Fewer young people buying first homes

The first-time home buyer is getting older and scarcer.

In 1976, nearly 45 percent of U.S. home buyers were moving intotheir first dwellings.

That figure dropped to 40 percent in 1982, and 35 percent lastyear, reports John Pfister, vice president and director of marketresearch for the Chicago Title Insurance Co.

Last year, the average age of first-time buyers was 30, comparedwith 28.4 in 1985, a Chicago Title study showed. The buyers spentless for housing in 1986, but that was because of a shift in homebuying habits from single-family homes to condominiums, Pfister said.

One of six of the first-timers moved into condominiums lastyear, compared …

Qatar Agency Takes Stake in LSE

LONDON - The Qatar Investment Authority said Thursday it had acquired a 20 percent stake in the London Stock Exchange, the same day that Borse Dubai announced a deal to acquire the Nasdaq Stock Market's 28 percent stake in the LSE.

Terms of the Qatar deal were not disclosed.

Saying it intended to by a long-term shareholder, the Qatar Investment Authority said it "sees itself as a shareholder that will provide stability and support for the board's strategy of developing further its business and thereby reinforce the City of London's position as the world's top global capital market."

It ruled out a takeover bid for the time being, but said it reserved the right to …

Brazil approves controversial land tenure law

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has approved a law that could legalize landholdings by some 1 million squatters occupying a Texas-sized chunk of the Amazon rain forest, despite environmentalist fears it will accelerate deforestation.

The law, approved late Thursday night, affects 260,233 square miles (67.4 million hectares) of federally owned land that for decades has been illegally occupied _ mostly by small farmers, but also by large property holders and loggers.

The government says the law will help it curb deforestation and land conflicts, but environmentalists say it will lure more people into the region and lead to more devastation.

The …

`Passive' Smoke Hurts Heart

Even a small amount of secondhand smoke can cause heart diseasein nonsmokers, researchers say in the most comprehensive report ofits kind.

The report in today's Journal of the American MedicalAssociation describes for the first time how the components oftobacco smoke can lead to heart disease. Moreover, the researchersfrom the University of California, San Francisco, argue that even asmall quantity of secondhand smoke causes cardiovascular problems innonsmokers.

The cardiovascular analysis is significant because mostgovernment regulations on secondhand smoke have been based onevidence that it can cause cancer; the Environmental ProtectionAgency has deemed it a …

'Die Hard' star Willis selling Idaho home for $15M

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — "Die Hard" movie star Bruce Willis is asking $15 million for his Idaho home complete with a guesthouse, gym and pool with water slides.

The Idaho Mountain Express (http://bit.ly/upNUKX ) reports Willis' property in Hailey's Flying Heart subdivision is up for sale because he hasn't been able to spend much time in the area.

This is just part of Willis' plans to …

Appeal rules in favor of US syndicate

The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court refused to stay a lower court's ruling that San Francisco's Golden Gate Yacht Club is the Challenger of Record in the America's Cup, according to the U.S. syndicate.

America's Cup champion Alinghi of Switzerland originally sought a temporary stay of Judge Herman Cahn's March ruling, but that request was denied on April 15 and referred to the four-judge panel that ruled Thursday.

The judges also denied GGYC's motion to dismiss Alinghi's appeal.

"The court denied both motions and we look forward to a speedy resolution of these matters," said Barry Ostrager, the U.S. attorney for Societe …

Pupils back early after boy dies

Pupils on a school skiing trip in which a 12-year-old boy diedare travelling home early from Austria today.

Hayden Waller broke his neck after he lost his footing andplunged 30 feet on to rocks while trying to rescue a …

[President appointment]

Elkhart, Ind.--J. Nelson Kraybill has been appointed to his third term as president of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. The board appointment was approved by the Mennonite Education Agency (Mennonite Church USA) and Mennonite Church Canada. Kraybill became president in 1997 after leaving his position as program director at the London Mennonite Centre in England. "It …

Packers' Rodgers beats Lions with 3 TDs on road

Aaron Rodgers had Motor City flashbacks, watching the Green Bay Packers blow a big lead against the Detroit Lions.

There was a major difference: Rodgers was playing and Brett Favre was elsewhere.

Rodgers threw three touchdown passes in the first four drives of his second start, helping Green Bay build a big lead it needed in a 48-25 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Green Bay led 21-0 midway through the second quarter, but fell behind by a point with 7:41 left after Calvin Johnson caught his second TD in the fourth quarter.

The Packers went back ahead with a field goal on the ensuing drive, then turned the game back into the rout it …

Level 9 Eastern Gymnastics Championships

Holly Murray, a member of Artistic Sports Academy and a senior atDauphin County Technical School in …

Phelps Wins 6th Gold at Swimming Worlds

MELBOURNE, Australia - Michael Phelps stayed on track for a record gold-medal haul at the world championships, edging out American teammate Ian Crocker by 0.05 seconds to win the 100-meter butterfly Saturday night.

Phelps is 6-for-6 with two races remaining. His latest gold tied Australian Ian Thorpe's record from the 2001 worlds in Japan.

But Phelps failed to set a world record for the first time in five nights.

"I'm definitely starting to feel it (fatigue)," he said. "I've got to get some food and some sleep, and hopefully tomorrow I'll run off adrenaline. I need to come back and do two solid races."

Still, it was another dominating night for the …

Dollar sinks as ECB cuts rate less than expected

The dollar sank against the European currencies Thursday, but rose against the yen after the European Central Bank cut its key rate less than expected and U.S. reports on unemployment and loan delinquencies soured investors on the buck.

The ECB cut its key rate by a quarter percentage point to 1.25 percent _ less than investors expected.

The 16-nation euro jumped to $1.3431 in early New York trading from $1.3231 late Wednesday.

The British pound rose to $1.4666 from $1.4447, but the dollar gained to 99.33 Japanese yen from 98.65 yen.

The ECB was widely expected to cut its benchmark interest rate by a half percentage point, to 1 …

Study finds many patients shun free heart drugs

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Give people free prescription drugs and many of them still won't bother to take their medicine.

Doctors were stunned to see that happen in a major study involving heart attack survivors. The patients were offered well-established drugs to prevent a recurrence of heart trouble, including cholesterol-lowering statins and medicines that slow the heart and help it pump more effectively.

"My God, we gave these people the medicines for free and only half took it," said one of the study's authors, Dr. Elliott Antman of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

In fact, the researchers couldn't even give the stuff away: They had trouble just signing up patients to take part in the study.

Nevertheless, Aetna, the insurance company that footed the bill, thinks this approach will save money in the long run and plans to start offering certain heart drugs free to some patients. In the study, patients offered medicines at no cost suffered fewer heart problems and saved $500 on average over roughly a year.

It is no secret many Americans don't follow their doctors' instructions. In one survey, one-third said they didn't fill a prescription or used less medicine than they should because of cost. The researchers in this study wanted to see what would happen if they took cost out of the equation.

The results were disheartening.

"Adherence in America is miserable," lamented Dr. Eric Peterson of Duke University, who had no role in the study. He noted that only 10 percent of the patients were taking all the medicines they should one year after a heart attack.

The study was led by Dr. Niteesh Choudhry of Brigham and Women's, who presented the findings Monday at an American Heart Association conference in Florida. They also were published online by The New England Journal of Medicine.

The study did not examine why people didn't take their medications. But doctors know that some forget. Most of these drugs mean three pills a day or more, for the rest of a patient's life. Also, some of these medicines carry side effects such as fatigue, lightheadedness, muscle pains, cough, even sexual difficulties for men.

Still, heart attack survivors like Joan Ferraro, 53, of Freehold, N.J., said they can't imagine not taking prescribed medicines, though she sometimes forgets her pills over a weekend.

"Why would you want to go through something like that again? It was the most horrific experience of my life. I would never want another one," she said.

The study enrolled 5,855 Aetna members who had a drug plan as part of their benefits and were going home from the hospital after a heart attack. They were 53 years old on average, and three-fourths were men.

The researchers had hoped to recruit 7,500 patients but scaled back when so few signed on.

Preventive medicines were offered free to 2,845 patients and prescribed with the usual copayments for the rest. Copays for these drugs run around $50 a month.

Roughly a year later, the share of patients who filled their prescriptions ranged from 36 percent to 49 percent in the copay group, depending on the drug, and was only 4 to 6 percentage points higher in the group that had no copays.

Providing these medicines for free had a "distressingly modest" effect on patients' willingness to take them, Dr. Lee Goldman of Columbia University and Dr. Arnold Epstein of the Harvard School of Public Health wrote in an editorial in the medical journal.

The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation devoted to improving the health care system, helped pay for the study, and some of authors consult for insurance companies.

In the study, the total number of heart attacks, strokes, cases of chest pain or heart failure and other such problems was significantly lower in the group offered free medicine.

That meant that an additional 2 of every 100 people were spared such problems because they were offered free medicines. Doctors suspect the difference between the groups would have been greater if more people had actually filled their prescriptions.

Costs dropped 26 percent for patients in the free drug group compared with the others, partly because of fewer doctor visits, lab tests and hospitalizations.

After about a year, total medical costs for the insurer, including follow-ups, hospitalizations and doctor's appointments, averaged $69,997 for those with the usual coverage and $64,726 for those offered free medicines. That was not considered a significant difference statistically, but insurers looking at the bottom line would still view it as worthwhile.

Dr. Lonny Reisman, an author of the study and chief medical officer for Aetna, said the company plans to offer some of these drugs free or with a reduced copay to some heart attack survivors and is considering doing do so for other chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic lung disease.

The study may persuade other insurers to do the same, Goldman and Epstein said.

___

Online:

Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org

New England Journal: http://www.nejm.org

___

Marilynn Marchione can be followed at http://twitter.com/MMarchioneAP

Thanksgiving travel rush is under way across US

CHICAGO (AP) — Undeterred by costlier gas and airfare, millions of Americans set out Wednesday to see friends and family in what is expected to be the nation's busiest Thanksgiving weekend since the financial meltdown more than three years ago.

Many people economized rather than stay home.

"We wouldn't think of missing it," said Bill Curtis, a retiree from Los Angeles who was with his wife at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, Calif. "Family is important and we love the holiday. So we cut corners other places so we can afford to travel."

About 42.5 million people are expected to hit the road or take to the skies for Thanksgiving this year, according to travel tracker AAA. That's the highest number since the start of the recession at the end of 2007.

Heavy rain slowed down early travelers along the East Coast. Snow across parts of New England and upstate New York made for treacherous driving and thousands of power outages. And a mudslide covered train tracks in the Pacific Northwest. But most of the country is expected to have clear weather Thursday.

As afternoon traffic picked up, flight delays were reported in Boston, San Francisco, Newark, N.J., and New York.

The average round-trip airfare for the top 40 U.S. routes is $212, up 20 percent from last year. Tickets on most Amtrak one-way routes have climbed slightly, and drivers are paying an average $3.33 a gallon, or 16 percent more than last year, according to AAA.

Jake Pagel, a waiter from Denver, was flying to see his girlfriend's family in San Jose, Calif. He said he had to give up working during one of the restaurant industry's busiest and most profitable times.

"I think it's something you can't quantify in terms of monetary cost," he said. "I mean, being able to spend quality time with your family is fairly significant."

Most travelers — about 90 percent, according to AAA — are expected to hit the road.

John Mahoney acknowledged the economy has changed the way he travels, which is why he and his girlfriend slept in their car instead of getting a motel room when a heavy, wet snowstorm flared up along the New York State Thruway during their 20-hour drive from New Hampshire to St. Louis.

"Americans will still do what Americans do. We travel the roads," he said.

Some drivers who tried to get an early start along the Pennsylvania Turnpike found themselves stopped by — or stuck in — a gooey, tar-like mess after a tanker truck leaked driveway sealant along nearly 40 miles of highway. At least 150 vehicles were disabled Tuesday night.

Shun Tucker of suburban Chicago decided to spend the holiday with family in Memphis, Tenn., and booked a $49 bus ticket for a nine-hour trip south. "Yeah, I could go to the airport, but it's going to cost me $300," she said.

Lucretia Verner and her cousin set out on a drive from Tulsa, Okla., to Atlanta. They said they wouldn't stop to eat on the way, making do with the water, juice, lunch meat and bread they took with them. Colette Parr of Las Vegas took flights with connections and switched airlines to save almost $200 on her trip to Newark, N.J.

Investment manager Matt Rightmire and his family typically fly on Thanksgiving. This year, they are making the holiday pilgrimage by car from New Hampshire to his in-laws in Youngstown, Ohio. He figured he is saving $1,000.

"It's family," he said. "That's what the holidays are about: Spending time with family. I don't really think it's optional. You may try to find the least expensive way to get there, but you've got to see your family."

___

Associated Press writers Ben Dobbin in Victor, N.Y.; Ivan Moreno in Denver; Jeannie Nuss in North Little Rock, Ark.; David Porter in Newark, N.J.; Vicki Smith in Morgantown, W.Va.; Chris Weber in Burbank, Calif.; and Chris Williams in Bloomington, Minn., contributed to this report.

Barrington Crushes Palatine

A pair of tape-measure home runs by Oscar Contreras and NickFrancese powered host Barrington to a 9-1 Mid-Suburban League Northvictory over Palatine Friday.

Barrington, which has won the MSL North division seven times inthe last nine years, improved to 2-0 in conference. Ryan Archibald,who earned a save in the Broncos' league opener against WheelingThursday, scattered eight hits and five walks to earn the victory.Archibald had seven strikeouts.

Contreras, who has four home runs, and Francese (2) eachconnected with a runner on base.

"There are things we'd like to be doing better, but at thispoint a number of kids are putting the bat on the ball," Barringtoncoach Kirby Smith said. "We're hitting pretty good up and down theorder."

Palatine (7-8-1) dropped to 1-1 in the MSL. GLENBARD EAST 4, WHEATON-WARRENVILLE SOUTH 2: Brian Rock (3-0)earned the victory and Scott Seipp earned his fourth save forGlenbard East (10-1-1, 2-0) in the Du Page Valley. Mark Ruge was2-for-3, including a two-run double in the fourth inning that gavethe Rams a 3-0 lead over No. 2 Wheaton-Warrenville South. It was theTigers' second conference loss in as many days. ST. RITA 7, DE LA SALLE 4: In an 11-inning game, a bases-loaded walkforced in Mike Bubacz with the winning run, and Greg Zaber's(4-for-6, three RBI) single added insurance for St. Rita (9-4, 1-1 inthe Catholic League). Mike Burgos (1-1) was the winning pitcher inrelief. He threw 4 1/5 innings and struck out six and did not allowa hit. YORK 6, PROVISO WEST 3: Jay O'Malley was 3-for-4 with a home run.He scored twice and drove in two runs for No. 4 York (12-3, 3-2 inthe West Suburban Silver). Larry Skidmore (4-0) was the winningpitcher. LYONS TOWNSHIP 6, HINSDALE CENTRAL 3: Bob Klapperich (5-0)struck out five and allowed just two hits for No. 7 Lyons (9-3, 3-2)against No. 23 Hinsdale Central in the West Suburban Silver.

Ed Caveney (2-for-3) hit a home run and drove in two runs forLyons. PROVIDENCE 2, LOCKPORT 0: Craig Derrig (2-1) struck out eight,walked three and pitched a one-hitter for No. 11 Providence (6-1).Providence scored on a two-out, RBI single by Pat McDermott in thethird inning and a sacrifice fly by Joe Schley in the fourth. ST. LAURENCE 12, LEO 0: Randy Fiore (4-0) pitched a five-inningone-hitter with eight strikeouts for No. 25 St. Laurence (10-4, 1-0)in the Catholic League.

Jim DiPasquale (3-for-3, triple, four RBI), Ken Benson (2-for-4,two runs, RBI), and Bob Rowell (2-for-3, RBI) sparked the St.Laurence attack. WHEELING 9, HERSEY 8: Wheeling came back from an early 6-0 deficitfor its first victory. Winning pitcher Mark Welch (1-0) scored thewinning run in the bottom of the seventh for Wheeling (1-5, 1-1 inthe Mid-Suburban North). TAFT 13, ST. GREGORY 0: John Pearson (1-1) pitched a one-hitter andstruck out five for Taft (7-4-1).

Taft took advantage of 11 walks and hit St. Gregory pitching fora six-run third inning. In that inning Chris Akers had abases-loaded triple and Marcos Mercado drove in two runs with asingle. NILES NORTH 7, EVANSTON 2: Junior Brad Brown (2-2) went allseven innings, pitching a four-hitter with seven strikeouts.

Senior second baseman Chris Selejan (2-for-3) hit a three-runhome run in the second inning for Niles North. CLEMENTE 15, ROOSEVELT 5: Gilberto Acevedo went 2-for-2 with six RBIand Miguel Mueses hit a home run to lead Clemente (5-5, 4-0) in theFar North. Lefty Velez (1-0) was the winning pitcher. CVS 14, BOWEN 0: Reginald McCoy (3-1) struck out six in a one-hitterfor Chicago Vocational (7-3, 3-0 in the Southeast). He also hit agrand slam and had five RBI. Michael Davis added a two-run home runfor CVS in the five-inning game. BREMEN 7, THORNTON 2: Jason Becker (1-2) pitched six innings,allowed five hits and struck out seven for Bremen. Tim Flanigan was3-for-4 with a double and two RBI, and Jamie Landgraf hit a leadoffsolo home run for Bremen (6-6). It was his second homer of theseason. BATAVIA 6, AURORA CENTRAL 2: Ben Duck was 2-for-3 with a double andtwo RBI for Batavia. GIRLS SOFTBALL GIRLS SOFTBALL OAK FOREST 5, RICHARDS 2: Pitcher KrisDugan (3-5) got the victory, allowing just three hits. Oak Forest's(5-8) Becky Williamson was 3-for-4 with a triple, run scored and runbatted in, and Cherie Keske was 2-for-4 with a run scored and a run batted in. HINSDALE SOUTH 13, BOLINGBROOK 3: Kristen Parsons (5-0) pitched aseven-hitter, struck out seven, walked one and allowed one earned runin a five-inning game for Hinsdale South (8-1).

Hinsdale South buried Bolingbrook with a 12-hit, 11 RBI attackled by Parsons (3-for-3, triple, four RBI), Glynda Davidson (2-for-2,two RBI), Cheryl Poindexter (2-for-3, two RBI), Kathleen Musial(2-for-4), Jen Price (2-for-2, RBI). DOWNERS GROVE NORTH 4, NAPERVILLE NORTH 3: A single by KariKavanaugh (2-for-3) drove in Kathy Cummane (3-for-3) with DownersGrove North's (5-2) fourth and decisive run in the fifth inning.Lucy Mandros had a two-run single in the fourth inning for theTrojans. Beth Fields (2-1) was the winning pitcher. She struck outseven hitters. MAINE EAST 12, NILES WEST 1: In a five-inning game, Cari Poznansky(2-1) struck out nine hitters and allowed just one unearned run onfour hits to earn the victory. Katie Corrigan and Poznansky each hadtwo hits and an RBI for Maine East (3-2, 2-0 in the Central SuburbanNorth). MUNDELEIN 11, McHENRY 1: In a five-inning game, freshman ChristyWard was the winning pitcher. She gave up two hits and struck outsix. Mundelein's Mandi Miller was 3-for-3, scored two runs and drovein four. Tiffany Campbell was 2-for-2 with two runs scored. MARIA 4, MARILLAC 0: Jaime Smith pitched a three-hitter, struck out10 and walked no one in Maria's (12-6) victory over Marillac (6-1).Smith had a two-run single in Maria's three-run fourth inning. HERSEY 3, SCHAUMBURG 2: Jessica Causero (5-0) struck out five,walked two and pitched an eight-hitter for Hersey (6-0, 3-0) in aneight-inning Mid-Suburban crossover game. Karen Stewart (2-for-3)scored the winning run on an error in the eighth. Hersey's JanGoodman was 2-for-3 with an RBI. LISLE 6, REED-CUSTER 5: Lisle (11-0, 3-0 in the Interstate Eight)scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull out thevictory over the defending conference champions. CRYSTAL LAKE CENTRAL 13, GRAYSLAKE 10: Jennifer Watson (3-for-3,three RBI, three runs), and Mandi Rosenberg (3-for-4, two runs) pacedCrystal Lake Central (4-1) MADONNA 20, ST. IGNATIUS 10: In a five-inning game, Donella Mangiahad three hits and five RBI. She also struck out eight and was thewinning pitcher to go 3-1 for Madonna (5-1). JOHNSBURG 11, GRANT 0: Katie Parker (5-0) struck out four, pitched afour-hitter and did not walk a batter for Johnsburg (5-0, 3-0) in aNorthwest Suburban game.

Parker also drove in two runs and teammate Caryn White was2-for-3 with an RBI. ST. EDWARD 10, CARY-GROVE 4: Julie Payton had a two-run single andJill Nimmo had a triple for St. Edward (3-0). NILES NORTH 19, HIGHLAND PARK 2: In a five-inning game, PitcherSarah Rocchi (2-1) had 11 strikeouts and allowed two hits for NilesNorth (2-2). Maureen Mizell added three hits and three RBI. ST. CHARLES 6, EAST AURORA 2: Kristin Guidish (2-for-3) scored tworuns and drove in three to lead St. Charles in the Upstate Eight.Pitcher Liz Unger (1-3) struck out seven and gave up one walk to earnthe victory over East Aurora's Krissy Clingan. LIBERTYVILLE 6, FENTON 2: Marsha Fletcher (3-1) was the winningpitcher for Libertyville (6-1, 2-0 in the North Suburban). BOYS TENNIS BOYS TENNIS MAINE SOUTH 6, MAINE EAST 1: Eung Won Shim beat Maine South's TimPhein in first singles, 6-0, 6-4, but that was the only match MaineEast could win. Tom Loukas and Chuck Kaufman won the first doublesmatch for Maine South over Tom Chweh and Mike Marinar of Maine East,6-4, 6-3. SHEPARD 5, HILLCREST 0: Nick Gryafakis beat John Hicks, 6-1, 6-0, infirst singles, and the team of Jon Walsh and Ken Oliver topped BrianSmith and Calvin DuBose by matching 6-3, 6-3 scores as Shepardshutout Hillcrest. BOLINGBROOK 5, PLAINFIELD 0: Bolingbrook (6-0, 1-0) kept its recordperfect by winning its first SICA West match of the season. AlanMcConnell defeated Plainfield's Christian Summer 7-5, 6-0 in firstsingles and the team of Justin Brumbaugh and Jason Cudabec beatPlainfield's first doubles team of Dopale Shah and Rob Stein, 6-4,6-3. GIRLS SOCCER GIRLS SOCCER NAPERVILLE CENTRAL 8, GLENBARD SOUTH 0:Ashleigh Lacher scored three goals and Jessica Smith added two as No.3 Naperville Central (5-1-1, 2-0) pounded its Du Page Valley rival.Goalkeepers Debbie Welsh and Shelley Krueger combined for theshutout. The Redhawks play No. 2 Downers Grove South today. LIBERTYVILLE 2, MAINE SOUTH 1: Kelly Karl's second half goal broke a1-1 tie in favor of No. 5 Libertyville. OAK FOREST 4, TINLEY PARK 1: Janet Flood scored two minutes into thegame to give Oak Forest the early lead. Jackie Slawierak addedanother first half goal, and Linda Peterson scored twice in thesecond half for Oak Forest (5-1-1, 3-0 in the SICA Central).

Leeanne Menshing of Tinley Park (2-4-3, 1-2-1) broke up theshutout bid with nine minutes left in the game. ARGO 7, MARIA 0: Argo (5-0) got hat tricks from Mary Chapello andMarina Troche to cruise past Maria. Kathy Belmares added anothergoal. Goalkeeper Theresa Chapello earned her third shutout by makingnine saves. REGINA 2, GLENBROOK NORTH 0: Magdelena Ruiz and Julie Martin eachscored a goal and Jenny Froehlich earned her fourth shutout in goalfor Regina (3-0-1). LOCKPORT 2, ROMEOVILLE 1: Michelle Stec and Megan cqKauffunger eachscored to lead Lockport (3-3, 1-2) to the SICA West victory. BOYS VOLLEYBALL BOYS VOLLEYBALL ANDREW d. STAGG 18-16, 15-4: JasonMinner had five kills, one block and 10 service points. Andy Beltzadded eight points and John Krejczyk had 13 kills and three soloblocks for No. 3 Andrew (11-0). LAKE FOREST d. STEVENSON 14-16, 15-7, 15-7: Senior George You had 44assists and 11 service points, junior Sean Douglas had 16 kills andsenior Jed Peters added 14 kills as Lake Forest (7-0, 2-0 in theNorth Suburban) upset No. 10 Stevenson (6-2, 1-1). ILLIANA CHRISTIAN d. ST. FRANCIS DE SALES 15-3, 15-11: Dan Colemanhad nine kills, Ray Vander Molen added seven kills and Adam Clark hadseven points and 13 assists for Illiana Christian (8-1).

Contributing: Orrin Schwarz.

Champions-Allianz Championship Scores

Final Round

Scott Hoch, $247,500 67-67-68_202

Brad Bryant, $132,000 68-69-66_203

Bruce Lietzke, $132,000 70-65-68_203

Eduardo Romero, $89,100 69-67-68_204

Bobby Wadkins, $89,100 67-68-69_204

Jay Haas, $59,400 67-71-67_205

Keith Fergus, $59,400 67-70-68_205

John Cook, $59,400 69-66-70_205

Tom Kite, $44,550 68-70-68_206

Jerry Pate, $44,550 66-67-73_206

Mitch Adcock, $35,063 69-71-67_207

Donnie Hammond, $35,063 69-70-68_207

Allen Doyle, $35,063 68-70-69_207

Mark McNulty, $35,063 66-69-72_207

Joe Ozaki, $28,875 69-71-68_208

Tom Purtzer, $28,875 67-70-71_208

Loren Roberts, $26,400 72-66-71_209

R.W. Eaks, $20,171 69-71-70_210

Mark Wiebe, $20,171 71-69-70_210

Don Pooley, $20,171 74-65-71_210

Phil Blackmar, $20,171 67-72-71_210

Jeff Sluman, $20,171 72-67-71_210

Gil Morgan, $20,171 67-70-73_210

Hale Irwin, $20,171 69-68-73_210

Mark James, $20,171 70-66-74_210

Boonchu Ruangkit, $14,355 69-72-70_211

Wayne Levi, $14,355 68-73-70_211

Fuzzy Zoeller, $14,355 73-66-72_211

Des Smyth, $14,355 70-69-72_211

Jim Thorpe, $14,355 69-67-75_211

Lonnie Nielsen, $11,633 69-71-72_212

David Edwards, $11,633 69-76-67_212

Ben Crenshaw, $11,633 68-68-76_212

Tim Simpson, $11,633 70-67-75_212

Fulton Allem, $9,694 73-68-72_213

Bernhard Langer, $9,694 69-71-73_213

Morris Hatalsky, $9,694 68-74-71_213

Scott Simpson, $9,694 73-65-75_213

Curtis Strange, $8,415 72-69-73_214

Mike McCullough, $8,415 72-71-71_214

Andy Bean, $8,415 72-73-69_214

Bruce Fleisher, $6,600 74-67-74_215

Tom McKnight, $6,600 69-72-74_215

Bruce Vaughan, $6,600 71-72-72_215

Tom Wargo, $6,600 74-69-72_215

Dave Stockton, $6,600 76-67-72_215

Tom Jenkins, $6,600 75-69-71_215

David Eger, $6,600 75-70-70_215

Dana Quigley, $6,600 72-74-69_215

Bob Gilder, $4,373 70-73-73_216

Mike Smith, $4,373 72-68-76_216

John Harris, $4,373 74-69-73_216

Jay Sigel, $4,373 75-70-71_216

Vicente Fernandez, $4,373 75-72-69_216

Mark Johnson, $4,373 73-75-68_216

Chip Beck, $3,548 73-71-73_217

Nick Price, $3,548 76-73-68_217

Dave Eichelberger, $3,135 73-69-76_218

Lanny Wadkins, $3,135 69-73-76_218

D.A. Weibring, $3,135 72-71-75_218

Wayne Grady, $2,723 77-66-76_219

Walter Hall, $2,723 78-70-71_219

John Jacobs, $2,228 72-70-78_220

Doug Johnson, $2,228 70-76-74_220

Mike San Filippo, $2,228 75-73-72_220

Denis Watson, $2,228 77-72-71_220

Bob Murphy, $1,815 75-69-77_221

Hugh Baiocchi, $1,551 73-72-77_222

Dan Pohl, $1,551 75-73-74_222

Gary Player, $1,551 75-74-73_222

Leonard Thompson, $1,353 76-70-78_224

Bruce Summerhays, $1,205 76-72-77_225

Larry Nelson, $1,205 80-69-76_225

Jim Dent, $1,089 78-72-76_226

Hubert Green, $990 75-72-81_228

Ed Dougherty, $990 76-73-79_228

Jim Colbert, $891 81-72-77_230

J.C. Snead, $825 79-74-82_235

Bollywood's 'Hari Puttar' wins 'Harry Potter' suit

Move over Harry Potter. Make way for Hari Puttar.

"Hari Puttar" is set to hit cinema screens this week after an Indian court rejected a Warner Bros. suit claiming the name was too close to its Harry Potter series.

The court said in its ruling Monday that people who have watched the Harry Potter movies and read the books would know the difference between that and an Indian Punjabi film called "Hari Puttar _ A Comedy of Terrors. "

The producers, Mirchi Movies, said the Puttar movie bore no resemblance to the famous boy wizard franchise. Hari is a common name in India and Hindi for God, while "puttar" is Punjabi for son.

"It's clearly great to have won this case," Munish Purii, Mirchi's chief executive told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "We are hoping for a good release although the timing of the Warner case distracted us from marketing."

Warner Bros. spokeswoman Deborah Lincoln said the company was reviewing the judgment.

"We brought these proceedings because we believe that the proposed title and marketing of the defendants' film infringed our intellectual property rights," Lincoln said in an e-mail.

Lincoln said the Hari Puttar producers wanted to "confuse consumers and benefit from the well-known and well-loved Harry Potter brand."

"Hari Puttar" is not a tale of magic, but the story of an Indian boy and his cousin forgotten at home in Britain where his family has recently moved _ in a plot more reminiscent of the film "Home Alone." In the Indian film, 10-year-old Hari Puttar must guard his scientist father's top security computer chip from bumbling burglars, while his parents are away.

Purii said "Hari Puttar" would be released across India on Friday and globally next month.

Rev. Williams vows no tricks in 2nd

In light of the rumors being spread that the Rev. Anthony Williams was coerced into the 2nd Congressional district race by incumbent Jesse Jackson Jr. to throw off voters, Williams said it is not true.

Williams and another primary candidate, Yvonne Christian Williams, share the same last names.

"This is an old political trick and I want to dispel the rumor and set the record straight," Williams said.

"I got into this race because a coalition of people democratically worked together to find someone who could represent the best interest of the people in the district."

The rumors were believed to be fed by the Shaw brothers (Sen. William Shaw and Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Robert Shaw) who have recently been scrutinized for allegedly bringing the other Jesse Jackson into the primary race to throw off potential voters.

The Rev. Williams believe the brothers conjured up the rumors to take the heat off of themselves.

"Apparently it came from the Shaw camp," said Williams.

"I have no personal feelings about the Shaws or the Jacksons. My only concern is to be able to represent the district in the best interest of the people."

But in an interview with the Chicago Defender, Sen. Shaw denies that he or his brother had anything to do with the rumors.

"Certainly, I have not made those allegations," Shaw said.

"I have no agenda other than to get my candidate elected, which is Yvonne Christian Williams."

Citing that the fiasco needs to stop and the campaigning of prevalent issues should take precedence, Williams is ready to make his mark in this race.

"The Jacksons and the Shaws are fighting for control of the southern suburbs. They weren't expecting me to be in this race because they don't think the common voters have common sense.

"I want to talk about the issues: Job creation and economic development, universal healthcare, affordable housing and why there should not be a third airport in Peotone."

Williams alleges that during Jackson's reign as congressman he has done little to assist the people in the district.

"We need to start talking about how we are going to build our communities with public safety, housing, community health," said Williams.

"The only thing Jackson has claimed to do was put clean water in Ford Heights but if you can't afford to buy a pack of kool-aid to put into the clean water, then what are we getting?"

Williams, who is a staunch supporter of Illinois candidate governor Roland Burris, said he is ready to challenge Jackson to a debate.

"Cong. Jackson doesn't want to debate me because he has nothing to debate about," Williams said, citing that he has not had minimal town hall meetings, if any, with the people of the 2nd Congressional District.

"His record speaks for itself."

Cong. Jackson was unable to be reached at Defender press time.

"This race is about making America what it ought to be. This race is bigger than myself and Jesse," he said.

"This race is about the people and I am about the people and representing them in their best interest."

Article copyright REAL TIMES Inc.

Paige Wiser's TV highlights

"Ghostbusters" (8 p.m., AMC): Can someone explain to me why the 'Busters smoke so much in this movie? Is it symbolic of something? Or do they just like smoking?

"Jockeys" (9 p.m., Animal Planet): If you couldn't get enough of the fast jockey lifestyle, you're in luck: They've expanded the half-hour episodes to an hour this season.

"Ugly Betty" (9 p.m., WLS-Channel 7): Get in the mood for the new season by brushing up with a series of "enhanced" reruns. Tonight, Baby William is kidnapped -- and on-screen facts give clues, background and of course an explanation of who the heck Baby William is.

"Monk" (9 p.m., USA): Tony Shalhoub's Monk investigates a UFO sighting. Let the probing begin!

"Psych" (10 p.m., USA): If you love Simon Baker on "The Mentalist," you must check out Dule Hill and James Roday.

Photo: "Psych" ;

Social Security expands call service

One of the busiest spots in Chicago's downtown area Saturday wasthe Social Security Administration's Harold Washington ProgramService Center at 600 W. Madison.

A staff of 216 was answering calls to the red-hot toll-freenumber, 1-800-937-2000. Requests poured in from across the nationfor an application form, SSA-7004, to obtain benefit estimates.

Humans, rather than answering machines, began answering 216phone lines Friday night at the center. The agency also put another120 phone lines, also answered by people, into service Friday nightin another city.

That brought to 536 the total number of 24-hour lines in use,including 200 lines put into service initially and answered bymachines. The machine-answered lines are now being used for overflowcalls.

The expanded service is designed to eliminate the logjam thatoccurred when the agency began offering computerized benefitestimates last week.

Many callers received busy signals days to get through. Callersare asked to give their names, addresses and Social Security numbersfor mailing purposes.

Ronald Wloszczynski, deputy Chicago regional commissioner, saidagency staffers Saturday made a number of calls to the toll-freenumber themselves to test it and were able to get through virtuallyevery time.

Wloszczynski said the more efficient phone operation has made itunnecessary to go forward with an earlier plan to place copies of thenew application form in post offices.

Phil Gambino, a Social Security spokesman in Baltimore, alsosaid the agency has decided not to put the forms in post offices.

The "Personalized Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement"details how large a benefit check a worker would get each month uponretirement or if disabled.

The form also can be obtained by calling one of the 25Chicago-area Social Security offices or by writing to ConsumerInformation Center, Dept. 55, Social Security Administration, Pueblo,Colo. 81009.

Development and Commercialization of Biosimilars in India

India is expected to be a biosimilar powerhouse. The author discusses the rea ity of that promise.

Biosimilars can be defined as biotech drugs that have been shown to have comparable quality, safety, and efficacy to the original product. Scientific and regulatory issues around approval of biosimilars have been a topic of great interest and debate lately in Europe and in the United States. A key concren is industry's limited understanding of how the different quality attributes (QA) of a biotech product affect its safety and efficacy. India is globally regarded to have great potential to become a significant player in the development and commercialization of biosimilars. This article, the 25th in the "Elements of Biopharmaceutical Production" series, aims to present the current status of India in this context, the challenges that need to be overcome, and some recommendations that may alleviate these challenges.

GLOBAL SALES PROJECTION FOR BIOSIMILARS

Patents of many top-selling biopharmaceuticals are set to expire (see Figure 1) (1). Expiries will begin in 2012 with the Enbrel (Amgen/ Pfizer) patent and continue through 2017. The peak will occur in 2015 when four products - Neulasta (Amgen), Herceptin (Roche), Lantus (Sanofi-Aventis), and Rituxan/MabThera (Roche) - face patent expiration. Sales of biosimilars will be primarily driven by sales in the developed countries (i.e., US and Europe) with the US constituting approximately 90% of the global market.

A regulatory pathway for approving bisimilars is already in place in Europe - 14 such products have been approved to date (1). The pathway in the US, although approved under the Biologies Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009, is still being implemented. In Japan, although a regulatory guidance for biosimilar approval was issued in 2009, the slow adoption of small-molecule generic drugs suggests that the approval of biosimilars is likely to begin later than in the US.

THE ECONOMICS OF BIOSIMILARS

Although the financial drivers for growth of biosimilars are widely recognized to be significant, there are some key aspects that distinguish biosimilars from the smallmolecule generic drug market. Performance of biosimilars in Germany, the largest biosimilar market at present, shows that the substitution rate for biosimilar epoteins is about 35% of the total sales of epoetin. This percentage is quite different from the >90% rates that are commonly achieved for smallmolecule generics (2). This difference is partly due to the observation that patients taking biotech therapeutics show an aversion towards switching to the corresponding biosimilars (3).

Development and commercialization of a biosimilar requires anywhere from $10-40 million compared with the $1-2 million typicaly required for a conventional small-molecule generic drug. Furthermore, biosimilars are expected to be priced at only a 20-25% discount in comparison with their original products, a significantly smaller discount than what is common with smallmolecule generic drugs.

Overall, the effect on overall drug pricing will be much more limited with biosimilars than with small-molecule generics. Patient behavior is also likely to result in slower adoption.

MANUFACTURERS AND CLINICAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS

More than 30 biopharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations are based in India (see sidebars on companies and contract organizations) (4, 5). The biopharmaceutial sector's estimated value was $1.9 billion in 2009-2010, and accounted for three-fifths of the approximately $3-billion in revenues of the biotech industry in India as a whole. More optimistic projections for sales revenues of biosimilars entering the US and Europe have been estimated as high as $21 billion for the next six to seven years. India is also emerging as a hub for conducting global clinical trials with its share going from 2% at present to 5% by 2012, based on low cost, large and diversified patient pools, easy recruitment, strong government support, availability of specialized doctors and trained investigators, and a gradual strengthening of the IP environment (5, 6).

The clinical research organization market has increased from $5 million in 2005 to $71 million in 2006, and reached $1 billion in 2010 with 50,000 clinical research professionals and 400 clinical trials involving 100,000 patients at 300 sites (7).

Indian companies have gradually advanced from making simpler biotech products, such as the granulocyte colony stimulating factor to manufacturing more complex biotech products, such as monoclonal antibodies (see Table I) (8). Dr. Reddy's has brought biosimilar version of Roche's Rituximab to market.

Overall, Indian companies have demonstrated that there is no dearth of technical competence as far as development and manufacturing of blotech products Is concerned.

COMPETITION AND GLOBAL EXPECTATIONS

A recent survey focused on countries that US firms are considering for outsourcing (see Figure 2). Results showed that Singapore, Ireland and India are the top choices, followed closely by China and Germany. The competition for leadership in development and commercialization will be intense among the more established players (i.e., Germany, Singapore, and Ireland) as well as the emerging ones (i.e., India and China).

The developed countries (i.e., US, Europe, Japan) have a long history of manufacturing biotech products for regulated markets, but the developing countries have the key advantage of an availabile, qualified ,and relatively low-priced workforce. However, more is needed for the latter group to completely embrace the principles and expectations with respect to product quality and GMP compliance, and this will be a large obstacle on the path to these manufacturers emerging as major global players.

The complexity of the biosimilars market is further amplified by industry's inability to completely characterize biotech products through analytical means. As a result, there is limited understanding of how the biotech process affects the quality of the final product and how quality attributes affect clinical safety and efficacy of the product (10, 11).

In the current environment, any missteps by an Indian manufacturer may to result in a perception that the biosimilars manufactured in India (or any other developing country) are not of adequate quality. For example, the Swiss generic-drug maker, Acino, announced that it incurred a loss after European Union authorities required a recall of batches of its drug Clopidogrel, which had been formulated using an active ingrethent from an Indian supplier (12). The European regulators ordered the recall after an inspection of the Indian firm led to the finding that it had compromised production records for Clopidogrel.

MOVING FORWARD

Much needs to be done for Indian manufacturers to graduate from being considered "manufacturers for the developing world" to the "manufacturers for the developed and the developing world."

Significant improvements have been made to the country's regulatory system. A systematic, science- and risk-based approach for review of regulatory filings and inspections has been put in place. However, there is a need to ensure greater transparency in the decision-making process so that the outcomes can be more consistent. The current system involves multiple organizations (e.g., the Department of Biotechnology, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) and ministries of the government. A single point of decisionmaking and accountability will make the system more efficient, credible, and better coordinated, and will reduce confusion and delays that are otherwise suffered at times by the industry. In addition, basic training in areas such as GMP, documentation practices, scale up, technology transfer, and validation is needed by the industry and regulators.

Creation of modern technology platforms that can support the regulatory authorities in making appropriate decisions during the review and inspection process is needed. For example, approaches such as rapid analysis of a drug lot, fingerprinting, and use of chemometrics to quickly facilitate decision-making on product quality are already in practice by some of the major global regulatory agencies, and India could benefit from these technologies.

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) is in the process of overhauling its monographs for biotech products. As a creator of the minimum standards that a biotech drug must meet in order to be a commercial product, IPC can play a crucial role in contributing to the success of the Indian biotech industry by using a science-based and risk-based approach when creating these standards.

Professional organizations such as the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) have been effective in the US in bringing the industry and regulators together in the form of various task forces to create best practices for industry and regulators. International trade organizations, such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) and International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), also have been effective in the US by encouraging dialogue between academia and industry through conferences and other events.

India could benefit from similar academic-industry collaborations. The Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is one step in this direction.

Quality by design (QbD) has gained significant momentum lately in the biotech industry with both regulators and the industry investing financial and staffing resources to implement the approach (13, 14). A QbD approach is likely to be expected of Indian manufacturers when they apply for FDA or EMA approval of biosimilars. The Indian biotech industry should see this as an opportunity to innovate and come up with more efficient ways of product development and commercialization without compromising product quality and consistency.

CONCLUSION

In summary, significant challenges lie ahead for the Indian biotech industry. The government, industry, academia, and regulators need to work together to surmount them. The business case for doing so exists as demonistrated herein. It remains to be seen whether India will capitalize on its strengths and emerge as a dominant global manufacturer of biosimilars.

[Sidebar]

Major biopharmaceutical companies in India

Bharat Biotech

Bharat Serums and Vaccines

Biocon

Biological Evans

Cadila Healthcare

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories

Glaxo SmithKline

Haffkine Biopharmaceuticals

Indian lmmunologicals

Intas Biopharmaceuticals

Panacea Biotech

Reliance Life Sciences

Serum Institute of India

Shantha Biotech

Syngene International

Wockhardt

Zydus Cadila Healthcare

Major clinical research organizations in India

Accutest

AceBimed

Asian Clinical Trials

Atemis

Clinigene International

Fortis Clinical Research Services

GVKBio

iGATE Clinical Research

International

Lambada

Lotus

ManipalAccunova

Medicity

Neeman Medical International

Vimta

Wellquest

[Sidebar]

The complexity of biosimilars market is further amplified by industry's inability to completely characterize biotech products

[Sidebar]

Elements of Biopharmaceutical Production

Previous articles in the series include:

1. Modeling of Microbial and Mammalian Unit Operations

2. Scaling Down Fermentation

3. Optimization, Scale-up, and Validation Issues in Filtration

4. Filter Clogging Issues in Sterile Filtration

5. Lifetime Studies for Membrane Reuse

6. Modeling of Process Chromatography Unit Operation

7. Resin Screening to Optimize Chromatographie Separations

8. Optimization and Scale-Up in Preparative Chromatography

9. Scaling Down Chromatography and Filtration

10. Qualification of a Chromatographie Column

11. Efficiency Measurements for Chromatography Columns

12. Process Validation: How much to Do and When to do it

13. Quality by Design for Biopharmaceuticals: Defining Design Space

14. Quality by Design for Biopharmaceuticals: Case Studies

15. Design Space for Biotech Products

16. Applying PAT to Biotech Unit Operations

17. Applications of MVDA in Biotech Processing

18. Future Technologies for Efficient Manufacturing

19. Costing Issues in the Production of Biopharmaceuticals

20. Economic Analysis as a Tool for Process Development:

To view these articles, visit BioPharmlnternational.com/ elements.

[Reference]

REFERENCES

1. G. Walsh, Nature Siotechno/. 28 (9) 917-924 (2010).

2. J. Hodgson, Nature Biotechnol. 27 (11) 963-965 (2009).

3. P. Narang, Datamonior Biosimilar Series 2008 (Datamonitor, London. June 2009).

4. C. Chakraborty and G. Agoramoorthy, Biotechnology Advances 28 (1) 1-6 (2010).

5. S. Chaturvedi, The Indian Jrnl. of Labour Econ. 52 (2) 693-712 (2009).

6. S. Natesh and M. Bhan, Current Sci. 97, 157-169 (2009).

7. CJ. Mathew, Business Standard (Oct. 2007), p. 16.

8. K. Jayaraman, Nature Biotechnol. 28 (9) 883-884 (2010).

9. E.S. Langer, Gen. Engin. & Biotechnol. News 30 (5) 2010

10. A.S. Rathore, Trends in Biotechnol, 27, (12) 698-705 (2009).

11. A.S. Rathore and I.S. Krull, LCGC Nortn America 28, 598-600 (2010).

12. J.F. Tremblay, Chemical & Engin. News (Aug. 2010), p. 23.

13. A. S. Rathore and H. Winkle H, Nature Biotechnol. 27 (1) (2009) 26-34 (2009).

14. A.S. Rathore, Trends in Biotechnology, 27 (9), 546-553 (2009).

[Author Affiliation]

AnuragS.Rathore* is a member of the faculty of the Department of Chemical Engineering atthe Indian Institute ofTechnology, asrathore@ bjotecricmz.com

ECOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF MlLKHOUSE WASTE

Dairy farms produce wastewater that includes wash water from cleaning milking equipment and the milk house, but residual milk, protein, water and cleaners do not effectively percolate in the ordinary sewage systems to which they are typically sent. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) along with USDA engineers and scientists - with funding and support from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and other state agencies - are testing cost-efficient, vegetative treatment designs that address biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and pollutants of concern (chlorine by-product, phosphorus and nitrogen) generated by smaller dairy operators. Daryl Forgione, project manager for DCR, says a vegetated treatment area (VTA) "could benefit farmers across the country" as tests results so far show it is effective for treating BOD and suspended solids. In its third year, the pilot program is currently testing a VTA with a bark-mound surface at Great Brook Farm in Carlisle, Massachusetts, that further addresses low levels of nitrogen in milk house wastewater.

Henderson scores final 7, Bobcats stun Bucks 87-86

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Gerald Henderson scored the final seven points, including the go-ahead jumper with 22 seconds left, and the short-handed Charlotte Bobcats staged an unlikely comeback to beat the mistake-prone Milwaukee Bucks 87-86 on Monday night.

Starting with no available centers before losing their top two point guards to injuries, the Bobcats remained in playoff contention after Brandon Jennings missed two layups and a 3-pointer in the final 15 seconds that would have put the Bucks ahead.

Stephen Jackson scored 18 points for the Bobcats, who held Milwaukee scoreless over the final 3:52.

Jennings and Andrew Bogut had 26 points apiece for the Bucks, who lost their second straight and continued an alarming trend of blowing fourth-quarter leads.

This one may have been the most head-scratching of all.

At the end, the Bobcats had power forward Boris Diaw playing center, small forward Jackson at power forward and Garrett Temple, who was in the NBA Development League earlier this month, running the offense.

And they still somehow won to remain one game behind Indiana for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot. The Bucks fell three games behind the Pacers.

The Bobcats got within 86-85 on Henderson's jumper with 52 seconds left. After Bogut missed a contested layup, Henderson drilled a turnaround from the right wing to put Charlotte ahead 87-86.

Jennings then missed a wide-open driving layup before Henderson grabbed a rebound in a wild scramble and called timeout from the floor. But Jennings then stole Diaw's inbounds pass before missing another layup in traffic.

The Bucks, who held a 46-37 rebounding edge, grabbed the loose ball and Jennings missed a 3 from the left corner. Carlos Delfino then grabbed Milwaukee's 17th offensive rebound, but his tip bounced off the rim as time expired.

It was another stirring win for the Bobcats, who appeared out of the playoff race following a 23-point loss to Indiana last week, Since then, Charlotte has knocked off Boston, New York and Milwaukee.

Starting point guard D.J. Augustin left with a sprained left ankle and backup Shaun Livingston was lost to a bruised lower spine in just over a minute span early in the fourth quarter. The last man standing was Temple, who was signed for the remainder of the season Monday morning.

Henderson, who moved into the starting lineup when Gerald Wallace was traded last month, scored 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting for the Bobcats, who had little to work with inside.

Starting center Kwame Brown left the team Monday afternoon to be with his ill daughter in Georgia. With Joel Przybilla (knee) and DeSagana Diop (Achilles' tendon) already sidelined and Nazr Mohammed traded to Oklahoma City last month, the Bobcats had no centers left.

Power forward Tyrus Thomas, returning after missing two games with bruised ribs, started in the middle and was ineffective. Bogut had 18 points in the first quarter and 26 as the Bucks were up 72-65 entering the third quarter in the season debut of former All-Star Michael Redd.

When John Salmons picked up two quick fouls, Redd replaced him with 9:54 left in the first quarter in his first appearance in 14 months following his second major left knee injury.

Playing without a knee brace, Redd had two stints in each half. He didn't score, missing all three shots while dishing out four assists in 15 minutes.

Notes: Bobcats coach Paul Silas wouldn't be surprised if Przybilla, out since March 9, misses the rest of the season. ... Skiles said before the game it's been frustrating for all not finding a go-to guy in the clutch. "We've had a hard time establishing a hierarchy of where we're going to go for key plays," he said. "Our futility late in games has definitely bothered guys."

Switzerland midfielder who beat Spain versatile

Gelson Fernandes can play almost anywhere for Switzerland, except as a striker.

So the Saint-Etienne defensive midfielder was as shocked as everybody else when he popped up in the penalty area Wednesday night to give his adopted country a stunning 1-0 victory over World Cup favorite Spain.

It was only Fernandes' second goal in 24 internationals and he said it was a stroke of good fortune he was on hand to tap in the ball after Eren Derdiyok's surging 52nd-minute run was halted by a combination of Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique.

"To be fair, I'm not used to scoring goals, so I was a bit surprised," Fernandes said. "It was a bit of luck."

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said Fernandes forced his way into the World Cup squad with good performances in the qualification matches he played in. Since then, he has developed into a key member of the tightly organized team.

"Fernandes hopped onto the bandwagon very late _ but he's shown great form," Hitzfeld said. "He's a very valuable player _ you just love them. He plays in many positions and motivates his teammates."

He has never been more valuable than Wednesday, when his goal gave Switzerland its first win over Spain in 18 attempts and an unexpected stepping stone toward qualifying for the round of 16 in South Africa.

The significance will take a while to sink in.

"I'll probably realize this after my career," he said. "It's a special moment for our team _ the most important part is the team spirit we have."

Switzerland's next match is Monday against Chile in Port Elizabeth, it then faces Honduras in its final Group H encounter. Spain has to regroup before taking on Honduras in Johannesburg and Chile in Pretoria.

Fernandes' presence in the penalty area to snatch the match winner was all the more surprising given Hitzfeld's ultra-defensive game plan _ packing the defense and midfield to stifle Spain's creativity. The midfield rarely moved up in support of striker Derdiyok, who was starting in place of injured captain and top scorer Alex Frei.

But the former Manchester City midfielder who now plays for Saint-Etienne in France said he is happy to go where he is told on the pitch.

"I'm usually in defense and midfield," he said. "The manager played me on the left _ I'm used to playing different positions. That's no problem for me."

NIreland Militants Renounce Violence

The major Northern Ireland Protestant paramilitary group, the Ulster Defense Association, announced Sunday it was formally renouncing violence, but a commander said the group would not surrender its weapons to international disarmament officials.

The group, which has an estimated 3,000 members across hardline parts of Northern Ireland, has loosely observed a cease-fire since 1994, but until now has refused to surrender a single bullet or bomb _ a major objective of a 1998 peace accord.

It is the last of Northern Ireland's underground armies to renounce violence. The the Irish Republican Army, the major Catholic paramilitary, did so and disarmed in 2005.

The group said in a statement that at midnight Sunday it would "stand down with all military intelligence destroyed, and, as a consequence of this, all weaponry will be put beyond use."

The UDA's south Belfast commander Jackie McDonald confirmed the group would not surrender its weapons to international disarmament officials.

"They are the people's guns," McDonald said.

The UDA appeared to be following the Ulster Volunteer Force _ the other major Protestant underground army _ which said in May that it had placed its weapons under the custody of senior members and "beyond the reach" of rank-and-file members. The UVF did not surrender any to John de Chastelain, the retired Canadian general who since 1997 has been trying to oversee paramilitary disarmament in Northern Ireland.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern welcomed the UDA's move, buts said it now must cooperate with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and surrender its weapons.

His comments were echoed by Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward, the senior British government official in the province: "They will be judged by their actions, not their words," Woodward said.

Intelligence officials have said the Protestant paramilitary groups were relatively poorly armed compared to the IRA's sophisticated arsenal _ having only firearms, ammunition, grenades and small supplies of explosives.

(This version CORRECTS that the IRA disarmed in 2005.)

Agents glean ideas from conference

Anumber of new ideas for customer service will be employed bylocal independent estate agent Davies and Davies, after two of itsmanagers attended the prestigious Home Sale Network annualconference and exhibition.

Justin Davies, who covers Bradford-on-Avon, Corsham, Trowbridgeand Westbury, went to the event with Mark Ledbury, manager atTrowbridge branch.

Attended by agents and business experts, the event was held atthe Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, in London, on November 12.

The conference was hosted by Channel Five News presenter MattBarbet and featured expert keynote speakers including the SundayTimes' economics editor David Smith and Marcus Child, a regularspeaker on conference platforms.

The event's five work stream classes focused on the impact of thecurrent and future mortgage market, customer service, the latestonline trends for estate agency and business development.

The conference, now in its 17th year, culminated in a glitteringblack tie awards dinner hosted by Hugh Dennis, star of the BAFTA-winning BBC sitcom Outnumbered and team captain on the popular BBCpanel show, Mock The Week.

Overall, 13 awards were presented at the event, including themost coveted prize, the Cartus Cup, won by North Tyneside's Cooke &Co. The award that can only be won by past Cartus Cup winners, theMasters Cup, was awarded to Hexham and Tyne Valley's Northumbria &Cumbria.

The evening also played host to a charity raffle and auction inaid of The Kwagala Trust.

This worthy UK charity works with the African community toprovide loving homes for abandoned, orphaned or deprived childrenallowing them to live fulfilled, productive and sufficient lives.

"As a national network of independent estate agents, the HomeSale Network Annual Conference is a fantastic opportunity for ourmembers to learn from each other and industry experts on how toimprove and grow their businesses," said Richard Tucker.

"The evening awards dinner is a great way to end both theconference and the year, by celebrating all of the network'ssuccesses in 2010."

Nationals 9, Marlins 7

Washington @ Florida @
ab r h bi @ ab r h bi
Harris rf 3 1 0 0 Barden lf-ss 5 0 1 1
Gonzalez ph-ss 1 0 1 2 Maybin cf 3 1 2 1
Kennedy 2b 4 0 2 3 Stanton rf 2 0 1 0
Bergmann p 0 0 0 0 Ramirez ss 3 0 1 0
Taveras ph-lf 1 0 0 0 B.Petersen pr-lf 1 0 1 0
Desmond ss-rf 4 2 2 0 Carroll ph 1 0 1 0
Duncan 1b 4 0 1 1 Cantu 3b 3 0 0 1
Morse 1b 1 0 0 0 Luna pr-3b-2b 2 1 0 0
Rodriguez c 4 1 1 0 Uggla 2b 4 1 1 0
Nieves c 1 0 0 0 Bonifacio 2b-cf 1 0 0 0
Bruntlett 3b 4 2 2 2 Paulino c 3 1 0 1
English p 0 0 0 0 B.Davis c 1 0 1 0
Maxwell cf 3 1 0 0 Ross rf-cf 3 2 1 0
Bernadina lf 3 2 1 1 Strickland p 0 0 0 0
Clippard p 0 0 0 0 Morrison 1b 4 1 1 0
L.Atilano p 0 0 0 0 Johnson p 1 0 0 0
S.Bynum 2b 0 0 0 0 Penn p 1 0 0 0
Lannan p 1 0 0 0 Lamb ph 1 0 1 3
Orr ph-2b-3b 1 0 0 0 MacDougal p 0 0 0 0
Jones p 0 0 0 0
Helms ph-3b 1 0 0 0
Totals @ 35 9 10 9 Totals @ 40 7 12 7
Washington 100 104 300_9
Florida 002 005 000_7
E_Desmond 2 (4). DP_Florida 1. LOB_Washington 7, Florida 7. 2B_Kennedy (5), Desmond (4), Duncan (1), Bruntlett (4), Stanton (2), B.Davis (1), Lamb (2). SB_Bruntlett 2 (2), Bernadina (2). CS_Orr (1). S_Maxwell.
IP H R ER BB SO
Washington
Lannan 5 4 2 1 0 2
Bergmann W,1-0 BS,1-1 1 4 5 2 1 1
Clippard 2 2 0 0 0 2
L.Atilano 1-3 1 0 0 0 0
English S,2-2 2-3 1 0 0 0 1
Florida
Johnson 4 1-3 3 2 2 2 4
Penn 1 2-3 5 4 4 2 1
MacDougal L,0-1 BS,1-1 2-3 1 3 3 3 0
Jones 1 1-3 1 0 0 0 1
Strickland 1 0 0 0 0 1
Umpires_Home, Jerry Meals	First, Ed Rapuano	Second, C.B. Bucknor	Third, Tyler Funneman.
A_4,249 (7,000).

FBI Criticized for Patriot Act Use

WASHINGTON - A blistering Justice Department report accuses the FBI of underreporting its use of the Patriot Act to force businesses to turn over customer information in terrorism cases, according to officials familiar with its findings.

The report, to be released Friday, also says the FBI failed to send follow-up subpoenas to telecommunications firms that were told to expect them, according to several government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the report by the Justice Department's inspector general had not yet been released.

Overall, the FBI underreported the number of national security letters it issued by about 20 percent between 2003 and 2005, the officials said. In 2005 alone, the FBI delivered a total of 9,254 letters relating to 3,501 U.S. citizens and legal residents.

The Patriot Act, pushed through Congress by the Bush administration after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, allows the FBI to issue national security letters without a judge's approval in terrorism and espionage cases. The letters require telephone companies, Internet service providers, banks, credit bureaus and other businesses to produce highly personal records about their customers or subscribers.

It was unclear late Thursday whether the omissions could be considered a criminal offense. One government official familiar with the report said that it concluded that the problems appeared to be unintentional and that FBI agents would probably face administrative sanctions instead of an indictment.

The audit, required by Congress over the objections of the Bush administration, contains classified information about how the government pursues terrorists and spies in the United States. The Justice Department began notifying lawmakers of its damning contents late Thursday.

FBI Director Robert Mueller was to brief reporters on the report's findings Friday morning, and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was expected to answer questions about it at a privacy rights event in Washington several hours later.

Senate GOP Turns Back Iraq Pullout Plan

WASHINGTON - Democrats aggressively challenged President Bush's Iraq policy at both ends of the Capitol on Thursday, gaining House committee approval for a troop withdrawal deadline of Sept. 1, 2008, but suffering defeat in the Senate on a less sweeping plan to end U.S. participation in the war.

Anti-war Democrats prevailed on a near-party line vote of 36-28 in the House Appropriations Committee, brushing aside a week-old veto threat from the administration and overcoming unyielding opposition from Republicans.

"I want this war to end. I don't want to go to any more funerals," said New York Rep. Rep. Jose Serrano, one of several liberal Democrats who have pledged their support for the legislation despite preferring a faster end to the war.

"Nobody wants our troops out of Iraq more than I do," countered Rep. C.W. Bill Young of Florida, who sought unsuccessfully to scuttle the timeline for a troop withdrawal. "But we can't afford to turn over Iraq to al-Qaida."

In the Senate, after weeks of skirmishing, Republicans easily turned back Democratic legislation requiring a troop withdrawal to begin within 120 days. The measure set no fixed deadline for completion of the redeployment, but set a goal of March 31, 2008. The vote was 50-48 against the measure, 12 short of the 60 needed for passage.

Senate Democrats promptly said they would try again to force a change in Bush's policy beginning next week when they begin work on legislation providing money for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The developments coincided with the traditional St. Patrick's Day luncheon in the Capitol, an annual social event hosted by the speaker of the House and attended by the president. For an hour or so, while lawmakers were debating the war, Bush and the leader of the political opposition, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were seated near one another in an ornate hall not far from the Capitol Rotunda.

If they discussed the war, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 3,200 U.S. troops, there was no evidence of it.

The day's votes in Congress underscored the extraordinary, unpredictable wartime clash between commander in chief and lawmakers.

In the House, only one committee Democrat, liberal Rep. Barbara Lee of California, voted against her party's plan, saying it did not go far enough. "I believe the American people sent a mandate to us to bring home our men and women before the end of the year," she said.

Overall, the committee vote strongly suggested Democrats will be able to push their troop withdrawal timetable through the full House next week. Even so, there is little if any prospect the Senate will agree to anything remotely similar. And even if it does, Bush's threatened veto would force Pelosi and other war critics back to the drafting table.

It took weeks for the Senate to agree to hold a formal debate on Democratic calls for a change in war policy, and by the time it occurred, the result was utterly predictable. So much so that Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican who is running for the White House in 2008, skipped the vote to campaign in Iowa.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky led the opposition to the measure.

"This is a dangerous piece of legislation. It is constitutionally dubious and it would authorize a scattered band of United States senators to tie the hand" of the commander in chief, he said.

McConnell said it would be "absolutely fatal" to the mission of U.S. troops in Iraq.

Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada disputed that. "Five years of war, the president's current approach in Iraq is not working. The country is closer to chaos than stability. U.S. troops are policing a civil war, not hunting and killing the terrorists who attacked America on 9/11."

While the Democratic defeat was preordained, New York Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who heads his party's campaign committee, suggested a political motive for the decision to go ahead with the vote.

Republicans, he said, "are caught ... between the president who sticks to this policy and their constituencies, who know this policy is wrong."

Sen. Gordon Smith of Oregon was the only Republican to support the measure. Democrats Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Ben Nelson of Nebraska opposed it, as did Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, an independent Democrat.

For their part, Republicans sought to create a political dilemma for Democrats, countering with an alternative measure that said "no funds should be cut off or reduced for American troops in the field" that would undermine their safety.

GOP leaders hoped the proposal, advanced by Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, would prove difficult for Democrats to oppose and complicate any future effort to reduce funds for the war.

Gregg's amendment passed 82-16.

Democrats tried still another proposal, this one saying that Congress would provide "necessary funds for training equipment and other support for troops in the field." It passed easily, 96-2.

The House timetable was part of a spending bill that totals $124 billion, $95.5 billion of which is targeted for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Initially, Democrats had wanted to use the funding bill to prevent Bush from proceeding with his plans to increase troop strength by 21,000 as part of an effort to quell sectarian violence in the Baghdad area. That was scuttled after Republicans criticized it and moderate Democrats objected.

In its place was a requirement for troops to receive proper training, equipment and rest, although Bush is permitted to waive those provisions.

The balance of the funds in the House measure would be distributed among domestic programs that Democrats wanted to highlight - health care for veterans and low-income children, aid to agriculture and more.

Republicans said that was a thinly disguised attempt to win support from reluctant Democrats. "Attention Kmart shoppers. ... Whether you be a spinach farmer or a salmon fisher ... there's something in there for you," taunted Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky.

Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., chairman of the committee, defended the billions of dollars for agricultural assistance, contending that many farmers are in difficult financial circumstances because of conditions beyond their control.

Extra points / Top performances, news & notes from Sunday's games

Rushing

*Darren McFadden, Raiders, scored four times as the Raidersposted the most points in their 50-year history with a 59-14thrashing of the Broncos. McFadden scored from 4, 19, 4 and 57yards and rushed for 165 yards.

*Thomas Jones, Chiefs, rushed for 125 yards, including a 70-yard run, and scored a TD in a 42-20 victory over Jacksonville in which Kansas City gained 236 yards on the ground. The Chiefs lead the league in rushing.

*Steven Jackson, Rams, had his third consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 110 yards on 22 carries in an 18-17 loss at Tampa Bay. He set the Rams' career rushing record with 7,324 yards.

*Ryan Torain, Redskins, gained 125 yards on 21 carries in a 17-14 win at Chicago.

*Frank Gore rushed for 102 yards for San Francisco in a 23-20loss at Carolina.

***

Passing

*Matt Moore, Panthers, reclaimed his starting job and threw for308 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-30 victory over San Franciscofor Carolina's first win this season.

*Matt Ryan, Falcons, had his best game of the season, completing24 of 33 for 299 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-32 win over Cincinnati. Carson Palmer, Bengals, went 36 of 50 for 412 yards and three TDs.

*Joe Flacco, Ravens, threw for 250 yards and three touchdownpasses in a 37-34 OT victory against Buffalo.

***

Receiving

*Kenny Britt, Ravens, had the best game of his career two daysafter being involved in a bar fight, making three TD catches in a37-19 win over the Eagles 37-19. Britt didn't start the game as punishment, but finished with seven catches for 225 yards.

*Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, had two TD receptions for the secondstraight week, helping Kansas City beat Jacksonville 42-20.

*David Gettis, Panthers, had eight catches for 125 yards and twoTDs in a 23-20 win over the 49ers, the rookie's first two NFLtouchdown receptions.

***

Special teams

*John Kasay made a 55-yard field earlier in the game and later kicked a 37-yarder to lift the Panthers to their first win of the season, 23-20 over San Francisco. Kasay has made 40 field goals of more than 50 yards in his career, tied with Morten Andersen for second. Jason Hanson, still with Detroit, has 45.

*Connor Barth, Buccaneers, kicked four field goals for the Bucs, from 35, 39, 53 and 38 yards, in an 18-17 win over the Rams.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30 dating back to last season, in a 22-10 win over Seattle.

***

Milestones

*DeAngelo Hall, Redskins, tied an NFL record with fourinterceptions of Jay Cutler, returning one 92 yards for a touchdownin a 17-14 win over Chicago. He's the 19th player with four INTs ina game.

*Vikings QB Brett Favre passed John Elway for most games startedin one stadium when he was in the opening lineup at Lambeau Field,his home stadium from 1992-2008, for the 119th time.

*Terrell Owens, Bengals, became the fifth player in NFL historywith 150 TDs when he hauled in a 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer.

***

Streaks and stats

*Tennessee has won 12 in a row against the NFC after a 37-19 comeback victory over Philadelphia.

*Carolina ended its five-game slide to open the season with a 23-20 victory over San Francisco.

*This is the third straight year Cleveland beat the Super Bowl champions, defeating the Giants in 2008, the Steelers last year and the Saints on Sunday.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30.

***

Injuries

*San Francisco QB Alex Smith hurt his left shoulder, saying itfelt similar to a previous injury.

*Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs aggravated an ankle injury andleft in the first quarter against Washington.

From wire service reports.

Extra points / Top performances, news & notes from Sunday's games

Rushing

*Darren McFadden, Raiders, scored four times as the Raidersposted the most points in their 50-year history with a 59-14thrashing of the Broncos. McFadden scored from 4, 19, 4 and 57yards and rushed for 165 yards.

*Thomas Jones, Chiefs, rushed for 125 yards, including a 70-yard run, and scored a TD in a 42-20 victory over Jacksonville in which Kansas City gained 236 yards on the ground. The Chiefs lead the league in rushing.

*Steven Jackson, Rams, had his third consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 110 yards on 22 carries in an 18-17 loss at Tampa Bay. He set the Rams' career rushing record with 7,324 yards.

*Ryan Torain, Redskins, gained 125 yards on 21 carries in a 17-14 win at Chicago.

*Frank Gore rushed for 102 yards for San Francisco in a 23-20loss at Carolina.

***

Passing

*Matt Moore, Panthers, reclaimed his starting job and threw for308 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-30 victory over San Franciscofor Carolina's first win this season.

*Matt Ryan, Falcons, had his best game of the season, completing24 of 33 for 299 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-32 win over Cincinnati. Carson Palmer, Bengals, went 36 of 50 for 412 yards and three TDs.

*Joe Flacco, Ravens, threw for 250 yards and three touchdownpasses in a 37-34 OT victory against Buffalo.

***

Receiving

*Kenny Britt, Ravens, had the best game of his career two daysafter being involved in a bar fight, making three TD catches in a37-19 win over the Eagles 37-19. Britt didn't start the game as punishment, but finished with seven catches for 225 yards.

*Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, had two TD receptions for the secondstraight week, helping Kansas City beat Jacksonville 42-20.

*David Gettis, Panthers, had eight catches for 125 yards and twoTDs in a 23-20 win over the 49ers, the rookie's first two NFLtouchdown receptions.

***

Special teams

*John Kasay made a 55-yard field earlier in the game and later kicked a 37-yarder to lift the Panthers to their first win of the season, 23-20 over San Francisco. Kasay has made 40 field goals of more than 50 yards in his career, tied with Morten Andersen for second. Jason Hanson, still with Detroit, has 45.

*Connor Barth, Buccaneers, kicked four field goals for the Bucs, from 35, 39, 53 and 38 yards, in an 18-17 win over the Rams.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30 dating back to last season, in a 22-10 win over Seattle.

***

Milestones

*DeAngelo Hall, Redskins, tied an NFL record with fourinterceptions of Jay Cutler, returning one 92 yards for a touchdownin a 17-14 win over Chicago. He's the 19th player with four INTs ina game.

*Vikings QB Brett Favre passed John Elway for most games startedin one stadium when he was in the opening lineup at Lambeau Field,his home stadium from 1992-2008, for the 119th time.

*Terrell Owens, Bengals, became the fifth player in NFL historywith 150 TDs when he hauled in a 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer.

***

Streaks and stats

*Tennessee has won 12 in a row against the NFC after a 37-19 comeback victory over Philadelphia.

*Carolina ended its five-game slide to open the season with a 23-20 victory over San Francisco.

*This is the third straight year Cleveland beat the Super Bowl champions, defeating the Giants in 2008, the Steelers last year and the Saints on Sunday.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30.

***

Injuries

*San Francisco QB Alex Smith hurt his left shoulder, saying itfelt similar to a previous injury.

*Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs aggravated an ankle injury andleft in the first quarter against Washington.

From wire service reports.

Extra points / Top performances, news & notes from Sunday's games

Rushing

*Darren McFadden, Raiders, scored four times as the Raidersposted the most points in their 50-year history with a 59-14thrashing of the Broncos. McFadden scored from 4, 19, 4 and 57yards and rushed for 165 yards.

*Thomas Jones, Chiefs, rushed for 125 yards, including a 70-yard run, and scored a TD in a 42-20 victory over Jacksonville in which Kansas City gained 236 yards on the ground. The Chiefs lead the league in rushing.

*Steven Jackson, Rams, had his third consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 110 yards on 22 carries in an 18-17 loss at Tampa Bay. He set the Rams' career rushing record with 7,324 yards.

*Ryan Torain, Redskins, gained 125 yards on 21 carries in a 17-14 win at Chicago.

*Frank Gore rushed for 102 yards for San Francisco in a 23-20loss at Carolina.

***

Passing

*Matt Moore, Panthers, reclaimed his starting job and threw for308 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-30 victory over San Franciscofor Carolina's first win this season.

*Matt Ryan, Falcons, had his best game of the season, completing24 of 33 for 299 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-32 win over Cincinnati. Carson Palmer, Bengals, went 36 of 50 for 412 yards and three TDs.

*Joe Flacco, Ravens, threw for 250 yards and three touchdownpasses in a 37-34 OT victory against Buffalo.

***

Receiving

*Kenny Britt, Ravens, had the best game of his career two daysafter being involved in a bar fight, making three TD catches in a37-19 win over the Eagles 37-19. Britt didn't start the game as punishment, but finished with seven catches for 225 yards.

*Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, had two TD receptions for the secondstraight week, helping Kansas City beat Jacksonville 42-20.

*David Gettis, Panthers, had eight catches for 125 yards and twoTDs in a 23-20 win over the 49ers, the rookie's first two NFLtouchdown receptions.

***

Special teams

*John Kasay made a 55-yard field earlier in the game and later kicked a 37-yarder to lift the Panthers to their first win of the season, 23-20 over San Francisco. Kasay has made 40 field goals of more than 50 yards in his career, tied with Morten Andersen for second. Jason Hanson, still with Detroit, has 45.

*Connor Barth, Buccaneers, kicked four field goals for the Bucs, from 35, 39, 53 and 38 yards, in an 18-17 win over the Rams.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30 dating back to last season, in a 22-10 win over Seattle.

***

Milestones

*DeAngelo Hall, Redskins, tied an NFL record with fourinterceptions of Jay Cutler, returning one 92 yards for a touchdownin a 17-14 win over Chicago. He's the 19th player with four INTs ina game.

*Vikings QB Brett Favre passed John Elway for most games startedin one stadium when he was in the opening lineup at Lambeau Field,his home stadium from 1992-2008, for the 119th time.

*Terrell Owens, Bengals, became the fifth player in NFL historywith 150 TDs when he hauled in a 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer.

***

Streaks and stats

*Tennessee has won 12 in a row against the NFC after a 37-19 comeback victory over Philadelphia.

*Carolina ended its five-game slide to open the season with a 23-20 victory over San Francisco.

*This is the third straight year Cleveland beat the Super Bowl champions, defeating the Giants in 2008, the Steelers last year and the Saints on Sunday.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30.

***

Injuries

*San Francisco QB Alex Smith hurt his left shoulder, saying itfelt similar to a previous injury.

*Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs aggravated an ankle injury andleft in the first quarter against Washington.

From wire service reports.

Extra points / Top performances, news & notes from Sunday's games

Rushing

*Darren McFadden, Raiders, scored four times as the Raidersposted the most points in their 50-year history with a 59-14thrashing of the Broncos. McFadden scored from 4, 19, 4 and 57yards and rushed for 165 yards.

*Thomas Jones, Chiefs, rushed for 125 yards, including a 70-yard run, and scored a TD in a 42-20 victory over Jacksonville in which Kansas City gained 236 yards on the ground. The Chiefs lead the league in rushing.

*Steven Jackson, Rams, had his third consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 110 yards on 22 carries in an 18-17 loss at Tampa Bay. He set the Rams' career rushing record with 7,324 yards.

*Ryan Torain, Redskins, gained 125 yards on 21 carries in a 17-14 win at Chicago.

*Frank Gore rushed for 102 yards for San Francisco in a 23-20loss at Carolina.

***

Passing

*Matt Moore, Panthers, reclaimed his starting job and threw for308 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-30 victory over San Franciscofor Carolina's first win this season.

*Matt Ryan, Falcons, had his best game of the season, completing24 of 33 for 299 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-32 win over Cincinnati. Carson Palmer, Bengals, went 36 of 50 for 412 yards and three TDs.

*Joe Flacco, Ravens, threw for 250 yards and three touchdownpasses in a 37-34 OT victory against Buffalo.

***

Receiving

*Kenny Britt, Ravens, had the best game of his career two daysafter being involved in a bar fight, making three TD catches in a37-19 win over the Eagles 37-19. Britt didn't start the game as punishment, but finished with seven catches for 225 yards.

*Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, had two TD receptions for the secondstraight week, helping Kansas City beat Jacksonville 42-20.

*David Gettis, Panthers, had eight catches for 125 yards and twoTDs in a 23-20 win over the 49ers, the rookie's first two NFLtouchdown receptions.

***

Special teams

*John Kasay made a 55-yard field earlier in the game and later kicked a 37-yarder to lift the Panthers to their first win of the season, 23-20 over San Francisco. Kasay has made 40 field goals of more than 50 yards in his career, tied with Morten Andersen for second. Jason Hanson, still with Detroit, has 45.

*Connor Barth, Buccaneers, kicked four field goals for the Bucs, from 35, 39, 53 and 38 yards, in an 18-17 win over the Rams.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30 dating back to last season, in a 22-10 win over Seattle.

***

Milestones

*DeAngelo Hall, Redskins, tied an NFL record with fourinterceptions of Jay Cutler, returning one 92 yards for a touchdownin a 17-14 win over Chicago. He's the 19th player with four INTs ina game.

*Vikings QB Brett Favre passed John Elway for most games startedin one stadium when he was in the opening lineup at Lambeau Field,his home stadium from 1992-2008, for the 119th time.

*Terrell Owens, Bengals, became the fifth player in NFL historywith 150 TDs when he hauled in a 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer.

***

Streaks and stats

*Tennessee has won 12 in a row against the NFC after a 37-19 comeback victory over Philadelphia.

*Carolina ended its five-game slide to open the season with a 23-20 victory over San Francisco.

*This is the third straight year Cleveland beat the Super Bowl champions, defeating the Giants in 2008, the Steelers last year and the Saints on Sunday.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30.

***

Injuries

*San Francisco QB Alex Smith hurt his left shoulder, saying itfelt similar to a previous injury.

*Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs aggravated an ankle injury andleft in the first quarter against Washington.

From wire service reports.

Extra points / Top performances, news & notes from Sunday's games

Rushing

*Darren McFadden, Raiders, scored four times as the Raidersposted the most points in their 50-year history with a 59-14thrashing of the Broncos. McFadden scored from 4, 19, 4 and 57yards and rushed for 165 yards.

*Thomas Jones, Chiefs, rushed for 125 yards, including a 70-yard run, and scored a TD in a 42-20 victory over Jacksonville in which Kansas City gained 236 yards on the ground. The Chiefs lead the league in rushing.

*Steven Jackson, Rams, had his third consecutive 100-yard game, finishing with 110 yards on 22 carries in an 18-17 loss at Tampa Bay. He set the Rams' career rushing record with 7,324 yards.

*Ryan Torain, Redskins, gained 125 yards on 21 carries in a 17-14 win at Chicago.

*Frank Gore rushed for 102 yards for San Francisco in a 23-20loss at Carolina.

***

Passing

*Matt Moore, Panthers, reclaimed his starting job and threw for308 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-30 victory over San Franciscofor Carolina's first win this season.

*Matt Ryan, Falcons, had his best game of the season, completing24 of 33 for 299 yards and three touchdowns in a 39-32 win over Cincinnati. Carson Palmer, Bengals, went 36 of 50 for 412 yards and three TDs.

*Joe Flacco, Ravens, threw for 250 yards and three touchdownpasses in a 37-34 OT victory against Buffalo.

***

Receiving

*Kenny Britt, Ravens, had the best game of his career two daysafter being involved in a bar fight, making three TD catches in a37-19 win over the Eagles 37-19. Britt didn't start the game as punishment, but finished with seven catches for 225 yards.

*Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, had two TD receptions for the secondstraight week, helping Kansas City beat Jacksonville 42-20.

*David Gettis, Panthers, had eight catches for 125 yards and twoTDs in a 23-20 win over the 49ers, the rookie's first two NFLtouchdown receptions.

***

Special teams

*John Kasay made a 55-yard field earlier in the game and later kicked a 37-yarder to lift the Panthers to their first win of the season, 23-20 over San Francisco. Kasay has made 40 field goals of more than 50 yards in his career, tied with Morten Andersen for second. Jason Hanson, still with Detroit, has 45.

*Connor Barth, Buccaneers, kicked four field goals for the Bucs, from 35, 39, 53 and 38 yards, in an 18-17 win over the Rams.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30 dating back to last season, in a 22-10 win over Seattle.

***

Milestones

*DeAngelo Hall, Redskins, tied an NFL record with fourinterceptions of Jay Cutler, returning one 92 yards for a touchdownin a 17-14 win over Chicago. He's the 19th player with four INTs ina game.

*Vikings QB Brett Favre passed John Elway for most games startedin one stadium when he was in the opening lineup at Lambeau Field,his home stadium from 1992-2008, for the 119th time.

*Terrell Owens, Bengals, became the fifth player in NFL historywith 150 TDs when he hauled in a 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer.

***

Streaks and stats

*Tennessee has won 12 in a row against the NFC after a 37-19 comeback victory over Philadelphia.

*Carolina ended its five-game slide to open the season with a 23-20 victory over San Francisco.

*This is the third straight year Cleveland beat the Super Bowl champions, defeating the Giants in 2008, the Steelers last year and the Saints on Sunday.

*Olindo Mare, Seahawks, made field goals of 20, 31, 51, 24 and 26yards, stretching his consecutive streak to 30.

***

Injuries

*San Francisco QB Alex Smith hurt his left shoulder, saying itfelt similar to a previous injury.

*Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs aggravated an ankle injury andleft in the first quarter against Washington.

From wire service reports.