| Salmond’s bold new era of progressive nationalism
Nothing could better demonstrate just how much things have changed in Scotland in the past year than the fact that there is now no-one arguing for the constitutional status quo. And who could possibly have forecast, 12 months ago, that nationalists would not only be in power in Scotland, but also in Northern Ireland and in Wales. Progressive nationalism is now the most potent political force in Britain. Alex Salmond may have been radical in office, but in one sense he has been profoundly conservative. He has become a Privy Councillor and insisted that Queen Elizabeth II will remain head of state of an independent Scotland. The SNP are now talking about the "social union" with England remaining, even when Scotland wins political independence. This is a recognition, I believe, that the UK still has a future, and that the SNP has come to terms with the modern world.
More bands join the party at Stagecoach
The Eagles are getting company when the band kicks off the Stagecoach Festival in Indio this May. The second annual country-music event expanded the lineup on its newly announced third day by adding the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Shooter Jennings, the Sons of San Joaquin, Chuck Wicks and Don Edwards, which will play at the Empire Polo Field on May 2. The festival will also include members of Professional Bull Riders. Earlier in the week, festival organizers announced the addition of a Friday date to be headlined by the Eagles, with performances from John Fogerty, Trisha Yearwood, Shelby Lynne, Glen Campbell and Rissi Palmer. .
Battling for Position | Edition 1: Dodgers Outfield
When the Dodgers report for Spring Training in Vero Beach, Florida on Valentine's Day in preparation for their 50th year in La-La Land, they'll be greeted by a new skipper, one with a quarter-century of managerial experience. As is the case with any coaching change, it may take some time for Joe Torre's new players to adjust to his styles and tactics, which differ from those employed by his predecessor, Grady Little. But it's Torre who will be faced with a more daunting task: resolving the chaotic logjam that is the Dodgers' current corner-outfield depth chart. For the two corner-outfield spots available in Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers have three players. Juan Pierre, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier are all deserving of a starting job, but one of them will be forced to ride the bench unless GM Ned Colletti decides to deal.
Warren board awards $55.1 million bid for middle, high school
The Warren County Board of Education awarded the construction bid for the new Joseph Warren Middle and High School to Lexington-based D.W. Wilburn.The timetable for completing the school at Rich Pond and Nashville roads is now August 2010.The board unanimously approved the base bid of $55.1 million.Kenny Stanfield of Sherman-Carter-Barnhart, the architectural firm whose plans call for the two schools to be housed in one large building, said he knows the school system is used to having a half-dozen bidders, but only two contractors are able to handle projects this large. The only other bid - for $60.9 million - came from Hardaway Construction in Nashville.When comparing the two, Wilburn's bid came in lower, and "they're ready to get started," Stanfield said.The project was originally estimated to cost about $50 million."This bid is actually the second lowest of the last six projects we've done since 2006," said Chairwoman Teresa Lowe.
Sorry Scots lucky to avoid a rout
It does not work and is cringeworthy to witness.6. Forget about structured game plans. Tell the team to go out with oceans of 'fire in their bellies' to die for their country and play the game as they see it in front of them.Play positive rugby - not the Battle of Ypres !!!We might still lose but at least we will be doing the right things for the development of Scottish rugby and our national pride.If Mr Hadden cannot see sense in any of my thoughts then I believe he should resign today and take Graham and Tatty ( sadly ) along with him. .
AutoNation Reports Third-Quarter Earnings
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) , America's largest automotive retailer, today reported 2007 third- quarter net income from continuing operations of $77 million or $0.39 per share, compared to year-ago net income from continuing operations of $85 million or $0.40 per share. Results for the third quarter of 2007 reflected a decline in new vehicle retail sales especially in California and Florida, partially offset by tax adjustments and continued share repurchases. Third-quarter 2007 revenue totaled $4.6 billion, compared to $4.9 billion in the year-ago period, driven primarily by lower new vehicle sales. In the third-quarter, industry new vehicle retail sales for California and Florida were off approximately 11% compared to last year, based on CNW Research data.
Religious police in Saudi Arabia arrest mother for sitting with a man
Yara's husband, Hatim, used his political contacts in Jeddah to track her whereabouts. He was able to secure her release. "I was lucky. I met other women in that prison who don't have the connections I did," she said. Her story has received rare coverage in Saudi Arabia, where the press has been sharply critical of the police. Yara was visited yesterday by officials from the American Embassy, who promised they would file a report. An embassy official told The Times that it was being treated as "an internal Saudi matter" and refused to comment on her case. Tough justice — Saudi Arabia’s Mutaween has 10,000 members in almost 500 offices — Ahmad al-Bluwi, 50, died in custody in 2007 in the city of Tabuk after he invited a woman outside his immediate family into his car — In 2007 the victim of a gang rape was sentenced to 200 lashes and six years in jail for having been in an unrelated man’s car at the time.
Mike Breunling's Blog
I want to devote this week's blog to review where you can find local weather information on our main weather webpage... Of course by now you know the main weather page on our webchannel (www.wsaw.com/weather) provides access to plenty of local weather updates, including the Detailed Forecast, which includes the updated forecast for the area, snowfall updates for central and northern Wisconsin during and after winter storms, as well as all advisories, watches, and warnings in effect for the NewsChannel 7 broadcast area; access to radar images for the individual counties across the area through the exclusive My Local Titan link; and streaming video updates which allow you to watch and listen to our reports. There is also plenty of other interesting and relevant weather information available on the page.
What do you want in Thursday's programme?
The production of farm salmon in Scotland's West Highlands and Islands has had a devastating impact on wild fish and the freshwater and marine environment. 95% of farm fish come from Norwegian-owned companies and there are serious concerns about quality and production methods. Time for a quick look? .
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