Wednesday, February 6, 2002
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 39, a year ago 389.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 750.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Monday cattle: 400.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Monday 113, a year ago 159.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Accident
LITTLE FALLS -- Three people were severely injured Monday in an accident involving a semi-truck and a car on Highway 27 at Morrison County Road 1, seven miles west of Little Falls.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department Monday responded to a chimney fire in the 15000 block of Birchwood Lane in Brainerd.
Powell accuses Iran of trying to destabilize Afghan government
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell accused Iran on Wednesday of trying to destabilize the fragile, interim government in Afghanistan, but still said he was open to U.S. talks with Iranian leaders.
Stimulus package will be shelved
WASHINGTON -- Some lawmakers hope to give the nation's unemployed workers extended jobless benefits even if the Senate appears ready to give up on a broader economic stimulus package.
CIA: Al-Qaida remains most serious threat to U.S.; nearly 1,000 operatives arrested
WASHINGTON (AP) -- CIA Director George Tenet told Congress on Wednesday that Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terror group remains the most immediate and serious threat facing the United States, interested in striking any "high-profile" target including possibly the upcoming Olympics.
Bush report optimistic about economy
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A day after proposing the first deficit-spending budget in four years, President Bush told Congress Tuesday that the nation's economic growth remains "unacceptably slow" but that the outlook is promising. His economic advisers forecast a rebound by the middle of the year.
Washington briefs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Worker productivity rose in the fourth quarter by the largest amount in more than a year as businesses cut workers' hours and eliminated jobs to cope with the ailing economy.
Minnesota senators call Bush prescription plan insufficient
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sens. Mark Dayton and Paul Wellstone said Monday that President Bush's plan to extend prescription drug coverage to Medicare recipients fell well short of what was needed.
Senate panel subpoenas former Enron chief Kenneth Lay
WASHINGTON -- The Senate Commerce Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to subpoena Kenneth Lay, the former Enron chairman who refused to answer questions about the collapse of the energy trading company.
Capitol notes
Happenings at the Minnesota Capitol:
GOP elder to expose Republicans who aren't 'real' conservatives
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A former state Republican Party chairman, who remains a big GOP benefactor and influential activist, has launched a new group that lists its goal as exposing Republicans who aren't as conservative as they claim to be.
Judge rejects Bush appointee to Civil Rights Commission
WASHINGTON -- A federal judge Monday rejected the Bush administration's most recent appointment to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, backing the agency's majority against the White House in an increasingly partisan fight over the agency's role and direction.
Reading patients' genes should take the guesswork out of prescribing medicines
One of the less obvious ways our genes make us all different -- less obvious than pretty green eyes or a knack for singing on key -- is the way our bodies respond to medicines.
Got something to lose?
CROSBY -- A relatively new and innovative weight loss procedure is being offered at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby to help patients who have 100 or more pounds to lose.
Rusty skills, alcohol contributing to increase in motorcycle fatalities among aging boomers
WASHINGTON -- Alcohol consumption, rusty skills and a lack of training and experience are contributing to a worrisome rise in the number of motorcycle deaths among aging baby boomers.
Flame-retardant chemical could prove as troublesome a pollutant as PCBs or DDT
A chemical flame retardant commonly used in foam furniture padding is accumulating so rapidly in the breast milk of nursing mothers that environmentalists and some scientists are calling for a ban on it.
Patients want states to force insurers to cover obesity surgery
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Valerie VanBrussel feared that morbid obesity would kill her before she could get her insurance company to pay for surgery that would enable her to lose weight.
Community leaders receive appointment from governor
State adjutant general
Credit counselors see increased demand
Holiday spending and job layoffs are sending increasing numbers of Minnesotans with mounting debts to the offices of credit counselors.
Minnesota route could be hurt if Amtrak cuts back
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Beverly Stadum remembers writing to her legislators several years ago when Amtrak cut back daily service from the Twin Cities to Minot, N.D., where her 90-year-old mother lives.
C-I senior citizens to meet Saturday
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton Senior Citizens Club will hold its monthly meeting and potluck at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Cuyuna Range Community Center in Crosby.
New technology not always the solution for ailing farms
ZUMBROTA (AP) -- In the world of business, an old saying goes: "Time is money."
Pine Tree District honors its Eagle Scouts
The Pine Tree District of the Central Minnesota Council Boy Scouts of America recently honored its 2001 Eagle Scouts.
New plaque at state Capitol gives new perspective to war in Philippines
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A new state Capitol plaque retells the story of the war in the Philippines, putting hurtful history to rest.
Caring for children with special needs offers challenges
ROCHESTER (AP) -- Benjamin Shrader spies brother Mason across the living room, playing with Hot Wheels cars. Benjamin wants in on the game, so mom Carol picks him up and arranges him on the floor close to the action.
Todd County Latino program director sues county, city
LONG PRAIRIE (AP) -- The head of a Todd County Latino program is suing the county, the city of Long Prairie, and three members of the program's advisory board.
CLC basketball players fill up on a bus-full of warm memories
It's 12:30 a.m.
Merrifield couple shares their personal experience with an international adoption
MERRIFIELD -- Before Don Hickman and Sandra Kaplan were married in 1996, they talked about adopting a child and were open to international adoption.
Emily Community Education offers computer courses
Emily Community Education is offering several introductory computer courses.
Minnesotans' interest in firefighting up post-Sept. 11
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Despite increased interest in firefighting since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Minnesota still has 3,000 open firefighting positions.
Local briefs
The future of Franklin Junior High is in the hands of Brainerd School District voters.
Global warming to be addressed on Feb. 14
Michael Hopps, Central Lakes College instructor of geography, will speak on "Global Warming -- Its Impact on the World" at the next brown bag session of the League of Women Voters of the Brainerd Lakes Area.
BISYS exec moving to Hunt Technologies
Tom Anderson will do something today he has not done for more than two decades.
Council offers transportation post to Foley man
The Brainerd transportation coordinator position has been offered to a transportation director from Foley.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982)-Rep. Don Samuelson of Brainerd said today that he has received a commitment from Burlington Northern Railway officials to meet with Brainerd leaders to discuss the future of the shops here.
Bill would curb city's power to annex
A proposed House bill would greatly reduce a city's power to annex.
Baxter officials fight state cuts
BAXTER -- Baxter officials will be in St. Paul today to oppose Gov. Jesse Ventura's plan to cut local government aid to cities.
School board panel looks into stemming Internet junk, porn
There is no easy way to stop the junk mail or the pornography that seeps through the Internet, but the Brainerd School Board's Curriculum/Student Activities committee wants to do what it can to limit access.
Cold wait
Kenzie Rardin found a way to stay warm in the cold weather Monday as she waited for her at bat in a game of kick ball during fifth-grade recess at Baxter Elementary School.
Catcher in the cold
Infielder Grant Armitage eyed the ball as he attempted to catch it during recess for Baxter Elementary fifth-graders Monday.
Local briefs
An organizational meeting for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Widseth Smith Nolting office at 2000 Industrial Park Road in Baxter.
Foundation, VISTA offer volunteer option
The Little Falls-based Initiative Foundation recently announced an area opportunity through the Volunteers in Service to America program.
A hero remembered
LITTLE FALLS -- One hundred years ago a hero was born.
City interest in state-owned land triggers council debate
The city's interest in state-owned land near the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center was debated Monday.
Local briefs
Sen. Tony Kinkel, DFL-Park Rapids, announced Tuesday that due to the amount of interest shown by district residents, his legislative hearing on Thursday will be held at the Backus Legion Hall at 7:30 p.m.
City may force towing company to move
A Brainerd towing company has less than six months to meet the requirements of a 10-year-old conditional use permit, or it could be forced out of its current location.
City agrees to participate in casino promotion
Brainerd may profit from gambling.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982)-Crow Wing County's newly-hired efficiency consultants, armed with assurances that there will be no "sacred cow" projects, began their task of cutting costs yesterday in a meeting with the County Board.
Security bolstered, but guns remain legal in capitol buildings
RICHMOND, Va. -- Like many states, Virginia has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars since Sept. 11 putting metal detectors and X-ray machines at its Capitol doors to thwart a deadly terrorist rampage.
Washington state tax protester admits taking campaign cash as salary
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A businessman known for pushing tax-revolt initiatives in Washington state admitted he took $45,000 in campaign contributions as salary and intended to divert $157,000 more this year.
Propane leak forces evacuations in Wahpeton
WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) -- A propane leak forced the evacuation of homes and a private school in the southern part of this city Tuesday. Officials said they had no reports of injuries.
Pain, anger emerge at Enron hearings
WASHINGTON -- The subpoenas are multiplying, the hearings mushrooming in Congress' investigation into the collapse of Enron Corp., a once powerful company transformed into a symbol of American corporate failure.
Factory orders up 1.2 percent in December; worst may be over for manufacturing sector
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Orders to U.S. factories rose by 1.2 percent in December, with gains posted for semiconductors, household appliances and machinery.
Snow, rain and ice close schools and cancel flights across much of the South
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- A storm spread a mixture of snow, rain and ice across the South on Wednesday, closing schools and leading airlines to cancel flights.
Crews still restoring power to thousands of customers blacked out by last week's storm
BETHANY, Okla. -- To the hum of nearby chain saws and whirr of neighborhood generators, Jerry Brantley tried to hack through a snarl of tree limbs left by last week's crippling ice storms.
Hudson, Wis., police investigate deaths of 2 funeral home workers
HUDSON, Wis. (AP) -- A coroner on routine business at a funeral home Tuesday found the funeral director and an assistant shot to death, an investigator said.
Pentagon: Mistake made in deadly commando raid on Afghan compound; 27 captives released
WASHINGTON -- American forces have determined they captured the wrong people in a deadly Jan. 23 commando raid in Afghanistan and have released them.
Ford Explorer roll-over settlement gives California family $14.9 million
A Newport Beach, Calif., couple who were severely injured in the roll-over of their Ford Explorer on Tuesday concluded a $14.9 million settlement as the damages phase of their trial was about to start.
Party time for Super Bowl champion Patriots, fans
BOSTON (AP) -- The New England Patriots were dismissed as mediocre, called lucky when they moved through the playoffs, and seen as sacrificial lambs in the Super Bowl.
Baseball postpones contraction until 2003
NEW YORK (AP) -- Baseball's contraction plan folded. All the teams are staying, at least for another year.
Patriots' concept doesn't look like a blueprint
NEW ORLEANS -- The NFL is a league of copycats. If something works for one team, a dozen more try it the next season.
Patriot Games
Do not adjust your television set. Do not dial your cable operator and demand to know what happened to the greens and the yellows and the oranges and the many other hues you distinctly remember paying for.
Francis Ellingsworth
PINE RIVER -- Francis Ellingsworth, 77, Pine River, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Roy 'Jack' E. Ackerson
PILLAGER -- Roy "Jack" E. Ackerson, 79, Pillager, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Ruth E. Wilmar
Ruth E. Wilmar, 77, Brainerd, died today, Feb. 6, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Audrey Nutz
LITTLE FALLS -- Audrey Nutz, 77, Little Falls, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center.
Donna Banyon
MONTICELLO -- Donna Banyon, 75, Monticello, formerly of Brainerd, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Buffalo.
Audrey Nutz
LITTLE FALLS -- Audrey Nutz, 77, Little Falls, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center.
Evelyn E. Thoms
EMILY -- Evelyn Estella Thoms, 88, Emily, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Irene Dupre
LITTLE FALLS -- Irene Dupre, 78, Little Falls, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Dellwood.
Roy 'Jack' E. Ackerson
PILLAGER -- Roy "Jack" E. Ackerson, 79, Pillager, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Betty Jane Lowe
CUSHING -- Betty Jane Lowe, 70, Cushing, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at her daughter's home in Cushing.
Haven Philip Damar
MALMO -- Haven Philip Damar, 82, Malmo, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at his home.
Tillie M. Boyer
WADENA -- Tillie M. Boyer, 97, Wadena, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at Shady Lane Nursing Home in Wadena.
R. Milton Ertl
CROSSLAKE -- R. Milton Ertl, 62, Crosslake, formerly of Minneapolis, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at home.
Harold Bishop
PINE RIVER -- Harold Bishop, 88, Pine River, died today, Feb. 6, 2002, at home.
Kathleen F. Kondrick
Kathleen F. Kondrick, 82, Brainerd, formerly of Minneapolis, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002.
Ernest Musolf
PEQUOT LAKES -- Ernest Musolf, 77, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth.
Mildred Larson
ANOKA -- Mildred Larson, 95, St. Paul, formerly of McGregor, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002.
Noah A. Palmer
PARAMOUNT, Calif. -- Noah Alfred Palmer, 86, Paramount, Calif., formerly of Brainerd, died at home.
Lillian G. Johnson
STAPLES -- Lillian G. Johnson, 84, Staples, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, at Greater Staples Care Center.
Irene Dupre
LITTLE FALLS -- Irene Dupre, 78, Little Falls, formerly of Royalton, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Dellwood.
Hildagard Norberg
SARTELL -- Hildagard Norberg, 78, Sartell, formerly of Little Falls, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at Country Manor Nursing Home in Sartell.
Don't bite
Mike Tyson is a convicted rapist who now is under investigation in Las Vegas in two cases of sexual assault. When Tyson is angered -- which doesn't take much -- he becomes a wild man. He bites people, in or out of the ring. Not even the libertarian state of Nevada wants the proposed April 6 fight between Tyson and heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.
Open Forum
A recent study was released identifying in five years 80 percent of the jobs to be filled will be skilled technical trained jobs (partial list of companies in study: Kodak, Control Data, IBM...). There is not a need for everyone to be a four-year college graduate.
Pearl's plight illustrates the sacrifices of many
I'll leave it to you to be outraged about the plight of one American in Pakistan, except to say that the word "evil" seems just about right.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To call
Play ball!
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig didn't have to be hit on the head with a baseball bat for the message to sink in, but it came darn close to that.
Time to deliver
It's time for schools serving poor children to stand and deliver.
National service
WASHINGTON -- Call it grand larceny, if you will, but it's still grand.
Problems with your newspaper?
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens' complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Open Forum
A couple of weeks ago, there was a camera crew of high school students walking the halls of Washington Middle School videotaping students as they were going to classes. Later in the day, the camera crew was sent
Arthur Andersen's forgotten legacy
If only he'd been born in Lake Wobegon, Minn., instead of Plano, Ill., Arthur Edward Andersen might have been dreamed up by Garrison Keillor. But, as Keillor would surely agree, "Plano" is an even more evocative birth site for an accountant.
Spring load limit restrictions change explained
LAKE SHORE -- Cass County Engineer David Enblom reported to county commissioners Tuesday the state now sets spring load limit restrictions on roads based on weather rather than on arbitrary dates expected to represent the spring thaw.
St. Cloud State, other colleges banning smoking in dorms
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Next fall, Jeff Foster won't be allowed to smoke in his dormitory room at St. Cloud State University.
Cass postpones adopting water plan
LAKE SHORE -- Cass County Board postponed adopting the proposed new comprehensive water plan Tuesday night to permit more time for citizens and commissioners to comment.
Cass votes to seek contractors for services
LAKE SHORE -- The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to seek contractors to provide a variety of services.
Three arrested in meth bust
PALISADE -- Three people were charged in Aitkin County District Court Monday on charges manufacturing and possessing methamphetamine.
Heart disease cause death in two hospital patients after surgery
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Heart disease was the official cause of death of two Minnesota men who died shortly after knee surgery in November, according to state records.
Cass boarding double the number of prisoners in other jails
LAKE SHORE -- Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher reported Tuesday, during a Cass County Board meeting, that the number of prisoners the county is boarding in other county jails in this region has doubled in the last month.
Qwest says it won't sell calling records, while selling everything else
ST. PAUL (AP) -- If you've recently moved, opened a new business or whether you're an apartment dweller or homeowner, Qwest knows. And for a price, the phone company will tell.
Housing agency proposes breaks for affordability
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The state's housing agency wants to give regulatory breaks to developers who propose mixed housing -- opportunities for both owners and renters -- giving allowances for higher density.
Decision on moving vets' services office delayed
LAKE SHORE -- A split vote Tuesday delayed until the March 5 Cass County Board meeting at Remer a decision on whether to move the main Cass County Veterans Services office from Walker to Pine River.
Atwater man found guilty in stabbing death
WILLMAR (AP) -- An Atwater man has been found guilty in the stabbing death of a Willmar man.
Purchase of land authorized
LAKE SHORE -- Cass Land Commissioner Norm Moody obtained Cass County Board authorization Tuesday to purchase 120 acres of land, including a small lake, west of Backus from the Kaercher Family Trust for $156,000.
Cass backs Deep Portage plan for classroom, dormitory
LAKE SHORE -- Cass County Board Tuesday endorsed Deep Portage Conservation Reserve's plan to construct a log building classroom and three-bedroom dormitory for seasonal instructors at the rifle range and sport clay course site.
DNR to appeal ruling on ATV environmental studies for planned off-road vehicle trails
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials say the agency will appeal a court ruling that requires environmental studies for several off-road vehicle trails planned in north-central Minnesota.
Just say no to Tyson
Don't do it California.
Local sports shorts
Three Brainerd High School graduates competed in the Collegiate Alpine ski race last weekend at BlackJack, Mich.
Sports briefs
ERSKINE (AP) -- The Fosston High School girls' basketball team won its 70th straight game Monday night, setting a state record for boys and girls basketball.
Pierz wrestlers finish regular season 22-3
PIERZ -- The Pierz Pioneers wrestling team defeated the Long Prairie/Grey Eagle Thunder 47-20 Tuesday to end its regular season 22-3 overall.
Flyer boys set school record for most wins in a hockey season
LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls Flyers improved to 14-7 overall with a 7-0 Central Lakes Conference victory over the Sartell Sabres Tuesday.
Scoreboard
NORDIC SKIING
Redebaugh scores 1,000th point
PEQUOT LAKES -- Pequot Lakes senior Julie Redebaugh scored her 1,000th career point Monday night as the Patriots upended Crosby-Ironton 41-31 in girls' basketball action.
Alexandria boys shut out Warriors
ALEXANDRIA -- The Brainerd Warriors lost 4-0 to the Central Lakes Conference leading Alexandria Cardinals in boys' hockey Tuesday.
Little Falls gymnasts set school record
SAUK CENTRE -- The Little Falls Flyers gymnastics team smashed its school record of 133.55 points by scoring a 136.95 to 127.025 victory over Sauk Centre Tuesday.
PR-B boys defeat W-DC
PINE RIVER -- Lee Swanson led the Pine River-Backus Tigers boys' basketball team with 13 points in a 73-51 victory over the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines Tuesday.
Thunder rolls
Eric Webb has received substantial media attention as one of the top boys' basketball players in the Duluth area.
Zard qualifies for state alpine ski meet, Klang misses out
Brainerd Warriors alpine skiers experienced a gamut of emotions in Tuesday's Section 7 meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Smetana, Kovatovich lead C-I girls past S-M
CROSBY -- Double-doubles by Whitney Smetana and Jenna Kovatovich sparked the Crosby-Ironton Rangers past the Staples-Motley Cardinals 47-39 in Mid-State Conference girls' basketball Tuesday.
Wadena boxers score victories
HEWITT -- Six Wadena Golden Gloves boxers scored victories before a capacity crowd at Checkers Saturday.
Circumstances change for PR-B boys' team
For four years the Pine River-Backus Tigers boys' basketball team enjoyed success matched by few others.
Former Raider helping team out
"I saw her dad in a store and he looked at me and said, 'I'll pay you $25 if you get kicked out of a game. I asked him why and he said, 'So I can see Angie coach.'"
Rickert not typical freshman
MINNEAPOLIS -- Rick Rickert isn't the typical freshman college basketball player.
State breathes sigh of relief after court ruling favors Twins
MINNEAPOLIS -- Denny Hocking was convinced the Minnesota Twins weren't going to be eliminated before this season, and everyone else seemed to agree.
Duncan, Garnett ejected
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The San Antonio Spurs didn't need Tim Duncan to get a big win over division rival Minnesota.
Twins in the clear, but for how long?
ST. PAUL (AP) -- For at least one more season, Terry Ryan can try to bring a winning team to the Metrodome.
Wild lose lead, fall to Toronto
TORONTO (AP) -- Mats Sundin wasn't about to let the Toronto Maple Leafs lose.
Vikings hire Linehan as offensive coordinator
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Leaving the college game for a coordinator position in the NFL without any pro experience looks like a daunting move, but Scott Linehan's job seems pretty simple.
Area briefs
LEADER -- The Cass County Council on Aging will meet 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Leader Town Hall.
Biologists collaring moose to estimate population
NORTH OF TWO HARBORS (AP) -- The helicopter appeared fro
Free income tax help for all ages available in Cass County
Volunteers have been trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service and state of Minnesota to help people prepare federal and state income tax returns.
We love our country
Weather drawing by Kaylianna Mathison of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Flakey winter
Weather drawing by Katie Salfer of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
Tanning devices linked to doubling of risk for some types of common skin cancer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- People who seek a glamorous tan using sun lamps may double their risk of developing some common types of skin cancer, according to a new study that found the risk was highest for those who start at a young age.
Autopsy finds traces of cocaine in body of director Ted Demme
LOS ANGELES -- Friends of director Ted Demme, who was found to have small traces of cocaine in his system at the time of his death, said they were aware he occasionally used the drug but that they did not know his heart condition was so delicate.
Names and faces
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) -- Meg Ryan obtained a three-year restraining order Monday against a man who claims he's her husband and who broke into a home he thought belonged to the actress.
Study: Hormone replacements may make women feel worse
Contrary to popular belief, taking sex hormones after menopause does not appear to make many older women feel happier and more vibrant, and may even make some feel worse, researchers reported Tuesday.
Fajita controversy
Dear Heloise: Gotcha, finally! Will you please tell me where you find a "FAJITA (skirt steak)" on a chicken? So how can they advertise chicken fajitas here in Texas?
New treatment with radioactive 'seeds' cuts radiation time for breast cancer patients
CHICAGO -- Learning she had breast cancer was bad enough for 40-year-old Miriam Norton. Almost as troubling was the burden of six weeks of radiation treatment.
Lindbergh's grandson replicating famous Spirit of St. Louis flight
SEATTLE -- In 1927, Charles Lindbergh's solo New York-to-Paris flight in the Spirit of St. Louis made him an instant hero and international celebrity.
Internet fantasies can have real-life consequences
DEAR ABBY: I found out that my mom has been exchanging e-mail love letters with a man from out of state. I know because she had been staying up until 2 and 3 a.m. on the computer. I did a little detective work and found the letters. They talked about meeting and how much they love each other.
Plastic surgery planned for McCain to cover scar from removal of non-cancerous lesion
PHOENIX (AP) -- Sen. John McCain was upbeat after doctors removed a non-cancerous lesion on his nose, saying he's "had worse bouts with the dentist."
Names and faces
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- Actress Winona Ryder pleaded innocent Tuesday to four felony counts of theft, burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said.
In-laws blame wife for son's distant relationship
DEAR ABBY: Last year I took time from work to assist my mother-in-law who was facing surgery in another state. During my visit, her next-door neighbor told me my visit was a "positive sign." When I asked what he meant, he said my in-laws had told him that I had kept their son from visiting and having a relationship with them since we married more than 15 years ago.
Containers of change
Dear Heloise: I have found that the little black containers that film come it make great change holders for toll roads. Now I keep several in my glove compartment and never worry about not having change when I need it. They're a lifesaver if you're a few cents short at a convenience store or in a drive-through. -- Cynthia DeMarco, Houston
Afghan security force gives militias two days to get out of town
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan (AP) -- A government-backed security force trying to exert control over volatile northern Afghanistan's largest city has told militia factions to withdraw their fighters within two days, a force commander said Wednesday.
Pakistanis say they are close to safely solving kidnapping of reporter
KARACHI, Pakistan -- Pakistani investigators believe they are very close to solving the kidnapping of a Wall Street Journal reporter and are optimistic they can find him alive, a senior police officer said Tuesday.
Police say they are closing in on reporter kidnappers ; wife appeals for release
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP)-- As Pakistani authorities closed in on his suspected kidnappers, the wife of reporter Daniel Pearl pleaded again Wednesday for his release. "This is an innocent man, with an innocent wife and an unborn son," she said.
Magistrate orders John Walker Lindh held pending trial
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A federal judged, declaring that U.S.-born Taliban John Walker Lindh "has every incentive to flee" from federal custody, ordered him held Wednesday pending a trial on charges of conspiring to kill Americans.
Security force expands operations in volatile northern Afghan city
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan -- Members of a new security force under government control guarded main intersections and expanded patrols Tuesday under an accord by northern warlords to stabilize the potentially volatile city.
U.N.: Iraq ready to resume talks; fate of weapons inspections unclear
UNITED NATIONS -- Iraq is prepared to resume dialogue with the United Nations, but the world organization did not indicate whether Saddam Hussein's government is willing to discuss the return of U.N. weapons inspectors.