More Women Seek Legislative Office

TRENTON, N.J. - More women are running for state legislative seats than ever before, a group that tracks women's involvement in American politics said Monday.

A record 2,431 women are running for state legislative seats on Nov. 7, 56 more than the previous record of 2,375 set in 1992, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute.

"To see an increase is a good sign, but one year does not make a trend," said Debbie Walsh, the center's head. "It's taken us 14 years to break the old record."

It's important to see women running for and winning election to their state legislatures because the seats provide a …

Finland plans Internet access to all by 2010

Finland plans to provide fast Internet access to all homes and offices by July.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications says telecom operators must be able to provide "every residence and business office with access to a reasonably priced and high-quality connection" with a …

Changing of the guard

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Result

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Pakistan and Sri Lanka drew the first test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in a match dominated by two double centuries by Taufeeq Umar and Kumar Sangakkara.

___

Scores:

Sri …

Police, paramilitary troops greet Olympic torch as it passes through riot-hit capital of Tibet

Hundreds of police and paramilitary troops stood watch and hand-picked onlookers cheered as the Olympic torch passed through the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, the scene of bloody anti-government riots three months earlier.

No disruptions were reported Saturday although the overall mood was far more subdued than during the torch's earlier travels elsewhere in China.

The city, which has been under a security lockdown since the March riots, all but closed down for Saturday's relay, with streets deserted and shops closed. A security cordon was thrown around central Potala Square, with costumed performers taking the place of Buddhist pilgrims who visit to turn …

Children's Hospital nurse, music lover

PAUL 'STERNO' BAUMANN 1961-2006

At first glance, Paul "Sterno" Baumann might have seemed less likea deep intellectual ready to roll off a pun about an obscure 19thcentury historical fact and more like a Harley-riding fixture atlocal clubs like the Metro or Fitzgerald's.

He was both . . . and then some.

"The thing about him is he was really into everything -- it wasexhausting," said Benn Greenspan, Mr. Baumann's stepfather. "He'dmake birch bark canoes like Lakeland Native Americans made. He gothis nickname because . . . being so big, he always ended up in thestern of the canoe.

"He'd trek out to the western suburbs to take bagpipe lessons,"added …

Profiting from the Plains: The Great Northern Railway and Corporate Development of the American West

Profiting from the Plains: The Great Northern Railway and Corporate Development of the American West. By Claire Strom. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2003. x + 228 pp. Photographs, illustrations, maps, bibliography, notes, index. Cloth, $35. ISBN: 0-295-98348-5.

Farming in the northern plains states has never been easy. Even during the "wet years" of the late nineteenth century, yields on the northern plains were relatively low compared with the harvests of their southern neighbors. If farmers on the northern plains had one advantage, it was the railroad. By the turn of the century, the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Great Northern Railway, and a host of smaller local …

India opener Gambhir banned for one test

India opener Gautam Gambhir was banned for one test Friday for elbowing Australian bowler Shane Watson during the first day of the third test.

Gambhir, who pleaded guilty to the Level 2 offense, will miss the final test of the series against Australia in Nagpur from Thursday, barring a successful appeal. The Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary N Srinivasan confirmed there would be an appeal.

Match referee Chris Broad told Gambhir of the decision before the third day's play, having considered the evidence overnight after Thursday's hearing on the charge of not conducting play "within the spirit of the game as well as within the laws of …

Dance

Midnight Tango Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-On-Sea Monday, July 18to 23 Strictly Come Dancing's Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace havecreated their own show - a breathtaking mix of drama, sensuality andelegance. The show is set in a late night bar in downtown …

Rapper Remy Ma Arrested in NYC Shooting

NEW YORK - Grammy-nominated rapper Remy Ma was arrested Saturday on charges of attempted murder in a shooting outside a trendy Manhattan nightspot, police said.

The 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Remy Smith, had been sought for questioning in the shooting of a 23-year-old woman early Saturday after a verbal dispute near a bar in the Meatpacking District. She reported to police Saturday evening and was also arrested on charges of assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.

The rapper's manager said Saturday that she could not talk and referred calls to Remy Ma's attorney, who was with the rapper as she reported to police.

"I ask everyone to …

Pakistan set to come in cold at Twenty20 World Cup

Beaten finalists in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup two years ago, Pakistan would ordinarily be regarded as a title contender in the second edition of the event.

However, a shortage of recent top-class experience in the format and an overall lack of international cricket have hurt its chances.

Pakistan's ongoing security problems means the national team has struggled to find willing opponents, while its players were also banned from competing in the Indian Premier League.

Pakistan has played only one Twenty20 international this year, beating Australia in the United Arab Emirates in May. Sri Lanka has been the only other quality opponent for …

Rdio extends free trial period for music plan

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Music startup Rdio is joining several competitors in a crowded field of all-you-can-listening services by taking the time limit off its free trial.

The trial had been limited to seven days, and those wanting to continue had to pay for a subscription.

The new plan will give people using computers several months' worth of free listening to any track they want out of a library of 12 million songs. Mobile device users will also get an indefinite amount of free listening, but will be prompted to pay after a shorter amount of use.

Rdio, whose backers include Skype co-founder Janus Friis, is offering the trial without ads.

Plastic lumber bridges the gap at army base

Bridge project shows the potential for recycled plastic to replace wood in some applications.

RECYCLED plastic bridge at Fort Leonard Wood in Champaign, Illinois demonstrates a promising alternative to conventional wood construction. Completed last summer, the bridge spans a creek on the Army post's Gammon Field, representing reuse of some 6.5 tons of mixed plastics once destined for a landfill. "This construction is significant in that, while largersized structures have been built using recycled plastic lumber, no other one is known to have the structural capacity of this bridge," says Richard Lampo, researcher at the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (CERL), which led the project.

The recycled plastic bridge replaces an older wooden one and will bear mostly foot traffic. Standing 25 feet long by 26.5 feet wide, the structure sits on six steel beams that had supported the original bridge. "I drove my half-ton pickup over it," says Stan Martin, civil engineering technician at Fort Leonard Wood's Directorate of Public Works (DPW). "It just looks like a painted wooden bridge until you get up close and see that it's plastic."

The bridge was built under a joint project involving CERL, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Fort Wood's DPW. Also participating were Battelle in Columbus, Ohio, the Plastic Lumber Trade Association (PLTA) in Akron, Ohio, and Rutgers University. Four companies donated materials.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

The bridge was designed by McLaren Consulting Engineers using a protocol developed for recycled plastics in coordination with the American Society for Testing and Materials and PLTA. Materials for the bridge construction were selected according to their mechanical properties. The plastic lumber was composed predominantly of high-density polyethylene. The joists and railing posts had polystyrene added to the formulation to increase the stiffness of the boards based on their intended use.

Over 4.2 million tons of plastic containers are produced each year in the U.S.; about three million tons are landfilled. "Historically, markets for mixed plastics have been weak, which has greatly limited recycling of these materials," says Terry Grist of the EPA's Office of Solid Waste. "The success of projects such as this one will serve to open up new markets for these materials and provide the opportunity to increase the overall recovery rate for plastics."

CERL has been working since the early 1990s with Rutgers University, EPA, and a group of plastic lumber manufacturers to improve product quality and develop standards and specifications for the materials. Its interest was to infuse this environmentally friendly technology into military and civil works construction.

PLASTIC LUMBER ADVANTAGES

Recycled plastic lumber offers a replacement for wood products, many of which are treated with chemicals to resist rot and insect attack. Treated wood can require special handling because chemicals can leach into the environment if not disposed of properly. Wood structures not treated with chemicals have to be maintained periodically by coating with preservatives that can release organic volatiles into the atmosphere. Plastic lumber requires no such maintenance.

"We have wooden bridges and they're a maintenance problem," says Fort Wood's Martin. "We have to send crews out two or three times a year to replace deteriorated lumber and fasteners that have worked loose. Most of our wood bridges are on running or hiking paths, so the splinters and loose fasteners become a safety hazard."

Martin estimates that bridges made with CCA-treated wood last about 15 years under the climate and usage frequency at Fort Wood. Untreated wood bridges may have to be replaced as often as every five years. In contrast, CERL's Lampo projects a 50-year, maintenancefree service life for the recycled plastic lumber bridge (although steel supports may need repainting).

The initial cost of the materials for the bridge was 2.5 to three times what it would be for chemically treated wood lumber materials. Since there is no need for maintenance and replacement, this difference should be equalized in 8.5 years, with savings resulting over the remaining life of the plastic lumber bridge.

Resistance to moisture/water, rot and insects, as well as other advantages, make plastic lumber well suited to replace wood in damp, wet and/or insect-infected areas. The supply of feedstock is virtually limitless. "It would take 87 miles of a bridge the same width as this one to use up just one year's landfilled plastics," says Lampo - the equivalent of 462,500 bridges sized like the one on Gammon Field. "We're not going to run out of raw materials any time soon."

Museums

ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM. 1300 S. Lake Shore.Ongoing: "Stars of the Pharaohs"; "Egyptian Nights"; "Space in YourFace"; "TimeSpace." Museum for astronomy and space exploration.Includes a major collection of artifacts on the history of astronomy,and an in-depth introduction to the wonders of the galaxy in thePlanetarium's Ameritech Milky Way Gallery. Planetarium hours: Daily,9:30 am-6 pm; first Friday of each month is Far Out Fridays, 4:30-10pm. Admission (includes admission and one sky show, each additionalshow $5): Adults, $16 (Chicago residents $14); Kids ages 4-17: $14(Chicago residents $13); Seniors: $15 (Chicago residents $10). FarOut Fridays: Adults, $20; Kids/Seniors, $17; Members/Students/Teachers, $5; Family Star Pack for four, $60. Additional fee for Skyand StarRider Theaters. (312) 922-STAR or visitwww.adlerplanetarium.org.

AGELESS CLASSICS MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION. 100 S. River, Aurora.Exhibits include military aircraft form World War II to OperationDesert Storm and aviation memorabilia from World War I to Vietnam.Group tours available. Thu, 10 am-5 pm; Fri, 2-10 pm; Sat, 10 am-5pm; Sun, 11 am-5 pm. Adults, $5; seniors, $4; children 6-16, $3;children under 6, free. (630) 466-0888.

AMERICAN MOVIE PALACE MUSEUM. York Theatre Building, 152 N. York,Elmhurst. The facility features blueprints, photos, posters, programsand artifacts from theatres across the United States. Mon-Fri, 9 am-4 pm. (630) 782-1800.

ARGONNE INFORMATION CENTER. Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S.Cass, Argonne. Over 30 exhibits on science and technology. Tours ofthe laboratory are available most Saturdays. Tue-Fri, 10 am-3 pm;closed on holidays. Free. (630) 252-5562.

ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO. 111 S. Michigan. Ongoing: "Faces,Places, and Inner Spaces." Museum hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, 10:30 am-5pm; Thu-Fri, 10:30 am-9 pm; Sat-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Adults, $12;seniors, students and children over 5, $7; children under 5, free;Tuesday, free. (312) 443-3600.

AURORA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. David L. Pierce Art and History Center,20 E. Downer, Aurora. Wed-Sun, noon-4 pm. (630) 897-9029.

BETHEL NEW LIFE CULTURAL ARTS. 1140 N. Lamon. Ongoing: "Steppin'Up: Journeys from the Soul." Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-6 pm. (773) 378-3600.

BLOCK MUSEUM OF ART. Northwestern University. 40 Arts Circle,Evanston. Ongoing: "Theo Leffmann: Weaving a Life into Art." Tue, 10am-5 pm; Wed, Fri, 10 am-8 pm; Sat-Sun, noon-5 pm. Free. (847) 491-4000.

BLOOMINGDALE PARK DISTRICT MUSEUM. 108 S. Bloomingdale,Bloomingdale. Wed, 4-8 pm; Thu-Fri, 10 am-4 pm; Sat, noon-4 pm. (630)539-3096.

CANTIGNY. 1 S 151 Winfield, Wheaton. Ongoing: The former home ofChicago Mayor Joseph Medill and his grandson, Col. Robert McCormick,features 10 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds, the Robert R.McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum of War Memorabilia,with items dating to the Revolutionary War. Museum open Tue-Sun, 10am-4 pm; park open 9 am-sunset. $7 per car. (630) 668-5161.

CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION. 224 S. Michigan. Ongoing:"ReThink ReDesign ReCycle." Sat, 9 am-6 pm; Sun, 9:30 am-5 pm. (312)922-3432, Ext. 239.

CHICAGO ATHENAEUM AT SCHAUMBURG. 190 S. Roselle, Schaumburg.Ongoing: "International Sculpture Park"; "Art and Design - ASelection of Art, Design and Architecture From the PermanentCollections of the Chicago Athenaeum." Wed-Fri, 11 am-6 pm; Sat-Sun,noon-5 pm. (847) 895-3950.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe. Ongoing: Expandedbonzai exhibit features 185 unique plants displayed on a rotatingbasis. Daily, 7 am-9 pm. Admission is free; parking is $12. (847) 835-5440.

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER. 78 E. Washington. Ongoing: "ChicagoLandmarks Before the Lens"; "Heraldic Emblems I-IV by DeborahBoardman." Mon-Wed, 10 am-7 pm; Thu, 10 am-9 pm; Fri, 10 am-6 pm;Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 11 am-5 pm. Closed holidays. Free. (312) 744-6630.

CHICAGOLAND SPORTS HALL OF FAME. A collection of sportsmemorabilia honoring over 300 area athletes, schools and professionalteams. Ten interactive, touch-screen video kiosks feature a sportstrivia game, sports writers discussing their favorite sports momentsand biographies, stats, and more. Mon-Fri, 10 am-4 pm. Free.Maryville Academy, 1150 N. River, Des Plaines. (847) 294-1799.

THE CHINESE-AMERICAN MUSEUM OF CHICAGO. 238 W. 23rd. Fri, 8:30 am-1:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. $1, $2. (312) 949-1000;www.ccamuseum.org.

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM. 2350 N. Kenmore. Mon-Thu, 11 am-5pm; Fri, 11 am-7 pm; Sat-Sun, noon-5 pm. (773) 325-7506.

DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT MUSEUM. 831 Maple, Downers Grove.Ongoing: "Images of You: Photos of Downers Grove's Past"; "Quiltsfrom the Collection"; "Recent Acquisitions." Sun-Fri, 1-3 pm. (630)963-1309.

DUPAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM. 102 E. Wesley, Wheaton. Ongoing:"A Walk in the Woods"; "Made to Measure"; "Chairs, A Revealing Look";"DuPage County History -- An Overview"; "Laundry"; "Bicycling." Mon,Wed, Fri-Sat, 10 am-4 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm. Free. (630) 682-7343.

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY. 740 E. 56th Place.Ongoing: "DuSable Treasures: Selections from the Permanent Collectionof Art"; "Songs of My People"; "Distorted Images"; "Fight to Fly:Blacks in Aviation"; "Trial to Triumph"; "Africa Speaks"; "The AmesMural." Tue-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm. $1-$3; Sunday, free.(773) 947-0600.

EAA AIRVENTURE MUSEUM. 3000 Poberezny, Oshkosh, Wis. The aviationmuseum features authentic replicas of the Wright Brothers' WrightFlyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, as well as a collection offull-sized World War II fighters and bombers. Mon-Sat, 8:30 am-5 pm;Sun, 11 am-5 pm. Adults, $7.50; seniors, $6.50; children 8-17, $6;children 7 and under, free. (920) 426-6535.

ELMHURST ART MUSEUM. 150 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst. Tue, Thu, Sat, 10am-4 pm; Wed, 1-8 pm; Fri, Sun, 1-4 pm. Tuesday, free. Adults, $4;seniors, $3; students, $2; (630) 834-0202.

ELMHURST HISTORICAL MUSEUM. 120 E. Park, Elmhurst. Ongoing:"Visions of Home"; "From Mansion to Museum." Tue-Sun, 1-5 pm. Free.(630) 833-1457.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY MUSEUM. 200 N. Oak Park, Oak Park. Just a shortwalk from Hemingway's birthplace, the museum explores the first 20years of the author's life, highlighting his family experiences,education, love of the outdoors and involvement in World War I andII. Ongoing: "Teaching Hemingway How to Write: Developing theLiterary Genius"; "Hemingway and Hollywood"; "Hemingway and theArts." Hours for museum and birthplace, Thu-Fri, Sun, 1-5 pm; Sat, 10am-5 pm. Adults, $6; seniors and students, $4.50; includes museum andbirthplace. (708) 848-2222.

EVANSTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 225 Greenwood, Evanston. (847) 475-3410.

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO. visitors center, 230 S. LaSalle.A variety of exhibits about the central bank. Free. Mon-Fri, 9 am-5pm. (312) 322-2400.

FIELD MUSEUM. 1400 S. Lake Shore. To Jan. 1: "Tutankhamun and theGolden Age of the Pharaohs." Permanent: "Pawnee Earth Lodge";"Regenstein Laboratory"; "Underground Adventure"; "Sue"; "Hall ofJades"; "Man-Eating Lions of Tsavo"; "Inside Ancient Egypt." Museumhours: Daily, 9 am-5 pm. Field Museum Gold Pass (Includes Museumadmission and Underground Adventure), $19 adults; $14 seniors andstudents with ID; $9 children 4-11. Museum admission: $12 adults; $7seniors and students with ID and children 4-11. Discount for Chicagoresidents with proof of residency. (312) 922-9410 or visitwww.fieldmuseum.org.

GARFIELD FARM MUSEUM. 3N016 Garfield, LaFox. Call for hours at(630) 584-8485 or visit www.garfieldfarm.org.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY. 300 N. Central Park. Ongoing: Eightexhibit halls display plants found in climates ranging from rainforest to desert. Ongoing exhibits: "Elizabeth Morse GeniusChildren's Garden"; "Urban Demonstration Garden." Guided tours areavailable daily, 9 am-5 pm. Conservatory hours: daily, 9 am-5 pm;Thu, 9 am-8 pm. Free. (312) 746-5100.

HAGGERTY MUSEUM OF ART. North 13th Street and West ClybournAvenue, Milwaukee. Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat, 10 am-4:30 pm; Thu, 10 am-8 pm;Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Free. (414) 288-3657.

HELLENIC MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER. 801 W. Adams, fourth floor.Tue-Fri, 10 am-4 pm; Sat, 11 am-4 pm. (312) 655-1234.

HISTORIC AUTO MUSEUM. 5290 Lansing, Roscoe. A display of over 60vehicles of historical interest including racecars, presidential carsand movie and entertainment cars. Tue-Sun, 11 am-8 pm. (815) 389-9999, Ext. 20.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST. Pleasant Home,217 S. Home, Oak Park. A museum that highlights the history of OakPark and River Forest, turn of the century photographs and otherperiod memorabilia. Research of local topics and historical sites isalso available. Thu-Sun, 12:30 pm. Adults, $5; children, $3; Fri,free. (708) 848-6755.

HOUDINI HISTORICAL CENTER. 330 E. College, Appleton, Wis. Over 120artifacts and 150 photographic images that take a personal look atthe legendary Harry Houdini. Tue-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm.Adults, $4; seniors, $3.50; children 5-17, $2. (920) 733-8445.

ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM. Union and Olson, Union. The museumfeatures America's largest collection of historic railway equipmentincluding streetcars and interurbans, steam, diesel, and electriclocomotives. Admission and hours vary; call for schedule. (815) 923-4000.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE. 1524 N. Lake Shore.Ongoing: "The Japan Hall of Fame"; "Windows to the World: the Scienceof Sight and Opthalmic Art." Permanent: "Nursing: Care for a ChangingWorld" and "Milestones in Medical Imaging: From X-Ray to NuclearMedicine." Tue-Sun, 10 am-4 pm. Adults, $6; seniors and students, $3;Tuesday, free. (312) 642-6502; www.imss.org.

JANE ADDAMS HULL-HOUSE MUSEUM. University of Illinois at Chicago,800 S. Halsted. The building where Jane Addams founded Hull-House in1889 Honors the work of the settlement house leader and social-welfare pioneer. Open for tours and educational programs. Mon-Fri, 10am-4 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm. Free. (312) 413-5353.

JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER. 608 New York, Sheboygan, Wis.Ongoing: "Pure Magic: the Sculpture of M. Elisabeth Higgins-O'Connor"; "The Gardens"; "Sandra Byers: A Gentle Nature"; "Mi-SookHur: Secret Gardens"; "Arts/Industry: A 27-Year Collaboration";"Among Art: Evolving Traditions"; "Eye Spy Color"; "ArtistRestrooms." Mon, Wed, Fri, 10 am-5 pm; Tue, Thu, 10 am-8 pm; Sat-Sun, 10 am-4 pm. Free. (920) 458-6144.

JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM. 204 N. Ottawa, Joliet. $3-$5. Tue-Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm. (815) 723-5201.

KENOSHA PUBLIC MUSEUM. 5500 First, Kenosha, Wis. Mon, noon-5 pm;Tue-Sat, 9 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm. Free. (262) 653-4140.

KOEHNLINE MUSEUM OF ART. 1600 E. Golf, Des Plaines. Mon-Fri, 10 am-6 pm; Sat, 11 am-4 pm. (847) 635-2633.

LAKE COUNTY DISCOVERY MUSEUM. Rte 176 in Lakewood Forest Preserve,near Wauconda. Mon-Sat, 11 am-4:30 pm; Sun, 1-4:30 pm. (847) 968-3400.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO MUSEUM OF ART. 820 N. Michigan. Ongoing:Martin D'Arcy Collection of Medieva, Renaissance and Baroque Art. $5,$6. Tue, 10 am-8 pm; Wed-Sun, 10 am-6 pm. (312) 915-7600.

MEXICAN FINE ARTS CENTER MUSEUM. 1852 W. 19th St. Ongoing:"Mexican Chicago: Huellas (Photographic Footprints)." Tue-Sun, 10 am-5 pm; closed Mondays and holidays. Free for exhibitions. Donationsaccepted. (312) 738-1503.

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM. 700 N. Art Museum, Milwaukee, Wis. To Aug.13: "Masters of American Comics." Tue-Sun 10 am-5 pm; Thu, 5-8 pm.Adults, $6; seniors and students, $4; children under 12, free. (414)224-3200.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM. 800 W. Wells, Milwaukee, Wis. TheMilwaukee Public Museum is located in the Pioneer House, areproduction of a rural 19th century Wisconsin homestead built byNorwegian settlers. Ongoing exhibits: "Bugs Alive! Insects and TheirRelatives"; "Build an Egyptian Tomb"; "Ferguson Rifle - ARevolutionary Firearm"; "From Dr. Mom to Dr. Welby: Healing inAmerica"; "Ivory-billed Woodpecker"; "Puelicher Butterfly Wing";"Streets of Old Milwaukee"; "Tourist Takeout: A Taste for Souvenirs";"Watson Family House"; "Exploring Life on Earth." In the HumphreyIMAX Dome Theater. Ongoing: "Forces of Nature." Enjoy free silentmovies daily, 11 am-1:30 pm. Free with museum admission. Museumhours: Daily, 9 am-5 pm. Museum admission: Adults, $6.75; seniors,$5.50; children 4-17, $4.50; children under 3, free; free Monday forMilwaukee County residents. Additional fee for IMAX Theater. (414)278-2702.

MITCHELL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN. Kendall College, 2600Central Park, Evanston. Suggested donation: $2.50, $5. (847) 475-1030; www.mitchellmuseum.org.

MORTON ARBORETUM. 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Maze Garden, a permanentone-acre living puzzle of hedges and other plants. Ongoing: The 1,700-acre arboretum features more than 30,000 labeled plant specimensrepresenting 3,600 different types of plants. It is home to thelargest U.S. collection of plants from Russia, China, the Balkans andNortheast Asia, as well as a collection representing NorthernIllinois. Daily, 7 am-7 pm. Adults, $7; seniors, $5; children ages 3-12, $4. Wednesday prices are adults, $4; seniors, $3; children, $2.(630) 968-0074 or (630) 719-2400.

MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS. Museum closed and moving tonew location at State and Kinzie. Will reopen in 2006.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART. 220 E. Chicago. To Oct. 15: "DrawnInto the World." To Aug. 27: "Chris Ware." To Oct. 15: "CatherineOpie: Chicago (American Cities)." Closes Sun: "Patty Chang: Shangri-La." Museum hours: Tue, 10 am-8 pm, Wed-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Adults, $10;students and seniors, $6; free, members and children 12 and under;Tuesday, free from 10 am-8 pm. (312) 280-2660.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY. Columbia College Chicago, 600S. Michigan. Mon-Fri, 10 am-5 pm; Thu, 5-8 pm; Sat, noon-5 pm. Free.(312) 663-5554.

MUSEUM OF HOLOGRAPHY. 1134 W. Washington. Feature exhibits includean animated gold miner, a 3-by-3 foot hologram of a large dinosaur,moving holograms, and an animated hologram of Michael Jordan. Wed-Sun, 12:30-5 pm. $2.50, $3. (312) 226-1007.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 57th and Lake Shore. To Sept. 4:"Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius." To Jan. 7: "Frogs: AChorus of Colors." $5. Ongoing: "U-505 Submarine"; "Circus"; "PioneerZephyr"; "Reusable City"; "All Aboard the Silver Streak"; "IdeaFactory"; "Take Flight (727)"; "Navy: Technology at Sea"; "The CoalMine"; "Virtual Reality in Imaging"; "Toymaker 3000"; "Yesterday'sMain Street"; "The Great Train Story"; "Genetics: Decoding Life";"Networld"; "The Farm"; "Enterprise"; "Petroleum Planet." In theHenry Crown Space Center Omnimax Theater. Now showing: ""Wired toWin: Surviving the Tour de France." "Greece: Secrets of the Past."Regular Museum hours: Mon-Sat, 9:30 am-5:30 pm; Sun, 11 am-5:30 pm.General admission: Adults, $11; seniors, $9.50; children 3-11, $7.Chicago residents: Adults, $10; seniors, $8.75; children 3-11, $6.25.(773) 684-1414 or visit www.msichicago.org.

NAPER SETTLEMENT. 523 S. Webster, Naperville. Ongoing: "HistoryConnection" and "Brushstrokes of the Past." Tue-Sat, 10 am-4 pm; Sun,1-4 pm. Adults, $6.50; seniors, $5.50; children, $4. (630) 420-6010.

THE NATIONAL ITALIAN AMERICAN SPORTS HALL OF FAME. 1431 W. Taylor.An educational institution dedicated to promoting the history andheritage of Italian American in sports. Artifacts include RockyMarciano's World Heavyweight championship belt and Matt Biondi's 11Olympica medals. Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm; Sat-Sun, 11 am-4 pm. (312) 226-5566.

NATIONAL RAILROAD MUSEUM. 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay, Wis. The26,000 square-foot facility of rolling stock and locomotives featuresGeneral Eisenhower's World War II command train, a Union Pacific BigBoy, the world's largest steam locomotive, and the Frederick J.Lenfestey Center. Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm; Sun, 11 am-5 pm. (920) 437-7623.

NATIONAL VIETNAM VETERANS ART MUSEUM. 1801 S. Indiana. Mon-Fri, 11am-6 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm. Ongoing: Over 700 works offine art created by 115 artists who participated as soldiers in theVietnam War. The museum's permanent collection focuses on the subjectof war from the personal point of view. Tue-Fri, 11 am-6 pm; Sat, 10am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm. Adults, $5; seniors and students, $4. (312)326-0270.

NEVILLE PUBLIC MUSEUM. 210 Museum Place, Green Bay, Wis. Ongoing:"On the Edge of the Inland Sea." Tue, Thu-Sat, 9 am-4 pm; Wed, 9 am-9 pm; Sun, noon-4 pm. Suggested donation: Adults, $3; children, $2.(920) 448-4460.

NIU ART MUSEUM. Altgeld Hall, Rotunda Gallery, DeKalb. Fri, 10 am-5 pm; Sat-Sat, noon-4 pm. (815) 753-1936. Chicago Gallery, 215 W.Superior. Wed-Sat, 11 am-5 pm. (312) 642-6010.

THE NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM. 2430 N. Cannon. Through winter:"Climate Chaos." Special exhibition admission, $3. Permanent:"RiverWorks," an interactive water play exhibit with hands-onactivities including building dams and changing water oxygen levelsto illustrate the importance of river ecology; "Mysteries of theMarsh" highlights one of the Midwest's most unique ecosystems throughhands-on activities. To Sept. 24: Jin Lee, Prairie. To Sept. 4: IceAge. To Oct: Chinese Butterflies. Ongoing: "Hands-on Habitat."; "JudyIstock Butterfly Haven"; "African Butterflies." Museum hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-4:30 pm; Sat-Sun, 10 am-5 pm. Non-Chicago residents:Adults, $7; seniors and students, $5; children 3-12, $4. Thursday,free. (773) 755-5100; www.naturemuseum.org.

O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. 10000 W. O'Hare. Ongoing: "Kids onthe Fly"; "Brachiosaurus." (312) 922-9410.

ORIENTAL INSTITUTE MUSEUM. 1155 E. 58th. Ongoing: "WhereCivilization Began: Celebrating Ancient Mesopotamia" and "Empires inthe Fertile Crescent: Ancient Assyria, Anatolia and Israel." Ashowcase of the history, art and architecture of the ancient NearEast. Tue, Thu-Sat, 10 am-6 pm; Wed, 10 am-8:30 pm; Sun, noon-6 pm.(773) 702-9514.

THE PEACE MUSEUM. 100 N. Central Park. Thu, Fri, 1-6 pm; Sat-Sun,noon-4 pm. $5. (773) 638-6450; www.peacemuseum.org.

THE POLISH MUSEUM OF AMERICA. 984 N. Milwaukee. (773) 384-3352.

PYROGRAPHIC MUSEUM. Sale Barn Square, 961 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling.Vintage pyrographic equipment and artwork on display includes flatburning on wood, gourd art decoration, 3-D leather and buckskinburning. Tue-Sat, 11 am-5 pm. Free. (847) 229-1000.

RENAISSANCE SOCIETY. Cobb Hall, Room 418, University of Chicago,5811 S. Ellis. Free. Tue-Fri, 10 am-5 pm; Sat-Sun, noon-5 pm. (773)702-8670.

RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 10621 S. Seeley. Ongoing: "From theHomefront to the Battlefront." Thu, Sun, 2-5 pm, or by appointment.(773) 881-1675.

ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM. Riverfront Museum Park, 711 N. Main,Rockford. Free. Tue-Fri, 11 am-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, noon-5 pm.(815) 968-2787.

ROSENTHAL ARCHIVES OF THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Thecollection of audio-visual materials, programs, photographs,newspaper clippings, and administrative records document theactivities of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the CivicOrchestra, and other Orchestra Hall events. Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm, byappointment. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. (312) 294-3055.

RYERSON WOODS. Riverwoods, between Half Day and Deerfield,Deerfield. $8, $10. (847) 968-3321.

SCHINGOETHE CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES. Dunham Hall,Aurora University, 1400 Marseillaise, Aurora. Tue, 10 am-7 pm; Wed-Fri, 10 am-4 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm. (630) 844-5402.

SCITECH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INTERACTIVE CENTER. 18 W. Benton,Aurora. Ongoing: "Weather Wave"; "Lithophone"; "Giant Lever." Tue-Wed, noon-5 pm; Thu, noon-8 pm; Fri, noon-9 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun,noon-5 pm. Adults, $6; seniors and children 3-17, $5. (630) 859-3434.

SHEDD AQUARIUM. 1200 S. Lake Shore. Ongoing: The world's largestindoor aquarium is home to more than 22,000 animals and boasts a90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef where divers hand-feed fish, sharks anda sea turtle daily. The Oceanarium offers winding nature trailsthrough scenic re-creations of a Pacific Northwest coastline andincludes encounters with beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins,Alaskan sea otters, harbor seals and penguins. Animal Encounters,daily (times vary), when guests can look at learn about and touchsuch critters as a Chilean rose tarantula, leopard gecko, Africanbullfrog, red-tailed boa, yellow-footed tortoise, and more. TheOceanarium's Beluga School--It's Cool, daily at 11 a.m. AmazonRising: Seasons of the River, looks at the largest freshwater riversystem in the world. Museum hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm; Sat-Sun, 9 am-6 pm. Free General Admission Fri. All-Access Pass is $15 for adultsand $10 for seniors and children on Fri. All Access Pass (Aquarium,Oceanarium and Wild Reef): Adults, $23; Seniors and Children 3-11,$16. Mini Pass (Aquarium and either Oceanarium or Wild Reef): Adults,$18; seniors and children 3-11, $14. Aquarium only: Adults, $8;seniors and children 3-11, $6; children 2 and under, free. Discountfor Chicago residents. (312) 939-2435 or visit www.shedd.org.

SMART MUSEUM OF ART. University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood. Tue-Wed, Fri, 10 am-4 pm; Thu, 10 am-9 pm; Sat-Sun, noon-6 pm; closedholidays. Free. (312) 702-0200.

Sports committee head resigns over fake degree

The head of Pakistan's parliamentary sports committee has resigned for allegedly holding a fake degree in Islamic studies.

Jamshed Dasti, chairman of national assembly standing committee on sports, tendered his resignation to a six-member larger bench of the supreme court, local media reported Friday.

Leading newspaper The News said Dasti failed to answer a volley of questions from the court regarding his education when he appeared Thursday.

"He (Dasti) remained unable to tell the court even about the duration of the (Islamic) course," The News reported.

Dasti has been critical of the working of several Pakistan sporting bodies _ especially the Pakistan Cricket Board.

He summoned PCB officials several times and even questioned then Pakistan team captain Younis Khan over allegations of match-fixing during the Champions Trophy last year.

Dasti contested the general elections in Feb. 2008 from the Muzaffargarh district of Punjab province. Dasti's electoral opponent had challenged his education credentials in supreme court.

The court told Dasti if he did not resign he would not be able to contest upcoming by-elections.

US Senate runoff could decide balance of power

Georgia's long U.S. Senate campaign drew to a finish on Tuesday as polls closed on the hotly contested race that could sway the balance of power in Washington.

Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss faced Democrat Jim Martin in a runoff election that drew national political heavyweights from both parties.

It was necessary after a three-way general election prevented any of the candidates from getting the necessary 50 percent.

What was at stake was significant: Democrats in the 100-member U.S. Senate are just two votes shy of the 60 needed to block Republican filibusters _ a key bid for power that would be immensely helpful as a Democrat heads to the White House for the first time in a decade.

Georgia is one of the two unresolved Senate races. In Minnesota, a recount is under way in a tight race between Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken.

Elections officials reported steady to light turnout since polls opened at 7 a.m., and no problems throughout the day. Polls closed at 7 p.m. A spokesman for Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel predicted turnout would be between 18 and 20 percent, far less than the 65 percent who voted in last month's general election.

Chambliss and Martin both fell short of the 50-percent threshold in a three-way general election race with Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley, who drew 3.4 percent of the vote.

Chambliss, 65, is seeking a second term after winning in 2002 against Democratic Sen. Max Cleland in a campaign that infuriated Democrats. Chambliss ran a TV ad that questioned Cleland's commitment to national security and flashed a photo of Osama bin Laden. Cleland is a triple amputee wounded in the Vietnam War.

Martin, a 63-year-old former state lawmaker from Atlanta, has aligned himself with President-elect Barack Obama's message of change, and has vowed to provide economic relief for the middle class. A onetime agricultural lawyer from Moultrie, Chambliss has promised to be a firewall against a Democratic-dominated Washington getting a "blank check."

Early voting statistics were encouraging for the Chambliss camp. Of the nearly 500,000 early voters, turnout was down among black voters and higher among white males compared to advance voting before the general election.

White males normally are a solid Republican constituency in Georgia, while exit polls showed that Martin won the votes of nine of ten Georgia blacks who registered a preference.

Some 3.7 million people cast ballots in this year's general election, and both sides have since tried to keep voters' attention with a barrage of ads and visits by political heavy-hitters.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore both stumped for Martin. President-elect Barack Obama recorded a radio ad for Martin and sent 100 field operatives, but he didn't campaign in the state despite a request from Martin to do so.

Several ex-Republican presidential candidates made appearances for Chambliss, including nominee John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's vice presidential pick, held four rallies for Chambliss that drew thousands of party faithful Monday.

___

Associated Press writers Russ Bynum in Savannah, and Greg Bluestein and Johnny Clark in Atlanta contributed to this report.

___

On the Net:

Saxby Chambliss: http://www.saxby.org

Jim Martin: http://www.martinforsenate.com

White Sox OF Dye appeals fine, suspension

Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye is appealing his fine and two-game suspension and will play against the Blue Jays on Friday night.

Earlier in the day, Major League Baseball suspended Dye and fined him an undisclosed amount after he threw his helmet and it bounced off an umpire in Wednesday's victory at Cleveland.

Dye was ejected by plate umpire Mike DiMuro after being called out on strikes with the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Dye argued briefly with DiMuro and was ejected after slamming down his helmet, which bounced off the umpire.

"I didn't turn around so I didn't even know it hit him," Dye said. "I still haven't seen the replay so I don't even know what it looks like."

Dye, who is batting .283 with seven homers and 17 RBIs, batted fourth and played right field Friday night at Toronto.

The ejection was Dye's second since joining the White Sox in 2005.

"I didn't know what to expect because I've never been suspended before," Dye said. "I don't know how they even go about knowing how long a suspension should be. I figured if anything I'd be fined. It wasn't intentional. I can't control the helmet if it goes backwards. I slammed it straight down just being mad at myself. That was it, it wasn't intentional."

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen also was ejected after the incident.

Earlier this week, White Sox closer Bobby Jenks was fined an undisclosed amount for throwing a pitch behind Texas' Ian Kinsler last weekend.

Day After: Life's a Romp For the $1 Million Man

The day after he made "the shot heard 'round the world," DonCalhoun went back to work.

"I have to take inventory," said Calhoun, 23, an office supplysalesman in Downstate Bloomington.

But inventory would have to wait. When Calhoun arrived, he wascrunched by media and handed more than 100 telephone messages frompeople wanting to know everything about the "million dollar man."

Calhoun had become an instant celebrity Wednesday night when heearned $1 million for making a 79-foot shot during a timeout at aBulls game at Chicago Stadium.

The secretary at the Bloomington store answered the telephonelike this: "Reliable Office Superstore, home of Don Calhoun, ourmillion dollar man."

The calls came "from everywhere," Connie Williams said."Canada, San Francisco, investment firms, law firms. People wantingto sell him cars. People wanting to issue him credit cards."

Some even wanted to know about his $54.99 pair of Size 13 WorldCup shoes from Kinneys.

"Traditionally with me, World Cup is a pretty cheap shoe,"Calhoun said. "But these are good shoes. I think I'll keep themforever for good luck."

The $1 million shot has been attempted 19 times at the Stadiumthis season. Another fan will get a chance at a Bulls game nextweek.

Calhoun, chosen at random to take the shot (because Bullsrepresentatives liked his shoes), was still recovering from asleepless night.

"I'm just trying to let it kick in," Calhoun said Thursday. "Ihaven't been to sleep since it happened. Not that I didn't havetime. I had plenty of time, but my heart was beating too fast."

At 5 a.m., after staring at the ceiling of his Sheraton hotelroom "and counting sheep" for five restless hours, Calhoun's heartwas still racing. It was time for a remote interview at Channel 5with NBC's Bryant Gumbel.

"The Good Morning . . . what is it, the `Today Show'? The onewith Bryant Gumbel, the guy everyone watches in the morning," Calhounsaid. "It was awesome. And it seemed strange. It's something I'llalways cherish."

Wednesday night Calhoun was attending his first Bulls game infive years. He got the ticket from an accountant friend "whocouldn't go because it's tax time."

"During the first quarter, I was thinking about the shot andthen I said to myself, `Don't worry. I came in here without amillion and if I leave without seizing the opportunity, there's noloss. In the second quarter, I decided to gather all my confidence,go out there, be spontaneous and put the ball in the hole."

The $1 million contest was sponsored by Lettuce Entertain You andCoca-Cola.

Lettuce Entertain You spokeswoman Janet Kerrigan said acelebration party for Calhoun and his family will be planned.

"When we find him," she said.

Calhoun wasn't hiding. He tried doing as many interview requestsas he could "because I feel blessed and I want to share this withothers."

‘Burnt Mountain’ recalls a simpler South

Burnt Mountain, the peak in Georgia, is among the southernmost in the ancient Appalachian range. It rises to grab the occasional dusting of snow in winter and swells with crowds of campers and hikers seeking refuge in summer.

To those classic services, best-selling novelist Anne Rivers Siddons adds numerous romantic ones for the peak to perform. Her Burnt Mountain (Grand Central, $25.99) is the repository of childhood memories, the source of marital conflict and revelation, and the setting for one character's unsettling breakdown. It is hard to imagine a real place hosting such intense pivot points in the lives of so many interrelated people, but the majestic peak largely holds its own. At Burnt Mountain, her central characters come of age, honeymoon, vacation, die and engage in a deeply mysterious scandal involving an Irish folklorist, a smarmy businessman and scores of young boys.

Siddons is at her most effective rendering the Southern landscape and the region's languorous summers. Lots of iced tea and lemonade and even mint juleps are consumed on porches. Children play in the shade, women swoon from the heat, for sure, but more from frustration at not climbing the social register — or not fast enough. And there's lots of swimming, in pools, in rivers and in lakes. Siddons masterfully portrays growing up in a small town outside Atlanta, much like her hometown. The terrain is rich with grand old houses lovingly restored; there's a begrudging nod to Gone With the Wind, which the young people call GWTW; and the race and class divides are so vast that every key character is white, Protestant and wealthy. The lone Jew's heritage automatically grants him outsider status and seems to imply his financial success.

Even as they age, Siddons' characters focus on their sensations and needs and aspirations, but that single-mindedness coaxes readers to side with her central character. Anyone who appreciates the instant gratification of romance novels — Burnt Mountain seems designed for a few days of beach reading — will be quickly taken in by the quiet and beautiful tomboy, whose father dies young and whose vengeful mother never outgrows her tendency to belittle her daughter. When Thayer Wentworth figures out young that life's nastiest snarls may not all be loosened and smoothed and retied in neat bows, we fret with her. And when everything inevitably does start to work out, we are as relieved as she is.

But that satisfaction is shallow. There are just too many snags along the way in Burnt Mountain, including problems as fundamental as time lapsing unevenly for different characters. In the same period that Thayer attends college, marries and lackadaisically takes a job, another character also earns a graduate degree, has two children, wins acclaim in his career and separates from his wife.

Siddons, who has adroitly illustrated Southern race politics in the past, also slips into anachronisms so uncomfortable they are nearly fatal. There's a trip for our wealthy heroine to a dangerous back-alley abortion clinic, even though it's roughly 1990 and abortions have been widely available in Atlanta for many years. The mid-1990s civic scene in Atlanta lacks black residents of any economic means, and Asian visitors are mocked for pronouncing the word barbecue as "bobby-coo." Burnt Mountain thankfully doesn't attempt to traverse the sociopolitical minefield that was the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. But the novel might have worked better set earlier, in a time we're now willing to believe was simpler.

AP

BURNT MOUNTAIN

By Anne Rivers Siddons

Grand Central, 336 pages, $25.99

Bad month for Vikes' Robinson

Vikings wide receiver Koren Robinson's arrest this week fordrunken driving wasn't his first scrape with the law since trainingcamp opened in Mankato, Minn.

Robinson got a ticket Aug. 10 for driving a 2003 BMW 760 sedanwithout a valid Minnesota driver's license. The license issued in hishome state of North Carolina was suspended, according to the policereport.

Mankato police said Robinson was pursued when he passed a policevehicle traveling 67 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone.

Police said the earlier stop was on the same street where he wasarrested Tuesday night following a high-speed chase from St. Peter toMankato.

Robinson was excused from the last day of training camp onThursday, and his status with the team was uncertain.

PATS SIGN SEAU: Junior Seau returned to the NFL after a four-dayretirement, trading surfing in San Diego for a one-year contract withthe New England Patriots that the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker hopeswill pay off with a long-sought Super Bowl ring.

"I'm going after my master's now," the jet-lagged Seau said in aconference call.

That was a reference to his lavish retirement ceremony Monday atthe San Diego Chargers' headquarters when he said: "I'm not retiring.I am graduating."

The 37-year-old Seau said then that no teams wanted or needed him.But he didn't rule out coming back if the right situation came up.

Seau said the Patriots called on Tuesday. New England neededanother linebacker because Tedy Bruschi has a broken wrist. ChadBrown and Monte Beisel also are hurt, and Willie McGinest, a mainstayof the Patriots' three Super Bowl titles in four seasons, signed withthe Cleveland Browns as a free agent.

"When a championship team calls, you've definitely got to answerthe call and definitely look into it," Seau said.

COWBOYS NIX TRADE: Wide receiver Charlie Adams failed his physicalwith the Dallas Cowboys, voiding a trade with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos sent Adams to Dallas for a sixth-round draft pick onThursday.

"He just didn't pass our physical, that's all," Cowboys coach BillParcells said.

Florida Key Deer

Odocoileus virginianus clavium

Status	Endangered
Listed	March 11, 1967
Family	Cervidae (Deer)
Description	Small, white-tailed deer; tawny in summer, blue-gray in winter.
Habitat	Subtropical keys; woods and meadows.
Food	Herbivore.
Reproduction	Single fawn per season.
Threats	Loss of habitat, road kills.
Range	Florida

Description

The Key deer is the smallest subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer found in the United States. Adult sizes vary considerably. The average weight of an adult male is 80 lbs (36 kg) and of an adult female, 64 lbs (29 kg). Average shoulder heights range from 24-28 in (61-71 cm). The adult is white beneath and tawny above in summer, blue-gray in winter. Fawns display white spots on a reddish coat that persist for about three months. All animals have a conspicuous white tail. Antlers have erect un-branched tines arising from the main beam.

Behavior

Key deer are more solitary than other white-tailed deer, which travel in family groups. In many cases, the solitary behavior has been adversely modified by public feeding, which attracts artificially large groups. Left to itself, the Key deer feeds on a wide variety of subtropical plants, including the red mangrove, black mangrove, Indian mulberry, silver palm, and thatch palm.

The reproductive cycle of the Key deer is similar to that of its mainland relatives. Breeding begins in September, peaks in early October, and gradually decreases through November. Gestation is 204 days, after which a single fawn is born. Most births occur between March and May, peaking in April. Key deer reach sexual maturity between three and five years of age. Familial bonds are not highly developed, and fawns have been observed to move with any passing female.

Habitat

The Key deer uses different sub-habitats on the islands, depending on availability, activity, and time of day. Hardwood hammocks and mangroves are frequented during daylight hours as they provide cover, bedding, and resting areas. Open meadow or grasslands, especially those that are routinely mowed, are used primarily during the evening for feeding and some limited bedding. Buttonwood and pine forests are used equally at all times. Freshwater sources, which are scarce on the Florida Keys, also influence frequency of habitat use.

Distribution

The ancestors of the Key deer migrated to the region of the Florida Keys from the mainland many thousands of years ago. When the last glaciers melted, water levels rose, fragmenting what was once a long, narrow peninsula into a series of small islands. Isolation from mainland populations and the confines of an island habitat influenced the development of the Key deer's special physical characteristics and behavior patterns.

The earliest mention of the Key deer is found in the memoirs of Spanish explorer D. E. Fontaneda, who was shipwrecked in the Florida Keys in 1575. At that time, Key deer were apparently abundant and used as food by both Native Americans and crews from passing ships. The deer probably ranged from Key West to Duck Key.

The Key deer was hunted ruthlessly to the brink of extinction. Florida state law banned hunting in 1939, but by the end of the Second World War only about 30 deer survived.

The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957, and the population slowly began to recover. About the same time, however, residential and resort development began a boom in the Keys that continues today. By 1978, the Key deer population had increased to about 400 animals, but available habitat had shrunk to a fraction of its former extent. The Key deer is now restricted to the lower Keys. Of the current population, estimated at less than 300 deer in 1989, about 200 are found on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. The rest are scattered from Saddlebunch to Spanish Harbor Bridge and associated islands.

Threats

The Florida Keys have long been a popular tourist and resort area. More recently, developers have cleared land to build homes for full-time residents. Between 1969 and 1973 nearly 124 acres (50 hectares) were cleared annually on Big Pine Key alone. In 1984, 310 housing units were approved to support nearly 800 new inhabitants. The human population now stands at about 5,000, but at current rates of development all private land will be built out within 20 years, and Big Pine Key could support an estimated 20,000 residents.

A by-product of increased settlement is the increase of road kills, which now account for more than 80% of Key deer mortality. An average of 45 road kills per year is thought to equal most, if not all, of the yearly production of fawns. Public feedingcompounds the problems by reducing the deer's fear of vehicles. In 1982 legislation was passed prohibiting the feeding or placing of food to attract Key deer, and although public feeding has diminished, the animals' behavior may take generations to return to normal. Recently, Monroe County stepped up enforcement of speed limits, visibly slowing the flow of traffic along the major highways. As a result, the number of road kills appears to have leveled off.

Free-ranging dogs are probably the second greatest cause of deer mortality. Dogs both kill young deer and chase deer into traffic to be killed by vehicles. Another cause of death among the deer is drowning. There are about 100 mi (165 km) of steep-sided ditches on Big Pine Key that are deep enough to drown fawns. Wildlife refuge personnel have initiated a project to fill the most dangerous ditches.

Conservation and Recovery

Most habitat for the Key deer probably can never be recovered sufficiently to greatly increase the size of the population. The goal of recovery, therefore, is to arrest habitat decline to whatever extent possible and to manage public lands in the Keys to stabilize the population between 200 and 300 animals. Recovery actions include limited controlled burns and other techniques to create and maintain open meadows within the refuge to prevent deer from straying into residential areas.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to expand the National Key Deer Refuge as funds become available.

Contact

Regional Office of Endangered Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1875 Century Blvd., Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
http://southeast.fws.gov/

References

Allen, R. P. 1952. "The Key Deer: A Challenge from the Past." Audubon 54:76-81.

Barbour, T., and G. M. Allen. 1922. "The White-Tailed Deer of Eastern United States." Journal of Mammalogy 3 (2):65-78.

Florida Department of Community Affairs. 1984."Status of Major Development Projects, Monroe County." Bureau of Land Management, Key West, Florida.

Hardin, J. W., et al. 1976. "Group Size and Composition of the Florida Key Deer." Journal of Wildlife Management 40 (3):454-463.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. "Florida Key Deer Recovery Plan." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta.

House Democrats set to spend $35 million on TV ads

House Democrats have reserved millions of dollars worth of television advertising in 31 congressional races in all corners of the country, according to documentation that provides an early roadmap of the party's drive to strengthen its majority in the fall elections.

The list includes 19 seats currently in Republican hands, from Connecticut to Alaska, with two each in Ohio and New Mexico. It also reflects a determination on the part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to protect its own first-term incumbents in Kansas, New Hampshire, Florida and elsewhere.

In all, the documentation obtained by The Associated Press shows the DCCC has reserved nearly $35 million in advertising to begin in September and October.

Political parties and candidates frequently reserve advertising time in advance to obtain a lower price from television stations than might be available later. Final decisions on spending are normally made closer to the elections.

Democrats hold a 236-199 majority in the House, and even Republicans concede they are unlikely to regain control in a political environment in which President Bush is unpopular and voters say they want change.

The GOP has lost special elections in recent months in three districts in Illinois, Louisiana and Mississippi long in their hands. A recent review commissioned by the party's leadership concluded that traditional Republican campaign themes no longer appear effective in swaying voters.

Additionally, the Democratic committee reported more than $47 million in the bank at the end of May. The Republican counterpart group had $6.7 million.

The Democratic advertising targets include Republican Reps. Don Young of Alaska, Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado, Chris Shays of Connecticut, Tom Feeney of Florida, Tim Wahlberg and Joe Knollenberg of Michigan, Robin Hayes of North Carolina, Jon Porter of Nevada and Steve Chabot of Ohio.

Some in the group, including Shays, Hayes and Chabot, have been targeted before but survived. Young is under an ethics cloud and faces a difficult primary challenge.

Democrats also have reserved advertising time for two Ohio seats where Republicans intend to retire, and two more in New Mexico. Other targets where GOP lawmakers are stepping down are in Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.

By contrast, Democrats have reserved time for only one seat where a member of their own rank and file is retiring, a seat in Oregon.

Democratic incumbents whose districts are targeted for help include Reps. Harry Mitchell of Arizona, Tim Mahoney of Florida, Baron Hill of Indiana, Nancy Boyda of Kansas, John Yarmuth of Kentucky, Don Cazayoux of Louisiana, Carol Shea-Porter of New Hampshire, Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania, Nick Lampson and Ciro Rodriguez of Texas, and Steve Kagen of Wisconsin.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects partisan makeup of House.)

College receives grant to begin vermicomposting project

Lake Superior College has received $65,170 from the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance to begin a vermicomposting program to process food scraps and unbleached brown paper. Students and staff will sort food residuals into a separate bin. Materials will be placed in the 75-gallon worm bins and the vermicompost will be used for landscaping on campus. "We're estimating that we will have 20,160 gallons of compostable residuals per year," says Deanne Roquet, a science instructor who is working on the project. Approximately half of the grant money will be used for construction materials; the other half will be allocated to staff. There are plans to build a greenhouse that will be a prototype for a highly insulated facility to house the worms. The building will use heat generated from the vermicomposting process.

2010 Sports Calendar

1 _ Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany _ ski jumping, World Cup.

1 _ Oberhofen, Switzerland _ skiing, cross country World Cup.

1-17 _ Various sites, Argentina, Chile _ auto racing, Dakar Rally.

2-3 _ Innsbruck, Austria _ ski jumping, World Cup.

2-3 _ Oberhof, Germany _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

3 _ Zagreb, Croatia_ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's slalom.

3-7 _ Sydney _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 2nd test.

3-7 _ Cape Town, South Africa _ cricket, South Africa vs. England, 3rd test.

3-10 _ Brisbane, Australia _ tennis, ATP-WTA, Brisbane International

4 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, ODI tri-series.

4-9 _ Doha, Qatar _ tennis, ATP, Qatar Exxon Mobil Open.

4-9 _ Auckland, New Zealand _ tennis, WTA, ASB Classic.

4-10 _ Chennai, India _ tennis, ATP, Chennai Open.

4-10 _ Oberhof, Germany _ biathlon, World Cup.

5 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, India vs. Sri Lanka, ODI tri-series.

5 _ Oberndorf, Austria _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

5-6 _ Bischofshofen, Austria _ ski jumping, World Cup.

6 _ Haus im Ennstal, Austria _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's downhill, super-G.

6 _ Zagreb, Croatia_ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's slalom.

6 _ Various sites, Asia, Middle East _ football, Asian Cup qualifiers: Yemen vs. Japan, Bahrain vs. Hong Kong, Kuwait vs. Australia, Indonesia vs. Oman, United Arab Emirates vs. Malaysia, Lebanon vs. Vietnam, China vs, Syria, Thailand vs. Jordan, Singapore vs. Iran.

6-7 _ Kreischberg, Austria _ snowboarding, World Cup.

7 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. India, ODI tri-series.

7-10 _ Kapalua, Hawaii _ golf, US PGA, SBS Championship.

7-10 _ East London, South Africa _ golf, European, Africa Open.

8 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, ODI tri-series.

8-10 _ Tauplitz/Bad Mitterndorf, Austria _ ski jumping, World Cup.

8-10 _ Calgary, Alberta _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

9 _ Les Contamines, France _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

9-10 _ Adelboden, Switzerland _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's slalom, giant slalom.

9-10 _ Val di Fiemme, Italy _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

9-11 _ Bad Gastein, Austria _ snowboarding, World Cup.

10 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, India vs. Sri Lanka, ODI tri-series.

10 _ Orlando, Florida _ athletics, Disney World Marathon.

10-16 _ Hobart, Australia _ tennis, WTA, Moorilla Hobart International.

10-16 _ Sydney _ tennis, ATP-WTA, Medibank International.

10-24 _ Tokyo _ sumo, January Grand Sumo Tournament.

10-31 _ Various sites, Angola _ football, African Cup of Nations.

11 _ Mirpur, Bngladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, ODI tri-series.

11-16 _ Auckland, New Zealand _ tennis, ATP, Heineken Open.

11-17 _ Ruhpolding, Germany _ biathlon, World Cup.

12 _ Flachau, Austria _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's slalom.

13 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, ODI tri-series final.

13 _ Alpe d'Huez, France _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

13-16 _ Hua Hin, Thailand _ golf, Asian Tour Qualifying School finals.

13-17 _ Wengen, Switzerland _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's downhill, slalom, super-combined.

14-15 _ Veysonnaz, Switzerland _ snowboarding, World Cup.

14-16 _ Deer Valley, United States _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

14-17 _ Honolulu _ golf, US PGA, Sony Open.

14-17 _ Johannesburg _ golf, European, Joburg Open.

14-18 _ Johannesburg _ cricket, South Africa vs. England, 4th test.

14-18 _ Hobart, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 3rd test.

15-17 _ Sapporo, Japan _ ski jumping, World Cup.

15-17 _ Lahaina, Hawaii _ golf, Champions, Wendy's Champions Skins Game.

16-17 _ Maribor, Slovenia _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's slalom, giant slalom.

16-17 _ Otepaa, Estonia _ skiing, cross-country World Cup.

16-17 _ Chaux-Neuve, France _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

17 _ Nendaz, Switzerland _ snowboarding, World Cup.

17 _ Houston _ athletics, Houston Marathon.

17-21 _ Chittagong, Bangladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. India, 1st test.

17-24 _ Various sites, Australia _ cycling, UCI ProTour, Tour Down Under.

18 _ Malaga, Spain _ football, Finland vs. South Korea, friendly.

18-24 _ Antholz-Anterselva, Italy _ biathlon, World Cup.

18-31 _ Melbourne, Australia _ tennis, Australian Open.

19-23 _ Tallinn, Estonia _ figure skating, European Championships.

19-24 _ Kitzbuehel, Austria _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's slalom, downhill, super-G.

20 _ Blue Mountain, Canada _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

20 _ San'a, Yemen _ football, Asian Cup qualifier: Yemen vs. Bahrain.

20-24 _ Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's downhill, giant slalom, super-G.

20-24 _ Stoneham, Canada _ snowboarding, World Cup.

20-24 _ LaQuinta, California _ golf, US PGA, Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

21 _ Collingwood, Ontario _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

21-24 _ Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates _ golf, European, Abu Dhabi Championship.

21-24 _ Lake Placid, United States _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

21-23 _ Zakopane, Poland _ ski jumping, World Cup.

22 _ Brisbane, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 1st ODI.

22-24 _ Kaupulehu, Hawaii _ golf, Champions, Mitsubishi Electric Championship.

22-24 _ Rybinsk, Russia _ skiing, cross-country World Cup.

22 _ Dubai, United Arab Emirates _ athletics, Dubai Marathon.

23-24 _ Schonach, Germany _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

24 _ Sydney _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 2nd ODI.

24-28 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. India, 2nd test.

24 _ Monte Carlo, Monaco _ auto racing, Monte Carlo Rally.

25-31 _ Jeonju, South Korea _ figure skating, Four Continents Championships.

26 _ Adelaide, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 3rd ODI.

26 _ Schladming, Austria _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's slalom.

27-31 _ St. Moritz, Switzerland _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's downhill, super-G, super-combined.

28-31 _ La Jolla, California _ golf, US PGA, San Diego Open.

28-31 _ Doha, Qatar _ golf, European, Qatar Masters.

28-31 _ Queenstown, New Zealand _ golf, Australasian, New Zealand Open.

29 _ Perth, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 4th ODI.

29 _ New York _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Millrose Games.

29-31 _ Oberstdorf, Germany _ ski jumping, World Cup.

30 _ Vancouver, British Columbia _ skiing, freestyle World Cup.

30 _ Calgary, Alberta _ snowboarding, World Cup.

30-31 _ Kranjska Gora, Slovenia _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's slalom, giant slalom.

30-31 _ Seefeld, Austria _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

31 _ Perth, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, 5th ODI.

31 _ Miami _ athletics, Miami Marathon.

FEBRUARY

1-7 _ Johannesburg, _ tennis, ATP, SA Open.

1-7 _ Zagreb, Croatia _ tennis, ATP, PBZ Zagreb Indoors.

1-7 _ Santiago, Chile _ tennis, ATP, Movistar Open.

2-3 _ Klingenthal, Germany _ ski jumping, World Cup.

2-7 _ Crans Montana, Switzerland _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, women's downhill, super-G, super-combined.

3 _ Hamilton, New Zealand _ cricket, New Zealand vs. Bangladesh, Twenty20.

4-7 _ Pacific Palisades, California _ golf, US PGA, Northern Trust Open.

4-7 _ Dubai, United Arab Emirates _ golf, European, Dubai Desert Classic.

4-7 _ Bangkok _ golf, Asian, Asian Tour International.

4-7 _ Kvitfjell, Norway _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men's downhill, super-G.

5 _ Melbourne, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. Pakistan, Twenty20.

5 _ Napier, New Zealand _ cricket, New Zealand vs. Bangladesh, 1st ODI.

5-6 _ Lahti, Finland _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

5-6 _ Canmore, Canada _ skiing, cross-country World Cup.

5-7 _ Wellington, New Zealand _ rugby, New Zealand Sevens.

5-7 _ Willingen, Germany _ ski jumping, World Cup.

5-7 _ Lahti, Finland _ ski jumping, World Cup. 6 _ Stuttgart, Germany _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Sparkassen Cup.

6 _ Sudelfeld, Germany _ snowboarding, World Cup.

6 _ Daytona Beach, Florida _ auto racing, NASCAR, Budweiser Shootout.

6-7 _ Various sites _ tennis, Fed Cup: World Group I: Italy vs. Ukraine, Czech Republic vs. Germany, Serbia vs. Russia, France vs. United States; World Group II: Australia vs. Spain, Slovakia vs. China, Belgium vs. Poland.

6 _ Tokyo _ football, Japan vs. China, friendly.

6 _ Dublin _ rugby, Six Nations, Ireland vs. Italy.

6 _ Twickenham, England _ rugby, Six Nations, England vs. Wales.

7 _ Miami _ American football, Super Bowl.

7 _ Tokyo _ football, South Korea vs. Hong Kong.

7 _ TBA, Japan _ football, East Asian Cup: China vs. Japan; Hong Kong vs. South Korea.

7 _ Warsaw, Poland _ football, Euro 2012 qualifying draw.

7 _ Edinburgh, Scotland _ rugby, Six Nations, Scotland vs. France.

7 _ Melbourne, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 1st ODI.

7 _ Moscow _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Russian Winter.

7-8 _ Vancouver, British Columbia _ Olympics, IOC executive board meeting.

8 _ Dunedin, New Zealand _ cricket, Banglesh vs. New Zealand, 2nd ODI.

8-9 _ Kuopio, Finland _ ski jumping, World Cup.

8-13 _ Costa do Sauipe, Brazil _ tennis, ATP, Brazil Open.

8-14 _ San Jose, California _ tennis, ATP, SAP Open.

8-14 _ Rotterdam, Netherlands _ tennis, ATP, ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.

8-14 _ Paris _ tennis, WTA, Open GDF SUEZ.

8-14 _ Pattaya City, Thailand _ tennis, WTA, PTT Pattaya Open International.

9 _ Adelaide, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 2nd ODI.

9 _ Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany _ skiing, Alpine World Cup, men and women.

10 _ Stockholm _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, GE Galan.

10 _ Tokyo _ football, South Korea vs. China, friendly.

10-11 _ Vancouver, British Columbia _ Olympics, IOC session.

11 _ Tokyo _ football, Japan vs. Hong Kong, friendly.

11 _ Christchurch, New Zealand _ cricket, Banglesh vs. New Zealand, 3rd ODI.

11 _ TBA, Japan _ football, East Asian Cup: China vs. South Korea, Hong Kong vs. Japan.

11 _ Daytona Beach, Florida _ auto racing, NASCAR, Gatorade Duel 1 & 2.

11-12 _ Lillehammer, Norway _ ski jumping, World Cup.

11-14 _ Pebble Beach, Caliornia _ golf, US PGA, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

11-14 _ New Delhi _ golf, Asian, Avantha Masters.

12 _ Sydney_ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 3rd ODI.

12-14 _ Various sites, Sweden _ auto racing, WRC, Swedish Rally.

12-14 _ Naples, Florida _ golf, Champions, The ACE Group Classic.

12-28 _ Vancouver, British Columbia _ Winter Olympics.

13 _ Cardiff, Wales _ rugby, Six Nations, Wales vs. Scotland.

13 _ Paris _ rugby, Six Nations, France vs. Ireland.

13 _ Valencia, Spain _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Reunion International.

13-14 _ Las Vegas _ rugby, United States Sevens.

13-14 _ Oslo _ skiing, Nordic combined World Cup.

13-14 _ Oslo _ ski jumping, World Cup.

14 _ TBA, Japan _ football, East Asian Cup: Hong Kong vs. China; South Korea vs. Japan.

14 _ Brisbane, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 4th ODI.

14 _ Rome _ rugby, Six Nations, Italy vs. England.

14 _ Dallas _ basketball, NBA All-Star game.

14 _ Daytona Beach, Florida _ auto racing, NASCAR, Daytona 500.

14 _ Gent, Belgium _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Flanders Indoor.

14-20 _ Dubai, United Arab Emirates _ tennis, WTA, Dubai Championships.

14-21 _ Memphis, Tennessee _ tennis, ATP-WTA, Regions Morgan Keegan Championships.

15-19 _ Hamilton, New Zealand _ cricket, New Zealand vs. Bangladesh, test.

15-21 _ Marseille, France _ tennis, ATP, Open 13.

15-21 _ Buenos Aires, Argentina _ tennis, ATP, Copa Telmex.

15-21 _ Bogota _ tennis, WTA, Copa Colsanitas.

16-17 _ Various sites, Europe _ football, Champions League.

17 _ Athens, Greece _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Athina 2010.

18 _ Various sites, football, Europa League.

18-21 _ Marana, Arizona _ golf, WGC, Accenture Match Play Championship.

18-21 _ Playa del Carmen, Mexico _ golf, US PGA, Mayakoba Classic.

18-21 _ New Delhi _ golf, Asian, Nimbus Pro-Am Championship.

18-21 _ Chonburi, Thailand _ golf, US LPGA, Honda LPGA Thailand.

19 _ Melbourne, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 5th ODI.

19-21 _ Boca Raton, Florida _ golf, Champions, Allianz Championship.

19-22 _ Perth, Australia _ golf, Australasian, Johnnie Walker Classic.

20 _ Birmingham, England _ athletics, IAAF Indoor, Aviva Indoor GP.

21 _ Fontana, California _ auto racing, NASCAR, Auto Club 500.

21-27 _ Acapulco, Mexico _ tennis, ATP-WTA, Abierto Mexicano Telcel.

21 _ Hobart, Australia _ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 1st Twenty20.

22-27 _ Dubai, United Arab Emirates _ tennis, ATP, Dubai Tennis Championships.

22-28 _ Delray Beach, Florida _ tennis, ATP, Delray Beach International Championships.

22-28 _ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia _ tennis, WTA, Malaysia Classic.

23 _ Sydney _ cricket, Australia vs. West Indies, 2nd Twenty20.

23-24 _ Various sites, Europe _ football, Champions League.

24 _ Pasadena, California _ football, United States vs. Mexico, friendly.

25 _ Various sites, Europe _ football, Europa League.

25-28 _ Scottsdale, Arizona _ golf, US PGA, FBR Open.

25-28 _ Singapore _ golf, US LPGA, HSBC Women's Championship.

25-28 _ Christchurch, New Zealand _ golf, Ladies European-Australian, New Zealand Women's Open.

26 _ Wellington, New Zealand _ cricket, New Zealand vs. Australia, 1st Twenty20.

26 _ Cardiff, Wales _ rugby, Six Nations, Wales vs. France.

26-28 _ Rostock, Germany _ diving, FINA Grand Prix.

26-March 1 _ Marana, Arizona _ golf, WGC, Accenture Match Play Championship.

27 _ Rome _ rugby, Six Nations, Italy vs. Scotland.

27 _ Twickenham, England _ rugby, Six Nations, England vs. Ireland.

28 _ Christchurch, New Zealand _ cricket, New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Twenty20.

28 _ Mirpur, Bangladesh _ cricket, Bangladesh vs. England, 1st ODI.

28 _ Wembley, England _ football, League Cup final.

28 _ Tokyo _ athletics, Tokyo Marathon.

28 _ Las Vegas _ auto racing, NASCAR, Shelby American.

28 _ Leeds, England _ rugby league, World Club Challenge: Leeds Rhinos vs. Melbourne Storm.

28-March 13 _ New Delhi _ field hockey, World Cup.

Voting again

NOT more elections! It doesn't seem that long ago since theGeneral Election and didn't we go to the polls in March? This timethe people of Wales will be asked to vote for who they want torepresent them at the Senedd and whether they want to change the waythey vote.

But it doesn't end there -- this time next year, we'll be votingin the local council elections. At least it will be another twoyears before the General Election comes around again, maybe -- thereare no guarantees in politics!

The recycled paper content of UK newspapers in 2009 was 76.2%.

Walkers taught to find herbs in nature reserve

Conservationists have taken a walk on the wild side to learn moreabout the natural herbs growing on their doorstep.

Walkers were invited by environmental group Friends of KensingtonMeadows for a journey through the nature reserve to unearth hiddensecrets of the plant life around them.

Medical herbalist Sue Hawkey was on hand to explain the healthbenefits of herbs and flowers growing in the meadows, includingelderflowers.

She said: "You can make an infusion from the flowers which willhelp clear catarrh and the flowers smell so sweet.

"You can also make elderflower fritters, light and delicatetasting, as well as elderflower champagne, wine and cordial."

Walkers also learnt about meadowsweet, which can be used as ananti-inflammatory.

Miriam Woolnough, Bath and North East Somerset Council'scountryside management officer, who supports the friends' work, said:"The council is keen to promote better understanding that our wildspaces are not just full of useless weeds.

"They have many beneficial uses and they also tell a story of ourpast."

For more inform- ation on the benefits of herbs and herbalmedicine, contact Sue Hawkey at Larkhall's Herbs for Health on427999.

Wang, Matsui Help Yankees Split Twinbill

CHICAGO - Chien-Ming Wang allowed six hits and a run over seven innings and Hideki Matsui drove in four runs Wednesday night as the New York Yankees beat the Chicago White Sox 8-1 to gain a split in their day-night doubleheader.

Wang (2-3) beat Jose Contreras (3-4), who gave up five hits and four runs - two earned - in 6 2-3 innings on a 46-degree night at U.S. Cellular Field.

In the first game, Chicago rookie lefty John Danks worked out of a couple of tight jams and outpitched veteran Mike Mussina to give the White Sox a 5-3 victory.

The second game was delayed at the start for one hour, 15 minutes by rain.

Matsui got a two-out, two-run double in the third inning of the nightcap when Chicago center fielder Darin Erstad apparently had trouble reading the ball and couldn't retreat fast enough as it sailed over his head. The inning was aided by shortstop Juan Uribe's error on Derek Jeter's grounder and both runs were unearned.

Erstad, who made a nice running catch in the bottom of the second to rob Wil Nieves of extra bases, scored Chicago's run in the sixth after leading off a with single. Pablo Ozuna was hit by a pitch and two outs later, Rob Mackowiak delivered an RBI single to end Wang's shutout bid. But the rally fizzled when Ozuna was thrown out at third by center fielder Melky Cabrera.

The Yankees tacked on two runs in the top of the seventh on a two-out RBI single by Bobby Abreu, who'd struck out his first three times up. Jeter followed with an RBI triple to right center as Erstad hit the fence chasing the long drive.

Cabrera and Jorge Posada homered and Matsui hit a two-run, bases-loaded single off Andrew Sisco in a four-run ninth to make it 8-1.

Kyle Farnsworth walked two in the eighth before retiring the side and Mariano Rivera worked the ninth for New York.

In the opener, Danks (2-4) struck out a career-high seven in 6 1-3 innings. He gave up two runs and seven hits in winning his second straight start.

"It's more important just to get a win. Obviously to beat a team like the Yankees that makes you feel a little better about yourself," he said.

A.J. Pierzynski hit a tiebreaking homer to start a three-run sixth and Paul Konerko also homered for the White Sox.

Abreu homered off Danks and Josh Phelps added a solo shot off David Aardsma, but the Yankees - struggling to score runs right now, like the White Sox - couldn't sustain a big inning.

Danks retired Alex Rodriguez on a foul pop with two runners on in the fifth and struck out Miguel Cairo with runners at second and third in the sixth.

"I have great respect for those guys. Those guys have been doing it for a long time," Danks said. "But I needed to be aggressive to them and make them hit my pitch. I ended up throwing a curveball to A-Rod that froze him a little bit. Cairo, same thing. A big situation in the game."

Pierzynski, moved into the No. 3 slot in the batting order, homered to put the White Sox ahead 3-2. One out later, Jermaine Dye doubled, Mackowiak was hit by a pitch and Joe Crede delivered an RBI single to finish Mussina (2-2).

Mussina had been scheduled to start Tuesday night before the game was postponed because of rain.

"When you're off for a week sometimes you lose a feel on things," Mussina said. "You lose that extra little finish on pitches. Today I didn't have the stuff that I would have liked to have and it showed."

Making his first start in a week, Mussina gave up eight hits and five runs in 5 1-3 innings.

"Mike changes speeds so much and he throws so many different pitches, you just have to hope he makes a mistake and he did and I hit it out," Pierzynski said.

Pierzynski is Chicago's home run leader with seven.

Tadahito Iguchi's sacrifice fly off reliever Luis Vizcaino scored Mackowiak, making it 5-2.

Acquired in an offseason trade with Texas, Danks lost his first four decisions, but has pitched decently all season since winning the fifth starter's job in spring training.

"He's not afraid. He comes right after guys," Pierzynski said.

Matt Thornton came on to get the final four outs to record his first save.

Erstad hit a two-out RBI single to score Iguchi and give Chicago a 2-1 lead. Cabrera then robbed Juan Uribe of a two-run homer by leaping high at the left-field fence and pulling back his long drive.

In the top of the sixth, Cabrera hit a two-out, RBI double after Posada walked and Abreu singled, tying it at 2. Danks escaped a big inning by fanning Cairo.

Konerko was 0-for-11 and 10-for-60 before homering to right center off Mussina in the fourth.

Abreu, in a 1-for-20 skid, tied it with his second homer, leading off the fifth, a liner that just cleared the fence in left center.

Notes:@ Rodriguez went 0-for-8 in the doubleheader and is in a 2-for-25 slump. He made several nice defensive plays at third. ... Mussina is 15-16 in his career against the White Sox - the most lifetime losses against the White Sox by any active pitcher.