Also from January 4

Births

• Tamara Todhunter, Lawrence, a boy.
• Kristen and Ryan Kellems, Lawrence, a boy.
• Amanda Hazel and Jeremie Boyd, Lawrence, a boy.
• Thongsy and Jack Pokphanh, Lawrence, a boy.
• Kory and Elizabeth Frank, Lawrence, a boy.
• Jared and Martha Flory, Baldwin City, a boy.

Couples

• Wedding: Rinck and Bartlow
• Wedding: Darting and Schulz
• Wedding: Pierron and York
• Engagement: Bell and White
• Anniversary: Hodge
• Anniversary: McPheeters

Obituaries

• Wayne Donley Morrison, Overbrook
• Edna Baker, Omaha, Neb.
• Jessie M. Branson, Lawrence
• Margaret L. Bartlett, Lawrence
• John Walter Pozdro
• Rachel M. Crown, Baldwin City

On the street

• Would you ever participate in an organized protest or demonstration?
• What are you reading?

Photos

View all of this day's photos (21)

Videos

• The forecast for Monday, January 5 calls for a high …
• With losses to Syracuse, UMass and Arizona, the KU men’s …
• If you’re one of the millions who have resolved to …
• A future road construction project in northwest Lawrence may leave …
• Big Jay and Baby Jay are hoping to live up …
• Protesters marched down Massachusetts Street this past weekend to protest …
• KU is planning several new recycling programs for the upcoming …
• Starting Monday, drivers should anticipate a new ramp when using …
• As Big 12 play draws near for the Kansas women’s …
• Residents explain why they’re protesting Israel’s bombing of the Gaza …
• Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self, center Cole Aldrich and …
• Various high points from Saturday’s Kansas vs. Tennessee game. The …

All stories

KU opts into recycling competition

By Lindsey Slater

January 4, 2009

KU is planning several new recycling programs for the upcoming semester.

Residents might have to help pay for road project

By Lindsey Slater

January 4, 2009

A future road construction project in northwest Lawrence may leave some nearby homeowners with an unexpected bill.

For those resolving to lose weight: turn to tea

By Cathy Hamilton

January 4, 2009

If you’re one of the millions who have resolved to lose weight and get in shape this year, Boomergirl.com’s Cathy Hamilton has a tasty suggestion for you: take time for tea.

Jayhawks hope for another award: best mascot

By Mark Boyle

January 4, 2009

Big Jay and Baby Jay are hoping to live up to the expectations of KU athletics in a mascot competition.

Richardson withdraws nomination for commerce secretary

N.M. governor is being investigated by grand jury

By Nedra Pickler - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A1

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson abandoned his nomination to become commerce secretary under pressure of a grand jury investigation into a state contract awarded to his political donors — an investigation that threatened to embarrass President-elect Barack Obama.

Lawrence man injured in rollover wreck

By Brian Lewis-Jones

01:01 a.m., January 4, 2009 Updated 10:57 p.m.

One man was transported early Sunday by LifeStar helicopter ambulance to Kansas University Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., after a single-vehicle rollover accident at 447 E. 2100 Rd., about four miles northeast of Baldwin City.

Congress salaries

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B6

To the editor:What have we become? A nation that once prided itself on being a “champion of the little guy,” we have just recently witnessed millions being spent on electing a president, billions given to greedy companies who don’t control their people or their spending, and once again, members of Congress giving themselves a $4,700 pay raise!

Marines in combat still seek better body armor

By Chelsea J. Carter - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A6

Acting on widespread complaints from its troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marine Corps has ordered major modifications to its body armor to improve comfort, mobility and safety, The Associated Press has learned.The decision results from a survey of more than 1,000 Marines, many of whom reported that their flak jackets, which cost the Marine Corps more than $100 million, were too heavy and restrictive.

Old Home Town - 25 years ago

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B6

Kansas set a 38-year low for highway fatalities in the year 1983. The 403 deaths recorded since the state counted 302 fatalities in 1945 when due to wartime there were not nearly as many autos on the roads and streets.Local teachers seemed unlikely to get pay hikes in 1984 as high as the nearly 9 percent Gov. John Carlin was calling for. Much depended on state aid to the schools.

Gov. names school chief for Senate vacancy

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

A whip-smart lawyer who has turned successively to the worlds of business and education, Denver Superintendent Michael Bennet won’t have much trouble adjusting to the biggest promotion of his life: to U.S. senator.That’s what colleagues are saying about the Yale-educated lawyer, a quick study who won’t need long to navigate Congress, even though Bennet has never held public office.

People in the news

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D5

• Actor Sam Shepard suspected of DUI• Relative unknown to take lead in ‘Dr Who’

Bush’s legacy will be shaped by his distinct personality

By Ben Feller - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on E8

President George W. Bush will be judged on what he did. He will also be remembered for what he’s like: a fast-moving, phrase-mangling Texan who stays upbeat even though his country is not. For eight years, the nation has been led by a guy who relaxes by clearing brush in scorching heat and taking breakneck bike rides through the woods.

Cut the calls

Kansans should have the option of not receiving charitable and political phone calls.

J-W Editorials

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B6

A new restriction that a Kansas state senator intends to propose on charitable solicitation calls doesn’t go nearly as far as many Kansans would like.

Newton family makes self-defense DVD

By Kathy Hanks - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

As she rushes out into the dark parking lot after shopping at the mall, a text message arrives on her cell phone. Distracted, the young girl becomes oblivious to her surroundings as she replies. That’s when teens and young women can be most vulnerable to an attack, said Chris Rangel, who operates Ultimate Martial Arts, at the Chisholm Trail Factory Outlet Mall in Newton.

Antiques shed light on early lamp-making

By Terry Kovel

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D4

Electric lamps with glass shades were popular from the 1870s to the 1920s.

Familiar faces will be missed in Congress

By David Broder

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B6

When the new Congress begins this week, a great many familiar faces will be missing. While the most notable absentees will be the new president- and vice president-elect, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, something tells me we will see plenty of them in coming months.

Mangino reminds of LHS great

By Bill Mayer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C1

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino and former Lawrence High coach Al Woolard share many characteristics.

Powerful quakes strike Indonesia

By Ali Kotarumalos - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A7

A series of powerful earthquakes at dawn killed at least three people and injured dozens more in remote eastern Indonesia on Sunday, cutting power lines and badly damaging buildings. A 7.6-magnitude quake struck at 4:43 a.m. local time about 85 miles from Manokwari, Papua, at a depth of 22 miles, the U.S. Geological Agency said. It was followed by a strong 7.5 aftershock.

Danny’s heart: Swimmer faces mortality

Open heart surgery puts life in perspective for college student

By Martha Irvine - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A5

This time, when the lanky young man stepped into the pool, his chest was tight. His muscles ached. He pushed off to take his first strokes, and grimaced at the pain. That he was back in the pool just six weeks after open heart surgery was quite remarkable, but he was still a bit crestfallen. He could only swim a few hundred yards.

Downtown Kansas City adds grocery store

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B4

Long on residents’ wish lists, a grocery store is opening in Kansas City’s downtown. Cosentino’s Market Downtown is slated to open Tuesday in the Kansas City Power & Light District. The new 33,000-square-foot store will have meat, seafood, produce, bakery, liquor and floral departments. It also will have a prepared foods area that includes sushi and hot pasta bars.

Mars mission reaches 5th anniversary

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A3

Five years after the NASA rover Spirit landed on Mars, the six-wheel robotic geologist and its twin Opportunity are still on the job. Expectations were far lower when Spirit made a bouncing landing in a cocoon of air bags on Jan. 3, 2004, followed 21 days later by Opportunity: The goal was to try to operate each solar-powered rover for at least three months.

Sproles, Chargers stun Colts in overtime

Olathe product runs wild in Bolts’ 23-17 playoff victory

The Associated Press

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C7

San Diego won its fifth straight game and knocked off Indianapolis, 23-17, in AFC playoff action Saturday.

Chew on these new pet books of all stripes

By Jackie Loohauis-Bennett - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D3

They know their best buddies can be naughty (wrecking the sofa — again). Or their best buddies can be nice (volunteering to be a sickbed foot warmer).

Year of vanishing brands

Economic crisis leaves holes in business landscape

By Lauren Shepherd and Emily Fredrix - Associated Press Writers

January 4, 2009 in print edition on E1

Shoppers won’t be picking up ornate lamps from the Bombay Co. in the coming year. Or investing with Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns. No flying to Hawaii on Aloha Airlines or buying ultra-cheap tickets on Skybus, either.

Religion aside, monkey meat needs permit

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

A federal judge in Brooklyn has rejected a Liberian woman’s religious reasons for smuggling endangered monkey meat into the country. U.S. District Judge Raymond J. Dearie ruled Wednesday that Mamie Manneh’s faith didn’t preclude her from applying for permits to import exotic food or explain why she misled officials.

Food, flowers warm up wintertime weddings

By Tia Albright - WeddingChannel.com

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D8

Winter weddings are totally in! Not only is it a beautiful time of year to get married, but there are also tons of unique ideas to set your wedding apart. From cool blues and rich champagne hues to warm helpings of apple pie and spiced cider, we’ve got some amazing ways for you to turn your winter wedding from drab to fab!

Tech group to learn from business coach

January 4, 2009 in print edition on E1

A business coach who is helping a Lawrence technology business grow even bigger will share his expertise with other technology leaders and their guests during a meeting this month in Lawrence. Steve Broome, of Peak Performance Associates, will address the Jan. 15 annual meeting of the Lawrence Technology Association. His topic: how to generate impact from innovation through implementation.

Number of homicides down in some large U.S. cities

By Carrie Antlfinger - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A3

Killings dropped by a third here last year, making Wisconsin’s largest city among the nation’s most successful in tackling its 2008 murder rate. While New York and Chicago saw an uptick in slayings last year, other cities including Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Los Angeles had fewer violent deaths in ’08 than ’07.

Obama’s silence galling to Arabs

The Chicago Tribune

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

President-elect Barack Obama’s silence on the eight-day-old offensive in Gaza is drawing criticism among Arabs who have grown skeptical about hopes that his administration will break with the Mideast policies of the Bush era.

2 experts to assess Travolta son autopsy

By Chris Gillette - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D5

The Bahamas will use two pathologists to ensure a careful autopsy on John Travolta’s son, who died at the actor’s vacation home in Grand Bahama, the territory’s health minister said Saturday. Dr. Hubert Minnis told The Associated Press that he decided to use a second specialist to guarantee a thorough assessment of what might have caused Jett Travolta’s death.

Cards top Falcons

Arizona wins first playoff game since 1947

The Associated Press

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C7

The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 30-24, in first-round NFC playoff action on Saturday. Kurt Warner opened with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald and connected with Anquan Boldin on a 71-yard scoring play as the Cardinals beat Atlanta 30-24 Saturday before a raucous, towel-waving crowd.

KU licks Volunteers

Collins sparks KU win

By Gary Bedore

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C1

Unable to sleep, Sherron Collins cell-phoned a loved one at 1:15 a.m. Saturday for some soothing words of wisdom: 22-year-old big brother Steve Collins, in Chicago. “I told him I couldn’t stop thinking about the game,” Sherron Collins, Kansas University’s emotional point guard, said. “He said, ‘You will be all right. You’ll do good. You live for these games.’

So many ways to say ‘I loathe you’

By Gail Rosenblum - Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D8

As President Bush learned recently, getting a shoe thrown at your head doesn’t tend to say “I love you” in any language. It’s particularly insulting in the Arab world, where shoes are considered ritually unclean. Here are other ways to share deliberate disgust — or demonstrate unintentional cultural ignorance — across the globe.

Obama women arrive in Washington

By Philip Elliott and Dina Cappiello - Associated Press Writers

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A4

Michelle Obama and her two daughters arrived Saturday in Washington, ahead of President-elect Barack Obama who was expected to make the trip the next day. The Obamas arrived at their temporary home at the Hay-Adams Hotel, near the White House, on Saturday evening. Aides confirmed their arrival only after the Obamas checked into the hotel and declined to release any details. They had no public schedule.

Wheel Genius: Road work this week

By Mark Fagan

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B3

With the new year comes a new approach for eastbound traffic coming into Lawrence on the Kansas Turnpike. The Kansas Turnpike Authority on Monday plans to open its new ramp at exit 204 — that’s the East Lawrence interchange, which empties onto North Third Street in North Lawrence.

Officials: Senior Taliban figure arrested

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A7

Pakistan has arrested a former spokesman for Taliban leader Mullah Omar who was released by Afghanistan in 2007 in exchange for a kidnapped Italian journalist, security officials said Saturday. Authorities detained Ustad Mohammed Yasir in the northwest city of Peshawar near the Afghan border, said an intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.A Peshawar police official confirmed the arrest, but neither specified when it occurred.

Former Cherokee County D.A. to be sentenced for extortion

By Roxana Hegeman - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B8

A former Cherokee County prosecutor who received perks and money from a Galena adult club in return for favorable legal treatment — including dismissal of a speeding ticket for the club’s manager — is to be sentenced on Monday for extortion.

Katy Perry fills music’s ‘quirky girl’ void

By Nekesa Mumbi Moody - AP Music Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D7

Don’t get Katy Perry twisted: She absolutely loves being pop’s quirky poster girl, the wild child who doesn’t censor herself and causes raised eyebrows with songs like “Ur So Gay” and “I Kissed a Girl.” But for all her success over the last year, Perry is hoping that songs like her most recent No. 1, “Hot n Cold,” show she has more to offer than kitsch and controversy.

Protesters decry Gaza Strip bombing

Palestinian supporters march on Mass. Street

By Christine Metz

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B1

On the same day that Israeli ground forces entered the Gaza Strip, protesters in Lawrence marched down Massachusetts Street denouncing the country’s military escalation. Wrapped in or waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags, carrying signs that asked for peace, handing out pamphlets and chanting for a free Palestinian nation, protesters were speaking out against what they said was the killing and harming of innocent civilians by the hand of Israel.

Jenkins outlines goals for Congress

Former state treasurer discusses campaign, family

The Associated Press

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B5

On her last day as state treasurer, Lynn Jenkins told The Topeka Capital-Journal that her public divorce and congressional campaign were “extremely hard.” But the Republican, who left the treasurer’s office Friday, looks forward to the future and taking over the reins of the 2nd Congressional District.

Stoops denies Denver rumors

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C2

It’s becoming an annual event: A prime coaching job opens up, Bob Stoops’ name lands on the supposed short list of candidates, only for him to say he’s happy at Oklahoma.

Young lobbyist takes case to city

Sixth-grader gets law changed, new pet

By Chad Lawhorn

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A1

Anybody who has been around City Hall for long has seen his type before. Lobbyist. Attorney. Paid advocate. He’s wearing a suit and tie and carrying a stack full of personalized folders for city commissioners. No one — no one — wears a tie to a City Commission meeting unless they’re paid to.

Horoscopes

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D5

This year, give up the feeling that you always need to make the first move. You will have a tendency to get impatient because you would like everything done yesterday. In any case, you will accomplish a lot, even if it’s not at the speed you would like. Often you will rethink situations on the basis of your personal need for transformation. You are willing to grow and transform. If you are single, you will want a closer relationship, but be careful that the need doesn’t drive you into a situation.

Be careful when bargain shopping in this economy

By Debra D. Bass - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D2

Because of circumstances beyond the comprehension of most of us, the economy is still weak and the business climate remains uncertain if not downright scary. This is bad news. But as a result, companies need to move product and services rapidly to stay afloat, and so nearly everything appears to be on sale. This is good news.

Pastor, designer create Wichita comic hero

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B2

An area pastor has teamed up with a designer to create a comic book hero whose purpose is to fight social problems such as HIV and domestic and gang violence. The character is called Wichita Man, and he will make his debut at the end of the month. The Kansas Health Foundation has granted New Day Christian Church pastor Reuben Eckels nearly $24,000 to illustrate, print and distribute the comic magazine.

Obama’s picks bringing round ball to Oval Office

By William Hageman Chicago Tribune

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D4

After naming Chicago schools boss Arne Duncan as his choice to be secretary of education, President-elect Barack Obama said, “I think we are putting together the best basketball-playing Cabinet in American history.” Oh. Really. Well, how might an all-NBA/WNBA Cabinet look?

Crowd, guard fired up

By Tom Keegan

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C1

Sherron Collins dribbled out of the tunnel, teammates bouncing behind him, and Allen Fieldhouse erupted in a way it hadn’t yet this season. The outburst itself didn’t provide the first clue that the Allen Fieldhouse streak would grow Saturday afternoon. The way the Tennessee players reacted to it did. They all flashed huge grins, bounced up and down with a little something extra. They came off so self-conscious in doing it. It looked so affected.

Obama can learn from experience, mistakes

By David Shribman

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B7

Look who’s coming to lunch. The old guy who flopped as a president, triumphed as an ex-president and has become the conscience of the nation, maybe the world. The presidential father, who created maybe the broadest international military coalition in history, beat Iraq but spared Saddam Hussein. The big dog we call Bubba, who presided over (mostly) peace and (mostly) prosperity and who married well. The current commander-in-chief, with low approval ratings but a high sense of duty — history will reward him for this — when it comes to the transfer of power. And the new guy.

City to house exiled writer Taslima Nasrin

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A7

The Paris mayor’s office says it has decided to provide exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin with a rent-free apartment in the French capital. A spokesman says the writer asked the city for help after being made an honorary citizen.

Sri Lanka presses on with fight against separatists

By Krishan Francis - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A8

Sri Lankan forces launched air strikes and ground assaults on ethnic Tamil rebels in the north Saturday, a day after dealing the separatists’ struggle for autonomy a devastating blow by capturing their de facto capital, the military said.

Man’s last lotto ticket wins $10M for widow

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

On the day that Donald Peters died, he unknowingly provided financial security for his wife of 59 years and their family. Peters bought two Connecticut Lottery tickets at a local 7-Eleven store on Nov. 1 as part of a 20-year tradition he shared with his wife Charlotte. Later that day, the 79-year-old retired hat factory worker suffered a fatal heart attack while working in his yard in Danbury.

Cell phone soap operas try to deliver safe-sex message

By Angela Delli Santi - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A4

“Hey baby, you OK?” Mike asks his girlfriend as she sits down next to him. “Yeah, I’m OK,” Toni says, and she puts her head on his shoulder. Mike thinks it’s safe to move in for a kiss. “Slow down,” she says, pushing him back. “Just because I’ve decided to take you back, it doesn’t erase the fact that you cheated on me.” He looks away sheepishly.

Opposition leader wins Ghana presidency

By Francis Kokutse - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A8

Opposition leader John Atta Mills was declared Ghana’s next president Saturday in a peaceful ballot that secured the West African nation’s place as a beacon of democracy on a volatile continent. Ghana also is now one of the few countries in Africa to successfully transfer power twice from one legitimately elected leader to another.

Shelters see surge in abandoned horses

The Associated Press

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B4

Dogs and cats aren’t the only animals suffering as the economy takes a toll on pet owners. Rescue groups in Kansas say they’re seeing a surge in the number of horses being abandoned, especially older horses. “Their owners can’t or don’t want to take care of them and turn them loose,” said Andre Miller, president and founder of the Hope in the Valley Equine Rescue and Sanctuary near Valley Center.

Students try energy-efficient home

By Roger McKinney - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B4

For their eighth house, students in Baxter Springs High School’s advanced building trades class are trying an energy-efficient alternative. The students are using Insulating Concrete Forms. Both the building material and the technique have seen rapid growth over the past few years. The students are building the house at 10th Street and Washington Avenue, on a lot that was once occupied by the city hospital.

Old Home Town - 100 years ago

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B6

From the Lawrence Daily World for Jan. 4, 1909: “The women of Lawrence can vote in the coming municipal primaries, according to the state attorney general. This question has puzzled local attorneys for some time and the state seems to have settled it. … December proved to be the driest month in 41 years of records here and yet 1908 proved to be the rainiest year. Some parts of Kansas, including some of our regions, got as much as 48 inches of rain, about twice the normal.”

12-year-old boy guilty in mom’s shooting

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A3

A 12-year-old boy who fatally shot his mother after an argument over his chores was found guilty of premeditated murder. Judge James Conlogue found the boy guilty after a hearing Friday in Cochise County Superior Court in the southern Arizona town of Bisbee. The boy is not being identified because he was charged as a juvenile.

Little falls short

Junior makes debut — with drawers

By Jesse Newell

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C4

Markieff Morris noticed something funny about Mario Little as Little, Kansas University’s junior-college transfer, was about to leave the locker room for pregame warm-ups. “He put his compression shorts on. He put his sneaks on and was on his way walking out. I was like, ‘’Rio, where you going without your shorts?’” Markieff said with a laugh. “He was like, ‘Oh.’” In his first game as a Jayhawk, Little had forgotten one of the essentials.

Famed Rainbow Room to close restaurant, citing economy

By Jennifer Peltz - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

The recession has reached the ritzy Rainbow Room, the special-occasion spot that overlooks midtown Manhattan from high above the tourist-attracting Rockefeller Center skating rink. With business slowing and an ongoing lease dispute, the venue’s Italian-themed Rainbow Grill restaurant plans to shutter as of Jan. 12, a spokesman said Saturday. Its bar, banquet space and the weekend dinner-dancing sessions that reflect its glamorous history will continue on the 65th floor.

Dozens missing after boat capsizes

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

Dozens of people were missing Sunday after an overcrowded boat carrying mostly women and children capsized in a river in eastern Nepal. More than 50 people were believed on board the boat and only six were rescued from the Saptakosi river, about 250 miles southeast of the capital Katmandu, government official Durga Bhandari said.

Slow start dooms Volunteers

Tennessee dug 25-9 hole by second TV timeout

By Jesse Temple

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C5

Rocky Top encountered a rocky stop on the road Saturday afternoon. The 14th-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team, traveling to a crammed and rowdy Allen Fieldhouse, surrendered more points to an opponent than in any game this season in a 92-85 loss against Kansas University.

Warlock predicts U.S. troops on border

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

Mexico’s self-proclaimed “Grand Warlock” says the United States will pull troops out of Iraq in 2009 and send them to the border with Mexico in an attempt to expand its territory. The prediction from Antonio Vazquez comes with a word of warning though: his record of projecting the future is spotty at best.

A few popular presents rise above the recession

The Washington Post

January 4, 2009 in print edition on E1

The presents have been unwrapped, the tree taken down. And Santa still hasn’t brought you that Wii. Don’t worry. You are not alone. Despite the economic gloom and doom that saddled this Christmas shopping season, a few products rose above the recession and flew off the shelves faster than eight magical reindeer.

Who knows what ’09 will bring?

By Carl Leubsdorf

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B7

A year ago, we predicted that Barack Obama would win the presidency with 353 electoral votes and pick a Clinton as his secretary of state. (OK, we said Bill Clinton and pegged Al Gore as Obama’s running mate and Mitt Romney as the GOP nominee. Nobody’s perfect.) Here is how 2009 might unfold:

Somali insurgents take over 3 police stations

By Mohamed Olad Hassan - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A6

Islamic insurgents appeared to be scrambling for power Saturday, taking over several police stations in the capital as Ethiopian troops who have been propping up the government began to pull out, witnesses said. Many fear the Ethiopian pullout — and last month’s resignation of Somalia’s president — will cause Islamic militant groups to fight among themselves for power, bringing even more chaos to this beleaguered Horn of African nation.

Cops: Dad told to pay child support kills son

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A3

A man who initially told police gunmen kidnapped his 2 1/2-year-old son was arrested Saturday, accused of committing an “extremely hideous” murder because he was ordered to pay child support, Police Superintendent Warren Riley said.

Make changes in your life in 2009 with these 52 small tips

By Liz Doup, Nick Sortal and John Tanasychuk - Sun Sentinel

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D2

The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they’re way too big.

On the record

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B2

Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical reported no calls Saturday.

City mulls expanding inspection of rentals

Commissioners leery of $150K per year cost

By Chad Lawhorn

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B1

An expansion of Lawrence’s rental registration program will require a larger than anticipated fee increase, if commissioners want the program to pay for itself. City Hall staff members are now estimating that a program to inspect all rental property that is at least 50 years old will require landlords to pay a $60 annual fee for each qualifying piece of rental property they own. Originally, the city had estimated requiring a $40 fee.

‘Outliers’: So that’s Gladwell’s secret to success

By Chauncey Mabe - Sun Sentinel

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D3

The mystery of Malcolm Gladwell’s astonishing career has at last been explained, appropriately enough, by Malcolm Gladwell.

Douglas County State Fishing Lake reopens

By Jeff Myrick

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B1

After three years of waiting, anglers once again were able send lines into the waters of the Douglas County State Fishing Lake on Saturday. The lake has been closed to fishing since it was drained in 2006 to allow for repairs to the dam and other improvements. As the lake started to fill back up, Kansas Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Biologist Richard Sanders began a restocking program that included largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie.

Finding peace in a new year

By George Gurley

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B6

This is about peace — “the peace that passes all understanding.” But first, a bit of background.

Kansas basketball notebook

By Gary Bedore

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C5

Harrison Barnes, a 6-foot-6 junior forward from Ames (Iowa) High School, attended on an unofficial recruiting visit and sat behind KU’s bench. Before the game, Barnes left his seat to shake hands with Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, who had wandered to KU’s side of the court to visit with the Jayhawk coaches. KU and Tennessee are on Barnes’ list of schools, with Duke, Iowa, North Carolina and others.

With first workouts out of the way, she hopes pain soon goes AWOL

By Cathy Hamilton

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D1

If there’s a three-word phrase I never dreamed I’d utter in my lifetime, it’s “my personal trainer.”

U.S. blames Hamas for growing Mideast violence

By Dina Cappiello - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A2

The Bush administration on Saturday blamed the more than week-old onslaught in Gaza squarely on Hamas militants, but did not mention the invasion of Israeli ground troops into Gaza and avoided any criticism of Israel despite mounting world outrage over the growing death toll.

Navy to consider closing case of missing pilot

By Ben Evans - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A5

The family of a Navy pilot missing since his plane was shot down during the first Gulf war isn’t ready to give up hope that he is alive and say they will oppose any decision to declare him killed in action. The Navy has scheduled a review board hearing for Monday on the status of Capt. Michael “Scott” Speicher, who has been missing since January 1991, when his FA-18 Hornet was shot down in Iraq on the first night of the Persian Gulf War.

Lawmakers face budget balancing act in 2009

Economic downturn puts state Legislature in ‘serious position’

By Scott Rothschild

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A1

Money, money, money. That will be the main issue of the 2009 legislative session that starts in January. During the past few years, lawmakers have increased education funding to satisfy the Kansas Constitution and cut taxes to satisfy business lobbyists. Now an economic recession has pushed the spending increases and tax cuts toward a collision at the bottom line.

Washington, D.C., destinations prepare for inaugural onslaught

By Brett Zongker - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D8

Presidents are “in” again, and that means Washington is a hot spot.

Lead from car batteries poisons town

By Heidi Vogt - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A7

First, it took the animals. Goats fell silent and refused to stand up. Chickens died in handfuls, then en masse. Street dogs disappeared. Then it took the children. Toddlers stopped talking and their legs gave out. Women birthed stillborns. Infants withered and died. Some said the houses were cursed. Others said the families were cursed.

Sen. called Blagojevich about seat

By Michael Tarm - Associated Press Writer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A3

Illinois’ embattled governor complained through his spokesman Saturday that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is guilty of a conflict of interest in that Reid telephoned him in early December to discuss the seat being vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

LMH brings patients state-of-the-art cancer care

By Karrey Britt

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B1

Eight years ago, cancer patients had to travel out of Lawrence to receive treatments, and there was only one doctor who provided oncology care at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. “A lot of times we would see people lined up to catch a van to go to Topeka to get radiation, and gosh, that’s such a debilitating process,” CEO Gene Meyer said. “It was really depressing what those folks had to go through.”

Movie theater deal spurs renaissance in Met life

By Terry Rombeck

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D1

For the past several years, Don Marquis has made an annual pilgrimage to New York City to see a production by the Metropolitan Opera. Now, he doesn’t have to travel so far. Marquis has become a fan of the Met’s Live in HD series, which is beaming live Met performances to 850 theaters in 30 countries — including the Southwind 12, 3433 Iowa.

No kidding: KU leads Big 12 in threes

League’s best long-range bombers — at least for now — to play host to New Mexico State today

By Chuck Woodling

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C1

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team, leading the Big 12 in three-point accuracy, will play host to struggling New Mexico State.

Residents hit roadblock to powering homes

January 4, 2009 in print edition on B2

Problems have arisen with a new Missouri law that was supposed to make it easy for residents powering their own homes to put in wind turbines or solar panels. The idea was for the homeowners to be able to send any excess power back to utilities.

Woman drowns after dog falls in frozen pond

January 4, 2009 in print edition on A5

New Jersey authorities say a woman drowned trying to retrieve her grandson’s dog from a frozen pond. Authorities say 61-year-old Janet Howard was walking a German Shepherd named Apollo on Saturday when it wandered onto the ice covering Plainsboro Pond. Police speculate that Howard went after the dog but the ice broke, plunging her and the animal into the water about 25 feet from shore.

UConn’s Brown turning pro

The Associated Press

January 4, 2009 in print edition on C2

Connecticut’s Donald Brown showed he has nothing left to prove at the college level. Brown ran for a career-best 261 yards in his final college game, helping the fumble-prone Huskies overcome a mistake-filled first half and defeat Buffalo, 38-20, in the International Bowl on Saturday.

Tips reduce heating bills

By Alan J. Heavens - The Philadelphia Inquirer

January 4, 2009 in print edition on D6

Here we are, about two weeks into winter, with December’s utility bills either in hand or on the way. If you haven’t given much thought recently to saving money on heat, and energy in general, now’s a good time to start.Here are suggestions from the U.S. Department of Energy, Peco Energy Co., PSE&G, and the state governments, among others.