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Cell phones called good for safety

2012-03-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

If a person from 1983 could be transported and plunked down in anymajor city in the world today, he probably would adjust quickly tonew clothing and hair styles as well as changes in auto design.

But something else, something we've all come to take for granted,might not ring a bell: He would be astonished to see the large numberof people walking around the streets seemingly talking to themselves.

Has the world gone mad? No, over the last two decades, especiallyin the last five to 10 years, it's gone cellular.

The cell phone, originally developed by Motorola Inc., changed theworld and is still redefining our world.

The cell phone has increased productivity …

Olive oil to 'bragg' about

2012-03-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the latest addition to Bragg's product line. A natural and healthy addition to your diet, olive oil is , high in monounsaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol while still …

House budget bill aids carmakers, disaster victims

2012-03-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

The House has passed a budget bill with $25 billion in loans for automakers and generous help for victims of hurricanes and flooding.

The bills also ends a quarter-century ban on oil drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. And it provides record budgets for the Pentagon and for veterans' health care for veterans.

The House vote was 370-58 Wednesday. The $630 billion-plus measure now goes to the Senate, which is expected to send the legislation to President Bush for his signature.

The spending bill would keep agencies running at current levels through March. That would give Congress time to wrap up lots of unfinished budget work.

…

Artist receives seven nominations: ; Miranda Lambert tops Academy of Country Music Awards list

2012-03-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Miranda Lambert proclaimed 2010 the best yearof her life. After hauling in seven Academy of Country Music Awardsnominations, 2011 isn't looking so bad either.

Lambert, joined by Ronnie Dunn on Tuesday morning to announce thenominees at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, received herfirst ACM entertainer of the year nomination and will defend her2010 top female vocalist win, along with nods for song and single ofthe year. Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band were next with fivenominations each.

The blonde firebrand started a sizzling hot streak last year atthe ACMs, with three wins, including album of the year for thelionized …

Carl Burton Myers Jr., accountant, executive

2012-03-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Carl Burton Myers Jr. worked in the financial world for 50 yearsin the Chicago area.

"He was a wonderful man and a great father," said his son PeterMyers. "He was strong and loving, and he always was a hard worker. Heknew the value of a dollar and the value of an education. He enjoyedplaying golf, but he didn't have enough time to play often because hewas too busy with his work."

Mr. Myers, 85, died of heart failure March 30 at the Meadow Brooknursing home in Aurora.

Mr. Myers was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and he was schooled atthe Culver Military Academy and at the University of Iowa, where heearned a bachelor of science degree in accounting. He joined …

WTA Schedule

2012-03-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

Jan. 2-8 — Brisbane International, HO (Petra Kvitova)

Jan. 3-8 — ASB Classic, HO (Greta Arn)

Jan. 9-14 — Medibank International, HO (Li Na)

Jan. 9-15 — Moorilla International, HO (Jarmila Groth)

Jan. 17-30 — Australian Open, HO (Kim Clijsters)

Feb. 5-6 — Fed Cup I

Feb. 7-13 — Open GDF SUEZ, Paris, HI

Feb. 7-13 — PTT Pattaya Open, Pattaya City, Thailand, HO

Feb. 14-19 — Cellular South Cup, Memphis, Tennessee, HI

Feb. 14-20 — Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, HO

Feb. 14-20 — Copa BBVA Colsanitas, Bogota, Colombia, RCO

Feb. 21-26 — Qatar Ladies Open, Doha, Qatar, HO

Feb. 21-26 — Abierto Mexicano …

Summary Box: Corn drops as weather improves

2012-03-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

WEATHER FORECAST: The Midwest appears to be in store for cooler, wetter weather in the coming weeks, which would be favorable for the corn crop.

CORN FALLS: Corn prices fell sharply, ending a three-week rally based on expecations for unfavorably …

Mechanics of Cellular Adhesion to Artificial Artery Templates

2012-03-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

ABSTRACT

We are using polymer templates to grow artificial artery grafts in vivo for the replacement of diseased blood vessels. We have previously shown that adhesion of macrophages to the template starts the graft formation. We present a study of the mechanics of macrophage adhesion to these templates on a single cell and single bond level with optical tweezers. For whole cells, in vitro cell adhesion densities decreased significantly from polymer templates polyethylene to silicone to Tygon (167, 135, and 65 cells/mm^sup 2^). These cell densities were correlated with the graft formation success rate (50%, 25%, and 0%). Single-bond rupture forces at a loading rate of 450 pN/s were …

China benchmark stock index falls nearly 7 percent in second day of global sell-off

2012-03-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

China's main stock index fell nearly 7 percent in early trading Tuesday in the second day of a sell-off in global markets on worries about the state of the U.S. economy.

The Shanghai Composite Index dipped to its lowest level in five months early in the day before regaining ground to end morning trading at 4,714.30, down 4.1 percent.

The Shenzhen Composite Index dipped as much as 6 percent in early trading but was down 4.1 percent by midday.

The drop tracked second-day losses in other major Asian markets. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index has dropped more than 4 percent Tuesday, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index is off around 8 percent near …

Hair-raising tales may scare stylistâs clients from chairs

2012-03-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Abby: I am a weekly client at an upscale hair salon. I and most of the other customers are over 65. The owner, "Valentino," is a 50ish widower who likes to brag about his romantic conquests. My friends and I agree that his revelations are inappropriate and unprofessional.

Val is an excellent hairdresser. Should we ignore his behavior, or quit cold turkey and live with bad hair days?

Embarrassed in the Big Easy

Dear Embarrassed: I have a better idea. Take Valentino aside and tell him privately, as a friend, that hearing the details of his sex life is embarrassing, and that some of his clients have mentioned they're considering changing hairdressers because of …

Utilities face security, competition as major issues

2012-03-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

Making sure that power and water flow smoothly means more than the flick of a switch or the turn of a faucet. Competition, reliability and security are the major issues public utility companies and utilityrelated government agencies face in 2003. These agencies also are looking at ways to cut costs for consumers.

Lack of consumer choices for electricity, phone and water providers is an issue of importance for Irwin "Sonny" Popowsky, the consumer advocate of Pennsylvania on utility matters. "One issue is how to protect customers, particularly residential customers, in an era when there are so few choices," he said. 'Large business customers have more choices,, but that's not the …

Tourism booming in Rio de Janeiro

2012-03-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Rio de Janeiro officials say the city is seeing a boom in tourism.

The municipal tourism department known as Riotur says the city expects to receive 3 million more visitors this summer than last summer. That's a 12.4 percent increase projected for the south-of-the-equator summer months of January, February and March.

Riotur officials said last week the greater number of visitors will …

Hall of Shame Other Inductees; Tighten your security practices, pronto - or your company will make this list, too.

2012-03-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

The credit records of 3.9 million Citigroup customers disappear after United Parcel Service loses a box of backup tapes. The card numbers of 40 million MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover account holders are exposed to hackers because a Tucson, Ariz.-based transaction processor stored information longer than it should have. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the federal agency responsible for protecting bank accounts, informed 6,000 present and former employees that their personal data had been stolen in 2004.

It was a rough June.

Every time you think screw-ups involving the security of data about American companies' most prized possessions - their customers - can't get worse, a new, bigger one comes along.

Preventing these issues isn't that complicated, says Alan Brill, senior managing director at data security vendor Kroll Ontrack: Encrypt data in transit; use better procedures to handle personal information such as Social Security numbers; don't hang on to data longer than necessary; and fortify networks internally and externally, using processes that limit access to only those who need it.

But there's no glory in following those security practices. ChoicePoint may have seen its stock drop 15%, wiping out $630 million of shareholder wealth in February, when the company confirmed that it had lost personal data on 145,000 people. But most companies roll the dice and then play the victim card when they are hacked or snookered into handing over personal information to crooks.

"These things just shouldn't be happening," says Jim Stickley, chief technology officer for TraceSecurity. "There's just no good reason not to have good security policies and practices. A lot of companies are still living with that 'it can't happen to me' mentality."

The big question: What can entice companies to beef up security? At this point, it's unclear. But shame can be a good motivator. So, herewith, the first inductees into the Baseline Security Hall of Shame. The running list will be compiled as needed and run in full in our special year-end issue, "The Year of Living Dangerously."

Nominations for the Hall of Shame can be sent to baseline@ziffdavis.com.

LOWLIGHT OF THE MONTH

CardSystems Solutions, Tucson, Ariz., loses 40 million credit card numbers after an unauthorized individual infiltrated the company's network and took customer data. Details about the theft are sketchy. MasterCard, Visa and CardSystems aren't commenting beyond their statements.

CardSystems says it discovered the breach on May 22 and called the Federal Bureau of Investigation the following day.

The folly of not following procedure. MasterCard and Visa noted that CardSystems stored more data than it should have and violated security protocols. Why was CardSystems allowed to operate if it wasn't in compliance with card issuer security standards? Apparently, CardSystems was secure at this time last year. Baseline has learned that CardSystems was verified as meeting Visa's security standards in June 2004, but began storing more data than it should have shortly thereafter.

Now that it has been hacked, CardSystems is "completing the installation of enhanced/additional security procedures."

What to do, next time. Verify transaction processor security more often. Just because a processor is in compliance with Visa and MasterCard security requirements on Tuesday, doesn't mean it will be on Thursday.

Be proactive. If CardSystems truly believes its June 17 statement - in which it said that "our customers and their customers are our lifeblood" - maybe it should have beefed up security ahead of a breach.

CardSystems is far from alone when it comes to information security woes.

BANK OF AMERICA

The bank loses backup tapes containing 1.2 million federal-employee records.

CHOICEPOINT

Allows 145,000 Social Security numbers and credit histories to be stolen by crooks posing as businessmen.

CITIGROUP

Loses backup tapes containing 3.9 million credit records. Company says it will now encrypt data.

DSW SHOE WAREHOUSE

Reports that between mid-November 2004 and mid-February 2005, transaction data on 1.4 million credit card accounts and 96,000 checks was stolen.

LEXIS-NEXIS

Suffers 59 different intrusions that result in a haul of 310,000 customer Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers and addresses.

POLO RALPH LAUREN

Fashion icon hangs on to credit card information too long in its point-of-sale systems and loses the personal data of 180,000 HSBC North America customers.

WACHOVIA

Edina, Minn., man receives the 1099 forms of 73 individuals who held escrow accounts with the bank. Company launches interactive identity-theft quiz on its Web site.

Top 3 in world muddled in the middle at US Open

2012-03-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

BETHESDA, Maryland (AP) — World rankings proved to be worth only so much in the opening round at the U.S. Open.

The top-ranked trio of No. 1 Luke Donald, No. 2 Lee Westwood and No. 3 Martin Kaymer went out as a group and all failed to break par at Congressional Country Club on Thursday. They finished a total of 10-over, collecting 17 bogeys and a double between them, with only 9 birdies.

Donald and Westwood, both Englishmen, shot 74 and 75. Kaymer, a German, finished with a 74.

"I think all three of us struggled a bit," Donald said. "There were no fireworks. We didn't get on a run and sometimes you need one or two guys to get on a run to get everyone going. It just didn't happen.

"It was," he added, "kind of a solemn group, I guess."

The problem certainly wasn't the start. Going off the 10th tee, both Donald and Kaymer made birdies, and the Englishman hit another 4-iron flush into the 11th green for a second straight birdie.

"I was loving the start," Donald said. But his red numbers were quickly wiped out by what he called an "untidy" span that began with a 3-putt bogey from 40 feet on No. 13, then extended to bogeys on three of the next four holes and a double at No. 18.

"It wasn't a matter of just I drove it poorly. It was I didn't hit enough fairways and when I hit fairways, I was short-siding myself," Donald said. "When I had those 6- to 8-footers to save some pars, I wasn't making them. It was a struggle today."

Westwood's problems proved even more frustrating because of his certainty that the long and brutal Congressional course — softened up by a morning rain — offered good scoring opportunities.

"I'm quite surprised nobody has gone out this morning and shot 66," Westwood said.

Asked whether the Open setup, with its fast greens, narrow fairways and graduated rough, heaped additional pressure on the players, Westwood replied, "Any course is a mental grind if you're not sharp. The U.S. Open is no different. ...

"I didn't hit enough fairways. I didn't hit enough good irons. My short game was pretty sharp actually. I just made too many mistakes."

Kaymer blamed his problems on an inconsistent driver. He hit eight of 14 fairways, one better than either of his playing partners, but said an inability to take advantage of the course off the tee cost him all the way around.

"My short game kept me alive," he said.

So did a good attitude.

"A little strange for me playing with five English guys," laughed Kaymer, whose caddie, Christian Donald, is Luke's brother. "But we all get along very well."

Fugitive teen caught here; Caretaker attacked before 3 girls fled Utah maternity home

2012-03-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

Chicago police arrested the second of three teens who fled from aUtah maternity home after the caretaker was attacked with a fryingpan.

A 17-year-old girl was arrested in Chicago after a tipster sawher at her grandmother's house, police said. She was returned toUtah last week.

"It is unknown . . . if she was staying with her grandmother orwho else may have assisted her while she was on the run for over twomonths," American Fork, Utah police Sgt. Shauna Greening saidWednesday.

A 15-year-old from California was turned in by her mother Jan.29.

Jana Moody, caretaker of New Hope Maternity Home, was hit with afrying pan and tied up with a power cord and duct tape Jan. 16,police said. The two girls and another teen from Texas then fled inMoody's van, police said.

The privately owned maternity home, 30 miles south of Salt LakeCity, is a place for struggling teens to learn about prenatal care,adoption and parenting skills. They are sent by their families toget them away from drugs or bad relationships.

The girl arrested in Chicago waived extradition and was returnedto Utah, where she is in a youth-detention center while her casemoves through Juvenile Court, Greening said.

"We are still actively looking for the last . . . female fromTexas," she said.

Spanish Football Summaries

2012-03-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

MADRID (AP) — Summaries of Saturday's matches from the 15th round of the Spanish league (home team listed first):

Saturday's Games
Levante 1, Sevilla 0

Levante: Nano (56).

Halftime: 0-0.

Attendance: 11,131

Real Betis 2, Valencia 1

Real Betis: Ruben Castro (91, 94).

Valencia: Jose Dorado (og 66).

Halftime: 0-0.

Attendance: 36,000

Real Madrid 1, Barcelona 3

Real Madrid: Karim Benzema (1).

Barcelona: Alexis Sanchez (30), Marcelo (og 53), Cesc Fabregas (66).

Halftime: 1-1.

Attendance: 83,500

Morgan Awards Program A Tribute to Susan Morgan

2012-03-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Morgan Awards Program was created in 2006 by the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) as a memorial tribute to Susan Morgan, a former manager of CFDR and an ardent supporter of the dietetic profession and of practice-based research. Susan believed in the importance of fostering and mentoring young researchers, so the Awards Program annually recognizes a dietetic intern/student in each of the six Dietitians of Canada (DC) regions who demonstrates excellence in a practice-based research project as well as an enthusiasm for and an understanding of the importance of research to dietetic practice. From among the regional winners, a national winner is chosen to receive the Morgan Medal and, in addition, is given travel, accommodation and registration for the annual DC conference. The national award recipient must prepare and present a poster presentation of their research project at the conference. Every four years, the national recipients will be encouraged to submit an application to the DC Young Researcher Award, which for the successful applicant includes attendance at the International Congress of Dietetics.

The application process for the Morgan Awards Program involves the dietetic intern/student submitting a description of their research project and a letter describing a key learning or significant milestone experienced in conducting their research, which could be a moment when their research project 'clicked' in their head and they became committed to it, when they figured out how to overcome a challenge in their research project or when they found beauty, intrigue or inspiration while conducting research. The applications are reviewed by a committee of DC members and former colleagues of Susan's, with representation from each DC region. When reviewing the applications, committee members look for the attributes that were important to Susan: supporting peers, leadership, openness to and potential for inquiry, positive outlook, determination and an ability to rise to challenges.

In its inaugural year, the Morgan Awards Program had applicants in five regions, four of which selected a recipient. The following regional recipients were presented with a commemorative plaque at a regional event

* Jill Anne McDowall, PEI - Adantic Region, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Integrated Dietetic Internship Program

* Jessica Sweezie, Kanata, ON - Quebec, Northeast and Eastern Ontario Region, Soutiieastern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program

* Alyssa Rud, Edmonton, AB - Alberta and the Territories Region, Capital Health Internship Program

* Allison Bunney, Victoria, BC-BC Region, Vancouver Island Health Authority Dietetic Internship Program

As part of the Awards celebration at the 2007 DC conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, we were honoured to have Sally Morgan, Susan's mother, in attendance to present the inaugural Morgan Medal to Jessica Sweezie. Other members of Susan's family were also in the audience. Further details are available on the CFDR web site (www.cfdr.ca), including information on the projects completed by this year's recipients, details about the Morgan Awards Program, how to apply and how to contribute to this tribute to Susan Morgan.

Police: Doping agents found in Fernandez's home

2012-03-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Spanish police say they uncovered doping agents in the home of Spanish race walker Francisco Fernandez during raids that led to 11 people being detained.

Spain's Guardia Civil discovered EPO and growth hormones while raiding clinics, pharmacies and homes linked to former Kelme cycling team doctor Walter Viru, who was among the nine men and two women detained.

A Guardia Civil spokesman says that "medications of these types" were discovered in the home of Fernandez, who won the silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Police say Fernandez was not detained because he appeared to be a consumer.

Viru worked with Eufemiano Fuentes, who was arrested in relation to cycling-related doping scandal Operation Puerto in 2006.

Starbucks Shuts Controversial China Shop

2012-03-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

BEIJING - Starbucks has closed a coffeehouse in China's former imperial palace, the company said Saturday, ending a presence that sparked protests by Chinese critics who said it damaged a key historical site.

The controversy over Starbucks at Beijing's 587-year-old Forbidden City has highlighted Chinese sensitivity about cultural symbols and unease over an influx of foreign pop culture.

Starbucks closed the 200-square-foot outlet Friday after Forbidden City managers decided they wanted all shops on its grounds to operate under the palace's brand name, said Eden Woon, Starbucks' vice president for Greater China.

"It was a very congenial decision. We respect what they are doing," Woon said.

The Starbucks opened in 2000 at the invitation of palace managers, who needed to raise money to maintain the 178-acre complex of villas and gardens. But critics said it was inappropriate. An anchor for Chinese state television led an online protest, saying the coffeehouse diminished Chinese culture.

Starbucks was offered the option of becoming part of a combined outlet with other beverage brands all sold under the Palace Museum brand name, according to Woon and Chinese news reports, which cited the palace's vice president, Li Wenru.

"There were several choices, one of which was to continue, but it would not carry the Starbucks name any more," Woon said. "We decided at the end that it is not our custom worldwide to have stores that have any other name, so therefore we decided the choice would be to leave."

Seattle-based Starbucks Corp. opened its first coffeehouse in China in 1999 and now has 250 mainland outlets. Its success has spawned a series of Chinese imitators. Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz described China last year as the company's No. 1 growth market.

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors before the end of imperial rule in 1911. It is China's top tourist attraction, drawing some 7 million visitors a year. Other businesses there include bookstores, souvenir shops and Chinese-style teahouses.

The palace is in the midst of a renovation, due to last through 2020, to restore the site to its imperial-era appearance. That includes removing a five-story archive museum and toning down commercial symbols. The number of shops on its grounds has been cut from 37 to 17, according to state media.

"Those businesses that remain in the Forbidden City must carry out reforms," the newspaper Beijing Daily quoted Li, the vice president, as saying. It gave no details.

Starbucks was a popular resting spot for palace visitors, but attracted criticism from the start. The company agreed shortly after opening to lower its profile by removing its exterior sign.

Protests were led by Rui Chenggang, an anchor for China Central Television's English-language channel.

Starbucks' presence "undermined the Forbidden City's solemnity and trampled over Chinese culture," Rui wrote in his CCTV blog earlier this year.

U.S. sanctions Russian companies for Syrian sales

2012-03-13T03:52:00.000-07:00

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright decided on March 29 to impose sanctions on three Russian companies for exporting an estimated $200 million in guided anti-tank missiles to Syria, which the United States classifies as a state-sponsor of international terrorism. The Tula Design Bureau, Volsk Mechanical Plant and Tsniitochmash will be prohibited from receiving U.S. financial assistance and U.S. munitions list items. In addition, U.S. companies will be proscribed from signing any contracts with the three companies.

The State Department admits, however, that it is unaware of any U.S. assistance to, contracts with or pending licenses for exports to the entities. The sanctions will be reviewed one year after the missile transfers end.

In taking the March 29 decision, Albright waived a federal law proscribing appropriation of U.S. Foreign Assistance Act funds to countries that export "lethal military equipment" to state-sponsors of international terrorism. Albright argued that it was in the U.S. national security interest not to cut assistance to Moscow because the funds will be used to promote Russia's economic, political and social transitions. The move saves Russia approximately $90 million in U.S. aid.

Euro higher vs dollar to $1.4106

2012-03-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

The euro was higher against the dollar Wednesday, with the U.S. currency weakened by expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will announce today that it is not yet ready to raise interest rates.

The 16-nation euro edged higher for a third consecutive day, reaching $1.4106 in European morning trading compared with $1.4083 the night before in late New York trading.

The Fed will wrap up a two-day policy meeting later in the day, with most economists predicting that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues won't launch any bold new efforts.

Fears have grown on Wall Street that the Fed's radical efforts to lift the country out of the longest recession since World War II could ignite inflation later on.

The euro was also helped by comments from Axel Weber, head of Germany's Bundesbank and part of the European Central Bank's governing council. In remarks Tuesday in Munich he said the ECB needs to avoid tightening monetary supply prematurely, suggesting the ECB will keep its refinancing rate at 1 percent.

In other trading, the pound bought $1.6563 in morning trading, up from the $1.6454 it bought in New York. The dollar bought 95.40 Japanese yen compared with 95.26 yen the night before in New York.

Democrats seek help for last-ditch jobs bill

2012-03-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

A $26 billion measure to help states and local school boards with their severe budget problems faces a make-or-break vote Wednesday as Senate Democrats try one last time to advance their faltering jobs agenda.

The bill would extend programs enacted in last year's stimulus law to help preserve the jobs of tens of thousands of teachers and other public employees.

Wednesday's vote to break Republican delaying tactics to block a final vote comes after Democratic leaders made final tweaks to the measure in hopes of winning the votes of moderate Maine Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. Snowe and Collins provided the key votes last month to pass a six-month extension of jobless assistance for the long-term unemployed.

A vote scheduled for Monday was postponed after an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office showed the measure would add to the deficit. Snowe and Collins also had been concerned about cuts to Navy shipbuilding accounts since the Bath Iron Works is so essential to their state's economy. Majority leader Harry Reid got rid of the proposed cuts Monday night.

The measure is scaled back from versions that stalled earlier this summer as part of a larger tax-and-spend measure extending jobless benefits and a variety of expired tax breaks. The first piece is $16 billion to help states with their Medicaid budgets in the first six months of next year. Medicaid is the government-funded program that provides health care to the poor.

It's less generous than the help provided under the stimulus law but is still desperately sought by governors, who have already made big budget cuts as tax revenues have plummeted in the recession _ and warn of even worse cuts if the federal help is not continued.

"We've made bitter choices," said Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat. "In the last three years Pennsylvania has raised more than a billion dollars in new revenue and we've cut spending by over $3.5 billion. It's not like we haven't done anything and we're coming to Washington and saying, 'Bail us out.'"

Democratic Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter said he had already accounted for a six-month increase in federal funding for Medicaid when putting together the state's budget for the coming year. If Congress does not provide that additional money, "that means making $211 million in cuts immediately," Ritter said.

The measure also contains $10 billion to help school boards hit with similar budget woes avoid teacher layoffs this fall.

The spending is accompanied by tax increases and spending cuts to avoid increasing the budget deficit. The bill eliminates in March 2014 an expanded food stamp benefit enacted last year, and limits the ability of some U.S.-based multinational companies to use foreign tax credits to reduce their U.S. taxes.

Democrats, who control the chamber with 59 votes, will need to pick up at least one Republican to muster the 60 required to defeat the Republican delaying maneuvers.

Collins has been a past supporter of giving states help with their budgets and was the driving force behind an aid package enacted in 2003 that added $20 billion to the deficit. Now, she's both concerned about the deficit and the means used by Democrats to address those concerns.

"It was a different situation," Collins said. "We didn't have a deficit of $1.5 trillion."

Both provisions are heavily backed by unions for teachers and public employees, key allies of the Democratic Party. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is running ads Wednesday in four Maine newspapers urging Collins and Snowe to vote to break the filibuster.

Obama requested an extension of additional aid for the Medicaid program in his budget and has belatedly rallied behind the money for teachers as well.

___

Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed to this report.

Two trophies in three days for super seniors

2012-03-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Chew Valley Seniors produced a five-star display to clinch the Division 1 title in the Roper Rhodes Bathrooms Bath & DistrictSaturday League.

And they completed a glorious Bank Holiday weekend by beatingSaltford AFC 3-2 in the Steve Fear Knockout Cup final on Monday tocomplete the double.

Adams (2), Thomas, Ingood and Price fired them to a 5-1 victoryover Aces SSJ on Saturday, which took Seniors a point clear of CivilService Larkhall and third-placed Trowbridge House, who have playedall their games.

With their first-ever trophy in the bag, Seniors did not have towait long to secure their second, although Monday's final did not goentirely their way.

They looked to be in complete control after Nathan Champness andRob Clift both scored in the space of three first-half minutes.

However, Dean Watts pulled one back before the break andSaltford's tireless striker gained further reward for an outstandingperformance when he grabbed an injury-time equaliser.

He almost completed his hat-trick in extra time but by that pointskipper Paul Read had already bundled home what proved to be thewinner for Seniors after Saltford allowed a free-kick to go acrosstheir box.

Seniors wrapped up their league season against Oldfield Sportslast night but any hopes that Larkhall had of putting them underpressure were dashed when, despite a goal for Merser, they were heldto a 1-1 draw by Bath University on Saturday.

Fourth-placed Dogtown Odd Down finished their season on a highnote, beating Frys Club Old Boys by the odd goal in seven.

Bath Arsenal clinched third place in Division 2 with a 2-1victory over Bath Spa University. Mark Pillinger and Barry Plattengot the goals, while stand-in keeper Scott Newton saved a penalty.

Saltford AFC A - who face their inter-club senior team in theBath City Cup final at Twerton Park on Tuesday - lost 4-0 toFreshford Sports and University of Bath Reserves were 6-2 winnersagainst Red Dwarf.

Division 3 champions WESA Reserves wrapped up an emotional seasonby beating Cutters Friday 4-2, thanks to goals from Grey (2),Osbourne and Archer.

Panning and Gallagher both bagged braces as Civil Service Vetsbeat Aces SSJ Reserves 4-2 and FC Von Essen were 2-1 winners overFrys Club Old Boys Reserves, who replied through Powell.

White House movie night often brings 'High Noon'

2012-03-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES--Gary Cooper's Western classic "High Noon" is the filmmost requested by American presidents, according to a list of the5,000 movies shown by the official White House projectionist.

Bill Clinton watched the picture of a marshal deserted by friendsand facing outlaws in an against-the-odds showdown 30 times, DwightEisenhower asked for three screenings, and President Bush has seen itonce at the White House--so far.

Bert Kearns, co-executive producer of the documentary "All ThePresidents' Movies," to air Sunday on the Bravo channel, said thepopularity of the 1952 film stemmed from the idea of a strong-willedleader taking a situation of imminent danger into his hands--andwinning.

"The film can be seen as a metaphor for the president--he's theman alone, who has to do the right thing. He's what you think thepresident would imagine himself to be."

He added: "The White house theater serves as a window to what'sgoing on outside."

He told the Los Angeles Times that the leaders sometimes usedfilms for solace, such as when Richard Nixon would "lose himself" in1930s and '40s musicals to drown out the noise of Vietnam warprotesters.

Ronald Reagan also liked pictures of Hollywood's Golden Age, saidthe projectionist, Paul Fisher.

Humphrey Bogart's "Casablanca," Audrey Hepburn's "Sabrina" and"Roman Holiday," and David Lean's 1957 war drama "The Bridge on theRiver Kwai" were runners-up, along with the Kevin Costner baseballmovie "Field of Dreams," a favorite of Bush and his father.

Jackie Kennedy watched art films such as the 1961 Alain Resnaispicture "Last Year at Marienbad," while Hillary Clinton preferreduplifting films such as "Mr. Holland's Opus," with Richard Dreyfuss.

Hollywood started offering leaders previews of films in 1915. Nowthe White House has an air-conditioned, plush-seated cinema, withpopcorn to hand. Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, who made "SavingPrivate Ryan," an all-time favorite of the current president, arefrequent guests.

But Bush, also a fan of "Austin Powers," reportedly preferswatching videos of Texas Rangers games when traveling on Air ForceOne.

Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted only short films with happy endings,while Harry Truman is thought to have modeled his 1948 whistle-stoppresidential campaign on Frank Capra's "State of the Union."

Eisenhower watched more than 200 Westerns. Jimmy Carter screened500 pictures, more than any other president, and was the only one toask for an X-rated movie, "Midnight Cowboy."

Clinton's taste in films was more eclectic, from "Naked Gun 331/3" to "Schindler's List."

But after sitting through Jane Campion's Oscar-winner "The Piano,"he appeared puzzled, saying: "What was that all about?"

Daily Telegraph

Afghanistan's Last King Laid to Rest

2012-03-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan - An honor guard lowered the body of Afghanistan's last king into a bullet-riddled hillside tomb Tuesday, as dignitaries, lawmakers and relatives said goodbye to the man they call the "Father of the Nation."

King Mohammad Zahir Shah's coffin - wrapped in Afghanistan's black, red and green flag - traveled from the presidential palace to one of Kabul's main mosques and then to the hillside tomb on a gun carriage pulled by an armored military vehicle.

Afghan officials and dignitaries, including President Hamid Karzai, walked behind the coffin much of the way amid heavy security.

Named the "Father of the Nation" in the nation's new constitution, Zahir Shah died Monday after a long illness at age 92. A ruler of Afghanistan from 1933-73, he returned to the country in 2002 after 30 years in exile in Italy.

Zahir Shah's wooden coffin was first placed under the shade of pine trees at the presidential palace grounds, where Afghan politicians, tribal elders, former President Burhanuddin Rabbani and international dignitaries paid their respects.

A message was read from President Bush, who called Zahir Shah "a monumental figure in Afghan history" who "supported the goal of a representative and freely elected government in his homeland."

The coffin was then taken to a Kabul mosque where a short prayer was read. Then it was pulled to the top of Maranjan Hill, where dozens of ornate, red carpets had been laid on the ground and the bullet-pocked shrine was covered in black. Karzai and a small entourage descended into the tomb to see Zahir Shah's final resting place.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, U.S. Ambassador William Wood and U.S. Gen. Dan McNeill, the NATO commander in Afghanistan, were among the mourners.

Zahir Shah's death ended the last vestige of Afghanistan's monarchy and triggered three days of national mourning.

Although he was not always effective during his 40-year reign, Zahir Shah is remembered warmly by his conflict-weary countrymen for steering the country without bloodshed.

Karzai, in announcing his death on Monday, called Zahir Shah a "symbol of national unity" who brought development and education to the country.

Zahir Shah was proclaimed monarch in 1933 at age 19 within hours of the death of his father, King Muhammad Nadir Shah, who was assassinated before his eyes.

His neutral foreign policy and limited liberalization of a deeply conservative society managed to keep the peace - a golden age in the eyes of many Afghans pained by the extremism and slaughter that followed.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II called the king's passing a "great loss," while Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf said Afghanistan lost a "statesman of great stature."