MACON, Ga. (AP) — Mike Smith scored 24 points as second-seeded East Tennessee State held off Campbell 54-53 on Wednesday night in an Atlantic Sun Conference tournament quarterfinal.
The Buccaneers (22-10) advance to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive year, the conference's longest active streak. They will face the winner of Thursday night's Jacksonville-North Florida game at 9 p.m. on Friday.
Eric Griffin had 16 points for the Camels …
Scoreboard Tuesday between Bangladesh and England in the second one-day international at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium:
Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal c Cook b Broad 30
Imrul Kayes c Collingwood b Swann 63
Aftab Ahmed b Brenan 4
Mushfiqur Rahim c Wright b Bresnan 76
Shakib Al Hasan c and b Swann 14
Mahmudullah b Bresnan 27
Naeem Islam not out 18
Suhrawardi Shuvo not out 14
Extras: (5b, 2lb, 7w) 14
TOTAL: (for six wickets) 260
Overs: 50.
Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-56, 3-146, 4-166, 5-211, 6-235.
Did not bat: Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, …
Ancient dances and songs from all corners of Tibet will beperformed tonight at Loyola University's Lake Shore Campus on theNorth Side.
The "Dances from the Roof of the World" show will be performed bythe Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, a troupe founded in 1959 inIndia. Since its founding, the artists of TIPA have worked topreserve and promote their cultural heritage.
The …
BOSTON (AP) — Gay rights groups say they're pleased the oldest Roman Catholic newspaper in the United States has retracted an opinion column suggesting the devil may be responsible for gay attraction.
The column in the Boston archdiocese's The Pilot newspaper was titled "Some fundamental questions on same-sex attraction." It was written by an adviser at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. It said "scientific evidence of how same-sex attraction most …
The state-run news agency says Turkish prosecutors will not start legal proceedings against a politician who spoke Kurdish in parliament in defiance of the law.
In February, Ahmet Turk addressed his party's legislators inside the parliament building in his native language _ an open challenge to the country's restrictions on the Kurdish language.
…
PLANS to create a two-storey extension to a special educationneeds unit in Drefach are set to be discussed next Wednesday.
The application, which includes an additional teaching area,residential bedrooms …
CAIRO, Egypt - Egyptian authorities on Monday released two Muslim Brotherhood lawmakers but ordered 12 other members of the country's most powerful opposition group detained, police and the group reported.
The two parliament members, Sabri Amer and Ragab Abu Zeid, were not questioned by prosecutors before they were released, police said. They, along with the 12 other members, were arrested Sunday in the northern Nile Delta province of Menoufiya.
But the Middle East News Agency later reported that the Egypt's chief prosecutor asked the parliament for permission to question the two lawmakers. Under Egyptian law, lawmakers are often granted immunity from …
As a New Jersey guy, center Kenneth Faried had never heard of Morehead State the first time the school came calling.
No wonder. The Eagles won only four games as recently as 2005-06, hadn't been to the NCAA tournament since 1984, and were pretty much an afterthought in a state where basketball comes in shades of Kentucky blue and Louisville red.
Now, there's a little more room to brag in the Bluegrass.
Faried got the better of his bigger and more syllabic counterpart Tuesday night, and the Eagles never trailed during a 58-43 victory over Alabama State that opened the NCAA tournament and ended a quarter-century of futility for Morehead State.
…
"It means so little when a man like me wins some success. Whereis the benefit when a small class of negroes makes money and can livewell? It may all be encouraging, but it has no deeper significance.I feel this way because I have cousins who can neither read norwrite. I have had a chance. They have not. That is thedifference."
Paul Robeson, 1941
Those are a few of the guiding principles that I adopted formyself years ago, and they were enhanced after having met PaulRobeson in living color.
Monday was the birthday of late Robeson, who in my judgment wasone of the few Renaissance men of this century.
Paul Robeson, scholar, athlete, actor, …
Dole Foods is withdrawing a defamation lawsuit against a Swedish filmmaker after complaints in Sweden that it was trying to limit free speech, the company said Thursday.
Dole had sued filmmaker Fredrik Gertten for showing the documentary "Bananas!" despite a court ruling that the case on which the film was based had been part of a massive extortion plot against the company.
The documentary shows the alleged plight of Nicaraguan workers who say they were made sterile by a pesticide used at Dole banana plantations in the 1970s.
Dole's lawsuit sparked protests in Sweden, where critics said the food company was trying to interfere with the …
Through the miracle of CNN, we were able to watch George Bush,41st U.S. president, address Russians in Moscow and Ukrainians inKiev. He was erudite if condescending in lecturing them on theproper cures for their manifold problems of ethnic diversity anddisastrous economics. His advice boiled down to, "Be like us."
Through the same miracle of electronic communication we werealso able to watch "us." The Senate was debating the defenseauthorization bill; the House was debating (or rather ignoring) theSenate's pay raise, and both debates were so soporific that it waseasy to understand why our president would rather hear applause fromlegislators in Moscow or Kiev than talk …
NEW YORK (AP) — A Hamas leader says Muslims "have to build" a mosque near ground zero.
Mahmoud al-Zahar said Muslims "have to build everywhere" so that followers can pray, just like Christians and Jews build their places of worship.
Al-Zahar spoke Sunday on "Aaron Klein Investigative Radio" on WABC-AM. He is a co-founder of Hamas and its chief on the Gaza Strip.
Sen. Chuck Schumer says Al-Zahar's comments don't carry any weight because Hamas is a terrorist organization. Schumer hasn't taken a stand on the mosque.
Rep. Peter King, who opposes the mosque, says he won't respond to Hamas.
The mosque is a project of the Cordoba Initiative, an advocacy group that promotes improved relations between Islam and the West. It didn't respond to Al-Zahar's comments.
NEW YORK - Stocks advanced Tuesday ahead of the July 4th holiday, as investors drew confidence from a smaller-than-expected dip in factory orders and new merger-and-acquisition activity.
The market was relieved to hear from the Commerce Department that U.S. factories saw demand dip in May by just 0.5 percent; most analysts had predicted a decline of more than 1 percent.
Giving the market an extra boost, Kraft Foods Inc. said it offered $7.2 billion to buy the biscuit division of French food company Groupe Danone SA, while Canadian miner Teck Cominco Ltd. bid 4.1 billion Canadian dollars, or $3.87 billion, for Canadian copper miner Aur Resources Inc.
The M&A activity helped the stock market extend Monday's steep gains, but most analysts aren't taking this week's movements too seriously, given that trading volumes are low. The stock markets are scheduled to close early at 1 p.m. EDT.
"Historically, the two days leading up to the July 4th holiday have been positive for the equity markets," said Michael Sheldon, chief market strategist at Spencer Clarke LLC. "In general, volatility levels have been rising over the last couple of weeks. You're likely to see a pickup in volatility in the third quarter."
In late morning trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 45.04, or 0.33 percent, to 13,580.47.
Broader stock indicators also climbed. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was up 5.01, or 0.33 percent, at 1,524.44, and the Nasdaq composite index was up 9.47, or 0.36 percent, at 2,641.77.
Bonds fell after the better-than-anticipated factory orders data. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose 5.03 percent from 4.99 percent late Monday.
Investors appeared to shrug off the National Association of Realtors' index for pending sales of existing homes, which declined in May at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.5 percent compared to April and is 13.3 percent lower than its level a year ago.
Kraft fell 67 cents to $34.86, after saying it made an offer to buy such European brands as LU, Petit Dejeuner, Tuc, and Mikado from Danone. Danone, which rose 2 percent in Paris trading, said its board is considering the bid on an exclusive basis.
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co. said late Monday it may take a third-quarter pretax charge of $1.47 billion linked to an offer for some of its debt. The company will also be in focus, along with Dow component General Motors Corp., as automakers report June sales. Ford dropped 33 cents, or 3.4 percent, to $9.31.
Caterpillar Inc., another of the 30 Dow components, weighed on the blue chip index after being downgraded by a UBS analyst. The heavy machinery maker, which had been the biggest gainer in the Dow Monday, fell $2.43, or 3 percent, to $78.02.
Though the average U.S. retail price of a gallon of gasoline has fallen below $3, investors are keeping an eye on crude oil prices. A barrel of light sweet crude fell 29 cents to $70.80 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after closing at a 10-month high Monday.
The dollar rose against most other major currencies, except the British pound, which has risen to 26-year highs versus the U.S. currency. Gold prices slipped.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by about 2 to 1 on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 324.5 million shares.
The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 2.37, or 0.28 percent, to 847.43.
Overseas, Japan's Nikkei stock average rose 0.02 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.79 percent, Germany's DAX index added 1.34 percent, and France's CAC-40 rose 0.88 percent.
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On the Net:
New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com
Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com
There is paradise in Chicago.
The word "paradise" comes from the ancient Persian andoriginally meant "walled garden." Searching for small walled gardensin the city has been a six-year preoccupation of Peter Land,professor of architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology. In alecture earlier this year at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Land spokeabout the great number and variety of his discoveries. "I have toreport plenty of paradise exists in Chicago, believe it or not," heannounced.
Another speaker, Robert Hebb, executive director of the GintherBotanical Garden in Richmond, Va., suggested dozens of suitable smallplants for those who desire to create their own earthly paradises.
His list of recommended small flowering trees, shrubs andperennials for a small garden was so extensive that even a cursoryreview of his favorites would take two weeks. Herewith, then, aresome highlights of his discussion of small flowering trees. Paperbark maple (Acer griseum). There's more to a plant than bloom,which lasts only two weeks at best in most trees and shrubs. Thosewith small gardens also should consider autumn color, habit of growthand bark when choosing a tree. The paperbark maple excels in allthese qualities. Hardy, tolerant of both sun and shade, and withlovely peeling bark, it is particularly valuable in winter. Andyes, it does have flowers. You just may not have noticed. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). This species is only marginallyhardy in the Chicago area, but the cultivar "Burgundy Lace" is thehardiest of the lot. Its lovely red, cut-leaf foliage makes it worthtrying. Provide shelter from winds. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea). This tree has everything: supercold-hardiness, early fragrant blooms, edible berries, striatedsilver bark and glorious fall color. Dogwoods (Cornus genus). There's good news and bad about this tree. Cornus florida is succumbing to a nasty fungus in the East and islikely to be wiped out there. However, C. kousa apparently isimmune, and this is a great tree. Another tree to try is C.alternifolia, the native American pagoda dogwood. Magnolia. Hebb recommended several hybrids: M. x soulangiana"Andre LeRoi," M. x loebneri "Merrill" and M. x loebneri "LeonardMessel." Among the star forms, he praised M. stellata "Centennial"for its good form and twice the number of petals. Crabapples (Malus genus). Make sure you get a rust-resistantvariety. The species M. sargentii is a true dwarf that's 9 feethigh by 15 feet wide at maturity. The cultivar "Donald Wyman" is asuperlative winter plant with fruit that lasts to the spring. Itsred buds open to white. Malus "Dorothea" has yellow fruit. Cherries (Prunus genus). P. sargentii has beautiful mahogany barkand striking purple leaves in autumn as well as glorious pink flowersin spring.
Next: More ways to attain earthly paradise.
Barcelona did a lot more than beat Manchester United to capture the Champions League alongside its domestic league and cup double.
The Spanish club swung the pendulum of European power away from the Premier League.
Last season's final in Moscow between United and Chelsea suggested the wealth of the English game was threatening to take over club soccer. But Pep Guardiola's team outplayed United to such an extent at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday it was clear the real quality is a long way from Manchester or London.
"We're aware we've done something magnificent," Guardiola said after his team's 2-0 victory on goals by Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi. "We're approaching mythical teams."
The 38-year-old Barca coach, who completed a perfect season of three titles in his first attempt, said he believed Messi had proved without a doubt he is the best player on the planet.
"Even if we had lost I wouldn't have changed my opinion about him. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, absolutely," Guardiola said. "I think right now he is adding his name to the Golden Ball."
Guardiola's tactical plan to switch winger Messi inside also outfoxed United's defenders.
"I saw last year that Leo Messi had little bit problems with (Man United leftback Patrice) Evra and so I decided to take him out of the right side and put in the middle," Guardiola said. "Messi, with Xavi (Hernandez) and (Andres) Inestia, I tried to have one more man in the midfield."
Messi even came up with a rare header goal to take his Champions League tally to nine _ two better than anyone else _ and his season total to 38.
"This is the most important victory of my life," Messi said. "When the second goal came that calmed us down a lot."
Messi put Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo in the background in the head-to-head contest for which player is the best. It certainly was one-sided in this final.
"This is one of the biggest disappointments of my career. We were always confident before the game, but unfortunately we couldn't do it," said Ronaldo, who added after the game he wasn't sure whether he would stay at United.
"It is always bad when you lose a final. But we didn't play well. We did OK in the first 10 minutes, but you have to say Barcelona deserved to win."
Man United manager Alex Ferguson admitted his team was beaten by a better side.
"The disappointment was the use of the ball when we got possession," Ferguson said. "You have to wait minutes to get it back off them. Could be it was an off night? Could be it was a mountain too big to climb?
"We knew what a good football team they were. We had difficulty in defending against them. Messi dropped into midfield and they kept possession and made it difficult for us."
The 67-year-old Man United manager, who remains at 25 titles in 23 years at Old Trafford, praised the much younger Guardiola for his achievement of winning three in his first season.
"It is a great achievement as a coach in his first year. Well done. Fantastic," Ferguson said. "Everybody enjoys their football and it is great credit to him.
"You have to give credit to a very good Barcelona team. If they get in front of you they are very difficult to beat. They kept possession of the ball and made it very difficult to get it back. When we did get possession, we didn't do well with it. Credit to them, the better team won."
| Status | Endangered |
| Listed | August 27, 1984 |
| Family | Corvidae (Crows and Jays) |
| Description | Large crow; dark, sooty brown with a long pointed bill. |
| Habitat | Open forests and pasture. |
| Food | Omnivorous. |
| Reproduction | Clutch of one to five eggs. |
| Threats | Very low numbers. |
| Range | Hawaii |
The Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis, is a large bird with a stocky body that measures 19 in (48.3 cm) in length; sooty brown, it appears almost black. This bird, known in Hawaiian as "alala," has a long and thick bill. This species of crow has also been classified as C. tropicus.
The Hawaiian crow is more secretive than the common American crow and is usually heard before it is seen. Immature birds reach sexual maturity in their second or third year. Breeding pairs nest from March through July. Clutches consist of one to five eggs, but recently few young have survived to fledge.
Although omnivorous, the Hawaiian crow usually feeds on the fruits of trees and shrubs. It forages for insects among leaf litter and sometimes extracts nectar from flowers. Other foods include mice, small lizards, and the young of small birds.
The Hawaiian crow is usually found in higher elevation ohia (Metrosideros collina ) or mixed ohia and koa (Acacia koa ) forests that have an understory of other native shrubs and plants; these produce fruit for the crow to eat. The Hawaiian crow prefers open forests or groves bordering pasture, avoiding the more densely grown and closed forests. Habitat elevation ranged originally from 1,000-8,000 ft (304.8-2,438.4 m). By the 1940s, the crow's range had become greatly reduced to a narrow, discontinuous belt at elevations between 2,500-6,000 ft (762-1,828.8 m).
This species, known only from the island of Hawaii, had a historical breeding range restricted to the forested slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes. At the end of the nineteenth century, the Hawaiian crow occupied all of its known range and was considered abundant; since then the birdhas declined so dramatically that fewer than 150 crows survived on the Big Island in the 1970s.
The outlook remains grim for the Hawaiian crow. Sometime in the early 1980s the species suffered a serious population crash. A 1986 estimate placed the number of Hawaiian crows in the wild at 12, and researchers were only able to locate two crows in the spring of 1987. By 1994, the species was making a slow turn-around, as the release of seven chicks from the hatching aviary expanded the wild population of "alala" by about 50%. Despite this significant increase, the 1994 wild population still stood at about 20 individuals.
No single reason for the drastic population decline of the Hawaiian crow has been determined, and prospects for its recovery are considered slim. Increased human settlement in the Kona districts and changes in land use have been cited as a cause. It is also clear that crows were widely hunted. The birds have been legally protected from hunting since 1931; however, the population did not rebound as anticipated.
Browsing and grazing by cattle, horses, sheep, and goats have caused significant changes in native forests; hoofed mammal activities may be a factor in the abandonment of some sections of the crow's range. Researchers were puzzled in the 1970s by the fact that crows inhabited some tracts of highly modified pastureland yet seemed absent from nearby, relatively pristine forests.
Generally low breeding productivity may have triggered the population crash in the 1980s. Studies during the late 1980s and early 1990s have determined that the average number of young fledged per nest is less than one. The causes of this reproductive failure seem to be a combination of poor hatchability of eggs, predation by rats or mongooses, avian diseases, and a declining food supply as many native food plants are crowded out by alien vegetation.
The state-run Olinda Endangered Species Propagation Facility on the island of Maui has finally turned the corner in captive breeding of the crows, although the difficulties of captive breeding are exacerbated by the low number of individuals and the very limited gene pool. Unfortunately, in June 1987, a fertile female died of egg-impaction. A fertile egg was hatched in early 1988, and the young crow fledged. This marked the breeding program's first unequivocal success.
On October 25, 1994, the first bird raised in captivity ventured outside the aviary and eventually was followed by the others. Upon their release, the chicks almost instantly began behaving like wild birds, foraging on native plants and searching for arthropods in tree bark. Four of the birds were produced at the Olinda facility, marking the first time that birds from the captive breeding flock were released into the wild.
Because of the differing views on appropriate management of "alala," the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) asked the National Research Council in 1991 to review the existing information and develop recommendations for recovering the species. Options considered ranged from bringing all the remaining birds into a captive-breeding program to leaving the wild population completely undisturbed. The National Research Council completed its work and filed its report in May 1992.
The information and recommendations contained in the report formed the basis for the Long-Term Management Plan for the "alala" prepared by the FWS and completed in 1993. This plan, reviewed and endorsed by the newly reinstituted recovery team, has served as the guideline for management during recent breeding seasons.
Regional Office of Endangered Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Eastside Federal Complex
911 N. E. 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181
Telephone: (503) 231-6121
http://pacific.fws.gov/
Baldwin, P. H. 1969. "The Alala (Corvus tropicus ) of Western Hawaiian Island." Elepaio 30(5): 41-45.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. "Alala Recovery Plan." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland.
"Name a man who understands women." A simple request? We asked adiverse group of accomplished Chicago women to ponder that wide-open proposition. As often as not, the immediate response was not ananswer, but a question:
"You mean to say there is such a man?"
It turns out there is -- in fact, there are such men. They arefrom many walks of life, but seem to share a mix of qualities,behaviors, statements -- spoken and unspoken -- that ultimatelydistinguish them. The answers suggest that a man who understandswomen demonstrates it by embracing and empowering women, byrespecting women, encouraging their independence, supporting them asthey struggle and celebrating them as they soar. Here are seven menwho understand women, as interpreted by seven women.
VICTOR SKREBNESKI, PHOTOGRAPHER
Nominated by Natalie van Straaten, Art Dealers Association ofChicago
"He has gotten to know hundreds if not thousands of women throughhis lens. Perhaps the greatest reflection of his understanding womenis through his amazing portraits -- from Bette Davis and AudreyHepburn to Vanessa Redgrave and Martha Plimpton. While many of hisphotos celebrate women as glamorous creatures in dramatic single orgroup shots, his photos of individual women often offer a differentside of the people we think we know. Sometimes he seems to capturethe inner woman -- the way she feels about herself. Other times, heseems to be sharing his own view, vision or interpretation of her.Or possibly a Skrebneski photo is the idealized version of the woman-- brought to life as the rest of the world wants to see her. But init all, his 'understanding women' radar guides his camera to createmagic."
SAMIR GOSWAMI,
Associate director of policy, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Nominated by Hannah Rosenthal, executive director, ChicagoFoundation for Women
"Samir's work revolves around helping women who are involved withthe sex trade. Samir understands that women's issues affect all ofus. He told me that while he was in college, he decided that heneeded to do something. He needed to take action. And so he went toMadison [Wis.] and worked with the Coalition Against Sexual Assault.And since then, he has chosen to work on behalf of the mostmarginalized and vulnerable women in our society -- women in the sextrade. From his legislative work to his advocacy, Samir has taken onissues that few will and is a champion."
HAKI MADHUBUTI, PUBLISHER, POET
Nominated by Abena Joan P. Brown, president, eta Creative ArtsFoundation
"His perspective as a writer, a poet most particularly, has givenhim a gentle, genteel if you will, persona. But when you look at hisbiography, expressed in his recent book Yellow Black, one comes tounderstand the depth of his intelligence and his commitment toculture. Over the years it has become clear to me that he has a deepappreciation and understanding of African culture and the role ofwomen out of that tradition, and he has incorporated that into hisbeing. I also thought of some of the relationships he has withwomen. His mother; that relationship, required him not only tounderstand the dynamics of her life, but also to be protective ofher as well as his sister. He has a very strong relationship withhis wife Safisha, and her mother, who lives with them, and thechildren. Margaret Burroughs has been an influence in his life, as Ihave been, and we are basically very strong women. And he's not fullof himself, if you know what I mean. He has the capacity to haverelationships with people based on mutuality and respect. He isstrong and resilient, with a deep love of beauty. In recent years hehas started calling me his big sister, and I am grateful for thedepth and breadth of our relationship. We can talk about anything.He sustains me, keeps me going.
JEFFREY MASTEN,
Associate professor of English and director, Gender StudiesProgram, Northwestern University
Nominated by Jillana Enteen, associate director, Gender Studies,Northwestern University
"What's implicit in that question is trying to lock women in abox. ... What makes Jeffrey a good example of coming close toanswering a question that can't be answered is the way he practiceshis theory: He constantly challenges the boundaries of identity. Heis able to constantly think of ways how, as a white male, he cankeep an eye out for marginalized categories, which is first andforemost women. He actively develops coursework and classes like'Writing Renaissance Women' -- there can't be more solid evidencethan that -- and his theoretical apparatus, the way you read thetext, is so informed by women. He credits his teachers. He had astrong grandmother who was a teacher, and what I hear constantlycoming out of his mouth are things he learned from his [female]professors. He is in contact with people doing interesting feministwork. He really hears it. He incorporates."
KERRY JAMES MARSHALL, ARTIST
Nominated by Lynne Warren, curator, Museum of Contemporary Art
"Kerry James Marshall is especially supportive of his manystudents, and a number of his female students have fared well, suchas Mequitta Ahuja who has shown in our '12 x 12' series or Aya-Nicole Cook, who was also his studio assistant. Ms. Cook wasfeatured in the recent 'Drawing as Process' exhibition at the SmartMuseum with a display showing the relation between her fashion workand the dress of the figures in his paintings. He also isconscientious of his elders, and included Senga Nengudi, apioneering female African-American artist, as part of his majorexhibition, 'One True Thing: Meditations on Black Aesthetics' at theMCA. He frequently portrays empowered girls and women in hisartworks, such as the young girl surrounded by history books in'Sob, Sob,' 2003."
FORMER GOV. JIM EDGAR
Nominated by Judy Baar Topinka, former Illinois treasurer,gubernatorial candidate
"Jim Edgar opened the door to so many women in hisadministration. It was the first time we saw two women win at thesame time (1995) statewide -- Lolita Didrickson and myself. Heappointed women to direct major departments -- he appointed thefirst woman (Rebecca Doyle, 1990) to head the department ofagriculture, which is nontraditional. He loves his wife dearly andbecause of her and their relationship he trusts women to do a goodjob and understands how to work with us without ever beingcondescending. I think that's exceptional in the political milieu,where a lot of men have token women and frankly walk out on them andmake promises they don't keep. Jim Edgar makes promises he keeps andI find that remarkable in any man. Men who understand women are opento good ideas and don't care where they come from. That's a tendencythat's more feminine, and it works well for them. They seekconsensus, they build win/win situations instead of leavingcasualties everywhere."
EMMANUEL NONY
Nominated By Maria Pinto, fashion designer
"There are many characteristics that one must possess to trulyunderstand the complexities of woman. I would consider some of themost important traits to be: empathy, humility and humor. I nominateEmmanuel Nony. Because of his European upbringing, he has such aheightened level of sensitivity and sophistication that any womancan find comfort in. Not to mention that he is easy on the eyes,perfect arm candy!"
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN: Do you know a "man who understands women?"Continue the conversation by offering up your choice atlifestyles@suntimes.com. Include an explanation, rationale orevidence of how your nominee is a "man who understands women."Please keep your text to 100 words. We'll post your thoughts online.
Controversies in Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Lectures from the Faculty of the New York Psychoanalytic Institute, edited by Manuel Purer, Edward Nersessian, and Carmela Perri. Madison: International Universities Press, 1998. 197 pages.
These lectures and debates of the faculty of the New York Psychoanalytic Institute are transcriptions of meetings held between 1989 and 1991 to revise the institute's educational policy, in light of shifts affecting analytic training, theory, and practice. Change occurred in the U.S. as a result of the acceptance of non-M.D.'s into the American Psychoanalytic Association, the relegation of psychoanalysis to one of several competing paradigms of therapy from its central position within psychiatry, and the withdrawal of the analytic community from involvement in the direction and teaching of medicine and psychiatry.
A short opening section, "The Future of Psychoanalysis," contains essays by R. Michels and C. Brenner. Michels foresees the creation of other forms of institute governance-for example, in universities outside of medical or health settings-which will compete with the current free-standing institutes by offering alternative training models. The profession will change as those institutes most successful in attracting good candidates become the dominant ones. Michels and Brenner advocate a shift in curriculum, away from more speculative theories of the mind (including Freud's), toward psychoanalysis as a method and clinical process, and theories that can be evaluated in the clinical situation. Fearing a dilution of professional standards, Brenner proposes that institutes concentrate on standardizing the analytic method, a view not shared by Michels, who feels that the danger of sterility in the field is currently far greater than the danger of "impurity." Many other issues, like the need for marketing and research, and the relationship between psychoanalysis and other disciplines, are raised in the discussion that follows.
The second section on the pluralism of contemporary psychoanalytic theory and technique-"The 'Common Ground' of Psychoanalysis"-regroups essays composed in response to R. Wallerstein's controversial paper "One Psychoanalysis or Many" (1988), which in turn inspired the 1989 IPA Congress in Rome and stimulated the publication of several articles in the International Journal of Psycho-Analysis between 1989 and 1991, including A. Richards's theoretical paper 'The Search for Common Ground" (1991), reproduced here. Richards, Nersessian, Ennis, and Calder all take issue with the de-linking of theory from practice that Wallerstein effects in an effort to find a common ground in clinical practice amongst the worldwide diversity of analytic theories. Richards examines the question in light of Hanly's distinction between correspondence and coherence theories of truth. Critical of contemporary tendencies to relinquish Freud's ideas or to indiscriminately amalgamate current theories, Nersessian presents an approach to evaluating our theoretical tenets and building upon our foundations, in a way that also leaves room for innovation.
The theme of theoretical pluralism is pursued on a more practical level in the next two chapters, which deal with whether and how to teach candidates alternative psychoanalytic theories, and the latest knowledge from neurobiology.
Supervision is the subject of the last chapter. Considered by many to be a bastion of psychoanalytic orthodoxy, the New York Institute has traditionally remained close to a drive/defence/conflict model in the context of an ego psychological metapsychology, and shunned Kleinianism, the British object relations approach, self-psychology, etc. While remaining committed to what they term the classical theory, faculty members concur on the need to expose candidates (at least minimally) to these "alternative" theories. The discussion clusters around themes repeated throughout the book: the problems engendered by theoretical pluralism, the reciprocity between theory and technique, the related difficulty in teaching a model theoretically divergent from one's own, the need to find "objective" ways to evaluate clinical practice, and the role of tradition in contemporary psychoanalysis.
From a Canadian perspective, to which many analysts were exposed to several "divergent" theories (including those also of the French school, and in some cases, of Lacan) during their training or afterwards, and are familiar with at least one, the position of the New York Institute seems theoretically and clinically restrictive. In particular, one wonders if and how candidates analyze certain groups of patients (narcissistic, borderline, perverse), the treatment of whom motivated or contributed to the development of some of these theories.
This book bears witness to a commendable effort made by the faculty of the New York Institute to stand back and reflect upon a broad range of issues of import for orienting its educational policy. One wishes that such deliberations would take place periodically in all institutes, particularly in times of change or upheaval. The inclusion of transcripts from the discussions adds frankness and transparency to the book. From my own perspective, however, I was struck by a relative consensus and lack of controversy in the views expressed by faculty members (in light of the title of the book). If its format is interesting, its pertinence suffers from the long time lag between the staging of these lectures and their publication (especially "The Common Ground of Psychoanalysis"). An update on what directions were taken or changes made by the Institute, and any ulterior developments, would have made an appropriate complement. Nersessian's essay is well worth reading, and the reader will find some useful information on contemporary American trends (particularly in the paper by Michels) and helpful observations about supervision, but on the whole there are few surprises in this book. Readers who have a specific interest in the New York Psychoanalytic Institute and Society, and those involved in psychoanalytic education and curriculum planning, will find this book most useful.
[Author Affiliation]
Louise Carignan
326 Somerset West, #200
Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has opened up a new front in his power struggle with the Premier League club's hierarchy by criticizing the failure to give defender Daniel Agger a new contract.
Days after himself rejecting a new deal, Benitez is worried about losing the Denmark international, whose agent has been spotted with AC Milan officials, due to dithering over a contract.
Benitez could be using Agger's predicament to highlight why he is demanding Liverpool's American owners give him more control over transfers instead of chief executive Rick Parry.
"The club has been too slow on Agger's contract," Benitez said. "Agger is now in the papers because we were not quick enough. I was talking to Agger and his agent, and Agger was telling me he wants to stay.
"His commitment to the club is 100 percent, but they have been waiting and waiting and waiting and they don't know what is happening. This could be the same situation with other players."
Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt and Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa are in the final 18 months of their contracts _ like Benitez, who wanted a speedy resolution to his own talks over new terms when they opened in November.
"I wanted to finish my contract in one week and deal with other things because I was only thinking about what is best for my club," Benitez said. "I don't know if it is a worry about (Agger and) Milan but I do know the player wants to stay here. He wants to stay and so we can find a solution."
Benitez is set to meet co-owners George Gillett Jr. and Tom Hicks at the end of the months to discuss his demands, which include greater control over the youth academy and future signings.
But Benitez is yet to convince the owners that he has the business acumen or negotiating skills to gain more power. Concern in the boardroom also centers over his lack of focus in determining future players.
"I don't know how difficult it will be to resolve," Benitez said. "I only know I decided to finish it because I think it is in the best interests of my club ... I am only talking about working within a budget, not controlling everything."
But it seems unlikely the impasse will be resolved before May _ overshadowing Liverpool's bid for a first English championship since 1990.
The Reds failed to return to the top of the Premier League standings Monday after being held 1-1 by crosstown rival Everton, leaving Manchester United ahead on goal difference with a game in hand.
"Now I have answered and the matter is closed," Benitez said. "We can't be talking about this until May, especially as we are in a fantastic position.
"It is better to concentrate on football and I think the answer I have given will help our title challenge."
Democrats typically skip right over reliably Republican Indiana when plotting presidential campaign strategy.
Not Barack Obama.
The candidate from next-door Illinois is bidding to flip the state into the Democratic column this year.
To that end, he is doing what no presidential candidate has done in decades _ spending significant amounts of money and time in the state, while Republican John McCain maintains a low profile.
Obama narrowly lost the May primary here to Hillary Rodham Clinton. And in the process, he had "the opportunity to at least define himself with Hoosier voters and that has lingered," said Kip Tew, a former state Democratic chairman who is a volunteer adviser to the Obama campaign. "They competed with a ground game that no one's ever seen in the state."
Indiana, with 11 electoral votes, is one of only a handful of states where Obama's advertising has been unanswered by McCain. The Democrat has 32 offices across the state and dozens of paid staffers. His campaign spent about $6 million on television advertising in Indiana leading up to the May primary and has aired at least $1.5 million in TV ads since June.
Obama has made five stops in the state since mid-July, and running mate Joe Biden was returning to the state Wednesday.
The McCain campaign, by contrast, is nearly invisible. It has no field offices or paid staffers working full-time in the state, and McCain hasn't visited the state since July 1. Republicans were expected to respond to Obama's ad presence in the state with ads of their own later this week.
Both candidates know history is not on Obama's side: For more than a generation, Indiana has been colored in for the GOP nominee soon after polls start closing. George W. Bush won with 60 percent in 2004 and 57 percent in 2000, and the state last went Democratic in the 1964 Lyndon Johnson landslide.
But Jessie Bochert, 45, who runs a business preparing houses for sale from her home in Granger, shows why Obama thinks he may have an opening in the state. Bochert, who voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004, initially supported McCain but switched to Obama and began volunteering for his campaign.
"I feel guilty for all that has happened" under Bush, she said. "There are so many people I talk to, they can't afford their prescriptions, they don't know what to pay, they can't afford anything. It's really the economy, and that's what it's coming down to."
Republican Tim Surber said he believes McCain appeals to Indiana voters because of his military background and his push for more offshore oil drilling. Surber, 49, who runs a computer consulting office in Indianapolis, thinks McCain got a big boost among Indiana conservatives when he chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
Still, he worries about the McCain campaign's low-key approach.
"I know they feel like it's a state they're going to win," he said. "I really wish Palin would come in, I wish McCain would come in. ... They need to at least let us know that they know we're out here."
Public polls taken this month show the two candidates running about even or McCain slightly ahead.
Republicans say the numbers reflect the state's conservative-leaning voters and validate their approach, which involves working through state and county-level organizations to build support for McCain.
"Given the millions of dollars and months of staff time that Senator Obama has spent here, you question whether or not he ought to be doing a little better," said Luke Messer, the co-chairman of McCain's Indiana campaign and a former state GOP executive director. "They were polling in May at 43, 44 percent and that's essentially where they remain."
But Democrats are buoyed by how close the race is. They note that three incumbent Republican congressmen lost re-election bids two years ago, and say the state's struggling economy makes voters more receptive to Obama. The state's unemployment rate hit 6.4 percent in August, up nearly 2 percentage points from a year earlier.
An increase of more than 425,000 new voter registrations since the 2006 election, and Obama's name recognition in northwestern Indiana, a heavily Democratic area where more than 10 percent of the state's voters see Chicago TV stations, also could help.
But to win Indiana, Obama also must consolidate the support of Democrats in rural areas and the blue-collar factory towns that strongly backed Clinton in May.
Messer, the McCain campaign's state leader, said Obama faces an uphill fight in many parts of the state where Republicans are well organized. Several Obama campaign offices are in counties where most Republicans are unopposed in local races on the election ballot. No Democrat other than Sen. Evan Bayh has won a statewide race since 2000.
"We're more interested in winning an election than putting on a show," Messer said.
Tew, the Obama adviser, said it would take a significant strategy shift for McCain to more actively campaign in the state.
"If they start to compete in Indiana then it's an admission that there's another state in play that they didn't think was ever going to be in play," Tew said. "If they don't compete in Indiana, then they're in danger of losing it. So they're in a box."
The Detroit Lions have signed guard Ray Brown to a one-yearcontract to provide some help for their depleted offensive line.
Brown, who was named to his first Pro Bowl last season, wasreleased in June by the San Francisco 49ers in a salary-cap move. Healso had played for the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals and WashingtonRedskins in his 16-year career.
"It's just a blessing to be playing again," said Brown, whopracticed with the Lions for the first time Tuesday. "I think the49ers felt my term came to an end. This is where I was wanted.
"Retirement was never an option. I just wanted to get a chance toplay and teach some young guys some things."
Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg said Monday that only left tackleJeff Backus has secured a starting spot on the line. With reserveguards Kerlin Blaise and Josh Lovelady receiving most of the time attackle during the last preseason game and right tackle StockarMcDougle still hampered by a sprained ligament in his left knee,Brown might find himself sliding from unemployment into a startingrole.
"How well will he fit in? He was a Pro Bowl player last year,"Mornhinweg said. "Sure, there's that possibility [he might start]."
CB Tate gets walking papers
The Vikings released former starting cornerback Robert Tate.
Tate was bothered by a shoulder injury last season and lost hisjob to rookie Eric Kelly. With Kelly and free-agent signee CoreyChavous set to start this season, Tyrone Carter having made asuccessful switch from safety and the coaching staff high on rookieBrian Williams, Tate was buried on the depth chart.
"I think it's more fair to him to let him go now," coach Mike Ticesaid, "before there are all kinds of guys on the street. He'llprobably get picked up right away."
NFL teams must pare their rosters to 65 by next Tuesday.
FB Davenport back in action
Rookie fullback Najeh Davenport returned to practice after missingmost of camp recovering from a foot injury.
I'm not going to stress him too far on that foot, but he was outhere this morning returning kickoffs and looked very good, veryfast," coach Mike Sherman said. We're going to just take it a day ata time and try to bring him along. I'm confident it will work thatway. I hope it does."
Indonesia executed three convicted murderers, including a mother and son, the latest in a spate of state killings bucking a downward trend in the death penalty globally, officials and activists said Saturday.
Human rights groups speculated that by ramping up killings, the Indonesian state was trying to demonstrate its authority over its 220 million people after 10 years of often chaotic democratic rule that emerged from decades of dictatorship.
"It is likely the government want to improve its image ... as a strong institution," said Zaenal Abidin, from the Legal Aid Foundation, one of several groups calling for last-minute stays of execution.
A firing squad executed the mother and son early Saturday in the industrial town of Surabaya on Java island, said their lawyer Soeteja Djajasmita.
Sumiarsih, 60, and Sugeng, 44, were convicted of murdering five members of a single family 20 years ago during a dispute over money. The pair go by single names.
Djajasmita said the pair prayed together before being led to an isolated field. They were then blindfolded and shot by 20 police officers from a distance of 50 meters, as is customary in Indonesia.
Sumiarsih's last request was that her cellmates continue to tend her flowers, he said.
Also on Java, prosecutor Lari Gau said a man was executed late Friday in Banten province.
He was convicted of murdering eight people in a series of ritual slayings, according to media reports.
Indonesia resumed executions in June after a 14-month hiatus, when two Nigerians were put to death for drug trafficking. Last week, a man who murdered more than 40 woman and girls was also put to death.
Authorities say they are preparing to execute three Islamic militants for their role in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings. The men have said they are looking forward to dying, believing they will become martyrs.
Amnesty International, a London-based rights group that campaigns against the death penalty in all cases, said Indonesia's apparent embrace of the death penalty was especially upsetting because globally executions were on a downward trend.
"An execution is actually becoming quite a rare event," said Piers Bannister, the group's death penalty team coordinator. "Both common sense and numerous studies have shown it's not a deterrent."
The death penalty remains on the books in every country in Asia apart from East Timor and is regularly carried out in China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. In Europe, only Belarus maintains the punishment. The United States and several African and Middle Eastern nations also kill convicts.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah said Indonesia was not party to any international efforts to ban the death penalty and the convictions followed a lengthy legal process.
"We have to respect the independence of Indonesian law," he said.
WILTSHIRE SUNDAY CUP Biddestone Social pro-gressed to the last 16of the Wiltshire Sunday Cup with a 4-0 triumph over Rodbourne Real.The Chippenham Sunday League champions, who are looking to succeedCorsham Centre as winners of the trophy, had two Tyler Sibbickstrikes, a Jamie Moss header and an own goal to thank for theirsuccess.
Premier Division rivals Bug & Spider, who were 5-3 winners overDynamo Ashton on Sunday, lie in wait for Social in the next round.
Corsham United made an agonising exit from the competition,conceding a last-minute goal at home to Salisbury League outfit FCBulford before losing 7-2 after extra time. Stuart Tutty and AndyWilkins gave Corsham, who fell behind early on, a 2-1 half-timeadvantage and that was the way it stayed until Bulford fashionedtheir late leveller.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils made sure JohnGrahame wouldn't get another chance to frustrate them.
It just took them three overtimes to knock the backup goalie andthe Tampa Bay Lightning out of the playoffs.
Grant Marshall scored 11:12 into the third extra period to liftthe Devils to a 2-1 victory Friday night and send New Jersey to itsthird Eastern Conference final in four years.
Grahame was the surprise starter in Game 5, getting the nod overNikolai Khabibulin, who was benched after the Lightning lost three ofthe first four games in the second-round series.
It turned out to be the right move for Tampa Bay Coach JohnTortorella as Grahame made 46 saves in his first NHL playoff start.The young Lightning had never won a postseason series beforeeliminating Washington in the first round.
Marshall scored on a rebound to end the second-longest game inDevils history. Earlier in the day, he was nearly out of time. He waswaiting for the team bus to go to the arena when he went to get adrink.
"I still had 15 minutes, so I thought I had plenty of time,"Marshall said.
In the other NHL playoff game Friday, the Vancouver Canucks movedwithin one victory of the Western Conference finals with a 3-2overtime win at the Minnesota Wild in Game 4.
On Saturday, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks - who lead the Dallas Stars3-1 in their series - will try to reach the West finals. Philadelphiawill play Game 5 at Ottawa with that best-of-seven series tied 2-2.The survivor of that series will meet the Devils.
Marshall's third goal of the series came at the perfect time forNew Jersey, in the NHL's final four for the fourth time since 1995.They have moved on to the Stanley Cup finals each of the previousthree times, and won the championship twice.
"What it comes down to is the team wins," Marshall said. "To winthe Stanley Cup, that's all that matters. It doesn't matter who getsthe stats."
Scott Niedermayer, who got the Devils even with a first-periodgoal, played a major role in the game-winner, as well. It was hisshot that Marshall finally got control of and backhanded into the netpast Grahame, who had lost his stick.
"There was a shot from the point or the side," said Grahame, whohadn't seen a replay of the goal. "I got it with my left pad. I sawit come out and I think there was a shot, and somebody either hit mystick or ran into my stick and my stick just popped up in the air.
"It's just kind of a bad break."
The Devils have been making their breaks, as the Atlantic Divisionchampions are peaking at the right time. They needed only five gamesin each of their first two series to advance.
"We haven't been a pretty team all year, but we've found ways towin and we're finding ways to win now," captain Scott Stevens said.
Tortorella was trying to figure out a way to keep the seriesgoing, so he made the decision to go with Grahame over Khabibulin,who set the Lightning record this season with 30 wins.
Khabibulin started Tampa Bay's first 10 playoff games this year,going 4-2 in the first round. He allowed 12 goals on 121 shotsagainst New Jersey and failed to protect several leads.
His career playoff mark is only 15-18 with a 2.65 goals-againstaverage in 34 games.
Grahame, acquired in January from Boston, hadn't played since theLightning's regular-season finale. He was 17-14-6 in 40 games thisseason, but never played a postseason game in his four NHL seasons.
"Johnnie's not a backup by any means," forward Martin St. Louissaid. "He played really well for us this year."
Nikita Alexeev gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead in the first period,but not even Grahame could make that one stand up.
^Canucks 3, Wild 2, OT=
At St. Paul, Minn., Brent Sopel sent a slap shot under MannyFernandez's glove on an extended power play with 4:08 left inovertime to lift Vancouver.
The Canucks lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 set for Monday nightin Vancouver.
Marian Gaborik scored twice for the Wild, 1-4 at home in thepostseason.
Filip Kuba was assessed a double-minor penalty for hitting ToddBertuzzi in the eye with his stick, giving the Canucks a four-minutepower play midway through overtime.
With 18 seconds left on the advantage, Sopel took a pass fromMarkus Naslund and scored.
AP-ES-05-03-03 0304EDT
A French Rafale fighter plane crashed Thursday during a training mission in southern France, and the pilot was missing, officials said.
Two fighter jets took off from a military air field in Saint-Dizier in the Correze region for a training mission at about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), said air force spokesman Col. Gilles Lemoine.
One of the planes disappeared from radar screens for unknown reasons and crashed, he said. The pilot was missing, and a search was under way.
A 10-year-old boy who last year talked his way onto airline flights to Texas tried another getaway Tuesday but was stopped at a boarding gate, authorities said.
Security tapes show Semaj Booker passing through a metal detector and other procedures before 5 a.m. at a checkpoint operated by the Transportation Security Administration at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. His mother had reported him missing to Tacoma police at 3 a.m.
TSA is investigating why he was not required to show a boarding pass at the checkpoint, said Dwayne Baird, Northwest region spokesman for TSA in Salt Lake City.
Semaj was detained at 6:35 a.m. while trying to board a Southwest Airlines flight to Sacramento, California, said airport spokesman Perry Cooper. The boy pointed to a man in front of him and said, "I'm with him," but that was quickly found to be false, Cooper said.
Authorities confirmed the boy was reported missing and returned him to his mother, Cooper said.
He indicated to officers he was trying to get to Dallas, Cooper said.
In January 2007, Semaj had lied his way onto a Southwest Airlines flight by saying his mother was already in the boarding area. He changed planes in Phoenix and flew to San Antonio before being discovered.
At that time, his mother told authorities her son was unhappy living in the Tacoma suburb of Lakewood and wanted to be with his grandfather in Dallas.
Days before boarding that flight, Semaj had stolen and crashed a car. A judge convicted him of car theft in July but said he wouldn't have to go to juvenile detention if he stayed out of trouble for a year.
Cooper said Tuesday's incident would be referred to King County prosecutors to determine whether any new charges were warranted.
A phone number for the Bookers' home could not be located Tuesday.
SCOTLAND is leading the backlash against GM food.
The number of test sites for such crops north of the border has fallen by more than half since last year, according to Government figures.
And a separate survey shows Scotland's farmers are turning to organic methods far more eagerly than their counterparts in England and the rest of Europe.
Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth Scotland say they have information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that the number of Scots GM test sites has gone from 43 to just 16 in the last 12 months - a drop of 62 per cent.
Director Kevin Dunion claims farmers are reluctant to plant GM crops for trials because they fear they will pollute the countryside.
He said: "Thankfully, many Scottish farmers are making a stand to protect our countryside. They recognise that, unlike an oil spill, genetic pollution cannot be cleaned up.
"The systems currently in place to protect the environment and police GM test sites are inadequate."
Friends of the Earth say the GM test sites still active in Scotland are mostly being used for trials of crops that can withstand doses of weedkiller.
Dunion is angry that people living close to these sites are not being given the chance to speak out officially against their presence.
He said: "If your neighbour wants to build an extension to his house, you have the right to object and be heard.
"But when it comes to growing genetically engineered crops, the public have no influence. Real public consultation has been non-existent."
The National Farmers Union in Scotland has warned its members off growing GM crops, labelling any such moves "commercial suicide".
And according to a survey by the Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, many farmers here are going the opposite way by turning to organic methods.
Of 200,000 hectares which were converted or under conversion to organic farming in Britain last year, more than 100,000 were in Scotland.
That means 2.5 per cent of the Scottish land mass - twice the UK average - is now organic. The average figure in Europe is 1.6 per cent.
The findings pleased Kevin Dunion, who insisted: "Scotland's farmers are turning their backs on GM crops. Unlike the Government, they are listening to consumers.
"They now lead the way in Europe in attempts to go organic. It is often the case that consumer demand for organic food outstrips supply."
The Green Party yesterday formally launched its bid to have GM crops outlawed in Scotland.
Their only MSP, Robin Harper, lodged a motion at the Edinburgh Parliament demanding that all growing of such crops be outlawed by the Scottish Executive.
Afterwards, he said: "Genetically- modified oilseed rape from test sites is already flowering in the Scottish countryside.
"If we don't act soon, this genetic pollution will be happening on a commercial scale, followed by more and more different genetically- engineered species.
"Butterflies risk being wiped out in north America by gene crops. We can't let that happen in Scotland."
Ian Hudghton, the SNP's Euro MP for North-East Scotland, called for a halt to the development of GM food. He said: "We need a moratorium until we are absolutely certain about the long-term consequences.
"The SNP, Lib Dems and Tories all included this policy in their Scottish Parliament manifestos. Since Westminster has failed to deliver, the SNP are calling for the Scottish Executive to take a different line from London and act."
Observers say the Lib Dems' coalition pact with Labour, which made no mention of a GM ban, may wreck any bid to ban such crops here.
Scots farmers turn their backs on mutant crops and turn instead to natural methods of raising food.(News)SCOTLAND is leading the backlash against GM food.
The number of test sites for such crops north of the border has fallen by more than half since last year, according to Government figures.
And a separate survey shows Scotland's farmers are turning to organic methods far more eagerly than their counterparts in England and the rest of Europe.
Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth Scotland say they have information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that the number of Scots GM test sites has gone from 43 to just 16 in the last 12 months - a drop of 62 per cent.
Director Kevin Dunion claims farmers are reluctant to plant GM crops for trials because they fear they will pollute the countryside.
He said: "Thankfully, many Scottish farmers are making a stand to protect our countryside. They recognise that, unlike an oil spill, genetic pollution cannot be cleaned up.
"The systems currently in place to protect the environment and police GM test sites are inadequate."
Friends of the Earth say the GM test sites still active in Scotland are mostly being used for trials of crops that can withstand doses of weedkiller.
Dunion is angry that people living close to these sites are not being given the chance to speak out officially against their presence.
He said: "If your neighbour wants to build an extension to his house, you have the right to object and be heard.
"But when it comes to growing genetically engineered crops, the public have no influence. Real public consultation has been non-existent."
The National Farmers Union in Scotland has warned its members off growing GM crops, labelling any such moves "commercial suicide".
And according to a survey by the Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, many farmers here are going the opposite way by turning to organic methods.
Of 200,000 hectares which were converted or under conversion to organic farming in Britain last year, more than 100,000 were in Scotland.
That means 2.5 per cent of the Scottish land mass - twice the UK average - is now organic. The average figure in Europe is 1.6 per cent.
The findings pleased Kevin Dunion, who insisted: "Scotland's farmers are turning their backs on GM crops. Unlike the Government, they are listening to consumers.
"They now lead the way in Europe in attempts to go organic. It is often the case that consumer demand for organic food outstrips supply."
The Green Party yesterday formally launched its bid to have GM crops outlawed in Scotland.
Their only MSP, Robin Harper, lodged a motion at the Edinburgh Parliament demanding that all growing of such crops be outlawed by the Scottish Executive.
Afterwards, he said: "Genetically- modified oilseed rape from test sites is already flowering in the Scottish countryside.
"If we don't act soon, this genetic pollution will be happening on a commercial scale, followed by more and more different genetically- engineered species.
"Butterflies risk being wiped out in north America by gene crops. We can't let that happen in Scotland."
Ian Hudghton, the SNP's Euro MP for North-East Scotland, called for a halt to the development of GM food. He said: "We need a moratorium until we are absolutely certain about the long-term consequences.
"The SNP, Lib Dems and Tories all included this policy in their Scottish Parliament manifestos. Since Westminster has failed to deliver, the SNP are calling for the Scottish Executive to take a different line from London and act."
Observers say the Lib Dems' coalition pact with Labour, which made no mention of a GM ban, may wreck any bid to ban such crops here.
Scots farmers turn their backs on mutant crops and turn instead to natural methods of raising food.(News)SCOTLAND is leading the backlash against GM food.
The number of test sites for such crops north of the border has fallen by more than half since last year, according to Government figures.
And a separate survey shows Scotland's farmers are turning to organic methods far more eagerly than their counterparts in England and the rest of Europe.
Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth Scotland say they have information from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that the number of Scots GM test sites has gone from 43 to just 16 in the last 12 months - a drop of 62 per cent.
Director Kevin Dunion claims farmers are reluctant to plant GM crops for trials because they fear they will pollute the countryside.
He said: "Thankfully, many Scottish farmers are making a stand to protect our countryside. They recognise that, unlike an oil spill, genetic pollution cannot be cleaned up.
"The systems currently in place to protect the environment and police GM test sites are inadequate."
Friends of the Earth say the GM test sites still active in Scotland are mostly being used for trials of crops that can withstand doses of weedkiller.
Dunion is angry that people living close to these sites are not being given the chance to speak out officially against their presence.
He said: "If your neighbour wants to build an extension to his house, you have the right to object and be heard.
"But when it comes to growing genetically engineered crops, the public have no influence. Real public consultation has been non-existent."
The National Farmers Union in Scotland has warned its members off growing GM crops, labelling any such moves "commercial suicide".
And according to a survey by the Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, many farmers here are going the opposite way by turning to organic methods.
Of 200,000 hectares which were converted or under conversion to organic farming in Britain last year, more than 100,000 were in Scotland.
That means 2.5 per cent of the Scottish land mass - twice the UK average - is now organic. The average figure in Europe is 1.6 per cent.
The findings pleased Kevin Dunion, who insisted: "Scotland's farmers are turning their backs on GM crops. Unlike the Government, they are listening to consumers.
"They now lead the way in Europe in attempts to go organic. It is often the case that consumer demand for organic food outstrips supply."
The Green Party yesterday formally launched its bid to have GM crops outlawed in Scotland.
Their only MSP, Robin Harper, lodged a motion at the Edinburgh Parliament demanding that all growing of such crops be outlawed by the Scottish Executive.
Afterwards, he said: "Genetically- modified oilseed rape from test sites is already flowering in the Scottish countryside.
"If we don't act soon, this genetic pollution will be happening on a commercial scale, followed by more and more different genetically- engineered species.
"Butterflies risk being wiped out in north America by gene crops. We can't let that happen in Scotland."
Ian Hudghton, the SNP's Euro MP for North-East Scotland, called for a halt to the development of GM food. He said: "We need a moratorium until we are absolutely certain about the long-term consequences.
"The SNP, Lib Dems and Tories all included this policy in their Scottish Parliament manifestos. Since Westminster has failed to deliver, the SNP are calling for the Scottish Executive to take a different line from London and act."
Observers say the Lib Dems' coalition pact with Labour, which made no mention of a GM ban, may wreck any bid to ban such crops here.
TORONTO -- The Wolves dominated early as they continued their pushfor a playoff spot, defeating the Toronto Marlies 5-3 at RicohColiseum on Saturday.
With the victory, the Wolves (32-30-3-8) pushed their winningstreak to a season-high seven games -- their longest in two years.Toronto (38-27-6-2) has lost its last three.
After being denied on their first 22 shots, the …
Bill Callen
Executive sports editor
(174-91-1, .656)
I like Kurt Warner. I really do. Seems like a solid citizen, great values, unapologetic in his faith. So I'll pray that whatever damage the Steelers inflict doesn't cause him permanent injury or destroy what's becoming an amazing legacy. The trouble with a terrific offense is that it can't work when the quarterback is on his back practically every snap. Just ask Tom Brady. Arizona's only chance is if Ben Roethlisberger gives it away, which he's entirely capable of doing. But I don't think so.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Pete Dougherty
Sports reporter
(173-92-1, .652) …
NO. CHATHAM -- Elizabeth F. Lagai, 82, of Route 203, North Chatham, died Friday, November 26, 1999 at Albany Medical Center. Mrs. Lagai was born in Newburgh, NY, July 31, 1917. She was a sales-manager for Flah's menswear in Poughkeepsie, NY and was written up in Menswear Magazine for being the first female sales manager of the large men's department store. She is survived by one son, Jon Flemming of Chatham, NY; one brother, Joseph Scott of Newburgh, NY; one nephew, Joseph Scott of Newburgh, NY; one niece, Debra Scott of Newburgh, NY; and six …
WASHINGTON (AP) — American businesses facing a growing threat of cyberattacks against their websites now will have more tools to protect themselves and harden their Internet sites against hackers.
A new Homeland Security Department program will help small companies and nonprofit groups avoid programming problems that allow hackers to get into their websites.
The U.S. government's latest …
It's decision time.
In about six days voters in Chicago will be asked once again to perform their civic duty and elect who they feel will be the best candidate for mayor, city treasurer, city clerk and ward representative of the city's 50 various geographical domains.
Voters have less than a week to assess which candidate(s) would represent them best when it comes to economic development, police issues, public safety, community and business development and a myriad of other issues that concern …
The traditional post-Labor Day campaign season will undoubtedly bring a sharpening of campaign attack ads. But according to at least one survey taken by two prominent polling firms, more than 80 percent of voters say negative campaigning is detrimental to democracy and may be morally wrong.
The poll of 800 likely voters, conducted for the Camden, Maine-based Institute for Global Ethics by the polling firms of Lake Snell Perry & Associates and Deardourff/The Media Company, found that 86 percent believed "unfair" attack campaigning is "unethical," while 81 percent said they believed attack-oriented campaigning is "undermining and damaging our democracy."
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Summary: Egypt's top religious institution has exempted the national football team from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan ahead of an international tournament, officials said, but the players have
Egypt's top religious institution has exempted the national football team from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan ahead of an international tournament, officials said, but the players have refused.
The fatwa or religious edict, which comes ahead of the World Youth Championship in Egypt due to kick off on Sept. 24 just days after the end of Ramadan, has sparked the fury of the country's hardliners. Dar al-Ifta, the country's institution which clarifies …
WASHINGTON - Coming soon to our cash registers - a smiling Thomas Jefferson looking straight at you from a new nickel.
The Mint plans to begin shipping 80 million of the new 5-cent coins today to the 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks. They will be the first of an estimated 1 billion new nickels which will be put into circulation over the next year.
Since 1909 when Abraham …
