News 2008-06-29 Andanh.com

Obama And McCain Both Courting Latino Voters Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Presidential rivals John McCain and Barack Obama on Saturday vied for the support of Hispanics, beginning a four-month courtship of a pivotal voting constituency by vowing to remake immigration policy, and sparring over their positions on the issue.

Scientists: Nothing To Fear From Atom-Smasher Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The most powerful atom-smasher ever built could make some bizarre discoveries, such as invisible matter or extra dimensions in space, after it is switched on in August.

River Wins Battle, But Winfield, Mo., Hails Effort Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A makeshift barrier holding back the Mississippi River failed early Saturday, swamping the low-lying part of the small community of Winfield and ending a valiant but ultimately doomed battle against the surging river.

First Violence, Now Drought Threatens Iraq Farmers Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
For nearly three years, farmer Sarheed Ahmed barely touched his land. He was too afraid of drawing the attention of the masked gunmen who terrorized the area, or of the U.S. attack helicopters that prowled overhead.

Bush calls for more penalties against Zimbabwe Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Zimbabwe came under threat of further sanctions on Saturday as President Bush said the U.S. was working on new ways to punish longtime leader Robert Mugabe and his allies following the widely denounced presidential runoff election.

Smoky Skies Threaten Health In Fiery California Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Hundreds of lightning-sparked wildfires have turned the air of Northern California into an unhealthy stew of smoke and ash, forcing the cancellation of athletic events and other outdoor activities.

Taliban Pushed Back Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Pakistani Forces Destroy Bases

Government forces Saturday attacked the strongholds of Taliban fighters who for the time had appeared poised to make at least a symbolic strike at a major Pakistani city.

Secret U.S. Operation Kills Iraqi, Strains Relations Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Senior Iraqi government officials said Saturday that a U.S. special forces counterterrorism unit conducted the raid that reportedly killed a relative of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, touching off a high-stakes diplomatic crisis between the United States and Iraq.

Reports: Model Dies In Fall From NYC Building Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A cover model for European Vogue has fallen to her death from her Manhattan apartment building in an apparent suicide.

S.C. Teen Killed By Six Flags Coaster In Ga. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A teenager was decapitated by a roller coaster after he hopped a pair of fences and entered a restricted area Saturday at Six Flags Over Georgia, authorities said.

Teen With Muscular Dystrophy Celebrates High School Graduation Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
When Bobby Pass received his Fermi High School diploma Thursday, his classmates stood, clapped and cheered. The faculty, school board members, town officials and most of the audience rose and joined in the salute.

Moviemakers Shoot Scenes In West Hartford Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
No wonder the scene drew a small crowd Saturday to one of the streets in Blue Back Square in West Hartford.

AAA Warns Thrifty Drivers About Dangers Of 'Hypermiling' Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Police and automotive experts say over-the-top attempts by some drivers to boost their gas mileage could be endangering them and other motorists.

Officer Shoots, Wounds Man Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Hartford police officer Friday night shot and wounded a city man who was allegedly firing a gun in the direction of the officer and his partner, Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts confirmed Saturday.

Attacker Gets Life Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A retired New Britain police officer has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape and torture of his estranged wife, who shot him in the chest to escape, according to Florida authorities.

Man Faces Murder Charge In Shooting Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
A Watertown man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting outside of a motorcycle club Friday night, police said Saturday.

State Seeking Alternatives In Rising Train Center Costs Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
State lawmakers expressed frustration Friday with the skyrocketing price tag of a commuter rail maintenance center in New Haven, with some suggesting alternatives to the $1.2 billion project.

She Leaped Into Marriage Wearing A Parachute Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
When John Wakely found a parachute on Okinawa during World War II, he wasn't thinking about bridal gowns. However, while planning his wedding with Lorraine, John's mother suggested Lorraine use the parachute from Okinawa for her wedding gown.

Goodbye To Trust House Family Learning Center Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Goodbye to yet another Hartford program that did the right thing with little notice or funding.

Lechausse Devoted Life To Veterans' Causes Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
"Extraordinary Life" looks back each Sunday on someone whose life made a difference.

Booster Shot Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
What do celebrities Bruce Willis, Heidi Klum, Giselle Bundchen and Molly Sims have in common (besides good looks)? They all need a little boost now and then. And they get it with EB oost, a vitamin supplement that is mixed with water to provide energy, recovery, immunity and focus. Launched last year, EBoost was stocked at W Hotels and quickly spread to such stay-and-play destinations such as the Delano hotel in Miami, Mondrian hotels, Morgan hotels, Kimpton hotels and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, MGM Grand, the Venetian, the Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch in Los Vegas. EBoost contains green tea extract, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C, zinc, selenium, copper and grape seed extract; $22.50 for a box of 24 packets of effervescent powder (it also comes in tablet form). For details, visit www.eboost.com .

Honesty Is The Best Policy Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Dot refinanced the mansion this past week and got a great deal from Countrywide Financial Corp. If you have never heard of Countrywide, it is the official home loan company of the U.S. Senate. The Dot got the low, low rate without even asking for it, or without even being in a position to do Countrywide any favors. Countrywide explained it was giving The Dot the special rate because The Dot is a VIP. Is this a great country or what?

Raising Respectful Children Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
DEAR AMY: I read with interest the letter from "Don't Know What To Do," the mom describing her fractured relationship with her adult children, who were 26 and 24.

Weight-loss Basics, Including 'Chopsticks' Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The battle against fat consumes more resources and energy than practically anything else in America, but I think that many people are sick of the subject.

THE NEW PAPER Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The Re-Envisioned, Slimmed-Down Courant Will Focus On Delivering A Smarter Package Of News With Passion And Purpose

It's been a hellish week for employees of The Courant, especially those of us who camp in the news department. It's nothing new — shrinking revenue, shrinking staff, shrinking number of newspaper pages devoted to the journalism we hold dear. But man, when the company tells us we've got to cut our staff and newsprint by 25 percent just to stay in business, it's scary — and not only because we might lose our paychecks.

CONNECTICUT'S MERITORIOUS PARKWAY Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Seventy years ago today, the first section — roughly half — of the 34-mile Merritt Parkway opened to the hoopla of crowds and ribbon-cutting. Luminaries including former heavyweight champ Gene Tunney, hosts of mayors and first selectmen, state officials and the U.S. attorney general were in attendance. A long motorcade led by Gov. Wilbur Cross and elderly former Congressman Schuyler Merritt, a tireless advocate for the scenic route bearing his name, made its way through rolling Fairfield County countryside from Norwalk to the state line at Greenwich on a fresh vanilla ribbon of concrete.

We Need Papers More Than Ever Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Today marks two years since I turned out my first column for The Courant. That's a year longer than I planned and two years longer than some would wish. If you've learned half as much reading it as I've learned writing it, I'm pleased.

More From Dodd Than 'Trust Me' Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
'I would never take 'trust me' for an answer, not even in the best of times. Not even from a president on Mount Rushmore." So declared Sen. Christopher J. Dodd last week on the floor of the U.S. Senate during a debate on government surveillance.

Why Voters Shouldn't Pass Laws Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Initiatives Serve Special Interests And Undermine Responsible Governance

Ardent special-interest groups are pushing to have the right of initiative written into the Connecticut Constitution — a formula for ill-conceived lawmaking that would wrest important policy considerations away from elected officials.

Getting Moving On Metros Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Planning Must Focus On Evolving Citistates

The time may be ripe for a new metropolitics, a radical new "deal" between the federal government and America's metropolitan regions.

Tribune Troubles Underlie Courant Crunch Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Media giant Tribune Co. has found itself trying to wage a war on two fronts. And the struggle is starting to take its toll.

Treating Muslims As Untouchables Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
It is not difficult to understand why Barack Obama has a fear of scarves.

Spreading Crime: A Wake-Up Call Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
I went to church in downtown Hartford last Sunday and learned that a man had been shot and killed across the street in the church's parking lot at 1:30 a.m. on the preceding Saturday.

The Dumbing Of The Presidency Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
People campaign for the presidency by talking their heads off. By the time the winner reaches the White House, the habit is so ingrained that it is impossible to shake.

Citizens Must Take Stand For Hartford Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
As someone who was born in and grew up in Hartford, I have experienced firsthand the blessings and challenges of the city. As a law enforcement official, I take my responsibility very personally and feel passionately about my commitment to serve the public.

Keeping It Robust But Civil Online Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Working To Weed Out Offensive Posts

Mayor Eddie A. Perez and some other Hartford leaders have raised a concern about offensive comments by online readers at www.courant.com . We have listened to their concern and that has led us to focus even harder on ridding the site of hateful comments while preserving a forum for vigorous discussion and debate.

Ponson silences Delgado, pitches Yanks to DH split Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:44:00 -0400
Sidney Ponson pitched a gem in his return to the New York Yankees, silencing Carlos Delgado and the rest of the New York Mets for a 9-0 victory Friday night and a split of their two-ballpark doubleheader.

Berkman's double lifts Astros to 11-10 win Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:50:00 -0400
Lance Berkman atoned for three strikeouts with a two-run double in the eighth inning Saturday night to lift the Houston Astros to an 11-10 win over the Boston Red Sox.

Record-Setting Frost Having Fun Again Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
She Plans To Enjoy Olympic Trials

A s Kristen Frost walked into the Hutchinson Natatorium at Southern Connecticut State University, she could feel the entire room come to a halt. She walked across the pool deck, her head down, toward the locker room, and when she looked up, Frost saw her entire club team staring back at her.

Mass. Defensive Back Commits To Huskies Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Defensive back Chris Lopes of Brockton, Mass., made an oral commitment to UConn on Saturday, becoming the fifth player to join the Huskies' 2009 football recruiting class.

U.S. Ills Span Globe Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Overseas Funds Also Feeling Pinch Of Rising Prices, Credit Crunch

Just a few months have made a world of difference.

Exploring A New Career While On 'Vacation' Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
E ver fantasize about what it might be like to go into acting, run your own coffee shop become a chocolatier or work in the wine industry? Interested in finding a way to test drive a new career without losing a paycheck or risking the mortgage payment?

Denied Aid For College? You Have Options Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
M y 18-year-old daughter is going to college this fall. I was sure the college would just hand us a scholarship because she's smart and was home schooled. We also have a handicapped child on a ventilator. But we didn't get help. I know we were dumb. But now what do we do? College is more than we can afford.

Record-High Home Heating Oil Costs Forecast Next Winter Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
New Englanders struggling this summer to pay gas prices topping $4 a gallon should brace for more bad news — home heating oil costs next winter are expected to hit record highs.

Motorist Suspects Station's Gas Pump Cheated Him Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
If Ryan Lee were a gambling man, he would have wagered the price of a barrel of oil that a gasoline pump in East Lyme had a faulty meter, cheating him out of precious gasoline he needs to make his 75-mile, round-trip daily commute to work.

Credit Scores Count Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Your phone number, Social Security number and PIN for your ATM card are important numbers, but no numbers are more important to know — and have the potential to save you money — than your three-digit credit scores.

Stock Splits Have Benefits — Mostly For Companies Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
When you split $100 into small denominations, you obviously are not a penny richer. The twenty-, ten- and five-dollar bills may make your wallet bulge — and impress the girl at the bar — but your spending power is unchanged.

Family Affair: Hiring Your Own Teen Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
The job market for teenagers has been shrinking for a couple of years, but this summer it's looking exceptionally brutal.

Consumer Reports: Choosing A Digital Camera Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Most digital cameras today have megapixels galore, a large LCD and a fairly long battery life. And, of course, they take fine pictures in good light. Still, there are significant performance differences among models, according to Consumer Reports' latest tests.

Conventional Wisdom Still Rings True Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Americans are getting advice on pocketbook issues from many people these days, including financial planners, credit counselors, consumer advocates and representatives for financial literacy groups.

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