| Once-sleepy Phoenix becoming top sports destination in West
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- What was once the sleepy home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, the Fiesta Bowl and baseball's spring training has blossomed into a national sports capital. This year's Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and New York Giants is the latest in a growing list of national sports events that have landed in the desert. And more are on the way as Phoenix contends with Los Angeles to become the West's top destination for major events. .
SFGate: Daily Dish
"Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher has spoken out about her unlikely friendship with former U.S. President George Bush, boasting she's even stayed at the statesman's Maine home. Photos of the actress giving Bush a kiss on the cheek were splashed over newspapers last week, arousing huge curiosity. But Hatcher explains she's been pals with the ex-president for years after voicing support for a number of his humanitarian campaigns. She says, "He's wonderful to my family. I hope to be involved in many of his charities." .
Breaking through autism's invisible wall
At the center of Ethan Burke's at-home autism treatment is his playroom. It has neutral walls to minimize distractions and to make the other person the most exciting thing in the room. It has toys on high shelves so that Ethan must ask for them. It has padded linoleum floors and sturdy furniture so he can safely do almost anything he wants to. .
SPRINGDALE : Board hears club’s idea of adding practice field
The Springdale School Board is considering spending $ 250, 000 on an artificial-turf football practice field for Har-Ber High School. The school's booster club would have to raise another $ 250, 000. The club hopes to have the turf installed by the spring. An artificialturf practice field would be a significant step toward a football stadium and field house at Har-Ber High, officials said. That idea, however, comes at a time when the school district is under financial pressure and is cutting academic spending in some areas. The board heard a proposal from the booster club at a Tuesday work session. Superintendent Jim Rollins said a board decision should come within a few weeks. Tim Pruitt, a Har-Ber Booster Club officer, told that school board that the Har-Ber football team splits its time practicing on a shabby grass field near the school and at cross-town rival Springdale High School's Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium, Pruitt said.
Reign of Terror - The South Hill Rapist
I have read "Son" and I currently work for a local hospital and we work with the criminal insane. I do not believe that Kevin Coe should ever be released. I hope that the Spokane County prosecuting attorneys can find just cause to file the civil suit, we do not need this man back in Spokane. I do not believe the man has been rehabilitated and needs to remain in a secure environment till his death. .
Wall Street-Backed Finance
Bank of England Governor Mervyn King said the coordinated effort by central banks last week to ease a credit squeeze was aimed at persuading financial institutions they would do whatever is necessary to protect the world economy. The actions 'demonstrate that central banks are working together to try to forestall any prospective sharp tightening of credit conditions that might lead to a downturn in the world economy,' said King in testimony to lawmakers... Still, 'a painful adjustment faces the global banking sector over the next few months,' King said." December 19 - Financial Times (Ralph Atkins): "The massive amount of liquidity pumped into financial markets by the European Central Bank appeared yesterday finally to have exceeded demand - but Jean-Claude Trichet, its president, insisted that there had been 'no bail-outs'.
Grand Theft Roto: Unheralded players to target
I'm dealing with a lot of tradus interruptus this week. Tradus interruptus occurs when a trade discussion moves into the final, button-pushing, "Accept Trade" moment -- only to have the other party get cold feet. And no, these weren't rip-off deals that these owners suddenly snuffed out. And it's not necessarily that I'm piqued at the fact that they strung me along for several days only to lose their nerve at the possible second. It bugs me because these are the types of owners who don't do anything. It has a lot to do with fear. I start to taste my own bile when I hear, "I don't want to shake things up," from an owner 14 points out of first with eight weeks to go.
Lionel's Blog
You heard Roger Clemens say he couldn't care less if he gets in the Hall of Fame after the recent steroid and HGH allegations. Roger doesn't care. Randy does and always did. I hope it's the Year of the Goose and the Gradishar. If I were the Avs I'd sign Peter Forsberg right now whether he can skate or not. Right now the biggest "star" the Avs have is Lappy. Paul Stastny will be back next week to help out but if they want people in the seats (which they're not getting right now) then Forsberg is the main attraction. Bring him back and let the chips fall where they may. .
40% of Scots now support independence
I have slowly come round to the belief that independence is the best way forward for Scotland for various positive reasons. I find the Lab,Lib,Con party stance of more powers but not independence strange surely that is just diet independence or could it be they are not being entirely honest. .
BAY AREA
Vallejo library services haven't been cut yet, but branch manager Linda Matchette expects the bad news any day. Slashing library services would hurt thousands of Vallejo residents, she said. "Our computers are booked solid, seven days a week," she said. "Circulation is up 3 to 4 percent every month. Our classes are packed. I don't see anything that can be easily cut." Cities that are most vulnerable to financial crisis are those that relied heavily on property tax revenue during the real estate boom, Kroll said. Cities with strong industry, business and commercial districts are likely to fare better, experts said. A city's budget problems can have a ripple effect in the long run, she said. Cuts to the police department usually translate to higher crime rates, while deferred maintenance leads to more potholes and overgrown parks.
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