Life history

Pentagon Deploys Military Police to Iraq

2012-03-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has approved a request by the new U.S. commander in Iraq for an extra 2,200 military police to help deal with an anticipated increase in detainees during the Baghdad security crackdown, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.

Gates told reporters at the Pentagon that the extra MPs are in addition to the 21,500 combat troops that President Bush is sending for the Baghdad security plan and 2,400 other troops designated to support them.

"That's a new …

Sigma-Aldrich CEO got $4 million in compensation

2012-03-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

Jai Nagarkatti, president and chief executive of biochemicals company Sigma-Aldrich Corp., received a compensation package worth $4 million in 2008, up 25 percent from a year ago, according to an Associated Press calculation of figures disclosed in a regulatory filing made late Wednesday.

Nagarkatti's salary for the year was $750,000, a 14 percent increase from 2007. His performance bonus decreased 19 percent to $356,625. The value of his stock and options on the dates they were granted climbed 41 percent to $2.7 million, but Sigma-Aldrich shares are well short of the options' exercise price of $52.76 per share.

The St. Louis company's profit grew 10 …

Water on Jupiter moon? // U.S. probe to seek ocean

2012-03-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. Project Galileo scientists saidSunday they hope to verify indications received from Voyager 2 adecade ago that Jupiter's second satellite, Europa, contains a bodyof water on the scale of an earthly ocean beneath its icy and rockycrust.

The eight-year mission to Jupiter and its major satellites isscheduled for launching by the space shuttle Atlantis on Oct. 12. Itmarks the first attempt to follow up the discoveries of Voyager 1 andVoyager 2 a decade ago.

The objectives were described at a news conference conductedsimultaneously at Kennedy Space Center and at the Jet PropulsionLaboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

The scientists …

Lawmaker: Iran shot down unmanned US spy plane

2012-03-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran's Revolutionary Guard shot down an unmanned U.S. spy plane that was trying to gather information on an underground uranium enrichment site, a state-owned news site said Wednesday.

Lawmaker Ali Aghazadeh Dafsari said the drone was flying over the Fordo uranium enrichment site near the holy city of Qom in central Iran, the state TV-run Youth Journalists Club said.

The report did not say when the plane was shot down.

Iran is locked in a dispute with the U.S. and its allies over Tehran's disputed nuclear program, which the West believes aims to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the accusations, saying its nuclear program is aimed at generating …

Man due in court in NC state investigator's death

2012-03-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

A Charlotte insurance agency owner charged in the death of a North Carolina state insurance investigator is set to appear in court.

Authorities say 40-year-old Michael Arthur Howell (HOW'-el) of Indian Trail is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Sallie Rohrbach (RAW'-bak). Howell's initial court appearance will be held Monday afternoon in Superior Court in Charlotte.

…

On The Retail Trail UP farmers back corporates as Mayawati halts Reliance Retail's bandwagon.

2012-03-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 30, 2007

Lucknow

It's been exactly one week since Uttar Pradesh Chief MinisterMayawati ordered the closure of organised retail outlets in thestate. BT's destination for the day is the state capital Lucknow--the city of nawabs and kebabs. Dotted with countless hoardings ofMayawati, the city is the centre of another controversy--the rollbackof state agricultural policy that allowed contract farming and theentry of private sector players in agri-business. The majorstakeholders impacted by the hullabaloo are the farmers and the bigorganised retail players.

It's 7.30 a.m. as we come out of the Amausi Airport. As the localnewspapers report overwhelming …

Former Assistant AG slammed by judge

2012-03-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Case alleging harassment of University of Mich. gay student continues

DETROIT - Former Michigan Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell was reprimanded by a federal judge last week for attempting to find a shortcut to end a lawsuit against him for allegedly harassing an openly gay University of Michigan college student.

Beginning in 2010, Shirvell waged an online campaign against the former student body president, Christopher Armstrong. Shirvell also stalked Armstrong on campus, protesting his public appearances with harassing signage and shouting out insults. In April of this year, Armstrong, 21, filed a lawsuit against Shirvell, seeking more than $25,000 in …

Orioles 5, Royals 2

2012-03-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

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To be precise ; We're not here to run a Mickey Mouse business. We're looking at substantial revenues from India in hundreds of millions rather than tens of millions of pounds

2012-03-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

We're not here to run a Mickey Mouse business. We're looking atsubstantial revenues from India in hundreds of millions rather thantens of millions of pounds Stuart Rose, CEO, Marks & Spencer, inThe Economic Times

When millions of people are going hungry, it's a crime againsthumanity that food should be diverted to biofuels P. Chidambaram,Finance Minister, in Mint

We get better than average talent in India. People join us foradventure, not for jobs William D. Green, Chairman and CEO,Accenture, in Business Standard

This is a difficult business environment... there are no easysolutions here, no silver bullets Gary Crittenden, CFO, Citigroup,on the bank's …

The Organization of Industrial Research as a Network Activity: Agricultural Research at Philips in the 1930s

2012-03-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Business historians have shown the importance of industrial research in the process of innovation. Most have focused on the industrial research departments themselves. Less attention has been paid to the position of these departments within research networks outside the firm. This article explores the story of networking at the Dutch company Philips & Co. during the interwar period. Gilles Holst, director of Philips's Research Department at the time, became involved in an agricultural research network that comprised growers, university scientists, and the Dutch government. These networks were essential for Philips's success and provided an opportunity for the company's researchers to …

NASA rover low on power from Martian dust storm

2012-03-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

NASA's Spirit rover, which is nearing its fifth year on Mars, is struggling to survive after a dust storm sapped its power, mission scientists said Tuesday.

The solar-powered Spirit produced only 89 watt-hours of energy last weekend, half the normal amount it needs to function. The culprit was a dust storm that moved over Spirit's site near the Martian equatorial plains, blocking sunshine from reaching its solar panels.

To prevent Spirit from depleting its batteries, ground controllers commanded the rover to turn off heaters that warm various instruments. Engineers also instructed the spacecraft to cease communications with Earth until Thursday.

…

Why light-emitting diodes are replacing light bulbs

2012-03-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

If a time traveler from a hundred years ago were to visit a hometoday, much of the technology would be completely alien. Thetelevision, cordless phone and computer would probably leave himflabbergasted.

But on seeing a light bulb, he might say, "Ah! Here's something Irecognize. A few of those grace my home, too."

If the visitor returned in 15 years, Thomas Edison's bright ideamight be missing. The likely replacement: light-emitting diodes, orLEDs.

LED lamps were unthinkable until the technology cleared a majorhurdle just a dozen years ago. Since then, LEDs have evolved quickly,and are being adapted for many uses, including pool illumination andreading …

McDonald's same-store sales rise 8.5 pct in August

2012-03-14T02:14:00.000-07:00

Overseas consumers spent more at McDonald's Corp. in August, leading the No. 1 hamburger chain to surprise investors by posting a big rise in global same-store sales on Tuesday.

The chain said its worldwide same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, jumped 8.5 percent during the month.

Same-store sales are a key indicator of restaurant performance since they measure growth at existing locations rather than newly opened ones.

The increase follows a rise in global same-store sales of 8 percent in July and compares to a boost of 8.1 percent in August last year.

Analysts were largely expecting a lower increase, with U.S. consumers cutting back on spending, pockets of economic weakness appearing in some overseas markets and the dollar strengthening against currencies abroad.

"It's a real strong performance," said Morningstar analyst John Owens. "It's impressive."

Same-store sales grew in every region. In the U.S., the chain said they rose 4.5 percent, driven by the company's breakfast menu, a promotion tied to the Olympics for the Southern Style Chicken sandwich and biscuit, and "everyday affordability" with a focus on beverages. In August, McDonald's priced its Sweet Tea at $1 nationwide.

The rise in U.S. same-store sales, though, fell short of the 6.7 percent jump in July and the 7.4 percent rise the company recorded last August.

Most restaurant chains are seeing slower sales this year as consumers cut back on discretionary spending due to high gas prices, tight credit and the weak housing market. McDonald's _ with its dollar menu and fast service _ has fared better than most, but the chain has said it is not immune to the effects of the economic slowdown.

Still, the U.S. bump either met or beat the expectations of most Wall Street analysts.

Owens said the chain served more customers during the month and also may have benefited from price increases made during the last quarter.

The big surprise was the strong performance of the chain's overseas locations.

In Europe, where the economy is also slowing down in some areas, same-store sales climbed 11.6 percent. Performance was particularly strong in the U.K., France and Germany, McDonald's added. Same-store sales jumped 10 percent in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa division, helped by promotions tied to the Olympics in Beijing.

Most analysts had expected same-store sales overseas to rise by single-digit percentages.

Systemwide sales, which includes franchisees, rose 14 percent during the month worldwide and climbed about 5 percent in the U.S.

Several analysts, including Stifel Nicolaus' Steve West, raised their estimates for profit in the third quarter and full year based on the strong monthly sales.

"McDonald's solid results continue to have us, 'Lovin' It'," West said in a note to investors.

Buckingham Research analyst Mitchell J. Speiser, meanwhile, said in an analyst note that he expects the company to raise its dividend by at least 20 percent. Speiser also raised his price target by $2, saying there's "lots to look forward to in 2009," including the national rollout of espresso coffee beverages and an Angus burger sandwich in the U.S.

Shares of McDonald's rose 77 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $63.19.

Zed, Paul (Saint John)

2012-03-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

ZED, PAUL (Saint John)

B. Dec. 31, 1956 in Toronto, Ont. A barrister and solicitor, lawyer, professor. Political Career: Elected to the H. of C. g.e. 1993. Re-Elected 2004. Parl. Sec. to the Leader of the Gov't in the H. of C., 1996-1997. Party: Lib. Address: Leg. Office: House of Commons, Ottawa, ON., K1A 0A6, (613)947-2700, Fax: (613)947-4574 Riding office: 90 King St., Saint John, N.B., E2L 1G4.

ZED, PAUL (Saint John) N� le 31 d�c. 1956 � Toronto, Ont. Avocat, professeur. Carri�re politique: �lu pour la premi�re fois � la C. des c. �.g. 1993. R��lu �.g. 2004. Sec. parl. du Leader du gouvernement � la C. des c., 1996-1997. Parti pol.: Lib. Adresse: Bureau L�g.: Chambre des communes, Ottawa, ON., K1A 0A6, (613)947-2700, Fax: (613)947-4574 Bureau Circonscription: 90, rue King, Saint John, N.-B., E2L 1G4.

Financial Firm Cuts Its Policy Bonuses

2012-03-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Bristol-based financial services company Clerical Medical hasannounced it is cutting bonuses on its withprofits policies.

The group, which also has a customer service centre in Clevedon,said regular bonuses on life policies would be reduced to three percent from four per cent, while pensions would be cut to 3.5 per centfrom 4.5 per cent.

Final bonuses have also been reduced, although the group said theamount varied according to the type of policy, how long it had beenheld for and how much was in it.

The move means someone who had paid GBP50 a month into a 25-yearendowment policy will see the maturity value of their policy fall bynearly 10 per cent to GBP68,142 from GBP75,595 before yesterday'sannouncement.

The final value of a pension into which someone had paid GBP100 amonth for 10 years will be GBP14,956 - down from GBP16,493.

Adrian Saunders, Clerical Medical Investment Group actuary, said:"The past three years have seen severe investment conditions and thereduction in bonus rates reflects this. However the spread ofinvestments in our with-profit fund means that policies have not beenfully exposed to stock market fluctuations.

"We have taken a prudent approach to the balance of what we payout on maturing policies and what we may pay in the future and weneed a sustained stock market recovery to maintain payouts at currentlevels.

"With-profits still has an important part to play in theinvestment mix of many of our customers and we remain committed tothis market." With-profits policies are designed to smooth out theups and downs of the stockmarket over the life of the policy, but thestock market has fallen so much in recent years that it is now havingan impact on many companies' policies, including Bristol employerRoyal & SunAlliance, which also cut rates this week.

U.S. Rallies to Beat Mexico for Gold Cup

2012-03-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO - In the unfamiliar spot of playing from behind, U.S. coach Bob Bradley told his players at halftime they were going to have to win a little differently. Same game plan, different game plan. When it comes to playing Mexico lately, it doesn't seem to matter.

Landon Donovan scored his 34th career goal, tying Eric Wynalda atop the career list, and Benny Feilhaber connected with a gorgeous volley to rally the United States to a 2-1 victory over Mexico on Sunday in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean.

"Awesome. Awesome," said Donovan, who still wore his champions medal when he left the locker room. "We haven't played that way, haven't played down a goal. Bob said it's going to be a different kind of win and I'm proud of us, because that's not easy."

The victory extended the Americans' dominance over their neighbors to the south and gave the United States a berth in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, an important tuneup ahead of the 2010 World Cup. The United States is 9-2-1 against Mexico since 2000, including 8-0-1 on U.S. soil.

They've won in cities where they truly were the home team, and places where they may as well have been the guests. Like Sunday, when almost the entire crowd of 60,000 at Soldier Field was wearing green.

Mexico at least managed a goal this time, snapping a streak of eight straight shutouts in the United States. Jose Andres Guardado's goal in the 44th minute was El Tri's first on U.S. soil in 797 minutes.

"They deserve to the No. 1 team in CONCACAF," Mexican striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco said. "They played well, but we had a number of chances. We just didn't take advantage of our opportunities."

Like in the 89th minute, when Adolfo Bautista came up with a loose ball in front of the U.S. goal. He took a shot from close range, but goalkeeper Tim Howard reached up as he was falling and punched the ball free to preserve the win.

After the final whistle, the Americans ran over to Sam's Army - really more of a platoon - to salute the small contingent of U.S. fans. Donovan tossed his shirt into the stands, then grabbed a U.S. flag that a fan tossed and wrapped it around his shoulders.

This is the fourth Gold Cup title for the Americans, tying them with Mexico. It also kept Bradley's undefeated record intact at 10-0-1. Bradley took over as interim coach after Bruce Arena was let go after the World Cup, and was given the job permanently May 16.

"Each competition, we talk about what it takes to become a really good team," Bradley said. "We're very excited about the fact we can get stronger as a group and win this. It means a lot to all of us."

His task gets tougher Thursday, when he leads a U.S. team without most of its regular starters against Argentina at the Copa America, South America's championship.

"Once again you saw today ... we did it the hard way," said goalkeeper Kasey Keller, one of the few veterans going to Venezuela. "If we want to beat the teams we're playing against away from home, we need to do these little things. Because against Argentina, I doubt we're going to have two chances to put the game away."

The Americans traditionally jump out to a lead, and then use their aggressive, counterattacking style to brush back any offensive charges. Not Sunday. This time it was the Mexicans who were the aggressors early on, taking the lead and making the Americans look lethargic.

But they got a break in the 60th minute, when Brian Ching was tripped up in the box by Jose Jonny Magallon. Compared to some of the other rough-and-tumble antics Sunday, this was pretty tame.

But it was all Donovan needed.

Donovan, the U.S. player Mexican fans most love to boo, took a slow jog to the ball and gave it a light kick. Mexico goalie Oswaldo Sanchez started to move to his right then hesitated, and that split second was enough to cost him any chance of getting to the ball, which hit the right corner of the net. It was Donovan's fourth goal of the tournament, all on penalty kicks.

As his teammates mobbed him, Donovan wiped his brow as if to say, "That was a relief."

"It's awesome. I'm proud of it, certainly," Donovan said of matching Wynalda. "I'm more happy we won the game."

The goal seemed to loosen up all of the Americans.

Ten minutes later, Donovan took a corner kick that was flicked clear by a Mexican defender. But the ball went right to Feilhaber, who scored on a perfect right-footed volley from 22 yards out for his second goal in eight international appearances.

"I knew it as soon as I hit it it was going in," Feilhaber said. "It's a great goal, at such a stage, against Mexico, in the Gold Cup. Unbelievable."

The score could have been even more lopsided. In the final 15 minutes, Ching banged a shot off the post and DaMarcus Beasley hit the crossbar after a perfect cross from Donovan on a breakaway hit him in the shin.

It was Mexico doing the counterattacking early, pushing and shoving and playing the Americans' kind of game. It worked, too. After struggling to finish several early chances, Nery Castillo beat Oguchi Onyewu and crossed to Guardado in front of the box in the 44th minute.

Guardado had been left unmarked and was all alone by the left post. As Howard slipped, Guardado poked the ball into the goal with his left foot, setting off a frenzied celebration on the field and in the stands.

"When you lose doing what we did, you can't be sad," Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez said. "It bothers me, sure. But when you look at how we did in the tournament, we got a lot better and we deserved a better result. Sometimes the team that plays better doesn't always win."

Notes:@ Mexico midfielder Jose Andres Guardado was taken to the hospital after the game as a precaution after he complained of dizziness. ... Goalie Franck Grandel (Guadeloupe); defenders Felipe Baloy (Panama), Richard Hastings (Canada), Frankie Hejduk (United States), Carlos Salcido (Mexico); midfielders Walter Centeno (Costa Rica), Julian DeGuzman (Canada), Pablo Mastroeni (United States), Pavel Pardo (Mexico); strikers Carlos Pavon (Honduras) and Blas Perez (Panama) were named to the all-tournament team.

Most OK with pets in park cabins, survey states

2012-03-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

BECKLEY - The public doesn't want alcohol in state parks or petsin park lodges, but allowing animals in park cabins is OK, accordingto results of two Division of Natural Resources' surveys.

The surveys showed:

* 208 people were opposed to allowing one-time permits for alcoholconsumption at some parks, while 17 were in favor.

* 644 people support allowing pets in park cabins while 432 wereopposed.

* 431 oppose allowing pets in park lodges while 362 were in favorof the idea.

Deputy parks chief Ken Caplinger said the survey responses will besent to the Legislature's Rule-Making Review Committee. TheLegislature can change park regulations in the 2006 session if itchooses, he said.

Hamid gets 3 saves as United, FC Dallas draw 0-0

2012-03-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Bill Hamid finished with three saves to help D.C. United to a scoreless draw against FC Dallas on Saturday night.

It was the second time this season that the two clubs played to a scoreless tie.

Hamid finished with a clean sheet for the second consecutive week as United improved to 5-5-8. FC Dallas (10-5-5) was shutout for the second straight week.

Dallas' Jackson Goncalves nearly scored in the 87th minute with a sliding shot from the top of the goalie's box, but his shot bounced off the crossbar.

In the 67th minute, FC Dallas had a chance to score on a Marvin Chavez breakaway but Chavez pulled his shot left of the post from 8 yards away.

FC Dallas also had scoring opportunities in the first half, including a 20-foot shot from Brek Shea in the 20th minute which forced a two-handed save by Hamid.

Dallas had 14 shots to 4 for United, a season low for D.C.

United's best scoring chance came in the 18th minute after Andy Najar fired a shot from 12 yards away that forced a diving save by goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.

3rd INFANTRY DIVISION RETURNS TO IRAQ

2012-03-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Since its activation in November 1917, the 3rd Infantry Division's (SID's) mission bias been to deploy rapidly to a contingency area by air, land and sea to conduct mobile, combined arms offensive and defensive operations worldwide. Stationed at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, GA, the 3ID has one of the most successful combat records of any U.S. Army division, with 50 Medal of Honor recipients.

The Stewart/Hunter military complex is the U.S. Army's premier heavy force projection platform on the East Coast. This complex is home to one of the most highly trained and rapidly deployable mechanized forces in the world - the 3ID, the "Iron Fist" of the XVIII Airborne Corps.

Known as the "Rock of the Marner'' the 3ID contributed to the U.S. Army's success! in fighting World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm. In the past few years, the 3ID has demonstrated its deployability by sending forces to Egypt, Kosovo and Bosnia for peacekeeping and partnership training missions. Since Sept 11, 2001, units have been sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries to support the global war on terrorism. In early 2003, the entire 3ID deployed within vjveeks to Kuwait to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. On the front lines, the 3ID fought its way to Baghdad and helped destroy Saddam Hussein's regime and free the Iraqi people.

Recently, the 3ID returned to Iraq for a different mission - to help rebuild Iraq's economy and establish democracy. The SID's forces are reconstructing the country's infrastructure and training Iraq's security forces. Their efforts are allowing Iraq to become a free and peaceful nation, while also improving the average Iraqi citizen's quality of life.

A day in the life of a bass tech

2012-03-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

As part of a behind-the-scenes look at a Matthew Good concert, we talk to Steeve Hennessy, who handles bass, keyboard and drum backline/tech duties from night to night. Check out this issue's Guitar column for the man who works the other side of the stage from Steeve.

Explain how long you've been an instrument tech, and how you ended up doing this.

After being a musician my whole life, it was a very natural transition for me. I have now been an instrument tech for over 10 years. At the time I decided to do it for a little while to get away from playing music every night. The first thing I did was get my name out there to production companies in Vancouver like Rocky Mountain Sound and Christie Lites. Both companies eventually hired me part time in their shops. Then a friend who worked at Rocky, Leslie McManus had the idea of starting a musical instrument repair and rental company. Backline Musician Services was born and needed someone with an overall knowledge in musical equipment to come in and help set up the shop. In that environment, I got to work with a lot of different artists and their gear requirements. Bands like Matthew Good would sometimes rent and/or have their equipment serviced there. So, eventually you're in the right place to meet the right people.

What's the most important part of your job?

The most important thing to me is the opportunity to work with different people from all over the world, and the chance to sometimes work with vintage, obscure and/or 'one-of-a-kind' handmade instruments they bring with them. I always strive to have a good show regardless of circumstances. What I mean by that is that you can't always choose the perfect stage, weather, equipment and people to work with. When you're faced with an unfavourable situation, the biggest challenge is to stay focused, objective and positive. Ultimately, at the end of the day, you want to get the job done in a way that hopefully people will want to work with you again. That's important to me. It's like the old saying, "The show must go on," I live by that.

What do you do to prepare for a show on a daily basis?

While on tour, you have your daily 'list of things to do' like make a trip to the local music store. Then when you get to the gig, figure out where you will set up your world. I found by being flexible in where I set up on stage sometimes left a better sightline for our in-ear monitor tech and the band, or gave myself better access to the stage. It's different if you are travelling with your own stage and doing arenas every night. If you don't already have one, make yourself a workbox - a kind of "first-aid kit" for the road. In there, you may have the obvious basics; guitar strings, spare cables, assorted connectors and jacks, tools, tuner, new batteries, a cable tester, meter, soldering kit, picks, assorted rolls of tape, glue, Velcro, bailer's twine, screws, a flashlight etc. Anything you can think of that could potentially help fix a problem on the spot. Then over time, as you work for different musicians, you get the odd requests for things like clothes pins to hold sheet music on a "windy" music stand. Just keep adding to your kit. For me it can be as simple as every time I go to a hardware store, I'll start at one end and just walk down the aisles looking at everything. Sometimes you won't know you need something until you see it.

Explain your role during the show. What's the most important part of this part of your job?

During the show your role is to be aware of everybody and everything on that stage at all times. Even before the musician takes the stage, you and your fellow crewmates line check every instrument and microphone so that even if everything worked during sound check, something may have gone wrong since then. Then all your musician has to do is walk out on that stage, pick up their instrument and go. From that point on, you expect the unexpected. If something stops working for whatever reason, your immediate attention is expected. While trying to stay invisible, you assess the situation, fix it if you can or replace it with a spare if you've got one. All with the least amount of disruption to the show as possible...

What's involved after the show's over?

First thing I do or ask a stagehand to do is clear the stage of all bottles and unfinished drinks to avoid spillage during the strike. Then right away, put away all individual instruments (guitars/bass/keyboards) in their protective cases so they don't get knocked over. Then I go on to packing up any small bits and pieces before stagehands start grabbing and moving stuff. Tear down and put away drums. After every piece of equipment is packed away and accounted for, you do what's called an 'idiot check'. That's when you walk around looking behind curtains, around corners, under the stage, just to make double-sure, that even if, in your mind you think you packed everything, it's usually during 'idiot check' that you'll find something like the drum carpet is still sitting on the stage. Have your gear lined up and sent to the truck in order of pack. That way you avoid clutter and it's easier to keep track of everything as you go. Before you know it, your pulling the door shut for another day.

And because Steeve is much wordier than his 6-string counterpart in this issue's Guitar column, we'll be running Part II of his advice next issue.

Steeve Hennessy is an instrument/backline tech for Matt Good, specifically bass, keyboards and drums. He also plays guitar/keyboards in his own band, Rymes With Orange. Find Steeve online at steevehennessy@hotmail.com or www.rymes.com.

[Graph Not Transcribed]

Most popular dog: Labrador wins again

2012-03-13T01:32:00.000-07:00

If there were any doubt, the Labrador retriever is the people's choice among purebred dogs for the 18th straight year, according to the American Kennel Club.

AKC said Wednesday that more than twice as many Labs were registered in the U.S. in 2008 as Yorkshire terriers _ the No. 2 dog on the list _ which means the breed will probably retain its Most Popular Dog title for the indefinite future. The rest of the top 10 canines are German shepherd, golden retriever, beagle, boxer, dachshund, bulldog, poodle and shih tzu.

This word comes as the nation's new first family continues to mull its choice of a dog for the White House.

It appears that none of the purebreds on the AKC list is in the running. In a true spirit of political compromise, President Barack Obama has said his family was considering a Labradoodle, a cross between a Lab and a poodle, or a Portuguese water dog. Both are low-shedding breeds that won't get hair all over the furniture or cause problems for the Obamas' 10-year-old daughter, Malia, who has allergies.

AKC said the hypoallergenic Portuguese water dog has increased 44 percent in popularity in the past decade and is now No. 64 on its list of recognized breeds.

The bulldog returned to the list as No. 10 last year after an absence of 70 years and has since jumped two notches.

"The docile and adaptive nature of the bulldog is gaining ground as a family favorite," said AKC spokeswoman Lisa Peterson.

AKC began with nine breeds in 1884 and now recognizes 161. The pointer, the most popular dog in the first yearly survey, is now No. 111. The Chesapeake Bay retriever, No. 2 in 1884, is now No. 48.

___

On the Net:

American Kennel Club: http://www.akc.org

Biffle Wins As NASCAR Chase Gets Jumbled

2012-03-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Greg Biffle scored his first victory of the season Sunday - even though his car ran short on fuel before crossing the finish line - in a wild race that jumbled the Chase for the championship standings.

The Chase field imploded at Kansas Speedway, where rain and impending darkness cut the race short by 85 miles. Seven of the 12 Chase drivers finished 30th or worse, and defending Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson reclaimed the points lead.

He was one of the few Chase drivers to make it unscathed to the finish line, and when he got there, he questioned the finishing order.

The race ended under caution because Juan Pablo Montoya blew a tire with four laps to go in an event that NASCAR had already shortened by 57 laps. Montoya's caution should have set up an overtime finish, but NASCAR declined to restart the race because of impending darkness.

The event was finished under caution, and Biffle's car began to sputter on the last lap. As his car coasted toward the line, local star Clint Bowyer and Johnson both passed him before he reached the checkered flag. Johnson immediately said Kansas native Bowyer should be celebrating in Victory Lane, not Biffle, and Bowyer agreed.

"It was definitely dark, and it was starting to be a concern, but it wasn't dark enough that I couldn't see (Biffle) having trouble," Bowyer said. "I just didn't know what to do. I knew it wasn't right, but I didn't think they expected us to pull down in the grass and follow him.

"I don't know what happened, (Biffle) didn't cross it the way I thought you were supposed to, but I know they're not going to pull him out of Victory Lane."

The ending was par for the course on this wild Sunday.

Rain caused two delays totaling almost three hours, Kyle Busch was wrecked minutes after the race by the driver who got him fired from Hendrick Motorsports, and two-time series champion Tony Stewart gambled twice - the first one put him in position to win, and the second one took him out of contention.

When the dust finally settled, the points standings had been blown open for a Chase field that entered the event with the top six drivers separated by just 28 points.

Now Johnson has a six-point lead over teammate Jeff Gordon, and Bowyer is in third, 14 points out.

Stewart, who started the day just two points out of the lead, finished 39th and dropped to fourth - 117 points out.

Kevin Harvick finished sixth to jump four spots in the standings to fifth, 126 points out.

Busch, who came into the race 10 points out of the lead, finished 41st. He's sixth in the standings, 136 points out, and blamed his poor day squarely on Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt ran into the back of Busch very early in the race when he closed in on his rear bumper in an attempt to pass. The contact sent Busch sliding down the track, and his car then rocketed back across and into the wall.

Busch was furious at Earnhardt, who was hired in June to drive for Hendrick next season. The move cost Busch his spot with the elite four-car team.

"I left a lane for him on the outside because I knew he was going to have a good run coming off the corner. He ran me over for no reason whatsoever," Busch said. "Just an unfortunate circumstance and I am sure these guys aren't very appreciative of the guy who is going to be racing for them next year just dumped their car that has a great shot for the championship."

Earnhardt was apologetic, but the damage was done. Fortunately for Busch, most of the Chase field struggled, as well.

Matt Kenseth (35th) and Martin Truex Jr. (38th) wrecked on the first lap after the race resumed following the second rain delay. Stewart was involved in that accident, causing fender damage that his crew chief decided not to attempt to fix.

The damage caused a rub that led to his tire to explode. Kurt Busch (11th) ran into the back of him, sending him spinning into the path of Carl Edwards. Stewart was fuming after the wreck, angrily removing his steering wheel and throwing his gloves, helmet and safety gear as he exited his car.

Stewart, who put himself in position to win the race by not pitting for gas right before the second rain delay, declined comment as he left the race track.

Edwards, last week's race winner, finished 37th and lamented the sequence of events. He said his spotter thought Stewart should have pulled off the track for repairs when the tire rub sent billowing white smoke from his car.

"Tony had a tire rubbing for a long time, must have been going down or something," Edwards said. "He thought maybe Tony should have pulled in and fixed his car, but if our car started smoking, we would have been begging to stay out, too. So I see both sides of it. That's just how it goes, man."

Denny Hamlin wrecked shortly after, and Jeff Burton had an early fuel problem as Gordon, Harvick and Johnson were the only Chase drivers to have uneventful days.

A modest proposal: Tax-deductible donations are a crock . . . pot

2012-03-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Tax-deductible donations are a sham, a shelter for the middle- and upper classes to avoid even more abhorrent taxes on income and capital gains. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Congress is considering closing some of the long-standing loopholes that have allowed people to deduct from their taxes the value of the "most amazing flea collection on the planet," $150 worth of bovine semen and a crockpot. (Once the crockpot was found to still contain several helpings of chili, it was quickly retrieved by its owner.)

Even worse than the givers, turns out, are the recipients. First there's the University of Pittsburgh administrator who endorses congressional action as a means to ensure "that the United States government gets . . . its fair share" of our money. And then there's this dreadful ingrate:

Seton Hill University received a bequest of 34 [works of art] from benefactor Clay Frick Lynch in the 1970s.

The etchings, which include works by Rembrandt, Millet and Whistler, are displayed in the president's office.

"Just the idea that I can get up from my desk and get a closer look is comforting," said Seton Hill President JoAnne Boyle.

Unfamiliar with both Seton Hill and its art-therapy patient cum president JoAnne Boyle, I Googled her and quickly found another splendiferous quote:

"Academic programs and majors come and go, but if you look at the history of American higher education, you'll see that one constant is football."

A . . . I . . . Ah. Argh . . . Ah . . .? Ha . . . What??? [Just a moment. I have to get up from my desk and a get closer look at my tax-deductible Picasso depiction of the New England Patriots' first Super Bowl victory or I think I'm going to have a stroke.]

Well, I thought the only constants were death and taxes. Speaking of which, the government should have no role in the enterprise of giving just as it should have no role in taking any of our hard-earned income through taxation.

92 homes under way in Bartlett subdivision

2012-03-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Construction is under way on the 92-home Ginger Brooksubdivision in northwest suburban Bartlett.

Three ranch and two-story model homes are nearing completion onimproved lots measuring 60 by 170 feet, said Heritage Homes ofWheaton, the builder.

The three- and four-bedroom homes have 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 baths and1,710 to 2,350 square feet of living area. Base prices range from$132,900 to $165,900. (Prices are subject to change without notice).

Although the models are not scheduled to be completed untilmid-May, sales have been brisk, said Michael Feldmann, sales managerfor the company. More than a third of the planned homes have beensold from blueprints, he said.

"Most of our buyers have already owned one or two homes.They're finding spacious homes in a wooded, country-like setting inthe development," Feldmann said. "These homes combine modern featureswith old-fashioned charm and quality construction."

Vintage appointments include porches with milled columns,railings and balustrades, entry doors with leaded or beveled glassand side lights, mullion casement windows topped with fan lights,cathedral and vaulted ceilings.

In addition, each model has a two-car garage and full basementthat yields from about 1,000 to 1,750 square of potential livingspace, Feldmann said.

The top-of-the-line Madison model, a two-story home with fourbedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and 2,350 square feet of living space, is basepriced at $156,900.

The main floor contains the living room, formal dining room,family room, and kitchen-breakfast area. The work area is equippedwith island counter, dishwasher, oven, range, cabinets and walk-inpantry.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has a large walk-in closet andprivate bath. Two other bedroms have large closets and windowsseats. The fourth bedroom measures 20 by 23 feet. It can betransformed into a den with a view of the family room below.

The Hamilton model, a three-bedroom, two-bath ranch with 1,710square feet of space, is base priced at $132,900.

The home has a 17-by-23 foot living room, a 10-by-12-foot diningroom with walk-in bay window, and a master bedroom with bath andseparate shower.

A cavernous basement measures 1,750 square feet.

The homes have ceramic tile in foyers and wall-to-wallcarpeting. A variety of upgrades are available in the homes,including central air-conditioning, skylights, brick fireplaces inliving and family rooms, bay windows, and a whirlpool bathtub.

Other options include oak flooring in family room, exteriordecks, and stained six-panel pine doors, chair railings and crownmoldings.

The development is on South Bartlett Road, two blocks north ofStearns Road in Bartlett.

Porsche Moves to Keep VW in German Hands

2012-03-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

FRANKFURT, Germany - Prestige automaker Porsche will increase its stake in Volkswagen AG, maker of the Beetle, Golf and Jetta, in a widely expected move aimed at keeping the company firmly in German hands.

A spokesman for Porsche said the company did not plan to acquire Volkswagen, Europe's biggest car maker, which is partly owned by the state of Lower Saxony and is looked to as both an industrial powerhouse and a major provider of jobs.

Stuttgart-based Porsche AG, which makes upscale and expensive sports cars like the 911 and Boxster, said Saturday it would increase its stake in Volkswagen from 27.3 percent to 31 percent in the next week, a move that legally obliges it to make a mandatory takeover offer for the company.

Michael Baumann, a Porsche spokesman, said the company will only offer the legal minimum $134.50 per Volkswagen share, lower than the $156.86 VW closed at in Frankfurt trading on Friday.

"We do not expect many Volkswagen shareholders to offer us their shares," Baumann told The Associated Press. "Which means simply that we intend to go to 31 percent. We do not by any means intend to take over."

The offer is set to take place on Monday.

Volkswagen's board chairman and former CEO, Ferdinand Piech, is a member of the family that controls Porsche. He is the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, the designer of VW's original Beetle model, and the Porsche and Piech families own more than half of Porsche's stock and voting shares.

Baumann said that the companies, which target completely different buyers, will remain separate, quashing any sentiment that upscale consumers seeking a new Cayenne will be able to go to a Volkswagen dealership to find one.

"Porsche remains Porsche," he told the AP.

In its statement, Porsche said it was seeking the larger stake as a response to fears that European Union judges will force the German government to repeal its law blocking a foreign takeover of Volkswagen.

It cited the Feb. 13 opinion of EU Advocate General Damaso Ruiz-Jarabo Colomer, who said the German government's regulation that limits any shareholder's voting rights to 20 percent was "not based on overriding reasons relating to the public interest."

The EU took Germany to court over the issue in 2005; the advocate's opinions are not binding on EU judges but the union's highest court follows them roughly 80 percent of the time.

Porsche said it assumed "that the European Court of Justice would confirm the invalidity of the VW law and so cause the German government to change or abolish this law."

German law requires that the takeover offer only be made once, not that it succeed, Baumann said. The next threshold for a mandatory takeover is 50 percent.

At 31 percent, Porsche will be Volkswagen's largest shareholder followed only by Lower Saxony, which holds 20.3 percent.

Porsche plans to form a new holding company that will make Porsche AG a wholly owned subsidiary of the new company, which will also oversee the stake in Volkswagen.

"This company will then continue the current business operations of the sports car manufacturer under the existing company name Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG," Baumann said.

Other companies that have made the change include German insurer Allianz, Finland's Elcoteq, Swedish financial service company Nordea and Norway's Narada Europe.

Volkswagen was seemingly accepting of the Porsche move.

"The VW group and its eight brands still have high potential," said Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn. "I'm sure that Porsche like any other investor is making a good investment in the VW share."

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David McHugh contributed to this story from Berlin.

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On the Net:

http://www.porsche.com

http://www.volkswagen.com