| The Democratic Sweep, and Where I Called It Wrong
Indiana: For the first time in state history, a U.S. senator (Republican Dick Lugar) ran without major-party opposition. (I found it intriguing that the Democrats couldn't find a candidate to run against Lugar and yet they were able to knock off three GOP congressmen.) Kansas: State Attorney General Phill Kline (R), who garnered national attention for his strong opposition to abortion and decision to seek the records of minors who received them, lost his bid for re-election. Maryland: In the Senate race, Mike Tyson campaigned in vain for his former brother-in-law, Michael Steele. Not only did Ben Cardin (D) win, but he emerged with both ears intact. Massachusetts: With Deval Patrick's election as governor, Massachusetts Democrats now control the governorship, both Senate seats and every House seat for the first time in state history.
How Obama Can Win
It asks, "How much longer can Iraq limp along as a failing state before it really begins to collapse?--but doesn't try to give answers. ... "Iraq ... beset with problems" sounds a whole lot better than what we were looking at a year ago. ... P.S.: The June version of Cole's catastrophism ("Surging toward disaster in Iraq")--which foillowed a brief U.S. offensive in Baquba--declared that the operation clearly committed the United States to one side in a civil war. ... Which side? The Shiite side. "In practical terms, the U.S. military was helping a Shiite government and a Shiite security force impose itself on a majority Sunni population." Given what we now know about the Sunni-empowering aspects of the surge--including the Sunni "tribal Awakening Councils on the U.S.
Students study dinosaurs at camp
A note when creating homemade volcanoes: Make sure the vinegar used to make the "lava" isn't watered down. Students and Science Central employees found that out first-hand Thursday when they attempted to make their handmade volcanoes erupt. After the standard scoop of baking soda was placed inside the volcano – a yogurt container with green clay pressed around it – a separate mixture of vinegar, liquid soap and red food coloring was poured into a cup. But after it was added to the volcano, no explosion occurred, making the employees theorize it was the soap that was halting the process. They soon realized the vinegar they were using was watered down and substituted it for a more potent solution. The students, who were off school for winter break, were at Science Central for its winter camp, Delving Into Dinosaurs.
Djokovic ends Federer's streak of 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals
Djokovic broke him to pull ahead at 3-1 in the second set. He finished off the game by getting to a drop shot on the dead run and flicking a backhand past Federer that kissed the line. Djokovic roared and raised his fist, then repeatedly pounded his chest. He broke again to pull ahead at 5-1. Serving for the set, Djokovic looked a little tight, and Federer took advantage to break. When he held to make it 5-3, the divided crowd erupted into dueling chants of "Let's go Roger, let's go" and "No-vak, No-vak." Federer forced deuce as Djokovic served again for the set. Known for his tendency to bounce the ball up to two dozen times before serving, the Serbian got a time delay warning. Instead of being shaken, Djokovic was fired up. He ripped a forehand winner and glared up at chair umpire Pascal Maria of France, then blasted an ace and stared defiantly at Maria again.
Second Annual Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. College Fair at Anderson ...
ANDERSON The Kappa Gamma Gamma Chapter Inc. of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will hold its annual Historical Black College and University college fair from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Anderson Recreation Center. College admissions counselors will be available to provide students and their parents with information on college admissions. The college fair is being held to encourage African American students to learn more about the vital roles that Historical Black Colleges and Universities play in society. Attendees will receive information to dispel the myths about attending Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There are more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States today. These institutions of higher learning, whose chief undertaking is to educate African Americans, have evolved and grown.
Gallas says sorry to team-mates
The 30-year-old believes he is ready to return and accepts it has not been an easy time as the former Chelsea man worked his way back to fitness. "The last few weeks have been very difficult for me. Sometimes I have been okay, but at other times I have been very unhappy," said Gallas, whose side are currently top of the Premier League. "Because of that I know it might have been difficult for the rest of the group as well because I wasn't always smiling when I was in the dressing room. "It's difficult for everyone. I have experienced it before when I have been injured, and it's always the same. "The first week or so you can deal with it, but three, four, five weeks later? Trust me it's hard to keep smiling. "So I want to say sorry to all of the players, and also the staff at the training ground, because they could see I wasn't always happy.
Homeowners deluge mortgage brokers
For people like Shari De Cambra of Chino Hills, the rate cut provided the opportunity she was looking for to trade the uncertainty of her adjustable rate loan for the security of a mortgage with a fixed rate of 5.25% for 30 years. I dont want to ever do it again, said De Cambra, who teaches math at Diamond Bar High School, said of her third refinance. Every time it costs you money. .
Bill Saas answers questions from WTNH.com viewers
Ken from Shelton asks: Can I take an IRA deduction for 2003? My current employer does not have a retirement plan, but my previous employer did. I'm 60 and have a lot of income since my sister died and left me her 401K. Bill Saas responds: If you worked for your present employer all 2003, you're clearly eligible for a deductible IRA. Your write-off could be as much as $3,500 since you're over 50. If you worked for your “former employer" part of the year, inspect your W-2 “pension plan" designation for accuracy. Consider also a “spousal IRA" for your wife, who we assume was not separately covered under and employer plan for 2003. Mark from Glastonbury asks: Can money from my company's “flexible spending account" be used for my childrens' pre-school program even though my wife only works 2 days per week.
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