Ronaldo to play himself in Iranian movie

Ronaldo is set to play himself in an Iranian movie about a Palestine girl who was killed before realizing her dream of meeting him.

Ronaldo has reached a deal to be part of the movie and will start filming as early as September in Lebanon, according to officials at the Brazil-Iran chamber of commerce, which is helping produce the movie.

Still without a title, the movie is based on the true story of Alneyrab, a 13-year-old girl who dreamed of meeting the football star when he visited the Middle East in a humanitarian mission in 2005. She was only able to watch her idol pass through along with his entourage, and later was killed in a conflict in the region.

Ronaldo's …

Carrey Nixes $7 Million Deal

NEW YORK Though Jim Carrey has quickly become one of the best-paidcomedians in the movie business, he's just left $7 million behind.

He left at the altar "The Best Man," a comedy about a groom'sattempt to get his institutionalized buddy to be his best man.

New Line Cinema had offered Carrey the role after he became anovernight star in "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective." The part of a crazedman who wreaks havoc at a …

John Singleton sues Paramount for $20 million

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Director and producer John Singleton is suing Paramount Pictures and MTV Films for at least $20 million, claiming fraud and breach of contract.

In a complaint filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, Singleton claims the studios failed to uphold an agreement connected with the distribution rights to 2005's "Hustle & Flow." The lawsuit claims the studios promised to finance and distribute two future Singleton productions within five years but added restrictions when he submitted the projects.

Paramount said in a statement Wednesday that it "was hoping that John Singleton would produce two more …

Summary Box: New home building rises

HOME CONSTRUCTION UP: Construction of homes surged 5.8 percent in April to the highest level in 18 months, fueled by buyers capitalizing on an expiring tax credit.

BUILDING PERMITS SINK: Permits for new construction sank 11.5 percent, signaling the rebound in …

A PACK OF POOCHES

Caption …

MABA task force lobbies for increase in labor rates

The Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) formed a Labor Rate Review Committee less than a year ago to draw awareness to what the organization considers the unacceptably low labor rate that insurers have paid collision repairers in Massachusetts for almost 20 years.

After enduring what seems like an uphill battle to the committee, its efforts did not prove fruitless. In late January/early February, a few of the Massachusetts insurance companies raised their labor rates, says Robert Del Gallo of Factory Collision and Restoration in Weymouth, Mass., an MABA Labor Rates Committee board member.

He cited Amica as going from $32 to $36 and Premier/Travelers making the same …

Safin beaten in upset at St. Petersburg Open

Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan advanced to his first career quarterfinal Thursday, beating eighth-seeded Marat Safin 6-4, 6-2 at the St. Petersburg Open.

Safin, the 31st-ranked Russian who has twice won the tournament, had trouble on his serve, winning only 15 of 51 returned points.

The 150th-ranked Golubev, who reached the second round of the U.S. Open in September, broke Safin in the fifth game of the first set but double-faulted three times in the next game to drop serve and stay level at 3-3.

In the ninth game, Safin saved three break points with aces but was broken on the third deuce and Golubev served for the set.

"The second …

Wind farm to launch Pounds 250k fund [Edition 3]

A PENDINE wind farm will soon be providing community funding forthe Pendine and Laugharne area worth Pounds 250,000.

The Parc Cynog wind farm, sited above the village, has 11 windturbines producing some 8.4megawatts of power.

A fund, to provide money to the surrounding communities, wasagreed when the site was originally developed.

The fund will be officially launched next month.

A community group has been set up to help co-ordinate the funds,which will work out at Pounds 10,000 a year over a 25-year period.

Local county councillor Jane Tremlett, a member of the group,said that some Pounds 30,000 had already been accrued in the fund,which …

Today in History - May 23

Today is Wednesday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2007. There are 222 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On May 23, 1934, bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker were shot to death in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, La.

On this date:

In 1533, the marriage of England's King Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon was declared null and void.

In 1701, Captain William Kidd was hanged in London after he was convicted of piracy and murder.

In 1788, South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution.

In 1906, Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen died in Christiania, Norway, at age 78. …

Italian media: Berlusconi's wife seeking divorce

Premier Silvio Berlusconi's second wife, former actress Veronica Lario, is seeking a divorce after 19 years of marriage, citing his reported flirtations with younger women.

Lario confirmed reports Sunday in La Stampa and La Repubblica dailies that she had retained an attorney to begin separation and divorce proceedings against the billionaire media mogul-turned-politician, the ANSA news agency said.

"I was forced to take this step," La Stampa quoted Lario as saying in its Sunday editions.

Berlusconi issued a one-line statement saying: "It's a personal issue that pains me, that is in the private sphere, and which seems necessary not to …

Crab House dishes up Dixie warmth

The Old Carolina Crab House Cuisine: Southern. Address: 465 E. Illinois (in North Pier).Phone: (312) 321-8400. Hours: Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Prices: All-you-can-eat brunch, $14.95 for adults, $6.95 for childrenages 11 and under. Ambience: Bright, comfortable, noisy. Creditcards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Carte Blanche, DinersClub. Dress code: no. Reservations: accepted. Parking: $3 withvalidated ticket in all outdoor North Pier lots and in the North Pierapartment building. Rating: (STAR) (STAR) (STAR)

The Old Carolina Crab House, a North Pier fixture, has justadded a terrific down-home brunch that will take you away fromChicago's chill for a …

Walgreen 4Q profit rises and tops estimates

NEW YORK (AP) — Walgreen Co., the largest drugstore chain in the U.S., said Tuesday its profit rose 8 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter as it boosted sales by adding more than 500 stores.

Walgreen shares jumped more than 11 percent as the results easily surpassed analyst expectations. The shares are on pace for their largest single-day gain in a year.

Walgreen said prescription drug sales improved, and sales of other items like cosmetics and food were more profitable because of better prices and successful promotions. Sales of "front end" or nonpharmacy items have been hurt by the weak economy as shoppers have cut back on their spending.

The company said the beginning …

Pettitte Pushed Back

Andy Pettitte will miss his first scheduled start of the regular season on April 2 against Toronto because of back spasms.

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi expects Pettitte will start the third or fourth game instead.

"He's better," Girardi said Tuesday.

Pettitte was slated to throw off a bullpen mound Wednesday. If that goes well, he would pitch in a minor league game Saturday.

"I'm planning on it," Pettitte said. "But again, like I've said, if I start playing catch and feel like I may not be able to do it and be comfortable with it, or I feel like I might aggravated it, I'll wait one more day. It would be stupid to try to force something right now when I've got extra days to play with."

Chien-Ming Wang is to start Monday's opener and be followed in the rotation by Mike Mussina.

Pettitte played catch for the second straight day Tuesday, making 42 throws during a six-minute session.

"I still feel it a little bit, but it feels a lot better than it did yesterday," Pettitte said. "Definitely feel like I could get out over my front side a little bit more. The good thing today is that I felt like it loosened up as I threw. I threw a little bit harder today. I definitely feel like it's progressing. That's a positive."

In other news, Joba Chamberlain allowed one run, two hits and two walks over one inning in a Double-A game. He threw 8 of 18 pitches for strikes.

"I felt great," said Chamberlain, who will pitch again Wednesday. "I went back to back twice last year. Getting it going early now is definitely going to give a good sense to see how my arm comes back."

Chamberlain pitched for the second time since being told he would start the season in the bullpen. Considered a future starting pitcher, the right-hander went 2-0 with an 0.38 ERA in 19 games during his rookie season last year as the set up man for closer Mariano Rivera.

"I probably won't pitch more than three days in a row," Chamberlain said. "I've got to be honest, and let them know how my arm feels. If it's a little tender on the second day I've got to say something."

Left-hander Sean Henn, slowed by a sore left shoulder, was expected to pitch in a minor league game Wednesday.

Notes:@ The Yankees will wear uniform patches commemorating their final season at Yankee Stadium (left sleeve) and hosting the All-Star game (right sleeve).

Volquez helps Reds end Yankees' win streak

Edinson Volquez pitched seven sharp innings in Cincinnati's first game at Yankee Stadium in 32 years, and the Reds beat Mike Mussina and New York 4-2 Friday night to end a five-game skid.

Jolbert Cabrera had four hits before departing with a dislocated finger and Joey Votto homered for Cincinnati, which snapped New York's seven-game winning streak. Ken Griffey Jr. added an RBI single in his first game in the Bronx since 1999.

Mussina (10-5) allowed four runs and 10 hits in eight innings, dropping to 0-2 in two career starts against Cincinnati. It was his first loss since he recorded just two outs against Baltimore on May 20.

New York hosted Cincinnati for the first time since the Reds won 7-2 on Oct. 21, 1976, to complete a four-game World Series sweep _ the third and last time the Yankees were swept in the Fall Classic. Griffey's father scored the winning run in the ninth inning of the Reds' 4-3 win in Game 2.

The two franchises have met in the World Series three times, with the Yankees winning in four games in 1939 and five games in 1961.

Cincinnati took two of three from the Yankees at Great American Ball Park in 2003 but had never played a regular-season game in the House that Ruth Built before Friday.

Griffey, the longest-tenured Reds player, downplayed the significance of the matchup before the game but a sellout crowd of 53,421 gave the newest member of the 600-home run club a warm reception before each of his at-bats. Cameras also flashed in the stands with Griffey at the plate.

Griffey grounded an RBI single into right field to finish Cincinnati's three-run fifth against Mussina, who was 9-1 with a 3.25 ERA in his previous 11 starts. The Reds' run started when leadoff hitter Edwin Encarnacion's sinking liner went off left fielder Johnny Damon's glove for a double.

Cabrera had the big blow of the inning, hitting a tiebreaking two-run double with two outs to give the Reds a 3-1 lead. Cabrera's drive into the left-field corner came after Mussina issued an intentional walk to Jay Bruce to face the light-hitting shortstop, who entered with a .214 average and no RBIs.

Damon had a broken-bat RBI single in the third and Robinson Cano's base hit drove in another run in the seventh but that was it against Volquez (10-2), who entered leading the majors with a 1.64 ERA and 105 strikeouts.

The Yankees put runners on first and third after Cano's hit cut it to 4-2 but Volquez struck out Melky Cabrera to get out of the inning, pumping his arm as he made his way to the dugout. The hard-throwing right-hander could make another start at Yankee Stadium next month _ in the All-Star game.

Jared Burton pitched the eighth and Francisco Cordero finished for his 14th save in 17 opportunities. Hideki Matsui singled with two outs in the ninth but Jason Giambi grounded out to end the game.

Jolbert Cabrera singled in the seventh and dislocated his left index finger sliding into second after Mussina threw a wild pitch. He was taken to a hospital to have it reduced under anesthesia.

Paul Janish came in to run for Cabrera and replaced him in the field in the bottom half. The Reds already have three shortstops on the disabled list.

Notes:@ Mussina entered with 21 wins in 43 interleague starts, both major league records. ... The Reds are expected to call up right-hander Daryl Thompson to start Saturday's game. It will be his major league debut. ... Yankees RHP Ian Kennedy, on the disabled list with a strained muscle near his right rib cage, was expected to throw three innings or 50 pitches in a minor league rehab start in Florida on Monday.

Many happy returns? Don't bet on it for Bulls

Bulls coach Scott Skiles is heading home to Bloomington, Ind., forsome rest and relaxation, but he's going to be back.

Point guard Kirk Hinrich is going to the Bahamas for some rest andrelaxation, but he's going to be back.

Beyond that, it's not certain who's going to return to the Bullsnext season.

The biggest uncertainty revolves around Eddy Curry, Tyson Chandlerand Jamal Crawford. "It's highly unlikely all three will return," ateam source said.

Bulls operations chief John Paxson wants to shake things up aftersix disastrous seasons. He believes the culture of losing has been adevastating influence, especially on young players who never haveexperienced success.

"I'm frustrated and not happy with where we're at afterexpectations, but I'm not discouraged at all," Paxson said. "I dohope and believe over time we can make some changes to get us back toa real competitive level. That's the goal, and I think we can do it.

"I just want to effect change the best we can. I think we made theright kind of start with Scott, because Scott is the right kind ofperson who's needed for our team. We've found out as much about thecharacter of our guys in the last four months as we've seen in theprevious couple of years. That's a good thing. It's because of theway Scott demands and doesn't waver in what he expects.

"I think it's very clear to everybody what we're trying to do, andit's not a bad thing. We've taken some hits for not winning, and Iaccept those and understand them."

Paxson will attempt to acquire a quality player, perhaps an All-Star, but one who has the mental toughness and character he andSkiles demand. That's a tall order, and considering the demand forBulls players was minimal before the Feb. 19 trading deadline, it'slikely Paxson will have to settle for a role player.

Players such as New York's Kurt Thomas, San Antonio's HedoTurkoglu and Seattle's Vladimir Radmanovic aren't All-Stars, butPaxson admires their games, and both could be available. The Sonics'Rashard Lewis also might be available.

A lot will depend on the May 26 draft lottery. The No. 1 pickcould sweeten any trade package, though Paxson is high on Connecticutpower forward/center Emeka Okafor.

The Bulls' position of need is small forward. Stephen Jackson isavailable and both sides are interested, but the Bulls wouldn't bewilling to pay much more than $3 million. Jackson will be looking formore.

As far as Skiles' staff, look for the Bulls to hire Atlantaassistant Jim Boylan, who worked under Skiles in Phoenix.

It's possible Johnny Bach won't be back on the bench next season.

Here's a look at the Bulls' current roster and the chances of eachreturning:

Tyson Chandler (40 percent): He'll be shopped, but back problemshurt value. Seattle interested?

Jamal Crawford (50 percent): If he's offered more than $7 million,could be gone. Sign-and-trade possible.

Eddy Curry (90 percent): True centers are rare and warrant alonger period to develop.

Antonio Davis (80 percent): He has two years and $25 million left,could be part of trade package.

Ronald Dupree (10 percent): Charlotte may be interested; otherwisewill look for camp invite.

Marcus Fizer (1 percent): Possible sign-and-trade, otherwise signwith another team.

Kendall Gill (10 percent): Free agent not ready to retire.

Kirk Hinrich (100 percent): The team's only untouchable.

Chris Jefferies (30 percent): Charlotte should be interested inexpiring contract.

Linton Johnson (70 percent): Bulls like his toughness, reboundingand defense.

Jannero Pargo (60 percent): He'll be shopped as part of packagesbut could be Hinrich's backup.

Scottie Pippen (1 percent): He should have retired after lastseason.

Eddie Robinson (70 percent): If Charlotte doesn't take him, couldspend entire season on injured list.

Paul Shirley (1 percent): Could be used to match salaries intrade.

Jerome Williams (90 percent): Four years, $25 million left, couldbe part of trade package.

China legislative meeting to focus on military spending, Olympics, administrative reforms

China announced another huge jump in defense spending and took a verbal shot at rival Taiwan on Tuesday when it announced the agenda for its annual legislative session.

The meeting of the National People's Congress starts Wednesday and will last two weeks.

NPC spokesman Jiang Enzhu told a press conference the legislature would "fully implement" decisions made at an October meeting of the Communist Party.

Jiang said that would include a 17.6 percent increase in military spending in China's annual budget. That follows an increase of nearly 18 percent last year and is the latest in a string of double-digit increases in defense spending since the early 1990s.

Much of China's military is focused on Taiwan. The two split amid civil war in 1949, and Beijing considers the self-governing island its territory and has threatened military attack if Taiwan tries to formalize its de facto independence.

Jiang repeated warnings for Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian to stop a pro-independence agenda.

Chen steps down soon after eight years as president. An election later this month to pick his successor will include a referendum asking if Taiwan should try to join the United Nations under that name instead of using its formal name of the Republic of China.

China sees the referendum as a step toward formal independence.

"If the Chen Shui-bian authorities should stubbornly continue down the path, they will surely pay a dear price," Jiang said.

He did not elaborate, other than saying the situation across the Taiwan straight was "grim and complex."

Jiang said the NPC would also carry out administrative reforms and elect top officials to replace people who are retiring.

He also said the meeting would be important for mobilizing the public to support the Beijing Olympics, which start Aug. 8.

The two weeks of meetings mark the apex of China's annual political calendar. The meetings are attracting greater attention this year ahead of the Olympics and with the sizzling economy throwing up ever greater challenges.

Most of the decisions to be announced were made already at last year's 17th Communist Party national congress, which appointed Hu Jintao to another five-year term as party leader and endorsed his plan to spread the benefits of rapid growth among all Chinese.

Pundits say a possible future Hu successor, Xi Jinping, is set to take on the vice president's spot, replacing influential party insider Zeng Qinghong.

The NPC is also expected to discuss proposals to boost government efficiency and reduce bureaucratic infighting, possibly by reducing the number of Cabinet agencies to about 20 from 28.

It will also address problems associated with fast economic growth, including rising prices and high housing costs. Led by an 18.2 percent jump in food costs, inflation _ worsened by crop-ravaging winter storms _ hit 7.1 percent in January, the highest level in 11 years.

But Jiang said the boy chosen by Beijing as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, Tibetan Buddhism's second-highest figure, would not be a delegate to the NPC as had been rumored.

He said Gyaltsen Norbu had not reached the minimum age of 18 when delegates were elected.

In May 1995, the Dalai Lama chose 6-year-old Gendun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama. The boy and his family disappeared soon after and have not been heard from since. Human rights groups say the boy has been under house arrest since, a claim China denies although officials refuse to say where he is.

Months later, Beijing named Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama.

Red tape snarls Mexican child cases Consul hopes DCFS deal will protect rights of parents

Four years ago, Mexican consular officials began pushing the statefor mandatory notification when custody cases involved Mexican-bornminors.

They wanted to be able to more quickly help Mexican families whosecases fall through the cracks because they don't speak English ordon't know the complex workings of the child welfare system.

A month ago, the Illinois Department of Children and FamilyServices and the Mexican Consulate in Chicago signed an agreementunder which DCFS will inform consular officials in writing within 10working days of taking custody of Mexican-born minors and minors withMexican-born parents. The agreement complies with the protectionsafforded to foreign nationals by the Vienna Convention on ConsularRelations.

Today, there are 42 unresolved custody cases in which there was nonotification by DCFS, or the agency took up to two years to tellconsular officials. Those cases precede the new agreement, which wassigned July 16.

"The process gets long and complicated when our Mexicancompatriots don't get our type of advice in their own language,"Mexican consul of protection Joaquin Pastrana said. "They don't knowthe legal system in this country, they don't understand theobligations that they have with the court and the DCFS, and theydon't communicate well with their lawyers."

In turn, those factors often delay the return of their children,Pastrana said, explaining the importance of the consulate gettinginvolved quickly.

The plight of 26-year-old Jose Z., a Mexican national who has beenbattling with DCFS to regain custody of his two small daughters since1998, provides a vivid example of the difficulties some face.

DCFS took custody of the two girls because of their mother'ssubstance abuse problems, but it didn't inform Mexican consularofficials until more than a year later.

Jose Z. was declared mentally retarded based on the results of apsychological examination he took in English, when his only languageis Spanish. He has spent up to seven hours a day driving to therapysessions that were required as part of the process to regain custody.

Also, his youngest daughter was said to have a disability thatwould make Jose Z. unfit to care for her, but that medical conditionnow is being questioned.

"For a long period of time Jose's rights were pretty muchignored," said his attorney, Diane Redleaf, who asked to omit herclient's last name. "The intervention of the Mexican Consulate inthis case has been critically important, particularly to get a newassessment of the youngest child's disabilities, which indicates thechild's diagnosis is in dispute."

His daughters were also "illegally" placed in a non-Spanish-speaking foster home from the start of the case, violating the 1978Burgos consent decree giving rights for Spanish-speaking families,Redleaf said.

DCFS Guardian Jean Ortega-Piron said she couldn't comment onspecific cases, but she acknowledged that improvements are needed.

"Certainly our department recognizes a need to get help for thesefamilies, and that is one of the reasons why we entered thememorandum of understanding with the Mexican Consulate," Ortega-Piron said. "There will be a change in rules and procedures to betterhelp these Mexican families. We are also redesigning our wholecomputer system so we can capture the specific lineage of thechildren."

About 6 percent of the 26,000 children in DCFS custody areHispanic, said Ortega-Piron, although she doesn't know how many areMexican-born or children of Mexican-born parents. DCFS has referredsome cases to the Mexican Consulate since the agreement was signedJuly 16, Ortega-Piron said.

Pastrana said he believes this consular notification agreementbetween DCFS and the Mexican Consulate is a pioneering deal. DCFS andconsular officials will meet three times a year to review theimprovements coming from the agreement.

Al Gore's Son Arrested on Drug Suspicion

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. - Al Gore's son was arrested early Wednesday on suspicion of possessing marijuana and prescription drugs after deputies pulled him over for speeding, authorities said.

Al Gore III, 24, was driving a blue Toyota Prius about 100 mph on the San Diego Freeway when he was pulled over at about 2:15 a.m., Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino said.

The deputies said they smelled marijuana and searched the car, Amormino said. They found less than an ounce of marijuana along with Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall, which is used for attention deficit disorder, he said.

"He does not have a prescription for any of those drugs," Amormino said.

Gore was being held in the men's central jail in Santa Ana on $20,000 bail.

Kalee Kreider, a spokeswomen for his parents, did not immediately return phone messages to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Adecco reports 83 pct drop in 1Q profit

Employment agency Adecco SA reported an 83 percent drop in first quarter profit Wednesday as the global downturn slowed demand for both temporary and permanent employees.

Net profit attributable to shareholders was euro23 million ($31 million) compared to euro137 million the same period last year.

All parts of the business weakened, with revenues dropping 32 percent to euro1.1 billion in its core market in France. The U.S., Canada, Germany, Britain and the Nordic region saw a similar decline in revenue, while the Iberian peninsula and Italy fared even worse. Only emerging markets grew, by 3 percent.

Adecco said it placed 38 percent fewer industrial workers and 21 percent fewer office workers during the quarter.

In order to reduce costs, the company slashed 3,000 full-time jobs during the quarter and plans to cut its workforce further this year.

"The business environment in the first quarter of 2009 was exceptionally difficult and the near future continues to look challenging," the company said.

Adecco's share price closed up 1.86 percent at 47.06 francs ($41.67) on the Zurich exchange.

Davis Cup: Belgium 1, Ukraine 0

Results Friday from the Davis Cup World Group playoff between Belgium and Ukraine on clay at the Spiroudrome :

Belgium 1, Ukraine 0

Singles

Christophe Rochus, Belgium, def. Illya Marchenko, Ukraine, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

Astin goes from hobbit to '24' cast

Sean Astin is joining the cast of Fox's real-time drama "24,"which again will kick off its season with four episodes being shownover two consecutive nights.

The "Lord of the Rings" hobbit will portray a new addition to theCounter Terrorist Unit in the drama series, which stars KieferSutherland as agent Jack Bauer.

Astin joins other new cast members Jean Smart, Connie Britton andBrady Corbet for the series' upcoming fifth season, which willpremiere with two episodes Jan. 8, followed by two more Jan. 9 (thesecond episode on Jan. 9 will be the show's 100th).

On Jan. 16, the fifth hour of "24" will air in the show's regular8 p.m. Monday slot.

The scheduling strategy is designed to let viewers watch an entireseason on a weekly basis without repeats or preemptions. This willmark the second consecutive season that Fox has employed the four-hour, two-night premiere strategy for "24."

Season 5 will pick up 18 months after the fourth season ended,with Jack presumably dead but actually living a new life with Diane(Britton) and her son Derek (Corbet). Smart is set to play first ladyMartha Logan.

Hollywood Reporter

Mayor Menino and United Way announce $1 million school readiness initiative

The City of Boston and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay last Thursday announced a $1 million citywide school readiness initiative aimed at preventing gaps in achievement before they surface among the next generation of children. This effort is backed by new scientific research on the impact of children's early years on school readiness, as well as longterm studies that show the investment return from improving early learning.

"This public-private partnership is crucial to making sure our children succeed in school and that their families are engaged from the start," Menino said. "We are already making significant investments in closing the existing achievement gap among school-aged students. This new initiative brings together parents, child care providers, pediatricians, educators and other experts to develop a comprehensive plan for early learning."

Social and economic predictors of the achievement gap are apparent among Boston's young children.

Of the 31,500 households in Boston with children ages 0-5, more than half of the parents (16,000) have no more than a high school diploma, and 7,500 have not even completed high school; 8,000 families are living at or below the poverty line; and 8,400 homes with children ages 0-5 are headed by parents with limited or no English proficiency.

The $1 million effort is funded by a grant from an anonymous donor of $633,000, which is matched by more than $360,000 in additional support and in-kind contributions from 12 partners. The grant, which will be managed jointly by the United Way and the Mayor's Office, will fund the launch of a 30-person Mayor's School Readiness Action Planning Team (APT) that will develop a five-year sustainable plan for preventing the achievement gap.

Funds will also be used to develop and pilot a new comprehensive Boston Public Schools Kindergarten Assessment to determine what percentage of children in Boston are ready to enter school and then track the city's progress over time.

"This initiative represents the kind of public-private partnership that is essential to helping us realize our ambitious vision for children and families," said Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. "Under the mayor's leadership, many diverse groups in the city will come together to develop shared goals for young children and determine which programs are the most effective and should be expanded, and what new opportunities are needed for children and their parents.

[Sidebar]

Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined community leaders and neighbors for the official groundbreaking of the new Jeremiah Burke High School/Library/Community Center. The extensive project not only breaks ground, but also breaks tradition with the inclusion of a public branch library to be built within a Boston Public School. (Photo courtesy of the Mayor's Office)

Intelligence chiefs paint grim picture of proliferation

DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL Intelligence George Tenet issued a pessimistic assessment concerning the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in a February 11 statement to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The United States has entered a "new world of proliferation," he said, adding that "the 'domino theory' of the 21st century may well be nuclear."

A February 11 statement by Vice Admiral Lowell Jacoby, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, before the same committee echoed Tenet's pessimism. Arguing that "the long-term trends with respect to WMD and missile proliferation are bleak," he asserted that "some 25 countries possess or are actively pursuing WMD or missile programs."

A biannual, unclassified report to Congress that the CIA released January 7 provided additional detail on proliferation activities. The report covers the period from July 1 to December 31, 2001.

Tenet supported his assessment by noting several trends. He said that it was becoming increasingly difficult to control the spread of WMD technology and equipment both to and from nonstate actors, and he said that Washington needs to "think about whether the [arms control] regimes we have in place actually protect the world."

He added that there is a "continued weakening of the international nonproliferation consensus," which is having a negative effect on arms control regimes. Tenet cited North Korea's January withdrawal from the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as an example.

Tenet argued that "the desire for nuclear weapons is on the upsurge," citing "the example of new nuclear states that seem able to deter threats from more powerful states," an apparent reference to the current U.S. standoff with North Korea.

Finally, Tenet noted that an increasing number of states that have been importers of WMD technology could begin to sell that technology to other states. He said that "a potentially wider range of countries may be able to develop nuclear weapons by 'leap-frogging' the incremental pace of weapons programs in other countries" with suppliers' assistance.

Jacoby added that "secondary proliferation-today's technology importers becoming tomorrow's exporters"-is likely to worsen as those countries' technological sophistication increases. He cited Iran's exports of missile production technology to Syria as an example.

Tenet also specifically warned that the widespread availability of relevant technologies was enabling proliferators trying to develop biological and chemical weapons. He emphasized the increasing difficulty of detecting such programs, saying that governments can more easily conceal acquisition and production because they are "less reliant on foreign suppliers" than they are for nuclear programs and can integrate "production capabilities into apparently legitimate commercial infrastructures." Jacoby said that "over a dozen states" have such programs, adding that the DIA expects "these weapons will be used in a regional conflict" and by terrorists.

The intelligence chiefs also discussed the proliferation of delivery vehicles, especially ballistic and cruise missiles. Jacoby warned that the number and sophistication of these missiles will "increase significantly" and that North Korea, Iran, and "possibly" Iraq will "likely" pose "new [Intercontinental Ballistic Missile] threats" by 2015. He identified Russia, China, and North Korea as prime suppliers of missile technology but added that proliferation from Iran and Pakistan is expected to increase.

Tenet also expressed concern about countries' efforts to acquire land-attack cruise missiles, stating that such missiles could threaten U.S. forces deployed overseas and "possibly...the U.S. mainland" by 2010.

Russian and Chinese entities remain significant suppliers for WMD programs. Tenet said that, despite the export controls that Beijing established in August, Chinese firms continue to supply Iran and Pakistan with missile technologies. (See ACT, September 2002.) Additionally, the CIA report indicates that it "cannot rule out the possibility of...contacts between Chinese and Pakistani entities" concerning Islamabad's nuclear weapons program.

The CIA report states that Russian export controls need to be strengthened because Russia remains a supplier of dual-use nuclear, biological, and chemical materials to several countries, particularly Iran.

Tenet also expressed concern that terrorist groups might acquire materials to develop weapons of mass destruction, asserting that al Qaeda "seeks chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons." He reiterated concerns that the group "has a sophisticated [biological weapons] capability," adding that the group had acquired "both the expertise and the equipment needed to grow biological agents" in Afghanistan.

Tenet emphasized al Qaeda's efforts to "produce or purchase a radiological dispersal device," saying that "construction of such a device is well within" the organization's capabilities.

Although the CIA has long been concerned about the growing threat of WMD terrorism, the January CIA report is the first to say that "unmanned aerial vehicles...and other types of cruise missiles present a serious and growing threat as potential WMD delivery vehicles" for terrorists.

Countries of Concern

The directors' statements and the CIA report also provide some new details about the proliferation activities of several countries of particular concern.

North Korea

In his Senate testimony, Jacoby called North Korea's nuclear weapons programs "the most serious challenge to U.S. regional interests in a generation"-a reference to Pyongyang's plutonium-production and uranium-enrichment programs, which could be used for weapons purposes. The report also says that North Korea might be willing to sell nuclear weapons to other countries in the future.

Whether North Korea currently possesses a nuclear weapon remains unclear. The CIA report indicates that North Korea "probably has produced enough plutonium for at least one, and possibly two, nuclear weapons." However, Tenet stated that North Korea "probably" possesses "one or two plutonium-based devices" during a February 12 hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. A State Department official was more definite in a January interview, saying that North Korea has already produced these weapons. (See ACT, January/February 2003.)

The CIA report states that Pyongyang has been "seeking...materials in large quantities to support a uranium enrichment program"-the first time any of its public reports have said this. The United States announced in October that North Korea had revealed the existence of the program earlier that month, although Pyongyang denies that it made such an admission. None of the intelligence reports contain details about the program's progress or potential to produce nuclear weapons.

Both Tenet and Jacoby predicted that North Korea will not easily abandon its nuclear weapons programs. Tenet argued February 11 that Pyongyang's efforts to use its nuclear weapons program as a bargaining tool "suggest" that North Korea "is trying to negotiate a fundamentally different relationship with Washington...that implicitly tolerates...[its] nuclear weapons program." Pyongyang is "committed to retaining and enlarging its nuclear weapons stockpile," he added.

North Korea's ballistic missile development also continues to be a source of concern. Tenet testified during the February 12 hearing that Pyongyang currently possesses a missile capable of hitting the United States. However, a CIA spokesperson interviewed February 24 cited a December 2001 National Intelligence Estimate as the most recent public information available about the CIA's assessment. That document states that North Korea's Taepo Dong-2 missile could hit parts of the continental United States in a two-stage configuration and all of North America in a three-stage configuration. However, these missiles have not been tested, the spokesman said.

The longest-range missile North Korea has flight-tested is the Taepo Dong-1, which it launched into the Sea of Japan in 1998. As configured, that missile cannot reach the United States. Pyongyang announced in September that it would extend indefinitely a 1999 moratorium on missile testing. (See ACT, October 2002.)

Iraq

Tenet, Jacoby, and the CIA report all discussed Iraq's continued efforts to acquire nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. The CIA report states that Iraq has constructed facilities to produce solid fuel for use in longer-range missiles prohibited by UN Security Council resolutions and is rebuilding facilities to produce prohibited rocket motors. This information is not included in the CIA's previous biannual report.

Tenet argued in his February 12 testimony that Iraq "is going to get a nuclear weapon sooner or later," adding that Baghdad could assemble a weapon in one to two years if it obtained the proper fissile material.

Neither Tenet nor Jacoby were optimistic that Iraq will comply with UN resolutions demanding an end to its WMD programs. Tenet argued that Iraq is deceiving weapons inspectors while Jacoby predicted that Iraq will likely continue to defy the United Nations.

The DIA head also said that Iraq could use weapons of mass destruction against Iraqi citizens, the Kurds, Israel, and other states in the region if the United States takes military action against Baghdad.

Iran

Jacoby and the CIA report stated that Iran is attempting to obtain the technology to enable an indigenous production capability for chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons and associated delivery systems.

The intelligence community has long been concerned with Iran's civilian nuclear reactor program, believing it enables Iran to obtain technology for a nuclear weapons program. Jacoby estimated that Tehran could obtain a nuclear weapon by 2010 if it acquired the relevant technologies and fissile material.

Tenet expressed skepticism February 11 about the possibility for political change to end the Iranian program, stating that Iran will not give up its WMD programs, "regardless of [Tehran's] ideological leanings."

Libya

Tenet and the CIA report expressed a growing U.S. concern about Libya's possible proliferation activities. Tenet stated that "Tripoli has been able to increase its access to dual-use nuclear technologies" since UN sanctions were suspended in 1999. The CIA report adds, "In 2001, Libya and other countries reportedly used their secret services to try to obtain technical information on the development of...nuclear weapons...[and] Libya's continuing interest in nuclear weapons and ongoing nuclear infrastructure upgrades raise concerns."

In addition to nuclear interests, "Libya clearly intends to reestablish its offensive chemical weapons capability," Tenet said. The CIA has previously reported on Libya's chemical weapons activities, as well as its efforts to acquire a biological weapons capability and ballistic missiles.

Legion branch facing the last post

The Colerne branch of the Royal British Legion is facing closureif it cannot find enough new volunteers.

The branch, which is the oldest in Wiltshire and this yearcelebrated its 90th anniversary, has found its ageing membership canno longer give the time and energy needed to keep it running.

A meeting will be held later this month to try to find a solutionto the problem, but if not enough new faces come forward, then thegroup will have to face the very real prospect that it will have toclose. Branch president Eric Collins said: "Changes in workingpractices, health issues and the age of those who have given theirtime to date, now mean that a majority of the people who have keptthis branch going for the past few years are no longer able toguarantee involvement in any capacity or activity."

The branch has 81 members, with 41 of those pensioners, but theaverage attendance at meetings is around eight.

Its AGM will be held at the Constitutional Club, in the village,on November 23 at 8pm, where the future of the group will bediscussed.

It could either close completely or merge with another branch.

AP Sources: Dems give Judiciary subcommittee chair

Senate Democrats are giving Sen. Arlen Specter a plum subcommittee chairmanship on the Judiciary Committee.

A congressional official told The Associated Press on Thursday that Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois has volunteered to give up his chairmanship of the crime subcommittee. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. The panel is the Judiciary Committee's busiest subcommittee, responsible for legislation on drug sentencing.

The move is designed to placate Republican-turned-Democrat Specter after Democrats failed to honor his 28 years of seniority on committees. Democrats hope to keep Specter's Pennsylvania Senate seat in next year's elections.

Pollard reprimanded for damaging door

West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for damaging a dressing room door after his dismissal in Wednesday's limited-overs loss to New Zealand.

ICC match referee Javagal Srinath held a hearing after the match, where the 21-year-old Pollard pleaded guilty to damaging the glass door.

Srinath ruled that Pollard had breached the code of conduct relating to "abuse of cricket equipment or fixtures and fittings."

"Pollard damaged the door glass in the dressing room with his bat after he returned to the pavilion after being given out lbw by umpire Mark Benson in the 22nd over," Srinath said in a statement released by the ICC in Dubai. "That is inappropriate behavior and clearly unacceptable as the players are expected to accept and respect the umpires' decision."

Srinath said Pollard had apologized to New Zealand Cricket officials.

West Indies lost by seven wickets and are now 1-1 with New Zealand in the five-match ODI series.

Domino's pizza theory is a winner

In the not-so-distant past, you had to wait at least an hour for apizza to be delivered. Worse yet, by the time it arrived, it oftenhad been out of the oven so long it had congealed into a soggy,inedible mess.

For the youthful Tom Monaghan, it was a problem in need of asolution.

Monaghan opened the first Domino's Pizza in Ypsilanti, Mich., in1960. He quickly began developing the production and deliverysystems that would enable his company to become a nationwide chainwith more than 2,000 outlets. By concentrating on the delivery andtakeout segment of the pizza market, Monaghan eliminated the need forin-store seating and elaborate menus.

Domino's sells only a few types of pizza, Classic Coke andspeedy service.

The cooking process is equally streamlined. All of theingredients are prepared in centrally located commissaries, a setupthat ensures quality control and efficiency. Once an order isreceived, the staff has the pizza oven-ready in less than a minute.About 10 minutes later, it's cooked and ready for delivery.

To ensure heat retention, the pizza is placed in a speciallydesigned cardboard container and then popped into an insulated bag.Each store restricts its delivery zone to locations within a one-mileradius and makes sure the drivers are familiar with the territory.

Because of its production and delivery system, Domino'sconfidently guarantees a discount if their piping hot pizza doesn'tarrive within 30 minutes. Given the company's success rate,customers should plan to pay full price.

While Domino's operation is dependent on establishing a numberof sites, two local restaurants - Bacino's (2204 N. Lincoln, 75 E.Wacker) and the Original Gino's East of Chicago (1321 W. Golf,Rolling Meadows, and 5419 N. Sheridan) - have installed systems thatutilize radio-dispatched trucks equipped with moisture-controlledholding ovens stocked with a supply of pre-prepared items.

Both restaurants do all of the cooking in their regular kitchensand limit the trucks' inventories to the restaurants' most popularitems. Other dishes are delivered by more conventional methods andinvolve a considerably longer waiting period.

Once a truck has been loaded, it starts cruising its assignedzone. When an order comes in, it is relayed to the closest vehicle.Delivery time depends on the truck's location, but it rarely exceeds30 minutes. Drivers also stop for customers who flag them down onthe street. The response has been so good that both companies areplanning to enlarge their fleets.

HINT OF SUMMER: It's not too early to start getting yourappetite in shape for this year's Taste of Chicago, which isscheduled June 30 to July 6. Restaurants interested inparticipating can call 372-6200 for applications.

LOBSTER FESTIVAL: April is lobster month at Bentley's in theSheraton Plaza Hotel, 160 E. Huron. Featured dishes include lobsterbisque, chilled lobster with mustard and dill sauce, and lobster,clams, scallops and shrimps in a white wine sauce.

TRATTORIA CONVITO: At 7 p.m. Thursday, the main floor of ConvitoItaliano/Chestnut Galleria will be transformed into an informalItalian trattoria for a special dinner based on the hearty fare ofItaly's neighborhood restaurants. Eighty diners will be served atlong, community-style tables. The four-course meal, accompanied byappropriate wines, is fixed-price at $36.

ART EXHIBITION: Artists from the American Academy of Art will beexhibiting their work at the Beverly Hills Cafe, 312 W. Randolph,until mid-May. All artwork will be available for purchase.

MENU ADDITIONS: La Fontanella, 2414 S. Oakley, has addedmarinated artichoke heart salad, scampi alla Maria (shrimps sauteedin dry sherry, butter and garlic), penne alla Toscana (mostacciolitopped with a fiery hot fresh tomato sauce) and chicken Fontanella(chicken stuffed with garlic butter and herbs) to its menu.

Meanwhile, the folks at Ed Debevic's Short Orders Deluxe, 640 N.Wells, have been busy cooking up some new dishes. Among them are avegetarian chili with rice cakes, a frozen melted, and a barbecuedpork sandwich. They'll be added to the menu in the next few weeks.

East

Pair go nuts over Brazil's World Cup exit

Two elderly football fans in Nanjing, capital city of JiangsuProvince, reacted badly at Brazil's failure to progress in the WorldCup in Germany.

The first man beat anyone he encountered with stick at a square onSunday, uttering that "The Brazilians lost! There is nothing worthwatching! I don't want to watch anymore games!" He then dropped thestick, grabbed a nearby man and bit him fiercely. He was seized bypolice several minutes later.

On the same night, another elderly man in the city was arrested byofficers for running naked around the downtown area after he becamedisturbed by Brazil's quarter-final defeat.

Nanjing Morning Post

Bomb scare proves to be child's play

A group of residents in Nanjing had to flee their block on Mondaymorning because of a bomb scare.

The two "bombs" were discovered lying on a staircase in thebuilding by an elderly woman on her way home. She shouted out"bombs," which led to family members and neighbours abandoning thesite. Police arrived at the scene later and found the "bombs" weremagnetic balls.

They turned out to be toys that belonged to a child living in oneof the apartments.

Nanjing Morning Post

Residents alarmed by night-time disturbance

A car alarm infuriated a group of residents in Nanjing so muchthat they smashed a window to reach inside and turn it off.

The shrill alarm from the car, parked outside a residentialcomplex, kept people awake for about an hour on Sunday night.

Dozens of them eventually gathered beside the vehicle in the hopeof tracing the owner. Just as security guards at the complex wereconsidering seeking help from a locksmith, some of the residentscould not hold back their anger any longer and took action into theirown hands by breaking into the vehicle.

Local police are investigating the case.

www.longhoo.net

Teenager tests mother's patience after exam failure

A woman in Shanghai is regularly being ordered to kneel before herown daughter.

Chang's daughter began issuing the bizarre requests after shefailed to make the passmark for a key university at this year'snational college entrance exams. Feeling upset, the daughter beganplaying childhood games and barely spoke to her parents.

Whenever the mother asked about her plans for the future, the girlwould demand she stay quiet and kneel down in front of her.

Feeling extremely disappointed at the girl's behaviour, Chang saidthat she was considering living separately from her in order tomaintain harmony in the family.

Xinwen Evening News

Restaurant hires deaf and mute waiting staff

A new restaurant in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, has attractedscores of curious diners since its opening as all the waiting staffare deaf and mute.

Diners have to give their orders to the waiters and waitresses byusing sign language or by writing them a note.

The restaurant has attracted many local diners, with one saying hewould visit the restaurant frequently to show his admiration at thestaff overcoming their disabilities to find employment.

Yangtze Evening News

Would-be thief thwarted by unusual alarm

A bird's chirps of alarm sent a would-be thief scarpering from anapartment.

Yang, a resident of Gaochun County, Jiangsu Province, bought thebird six years ago for 30 yuan (US$3.69). During the years, the birdhas cultivated the habit of waking up Yang at 6:30 in the morning bysinging.

Not long ago Yang was having a doze at noon, leaving the frontdoor wide open. Suddenly he was awoken by chirps from the bird andspotted a man running out of the door.

www.longhoo.net

Lovestruck man breaks leg in bid to save phone

A young man cherished a mobile phone containing photos of hisgirlfriend so much that he jumped from a moving train afteraccidentally dropping it out of a window.

Hu, from Jiangxi Province, asked an attendant to order anemergency stop after dropping the phone but was turned down. Indesperation, Hu then jumped out of a window to try to find it,despite other passengers urged him not to do so.

But he failed to find the phone as he suffered a fractured handand leg in the jump.

www.longhoo.net

Firefighters come forward to save boy's finger

A teenager from Tongan District of Xiamen, Fujian Province, had tohave a ring cut from his finger after it became stuck.

Chen, a 16-year-old middle school student, decided to move thering from a middle finger to an index finger on Sunday. However, hebecame worried when he discovered he could not remove it, even whenhe used soapy water as lubricant. The finger started to swell up andbegan to turn black as the blood supply had been cut off.

Failing to find a solution in a hospital, Chen turned to a crew offirefighters who cut the ring with a saw and saved the finger.

Xiamen Evening News

East

Pair go nuts over Brazil's World Cup exit

Two elderly football fans in Nanjing, capital city of JiangsuProvince, reacted badly at Brazil's failure to progress in the WorldCup in Germany.

The first man beat anyone he encountered with stick at a square onSunday, uttering that "The Brazilians lost! There is nothing worthwatching! I don't want to watch anymore games!" He then dropped thestick, grabbed a nearby man and bit him fiercely. He was seized bypolice several minutes later.

On the same night, another elderly man in the city was arrested byofficers for running naked around the downtown area after he becamedisturbed by Brazil's quarter-final defeat.

Nanjing Morning Post

Bomb scare proves to be child's play

A group of residents in Nanjing had to flee their block on Mondaymorning because of a bomb scare.

The two "bombs" were discovered lying on a staircase in thebuilding by an elderly woman on her way home. She shouted out"bombs," which led to family members and neighbours abandoning thesite. Police arrived at the scene later and found the "bombs" weremagnetic balls.

They turned out to be toys that belonged to a child living in oneof the apartments.

Nanjing Morning Post

Residents alarmed by night-time disturbance

A car alarm infuriated a group of residents in Nanjing so muchthat they smashed a window to reach inside and turn it off.

The shrill alarm from the car, parked outside a residentialcomplex, kept people awake for about an hour on Sunday night.

Dozens of them eventually gathered beside the vehicle in the hopeof tracing the owner. Just as security guards at the complex wereconsidering seeking help from a locksmith, some of the residentscould not hold back their anger any longer and took action into theirown hands by breaking into the vehicle.

Local police are investigating the case.

www.longhoo.net

Teenager tests mother's patience after exam failure

A woman in Shanghai is regularly being ordered to kneel before herown daughter.

Chang's daughter began issuing the bizarre requests after shefailed to make the passmark for a key university at this year'snational college entrance exams. Feeling upset, the daughter beganplaying childhood games and barely spoke to her parents.

Whenever the mother asked about her plans for the future, the girlwould demand she stay quiet and kneel down in front of her.

Feeling extremely disappointed at the girl's behaviour, Chang saidthat she was considering living separately from her in order tomaintain harmony in the family.

Xinwen Evening News

Restaurant hires deaf and mute waiting staff

A new restaurant in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, has attractedscores of curious diners since its opening as all the waiting staffare deaf and mute.

Diners have to give their orders to the waiters and waitresses byusing sign language or by writing them a note.

The restaurant has attracted many local diners, with one saying hewould visit the restaurant frequently to show his admiration at thestaff overcoming their disabilities to find employment.

Yangtze Evening News

Would-be thief thwarted by unusual alarm

A bird's chirps of alarm sent a would-be thief scarpering from anapartment.

Yang, a resident of Gaochun County, Jiangsu Province, bought thebird six years ago for 30 yuan (US$3.69). During the years, the birdhas cultivated the habit of waking up Yang at 6:30 in the morning bysinging.

Not long ago Yang was having a doze at noon, leaving the frontdoor wide open. Suddenly he was awoken by chirps from the bird andspotted a man running out of the door.

www.longhoo.net

Lovestruck man breaks leg in bid to save phone

A young man cherished a mobile phone containing photos of hisgirlfriend so much that he jumped from a moving train afteraccidentally dropping it out of a window.

Hu, from Jiangxi Province, asked an attendant to order anemergency stop after dropping the phone but was turned down. Indesperation, Hu then jumped out of a window to try to find it,despite other passengers urged him not to do so.

But he failed to find the phone as he suffered a fractured handand leg in the jump.

www.longhoo.net

Firefighters come forward to save boy's finger

A teenager from Tongan District of Xiamen, Fujian Province, had tohave a ring cut from his finger after it became stuck.

Chen, a 16-year-old middle school student, decided to move thering from a middle finger to an index finger on Sunday. However, hebecame worried when he discovered he could not remove it, even whenhe used soapy water as lubricant. The finger started to swell up andbegan to turn black as the blood supply had been cut off.

Failing to find a solution in a hospital, Chen turned to a crew offirefighters who cut the ring with a saw and saved the finger.

Xiamen Evening News

Attorney: US soldier did not kill Iraqi

A U.S soldier accused of premeditated murder in the shooting death of an Iraqi detainee says he did not kill the man and will fight the charges, his attorney said Monday.

Attorney James Phillips also said a hearing for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hal M. Warner has again been reset to give the civilian attorneys time to travel to Iraq.

"We will fight this thing all the way until the end," said Phillips, who has a background in handling military trials.

Warner and 1st Lt. Michael C. Behenna, both from Oklahoma, are accused of shooting Ali Mansour Mohammed "at or near" their forward operating base north of Baghdad and then lying about …

Farming Life: Food for thought.(News)

AS the demand for organic and speciality produce continues to outpace local supply, a one-day food conference in Belfast aims to raise awareness of the opportunities which exist for local farmers, food producers and processors.

Marketing Organic and Regional Food is the theme of the conference, being held at the Balmoral Conference Centre on Tuesday, April 3 as part of IFEX 2001, the food, drink and catering exhibition, which runs from April 3-5 in the King's Hall complex.

A prominent line-up of national and international speakers, representing a variety of areas in the agri-food industry, will share their extensive knowledge and discuss the opportunities …

Farming Life: Food for thought.(News)

AS the demand for organic and speciality produce continues to outpace local supply, a one-day food conference in Belfast aims to raise awareness of the opportunities which exist for local farmers, food producers and processors.

Marketing Organic and Regional Food is the theme of the conference, being held at the Balmoral Conference Centre on Tuesday, April 3 as part of IFEX 2001, the food, drink and catering exhibition, which runs from April 3-5 in the King's Hall complex.

A prominent line-up of national and international speakers, representing a variety of areas in the agri-food industry, will share their extensive knowledge and discuss the opportunities …

CSU WOMEN AT SE MISSOURI STATE

No rest for the weary.

After losing to Northern Iowa on Tuesday night, the Lady Cougars of Chicago State are right back in action today at 5 p.m. in Cape Girardeau, Mo., when they battle Southeast Missouri State.

Playing again after less than 72 hours might not be a bad thing for head coach Angela Jackson and her Lady Cougars.

"It might be good for us to be playing right away," Jackson told the Chicago Defender. "Maybe we won't be able to dwell on that loss to Northern Iowa and are able focus on playing well against Southeast Missouri."

Chicago State comes into tonight's game …

I carry a badge; I'm A reporter.

WPTV(TV) West Palm Beach, Fla., pulled a story off its newscast after its reporter was found to be impersonating a police officer. Although reporter Derrol Nail had the knowledge and cooperation of local police for his story--intended to show how easy it was for criminals to gain entry to people's homes by pretending to be police--General Manager Bob Jordan nonetheless decided against running the …

Today in History.(Sports)

1914 - The first Federal League game was played in Baltimore and the Terrapins defeated Buffalo, 3-2, behind Jack Quinn. A crowd estimated at 27,000 stood 15 rows deep in the outfield to witness the return of big league baseball to Baltimore.

1933 - Sammy West of St. Louis went 6-for-6 in an 11-inning win over the Chicago White Sox. He had five singles and a double off Ted Lyons.

1953 - For the first time in half a century, a new city was represented in the American or National leagues. The Braves moved from Boston to Milwaukee and opened in Cincinnati, where Max …

HOUSE APPROVES BILL IMPOSING EXECUTIONS SENATE VERSION BANS SOME GUNS.(Main)

Byline: James Rowley Associated Press

The House on Tuesday passed a $1.1 billion anti- crime package that would impose the death penalty on more than 50 federal crimes and help states hire more police and improve programs for youthful offenders.

Final passage of the bill came on a 305-118 vote, capping three days of debate on legislation that also would provide money to increase security at schools in drug-ridden neighborhoods and test state prison inmates for drug use.

Before it is sent to President Bush, it must be reconciled with a version passed in July by the Senate that bans nine types of semiautomatic assault weapons and provides a 5- day …

Question: Who escorts US first lady

President Bush's visit to Slovenia touched off a protocol debate: Who was more fit or entitled to accompany first lady Laura Bush: the prime minister's fiancee, or the president's wife?

The squabble became a public dispute between the two Slovene leaders.

Prime Minister Janez Jansa argued that because he is the top official in EU terms, his fiancee, Ursa Bacovnik, should be the hostess. Jansa said President Danilo Turk's wife, Barbara Miklic Turk, would also be included in the program at "president's wish."

Turk, however, retorted that he made no such request _ and in fact, his wife deserved to be the chief hostess.

A diplomatic …

Charles F. King, Entrepreneur

Services for Charles F. King, 84, head of a Melrose Parkelectrical transformer company, will be at 9:30 a.m. today at AhernFuneral Home, 1110 W. Madison, Oak Park. Mass will follow at 10 a.m.in St. Luke Catholic Church, 528 Lathrop, River Forest. Burial willbe in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Rd., Hillside.

Mr. King, formerly of River Forest, died Friday in West PalmBeach, Fla.

He was chairman of Forest Electric Co., 1001 N. 25th Ave., abusiness he founded 50 years ago while working as a buyer for atransformer company. Forest designs and makes specialty transformersfor the aeronautical and hospital supply industries.

"He realized the need for …

HRH Premier Congratulates King of Bhutan.

Manama, Dec. 17. (BNA) -- His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa today sent a cable of congratulations to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, marking his country's National Day.

In the cable, HRH Premier wished King …

MNF kills two armed men in Baghdad.

Byline: SH

Baghdad, Apr 9, (VOI)- A U.S. Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) killed two gunmen on Wednesday in northeastern Baghdad, the Multi-National Forces in Iraq (MNF-I) said.

"A U.S. Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicle observed a group of criminals with weapons attacking Iraqi Security and Coalition forces with small-arms fire in northeast Baghdad April 9," the spokesman for the Multi-National Division a" Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division said in a statement received by Aswat al-Iraq …

SALES TAX PAYMENTS TO MUNICIPALITIES UP 16%.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON Staff writer

Troy Year 2000 sales tax payments released to municipalities Thursday totaled almost $800,000 more than in the previous year, County Executive Henry Zwack said.

The $5,990,101 in payments to 22 municipalities represents a 16 percent increase in what those cities, towns and villages received in 1999, he said.

Rensselaer County's total 2000 sales tax collection was $50,462,081; a little more than $15 million more than what was collected in 1999.

``I'm ecstatic with the release of this money and I'm sure it will find good use in the various municipalities,'' Zwack said, calling the increase a …

S. AFRICAN WRITER TO VISIT SUNYA.(Living Today)

Here is the schedule of the fall visiting writers series of the New York State Writers Institute at the State University at Albany. All readings are free and open to the public.

*Thursday:

Nadine Gordimer, South African novelist, 8 p.m., SUNYA Page Hall.

*Friday:

Anne Waldman, performance poet, 7:30 p.m., Maureen Stapleton Theatre, Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

*Oct. 12: Robert Creeley, poet, 8 p.m., Page Hall.

*Oct. 26: Nicholas Delbanco, novelist and critic, 8 p.m., Recital Hall.

*Nov. 2: Thomas Keneally, Australian novelist, 8 p.m., Main Theatre.

*Nov. 7: …

Abortion doc murder suspect advocates via mail

A man charged with shooting a prominent doctor who performed late-term abortions has been advocating through mailings from his jail cell that such killings are justifiable and communicating with individuals on the fringes of the anti-abortion movement, weeks after suggesting others might be planning similar attacks.

Scott Roeder, 51, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the May 31 death of Dr. George Tiller _ an attack that reignited the national debate over late-term abortion and gave Roeder icon status among extremists in the anti-abortion movement.

From his cell in Sedgwick County jail, Roeder has been sending anti-abortion …

Legal heavyweights to defend Jesse

Legal heavyweights to defend Jesse

The "vicious" media attacks leveled against the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition is being fueled by GOP forces angered over the huge Black vote that nearly defeated President Bush, his supporters said Tuesday.

At least 15 PUSH staff members in Chicago alone have allegedly been offered cash money and confidential agreements by the National Enquirer with similar contacts in NY and L.A., especially the current and former chief financial officers.

Sources said: "One staff member was followed in cars to school...the Globe and the Enquirer are working closely with Fox News. These people are going to folks' homes …

With A Twist.

The adorable exterior of this home features a 379-squarefoot wraparound porch with wood posts and rails. Plus, two dormers give a nice break to the roofline. Inside, you'll find a twist to conventional architecture in the angled kitchen and utility room. This interesting slant on design is echoed by the upstairs …

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

State Democrats think they have a shot at capturing a longstanding Republican congressional seat this month. The death of Rep. Paul Gillmor left a void in the …

NEW DIRECTOR FINDS BUDGET CUTS, FIRINGS GUT KING COMMISSION.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: SARAH METZGAR AND MICHAEL MCKEON Staff writers

ALBANY The Martin Luther King Jr. Commission has been virtually wiped out by state budget cuts, and five commission staffers fired the day before new director Ward DeWitt took the helm.

Virgil Hodges retired from the executive director's post on Jan. 25, the same day the five commission workers were let go. The next day, DeWitt a city school board member who worked in the Cuomo administration as a $107,706-a-year first deputy commissioner for the state Division of Correctional Services took over the post.

The director oversees the King Commission and the King Institute, which are …

Ghana's skiing Snow Leopard prepares for Olympics

The Snow Leopard of Ghana is going to race in Alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics. Seriously.

Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong, the self-taught, self-funded, one-man team from West Africa has made it to Vancouver at age 35 after years of dedication to an improbable dream.

"It's like crossing the Sahara desert and getting to the end and getting a very cold drink and a lovely cold shower," he told The Associated Press.

"You think about, 'Wow, did I make that journey?' Man, how did I make it?"

Kwame faithfully proved his skill and determination in a true embodiment of Olympic ideals, said the International Ski Federation, which …