PGA TOUR: ; McIlroy moves on after Masters

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The first time Rory McIlroy recalls watchingthe Masters on TV was in 1996. And like any other 6-year-old alreadysmitten with the game, he no doubt dreamed of being on that stagehimself one day.

Sure enough, he was. Only he didn't play the role of his golfingidol, Nick Faldo, who rallied from a six-shot deficit with a 67 towin a third green jacket. He was more like Greg Norman.

So perhaps it was only fitting that Norman, whose 78 in the finalround of 1996 gets more attention than the two majors he won, wasamong the first to call the 21-year-old from Northern Ireland.

McIlroy turned a four-shot lead into a collapse that even …

N.H. Town Fires 4 for Gossip About Boss

HOOKSETT, N.H. - Can you be fired for gossiping about your boss? Four town employees here say they were, raising questions about fairness, free speech and a staple of life in the American workplace.

The employees were fired in April after speaking to a lawyer the town hired as a fact-finder to rout out chatterboxes.

They say questions about a close relationship between Town Administrator David Jodoin and a female employee, identified only as "A" in the lawyer's report, drifted into Town Hall sometime in March. They say they weren't the only ones who discussed the rumor, and dismissed it as untrue after briefly talking about it.

"We didn't start the rumor, nor did …

(null)

As Pan Am Flight 830 descended toward Honolulu and passengers finished their breakfast, a blinding burst of light washed over them.

And then, "BOOM!"

The 747 shuddered violently. Confusion erupted as the airliner nose-dived. Screams and thick smoke filled the cabin. Oxygen masks dropped.

In the rear of the plane, 16-year-old Toru Ozawa lay on his back in the aisle. His lower abdomen had been ripped open, his intestines seeping out. The explosion had also sheered off one of his legs. He called out for his mother and father; they watched in horror as he died.

The Aug. 11, 1982, explosion was no accident. Ozawa was murdered _ …

6 mental health centers may close, activist says

The Daley administration plans to close six mental healthcenters, mostly in minority and predominantly poor areas of the city,the chairman of the city's Community Mental Health Board chargedWednesday.

But a city Health Department spokesman said he would be "amazed"if that were true.

The closures would affect thousands of people, whose problemsrange from severe mental illness to drug abuse and who can leastafford to be neglected, said mental health board chairman PatriciaQuirk.

Quirk said the plan to close the centers on Jan. 1 is part ofMayor Daley's budget cuts and would reduce the number of facilitiesfrom 18 to 12.

She said she knows of the …

ENERGY RECOVERY AT BIOSOLIDS COMPOSTING FACILITY

COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS

Pilot testing successfully demonstrated extracting heat from the "hot" zone of the compost pile to melt snow ana ice, free the compost cover from the slab, and preheat another pad as well as blower air.

CHALLENGES OF winter operations, where temperatures drop as low as 25�C, led the Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission (GMSC) in New Brunswick, Canada to develop an innovative energy recovery and reuse system as part of its new Biosolids Composting Facility. The GMSC composting process, carried out on an outdoor concrete pad, combines bottom aeration and the GORE(TM) Cover System. The first phase is designed to process 12,000 wet tons annually with bark …

ATP-ABN Amro Results

Results Saturday from the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament, an euro824,000 (US$1.2 million) ATP event on indoor hardcourts at Ahoy Stadium:

Singles

…

Balloonist Steve on cloud nine

BRISTOL'S Cameron Balloons has drifted into aviation history aftermillionaire adventurer Steve Fossett became the first man to fly soloaround the world.

At 2.53pm BST yesterday over the ocean south of Australia,Fossett, in his silvery Spirit of Freedom balloon, crossed east of117 degrees longitude, the line from which he set off two weeks ago.

The balloon was made by Cameron Balloons of Bedminster, wherestaff joined in the celebrations.

Managing director Don Cameron said: "It is fantastic.

When you look at the length of the voyage he has done and the factthat he has tried so many times before, it is a wonderfulachievement.

"After every one of …

Milestones

Births/ Adoptions

Cleland - twins Kendall Clara and Carter Al (b. Jan. 19, 2012), to Amanda and Shawn Cleland, Listowel Mennonite, Ont.

Dyck- Everly Marie (b. Dec 30, 2011), to Jenna and Kelly Dyck, Carman Mennonite, Man.

Fischer- Ellyse Naomi (b. Jan. 11, 2012), to Blake and Tricia Fischer, North Leamington United Mennonite, Leamington, Ont.

Hastings-Fuhr- Asher James (b. Oct. 15, 2011), to Adrian and Hannah Hastings-Fuhr, Mannheim Mennonite, Ont., in Hamilton, Ont.

Heikman- Sarita Joy (b. Oct. 19, 2011), to Joe and Keri Heikman, First United Mennonite, Vancouver.

Kerr - Jacob Nathaniel (b. Jan. 9, 2012), to Jamie and Katrina Kerr, Listowel …

Britain's Prince Harry wishes he could spend more time helping children in Africa

Prince Harry would like to spend more time helping children in Africa.

Britain's royal soldier-humanitarian is in the impoverished African kingdom of Lesotho this week to work with Sentebale _ the charity he and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso founded in the memory of Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.

The 23-year-old lieutenant spoke with reporters recently about balancing his army life with his charity work.

"I wish I could be out here more often," he said while visiting a newly opened center for abused children. "I do the most I can to come out here and see the kids."

Harry first came to Lesotho in 2004, spending two …

United Bank names president for the Charleston market president

Julie Gurtis has been named United Bank's Charleston marketpresident.

As market president, Gurtis leads a staff of about 150 andoversees United's offices on Virginia Street East, Charleston TownCenter, and Kanawha City and in Big Chimney, Dunbar, Teays Valleyand the Logan area. The company also has an operations center atPatrick Street Plaza that employs about 150.

Charleston is United's largest market in West Virginia.

United said Gurtis will be responsible for all banking activitiesin the market, continuing United's tradition of empowering itspresidents to make decisions at the local level.

Gurtis has been in the banking business for 23 years and …

It's official! Burris makes 3rd bid for governor

It's official! Burris makes 3rd bid for governor

It's the third time around for Roland Burris and he is anticipating sweet victory in the race for Illinois governor.

Burris announced his run for governor on Sunday with promises to combat poverty, crime, education and employment, among others once he takes office.

"Illinois has changed and it will no longer be the state of BIG spending and business as usual," he said to a crowd of supporters in his Chatham home.

"The next governor of this state will need to be a seasoned leader who is not afraid to face the many unknown challenges that undoubtedly will lie ahead."

With the array of issues Burris plans to …

Hong Kong Tests Toys for Date Rape Drug

China-made toys seized in Hong Kong were being tested Thursday after scientists in Australia found that similar ones contained a chemical that converts into a powerful "date rape" drug when ingested, officials said.

At least five children _ two in the United States and three in Australia _ have been hospitalized after swallowing the toy beads, which are used in arts and crafts projects. They can be arranged into designs and fused when sprayed with water.

Australian scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called "date-rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound _ made from …

Pujols keeps putting up big numbers for Cardinals

Albert Pujols reached 100 RBI, scored his 100th run and extendedhis hitting streak to 21 games as the St. Louis Cardinals beat thevisiting Florida Marlins 3-0 Thursday night.

Brett Tomko pitched shutout ball into the ninth inning as theCardinals ended a three-game losing streak and avoided a three-gamesweep.

The Marlins have won nine of 12. They held St. Louis to six runsin the series.

Pujols is 33-for-82 (.402) during his hitting streak, the team'slongest in four seasons, to raise his average to a major-league-leading .372.

METS 5, ASTROS 4: Tony Clark hit a tiebreaking home run in thesixth inning, helping Steve Trachsel earn his 100th career victory asvisiting New York beat Houston.

Clark's homer was his 15th of the season and fifth in five gamesfor the Mets, who won two of three in the series against the NLCentral leaders.

GIANTS 7, PIRATES 5: Jeffrey Hammonds fouled off a bunt try andthen hit his first homer for host San Francisco, launching a two-runshot that broke a seventh-inning tie.

It was 5-5 when Jose Cruz Jr. drew a leadoff walk in the seventhfrom Brian Boehringer (5-3). Hammonds tried to sacrifice but fouledit off before homering into the left-field stands on a 3-2 pitch.

DODGERS 4, REDS 3: Eric Gagne tied the major-league record forconsecutive saves from the start of a season, and Adrian Beltre hit ago-ahead two-run double as host Los Angeles completed a three-gamesweep.

Gagne struck out the side in the ninth for his 46th straightregular-season save and 38th this year, matching the record Jose Mesaset in 1995 with Cleveland. Mesa finished that season 46-for-48.

BRAVES 7, BREWERS 1: Mike Hampton won his sixth straight decision,and Vinny Castilla drove in three runs with a triple and a homer asAtlanta beat host Milwaukee.

DIAMONDBACKS 5, EXPOS 4: Raul Mondesi homered on Eric Knott'sfirst pitch in the 10th inning to give host Arizona a three-gamesweep of Montreal.

ROCKIES 4, PHILLIES 3: Todd Helton and Chris Stynes homered asColorado came back to beat Kevin Millwood and visiting Philadelphia.

AP

Raven scores 24 as No. 4 Texas tops Lamar, 82-45

Brittainey Raven scored 17 points to lead for Longhorns in double figures, and No. 4 Texas cruised past Lamar 82-45 on Saturday.

Erika Arriaran finished with 13 points and five rebounds, Earnesia Williams had 12 points and Kathleen Nash added 11 points and four rebounds for the Longhorns (12-1).

Arriaran hit three 3-pointers in a two-minute span in the second half to give the Longhorns a 30-point advantage. Texas turned 18 Lamar turnovers into 30 points.

Lamar's (8-4) Brittney Williams led the Lady Cardinals with 14 points and four rebounds.

Undertaker looking alive and well

With a full decade of destruction already in the books, theUndertaker is showing no signs of slowing down, once again becomingthe No. 1 man in the WWF.

The Taker improved to 9-0 in his career at "WrestleMania" byadding HHH to a "WrestleMania" resume that includes Jimmy Snuka, JakeRoberts, Giant Gonzales, King Kong Bundy, Diesel, Sid, The Boss Manand Kane, and he finds himself the No. 1 contender for the WWF title.

The Undertaker likely will face Stone Cold for the strap at the"King of the Ring," and as seen Monday night, the current championis in no rush to come face-to-face with the man from the dark side.

Now co-holder of the tag titles with brother Kane, the Taker seemsto have a new lease on life after taking on a more real-lifecharacter-motorcycle and bandana included. Just a few months ago,many insiders felt the Undertaker's career was just about over afterdozens of injuries, but the dead man is walking tall once again.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: The first XFL season is over, and theleague drew more than 1 million fans to its 43 games. . . . In whatKurt Angle is calling "30 minutes of torture," the Olympic championwill face Chris Benoit in a submission match at "Backlash." Also onthe card, Shane McMahon will battle the Big Show in a last-man-standing match, and William Regal will face Chris Jericho in aDutchess of Queensby Rules match. . . . The Rock is expected back inthe WWF in time for the "King of the Ring." . . . The WWF hascancelled the relaunch of the new WCW once again and is havingtrouble organizing the debut, TNN time slot and promotion of thecompany. This time the postponement has been labeled indefinite. . .. There is a rumor that Hulk Hogan is finalizing a deal with JimmyHart and Sting to form a new promotion on USA. . . . HHH and StoneCold are expected to win the tag titles from Kane and the Undertakerat "Backlash" next Sunday. A victory would make HHH the second GrandSlam winner in the federation history, joining Shawn Michaels as theonly men to have held Tag Team, European, Intercontinental andfederation gold. . . . The Rock will be on "The Tonight Show With JayLeno" on May 1. . . . On May 5, the WWF will hold its "InsurrextionUK" PPV. On the show, Stone Cold will defend the title against theUndertaker; HHH meets Kane; William Regal battles Chris Benoit forthe Queens Cup; Dudleys, Edge and Christian, X-Pac and JustinCredible and the Hardys face off in a 4-way; Chris Jericho goesagainst Kurt Angle; Bradshaw takes on the Big Show; GrandmasterSexay challenges Rhyno for the hardcore title, and Saturn meetsHardcore Holly.

HOTLINE: More news on the return of Goldberg and Booker T, and aformer ECW champion banned from wrestling. Get the shocking detailson the hotline at (900) 454-SLAM ($2 per minute).

BET Networks taps Blair Underwood for Exalted

New York, NY- Actor, producer, author and director Blair Underwood joins BET as narrator of Exalted; a ground-breaking, new, weekly series that explores the lives of African American ministers as they prepare their sermons, lead their congregation, and perform weekly ministerial duties while at the same time deal with the challenges of everyday life.

Following BET's popular Sunday's Best, Exalted airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Underwood has distinguished himself as an award-winning actor who is currently showcasing his multitude of talents in film, literature, television and theatre.

He is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University's famed fine arts school.

In October 2006, Underwood portrayed the voice of "Jesus" in the highly anticipated audio version of the Bible, aptly titled, The Bible Experience. Underwood is especially close to the Exalted project since he is also a member of the Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, Calif., which is pastured by Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer who was featured in the Tuesday episode. Blacknews.com

Scenery isn't the only change Cubs see: Cardinals' visit offers early chance to right an ugly '05 at Wrigley

Michael Barrett will have a combination of things to deal withtoday at remodeled Wrigley Field -- both at the plate and behind it.

Batters will face a new backdrop with the Batter's Eye Suite incenter field, where shrubbery once grew. A centerpiece of thebleacher renovation project, the suite's darkened windows were a finecanvas Thursday as the Cubs worked out before today's home openeragainst the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs catcher was impressed.

"It looks like a whole new ballpark to me," Barrett said. "We'llsee what it's like when the game starts and the lights are on inthere. Hopefully it doesn't affect us too much."

The greater concern for Barrett, starting pitcher Greg Maddux andthe Cubs will be the archrival Cardinals, still the favorites in theNational League Central. For Maddux, making his second home-openerstart since returning to the Cubs in 2004, the rivalry, the new look -- and even the predicted wet and cold weather -- make it an invitingassignment.

"It's always fun facing the Cardinals," he said. "It's always alittle bigger, always a little more exciting. They could have easilywon the World Series last season. They just came up a little short,and they have pretty much the same team back. They're tough to beat."

The Cubs come home with a 1-1 record after splitting their openingseries against the Cincinnati Reds. But coming home last season

wasn't the welcoming experience it should have been. The Cubs were38-43 at Wrigley Field in their disappointing 79-83 season -- oddly abetter team on the road than in the Friendly Confines.

"We certainly have to improve at home," manager Dusty Baker said."We didn't seem to have the team we wanted at home, and guyssometimes have a difficult time adjusting to Chicago [and a majorityof day games]."

Barrett admitted psychological factors might have taken a toll.

"This is the greatest place to play, but for some guys, it can bethe hardest place to play," he said. "For guys like LaTroy Hawkinsand Corey Patterson [former Cubs who were booed regularly], it was atough place to play. When things like that happen to your teammates,it brings everyone down. At times it was just a tough place to play.

"It's frustrating to go through that, but fans have a right to dowhat they do. It's their stadium. And the fans dictate who they'llforgive. The only thing we can dictate is how hard we play. Fans knowwhen someone is dogging it, and they don't appreciate it. The biggestthing, though, is as a team we didn't get the job done, period."

Baker plans one change in the lineup, using Neifi Perez at secondbase instead of left-handed-hitting Todd Walker to face Cardinalsstarter Jeff Suppan.

"Jerry Hairston is only 2-for-19 against Suppan, and I think we'llneed Neifi's defense with Greg on the mound," Baker said.

The rest of the Cubs lineup has produced well in the first twogames, from new leadoff man Juan Pierre to young starters Matt Murtonin left field and Ronny Cedeno at shortstop.

"It's good for us because we're counting on them," Baker said ofMurton and Cedeno. "They're on the team, and we feel they're ready tohandle it. The more success they have, the more comfortable theyfeel, and the more comfortable all of us feel."

The comfort zone for the Cubs is changing, though, with thefranchise's championship drought now at 97 years. It's the reasonmore than just the bleachers and seating area have changed at WrigleyField in the last two years.

"Fans have grown weary of the complacency that surrounded theCubs," Barrett said. "I know from my buddy back home. He's 42, andhe's been a Cubs fan all his life. He feels like he's going to have acoronary attack every time we lose.

"Cubs fans love this team. They're not front-runners. And now thatthe White Sox have won the World Series, the quest to win achampionship is on the tip of [Cubs fans'] brains."

NOTE: Kerry Wood threw a pair of 20-pitch batting-practicesessions Wednesday as he continues to build up his rehab schedule.Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said Wood will throw another sessionof closer to 60 pitches in several days and will be re-evaluated.

Mark Prior also is picking up his rehab pace and will throw offthe mound today.

"He's doing fine, and his recovery time [between throwingsessions] is being cut down," Rothschild said.

tginnetti@suntimes.com

ON DECK:

CARDINALS AT CUBS

Today: 1:20 p.m., Ch. 9, 720-AM. Jeff Suppan (16-10, 3.57 ERA in2005) vs. Greg Maddux (13-15, 4.24).

Saturday: 1:20 p.m., Comcast SportsNet, 720-AM. Chris Carpenter (1-0, 7.20 in 2006) vs. Carlos Zambrano (0-0, 9.64).

Sunday: 7:05 p.m., ESPN, 720-AM. Sidney Ponson (7-11, 6.21 in2005) vs. Sean Marshall (major-league debut).

The story line: The Cubs open their home schedule against theirbiggest rivals. Winning the series could go a long way towardavoiding the huge early deficits they have faced against St. Louis inthe division race the last two years. Suppan owned the Cubs lastyear, holding them to eight runs (five earned) on 24 hits in 26innings for a 1.71 ERA. Marshall's big-league debut comes on a prime-time, national TV stage.

OSCE suspends talks on Georgia mission

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says it has suspended talks on extending its monitoring mission in Georgia.

The 56-nation group said Thursday a Greek compromise plan to prolong the mission's mandate remains on the table but negotiations will be put on hold until further notice.

The OSCE has had a presence in Georgia since 1992 but is in the process of closing down because Russia blocked the extension of its mandate in December. Informal talks to prolong it have been going on ever since.

On Wednesday, a meeting meant to shore up consensus on the plan ended without agreement. At the meeting, Russia presented a version that reflected its recognition of Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia as an independent state.

2 men hire lawyer, say cops beat them up

Armando Hernandez and Adrian Cruz say they were hanging out -- notdrinking, not causing problems -- in Humboldt Park Tuesday night, andthat the problems started when police showed up.

Hernandez, 19, said officers in an unmarked car told them toleave. Cruz, 22, said one cop became angry when they told him it was9:36 p.m., not 11 p.m. -- when the park closes.

Both men say they were roughed up, handcuffed and taken to theShakespeare District station. There the two say they endured 45minutes of verbal abuse, punches to the back and stomach, slaps tothe face, and repeated whacks from a nightstick.

Hernandez's cell phone recorded some of the incident.

The offense? Drinking in a park, police told them. The two denyit.

The men, both of Humboldt Park, were taken to the hospital bypolice for an exam and tetanus shots. They've hired an attorney.

Police said an investigation has been launched.

Wednesday's Champions League Result

Semifinals

First Leg

Bayern Munich (Germany) 1, Lyon (France) 0

Black History Makers; McClendon brought Black colleges to prominence

Because of his race, John McClendon was denied to play basketball at the University of Kansas.

However, he didn't let that stop him. He went on to learn the game from it's inventor, Dr. James Naismith, and went on to become one of the greatest coaches in history.

During his coaching career, which spanned 60 years, McClendon guided Black colleges to national prominence.

McClendon was first coach in history to win three consecutive national titles, guiding Tennessee State to the 1957, 1958 and 1959 NAIA national championships. His teams featured superior conditioning, a patented fastbreak offense and an aggressive in-your-face defensive attitude.

He also coached at North Carolina College, Hampton Institute and Kentucky State.

McLendon championed for heightened awareness of basketball at all-Black colleges, and helped initiate an era of integrated basketball. McLendon's well-rounded coaching background included positions at the collegiate, AAU and professional level. He also was a head coach at the professional level with the Cleveland Pipers of the ABL and the Denver Rockets of the ABA.

His teams won a combined 523 games and McLendon himself compiled a 76 percent winning mark over his 25-year career. Named the 1958 NAIA Coach of the Year, McLendon coached teams that won eight CIAA titles between 1941 and 1952, the NIBL and AAU championships in 1961, and the ABL Eastern Division crown in 1962. McLendon, who has traveled the world promoting basketball, wrote two books, Fast Break Basketball and The Fast Break Game. McLendon, a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame has also been enshrined into the Helms Hall of Fame and the CIAA Hall of Fame. In 1992, the basketball arena at Cleveland State was named in McLendon's honor.

Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.

Photograph (John McClendon)

E-mails from public overload Congress Web site

People are flooding members of Congress with so many e-mails that they are overloading the House of Representatives' primary Web site, http://www.house.gov.

Congressional technicians warned House lawmakers on Thursday that the Web site may be slow or unresponsive because of the large volume of e-mail being sent to members.

The spike in e-mail traffic comes amid boisterous town hall meetings across the country debating President Barack Obama's plan to overhaul the nation's health care system.

A spokesman for the chief administrative officer at the Capitol was not immediately available to comment.

Hale and hearty fare // Two local cooks get hooked on zesty cuisine

One need look no further than the recent class on healthygourmet cooking offered as a fund-raiser for Francis W. Parker Schoolto see how eating habits have changed.

The class was filled to capacity and had a waiting list of eageradults wanting to sign up.

Goodbye hollandaise, hello olive oil.

"We're not talking about boring food, but fun food that's goodfor you," said Maggie Hansen, who with Joan Fishman taught theone-night class.

The two are fine partners in gourmet nutrition.

Hansen is chef at Room Five Hundred, a private club dining roomat Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison.She provides the fashionable food that's an alternative to thehospital cafeteria. Fishman is the nutrition information coordinatorat the hospital. She knows what's good to eat.

"Francis Parker approached the hospital and wanted to offer ahealthy cooking class," said Fishman. Since she does health fairsand community outreach programs, it seemed natural for her to becomeinvolved.

Hansen, who has been at the hospital about a year, already hasmade her mark by introducing more fruits, vegetables, fish, herbs,grilled foods and lighter sauces to the dining room.

"I have a restaurant background and I'm interested in good,healthy foods, but with flair," said Hansen. "I'm interested inpresentation as well as taste. It has to look great and tastegreat."

The two decided to base their recipes for the class aroundgrilled seafood and fresh seasonal vegetables.

"We wanted to show that you can put something like swordfish onthe grill. It's delicious and faster cooking. You can buy fish inthe supermarket or in a fish store, so it's convenient," said Hansen.

"We're suggesting things like sauteed cucumbers with dill.People don't think about warm cucumbers. The dish is low in caloriesand fat and very good tasting, and it goes well with fish.

"Asparagus are in season now (asparagus are being incorporatedinto one of her menus). I've got a recipe for pasta with freshsalmon, dill and feta cheese. I'm looking for a low-sodium feta,"said Hansen.

"That's where I keep Maggie honest," said Fishman, referring tothe need to find more healthful substitutes for some food products."People without special dietary problems can eat a wide variety offoods. Use small amounts of the richer or saltier foods with otheringredients."

"Many of those foods (rich or salty ingredients such as cream,butter or feta cheese) are delicious; just back off on amounts,"said Hansen.

"Fresh herbs can make a difference in many foods. For example,in the grilled swordfish Vera Cruz, the fresh cilantro makes it."

Hansen has an all-purpose fish basting oil that she recommendsfor grilling fish. Using margarine, corn oil, soy sauce, lemon juiceand paprika, it's well flavored and far lower in saturated fat thanmelted butter.

"Lemon juice is great with fish, but it might get boring after awhile. I also recommend garlic; it's good for flavoring. Freshgrated pepper and fresh herbs, such as a sprig of dill, will dress upa piece of grilled fish," Hansen said. "I use fresh fruit flavors,such as apple sauce, to baste shrimp. It gives a slight sweetnesswithout the calories."

Following are some of the recipes the two taught, and with anyencouragement, are willing to teach again. GRILLED SWORDFISH VERA CRUZ

4 (8-ounce) swordfish steaks Fish basting oil (recipefollows)

1 clove garlic 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 tablespooncorn oil 1 cup seeded, chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon finelydiced jalapeno pepper 1 teaspoon lemon juice Freshlyground pepper to taste 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Brush steaks with basting oil. Place on grill over ashen coalsand grill, allowing about 8 to 10 minutes per inch of thickness.Grill about 5 minutes on one side, then baste with oil, turn over andgrill another 3 to 5 minutes on second side.

Place on serving plates and keep warm. Saute garlic and onionin corn oil in medium-size non-aluminum pot. Add tomatoes, jalapenopepper, lemon juice and ground pepper. Bring to a quick simmer.Remove from heat and add cilantro. Serve with grilled swordfish.Makes 4 servings. FISH BASTING OIL

1/4 cup melted margarine 1/4 cup corn oil 2tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon lemon juice1/4 teaspoon paprika

Combine ingredients. Makes about 1 cup. BARBECUED SHRIMP

1/4 cup finely diced onion 2 cloves finely diced garlic 1 tablespoon corn oil 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce 1/2cup apple sauce 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1/8 teaspooncayenne pepper 2 pounds medium shell-on shrimp 3/4 cupmelted margarine

In a small pot, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender,about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, apple sauce, cider vinegar andcayenne pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.

Preheat grill or broiling pan. Clean shrimp in cold water.Butterfly shrimp, removing vein. Leave shell intact on shrimp.Brush shrimp with melted margarine and place, shell side up, ongrill. Grill about 1 minute, turn and brush with barbecue sauce.Grill another minute, or until shrimp loses its opaqueness.

Remove shrimp to warm platter. Garnish with lemon. Makes 8servings. WATERMELON AND ONION SALAD

1 small, ripe watermelon 2 medium-size sweet red onions,peeled 1/4 cup raspberry puree (using fresh or frozen berries)

1/4 cup good quality olive oil Dash of saltFreshly ground pepper to taste 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup walnut oil 3 bunches watercress or green of yourchoice

Cut melon into 1-inch chunks. Remove all seeds. Cut onioninto thin slices. Mix raspberry puree, olive oil, salt and pepper.Place melon and onion in a glass bowl and top with sauce. Tossgently. Mix the lemon juice with the walnut oil, whisking toincorporate both. Pour over greens and toss. Place greens onplates. Top with melon and onions and any remaining raspberry sauce.Makes 6 servings.

FDA Seeks Antidepressant Suicide Warning

WASHINGTON - Young adults face an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when they first begin taking antidepressants and should be warned about the danger, federal health officials said Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration asked makers of the drugs to expand its warning labels to include adults age 18-24. The labels already include similar warnings for children and adolescents.

Eli Lilly and Co., the maker of Prozac, Zoloft manufacturer Pfizer Inc. and other pharmaceutical companies said they would comply with the FDA's request.

"We believe this step will help ensure that the millions of people with depression who are young adults age 24 and under and their families can make informed treatment decisions while minimizing the fear and stigma associated with depression," Eli Lilly said in a statement.

Pfizer spokeswoman Shreya Prudlo said the company would update its label, which she said already calls for close monitoring of patients when they begin taking Zoloft. She added, however, "There is no established causal link between Zoloft and suicide in adults, young adults or children."

The proposed labeling changes would note that studies have not shown this increased risk in adults older than 24 and that adults 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

The expanded warnings would emphasize that depression and certain other serious psychiatric disorders are themselves the most important causes of suicide.

"Antidepressant medications benefit many patients, but it is important that doctors and patients are aware of the risks," said Dr. Steven Galson, the FDA's drugs chief.

The FDA advises that patients of all ages starting on antidepressants should be "monitored appropriately and observed closely" for worsening symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behaviors or unusual changes in behavior.

Still, any risks are small. For every 1,000 patients 18-24 treated with antidepressants, the FDA would expect there would be five additional patients who have suicidal thoughts or exhibit suicidal behavior, said Dr. Thomas Laughren, who oversees psychiatric drugs for the FDA. The FDA analysis was based on studies of 11 antidepressants in more than 77,000 patients.

The proposed changes came with the endorsement of FDA expert advisers. Some experts have argued that the changes are overdue while others maintain they could keep drugs from those who need them.

Last month, a comprehensive analysis of antidepressants for children and teenagers found the benefits of treatment trump the small risk of increasing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some patients. The Journal of the American Medical Association study also found that risk is lower than what the FDA identified in 2004, the year the agency warned the public about the risks of the drugs in children.

After that warning, doctors wrote children fewer prescriptions for antidepressants, and U.S. youth suicides increased.

That suggests the warnings could have a net effect that is harmful if they keep the drugs from patients who would benefit from them, said Dr. David Brent, a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine psychiatry professor and co-author of the JAMA study.

"When you have a black-box warning and within it you caution people that the biggest risks are from the disease and not being treated, people will still pay attention to the headline and not the small print," Brent said.

Laughren said the FDA's doesn't know if the previously strengthened warnings led to the decrease in prescriptions or the increase in youth suicides.

"These are data that are hard to reach any conclusion about in terms of causality, but obviously it is something we are concerned about," Laughren said.

---

On the Net:

Food and Drug Administration antidepressant information:

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/default.htm

Bulls get home schooled: Seven-game winning streak snapped at UC as Garnett, T-wolves outhustle Skiles' squad

After feasting on a slew of cupcakes during the first week of theextended homestand, the Bulls received their first tough challengeagainst the surging Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday night andfailed.

The Bulls struggled on both ends of the court in a 91-81 lossbefore a sellout crowd of 22,011 at the United Center to see theirseven-game winning streak snapped.

"I thought we really didn't start playing until there was twominutes left in the third quarter," Bulls coach Scott Skiles said."We went really small at one point and started playing with someenergy, but it was the second night in a row we sort of picked ourspots and we paid for it."

Minnesota's Kevin Garnett wasn't spectacular, but he played agreat all-round game -- 18 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, foursteals and three blocks -- to lead a balanced attack. After a slowstart this season, the Timberwolves (10-9) have won four straight.

There's been a lot of recent speculation about Minnesota possiblyacquiring All-Star Allen Iverson from the Philadelphia 76ers, butGarnett said that was the furthest thing from the minds of histeammates.

"We knew we had a tough back-to-back, and we were talking aboutthe things we had to do against a tough Chicago team," Garnett said."Management is going to do whatever they're going to do."

The Bulls (10-10) never could get much going offensively, savefor a string of nine straight points to end the third quarter. BenGordon led the Bulls with a game-high 21 points but was just 6-for-15 from the field.

As a team, the Bulls were 30-for-76 (39.5) from the field andfeatured too much one-on-one play.

"We kind of panicked a little bit," Gordon said. "We were down,and we kind of took it upon ourselves to do it. When we are playingwell, we share the ball. It's just something we have to try toovercome and start a new streak Monday."

Skiles didn't like his team's ball movement but focused more onthe defense of both teams.

"[Minnesota has] made a commitment on the defensive end," Skilessaid. "We have yet to make that commitment on a consistent basis.Tonight was a perfect example.

"Early in the game, they just threw it to [Garnett], and theywere cutting off him getting layups, and we were just standingaround. We weren't active enough, and then you saw what happenedwhen we got active. Things started happening for us."

Before the game, Skiles was interested in seeing how his teamwould respond following a lackluster 93-90 win Friday againstToronto.

"This will be a nice test for us -- we've played so well,[Friday] night we didn't play that well [but] got the win -- just tosee where our mental state is against what we think is an improvingclub," he said.

The Bulls have been jumping out to quick leads during thehomestand but were playing catch-up almost from the start againstMinnesota. The Wolves jumped out to an 11-5 lead four minutes intothe game and were up 18-9 with five minutes left in the firstquarter.

Much like the preseason matchup between the teams, the Bulls hadtrouble with the length and athleticism of the Wolves at both ends.Offensively, the Bulls' outside shots weren't falling, and they hadtrouble driving to the basket against the 6-11 Garnett and 7-footMark Blount.

The Wolves led by as many as 21 in the third quarter (63-42)before the Bulls closed to 72-62 entering the fourth quarter. Butthey never got closer than seven points (80-73).

bulls recap

Minnesota 24 29 19 19--91

BULLS 17 23 22 19--81

T-wolves min fg-a ft-a o-t a pf pts

Garnett 38:31 6-19 6-7 1-11 8 4 18

Hassell 30:11 5-7 1-2 1-3 2 2 11

Blount 18:42 4-7 3-3 0-5 2 4 11

James 36:23 4-13 6-6 0-2 5 1 15

RDavis 38:19 7-13 1-1 1-4 3 3 15

Smith 7:53 1-1 0-0 0-4 0 4 2

Foye 14:28 1-4 0-0 0-1 2 1 3

Jaric 27:17 4-5 2-2 3-7 2 2 12

EGriffin 8:56 0-2 0-0 1-2 0 0 0

Reed 14:09 2-4 0-0 0-1 0 1 4

Hudson 5:11 0-2 0-0 0-1 1 2 0

Totals 240 34-77 19-21 7-41 25 24 91

Percentages: FG .442, FT .905. 3-Point Goals: 4-18, .222 (Jaric 2-2, Foye 1-2, James 1-6, Hudson 0-2, R.Davis 0-3, Garnett 0-3). TeamRebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 14 (15 PTS). Blocked Shots: 7 (Garnett3, Blount 2, James, Smith). Turnovers: 12 (Blount 3, R.Davis,Garnett, Hassell, Hudson, Jaric, Reed, Foye, James, Smith). Steals:10 (Garnett 4, James 4, Reed, Smith). Technical Fouls: None.

BULLS min fg-a ft-a o-t a pf pts

Nocioni 29:13 6-11 3-3 1-3 1 2 17

Deng 37:43 4-10 2-4 3-10 1 3 10

Wallace 31:39 3-6 2-5 1-11 1 3 8

Hinrich 42:52 6-18 3-4 1-1 8 5 15

Duhon 28:03 2-4 0-0 0-3 3 1 4

Gordon 36:17 6-15 7-7 0-5 2 4 21

Brown 8:01 0-3 0-0 1-2 0 0 0

AGriffin 3:52 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0

Allen 6:30 1-4 0-0 0-1 0 2 2

Sweetney 8:28 1-2 0-0 2-3 0 0 2

Sefolosha 0:57 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 0 0

Thomas 6:25 1-3 0-0 2-3 0 0 2

Totals 240:00 30-76 17-23 11-44 16 20 81

Percentages: FG .395, FT .739. 3-Point Goals: 4-13, .308 (Gordon2-4, Nocioni 2-5, Duhon 0-2, Hinrich 0-2). Team Rebounds: 5. TeamTurnovers: 16 (17 PTS). Blocked Shots: 1 (Deng). Turnovers: 16(Duhon 3, Thomas 3, Deng 2, Gordon 2, Nocioni 2, Hinrich, Sweetney,Brown, Wallace). Steals: 5 (Deng 2, Duhon, Gordon, Wallace).Technical Fouls: None.

Officials--Jim Clark, Monty McCutchen, Zach Zarba. A--22,011(21,711). T--2:07.

jjackson@suntimes.com

Boyfriend clings to dog - she decides to bow out

Dear Diane: My boyfriend will not leave his dog alone for anyamount of time.

I'm talking about a 32-year-old professional, not a child. Hestill lives with his parents and they will cancel their plans beforethey will leave the dog home alone.

I told him I thought it was sort of strange to attend to a dogas if it were a newborn child. He claims it's cruel to leave theanimal home alone because it gets lonely and cries.

I suggested a dog sitter. He said the dog might bite thesitter. I told him he was being irrational. He accused me of beingjealous of the dog.

Actually, his dog-sitting cuts into the time we spend together.I don't see anything wrong with leaving a healthy animal home byitself one or two evenings a week (we only see each other on Saturdayand Sunday), and I really don't want to spend my time watching hisdog.

He hasn't made any effort to remedy the situation, so I calledit quits. Do you think I was out of line? Does he need professionalcounseling? CARLEEN

Dear Carleen: Your boyfriend apparently learned from his parentsthat dogs run the house.

You gave him the choice of you or the dog, and just look who hechose! You were smart to call it quits.

Two types of psychologists may be needed to straighten out thatfamily: one therapist for the people and another for the dog. (Whoknows how neurotic the poor dog is with three adult human beings whohave trained him to be scared to death of being alone.)

Dear Diane: I am interested in using the Prentif cervical cap asbirth control. (This is not to be confused with the diaphragm - theyare different methods.)

I can't locate a practitioner who fits them. I have the nameand address of the British distributor, but is there a doctor in themetropolitan Chicago area who can obtain a cap and fit me?

I was a longtime Pill taker, but I had to quit due to bad sideeffects. Can you help? M.H.

Dear M.H.: The Prentif cervical cap, which is fitted similarlyto a diaphragm and can remain in place for several days, has notcompleted the process of Food and Drug Administration approval.

If all goes well, it should be available for consumers in thenear future. But physicians will have to wait for FDA approvalbefore providing cervical caps to their patients.

Watch your newspaper for news of FDA approval, and ask yourgynecologist about the device. Of course, you also can telephoneyour local medical society for referral to a gynecologist in yourarea.

Dear Diane: I am a 16-year-old girl who is dating an 18-year-oldguy. Recently he broke my finger and gave me a black eye.

He says it will never happen again, but I don't know if I shouldstay with him. I have heard that once people do things like this,they will do it again. DANA

Dear Dana: People can change, if they want to. But why shouldyou wait around hoping this thug will see the light and mend hisways?

Talk to your parents to consider filing a complaint against theguy. Then drop him.

Send your questions to Diane Crowley, Box 3254, Chicago 60654.

CTA agrees to reopen five rest rooms

The CTA has agreed to reopen five public rest rooms in anapparent truce with Ald. Robert Shaw (9th).

Shaw protested in June that public transit riders were"inconvenienced" because the CTA had closed all 63 of its public restrooms.

CTA Executive Director Robert E. Paaswell, who was unavailablefor comment Thursday, had told members of the City Council'sCommittee on Intergovernmental Affairs that the facilities wereclosed because of the high costs of security and vandalism.

"This is a victory for the people who have flooded my officewith calls asking me to help get the CTA to reopen these rest rooms,"Shaw said.

Shaw sponsored a similar resolution to force service stations inChicago to either maintain full-time rest room facilities or face theloss of their business licenses.

The five rest rooms to be opened, Shaw said, are located at 95thand the Dan Ryan, Randolph and Wabash, the O'Hare stop, the Loyolastop on the north line and the 63rd and Englewood L station on thesouth line.

Interview: Alain Robbe-Grillet

Alain Robbe-Grillet occupies that paradoxical position not uncommon to avant-garde writers: He is both famous and obscure; his ideas are well known but his work much less so. Nevertheless, he remains a major figure in the landscape of postwar French letters and film. After publishing The Erasers fifty years ago, he became a fierce advocate for what came to be known as the nouveau roman. In a book of critical essays, Fora New Novel (1963), and by the example of his own now canonical novels The Voyeur (1955), Jealousy (1957), and In the Labyrinth (1959), Robbe-Grillet pointed the way toward a fiction that eschewed psychological motivation in favor of pure, almost analytical description of …

SEC boss: Agency examining companies

The head of the Securities and Exchange Commission says the agency is investigating several companies' actions in the run-up to the financial crisis of 2008.

SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro said Wednesday "it would be safe to assume" that the agency is looking very carefully at the conduct of a number of firms during this time.

Schapiro spoke …

Fuel cells could create huge demand for ETPs. (Engineering materials).(Brief Article)

A MASSIVE change in the way we generate the power we need for daily living over the next 20 years is likely to create a substantial demand for engineering plastics.

Fuel cells are the philosopher's stone of 21st century living, turning base gases -- oxygen and hydrogen -- into golden power. They are virtually emission-free, the reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen producing electricity, heat and water, and there is only a small carbon monoxide penalty if propane or methanol are used as the source of the hydrogen.

These devices are termed proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which is a pretty accurate and economical description of what they are. PEM fuel …

Renault names new managers.(People)

Byline: Tom Armitage

Renault named two new members to its management committee, covering engineering and resources roles. The two managers started their jobs January 2.

Michel Balthazard, 53, is senior vice president of pre-engineering, projects and requirements. He joined Renault in 1980 and was most recently director of the third-generation Laguna.

Corporate resources director Christian Esteve, 58, joined Renault's finance department in 1987. He led negotiations to buy Renault's Romanian unit Dacia in the late 1990s and was named deputy corporate secretary general in 2003. …

IN ALBANY LIES THE POTENTIAL FOR A FLOWERED, URBAN PROMENADE THE GREENING OF LARK STREET.(PERSPECTIVE)

Byline: PAUL M. BRAY

Lark Street is a treasure many cities wish they had.

So pronounced Richard Bradley, director of the Washington-based International Downtown Association, who was invited to Albany last spring by the Albany Roundtable and Albany's Department of Economic Development.

Bradley was responding to the street's diversity of shops and restaurants, historic character and comfortable human scale.

His reaction contrasts sharply with that of others, who point to vagrants, vacant store fronts and the shabby appearance of some buildings. They see Lark Street as seedy.

There is truth in both reactions. Lark Street is a place both of promise and pathology.

For people who don't care for the largely synthetic dining experience found in malls, Lark Street eateries such as Justin's, Shades of Green and the Daily Grind are a real pleasure. Dining can be followed by a walk in the adjoining historic neighborhood or Washington Park.

The street could be the centerpiece of an urban setting that evokes …

Obama: Health care must be reformed now

President Barack Obama says Americans can't afford to keep putting off health care reform.

In his speech to Congress, Obama says the "crushing cost" of health care is driving families and small businesses into bankruptcy and hobbling American businesses in global economic competition.

…

Institute tries to explain mysteries behind Santa

* Researcher says St. Nick leads healthy life but really shouldstop smoking the pipe

He's a senior citizen untouched by the typical effects of aging.His health is stable, his income covers his practice of showeringlavish gifts on everyone he knows, his social calendar is packed withholiday merrymaking, and his appearance remains unchanged without theaid of Botox or cosmetic surgery.

Meet jolly "old" St. Nick, a spry gentleman of indeterminate agewho's managed to stay lively and quick for hundreds of years in spiteof his weakness for too many cookies and sugar plums.

Dr. John Hutchins, director of the University of Mississippi'sSanta Institute, says the secret …

Icelandair to offer online fare auction service.

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Icelandair has formed an agreement with FairMarket Inc. to introduce icelandairauction.com, a new online auction website that will offer customers low fares to destinations in Scandinavia, the UK and Europe.

The airline plans to offer more than 500 seats for travel in the summer and autumn with bids starting as low as USD1 for flights from New York's JFK International Airport, Boston, …

Nashville is humming a happy tune. (economy)

1995 was a very good year for the Nashville area, and 1996 looks like same song, another verse.

* The Nashville-area economy gained 34,200 jobs in 1995, a 6.1 percent increase from 1994. The area's work force grew more than twice as fast as the U.S. average. The unemployment rate of the Nashville MSA has remained around 3.0 percent in the last three years; during the same time, employment in the Nashville MSA has increased by 102,300 or 19.9 percent.

* In Davidson County, 1995 was a record year for home sales and a near-record year for the dollar value of commercial and residential building permits. In the first seven months of 1995, Nashville reported an increase …

MAN GETS 7 YEARS FOR POLICE FIGHT.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: DANIELLE T. FURFARO Staff writer

A man who was shot eight times by city police last year after slashing at them with a box cutter was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison.

Mark Barmore, 37, sat in the back of a Schenectady County courtroom for the sentencing before Judge Richard Giardino because the wheelchair he has been confined to since the incident would not fit through the gate into the center of the courtroom.

Barmore had pleaded guilty in April to first-degree attempted assault. If convicted at trial, he could have faced 25 years to life in prison as a persistent felony offender because of a 1994 burglary conviction in Queens. …

CLOROX QUITS DETERGENT BUSINESS.(Business)

Byline: Associated Press

Clorox Co. said Friday it will quit making powdered detergent and take a $125 million charge against earnings, ending a 3-year-old venture that failed against intense competition.

The company said it couldn't afford to spend enough money to compete with the nation's dominant detergent makers. Clorox makes a host of name-brand products and is the market leader in bleaches.

Analysts said Clorox was unable to meet a target of gaining 4 percent to 6 percent of the $4 billion U.S. detergent market, which is dominated by Procter & Gamble Co.'s Tide and Cheer brands and Lever Brothers Co.'s All and Whisk.

"It was too …

Brewers 11, Dodgers 6

Milwaukee @ Los Angeles @

ab r h bi @ ab r h bi

Weeks 2b 5 1 1 0 RJhnsn lf 4 0 0 0

Gomez cf 4 1 2 1 Martin c 3 1 0 0

Braun lf 5 3 2 3 Ethier rf 4 1 1 0

Fielder 1b 5 1 1 2 Kemp cf 3 1 2 0

McGeh 3b 5 0 2 2 Loney 1b 4 1 1 4

Hart rf …

Dow Soars to New Closing High of 11,727

NEW YORK - The Dow Jones industrial average finally reached new heights Tuesday, extending Wall Street's seven-year recovery with a record closing level after climbing into uncharted territory in trading earlier in the day.

The index of 30 blue chip stocks ended the session at 11,727.34, wiping out the previous record of 11,722.98.

Earlier, the Dow crossed its old trading high of 11,750.28, rising up to 11,758.95. Both of the previous records were set Jan. 14, 2000.

While investors welcomed the Dow's latest achievement, it comes at a time the stock market is more conservative, even more muted, than the Wall Street of early 2000. Then, investors were still piling …

Sid Oakley. (Key Changes).(named manager at Boehme Filatex)(Brief Article)

Sid Oakley has been named manager/Nova …

CHARACTER OF THe CITY.

Twelve years ago, Timothy Holmes moved from New York City to Saratoga Springs, and immediately immersed himself in the history of his new hometown.

"As soon as I moved here, I became very preoccupied with it," he said. "It's the character of the city." Holmes, an avid Saratoga historian and member of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, attempts to capture that character in his new book, "Saratoga Springs: A Brief History" (The History Press; 159 pages; $19.99). Offering an overview of Saratoga since the early 1600s to today, Holmes discusses horse racing, early influential figures, the fall and rise of the city after World War II, and more.

"Saratoga …

PAST MIGHT COOL MILLENNIUM THRILL-SEEKERS.(LIFE & LEISURE)

Byline: VICTOR GRETO The (Colorado Springs) Gazette

History can be as cruel as teasing siblings.

Take an intelligent man from the sixth century who changed how we look at time, a man known to history as Dionysius Exiguus. That's Dennis the Short to you and me.

On orders from Pope John I, Dennis created the template for the calendar we use today, dividing years between B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (anno domini -- the year of our Lord.)

Previously, those who kept the calendars during the Roman Empire used the founding of Rome (753 B.C.) as their dividing point.

It was hard work, but the Gospels had enough clues for Dennis to create …

Company reports positive results from evaluation of new solid tumor treatment.

2003 MAY 19 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc., (NWBT) announced positive findings from a recently completed preclinical mouse tumor evaluation of its new product candidate, DCVax-Direct Adjuvant Cancer Therapy, which is designed to be a single therapeutic for all solid tumors.

"We are very encouraged by the initial evaluation of the direct injection of solid tumors with our new product candidate, together with the administration of chemotherapy, in a colon cancer mouse model system," said Dr. Alton Boynton, the company's chief operating and scientific officer. "Although we observed slower colon cancer tumor growth in mice treated with …

WINE SIPPER: 2000 Liberty School Central Coast // 2000 Quail Creek // 2000 Wente Riva Ranch Reserve

Despite increased competition from Australia, France and the Northwest, the popularity of California Chardonnay does not seem to be fading. In terms of retail sales, it still leads the white wine pack, especially in the price range between $10-15. We put some of the best-known California Chardonnays up against a few less familiar wineries, and the results were a little surprising. Here's our top three listed in alphabetical order.

Better known for their extremely popular Cabernet, this bottle proves Liberty School has a way with Chardonnay as well. Bright fruit dominated the nose (spicy green apple, kiwi and lime), with soft vanilla and oak in the background. Offered vibrant …

Sovena denies participation in SOS capital hike.

(ADPnews) - Oct 27, 2010 - Portuguese olive oil producer Sovena has rejected the market speculation that it intends to enter the capital of Spanish food group SOS Corporacion Alimentaria (MCE:SOS) by subscribing for its EUR-200-million (USD 276.4m) capital hike.

Unnamed sources with Sovena admitted that the two sides had discussed possible agreements but declined to specify whether they concerned a merger, integration or any other type of commercial relationship.

The talks aimed at analysing a future co-operation, but there is still …

2 COLLEGE STUDENTS KILLED, 2 HURT IN THRUWAY CRASH.(CAPITAL REGION)

ULSTER -- Two Indian college students were killed and two others were injured when their car flipped several times Tuesday morning on the state Thruway.

The dead students, both passengers in the back seat, were thrown from the car in the 5:20 a.m. crash at milepost 93, about 50 miles south of Albany.

State Police from the Kingston station said the driver, Deepak Sathyanarayana, 24, and front seat passenger, …

Santos highly favored in Colombia vote

Colombians voted for a successor to President Alvaro Uribe on Sunday in what was expected to be a rout favoring a former defense minister who oversaw a major weakening of leftist rebels.

Juan Manuel Santos had a 37-point advantage in pre-election polls over political outsider and former Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus.

Santos won 47 percent of the vote in the May 30 first round _ just shy of the simple majority needed for victory. He and Mockus had been neck-and-neck in some surveys but a series of gaffes torpedoed Mockus' eccentric campaign.

Although reports of voting irregularities were few, a roadside bomb ripped apart a truck carrying police on a …

Lighting alert.(Brief Article)

Commercial Products Group Model V1971 Series D Strobe Lights operate from 20-31VDC using filtered or FWR power with low-current draw. All units have a …

U.S. CLAIMS SUPPORT FOR ULTIMATUM.(Main)

Byline: Paul Lewis New York Times

Bush administration officials and foreign diplomats said Sunday that the United States has mustered enough support in the U.N. Security Council to gain approval of a resolution that would authorize the use of military force against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by the end of January.

The final wording of the resolution has not been decided, but the officials said it would be debated and approved on Thursday. Officials indicated that the resolution was unlikely to authorize "military force" in those words, but would choose some other formulation such as "all necessary means."

A senior U.S. official said Sunday that the Bush administration would interpret such language as authorizing the use of force, just …