Preserving family moments in scrapbooks
When her first child was born five years ago, Alyssa Sich had no problem recording his milestone events in a scrapbook.

Bill would guarantee anonymity to police tipsters
A law being put before the South Carolina Legislature would ensure anonymity for those who phone in tips to the police about unsolved crimes.

This week
Computer group meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday; Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta; CSRA Apple Macintosh Users Group; free; 860-1922

Milestones
Elka Tremmel, a second-grade teacher at North Augusta Elementary School, has received her master of education degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Preserving family moments in scrapbooks
When her first child was born five years ago, Alyssa Sich had no problem recording his milestone events in a scrapbook.

Around the block
The CSRA Apple Macintosh Users Group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta. Call (706) 860-1922.

Around the block
The CSRA Apple Macintosh Users Group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta. Call (706) 860-1922.

Across the river
BE MORE THAN HIPS: 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3, 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Jack B. Patrick Technology Center, Augusta Technical College, 3200 Augusta Tech Drive; Augusta Mini Theatre's annual salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; $12 adults, $10 students or $8 youth groups of 10 or more; www.augustaminitheatre.com, 722-0598

School has rewarding character program
The six pillars of character taught at Schofield Middle School and as part of the Aiken County Character Counts program are embodied in the abbreviation TRRFCC, known to pupils as terrific.

This week
Computer group meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday; Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta; CSRA Apple Macintosh Users Group; free; 860-1922

Milestones
Elka Tremmel, a second-grade teacher at North Augusta Elementary School, has received her master of education degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Bill would guarantee anonymity to police tipsters
A law being put before the South Carolina Legislature would ensure anonymity for those who phone in tips to the police about unsolved crimes.

History is buried in Edgefield cemetery
The names on the tombstones in Edgefield's Willowbrook Cemetery read like a who's who in South Carolina history.

School has rewarding character program
The six pillars of character taught at Schofield Middle School and as part of the Aiken County Character Counts program are embodied in the abbreviation TRRFCC, known to pupils as terrific.

Bakery owner has positive attitude
When Karen Mohammed played with her food as a child, she did it with flair.

History is buried in Edgefield cemetery
The names on the tombstones in Edgefield's Willowbrook Cemetery read like a who's who in South Carolina history.

Bakery owner has positive attitude
When Karen Mohammed played with her food as a child, she did it with flair.

Applause cover

Applause cover

Mother's death influenced J.K. Rowling's writing
LONDON - Author J.K. Rowling said in an interview published Tuesday that her mother's death while she was writing the Harry Potter books led her to make her hero suffer the death of his own parents.

Mother's death influenced J.K. Rowling's writing

Urban Bush Women's dance style is liberating
For the Urban Bush Women, there is no room for fear.

Mother's death influenced J.K. Rowling's writing
LONDON - Author J.K. Rowling said in an interview published Tuesday that her mother's death while she was writing the Harry Potter books led her to make her hero suffer the death of his own parents.

Feelings of alienation are not foreign to artist who conveys deep messages
Roger Shimomura's parents lived and died without ever leaving the United States, and yet Mr. Shimomura keeps encountering people who ask what part of Japan he's from.

Feelings of alienation are not foreign to artist who conveys deep messages
Roger Shimomura's parents lived and died without ever leaving the United States, and yet Mr. Shimomura keeps encountering people who ask what part of Japan he's from.

Feelings of alienation are not foreign to artist who conveys deep messages

Urban Bush Women's dance style is liberating
For the Urban Bush Women, there is no room for fear.

Urban Bush Women's dance style is liberating

Ripken charity tour begins

Ripken charity tour begins
Since the Ripken Baseball Group purchased the Augusta GreenJackets last October, its representatives have pledged to give more to the local community through baseball.

Ripken charity tour begins
Since the Ripken Baseball Group purchased the Augusta GreenJackets last October, its representatives have pledged to give more to the local community through baseball.

Smoltz pulls out of World Classic
ATLANTA - While Major League Baseball awaits word on whether Cuba will be allowed to play in the World Baseball Classic, Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz says he probably won't be pitching for the United States in the tournament.

Smoltz pulls out of World Classic

Smoltz pulls out of World Classic
ATLANTA - While Major League Baseball awaits word on whether Cuba will be allowed to play in the World Baseball Classic, Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz says he probably won't be pitching for the United States in the tournament.

Frozen assets
Step up and stick in a dollar. Press a button, and in a few seconds, a 16-pound bag of ice falls out.

Super Bowl extends TV buying season

Jobs unveils new Macs using Intel chips
SAN FRANCISCO - Apple Computer Inc.'s historic shift to Intel Corp. microprocessors came months earlier than expected as CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday debuted personal computers based on new two-brained chips from the world's largest semiconductor company.

Chain to double supply division
ATLANTA - The Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest home-improvement store chain, said Tuesday that it will buy Hughes Supply Inc., a distributor of construction, repair and maintenance products, for about $3.2 billion.

St. Joseph to get new name in acquisition

Jobs unveils new Macs using Intel chips
SAN FRANCISCO - Apple Computer Inc.'s historic shift to Intel Corp. microprocessors came months earlier than expected as CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday debuted personal computers based on new two-brained chips from the world's largest semiconductor company.

GM says it will lower prices
DETROIT - General Motors Corp., which has been losing market share in the United States to Asian automakers, said Tuesday that it will lower the prices on 57 of its 76 models in North America in an effort to boost its sliding market share and wean buyers off expensive incentives.

Chain to double supply division

Plans for Flanders plant stall

Frozen assets

GM says it will lower prices

St. Joseph to get new name in acquisition
The name St. Joseph Hospital will disappear from the building if it is purchased by a Florida health care company. But that is all it will lose, officials with Health Management Associates promised.

GM says it will lower prices
DETROIT - General Motors Corp., which has been losing market share in the United States to Asian automakers, said Tuesday that it will lower the prices on 57 of its 76 models in North America in an effort to boost its sliding market share and wean buyers off expensive incentives.

Super Bowl extends TV buying season
While shopping for most consumer electronics peaks around Christmastime, the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 sends the holiday season into overtime for TVs.

Jobs unveils new Macs using Intel chips

Frozen assets
Step up and stick in a dollar. Press a button, and in a few seconds, a 16-pound bag of ice falls out.

Plans for Flanders plant stall
Plans have stalled for a proposed Aiken County production facility expected to bring 800 jobs to the community, and officials are unsure when it will get moving again.

Chain to double supply division
ATLANTA - The Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest home-improvement store chain, said Tuesday that it will buy Hughes Supply Inc., a distributor of construction, repair and maintenance products, for about $3.2 billion.

Plans for Flanders plant stall
Plans have stalled for a proposed Aiken County production facility expected to bring 800 jobs to the community, and officials are unsure when it will get moving again.

St. Joseph to get new name in acquisition
The name St. Joseph Hospital will disappear from the building if it is purchased by a Florida health care company. But that is all it will lose, officials with Health Management Associates promised.

Super Bowl extends TV buying season
While shopping for most consumer electronics peaks around Christmastime, the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 sends the holiday season into overtime for TVs.

Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon

Vols, Watson solve Bulldogs at home

Tigers finally defeat Wake

Taking the first step
Everyone at today's Augusta Commission retreat has an obligation to come with an open heart and mind in an effort to break the current logjam and get this government rolling again.

Between surviving and thriving
The schools are filled with noisy little creatures. The banks are operating. Manufacturers are building things. People are eating out. Thousands are enjoying the glorious weather. Somewhere, a dog is barking.

Between surviving and thriving
The schools are filled with noisy little creatures. The banks are operating. Manufacturers are building things. People are eating out. Thousands are enjoying the glorious weather. Somewhere, a dog is barking.

Taking the first step

Between surviving and thriving

Here's 11,000 reasons why

Voter ID bill is fixed; now pass it
On the first day of Georgia's General Assembly, GOP House leaders moved to fix the voter photo-identification bill passed last year. The measure was temporarily blocked in October when a federal appeals court ruled that the state's charge to obtain the photo ID amounted to an unlawful poll tax.

Belafonte's mistake

Voter ID bill is fixed; now pass it
On the first day of Georgia's General Assembly, GOP House leaders moved to fix the voter photo-identification bill passed last year. The measure was temporarily blocked in October when a federal appeals court ruled that the state's charge to obtain the photo ID amounted to an unlawful poll tax.

Belafonte's mistake
"No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people ... support your revolution."

Here's 11,000 reasons why
Most Americans don't invest directly in stocks. So to them, the news Monday was no big deal: that, for the first time since June 2001, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 11,000.

Voter ID bill is fixed; now pass it

Taking the first step
Everyone at today's Augusta Commission retreat has an obligation to come with an open heart and mind in an effort to break the current logjam and get this government rolling again.

Here's 11,000 reasons why
Most Americans don't invest directly in stocks. So to them, the news Monday was no big deal: that, for the first time since June 2001, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 11,000.

Belafonte's mistake
"No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people ... support your revolution."

Galleries calendar
GET LISTED: Send your gallery's exhibit schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta

DeGeneres, Garner, 'Star Wars' win top People's Choice honors
LOS ANGELES - The force was with "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," which was named favorite movie and favorite movie drama at Tuesday night's 32nd annual People's Choice Awards.

Dippin' Dots ice cream parlor satisfies sweet tooth
You won't need a cone for your ice cream at Dippin' Dots, 3328 Washington Road at Pleasant Home Road.

Applause calendar
GET LISTED: Send your event or group's schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle.

DeGeneres, Garner, 'Star Wars' win top People's Choice honors
LOS ANGELES - The force was with "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," which was named favorite movie and favorite movie drama at Tuesday night's 32nd annual People's Choice Awards.

Concerts calendar
ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St.; $35.50-$42.50; ticketmaster.com or 828-7700

Applause calendar
GET LISTED: Send your event or group's schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle.

Spotted
Ben Steel (from left), Jason Demott, Lydia Carson and Johannes Habthael were downtown for Augusta's First Friday.

Eminem and ex-wife apply for marriage license
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Slim Shady and his ex-wife are going to get married again.

Club calendar
Ready for a night out? Here's a roundup of entertainment and drink specials at Augusta area nightspots:

Jury selection begins in 'Survivor' tax trial
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A federal judge has begun selecting a tribal council - a jury - to determine whether "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch should be voted not off the island, but possibly into prison.

Galleries calendar
GET LISTED: Send your gallery's exhibit schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta

Applause calendar
GET LISTED: Send your event or group's schedule, pricing and other information to Steven Uhles, The Augusta Chronicle.

Dippin' Dots ice cream parlor satisfies sweet tooth
You won't need a cone for your ice cream at Dippin' Dots, 3328 Washington Road at Pleasant Home Road.

Spotted
Ben Steel (from left), Jason Demott, Lydia Carson and Johannes Habthael were downtown for Augusta's First Friday.

Eminem and ex-wife apply for marriage license
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Slim Shady and his ex-wife are going to get married again.

Club calendar
Ready for a night out? Here's a roundup of entertainment and drink specials at Augusta area nightspots:

Spears tops Mr. Blackwell's 'Worst Dressed' list
LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears topped Mr. Blackwell's 46th annual "Worst Dressed" list for wearing clothes that he said made her look like an "over-the-hill Lolita."

Report: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt expecting
LOS ANGELES - Angelina Jolie is expecting a baby this summer with Brad Pitt, according to People magazine's Web site.

Report: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt expecting
LOS ANGELES - Angelina Jolie is expecting a baby this summer with Brad Pitt, according to People magazine's Web site.

Spears tops Mr. Blackwell's 'Worst Dressed' list
LOS ANGELES - Britney Spears topped Mr. Blackwell's 46th annual "Worst Dressed" list for wearing clothes that he said made her look like an "over-the-hill Lolita."

Jury selection begins in 'Survivor' tax trial
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A federal judge has begun selecting a tribal council - a jury - to determine whether "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch should be voted not off the island, but possibly into prison.

Concerts calendar
ALISON KRAUSS AND UNION STATION: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St.; $35.50-$42.50; ticketmaster.com or 828-7700

Report: IRS freezes refunds without telling taxpayers

Report: IRS freezes refunds without telling taxpayers
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service freezes tens of thousands of tax refunds it deems questionable without telling people that they're suspected of fraud, the nation's taxpayer advocate said Tuesday.

Report: IRS freezes refunds without telling taxpayers
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service freezes tens of thousands of tax refunds it deems questionable without telling people that they're suspected of fraud, the nation's taxpayer advocate said Tuesday.

Curried potato and chickpea pita pockets recipe
CONCORD, N.H. - Some weeks, inspiration is hard to come by. Others, there's just no time for it.

Curried potato and chickpea pita pockets recipe
CONCORD, N.H. - Some weeks, inspiration is hard to come by. Others, there's just no time for it.

Cookbook is a winning invitation to brunch
NEW YORK - Not only did I make a point of getting a copy of chef Marc Meyer's "Brunch: 100 Recipes From Five Points Restaurant," I started cooking from it regularly.

Cookbook is a winning invitation to brunch
NEW YORK - Not only did I make a point of getting a copy of chef Marc Meyer's "Brunch: 100 Recipes From Five Points Restaurant," I started cooking from it regularly.

American Kobe-style beef has replaced Japanese beef

Curried potato and chickpea pita pockets recipe

Cookbook is a winning invitation to brunch

American Kobe-style beef has replaced Japanese beef
MABANK, Texas - For the first time in four years, a gourmet extravagance - authentic Japanese Kobe beef - is allowed back into the United States.

American Kobe-style beef has replaced Japanese beef
MABANK, Texas - For the first time in four years, a gourmet extravagance - authentic Japanese Kobe beef - is allowed back into the United States.

Braine retiring from position
ATLANTA - Dave Braine feared the worst. Healthy 62-year-old men don't lose 28 pounds in six weeks when they don't want to.

Braine retiring from position
ATLANTA - Dave Braine feared the worst. Healthy 62-year-old men don't lose 28 pounds in six weeks when they don't want to.

Braine retiring from position

Area Players in the Pros
Check how the area pro golfers are doing on their tour.

Area Players in the Pros

Event is hoping for a May date
The PGA Tour announced its new television partnerships Wednesday and promised to reveal its future schedule within a week, and that will be news to some of the tournaments still in limbo.

Event is hoping for a May date

Can she cut it this time?
HONOLULU - Michelle Wie tries to soak up as much as she can during her practice rounds on the PGA Tour, and there was plenty of opportunity to learn Tuesday morning at the Sony Open.

CBS, NBC get rights to Tour
HONOLULU - The PGA Tour will be found on only two of the three major networks starting in 2007 under six-year deals announced Wednesday with CBS Sports and NBC Sports, with the first two rounds of tournaments and selected other events relegated to The Golf Channel.

CBS, NBC get rights to Tour

Golf Glance

Event is hoping for a May date
The PGA Tour announced its new television partnerships Wednesday and promised to reveal its future schedule within a week, and that will be news to some of the tournaments still in limbo.

CBS, NBC get rights to Tour
HONOLULU - The PGA Tour will be found on only two of the three major networks starting in 2007 under six-year deals announced Wednesday with CBS Sports and NBC Sports, with the first two rounds of tournaments and selected other events relegated to The Golf Channel.

Area Players in the Pros
Check how the area pro golfers are doing on their tour.

Can she cut it this time?

Golf Glance
The PGA Tour is in Honolulu for the Sony Open in Hawaii. Waialae Country Club is the setting for this weekends tournament.

Can she cut it this time?
HONOLULU - Michelle Wie tries to soak up as much as she can during her practice rounds on the PGA Tour, and there was plenty of opportunity to learn Tuesday morning at the Sony Open.

Golf Glance
The PGA Tour is in Honolulu for the Sony Open in Hawaii. Waialae Country Club is the setting for this weekends tournament.

High School Prep Basketball Scores

Hossa's shootout goal lifts Atlanta
ATLANTA - Marian Hossa scored the only goal in a shootout to lift the Atlanta Thrashers to a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

Hossa's shootout goal lifts Atlanta
ATLANTA - Marian Hossa scored the only goal in a shootout to lift the Atlanta Thrashers to a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.

Hossa's shootout goal lifts Atlanta

Quick red beans and rice is a hearty winter entree
Red beans and rice is a hearty, warming winter meal that used to be a hassle to prepare.

Quick red beans and rice is a hearty winter entree
Red beans and rice is a hearty, warming winter meal that used to be a hassle to prepare.

Quick red beans and rice is a hearty winter entree

AP again reveals socialist agenda

Editorial astoundingly out of line
The Chronicle's recent editorial "Let us be the judge of that" (Dec. 22), in which you urged the courts to stay out of the Dover, Pa., school board's way, was truly astounding. Have you forgotten in your zeal to accept intelligent design - which is simply a new term for creationism - that we are a country with separation of powers and checks and balances made possible by a Constitution that gives us three branches of government - legislative, executive and judicial? Alan Roberts, Augusta

Old ideas hold modern worth

Bush presidency harming our nation
Seeing the direction this country has been heading in the past five years, I think back to 2004, when President Bush stated he was a uniter, not a divider. This is false; other than the Civil War, this country is more divided now than it ever has been. Carroll C. Kenny, Martinez

Bush presidency harming our nation
Seeing the direction this country has been heading in the past five years, I think back to 2004, when President Bush stated he was a uniter, not a divider. This is false; other than the Civil War, this country is more divided now than it ever has been. Carroll C. Kenny, Martinez

Old ideas hold modern worth
We now have a new mayor. He has an excellent pedigree, compelling credentials and wide community support. With a new year before us, it should bode well for Augusta. Thomas J. Zwemer, Augusta

AP again reveals socialist agenda
Mona Silva wrote a letter ("Close NBC's Book of Daniel") Jan. 8 about a network TV show that mocked Christianity with a pill-popping priest and various other behavior not normally associated with religion. Tom Hunter, Augusta

Bush presidency harming our nation

Editorial astoundingly out of line
The Chronicle's recent editorial "Let us be the judge of that" (Dec. 22), in which you urged the courts to stay out of the Dover, Pa., school board's way, was truly astounding. Have you forgotten in your zeal to accept intelligent design - which is simply a new term for creationism - that we are a country with separation of powers and checks and balances made possible by a Constitution that gives us three branches of government - legislative, executive and judicial? Alan Roberts, Augusta

Fix Augusta's government now

Editorial astoundingly out of line
The Chronicle's recent editorial "Let us be the judge of that" (Dec. 22), in which you urged the courts to stay out of the Dover, Pa., school board's way, was truly astounding. Have you forgotten in your zeal to accept intelligent design - which is simply a new term for creationism - that we are a country with separation of powers and checks and balances made possible by a Constitution that gives us three branches of government - legislative, executive and judicial? Alan Roberts, Augusta

Pray for mayor and commission
Mayor Deke Copenhaver has scheduled a retreat for the Augusta Commission today. In a Saturday meeting with one of our commissioners, I was asked to pray for him and for this meeting. Dr. Jacob O. Malone, Augusta

City is being wrestled to the ground
Whoever said that "wrestling ain't real" has never heard of the Augusta Commission. Samuel L. Corley, Augusta

Fix Augusta's government now
It is truly amazing to read some news articles and letters to the editor about problems of decision-making in Augusta. Ginger Nicholson, Augusta

Investigate legalities of wiretapping
Regarding Paul Rosenthal's Dec. 24 letter ("Wiretap opponents can't escape facts"): The assertion that Jamie Gorelick's 1995 memo created a "wall" between the CIA and FBI is incorrect. The memo pertains to evidence-sharing between the Department of Justice and the FBI; it doesn't apply to the CIA or Defense Department, though that is a common misconception. Kara Downey, Augusta

City is being wrestled to the ground

Old ideas hold modern worth
We now have a new mayor. He has an excellent pedigree, compelling credentials and wide community support. With a new year before us, it should bode well for Augusta. Thomas J. Zwemer, Augusta

Pray for mayor and commission

Fix Augusta's government now
It is truly amazing to read some news articles and letters to the editor about problems of decision-making in Augusta. Ginger Nicholson, Augusta

Editorial astoundingly out of line

Pray for mayor and commission
Mayor Deke Copenhaver has scheduled a retreat for the Augusta Commission today. In a Saturday meeting with one of our commissioners, I was asked to pray for him and for this meeting. Dr. Jacob O. Malone, Augusta

Keep 'Book of Daniel' open

Keep 'Book of Daniel' open
In rebuttal to Mona Silva's comments regarding the NBC television show Book of Daniel ("Close NBC's Book of Daniel," Jan. 8): The First Amendment of the Constitution offers her a right to express her thoughts regarding this program; however, it does not grant her a right to censor it from being broadcast. Michael S. Maloney, Grovetown

Investigate legalities of wiretapping

City is being wrestled to the ground
Whoever said that "wrestling ain't real" has never heard of the Augusta Commission. Samuel L. Corley, Augusta

Investigate legalities of wiretapping
Regarding Paul Rosenthal's Dec. 24 letter ("Wiretap opponents can't escape facts"): The assertion that Jamie Gorelick's 1995 memo created a "wall" between the CIA and FBI is incorrect. The memo pertains to evidence-sharing between the Department of Justice and the FBI; it doesn't apply to the CIA or Defense Department, though that is a common misconception. Kara Downey, Augusta

AP again reveals socialist agenda
Mona Silva wrote a letter ("Close NBC's Book of Daniel") Jan. 8 about a network TV show that mocked Christianity with a pill-popping priest and various other behavior not normally associated with religion. Tom Hunter, Augusta

Keep 'Book of Daniel' open
In rebuttal to Mona Silva's comments regarding the NBC television show Book of Daniel ("Close NBC's Book of Daniel," Jan. 8): The First Amendment of the Constitution offers her a right to express her thoughts regarding this program; however, it does not grant her a right to censor it from being broadcast. Michael S. Maloney, Grovetown

Study questions value of prostate cancer screening

Debate swirls as wind power grows rapidly

Chinese automaker Geely sets sights on exports to U.S.

Living briefs

NASA to return first comet samples to Earth

Doctors test if newer methods fight breast cancer

CDC: Down syndrome more common than thought

Emergency care system is ailing, physicians say

More skiers hitting the slopes at age 70 and beyond

Debate swirls as wind power grows rapidly
STAMFORD, Conn. - Giant windmills - on scenic mountain ridges, prairie grass and even an Indian reservation - are spinning an unusual debate that is dividing leading environmentalists.

More skiers hitting the slopes at age 70 and beyond
ALTA, Utah - Dick Arner hopped on his bicycle early one day last summer and rode 18 miles to Alta. Uphill. Pedaling high into the oxygen-thin air of the Wasatch Mountains, he arrived at the ski resort village, 8,500 feet above sea level, and purchased his season ski pass.

Emergency care system is ailing, physicians say
WASHINGTON - The nation's emergency care system itself is ailing, warns a new health care analysis.

NASA to return first comet samples to Earth
LOS ANGELES - Comets have long lit up the sky and the imaginations of scientists. Now these icy bodies from the beginnings of the solar system are finally ready for their close-up.

Debate swirls as wind power grows rapidly
STAMFORD, Conn. - Giant windmills - on scenic mountain ridges, prairie grass and even an Indian reservation - are spinning an unusual debate that is dividing leading environmentalists.

Study questions value of prostate cancer screening
CHICAGO - Two widely used tests for prostate cancer failed to save lives in a new study, adding to the debate over whether men should be screened for the disease.

Doctors test if newer methods fight breast cancer
WASHINGTON - Radiation may get a little easier for thousands of breast cancer patients: Doctors now can target cancer-killing beams just at the tumor site instead of the whole breast, cutting the usual six-week treatment down to five days.

Chinese automaker Geely sets sights on exports to U.S.
DETROIT - China's Geely Automobile Co. said Tuesday that the biggest challenge to its plan to sell a low-priced family sedan in the United States by 2008 will be overcoming the negative image of Chinese manufacturing.

Living briefs
The first heating bills are landing in mailboxes, and many homeowners are experiencing sticker shock.

Doctors test if newer methods fight breast cancer
WASHINGTON - Radiation may get a little easier for thousands of breast cancer patients: Doctors now can target cancer-killing beams just at the tumor site instead of the whole breast, cutting the usual six-week treatment down to five days.

CDC: Down syndrome more common than thought
ATLANTA - A new report finds that Down syndrome is more prevalent than previously thought.

NASA to return first comet samples to Earth
LOS ANGELES - Comets have long lit up the sky and the imaginations of scientists. Now these icy bodies from the beginnings of the solar system are finally ready for their close-up.

More skiers hitting the slopes at age 70 and beyond
ALTA, Utah - Dick Arner hopped on his bicycle early one day last summer and rode 18 miles to Alta. Uphill. Pedaling high into the oxygen-thin air of the Wasatch Mountains, he arrived at the ski resort village, 8,500 feet above sea level, and purchased his season ski pass.

Chinese automaker Geely sets sights on exports to U.S.
DETROIT - China's Geely Automobile Co. said Tuesday that the biggest challenge to its plan to sell a low-priced family sedan in the United States by 2008 will be overcoming the negative image of Chinese manufacturing.

CDC: Down syndrome more common than thought
ATLANTA - A new report finds that Down syndrome is more prevalent than previously thought.

Study questions value of prostate cancer screening
CHICAGO - Two widely used tests for prostate cancer failed to save lives in a new study, adding to the debate over whether men should be screened for the disease.

Living briefs
The first heating bills are landing in mailboxes, and many homeowners are experiencing sticker shock.

Higher cost of mail

Back to work
COLUMBIA - There was time for laughter and greetings.

News you can use
One New Year's resolution might be to improve your credit scores. Improving your credit score is not hard, it just takes time and a little knowledge about the credit scoring system.

News you can use

Voter ID bill gets support of panel
ATLANTA - A new voter ID bill designed to answer a judge's concerns that the law resembles a poll tax moved one step closer on Wednesday to facing a full House vote.

Spanish isn't just academic

Robber, murderer gets life after pleading guilty
The Augusta man who killed a grandmother in a west Augusta convenience store robbery pleaded guilty Wednesday.

Man kills himself in police standoff

Kid of the Day
Haley M. Mills, of Grovetown, is today's kid of the day.

Gwinnett County will be first to try Corbin

Consolidation ruffles meeting
A quarterly city-county meeting in Columbia County on Wednesday started out cool but heated up as one commissioner expressed concern that some think the cities are being strong armed concerning a proposed consolidation.

Holiday closings

Voter ID changes approved
ATLANTA -- Revisions to the state's controversial voter ID law easily passed the House Thursday after an emotional and divisive debate.

State judge is eager for new cohort

Tentative date set for trial of Brian Nichols

Residents voice dissent on county consolidation
In a packed Appling Courthouse Tuesday night, those such as Buck Story gave their verdict on a proposed Columbia County consolidation.

Residents voice dissent on county consolidation

Survey shows early school date favored
Efforts to push the start of Richmond County schools back might have failed.

Hundreds gather at vigil for 2 boys killed by father
Hundreds gathered at North Augusta High School on Tuesday night to remember the lives of two who weren't there.

Man gets life term in death of child

Residents voice dissent on county consolidation
In a packed Appling Courthouse Tuesday night, those such as Buck Story gave their verdict on a proposed Columbia County consolidation.

Tickets increase for unbuckled motorists

Holiday closings
The following holiday schedules have been announced for Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Walker asks for payment schedule
Former state Sen. Charles Walker's attorneys have asked a federal judge to consider a payment plan for more than half a million dollars in restitution.

Georgia Tech's athletic director to retire
ATLANTA -- Dave Braine said Wednesday he will retire from his position as Georgia Tech's athletic director because of health reasons.

Moore behind in fundraising

Perdue unveils budget focused on education
ATLANTA -- Georgia taxpayers will keep $2 billion more of their own money in the form of multiple tax breaks, Gov. Sonny Perdue said Wednesday in his election-year State of the State address.

Kid of the Day

Rants and raves
TO THE PERSON complaining about too many handicapped parking spaces: One of these days, he's going to be handicapped. He's going to be wanting a space close to the store. The handicapped places are 99 percent of the time in a private-owned area.

Robber, murderer gets life after pleading guilty

Katrina evacuees still in need
They're still here.

Consolidation ruffles meeting

Across South Carolina

Survey wants parents' input

Man kills himself in police standoff
A man whom Richmond County sheriff's deputies tried to apprehend early Wednesday morning in Hephzibah killed himself as they tried to talk him out of a locked bedroom, officials said.

Across Georgia

Cheek burned in fire at work

Stations get DVD of killer

Tickets increase for unbuckled motorists
AIKEN - Catching people driving around without buckling up is easy for police.

Across the area

Emergency rooms face challenges
Michael Minor, 56, could be a symbol of what emergency rooms are facing these days. The Greenwood, S.C., man came to the Emergency Department at Medical College of Georgia Hospital complaining of neck and back pain and hoping to get a consultation with a neurosurgeon, even though he has one back home. Emergency medicine physician Heather Isom treated his pain and swelling but referred him back to his hometown surgeon for an appointment next week.

Lawmakers consider order to expand pre-K

Doctor rejects defendant's story

Back to work

Commission bill is still in works
ATLANTA - With a stalemate and racial division hampering the Augusta Commission, state Sen. J.B. Powell, D-Blythe, said he plans to introduce his bill proposing changes to Augusta-Richmond County's consolidated government before the end of January.

Across Georgia

Cheek burned in fire at work
Augusta Commissioner Andy Cheek was burned in a flash fire Tuesday morning at the Savannah River Site National Laboratory where he is employed.

Hundreds gather at vigil for 2 boys killed by father

Doctor rejects defendant's story
Contrary to what Jermaine Boyd told detectives, the injuries suffered by a 4-year-old boy weren't caused by a fall down the stairs, a pathologist testified.

Official says budget fails to direct use of funding

State judge is eager for new cohort
ATLANTA - State Court Judge Richard Slaby would like to have a new colleague in place by the summer to help ease his growing caseload.

Across the area

Stations get DVD of killer
In an effort to exact further revenge on his wife, the North Augusta father who police said killed his two young children Sunday and then committed suicide mailed DVDs to three Augusta-area television stations, according to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Web site gives water warning

Lawmakers consider order to expand pre-K
AIKEN - Lawmakers are responding to a court order that says all at-risk 4-year-olds in South Carolina must have the opportunity to attend pre-kindergarten classes.

Katrina evacuees still in need

Fog advisory extended until noon
The National Weather Service has extended its fog advisory until noon.

Cheek burned in fire at work
Augusta Commissioner Andy Cheek was burned in a flash fire Tuesday morning at the Savannah River Site National Laboratory where he is employed.

Across the area
Augusta-Richmond County fire officials are investigating the cause of a Tuesday morning fire at a west Augusta restaurant.

Katrina evacuees still in need
They're still here.

Walker asks for payment schedule
Former state Sen. Charles Walker's attorneys have asked a federal judge to consider a payment plan for more than half a million dollars in restitution.

Higher cost of mail
Andrew Davis Tucker/StaffHigher cost of mailCustomers wait in line for services at the Main Post Office on Eighth Street in downtown Augusta. On Monday, the price of a standard, first-class postage stamp went from 37 cents to 39 cents. The post-card rate jumped a penny. For more information about the increased postal rates, visit the U.S. Postal Service's Web site at www.usps.com.

Across Georgia
STONE MOUNTAIN - A customer picking up take out food at a restaurant was shot and killed by robbers, police said.

News you can use
Activities and entertainment events scheduled for this week include:

House OKs heating gas tax break

Across Georgia
STONE MOUNTAIN - A customer picking up take out food at a restaurant was shot and killed by robbers, police said.

Rants and raves
THIS IS DIRECTED to our CCBOE and RCBOE officials: Why in Columbia County the number of credits to graduate is 22 and Richmond County it is 25? Why are students in Columbia County able to exempt exams, based on their attendance and grades, but Richmond County students are not? Why in Columbia County a 72-74 is considered a C but in Richmond County it is a D? Someone please explain this.

Across the area
Augusta-Richmond County fire officials are investigating the cause of a Tuesday morning fire at a west Augusta restaurant.

Kid of the Day
Coty Denard, of Tignall, GA, is today's kid of the day.

Gwinnett County will be first to try Corbin
The suburban Atlanta dentist accused of killing both a girlfriend in Augusta 15 years ago and his wife in Buford 13 months ago will first stand trial in Gwinnett County.

Man gets life term in death of child
It took a jury only about an hour Wednesday to convict an Augusta man of murder in the brutal death of a little boy.

Back to work
COLUMBIA - There was time for laughter and greetings.

Web site gives water warning
Augusta officials say that a possibility of a failure of any of the dams along the Savannah River is very remote, but they want you to know where water might flow if the unthinkable happens.

Robberies rose in 2005
Business robberies usually jump around the holidays, but the jump in those crimes this Christmas season in Augusta pushed the total commercial robbery total in 2005 past that of the year before.

Suspect in hotel shooting surrenders to authorities

Tentative date set for trial of Brian Nichols
ATLANTA - A judge on Tuesday set a tentative Oct. 3 date for the trial of the man accused of killing four people in a shooting spree that started at a downtown courthouse, but did not say where the trial will be held.

Across South Carolina

Survey wants parents' input
A sample survey asking parents when school should start was unveiled at a Columbia County School Board meeting Tuesday.

Closing nears in Evans land deal

Kid of the Day
Haley M. Mills, of Grovetown, is today's kid of the day.

Commission bill is still in works

Across South Carolina
ORANGEBURG - Southern Methodist College hopes to raise $850,000 for repairs and renovations in its first capital campaign.

Kid of the Day

Rants and raves
TO THE PERSON complaining about too many handicapped parking spaces: One of these days, he's going to be handicapped. He's going to be wanting a space close to the store. The handicapped places are 99 percent of the time in a private-owned area.

News you can use
One New Year's resolution might be to improve your credit scores. Improving your credit score is not hard, it just takes time and a little knowledge about the credit scoring system.

Suspect in hotel shooting surrenders to authorities
An Augusta man wanted in connection with a Tuesday afternoon shooting at a Martinez motel turned himself in to Richmond County authorities.

Kid of the Day
Coty Denard, of Tignall, GA, is today's kid of the day.

Doctor rejects defendant's story
Contrary to what Jermaine Boyd told detectives, the injuries suffered by a 4-year-old boy weren't caused by a fall down the stairs, a pathologist testified.

Across South Carolina
COLUMBIA - A South Carolina Corrections Department officer has been charged with attempting to pass marijuana to inmates.

Perdue pushes schools, tax cuts

Across Georgia
ATLANTA - Leaders in the Georgia House lobbed a post-holiday salvo Wednesday in the so-called war against Christmas.

Walker's payment plan is opposed

Across the area
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a blaze at a south Richmond County home Wednesday morning, officials said.

Spanish isn't just academic
Nadia Hathaway has the opportunity to practice Spanish frecuentemente - frequently - around Augusta.

Rants and raves
THIS IS DIRECTED to our CCBOE and RCBOE officials: Why in Columbia County the number of credits to graduate is 22 and Richmond County it is 25? Why are students in Columbia County able to exempt exams, based on their attendance and grades, but Richmond County students are not? Why in Columbia County a 72-74 is considered a C but in Richmond County it is a D? Someone please explain this.

Suspect kills himself during standoff, police say
A man whom Richmond County sheriff's deputies tried to apprehend this morning in Hephzibah killed himself as they tried to talk him out of a locked bedroom, officials said.

Cheek gives thanks for prayers, concern
Augusta Commissioner Andy Cheek was in good condition at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital on Wednesday, according to burn center spokeswoman Beth Frits.

Stations get DVD of killer
In an effort to exact further revenge on his wife, the North Augusta father who police said killed his two young children Sunday and then committed suicide mailed DVDs to three Augusta-area television stations, according to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Moore behind in fundraising
COLUMBIA - Challenger Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater, is far behind Gov. Mark Sanford in fundraising for this year's gubernatorial race, according to campaign finance reports released this week.

Perdue calls for teachers' raise
ATLANTA - State workers and public schoolteachers, including those with the University System of Georgia, will get fatter paychecks in the next fiscal year if the Legislature approves a recommendation Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday.

Survey shows early school date favored

Hundreds gather at vigil for 2 boys killed by father
Hundreds gathered at North Augusta High School on Tuesday night to remember the lives of two who weren't there.

Robber, murderer gets life after pleading guilty
The Augusta man who killed a grandmother in a west Augusta convenience store robbery pleaded guilty Wednesday.

Tentative date set for trial of Brian Nichols
ATLANTA - A judge on Tuesday set a tentative Oct. 3 date for the trial of the man accused of killing four people in a shooting spree that started at a downtown courthouse, but did not say where the trial will be held.

More magnet schools sought
A.K. Hasan's vision of a Richmond County without school zones could move closer to reality with the creation of a special committee to study expanding the magnet school program.

Survey wants parents' input
A sample survey asking parents when school should start was unveiled at a Columbia County School Board meeting Tuesday.

Man kills himself in police standoff
A man whom Richmond County sheriff's deputies tried to apprehend early Wednesday morning in Hephzibah killed himself as they tried to talk him out of a locked bedroom, officials said.

Higher cost of mail
Andrew Davis Tucker/StaffHigher cost of mailCustomers wait in line for services at the Main Post Office on Eighth Street in downtown Augusta. On Monday, the price of a standard, first-class postage stamp went from 37 cents to 39 cents. The post-card rate jumped a penny. For more information about the increased postal rates, visit the U.S. Postal Service's Web site at www.usps.com.

Walker's payment plan is opposed
Federal prosecutors are opposed to former state Sen. Charles Walker's proposal for a payment plan for the restitution he owes.

Perdue calls for teachers' raise
ATLANTA - State workers and public schoolteachers, including those with the University System of Georgia, will get fatter paychecks in the next fiscal year if the Legislature approves a recommendation Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Tuesday.

Man gets life term in death of child
It took a jury only about an hour Wednesday to convict an Augusta man of murder in the brutal death of a little boy.

News you can use
Activities and entertainment events scheduled for this week include:

Web site gives water warning
Augusta officials say that a possibility of a failure of any of the dams along the Savannah River is very remote, but they want you to know where water might flow if the unthinkable happens.

Tickets increase for unbuckled motorists
AIKEN - Catching people driving around without buckling up is easy for police.

Perdue pushes schools, tax cuts
ATLANTA - With his job up for grabs in November, Gov. Sonny Perdue highlighted education and tax cuts in his final State of the State address before the election.

Suspect in hotel shooting surrenders to authorities
An Augusta man wanted in connection with a Tuesday afternoon shooting at a Martinez motel turned himself in to Richmond County authorities.

Spanish isn't just academic
Nadia Hathaway has the opportunity to practice Spanish frecuentemente - frequently - around Augusta.

Holiday closings
The following holiday schedules have been announced for Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Across Georgia
ATLANTA - Leaders in the Georgia House lobbed a post-holiday salvo Wednesday in the so-called war against Christmas.

Official says budget fails to direct use of funding
AIKEN - A decision by the Aiken County Council to accept state money for sheriff's office vehicles was based on a document that is not legally binding, a spokesman for the state Budget and Control Board said Wednesday.

Across the area
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a blaze at a south Richmond County home Wednesday morning, officials said.

Rants and raves
THIS IS DIRECTED to our CCBOE and RCBOE officials: Why in Columbia County the number of credits to graduate is 22 and Richmond County it is 25? Why are students in Columbia County able to exempt exams, based on their attendance and grades, but Richmond County students are not? Why in Columbia County a 72-74 is considered a C but in Richmond County it is a D? Someone please explain this.

Across South Carolina
COLUMBIA - A South Carolina Corrections Department officer has been charged with attempting to pass marijuana to inmates.

Thomson's Ray Guy not among Hall of Fame finalists
CANTON, Ohio (AP) -- Troy Aikman and the late Reggie White were among the 15 finalists Wednesday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

News you can use
One New Year's resolution might be to improve your credit scores. Improving your credit score is not hard, it just takes time and a little knowledge about the credit scoring system.

Gwinnett County will be first to try Corbin
The suburban Atlanta dentist accused of killing both a girlfriend in Augusta 15 years ago and his wife in Buford 13 months ago will first stand trial in Gwinnett County.

Rants and raves
THIS IS DIRECTED to our CCBOE and RCBOE officials: Why in Columbia County the number of credits to graduate is 22 and Richmond County it is 25? Why are students in Columbia County able to exempt exams, based on their attendance and grades, but Richmond County students are not? Why in Columbia County a 72-74 is considered a C but in Richmond County it is a D? Someone please explain this.

Closing nears in Evans land deal
The deal hasn't been closed yet, but county officials expect it will come soon.

Kid of the Day
Coty Denard, of Tignall, GA, is today's kid of the day.

House OKs heating gas tax break
ATLANTA - A bill backing Gov. Sonny Perdue's suspension of half the state sales tax on home heating fuels for the coldest months of the year breezed through the House on Wednesday.

State judge is eager for new cohort
ATLANTA - State Court Judge Richard Slaby would like to have a new colleague in place by the summer to help ease his growing caseload.

Newspaper receives DVD
The Augusta Chronicle received today a copy of a DVD that appears to have been mailed to other media outlets by the North Augusta father, who police say committed suicide Sunday after killing his two young children.

Perdue pushes schools, tax cuts
ATLANTA - With his job up for grabs in November, Gov. Sonny Perdue highlighted education and tax cuts in his final State of the State address before the election.

Camera records suspected bank robber
Richmond County sheriff's investigators are looking for a man who robbed a west Augusta bank before noon today.

House OKs heating gas tax break
ATLANTA - A bill backing Gov. Sonny Perdue's suspension of half the state sales tax on home heating fuels for the coldest months of the year breezed through the House on Wednesday.

Commissioners pledge unity at retreat
Pledging unity, togetherness and respect, Augusta commissioners ended a daylong government retreat this afternoon after setting goals to improve their effectiveness as city leaders and after attempting to work out personal and professional differences that have recently divided them.

Lawmakers consider order to expand pre-K
AIKEN - Lawmakers are responding to a court order that says all at-risk 4-year-olds in South Carolina must have the opportunity to attend pre-kindergarten classes.

Emergency rooms face challenges
Michael Minor, 56, could be a symbol of what emergency rooms are facing these days. The Greenwood, S.C., man came to the Emergency Department at Medical College of Georgia Hospital complaining of neck and back pain and hoping to get a consultation with a neurosurgeon, even though he has one back home. Emergency medicine physician Heather Isom treated his pain and swelling but referred him back to his hometown surgeon for an appointment next week.

Across South Carolina
COLUMBIA - A South Carolina Corrections Department officer has been charged with attempting to pass marijuana to inmates.

Survey shows early school date favored
Efforts to push the start of Richmond County schools back might have failed.

Across Georgia
ATLANTA - Leaders in the Georgia House lobbed a post-holiday salvo Wednesday in the so-called war against Christmas.

Robberies rose in 2005
Business robberies usually jump around the holidays, but the jump in those crimes this Christmas season in Augusta pushed the total commercial robbery total in 2005 past that of the year before.

Consolidation ruffles meeting
A quarterly city-county meeting in Columbia County on Wednesday started out cool but heated up as one commissioner expressed concern that some think the cities are being strong armed concerning a proposed consolidation.

Across South Carolina
ORANGEBURG - Southern Methodist College hopes to raise $850,000 for repairs and renovations in its first capital campaign.

Across the area
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a blaze at a south Richmond County home Wednesday morning, officials said.

Across the area
Augusta-Richmond County fire officials are investigating the cause of a Tuesday morning fire at a west Augusta restaurant.

Official says budget fails to direct use of funding
AIKEN - A decision by the Aiken County Council to accept state money for sheriff's office vehicles was based on a document that is not legally binding, a spokesman for the state Budget and Control Board said Wednesday.

Emergency rooms face challenges
Michael Minor, 56, could be a symbol of what emergency rooms are facing these days. The Greenwood, S.C., man came to the Emergency Department at Medical College of Georgia Hospital complaining of neck and back pain and hoping to get a consultation with a neurosurgeon, even though he has one back home. Emergency medicine physician Heather Isom treated his pain and swelling but referred him back to his hometown surgeon for an appointment next week.

Robberies rose in 2005

Perdue calls for teachers' raise

Emergency rooms face challenges

Walker asks for payment schedule

Cheek gives thanks for prayers, concern

Rants and raves
TO THE PERSON complaining about too many handicapped parking spaces: One of these days, he's going to be handicapped. He's going to be wanting a space close to the store. The handicapped places are 99 percent of the time in a private-owned area.

News you can use

More magnet schools sought

Closing nears in Evans land deal
The deal hasn't been closed yet, but county officials expect it will come soon.

Moore behind in fundraising
COLUMBIA - Challenger Sen. Tommy Moore, D-Clearwater, is far behind Gov. Mark Sanford in fundraising for this year's gubernatorial race, according to campaign finance reports released this week.

Voter ID bill gets support of panel

Cheek gives thanks for prayers, concern
Augusta Commissioner Andy Cheek was in good condition at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital on Wednesday, according to burn center spokeswoman Beth Frits.

More magnet schools sought
A.K. Hasan's vision of a Richmond County without school zones could move closer to reality with the creation of a special committee to study expanding the magnet school program.

Voter ID bill gets support of panel
ATLANTA - A new voter ID bill designed to answer a judge's concerns that the law resembles a poll tax moved one step closer on Wednesday to facing a full House vote.

Walker's payment plan is opposed
Federal prosecutors are opposed to former state Sen. Charles Walker's proposal for a payment plan for the restitution he owes.

Commission bill is still in works
ATLANTA - With a stalemate and racial division hampering the Augusta Commission, state Sen. J.B. Powell, D-Blythe, said he plans to introduce his bill proposing changes to Augusta-Richmond County's consolidated government before the end of January.

Tour's new TV deal isn't without risks
The PGA Tour has "streamlined" its television partners and tethered itself to cable, but the "continuity" of the commissioner's Masters envy remains intact.

Tour's new TV deal isn't without risks
The PGA Tour has "streamlined" its television partners and tethered itself to cable, but the "continuity" of the commissioner's Masters envy remains intact.

For Guy, being the best isn't good enough
The latest injustice could be executed as soon as today, or it could be drawn out a few more weeks until Feb. 4. Either way, Ray Guy isn't losing any more sleep over it.

For Guy, being the best isn't good enough
The latest injustice could be executed as soon as today, or it could be drawn out a few more weeks until Feb. 4. Either way, Ray Guy isn't losing any more sleep over it.

Billy Crystal says he passed on Oscar hosting job

New home-video releases
Here's a look at this week's DVD releases and a calendar of what's coming:

Horror movies return to grisly roots
NEW YORK - Today's horror movies are more likely to be dripping with blood than irony, with films such as Wolf Creek, the Saw series and last week's top-grossing movie, Hostel, representing a return to their gory, low-budget 1970s roots.

Billy Crystal says he passed on Oscar hosting job
LOS ANGELES - Billy Crystal said he passed on the Oscar hosting job that went to Jon Stewart because his one-man stage show is consuming his attention.

New home-video releases

New home-video releases
Here's a look at this week's DVD releases and a calendar of what's coming:

Billy Crystal says he passed on Oscar hosting job
LOS ANGELES - Billy Crystal said he passed on the Oscar hosting job that went to Jon Stewart because his one-man stage show is consuming his attention.

Horror movies return to grisly roots
NEW YORK - Today's horror movies are more likely to be dripping with blood than irony, with films such as Wolf Creek, the Saw series and last week's top-grossing movie, Hostel, representing a return to their gory, low-budget 1970s roots.

Horror movies return to grisly roots

Bowie, Pryor among artists to receive Grammy honors

Krauss helps return old sound to new country

Bowie, Pryor among artists to receive Grammy honors
LOS ANGELES - David Bowie, blues pioneer Robert Johnson and late comedian Richard Pryor are among the recording artists who will receive lifetime achievement honors during next month's Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy said Tuesday.

Krauss helps return old sound to new country
As much as O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Alison Krauss has been responsible for bringing the bluegrass twang back to American music.

Singer's music reflects her mature perspective

Bowie, Pryor among artists to receive Grammy honors
LOS ANGELES - David Bowie, blues pioneer Robert Johnson and late comedian Richard Pryor are among the recording artists who will receive lifetime achievement honors during next month's Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy said Tuesday.

Musician likes to exploit versatility of the Dobro
When it comes to the Dobro, Jerry Douglas is as much a missionary as he is a musician.

Musician likes to exploit versatility of the Dobro

Hot ticket

Singer's music reflects her mature perspective
Art and environment are inexorably entwined for musician Liz Durrett.

Hot ticket
TRIVIA: Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi changed his name from Jon Bongiovi because he felt his given name was "too ethnic" for show biz.

Singer's music reflects her mature perspective
Art and environment are inexorably entwined for musician Liz Durrett.

Musician likes to exploit versatility of the Dobro
When it comes to the Dobro, Jerry Douglas is as much a missionary as he is a musician.

Krauss helps return old sound to new country
As much as O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Alison Krauss has been responsible for bringing the bluegrass twang back to American music.

Hot ticket
TRIVIA: Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi changed his name from Jon Bongiovi because he felt his given name was "too ethnic" for show biz.

NASCAR Newsmaker: Bobby Labonte
Labonte talked to the media during a break about his move from Joe Gibbs Racing and what he expects from the Pettys. Here are excerpts of that interview:

Taking a test drive
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Before the first lunch break during six days of testing, Bobby Labonte was ready to go home.

Trucks champ must find new ride

Trucks champ must find new ride
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Less than two months after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, Ultra Motorsports closed its doors.

Trucks champ must find new ride
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Less than two months after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, Ultra Motorsports closed its doors.

Grovetown chassis builder has a drive for excellence
Walter Newman is going to the Daytona 500 ... Club, that is. This weekend, he will be honored during an awards ceremony at the infield skybox overlooking Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway as the National Late Model Sportsman Series Chassis Builder of the Year.

Grovetown chassis builder has a drive for excellence

NASCAR Newsmaker: Bobby Labonte
Labonte talked to the media during a break about his move from Joe Gibbs Racing and what he expects from the Pettys. Here are excerpts of that interview:

NASCAR Newsmaker: Bobby Labonte

Taking a test drive
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Before the first lunch break during six days of testing, Bobby Labonte was ready to go home.

Grovetown chassis builder has a drive for excellence
Walter Newman is going to the Daytona 500 ... Club, that is. This weekend, he will be honored during an awards ceremony at the infield skybox overlooking Victory Lane at Daytona International Speedway as the National Late Model Sportsman Series Chassis Builder of the Year.

Taking a test drive

Wizards clip Hawks' wings
WASHINGTON - Donell Taylor scored a career-high 15 points to lead the Washington Wizards over the Atlanta Hawks, 103-72 on Wednesday night.

Wizards clip Hawks' wings
WASHINGTON - Donell Taylor scored a career-high 15 points to lead the Washington Wizards over the Atlanta Hawks, 103-72 on Wednesday night.

Wizards clip Hawks' wings

Vols, Watson solve Bulldogs at home
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - College football season is over, and Knoxville is quickly becoming a basketball town.

Tigers finally defeat Wake
CLEMSON, S.C. - Vernon Hamilton had a career-high 21 points, including four in overtime, as Clemson snapped a five-game losing streak to Wake Forest with a 74-73 win Wednesday night.

Tigers finally defeat Wake
CLEMSON, S.C. - Vernon Hamilton had a career-high 21 points, including four in overtime, as Clemson snapped a five-game losing streak to Wake Forest with a 74-73 win Wednesday night.

Vols, Watson solve Bulldogs at home
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - College football season is over, and Knoxville is quickly becoming a basketball town.

White and Aikman top 15 finalists

Bush could follow White into draft

Mr. Marion Allen Mooney    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Priscilla D. Marshall    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Loyd J. Williams    (GREENSBORO, Ga.)

Ms. Deborah Dukes    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Otha B. Hall    (BROOKLYN, N.Y.)

Mrs. Lucy Dunbar    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Amos Biggins    (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Dr. Robert Ellison, Sr.    (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. David W. Peacock    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Marion Harden    (WASHINTON, Ga.)

Ms. Leila King    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Jeanette Hazel    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Frank Edward Key, Jr.    (GROVETOWN, Ga.)

Mrs. Matilda Hull    (RAYLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Louise Warthen    (WRIGHTSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Josephine W. Killam    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Alton Brock    (BLYTHE, GA)

Ms. Leila King    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Milton R. Reddick    (NEWINGTON, Ga.)

Mr. John M. Lamont    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. John Owens    (SAVANNAH, Ga.)

Mr. Louie Lee Braddy, Jr.    (GROVETOWN, Ga.)

Mrs. Jackie J. Long    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Wilma Louise Hart Arnett    (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. Melvin Harelik    (SPRINGFIELD, N.J.)

Mr. Victor O. Crenshaw    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Hilda C. Etheridge    (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Dorothy Coyle    (HARLEM, Ga.)

Mr. Marvin Daniel Tucker    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Brown, Sr.    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Carrie Baker Fulmer    (GRANITEVILLE, S.C.)

Mr. Willie Brown, Sr.    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. William York    (MARTINEZ, Ga.)

Mr. James Moment    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Jean B. Still    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Frank Edward Key, Jr.    (GROVETOWN, Ga.)

Mr. Eugene Brunson    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Dorothy Coyle    (HARLEM, Ga.)

Mr. Marvin Daniel Tucker    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Brown, Sr.    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Virginia "Ginny" M. Casey    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Janet G. Brown    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Grace Bailey Brown    (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Carrie Baker Fulmer    (GRANITEVILLE, S.C.)

Mrs. Eleanor Reeves Holden    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Marion Allen Mooney    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucille Owens    (WILLISTON, S.C.)

Mr. Cornelious Tutt, Jr.    (AIKEN, S.C.)

Gunner and Ryker Young    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Earl Sanders    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Julian Miller, Jr.    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Juanita Petermann    (WRENS, Ga.)

Mrs. Wilma Louise Hart Arnett    (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. William D. McNeely, II    (WADLEY, Ga.)

Mr. John M. Lamont    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ruby E. Martin    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Josephine W. Killam    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Maggie King    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Jeanette Hazel    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mrs. Margaret Jones    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Dr. Robert Ellison, Sr.    (EVANS, Ga.)

Mrs. Daisy P. Johnson    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Deborah Dukes    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Sasha George    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Victor O. Crenshaw    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Dr. Robert Ellison, Sr.    (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Brown, Sr.    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Charlie T. Malpass    (EDGEFIELD, S.C.)

Mr. Amos Biggins    (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Virginia "Ginny" M. Casey    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Neomi Akron    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mrs. Janet G. Brown    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Anna Bell Toomer    (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Grace Bailey Brown    (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mr. William York    (MARTINEZ, Ga.)

Mr. James Yongue    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Bro. Leroy Williams    (JOHNSTON, S.C.)

Bro. Leroy Williams    (JOHNSTON, S.C.)

Mrs. Jean B. Still    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Allen Suthers    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Earl B. Sanders    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Earl B. Sanders    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucille Owens    (WILLISTON, S.C.)

Mrs. Geneva Nichols    (TALLAHASSEE, FL.)

Mrs. Margaret Moye Merry    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Geneva Nichols    (TALLAHASSEE, FL.)

Mr. James Yongue    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. James Moment    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Loyd J. Williams    (GREENSBORO, Ga.)

Mr. Charlie T. Malpass    (EDGEFIELD, S.C.)

Mr. Cornelious Tutt, Jr.    (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mr. Louie Lee Braddy, Jr.    (GROVETOWN, Ga.)

Mr. Earl Sanders    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Leila King    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Milton R. Reddick    (NEWINGTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Matilda Hull    (RAYLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Juanita Petermann    (WRENS, Ga.)

Mr. Marion Harden    (WASHINTON, Ga.)

Mr. David W. Peacock    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucy Dunbar    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. John Owens    (SAVANNAH, Ga.)

Mr. Marvin Daniel Tucker    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. William D. McNeely, II    (WADLEY, Ga.)

Mr. Eugene Brunson    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ruby E. Martin    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Alton Brock    (BLYTHE, GA)

Mrs. Priscilla D. Marshall    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Anna Bell Toomer    (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Jackie J. Long    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Jeffrey Adam Ellison    (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mrs. Maggie King    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Neomi Akron    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Ms. Leila King    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Jeffrey Adam Ellison    (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mrs. Margaret Jones    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Louise Warthen    (WRIGHTSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Daisy P. Johnson    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Allen Suthers    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Melvin Harelik    (SPRINGFIELD, N.J.)

Gunner and Ryker Young    (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Otha B. Hall    (BROOKLYN, N.Y.)

Mrs. Eleanor Reeves Holden    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Sasha George    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Margaret Moye Merry    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Hilda C. Etheridge    (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Julian Miller, Jr.    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Dr. Robert Ellison, Sr.    (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. Marvin Daniel Tucker    (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Earl Sanders (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Allen Suthers (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Milton R. Reddick (NEWINGTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucy Dunbar (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Hilda C. Etheridge (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mrs. Josephine W. Killam (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Amos Biggins (SANDERSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Melvin Harelik (SPRINGFIELD, N.J.)

Gunner and Ryker Young (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mr. Earl B. Sanders (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Alton Brock (BLYTHE, GA)

Mr. Cornelious Tutt, Jr. (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Juanita Petermann (WRENS, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Brown, Sr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. William D. McNeely, II (WADLEY, Ga.)

Mrs. Louise Warthen (WRIGHTSVILLE, Ga.)

Mr. Loyd J. Williams (GREENSBORO, Ga.)

Ms. Leila King (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Julian Miller, Jr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Anna Bell Toomer (AIKEN, S.C.)

Mrs. Daisy P. Johnson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Dr. Robert Ellison, Sr. (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. Marion Allen Mooney (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Wilma Louise Hart Arnett (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. Willie Brown, Sr. (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Deborah Dukes (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Grace Bailey Brown (LINCOLNTON, Ga.)

Mrs. Maggie King (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Jeanette Hazel (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mrs. Jackie J. Long (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Marion Harden (WASHINTON, Ga.)

Mr. Jeffrey Adam Ellison (BEECH ISLAND, S.C.)

Mrs. Eleanor Reeves Holden (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Victor O. Crenshaw (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. Eugene Brunson (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Ruby E. Martin (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. John M. Lamont (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Matilda Hull (RAYLE, Ga.)

Mr. Marvin Daniel Tucker (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. James Moment (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Dorothy Coyle (HARLEM, Ga.)

Mr. William York (MARTINEZ, Ga.)

Mr. Louie Lee Braddy, Jr. (GROVETOWN, Ga.)

Mr. Marvin Daniel Tucker (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Geneva Nichols (TALLAHASSEE, FL.)

Mrs. Janet G. Brown (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Leila King (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. David W. Peacock (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Bro. Leroy Williams (JOHNSTON, S.C.)

Ms. Sasha George (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Ms. Neomi Akron (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mrs. Priscilla D. Marshall (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mr. James Yongue (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Jean B. Still (NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.)

Mrs. Margaret Jones (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Dr. Robert Ellison, Sr. (EVANS, Ga.)

Mr. Frank Edward Key, Jr. (GROVETOWN, Ga.)

Mr. John Owens (SAVANNAH, Ga.)

Mrs. Lucille Owens (WILLISTON, S.C.)

Mr. Charlie T. Malpass (EDGEFIELD, S.C.)

Mr. Otha B. Hall (BROOKLYN, N.Y.)

Mrs. Margaret Moye Merry (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Virginia "Ginny" M. Casey (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

Mrs. Carrie Baker Fulmer (GRANITEVILLE, S.C.)

Unions sign strike truce for Turin Olympics
ROME - A nationwide strike truce was signed by Italian unions Wednesday for the period covering the Turin Olympics.

Unions sign strike truce for Turin Olympics

Winter Olympics TV Schedule
Television schedule for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Unions sign strike truce for Turin Olympics
ROME - A nationwide strike truce was signed by Italian unions Wednesday for the period covering the Turin Olympics.

Winter Olympics TV Schedule

Winter Olympics TV Schedule
Television schedule for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Csonka brings tale of dangers at sea

Overtime

Federer's chances look even stronger at Open

Overtime

Overtime
Bruce Sutter is going into the Hall of Fame wearing the cap of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Overtime
Bruce Sutter is going into the Hall of Fame wearing the cap of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Overtime
Georgia has scheduled Louisville, Western Carolina, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State as future non-conference opponents, athletic director Damon Evans announced Tuesday.

Federer's chances look even stronger at Open
MELBOURNE, Australia - Roger Federer's chances of winning the Australian Open got even better.

Federer's chances look even stronger at Open
MELBOURNE, Australia - Roger Federer's chances of winning the Australian Open got even better.

Overtime
Georgia has scheduled Louisville, Western Carolina, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State as future non-conference opponents, athletic director Damon Evans announced Tuesday.

Csonka brings tale of dangers at sea
Larry Csonka couldn't have been happier Tuesday night to be in Augusta.

Csonka brings tale of dangers at sea
Larry Csonka couldn't have been happier Tuesday night to be in Augusta.

High School Prep Basketball Scores
Boys Prep Basketball

High School Prep Basketball Scores
Boys Prep Basketball

White and Aikman top 15 finalists
CANTON, Ohio - Troy Aikman and the late Reggie White were among the 15 finalists Wednesday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bush could follow White into draft
LOS ANGELES - Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush will announce today whether he'll return to Southern California for his senior season or enter the NFL Draft.

White and Aikman top 15 finalists
CANTON, Ohio - Troy Aikman and the late Reggie White were among the 15 finalists Wednesday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bush could follow White into draft
LOS ANGELES - Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush will announce today whether he'll return to Southern California for his senior season or enter the NFL Draft.

Herman's Hermits singer says group was under influence of country music

Hajj can be wrenching experience
MINA, Saudi Arabia - For many Muslims, it's a soul-wrenching experience - a chance to spite the devil and beat back his temptations. Tens of thousands pelted three pillars representing Satan with stones and even shoes Wednesday in one of the final rituals of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

Thousands gather for Voodoo Day in Benin
OUIDAH, Benin - Thousands gathered on a beach Tuesday to celebrate Benin's once-banned Voodoo, slaughtering animals and welcoming revelers from Brazil and the United States, including descendants of slaves who took the religion to the Americas centuries ago.

Hajj can be wrenching experience
MINA, Saudi Arabia - For many Muslims, it's a soul-wrenching experience - a chance to spite the devil and beat back his temptations. Tens of thousands pelted three pillars representing Satan with stones and even shoes Wednesday in one of the final rituals of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

Thousands gather for Voodoo Day in Benin
OUIDAH, Benin - Thousands gathered on a beach Tuesday to celebrate Benin's once-banned Voodoo, slaughtering animals and welcoming revelers from Brazil and the United States, including descendants of slaves who took the religion to the Americas centuries ago.

Herman's Hermits singer says group was under influence of country music
Sixties rocker Peter Noone, the Herman of Herman's Hermits, said his group didn't know when they formed that much of their musical influences were country music stars.

Herman's Hermits singer says group was under influence of country music
Sixties rocker Peter Noone, the Herman of Herman's Hermits, said his group didn't know when they formed that much of their musical influences were country music stars.

School lunch menu
TODAY: Breakfast pocket, fruit or juice and milk *Sausage biscuit and hash browns

Georgia Farmers Market
This is a list of commodities available at the Georgia Farmers Market, 1150 Fifth St. Prices and availability of produce are subject to change.

For the record
Sentencings, indictments, paroles, marriage licenses and divorces.

Attention to details is point of pride for Augusta clocksmith
For someone who always liked to take things apart as a child, Richard Heaton found his passion in the intricacies of clocksmithing.

Ronald McDonald scholarships go to those in need
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta is offering scholarships for students faced with limited access to educational and career opportunities.

Star is pinned on colonel at medical center
It seemed an appropriate place for such a significant ceremony.

Star is pinned on colonel at medical center
It seemed an appropriate place for such a significant ceremony.

Starting the year
Marcia Bouchard (left) greets Jennifer Chipman, of Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center's public affairs office, at a reception at the Gordon Club to kick off the new year.

Around the block
The Southern Fried Flicks Independent Film Festival will continue through Saturday at the Imperial Theatre, 749 Broad St. Films start at 3 p.m. today and Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Can you find it?
This week's design, above, can be described as being "tired" after a busy day. If you think you know where it is, call 823-3708 by 2 p.m. Friday and leave your name, phone number, and how to spell your name.

School lunch menu
TODAY: Breakfast pocket, fruit or juice and milk *Sausage biscuit and hash browns

Senior project reveals the real power of books
A recent book drive conducted by an 18-year-old high school student placed new books in the hands of Copeland Elementary School pupils.

Savannah River land trust has many projects on deck
Opportunities to donate sweat equity for the benefit of America's network of hiking trails are available this spring in both Georgia and South Carolina.

For the record
Sentencings, indictments, paroles, marriage licenses and divorces.

Post Happenings
Post Happenings lists events, programs and other community notices from Fort Gordon. Send information to Fort Gordon Calendar, attention Ryan Wehmeyer, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928.

Students experience Civil War combat
With a simple extra-credit assignment, an Academy of Richmond County teacher has made the Civil War come to life for some students.

Starting the year
Marcia Bouchard (left) greets Jennifer Chipman, of Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center's public affairs office, at a reception at the Gordon Club to kick off the new year.

Students experience Civil War combat
With a simple extra-credit assignment, an Academy of Richmond County teacher has made the Civil War come to life for some students.

This week
BE MORE THAN HIPS: 8 p.m. today-Friday, 3, 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Jack B. Patrick Technology Center, Augusta Technical College, 3200 Augusta Tech Drive; Augusta Mini Theatre's annual salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; $12 adults, $10 students or $8 youth groups of 10 or more; www.augustamini theatre.com, 722-0598

Savannah River land trust has many projects on deck
Opportunities to donate sweat equity for the benefit of America's network of hiking trails are available this spring in both Georgia and South Carolina.

Meetings
GROUP MEETING: 7 p.m. today; Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta; CSRA Apple Macintosh Users Group; free; 860-1922

Subdivision offers high quality of life
Harold and Sonja Simon and their three children are a military family who have traveled all over the world. In 1995, they decided to settle down and enjoy retirement in Belair Hills Estates neighborhood in west Augusta.

CSRA Bridge results
CSRA Bridge results for Jan. 2-8.

Attention to details is point of pride for Augusta clocksmith
For someone who always liked to take things apart as a child, Richard Heaton found his passion in the intricacies of clocksmithing.

Around the block
The Southern Fried Flicks Independent Film Festival will continue through Saturday at the Imperial Theatre, 749 Broad St. Films start at 3 p.m. today and Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Ronald McDonald scholarships go to those in need
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta is offering scholarships for students faced with limited access to educational and career opportunities.

CSRA Bridge results
CSRA Bridge results for Jan. 2-8.

Fort Discovery's van brings lessons to schoolchildren
Instead of schools taking field trips to the National Science Center's Fort Discovery, the science center is going to them.

Georgia Farmers Market
This is a list of commodities available at the Georgia Farmers Market, 1150 Fifth St. Prices and availability of produce are subject to change.

Subdivision offers high quality of life
Harold and Sonja Simon and their three children are a military family who have traveled all over the world. In 1995, they decided to settle down and enjoy retirement in Belair Hills Estates neighborhood in west Augusta.

Meetings
GROUP MEETING: 7 p.m. today; Nancy Carson Library, 135 Edgefield Road, North Augusta; CSRA Apple Macintosh Users Group; free; 860-1922

Senior project reveals the real power of books
A recent book drive conducted by an 18-year-old high school student placed new books in the hands of Copeland Elementary School pupils.

This week
BE MORE THAN HIPS: 8 p.m. today-Friday, 3, 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Jack B. Patrick Technology Center, Augusta Technical College, 3200 Augusta Tech Drive; Augusta Mini Theatre's annual salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; $12 adults, $10 students or $8 youth groups of 10 or more; www.augustamini theatre.com, 722-0598

Can you find it?
This week's design, above, can be described as being "tired" after a busy day. If you think you know where it is, call 823-3708 by 2 p.m. Friday and leave your name, phone number, and how to spell your name.

Fort Discovery's van brings lessons to schoolchildren
Instead of schools taking field trips to the National Science Center's Fort Discovery, the science center is going to them.

Post Happenings
Post Happenings lists events, programs and other community notices from Fort Gordon. Send information to Fort Gordon Calendar, attention Ryan Wehmeyer, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928.

Can you find it?

Fort Discovery's van brings lessons to schoolchildren

Post Happenings

Star is pinned on colonel at medical center

Subdivision offers high quality of life

Senior project reveals the real power of books

Meetings

This week

Around the block

Starting the year

For the record

Students experience Civil War combat

Ronald McDonald scholarships go to those in need

Georgia Farmers Market

School lunch menu

Attention to details is point of pride for Augusta clocksmith

Savannah River land trust has many projects on deck

CSRA Bridge results

Tour's new TV deal isn't without risks

For Guy, being the best isn't good enough

If life were like a movie, crime would surely pay

Former Disney CEO to host CNBC talk show

Former Disney CEO to host CNBC talk show
NEW YORK - Michael Eisner, former chief of the Walt Disney Co., will become host of his own CNBC interview program that will be seen once every two months, the network said Tuesday.

Rose Bowl telecast drives ABC to victory in ratings

Rose Bowl telecast drives ABC to victory in ratings
NEW YORK - Powered by a classic Rose Bowl battle between Texas and Southern California that was the most-watched college football game in at least 15 years, ABC broke CBS' ratings dominance this TV season.

Big stars to appear on Al Gore's TV network
NEW YORK - Al Gore's new television network, Current TV, is turning to Sean Penn, Robert Redford and others to give advice to fledgling filmmakers.

Big stars to appear on Al Gore's TV network

Former Disney CEO to host CNBC talk show
NEW YORK - Michael Eisner, former chief of the Walt Disney Co., will become host of his own CNBC interview program that will be seen once every two months, the network said Tuesday.

Rose Bowl telecast drives ABC to victory in ratings
NEW YORK - Powered by a classic Rose Bowl battle between Texas and Southern California that was the most-watched college football game in at least 15 years, ABC broke CBS' ratings dominance this TV season.

Big stars to appear on Al Gore's TV network
NEW YORK - Al Gore's new television network, Current TV, is turning to Sean Penn, Robert Redford and others to give advice to fledgling filmmakers.

DeGeneres, Garner, 'Star Wars' win top People's Choice honors

Concerts calendar

Applause calendar

Jury selection begins in 'Survivor' tax trial

Eminem and ex-wife apply for marriage license

Club calendar

Galleries calendar

Spotted

Spears tops Mr. Blackwell's 'Worst Dressed' list

Report: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt expecting

Dippin' Dots ice cream parlor satisfies sweet tooth

If life were like a movie, crime would surely pay
Recently, I had a little run-in with the law.

If life were like a movie, crime would surely pay
Recently, I had a little run-in with the law.

Milestones

Bakery owner has positive attitude

Around the block

Bill would guarantee anonymity to police tipsters

History is buried in Edgefield cemetery

School has rewarding character program

This week

Across the river

Preserving family moments in scrapbooks

Hajj can be wrenching experience

Thousands gather for Voodoo Day in Benin