Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt Aug 30, 2003 Game Story NASHVILLE, Tennessee ( Ticker) - - Joe Nichols kicked a 54- yard field goal with 3: 53 left as Mississippi escaped with a 24- 21 victory over Vanderbilt in a Southeastern Conference game. Nichols, who also connected from 51 and 20 yards in the second quarter, capped a seven- play, 55- yard drive that gave the Rebels their first lead of the game and sent the Commodores to their 18th straight SEC defeat. Eli Manning of Mississippi ( 1- 0, 1- 0 SEC West) kicked off his senior season by completing 22- of- 33 passes for 275 yards.

His lone touchdown pass was a 23- yarder to Mike Espy with 9: 24 left that tied the game at 21- 21. Vanderbilt led 7- 6 at halftime and increased the lead to 14- 6 on a 50- yard TD pass from Benji Walker to Eric Davis with 9: 59 left in the third quarter. But the Rebels rallied to tie on a one- yard touchdown run by Vashon Pearson and a successful two- point conversion.

The Commodores ( 0- 1, 0- 1 East) took a 21- 14 lead early in the fourth quarter on a two- yard TD pass from Jay Cutler to Brandon Smith. Cutler completed 20- of- 32 passes for 248 yards and two scores. Ole Miss defeated Vanderbilt for the fourth straight time and handed the Commodores yet another close loss. Vanderbilt was 2- 10 last season and in six of those games had possession late in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or take the lead with a touchdown.

The biggest and brightest full moon of the year will arrive Saturday night as our celestial neighbor passes closer to Earth than usual. http: / / bcdownload. gannett. edgesuite. net/ contentone/ 44692046001/ 44692046001_ 1622123436001_ ari- origin 07- arc- 154- 1336162235530. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Mark Ruffalo talks about joining the super hero ranks, portraying the Incredible Hulk in one of the year' s most anticipated movie & # 34; The Avengers. & # 34; Ruffalo answers five questions with Bryan Alexander. Video produced by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1618171279001_ vs- 1618164851001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 USA TODAY' s Arienne Thompson takes a look at the hottest celebrity fashions of the week. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1620843613001_ ari- origin 05- arc- 125- 1336137798142. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Family with four autistic kids says it' s their. . . All four of John & # 38; Nicole May' s sons, ages 2- 10, have autism.

Yet despite the struggles that come along with raising them, the couple says they wouldn' t have it any other way. By Maxine Park/ USA TODAY http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1573805661001_ Picture- 4. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Analysis: How Mitt Romney will select a running. . . USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page explains how presidential candidates choose a running mate and what we can expect from Mitt Romney. http: / / bcdownload. gannett. edgesuite. net/ contentone/ 44692046001/ 44692046001_ 1613949857001_ vs- 1613923999001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Analysis: GOP Vice Presidential possibilities to. . . USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page with analysis on who Mitt Romney might choose for a running mate. http: / / bcdownload. gannett. edgesuite. net/ contentone/ 44692046001/ 44692046001_ 1613869085001_ ari- origin 07- arc- 157- 1335803770034. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 USA TODAY' S Arienne Thomspon talks to celebs at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and gets the scoop on what they' re wearing. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1611262243001_ vs- 1611236023001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Ryan O' Neal talks about his life with Farrah. . .

Actor Ryan O' Neal talks to USA TODAY' s Bryan Alexander about his new book & # 34; Both of Us - My Life with Farrah& # 34; . Video produced by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1604049103001_ vs- 1603964371001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Singer Norah Jones ansers five questions for USA TODAY.

By Todd Plitt and Rene Alston http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1602417000001_ vs- 1602332255001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire ? ? “ the world? ? ™s oldest ? ? “ presents its 50th season beginning April 7 and continuing each weekend through May 20 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, CA. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1602247285001_ vs- 1602137209001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 USA TODAY' s Cindy Clark takes a look at the trend- setting Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and some of her most fabulous outfits from the past year. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1595505453001_ vs- 1595388769001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Carrie Underwood discusses the current American Idol singers, her newest album and being a part of the Grand Ole Opry. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1593843561001_ vs- 1593733086001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Supreme Court hears arguments over AZ immigration. . . Protestors rallied at the steps of the U. Supreme Court today, as the justices heard arguments in the federal government? ? ™s case against Arizona? ? ™s controversial immigration law, SB 1070. By Maxine Park/ USA TODAY http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1587417221001_ Picture- 1. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 USA TODAY reporter Wendy Koch gives a tour of her newly constructed eco- friendly home in Falls Church, VA. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1571373099001_ ari- origin 05- arc- 139- 1334852536888. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 USA TODAY' s Cindy Clark checks out the hot fashions celebrities showed off this week. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1571775475001_ ari- origin 05- arc- 166- 1334879998678. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Kevin Kline talks about his new film & # 34; Darling. . .

Actor Kevin Kline talks about his latest film, & # 34; Darling Companion& # 34; , his sixth film with director Lawrence Kasdan. Also in the film are Diane Keaton, Dianne Wiest, Richard Jenkins and Sam Shepard. Video produced by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1569928911001_ vs- 1569924628001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Kathy Griffin gives USA TODAY a tour of the set of her new Bravo talk show ' Kathy' . http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1569514416001_ ari- origin 05- arc- 169- 1334780833854. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Government regulators were warned more than 10 years ago about the locations of 464 forgotten lead smelting firms that operated in the 1930s to 1960s and may have deposited dangerous levels of lead contamination in nearby soil. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1566049300001_ vs- 1566016003001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 In hundreds of neighborhoods across the United States, children are living and playing near sites where factories once spewed lead and other toxic metal particles into the air. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560696304001_ vs- 1560520652001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Tests by USA TODAY in neighborhoods near former lead factories showed dirt so contaminated that children shouldn' t be playing in it. The soil tests revealed potentially dangerous lead levels in areas of all 21 neighborhoods examined in 13 states. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1561050488001_ vs- 1561037882001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Regulators investigating the forgotten smelter, Tyroler Metals, tested soil in 2003 and found high levels of lead indicating a possible fallout zone on a neighborhood. Yet they never told people living nearby or ordered any cleanup, USA TODAY found. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560898620001_ vs- 1560877936001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Historical fire insurance maps, called Sanborn Maps, help researchers discover what companies or factories operated many decades ago in regions across the country. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560791236001_ vs- 1560778544001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 USA TODAY tested more than 1, 000 samples of soil in 21 neighborhoods near former smelting sites across the country by XRF ( X- ray fluorescence) and laboratory methods to see whether potentially harmful levels of lead are present. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560952018001_ vs- 1560947568001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Portland, Ore. : Multmonah Metal Co.

Works Portland, Ore. : Multmonah Metal Co. Works Portland resident Barbee Williams has owned a home next to an old smelter site for 22 years. Three tests showed lead levels over 1, 000 ppm in the soil of her yard. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1565277123001_ vs- 1565202098001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Chicago: Loewenthal Metals Corp. Chicago: Loewenthal Metals Corp. Loewenthal Metals Corp. operated a lead smelter during the 1940s along West Cullerton Street in Chicago' s Pilsen neighborhood, records show.

The former factory site is now a vacant lot in the middle of homes, and just down the street from a school. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560722787001_ vs- 1560695126001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 The area along Hiawatha Avenue, where Northwestern Smelting once operated, has been extensively redeveloped to include a light- rail line and a bike trail. USA TODAY sampled soil in the vicinity of the former site and found varying levels of lead. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560853511001_ vs- 1560838943001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 West Allis, Wis. : Allied Smelting West Allis, Wis. : Allied Smelting Fred Kuolt who has lived in the suburban Milwaukee neighborhood of West Allis, Wisconsin, since 1950, remembers the horrible smells that used to come from Allied Smelting, making it difficult for his wife, Lorraine, to breathe. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560883835001_ vs- 1560860694001. jpg? pub.

Id= 29906170001 Philadelphia: John T. Lewis / National Lead Philadelphia: John T. Lewis / National Lead Federal officials have known about lead contamination in the neighborhood for decades, evaluating it as far back as the 1980s, records show.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently deciding whether a cleanup of residents' yards is needed. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1561011812001_ vs- 1561005828001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Carteret, N.

J. : U. Metals Refining Co. Carteret, N.

J. : U.

Metals Refining Co. Alex Marciniak remembers his grandmother complaining about the dust that spewed from the smelting plant across the street from her home in Carteret, N. J. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560793420001_ vs- 1560785860001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001 Philadelphia: White Brothers Smelting Co. & # 38; Thos. . . . Philadelphia: White Brothers Smelting Co. & # 38; Thos.

Lukens Metal Co. Soil testing by USA TODAY in yards and a grassy alley behind homes along Hedley Street found levels of lead contamination above the EPA' s hazard level of 400 ppm for bare soil where children play. http: / / videos. usatoday. net/ 29906170001/ 29906170001_ 1560864556001_ vs- 1560860768001. jpg? pub. Id= 29906170001

BALTIMORE ( AP) - The Pittsburgh Steelers had already accomplished their primary goals in the regular season, so the AFC North champions entered the finale against the Baltimore Ravens with a different objective: Stay healthy. The Steelers sustained a few injuries in their 27- 21 loss Sunday, but more important was the fact that several key players - including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Hines Ward - were held out to allow their wounds to heal.

Minutes after the game ended, and perhaps well before then, the Steelers turned their attention toward the Jacksonville Jaguars, their opponent Saturday night in the opening round of the postseason. ' ' Ready or not, here we come, ' ' first- year coach Mike Tomlin said. ' ' That' s the reality of it. We' re a 10- 6 team, we won our division, we' ve got a home game versus the five seed and we look forward to preparing for that. ' ' Pittsburgh could have captured the No. 3 seed by defeating Baltimore, coupled with a loss by San Diego, but the Steelers downplayed that scenario earlier in the week. It wasn' t just idle talk. If this game meant anything to the Steelers, they probably would have played Roethlisberger, Ward, safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback/ kick returner Allen Rossum.

All were on the inactive list, nursing minor injuries. Playing for the first time since replacing Roethlisberger in a 38- 7 rout of Baltimore on Nov. 5, Charlie Batch went 16- for- 31 for 218 yards and two interceptions. Fifty- nine of those yards came on a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 7: 13 remaining. That made it 27- 14, and after a successful onside kick, Batch threw a fourth- down TD pass to Cedrick Wilson with 3: 36 left.

But the comeback bid ended with an interception by David Pittman in the closing seconds. Musa Smith ran for 83 yards and a touchdown in his first NFL start, helping the Ravens ( 5- 11) earn their first victory since Oct. 14 and end a nine- game losing streak. ' ' I took a deep breath once we got that interception, ' ' Ravens receiver Derrick Mason said. ' ' All that frustration just came out. No matter how the season went, we were able to win our last game, and that' s good. ' ' Pittsburgh hopes to be playing well into January. The Steelers didn' t show much emotion in the rain while losing in Baltimore for a fifth consecutive season, but they should be far more inspired - and healthy - against the Jaguars. ' ' We played flat.

We really didn' t get anything going, ' ' Wilson said. ' ' We made a few big plays, but at the same time we really didn' t execute like we should have. ' ' Najeh Davenport, elevated to the starter' s role last week after Willie Parker went down with a season- ending broken leg, ran for 27 yards on 12 carries before leaving in the third quarter.

The Ravens, meanwhile, will enter the offseason without the burden of a franchise- record losing streak that included five defeats by at least 14 points. ' ' It was great, ' ' coach Brian Billick said of the victory. ' ' Hopefully, that' s a sign of things to come. ' ' Plagued by turnovers all season, Baltimore took advantage of one to go up 7- 0. Starting in place of Rossum, Willie Reid fumbled the opening kickoff and Devard Darling recovered at the Pittsburgh 35. Eight plays later, Smith scored from 2. One week earlier, Smith was third on the depth chart. But Willis Mc.

Gahee fractured two ribs last week in a loss to Seattle, and backup Mike Anderson was out with a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh' s first possession ended when Batch threw an incomplete pass on a fourth- down play from the Baltimore 32, and the Ravens moved 57 yards before Matt Stover kicked a field goal to make it 10- 0.

On the ensuing kickoff, Reid lost the ball after slipping on the wet turf. It was ruled a fumble, but a replay reversed the call. A 32- yard touchdown run by fourth- string running back Cory Ross made it 17- 0.

Davenport scored from the 1 with 10 minutes left in the second quarter, but Stover kicked a field goal just before halftime to make it 20- 7.

A 15- yard pass from rookie Troy Smith to Darling upped the margin to 20 points in the third quarter. ' ' We didn' t start fast. Hopefully this will be a good lesson for us heading into next week, ' ' Pittsburgh tight end Heath Miller said. ' ' We' ve got to start from the opening kickoff and be on top of our game. ' ' Smith, making his second NFL start, went 16- for- 27 for 171 yards.

Notes: Pittsburgh allowed six rushing TDs this year, three by Baltimore. . . . Steelers injuries included T Max Starks ( left knee sprain) , LB James Harrison ( shoulder bruise) , CB Bryant Mc. Fadden ( ankle) , Reid ( shoulder) . . . . Mason finished with a team- record 103 catches.

Rob Lowe is set to play Drew Peterson in an upcoming made- for- TV movie.

There' s just one problem. & nbsp; Rob Lowe is set to play Drew Peterson in an upcoming made- for- TV movie. There' s just one problem. & nbsp; Peterson isn& rsquo; t having it.

Lawyers for the former Bolingbrook cop fired off a cease and desist letter to Lowe and Lifetime Entertainment on Wednesday, threatening legal action if the plug isn& rsquo; t pulled on the production by the end of Friday. & nbsp; The counsel is reportedly concerned that the film, which is based on the non- fiction book & ldquo; Fatal Vows: The Tragic Wives of Drew Peterson& rdquo; by former Joliet Herald- News reporter Joe Hosey, is an unauthorized use of Peterson& rsquo; s name and likeness. & nbsp; Peterson' s attorneys allege that Hosey& rsquo; s work is " nothing more than a deliberate and calculated assemblage of falsehoods constituting a character assassination . . . to falsely and intentionally insinuate that my client is a despicable wife& nbsp; murderer. " & ldquo; First and foremost we want to make sure Drew gets an unbiased jury pool, & rdquo; Peterson& rsquo; s defense attorney, Joel Brodsky, told Chicago Sun- Times . & ldquo; But even after the trial, . . .

PHISHING FOR CREDITS Computer hackers have found a new target. Instead of stealing corporate funds, hackers are now phishing for carbon emission certificates.

News reports say hackers launched an impressive attack against numerous companies in Europe, New Zealand and Japan, stealing 250, 000 carbon credit permits from six companies worth more than $ 4 million. Under environmental cap- and- trade laws, companies get a certain amount of credits in an effort to mitigate greenhouse gasses.

Companies can then buy more credits from another company with a surplus for a higher cost. . . & nbsp;

You won' t see the big guy here very often, but that doesn' t keep hopeful sports fans from packing it in. But when the toothy- grinned former Broncos QB John Elway doesn' t show, diners console themselves with some of the best steak- house fare in town, . . . In the two buildings that once held the popular restaurant Somethin' Else, a group of veteran restaurateurs have opened a charming eatery to rave reviews. Fruition features well- crafted, elegant comfort food made from seasonal ingredients in compelling . . .

, wife of former President and founder of the drug and alcohol center in her name, has died, reports.

She was 93.

Ford, who served as the First Lady from 1974 to 1977, died Friday evening surrounded by family.

Ford wed the future president in 1948 and was a strong supporter in her husband' s campaign for Congress. Gerald, who died in 2006, served in Washington for 25 years before becoming the leader of the . During his presidency, Betty Ford made headlines as a proponent for breast cancer and an advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment. She was even named Newsweek ' s " Woman of the Year" in 1975.

One year after leaving the , Ford made headlines for a different reason when she checked into Long Beach Naval Hospital to be treated for alcohol and painkiller abuse. After struggling with her own addictions, in October 1982, she co- founded the Betty Ford Clinic in Rancho Mirage, Calif. , with philanthropist Leonard Firestone. The famous clinic has treated a long list of celebrities that includes rocker , country star and Community star . & # 160; View original at Related Articles on TVGuide. com Other Links From TVGuide. com

Power plant operators are nervously awaiting a new Environmental Protection Agency regulation, finalized last week, which requires more than 1, 000 facilities, including more than 500 coal- fired plants, to meet stricter emissions standards so as not to pollute neighboring states. & # 160; The regulation, called the Cross- State Air Pollution Rule, calls for plants to install scrubbers to lower particulate emissions in states that are downwind.

The EPA says the new rule will ultimately protect 240 million Americans in 27 states from smog and soot pollution and & # 160; prevent up to 34, 000 premature deaths, 15, 000 nonfatal heart attacks and 1. 8 million sick days.

But the rule, one of a slew of EPA regulations directed at smokestack industries in the coming months, will impose huge costs on power plant operators, say industry representatives. & # 160; " There are five or six other regulations coming down the pike that will have a huge impact on industry and on consumers and businesses, especially in parts of the country where we still have industrial manufacturing jobs, " said Jeffrey Holmstead , an expert in environmental strategies at the law firm of Bracewell and Giuliani. Industry studies suggest that the Cross- State Air Pollution Rule, when coupled with other EPA regulations, could force the closure of scores of coal- fired power plants, raise the price of electricity by as much as 23 percent in some areas, and cause 1. 4 million job losses by 2020. Environmentalists dispute those findings, suggesting that retrofitting scrubbers in hundreds of power plants nationwide will produce thousands of short- term jobs. John Walke of the Natural Resources Defense Council says the costs borne by utilities and electricity consumers will be made up by the recouping of lost productivity, illness and death caused by pollution. & # 160; " The happy news about EPA' s clean air protections will be to reduce premature deaths from heart attacks, and asthma attacks in states that are home to 240 million American, enabling people to go to work and school when they would normally have to stay home sick, " Walke said.

He adds that the cost to power plant operators of installing scrubbers, which can run into the millions of dollars, is not as burdensome as the industry contends. & # 160; The " transport" rule was first devised during the but was held up by court challenges. Because of those court imposed delays in finalizing the rule, Walke says power companies have had five years to capitalize the expense of installing scrubbers. But industry representatives contend the costs of the new regulations are much higher than EPA admits. & # 160; " Over the last 20 years we' ve seen manufacturing move to parts of the country where energy is affordable, so you don’ t see a lot of manufacturing in California or in the old industrial areas of New York, " Holmstead said. " It' s mostly in the Midwest and Southeast.

And the problem is all of the industries compete in the global market. As the EPA continues to regulate the cost of energy higher, they can' t compete in the global market place. " EPA' s lack of consideration of costs imposed by its regulations are the subject of considerable consternation on . House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton last week said that the accelerated rate of new regulations on energy and other sectors by the EPA " has turned regulation from a manageable tool into an unpredictable moving target that makes it difficult for companies to invest and create jobs. " The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power last week approved legislation to hold the Obama administration to more transparency for the cost of EPA' s regulatory zeal. & # 160; The TRAIN Act, which has some bipartisan support, would require an interagency analysis of all the costs incurred by private industry because of EPA regulations. " It’ s absurd for taxpayer funded federal agencies to impose burdensome regulations on consumers and businesses without first determining how much it’ s going to cost and the potential consequences it could have on our overall economy, " said Rep. , R- Okla. Similar legislation is being considered in the Senate.

Clayton Morris joined FOX News Channel ( FNC) in 2008 and is the co- host of " FOX & Friends Weekend. " He also hosts a technology show called " Gadgets and Games with Clayton Morris" on FOXNews. com' s Strategy Room, which looks at the latest gadgets and gizmos on the market. Prior to joining FNC, Morris worked for FOX 29 in Philadelphia where he was the host of " Good Day Philadelphia. " Before that, he worked in Orlando on the launch of the WB Network' s nationally syndicated morning show " The Daily Buzz, " he was an anchor at WVVA- TV in Bluefield, West Virginia, and he was a political reporter at Montana' s CBS affiliate. Morris got his start in television as a producer for " Good Day L. A. " at KTTV in Los Angeles. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received degrees in U.

S. history and broadcast journalism.

Former Syracuse great Floyd Little has been a frequent visitor over the years to the Carrier Dome on fall afternoons to watch his alma mater play. Former Syracuse great Floyd Little has been a frequent visitor over the years to the Carrier Dome on fall afternoons to watch his alma mater play. The commute just got a lot shorter. Little, a three- time All- American, is returning to serve as special assistant to athletics director Daryl Gross, the school announced Thursday. Little will be responsible for development and donor relations, he will assist with student- athlete and team development and recruiting, and also handle special projects. " I have a great love for Syracuse and always have been an ambassador for the school, " Little said. " I think this is a great opportunity.

I talk about ' GPS, ' which is grace, passion and skill. My grace from God is to give so much in teaching. I think that I am a great teacher and I have a lot to give. " Little, a star tailback and kick returner, holds school records for career touchdowns ( 46) and career punts returned for touchdowns ( six) .

He finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in both his junior an. . .

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is praising a recommendation from the Institute of Medicine that insurance companies be required to offer free contraceptives to all women in a report she called " historic, " suggesting she may make the recommendation an official policy.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is praising a recommendation from the Institute of Medicine that insurance companies be required to offer free contraceptives to all women in a report she called " historic, " suggesting she may make the recommendation an official policy. The prospect of free, government- ordered contraceptives and even agents to induce abortion, has ignited a national debate. Some are clearly pleased. " The request for the study actually came out of the health care legislation and I am pleased that the secretary has indicated that the department will implement it quickly, " said Rep. Lois Capps, D- Calif. " Currently, nearly one in three women finds it difficult to pay for birth control, & rdquo; Naral Pro- Choice America said in a statement. & ldquo; We are confident that the Obama administration will adopt. . . the recommendations. & rdquo; But Sandy Rios, a vice president for Family Pac Federal, a conservative political action committee, disagrees. " It' s feminist pork.

It' s a, it' s . . .

The top- ranked passing game in the NFL was no match for the Baltimore Ravens, who disposed of the Denver Broncos in typical lopsided fashion.

Ray Rice ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns, and the Ravens frustrated Denver quarterback Kyle Orton in a 31- 17 victory Sunday. Baltimore ( 4- 1) jumped to a 17- 0 lead and coasted to its third straight win, the first this season by double digits. The Ravens moved past idle Pittsburgh into sole possession of first place in the AFC North. The Broncos ( 2- 3) fell to 0- 5 against the Ravens in Baltimore.

In those games, Denver has been outscored 142- 56, including 60- 24 over the last two years. Orton completed his fourth straight 300- yard passing game with a 44- yard touchdown pass to Brandon Lloyd with 35 seconds left. It was of little consolation to the Broncos, who hurt themselves by losing a fumble and committing 10 penalties for 90 yards. What was billed as a duel between the best passing game in the league and the No. 1 passing defense turned into a mismatch.

Orton went 23 for 38 for 314 yards and two touchdowns, both to Lloyd. But Denver never got closer than 10 points after the Ravens went up by 17 with 9: 21 left in the second quarter. Baltimore' s Joe Flacco completed 14 of 25 passes for 196 yards and ran for a score. Unlike Orton, he was backed by a solid running game. The Ravens led 17- 7 at halftime after keeping the Broncos from crossing the 50- yard line until after the two- minute warning.

A 58- yard pass from Flacco to tight end Ed Dickson helped the Ravens move to the Denver 1 on their opening possession.

The drive fizzled when Willis Mc. Gahee was twice stuffed at the line and Jason Hunter sacked Flacco on fourth down.

Baltimore got it right on its second try, marching 73 yards to go up 7- 0. Flacco went 4 for 4 for 51 yards before sneaking in from the 1, his first touchdown since Oct. 26, 2008. The Ravens again forced a punt, then scored another touchdown.

After Denver' s Perrish Cox was called for pass interference in the end zone, Rice took it in from the 1. First- round draft pick Demaryius Thomas fumbled the ensuing kickoff when hit by Jason Phillips, a collision that forced Thomas from the game with head and neck injuries. Baltimore recovered at the 20, and a field goal by Billy Cundiff made it 17- 0. The Broncos finally broke through with 48 seconds left in the half on a 42- yard pass from Orton to Lloyd, who made a diving catch in the back of the end zone.

In the fourth quarter, after Rice scored on a 1- yard run, Matt Prater kicked a field goal for Denver to make it 24- 10. Mc. Gahee iced the victory with a 30- yard touchdown run with 5: 06 remaining.

NORWALK, Iowa & # 8211; & nbsp; Republican presidential candidate promised Wednesday that she would submit only balanced budgets if elected next year, but she stopped short of promising to veto any deficit budget presented to her by Congress. " I can' t control what the Congress will do. But I will guarantee you I will submit a balanced budget, " Bachmann said in answering a voter' s question during a campaign event in a backyard south of Des Moines. When asked a moment later if she would veto a deficit budget, she hesitated. " Well, I will work with them on it. I will do everything I can, " she said. " Most likely, I probably will. " The Minnesota congresswoman returned to Iowa, which has the nation' s first presidential caucuses, after voting Tuesday in Washington against a bill that would have raised the federal debt limit, but also included sharp spending cuts, a cap on spending and steps toward a balanced budget amendment.

Bachmann signed a pledge endorsing the so- called " cut, cap and balance" approach to the national debt Monday in South Carolina. Bachmann had previously refused to sign the pledge because she said it didn' t go far enough in dealing with the national debt. She signed after eight other presidential candidates, saying she agreed there needs to be a " fundamental restructuring" of government spending. Bachmann told the audience of about 75 Iowa Republican activists Wednesday that while she agreed with bill' s " cut, cap and balance" principles, she voted against it because she has taken a hard line against raising the debt limit.

She also said she had hoped the bill would have included language to repeal the federal health care law enacted last year. " I have a rock solid record of being a fiscal conservative, and a real fiscal hawk, " she said. Bachmann planned a full day of campaigning in Iowa after facing questions Tuesday about migraine headaches she suffers. The questions were prompted by a story published in The Daily Caller, a GOP- leaning website, which said Bachmann suffered from sometimes debilitating, chronic migraines. Her campaign issued a statement Tuesday saying Bachmann takes prescription medication when the symptoms arise, but the headaches would not impede her ability to serve as president.

At her Wednesday morning event, Bachmann stood in direct sunlight wearing long sleeves in temperatures approaching 90 degrees for more than 30 minutes. She sipped some water and later posed for pictures and shook hands for another 20 minutes. Asked by reporters afterward about her headaches, Bachmann responded briskly: " I keep a very rigorous schedule, and I feel great. " Bachmann, who is ramping up her effort to urge Iowa caucusgoers to attend an August straw poll, also visited a diner in suburban Des Moines, met with ministers and planned to conduct an event on .

HOBOKEN, N. J. & # 8211; & nbsp; receiver has pleaded not guilty to three disorderly person charges stemming from a June arrest in New Jersey. Hoboken police had suspected Britt was carrying a marijuana cigar.

Britt entered his plea Tuesday in Hoboken Municipal Court. He declined comment. A judge set a Sept.

20 trial date. The former Rutgers star has had a series of recent legal difficulties. Britt pleaded guilty last month to violations related to a speeding arrest in his hometown of Bayonne. He surrendered June 29 to Tennessee authorities on warrants alleging he provided inaccurate information on driver' s license applications.

A man filed a civil lawsuit against Britt on June 27 seeking damages from a Nashville bar fight.

Posh and bercomfy, this chic new hot spot has crushed velvet couches, hardwood floors, elegant wood furniture, and floor- to- ceiling windows.

Hipsters love the bar upstairs— it has incredible views and is dotted with tasteful photos of tatooed beauties. . . . Two large, Greek- inspired sculptures greet guests as they walk through the entrance of this exquisitely designed hotel. The rooms— with their platinum and champagne color palettes and textured wallpaper— start at 615 square feet and double in size for those . . .

On a quiet block near the Loop, this 45- story pink- granite building underwent a major renovation in 2008.

Here, suites offer stunning views of Millennium Park. Coveted whirlpools are only available in grand suites, housed on the top floor. Aria, an upscale . . .

At the ultrarefined Four Seasons, guest rooms begin on the 30th floor ( the hotel sits atop the tony 900 North Michigan Shops) , so there' s a distinct feeling of seclusion— and great views to boot.

The rooms look elegant: inspired by 1940s French decor and . . . This eco- friendly hot spot boasts a rich brown, purple, and green lobby that turns into a makeshift meeting room by day. The guest rooms are large; the brightly colored nature photographs breathe life into to soft browns and gray tones found throughout. . . . The lobby, decorated with glass sculptures hanging from the ceiling, is small, inviting, and bustling. The wooden wall sculpture lends a den- type feel, a surprisingly rustic splash in the otherwise modern setting.

The rooms are typically small in size, but . . .

Even though this hotel caters to business travelers, there is something refreshingly noncorporate about its guest rooms and lobby dressed in plucky blues and greens. Furthering the summer- in- Cape Cod feel are the rooms' white wooden lounge chairs and . . .

The Shriner greeting " Es Salamu Aleikum" ( " Peace Be To God" ) etched on foyer columns and the marble lions throughout remind us of the building' s past as the Medinah Men' s Athletic Club, a private men' s club. Lodging is found in two adjoining buildings. We . . . If you don' t get the hint from the bustling bar scene spilling into the lobby or the antique suitcases stacked as an art piece near the elevator, the James further announces its hipster pedigree when you enter your room. Preprogrammed alt- rock plays on the . . .

The 67- story Park Hyatt, which dominates the skyline high above the old Water Tower, outdoes its grand- hotel neighbors by going all- out with extras. Splash out on one of their enormous suites and you' ll discover TVs over the bathtubs and motion- sensor . . .

On weekend nights the Peninsula' s soaring lobby lounge becomes a chocolate fantasia, centered on an overflowing chocolate buffet. The hotel, committed to keeping its guests well fed and well rested, is also home to one of the city' s most creative . . .

The cosmopolitan Renaissance Chicago, situated on the south bank of the Chicago River, puts a premium on a good night' s sleep: there' s no missing the seven— yep, seven— fluffy white pillows on each bed. When you' re not catching some Zs, you can enjoy views . . .

Perched over Water Tower Place, Michigan Avenue' s best- known shopping mall, the Ritz- Carlton specializes in showering guests with attention. Amenities aren' t wanting: rooms are spacious, with walk- in closets and separate dressing areas. A fitness center, . . . With some of the best views in Chicago, the Trump International Hotel & Tower has attracted a crowd of power brokers, business travelers, and women in fur coats. The elegant guest rooms have muted gray walls, cream- color couches, and chocolate- brown . . .

Once a dreary Days Inn, this place has undergone a complete renovation that transformed it into a sleek, high- energy hotel— and the only one in Chicago directly overlooking Lake Michigan. The lobby is part lounge, part club scene, with velvety couches and . . . Bellhops dressed entirely in black, plus a welcome mat imprinted with " Well, Hello There, " are early indicators that this hotel is hip.

The couch- filled lobby ( nicknamed the Living Room) is a cozy meet- up space with a full bar for those seeking an . . . Gym rats don' t need to hoof it to the on- site fitness center, thanks to four Westin Workout Guest Rooms that come equipped with either a bicycle or a treadmill. Standard rooms— some with views of the Chicago River— have all the basics, including high- speed . . . Easily one of Chicago' s sleekest new editions, this ultrachic spot boasts one of the most happening outdoor bars in town. It announces itself with a massive lightening bolt out front, winged lighting sculptures in the lobby, and a sharp black- and- white . . .

When the four- story Haslett Warehouse was a fruit- and- vegetable canning complex in 1907, boats docked right up against the building. Today it' s a hotel with a nautical decor— think anchors, ropes, compasses, and a row of cruise- ship deck chairs in the . . .

Described by some Fodors. com users as a " hidden treasure, " this hotel' s redbrick facade barely hints at the Tuscan country villa that lies within. Each small, Italianate room has white- pine furniture, floral bedspreads and curtains, a completely mirrored . . . Aesthetic beauty and highly attentive service remain the hallmarks of this exquisite jewel- like, top- tier hotel. Fresh- cut orchids and Japanese floral arrangements bring natural beauty inside, where you' ll feel sheltered from the teeming crowds on the . . .

This busy hotel just south of the airport has a gigantic, glass- front lobby with potted palm trees and an adjoining garden area where wrought- iron benches, a heated pool, and a whirlpool tub are set among pine trees. Although rooms on the north side of the . . . A favorite of hipsters, music industry types, and celebrities fleeing the media onslaught— security discreetly keeps photographers and other heat- seekers away— this sexy hotel, whose entrance is so nondescript you can walk right past it without a hint of . . .

This beige- and- orange California Mission- style hostelry is one of the most lavish hotels in the airport corridor. Set on the bay, with clear vistas of airplanes flying above San Francisco in the distance, the building' s focal point is a nine- story atrium . . . This hotel, which dominates the top of Nob Hill like a European palace, has a rich history that includes surviving the 1906 earthquake and hosting the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945.

Architect Julia Morgan' s timeless 1907 lobby design . . . Occupying floors 5 through 17 of a skyscraper, this luxurious hotel, designated as the " heart of the city, " is sandwiched between multimillion- dollar condos, elite shops, and a premier sports- and- fitness complex. Elegant rooms with contemporary artwork and . . . This boutique hotel, which has a dedicated clientele and is particularly packed on weekdays with corporate travelers, is close to BART, the Chinatown Gate, Union Square, and the high- end Crocker Galleria shopping complex. A recent $ 8- million renovation has . . .

Families looking for accommodations in the Union Square area will delight in this homey, family- run B& B. Built in 1913, the four- story Edwardian building has front and back bay windows and an original " birdcage" elevator that transports you to hallways . . .

Exemplary service and a friendly staff earn high marks for this cozy hotel, which overlooks the Embarcadero and is within shouting distance of the Bay Bridge. Guest rooms are on the small side, but have double sets of soundproof windows and include nice . . .

Offering " European charm in the heart of Hayes Valley, " the modest, clean rooms of this hotel come with sinks and vanities… but the bathroom is down the hall. The Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and a chic shopping and dining district are steps away on . . .

The Larkspur Hotel Collection has renovated the former Monticello Inn into a stylish, affordable hotel near Union Square shops, theaters, and restaurants.

Most rooms are small but well appointed, with flat- screen TVs, i. Pod docking stations, comfy bedding, . . . This relatively inexpensive hotel is less than two blocks from Union Square. Well- maintained rooms with traditional furniture have clean, bright bathrooms.

The friendly staff assists with sightseeing arrangements, and the front desk has a large video . . . Surrounded by fancy molding and 10- foot- tall windows, the red- carpet lobby of this ornate brick Victorian explains why the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms with dark- wood antique- reproduction furniture vary in size and setup: . . . " International vintage" aptly describes the eclectic combination of textiles, masks, globes, games, maps, postcards, and other ephemera from around the world, which decorate this recently renovated 1927 hotel. The simply furnished rooms, which have ceiling . . .

Entering this hotel requires stepping over footprints, handprints, and autographs embedded into the sidewalk by visiting stars.

With two major theaters, the Curran and Geary ( home of the acclaimed American Conservatory Theater company) , just across the . . . A cheery 1910 Beaux Arts facade and snappily dressed doormen welcome you into a plush lobby dominated by a French inglenook fireplace, vaulted ceilings painted with whimsical murals of hot- air balloons, a marble staircase, and a large metal baobab tree . . . The vast gray- flecked white marble and gurgling fountains in the neoclassical lobby of this business traveler hotel have the sterility of an airport.

Crisply designed rooms in muted tones have flat- screen TVs, modern bathrooms with sinks that sit on top of . . . The top five floors of the green- tile 1908 Pacific Place Building offer a luxurious oasis above the busiest part of town. A softly lit lounge area with plush sofas gives way to the high- end, newly renovated Fifth Floor restaurant- caf, renowned for its . . . If this stylish literary- theme hotel— named after San Francisco Renaissance poet, translator, and essayist Kenneth Rexroth and frequented by artists and writers— had a kindred spirit, it would The New Yorker magazine.

Paintings and shelves of antiquarian . . . The spirit of fun has taken up full- time residence in this Kimpton property, which has a youngish, super- friendly staff; pink and blue neon elevators; and a colorful psychedelic lobby mural depicting the San Francisco art and music scene— think flower power . . . " Luxury, naturally, " the theme of this eight- story terraced bay- front hotel, is apparent in every thoughtful detail: little vases of aromatic herbs mounted outside each room; the penthouse day spa with soaking tubs set in a rooftop bamboo forest; the . . . The arctic- blue glass exterior and subdued, Zen- like lobby of this sparkling new hotel may be as bland as an airport concourse, but it' s merely a prelude to the spectacularly light, expansive, thoughtfully laid- out guest rooms, which have all the . . . Guests here are whisked skyward in bullet elevators from the rose- and- gray- marble foyer into this John Portman- designed, former Pan Pacific hotel.

A graceful Matisse- inspired bronze sculpture encircles the fountain in the dramatically reconfigured 21- story . . . Built in the 1920s in a Moorish/ Gothic style, this intimate boutique hotel, originally designed to house the city' s Elks Club, has retained its distinctive period feel and features.

The lobby is classically refined, with rich marble and dark- wood accents, . . . Just off Highway 101 in a mostly industrial area, this four- story, white- brick motel with a Spanish- style red- tile roof offers quiet accommodations, with bright, sparkling baths. Their airport shuttle service is free. quiet, clean, low rates. in an . . . This compact boutique hotel, housed in a 1913 Edwardian building near Union Square, is now managed by the Larkspur Hotels and Restaurants.

The newly refurbished lobby entry area and Bar 1915 update the premises while retaining the period feel. Rooms come . . .

The blue- and- tan Googie- style facade of this stylish inn suggests its 1963 urban- motel origins. Rooms, decorated in black and taupe, are spacious and clean; all have ceiling fans, some have desks and fold- out sofas, and 18 offer convenient kitchenettes. . . . Two towers connected by glass- enclosed sky bridges compose the top 11 floors of one of San Francisco' s tallest buildings. Spectacular panoramas grace every room, and windows open so you can hear that trademark San Francisco sound: the " ding ding" of the . . . Reminiscent of the motor courts of yesteryear, this family- owned motel is an inexpensive lodging within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops in the Marina District and on the waterfront.

Although some rooms are next to the street, others are . . .

Behind the hotel' s sand- color facade is a lavish, low- ceiling lobby with marble floors, a double fireplace, and English club- style furniture. Rooms— which are expected to be fully remodeled by mid- 2009— have either a king- size bed or two double beds; all are . . . Although the lobby' s glittering crystal chandeliers, dark mahogany paneling, and iron- and- marble staircase may hark back to an old- fashioned gentility, this 1926 redbrick- and- stone building, a former bank, is now home to a modern luxury hotel. Rooms have . . .

Unlike most other boutique hotels in the area, which sometimes occupy century- old buildings, the strictly- 21st- century Orchard was built in 2000. The 104- room hotel embraces state- of- the- art technology— from CD and DVD players in each room to Wi- Fi access . . . One of the most genteel- looking motels in town, this two- story motor court near the busy intersection of Union and Van Ness is dressed up with wrought- iron railings and benches, hanging plants, and pebbled exterior walkways facing the parking lot. Rooms, . . .

Although this independently owned hotel, the fourth- largest in town, has sweep and bustling activity, its size is by no means overwhelming. Spacious standard rooms come with king- size or two double beds, flat- screen TVs, handsome desks, and ergonomic . . . This relatively small establishment providing extremely personalized service prides itself on offering " good taste on Union Square. " One guest described the hotel as making " you feel welcomed at every point of your stay. " The casual Postrio caf- bar offers . . . A preferred destination for travel- industry honchos, movie stars, and visitors alike, this hotel— a stunning tribute to beauty and attentive, professional service— completed a $ 12. 5- million renovation of its guest rooms and meeting spaces in 2006.

Ionic . . . Beefeater- costumed doormen welcome you into the regal, dimly lighted and slightly run- down lobby of this 1928 landmark property, decked out with boldly striped banners, wrought- iron balustrades, chandeliers, Italian marble, and leather and velvet . . . This may be the most luxurious hotel in the city.

Guests often remark that it' s hipper and more modern than other hotels in the St. Regis chain, though the decor is still conservative: Rooms have subdued cream- color, leather- texture walls and window seats, . . . A stained- glass dome and a sweeping 360- degree mural depicting scenes of early San Francisco and the gold rush dominate the lobby of this stately- but- comfortable Marriott- operated hotel.

Rooms achieve understated elegance with warm tones, lounge chairs, . . . This newly remodeled, mid- size hotel recently taken over and upgraded by the Larkspur Collection hotel group is indeed a little bit of Italy on Powell Street.

Bar Norcini, an Italian caf- bar with marble surfaces, is just off the street, and a glass wall . . .

The epitome of cool urban chic and fashion forward in design and clientele, this swanky 31- story Starwood hotel owes some of its cachet to a prime location next door to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The hotel is infused with hip energy: . . . An elegant palm- lined entrance and sparkling fountain welcome you to this bay- front hotel, which caters mainly to business travelers and conventioneers. Uncluttered, sound- proof accommodations have cherry furnishings and signature Westin Heavenly beds. . . .

The site of sensational, banner headline scandals, this hotel' s past is shrouded in as much infamy as stardust. This is the place where Sara Jane Moore tried to assassinate Gerald Ford, where Al Jolson died playing poker; Suite 1219- 1221 was the scene of a . . .

The antithesis of Chicago- style deep- dish pizza, Piece' s flat pies mimic those made famous in New Haven, Connecticut. The somewhat free- form, eat- off- the- baking- sheet pizzas come in plain ( tomato sauce, Parmesan, and garlic) , white ( olive oil, garlic, and mozzarella) , or traditional red, with lots of topping options.

Salads like the greens with Gorgonzola and pears are more stylish than expected, and house- brewed beers pair perfectly with the chow. It' s good enough that multipierced Wicker Parkers are willing to risk dining alongside local families ( with kids in tow) in this former garage space. www. piecechicago. com.

Natalie Cole Lucky to Be Responding to Hepatitis C Treatment, Doctors Say Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Hepatitis C attacks the liver silently, and most people don& # 8217; t even know they have it until liver damage shows up decades later. Worldwide, it& # 8217; s estimated that 180 million people have chronic hepatitis C, with more than 4 million of these cases in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. Among those cases is Grammy- winning singer Natalie Cole, her publicist confirmed in a statement released Wednesday. The statement said the disease was revealed during a routine examination and was likely caused by her drug use years ago. & # 8220; Hepatitis C is a chronic disease, & # 8221; Dr.

Joseph Rahimian, an infectious disease specialist at St. Vincent& # 8217; s Hospital in New York City, told FOXNews. com. & # 8220; It can lead to liver failure or liver cancer and it takes years to happen. The sooner you know you have it, the better off you are& # 8221; In general, hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood. But the most common way to get it in the U.

S. is by sharing needles and other paraphernalia used to inject illegal drugs, Rahimian said. & # 8220; You can also get it through sexual contact, though it appears to be an infrequent mode of transmission, & # 8221; he added. For some people, hepatitis C can go away on its own, but for the majority of people who acquire the disease, it leads to chronic liver disease. & # 8220; It& # 8217; s a very difficult disease to treat, and treatment requires strong anti- viral medications for many months. And it& # 8217; s not always successful, & # 8221; Rahimian said.

Dr. Graham Woolf, associate clinical professor of medicine at UCLA/ Cedars Sinai Medical Center, said Cole has had a " terrific response to her medication and is now virus negative. " " This gives her an increased chance of cure, " he said. " But, she has also suffered significant side effects from the anti- viral medicine, which is the only FDA authorized treatment for hepatitis C.

Her side effects include fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration, but she is recovering from these. " The standard treatment for hepatitis C is weekly injections of a drug called pegylated interferon alpha, combined with twice- daily oral doses of ribavirin, according to the Mayo Clinic. & # 8220; It is curable, but not everyone can be cured, & # 8221; Rahimian said.

You treat it for almost a year and in some people it works, but it doesn& # 8217; t cure everyone. She& # 8217; s lucky because treatment worked for her. & # 8221; & # 8212; Those who have received an organ transplant or drug transfusion before 1992, when improved blood- screening tests became available & # 8220; It& # 8217; s a simple blood test that can show the presence of the virus, & # 8221; Rahimian said. & # 8220; While treatment is difficult, if you do manage to get through it, you will decrease your risk of liver failure and liver cancer. & # 8221; Cole, 58, the daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, has sold millions of records over her long career.

She is due to release " Still Unforgettable, " the follow- up to 1991' s Grammy- winning, multiplatinum CD " Unforgettable . . . With Love, " on which she remade some of her father' s classics, in September. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Abner Pinder' s wife, Ruth, keeps these two attached two- bedroom houses as spotless as her own. A tiny, private sand beach overlooking the ocean is just steps from the patio. A house rental includes the discounted use of a golf cart so you can explore the . . . Originally deeded in 1796 and built by Thomas W.

Johnson, Briland' s first doctor and justice of the peace, this handsome seven- bedroom B& B, in a garden filled with bougainvillea, royal poincianas, and hibiscus, thrives thanks to the loving preservation . . . How many times can you say Wow in one vacation? Let us count the ways at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club. Nestled between the aquamarine and emerald waters of Rock and Exuma sounds, gigantic town homes have two bright bedrooms, each with full bath, . . . An elegant yet energetic flair accents this 9- acre oceanfront resort, right on the pink- sand beach.

The main lobby is a study in British colonial style, while the billiard room off the bar attracts a younger hipper crowd. Guest rooms are spread out over . . . Facing west into the sunset, overlooking beautiful Governor' s Harbour, two colonial cottages and a two- story home built in the 1850s are surrounded by a tropical garden with a superb orchid collection. John and Kay Duckworth bought the compound from a . . . This gated residential community and resort has 42 villas, including privately owned homes, and 20 villas available as guest accommodations.

The two- story villas painted in pastel colors have magnificent harbor views of Elizabeth Harbour, and range from . . . This luxurious 78- villa complex boasts one of the island' s few spas, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and a poolside patio restaurant. A secluded patch of Emerald Bay Beach is right off the pool, and guests can use kayaks and snorkel equipment. . . .

Laid out on undeveloped Stocking Island is this eco- hotel that is 100% solar powered— though everything still works when the weather' s overcast. Wood cottages have louvered jalousie windows with dark- green shutters and private spacious decks with ocean . . . Jean Davies and her son Pierre own these four tidy apartments on an acre of land across the street from Laughing Bird Beach.

It' s a scenic walk from here to the bank, restaurants, library, and two Internet cafes on Cupid' s Cay. Linens and crockery . . . Palm Bay, one of George Town' s most modern accommodations, is all about light and color.

The bungalows have brightly painted, gingerbread- trim exteriors ( like turquoise with hibiscus pink) and cheerfully sunny interiors with one or two bedrooms. There are . . . Set back on 80 acres of manicured wilderness, and across the street from a pink- sand Atlantic beach, Pineapple Fields is the perfect base for a disappearing act. Hole up in one of 32 condo units, each with front and back verandas, a full kitchen, and a . . .

Immaculate, generously sized cottages, some octagonal— all with large private porches— have sweeping views of the ocean. The resort was renovated in 2009 by new Canadian owners. The restaurant is one of the island' s best, and islanders drive great distances . . . Soft pink with hunter- green shutters, this handsome two- story guesthouse overlooks Kidd Cove from its own petite island. Connected to George Town by a short causeway, the property is only a five- minute walk from town but far enough from the fray to have a . . .

Set on gorgeous rolling grounds, this quiet seaside inn feels far removed from the rest of the island, which is precisely the point. This is not a place you' ll be waited on hand and foot. Rather, longtime guests appreciate the lived- in quality of this . . .

Each of the rustic cottages on this property, owned by the Percentie family, are named after different islands of the Bahamas. The native theme continues inside the lodgings, where recently renovated rooms are individually decorated with simple beach . . . Just south of Governor' s Harbour near North Palmetto Point, this resort has large, tile- floor rooms. The round restaurant, with its pagoda- style natural- wood ceiling, wraparound covered deck, and panoramic view of the beach, makes this restaurant- bar a . . .

With the largest marina on Harbour Island, equipped with 51 slips capable of accommodating yachts up to 170 feet, this resort is ideal if you are a self- sufficient traveler or family that doesn' t require many amenities but enjoys spacious condo- style rooms . . .

Congress is trying to right a four- decade- old federal flood insurance program that was nearly sunk by Katrina and other 2005 hurricanes.

The House on Tuesday voted 406- 22 to add five years to the life of the and carry out changes, such as allowing a bump in premiums, to restore solvency to the agency that now owes some $ 17.

8 billion to the federal Treasury. The flood insurance program, a branch of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, enjoys bipartisan support but has been reeling in recent years both because of the huge costs of Katrina and the inability of Congress to act on needed changes. Since 2006 the has identified the flood insurance program as " high- risk" because of inadequate management and insufficient funds.

The bill, which has the support of the , now goes to the Senate. Speaking in support of the legislation, the first long- term extension of the flood insurance program since 2004, were several lawmakers from Mississippi and Missouri River area districts that have been hit hard this year by flooding. " It' s been a very tough spring for North Dakota, " said Rep.

Rick Berg, R- N. D. , who pushed an amendment that would protect homeowners who buy policies at least 30 days before their property is damaged even when declares that there is a flood in progress.

The legislation would make the program more fiscally sound by phasing in actuarially sound rates for policyholders and increasing the minimum deductible for properties. The flood insurance program would have more flexibility in raising premiums.

It reduces some subsidies and removes barriers that have kept private insurers from competing in the market. The bill also allows communities required to buy flood insurance because of the findings of new mapping to seek a suspension of that requirement for up to five years while they fix their flood protection systems.

The NFIP was founded in 1969 to allay the federal costs from flood disasters, and since then has paid more than $ 30 billion in claims. About 20, 000 communities across the country participate in the flood insurance program by carrying out floodplain management plans in exchange for federally backed flood insurance for homeowners, renters and businesses. With private insurers unwilling or unable to compete in the market, the federal government handles almost all flood insurance.

The program now has about 5. 6 million policies bringing in $ 3. 4 billion a year in premiums.

Supporters said the legislation, if enacted, would increase the flood insurance program' s income by about $ 4. 2 billion over 10 years. The NFIP said premiums average about $ 500 a year. The program was generally self- sustaining before 2005, but with the hurricane disasters of that year Congress increased its borrowing authority three times, from $ 1.

5 billion to $ 20. 8 billion. Without the reforms in the legislation, said its sponsor, Rep. Judy Biggert, R- Ill. , " homeowners and businesses will have limited or no access to flood insurance and Congress will inevitably have to bail out flood disaster victims as it did prior to 1968. " One of the few voices of dissent came from Rep.

Candice Miller, R- Mich. , who said the flood insurance program was a " boondoggle" that needs to be eliminated.

She said one percent of the properties in the program account for 40 percent of the claims because they repeatedly flood and the government subsidizes their reconstruction. A Miller amendment to terminate NFIP and allow states to form interstate compacts to provide insurance fell, 384- 38.