Irritations of our age

One of the remarkably few compensations for advancing years isthe opportunity to become a grumpy old man or woman.

Younger people rarely take exception to this development,presumably accepting it as a natural progression for those withlittle left to look forward to and decades of unforgottenfrustrations.

The future still excites me but I wonder if readers share thefollowing irritations which form part of life in Somerset.

1. Cyclists who ignore the Highway Code, riding on pavements andignoring red traffic lights but still vocal about how inconsiderateother road users are.

2. Politicians who prefer to make negative comments about otherparties …

Bulls Beat Pistons to Make It a Series

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Suddenly, it's a series. Ben Gordon scored 28 points and the hot-shooting Chicago Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons 108-92 Tuesday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, pulling to 3-2 in the series.

Detroit opened the second round with two routs and made a big comeback in the third game, leading some to predict it would end with a sweep - or in five games at the most.

Obviously, the Bulls had other plans.

"A lot of people were writing us off," Gordon said. "But we had a lot of confidence in ourselves and I think that showed in the last two games."

Game 6 is Thursday night in Chicago and if Game 7 is necessary, it would …

Stocks fluctuate ahead of manufacturing data

Stocks are starting May with modest moves ahead of a key reading on U.S. manufacturing.

Wall Street is fluctuating in a tight range as it comes off its best month in nine years. The market has been growing more optimistic the economy is near a turnaround.

Investors expect the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index will support that belief. …

Ex-abortion referral operator sentenced

The former operator of an abortion referral service spotlightedin the 1978 Chicago Sun-Times ``Abortion Profiteers" series wassentenced Thursday to 200 hours of community service for lying to afederal grand jury.

Victoria Lynn Sanders, 49, had pleaded guilty to charges shelied to a federal grand jury in 1981 and hid business records …

Congo opposition leader calls for strike over poll

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo's top opposition leader is calling for a strike over last year's much-criticized election.

Etienne Tshisekedi on Friday called for the strike to start Monday, but it is unclear if his call will be heeded. He has declared himself president despite officially losing the November poll.

Congo's powerful Roman Catholic Church has also for called mass protests against what it calls …

Chinese Premier Calls for Price Controls

China's premier on Wednesday called for "powerful measures" to rein in inflation that is battering ordinary Chinese, saying the government will use price controls and curb soaring investment to hold prices to a 4.8 percent annual rise.

In an annual policy speech to the national legislature, Premier Wen Jiabao said restraining inflation that has been blamed on rapid economic growth and shortages of key food items is a top priority.

"To fulfill this task, we must take powerful measures to increase effective supply while curbing excessive demand," Wen told members of the National People's Congress. He warned that China faces …

It's tight in fours challenge

Little separates Kittybrewster and Abergeldie in Bon Accord'sFours League.

With only a handful of matches remaining, Whitehall cannot affordto slip up if they are to keep in touch.

Only a point separates the top three in the pairs and triplesleague.

Whitehall lead by a point but Balgownie have a good shotadvantage.

SELETAR FOURS …