Cell phones called good for safety

If a person from 1983 could be transported and plunked down in anymajor city in the world today, he probably would adjust quickly tonew clothing and hair styles as well as changes in auto design.

But something else, something we've all come to take for granted,might not ring a bell: He would be astonished to see the large numberof people walking around the streets seemingly talking to themselves.

Has the world gone mad? No, over the last two decades, especiallyin the last five to 10 years, it's gone cellular.

The cell phone, originally developed by Motorola Inc., changed theworld and is still redefining our world.

The cell phone has increased productivity …

Olive oil to 'bragg' about

Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the latest addition to Bragg's product line. A natural and healthy addition to your diet, olive oil is , high in monounsaturated fat, which helps lower cholesterol while still …

House budget bill aids carmakers, disaster victims

The House has passed a budget bill with $25 billion in loans for automakers and generous help for victims of hurricanes and flooding.

The bills also ends a quarter-century ban on oil drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. And it provides record budgets for the Pentagon and for veterans' health care for veterans.

The House vote was 370-58 Wednesday. The $630 billion-plus measure now goes to the Senate, which is expected to send the legislation to President Bush for his signature.

The spending bill would keep agencies running at current levels through March. That would give Congress time to wrap up lots of unfinished budget work.

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Artist receives seven nominations: ; Miranda Lambert tops Academy of Country Music Awards list

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Miranda Lambert proclaimed 2010 the best yearof her life. After hauling in seven Academy of Country Music Awardsnominations, 2011 isn't looking so bad either.

Lambert, joined by Ronnie Dunn on Tuesday morning to announce thenominees at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, received herfirst ACM entertainer of the year nomination and will defend her2010 top female vocalist win, along with nods for song and single ofthe year. Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band were next with fivenominations each.

The blonde firebrand started a sizzling hot streak last year atthe ACMs, with three wins, including album of the year for thelionized …

Carl Burton Myers Jr., accountant, executive

Carl Burton Myers Jr. worked in the financial world for 50 yearsin the Chicago area.

"He was a wonderful man and a great father," said his son PeterMyers. "He was strong and loving, and he always was a hard worker. Heknew the value of a dollar and the value of an education. He enjoyedplaying golf, but he didn't have enough time to play often because hewas too busy with his work."

Mr. Myers, 85, died of heart failure March 30 at the Meadow Brooknursing home in Aurora.

Mr. Myers was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and he was schooled atthe Culver Military Academy and at the University of Iowa, where heearned a bachelor of science degree in accounting. He joined …

WTA Schedule

Jan. 2-8 — Brisbane International, HO (Petra Kvitova)

Jan. 3-8 — ASB Classic, HO (Greta Arn)

Jan. 9-14 — Medibank International, HO (Li Na)

Jan. 9-15 — Moorilla International, HO (Jarmila Groth)

Jan. 17-30 — Australian Open, HO (Kim Clijsters)

Feb. 5-6 — Fed Cup I

Feb. 7-13 — Open GDF SUEZ, Paris, HI

Feb. 7-13 — PTT Pattaya Open, Pattaya City, Thailand, HO

Feb. 14-19 — Cellular South Cup, Memphis, Tennessee, HI

Feb. 14-20 — Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, HO

Feb. 14-20 — Copa BBVA Colsanitas, Bogota, Colombia, RCO

Feb. 21-26 — Qatar Ladies Open, Doha, Qatar, HO

Feb. 21-26 — Abierto Mexicano …

Summary Box: Corn drops as weather improves

WEATHER FORECAST: The Midwest appears to be in store for cooler, wetter weather in the coming weeks, which would be favorable for the corn crop.

CORN FALLS: Corn prices fell sharply, ending a three-week rally based on expecations for unfavorably …