Nebraska lawmakers to consider pipeline challenge

LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) — Nebraska's governor said Monday that he'll call a special legislative session for lawmakers to consider challenging the planned route of a massive transnational oil pipeline.

Republican Gov. Dave Heineman's decision means Nebraska, where the $7 billion Keystone XL Pipeline project has faced some of its greatest resistance, doesn't want to just leave the matter to the federal government. The State Department, which has authority over the pipeline because it would cross the U.S. border, is expected to decide whether to approve a permit for the project by year's end.

Pipeline opponents, including a coalition of environmentalists, ranchers and landowners, …

Pistons' Stuckey cleared for exercise

The Detroit Pistons say three doctors have cleared Rodney Stuckey for exercise after a heart evaluation.

Stuckey collapsed on the bench during Friday's game at Cleveland and was taken away on a stretcher. He missed Sunday's game against Houston and …

Dominating Johnson fans 17, moves to 5-0

Randy Johnson struck out 17 and pitched a two-hit complete gamefor his major-league-leading fifth victory to lead the ArizonaDiamondbacks to a 7-1 triumph Sunday against the visiting ColoradoRockies.

Johnson's fastball reached 101mph, and three of his last fourpitches were clocked at 100 mph. He has struck out 10 or more battersin a game 173 times in his career and leads the majors with 51strikeouts in 39 innings this season.

"One hundred, 100, 99 and thanks for coming," Diamondbacks firstbaseman Mark Grace said of the speeds Johnson reached on his game-ending strikeout of Todd Helton. "That's just the way Randy is."

The only hits Johnson (5-0) allowed were a …

Oil prices inch down on economic news

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices fell Thursday as fresh economic reports added to speculation about what steps the Federal Reserve may take to bolster the U.S. economy.

Benchmark crude lost 17 cents at $82.84 a barrel in midday trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Trading was volatile with the November contract set to expire Thursday.

Speculation among traders and investors is intensifying about what measures the Fed may take next month to boost the economy following two government reports that showed jobless claims rose last week for the first time in three weeks and wholesale prices edged up.

The increase in claims for unemployment benefits is a sign that employers …

Some fear flu rebound as Mexico seeks 'normalcy'

Mexico announced a return to "normalcy" on Monday, preparing to reopen businesses and schools even as the virus sickened more than 1,400 people in 20 countries.

World health officials said the global epidemic is still in its early stages, and that a pandemic could be declared in the days to come. But Mexico's president said it was waning at its epicenter, justifying Wednesday's end to a five-day nationwide shutdown he credits for reducing the spread of the new virus.

Already, streets in the capital seemed more lively, with more vehicles and fewer people wearing face masks. Some cafes even reopened ahead of time. President Felipe Calderon said …

ASAF SIRKIS The great drummer [...]

ASAF SIRKIS The great drummer Asaf Sirkis will be playing thisThursday at the Fat Fowl, Bradford on Avon.

He will be giving a workshop on the South Indian Konnokol systemof rhythm.

The workshop is open to drummers and anyone interested inlearning more.

The workshop takes place between …

Thousands Flee Battered Palestinian Camp

TRIPOLI, Lebanon - People flooded out of a besieged Palestinian refugee camp Tuesday night, waving white flags and telling of bodies lying in the streets and inside wrecked houses after three days of fighting between Lebanese troops and Islamic militants.

Earlier in the day, a relief convoy came under fire when a cease-fire abruptly shattered as U.N. workers tried to deliver food and water to residents. A U.N. official said some who approached the convoy seeking supplies were wounded or killed, but he did not have exact figures.

The nighttime lull that allowed the escape did not appear to be part of an organized truce - and there was no sign the battle was over. The …

Greece's OTE suffers 4Q profit drop

Greece's main telecoms provider OTE on Friday said profit dropped 56 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The company statement said net profit reached euro100.1 million ($136.2 million) in the October-December period, compared with euro229.6 million ($312.4 million) in the same period in 2007.

Profit fell slightly on the year _ dipping 9.2 percent euro601.8 million ($818.9 million) in 2008, compared with euro662.6 million ($901.6 million) the previous year.

Last year, the Greek government and Germany's Deutsche Telekom AG struck a deal on sharing OTE ownership and management control.

Under the …

Fur-coat critic raises question of hypocrisy

Dear Zazz: While dining in a fine restaurant, a woman came up tome and said, "How can you be so insensitive as to wear that furcoat?" She called me stupid and ignorant, and even threatened to ruinmy coat. How sensitive was she?

She said all of this through blood-red lipstick. (A whale diedto make that lipstick.) She was clutching a cocktail napkin. (A treewas cut down to make that napkin.) Her head was held together by acloud of hair spray. (Doesn't she care about the ozone layer?) Andshe wore leather shoes. I'll bet she even ordered the veal fordinner.

Besides, my coat wasn't made from an endangered species, and theanimals were raised for the sole purpose of …

Dora named 4th hurricane of Eastern Pacific season

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — Rain fell on the Mexican coast late Tuesday as Dora became the fourth hurricane of the eastern Pacific season.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm was centered about 240 miles (386 kilometers) south of Acapulco and was moving west-northwest at 17 mph (27 kph) with top sustained winds near 75 mph (120 kph).

Mexican authorities issued a tropical storm watch from Lazaro Cardenas to Cabo Corrientes, meaning tropical storm conditions were possible within 36 hours.

The storm's proximity to the coast prompted heavy-rain warnings in the Pacific coast states of Guerrero and …

Airlines boost on-time arrivals in September

The government says flights operated by the major airlines were more likely to arrive on time in September than in the previous month or September 2008.

The Transportation Department said Monday that the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance were on time 86.2 percent.

The best on-time records were posted by Hawaiian, Alaska Airlines and Southwest.

The worst at getting you there on …

Bergner's yanks Carson's-at-Mart plan

Carson Pirie Scott & Co.'s proposed Merchandise Mart Mall storemay not open after all.

Carson's parent, P.A. Bergner & Co., decided late Tuesday towithdraw a motion in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to open its planned51,000-square-foot store in the new Merchandise Mart Mall inFebruary.

Milwaukee-based Bergner's confirmed Wednesday it pulled itsmotion because Bergner's and its creditors couldn't agree on thefinancial merits of going ahead with the store. Creditors filedobjections to the opening of the Mart store three weeks ago.

Bergner's spokesman Ed Carroll said the company wants to see thestore open, but that after "lengthy discussions with both our …

2011 g uide to c ooking s chools

Chicago is a good place to learn the art of cooking. Whether you're training to become a chef, looking to sharpen your skills for family meals or you just like to experiment in the kitchen, our guide to cooking schools and classes in the Chicago area offers something for all.

ASIAN

Japanese American Service Committee, 4427 N. Clark. Instructor Noriko Okutomi offers instruction for up to 15 students per class. Upcoming: Maki Sushi, Sept. 17, $55. Classes are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; discounts for members. (773) 275-0097, ext. 229; jasc-chicago.org.

BAKING/CAKE DECORATING

Dream Cakes, 3100 Dundee, Northbrook. Private baking classes. (847) 675-0500; dreamcakeschicago.com.

Lee Mann, director of educational marketing at Wilton School of Decorating, 2240 W. 75th St., Woodridge, teaches Wilton Method of Cake Decorating classes at various craft and specialty stores. Prices range from $10 to $25. (800) 942-8881; wilton.com.

Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art, 7511 Lemont, Darien. More than 55 classes for professional and amateur decorators. Classes range from $85 to $1,000. (630) 985-6077; wilton.com.

CATERING

FIG Catering. Hands-on and demo classes for couples, groups or children in your home. Specializes in vegan and vegetarian foods, ethnic foods and hors d'oeuvres. Wine pairing and cocktail-making offered. Classes start at $85. (773) 793-1035; figcatering.com.

Monogramme Events and Catering. Melissa Graham offers in-home instruction for groups of six or more. (773) 991-1920; monogrammeevents.com.

CHILDREN/TEENS

Common Threads. After-school program for low-income children ages 8 to 12 that incorporates nutrition and cultural lessons in hands-on classes; commonthreads.org.

Cooking with Kids, Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee, Arlington Heights. Susan Maddox teaches kids ages 8 and up how to prepare family meals and treats. Three-course lunch included; $45. (847) 506-0222; letitideparis.com.

Kids in the Kitchen, Now We're Cookin', 1601 Payne, Evanston. For ages 8 to 16. (847) 570-4140; nwcookin.com.

The Kids' Table, 2337 W. North. Healthy cooking classes for tots ages 2 and up, teens and families. Hands-on classes presented in four-week sessions for ages 2 to 10; $90 a session ($25 a class). Two-hour sessions for ages 11 to 16 and classes on school holidays also offered (773) 235-2665; kids-table.com.

Someone's in the Kitchen, Kids Cooking Classes, 522 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville. Bonnie Bock offers classes for ages 10 to 15. Upcoming: cake decorating, noon Sept. 29, $35. (847) 816-9511; someonesinthekitchen libertyville.com

Sprouts Academy Preschool, 350 W. Ontario. Early childhood program for children ages 2 to 6 that emphasizes sustainable living. Healthy eating and lifestyle classes for adults and children offered throughout the year. (312) 944-6363; sproutsacademy.org,

Sur La Table, 55 S. Main, Naperville. Kids and teen classes and cooking camps. (630) 428-1110 or (866) 328-5412; surlatable.com.

CHOCOLATE/DESSERT

Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy, 600 W. Chicago. Consumer classes are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. Classes average between 8 and 12 people. Professional classes also offered. (866) 443-0437; chocolate-academy.com.

Chocolate Inspirations, 233 Town Acres, Roselle. Chocolatier Pam Vieau offers half-day, full-day and three-day hands-on classes for all skill levels. (630) 894-0898; chocolateinspirations.com.

Le Dessert Chicago. In-home private baking, pastry and chocolate lessons. Classes start at $495. (312) 217-0498; ledessert.com.

FRENCH

Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn. Food and wine classes for adults and kids; discounts for members. (312) 337-1070; af-chicago.org.

Chez Madelaine, 425 Woodside, Hinsdale. Madelaine Bullwinkel conducts classes from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays; $75. Fall session begins Oct. 25. (630) 655-0355; chezm.com.

GENERAL

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe. Garden Chefs series of free demos on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden, through Oct. 2. Parking fee applies. Workshops and classes also offered. (847) 835-8261; chicagobotanic.org.

Cooking with the Best Chefs. Bill Lavery and local chefs lead cooking and baking classes in northwest and west suburban locations, as well as regional weekend cooking trips. (224) 353-3300; bestchefs.com.

Cook From Scratch Inc. Bridget Weis-Urban and staff lead classes in their kitchen or your home. New program SNACK (simple, nutritious, alternative, choice and knowledge) focuses on simple and nutritious lunches and on-the-go foods. Single classes range from $25 to $75. (312) 559-0052; cookfromscratch.com.

Flavour Cooking School, 7401 W. Madison, Forest Park. Hands-on and demonstration classes for adults and kids. Upcoming: Merci Julia, celebrating Julia Child's birthday, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $35. Private events available. Classes start at $35. (708) 488-0808; flavourcookingschool.com.

Nourish Cooking, Batavia. Classes focus on basic techniques and wholesome meals. Classes are held in a private kitchen; details upon registration. Upcoming: Put 'Em Up, preserving food at home, 10 a.m. Aug. 20, $60. (630) 408-9589; nourishcooking.com.

Now We're Cookin', 1601 Payne, Evanston. Hands-on classes cover a variety of topics. (847) 570-4140; nwcookin.com.

Parties That Cook. National organization hosts local cooking classes and events at various locations. Upcoming: couples cooking class, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Charlie Baggs in the Belden-Stratford, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West ($170 a couple); partiesthatcook.com.

Pina's Culinary Experience. 632 E. Irving Park, Roselle. Covers a variety of topics. Private classes available. (630) 529-1877; pinasculinary.com.

Soigne Culinary Artistry at Calphalon Culinary Center, 1000 W. Washington. Corporate cooking classes, events and private parties. Wine and cheese tastings before sessions. Prices vary per person or per hour. (312) 738-2700; soignechicago.com.

Someone's in the Kitchen, 522 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville. Bonnie Bock and staff offer classes on a variety of topics. Fall session runs September through November. Most classes are on Wednesday or Friday. Prices range from $35 to $60 and include a meal. (847) 816-9511; someonesin thekitchenlibertyville.com.

The Wooden Spoon, 5047 N. Clark. Hands-on and demo classes on various topics, plus chef-led outings. Upcoming: Macaroons and Whoopie Pies, 1 p.m. Aug. 21, $65. Outings include a Thai market tour led by chef Rebecca Wheeler, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20, $85. (773) 293-3190; woodenspoonchicago.com.

GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL

The International Kitchen. 330 N. Wabash, Suite 2613. Organizes cooking vacations, classes and tours in Europe, Mexico, Peru and Morocco. (312) 467-0560; theinternationalkitchen.com.

GROCERY STORES/RETAILERS

Bloomingdale's, 600 N. Wabash; Oakbrook Center; Old Orchard, Skokie. Free demos by guest chefs in the housewares department; bloomingdales.com.

Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton. Occasional classes and demonstrations. (312) 575-0306; chicagofrenchmarket.com.

Fox and Obel, 401 E. Illinois. Occasional cooking and wine classes by guests chefs and sommeliers. (312) 410-3701; fox-obel.com.

Macy's Culinary Studio, 111 N. State, 7th floor visitor center. Macy's Culinary Council and guest chefs hold demos and classes for all skill levels. (800) 265-2665.

Michaels, all locations. Offers Wilton Method courses covering decorating basics, flowers and cake design and gum paste and fondants in its rotation of craft classes; michaels.com.

Sur La Table, 55 S. Main, Naperville. Hands-on and demo classes for all skill levels with resident and guest chefs, and classes created by Saveur magazine editors for the experienced cook. (630) 428-1110 or (866) 328-5412; surlatable.com.

Treasure Island, 2121 N. Clybourn. Local chefs offer demo and hands-on classes. Upcoming: chef John McLean of Burger Bar and Sono Wood Fired, Aug. 23, $18. Classes are from 7 to 9 p.m. (773) 880-8880; tifoods.com.

Whole Foods Market. Classes for children and adults. Topics vary; wholefoodsmarket.com.

Williams-Sonoma. Occasional classes at 900 N. Michigan, (312) 587-8080; 9 W. Jackson, Naperville, (630) 369-4167, and Oak Brook, Oakbrook Center, (630) 571-2702; williams-sonoma.com.

HEALTH/NUTRITION

Bump Club and Beyond. Social club for new parents partners with Whole Foods Market to offer occasional classes on making nutritious food for babies and toddlers; bumpclubandbeyond.com.

Dawn Jackson Blatner. Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner conducts classes at the Chopping Block, 4747 N. Lincoln and in the Merchandise Mart; dawnjacksonblatner.com.

Gilda's Club, 537 N. Wells. Guest chefs offer meal suggestions for cancer patients. (312) 464-9900; gildasclubchicago.org.

HealthyDining.org. Laura Bruzas offers health-minded classes for those who want to eat well but want out of the kitchen fast. (312) 666-9979; healthydining.org.

Naturally Nutritious. Dietitian Karen Raden specializes in nutrition education, offering in-home or group presentations by appointment. (847) 559-9737; karenraden.com.

INDIAN

Shoba Havalad, Glenview. Private chef offers classes in her home kitchen and at various locations. (847) 657-9226; shobasindiancooking.com.

LATIN

ARG Tamale Co. and Cooking School, La Grange. Anthony Garcia teaches tamale-making as well as Italian and Latin cooking for groups of up to 10; $50. (708) 244-5902. E-mail: argarcia.tamales@yahoo.com.

LOCAL/SUSTAINABLE

Global Organic Designs Lifestyle Services, Bret S. Beall leads classes on quick, easy, Earth-friendly, healthy cooking. Available for group and corporate demos. (773) 508-9208; god-dess.com.

Green City Market, in Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton. Local chefs lead demos through Oct. 15. Demos begin at 10:30 a.m.; chicagogreencity market.org.

Purple Asparagus. Melissa Graham offers classes that feature organic and local products and sustainable cooking methods. (773) 991-1920; purpleasparagus.com.

NON-CREDITED SCHOOLS

Chicgo Anti-Hunger Federation, Oliver's Kitchen, 4345 W. Division. Culinary training and job placement program for homeless, welfare-to-work, underemployed and unemployed. (773) 252-3663; antihunger.org.

Chinese American Service League, 2141 S. Tan Ct. Sixteen-week chef training program for low-income Chicago residents. (312) 791-0418, ext 2215; caslservice.org.

The Chopping Block, Merchandise Mart at Kinzie and Wells and 4747 N. Lincoln. Shelley Young and staff offer hands-on and demo classes for all levels. Weeklong boot camps offered. Upcoming: Canning and Preserving, 10 a.m. Aug. 20, $40 (Lincoln Square). (312) 644-6360; (773) 472-6700; thechoppingblock.net.

Country Garden Cuisine Cooking School, 3 N. 369 LaFox, St. Charles. Private classes for groups of 12 or more, using produce and herbs grown on-site. (630) 587-8985; countrygarden cuisine.com.

Greater Chicago Food Depository Chicago's Community Kitchen, 4100 W. Ann Lurie. A 14-week program prepares the unemployed and underemployed for entry-level foodservice jobs. Programs cover food preparation and sanitation plus a two-week internship. Free for those who qualify. (773) 843-5414; chicagosfoodbank.org.

Northwestern University, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, Norris Center Mini-Course Program. Occasional food-related classes on various topics. (847) 467-7112; norris.northwestern.edu.

Viking Cooking School and Culinary Shop, 1140 N. Milwaukee, Glenview. Hands-on classes for all skill levels. (847) 350-0705; vikingcookingschool.com.

World Kitchen, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph, lower level. Classes for ages 16 and up explore ethnic cuisines and culinary techniques. All skill levels welcome. Registration for fall classes begins Aug. 31. (312) 742-8497; chicagoworldkitchen.org.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS

Anita Brown Culinary Coach. One-on-one, in-home sessions for all levels. Demo sessions available. Fees vary. (847) 341-4623; anitaculinarycoach.com.

C hristopher Tong, My Private Chef. Private and corporate lessons and demos at various locations. Upcoming: 2 p.m. Sept. 2 at Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture Store, 600 N. Wabash. (773) 981-8131; myprivatechef.net.

Give Me Some Sugar. Chef Alekka Sweeney offers in-home classes for up to 12 guests. (312) 546-4788; givesugar.com.

Karen's Kitchen. In-home classes and corporate team events and other private events. (773) 348-1341.

Let's Cook. Patti Conway offers in-home lessons for individuals and small groups of all levels. Fees start at $35 an hour. (708) 482-9382.

Tom Wasabi In-Home Cooking. Tom Craner provides private, in-home lessons for groups of eight or more. (847) 395-5768; tomwasabi.com.

RESTAURANTS/BARS

Bin 36. 339 N. Dearborn. Wine classes focus on the basics of wine tasting and food pairings. Upcoming: Taste Like a Pro, Aug. 24, $15. Classes start at 6:30 p.m. (312) 755-9463; bin36.com.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted. Chef Tim Cottini conducts paella cooking demos. Upcoming: 10 a.m. Oct. 15, $30 includes lunch, wine and recipes. (773) 935-9000; cafebabareeba.com.

Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton. Monthly classes alternate between food and cocktails; $25. (312) 850-5005; carnivalechicago.com.

Chens Chinese and Sushi, 3506 N. Clark. Chef and owner Bing Zhou and wife Sandy Chen hold cooking and beverage classes at Chens and at Koi, 624 Davis, Evanston. (773) 549-9100; chenschicago.com.

Cityscape Bar, Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans. Free wine classes, including the monthly Vino with a View series. (312) 836-5000; cityscapebar.com.

Delightful Pastries. Pastry chef and owner Dobra Bielinski offers pastry/cooking classes for up to 12 people at 1710 N. Wells (Old Town) and 5927 W. Lawrence. (773) 545-7215; delightfulpastries.com.

Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N. Main, Crystal Lake. Beer School 101 is the second Wednesday of the month. (815) 356-9980; thedukeabides.com.

InterContinental Chicago, Eno-Versity, 505 N. Michigan. Monthly wine classes cover various topics. (312) 321-8738; enowinerooms.com.

La Madia, 59 W. Grand. Jonathan Fox offers occasional pizza-making classes that incorporate wine pairings. (312) 329-0400; dinelamadia.com.

Le Titi de Paris, 1015 W. Dundee, Arlington Heights. Michael and Susan Maddox offers classes on a variety of subjects. (847) 506-0222; letitideparis.com.

Markethouse, 611 N. Fairbanks. Occasional garden-themed classes. Upcoming: Carrots, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30. Classes are $45 and include cocktail pairings. (312) 224-2200; markethousechicago.com.

Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie. Chef Patricio Sandoval highlights Mexican fare in monthly classes. Upcoming: Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 12. Classes are $55 and begin at 6 p.m. (312) 329-9555; mercaditorestaurants.com.

Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron. Mixologist Adam Seger offers occasional classes highlighting his farm-to-bar philosophy at the restaurant as well as off-site. (312) 664-2727; n27chicago.com.

Quince at the Homestead, 1625 Hinman, Evanston. Occasional classes. (847) 570-8419; quincerestaurant.net.

Shaw's Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard; 1900 E. Higgins, Schaumburg. Occasional classes. (312) 527-2722; (847) 517-2722; shawscrabhouse.com.

SushiSamba Rio, 504 N. Wells. Occasional sushi and sake classes. (312) 595-2300; sushisamba.com.

Wave, 644 N. Lake Shore. Chef Kristine Subido leads cooking classes. Upcoming: Cooking Out the Clean Way, healthy seasonal recipes, 2 p.m. Aug. 27, $65. (312) 255-4460; waverestaurant.com.

Zocalo, 358 W. Ontario. Occasional classes on making margaritas and other tequila-based cocktails. (312) 302-9977; zocalochicago.com.

SCHOOLS

College of DuPage, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. One-year certificates and two-year associate degrees in culinary/pastry arts. Fall classes start Aug. 22. (630) 942-2800; cod.edu.

College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington, Grayslake. Hospitality and culinary management program includes new certificates, including Hospitality Manager and Baking and Pastry Assistant. New courses include Patissiere II (pastry art), Garde Manger (cold food preparation), Hospitality Supervisor. Fall classes start Aug. 22. (847) 543-2041; clcillinois.edu.

Dominican University, 7900 W. Division, River Forest. Bachelor's degrees in food science and nutrition, nutrition and dietetics and foodservice management. Fall classes start Aug. 29. (708) 366-2490; dom.edu.

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston. College of Business and Applied Sciences, Hospitality Management. Fall classes start Aug. 22. (217) 581-5000; eiu.edu.

Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan, Elgin. Associate degrees in culinary arts, restaurant management and pastry arts, as well as vocational specialist certificate. (847) 697-1000; elgin.edu.

Fox College, 4201 W. 93rd, Oak Lawn. Travel and hospitality management program. Fall classes start Aug. 29. (708) 636-7700; foxcollege.edu.

French Pastry School, 226 W. Jackson. L'Art de la Patisserie program offers 24 weeks of instruction; next session starts Jan. 2, 2012. L'art du Gateau 16-week cake decorating program starts Aug. 29. The new L'Art de la Boulangerie is an eight-week artisan bread course; next session begins June 17, 2012. Tuition ranges from $10,600 to $22,500. Continuing education classes offered. (312) 726-2419; frenchpastryschool.com.

Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin, Palatine. Hospitality program includes food safety, food standard preparation, bartender training. Fall classes begin Aug. 22. (847) 925-6707; harpercollege.edu.

Illinois Institute of Art Chicago, 180 N. Wabash. Associate and bachelor's degrees in culinary arts. Certificate programs in cooking, baking and catering. Fall classes start Oct. 3. (312) 280-3500; (800) 351-3450; ilic.aii.edu.

Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt, Joliet. Associate degrees in culinary arts or hospitality and foodservice management. One-year certificates in food prep, hospitality management and baking/pastry. (815) 744-2200; jjc.edu.

Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch. Four-year bachelor's degree in culinary arts or two-year associate degree in culinary arts (accelerated program available) or bakery/pastry arts; concentration in culinary nutrition offered. Also: certificates in baking and pastry arts, personal chef and catering, professional cookery. A new part-time bachelor's program combines online and campus classes for those who have completed the associate degree program. Fall classes start Oct. 5. (312) 752-2020; kendall.edu.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, 361 W. Chestnut. Associate degree in culinary arts or patisserie and baking. Twelve-month program and 4-month externship. Fall classes start Aug. 15. (877) 828-7772; lecordon bleucollege-chicago.com.

Lexington College, 310 S. Peoria. Program for women leads to an associate or bachelor's degree in hospitality management. Fall classes start Aug. 29. (312) 226-6294; lexingtoncollege.edu.

Moraine Valley Community College, 10900 S. 88th Ave., Palos Hills. Programs include foodservice sanitation. Fall classes begin Aug. 22. (708) 974-4300; morainevalley.edu.

Robert Morris College Institute of Culinary Arts, 401 S. State. Associate and bachelor's degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management. Fall classes begin Sept. 26. (800) 762-5960; robertmorrisedu.com.

Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan. Graduate and undergraduate degrees in hospitality and tourism. Fall classes start Aug. 29. (312) 281-3181; roosevelt.edu.

St. Augustine College, 1345 W. Argyle. Bilingual (English-Spanish) program; basic and advanced certificates and associate degree in culinary arts. Preparation for city and state food sanitation license exams included. Fall classes begin Aug. 22. (773) 878-8756; staugustine.edu.

Washburne Culinary Institute. Classes are at Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd, and South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. Certificate and degree programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry. Fall classes start Aug. 22. (773) 602-5466; kennedyking.ccc.edu/washburne.

SEAFOOD

Burhops at Plaza Del Lago, 1515 N. Sheridan, Wilmette. Free demos from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays. (847) 256-6400; burhops.com.

VEGAN/VEGETARIAN/RAW

Karyn's Culinary Institute at Karyn's Fresh Corner, 1901 N. Halsted. Karyn Calabrese offers an all-vegan cooking school. Upcoming: Autumn in Italy, 3 p.m. Sept. 17. Classes are two hours or less and cost $55 in advance, $75 at door. (312) 255-1590; karynraw.com.

Science of Spi rituality Center, 4S175 Naperville-Wheaton Rd., Naperville. Free vegetarian cooking classes twice a month on Saturdays. (630) 955-1200; sos.org.

WINE/BEER/SPIRITS

American Professional Bartending Schools of Illinois. Classes in Chicago (634 S. Wabash) and suburbs. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend classes. Instructors and curriculum are certified by the Illinois State Board of Education. (773) 427-6606; 773bartend.com.

Chicago Wine School, 1942 S. Halsted. Patrick Fegan and staff offer five-week wine courses and seminars in Chicago and the suburbs, as well as single sessions. (312) 491-0284; wineschool.com.

House of Glunz, 1206 N. Wells. Monthly wine, beer and spirits classes include food pairings; classes are $25 to $35. (312) 642-3000; thehouseofglunz.com.

Vino 100, 2711 N. Elston. Free wine tastings and discussions from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. (773) 489-9463; vino100chicago.com.

Vintages, 12 S. Dunton, Arlington Heights. Tastings and seminars. Upcoming: Wines from Down Under, 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 20. (847) 590-8655; vintagesfinewine.com.

Washburne Culinary InstituteMercaditoDrew Templeton

Greek tax, customs workers and taxis on strike

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek tax collectors and taxi owners have started two-day strikes to protest austerity measures and market reforms aimed at keeping the cash-strapped country solvent.

Monday's strikes come amid increasing market alarm over the Greek government's efforts to save the rapidly contracting economy, and a day after a new blanket property tax was imposed.

The Socialist government claims the new belt-tightening — after 20 months of austerity — was dictated by revenue shortfalls that are threatening the country's vital international bailout program.

Revenue-collecting tax and customs workers are angry at cuts in their bonus pay, while taxi drivers object to the abolition of protective licensing restrictions. Taxi owners also held a disruptive strike for weeks in July, blockading airports and harbours.

Sprint Nextel 1Q deficit widens on charges, customer exodus

Wireless carrier Sprint Nextel Corp. said Monday it had a larger first-quarter deficit as revenue fell, it lost more than a million subscribers and it absorbed charges for severance and other costs.

Overland Park, Kan.-based Sprint said its loss totaled $505 million, or 18 cents per share, in the three months ended March 31 compared with a loss of $211 million, or 7 per share, during the first quarter of last year.

Not including a number of one-time charges, including $231 million for severance and asset impairment and $86 million in deal-related costs, the company said it earned 4 cents per share, compared to 18 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.

Revenue fell 7.5 percent to $9.3 billion from $10.1 billion a year earlier.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had expected earnings of 2 cents per share on $9.4 billion in sales.

Its shares rose 21 cents, or 3.7 percent, to $9.73 in morning trading after falling almost 3 percent earlier in the session.

Sprint, which has struggled since buying Nextel Communications Inc. in 2005, said its total subscriber base fell by 1.09 million to 52.8 million, including the loss of 1.07 million post-paid customers who pay a monthly bill.

That was actually smaller than the 1.2 million in post-paid losses the company had forecast last quarter.

Post-paid churn, or the measure of customers dropping service, was 2.45 percent during the quarter, an increase from the first quarter of 2007 and last quarter. Average revenue generated per post-paid user fell 6 percent from last year to $56.

"As expected, our wireless business delivered weak financial results," Sprint Chief Executive Officer Dan Hesse said. "While the business will continue to face challenges in the short term, we are making progress in methodically attacking the sources of our performance issues."

During the first quarter, the company introduced a $99.99 plan that provides unlimited voice and data services, undercutting by price its chief rivals AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless' similar unlimited plans.

It also has revamped its marketing, which has often been criticized since the purchase of Nextel as being unfocused.

The company said it expected to continue feeling pressure on wireless revenue and would have only "marginal" improvement of post-paid subscriber losses in the second quarter. However, it said it expected its finances to stabilize toward the end of the year.

Hesse told analysts during a conference call that he was pleased with growth in the company's wireline business, which saw revenues rise 2 percent to $1.6 billion and higher operating profits. The division is largely used to provide Internet services to the business sector.

"Wireline will gain in importance over time as traffic volumes increase and business customers become a more important element of our customer mix and our relationship with the cable companies becomes stronger," Hesse said.

Sprint also said it was exploring the possible sale of non-core assets and other moves designed to help profitability and ensure the company maintains compliance with its debt covenants.

Asked during the conference call if Sprint was looking to spin off or sell the Nextel business, which has seen the majority of customer defections because of technical issues with its iDEN technology, Hesse said the company remained "committed to our iDEN customer base" but added that, "nothing is off the table completely."

It also said it may ask its lenders for waivers to its credit facilities but said it expected to remain in compliance with those covenants "over the next few financial quarters while exploring and pursuing these measures."

Last week, Sprint and Clearwire Corp. announced they had resurrected their plan to offer high-speed mobile Internet service with the help of some deep-pocketed supporters.

The two companies said they will combine their wireless broadband units to create a $14.55 billion communications company, to be called Clearwire, that will continue developing a mobile network based on WiMax technology.

WiMax is similar to the WiFi service found in coffee shops, airports and many homes but able to cover larger areas and supposedly download at speeds faster than the latest cellular networks for movies, games and other data services.

A similar partnership fell through last November. This time, however, the duo is getting help from a group of outside investors, including Intel Corp., Google Inc., Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc. and Bright House Networks, who will kick in $3.2 billion for the new company.

Other rumors swirling around the company is whether it is a possible acquisition target by Deutsche Telekom, the owner of wireless rival T-Mobile. Neither company has commented on the rumors.

US wireless companies fighting requirement for cell tower backup power

When Hurricane Katrina assaulted the Gulf Coast in 2005, wind and flooding knocked out hundreds of cell towers and cell sites, silencing wireless communication exactly when emergency crews and victims needed it.

To avoid similar debacles in the future, the Federal Communications Commission wants most cell transmitter sites in the U.S. to have at least eight hours of backup power in the event main power fails, one of several moves regulators say will make the nation's communication system stronger and more reliable.

Two and a half years after Katrina and eight months after the FCC's regulations were first released, the two sides are still wrestling with the issue.

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., put those regulations on hold last week while it considers an appeal by some in the wireless industry.

Several cell phone companies, while agreeing their networks need to become more resilient, have opposed the FCC's backup power regulations, claiming they were illegally drafted and would present a huge economic and bureaucratic burden.

There are almost 210,000 cell towers and roof-mounted cell sites across the U.S. and carriers have said many would require some modification. At least one industry estimate puts the per-site price tag at up to $15,000 (euro9,729).

In a request for the FCC to delay implementing the change, Sprint Nextel Corp. wrote that the rules would lead to "staggering and irreparable harm" for the company. The cost couldn't be recouped through legal action or passed on to consumers, it said.

Jackie McCarthy, director of governmental affairs for PCIA _ The Wireless Infrastructure Association, said the government should allow the industry to decide how best to keep its networks running, pointing out that all the backup power in the world won't help a cell tower destroyed by wind or wildfires.

"Our members' position is that the 'one size fits all' approach to requiring eight hours of backup power at all cell sites really doesn't accomplish the commission's stated purpose of providing reliable wireless coverage," McCarthy said.

The wireless carriers also are claiming the FCC failed to follow federal guidelines for creating new mandates and went far beyond its authority when it created the eight-hour requirement last summer.

FCC officials have so far stood their ground.

"We find that the benefits of ensuring sufficient emergency backup power, especially in times of crisis involving possible loss of life or injury, outweighs the fact that carriers may have to spend resources, perhaps even significant resources, to comply with the rule," the agency said in a regulatory filing.

"The need for backup power in the event of emergencies has been made abundantly clear by recent events, and the cost of failing to have such power may be measured in lives lost," it said.

A panel of experts appointed by the FCC following Katrina was critical of how communications networks performed during and after the storm. The group noted that service restoration was "a long and slow process."

Panel members recommended the FCC work with telecommunications companies to make their networks more robust. Regulators then created the eight-hour mandate, exempting carriers with fewer than 500,000 subscribers.

Wireless companies quickly complained about the regulations, calling them arbitrary and saying they would rob them of the flexibility to target backup power upgrades at the most important or most vulnerable cell sites in their networks.

They also said local zoning rules, existing leases and structural limitations could make it impossible to add batteries or backup generators to cell sites.

Miles Schreiner, director of national operations planning for T-Mobile, said it can take 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) or more of batteries to provide eight hours of backup energy in areas with a lot of cell phone traffic.

"In urban areas, most of the sites are on rooftops and those sites weren't built to hold that much weight," Schreiner said.

In regulatory filings, the FCC has said the wireless carriers chose to put their equipment in areas that can't be readily expanded. However, the agency agreed in October that it would exempt cell sites from the rules but only if the wireless carrier provided paperwork proving the exemption was necessary.

It would give companies six months from when the rules went into effect to submit those reports and then another six months to either bring the sites into compliance or explain how they would provide backup service to those areas through other means, such as portable cellular transmitters.

CTIA-The Wireless Association and several carriers asked the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., to intervene, saying the exemptions would still leave wireless companies scrambling to inspect and compile reports on thousands of towers.

On Feb. 28, the court granted Sprint Nextel's request to stay the regulations while the case moves forward. Oral arguments are scheduled for May.

An FCC spokesman said the agency was disappointed with court's decision.

Not all carriers have joined the fight. Verizon Wireless is not a party to the appeal and has a history of installing backup generators and batteries to its cell sites, most famously during a 2003 blackout that kept much of the Northeast in the dark for hours but Verizon customers could still communicate.

AT&T, the largest U.S. wireless carrier, would not comment on the FCC regulations.

A-Rod Snaps Out of Funk to Lead Yankees

NEW YORK - For Alex Rodriguez, hitting is no big mystery.

"It's a matter of getting a good pitch and putting a good swing on it," Rodriguez said after he had three hits including his 27th home run of the season in the New York Yankees 6-4 victory over Detroit on Thursday. "You have the ability. It's a matter of going out and being assertive with the swing."

So how come A-Rod was 0-for-10 and 1-for-24 going into Thursday's game?

That's the mystery of baseball.

Rodriguez offered some explanation.

"I swung the bat much better," he said. "It's a little of everything. When you swing well, it doesn't matter what they throw. The focus is not on what I do. The focus is on what the team does."

But Rodriguez was the American League MVP last season and the highest paid player in the game. So it's hard to avoid the focus, especially in a season when he has committed 22 errors, gone through long hapless stretches at bat and been the target of repeated booing at Yankee Stadium.

It was a welcome change for him when the sellout crowd demanded a curtain call following his seventh-inning home run and manager Joe Torre nudged him out of the dugout. "I didn't think about it," Rodriguez said. "I haven't had one in awhile."

Before Rodriguez homered, Detroit manager Jim Leyland was ejected by plate umpire James Hoye for complaining on balls and strikes. It was his second ejection this season.

"I didn't like a couple of situations that were called," he said. "But I didn't put on a big show. I was down in the dugout."

After he was ejected, Leyland came on the field, stopped arguing during the singing of "God Bless America," and then resumed the argument, with crew chief Larry Young separating him from Hoye.

"In my opinion, the umpire got real trigger happy. I felt there was absolutely no just cause to throw me out of that game," Leyland said.

Randy Johnson (15-10) allowed a pair of early home runs to Magglio Ordonez and Omar Infante - the only hits he allowed through eight innings. Then a leadoff walk in the ninth followed by Marcus Thames' 24th homer made it close and spoiled Johnson's day.

"I was disappointed about the ninth inning," he said. "That's me."

Johnson struck out eight and walked one. Eight quality innings didn't mean much to him. "I didn't pitch a quality ninth," he said.

After Thames' homer, Mariano Rivera finished for his 33rd save in 36 chances. He gave up a double to Ordonez off the wall in right-center, then retired Carlos Guillen, pinch-hitter Sean Casey and Brandon Inge on groundouts.

Rivera had an MRI exam on his right forearm before the game. The scan showed a mild muscle strain in his right elbow but no structural damage.

After Rodriguez homered in the eighth, Robinson Cano followed with a double and scored on a single by Bernie Williams, who had two RBIs.

Bobby Abreu hit a two-out, two-run single that broke a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning, and scored another run on a two-out hit by Rodriguez in the third.

New York, which won five of seven from the Tigers this year, is a season-high eight games over second-place Boston, its largest AL East lead since August 2004. Detroit, which has lost six of eight, nine of 13 and 15 of 22, remained 4 1/2 games ahead of second-place Chicago in the AL Central.

Jeremy Bonderman (11-7) gave up four runs and 11 hits in 5 1-3 innings.

"I'm throwing the ball like I have been," Bonderman said. "They are just finding holes. I feel like there are not too many hard hit balls. Right now, it's not going my way."

Ordonez put the Tigers in front leading off the second with his 18th home run. He had been batting .242 since the All-Star break and had a stretch of 119 at-bats without a homer from July 9 through Aug. 16.

The Yankees tied it in the third on a double by Abreu and a bloop RBI single by Rodriguez.

An inning later, the Yankees loaded the bases with two out on hits by Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon and a walk to Derek Jeter. Abreu delivered a single, driving in Cabrera and Damon. Rodriguez opened the fifth with a double and scored on a single by Williams for a 4-1 lead.

Infante got that run back for Detroit with a leadoff homer in the sixth, his third of the season.

Notes:@ Jeter extended his hitting streak to 11 games. ... Ordonez's homer was the 18th of his career against the Yankees and eighth in 32 games at Yankee Stadium. ... Damon stole his 24th base, Rodriguez his 12th and Jeter his 28th, all against Ivan Rodriguez - who had not allowed as many as three steals in a game since Sept. 16, 2005, when the Angels swiped four against him.

ATP World Tour Farmers Classic Results

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Results Sunday from the ATP World Tour's $700,000 Farmers Classic, a U.S. Open Series event at the Los Angeles Tennis Stadium at UCLA

Singles
Championship

Sam Querrey (2), United States, def. Andy Murray (1), Britain, 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-3.

Doubles
Championship

Bob and Mike Bryan (1), United States, def. Eric Butorac, United States, and Jean-Julien Rojer, Netherlands Antilles, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 10-7 tiebreak.

Flamingo graduates will enroll at Derby

MIAMI - It's graduation day at Hialeah Park. The 3-year-oldswho get the best grades in today's $300,000 Flamingo Stakes will geta jet ride to Kentucky where they can dine on the best blue grass.

Chances are it'll be favored Badger Land who'll be sitting infirst class. He has shown so much speed of late there is a reporthe's already set to line up for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs May 3.

Badger Land, owned by Jeff Lukas and Mel Hatley, stands at thehead of the class of 10 in the 57th running of the Flamingo (ESPN,3:30 p.m.). He looms as a 7-10 ($3.40) favorite for the winner'spurse share of $180,000. There'll probably be more people betting onhim than on the other nine competitors combined.

It's likely Badger Land will run away and hide from his rivalswith jockey Jorge Velasquez peeking back over his shoulder grinning,knowing that he just rode himself into the $700,000 Derby.

There's no mystery why Badger Land's owners put up $15,000 tomake him a supplementary nomination for this important and richstepping stone to the Derby. The same can't be said for the ownersof Cut By Glass, a supplementary nominee who has shown poor form. Hewas shipped here from California.

"He may like the strip better here," trainer Mike Crowder said."The strip is a bit harder out there."

From this corner it appears as though My Prince Charming, ahard-hitting consistent double stakes winner, and Bolshoi Boy, secondin the recent Louisiana Derby, should come in for a slice of theFlamingo purse.

Major Moran, Annapolis John, My Phillipe and Strong Performancewill be running on a hope and a prayer.

Two other two entrants, Lucky Rebeau and Big Jolt, have run somenice races.

Nine Flamingo winners - Lawrin, Citation, Needles, Tim Tam,Carry Back, Northern Dancer, Foolish Pleasure, Seattle Slew andSpectacular Bid - went on to capture the Derby. Citation and SeattleSlew won the Triple Crown.

It's also graduation day today at Aqueduct, where nine startersgo in the $250,000-plus Gotham Stakes. Those who can whip likelyfavored Tasso and improved Zableta can look forward to the Derby.

Those who finish out of the money will be sent after lessimportant stakes.

Tomorrow's $500,000 Santa Anita Derby is as important as theFlamingo and Gotham. Snow Chief, the early Derby favorite, can get afirmer grip on that position with a victory in a field of eight.

Snow Chief, listed as a 4-5 favorite in the track's morningline, is expected to make his next start in the Kentucky Derby - ifhe wins. If he loses, he may go to New Jersey for the Garden StateStakes April 19, then go on to Churchill Downs for the Derby.

Variety Road, Ferdinand and Icy Groom are expected to turn ingood efforts against Snow Chief. These colts have been winning, butnot against the Chief.

The Run for the Roses is developing into a tough race,especially if the big three, Snow Chief, Tasso and Badger Land, winthis weekend. If they win, quite a few 3-year-olds will beautomatically eliminated - at least in the minds of bettors.

There are so many owners hoping to get box seats on the basis ofrunning a starter in the Derby, a field of 20 - the Derby limit -based on winnings in major stakes may yet prevail.

A total of 23 horses have been entered in the Flamingo, Gothamand Santa Anita Derby. At least half of them figure to fail on theirreport cards. There are, however, other events to attract Derbyprospects in the next few weeks.

The $150,000 Cherry Hill Mile today drew Pilateer. If he winsor threatens, he can also be added to the Derby field. Hisstablemate, Mogambo, will run in the Gotham.

A Broken Down Horseplayer should know where he stands after theFlamingo, Gotham and Santa Anita results are in. If Badger Land,Snow Chief and Tasso win, selecting the Derby winner will be thatmuch more confusing.

And if a longshot wins one or two of the races, then it'sanybody's guess who'll get the roses Derby Day.

Chicago conference celebrates birth of Booker T. Washington

Providing "Black History in June", Lee Walker aims to educate the public, especially young people about the messages of Booker T. Washington during a symposium commemorating the 150th anniversary of Washington's birth.

The only event of its kind in the nation, the symposium is being held in Chicago, Sunday through Tuesday. Panel sessions will be held in the Thorne Auditorium on Northwestern University's downtown campus and are free and open to the public.

Walker, chief sponsor of the Booker T. Washington Symposium, is president of The New Coalition for Economic and Social Change, a think tank built around the philosophical views of Washington, and a senior fellow of The Heartland Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to discovering and encouraging free-market solutions to social and economic problems.

Calling Washington his hero, Walker spent a year planning the symposium. "I'm a Booker T. advocate. Chicago was a significant place for Booker," Walker told the Defender. He said that Chicago was the first place a black (Washington) spoke before a United States president. "About 16,000 people came to hear Booker speak in 1898. I wanted to do something."

Walker, a member of the Defender editorial board, believes that Washington should be understood by all people in a balanced way. He added that scholars have acknowledged that he was one of the most influential blacks in his time and perhaps of all time.

He invited twenty scholars and community leaders throughout the country to meet and publicly discuss the legacy of Washington during panel sessions and keynote addresses."

Booker T. Washington is one black leader you will not see celebrated in any high school during black history month," Walker said. "I'm providing an academic situation correcting lopsided history."

Among the participants in the symposium are: Margaret Clifford, granddaughter of Booker T. Washington; Hycel Taylor, former pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church and former president of Operation PUSH; Roland S. Martin, Executive Director of the Chicago Defender; Cliff Kelley, host of WVON 1450-AM's Cliff Kelley Show; and Art Norman, anchor/reporter, WMAQ-TV/Ch. 5.

The panel sessions are marketed especially to students and educators in the black studies programs at local high schools and colleges.

"I want the young people to walk away with balanced information with respect to Booker T. Washington," he said.

[Author Affiliation]

by Kathy Chancy

Defender Contributing Writer

EARL anthony 1938-2001 Earl of bowling dies Sport's TV superstar, Anthony found dead at friend's home at 63

MILWAUKEE--Earl Anthony, a six-time PBA bowler of the year and itsgreatest winner with 41 professional titles, died Tuesday at afriend's home in suburban Milwaukee. He was 63.

The crewcut, bespectacled Anthony was one of bowling's mostfamiliar faces when the sport was a weekly fixture on television inthe 1970s, and he was its first player to break the $1 millionbarrier in winnings.

Ed Baur, who lives in New Berlin, Wis., said he found Anthony deadat the bottom of a flight of stairs in his home before 8 a.m.Tuesday.

"He may have had a heart attack and fallen down the stairs," hesaid. An autopsy was planned for today.

Ted Hoffman Jr., a business partner who operated Earl Anthony'sDublin Bowl in Dublin, Calif., said Anthony had had a heart attack in1977, but no recent ailments.

"The Professional Bowlers Association is deeply saddened by theloss of Earl Anthony," the Seattle-based organization said. "He was apioneer in the sport of bowling and will be remembered by millionsfor his many appearances on PBA telecasts. Our hearts and thoughtsare with his family."

Bowling great Dick Weber once described the left-handed Anthony as"the greatest speed-control bowler ever to play the game."

Anthony's accuracy and consistency earned him the nickname "TheMachine."

"He was as smooth as the pinsetter," recalled longtime ABCcommentator Chris Schenkel, whose Saturday afternoon broadcasts ofthe pro bowlers' tour entertained a generation of viewers. "Histemperament determined his ability to win.

"He was not a big personality. He was self-contained, which is acompliment in my book."

Born in Kent, Wash., on April 27, 1938, Anthony had hoped to playmajor league baseball but an ankle injury cut short that career as aleft-handed pitcher.

He joined the PBA Tour in 1963, but didn't win any money andreturned to Washington.

He tried again in 1970, and it wasn't long before the mannicknamed "Square Earl" for his crewcut and glasses became one of thetop bowlers on tour.

He earned $107,585 in 1975, becoming the first to top the $100,000mark in a season. He was named bowler of the year from 1974-76 andfrom 1981-83. He led the PBA Tour in scoring from 1973-75 and in 1980and 1983. He retired temporarily in 1984 with records of $1,216,421in career winnings and 41 tour victories.

After bowling in only one tournament a year for three years,Anthony entered 12 tournaments in 1987 but won only $8,850. He thenjoined the new PBA Senior Tour in 1988 and won seven titles andanother $225,000.

Although his 41 wins are still the record, he ranks 11th in careerearnings because prize money has increased so much since his peakyears.

He was selected for the PBA and ABC halls of fame.

Dean Johnson, owner of Park Lanes Family Entertainment Centers inHillsboro, Ore., said Anthony had resided in nearby North Plains. Hemoved to Oregon to be close to his business in northern Californiaand his family in Washington state, Johnson said.

"He was always a gentleman on and off the lane," Johnson said. "Hemaybe didn't have the perfect approach, but he was probably the mostaccurate bowler of all time."

Jim Zebehazy, executive director of the Young American BowlingAlliance in Greendale, Wis., said Anthony was always ready to helpwhen his organization held events in his area.

"He was just Mr. Bowling," Zebehazy said. "When I was in my teens,just getting interested in bowling, he was the Tiger Woods of hisday.

"He was the legend for our sport."

Anthony is survived by his wife, Susie; a son, Mike, and daughtersTracy Nelson and Jeri Voyles.

Earl Anthony's career at a glance

A look at Anthony's career, with PBA Tour victories and yearlyearnings:

1970-Seattle; $26,200.

1971-New York; $40,105.

1972-Portland, Ore.; Redwood City, Calif.; St. Louis; $40,105.

1973-Seattle; National Championship at Oklahoma City; $45,812.

1974-Tournament of Champions at Fairlawn, Ohio; NationalChampionship at Downey, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; Fresno, Calif.;Cleveland; Hawaii; $99,585.

1975-Arcadia, Calif.; Garden City, N.J.; National Championship atDowney, Calif.; Davenport, Iowa; Jackson, N.J.; Waukegan; BattleCreek, Mich.; $107,585.

1976-Hartford, Conn.; Miami; Fresno, Calif.; Norwalk, Calif.;Waukegan; Battle Creek, Mich.; $110,832.

1977-Torrance, Calif.; Waukegan; $72,690.

1978-Kissimmee, Fla.; Tournament of Champions at Fairlawn, Ohio;$89,905.

1979-Garden City, N.J.; $94,140.

1980-Garden City, N.J.; $59,481.

1981-Florissant, Mo.; Peoria; National Championship at Toledo,Ohio; Garden City, N.J.; $164,735.

1982-Alameda, Calif.; National Championship at Toledo, Ohio;Milwaukee; $134,760.

1983-National Championship at Toledo, Ohio; Peoria; $135,605.

1984-$40,600.

1985-$7,600.

1986-$550.

1987-$8,850.

Senior Tour victories

1988-Senior Championship, Canton, Ohio; $21,975.

1989-$6,230.

1990-Houston; Las Vegas; Senior Championships at Canton, Ohio;$42,555.

1991-$17,150.

1996-Naples, Fla.; $35,810.

1997-Albany, N.Y.; Richland, Wash.; $43,320.

Career earnings: $1,441,061.

National titles: 41.

Senior titles: 7.

Other honors

ABC Masters: 1977, 1984.

AMF Grand Prix of Bowling: 1976.

PBA Player of the Year: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1982, 1983 (mostin PBA history).

George Young High Average Award: 1973, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1983.

PBA Hall of Fame: 1981.

ABC Hall of Fame: 1986.

Cultural and Economic Revitalization: A Five-Step Reference for Overcoming Black Failure

Cultural and Economic Revitalization: A Five-Step Reference for Overcoming Black Failure by Nique Fajors Dageforde Publishing, August 1999, $9.95, ISBN 0-966-67340-9

Fajors addresses black economic issues of excellence, renewal and revitalization in the 21st century. This small book includes a historical timeline with over 5000 entries, including website, reading and resource listings.

Rothstein Fired by Pistons

Ron Rothstein, whose team failed to make the playoffs for thefirst time in 10 years, was fired as coach of the Detroit Pistons.

Pistons president Tom Wilson and Billy McKinney, the playerpersonnel director, met Monday with Rothstein and announced hisdismissal at an afternoon news conference.

"This team was beset with inherent problems from the day I tookover," Rothstein said in a statement. "I don't think I have torecount the other problems that unfolded as the year progressed.

"I have given this job my all from day one. I tried to find abalance between the needs and wants of the players and what I feltwas my responsibility as the head coach. Above all, I have tried toconduct myself in a professional manner."

Don Chaney, an assistant who once coached the Houston Rockets,is considered a leading candidate to succeed Rothstein, although theclub would not comment.

"It wouldn't be fair to say that before we talk to all ourassistants," McKinney said. "Maybe toward the end of this week, orearly next week, we'll have an announcement on a replacement."

The Pistons, in their first season under Rothstein, finished40-42 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1983. Afterthat season, it was coach Scotty Robertson who was fired.

ROGERS ENTERS DRAFT: Wake Forest forward Rodney Rogers made itofficial: He will enter the college draft, passing up his senior yearat the Atlantic Coast Conference school.

"I thought it was time to go on to the next level," said Rogers,a 6-7, 235-pound forward from Durham, N.C. Rogers averaged more than21 points this year for the Demon Deacons.

NOTES: Dallas Mavericks forward Randy White will undergoarthroscopic surgery today on both knees. Center Hakeem Olajuwon, who helped Houston win its first divisiontitle in seven years, was named NBA player of the month for April.

General Gayety

Enquiring about Chaz

The National Enquirer claims in a Nov. 14 cover story that Chaz Bono will die within four years due to his gender transition. The corpse-tobe is perturbed. His lawyer sent a cease and desist letter to the tabloid, accusing it of defamation and demanding a printed retraction and apology.

According to the lawyer, the story asserts that "obesity, testosterone supplements, and high suicide rates among transgender people all increase Chaz's risk of an early death."

As everybody this side of Carol Burnett knows, the National Enquirer doesn't let truth get in the way of a fabulicious story. So, despite Bono's threat to sue if the tabloid doesn't apologize, I wouldn't be surprised if the Enquirer instead continued to hound him by producing another cover story similar to the following.

Chaz Bono: TRYING TO CONTACT SONNY! Weekly S�ances.

Chaz Bono misses his daddy- and how!

The ENQUIRER has learned that Chaz, the transgender activist and recent "Dancing With the Stars" contestant, hosts s�ances in his home every Sunday night in a sad, touching attempt to contact his father Sonny Bono, the singer and politician who died tragically in 1998 when he slammed into a tree while skiing.

"The s�ances are weird, man. I go for the food," said one insider who has attended three of these macabre gatherings where some 15 people assemble around a spooky table.

"We all hold hands while Madame Mertzola chants and groans and moans and stuff. I think she's getting sort of frustrated. The last time she kept screaming 'The beat goes on!'"

So far, said the insider, Sonny has not materialized, "although a couple of people thought they saw that tree he hit."

Headstrong Chaz refuses to stop these whacky attempts to reach Sonny. "Y'know, now that Chaz is a dude and all, he wants guidance and stuff," said the insider.

Dr. Scott Pitts, distinguished owner of a framed diploma from the Acme School of Transgender Mental Health, let The ENQUIRER in on a shocking fact: Transgender individuals are often drawn to the occult!

"I know one who owns a magic store. That's good enough for me," said the esteemed expert.

Cher, the mother of Chaz and ex-wife of Sonny, is baffled that Chaz wants advice on masculinity from his father. "Why Sonny? Most of the time I wore the bell bottoms in that relationship," Cher told an insider, who told The ENQUIRER, which is telling you.

Oh, and remember how Cher sadly, desperately, had two ribs surgically removed to make her waist smaller? The ENQUIRER has learned that she plans to put them back in again! Inspired by Chaz's efforts to be who he really is, Cher has bravely decided to return her rib cage to normal.

Meanwhile, all indications are the Sundaynight s�ances will carry on. The insider who attended three of the sad, heartbreaking events said Chaz has booked Madame Mertzola the medium through the end of the year.

"I'm not sure I'm going again," the insider said. Chaz wants to change up the energy in the room, in case, y'know, any of us are keeping Sonny away. That's cool with me. Last time when the lights went off I got groped."

The insider hopes Sonny appears, either in body or spirit. "Chaz is cool. He wants this bad. He deserves it. Can I have my check now?"

[Sidebar]

Inspired by Chaz's efforts to be who he really is, Cher has bravely decided to return her rib cage to normal.

Sports court gives Spanish authorities 6 months to produce blood bag in Valverde doping probe

Spanish authorities have been given six months to hand over a blood bag at the center of a doping probe involving cyclist Alejandro Valverde.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Friday that it has suspended the case for the six-month period until it receives the evidence.

After that, the court will hear an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Cycling Union against a Spanish decision not to open disciplinary proceedings against Valverde.

"The Court of Arbitration of Sport affirmed its jurisdiction to decide the appeals," the CAS said.

Valverde won the first stage of this year's Tour de France and is among the favorites for the overall title. He was implicated in Spain's wide-ranging Operation Puerto doping probe last year, but has denied any wrongdoing.

CAS said it has asked Spanish legal authorities to produce "blood bag `No. 18'" after its first request was rejected by the Spanish magistrate in charge of the case. CAS has since asked again _ this time through "official channels."

"Such procedure of mutual legal assistance can take several months," CAS said.

Valverde has already been the subject of one CAS decision, winning the right to compete in last year's cycling world championship after the UCI tried to prevent him from racing.

China shares slip; oil hits airlines, refiners

Chinese stocks extended losses Thursday as investors shrugged off calls by the market regulator to keep prices stable ahead of the Beijing Olympic games.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 2.2 percent, or 60.95 points, to 2,775.72. The Shenzhen Composite Index dropped 2.9 percent to 827.59.

Comments by China Securities Regulatory Commission chairman Shang Fulin urging securities funds to help keep the markets stable, carried in state-run newspapers, appeared to do little to boost sentiment.

"Buying sentiment is weak on disappointment over the lack of any actual moves taken by government. I'm afraid that most investors are still waiting for a real chance to trade, not this so-called Olympics market," said Zhang Yang, an analyst for Oriental Securities in Shanghai.

Heavyweight airlines and refiners led the decline, following a rebound of more than US$4 a barrel in global crude oil prices overnight.

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., or Sinopec, fell 5.3 percent to 11.20 yuan. Air China dropped 5.5 percent to 10.01 yuan and China Eastern Airlines sank 4.3 percent to 7.73 yuan.

Property shares also declined, with Poly Real Estate Group losing 7.4 percent to 15.60 yuan.

Speaking to a financial meeting in Beijing, Shang acknowledged "difficulties" in the markets, and noted the authorities' efforts to crack down on insider trading and other abuses.

"There has been no major change in the fundamentals and momentum of the healthy, stable development of the capital markets," the Shanghai Securities News quoted Shang as saying.

In currency dealings, the U.S. dollar was trading at 6.8318 yuan around 0800 GMT on the over-the-counter market, up from Wednesday's close of 6.8292.

Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart? 7-Eleven Does

DALLAS - Over the weekend, 7-Eleven Inc. turned a dozen stores into Kwik-E-Marts, the fictional convenience stores of "The Simpsons" fame, in the latest example of marketers making life imitate art.

Those stores and most of the 6,000-plus other 7-Elevens in North America will sell items that until now existed only on television: Buzz Cola, KrustyO's cereal and Squishees, the slushy drink knockoff of Slurpees.

It's all part of a campaign to hype the July 27 opening of "The Simpsons Movie," the big-screen debut for the long-running television cartoon, which loves to lampoon 7-Eleven as a store that sells all kinds of unhealthy snacks and is run by a man with a thick Indian accent.

For 20th Century Fox Film Corp. and Homer's creators at Gracie Films, the stunt is a cheap way to call attention to their movie, since 7-Eleven is bearing all the costs, which executives of the retail chain put at somewhere in the single millions.

At 7-Eleven, they're hoping it shows the ubiquitous chain has a trait seen in few corporations - the ability to laugh at themselves.

"We thought if you really want to do something different, the idea of actually changing stores into Kwik-E-Marts was over the top but a natural," said Bobbi Merkel, an executive for of 7-Eleven's advertising agency, FreshWorks, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. "It shows they get the joke."

The monthlong promotion has been rumored a long time - it's hard to keep a secret known by so many suppliers and franchisees - but 7-Eleven managed to keep the locations of the stores quiet until early Sunday morning. That's when the exteriors of 11 U.S. stores and one in Canada were flocked in industrial foam and given new signs to replicate the animated look of Kwik-E-Marts.

The U.S. locations where a 7-Eleven store was transformed into a Kwik-E-Mart are New York City; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Burbank, Calif.; Los Angeles; Henderson, Nev.; Orlando, Fla.; Mountain View, Calif.; Seattle; and Bladensburg, Md.

The idea grew out of conversations between Fox and 7-Eleven's advertising agency.

"We wanted to make sure the movie stands out as a true cultural event this summer," said Lisa Licht, a marketing vice president at Fox. "It has to stand out from other summer movies and TV shows."

The Fox/7-Eleven deal is an example of a practice called reverse product placement. Instead of just putting products prominently in a movie or TV show, fake goods move from the screen to reality.

In some cases, 7-Eleven has contracted with manufacturers of similar products to make their Kwik-E-Mart counterparts. Malt-O-Meal, the Northfield, Minn., cereal maker, will conjure up a recipe for KrustyO's, for example. In others, existing products will simply be renamed. One flavor of 7-Eleven's own Slurpee will be sold as "WooHoo! Blue Vanilla" Squishee for the month.

Other recent examples of reverse product placement include Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, which spun out of the Harry Potter books and movies, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants, which opened after the movie "Forrest Gump." 7-Eleven has done other movie-themed promotions, including one this spring for the latest Spiderman installment.

After Fox pitched a 7-Eleven tie-in last year, representatives from the studio, the stores, and Gracie Films - including Simpsons creator Matt Groening and executive producer James L. Brooks, met in Los Angeles to kick around ideas. Brooks added one - holding a contest to let one fan be drawn into a future episode of the TV show.

7-Eleven executives loved the idea. They had surveys showing a strong overlap between their customers and fans of the show - both tend to be young and male. It sounded like cash registers ringing.

"They've been looking at Squishees and KrustyO's and Buzz Cola for years and have never been able to put their hands on it," said Merkel, the advertising executive.

But they won't find Duff beer, the brand chugged by Homer Simpson. The movie will be rated PG-13, and selling a Simpson-themed beer "didn't seem to fit," said Rita Bargerhuff, a 7-Eleven marketing executive. "That was a tough call, but we want to make sure it's considered good, responsible fun."

Bargerhuff predicted extra sales to Simpsons fans will more than offset the cost of the promotion and create new customers for the chain. She also said the chain is prepared for crowds and will have extra security and clerks at the Kwik-E-Marts.

The promotion, however, is not risk-free. The proprietor of Kwik-E-Mart is a man named Apu who speaks in a heavy Indian accent. He is based on a manager Groening encountered while shopping at a 7-Eleven in Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago and plays to stereotypes about convenience-store operators and Asian immigrants.

Many of 7-Eleven's franchisees are Indian, company officials say, although they say they don't track exact numbers. Bargerhuff said they were "overwhelmingly positive" after hearing of the Kwik-E-Mart idea, but "it was not a 100 percent endorsement."

"There was definitely a concern of offending people," she said. "But they seemed to understand that 'The Simpsons' makes fun of everybody. The vast majority saw this as a great opportunity."

That's the case for Kumar Assandas, a 28-year-old franchisee whose parents immigrated from India. His store in suburban Las Vegas is one of the temporary Kwik-E-Marts.

"I know it's a stereotype, but it doesn't bother me. Everybody knows it's a joke," Assandas said. "I'm a big Simpsons fan myself, and maybe subconsciously it even inspired me to become a 7-Eleven owner."

Lakers owner plays stud in Vegas

Lakers owner Jerry Buss entered a $10,000 7-card stud tournament in Las Vegas on Saturday, the day before his team played the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the NBA finals.

The three-day tournament was part of the World Series of Poker being played at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Buss was eliminated on the first day.

Buss, known to be an avid poker player who enters tournaments and plays high stakes cash games, won about $33,000 to finish third in a 7-card stud tournament at the 1991 World Series of Poker.

CALENDAR CONFUSION.(development of calendars)

THE BABYLONIANS. The Babylonians used a lunar calendar of 29- and 30-day months equaling 354 lunar days. To realign the movement of the seasons and stars, they added an occasional month. Every eight years, another three months were added to coordinate with the solar year.

THE EGYPTIANS. The Egyptians designed a solar calendar with twelve 30-day months (360 days in all). The missing extra five days were put at the end of the year as birthdays of the five most important gods.

THE ROMANS. Our present-day calendar goes back to the Romans, 2700 years ago. The first Roman calendar had only ten months -- six months of 30 days, and four months of 31. Someone didn't figure the math on this one first, as the Roman calendar came up 61 1/4 days short of the solar year.

The bad math quickly caught up with the Romans, and holidays and seasons were showing up at the wrong times. So, the second king of Rome, Numa, changed the calendar by adding 51 days to the year. Because he had extra days, he needed two new months and thus introduced January and February.

Numa's calendar of 355 days was ten days too short (one 28-day month, four 31-day ones, and seven 29-day ones). So, for lack of a better idea, the Romans added another month, Mercedinus, after February, when it was needed to balance out the solar year. However, they didn't always remember to do this, and seasons started showing up in the wrong months again.

Julius Caesar, emperor of Rome, decided to fix that.

After consulting his astronomer, Sosigenes, Caesar did some radical calendar surgery. He added three months, giving the year 46 B.C. 445 days. It was a long year (the Romans dubbed it "the year of confusion"), but it started out the next year, 45 B.C., in the right season.

To keep things running smoothly, he put the Julian calendar into effect. This was a solar calendar with 30- and 31-day months, with the added twist of a leap year. This meant that every four years, an additional day was added to February to make up for the extra 1/4-day each year.

Because of this bright idea, the month of Quintilis was changed to July in honor of Julius Caesar.

Caesar's calendar had been the best so far, but it was still not quite right. The solar cycle is only about 365 1/4 days long -- actually, it's 11 minutes and 14 seconds short of that. This doesn't sound like a lot, but after 400 years, the Julian calendar was coming out three days ahead. By the 16th century, the calendar had the spring equinox arriving ten days earlier than usual, and that just wouldn't do for planning the date for Easter.

Pope Gregory XIII was the man who found the answer to the missing minutes, by slightly changing the rule for leap years. He ruled that for the "century" years, only the ones that could be divided evenly by 400 would be leap years.

The Pope had fixed the future calendar (now known as the "Gregorian calendar"}, but he still had to fix his own. What else to do, but drop some extra days?

So, in 1582, October 4 was followed by October 15.

Now our calendar is in pretty good shape. About the only change we have to make these days is buying a new one each year.

The calendar tells you what day school starts on, what day you birthday falls on, and what day you celebrate Thanksgiving. But what if didn't have a calendar? Would you know when these things happened?

Years ago, people didn't. They had to rely on the movements of the Sun and the Moon to tell them when certain days were. So having a calendar seemed like a good idea. The trouble was, no one could decide how it should be set up. How many days should be in a year, or a month?

The lunar cycle is 29 1/2 days along. The solar cycle is 365 1/4 days long. The problem was that twelve lunar months (354 days) don't add up to a solar year. It's eleven and a quarter days short. But adding another lunar month makes the solar year eighteen and a half days too long. People wanted to use the Moon and the Sun as their guide, but they didn't know just how to make it work.

Calendar confusion was the result. Let's look at the ways different people have tried to calculate their calendars, and how we ended up with the system we use today.

The Romans also decided to make March, with 31 days, the first month of the year. There were no January and February yet, and July (the fifth month) and August (the sixth) had different names. July was Quintilis and August was Sextilis, after the Latin names for five and six. September, October, November, and December come from the Latin numbers Septem (7), October (8), novem (9), and decem (10).

January was named after the Roman god Janus, the god of gates. He had a head with two faces, for looking forward and backward from the new year to the old and vice versa. This was a clever idea on Numa's part, but January didn't become the first month until 300 years after his death. In the meantime, it was used for the eleventh month. February was named for the Roman god Februus, and started out as the twelfth month before it became the second.

The century 1700, 1800, 1900 were not leap years, but the year 2000 will be, as will the year 2400.

Not everyone uses the Gregorian calendar, usually because of religious reasons. Check out these calendars.

* The Hebrew calendar uses a 19-year lunisolar pattern consisting of 12 years with 12 months, and 7 years with 13 months. In a 13-month year (every three years), the sixth month is repeated. According to tradition, the Hebrew calendar date is 3,760 years and three months ahead of ours.

* The Islamic calendar uses a 12-month lunar cycle, with a 30-year pattern of nineteen 354-day years and eleven 355-day leap years. This pattern moves backward through the seasons, bringing the Islamic holidays full circle every 32 1/2 years.

* The Chinese calendar is lunar-based. It designates years in cycles of 60. The years in each cycle are given names after animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. (Our year 2000, the year of the dragon, will be the 17th year in the 78th cycle.)

It was another 170 years before England and the American colonies made the move to the Gregorian calendar. By then, they had 11 days to drop. Russia didn't adopt it until 1918! They had to skip thirteen days.

Different calendars have been proposed over the years. Would you choose any of these?

* World Calendar: 12-month, 52-week, 364-day year. Starts on Sunday, January 1. The 365th day would be called Year-End Day -- it would have no date or day of the week. Leap-year days would have no day or date either, and would fall between the last day of June and first day of July. Months would have 31 and 30 days.

* International Fixed Calendar or Thirteen-Month Calendar. A year would be divided into 13 months of 28 days each, with the 365th day called a Year Day, with no date. In leap years, an extra day would be added after June 28. All Sundays would fall on the 1st, 8th, 15th, or 22nd of each month. The extra month would be called Sol, and put between June and July.

* Perpetual Calendar: similar to the World Calendar, but weeks would start on Monday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Everyone talks about the year 2000 being the beginning of the new millennium. Not so. The new millennium doesn't start until January 1, 2001 (a Monday, by the way).

Why is this? Because "0" was not used at the time our dating system was created.

The first year began with A.D. 1. Therefore, the first century had to run from A.D. 1 to A.D. 101 to make 100 years.

The same is true of the millennium. It runs from A.D. 1001 to A.D. 2001. Remember, "to" means up to, but not including.

No one has really thought of a good nickname yet for the first decade of the 21st century. Some suggest calling it the "double 0s"; others say "the zeros." What do you think is a good name? Send your suggestion to ODYSSEY -- we'll print some in a future issue.

Kelly Musselman is a writer in Fredericksburg, Texas. She plans to wait a year before celebrating the millennium.