news issues damages

The cookie diet can entice dieters!

2010-03-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Being hungry and craving sweets are two of the main reasons people fall off their diets. But what if eating cookies and not being hungry was part of your diet plan? The cookie diet uses cookies to entice dieters into easy weight loss. After all, what could be more appealing than losing weight while indulging in one of our favourite treats?

But these are not your grandmother's cookies. Instead they're designed to be meal replacements made with fiber, protein, and other ingredients intended to keep you full. They're not nearly as sweet as grandma's, though they're certainly palatable. They contain no drugs or secret ingredients, other than amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and fiber that act to suppress hunger.

How it works

On the cookie diet, there are no decisions about what to eat, but which flavour cookie to eat, and what to have for dinner. It's a relatively mindless diet strategy that has reportedly helped half a million of patients lose weight.

The cookies contain select amino acids thought to suppress hunger, fiber, and other ingredients that digest slowly to help keep you feeling full. Eating four to six of the cookies a day will give you somewhere around 500 calories.

Stars shine bright for Obamas' first state dinner

2009-11-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON — President Obama opened his first state dinner in the White House on Tuesday with a toast for India's prime minister in which he called the United States' relationship with India a "great and growing partnership."

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh returned the praise.

"We are embarking on a new phase of our partnership. We should build on common values and interests to realize the enormous potential and promise of our partnership," Singh said.

PHOTOS: Obamas host first state dinner

VIDEO: Sneak a peek at the state dinner

2010: Obama plans India visit

After greeting Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, at the North Portico, the Obamas and their guests, including prominent Indian Americans and a sprinkling of Hollywood moguls, went to dinner under a white tent on the South Lawn.

They dined on vegetarian fare prepared with the help of a top New York chef at tables decorated in gold, apple green and purple colors, with a mix of tableware from three presidential china collections.

It was a glittery assembly, a total of 339 guests; black-tie mingled with turbans, sparkly evening gowns mixed with bright saris.

The first lady wore a strapless, champagne-colored gown, embellished with silver accents and with a matching shawl by Indian-American fashion designer Naeem Khan. She wore large dangling earrings and an armful of churis, traditional sparkly Indian bangle bracelets.

Prior to the dinner, Michelle Obama previewed the table settings and menu. She compared the preparation work to that of a gliding swan. "We're kind of calm and serene above water — but we're paddling like mad, going crazy underneath, trying to look smooth," she said.

WHITE HOUSE: List of Obama's guests

STATE DINNER: A big tent, a 'Dreamgirl' and 'Jai Ho!'

The mostly vegetarian meal (Singh is a vegetarian) of potato dumplings with tomato chutney and green-curry prawns was served on gold-flecked china. Michelle Obama invited a guest chef, award-winning Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit in New York City, to help with the menu.

After-dinner entertainment was to include performances by the National Symphony Orchestra and Oscar winners Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls), A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire.

Those invited included Hollywood directors Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan; CBS News anchor Katie Couric and NBC News anchor Brian Williams; novelist Jhumpa Lahiri and Louisiana's Republican governor, Bobby Jindal.

Toyota to replace gas pedals on 3.8M recalled vehicles

2009-11-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. will replace gas pedals on 3.8 million recalled vehicles in the United States to address problems with sudden acceleration or the pedal becoming stuck in the floor mat, The Associated Press has learned.

As a temporary step, Toyota will have dealers shorten the length of the gas pedals beginning in January while the company develops replacement pedals for their vehicles, the Transportation Department said in a statement provided to the AP. New pedals will be available beginning in April, and some vehicles will have brake override systems installed as a precaution.

Toyota, the world's largest automaker, was expected to provide more details Wednesday on the fix. The Japanese automaker announced the massive recall in late September and told owners to remove the driver's side floor mats to prevent the gas pedal from potentially becoming jammed.

Popular vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, the top-selling passenger car in America, and the Toyota Prius, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid, are part of the recall. It includes the 2007-10 model year Camry, 2005-10 Toyota Avalon, 2004-09 Prius, 2005-10 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-10 Toyota Tundra, 2007-10 Lexus ES350 and 2006-10 Lexus IS250/350.

On Tuesday, Toyota announced a recall of 110,000 Tundra trucks from the 2000-03 model years to address excessive rust on the vehicle's frame.

The recall involving the accelerators was Toyota's largest in the U.S. It was prompted by a high-speed crash in August involving a 2009 Lexus ES350 that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family near San Diego. The Lexus hit speeds exceeding 120 mph, struck a sport-utility vehicle, launched off an embankment, rolled several times and burst into flames.

A family member in the runaway Lexus made a frantic 911 call moments before the crash, telling emergency responders that the accelerator was stuck and the driver couldn't stop the car. The call ended as someone was overheard urging others to hold on and pray, followed by a woman's scream.

In Japan, Toyota President Akio Toyota called the fatal crash "extremely regrettable" and offered his "deepest condolences" to the California family.

Investigators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that a rubber all-weather floor mat found in the wreckage was slightly longer than the mat that belonged in the vehicle, and could have snared or covered the accelerator pedal.

The government has attributed at least five deaths and two injuries to floor mat-related unintended acceleration in the Toyota vehicles and has received reports of more than 100 incidents in which the accelerator may have become stuck. A Massachusetts-based safety consultant who has investigated the Toyota cases, however, has found more than 2,000 incidents involving 16 deaths and 243 injuries potentially tied to the Toyota gas pedals.

To fix the problem, Transportation officials said dealers will shorten the length of the accelerator pedal on the recalled vehicles and in some cases remove foam from beneath the carpeting near the pedal. They said owners of the ES350, Camry and Avalon would be the first to receive notification because the vehicles are believed to have the highest risk for pedal entrapment.

Toyota plans to install a brake override system on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES350, IS350 and IS250 models as an "extra measure of confidence," NHTSA said. The brake override system, commonly called a "smart brake," will ensure the vehicle will stop if both the brake and the accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously.

Dealers will be instructed on how to modify the pedals before the end of the year and will begin shortening the accelerators in 2010. New replacement pedals are expected to be available for some models beginning in April and will be provided even if the vehicles have already received a modified pedal under the recall.

The automaker and government regulators have been discussing a potential fix for several weeks. In late September, Toyota announced the recall and told owners to remove driver's side floor mats and not replace them until the company had determined a remedy for the problem. The automaker said unhooked floor mats or replacement mats stacked on top of the originals could lead to stuck accelerators.

In early November, Toyota issued a statement saying NHTSA had confirmed "that no defect exists in vehicles in which the driver's floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured." But in a rare rebuke, NHTSA accused Toyota of releasing misleading information about the recall, saying removing the mats did not "correct the underlying defect." Toyota said it was not the company's intention to mislead anyone.

For more information, owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or the NHTSA hot line at 888-327-4236.

Adam Lambert: 'I admit I got carried away ... '

2009-11-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

"Parents, this is appropriate, I promise," said Adam Lambert this morning on CBS' Early Show before he performed. (Update: His first song was completely tame.)In an interview talking about his risque American Music Awards show performance, he said, "I admit I did carried away, but I don't see anything wrong with it."
He said again that the particularly sexual moments of the act "came from more of an impromptu place. ABC was taken by surprise. " He added that the moment "got the best of me."
When asked about kids who might have been watching, Lambert made no apology. "It didn't cross my mind - children. It was almost 11 o'clock at night. I was in the audience and it was mostly adults," he said, adding a line from earlier this week: "I'm not a babysitter. I'm a performer."
He also reiterated that he feels the outrage about the act reflects a "double standard." Because you're a man or because you're gay? "Both. It's a double whammy."

If he had it to do over, would he change anything? "I would sing it a little better," Lambert said, laughing. "It wasn't my best vocal performance."
Here's Adam talking to CBS' Maggie Rodriguez:

Obama's day: A turkey pardon

2009-11-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

Good morning from The Oval. On this day in 2001, a prison riot in Afghanistan led to the death of CIA officer Johnny "Mike" Spann -- the first U.S. casualty of the war now more than eight years old.
For President Obama today, it's a light day-before-Thanksgiving public schedule. The only item is a presidential tradition: Pardoning one lucky turkey.
The president will also no doubt be thinking about the war in Afghanistan, where he wants to "finish the job." Obama plans to announce new troop levels next week, after months of deliberation.
But Americans are increasingly skeptical of the war, though they are divided on what to do next, reports USA TODAY's Susan Page.
The Afghanistan news surfaced on the day of a state visit by India, including last night's black tie gala. USA TODAY's Maria Puente reports on the festivities for what Obama called a "great and growing partnership" between the U.S. and India. There were also "prawns and protocol."

In other happenings:
Obama and aides have reportedly recommended this health care piece by Ronald Brownstein, on The Atlantic website.
Speaking of health care: Can legislation survive the end-of-the-year congressional crunch?
TIME's Joe Klein says it's way too early to judge Obama's 'mistakes."
Consevative George F. Will, meanwhile, writes that the president has a "propensity for self-aggrandizement"
And after Thanksgiving, comes Black Friday. So happy holidays, good luck out there, and don't forget to keep checking back with The Oval.

Israel offers 10-month West Bank settlement freeze

2009-11-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a 10-month freeze on West Bank settlement construction in what he says is an attempt to jumpstart Mideast peace talks.

Netanyahu's office released a statement saying he would bring the proposal to his Security Cabinet later Wednesday.

The freeze would not include east Jerusalem— the area of the holy city claimed by the Palestinians for a future capital.

Netanyahu has already floated the idea, but he has never given a firm time commitment such as in Wednesday's announcement.

Even so, the Palestinians say the offer is unacceptable because it does not include east Jerusalem.

The Palestinians refuse to reopen peace talks with Israel until it halts all settlement construction.

Chinese rights on Obama's agenda

2009-11-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

SHANGHAI — Politely but firmly pressing for greater freedoms on China's own turf, President Obama spoke against censorship Monday, saying tough criticisms of political leaders should be allowed and the free flow of information on the Internet "should be encouraged."

The president's message during a town hall-style meeting with university students in Shanghai, China's commercial hub, focused on one of the trickiest issues separating China's communist government and the United States — human rights.

THE OVAL: The latest on Obama's visit

FAITH & REASON: How will Obama handle religious freedom in China?

"We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation," Obama said. But, he said, such things as freedom of expression and worship,

unfettered access to information and unrestricted political participation "should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities, whether they are in the United States, China or any nation."

He took eight questions, half from audience members and half from among the hundreds submitted over the Internet, in a session that the White House negotiated with the Chinese government up to the last minute. Obama spoke at the most length, and in the most animated terms near the end, when answering a question about China's firewall that blocks access to many Internet sites.

"I'm a big supporter of non-censorship," Obama said. "I recognize that different countries have different traditions. I can tell you that in the United States, the fact that we have free Internet — or unrestricted Internet access is a source of strength, and I think should be encouraged."

The first-term U.S. president then flew to Beijing where Obama quickly drove to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse for Obama's third meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Trade, climate change and economic issues were expected to dominate. The two leaders had dinner in the government complex and were scheduled to meet again Tuesday.

In brief remarks before their initial talks, Hu noted Obama's meeting with students, calling the session "quite lively."

Obama smiled broadly, throughout the Chinese leaders welcoming remarks, then told Hu that "the world recognizes the importance of the U.S.-Chinese relationship" in tackling global problems.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Obama's Asian trip

EARLIER: In Asia, Obama and Medvedev see nuke pact progress

PRESIDENT'S AWAY: First lady stumps for health care

Obama's message, aside from his proddings on human rights, was clear: Few global challenges can be solved unless the world's only superpower and its rising competitor work together. He and his advisers have insisted in virtually all public utterances since he arrived in Japan on Friday: "We do not seek to contain China's rise."

As Obama arrived in China on Sunday for his first visit here, several Chinese human rights leaders asked for his help with government oppression that they say has never been worse.

Obama has pledged to raise human rights issues in meetings with the communist regime, which arrested several dissidents ahead of his trip. A televised town-hall-style forum today provided Chinese students with a rare unscripted opportunity to speak in public.

Teng Biao, a Beijing-based lawyer, says he and numerous colleagues recently were stripped of their legal licenses after taking on controversial cases. He says officials blocked him from defending Chen Guangcheng, a blind legal activist who exposed forced abortions in eastern China and is now serving a four-year jail term.

"Now that Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize, he should use his influence to ask China's leaders to improve the rule of law and release the lawyers who are in jail," Teng says.

Fu Hualing, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, says the government fears that "lawyers can organize otherwise isolated people" on sensitive issues such as Tibet or religious freedom.

"I hope President Obama, as a lawyer, pays attention to the human rights situation," says lawyer Lan Zhixue.

The officially atheist Chinese government, which allows worship only in state-approved churches, also has closed some unsanctioned places of worship.

Some religious leaders expressed concern that Obama, who is on an eight-day trip in Asia, would not press China too hard because he needs its help on other issues such as climate change and trade.

"I think, so far, President Obama has been the worst president in terms of dealing with China's human rights issue," said Fan Yafeng, leader of an unregistered church.

Millions will have to repay part of tax credit

2009-11-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON — More than 15 million taxpayers could unexpectedly owe taxes when they file their federal returns next spring because the government was too generous with their new Making Work Pay tax credit.

Taxpayers are at risk if they have more than one job, are married and both spouses work, or receive Social Security benefits while also earning taxable wages, according to a report Monday by the Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration.

The tax credit, which is supposed to pay individuals up to $400 and couples up to $800, was President Barack Obama's signature tax break in the massive stimulus package enacted in February.

READ: The Inspector General's report

Read: The IRS's tax credit rules

Most workers started receiving the credit through small increases in their paychecks in April. The tax credit was made available through new withholding tables issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

The withholding tables, however do not take into account taxpayers with multiple jobs or married couples in which both people work. They also don't take into account Social Security recipients with jobs that provided taxable income.

The Social Security Administration sent out $250 payments to more than 50 million retirees in the spring as part of the economic stimulus package. The payments were meant to provide a boost for people who didn't' qualify for the tax credit.

However, they went to many retirees who also received the credit. Those retirees will have the $250 payment deducted from their tax credit — but not until they file their tax returns next year, long after the money may have been spent.

"While implementing a credit through reduced withholding is an effective way to provide economic stimulus evenly throughout the year, it is difficult to account for everyone's circumstances," said J. Russell George, the Treasury inspector general for tax administration. "More than 10% of all taxpayers who file individual tax returns for 2009 could owe additional taxes."

The tax credit is also available for 2010. Russell said the problems will continue in 2010 if they are not resolved.

For many, the new tax tables will simply mean smaller-than-expected tax refunds next year. The average tax refund this year was about $3,000.

The IRS, in a response to the audit, advised taxpayers to check their withholding throughout the year to make sure they don't get hit with an unexpected tax bill.

"The withholding system must approximate the tax liability of tens of millions of Americans, and therefore, cannot be tailored precisely to fit every individual situation," Richard Byrd Jr., commissioner of the IRS' wage and investments division, wrote in the agency's response to the report.

Officials inspect Illinois jail for Gitmo inmates

2009-11-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

THOMSON, Illinois — Officials from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Defense arrived Monday at the Thomson Correctional Facility, 150 miles west of Chicago, to tour the nearly empty prison that could be purchased to house more than 200 detainees from Guantanamo Bay.

Federal officials also are considering a facility in Florence, Colo., and a site in Hardin, Mont.

And Michigan officials say they're still in the running for the job.

OPTIONS: Illinois eyed for Gitmo inmates

DETAINEES: Dozens finally get day in court

IN N.Y.: Death penalty sought for 9/11 defendants

"We've had no indication that a decision of any kind has been made," Liz Boyd, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's spokeswoman, said Sunday.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin say the potential sale of the Thomson prison could create about 3,000 jobs in the economically depressed area.

But critics, including Republican members of Congress from Illinois, have been quick to condemn the prospect of the sale because of safety concerns.

And Granholm has stopped short of endorsing the idea of housing the detainees in Michigan, citing security concerns.

In August, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons toured the Standish Maximum Correctional Facility in northeast Michigan. That 600-bed facility closed Oct. 31 because of state budget cuts.

Standish officials have been lobbying to use the empty prison to house federal and out-of-state prisoners.

Michigan state Sen. Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, an outspoken critic of housing Guantánamo prisoners in the U.S., said "I hope that the people of the state of Illinois fight with every bit of energy that they have to make sure that doesn't happen."

He said "the moment you bring these prisoners into the United States you grant all sorts of constitutional rights that we have, and they don't deserve it."

Meanwhile, the decision announced Friday by Attorney General Eric Holder that accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four alleged accomplices would stand trial in New York was met with blistering critiques on Sunday.

"Unconscionable," declared Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. "Dangerous," said former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. "An unnecessary risk," said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. Democrat Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia called Friday's decision to move Mohammed would from Guantanamo Bay misguided, saying war criminals "do not belong in our courts."

For Obama, the decision marks a crucial step toward fulfilling his campaign pledge to close the military detention center at Guantanamo Bay, a stark reversal of Bush administration policy.

"The president believes it is important to get it done and to end this chapter in our history," senior Obama adviser David Axelrod said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

Police searching for body of missing N.C. girl

2009-11-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Authorities searched along a highway Monday for the body of a missing 5-year-old girl but said they still hoped they might find her alive.

The girl has been missing since last Tuesday. Her mother, who reported her gone, is accused of offering her for prostitution, according to court documents and police.

USA TODAY does not name victims of alleged sex crimes.

DEVELOPMENTS: Mother of missing girl charged with human trafficking

About 200 searchers fanned across several miles southeast of Sanford on Monday based on "reliable information" that her body may have been dumped there, said Fayetteville Police spokeswoman Theresa Chance. Some walked along roads, ravines and fields while others drove on four-wheelers and a helicopter roamed above.

"The information we received was that her body was dumped, so at that point she would not be alive, she would be dead," Chance said.

Still, she said, investigators were not giving up on the possibility they might find the girl safe. They searched elsewhere and chased leads called in from as far away as Oregon.

"We're hoping that she's alive," Chance said.

The girl's mother, Antoinette Davis, 25, has been charged with human trafficking and felony child abuse, police said. Police also filed kidnapping charges against 29-year old Mario Andrette McNeill, who was seen in surveillance footage carrying the girl at a Sanford hotel.

Authorities have said McNeill admitted taking the girl, though his attorney said he will plead not guilty to the charge. Police have not said if McNeill and Davis knew each other.

Davis was scheduled to make a first appearance in court Monday afternoon and police said she did not yet have an attorney.

The girl's father, Bradley Lockhart, said he raised his daughter for several years but last month decided to let her stay with her mother. He has pleaded for her safe return.

"I should've never let her go over there," he told The Associated Press on Saturday.

He said on CBS's The Early Show Monday that he remained hopeful someone would bring his daughter somewhere safe, such as a police station or hospital.

"They can drop her off at Walmart, I don't care," he said.

Associated Press Writer Mike Baker in Raleigh contributed to this report.

Pacquiao batters, bloodies Cotto for 12th round TKO

2009-11-15T03:32:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao made history Saturday night. And in the process, made a bloody mess of Miguel Cotto's face.

Pacquiao attacked Cotto with a ferocious barrage from the start, but really stepped up the pace in the second half of the fight. he finally had done so much damage that Cotto's corner wanted the fight stopped after the 11th round, but Cotto refused.

Referee Kenny Bayless finally stopped the fight 55 seconds into the 12th round, giving Pacquiao a technical knockout and Cotto's WBO welterweight belt before a raucous, sold-out crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

UNDERCARD: Rabbi-to-be wins belt

It was Pacquiao's record seventh world title in his seventh different weight class. Nobody had ever won more than six. He also has held lineal titles in four weight classes and could stake a claim to the welterweight title with a win over Cotto, who has beaten Shane Mosley.

Although the fighters traded punches for the first several rounds, Pacquiao's incessant barrage gave him a big edge in total punches, 780 to Cotto's 597, according to CompuBox statistics. Cotto, whose left jab was effective when he used it, threw 297 to Pacquiao's 220. But Pacquiao clearly did not need to use his jab, being able to get inside on Cotto at will, especially when he got him on the ropes.

Where the fight was won was in the power shots, as Pacquiao nearly doubled Cotto's total, landing 560 to Cotto's 300. Cotto landed just single digits in power shots from the fifth round through the end of the fight.

"I didn't know where the punches were coming from," said Cotto.

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said, "Manny fought Cotto's fight too much in the beginning and stayed on the ropes too long. As the fight went on, Manny's speed was too much for him. Manny dictated the fight. They should have stopped it three rounds sooner when Cotto began to run.

"We put pressure on him all night. That was our game plan."

Pacquiao dropped Cotto with a straight right early in the third round, and again with a powerful left hook near the end of the fourth round. That was the beginning of the end for Cotto.

Cotto won the first round on each of the three judges' scorecards, and the 10th round on two of three cards. Otherwise, it was all Pacquiao.

Asked if Cotto had hurt him, Pacquiao said, "Yes, sometimes. But I was very disciplined and stayed with the plan. We didn't panic."

Pacquiao said he needed time early in the fight to test Cotto's power. He also said as the fight went on, "I was looking for a one-shot knockout."

Asked after the fight who he wanted to fight next, Pacquiao said, "It's my job to fight in the ring. It's my promoter's job to make the fights.

"It was a hard fight, and this is the last weight division for me. I'm happy for my people in the Philippines and those here tonight."

Cotto was taken to the trauma unit after the fight, with 30 family and team members riding along. He said he was sore, but felt pretty good, although his father had wanted the fight stopped well before it finally was. But Cotto wanted to fight on.

"I respected Manny before the fight and I respect him a lot more now," Cotto said, both eyes nearly swollen shut. "He's probably the best fighter I ever fought."

Cotto's trainer, Joe Santiago, said he and his fighter were surprised by Pacquiao's strength. "Early on, Pacquiao took some good shots, which was a surprise. We knew he was fast, but he was a lot stronger than we thought."

While Pacquiao wouldn't say who he wanted to fight next, Roach wasn't nearly as bashful.

"Floyd Mayweather," the trainer said, without hesitation.

Round-by-round report

Round 1: Pacquiao in red trunks, Cotto in white. They feel each other out, fighting in the middle of the ring, which is where Pacquiao wants it. Cotto connects with a couple of left jabs, then counters with a left uppercut. Pacquiao scores with a left. Cotto connects with a couple lefts. Cotto using his jabs effectively. Pacquiao swings wildly and starts to go after Cotto, but Cotto ends the round with a nice combination. He wins the round. Cotto 10-9

Round 2: Pacquiao swings but misses, then after Cotto connects with a left, counters with a right. They exchange lefts, staying in the middle of the ring. Pacquiao connects on a combination, then nails Cotto with a left to the head. Cotto connects with a left hook and gets Pacquiao on the ropes, but he escapes. Pacquiao clearly the aggressor in this round. But both fighters connect on combinations, and both took punishment to the head. The last 30 seconds of the round was wild. Pacquiao 10-9.

Round 3: The crowd yells "Manny-Manny, Manny." At 2:10 of the round, Pacquiao hurts Cotto with a right hook and Cotto goes down for the count. He was shaken. Cotto goes to the body and connects. Pacquiao connects with right jabs then a left. But a Cotto uppercut scores cleanly on Pacquiao's jaw. Wild action throughout. Pacquiao 10-9

Round 4: Pacquiao comes after Cotto right away with combinations, Pacquiao connects with a left uppercut, Cotto goes to the body, but Pacquiao comes after him. Cotto has him on the ropes and punishes him right near the end of the round, Pacquiao dropped Cotto with a powerful left hook. Great round for Pacquiao, Wild action throughoutt again. Relentless punching. Pacquiao 10-8

Round 5: Cotto starts out jabbing, but Pacquiao connects with a combination; Manny staggers Cotto with a right hook. It's hard to believe they can keep up this pace. Cotto gets Pacquiao on the ropes and staggers him with a left uppercut. Pacquiao chases him at the end of the round, but give this round to Cotto. Cotto 10-9

Round 6: Cotto looking quicker than most thought he would, but Pacquiao connects with a left hook; Pacquiao hitting Cotto at will in the head; Cotto connects with a left; Cotto in the center of the ring circles and connects on Manny. Right near the end of the round, Cotto connects with a left. There's a furious exchange at the end of the round, both men land solid punches. Great fight. Pacquiao 10-9.

Round 7: Pacquiao connects with a left, then begins a furious exchange; both men connecting; Cotto using left jab well; Pacquiao connects with a left uppercut; again, Cotto uses the jab effectively, connecting several times; Cotto combination, then Pacquiao gets Cotto on the ropes and connects with a combination; round ends with Pacquiao nailing Cotto with a quick left; give the round to Cotto. Cotto 10-9.

Round 8: Cotto connects with left hook but doesn't hurt Pacquiao. Another combo by Cotto; Cotto again connects with a left jab. Pacquiao chasing him around the ring but gets Cotto in corner and connects with a left to the head. Powerful left hook by cotto; folloowed by a straight right; Pacquiao gets him on the ropes and punishes Cotto in the last 20 seconds of the round. Cotto looking weary. Pacquiao 10-9.

Round 9: Cotto connects with a right uppercut, then connects with a combination; Pacquiao has Cotto on the ropes and begins a relentless barrage; Cotto taking great punishment; his right eye is nearly swollen shut. Big round for Pacquiao; not sure how much longer Cotto can take this kind of punishment. Pacquiao 10-9.

Round 10: Pacquiao looking strong, pursues Cotto; connects with a right hook. Pacquiao headhunting on cotto; takes off on him every time he gets him near the ropes; again, Pacquiao delivers fierce combinations. Pacquiao ends the round with a solid right. Cotto's only hope at this point appears to be a knockout, but that looks unlikely as Pacquiao keeps getting stronger. Pacquiao 10-9.

Round 11: Pacquiao gets Cotto in the corner and goes after him. Cotto taking great punishment; again Pacquiao gets him in the corner and tees off; Pacquiao exhorts Cotto to come and fight. Wild right misses by Pac. Cotto appears pretty helpless at this point. Cotto's corner wants to call the fight, but Cotto wants to go back for the 12th. And he does. 10-9 Pacquiao

Round 12: Pacquiao chases Cotto and goes in for the kill, but before he can, the referee calls the fight and it ends on a 12th round TKO for Pacquiao, who makes history by winning his seventh belt in his seventh different weight class. Cotto's face is a mess. Strong fight by Pacquiao. Is Mayweather next?

Mourners grieve for soldiers killed at Fort Hood

2009-11-15T03:31:00.000-08:00

KIEL, Wis. (AP) — Hundreds of people lining the main street of an Indiana town on Saturday fell solemnly silent as the white hearse passed. Mourners waited for hours outside a Wisconsin gymnasium to say goodbye to a soldier who once promised to take down Osama bin Laden.

And in Oklahoma, a newlywed grieved for her husband of nearly three months.

Several victims of the Nov. 5 shooting massacre at Fort Hood, Texas, were laid to rest Saturday across the country, after family members, friends, fellow soldiers and strangers passed their flag-draped coffins and paid their respects.

In Plymouth, Ind., Sheila Ellabarger had placed two foot-high American flags in the grass where she watched the procession for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Justin DeCrow. She said her children went to school with DeCrow and his wife — his high school sweetheart — and she knew others in his family.

"He was killed by a terrorist in my mind but he was still killed in the line of duty. We owe him a debt of gratitude, him and his family and the other soldiers. We owe them our lives, our freedom," Ellabarger said.

During services in Norman, Okla., images of Army Spc. Jason Dean Hunt and his beaming wife were shown on a screen. The recently married 22-year-old was described as a loving husband and family man as well as a soldier who left a legacy of selflessness and service.

"We may never find out the reason for what occurred on that fateful day at Fort Hood, Texas," said Brig. Gen. Ross Ridge, of Fort Sill, Okla. "The military community are all grieving here today over the loss of this dedicated soldier."

Hunt was among the 13 people who were killed at Fort Hood, where authorities allege Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire at the processing center. Hasan, 39, has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder in a military court.

Army investigators have said he is the only suspect in the case and could face additional charges. His attorney has said prosecutors have not yet told him whether they plan to seek the death penalty.

On the Texas post that the fallen soldiers once called home, officials continued with their plans for deployment.

The processing center, where troops who are about to be deployed or who are returning undergo medical screening, has been up and running. Also the units that had soldiers who were either killed or wounded in the shooting are still set to go to Afghanistan in the coming months.

At the high school in Kiel, Wis., people stood in line to get a final glimpse of Staff Sgt. Amy Krueger. She was what's called "Army Proud." She was often seen in an Army hat or shirt and sported a tattoo that had a tattered American flag and read: "All gave some. Some gave all. Sacrifice."

Those words were painted on signs along the hallways that led to her former school's gymnasium, which was filled with people who remembered the 29-year-old as a determined, energetic young woman with a magnetic smile.

"It is that smile and that energy that keeps us going throughout this difficult time," her parents, Jeri Krueger and David Diem, said in a statement.

Their daughter joined the U.S. Army Reserves after the 2001 terrorist attacks and vowed to hunt down bin Laden. When her mother said she couldn't do it alone, the soldier told her: "Watch me."

In West Jordan, Utah, among those crowded into a Mormon chapel were Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Lt. Col. Lisa Olsen, Utah National Guard spokesman.

They joined the family and friends of Pfc. Aaron Thomas Nemelka for the funeral honoring the 19-year-old.

Nemelka joined the Army just over a year ago and was to deploy Afghanistan in the coming months. Relatives say he was planning to ask his girlfriend to marry him in December.

Other funerals on Saturday included one for Capt. John Gaffaney, 56, a psychiatric nurse who worked for San Diego County, Calif., and Pfc. Michael Pemmmarsrrron, 22, of Bolingbrook, Ill.

Pearson was a musician who liked to share his love of the guitar. During his service, a lone electric guitarist played a mournful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Hours after the procession passed through the Indiana town, 84-year-old Pauline Baugman went for a stroll. She said DeCrow's death had left a pall of sadness over Plymouth.

"Everybody's kind of walking around with their head down today," she said. "It's just so sad."

Madoff's personal belongings sell at auction

2009-11-15T03:15:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (AP) — Items that used to belong to fallen financier Bernard Madoff and his wife, Ruth, fetched several times their estimated values at auction for a total of about $1 million, twice as much as the auctioneers had hoped for.

Madoff's blue satin New York Mets baseball jacket with his surname stitched on the back, valued at up to $720, sold for $14,500 at Saturday's auction. The jacket carries its own special meaning: Team owners Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz were among the victims of Madoff's fraud.

Madoff's Hofstra College ring, estimated at $360, went for $6,000.

Excitement filled a Manhattan hotel ballroom as people participating in the auction, run by Pflugerville, Texas-based Gaston & Sheehan, bid for items they could afford without being as rich as Madoff was.

Charlie Blumenkehl raised his hand for a set of Madoff's golf irons, clinching them for $3,600, against a $350-to-$400 estimate.

"I just wanted Bernie's name on the clubs," the New Jersey fund manager said with a laugh, adding, "but I don't want his vibes to be transmitted — my fund is doing better than his."

Two pairs of Ruth Madoff's diamond dangle earrings sold for $70,000 each, against a pre-sale estimate of no more than $9,800 and $21,400. But the most highly prized item in the sale, one of Bernard Madoff's 17 Rolex watches, fetched only $65,000, paid by an unknown buyer. The watch was valued between $75,000 and $85,000.

The auction was organized by the U.S. Marshals Service, which seized the couple's properties — a penthouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side and houses in Montauk, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida.

Inside the homes were some of the items on the block Saturday, ordered forfeited as part of Madoff's sentencing after he pleaded guilty in a multibillion-dollar fraud that burned thousands of investors. Proceeds from the auction will be divided among his victims.

The lots ranged from dishes, pens and stationery to decoy ducks, furs and the Rolex, dubbed the Prisoner Watch.

The Swiss chronograph watch was modeled on those made for World War II Allied airmen imprisoned in Germany, who used them to time prison patrols and plan a possible escape. This one graced the wrist of Madoff, now a 71-year-old inmate in a North Carolina prison, serving a 150-year sentence for defrauding investors for decades.

The sale sums up the Madoffs in a nutshell, auction observer Lark Mason said.

"They wanted to show off their lifestyle with big houses, yachts, jewelry," he said. "They didn't buy things they were passionate about — they just wanted more and more."

The nearly 200 lots were an assembly line of conspicuous consumption, fueled by proceeds from the tens of billions of dollars that Madoff's pyramid scheme cost investors. Some investors were wiped out financially while the Madoffs thrived.

Ruth Madoff has not been charged with any crime. But she agreed to give up her possessions in return for a promise that federal prosecutors wouldn't pursue $2.5 million not tied to her husband's fraud. The scandal forced her to move out of the $7 million penthouse where she and her husband lived.

At the auction, a lineup of other Rolex and Cartier models filled a giant screen, selling for up to $30,000 each. But the couple's tastes could also be downright common; seven Swatch watches went for $850, against an estimate of $100 to $150.

There was little of great artistic value in the Madoff homes, Mason said.

"They weren't interested in great art," he said.

The auction house charged no premiums but was paid an undisclosed fee. Buyers, some of whom bid by phone from all over the world, were not identified.

Obama seeks equal partnership in Asia

2009-11-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

TOKYO (AP) — President Barack Obama pressed on with his mission to repair America's global standing, telling Asians he was determined to engage them as equal partners in the economy, diplomacy and security.

In a 40-minute speech Saturday that ranged across the multitude of issues, the president declared the United States a "nation of the Pacific. Asia and the United States are not separated by this great ocean; we are bound by it."

PRESIDENT'S AWAY: First lady stumps for health care

MAP: Five cities Obama will visit in Asia

While he offered few specifics on the key issues of trade, Obama reached out warmly to China — soon expected to overtake Japan as the world's No. 2 economy — applauding Beijing's robust strides as a burgeoning economic engine.

"We welcome China's efforts to play a greater role on the world stage, a role in which their growing economy is joined by growing responsibility," Obama said in the speech to 1,500 prominent Japanese in a soaring downtown Tokyo concert hall.

It was the fifth major foreign address of Obama's 10-month presidency, continuing the sharp break with the unilateral approach that marked international relations under the Bush administration.

Obama reached out through several personal notes that delighted his audience, including calling himself "America's first Pacific president," referring to his time in Indonesia, birth in Hawaii and travels in Asia as a boy.

Moving into the substance of his eight-day journey through Asia, Obama was quick to spurn North Korea's nuclear belligerence, warning Pyongyang that the U.S. and its Asian partners would "not be cowed" by the isolated dictatorship's nuclear tests and missile launches.

Obama said, however, the door was open for North Korea to come in from the cold and its deep isolation — an end to punishing U.N. sanctions — if it stopped building nuclear weapons and scrapped those already believed to be in it's arsenal.

He outlined a possible future of economic opportunity and greater global integration, but warned that "this respect cannot be earned through belligerence."

"It should be clear where that path leads," Obama said. "We will continue to send a clear message through our actions, and not just our words: North Korea's refusal to meet its international obligations will lead only to less security, not more."

Acknowledging Asia's growing power and regional perceptions of America's parallel decline, Obama aides said Obama's Asia sojourn was not designed to reap specific agreements but to show that the U.S. remained very much in the Asian game.

Obama said Washington would work hard to strengthen alliances in Asia, such as those with Japan and South Korea, build on newer ones with nations like China and Indonesia, and increase its participation with a growing number of Asian multilateral organizations.

Joining with those groups was essential to top-priority American issues such as creating jobs, a cleaner environment and preventing dangerous weapons proliferation, he said.

"I want every American to know that we have a stake in the future of this region, because what happens here has a direct effect on our lives at home," Obama said. "The fortunes of America and the Asia Pacific have become more closely linked than ever before."

While most Asian analysts praised the president's speech, Takehiko Yamamoto, professor at Tokyo's Waseda University, warned that Obama should not forget the challenges China "poses to U.S. and Japanese security."

"The United States has high expectations for closer ties with China," he said. "But when it comes to national security, China is a major concern and a destabilizing factor for the Japan-U.S. alliance."

After a luncheon with the Japanese emperor and empress, Obama headed to Singapore for an APEC—Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation— meeting and bilateral sessions with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Medvedev and Obama were expected to continue work on a treaty to replace the START II nuclear agreement that expires Dec. 5. Both leaders have pledge to reach a new pact before year's end. Administration officials said the two men also would be discussing attempts to curb not only North Korea's nuclear program but blunting Iran's perceived ambitions to build an atomic bomb.

In Singapore, Obama also will become the first U.S. president to sit in on the ASEAN 10 meeting that will include the leader of a brutal regime in Myanmar.

The administration has recently unveiled a new policy of directly engaging the leadership of Myanmar, also known as Burma, while keeping in force punishing sanctions that so far have failed to convince Rangoon to ease it's heavy-handed and repressive methods.

Key to any lifting of sanctions would be the release of all political prisoners.

Obama to Congress: Ft. Hood probe not 'political theater'

2009-11-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Obama on Saturday urged Congress to hold off on any investigation of the Fort Hood rampage until federal law enforcement and military authorities have completed their probes into the shootings at the Texas Army post, which left 13 people dead.

On an eight-day Asia trip, Obama turned his attention home and pleaded for lawmakers to "resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater." He said those who died on the nation's largest Army post deserve justice, not political stagecraft.

LAWYER: Suspect faces paralysis

PHOTOS: 13 killed, 33 hurt in shooting rampage

"The stakes are far too high," Obama said in a video and Internet address released by the White House while the president he was flying from Tokyo to Singapore, where Pacific Rim countries were meeting.

Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, was charged on Thursday with the shooting spree at Fort Hood last week. Army investigators have said Hasan is the only suspect and could face additional charges.

Obama already had ordered a review of all intelligence related to Hasan and whether the information was properly shared and acted upon within government agencies. Several members of Congress, particularly Michigan Rep. Peter Hoekstra, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, have also called for a full examination of what agencies knew about Hasan's contacts with a radical Muslim cleric in Yemen and others of concern to the U.S.

Hoekstra confirmed this week that government officials knew of about 10 to 20 e-mails between Hasan and the radical imam, beginning in December 2008.

A joint terrorism task force overseen by the FBI learned late last year of Hasan's repeated contact with the cleric, who encouraged Muslims to kill U.S. troops in Iraq. The FBI said the task force did not refer early information about Hasan to superiors because it concluded he wasn't linked to terrorism.

Lawmakers, however, already have announced they want their own investigations and were frustrated with what they view as a less-than-forthcoming administration.

Rep. Howard McKeon, R-Calif., said he wanted to go ahead with an investigation from the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the top Republican. He said he wanted an investigation that wouldn't compromise law enforcement or military investigations that were continuing on separate tracks.

In the Senate, Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, said his Homeland Security Committee was opening an investigation.

Obama said he was not opposed to hearings — eventually. But he strongly pressed lawmakers to hold off until the probes now underway are completed.

"There is an ongoing investigation into this terrible tragedy," Obama said. "That investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts."

"We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information. Once we have those facts, we must act upon them."

Madoff's personal belongings up for auction

2009-11-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (AP) — As Bernard Madoff sits in a North Carolina prison serving a 150-year sentence, remnants of the fallen financier's once lavish lifestyle are going on the auction block at a Manhattan hotel.

Around 200 items — ranging from a half-used sticky pad to expensive jewelry — are being auctioned off Saturday in the grand ballroom at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.

The items were taken from Madoff's homes on Manhattan's Upper East Side, in the Hamptons and in Palm Beach, Fla., which federal authorities seized after he was convicted of defrauding investors.

They include dishes, pens and stationary, boogie boards emblazoned with the 71-year-old's last name, and a Rolex nicknamed the "Prisoner Watch."

Proceeds from the auction will be divided among Madoff's victims.

Backyard searched at Ohio home with 11 bodies

2009-11-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

CLEVELAND (AP) — FBI agents are digging through the backyard of a Cleveland home where the remains of 11 women have been found.

The agents used rakes and shovels Saturday in their search for evidence in the yard of suspected serial killer Anthony Sowell. One agent had a tape measure, while another took pictures and a third marked locations with orange paint.

STENCH: Returns near convicted rapist's home

On Friday, the FBI worked at the house next door to Sowell's to do X-rays, thermal imaging and other tests.

The 50-year-old Sowell has been accused of luring women to his home with the promise of alcohol or getting high. Authorities say he then strangled them and left their bodies in his house or buried in the backyard.

Sowell remains in jail on $6 million bond on five preliminary charges of aggravated murder.

NASA on track for Monday space shuttle launch

2009-11-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

CAPE CANAVERAL (AP) — NASA remains on track for a Monday launch of space shuttle Atlantis. Even the weather is looking great.

Atlantis will deliver a full load of spare parts to the International Space Station, along with six astronauts who will unload everything.

Liftoff is scheduled for 2:28 p.m. Monday. Although an unmanned rocket did not take off Saturday morning with a communication satellite as planned, the countdown for Atlantis is still proceeding.

That's because the Atlas rocket has a technical problem that cannot be fixed quickly. A Sunday launch attempt would have delayed the shuttle flight by one day.

Forecasters say there's a 90% chance of good flying weather Monday.

Only six shuttle missions remain, including this one.

Ohio executions back on with 1-drug method

2009-11-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's death chamber is set to resume executions next month using a single drug that has been used in the U.S. to euthanize pets but never to put condemned prisoners to death.

Barring legal challenges, condemned inmate Kenneth Biros is scheduled Dec. 8 to be the first prisoner in the U.S. to be executed using a single dose of the drug thiopental sodium instead of the combination of three drugs that the state had been using.

A federal judge had temporarily halted Biros' execution because of the botched execution of Romell Broom in September, which prompted the new execution method announced Friday. Executioners couldn't find a suitable vein on Broom to administer the lethal drugs, and he walked away from the execution chamber after the governor issued a temporary stay.

Broom is sentenced to die for raping and murdering a 14-year-old girl in 1984.

In announcing plans to switch to a one-drug method by Nov. 30, Ohio waded into uncharted waters. Death penalty opponents praised the new rules as a step forward — albeit one that has never been tried on prisoners. However, the decision is almost certain to be appealed and draw the close attention of other states that have long used the three-drug method.

"I chose to do it because I'm getting sued either way," Terry Collins, Ohio prisons director, said Friday.

Under the three-drug method, the first drug knocks out an inmate, the second paralyzes him and the third stops his heart — a process that death penalty opponents argue is excruciatingly painful if the first drug doesn't work.

The single-drug technique amounts to an overdose of anesthesia, Collins said.

Death penalty opponents hailed Collins' decision as making executions more humane but expressed reservations about using an untested method. The same drug is commonly used to euthanize pets, sedate surgery patients and in some parts of Europe has been used in assisted suicides.

"This is a significant step forward," said Ty Alper, associate director of the Death Penalty Clinic at the University of California, Berkeley, law school. "Paralyzing inmates before executing them — so we can't tell whether they are suffering — is a barbaric practice, and Ohio should be commended for stopping it."

Richard Dieter, director of the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center, called the new practice an experiment on inmates.

"They're human subjects and they're not willingly part of this," Dieter said. "This is experimenting with the unknown, and that always raises concerns."

Ohio's decision, filed in papers Friday in U.S. District Court, said it would switch from the three-drug method to a single injection of thiopental sodium into a vein. A separate two-drug muscle injection will be available as a backup.

Collins said the backup method, had it been in place, would have given Broom's executioners an alternative. He repeatedly commended the execution team as professional and competent, but noted that there was nothing for them to do when Broom's vein was incapable of sustaining the flow of the intravenous drugs.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland stopped Broom's execution after two hours when executioners failed to find a suitable vein. Broom later complained in an affidavit that his executioners painfully hit muscle and bone during as many as 18 attempts to reach a vein.

Temporary moratoriums on executions also are in place in California and Maryland, where courts are reviewing proposed changes to injection procedures, though none involving a switch to a single drug.

Other states are unlikely to make a similar switch soon, said Doug Berman, an Ohio State University law professor and death penalty expert.

Several states besides Ohio also have faced constitutional challenges to their three-drug execution procedures, but Ohio is the first to drop that approach in favor of a single-drug method.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of lethal injection last year, but Ohio's new system is substantially different than the three-drug process the court examined. In its ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts briefly addressed the prospect of using a single sedative in a dose large enough to cause death.

The one-drug method, Roberts said, "has problems of its own, and has never been tried by a single state."

That means Ohio could be opening itself to new litigation, said Deborah Denno, a law professor at Fordham University in New York and lethal injection expert.

"The inmates who are going to be executed could challenge the constitutionality of what's being raised in Ohio," Denno said Friday.

Ohio has put 32 people to death since 1999, when executions resumed in the state.

3 dead in Reno medical chopper crash

2009-11-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

RENO (AP) — A medical helicopter crashed early Saturday north of Reno near the Nevada-California state line, killing three crewmembers aboard, officials said.

The helicopter, an Aerospatialte AS350, crashed about 29 miles northwest of Reno in Lassen County, Calif., around 2 a.m. Saturday, according to Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor. All three people aboard were killed.

The helicopter had dropped off a patient at a Reno hospital and was on its way to Susanville, Calif., Gregor said. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash and fire. The cause of the crash wasn't known.

Gregor said the pilot was not communicating with air traffic controllers at the time of the accident. FAA and National Transportation Safety Board investigators will be on the scene Saturday.

The helicopter was operated by Mountain Life Flight out of Susanville, Gregor said. KOH Radio in Reno reported the patient was dropped off at Renown Medical Center in Reno.

Obama honors veterans and the fallen at Arlington Cemetery

2009-11-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

President Obama engaged in one of the time-honored traditions of the presidency today, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, to honorÂ those anonymous but not-forgotten soldiers who gave their lives in two world wars, Korea, and Vietnam.In his Veterans Day address, also at Arlington National Cemetery, Obama said that in "this time of war" the current generation of soldiers who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan has already proven itself equal to those previous heroes who are buried all around them.
"For the better part of a decade," Obama said, "they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places, they have protected us from danger, and they have given others the opportunity for a better life."
Surrounded by the grave stones of those previous generations, Obama said: "This is a place where it is impossible not to be moved by that sacrifice."

Obama said the government and other civilians needs to honor veterans by keeping its promises, from adequate supplies to better health care.Â He said Americans have not always kept faith with its veterans, such as with the returning Vietnam veterans who faced public indifference and even hostility.
"Our servicemen and women have been doing right by America for generations," Obama said. "and as long as I am commander in chief, America is going to do right by them."
Full remarks after the jump.
At the earlier wreath-laying ceremony, the president held his hand over his heart as a trumpeter played Taps on a drizzly, chilly day. Drums rolled and flags were displayed as the president and troops under his command bowed their head in prayer.
Before the event, Organizing for America -- the Obama-based political arm of the Democratic Party -- unveiled an e-mail that the president sent today to veterans.
"Today, on Veterans Day, my message to you is simple: Thank you," Obama wrote. "Thank you for your selfless service, for your valor, and for your strength of purpose that make all of us proud to be Americans."
In his missive, the president praised veterans for the "uncommon camaraderie that -- when faced with the tragedy of a despicable and heartbreaking attack last Thursday -- the soldiers and civilians of Ft. Hood humbly revealed to the world."
Here is the full text of Obama's remarks:

Thank you so much. Thank you. Please be seated.
Thank you, Secretary Shinseki, for the generous introduction; more importantly, the extraordinary bravery in service to our country, both on and off the battlefield.
I want to thank our outstanding vice president, Joe Biden, and his wonderful wife, Dr. Jill Biden, for being here today.
We want to thank the Bidens for their son Beau's service as well. We're glad he just got back from Iraq.
We want to say a special word of thanks to Brigadier General Karl Horst, who's the commander of the Military District of Washington, for being here and for your lifetime of distinguished service to our nation.
To Gene Crayton, president of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, thank you for being here.
And to all the veterans service organizations for their extraordinary work, day in, day out, on behalf of our nation's heroes.
To the members of our armed forces and the veterans who are here today, I am deeply honored and humbled to spend Veterans Day with you in this sacred place, where generations of heroes have come to rest and generations of Americans have come to show their gratitude.
There are many honors and responsibilities that come with this job, but none is more profound than serving as commander in chief.
Yesterday I visited the troops at Fort Hood. We gathered in remembrance of those we recently lost. We paid tribute to the lives they led. There was something that I saw in them, something that I see in the eyes of every soldier and sailor, airman, Marine and Coastguardsman that I have had the privilege to meet in this country and around the world, and that thing is determination.
In this time of war, we gather here, mindful that the generations serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made.
In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self- interests, they've chosen the opposite.
They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self, many even after they knew they'd be sent into harm's way.
And for the better part of a decade they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places, they have protected us from danger, and they have given others the opportunity for a better life.
So to all of them, to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families, there's no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice.
This is a place where it is impossible not to be moved by that sacrifice. But even as we gather here this morning, people are gathering all across America, not only to express thanks of a grateful nation, but to tell stories that demand to be told: the stories of wars whose names have come to define eras, battles that echo throughout history; the stories of patriots who sacrificed in pursuit of a more perfect union, and a grandfather who marched across Europe, of a friend who fought in Vietnam, of a sister who served in Iraq; they're the stories of generations of Americans who left home barely more than boys and girls, became men and women, and returned home heroes.
And when these Americans who had dedicated their lives to defending this country came home, many settled on a life of service, choosing to make their entire lives a tour of duty. Many chose to live a quiet life, trading one uniform and set of responsibilities for another: doctor, engineer, teacher, mom, dad. They bought homes, raised families, built businesses. They built the greatest middle class that the world has ever known. Some put away their medals, stayed humble about their service, and moved on.
Some, carrying shrapnel and scars, found that they couldn't.
And we call this a holiday, but for many veterans, it's another day of memories that drive them to live their lives each day as best as they possibly can.
For our troops, it is another day in harm's way. For their families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, it is another day of slow and arduous recovery. And in this national cemetery, it is another day when grief remains fresh.
So while it is important and proper that we mark this day, it is far more important we spend all our days determined to keep the promises that we've made to all who answer this country's call.
Carved into the marble behind me are the words of our first commander in chief: When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen.
Just as the contributions that our servicemen and -women make to this nation don't end when they take off their uniform, neither do our obligations to them.
And when we fulfill those obligations, we aren't just keeping faith with our veterans; we are keeping faith with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which this republic was founded.
And if we're honest with ourselves, we will admit there have been times where we, as a nation, have betrayed that sacred trust.
Our Vietnam veterans served with great honor, and they often came home greeted not with gratitude or support but with condemnation and neglect. That's something that will never happen again.
To them and to all who have served, in every battle, in every war, we say that it's never too late to say thank you. We honor your service. We are forever grateful.
And just as you have not forgotten your missing comrades, neither, ever, will we.
Our servicemen and -women have been doing right by America for generations. And as long as I am commander in chief, America is going to do right by them.
And that is my message to all veterans today. That is my message to all who serve in harm's way. To the husbands and wives back home, doing the parenting of two; to the parents who watch their sons and daughters go off to war and the children who wonder when mom and dad is coming home; to all our wounded warriors, and to the families who laid a loved one to rest. America will not let you down. We will take care of our own.
And to those who are serving in far-flung places today, when your tour ends, when you see our flag, when you touch our soil, you will be home in an America that is forever here for you, just as you have been there for us.
That is my promise, our nation's promise, to you.
Now, 91 years ago today, the battlefields of Europe fell quiet as World War I came to a close. But we don't mark this day each year as a celebration of victory, as proud of that victory as we are. We mark this day as a celebration of those who made victory possible.
Today, we keep in our minds the brave men and women of this young nation, generations of them, who, above all else, believed in and fought for a set of ideals. Because they did, our country still stands, our founding principles still shine, and nations around the world that once knew nothing but fear now know the blessings of freedom.
That is why we fight, in hopes of a day when we no longer need to. And that is why we gather at these solemn remembrances and reminders of war: to recommit ourselves to the hard work of peace.
There will be a day, before long, when this generation of servicemen and -women step out of uniform. They will build families and lives of their own. God willing, they will grow old. And someday, their children and their children's children will gather here to honor them.
Thank you, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

D.C. sniper executed in Virginia

2009-11-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

JARRATT, Va. — John Muhammad was executed Tuesday seven years after carrying out sniper attacks that terrorized the nation's capital for weeks and left 10 people dead.

Muhammad, 48, died in five minutes at 9:11 p.m. from a lethal injection at the Greensville Correctional Center. He said nothing as relatives of his victims looked on behind mirrored glass.

One of those in attendance was Milton Perry, a co-worker of bus driver Conrad Johnson, 35, who was shot in the chest at a bus stop in Maryland.

"I'm here because Conrad was the real deal," he said.

BACKGROUND: Pending execution reopens victims' wounds

A Gulf War veteran and Muslim convert, Muhammad never revealed why he stalked and shot people getting gas or shopping at stores.

His accomplice, Lee Malvo, 24, said Muhammad hoped to extort $10 million from the government to set up a camp where children would be trained as terrorists.

The death penalty was ruled out for Malvo, who was 17 at the time of the murders and committed some of them, after the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2005 that juvenile offenders cannot be executed.

For three weeks in October 2002, Muhammad and Malvo created panic in Washington and its suburbs.

Many fretted that the shootings were an al-Qaeda plot, coming as they did so close to the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. People avoided going outside and avoided self-serve gas stations.

Police got a break when they found Malvo's fingerprint at one of the shooting scenes and learned he was with Muhammad, and that Muhammad owned a blue Chevrolet Caprice. A truck driver spotted the car Oct. 22 at a highway rest stop in Maryland and police arrested the sleeping killers inside.

The car had been modified so someone could shoot from inside the trunk.

Muhammad and Malvo were convicted of six Maryland murders, for which they received life terms. In Virginia, a jury in 2003 sentenced Muhammad to death for the murder of Dean Harold Meyers, 53, killed while pumping gas at a Sunoco station in Manassas.

Defense lawyers argued that Muhammad was not mentally competent to stand trial. Courts disagreed.

Muhammad, divorced with five children, spent his final hours meeting with members of his family. He ate a last meal of chicken with red sauce.

His lawyer, Jon Sheldon, said that in the hours before his death Muhammad remained "obsessed in his belief that the government was conspiring against him because of his race."

Missouri shows how schools pay a price for football success

2009-11-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri's search for the right football coach meandered through three fitful decades until finally, nine years ago, the Tigers came upon Gary Pinkel.

A No. 1 ranking, two Big 12 Conference divisional championships and five bowl appearances later, they are hellbent on hanging on to him.

That means pulling out the checkbook and ponying up. Keeping Pinkel well paid. Satisfying his assistants, too. Investing more heavily in facilities, support staff and the other accouterments that have become essential to life in college athletics' fast lane.

A little less than a year ago, the school gave Pinkel a second contract extension and raise in three years and his third since he arrived at Mizzou in late 2000. His salary guarantee has more than quadrupled in that time, to $2.52 million this season. His assistants' collective pay has more than doubled.

After turning around a program that had two winning seasons in 17 years before his arrival, Pinkel now is the fourth-highest paid coach in the Big 12. The coaches of the conference's two bellwether programs, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Texas' Mack Brown, are guaranteed a respective $4.303 million and $3 million this season. And a newly reworked contract brought Texas Tech's Mike Leach to $2.7 million. The Big 12 average: $2.1 million.

Including salaries, Missouri's total spending on football has climbed from a little less than $7 million in 2004 to a projected $13.2 million this year. Its overall outlay for athletics has gone up by more than a third in that time to a projected $64 million in 2009-10.

"I know Missouri's not an outlier here," says Mike Alden, Mizzou's athletics director since 1998. The upward spending habits of Florida, Texas and other powerhouse programs are well-chronicled. What's notable, USA TODAY finds in its analysis of financial filings with the NCAA in the four years from 2004-05 to 2007-08, is the pull they exert on down the athletics' food chain.

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Cincinnati hired an up-and-coming coach in Mark Dantonio, lost him to Michigan State, hit on another in Brian Kelly and has evolved into a Big East power that's unbeaten and ranked among the nation's top five this season. En route, its head coach's salary ballooned 144% from 2004 to 2007. Its football assistants' collective salaries rose 20% in that time. And total spending on athletics went up 44%, far outpacing a 3% rise in overall spending by the university.

Boise State's ascent to national prominence came amid a 52% rise in athletics spending in that same four-year period, close to tripling a 19% increase in total institutional expenditures. Ball State more than doubled the salary of football coach Brady Hoke and fattened its athletics budget by 36% — almost double the rate of increase in spending by the school — and still saw Hoke bolt for San Diego State after a 12-win breakthrough last season. He is making more, at a guaranteed $676,800 this season, and also cited better pay for his assistants in making the move.

Oregon State's athletics budget grew 29% while its institutional budget shrank 9%, the financial filings show.

Darkening the picture are the troubled economy and budgetary pain it has brought Missouri and most all of higher education. Athletic departments spend away while academics — the schools' reason for being — are getting slammed.

"It's something Division I athletics has to be aware of and come to terms with, ultimately," Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton says. "Because given the factors in play right now, it's not clear this is a sustainable path."

Winning is rewarded

Mizzou's fiscal distress actually is modest compared with, say, the 10-school University of California system, which saw state appropriations slashed by $813 million. In exchange for a pledge by the state's public colleges and universities to hold off on tuition increases, the legislature in Jefferson City, Mo., made no cuts in their appropriations this year.

Still, MU has instituted a systemwide hiring freeze, frozen the pay of most of its approximately 18,000 full-time faculty and staff and tinkered with its pension plan, the latter in particular raising faculty hackles.

Amid all that, Pinkel and his program are making history.

The Tigers rebuilt their lineup this season and won't reach a third consecutive Big 12 championship game. But they're 5-4 and in the hunt for another bowl, which would be their school-record fifth in a row under Pinkel.

"Sometimes, you've got to spend money to make money," reasons Martin Rucker, a state representative from St. Joseph. "As long as he's successful in doing that and continuing to provide a positive image of the university, I don't know how you can argue to not pay him."

If not without introspection.

A Democrat who sits on the state's House education appropriations committee, Rucker has been sold on Pinkel since the coach stepped into his living room seven years ago to recruit the youngest of his four children. He likes Pinkel's grasp of X's and O's, he says. He loves his honesty. He admires his attention to life beyond the field.

And yet, Rucker and others detected some unease when the school gave Pinkel his latest extended contract and raise near the end of last season. Atop his guarantee, Pinkel — who declined to speak on the record about his salary — can pocket as much as $850,000 in a given year in incentives.

"I'm not saying he doesn't deserve a raise," says Rucker, a sheet metal worker by trade whose son, Martin II, went on to become an All-America tight end at Mizzou. "It's just the economic times we're going through.

"A few other legislators, I don't know if they were really upset, but (they were) just questioning, 'Why would you give the guy a raise when we're here trying to balance the budget and we're cutting this and cutting that and can't give all the money we want to higher ed?' It wasn't a real firestorm. It was some people probably thinking out loud."

A few months later, Alden and Missouri also were compelled to redo the contract of basketball coach Mike Anderson after he guided the Tigers within a game of the NCAA tournament's Final Four in March. In truth, Alden says, he had talked about a new deal earlier. But urgency rose when Anderson's success made him a speculated candidate for job openings at Georgia and Memphis.

He got a $500,000 raise to $1.35 million annually and will pocket another $1.4 million in deferred pay if he stays through the seven-year term of the agreement.

"When you pay that much money to athletics personnel simply because of the competitive situation, it really comes across wrong. Especially to those who are involved in education," says another Missouri state representative, Republican Mike Thomson of Maryville. A teacher, counselor and coach for more than 30 years on the high school level, he chairs the House education appropriations committee.

"But I totally understand the other side of it — what a successful athletic program does for the whole university," Thomson says. "It not only picks up your alumni base, but it's almost a self-recruiting tool. How do you discount the value of a good program? And where does a good program start? It starts with good people."

'Costs to be the boss'

It figures that there are good people on Mizzou's faculty, too. Its average professor's salary rose 9% — to $102,800 — in the four years from 2004 to 2008, according to surveys by the American Association of University Professors. In that time, the school's annual financial filings with the NCAA show that its spending on football assistants' salaries rose 32%.

In the four years that USA TODAY has studied head coaches' salaries, from 2006 to 2009, Pinkel's climbed 131%.

The overall spending picture looks much the same. University expenditures at Missouri essentially stayed flat from fiscal 2004-05 to 2007-08, falling a little less than one-half of 1%, according to the NCAA filings. Overall athletics spending climbed almost 12%.

"I think, if you have a level of sensitivity and compassion, those types of issues are difficult," Alden says.

"At the end of the day, is it still concerning for people to see expenses continue to go like this (he gestures upward)? Absolutely. But at least it's being done in an open and transparent environment and with a lot of input."

Pinkel also is part of a growing movement among those coaches to take financial care of their assistants, writing salary, bonus and other stipulations into their head coaching contracts. The minimum allocation for Pinkel's staff has gone from $885,000 under his original agreement to $2.1 million (the first covering10 people, the latter nine excluding the director of football operations). Their incentives, like Pinkel's, also are much more lucrative. Consequently, Pinkel kept his staff virtually intact for nine years.

Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer has long led the way in that regard. Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster, making $402,000 this year, is one of 13 assistants in USA TODAY's study who are guaranteed at least $400,000. All nine Tech assistants have the security of multiyear agreements.

So do the entire staffs at Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee. Tennessee's nine assistants earn a nation-high average of $369,444, more than the guarantees for 18 major-college head coaches for whom USA TODAY was able to determine compensation.

While the NCAA caps coaching numbers at a head coach and nine assistants, there are no limits on administrative and support staff. And there lies more fuel for the spending spiral.

Alabama's overall athletics staff runs more than 230 deep, including eight full-time strength and conditioning coaches and directors, four video services employees and two pilots, an aircraft technician and a flight operations manager. The roll in Missouri's athletics department: 15 executive associate, senior associate, associate and assistant ADs beneath Alden and some 190 other athletics personnel ranging from coaches to directors of sports nutrition and video operations.

Mizzou's overall athletics profit nonetheless has climbed nearly tenfold in the last four years, from a modest $461,000 to a little more than $4.5 million in 2008-09. That has much to do with football, which netted more than $11 million last year and helps to keep the school's array of non-revenue-producing sports afloat.

An annual $2.25 million subsidy from the university also helps, though Deaton and Alden say it will be phased out in the next four years in deference to the economy.

Beyond taking care of its marquee coaches, Deaton says Missouri has adjusted compensation packages for key faculty and researchers on campus and "I don't sense any big battle on campus at all about this. I think all the faculty are committed to using, in a sense, the athletic success for the overall success of the university."

Indeed, Leona Rubin, an associate professor in MU's college of veterinary medicine and chairwoman of the faculty council, points to athletics' intrinsic value, to the exposure, branding and campuswide energy a winning team can lend. Some faculty, she says, connect football's success to Missouri's record, 5,800-strong freshman enrollment a year ago and near-record again this year.

She says she heard no grumbling about the redo of Pinkel's contract. No e-mails. No phone calls. "I think everyone is pleased with what athletics is doing," Rubin says.

That appears to include most folks down the road in Jefferson City.

"We all know that when Mizzou is winning, the whole state feels better. So … you do whatever it takes to keep your program at the upper echelon," says Rucker, who saw an older son, Mike, star at Nebraska and play with the NFL's Carolina Panthers.

"The bottom line is it costs to be the boss."

Pinkel's deals: By the numbers

University of Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel's guaranteed annual compensation has increased 331% during his eight-plus years at the school. Under the terms of his contracts, the school's outlays for his assistant coaches and other football-specific personnel also have increased. The collective guaranteed salaries of his assistant coaches alone have gone up by more than 130% and their possible incentive bonuses have grown from one month's salary to more than seven. Even with those increases, the school's net revenue from football also has grown.

Contract 1 (Dec. 1, 200)	Contract 2 (Jan. 1, 2004)	Contract 3 (Jan. 1, 2007)	Contract 4 (Jan. 1, 2009)

Pinkel salary	Pinkel salary	Pinkel salary	Pinkel salary

$585,000 a year guaranteed. $50,000 buyout to Toledo covered. $400,000 incentive maximum.	$1.090 million a year guaranteed. $462,500 incentive maximum.	$1.32 million a year guaranteed. $523,750 incentive maximum, plus the possibility of adding $50,000 a year to the guaranteed amount for the remaining years of the deal.	$2.525 million a year guaranteed, plus guaranteed annual increases of at least $50,000 a year. $850,000 incentive maximum.

Assistants	Assistants	Assistants	Assistants

Minimum of $885,000 a year for nine assistants and director of football operations.	Minimum of $1.3 million a year for nine assistant coaches, director of football operations and weight/strength training director.	Minimum of $1.62 million a year for nine assistant coaches, director of football operations and weight/strength training director.	Minimum of $2.101 million a year for nine assistants. (Salaries of assistant athletics director for football operations, assistant athletics director for athletic performance and coordinator of on-campus recruiting explicitly will be paid under athletics department budget.)

1 month salary per assistant incentive maximum	1 month salary per assistant bonus maximum.	2 months' salary per assistant bonus maximum.	Offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator will have 2-year contracts, running July 1- June 30.

2001 season record: 4-7 overall (3-5 Big 12, T-4th North Division)	2004 season record: 5-6 (3-5, T-3rd North) Football revenue: $15,907,400 ($7,362,766 from home game tickets) Football expenses: $6,814,760 Fiscal year 2005 athletics overall: $460,707 surplus	Extra compensation for additional staff to perform additional work related to a bowl shall be determined and approved by the athletics director.	Other assistants’ contracts will be 1 year, running July 1-June 30.

2002 season record: 5-7 (2-6, 5th North)	2005 season record: 7-5 (4-4, T-2nd North), Independence Bowl win Football revenue: $14,977,244 ($7,322,627 from home game tickets) Football expenses: $7,135,461 2006 athletics overall: $5,561,733 deficit	2007 season record: 12-2 (7-1, T-1st North, Big 12 title game loss as No. 2-ranked team in nation), Cotton Bowl win, No. 5 final ranking Football revenue: $21,200,528 ($11,424,709 from home game tickets* Football expenses: $10,608,910 2008 athletics overall: $3,787,255 surplus	Maximum of $65,000 paid into pool, based on Big 12 division or overall championships, for the 12 staffers covered under contract.

2003 season record: 8-5 (4-4, 3rd North), Independence Bowl loss	2006 season record: 8-5 (4-4, T-2nd North), Sun Bowl loss Football revenue: $16,432,173 ($8,573,559 from home game tickets) Football expenses: $9,329,395 2007 athletics overall: $805,732 deficit	2008 season record: 10-4 (5-3, T-1st North, Big 12 title game loss), Alamo Bowl win, No. 16 final ranking Football revenue** $24,484,859 ($13,182,272 from home game tickets) Football expenses* $13,228,116 2009 athletics overall**** $4,529,230 surplus	Additional bonus of 7 months’ salary per each of the nine assistants maximum.

			Extra compensation for additional staff to perform additional work related to a bowl game shall be determined and approved by athletics director.

			2009 season record: 5-4 (1-4, T-last North) Football revenue:* $24,400,000 ($12,558,965 from home game tickets) Football expenses: $13,200,000 2010 athletics overall:* Even

United pilot arrest on drinking charges in Chicago flight

2009-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

UPDATE (Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:36 a.m. ET): Media across the USA and the United Kingdom continue to update the story about the United pilot who was arrested on drinking charges just before he was to fly a trans-Atlantic flight from London to Chicago.
The Sun, one of London's tabloid newspapers, offers this account: "The pilot of a passenger jet was dramatically arrested shortly before take-off at Heathrow Airport after cops were told he had been drinking by the chief steward. The crew member had a massive row with the United Airlines captain as he prepared his Boeing 777 for a flight from London to Chicago. The plane's doors were re-opened and cops boarded Flight 949 in front of stunned passengers. Officers breathalysed the American pilot and arrested him after his reading was over the alcohol limit."

The Daily Mail of London writes "a member of the cabin crew who reported him to police said (the pilot) had allegedly barricaded himself in the cockpit for over an hour before police convinced him to come out." A Heathrow spokesman tells the Daily Mail that the pilot "was reported to police by United Airlines staff. I believe departure was imminent."
The Denver Post writes the accused pilot – 51-year-old Erwin Vermont Washington – "was released on bail but will have to return to London for his first court appearance Nov. 20. He faces up to two years in prison and fines if convicted." The Post adds "pilots are prohibited from flying in Great Britain if their blood-alcohol content is above 0.02%, or the equivalent of having about half a glass of regular beer." The Post adds Washington is an Air Force veteran.
FOX Chicago tries to add perspective, saying "Monday's incident echoes the arrest in May of an American Airlines pilot — also at Heathrow and also scheduled to fly a plane to Chicago — after he failed a breath test. In October 2008, another United Airlines pilot was arrested by police for being over the alcohol limit. Union leaders say pilots are under increased scrutiny by security agents and passengers because of high-profile cases involving drunk pilots."
The Chicago Tribune picks up on the broader theme of recent safety incidents. The Tribune says Washington's "arrest is the latest in a recent spate of pilot mishaps that has some aviation observers questioning whether the physical stresses of flying, combined with personal financial pressures, are beginning to take a toll on the profession." The paper talks to one United pilot, who asked not to identified; He said he thinks the recent incidents show an "industry that is running on the ragged edge. ... It's a completely different life than people think."
UPDATE (Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7:34 a.m. ET): The latest update to this story comes this morning, with The Associated Press reporting that the "United Airlines pilot who failed a breathalyzer test shortly before he was due to take off has been charged with having too much alcohol in his system, British police said. Erwin Vermont Washington, 51, is the third U.S. pilot in 13 months to be arrested for being over the strict alcohol limits imposed on airline staff. Washington was arrested after officers were called to United Airlines Flight 949, which was already full of passengers and due to leave London's Heathrow Airport just after noon on Monday." Reuters says United has suspended the pilot.
RELATED LINK: Spate of airline pilot mishaps triggers concerns (Chicago Tribune)
UPDATE (Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:26 p.m. ET):The Associated Press updates the story, saying the United pilot "was pulled from a plane and arrested shortly before takeoff after a co-worker suspected him of being drunk, police and air officials said Tuesday." The BBC adds"the plane's departure to Chicago (from London) was 'imminent,' with 124 passengers and 11 crew members on board, when the arrest took place, a Heathrow spokesman said."
AP says that a "Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed that the pilot had been given a breathalyzer test and that results were expected shortly. He said the man, whom he did not identify, has been released on bail. He added that he did not know exactly under what circumstances the pilot was arrested."
Bloomberg News notes "the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration bars pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of a flight, or flying with a blood-alcohol level of 0.04 percent or more. United's policy is 'more strict,' (United spokeswoman Megan) McCarthy said, without giving details."
ORIGINAL POST (Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 2:40 p.m. ET): In news just breaking in the media today, The Independent newspaper of London writes that a United Airlines pilot was arrested yesterday prior to a trans-Atlantic flight and charged on "suspicion of exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit."
The Independent writes that "after an hour of sitting on the runway, more than 100 United Airlines passengers were told to disembark yesterday because the pilot was 'sick' – only later to find he had been arrested." The paper says it got confirmation from the Metropolitan Police that the pilot of the Boeing 767 was arrested yesterday on the charges.
Chicago media website chicagobreakingnews.com writes "the pilot was arrested … after he failed a breathalyzer test. He was released on bond, according to British media. United did not identify the pilot but said he has been 'removed from service.' "The website says United deferred questions to British authorities, but – in a statement – the airline told chicagobreakingnews.com: "United's alcohol police is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy."
CBS 2of Chicago adds "this is the second time in the past six months that an airline pilot set to fly from London to Chicago has gotten arrested for being drunk. In May, an American Airlines pilot set to fly out of Heathrow was arrested after failing a breathalyzer test."

In Senate, health bill has major hurdles

2009-11-08T22:09:00.000-08:00

The battle over health care shifted back to the Senate as President Obama prodded lawmakers on Sunday to push ahead one day after the House narrowly approved the most sweeping bill of its kind in four decades.

Obama hailed the House for passing a bill the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says would extend coverage to 36 million more Americans at a cost of $1.2 trillion in the first 10 years, but he acknowledged the difficult path ahead as the Senate struggles to finish its own version of the legislation by the end of the year.

"Now it falls on the United States Senate to take the baton and bring this effort to the finish line," Obama said from the Rose Garden on Sunday. "I'm absolutely confident that they will."

With less than seven weeks left on its calendar, the Senate timeline to start debate is uncertain. Even if the chamber passes a bill, lawmakers will have to work out differences with the House proposal, including how to pay for billions of dollars in new subsidies to help families buy coverage.

Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, said the House vote provided "good momentum," but there was no indication that moderate senators needed to pass the bill had warmed to controversial measures such as a proposed government-run insurance plan.

HOUSE ROLL CALL: How did your representative vote?

LONE GOP VOTE: 'A matter of conscience' for Cao

"If the public option plan is in there ... I will not allow this bill to come to a final vote," Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman— one of two independents Democrats are counting on — warned on Fox News Sunday. "I believe the debt can break America."

After weeks of negotiations and a last-minute push by Obama, the House voted 220-215 Saturday to approve the most far-reaching health care bill Congress has considered since the creation of Medicare in 1965. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi succeeded only after allowing an amendment that prohibits federal money from being used for abortions.

The bill would require nearly every American to buy a health insurance policy, expand Medicaid to cover 15 million more people and prohibit insurers from denying or cancelling coverage because of pre-existing conditions. About 18 million would remain uninsured — a third of whom would be illegal immigrants — according to the non-partisan CBO.

House and Senate Republicans argued the bill would create huge tax increases on small businesses and could force millions of Americans out of their current coverage. Although 39 House Democrats voted against the bill only one Republican, Louisiana Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao, supported it.

"The House bill is dead on arrival in the Senate," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told CBS' Face the Nation. "It was a bill written by liberals for liberals." Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island predicted the bill would pass but, "It will take time."

HOUSE ROLL CALL: HEALTH CARE

A "yes" vote is a vote to pass the bill. Voting yes were 219 Democrats and 1 Republican. Voting no were 39 Democrats and 176 Republicans.

X denotes those not voting. Present denotes those who voted they were "present" at the time of the vote but did not vote yes or no on the issue.

ALABAMA

Democrats— Bright, N; Davis, N; Griffith, N.

Republicans— Aderholt, N; Bachus, N; Bonner, N; Rogers, N.

ALASKA

Republicans— Young, N.

ARIZONA

Democrats— Giffords, Y; Grijalva, Y; Kirkpatrick, Y; Mitchell, Y; Pastor, Y.

Republicans— Flake, N; Franks, N; Shadegg, N.

ARKANSAS

Democrats— Berry, Y; Ross, N; Snyder, Y.

Republicans— Boozman, N.

CALIFORNIA

Democrats— Baca, Y; Becerra, Y; Berman, Y; Capps, Y; Cardoza, Y; Chu, Y; Costa, Y; Davis, Y; Eshoo, Y; Farr, Y; Filner, Y; Garamendi, Y; Harman, Y; Honda, Y; Lee, Y; Lofgren, Zoe, Y; Matsui, Y; McNerney, Y; Miller, George, Y; Napolitano, Y; Pelosi, Y; Richardson, Y; Roybal-Allard, Y; Sanchez, Linda T., Y; Sanchez, Loretta, Y; Schiff, Y; Sherman, Y; Speier, Y; Stark, Y; Thompson, Y; Waters, Y; Watson, Y; Waxman, Y; Woolsey, Y.

Republicans— Bilbray, N; Bono Mack, N; Calvert, N; Campbell, N; Dreier, N; Gallegly, N; Herger, N; Hunter, N; Issa, N; Lewis, N; Lungren, Daniel E., N; McCarthy, N; McClintock, N; McKeon, N; Miller, Gary, N; Nunes, N; Radanovich, N; Rohrabacher, N; Royce, N.

COLORADO

Democrats— DeGette, Y; Markey, N; Perlmutter, Y; Polis, Y; Salazar, Y.

Republicans— Coffman, N; Lamborn, N.

CONNECTICUT

Democrats— Courtney, Y; DeLauro, Y; Himes, Y; Larson, Y; Murphy, Y.

DELAWARE

Republicans— Castle, N.

FLORIDA

Democrats— Boyd, N; Brown, Corrine, Y; Castor, Y; Grayson, Y; Hastings, Y; Klein, Y; Kosmas, N; Meek, Y; Wasserman Schultz, Y; Wexler, Y.

Republicans— Bilirakis, N; Brown-Waite, Ginny, N; Buchanan, N; Crenshaw, N; Diaz-Balart, L., N; Diaz-Balart, M., N; Mack, N; Mica, N; Miller, N; Posey, N; Putnam, N; Rooney, N; Ros-Lehtinen, N; Stearns, N; Young, N.

GEORGIA

Democrats— Barrow, N; Bishop, Y; Johnson, Y; Lewis, Y; Marshall, N; Scott, Y.

Republicans— Broun, N; Deal, N; Gingrey, N; Kingston, N; Linder, N; Price, N; Westmoreland, N.

HAWAII

Democrats— Abercrombie, Y; Hirono, Y.

IDAHO

Democrats— Minnick, N.

Republicans— Simpson, N.

ILLINOIS

Democrats— Bean, Y; Costello, Y; Davis, Y; Foster, Y; Gutierrez, Y; Halvorson, Y; Hare, Y; Jackson, Y; Lipinski, Y; Quigley, Y; Rush, Y; Schakowsky, Y.

Republicans— Biggert, N; Johnson, N; Kirk, N; Manzullo, N; Roskam, N; Schock, N; Shimkus, N.

INDIANA

Democrats— Carson, Y; Donnelly, Y; Ellsworth, Y; Hill, Y; Visclosky, Y.

Republicans— Burton, N; Buyer, N; Pence, N; Souder, N.

IOWA

Democrats— Boswell, Y; Braley, Y; Loebsack, Y.

Republicans— King, N; Latham, N.

KANSAS

Democrats— Moore, Y.

Republicans— Jenkins, N; Moran, N; Tiahrt, N.

KENTUCKY

Democrats— Chandler, N; Yarmuth, Y.

Republicans— Davis, N; Guthrie, N; Rogers, N; Whitfield, N.

LOUISIANA

Democrats— Melancon, N.

Republicans— Alexander, N; Boustany, N; Cao, Y; Cassidy, N; Fleming, N; Scalise, N.

MAINE

Democrats— Michaud, Y; Pingree, Y.

MARYLAND

Democrats— Cummings, Y; Edwards, Y; Hoyer, Y; Kratovil, N; Ruppersberger, Y; Sarbanes, Y; Van Hollen, Y.

Republicans— Bartlett, N.

MASSACHUSETTS

Democrats— Capuano, Y; Delahunt, Y; Frank, Y; Lynch, Y; Markey, Y; McGovern, Y; Neal, Y; Olver, Y; Tierney, Y; Tsongas, Y.

MICHIGAN

Democrats— Conyers, Y; Dingell, Y; Kildee, Y; Kilpatrick, Y; Levin, Y; Peters, Y; Schauer, Y; Stupak, Y.

Republicans— Camp, N; Ehlers, N; Hoekstra, N; McCotter, N; Miller, N; Rogers, N; Upton, N.

MINNESOTA

Democrats— Ellison, Y; McCollum, Y; Oberstar, Y; Peterson, N; Walz, Y.

Republicans— Bachmann, N; Kline, N; Paulsen, N.

MISSISSIPPI

Democrats— Childers, N; Taylor, N; Thompson, Y.

Republicans— Harper, N.

MISSOURI

Democrats— Carnahan, Y; Clay, Y; Cleaver, Y; Skelton, N.

Republicans— Akin, N; Blunt, N; Emerson, N; Graves, N; Luetkemeyer, N.

MONTANA

Republicans— Rehberg, N.

NEBRASKA

Republicans— Fortenberry, N; Smith, N; Terry, N.

NEVADA

Democrats— Berkley, Y; Titus, Y.

Republicans— Heller, N.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Democrats— Hodes, Y; Shea-Porter, Y.

NEW JERSEY

Democrats— Adler, N; Andrews, Y; Holt, Y; Pallone, Y; Pascrell, Y; Payne, Y; Rothman, Y; Sires, Y.

Republicans— Frelinghuysen, N; Garrett, N; Lance, N; LoBiondo, N; Smith, N.

NEW MEXICO

Democrats— Heinrich, Y; Lujan, Y; Teague, N.

NEW YORK

Democrats— Ackerman, Y; Arcuri, Y; Bishop, Y; Clarke, Y; Crowley, Y; Engel, Y; Hall, Y; Higgins, Y; Hinchey, Y; Israel, Y; Lowey, Y; Maffei, Y; Maloney, Y; Massa, N; McCarthy, Y; McMahon, N; Meeks, Y; Murphy, N; Nadler, Y; Owens, Y; Rangel, Y; Serrano, Y; Slaughter, Y; Tonko, Y; Towns, Y; Velazquez, Y; Weiner, Y.

Republicans— King, N; Lee, N.

NORTH CAROLINA

Democrats — Butterfield, Y; Etheridge, Y; Kissell, N; McIntyre, N; Miller, Y; Price, Y; Shuler, N; Watt, Y.

Republicans— Coble, N; Foxx, N; Jones, N; McHenry, N; Myrick, N.

NORTH DAKOTA

Democrats— Pomeroy, Y.

OHIO

Democrats— Boccieri, N; Driehaus, Y; Fudge, Y; Kaptur, Y; Kilroy, Y; Kucinich, N; Ryan, Y; Space, Y; Sutton, Y; Wilson, Y.

Republicans— Austria, N; Boehner, N; Jordan, N; LaTourette, N; Latta, N; Schmidt, N; Tiberi, N; Turner, N.

OKLAHOMA

Democrats— Boren, N.

Republicans— Cole, N; Fallin, N; Lucas, N; Sullivan, N.

OREGON

Democrats— Blumenauer, Y; DeFazio, Y; Schrader, Y; Wu, Y.

Republicans— Walden, N.

PENNSYLVANIA

Democrats— Altmire, N; Brady, Y; Carney, Y; Dahlkemper, Y; Doyle, Y; Fattah, Y; Holden, N; Kanjorski, Y; Murphy, Patrick, Y; Murtha, Y; Schwartz, Y; Sestak, Y.

Republicans— Dent, N; Gerlach, N; Murphy, Tim, N; Pitts, N; Platts, N; Shuster, N; Thompson, N.

RHODE ISLAND

Democrats— Kennedy, Y; Langevin, Y.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Democrats— Clyburn, Y; Spratt, Y.

Republicans— Barrett, N; Brown, N; Inglis, N; Wilson, N.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Democrats— Herseth Sandlin, N.

TENNESSEE

Democrats— Cohen, Y; Cooper, Y; Davis, N; Gordon, N; Tanner, N.

Republicans— Blackburn, N; Duncan, N; Roe, N; Wamp, N.

TEXAS

Democrats— Cuellar, Y; Doggett, Y; Edwards, N; Gonzalez, Y; Green, Al, Y; Green, Gene, Y; Hinojosa, Y; Jackson-Lee, Y; Johnson, E. B., Y; Ortiz, Y; Reyes, Y; Rodriguez, Y.

Republicans— Barton, N; Brady, N; Burgess, N; Carter, N; Conaway, N; Culberson, N; Gohmert, N; Granger, N; Hall, N; Hensarling, N; Johnson, Sam, N; Marchant, N; McCaul, N; Neugebauer, N; Olson, N; Paul, N; Poe, N; Sessions, N; Smith, N; Thornberry, N.

UTAH

Democrats— Matheson, N.

Republicans— Bishop, N; Chaffetz, N.

VERMONT

Democrats— Welch, Y.

VIRGINIA

Democrats— Boucher, N; Connolly, Y; Moran, Y; Nye, N; Perriello, Y; Scott, Y.

Republicans— Cantor, N; Forbes, N; Goodlatte, N; Wittman, N; Wolf, N.

WASHINGTON

Democrats— Baird, N; Dicks, Y; Inslee, Y; Larsen, Y; McDermott, Y; Smith, Y.

Republicans— Hastings, N; McMorris Rodgers, N; Reichert, N.

WEST VIRGINIA

Democrats— Mollohan, Y; Rahall, Y.

Republicans— Capito, N.

WISCONSIN

Democrats— Baldwin, Y; Kagen, Y; Kind, Y; Moore, Y; Obey, Y.

Republicans— Petri, N; Ryan, N; Sensenbrenner, N.

WYOMING

Republicans— Lummis, N.