Get real! Virtual campaign draws followers

It's not just Earthbound voters who are intensely following the U.S. presidential campaign: The race also is a hot topic in the virtual world of Second Life.

John McCain supporters and Barack Obama supporters _ more accurately, the personas they have created _ meet regularly in Second Life, described on its Web site as "an online, 3D virtual world imagined and created by its residents."

They watch the presidential debates together. They make T-shirts, banners and yard signs. They hold voter registration drives and rally on Capitol Hill.

Second Life is an Internet-based interactive world with an economy and cultures developed by its users, …

Seymour's ton is not enough for Drefach

DESPITE a magnificent century from Robert Seymour, Drefach lostby 17 runs at Skewen in division two of the South Wales CricketAssociation. After losing their first two wickets with only one runon the board, and then slipping to 17-3 and 63-4 in chase of 213-9,Seymour and Osian Evans gave Drefach a sniff of victory when sharinga fifth-wicket partnership of 95.

Seymour smashed six huge sixes and fourteen boundaries off 95balls in a quite brilliant knock, while Evans offered good supportwith a solid 25.

Once Seymour departed it was all downhill for Drefach, who wereeventually dismissed for 196 with ten overs left to reach theirtarget.

Allan Carter …

Payrolls Growth Signfificant in June

WASHINGTON - Employers boosted payrolls by a better-than-expected 132,000 jobs in June, enough to keep the unemployment rate at a relatively low 4.5 percent. It was another sign that the economy is snapping out of a nearly yearlong sluggish spell.

The latest picture of the nation's employment climate, released by the Labor …

Owens the center of attention in Buffalo

Lights, cameras, T.O.!

No stranger to attention, Terrell Owens drew plenty of it on a Monday that was busy even for the high-profile receiver.

The day began with Owens joining his new Bills teammates as the team opened voluntary minicamps, and then segued into Owens filming segments for his VH-1 cable television reality show. Among the scheduled stops included a press conference at an art gallery, where Owens was to be presented the key to the city by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

In between, Owens made one outstanding 40-yard catch up the sideline during practice and conducted an entertaining session with more than two dozen reporters, in which the …

Political fights could unravel Portugal's bailout

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal's massive rescue package was threatened on two sides Monday — by internal political squabbling and external bailout fatigue among EU neighbors — and it was not clear whether the proposed deal would last.

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Commission — bodies that will raise the estimated €80 billion ($115.5 billion) bailout for Portugal and oversee its use — is expected in Lisbon on Tuesday for initial talks.

European finance ministers agreed Friday to put up the money Portugal needs, making it the third country in the 17-nation eurozone to accept a huge financial lifeline.

But a domestic …

A VERY DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT

A VERY DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT

Batman series returns with a stunning winner

DARK KNIGHT (PG-13)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Stars Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Now showing at Northgate, Edwards 9, Edwards 21 and Edwards IMAX

Sometimes a movie transcends what it's supposed to be and becomes something more, something greater. The Dark Knight is such a movie. It's a substantial work that surpasses its comic book origins and action movie brethren and asserts itself as a legitimate pop masterpiece. When you add the solemn allure of Heath Ledger's brilliant performance and tragic passing last January, The Dark Knight …

US Airways will permit only 1 free checked-in suitcase, plans to charge $25 for second

US Airways Group Inc. said it will start charging fliers $25 (euro17) to check in a second bag, the latest effort by the company to raise revenue and deal with rising costs.

The new charge will begin May 5 for tickets bought after Tuesday, the company said.

The announcement follows a similar policy change disclosed early this month by United Airlines.

US Airways spokesman Morgan Durant said the baggage charge is expected to generate $75 million (euro50.42 million) in revenue and cost savings each year. The carrier decided to add the charge as it looked for new ways to make money while dealing "with the operating reality that we have with …