Do Cubs have World Series formula?

The story of the Cubs' success this season and their outlook for the final six weeks of the season can be told in a handful of numbers:

.239, .339

Kosuke Fukudome's batting average and on-base percentage since his high-water mark 30 games into his rookie season (.348, .443). His extended slump has bottomed out this month (.163, .246) with Lou Piniella at one point suggesting he might bench the $48 million free agent. Scouting reports have clearly caught up with him, and unless he makes the adjustment in the next month or so, the lineup's bright star of April will be its black hole in September and October.

6.4

Call it the Soriano Factor. It's their runs per …

US-Pakistan Relations: The Geo-strategic and Geopolitical Factors/RELATIONS AMERICANO-PAKISTANAISES: LA GEOSTRATEGIE ET DES FACTEURS GEOPOLITIQUES

Abstract:

The relations between the United States and Pakistan (US-Pakistan relations) have a very tumultuous history, which is spread over nearly six decades. Owing to the diverse strategic and, sometimes, incompatible strategic interests, these relations have seen various engagements and estrangements. This paper aims at exploring the role played by the geostrategic and geopolitical factors in bringing US closer to Pakistan. It takes into account the cost and benefits of these relations for Pakistan and the United States. It also highlights the present warmth in relations between the United States and Pakistan in the perspective of geo-strategic and geopolitical factors. It also …

`American Idol,' David edition, comes out swinging

The "American Idol" finale is under way in Los Angeles, and the theme is .... boxing?

"Idol" producers rolled out boxing announcer Michael Buffer ("Let's get ready to rumble!") to introduce finalists David Cook and David Archuleta at the beginning of the penultimate performance show Tuesday.

"This is the …

Troops launch sweep against Taliban Amnesty offered in bid to avoid threat to spring Afghan elections

KABUL, Afghanistan -- About 18,000 American troops have started awinter offensive against Taliban rebels in Afghanistan, vowing toeliminate insurgents who could threaten parliamentary electionsslated for the spring.

The U.S. military said Saturday it hoped the new push, dubbedLightning Freedom, would persuade insurgents to accept an amnestyoffered by President Hamid Karzai that could stabilize the countryand allow foreign troops to pull back.

"It's designed basically to search out and destroy the remainingremnants of Taliban forces who traditionally we believe go to groundduring the winter months," spokesman Maj. Mark McCann said.

Rebel leaders …

But Few Who Need Coverage Have It

When the creeks in Lake and McHenry counties overflowed lastsummer, only 12 percent of the buildings in the flood plain in LakeCounty were insured; 25 percent of the property owners in McHenryCounty had federal flood insurance.

Nationwide, people who live in flood prone areas are 26 timesmore likely to be flooded than to have their homes burn. But many ofthem still don't buy flood insurance even though nearly all carryfire insurance.

Here are some shocking estimates from the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency: In Cook County 109,547 households are on identifiable flood plains,but only 12,889 policies are in force. In Du Page County, 13,800 households are …

Back injury forces Boerrigter out of Dutch squad

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Ajax winger Derk Boerrigter pulled out of the Netherlands squad on Tuesday with a back injury, depriving him of the chance to make his senior international debut.

Coach Bert van Marwijk last week named Boerrigter in his 23-man squad to play friendlies against Switzerland on Friday in Amsterdam and Germany four days later in Hamburg.

The announcement …

Liz Cheney: Dad is well, following doctor's orders

One of Dick Cheney's daughters says the former vice president is recovering well from the mild heart attack that sent him to the hospital last week.

Liz Cheney says her father is following doctor's orders. Dick Cheney, who's 69, has had five heart attacks _ the first when he was 37.

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