UK curry competition proves too hot to handle

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Some like it hot, but contestants at a curry eating contest in Scotland collapsed in agony after biting off more than they could chew at a self-styled "world's hottest chili" competition.

One contestant was hospitalized twice, and others writhed in agony, panting and vomiting after sampling the "Kismot Killer" at a charity eating competition at the Kismot restaurant in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Owner Abdul Ali staged the event to raise money for a children's hospice. He has conceded he'll …

Intraorganizational Alignment and Innovation Processes: Philips and Transistor Technology

The Dutch company Philips succeeded in producing transistors early on. By the early 1950s, it had acquired a strong position in the European semiconductor market. However, by the end of the 1950s, it was being surpassed by competitors. In response to the developments in solid state electronics, Philips' management adjusted the company's research, development, and production capabilities, enabling the firm to bring point-contact and layer transistors onto the market and to develop its own high-frequency transistor. When demand for industrial transistors increased, Philips was unprepared, leaving it without an entr�e to this new market. The company's exclusive contracts with IBM not only …

Medvedev: a loyal servant who has always marched in lockstep with Putin

Dmitry Medvedev's career so far depicts a dedicated aide who has always marched in lockstep with Vladimir Putin.

Consequently, Russia's election campaign _ drained of suspense due to the obvious outcome _ was laced with suspicion that Medvedev, who wants to name the outgoing president as his prime minister, will still take orders from Putin despite outranking him.

Putin, 55, and Medvedev, 42, first worked together for a former law professor who became head of the city council in Leningrad _ now St. Petersburg _ in 1990.

Putin brought Medvedev to Moscow in 1999, shortly before Boris Yeltsin stepped down and handed him the presidency. Medvedev …

Energy services firm in running for awards

A Firm with its headquarters in Aberdeen is on the shortlists fortwo top awards.

Energy services firm John Wood Group Plc is among the contendersfor both the Danwood Growth Strategy of the Year and Business of theYear in the 2007 National Business Awards for Scotland.

Group chairman Sir Ian Wood won the scheme's Lifetime AchievementAward in 2004.

Last year the group reported a 47% increase in pre-tax profits topounds95.4 million.

This came after very strong market …

What is the Spirit saying to the churches?

Budget deficit leads to soul-searching in MC Eastern Canada

"The deficit was the precipitating issue. . . . We could either slash budget with choices made very quickly or take time for some better-quality discernment."

This was how David Martin, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada executive minister, explained why he, other staff and the Executive Board engaged area church congregations and agencies in a consultation this fall.

"We could do this as just the Executive Board, but given the new challenges facing the church at this point in time, the sense was this was a good opportunity to look at where we want to move into the future as an area church," Martin said, …

Bengals, Jets heading in opposite directions

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Chad Ochocinco toned it down a bit for a change.

The chatty Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver is never at a loss for words, but he couldn't bring himself to stir things up the way he usually does.

"It's hard to give you the good stuff when we're 2-8, so I have to be sort of in the humbling spirit right now," Ochocinco said Tuesday on a conference call with New York reporters.

"I apologize."

That's a far cry from last season when Ochocinco playfully popped off before the regular-season finale between the Bengals and Jets, declaring that New York cornerback Darrelle Revis couldn't cover him "in a brown paper bag on a corner of a Manhattan …

Celtics fight back to down Pacers

The Boston Celtics came from a 12-point third-quarter deficit to run down the Indiana Pacers and win 103-94 on Tuesday, boosting their lead in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Paul Pierce missed his first 10 shots but then scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, including seven straight, to put Boston ahead for good.

Pierce finished with 21 points, going 12 for 13 from the free throw line to make up for his slow start from the floor. Kendrick Perkins scored 19 points to go with eight rebounds.

Indiana's Troy Murphy had 24 points and a season-high 18 rebounds but the Pacers gave up a 15-point halftime lead to fall to a fourth straight loss.

…

WILLIAM M. DALEY

Age:48 Education: Loyola University, John Marshall Law SchoolFamily: Youngest of seven children of late Mayor Richard J. Daley.He and wife, Loretta, have three children.Political background: Managed brother Richard M.'s successfulcampaigns for Cook County state's attorney and mayor; worked onpresidential campaigns …

Documents: Serial killing suspect Naso kept photos and Top 10 list, including 4 Calif. victims

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Documents: Serial killing suspect …

Arab League urges Iraqis to form government

Arab nations are urging rival Iraqi politicians to end their bickering and form a new government nearly three months after the country's inconclusive election.

The plea comes amid increasing fears that an extended political vacuum could undermine Iraq's stability.

Results of the March election have been in dispute, heightening tensions and setting off political …

Pensions--round two

N LAST NOVEMBER'S COLUMN, I CLAIMED THAT THERE was no need to worry about the unfunded actuarial liability of the Canada and Quebec pension plans. Not a wise idea, judging by the number of readers who pounced on me in the weeks that followed for saying such seemingly irresponsible things. I can only say that the dissenters have failed to convince me.

What's more, I refuse to back down. Like the song says, "Don't worry, be happy!" and let the governments of 2010 and 2020 work things out. The fact is that if contributions and benefits are maintained at current levels, the funds may run dry by the year 2010. I recommend a minor adjustment to contributions which will push back the …

Venezuelan voters oppose Chavez's proposed constitutional changes, poll shows

Voters are balking at President Hugo Chavez's proposed changes to the constitution ahead of a referendum next weekend, according to a new poll that shows the Venezuelan leader facing his toughest electoral challenge in years.

The survey, published Saturday in the Venezuelan newspaper El Universal, found about 49 percent of likely voters oppose Chavez's reforms, well ahead of the 39 percent who favor the changes. The poll was conducted by the Caracas polling firm Datanalisis, which has consistently predicted Chavez's victories in past elections.

"Chavez has never gone into an election without an overwhelming majority from the beginning," …

Report: Hackers steal SKorean defense documents

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Hackers believed to be from China stole secret South Korean documents on defense and foreign affairs by using e-mails pretending to be from Seoul officials, a news report said Friday.

The suspected hacking occurred when South Korean officials handling foreign and security affairs opened attachment files that contained titles referring to items such as the schedule of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's trip to China, the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said, citing a ruling party lawmaker.

Kim visited China twice this year.

The e-mails, made to appear as if from a South Korean presidential official and a South Korean diplomat, contained hacking programs that can be activated when the e-mails are opened, the newspaper said.

The lawmaker, Lee Jung-hyun of the Grand National Party, obtained two allegedly hacked South Korean defense reports from Chinese hackers, according to the report. Lee provided no other details, it said.

Lee could not be reached for comment. Repeated calls to an aide seeking confirmation also went unanswered.

The report did not say when the alleged hacking occurred.

Earlier this year, South Korea's top spy agency warned the government about e-mails disguised as having been sent by government officials, said the newspaper. The National Intelligence Service confirmed it issued the warning in a report sent to the government, but declined to give further details.

The e-mails had addresses using South Korea's two main portal sites, Naver and Daum, though a Defense Ministry investigation into their IP address — the Web equivalent of a street address or phone number — traced them to China, said the newspaper.

The Defense Ministry said it could not immediately comment on the report.

The JoongAng Ilbo report came months after a government-run website in South Korea was hit by a massive number of access attempts traced to China.

In June, access to one of the sites run by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security slowed for several hours because about 120 sites based in China tried to connect to it simultaneously to overwhelm its server, according to the ministry.

Last year, government websites in South Korea and the U.S. were paralyzed due to a similar type of cyberattack that South Korean officials believed was conducted by North Korea. But U.S. officials have largely ruled out North Korea as the origin, according to cybersecurity experts. Experts say there is no conclusive evidence that North Korea, or any other nation, orchestrated it.

South Korean media have reported that North Korea runs an Internet warfare unit aimed at hacking into U.S. and South Korean military networks to gather information and disrupt service.

The two Koreas are still technically at war because their conflict that started in 1950 ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Pakistani court deals US-backed president big blow

Pakistan's top court struck down an amnesty that had protected U.S.-allied President Asif Ali Zardari from corruption charges, setting the stage for political turmoil at a time when America seeks a united front against militants along the Afghan border.

The ruling Wednesday was a major blow to the desperately unpopular Zardari and could mark the beginning of his downfall, analysts said. While he enjoys immunity from prosecution as president, Zardari's opponents now plan to challenge his eligibility to hold the post.

A political crisis could complicate U.S. efforts to encourage Pakistan to step up military operations against al-Qaida-linked extremists. Effective action against those militant groups is seen by the U.S. as a linchpin of its war strategy.

A weakened Zardari would face a huge challenge in responding to U.S. pressure for a broad crackdown. Elements of the armed forces and much of the Pakistani public oppose a major offensive against Afghan militants who use Pakistan as a base. They instead blame Washington for stirring up turmoil in this country.

Minutes after the ruling, the opposition party called on Zardari to resign on moral grounds. His aides scoffed at the suggestion, while senior Cabinet minister Nabeel Gabol said Zardari had convened a meeting of his ruling Pakistan People's Party on Saturday to discuss the situation.

The court's decision also left thousands of others who had been shielded by the amnesty vulnerable to reopened corruption and other criminal cases. Interior Minister Rehman Malik, the country's top civilian security officer, and at least two other ministers loyal to Zardari are among those now at risk of prosecution.

The amnesty "seems to be against the national interest," and "violates various provisions of the Constitution," Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry said in announcing the decision of the 17-member bench.

The amnesty was part of a U.S.-brokered deal with former military ruler Pervez Musharraf that paved the way for former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to return home from self-exile and participate in politics without facing charges her party says were politically motivated. Zardari, Bhutto's husband, took control of the party after Bhutto was assassinated in 2007.

The party won parliamentary elections in February 2008, and lawmakers elected Zardari president that September.

Despite his immunity from prosecution, Zardari's opponents are now expected to challenge his qualification for the post, arguing that if it were not for the amnesty he would not have been able to run for president. Roedad Khan, a former government employee and a petitioner in the amnesty case, said he would pursue that avenue.

"This man has looted the wealth of this nation," Khan said, comparing Zardari's case to the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon. "This is Islam-gate for Zardari," Khan declared.

Analysts and legal experts were divided over whether the push for Zardari's ouster will succeed. The process is likely to take months. Even some of Zardari's critics argue that stopping his tenure at midterm _ which would likely require a nod from the powerful army _ would represent a setback to Pakistan's transition to democratic rule after years of military government.

Zardari, 54, has long been haunted by corruption allegations dating back to governments led in the 1990s by his late wife. He spent several years in prison under previous administrations. There are allegations he misappropriated as much as $1.5 billion.

Zardari has routinely denied any wrongdoing, and the president's office has declared the cases "unproven politically motivated allegations."

The court on Wednesday singled out an alleged money laundering case involving Zardari and his late wife that had been heard in a Swiss court until the attorney general under Musharraf withdrew proceedings against them as a result of the amnesty. Chaudhry said this was illegal and ordered the government to ask Swiss authorities to reopen the case.

Many civil rights activists and ordinary Pakistanis have bristled over the amnesty, known as the National Reconciliation Ordinance, saying it protected the wealthy elite who govern the impoverished, corruption-plagued nation from being punished for their alleged crimes.

The court decreed that the reopened cases against all those covered by the amnesty would be monitored by special judges. The Supreme Court said it would also monitor the cases.

Pakistani political analyst Rasul Bakhsh Rais doubted that Cabinet ministers and other politicians affected by the ruling would simply step down. He noted that investigative and prosecuting entities in Pakistan are not really independent of the government _ making real justice for lawmakers potentially elusive.

"They will play all these tricks and they will stay in power," Rais said, predicting many messy court battles ahead.

Pakistan's original constitution envisioned a parliamentary system in which the presidency is a ceremonial role, but the balance of power shifted under Musharraf, who took power in a 1999 military coup. Ever since Zardari took the presidency, the opposition has demanded he give up sweeping powers he inherited from Musharraf.

A few weeks ago, amid mounting pressure, Zardari relinquished command of the country's nuclear arsenal and said he would give up more powers soon. But that's a promise he's made before, including in a major speech to lawmakers just days after being sworn in.

Earlier this year, Zardari gave in to street protests and reinstated Chaudhry as the chief justice after he was fired by Musharraf. Many analysts took Zardari's reluctance to restore Chaudhry as a sign he worried the judge would try to undermine him by reviewing the amnesty.

___

Associated Press writers Munir Ahmad in Islamabad and Robert Burns in Washington contributed to this report.

NASA says no new launch attempt before next Sunday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA's space shuttles are dragging their tails toward retirement.

The high-profile voyage of Endeavour — the next-to-last space shuttle flight led by the husband of wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords — is off until at least next Sunday because of a technical problem. The latest culprit, believed to be a bad fuse box, illustrates just how complex these space machines are and why NASA's goodbye to the 30-year shuttle program may be a long one.

Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates quickly headed back to Houston on Sunday morning, two days after their first launch attempt was foiled.

Giffords wasn't far behind; she was in Houston by midafternoon, ready to resume rehab at the hospital where she's been undergoing treatment since January, after being shot in the head in an assassination attempt. She had arrived in Florida Wednesday to take part in the excitement of the launch countdown and to see her husband blast off. It was not immediately known if she would be back for a second try.

Her presence added to the drama surrounding Endeavour's liftoff. So did that of President Barack Obama and his family. They were disappointed not to see a launch on Friday, but still dropped by for a tour at Kennedy Space Center anyway. Obama hinted he might make a return visit to see the very last shuttle launch this summer.

The tip-off that Endeavour had a problem was the failure of heaters that are crucial for keeping a fuel line from freezing in space. The launch was called off Friday as the astronauts headed to the pad to board the shuttle. NASA has now traced the problem to the switch box.

Over the decades, space shuttles have encountered all sorts of technical problems, from nose to tail, that have held up launches. So have problems with their tanks and booster rockets.

Fuel leaks. Engine shutdowns. Wiring problems. Stuck valves. Burst hoses. Turbine failures. Hail damage, even woodpecker holes in the insulating foam of fuel tanks.

The list goes on — no surprise given the estimated 1 million parts per shuttle and 2.5 million parts when you throw in the giant fuel tank and two boosters.

Discovery sat out launch for four months before making its final mission in February. It was grounded by a cracked fuel tank. Now it's Endeavour's turn to stall.

"It is kind of funny. It's almost like they don't want to give up," launch director Mike Leinbach said Sunday. "But it's just coincidence."

Taking out the suspect switch box in Endeavour's engine compartment and putting in a new one is relatively straightforward, Leinbach said. But two full days of testing will be needed — on multiple systems associated with the box.

The heaters that remained off Friday are crucial for keeping a hydrazine fuel line from freezing in space, which, in turn, could lead to a rupture and even a fire once the shuttle is back in the atmosphere. The hydrazine feeds the devices that provide hydraulic power to move the main engine at liftoff and the brakes and rudder during landing.

Mike Moses, chairman of the mission management team, said next Sunday is the earliest possible launch date.

"There's still a whole lot of short-term work that has to be done," he told reporters.

This will be the last voyage into orbit for Endeavour, NASA's youngest shuttle.

NASA officials have stressed repeatedly that they will not ease up on any launch rules, even as the shuttle program winds down. Extra precautions were put in place after the 1986 Challenger launch accident and the 2003 Columbia disaster. A total of 14 astronauts died in those two catastrophes.

Leinbach said Endeavour's current problems are not necessarily a sign of age. It first flew in 1992. Officials did not immediately know the age of the switch box in question.

"As far as the orbiter getting old, no, it's a machine and occasionally machines break," Leinbach said. "This time, we had a failure in a switching box ... it's just part of the business."

The delay, if it last much longer, could end up having a domino effect on the final shuttle mission. Atlantis is scheduled to blast off June 28 to close down the program. For now, anyway, that date is still safe.

As for Endeavour's astronauts, they will remain in quarantine this week at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Kelly will be able to visit Giffords in rehab, provided she remains germ-free and he stays clear of possibly contagious people, officials said.

Once NASA's shuttles are done flying, they will be on display in Florida, California and the Washington, D.C. area. NASA will continue to rely on rides to the International Space Station in Russian Soyuz capsules while new spacecraft are developed by private companies.

___

Online:

NASA Endeavour crew and mission: http://1.usa.gov/7pZhDh

Top training's just the ticket!

PARKING wardens in Carmarthenshire are being given a chance toshed their negative image with the same customer service trainingthat was used at the Vancouver Olympics last year.

It is hoped the eight staff members, who work for the countycouncil, can help tourists in the area and improve the reputationthey have with the public.

The work, called WorldHost, has been adapted from a project runin Vancouver to help visitors to the city.

It also sets about dispelling common misconceptions aboutcommission and targets of handing out parking tickets.

Louise Rozhon, marketing and tourism officer at CarmarthenshireCouncil, said: "Parking officers have had so much negative publicityin the past. We're trying to let everyone know that it isn't abouthanding out tickets but more about the service they can offer as anambassador for Carmarthenshire.

"They know the area better than anyone so are best placed to helpwith queries."

Stocks Plunge; Dow Down More Than 310

NEW YORK - Wall Street suffered one of its worst losses of 2007 Thursday, leading a global stock market plunge as investors succumbed to months of worry about the mortgage and corporate lending markets. The Dow Jones industrials closed down more than 310 points after earlier skidding nearly 450.

Investors who had been able for months to largely shrug off discomfort about subprime mortgage problems and a more difficult environment for corporate borrowing finally decided it was time to sell after the Commerce Department issued another disappointing home sales report.

Feeding the plunge were concerns that higher corporate borrowing costs will curb the rapid pace of takeovers that had driven stocks higher this year. Investors also feared the sluggish environment for home sales and continued defaults in subprime loans would spur debt defaults and weigh on corporate earnings.

While stocks plummeted, investors poured money into the safe haven of the bond market. The soaring price of Treasurys pulled yields lower, and the rate on the 10-year note plunged to 4.79 percent from late Wednesday's 4.90 percent.

"Worries that have been out there for the past couple of years are coming to a head right now," said investment strategist Edward Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research Inc. "It's show time."

Thursday's trading was the latest and most extreme in a series of frenetic sessions over the past month - many also accompanied by triple-digit swings in the Dow - as investors sold on worries about the subprime fallout or bought on optimism that there wouldn't be any widespread problems caused by mortgage failures. Many analysts have described the back-and-forth trading as overwrought and based more on gut emotion than careful consideration of market and economic fundamentals.

That was the feeling again Thursday.

"The rally in bonds at this point looks a little bit overdone," said Tom Higgins, chief economist at Payden & Rygel Investment Management in Los Angeles. "If you're going to park money temporarily then cash I think is the way to be but I think that we're going to form a bottom. I think people are going to be legging it back into the market."

The Dow plunged 311.50 or 2.26 percent, to 13,473.57 after falling 449.77 in earlier trading. The close was its worst since the 416.02 it lost on Feb. 27, when a drop in the Shanghai stock market rattled world exchanges.

Broader market indicators also slid. The Nasdaq composite index tumbled 48.83, or 1.84 percent, to 2,599.34, while the Standard & Poor's 500 skidded 35.43, or 2.33 percent, to 1,482.66.

The Russell 2000 index, which reflects the movement of small-company stocks, fell 21.02, or 2.59 percent, to 791.48.

Before Thursday's big drop, the Dow had been up 10.61 percent for the year - and that margin has now been cut to 8.11 percent. The S&P 500 was up 7.04 percent, and the market decline now puts it at a year-to-date gain of 4.54 percent; while the Nasdaq's 9.64 percent increase has been cut to 7.62 percent.

The declines triggered a global sell-off in stocks, causing minor losses in Europe to accelerate rapidly along with the Dow's drop. In Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 closed down 3.15 percent, Germany's DAX index dropped 2.39 percent, and France's CAC-40 fell 2.78 percent.

Asian markets followed, with Japan's Nikkei stock index falling 2.55 percent in early trading in Tokyo on Friday.

Wall Street also found more immediate reasons to sell during the session - primarily the home sales figures from the Commerce Department, which further eroded confidence in the housing industry's ability to rebound.

The department reported that sales of new homes fell 6.6 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 834,000 units, more than triple what had been expected and the largest percentage drop since sales fell by 12.7 percent in January.

This boosted anxiety after quarterly results from home builders including Pulte Homes Inc. and D.R. Horton Inc. were squeezed by a sluggish environment from home sales and continued defaults in subprime loans.

"Wall Street continues to walk a wall of worry," said Ryan Larson, a senior equity trader at Voyageur Asset Management. "The housing market continues to be a story, and nobody knows when it will rebound. But, the real concerns are about credit and oil pushing higher."

Also stunting stocks was the Commerce Department's disappointing durable goods report. Though sales of big-ticket items increased by 1.4 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted $217.07 billion, durable goods excluding transportation equipment had an unexpected drop.

The Labor Department reported that jobless claims fell by 2,000 to 301,000 in the week ended July 21, slightly better than analysts' expectations.

Investors also reacted negatively as oil prices climbed to almost $77 per barrel during the session, stoking the market's worries about inflation. However, crude pared gains in the afternoon when a barrel of light sweet crude fell 93 cents to $74.95.

It all led to a frantic day for stock traders.

"It has been pretty volatile as of late, but now fears about a credit crunch are spreading more than they have in the past - and that's causing this drop," said Matt Kelmon, portfolio manager of the Kelmoore Strategy Funds. "That's hurting the financials, and now energy companies are joining the party because oil is so high. They make up a large part of the S&P 500."

Wall Street, now at the peak of second-quarter earnings season, has been extremely volatile lately. On Thursday, declining issues beat advancers by a 14-to-1 basis on the New York Stock Exchange, where consolidated volume came to a record 5.84 billion shares, up from 4.14 billion on Wednesday.

Both NYSE Group Inc. and Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. reported that their electronic trading systems were functioning normally, and no problems had been reported.

Ford Motor Co. rose 12 cents to $8.09 after it reported cost-cutting and a turnaround in its core automotive operations pushed its second-quarter to a profit. The company had posted seven quarters of losses as it grappled with sluggish sales and a major overhaul of its operations.

The Nasdaq's losses weren't as steep as other major indexes during the session due to strength from Apple Inc., which surged $8.74, or 6.4 percent, to $146. The iPod and iPhone maker's earnings easily surpassed Wall Street projections late Wednesday due to strong sales from its computer offerings.

Home builders sank after several disappointing reports. D.R. Horton fell 32 cents to $17.16 after it posted a fiscal third-quarter loss on charges to write down the value of unsold inventory and deposits on land.

Pulte fell 63 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $20.04 after it posted a second-quarter loss amid the struggling housing market.

---

On the Net:

New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com

Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com

Actor Charlie Sheen arrested in US

Actor Charlie Sheen spent the better part of Christmas Day in a jail cell after being arrested on domestic violence allegations.

The 44-year-old actor was taken into custody Friday morning by officers responding to an emergency call from a house in this ski resort town in the state of Colorado.

An ambulance went to the house, but the accuser was not taken to the hospital.

Sheen, the star of CBS' "Two and a Half Men," was taken to the Pitkin County jail and booked for investigation of second-degree assault and menacing, both felonies, along with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor, Aspen police spokeswoman Stephanie Dasaro said.

He was released in the late afternoon after posting $8,500 bond and being advised by a county judge on the conditions of his release, she said.

Dasaro declined to name Sheen's accuser, citing a department policy prohibiting the identification of potential victims in domestic violence cases.

Aspen attorney Richard Cummins said late Friday that he was representing Sheen in the case. He declined to name Sheen's accuser or discuss details, but he cautioned against any rush to judgment.

"I think at the end of the day it will be much ado about nothing," Cummins told The Associated Press. "I don't think there's any criminality about what went on."

Cummins said a court date was set for Feb. 8. "That may be to determine whether a case goes forward or not," he said.

Sheen's publicist Stan Rosenfield also warned against making assumptions.

"It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion," he said.

Sheen is the son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of actor-director Emilio Estevez. He is married to Brooke Mueller Sheen, a real estate investor who gave birth to the couple's first children, twin boys, in March. They married in May 2008 following Sheen's bitter divorce and custody battle with actress Denise Richards.

The star of "Platoon," "Wall Street," "Major League" and the "Hot Shots!" movies has had run-ins with the law before. In December 1996, he was arrested and charged with attacking a girlfriend at his Southern California home. He later pleaded no contest and was placed on two years' probation.

In 1998, his father turned him in for violating his parole after a cocaine overdose sent him to the hospital. He was later ordered to undergo a rehabilitation program.

Biden stumps for Dem incumbent in Ohio gov race

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden campaigned Monday in a closely watched Ohio gubernatorial race, telling a crowd of several hundred that President Barack Obama needs allies like Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

Making his second visit to the state in two weeks, Biden spoke at a window-frame manufacturing plant in a Youngstown suburb in the heavily Democratic northeastern part of the state.

"We need Ted. The stakes are high," Biden told audience members as they crowded among shipping pallets. "We have to have allies that believe the same things we do."

The campaign swing came amid a backdrop of 13 percent unemployment in Youngstown, where the once-powerful steel industry has given way to boarded-up homes and troubled neighborhoods.

"People are angry," Biden acknowledged. But "we're beginning to turn things around" and the economy would be harmed by Republican leadership.

Still, too many people are struggling and without jobs, he said.

Biden and Strickland shook hands with several dozen diners at a restaurant in Youngstown before visiting the plant in Struthers.

The governor acknowledged that Ohio has "gone through some tough times," and blamed "a recession not of our making." He said his administration has worked to create jobs in growing industries, including wind power.

Strickland is in a feverish race to retain his post against Republican John Kasich, a former congressman. A New York Times/CBS News poll last week showed their support about even.

But Strickland said Monday, "The momentum, my friends, is with us."

At a news conference in Columbus, Kasich told reporters that Strickland has "cratered Ohio's economy." He accused Strickland of "raiding every piggy bank he could find and ... going to Washington with a tin cup."

Kasich said he finds the governor's claims that he cut taxes, streamlined state government and worked to fix the Ohio economy laughable.

When Strickland supported postponing an income tax cut of 4.2 percent last year that Ohioans had been promised, Republicans said that was a tax increase. Democrats said it wasn't.

Kasich said, "There is no way that if Ted Strickland is re-elected as governor that he will not raise taxes again."

He said he will support tax cuts if elected.

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who watched Biden work a dining room crowd, said the party must motivate indifferent Democrats by explaining that the economy might be worse under GOP leadership. He said unemployment could have been 20 percent in Youngstown if Obama hadn't helped the auto industry, including a General Motors Corp. assembly plant in nearby Lordstown.

"No one's happy right now, obviously, because it (the economy) is still not where we want it to be," Ryan said.

___

Associated Press Writer Ann Sanner contributed to this report from Columbus.

Proposed electric rate hike sparks worries in SD

Some customers of Black Hills Power are expressing concern over a proposed 26.6 percent electric rate hike.

Many spoke out at a public hearing Tuesday held by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, which will decide on the utility's request.

Black Hills Power's proposal would increase rates about $18 a month for a typical residential electric customer. There are about 64,000 customers in the utility's service territory.

Spearfish Superintendent Dave Peters says a rate hike would increase that school's annual energy bill from about $202,000 to $256,000.

Black Hills Power, a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp., says it needs the increase to continue to provide safe and reliable energy. Spokesman Kyle White says the utility has programs available for customers who struggle with bills.

The utility servees 63,500 customers in 20 communities in western South Dakota, northern Wyoming and southeastern Montana.

In memoriam: Merran Elizabeth Leeds (1912-2002)

In Memoriam

Merran Elizabeth Leeds (1912-2002)

Dietitians in Canada lost one of the true pioneers of the profession in the passing of Merran Elizabeth Leeds, September 4th, 2002 at age 90.

Merran grew up in Alberta and completed her undergraduate training at the University of Alberta, graduating with a BSc in Household Economics in 1933. She completed a 14-month dietetic internship at the University Hospital. At that time the program was accredited by the American Dietetic Association. Merran joined the Canadian Dietetic Association in 1936.

Merran then travelled to Toronto, where she worked for the Red Cross Nutritional Services. Field work with Dr. Margaret McCready also took her to Kirkland Lake and Windsor. She expanded her professional experiences with work at the Toronto Visiting Housekeepers Association and at St. Michael's Hospital. In reflecting on her time there, she wrote of receiving $30 a month in addition to room and board. For this stipend, she was expected to work 12-hour shifts with only Sundays off. Still, she spoke of the valuable experience gained in both administration and diet therapy during her time there.

Merran returned to Alberta and worked in Claresholm, assuming the roles of Therapeutic Dietitian, Internship Coordinator, consulting dietitian (one of the first in Canada) and other roles in various auxiliary care facilities. She married in the fall of 1940 and raised four children.

She was a committed professional and retained her memberships in Dietitians of Canada, College of Dietitians of Alberta and the American Dietetic Association. She was proud of her profession and after her retirement she continued to promote healthy eating through presentations, displays and other volunteer activities.

Swedish store pulls plug on N. Korean jeans

A Stockholm department store on Saturday removed a new line of North Korean-made designer jeans from its shelves, saying it wants to avoid courting controversy through ties with the isolated communist nation.

The PUB department store's management had not been informed that the label would be carried in its space, and pulled the plug when it became aware of it, said Rene Stephansen, the store's director.

"For us this is not a question of Noko Jeans _ this is a question about a political issue that PUB doesn't want to be associated with," he said. "This is not the forum for the discussion" of North Korea.

The Noko Jeans line is the brainchild of three Swedish entrepreneurs who hoped their label would help break North Korea's isolation through increased trade with the West. The jeans come only in black, partly because blue jeans are associated with the United States and are stigmatized in North Korea.

The jeans were to be sold at Aplace, a retail space within the department store. Stephansen said he had informed the shop's owner of the decision just before the planned launch.

A spokesman for Aplace said the decision was "a bit cowardly" but said that he understood the department store's point of view.

"It's a real shame," Kalle Tollmar said. "But we will continue to sell them on our Web site and Noko Jeans will continue to sell them on theirs."

North Korea, led with absolute authority by leader Kim Jong Il, is one of the most closed countries in the world. The average North Korean is prohibited from accessing outside TV, radio or Internet, and only the elite are able to leave the country. Foreigners _ and foreign goods _ are largely seen as a threat by the communist regime.

Jeans have been banned in the country for years because they are considered a symbol of U.S. imperialism, said Choi Eun-suk, a professor of North Korean legal affairs at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University in Seoul.

In 2005, the regime also urged the country's women to refrain from wearing trousers, saying Western clothing dampen the revolutionary spirit and blur national pride.

Jacob Astrom, one of the three Noko Jeans founders, said he regretted the decision, but said it would be welcome if it leads to scrutiny of conditions in the developing world for workers making the brands it carries.

"Of course it's a pity; it was exciting to be at a space like PUB, but if this means that they're embarking on a larger initiative to look over the brands they have, then we think it's a good thing," he said.

He said neither he nor his two partners had been contacted by PUB yet.

"This is not a support project (for Kim Jong Il), but is a way for us to get closer to the country and, in a controversial fashion, shake this isolation up a bit."

The trio is currently looking at new retail space, he said.

The Noko Jeans team had initially planned to start its online sale on Friday, but Astrom said that had been postponed because of technical problems with the Web site. The sale is scheduled to start next week, he said.

The jeans come in two models, the slim-fit "Kara" and the loose-fit "Oke" and the price tag is 1,500 kronor ($220). They are cut, made and trimmed by factory workers in North Korea's capital Pyongyang, while material, buttons and zippers are supplied from other countries.

Farrakhan son shot over debt, police say

Chicago police were seeking aggravated battery charges against twopeople Friday in the shooting of Nation of Islam leader LouisFarrakhan's son, who was attacked during a quarrel over a debt,police said.

Police said they also were seeking an arrest warrant for a thirdsuspect in the early Thursday attack on Joshua Farrakhan at a home inthe South Side's Roseland neighborhood.

He and a woman were visiting a friend when assailants beat andshot Joshua Farrakhan in both legs in the 9900 block of South Forest,police said.

The shooting erupted during a quarrel over a debt, police said.They would not elaborate.

The woman suffered minor injuries, police said. They would notidentify her because she is a witness.

Police said they were waiting Friday for the Cook County state'sattorney's felony review unit to approve charges.

The Nation of Islam has announced that it will conduct anindependent investigation of the shooting.

Aides to Louis Farrakhan have described Joshua Farrakhan, 42, asbeing close to his father and staying at his side when the leaderfell ill from prostate cancer in 1999. He has worked in his father'sorganization, including the publishing company that puts out theNation of Islam newspaper, Final Call, aides said.

Joshua Farrakhan was treated at Christ Hospital and Medical Centerin Oak Lawn.

Hospital officials Friday refused to comment on his condition atthe family's request.

Derek Halpenny, Bank Of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ

(This is not a legal transcript. Bloomberg LP cannot guarantee its accuracy.)

DEREK HALPENNY, EUROPEAN HEAD OF FX RESEARCH, BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, TALKS ABOUT EUROPE AND THE ECONOMY AT BLOOMBERG SURVEILLANCE

JUNE 22, 2011

SPEAKERS: TOM KEENE, BLOOMBERG SURVEILLANCE HOST

KEN PREWITT, BLOOMBERG SURVEILLANCE CO-HOST

DEREK HALPENNY, EUROPEAN HEAD OF FX RESEARCH, BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ

7:18

TOM KEENE, BLOOMBERG SURVEILLANCE HOST: From London, Derek Halpenny, Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi. Derek, good morning.

DEREK HALPENNY, EUROPEAN HEAD OF FX RESEARCH, BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ: Hi -

KEENE: In your research note, you really focus on an eye to be kept on Spain and Italy. I mean everything's widening out here as we go in search of voluntary. Where is the voluntary?

HALPENNY: In terms of a bond deal?

KEENE: A bond deal.

HALPENNY: Well, it's difficult to fathom, I must admit, that there's any real appetite for a voluntary rollover of debt on the part of private investors. One would have to assume that there is some form of incentives and that the markets today are reporting that Germany's meeting some of its domestic banks to discuss a way to include them in some form of deal, but I must say the market's for one are skeptical of the ability to persuade private investors to voluntarily rollover their debt.

KEN PREWITT, BLOOMBERG SURVEILLANCE CO-HOST: Well, Derek, you know until fairly recently here, I think a lot of us in America didn't know that people in Europe were familiar with the phrase, kick the can down the road. But no matter what comes out of this, and no matter which country involves, is that pretty much what's going to happen?

HALPENNY: It's certainly in our belief. I think we all know the hurdles that lie ahead. We got through an important one last night. But there are numerous more and Tom mentioned the big one in terms of including private investors. But ultimately I think very much it's quite likely that they'll get the EUR12 billion (ph) and that some form of second bailout will eventually be agreed. I'm not sure how much of that will be willing to private investors, but nonetheless, something will be agreed and ultimately it's about putting more gas on Greece, which will ultimately increase the debt servicing costs for Greece. And I think makes this all the more likely that possibly in 18 months time, we'll be in a situation very similar today with the markets beginning to put the sums together and estimating that by 2014, Greece will again be in a situation where potentially they will need external assistance. So yes, I think it is about kicking the can down the road. Now the process of that of course is to try and deleverage the private sector as much as possible. So to make public the debt so that when some final restructuring of debt takes place, that the risks of contagion are considerably less than what they are perceived as being today.

PREWITT: So the sequence is Papandreou passes the vote of confidence that happened yesterday, then the Greece legislator passes an austerity budget and then Greece gets the EUR12 billion. And then we're going to worry later about whether Papandreou can make all those austerity measures stick and that Greeks will start to pay their taxes?

HALPENNY: Yes, well, the crucial thing is EUR12 billion because between the 15 and the 22 of July, Greece has about EUR6, EUR6.5 billion worth of T-bills rolling over that need to be rolled over, basically. So that would be - if we didn't have the EUR12 billion trans (ph) by then, the T-bill auctions, which have been going relatively well considering there would be a considerable risk that those auctions would dry up at that point in time. So crucially, EUR12 billion must be agreed before that timeline. Then the immediate aftermath of that, we must have some kind of clarity in regard to -

KEENE: Right.

HALPENNY: - the second bailout.

KEENE: Derek, the elephant in the room here is that we can talk about finance and we can talk about almost what I'll call political monetary economy. There's a real economy out there. Within your study of economics and you're witnessing austerity play out with a Plan B debate in the United Kingdom, within economics can you have these countries run with real rates that high and GDP rolling over to a persistent recessionary levels?

HALPENNY: Well, that's the problem in the periphery and nobody really pays very much attention to the fact that the consequences of all this will be economic eventually in terms of the relative tightening of financial market conditions makes it all the more unlikely that when added with austerity that's required, it makes it, I think, near-on impossible for these countries to implement austerity without some form of offsetting monetary accommodation. And that's of course, the real problem for these European countries within the single block currency (ph) -

KEENE: What is your strategy, Derek, on Euro right now?

HALPENNY: Well, I'm a little bit worried to sell right here, given my scenario and my assumption that somehow we'll muddle through over the next couple of weeks. We could see the Euro holding up reasonably well, but as you pointed out, I think the macro economics will come back to the fore or possible after that and I think the consequences of all this will become much more evidenced in the second half of this year. And the whole dynamic in terms of Europe outperforming the United States I think is going to change and that in itself, I think, will be a key catalyst for pushing the Euro lower in the second half of the year.

KEENE: Derek, thank you so much. Derek Halpenny from the trading desk, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi in London.

7:24

***END OF TRANSCRIPT***

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Deportivo goalkeeper given 6-month suspended jail sentence for assaulting deputy

Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Gustavo Munua received a six-month suspended prison sentence Wednesday for assaulting the No. 2 shot stopper at the Spanish club.

Munua was found guilty of attacking Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate in the Deportivo locker room on Jan. 11, but was fined euro3,600 (US$5,235) and had his jail term suspended as it was his first offense.

Aouate needed eight stitches around his left eye after being punched by Munua one day after telling reporters he didn't know why the Uruguayan had taken his position as the No. 1 goalkeeper at the club.

Both players were initially dropped by coach Miguel Angel Lotina on Jan. 12 before being allowed to return to the team. They continue to train separately from each other and the rest of the squad.

Deportivo is 19th in the league with 17 points, five behind the lowest-ranked team not in the relegation zone.

Sox bracing for the worst Barcelo is likely to replace ailing Eldred

MINNEAPOLIS No matter what the results of a bone scan on pitcherCal Eldred's right elbow reveal today, the White Sox were planningfor the worst Thursday when they alerted reliever Lorenzo Barcelo tojoin the team from Class AAA Charlotte.

Eldred, 33, underwent a bone scan Thursday because of pain in hiselbow in the same spot where he had a 5-inch screw inserted Sept. 7.The right-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list and Barcelowill be activated before the game tonight against the Minnesota Twinsat the Metrodome.

"Whenever there is an injury, it's frustrating," Eldred said."When it's your arm and you are a pitcher, then it's your livelihood.You just hope and pray it's not a big deal."

Barcelo, who went 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in two relief appearances atCharlotte, will work out of the bullpen. He had shoulder pain at theend of spring training, and his drop in velocity made him a surprisecut. In five innings with the Knights, he allowed six hits, struckout five and walked one. Barcelo, 23, appeared in 22 games for theSox last season, going 4-2 with a 3.69 ERA.

Eldred's next start would have been Tuesday in Detroit. That roleis expected to be filled by right-hander Rocky Biddle, who earned thevictory filling in for Eldred on Monday. Biddle allowed two runs infive innings to earn the second victory of his career.

Manager Jerry Manuel said the Sox weren't interested in rushingback right-hander James Baldwin from the disabled list. Baldwin,coming off October shoulder surgery, made his first rehabilitationstart Wednesday at Charlotte and is scheduled for one more start withthe Knights before joining the Sox next week.

This marks Eldred's seventh time on the disabled list in his eight-year career. Six of the times were because of injuries to his rightelbow. The other time was because of an injury to his right forearm.

Small fractures in his right elbow have cut short Eldred's seasonseach of the previous three years. When Eldred allowed doctors toinsert the screw in his elbow last season, no one was quite sure howhis arm would respond. Eldred is the first major-league pitcher toperform with a screw in his elbow.

Eldred knew the screw was the only hope of continuing his career.After pitching without problems during spring training, Eldred grewconcerned while warming up before the second inning Wednesday, hissecond start of the season.

By the end of the inning, the pain was so intense, Eldred removedhimself from the game, an eventual 7-6 Sox victory against theCleveland Indians.

Injuries to pitchers happen every season, but the Sox areespecially concerned about Eldred, the inspirational leader of theclubhouse.

"Cal is probably the classiest guy I've ever been around," firstbaseman Paul Konerko said. "He is above and beyond a lot of guys asfar as how he treats people. Everybody is pulling for him. He keptbattling and battling to help the team when most guys would have shutit down. I have more respect for Cal than any other person inbaseball."

"I've been with him the longest, and I know what he has beenthrough," said Jose Valentin, who came to the Sox with Eldred in theJan. 12, 2000, trade that sent pitchers Jaime Navarro and John Snyderto the Milwaukee Brewers. "He has so much courage. He showed me a lotby having that (screw) put in there. I know it wasn't an easydecision."

AP Weekly News Calendar

Tuesday, Feb. 24:

JOHANNESBURG _ U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits. Through Feb. 26.

KAMPALA, Uganda _ World Agricultural Forum's World Congress, the first time it is held outside the United States.

MEXICO CITY _ Mexico's transportation industry holds nationwide protests to demand help during global economic crisis, better protection against crime.

RIO DE JANEIRO _ Carnival ends.

WASHINGTON _ Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on monetary policy before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee; Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing on obtaining the name of U.S. clients with Swiss financial accounts.

WASHINGTON _ President Barack Obama meets Japan's prime minister Taro Aso, and addresses a joint meeting of Congress.

CHICAGO _ Colombia Vice President Santos Calderon speaks about the future of U.S.-Columbia economic relations.

Wednesday, Feb. 25:

WASHINGTON _ House Armed Services subcommittee hearing on the future of missile defense testing.

WASHINGTON _ House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the U.S.-Russia relationship.

WASHINGTON _ House Science and Technology Committee hearing on the effect of U.S. export control policies on science and technology activities and competitiveness.

Thursday, Feb. 26:

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania _ U.N. Secretary General visits. Through Feb. 27.

KINGSTON, Jamaica _ Patrick Allen sworn in as Jamaica's sixth governor general.

WASHINGTON _ Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK _ The Grand Canyon celebrates its 90th year as a national park with the official unveiling of a visitor's center that until recently was a century-old gift shop.

Friday, Feb. 27:

PARIS _ Annual Cesars ceremony honoring the year's top films.

LOS ANGELES _ Sentencing set for fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander in sex assault case.

Saturday, Feb. 28:

No major events added.

Sunday, March 1:

BRUSSELS _ EU leaders hold emergency summit talks to go over strategy to get out of deepening economic crisis.

MADRID _ Parliament elections in Spain's Basque and Galicia regions.

Led by the new Vick, Eagles have dynamic offense

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Michael Vick that's headed back to Atlanta this weekend isn't the same quarterback that used to thrill fans inside the Georgia Dome.

That's good news for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Vick is a far more complete player than he was during six, mostly spectacular seasons with the Falcons. As a result, the Eagles (1-0) have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.

"Maturity has been something that I think has been the biggest reason why I'm able to accomplish the things that I've been able to accomplish today," Vick said Wednesday. "Just being older, with age comes the maturation process. Everything just happens in time."

Expos' bunt fouls up Cubs in 10th inning

Expos 5 Cubs 4

MONTREAL Last season isn't completely forgotten. Kevin Orie hadit seared into his mind what happens when a third baseman lets a bunthugging the foul line get behind him. You do recall that buntdouble, just another of 1997's many-splendored Cubs catastrophes?

"I'm not going to take a chance again," Orie explained. "That'swhy I went ahead and grabbed it.""It" was DaRond Stovall's bunt single in Saturday's 10th inning.And "it" was the beginning of the end for the Cubs in Montreal's 5-4victory. In your easy chair watching on TV, you can imagine thatball should go foul in another couple bounces. But Orie didn't havethe luxury of pause and ponder with the hard-hit bunt on the line.Orie believes he made a better decision than first-base umpireFrank Pulli, who called Stovall safe. "He was out," Orie said. "Iguess it's a game of inches. Stuff happens."The bunt put Expos at first and second with none out, andVladimir Guerrero's double to center against Terry Adams finished offthe Cubs. They had set themselves up for downfall by repeatedoffensive failures down the stretch."We needed that one extra hit a couple different times and wedidn't get it," Jeff Blauser said.You might ask why manager Jim Riggleman didn't have Blauser buntBrant Brown to second base in the ninth after Brown led with asingle. That would have set up a RBI situation for Mark Grace, whosingled to right. It was only good enough to get Brown to thirdsince Blauser struck out."Two reasons," Riggleman said, explaining why Blauser didn'tbunt. "It's hard to bunt against those hard throwers (relieverUgueth Urbina). And even if he does move him over, Grace might notget much to hit there with a man on second."Sammy Sosa was 3-for-3 with a walk, including a homer, when hecame up in the ninth with one out and runners at first and third.Urbina struck him out on a pitch up and in.In the sixth, with Cubs at second and third and one out, JoseHernandez whiffed on a Carlos Perez changeup. Perez fanned only twoCubs during his six innings, but this one was crucial."I get those two runs home and we're more comfortable," Hernandezsaid of missing a chance for a 5-2 lead. "Perez changes speeds realgood."Mickey Morandini failed to sacrifice in the eighth inning,arguing the second-strike call with home-plate umpire Bruce Dreckman,who claimed that an inside pitch ticked the bat. Morandini thenrolled into a double play."We're disappointed, but we can't be too upset," Blauser said.This was the Expos' first victory over the Cubs in six tries thisyear. When the Cubs' first four batters opened the game with hitsfor a 2-0 lead, it looked as if the Cubs were picking up where theyleft off in Friday's 13-0 rout.But even Henry Rodriguez cooled off. He began the day in rareair - eighth on the NL list of hardest to fan with two strikeouts in31 at-bats. But the former Expos outfielder struck out twice in thisgame."We let it get away from us long before (the 10th)," Rigglemansaid.The Cubs are now 1-8 in their last nine games in Montreal. Theyshould remember that when they start to think how good it feels to be8-3. That'll stop this slip from becoming a slide.

RAIN or SHINE Spring is here -- whatever the weather

It's the first day of spring -- can April showers and May flowersbe far behind?

Not to mention relaxing days at the swimming pool or on the golfcourse.

We've assembled some products to get you in the mood.

They're especially designed to celebrate, either rain or shine.

Keeping dry

When we think of rain, we think of Totes -- a company locatedright down the road in Cincinnati. Among its most interesting newproducts are:

The Senz, (pictured at the top) umbrella is aerodynamicallydesigned to cut through and deflect the wind, withstanding a windspeed of up to 70 mph. These umbrellas have an asymmetrical canopyshape that resembles an airplane wing, reinforcing rib configurationand special foam grip handle. ($55)

The Eco 'brella, the company's automatic open/closeenvironmentally responsible umbrella, features a canopy made of 100percent recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.($30)

The Rihanna collection was created by R&B Grammy-winner Rihannaand inspired by her hit, "Umbrella." The line includes four umbrellastyles that come in metallic color combinations and patterns. Italso includes Rihanna removable charms for a belt, bracelet, keychain or other accessory. They sell for $20.

Totes products are available at Macy's and totes.com.

Puddles beware

Rain boots can be fun and funky, too. These waterproof boots byKamik are made of recyclable material and are available at DSW,Nordstrom and at zappos.com. They retail for $60.

For rainy days

Kids get a kick out of getting decked out for a rainy day. Rain &Shine Boots from Lands' End come in a variety of prints andpatterns. They have rectangular side grips sized for little handsand are anti-microbial to help get rid of stinky odors ($25).Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or at www.landsend.com.

Waterproof print rain slicker ($38) and matching rain hat($14.50) features chin straps to keep everything secure in windyweather. Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or atwww.landsend.com.

A sure sign of spring

Leather flip-flops come in blue, pink, green and orange and sellfor $24.50 at Te Gap.

For rain or shine

These clear sunglasses will work on both gloomy ad sunny days. ByFossil, they"re $26-$48 at Elder-Beerman.

Ride in style

What could be better than a sunny spring or summer day on yourtricycle? This Grow-With-Me Trike from Fisher-Price is designed forkids ages 2-6 and features easy-grip handlebars, slip-resistantpedals and durable tires. In the upmost position, the trike can beused as a traditional trike. In the lower positions, the trike canbe used as an older "Low Rider" with the oversized front wheel,which enables the child to pedal at a higher rate of speed.Available soon at toy stores. ($24.99)

Keeping Fido dry

The Ohio State hooded nylon rain slicker has reflective trim soyou can see your dog in the dark. Velcro adjustable straps connectunder the belly and chest. It's $17.95-$19.95 at Moochie & Co. atThe Greene. The store also sells pet sunscreen and sunglasses.

Neoprene boots protect your pets' paws in the rain. A zipper andVelcro straps keep the boot from falling off the paw. Priced at$13.97-$20.97 from Moochie & Co. at The Greene.

Carry-all

A sunny day means toting all your goodies to the pool or thetennis courts. This twill floral tote is $39.50 at The Gap.

Time for a sundress

This multicolor halter patchwork patio dress is designed with themom-to-be in mind. It's $44.98 at Motherhood Maternity at the DaytonMall and the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Get into the trenches

You'll be seeing lots of oversized floral prints this season. Thelined Gardenia Trench Coat is double-breasted and features longsleeves with buckle detail at the cuffs and an adjustable tie belt.It's $79.95 at Avenue.

Anchors away

Nothing says springtime like nautical themes. This cotton jerseystriped anchor shirt in chili and white, by Nautica, is $44 atMacy's.

Protecting our skin

It's important to protect our skin yearround, but especiallycrucial as we start spending more time in the sun. We askedCosmetics Cop Paula Begoin to choose a few of her favorite drugstore products that do a good job of taking care of our skin. Tolearn more, you can sign up for Paula's free beauty newsletter atwww.cosmeticscop.com.

Drugstore daytime moisturizer sunscreens

Almay Daily Moisturizer for Normal/ Combo Skin with Grape SeedSPF 15 ($11.99 for 4 ounces), Dove Energy Glow BrighteningMoisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 for 1.7 ounce), Olay Regenerist UVDefense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 ($18.99 for 2.5 ounces).

Drugstore sunscreens (face and body)

Almay Sun Protector for Body SPF 30 ($8.99 for 4.2 ounces), JasonNatural Sunbrellas Complete Sunblock SPF 26 ($11 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30 ($9.99 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45 ($9.99 for 3ounces).

Drugstore lip balms with sunscreen

Blistex Clear Advance SPF 30 ($1.89 for 0.15 ounce), Blistex ProCare SPF 30 ($2.49 for 0.16 ounce), Kiss My Face Vanilla HoneyOrganic Lip Balm SPF 15 ($3.50 for 0.15 ounce).

Drugstore foundations with sunscreen

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($9.99), RevlonColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 ($12.99), Cover Girl AquaSmoothMakeup SPF 15 ($8.50)

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 ormmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

RAIN or SHINE Spring is here -- whatever the weather

It's the first day of spring -- can April showers and May flowersbe far behind?

Not to mention relaxing days at the swimming pool or on the golfcourse.

We've assembled some products to get you in the mood.

They're especially designed to celebrate, either rain or shine.

Keeping dry

When we think of rain, we think of Totes -- a company locatedright down the road in Cincinnati. Among its most interesting newproducts are:

The Senz, (pictured at the top) umbrella is aerodynamicallydesigned to cut through and deflect the wind, withstanding a windspeed of up to 70 mph. These umbrellas have an asymmetrical canopyshape that resembles an airplane wing, reinforcing rib configurationand special foam grip handle. ($55)

The Eco 'brella, the company's automatic open/closeenvironmentally responsible umbrella, features a canopy made of 100percent recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.($30)

The Rihanna collection was created by R&B Grammy-winner Rihannaand inspired by her hit, "Umbrella." The line includes four umbrellastyles that come in metallic color combinations and patterns. Italso includes Rihanna removable charms for a belt, bracelet, keychain or other accessory. They sell for $20.

Totes products are available at Macy's and totes.com.

Puddles beware

Rain boots can be fun and funky, too. These waterproof boots byKamik are made of recyclable material and are available at DSW,Nordstrom and at zappos.com. They retail for $60.

For rainy days

Kids get a kick out of getting decked out for a rainy day. Rain &Shine Boots from Lands' End come in a variety of prints andpatterns. They have rectangular side grips sized for little handsand are anti-microbial to help get rid of stinky odors ($25).Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or at www.landsend.com.

Waterproof print rain slicker ($38) and matching rain hat($14.50) features chin straps to keep everything secure in windyweather. Available at Lands' End, (800) 800-5800 or atwww.landsend.com.

A sure sign of spring

Leather flip-flops come in blue, pink, green and orange and sellfor $24.50 at Te Gap.

For rain or shine

These clear sunglasses will work on both gloomy ad sunny days. ByFossil, they"re $26-$48 at Elder-Beerman.

Ride in style

What could be better than a sunny spring or summer day on yourtricycle? This Grow-With-Me Trike from Fisher-Price is designed forkids ages 2-6 and features easy-grip handlebars, slip-resistantpedals and durable tires. In the upmost position, the trike can beused as a traditional trike. In the lower positions, the trike canbe used as an older "Low Rider" with the oversized front wheel,which enables the child to pedal at a higher rate of speed.Available soon at toy stores. ($24.99)

Keeping Fido dry

The Ohio State hooded nylon rain slicker has reflective trim soyou can see your dog in the dark. Velcro adjustable straps connectunder the belly and chest. It's $17.95-$19.95 at Moochie & Co. atThe Greene. The store also sells pet sunscreen and sunglasses.

Neoprene boots protect your pets' paws in the rain. A zipper andVelcro straps keep the boot from falling off the paw. Priced at$13.97-$20.97 from Moochie & Co. at The Greene.

Carry-all

A sunny day means toting all your goodies to the pool or thetennis courts. This twill floral tote is $39.50 at The Gap.

Time for a sundress

This multicolor halter patchwork patio dress is designed with themom-to-be in mind. It's $44.98 at Motherhood Maternity at the DaytonMall and the Mall at Fairfield Commons.

Get into the trenches

You'll be seeing lots of oversized floral prints this season. Thelined Gardenia Trench Coat is double-breasted and features longsleeves with buckle detail at the cuffs and an adjustable tie belt.It's $79.95 at Avenue.

Anchors away

Nothing says springtime like nautical themes. This cotton jerseystriped anchor shirt in chili and white, by Nautica, is $44 atMacy's.

Protecting our skin

It's important to protect our skin yearround, but especiallycrucial as we start spending more time in the sun. We askedCosmetics Cop Paula Begoin to choose a few of her favorite drugstore products that do a good job of taking care of our skin. Tolearn more, you can sign up for Paula's free beauty newsletter atwww.cosmeticscop.com.

Drugstore daytime moisturizer sunscreens

Almay Daily Moisturizer for Normal/ Combo Skin with Grape SeedSPF 15 ($11.99 for 4 ounces), Dove Energy Glow BrighteningMoisturizer SPF 15 ($10.99 for 1.7 ounce), Olay Regenerist UVDefense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 ($18.99 for 2.5 ounces).

Drugstore sunscreens (face and body)

Almay Sun Protector for Body SPF 30 ($8.99 for 4.2 ounces), JasonNatural Sunbrellas Complete Sunblock SPF 26 ($11 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Age Shield Sunblock SPF 30 ($9.99 for 4 ounces),Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45 ($9.99 for 3ounces).

Drugstore lip balms with sunscreen

Blistex Clear Advance SPF 30 ($1.89 for 0.15 ounce), Blistex ProCare SPF 30 ($2.49 for 0.16 ounce), Kiss My Face Vanilla HoneyOrganic Lip Balm SPF 15 ($3.50 for 0.15 ounce).

Drugstore foundations with sunscreen

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17 ($9.99), RevlonColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 ($12.99), Cover Girl AquaSmoothMakeup SPF 15 ($8.50)

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 ormmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Merkel: Britain remains important EU partner

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel says Britain will remain an important member of the European Union despite refusing to join a new treaty aimed at solving the problems that led to the eurozone debt crisis.

Last week, British Prime Minister David Cameron blocked Merkel's push to bring all 27 EU members together for treaty changes. That left London isolated.

But Merkel told German lawmakers Wednesday that, while she regrets the decision, "it is beyond doubt for me that Great Britain will in future continue to be an important partner in the European Union."

She added: "Great Britain is a reliable partner for Europe not just in questions of foreign and security policy; Great Britain is also this partner in many other questions — in competitiveness, in the internal market, for trade, for climate protection."

Fidel Castro in prominent TV interview

Fidel Castro is speaking slowly, but appears relaxed and cogent in his most prominent television interview in years.

The 83-year-old former president talked about the conflict between North and South Korea at the start of an interview Monday on the "Mesa Redonda" _ or "Round Table" _ a daily Cuban talk show on current events.

It was a rare appearance for a man who has stayed largely out of the public eye since a serious illness four years ago forced him from power. The first photographs of the revolutionary leader in a public forum were published on Saturday, when images of him greeting workers at a Havana think tank appeared in Cuban …

Fidel Castro in prominent TV interview

Fidel Castro is speaking slowly, but appears relaxed and cogent in his most prominent television interview in years.

The 83-year-old former president talked about the conflict between North and South Korea at the start of an interview Monday on the "Mesa Redonda" _ or "Round Table" _ a daily Cuban talk show on current events.

It was a rare appearance for a man who has stayed largely out of the public eye since a serious illness four years ago forced him from power. The first photographs of the revolutionary leader in a public forum were published on Saturday, when images of him greeting workers at a Havana think tank appeared in Cuban …

Fidel Castro in prominent TV interview

Fidel Castro is speaking slowly, but appears relaxed and cogent in his most prominent television interview in years.

The 83-year-old former president talked about the conflict between North and South Korea at the start of an interview Monday on the "Mesa Redonda" _ or "Round Table" _ a daily Cuban talk show on current events.

It was a rare appearance for a man who has stayed largely out of the public eye since a serious illness four years ago forced him from power. The first photographs of the revolutionary leader in a public forum were published on Saturday, when images of him greeting workers at a Havana think tank appeared in Cuban …

Hambletonian's top 2 on tap at Sportsman's

Sportsman's Park will be invaded Saturday night by the 1-2finishers in the Aug. 3 Hambletonian.

Continentalvictory, still seeking the triple crown of trottingafter her wins in the Yonkers Trot and Hambletonian, will attempt tocomplete the triple in the Kentucky Futurity on Oct. 4. She is the1-5 morning-line choice over six rivals in the $147,640 AmericanNational Stake for 3-year-old filly trotters. Hambletonian runner-upLindy Lane looms as the 7-5 favorite in the $211,440 AmericanNational Stake for 3-year-old trotters.

Continentalvictory equaled Mack Lobell's record for 3-year-oldswhen she trotted the mile in 1:52 1/5 in her Hambletonian eliminationrace at the …

Simple method of colour images correction.(Report)

1. INTRODUCTION

Digital image can be acquired or processed by different devices like camera, scanner, computer monitor or printer. To ensure most devoted colour reproduction this device must satisfy specific conditions--reproduced appearance must be the same as the authentic one or very similar independently on processing or devices used in reproduction sequence. In practice there is a problem to satisfy this condition while not all devices in reproduction sequence describe and manipulate with colour in the same way and not all of them are able to display the same colour spectrum (gamut) (McCann, 1999). Scanner, camera and computer monitor define colour in RGB space. It means the colour is represented by 3 coordinates describing the ratio of the red, green and blue base colour component. Final colour appearance is affected by the technical properties of actual device. These devices use device-dependent colour space.

Coordinates of device-dependent colour space determine how to make a colour but they don't say anything about how the final colour will look like. Here belongs RGB or CMYK colour space.

Coordinates of device-independent colour space determine how final colour will look like, but they don't say anything about how to make a colour. Here belongs XYZ or L*a*b* colour space.

Nowadays the sequence of colours reproduction is characterized by open architecture, i.e. devices from various manufacturers are …

MELONS DESERVE THEIR JUST DESSERTS.(LIFE & LEISURE)

Byline: LAUREN CHAPIN Kansas City Star

Melons, affectionately known as Cucumis melo by botanists, are a rather complex fruit (or vegetable, depending on which source is consulted).

They have a ragtag history and a propensity to hybridize willy-nilly. The French, in fact, go to great lengths to keep apart melons and their cousins, cucumbers, to prevent ``incestuous intercourse,'' according to The Oxford Companion to Food.

We'll narrow this discussion to three categories of dessert melons: cantaloupe, netted (or musk and nutmeg) and winter melons.

The cantaloupe category includes the most fragrant specimens and is named for Cantalupo, Italy, …