| South Africa's derby hits world stage
The rivalry between South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates might be less than four decades old and born of a rather unusual set of circumstances, but the passion and intensity involved nonetheless make it one of the biggest games in world football. On Saturday, however, the Soweto derby will be taken from its traditional arena in the outlying areas of Johannesburg to the coastal city of Durban on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Preliminary Draw. In an historic event, Durban's King's Park stadium will play host to the two arch-rivals in desperate need of a fillip after a languid start to the new South African Premier League season. Both, in fact, go into the game languishing in the bottom half of the 16-club standings, desperate to use a positive result in the derby to revitalise their respective campaigns.
Cubs keep Wood for $4.2 million
CHICAGO Given his history of arm problems, even Kerry Wood was surprised at all the interest he drew in free agency. While Wood was tempted to leave the Chicago Cubs, he couldn't be lured from the team he has pitched for his entire career. After making the switch to the bullpen last season after a swift recovery from shoulder problems, Wood agreed Monday to a $4.2 million, one-year deal to return to the Cubs, spurning what general manager Jim Hendry said were numerous multiyear offers elsewhere. He called his decision to stay with the Cubs an easy one. "Chicago's my home," Wood said during a conference call. "Chicago's been great to me. There's no better place to play, especially if you're winning." Wood, the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year, can make an additional $3.45 million in performance bonuses based largely on games finished from 20 to 55.
Get 'em before they're gone
The real players in the debate over the hottest toys aren't the industry experts, of course, but kids.Cost isn't the decider. Ask any parent who watches a child unwrap a high-priced toy and then play with the box.That said, there are industry awards for creativity, quality and engineering. The 2007 awards listed below come from the Toy Industry Association, a 500-company trade group of toy producers and importers. Its membership accounts for 85 percent of the toys sold in the United States.The winning toys and nominees were released into the market in 2006. Several of them made Toy Wishes magazine's Hot Dozen for the 2006 Christmas season. We've included this year's Hot Dozen from Toy Wishes for the coming year, followed by a list of toys judged the best in the industry.The Hot DozenToy Wishes magazine's annual choices for hot toys for the coming season.• American Idol Talent Challenge (Tech2Go, $50) -- An interactive game combines karaoke with "American Idol" judging.
Lutheran South settles for fourth place plaque
WARRENSBURG - As they gathered on the bleachers for an extended series of pictures with their fourth-place state plaque, the Lutheran South Lancers lingered.South's players, particularly its four seniors, weren't ready for their second straight state final four appearance to come to an end. Especially not the way it went down."After the (St. Francis) Borgia game, I think we left our best game back in St. Louis," said senior middle hitter Emily Mack, in reference to the Lancers' quarterfinal victory. "We were at least expecting to get some revenge from our loss last year, but we just didn't play our best tonight."Mack was refering to Saturday night's third place match at the University of Central Missouri Multipurpose Building, where the Lancers took on Reeds Spring for the second year in a row.
Have yourself a sarcastic Christmas
The people at Yellow Tape Construction Company — which is a theater collective, not an actual construction company — really do take the spirit of the holidays seriously. Yeah, believing in the spirit of belief is a warm and lovely thing. Really. "We just wanted to have a little fun with it," says Yellow Tape co-founder Jonathan Morgan. .
Where to check for information about toy recalls
- Consumers can sign up for recall alerts on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Website www.cpsc.gov. The site has a complete list of all toy recalls dating back to 1974, where each one can be reviewed in detail. - For more information about thrift store safety, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772 or visit www.cpsc.gov or www.recalls.gov to download or order free of charge a new publication called, "Dangerous and Recalled Products Reference Guide." - The Toy Industry Association details toy safety measures and industry actions at www.toyinfo.org. This site lists toy recalls, tips on buying toys, safety facts and so forth. It's a good site for anyone concerned about toy safety and their purchases. - Recalls.org is a non-profit organization from which all recalls can be researched ranging from cars to food to toys and much more.
Families need help this season
With Thanksgiving celebrated today, Christmas is just a little more than a month away.And to help needy Butte families this holiday season, the Mining City Christmas program is taking donations of gifts, food, money or time. Volunteers are also needed to help process applications and stuff gift bags and food boxes for the giveaway.People interested in "adopting" a deserving family are also needed and will be taken until Dec. 7. In the adoption, Mining City Christmas provides names, addresses and needs of the family to those wishing to help. Any business, groups or individuals are welcome to participate.Families � who are screened for income and eligibility � who could use help include:The parents of a 14-year-old boy would like him to receive Xbox 360 games. He also wears large shirts, size 33 waist pants, and 10� shoes.The parents of three youngsters need assistance.
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