' I thank God I'm alive

WAVERLY, Ohio -- For Pat Parsons, life of late has centered on a single preoccupation: starting anew. The husband and father of two girls needed the past 11 months to regain skills that most adults take for granted every day: talking, eating, dressing, tying shoes.

Dopek named Track head coach

If you ever see Dave Dopek walking around campus, one thing will probably run through your head: Why is he not dressed in blue and orange every Sunday during the fall, lining up next to Brian Urlacher? At 6' 4" and seemingly made of pure muscle, Dopek strikes an imposing figure.

Around Westland

Grand opening

Editorial Endorsement: Rob Simmons In Republican Senate Primary

Vote Aug. 10: Despite his strange campaign, his resume recommends him Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons has a gold-plated public-service resume. His votes over time have been in line with the mostly moderate traditions of the Republican Party in Connecticut.

Sumos and the yakuza

OSAKA Perhaps no other sport is pursued as religiously as sumo wrestling. Before a match, referees who double as Shinto priests purify the seaweed, salt and sake. Wrestlers wash their faces, mouths and armpits before entering the dohyo (ring), on whose sacred sand neither shoes nor women may tread. Before a match starts, the two contestants raise their hands to show that they are not ...