Archive for Thursday, March 30, 2006

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Filmmakers to show Katrina documentary demo
March 30, 2006
A free short demo video of a documentary on Hurricane Katrina produced by local filmmakers will be premiered tonight in Lawrence.
Chat with Sen. Phil Journey about concealed carry
March 30, 2006
Sen. Journey, R-Haysville, discusses the concerns and implications of the new concealed carry law.
School finance debate under way in Senate
March 30, 2006
The Senate today started work on school finance legislation under pressure from the Kansas Supreme Court to increase funding and under pressure from the clock as the end of the first part of the session neared.
Douglas County in tornado watch through 6 p.m.
Line of thunderstorms brings heavy downpours, strong winds, pea-sized hail
07:13 a.m., March 30, 2006 Updated 03:12 p.m.
The Lawrence area has been pelted by heavy rain and pea-sized hail this afternoon, and more severe weather could be on the way, says Jennifer Schack, 6News meteorologist.
Highlights from the Kansas Legislature
March 30, 2006
Highlights of Wednesday’s activities at the Kansas Legislature.
Author discusses ‘coming housing crisis’
March 30, 2006
So is the housing market busting its bubble?
Ottawa center to add jobs
American Eagle to expand plant
March 30, 2006
American Eagle Outfitters is preparing to double the size of its distribution center in Ottawa and add 300 jobs in five years.
Colleges may get tuition interest
KU would keep $3.6M under bill
March 30, 2006
Kansas University would get a $3.6 million boost under a bill given preliminary approval by the House on Wednesday.
Westar figure asks to remain free pending appeal
March 30, 2006
A former Westar Energy executive, saying he poses no flight risk or danger to the community, has asked a federal judge to let him stay out of prison pending the appeal of his convictions for looting the utility.
Baseball to probe past use of steroids
March 30, 2006
Major League Baseball will investigate alleged steroid use by Barry Bonds and other players and plans to hire former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell to lead the effort.
Kemp tickled by invite
March 30, 2006
An invitation to the WNBA pre-draft camp was huge news to Kansas University senior Crystal Kemp.
Sampson takes over at Indiana
Ex-OU coach signs seven-year deal, vows return to glory
March 30, 2006
Indiana fans greeted new Hoosiers coach Kelvin Sampson with a standing ovation. His next job is keeping them on their feet.
Bush mistake
March 30, 2006
To the editor: In his March 22 letter, Dennis Saleebey asked, “For the president of the United States, which of the following could be an impeachable offense?”, then listed several real or perceived offenses committed by President Bush and one committed by Bill Clinton.
Lawyers question ads touting asbestos bill
Kansas Chamber of Commerce says intent is to prevent lawsuits
March 30, 2006
Earlier this week, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce ran full-page ads in several newspapers in the state, including this one, urging readers to call or write their legislators about a bill it says will keep the state from becoming “a hotbed for frivolous asbestos lawsuits.”
Misleading ad
March 30, 2006
To the editor: Once again the Kansas Chamber is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a misinformation campaign, this time with the misleading full-page ad, “Keep Kansas Jobs.”
Aid suspended to Palestinian Authority
March 30, 2006
Canada joined Israel in suspending aid to the Palestinian Authority because the new Hamas-led government refuses to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
Soyuz rocket lifts off for space station
March 30, 2006
A Russian Soyuz rocket streaked into the skies today over the Central Asian steppe, launching a U.S.-Russian-Brazilian crew on a mission to the international space station.
Taliban attack kills U.S., Canadian soldiers
March 30, 2006
Taliban militants launched a rare attack Wednesday on a coalition base in southern Afghanistan, killing an American and a Canadian soldier and sparking fierce U.S.-led retaliation that left 32 insurgents dead in the bloodiest fighting in months.
Afghan convert granted asylum
March 30, 2006
The Afghan man who faced the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity received asylum in Italy on Wednesday, despite requests by lawmakers in Afghanistan that he be barred from fleeing the conservative Muslim country.
Former Liberian leader sent to war-crimes tribunal
March 30, 2006
A handcuffed Charles Taylor was flown to Sierra Leone on Wednesday after he was captured carrying sacks of cash, opening the way for the former Liberian president to become the first African head of state tried for war crimes by an international court.
U.N. warns Iran to halt uranium enrichment
March 30, 2006
The U.N. Security Council made its first move Wednesday to deal with Iran’s nuclear ambitions, warning it to suspend its uranium enrichment activities and to cooperate with the U.N.’s nuclear agency.
Alcohol consumption benefits questioned
March 30, 2006
If you think a glass of wine in the evening is good for your heart, think again.
Water supply safe after teens’ break-in
March 30, 2006
Tests found no evidence of chemical contamination in the town’s drinking water supply after three teenagers allegedly broke into a water storage facility, authorities said Wednesday.
Senate bill would curb off-reservation casinos
March 30, 2006
Should Indian tribes be allowed to build casinos outside their reservations? No, according to a Senate bill approved Wednesday.
First bird-flu vaccine only partly effective; work under way to boost its power
March 30, 2006
The nation’s first vaccine against bird flu is only modestly effective, producing apparent protection in slightly over half the people who receive two mega-dose shots, initial testing shows. The worrisome findings underscore the urgency of brewing a better vaccine.
Merger of Maytag, Whirlpool gets OK
March 30, 2006
Antitrust regulators on Wednesday approved Whirlpool Corp.’s proposed $1.79 billion purchase of Maytag Corp., saying the merger would not reduce competition substantially.
Google share sale to finance growth
March 30, 2006
Google Inc. filed plans Wednesday to sell another 5.3 million shares of its prized stock, hoping to raise more than $2 billion to finance its expansion plans and pay for possible acquisitions.
Movers, contractor win state awards
March 30, 2006
Starving Artists Moving and Comtech Construction Systems, both of Lawrence, received state awards this month from the Kansas Small Business Development Center and its eight regional centers.
Commodities
March 30, 2006
Daily ticker
March 30, 2006
Out of house and home
After fire consumes residence, beloved pet, teacher must start anew
March 30, 2006
The school teacher lost nearly everything Saturday night. The fire that ate through Carol Alvarez’s house stole her shelter, her car and her best friend of 18 years.
New volume controls for iPods may ease hearing-loss concerns
March 30, 2006
Apparently, Apple Computer Inc. is listening. In a world where hearing problems are real, concerns are mounting and lawyers are looking to make gadget providers liable, the maker of the predominant iPod music player has created new volume controls.
Mileage standards raised for big SUVs
March 30, 2006
The Bush administration announced new fuel economy standards Wednesday that, in a break with past practice, would cover the largest sport utility vehicles for the first time.
People in the news
March 30, 2006
• Abdul renews ‘Idol’ contract • Survey says: O’Hurley • Broadway sensation • Singer Tom Jones knighted
Events leading to shooting of Reagan traced
March 30, 2006
Twenty-five years after the event, “The Plot to Kill: Ronald Reagan” (10 p.m., History Channel) recalls John Hinckley’s peculiar odyssey from mixed-up kid to would-be assassin.
Game show takes New Yorkers for a ride
March 30, 2006
Of the 13,000 cabs in New York City, only one pays you. On “Cash Cab,” a Discovery Channel reality game show, people plop themselves into the back of a seemingly normal, yellow van taxi. But then lights on the ceiling begin flashing and the driver turns around to inform the passengers they’re on television.
Concerns slow response to servitude case
March 30, 2006
Seven weeks after two victims’ stories had legislative leaders promising to seek better protections from abuse for disabled and mentally ill Kansans, an effort to rewrite state law has hit a snag.
On the record
March 30, 2006
Student magazine to host benefit show
March 30, 2006
The Kiosk, a Kansas University student literary magazine, will host a benefit show at 9 p.m., Wednesday at The Jackpot Saloon, 943 Mass.
Sen. Journey to chat about concealed guns
March 30, 2006
One of the sponsors of a new law that will allow concealed guns to be carried in Kansas will take part in an online chat today.
Crime at KU drops about 7 percent
March 30, 2006
Crimes reported on Kansas University’s Lawrence campus dropped about 7 percent in 2005, according to reports released Wednesday by KU’s Public Safety Office.
Lawrence Police captain to retire
March 30, 2006
Lawrence Police Capt. Kevin Harmon, a 27-year veteran of the department, will officially retire Saturday. His last day on the job was March 18.
Governor requests federal storm help
March 30, 2006
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday that she has asked for federal assistance to repair damaged state and local infrastructure in Douglas and Wyandotte counties from the March 12 storm.
Patrol seeks fuel deals
March 30, 2006
The Journal-World found gas prices as low as $2.33 at Citgo, Ninth and Iowa streets. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.
New city manager may be selected within six months
March 30, 2006
City commissioners hope to have a new city manager selected within at least six months.
Campus housing not what it used to be
Book: Life at KU included chores, dress codes, curfews, sharing beds
March 30, 2006
These days, just sharing a room can be too much for a college student. But when John Conard went to Kansas University in the 1940s, he had to share a bed.
Senate ready to debate school finance proposals
March 30, 2006
Senators were preparing to debate several school finance proposals to see which ideas have legs in their chamber, while critics hoped to undermine support among Johnson County legislators for a $633 million plan approved by the House.
House advances legislation limiting picketing at funerals
March 30, 2006
The Rev. Fred Phelps will have to use a large megaphone to be heard by those attending Kansas funerals of soldiers killed in combat under legislation gaining first-round approval Wednesday in the House.
Private prisons may be on horizon in Kansas
March 30, 2006
The state’s top prison official said Wednesday that he would rather not have them, but lawmakers are poised to approve private prisons.
Vintage advertising popular at auctions
March 30, 2006
Vintage advertising, especially tin signs, are being treated like rare folk art by some collectors. Hundreds of each sign were printed or lithographed on a tin backing and sent to stores to be displayed. The images were sometimes just the brand name or logo, but signs made before the 1920s featured detailed pictures of famous people, sites or colorful pictures of a product. The images that intrigued buyers 100 years ago are still popular. They include attractive women, celebrities from movies or sports, patriotic images like the Statue of Liberty or George Washington, cute babies, trains, cars, airplanes and humorous subjects.
Controversial religious scholar to visit Lawrence
March 30, 2006
Wendy Doniger knows something about religious controversy.
Ballpark food scores points
March 30, 2006
Think eating at the ballpark means you have to look like Babe Ruth, Tommy Lasorda or the Philly Phanatic? Maybe not.
More gas stations to sell ethanol blend
Bill to lower tax on e85 awaits Sebelius’ signature
March 30, 2006
More gas stations in Kansas are poised to offer e85, an ethanol-gasoline blend that requires a specially manufactured engine to burn, thanks to a number of state and federal incentives.
Commentary: Patriots turn world upside down
March 30, 2006
Things that have happened since George Mason reached the Final Four over the weekend.
U.S. will be lonelier after Blair
March 30, 2006
Tony Charles Lynton Blair’s decision not to seek a fourth-term as British prime minister is bad news indeed for 61 million Britons and 298 million Americans. And it is a major blow to the great Atlantic alliance so carefully constructed by another British prime minister and stalwart friend of America, Winston Churchill.
Personal agenda of death
March 30, 2006
Whoever thought that Terri Schiavo would rest in peace? A year after her death, her parents and husband are back in the spotlight with “his” and “theirs” books. A year and two weeks after her feeding tube was removed, they are making dueling appearances on television. Sixteen years after she fell into a persistent vegetative state, they have opposing organizations launched in her memory.
Old home town - 100 years ago today
March 30, 2006
From the Lawrence Daily World for March 30, 1906: “Ohio is having its spring floods and it is hoped our Kaw River will not hear about it. It’s time to watch out for cyclones and heavy rain.”
Old home town - 40 years ago today
March 30, 2006
Kansas University’s “new” Fraser Hall was under construction and was adding a new look to the skyline to the east. Many were critical of the new structure, which was replacing a nostalgic old twin-tower building that had been torn down because experts said it was a poor candidate for renovation.
Old home town - 25 years ago today
March 30, 2006
Funeral path
March 30, 2006
To the editor: In regard to the traffic-calming devices, which I have another name for, I know some of our city commissioners are tying to do what the taxpayers like to hear, especially Mr. Amyx.
Global view
March 30, 2006
To the editor: I’ve lived in Lawrence since 1993, but have also lived overseas for several years, currently in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Immigration needs measured approach
March 30, 2006
America, the only developed nation that shares a long — 2,000-mile — border with a Third World nation, could seal that border. East Germany showed how: walls, barbed wire, machine-gun-toting border guards in towers, mine fields, large irritable dogs. And we have modern technologies that East Germany never had — sophisticated sensors, unmanned surveillance drones, etc.
Predicting the future
Trying to guess now how future Legislatures will provide increased funding for Kansas schools is next to impossible.
March 30, 2006
Fiscal responsibility is a virtue for elected government officials at any level, but locking in a three-year funding plan for Kansas schools is an exercise in futility.
Horoscopes
March 30, 2006
For Thursday, March 30
Diligence required to control pesky weeds
March 30, 2006
Although the recent rains and warmer days have brought about a welcome change in the landscape, several less-than-desirable plants are out-greening the lawn, shrubs or flowers. A combination of grassy and broadleaf weeds are quickly becoming the focal point of the spring show, taking away from the hyacinth, forsythia and quince.
Indians give Sizemore six-year deal
March 30, 2006
The Cleveland Indians locked up their center field position into the next decade, agreeing Wednesday to a $23.45 million, six-year contract with Grady Sizemore.
Graffanino wastes no time, belts slam
Newly acquired infielder connects off Mariners’ Moyer in Royals’ 10-all deadlock
March 30, 2006
Kansas City’s Tony Graffanino, claimed off waivers from Boston on Tuesday, hit a grand slam Wednesday in the Royals’ 10-10 tie with the Seattle Mariners.
Bell expects improved K.C. defense
Outfielder Guiel optioned to Omaha; Costa remains on roster
March 30, 2006
Kansas City Royals manager Buddy Bell knows a bit about defense.
Oden laid back at All-American game
No longer trying to impress scouts, player of the year takes it easy
March 30, 2006
No player came into this week’s McDonald’s High School All-American festivities with as much of a reputation as Greg Oden.
Three teams in Cinderella’s shadow
In any other year, Florida, LSU or UCLA might have worn the slipper; then there was GMU
March 30, 2006
Florida, LSU and UCLA each have one seemingly impossible task this weekend — trying to steal some attention from the darlings of the Final Four.
Correction
March 30, 2006
A story about Kansas University basketball recruit Sherron Collins in Wednesday’s Journal-World contained incorrect information about the Jayhawks’ recruiting class for the 2006-07 season.
Free State swimmers win Manhattan meet
March 30, 2006
The Free State High girls swimming and diving team won a three-team meet Wednesday. The Firebirds scored 231 points to beat Manhattan (186) and Junction City (92). Firebirds Rebecca Glass, Maddie Glass, Sarah Clark and Ashley Robinson all won at least one individual event.
Fightin’ Indians to leave CSFL
March 30, 2006
After six seasons as a member of the Central States Football League, Haskell Indian Nations University will operate as an independent this fall.
Haskell has new QB
Versatile Harris moved to full-time wide receiver for Indians
March 30, 2006
Kaleb Harris can run. Harris can throw. And the Haskell Indian Nations University football player can catch.
Arrocha repaired, ready for softball again
March 30, 2006
Damage at Arrocha Ballpark has been repaired. Now if the weather just will cooperate.
Kansas rocks Shocks
Record crowd watches KU upend WSU, 8-2
March 30, 2006
He might not have all the facts just yet, but Kansas University left fielder John Allman has seen enough to come to his own conclusion.
Collins makes mark
KU signee’s dunk highlights West’s victory
March 30, 2006
Sherron Collins spent his first three days in Southern California talking about assists. In the end, he saved the best one for himself.
Olympic sprinters to rumble at Relays
March 30, 2006
Kansas Relays meet director Tim Weaver had the dream: two world-class sprinters, fist-bumping their boxing gloves before going at it one-on-one.
Final Four latest carrot for voters
Mayor says bid dependent on Arrowhead roof; NCAA makes no promises
March 30, 2006
Mayor Kay Barnes said Wednesday she was “very optimistic” Kansas City could get a Final Four if voters approved tax measures to fund renovations and a rolling roof at the Truman Sports Complex.
Keegan: KU has ‘Hog’ hoppin’
March 30, 2006
Baseball historian Bill James was in the nearly full house, which was fortunate timing for him since some baseball history was made on a windy Wednesday night at The Hog.
Cavaliers clinch playoff berth
James pours in 46 points against Mavericks
March 30, 2006
LeBron James was in seventh grade the last time the Cleveland Cavaliers played in the postseason. And he wasn’t even a Cavaliers fan.
Our town sports
March 30, 2006
Sporting a new attitude
Expect to see a more aggressive Jeff Gordon this season
March 30, 2006
Jeff Gordon, the new NASCAR bad boy? In the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Gordon climbed out of his No. 24 Chevrolet after falling from third to 21st when he was spun on the final lap by Matt Kenseth only to find Kenseth walking toward him.
Type of oil field equipment killing migratory birds
March 30, 2006
Federal wildlife inspectors have found hundreds of dead birds in a piece of equipment common to the oil drilling industry that officials had not suspected caused migratory bird deaths.
Wichita authorities find huge stash of commercial fireworks, drugs
March 30, 2006
What started as a drug investigation turned into a job for the Wichita Police Department’s bomb squad after officers turned up a box full of commercial fireworks — some even larger than those used for the grand finale of the annual Wichita River Festival.
Solar eclipse inspires awe across globe
March 30, 2006
Thousands of skygazers gathered in an ancient temple of Apollo and let out cheers Wednesday as a total solar eclipse turned day into twilight, casting an eerie blue glow across the sky and the Mediterranean Sea.
Ryun denies he got ‘sweetheart’ real estate deal
March 30, 2006
U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Kan., issued a statement Wednesday explaining his discounted purchase of a home in 2000 from a nonprofit group that critics say was a slush fund for disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Lobbyist gets minimum in fraud case
Abramoff sentenced to nearly six years in prison
March 30, 2006
Assuring the judge he is working to become “a new man,” disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced Wednesday to nearly six years in prison for committing fraud in the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats.
Iconic lip balm to try on new flavors, advertising
March 30, 2006
For nearly 70 years, loyal, chapped-lipped users have dabbed on Carmex lip balm from its classic yellow package. Customer devotion made it the third-largest selling lip balm in the country despite a lack of advertising, sales campaigns or product updates.
KDOT eager to complete trafficway
Funding remains sticking point; federal review opens new doors
March 30, 2006
Despite objections from a majority of city commissioners, state leaders remain committed to building the eastern leg of the South Lawrence Trafficway, the long-delayed road meant to connect the city’s growing west and east sides to Kansas Highway 10 and Johnson County.
Lawrence datebook
March 30, 2006
Take time to smell the flowers
Making sense of scents in the garden
March 30, 2006
If you wanted a garden just to look at, you could purchase a few good books on gardening and subscribe to a couple of choice magazines on the subject and be done with it.