending time with his wife Daniela and son Niccolo.
After a two-year hiatus, former champion Zanardi returned to the CART circuit in 2000 reuniting with Mo Nunn, the man who as technical director at Target/Chip Ganassi Racing engineer his Rookie of the Year season of 1996 and his back-to-back CART titles in 1997-98. Zanardi raced Honda/Reynards for Mo Nunn Racing in 2001, driving the No. 66 Pioneer/WorldCom car alongside team-mate Tony Kanaan.
While closing in on what many believe might have been his first victory of the season, at the American Memorial 500 in Germany on Sept. 16, Zanardi was involved in a late-race accident that left him with devastating leg injuries. After six weeks in a German hospital and several months of physiotherapy, Zanardi has very much returned to a normal life with the use of prosthetic legs, and has been a true inspiration to everyone during his recovery, much as he always was as a fierce competitor on the racetrack and true gentleman on and off the track.
The Greg Moore Achievement Award
Past recipients of the Greg Moore Achievement Award include: Barry Green, Ric Moore, Bobby Rahal, Michael Andretti , Wally Dallenbach, Player's Ltd., Al Unser, Rick Mears, Dr. Steve Olvey and Dr. Terry Trammell, Roger Penske, Jim Chapman, Mario Andretti, John Frasco and Carl Haas.
Molson IndyFest
FedEx presents the Black & White Gala Dinner which will take place Thursday, July 4 at the Liberty Grand at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Zanardi will be joined at the event by many of his colleagues and drivers who were his competition. The event is the biggest fundraising event - and the social highlight - of a series of Molson IndyFest events that take place June 22 - July 5. Molson IndyFest is the best week of racing action anywhere in the world, delivering an entire week of pre-race festivities geared to getting the community revved up for the big event. All funds raised at Molson IndyFest events will be donated to the Molson Indy Festival Foundation, the charitable component of the Molson Indy, which supports local children's charities. The Foundation will raise over $450,000 this year, making the total contribution to-date in excess of $4 million dollars.


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A major new exhibit on Pope John Paul II and his relationship with the Jewish people is set to open on the Pope's 85th birthday.
"A Blessing to One another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" will run from May 18 to July 15 at the Jesuit-run Xavier University in Cincinnati.
The exhibit is the result of successful collaboration between the Catholic and Jewish communities. The university, the Hillel Jewish Student Center of Cincinnati and Holocaust survivor Yaffa Eliach, founder of the Shtetl Foundation in New York, created the concept for the exhibit.
They met with the Pope in October and received his support. Both the university and the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati have financially sponsored the exhibit
The exhibit will be in Cincinnati for two months. Then it will go to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. It will then tour a number of Catholic and Jewish universities in the United States before traveling to Europe. The exhibit will be permanently displayed in Israel.
Pope John Paul II has written extensively about the relationship between Catholics and Jews and, in 2000, he was the first Pope in 36 years to visit Jerusalem.
Jerzy Kluger, a Jew and lifelong friend of the Pope, has loaned his childhood prayer book to the exhibit. There will be artifacts from Jewish businesses of the 1920s and 1930s in the Pope's hometown of Wadowice, Poland.
The Pope's transcripts from elementary school to college, a robe he wore for an interreligious prayer service in Assisi, Italy, and a biretta he received when he was elevated to cardinal in 1967 will also be in the exhibit.


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Two soldiers from North Texas were recently killed in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan.
Spc. Michael C. Roberts
The flag outside of Richland High School is at half-staff honoring 2006 graduate Spc. Michael C. Roberts, 23, of Watauga.
Roberts, who followed his two older brothers into the Army, died Saturday when insurgents attacked his military police unit using an improvised explosive device.
"We're all very devastated about Michael passing. We're just so proud to have had a brother that was young, so dedicated to what he did," said Patrick Roberts, Michael's brother.
"It's always a sad day when we have to stand up and talk about the loss of a young life," said Mark Thomas, with the Birdville Independent School District. "As a school district, our heart and prayers go out to the family."
A memorial page is filling up with condolences on Facebook from friends far and wide.
Roberts was assigned to the 561st Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade which is based at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Pfc. Jesse W. Dietrich
A second soldier from North Texas was also killed in the Kandahar province last week. Pfc Jesse W. Dietrich, 20, of Venus, died Aug. 25 of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.
Dietrich's father, who also serves in the Army, is now headed home to North Texas from Iraq.
"I'm very proud of him for following through, doing this. This is not something that most people, you know most people take it pretty lightly about serving their country. He was very adamant about it and wanted to do it," said Paul Roberts, Jesse's father.
Dietrich was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.
Funeral arrangements for the soldiers have not yet been revealed.


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Can You Die from Heroin Withdrawal?
Can you die from heroin withdrawal? Heroin withdrawal is said to be a brutal, painful process. But can it be fatal? The answer is yes.
Learn More About Heroin Addiction, Withdrawal, and Treatment
- Heroin Addiction Facts
- Heroin Addiction Relapse
- Heroin Chemical Structure
- How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
- Can You Die from Heroin Withdrawal? at Wikipedia
Withdrawal symptoms from heroin can begin within 12 hours after the last hit. According to RecoveryThroughSupport.com, they include:
-- Sweating
-- Malaise
-- Anxiety
-- Depression
-- General feeling of heaviness
-- Cramp-like pains in the limbs
-- Sleep difficulties
-- Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms will eventually go away.
But can you die from heroin withdrawal? Withdrawal symptoms carry a significant risk of seizures known as "tonic-clonic" or "grand mal" which could lead to strokes, and heart attacks. The strokes and heart attacks could be fatal.
It is rare for withdrawal symptoms to be fatal in healthy adults. However many heroin users are not particularly healthy, leading to the risk of death and answering can you die from heroin withdrawal.
Search for Treatment in Your City
Click Here to search for a treatment center in your state that is right for you.


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Pepin's Josh Murray enjoys minicamp experience
Former Pepin High School standout running back Josh Murray didn't get the call to remain a member of the Minnesota Vikings but participating in the rookie minicamp last weekend provided an immeasurable experience in his pursuit of playing in the NFL.
"You get the chance you've always dreamt of," Murray said. "You're playing with top draft picks. You're on the field with Matt Kalil and on the field with Harrison Smith and knowing you can compete with them. Everything about the experience was really fun."
The Vikings signed former UCLA Bruins running back Derrick Coleman prior to the minicamp and Murray said they told him the team's five running back spots were filled for the upcoming season. He did receive positive feedback on his performance though.
"The coaches said I had a good camp," Murray said. "I did the best I could."
Murray, a graduate of the University of Mary, in Bismarck, N.D., and former University of North Dakota running back, scored 16 touchdowns last season with the University of Mary.
Learning the playbook and spending the time with professional coaches was a little intimidating at first but it will help Murray in the future as he searches for a team, he said.
"It was a good learning experience," Murray said. "It was a little bit overwhelming at first to be in there with the coaches but I think it went well."
Murray said he will continue to train at Englebert Training Systems in Woodbury, headed by Ryan Englebert, a former University of Wisconsin-Stout running back.
Englebert signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007 but did not play in a game.
Now, it's just wait and see for Murray.
"I have my agent setting up things with the CFL (Canadian Football League)," Murray said. "I don't have any other camps on the schedule. If any come up I will. My agent is looking for opportunities for me. Right now, I don't really have any preferences ... Just trying to keep my body ready if that call does come through."


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My Nonprofit Reviews
Tom Milton
Review for Pax Christi Metro New York, New York, NY, USA
As an author of novels that deal with issues of peace and social justice, I'm impressed with how Pax Christi Metro New York gets out in front of the issues, raises public awareness of them, and organizes events that involve the community in promoting change. I have participated in a number of these events, including a recent commemoration of the anniversary of our dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I believe that the work of Pax Christi will influence political leaders to change their policies and bring the world closer to peace. I'm proud to be a member of this organization.
More Feedback
Would you volunteer for this group again?
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


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SAN REMO, Italy -- Fabian Cancellara won the Milan-San Remo one-day classic Saturday after breaking away late from a group of riders.
The Swiss cyclist made his move 1.5 miles from the end of the 185-mile race, finishing in 7 hours, 14 minutes, 35 seconds.
"This is my dream," said Cancellara, who won the seven-stage Tirreno-Adriatico on Tuesday.
Filippo Pozzato of Italy won the sprint for second and was followed by Philippe Gilbert of Belgium.
A fast pace throughout the race and especially on the last climb hurt sprinters Alessandro Petacchi and Oscar Freire, whose teams had worked to keep the group together in an effort to have the race end in a sprint finish.
Freire finished eighth, five seconds behind Cancellara, while Petacchi was 14 seconds behind in 18th.
Cancellara won the Paris-Roubaix one-day classic in 2006 and the time trial world championships in 2006 and '07. He had been considered principally a time trial specialist, but recent victories have shown him to be a better all-around rider.
This year, Cancellara also won the prologue of the Tour of California and a stage and in the Tirreno-Adriatico.


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ARIZARD-L ArchivesArchiver > ARIZARD > 2003-01 > 1043384142
From: "Vera Reeves" <>
Subject: [ARIZARD-L] Payne
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 22:58:25 -0600
References: <01c2c361$3767f8c0$709cced1@vucqpqlj>
Thanks Betty, but I can't find a place for a Pete.
In the 1850 Izard County census my Payne Family had as head of family a
Sarah with a lot of children. So far I have only found information on the
two brothers that married the Boyd sisters. I believe one of them, Joseph
Payne became a doctor. There was a brother George Payne and there was a
George Payne who was in the same company in the Civil War as William and
Thomas. I believe the two are the same person. Would really like to know
what happen to all those children. I know some of the younger siblings were
living with George in Izard County 1860. There was a brother, James K. Payne
who married a Martha Annie Moody 1896.
You would think after 20 years of researching I would get this family
together. I think I've had better luck with my Jim Smith.
This thread:
|[ARIZARD-L] Payne by "Vera Reeves" <>


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COLLEGE STATION (AP) - Texas Cooperative Extension regional crop reports for the week of July 9:
WELBORN - McQUHAE
Kevin and Paula Welborn of McKinney are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Welborn of Fort Worth to Brett McQuhae of Fort Worth. Brett is the son of Charlie and Martha McQuhae of Idalou, and Sam and Marie Johnston of Grapevine.
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Myrl Fleischman
Krista Lyn Mitchell and Patrick Myrl Fleischman were united in marriage at 7:00 pm on July 7, 2007 at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church in Lubbock. Father Jim OConnor officiated the ceremony.
Rusty and LaNita Jasper of Lubbock announce the engagement of their daughter, Lacey Kay English, to Dallas Randolph Hurt, also of Lubbock.
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Starcher of Lubbock, a daughter weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces at 10:07 p.m. July 4 at University Medical Center.
Brett and Linda Gallagher are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Megan Nicole Rhodes to Thaddeus Timon Politte. Thad is the son of Roger and Carol Motsenbocker.
Doyle and Merle Holmes celebrated their 61st anniversary by hosting a dinner for friends July 7 at the 50-Yard Line Restaurant. Holmes and the former Merle Simmons were married July 4, 1946, at First Baptist Church in Floydada. They are the parents of Gary of Victoria, Steve of Weatherford and Landry of White House, Tenn. They have six grandchildren.
Eugene and Shirley Stout of Lubbock, TX announce the engagement of their daughter Ashley Lauren to Bradley Edward Burget of Norman, OK.
Mrs. Rhyne Heath Fuller
Tiffany Danae Stotts and Rhyne Heath Fuller were united in marriage on Saturday, July 14, 2007, at Broadway Church of Christ, in Lubbock. Nathan Fritz officiated.
Kevin and Kathy VanDeusen are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their son, Christopher VanDeusen, to Angela Reicks, daughter of Ron and Julie Reicks Protivin, Iowa.
Allison Lacy and Jordan Gristy
Allison Lacy and Jordan Gristy were united in marriage July 14, 2007 at 6:00 pm at First United Methodist Church. Wesley Gristy, brother of the groom, officiated the ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Yates of Lubbock, are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Neely Yates to Brandon Rawe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reagan Rawe of Richmond, Texas.
Bill and Karin McCay of Lubbock, Texas are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their daughter, Morgan Ashley McCay, to Daniel Beltzasar Olivier, son of Danie and Jinny Olivier of Grobersdal, South Africa.
See beauty of life bloom in all places, including critical care units
Driving 10 hours to Houston recently through the great middle of the state was a treat for the eyes.
Football analogies abound in Tech's new leadership
I T WAS A TIME when Tech football fans, whose loyalties have always outweighed their patience, were wondering when the Raiders would finally beat the Razorbacks and Longhorns.
New Quiznos CEO improves franchise relations
DENVER - Long before dawn breaks, Greg Brenneman is on the run, a habit that can be a bit disconcerting for his temporary houseguest.
Top executives of Viacom and Google trading barbs
SUN VALLEY, Idaho (AP) - Tensions between technology and media companies are usually humming just beneath the surface during a weeklong retreat for top CEOs that this cozy mountain resort hosts every year, but this week a marketplace clash between Viacom Inc. and Google Inc. just couldn't be kept down.
How's Vista doing? Analysts, users on different page
SEATTLE - Chris Pirillo leaned away from his webcam and pointed to his printer/scanner/fax machine, which stopped scanning and faxing after he installed Microsoft Corp.'s new Windows Vista operating system.
In-house art gallery among NYC's real estate amenities
NEW YORK - It used to be that a full-service apartment building in New York meant a doorman, a roof garden, maybe a gym.
Ashmore's climb took a lot of work and perseverance
eth Ashmore recalled her high school years in Norman, Okla., where she enjoyed math and science.
Fire someone by instant message or define out-of-pocket maximum?
Ur fired
Fuel-efficient Smart car faces safety questions
FRANKFURT, Germany - The tiny two-seat Smart car is a common sight on the congested streets of European capitals, something DaimlerChrysler AG is eager to duplicate in cities like New York and Los Angeles when it begins selling the vehicle in the U.S. next year.
Joe Scarborough , a financial advisor with Edward Jones, has been named a recipient of the A.F. McKenzie Achievement Award.
Nintendo's game-design philosophy continues to score
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Legendary Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto knows when his grand vision of video games for the masses has arrived.
Grand plans for professional baseball still just plans
hen plans were announced to build a new baseball stadium for a Double-A professional-affiliated baseball team in Wolfforth, there was a lot of excitement.
Thursday-July 22 - Lubbock Caprock Convention, Holiday Inn Park Plaza. Expected attendance: 100.
Business Q & A
Q: Four months ago, I received a phone call about an order I placed with my credit card. The problem is that I didn't place any orders. I called the company and found out that someone was using part of my name, address and telephone number. I told the company I was not making these purchases and no one lived here with that name. I'm still receiving catalogs, but have not received a bill. What gives?
Small farms bypass grocers to cultivate connection with consumers
NEW YORK - For 27-year-old Ben Sippel a steady push for greater efficiency on his Ohio farm has meant tossing freshly washed batches of lettuce into the washing machine's spin cycle and tracking expenses with painstaking precision.
Others who believed in ballpark have moved on
W hile no one faults the effort made by West Texas Professional Baseball organizers to attract a Double-A minor league baseball team, almost no one except the organizers still believes it will happen.
Cautious consumers send retail sales plunging
WASHINGTON - Consumers put away their wallets in June, sending retail sales plunging by the sharpest amount in nearly two years. Sales of autos, furniture and building supplies all fell, highlighting the economy's weak spots.
Lubbock loses another piece of its retailing past
I took a little vacation down to Houston only to be greeted by day after day of rain.
Cumbie enjoying chance in Arena LA Son-shine
ike any other athlete, Sonny Cumbie wanted a chance to play.
OSU's Woods undergoes surgery
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State wide receiver Artrell Woods could be released from the hospital in the next few days after undergoing surgery on his injured back, a team trainer said Saturday.
Lilliana Gonzales is too busy for typical high school activities
illiana Gonzales used to sit in front of her television as a child, watching medical reports on "20/20," completely convinced she suffered from the same rare skin disease as the man on screen.
Trip to food bank revealed to Jill Horne needs in her hometown
Parents often take their children to activities with them, but when Jill Horne went with her mother to a Plainview food bank, the daughter found something that changed her life.
The 2007 farm bill needs to continue features of the current one that provide a safety net for farmers.
Today's Quip
"And happy birthday, President Bush. He (turned) 61 on Friday, but since he's president, he had his age commuted down to 59."
Today in History
On July 14, 1881, outlaw William H. Bonney Jr., alias "Billy the Kid," was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, N.M.
Viable farm bill crucial for our area
THE ECONOMIC ripple effects will be felt far and wide if Congress carries through with its proposed downsizing of federal farm subsidies.
Couple's loss inspires acts of kindness
IN THE AFTERMATH of the loss of their stillborn son, Michael and Angie King were motivated to help others. Inspiration came in the form of gifts at a memorial service for the baby. There weren't flowers - there were more than 200 teddy bears.
Amarillo teacher says he leaked TAKS questions
AMARILLO - By volunteering on a committee that helps select questions for the state's standardized test, an Amarillo teacher said he was able to leak writing topics to colleagues so their students could fare better, according to a state report.
Tech names new graduate dean
A prolific, scholarly author was named the next dean of the Texas Tech Graduate School, university officials announced on Friday.
Most American kids are well into summer break right now, barely conscious of the nightmare of high school that awaits them after Labor Day. Now is as good a time as any to start getting them ready - perhaps with a visit to a virtual school like you find in these new video games.
Hometown Boys lose yet another brother
Death, a too-frequent visitor, knocked yet again Friday on the door of the Martinez family.
Prince twists music retailers in Britain in a spin with giveaway of his new CD
LONDON - Prince has angered the music industry and stirred up trouble among British retailers by giving away his new album with a tabloid newspaper this weekend.
Major Los Angeles talent agent calls popular children's group just what she's been looking for
est Texas has for decades been home to talented musicians and vocalists; until now, none of these standouts was still in elementary school.
Voices shine in uninvolving debut musical
It's no secret that stage director (and vocal instructor) Gerald Dolter has tended his own garden of beautiful voices over the past several years.
Texas books cover wildcatters, women and wisdom of age
Originally published in 1984, Texas A&M University Press has brought back a new edition of "Wildcatters: Texas Independent Oilmen" by Roger Olien and Diana Davids Hinton ($18.95 trade paperback).
Tickets on sale for 'Brides'
Wildlife Workshop set for Texas land owners
Hunters urged to enroll in certification classes
AUSTIN - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters in need of certification to enroll soon as hunter education courses are filling up fast.
Swimmer battles anorexia nervosa to save her reputation and her life
LOVELAND, Colo.- Brittany Bethel sensed the eyes in the coffee shop giving her a quick scan before darting away when she looked up. The former University of Northern Colorado swimmer has become immune to the stares.
Southwest wins district tournament
Gerdemann uses Tour podium to decry doping
LE GRAND-BORNAND, France - Linus Gerdemann hadn't even finished celebrating his first Tour de France stage victory before sounding a loud drumbeat from the winner's circle: Races can and should be won clean.
Hunters pursue dream of bagging turkey grand slam
Grand slam.
Western kingbirds, of the flycatcher family, are amazing aerial acrobats
This summer there's been a bumper crop of mourning, white-winged and ring-necked doves, American robins. And now there are some new kids on the block: Western kingbirds.
Senator's talk show has no equal time burden
Pappy Lee O'Patrick?
If kids can't talk to their parents, they need an adult they can trust
Young people today are different than they were when we were growing up. They are much more knowledgeable in all areas. Teenagers today are totally different from teenagers of times past.
Frenship falls in 7-on-7 pool play
All-Star week begins for area six-man teams
It's time once again for the smallest schools in the state to be on the biggest stage on the South Plains.
Letter of the Day
Take pity on weeds in bloom
Letter of the day
Obey rules of road on Loop
Your Views
Emergency room report concerns local doctor
Pet owners still worry about safe food but say they lack choices
These days, if pet food labels were books, they'd be on the best-seller list.
Irons Elementary student twirling at national competition
Mississippi town is home to exhibit about Kermit the Frog creator
LELAND, Miss. - Road signs of a flipper-waving Kermit the Frog attract thousands of visitors annually through the flatlands of the Mississippi Delta to the hometown of the famous amphibian and his equally renowned creator, Jim Henson.
Former President Carter to write about his mother
NEW YORK - Former President Carter, who already has a book coming out this fall about his post-White House years, is working on a memoir about his mother, Lillian, to be published next spring by Simon & Schuster.
World's tallest man marries a woman two-thirds his height
BEIJING (AP) - The world's tallest man married a woman who's two-thirds his height and half his age, holding a traditional Mongolian ceremony Thursday with great fanfare at the tomb of Kublai Khan.
'Sparkle & Twang' exhibit traces Marty Stuart's musical odyssey
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Depending on how you look at it, Marty Stuart is either a genius for saving all those cowboy boots, rhinestone suits and flashy string ties, or he's a pack rat with a taste for garish clothes.
Old Glory
Be sure to share all of those July 4 photos you took. We want fireworks, kids at the street fair, families cooking out in the park. We want to showcase anything patriotic during July.
Burns to add 29 minutes to seven-part World War II documentary
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Ken Burns is adding about 29 minutes of new material to his seven-part documentary about soldiers who fought in World War II, a response to pressure from a consortium of Hispanic organizations that demanded soldiers of their ethnic background be given prominent roles in the project.
CBS News prepares to make changes to 'The Early Show'
NEW YORK (AP) - CBS News is looking to make its perennially last-place morning program more competitive in the ratings by abandoning the format that allows stations to air mostly local news between 7 and 8 a.m.
Are religious films crossing the line by co-opting many churches?
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Churches risk becoming Hollywood dupes by supporting religiously themed films like "Evan Almighty" without closely examining them first, the editor of a Florida Baptist newspaper said.
Ex-President Clinton's 'Giving' to be published in September
Originally published in 1984, Texas A&M University Press has brought back a new edition of "Wildcatters: Texas Independent Oilmen" by Roger Olien and Diana Davids Hinton ($18.95 trade paperback).
Forget the high-priced kitchen Items
Good food can emerge from tiny, simple, old-fashioned kitchens, but that doesn't stop homeowners from springing for top-of-the-line appliances that look swanky in a trophy kitchen.
Sites help make healthy choices
I remember hearing a veteran of World War II say: "Freedom is not free. Someone has to pay for it." I hope we can remember that.
I want to ride my bicyclette: Paris launches bike service
PARIS - It was a perfect Paris moment: The rain cleared, the sky filled with blue, and I was flying across town on a bicycle, past the Louvre, along the Seine River, through a public garden and up a cobblestone market street.
Don't go cheap in choosing shades for your children
Once upon a time, a baby wearing sunglasses was merely a chance for a cute snapshot. Now, some eye doctors say parents should start putting sunglasses on babies as young as 9 months to protect their eyes. The cumulative effect of the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays can cause early cataracts, these experts say.
Bonfire and Bellfire are bright, bountiful new begonia choices
If you are looking for a plant with hundreds of fiery scarlet orange flowers for a hanging basket or to cascade over a wall or window box then the Bonfire begonia is for you. Bonfire brings not only a new species to most gardeners but also incredible beauty partnered with a rugged nature.
Leroy Duran, in his 40s, remained in critical condition Saturday night at Covenant Medical Center, a hospital official said.
Six men abduct, rape local woman
Half a dozen men abducted a woman from an East Lubbock street and raped her early Friday morning.
No charges filed in sex device case
The Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney's Office dismissed a case against a local peddler of sexually oriented material, a prosecutor with the office, Tray Payne, said Friday.
Concern aired about suspect before slaying Acquaintance:
A young man's life might have been spared - had authorities better monitored suspected murderer Mitchell Erin Wachholtz, his acquaintances said.
In the world of relics, local site's a treasure for archaeologists
Armadillos aren't an uncommon sight in Lubbock.
Road Construction
98th Street - Phase I main trunk line on the South Lubbock Drainage Project continues. Construction is ongoing between Indiana and Quaker avenues.
Lubbock Club fixture 'Yogi' Russell, noted jokester, dies at 76
The man whose jokes and personality were synonymous with the Lubbock Club for more than 40 years has died.
DeLeon recall petition push resumes
Here we go again.
Police hunting for man who robbed Dollar store
Lubbock police are looking for a man who robbed a Dollar General store on Saturday night.
Girl's death stirs strong community support
Jaeden Hart's memory will live on.
McCain visit to Lubbock canceled
Republican presidential candidate John McCain is no longer coming to Lubbock next week, though organizers of a local fundraiser for the Arizona Republican hope to reschedule later this summer.
BlueCross, physicians still at odds
Doctors will likely receive as much or more money for their services, but patients will pay a higher portion of the costs if no agreement is reached between a major insurance provider and a local physicians group.
Bush says slight progress in Iraq cause for optimism
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush took his critics to task Saturday for using the poor marks the Iraqi government received on a progress report this week as reason to argue that the war is lost.
Veteran GOP senators call for restricted Iraq mission
WASHINGTON - Two top Republicans cast aside President Bush's pleas for patience on Iraq Friday and proposed legislation demanding a new strategy by mid-October to restrict the mission of U.S. troops.
Administration sympathetic to Iraqi parliament's decision to take a break
WASHINGTON - The White House on Friday appeared resigned to the fact that the Iraqi parliament is going to take August off, even though it has just eight weeks to show progress on military, political and economic benchmarks prescribed by the United States.
Safety issue may overwhelm GOP opposition to food labeling law
WASHINGTON (AP) - Shoppers are in the dark about where much of their food comes from despite a 5-year-old law requiring meat and other products to carry labels with their country of origin.
Robber drops gun for goblet
WASHINGTON (AP) - Police on Capitol Hill are baffled by an attempted robbery that began with a handgun put to the head of a 14-year-old girl and ended in a group hug.
Nervous national security team watching for threats
WASHINGTON (AP) - National security officials worry about a possible attack against the United States in the months ahead even though the government's leading terrorism experts have not found concrete information about an imminent strike.
Border fence likely to cost more, take longer than predicted, experts say
SAN DIEGO - Bulldozers are moving hundreds of tons of dirt to make way for a 16-foot steel fence on the U.S.-Mexico border in an area that once was the most popular crossing for illegal immigrants.
Two sisters in Alaska staging vigil for final 'Potter' book
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Forget piddling around a mere few days for an iPhone. Two sisters are in the midst of an 11-day vigil for this summer's hottest, "must-have" low-tech phenomenon - the latest Harry Potter novel.
Pulling out of Iraq no small effort
WASHINGTON - Pulling the U.S. military out of Iraq would be a massive undertaking and would have to be done slowly and deliberately, defense officials said Friday. One general said it would take up to 18 months to cut his troop levels in northern Iraq in half.
Congress' approval rating drops
WASHINGTON - In the eyes of the public, Congress is doing even worse than the president.
New gadgets put robots at patients' bedsides
BALTIMORE - Has it come to this? Robots standing in for doctors at the hospital patients' bedside?
Marines trying to conduct humane wars
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Perched atop a stack of foot lockers in a barracks, drill instructor Gunnery Sgt. Celestino Casias asks 45 shaven-headed recruits what it takes to be a Marine. "Honor, courage, commitment!" the aspiring fighters shout in unison.
Catholic archdiocese to pay for sexual abuse cases
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church's sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned Saturday.
Former first lady's funeral scheduled on Sunday
AUSTIN - Family prayer services and a huge public outpouring Friday ushered in three days of memorial ceremonies honoring the late Lady Bird Johnson, an environmentalist first lady who clung to her Texas roots.
Residents of Illinois town reeling from truck driver's murder confession
ALBION, Ill. - Many people in this southern Illinois town thought Bruce Mendenhall was loud, hot-tempered and a little peculiar, but they were still stunned to hear police say he has confessed to killing six people.
Today in history
On July 15, 1971 , President Richard Nixon startled the country by announcing he would visit the People's Republic of China.
Jeff Haislip
Memorial services for Jeff Haislip, 37, of Lubbock, will be Tuesday July 17, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Westmont Christian Church.
C.D. "Tip" Windom
C.D. "Tip" Windom, 96, of Lubbock formerly of Morton, will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2007, at Morton Memorial Cemetery, with Rev. Lyndall Fletcher officiating.
Parviz Malek-Ahmadi
A celebration of the life of Dr. Parviz Malek-Ahmadi, 64, will take place at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel on Monday, July 16th, 2007, at 4 p.m. Private interment will follow. Dr. Tom McGovern will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at Resthaven Funeral Home.
Clayton Srygley
Clayton Srygley passed away July 13, 2007 in Oklahoma Veterans Hospital in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born Feb. 20, 1924 in Lakeview, Hall County, Texas to his parents Oscar Arvin and Ethel Wallace Srygley. He married Mary Wallen July 23, 1966. He retired from Phillips Petroleum, Phillips, Texas on July 1, 1985. He and Mary lived in Howardwick, Texas after retirement. He served in the US Marine Raiders in World War II. He was baptized in the Church of Christ, Lakeview, Texas, the faith of his Mother, as a child.
Connie Elizabeth Boyd
Services for Connie Elizabeth Boyd, 60, of Lubbock, will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2007. in Resthaven's Abbey Chapel. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Resthaven.
Reginal Eugene Stephens
Funeral services for Reginal Eugene Stephens, 66, of Levelland will be 3 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2007 at Second Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Howe, pastor and Rev. Syl Moore, Lubbock, Texas, officiating. Burial will be in City of Levelland Cemetery under direction of George Price Funeral Home. He died at 3:37 p.m., Thursday, July 12, 2007 at University Medical Center, Lubbock.
Donna Lu Hurtado
Donna Lu Hurtado, of Lubbock, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2007, at the age of 47.
Jack Stanfield
July 12, 1952 July 15, 1987
Lillian Faye Willis
Lillian Faye Willis was born March 2, 1915, in Ladonia, to Cora Ada and Grover C. Bevers. She passed from this life July 11, 2007, in Lamb County, at the age of 92.
Rosemary Manfria
Funeral mass for Rosemary Manfria, 68, of Lubbock will be celebrated today at 2 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church with Father Martin Pina officiating. Cremation will be under the direction of Calvillo Funeral Home.
Dennis Caryl Patton
Patient, kind, humble, forgiving, trusting, loving and hopeful.
Zeffa Robinett
Services for Zeffa Marie Robinett, 88, of Brownwood and formerly of Crosbyton, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2007, at the Crosbyton First Baptist Church, with Rev. Les Griffin officiating. Burial will follow in the Idalou Cemetery, under direction of Adams Funeral Home of Crosbyton.
Geneva Alice Burford
Geneva Alice Burford, 87, of Lubbock went to be with the Lord July 12, 2007. Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Monday, July 16, at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel, with Dale Mannon officiating. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at Resthaven Funeral Home.
Death Notices
Danny Herbert Beal, 43, of Lubbock died July 12, 2007. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. today at Redbud Baptist Church. Rix Funeral Directors.
Mary "Julia" Martinez Hodges
Rosary for Mary "Julia" Martinez Hodges, 66, of Slaton will be today at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Slaton. Funeral mass will be on Monday at 10 a.m. in the same church with Father Nicolas Rendon officiating. Burial will be at Englewood Cemetery under the direction of Calvillo Funeral Home.
Nelva Adams , 71, of Lubbock died Friday, July 13, 2007. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Broadway Baptist Church. Agape Funeral Chapel.
Steven Richard Lindsey
In Loving Memory of
Rickey Dale Martin
Rickey Dale Martin, 52, of Lubbock passed away in Lubbock, July 11, 2007.
Ricardo (Ricky) M. Martinez
Ricardo (Ricky) M. Martinez, 48, of Mathis, Texas passed away Thursday, July 12, 2007.
Nelva Adams
Services for Nelva L. Adams, 72, of Lubbock, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at Broadview Baptist Church in Lubbock. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 Monday, July 16, 2007, at Agape Funeral Chapel.
Bert Shanks
Bert Shanks, 84, formerly of Lubbock died July 12, 2007. No services are scheduled. He was born April 5, 1923 in Mills County, Zephyr, Texas. His wife, Laura Mildred (Bradley) Shanks passed away Aug. 19, 1995 in Lubbock.
Pan American Games open with Carnival-like atmosphere
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Fireworks exploded above Rio's cherished Maracana soccer stadium Friday night as Brazil launched its biggest show - and a test of its ability to become a host on the global sports stage.
Renegades close home slate with loss
The Lubbock Renegades' playoff hopes bounced off their fingertips, but they haven't slipped away completely thanks to some help around arenafootball2.
Beckham must learn name of game
efore David Beckham can make America love soccer, he has to get used to soccer in America.
Harvick rules track again in Chicagoland Busch race
JOLIET, Ill. - Some people have criticized Chicagoland Speedway for its bland "cookie cutter" layout, but it's more like a cookie jar for Kevin Harvick.
A look at former high school and college athletes from the South Plains who are playing at the highest level of their respective sports. Results and statistics are through Friday.
Tolliver takes early lead in celebrity golf tournament at Tahoe
The former Texas Tech quarterback is contending for another title at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, shooting an opening-round 70 on Friday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. The 41-year-old Tolliver racked up 26 points in the modified Stableford format, good enough for a one-point lead over former NHL goalie Grant Fuhr and former NFL wide receiver Sterling Sharpe going into today's second round.
NBA suspends Artest, Jackson
NEW YORK - Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson, the central figures in the brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills, were each suspended without pay by the NBA on Saturday for the first seven games of next season because of their most recent legal problems.
Baseball coach leads Panamanian upset of his countrymen
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - When the Cuban baseball federation loaned Alfonso Urquiola to Panama to manage in the Pan American Games, it couldn't have expected he would be so successful - at the expense of his countrymen.
Jackson debuts in Revue
Former Texas Tech guard Jay Jackson made his NBA debut on Friday with the Atlanta Hawks in the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City.
Technical problems create early woes for Pan Am Games
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - The Pan American Games got off to a sputtering start Saturday with baseball postponements and reports of a delay in televising gymnastics, one of the premier sports at the event.
Roush team gaining ground on Hendrick's juggernaut
JOLIET, Ill. - NASCAR's other megateam has been uncharacteristically quiet through the first half of the 2007 season, as Roush Fenway Racing hasn't been able to put up much of a fight against Hendrick Motorsports' dominance.
Zambrano, Cubs on hot streak, shut out error-prone Astros, 6-0
CHICAGO - Carlos Zambrano allowed three hits over 62/3 scoreless innings and had two singles and an RBI as Chicago beat Houston 6-0 on Friday, the Cubs' 13th win in 17 games.
Cage or ring? America's top amateur boxers ponder fighting's future
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - On his long road that he hopes will lead to Beijing next summer, super-heavyweight boxer Mike Wilson constantly hears friends and fans tell him that his is a dying sport and the real future of fighting is in the wildly popular mixed martial arts.
Dixon nips Franchitti for Nashville pole
GLADEVILLE, Tenn. - Scott Dixon edged Dario Franchitti, the man he's chasing in the IndyCar Series, to take the pole at the Nashville Superspeedway on Friday.
Gibbs, Hendrick team tiffs linger at Chicagoland
JOLIET, Ill. - Paging Dr. Phil: Please report to the infield.
Poor outing for Loe spells loss for Rangers in Anaheim
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Vladimir Guerrero, Reggie Willits and Gary Matthews Jr. each had two RBIs and the Los Angeles Angels' bullpen did the job for John Lackey in a 9-5 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night.
After slow first week, Tour heads into Alps
BOURG-EN-BRESSE, France - Slow through the flats, and fast in the mountains - that's just what some riders are predicting as the Tour de France enters the Alps.
Pitching to Bonds makes players edgy
Rich Hill doesn't seem all that worried, maybe because he's been through it before. He was destined to become No. 714 before Juan Pierre climbed the center-field wall in San Francisco last year and stole a home run from Barry Bonds.
Others who believed in ballpark have moved on
W hile no one faults the effort made by West Texas Professional Baseball organizers to attract a Double-A minor league baseball team, almost no one except the organizers still believes it will happen.
Peterson's triangle helps Mets get a lot of stuff accomplished
NEW YORK - Rick Peterson is comfortable discussing everything from art to Fortune 500 companies. Get him talking about baseball, though, and that's when he really gets going.
Cumbie enjoying chance in Arena LA Son-shine
ike any other athlete, Sonny Cumbie wanted a chance to play.
Teen carves out kingdom in world of freestyle stuntbiking
SHAKOPEE, Minn. - Aaron Colton's voice still cracks when he gets excited and the 15-year-old can't yet drive a car without an adult sitting in the passenger seat.
U.S. women top Norway in exhibition
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. - Carli Lloyd scored on a diving header in the 66th minute to lift the U.S. women to a 1-0 win over Norway in an exhibition game Saturday night.
Deal puts Colts' Freeney near top of NFL's highest-paid list
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Colts have signed defensive end Dwight Freeney to a long-term contract that will make him among the NFL's most highly paid defensive players.
Disappointed Under-20 U.S. men's World Cup team falls to Austria in overtime
TORONTO - The United States was eliminated from the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with a 2-1 overtime loss to Austria in the quarterfinals Saturday as Erwin Hoffer scored the go-ahead goal in the 105th minute, just two minutes after he entered the game.
Minnesota rides to victory over A's on arm of Santana
MINNEAPOLIS - Johan Santana allowed four hits and struck out eight in seven scoreless innings to lead Minnesota to a 5-3 victory over Oakland on Friday night.
Hotshot Beckham has his weaknesses, too
LONDON - American soccer fans and his Los Angeles Galaxy teammates have now seen David Beckham the fashion icon.
Mahut excited to be playing on induction day
NEWPORT, R.I. - Pete Sampras provided the incentive fifth-seeded Nicolas Mahut needed to beat qualifier Prakash Amritraj 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the quarterfinals of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Friday.
At Hall induction, Sampras recalls loss
NEWPORT, R.I. - Despite 14 Grand Slam titles, it's a loss in the 1992 U.S. Open final that sticks with Pete Sampras.
Montgomerie misses cut at Scottish Open
LUSS, Scotland - Gregory Havret and Jose Manuel Lara shared a one-stroke lead over Phil Mickelson Friday, while Colin Montgomerie missed the cut at the Scottish Open.
NASCAR drivers hope for good racing on multiple grooves at Chicagoland
JOLIET, Ill. - Chicagoland Speedway is beginning to show its age, and that could be groovy for fans of side-by-side racing today.
Mears captures pole at Chicagoland
JOLIET, Ill. - Casey Mears turned a lap of 182.556 mph in his Chevrolet on Friday, taking the pole position for Sunday's NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Six-time champ Rhoden surges to lead at Tahoe
STATELINE, Nev. - After struggling in the U.S. Senior Open a week ago, Rick Rhoden was back in his element Saturday - atop the leaderboard of the celebrity golf tournament he's won six times.
Cuban takes interest in owning Cubs
CHICAGO - Add Internet billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to the list of potential Chicago Cubs buyers.
Mickelson shaking off slump, injury at Scottish Open
LUSS, Scotland - Phil Mickelson has to be feeling better about his game heading into next week's British Open.
Renegades' kickoff coverage squad gears up for Coyotes
The Lubbock Renegades have had problems this season with their kickoff coverage team.
British Open returns to scene of a Frenchman's follies
Its reputation as the toughest links in golf is now a footnote.
Venus Williams knots Fed Cup semifinals vs. Russia
STOWE, Vt. - One week after winning her fourth Wimbledon title, Venus Williams returned home to win another big match for herself, her sister Serena and her country.
Woods adding claret jugs to his collection of jackets
Tiger Woods never posted any of Harry Vardon's feats on his bedroom door.
Lilly, Ramirez take control, lead Cubs' win over Astros at Wrigley
CHICAGO - Ted Lilly won his fourth straight start, Aramis Ramirez had four RBIs and Alfonso Soriano hit a three-run homer for the Cubs in their 9-3 win Saturday over the Astros.
From Reggie to blackout, summer of '77 unforgettable
NEW YORK - It was the summer of Reggie, the summer of Sam, the summer when the lights went dark and the Bronx burned bright.
Venus Williams knots Fed Cup semifinals vs. Russia
STOWE, Vt. - One week after winning her fourth Wimbledon title, Venus Williams returned home to win another big match for herself, her sister Serena and her country.
NM has 60 days to prove TB cases isolated
SANTA FE N.M. (AP) - The federal government could cancel New Mexico's status as a cattle TB-free state unless the state can prove in the next 60 days that a tuberculosis outbreak in a Curry County dairy is isolated and won't spread.
Musical variety nightly beginning Monday in Tulia
Regional opinions
Prescription for conflict
Meatpacking plant could gain new life as meat supplier to Muslims
TAMA, Iowa (AP) - A closed meatpacking plant may soon be reopened as a supplier of meat to Muslim countries.
Religious organizations nationwide fear workers' visa program overhaul
WASHINGTON - At the Sri Siva Vishnu temple in Lanham, Md., 11 Hindu priests recite mantras before intricately chiseled altars to deities carved by expert temple stonemasons. They offer the idols lentils and rice prepared in a small kitchen by Haridas Padithaya, 38, who looks like a line cook in his stained T-shirt but who was trained from childhood to cook for the deities by his father, who learned from his father before him.
Homosexuality isn't the only issue - just look at growing ministries by individuals
he 10th anniversary celebration for Bishop C. Wallis Ohl on June 28 at St. Paul's on the Plains Episcopal Church was tempered by the knowledge that Ohl will retire in 2008.
Ninth and Columbia Church of Christ celebrating 100 years
Tracing the influence of a Plainview church celebrating its 100th anniversary is like following ripples in a pond.
Texas man accused of killing zebra in drive-by shooting
RED OAK (AP) - An 18-year-old man was arrested Friday in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting of a zebra named Zambi.
Cornyn reports raising $2.1 million for campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. John Cornyn, who could face a general election challenger next year, reported Friday raising $2.1 million for his campaign.
Prosecutor asks state court of appeals to reconsider decision in DeLay case
AUSTIN (AP) - A Texas prosecutor said in court filings Friday that the state's highest criminal appeals court created a "separate - but not necessarily equal - system of justice" by refusing to reinstate a conspiracy charge against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
Military burn unit: Scars and stresses, heroes and friends
SAN ANTONIO - The five badly burned soldiers arrived around 11 p.m., sedated and swathed in bandages from head to foot - the screech of the plane's wheels on the tarmac and waiting ambulances marking the end of a 7,500-mile journey.
Capitol's hallways still buzzing despite out-of-session Legislature
AUSTIN - The Texas Capitol is awfully quiet these days. If it weren't for the few tourists touring the pink building, the occasional visitor might think it's abandoned.
Ex-Secret Service agents gather to say goodbye to Lady Bird
AUSTIN - At Lady Bird Johnson's side, retired Secret Service agent Jim Hardin toured the Louvre Museum, floated along the Nile River and visited archaeological digs in Africa.
Loved ones, admirers remember Lady Bird at funeral
AUSTIN - Lady Bird Johnson's wit, wisdom and love of beauty - in nature, in children and in democracy - were remembered Saturday as family, friends and presidents bade farewell at her funeral.
Authorities arrest three new suspects in murders
TYC parolee candidates to be re-examined
AUSTIN (AP) - State juvenile prison officials have canceled the release on parole of more than 150 young offenders after learning many served minimal time for violent crimes such as murder and sexual assault.
Filmmaker Moore still owes apology
So documentary filmmaker Michael Moore recently accused CNN of "fudging the facts" about his new movie, "Sicko" and his previous film, "Fahrenheit 9/11."
Nelson enjoys big bump up, now producing reality TV programs
Wolfforth native Caleb Nelson never turned his back on his musical roots. He'll even play piano and lead the house band at a game show convention later this month.
Border wall protesters criticize 'Stone Age' solution
ROMA (AP) - From the Roma bluffs, a rare high point along the Rio Grande's southernmost stretch, about 60 people could be seen Saturday morning paddling kayaks and canoes in a symbolic protest of the border fence.
Starbucks closes shop in China's imperial palace
BEIJING (AP) - Starbucks has closed a coffeehouse in China's former imperial palace, the company said Saturday, ending a presence that sparked protests by Chinese critics who said it damaged a key historical site.
U.S. troops kill Iraqi police suspected of Shiite militia ties
BAGHDAD - U.S. troops battled Iraqi police suspected of links to Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen, killing six in a rare firefight between American soldiers and their Iraqi partners. Friday's clash underscored the deep infiltration of militants in the country's security forces.
Reactor shutdown in North Korea to be verified by U.N.
PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) - North Korea told the United States it shut down its nuclear reactor, the State Department said Saturday, hours after a ship cruised into port loaded with oil promised in return for the country's pledge to disarm.
Al-Maliki asserts Iraqi government ready to rule
BAGHDAD (AP) - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Saturday that Iraqi forces are capable and American troops can leave "any time they want."
Refugees trapped in Egyptian desert
RAFAH, Egypt (AP) - Sleeping in the sand and running out of money, thousands of Palestinians have been stranded in Egypt's desert for more than a month since the border with Hamas-controlled Gaza has been closed.
Russia nullifies arms treaty, NATO inspections
N. Korea closer to reactor shutdown
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea seemed ready Friday to take a first step toward scaling back its nuclear weapons program, perhaps this weekend, as U.N. inspectors prepared to monitor the shutdown of its sole operating atomic reactor.
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Bernanke Forced to Defend Fed's 'Easy-Money' Monetary PolicyPosted by on March 01, 2013
"I believe… the economic challenges of our nation are fiscal in nature, not monetary. They cannot be solved by the Fed."
"There seems to be…a lot of evidence out there that the benefits of the low interest rate and quantitative easing are accruing primarily to the federal government, foreign governments and large banks."
The Financial Services Committee hosted Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke for his semiannual Monetary Policy Report to Congress on Wednesday. Republicans repeatedly questioned the wisdom of the Fed's controversial accommodative monetary policy, noting it enables reckless Washington spending and has failed to generate true economic growth, but could potentially result in long-term harm to the economy.
Earlier in the week, the Committee debated and approved its views and estimates of the budget, which the President once again failed to produce on time. Democrats on the committee complained about the presence of the national debt clock at the committee markup (which was noted by the Daily Caller, the Drudge Report and others). "Washington's spending-driven debt crisis and burdensome regulatory policies" – including the Dodd-Frank Act and its 400 regulations – "have produced an economy that seems stuck perpetually in neutral," the committee noted in its official report (.pdf).
Check out the Hearing Highlights below.


text: Behavioral problems can take many forms, from sibling rivalry to screaming, biting, interrupting you on the telephone, misbehaving in the supermarket, or even not sharing toys. The experts from The National Parenting Center offer their advice on these problems, and tell you why "Time-Outs" are best for dealing with aggressive behavior. They'll explain how to handle everything from hyperactivity to car seat blues to demands for constant entertainment.


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RICHMOND, Va.—Jeff Gordon's hopes of making the Chase for the Sprint Cup looked to be almost over at one point Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway.
Somehow, after a long rain delay, Gordon bounced back with a fast racecar. Somehow, the rain stopped and the race continued, allowing him to drive to the front while Kyle Busch struggled with an ill-handling car and faded from contention.
Those factors, as well as a loose lug nut that cost Busch valuable seconds on his final pit stop, resulted in Gordon earning the final wild-card spot in the Chase.
Busch finished 16th while Gordon finished second, giving Gordon a three-point edge for that wild-card berth. Gordon finished second in the final two regular-season races to move into wild-card contention.
Kasey Kahne, as expected, earned the first wild-card berth given to drivers 11th-20th in the standings with the most wins.
Kahne finished 11th in the regular-season standings and had two wins, while Gordon was 12th in points, tops among the drivers with one win.
Gordon, who started on the front row and led the first two green-flag laps, fell outside the top 20 early in the race as he battled a loose car. Prior to a 51-minute rain delay on lap 155, his team unhooked the rear sway bar to help him steer.
"I was pretty ticked off that we got that far behind," Gordon said. "For me as a racecar driver, when you have that kind of start to the race, you don't have a lot of hope you're going to get it turned around."
But after the caution flag came out for rain on lap 277 of the 400-lap race, Gordon was able to pit and get fresh tires along with most of the field.
A few drivers, including Busch, stayed out because they didn't want to pit and then have the race called because of rain.
Busch restarted the race in fourth, fell back to 11th in two laps and soon fell a lap down. The problem on his final pit stop put him two laps down.
Throughout the final 30 laps, Gordon was able to pass enough cars to earn enough points to get by Busch. Gordon was ecstatic when told he was in the Chase.
"We'll kick their (butts) in the Chase with that (expletive) effort," Gordon told his team after the race. "What an effort."
Busch was devastated.
"We missed, that's it," Busch said. "Plain and simple."


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Portobello Wellington is the vegetarian cousin of the much meatier Beef Wellington. It is simple to prepare, ready in 30 minutes, and bursting with flavor.
Three years ago last July, I dressed up all fancy-like, and went to dinner with my parents at a tiny French restaurant downtown. When I opened the door, I thought, "Did they just start playing the love song from Phantom of the Opera?" I walked in farther and thought, "Huh.. We're the only ones here. That's nice." Then I walked a little farther in, past a little half-wall, where I stopped in confusion. "What's the boyfriend doing here? Why is he crouched down on his knee? Why is he holding that sparkly ring? (Pause for mental comprehension)– HE'S HOLDING A SPARKLY RING!"
What else do I remember from that night? For one, trying to convince my parents to try escargot (they declined), trying to eat said escargot with shaky hands, and the wonderful, decadently delicious Portobello Wellington that I attempted to eat while recovering from shock. We've been back to that little French bistro several times since that night, however (both fortunately and unfortunately) it's one of those wonderful places where the chef changes the menu seasonally.
The seasonal menu changes mean that, while I've always left ecstatically food happy, I've never seen my beloved Portobello Wellington again. The solution to the Case of the Missing Mushroom? Cook it myself!
Making Portobello Wellington
Portobello Wellington is the vegetarian cousin of the much meatier, and beefier, (hence the name!) Beef Wellington. This vegetarian version is simple to prepare, ready in 30 minutes, and bursting with flavor. The large mushroom caps are lightly roasted, along with some julienned red bell pepper slices. While the veggies are roasting, cut some puff pastry into squares. Next, set one mushroom cap, rounded side down, onto the pastry. Fill the cap with the peppers, tomatoes, goat cheese,* and herbs. Top with another mushroom cap, rounded side up, and then pull the pastry up around the mushrooms. Twist the pastry dough into a little knot at the top, and brush with egg white. Bake until the pastry top is golden– 12-15 minutes. The mushroom at the French bistro was served over risotto, and it was delicious. However, I also love this savory vegetable dish over pasta, or with crusty bread. Enjoy this fanciful dinner of mushroomy deliciousness for a special occasion, or just because you want to devour something amazing.
Note: Try really hard to use goat cheese and not a substitute. It's creamy right away, and other cheese I've tried using didn't have time to fully melt before the puff pastry was done cooking. If you can't use goat cheese, use mascarpone or cream cheese with varying results.
Want more fancy-schmancy meal ideas? Try these:
Portobello Wellington
Vegetarian Main Dish
- ~1/2 sheet puff pastry (more or less depending on the size of the mushrooms)
- 4 portobello mushroom heads
- 1 TB olive oil
- pinch salt, pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1/2 tomato, diced
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 4-6 basil leaves
- 1 egg white
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Scrape gills from interior of mushrooms. Drizzle mushrooms and peppers with oil, and add salt and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Increase oven heat to 400ºF.
Cut pastry into 2 equal square parts, large enough to wrap around 2 mushroom heads that are sandwiched. If squares are too small, roll pastry out to make it thinner.
Set one mushroom cap in the center of each square, and fill each mushroom cap with half of the pepper, tomato, goat cheese, and basil. Cover the two stuffed mushrooms with the remaining mushroom caps. Pull pastry corners together to cover the mushrooms and twist the pastry ends together on top into a knot. If the pastry rips at all, just put a drop of water onto the tear and smooth the dough back together. Brush the pastry with egg white, and then bake 12-15 minutes, until the pastry top is golden brown.
Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a grain.
Recipe Notes
*Calorie Information was calculated per serving using My Fitness Pal. Calorie calculations will vary depending on the type / brand of puff pastry used.


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Final MPCA hearing denies Excel Dairy's permit effort
The long saga of Excel Dairy is over.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Citizens Advisory Board has unanimously denied an appeal of its earlier decision not to reissue a permit to the rural Thief River Falls dairy, which was declared a public health hazard in 2008.
"The applicant has a history of non-compliance with Minnesota rules, statutes and permit conditions," the MPCA said in its Findings of Fact presented at an MPCA hearing Tuesday.
"It's done. This was the final hearing," said Howard Person, Marshall County environmental officer. "People here are relieved."
However, some questions remain about clean-up at the dairy, which has been shut down since early 2009, when Excel removed the cows from the facility after repeated violations of state pollution control and air quality standards.
Excel Dairy opened in a rural area of Marshall County, just a few miles outside of Thief River Falls, in 2007, at about the same time that the county was drafting a confined animal feedlot ordinance. So, the dairy, which was operated by a company called The Dairy Dozen, based in Veblen, S.D., was grandfathered in and not subject to the local ordinance.
Shortly after it opened, people who live near the dairy began complaining about odors from its manure pits, saying it made them sick and forced them to leave their homes for prolonged periods many times.
In 2008 and 2009, the dairy violated Minnesota's air quality standards for hydrogen sulfide "hundreds of time," according to the Findings of Fact.
In April 2009, the MPCA revoked Excel's operating permit and re-issued a one-year permit along with orders to clean up the dairy's three outdoor manure holding basins by mid-June of that year.
In April 2010, it again decided not to reissue the permit, citing the company's failure to comply with its orders. The company appealed, but then filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
In June, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge converted the case to Chapter 7, which calls for liquidation of assets.
The MPCA listed a pattern of violations at seven dairy feedlot facilities in Minnesota and North and South Dakota managed or operated by Rick Millner and/or The Dairy Dozen. One of those dairies, which closed several years ago, was located in Roseau County, Minn.
"The common thread here is the manure discharge, or freeboard violations, not managing the manure the waste," George Schwint, feedlot engineer for MPCA, testified.
The Thief River Falls dairy originally was built in 1996 and operated until 2004. Millner's group bought the facility in 2005, and an initial permit was issued by the MPCA in June 2006.
Excel officials have blamed the previous owner of the farm for bad design and condition of the manure pits and unusually wet weather that slowed down improvements, including emptying the pits and renovating them with covers.
Excel also has blamed the MPCA for unfairly setting conditions and deadlines that could not reasonably be met, through no fault of the dairy, because of weather and the effects of the MPCA's own orders that stirred up manure odors, making them worse.
"This management has done a terrible job," Assistant Attorney General Robert Roche said. "It has not responded to the environmental issues in a timely or responsible manner. Therefore, it is entirely appropriate for this board to deny this permit."
No officials from Excel Dairy or Dairy Dozen attended the MPCA hearing this week in St. Paul. Calls to the Dairy Dozen's headquarters in South Dakota went unanswered Thursday.
MPCA staff testified this week that while two of the basins have been emptied and cleaned, Basin No. 1 still contained 7 to 8 feet of manure, which was covered with straw.
What clean-up has been completed has been done by AgStar Financial Services, a Minnesota-based lending institution that is the primary lien holder. Roche said AgStar placed the straw on the basin that still contains manure.
"AgStar didn't just walk away and forget it," he said. "They've been in communication and in cooperation with us."
AgStar has told state officials it will resume the clean-up in the spring, in preparation for selling the property.
Still, the future of the rural Thief River Falls complex is uncertain, at best. Any new feedlot would have to apply for both state and county permits.
"I don't know if it'll be a dairy again, after all that's happened," Person said. "But if it is, at least we'll have some local regulations in there that we can use to control the odor."


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CROMWELL, Conn. - Fredrik Jacobson sank a 31-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish with a 63 at the Travelers Championship on Saturday, taking a one-shot lead after his third consecutive bogey-free round.
The Swede's shot on 18 came after Bryce Molder had tied for the lead with a 38-foot birdie on No. 17. Molder finished at 15-under.
Jacobson has three wins in Europe, but none since joining the PGA Tour in 2003. Molder also is looking for his first win on the Tour.
Nineteen-year-old amateur Patrick Cantlay had the lead after two rounds, but the low amateur at last week's U.S. Open bogeyed his final two holes to fall to 11 under and into a tie for 10th.
An amateur hasn't won a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in the 1991 Northern Telecom Open in Arizona.
► LPGA TOUR: At Pittsford, N.Y., Yani Tseng has extended her lead at the LPGA Championship, putting the 22-year-old one round from winning her fourth major tournament.
The top-ranked Tseng shot a 5-under 67 on Saturday to extend her lead to five strokes after the third round of the $2.5 million tournament at Locust Hill Country Club outside of Rochester. At 13-under 203 for the tournament, Tseng leads Morgan Pressel (70) and Cindy LaCrosse (69), who are both tied for second.
► CHAMPIONS TOUR: At Endicott, N.Y., Mark Wiebe shot a 4-under 68 in the second round of the Dick's Sporting Goods Open on Saturday, taking a two-shot lead over John Huston in a bid for his second straight Champions Tour victory.
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Midway's pinnacle entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise is finally found its way to Nintendo's waggle-fied console after already serving tours of duty on both the Xbox and PS2 some ten months ago. With this iteration though there are two very distinct differences between it and the aforementioned versions. The first being the obvious addition of gesture-based controls that allows players to perform moves with a simple flick of the wrist; the other is a complete lack of any type of online mode.
MK Armageddon is by far the most ambitious and feature-filled entry in this long-running series. With a grand total of 64 fighters to choose from including one new exclusive character, Khameleon from the N64 version of MK Trilogy, Armageddon boasts one of the largest character rosters of any fighting game to date. This includes fan-favorites such as Scorpion and Raiden and of course some of the lesser known (and easily forgettable) ones such as Stryker. With so many to choose from the team at Midway had to cut back the traditional three fighting types per character from the previous two entries down to two; featuring just one combat style and one weapon style.
As for the actual combat if you played either of the previous entries Deception or Deadly Alliance you know what to expect here, the difference of course with the Wii version is the addition of motion controls, more on that in a moment. The action is fast-paced and very combo-heavy meaning button mashers need not apply. While not nearly as deep or methodical as say a Virtua Fighter, MK has slowly matured its style over time to near perfection. Combos take time to master and each character has access to different special moves that can be used in conjunction with your standard hand-to-hand combat for punishing results. Throwing in a weapon for each character also switches up the pace and being able to switch between the classic controller/Gamecube pad and the Wii remote and nunchuk combo will appease fans of the traditional style of combat.
Speaking of motion controls I have to admit I was worried when Midway allowed for the use of classic controls as it is almost always a good indicator that the motion part of the mix just doesn't work right; thankfully with Armageddon this is not the case. To perform any type of special move all you have to do is hold down the B button and motion the controller left to right, up to down, or perform a half-circle motion and release. This will activate just about any special move and actually makes the combat more fun for casual fans of the series. The response time actually feels good and works well for this game. Performing special moves has never been easier or more fun and will likely appeal to gamers who perhaps did not play previous versions of the game and don't want to invest the time to learn all the intricacies of the combat system.
Not all is unicorns and rainbows though; there are a few hiccups here and there to concern yourself with. For starters the standard attacks such as high and low punches are performed using the d-pad on the Wii remote. This is just as uncomfortable as it sounds and it really detracts from the lightning fast gameplay. The second issue is that while the game recognizes a majority of your motions, even while laying the controller on your lap, it does tend to ignore some of them from time to time. This can be a huge downfall in a game that can be decided by one wrong move.
The last piece of the combat puzzle is obviously the fatality system. Now we all know that over the years MK has sort of gotten a bad reputation for being too focused on these finishing moves and less on the actual gameplay. With Armageddon the team has completely re-worked the entire fatality system that fans will either love or absolutely despise. Instead of having specific finishers for each character you can now create your own custom fatality so to speak. This is done by inputting a series of gestures with the Wii remote or button taps on the controller that will take the brutality even further. While inventive this system all but takes away the subtle charm of having specific finishers for each character. I guess it was simpler to add one common type for this amount of combatants than try to create new ones for each one individually, but as a long time fan I can't help but feel a bit disappointed.
Outside of the core Kombat (yes I am going to spell it like that everytime) you also have a bevy of other modes that have become tradition for the series. The first is a returning version of the Konquest mode. This is basically a mini action game where you follow the story of Taven as he ventures through a series of encounters that will unlock new items and other goodies. The second addition is a Mario Kart-style game where you can pick a combatant and race around familiar environments from the MK universe all while delivering pain to your opponents via special moves and power-ups. While both of these modes are a very nice addition, they do feel a bit tacked on; however fans of the series will find the diversion a nice change of pace.
Of course the core of any fighting game is its multi-player, and while Armageddon offers it via same console, a lack of any sort of online mode hurts the score more than anything else. Seeing as the original game released ten months ago on both the PS2 and Xbox had an online function, and even offered you the ability to play the kart racing across the web further drives home just how much not having this feature hurts. It is obvious that the lack of online is due to Nintendo's lack of online focus, which at this point is becoming less and less of a valid excuse.
Visually the game is the same as it was on the PS2 and Xbox a year ago. The arenas are vast and detailed and the fighters sport some solid animation and detail. The backgrounds are also interactive which makes the battleground much more appealing than your standard square arena. The frame rate runs at a solid 60 FPS without ever skipping a beat and the game supports 480p and widescreen for those of you fortunate enough to have the cables and a proper TV to display it on. The music and sounds are standard fare for the series and the presentation is about what you would expect from the MK universe. Overall the package is more than acceptable on every front minus a lack of online support.
Mortal Kombat Armageddon is the most feature-rich version of the series to date, not to mention the best fighting game currently available on Nintendo's newest console. With a ton of fighters to choose from, loads of extra content and intuitive motion controls this version is more than worth the price of admission. If you have already conquered the game in previous outings there isn't much here to deem a second purchase, but if you have yet to dive into the realm of Armageddon there has never been a better time. It's only crime comes from a lack of online support, but hopefully that will be ironed out before we see the next chapter in the series when it drops next fall.


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Mayweather camp not giving up on superfight
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer was desperately trying to reignite talks Friday to salvage the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao fight even as Pacquiao's chief adviser said the Filipino superstar is "hours away" from signing a contract to fight Joshua Clottey.
Since the start of negotiations for a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight began in mid-November, Mayweather demanded random, Olympic-style drug testing administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, which would have meant that both fighters were subject to random blood and urine testing up to and including the day before the proposed March 13 fight. Pacquiao rejected the offer, agreeing to unlimited urine tests but demanding that any blood tests be cut off no later than 30 days before the fight.
The sides had quickly agreed on most points in the negotiations and the drug-testing dispute has been the only sticking point in the last month in an attempt to make the bout between the men widely regarded as the top two fighters in the world.
The highly anticipated bout seemed to be going down the drain Friday afternoon as Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz told Yahoo! Sports by telephone from the Philippines that "we've moved on and are getting ready to sign a contract to fight Clottey."
Schaefer, whose company is representing Mayweather in the talks, said Friday he isn't sure Pacquiao is aware that Mayweather agreed to cut off testing 14 days before the fight and to have it administered by the Nevada Athletic Commission.
Bruce Binkow, the chief marketing officer of Golden Boy Promotions, on Dec. 30 offered a 14-day cutoff as a compromise via instant message to Top Rank president Todd duBoef, who replied on Dec. 31 that "14 is no good."
Schaefer said he believes the fight can be salvaged over the weekend and the first step is making certain that Pacquiao is aware of Mayweather's 14-day offer. "There are reports [on the Internet] that Manny is not aware of this and we want to make certain that he knows what Floyd has agreed to do," Schaefer said.
However, Koncz said he was informed of the offer by promoter Bob Arum and that he brought it directly to Pacquiao, who would not even consider it. Koncz said Pacquiao was very firm in his decision.
"Bob called and told us about the 14 days and I brought that to Manny and he said, 'I told you, we're not agreeing to that,' and that was pretty much it," Koncz said.
Schaefer called Mayweather's offer "a very fair, very reasonable compromise solution" and said Mayweather is still eager to fight Pacquiao on March 13. Both Schaefer and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe have denied speaking to any potential other opponents, though Mayweather has been linked through numerous published reports with Paulie Malignaggi.
"We've focused solely on getting a fight done with Manny Pacquiao and that's it," Ellerbe said.
But Arum said he contacted MGM Grand officials about staging a Pacquiao-Clottey fight in its arena on that date and said he was told the MGM was holding it for a Mayweather-Malignaggi fight. Arum said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is sending his private plane to Las Vegas on Saturday to pick up he and duBoef to bring them to Dallas, where they will attend the Cowboys' playoff game with the Philadelphia Eagles and discuss staging the March 13 bout in Cowboys Stadium.
Schaefer, though, said he hoped he could revive talks over the weekend because he feels a deal is reachable. Arum scoffed at the talk and said no one from Mayweather's side had contacted anyone from Top Rank on Friday with the idea of reopening talks.
It is too important for the sport, Schaefer said, to exhaust all possibilities before moving on to other options.
"It would be a disservice to boxing to consider any other names when we still have a few days where we could come to a deal," Schaefer said. "We still do have a few days here and I'm hopeful it won't take Manny Pacquiao a few days to respond. We're ready to split this in the middle and other than this, everything else is ready to go."
Ellerbe said the drug-testing procedure will be a part of every fight Mayweather is involved in for the rest of his career.
That will likely make it impossible to resurrect talks for a fight with Pacquiao in the fall. Koncz said Pacquiao made several major concessions, such as agreeing for the fight to be called "Mayweather-Pacquiao" in the U.S. instead of the other way around, that he won't make if negotiations are reopened for a fight later in the year.
"Manny would be willing to fight Mayweather, but the tenor of negotiations would be a lot different in the future," Koncz said. "Manny was very accommodating before, because he wanted to get this fight done and to satisfy the fans, who wanted it very much. Billing is important to Manny, but he gave that up to accommodate Mayweather's ego because [Manny] wants to go out as the best fighter there ever was and, clearly, Mayweather is one of the best.
"But given what happened, Manny won't make those concessions if they come back to us."
Dr. Don H. Catlin, the head of the Los Angeles-based non-profit Anti-Doping Research, Inc., said a 24-day cutoff for blood testing is not sufficient to prevent abuse. One of the concerns with such a long blood-testing cutoff prior to the date of competition would be the potential use of Erythropoietin, or EPO.
But Catlin said that wouldn't be the only concern if there were a 24-day cutoff imposed.
"If you have a 24-day window that's free, with no testing, you can take whatever you want and you're not going to get caught, end of story," Catlin said. "[Urine testing] does matter, yes, but they're not going to catch everything by urine testing alone. What you would do is to take Mircera [a type of EPO], which is available and which is not easy to detect in urine and away you go. You need a blood test."
Arum said he understands that commissions may request additional testing of Pacquiao in the future because of the controversy raised during talks for a Mayweather fight, but he said neither he nor Pacquiao would have an issue with it.
Arum said an athletic commission would treat the fighters properly. Pacquiao believes he'll be weakened by giving blood too close to an event. And while there is no medical evidence to back his claim, it could harm him psychologically.
"It's the commission and if you have confidence in the commission, you will agree to abide by whatever they request," Arum said. "But you know they'll take the phobia of the fighters, and so forth, into account whenever they order what tests they deem appropriate."


text:
- Item No.
- 504319
- Mfg Part No.
- Availability
- Not Available
Product Information for Addlogix CTK-PNC Plug N Check Cable Analyzer
Highlights for Addlogix CTK-PNC Plug N Check Cable Analyzer
- Product Type:Cable Analyzer
Marketing Information
The CTK-PNC Plug N Check Cable Analyzer instantly identifies the cable type (datacomm/telecomm/coaxial) and test for faults. Operation is simple. Connect the ends of a cable to the tester, and the LED display provides the cable type information and checks the integrity of the cable automatically. A separate LED also checks the shielding integrity. Finally, its battery indicator will notify the user when the battery is low. The unit simplifies network installation and maintenance.
General Information
Technical Information
Battery Information
Power Description
Environmental Conditions
Physical Characteristics
Additional Information
Ports Detail:
Management & Protocols
3 x LEDs
Media & Performance
Display & Graphics


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Bildt has come under fire for not doing enough to help two Swedish journalists held in Ethiopia on terrorism charges, amid reports that their investigations could damage him.
Photographer Johan Persson, 29, and reporter Martin Schibbye, 30, both freelancers, were arrested in Ethiopia's Ogaden region on July 1 after entering the country from Somalia with the rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).
Persson and Schibbye have been charged with engaging in terrorist activities, abetting an illegal terrorist group and entering the country illegally.
Their trial is set to open on Tuesday, and they risk up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Bildt enraged the media, and others, when he failed to immediately demand the release of the pair and implied shortly after their arrest that they only had themselves to blame since "they were in a zone where we have issued a
travel warning."
He has since called on Ethiopia to free the pair, but media and human rights organisations have blasted the foreign minister for dragging his feet and failing to secure their release in the crucial first days of their detention.
The case took on a new dimension when Swedish media in September revealed the pair were in the remote southeastern region of Ogaden, populated mainly by ethnic Somalis, to investigate the activities of a company affiliated to Lundin Petroleum, a Swedish oil group.
Bildt served as a Lundin board member from 2000 until 2006 when he was appointed foreign minister.
Several media have said Persson and Schibbye were in Ogaden to report on human rights abuses being committed in Ogaden by the Ethiopian military to protect the foreign oil operations -- including Lundin's -- in their war against the ONLF rebels.
The ONLF, formed in 1984, has been fighting for the independence of Ogaden, which the rebels say has been marginalised by Addis Ababa.
Kerstin Lundell, the author of a book on Lundin's activities in Africa, wrote in a recent newspaper article that "the fact that Carl Bildt has reason to hide what is going on in Ogaden could explain why these journalists are still in prison."
"Innocent civilians are being jailed, tortured, raped and killed because the military thinks they may hurt the oil companies' operations. Lundin Petroleum is no longer there, its activities have been taken over by Africa Oil. But this company is a part of the Lundin sphere," she wrote in Sweden's paper of reference Dagens Nyheter on September 13.
Bildt has remained tight-lipped on the subject amid the government's expressed policy of silent diplomacy.
Pressed to explain his role in Lundin's operations by several media in recent weeks, Bildt told Dagens Nyheter on Sunday that he was no longer a board member when Lundin was granted a concession for oil exploration in
He has previously denounced what he calls a "political campaign" against him.
Later on Sunday, Bildt took the unusual step of hitting back at DN's "amateur" reporting on the matter.
In a piece published on the Swedish newsmill opinion website Newsmill, Bildt slammed the paper for alleging he'd made false statements about his connections to Lundin.
According to Bildt, DN wrongly equated Lundin-family foundation holdings in Africa Oil, a company active in Ethiopia, with Lundin Petroleum.
"But the question the put to me was actually about Lundin Petroleum, and not other companies that I don't know anything about," Bildt wrote.
"I'm obviously going to ask for a correction, without great hopes that I'm going to get one."
Desiree Pethrus, a member of parliament for the government coalition member Christian Democrats, on Sunday lamented Bildt's handling of the matter.
"I think he could have made more political statements. It is of course a consular issue, but it's also a political issue and I think Bildt should have picked up on that," she told Dagens Nyheter.
The editor-in-chief of news magazine Filter which Persson and Schibbye were on assignment for, Matthias Göransson, has meanwhile reacted strongly to the Swedish government's lack of involvement and its claim that the issue is not a political one but a consular one.
"It's very, very strange the way Carl Bildt and (Prime Minister) Fredrik Reinfeldt... have claimed this is not a political issue. It's totally crazy. Because Ethiopia has made it a political issue," he told AFP.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, interviewed during a recent visit to Oslo, told Norwegian daily Aftenposten the pair were "at the very least, messenger boys of a terrorist organisation. They are not journalists."
"Why would a journalist be involved with a terrorist organisation and enter a country with that terrorist organisation, escorted by armed terrorists, and participate in a fighting in which this terrorist organization was involved? If that is journalism, I don't know what terrorism is."
His comments have raised fears the pair will not be given a fair trial.
According to the press freedom watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists, Ethiopia is one of Africa's most restrictive countries for media.


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Matt Wieters' name was not in the original lineup that was posted today, but he was later added. We haven't heard yet exactly what changed that, but Wieters is out there for today's game with Kansas City.
Backup catcher Ronny Paulino told reporters he was not hurt, so Wieters playing had nothing to do with Paulino or his status apparently.
Right now, maybe Wieters just wants to get out there, realizing you can't get any hits on the bench. He is mired in quite a slump coming into today's game.
Wieters is just 1-for-28 (.036) over his last eight games and is just 5-for-52 (.096) over his past 15 games, as his average has dropped from .300 to .230.
Wieters does have one hit today, a solid single to center in the third after he was hit by a pitch in the first. So, he has reached base in two of two plate appearances this afternoon against the Royals. Maybe that hit will get Wieters' bat going again.
He hit .279 with six homers, 15 RBIs and a .937 OPS in April, but in May, Wieters is batting .190 with two homers, seven RBIs and an OPS of .626.
After batting .321 last year when hitting with runners in scoring position, Wieters is batting just .125 (4-for-32) this year with RISP.