The chances of tennis star, Venus Williams to make it to the Australian Opens next month are not quite known

The controversy over the prisons has threatened to overshadow Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice`s planned five-day trip to Europe next week. European commentators have questioned how the United States can celebrate democracy in Ukraine when reports about the prisons appear to undermine its own traditions of freedom.

Shelley Winters, two-time Oscar winner, died on January 14th at the age of 85. Her first major film role was in the 1944 Nelson Eddy musical, `Knickerbocker Holiday`.

On paper, the Golden State Warriors have enough talent to make it into the playoffs. Other than overpaying to get Derek Fisher and Adonal Foyle, GM Chris Mullin has done a decent job of assembling a young and athletic roster. The key to the Warriors success is the health of Baron Davis. If he manages to stay injury free the Warriors have a good chance of competing in the western conference.

The legendary composer, Ennio Morricone, made famous by his works in Spaghetti Westerns, such as, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Fist Full of Dollars, will receive an honorary Oscar in the Academy Award ceremony that will take place in February

The Utah Jazz may not be the best team in the league as it was in opening the season, but is still on top of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference and is playing excellent basketball, setting itself up as a contender in the second half of the season.

Coming off knee surgery, it has taken Zach Randolph some time to get back to shape. Randolph is averaging nearly 19 points and 9 rebounds per contest which is not bad considering that he is not 100% yet.

The United Nations over the last week or so has been making quite a name for itself in appearing to having changed much from being the kind of organization it used to be. Is the change real, or just a ploy to ease pressure on the ever-beleaguered international organization?

Vic Plessner, the Host of "Global Issues" broadcast every Tuesday, Friday and will debut his second show online at Radio Bangkok called "Vic Plessner ? Special Report". "My first show covered the Wedding Fair held at the Pan Pacific Hotel recently," said Plessner.

When you receive or buy yourself such expensive items as laptops, digital cameras and MP3 players, it is important to take care of them and keep them like new. Sometimes events like rain or accidental drops cause these products to break or at least get scratched up.

The last show of Top Of The Pops is about to be broadcasted on BBC Two on July 30. The veteran disc-jockey Sir Jimmy Savile, 79, will co-host the show. The long-running entertainment program`s swansong will also include such former presenters of it as Janice Long, Tony Blackburn and Mike Read.

Yesterday, we discussed the possibility that the Hornets might be exploring a trade for center Jamal Magloire. Despite vigorously denying trade rumors involving Magloire, the Hornets have traded Magloire to the Miluakee Bucks. In exchange for Magloire the Bucks sent Desmond Mason, a 2006 first round draft choice and cash considerations to the Hornets.

The Republic of Ireland wants to leave their mark on the upcoming Euro 2008 tournament, and recalled all their major soccer starts. Stephen Ireland, Damien Duff, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne, and Shay Given were all recalled for the Ireland squad that will play at Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Sending the same boring invitation cards to your next party or event seem unappealing? Would you prefer something more exciting?

Alcient eCommerces new guide to eCommerce is an essential resource that demystifies eCommerce for companies venturing into this rapidly expanding new area of business.