Torrado: Mexico not intimidated by France's lineup

Mexico will meet France as equals and won't be intimidated by the 2006 World Cup finalists when the Group A rivals play Thursday, according to captain Gerardo Torrado.

"France is a team with great players and we respect them, but on the pitch it's 11 on 11," the 31-year-old midfielder said Monday before a team practice at Waterstone College. "It's not names that play but men.

"We're at the World Cup, where pressure is never going to be small. There are no easy matches. We are going to strive for the result which will allow us to keep advancing."

Thierry Henry is the only remaining player from France's 1998 World …

Despite troubles, Schott had plenty of admirers: Former Cincinnati Reds owner, 75 dies

Marge Schott, the outspoken former owner of the Cincinnati Redswho was repeatedly suspended from major league baseball for raciststatements, died Tuesday. She was 75. A chain smoker, Schott washospitalized three weeks ago with breathing problems. She hadsuffered from lung problems in recent years. Christ Hospital inCincinnati declined to release the cause of death. On behalf of theentire Reds organization, we extend our deepest sympathies andcondolences to the family of Mrs. Schott and her many friends, saidCarl Lindner, the teams chief executive officer. She will beremembered for her love of baseball and her passion for theCincinnati Reds. Since selling controlling interest in …

U.S. Senate confirms Bush nominee Mukasey as attorney general

Michael Mukasey, a Washington outsider, was confirmed as U.S. attorney general in large part by promising to be an advocate of law enforcement, independent of White House and any other politics.

But President George W. Bush, his Capitol Hill allies and congressional Democrats have plenty of expectations.

The president wants him to carry out the administration's anti-terrorism agenda.

"Judge Mukasey will lead the Justice Department as it works to protect the American people whether from drug traffickers and other criminals on our streets or from terrorists who seek to attack our homeland," the president said late Thursday, after the …

'Cavalia' pulling up stakes Aug. 23

"Cavalia," the multimedia equestrian spectacle that brings together horses and riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians, all under a White Big Top pitched in the West Loop, will give its final Chicago performance Aug. 23.

The show, with an audience capacity of 2,000, has been seen by 45,000 people here. But with high ticket prices and a tough economy, the elaborate show -- devised by …

Embattled Madeline Haithcock: It's not my problem anymore

For Ald. Madeline Haithcock (2nd), her resounding defeat by attorney Bob Fioretti proved more of a relief for the 14-year incumbent than a sad end to her legacy.

"I am tired," Haithcock told an audience of about 50 campaign workers and supporters sprinkled about in the Marmon Grand Banquet Hall on the 2200 block of South Michigan Ave. "I want to spend more time with my family."

"I am very proud of all the things I've accomplished," Haithcock continued. "I loved being an alderman. It is something that you really have to love what you do, but you have to work 24/7... God said to me you have to rest."

Haithcock lost to Fioretti, who at 10:27 p.m. had 66 percent of the …

No Rise in Ark. Obesity, but Many Worry

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Teenager Jeffery Trimble used to wolf down as many as six cheeseburgers in a day and wasn't worried about being overweight. But then his school sent home an obesity report card.

"They let me know that I was at risk of having things like diabetes and a heart attack if I kept going the way I was," Jeffery said. "I knew I was overweight, but I didn't know how bad it could be."

The 16-year-old Jeffery changed his diet, started exercising and dropped 35 pounds.

Four years ago, Arkansas became the first state in the nation to track the number of overweight students in its schools. School officials say it has helped improve the state's childhood …

Netrebko lights up opera stage in 'Traviata'

From the moment she rolls on stage in a 1929 Buick for the opening party scene of Verdi's "La Traviata," Anna Netrebko pretty much obliterates everything in her path.

Just try taking your eyes off the Russian soprano as she sings and acts her way through the role of Violetta, a 19th-century Parisian courtesan who falls in love, makes a noble sacrifice and eventually dies of tuberculosis.

Netrebko, at 37, is an opera star at the height of her considerable powers. And her appearance is unquestionably the highlight of the San Francisco Opera's annual "summer season," though the other productions _ Puccini's "Tosca" and Gershwin's …