http://www.seattletimes.com en-us Copyright 2008 The Seattle Times Company Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:02:02 PST Tue, 2 Dec 2008 18:02:02 PST XML::RSS 1 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/art/ui/stlogo_231.gif http://www.seattletimes.com http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/weather/2008457905_weather02m.html?syndication=rss Instead of mountain snow and prolonged drizzle in the lowlands, stretches of dry days and above-normal temperatures gave us a November to remember. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/weather/2008457905_weather02m.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:07:02 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457902_wamu02.html?syndication=rss As it shrinks staff, JPMorgan will empty most of the leased space in downtown Seattle used by WaMu, the biggest occupant of downtown office property. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457902_wamu02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:28:52 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458036_fortlewislo02m.html?syndication=rss On Monday, family day, relatives of Special Forces soldiers not only saw a demonstration of small-arms weapons, they got to shoot some, too. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458036_fortlewislo02m.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:34:41 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457883_carnegie02.html?syndication=rss Through Jan. 28, musicians can submit entries as they perform two videos: a display of their musical talents and an interpretation of an original work by Tan, who won an original-score Academy Award for 2000's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457883_carnegie02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:59:32 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457511_meltdownmanu02.html?syndication=rss The Institute for Supply Management's monthly-manufacturing index dropped to a 26-year low Monday — another dire read on the economy that helped send stocks sharply lower in the U.S. and Europe. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457511_meltdownmanu02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:50:17 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457505_ctic02.html?syndication=rss Cell Therapeutics said Monday that its request to expand approved uses for cancer drug Zevalin will get a fast-track review from federal regulators. Biotech http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457505_ctic02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:49:42 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457578_squatting02.html?syndication=rss Max Rameau is an activist who has been executing a bailout plan of his own around Miami's empty streets: He is helping homeless people illegally move into foreclosed homes. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457578_squatting02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:09:18 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008456825_owl02.html?syndication=rss Paul Bannick's tramps through the Eastside woods stoked a passion for the natural world that has achieved its apotheosis in his splendid new photography book, "The Owl and the Woodpecker: Encounters with North America's Most Iconic Birds." foreword by Tony Angell, audio birdcall recordings by Martyn Stewart (Mountaineers, 198 pp., $24.95). Books http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008456825_owl02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:52:08 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2008456821_nutcracker02.html?syndication=rss After 25 years, Pacific Northwest Ballet's "Nutcracker" still has magic to spare. The Arts http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2008456821_nutcracker02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:49:22 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457506_entellium02.html?syndication=rss Former Entellium executives Paul Johnston and Parrish Jones may be close to reaching a plea agreement with federal prosecutors on charges... Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457506_entellium02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:41:31 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458039_needy02m.html?syndication=rss Asian Counseling & Referral Service, one of 13 nonprofits benefiting from The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy, offers a Teen Peer Advocate program to help young women, particularly those who are Asian Pacific American, recognize the differences between healthy and unhealthy dating relationships. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458039_needy02m.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:01:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457508_meltdownignored02.html?syndication=rss The Bush administration backed off proposed crackdowns on no-money-down, interest-only mortgages years before the economy collapsed, buckling to pressure from some of the same banks that have now failed. It ignored remarkably prescient warnings that foretold the financial meltdown, according to an Associated Press review of regulatory documents. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457508_meltdownignored02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:57:51 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/iraq/2008457894_iraq02.html?syndication=rss Suicide bombings in Baghdad and Mosul took the lives of at least 33 Iraqis on Monday in carnage that recalled the levels of violence before the U.S. troop buildup last year. Iraq http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/iraq/2008457894_iraq02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:51:03 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457584_recession02.html?syndication=rss The economy's yearlong downturn, officially declared a recession Monday, could last well into 2009 or beyond, challenging the federal government to devise new responses as traditional methods show limited results. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457584_recession02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:17:20 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457574_conscience02.html?syndication=rss The outgoing Bush administration is planning to announce a broad new "right of conscience" rule permitting medical facilities, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health-care workers to refuse to participate in any procedure they find morally objectionable, including abortion and possibly even artificial insemination and birth control. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457574_conscience02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:17:15 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457898_thai02.html?syndication=rss The Constitutional Court dissolved Thailand's top three ruling parties for electoral fraud today and temporarily barred the prime minister from politics, bringing down a government that faced months of strident protests seeking its ouster. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457898_thai02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:17:03 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457891_india02.html?syndication=rss India picked up intelligence in recent months that Pakistan-based terrorists were plotting attacks against Mumbai targets, an official said today, as the government demanded that Pakistan take "strong action" against those behind the deadly rampage. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457891_india02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:16:57 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457577_govs02.html?syndication=rss When the president-elect meets with 40 governors in Philadelphia today, talk will be about what relief his administration can provide. Politics http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457577_govs02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:35:36 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457899_usafghan02.html?syndication=rss Military experts caution that sending more troops there won't guarantee quick results against the Taliban's new strength. Politics http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457899_usafghan02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:34:28 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008457585_obama02.html?syndication=rss While his new team may be a bit more centrist — some war opponents might even say hawkish — than many Obama supporters might prefer, he said the withdrawal timetable he emphasized in the presidential campaign is still "the right time frame." Politics http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008457585_obama02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:33:23 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457502_brier02.html?syndication=rss Clearwire Chief Executive Ben Wolff shared more details Monday about the complicated merger with Sprint Nextel's wireless-broadband operation that closed Friday. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457502_brier02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:59:50 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457503_clearwire02.html?syndication=rss Kirkland-based Clearwire is rolling into the WiMax market with the brand name Clear. The company will sell its wireless broadband services under that name, replacing the Xohm brand that partner Sprint Nextel has used since September. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457503_clearwire02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:52:37 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457892_indiaorphan02.html?syndication=rss The cries of little Moshe Holtzberg wounded hearts Monday at a tearful memorial for his parents in India. "Mommy, mommy, mommy!" he wailed, clutching a toy basketball while squirming in the arms of mourners at the Mumbai synagogue. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457892_indiaorphan02.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:46:53 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008458033_elections02m.html?syndication=rss Two former King County officials — ex-County Councilmember David Irons and former Elections Superintendent Julie Anne Kempf — received a dual blessing Monday as candidates for King County director of elections from the group that pushed to make the job an elected one. Politics http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008458033_elections02m.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:40:43 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458052_trees02m0.html?syndication=rss The Seattle City Council is considering sweeping new tree-protection rules that would make it illegal for most homeowners to cut down more than three trees in a year. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458052_trees02m0.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:30:41 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458044_noreligion02m.html?syndication=rss Atheists and agnostics with the Freedom From Religion Foundation put up a sign in the state Capitol that says, in part: "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds." It's the latest in what's become an annual wintertime debate over what's appropriate to display in the public square. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458044_noreligion02m.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:09:29 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458047_pugetplan02m.html?syndication=rss The Puget Sound Partnership is preparing to ask state lawmakers to lay the foundation for a new source of money to help fund a cleanup that will cost billions of dollars. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458047_pugetplan02m.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:08:17 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457850_apboeing.html?syndication=rss Boeing Co. engineers and technical workers have voted to ratify new contracts, ensuring four years of labor peace at the company's commercial airplane operations. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457850_apboeing.html?syndication=rss Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:07 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458032_dige02m.html?syndication=rss The state Department of Transportation on Monday awarded a bid to Todd Pacific Shipyards for construction of a single 64-car ferry to serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008458032_dige02m.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:50:16 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nicolebrodeur/2008458031_brodeur02m.html?syndication=rss The West Edge neighborhood had no edge at all. It was a low-slung stretch of shops and bus stops just beyond the buzz of Pike Place Market; the place you passed through on your way to someplace else. Nicole Brodeur http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nicolebrodeur/2008458031_brodeur02m.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:47:47 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008457820_base02.html?syndication=rss Star pitcher CC Sabathia and slugging outfielder Manny Ramirez headlined a group of 24 players offered salary arbitration Monday by their... Mariners http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008457820_base02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:22:22 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2008457491_uwfb02.html?syndication=rss Tyrone Willingham will coach his final football game for Washington at California on Saturday, against a coach on the other sideline who has been mentioned as a potential successor. Huskies http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2008457491_uwfb02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:21:13 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457492_spusoccer020.html?syndication=rss Meredith Teague's position on the Seattle Pacific women's soccer team is midfielder. Her actual role, SPU coach Chuck Sekyra says, merits... College Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457492_spusoccer020.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:21:01 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457819_regr02.html?syndication=rss Mike Reilly, the Central Washington quarterback who had transferred from Washington State, has been named one of three finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy. The award goes to the best player in Division II. Other Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457819_regr02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:20:05 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457900_venice02.html?syndication=rss Residents and tourists waded through knee-deep water Monday as they navigated the city's narrow streets and alleys, and its historic St. Mark's Square was inundated. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457900_venice02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:18:23 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457895_japan02.html?syndication=rss While the 65-and-older population has doubled in the past two decades, crime among the elderly has increased fivefold, according to government statistics released this month. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457895_japan02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:16:47 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2008457495_nba02.html?syndication=rss Stephon Marbury did not get the divorce he wants, but he and the New York Knicks agreed to a separation. Sonics http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2008457495_nba02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:16:37 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457896_meetthepress02.html?syndication=rss Speculation about who will be the next moderator of "Meet the Press" ratcheted up another level Monday as the Huffington Post reported that the job was going to NBC chief White House correspondent David Gregory, while the network maintained no announcement was imminent. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457896_meetthepress02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:15:49 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2008457972_bellevueside02.html?syndication=rss For many Bellevue football players, the most nervous moments were getting on a bus again, not playing a state semifinal football game. High School Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2008457972_bellevueside02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:14:03 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2008457888_eye02.html?syndication=rss Celebrity gossip, famous birthdays and other tidbits, compiled from Seattle Times news services. Entertainment http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2008457888_eye02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:13:00 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008457887_conventionside02m.html?syndication=rss A proposed expansion of Seattle's downtown convention center would cost an estimated $766 million, according to early cost estimates. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008457887_conventionside02m.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:10:29 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457361_digs02.html?syndication=rss WNBA Orender says new owners couldn't be found for Houston franchise: WNBA President Donna Orender said the franchise that won the league's... Other Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457361_digs02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:09:32 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008457886_convention02m.html?syndication=rss A group of Washington State University alumni urged state lawmakers Monday to scuttle a University of Washington request for $150 million in tax money toward a Husky Stadium renovation. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008457886_convention02m.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:08:46 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008457633_hawk02.html?syndication=rss Another Seahawks starter is possibly lost for the season because of injury, and so it goes for the local NFL team. Center Chris Spencer, who... Seahawks http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008457633_hawk02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:07:22 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457882_antientteeth02.html?syndication=rss Thanks to poor dental hygiene, researchers are getting a more detailed understanding of what people ate thousands of years ago in what is now Peru. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457882_antientteeth02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:06:38 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008457816_mnf02.html?syndication=rss Mario Williams, Steve Slaton and the Houston Texans put on quite a show in their "Monday Night Football" debut. Seahawks http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2008457816_mnf02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:03:56 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457636_mascot02.html?syndication=rss The Penn State senior who serves as the Nittany Lions' mascot was arrested on a DUI charge and his status for the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl is in doubt, police and school officials said. College Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457636_mascot02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:00:55 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008457360_mari02.html?syndication=rss Wakamatsu unveiled the first two members of his 2009 staff on Monday: bench coach Ty Van Burkleo and first-base coach Lee Tinsley. Mariners http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008457360_mari02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:00:08 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457497_hoop02.html?syndication=rss Unbeaten Gonzaga is ranked fifth in this week's Associated Press media poll and USA Today coaches poll. College Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457497_hoop02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:59:40 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457581_mayor02.html?syndication=rss The mayor of Birmingham, Ala., was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud and conspiracy Monday, part of a probe into a local financial crisis that has the surrounding county on the brink of one of the largest municipal bankruptcies in American history. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457581_mayor02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:58:23 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457583_ndig02.html?syndication=rss A judge dismissed indictments against Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Monday and told the south Texas prosecutor who brought the case to exercise caution as his term in office ends. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457583_ndig02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:57:51 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457632_grid02.html?syndication=rss Alabama has pushed aside all comers on its way to a perfect regular season, climbed to the top of the rankings and stuck around for quite awhile. College Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/collegesports/2008457632_grid02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:54:06 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2008457634_coug02.html?syndication=rss Paul Wulff didn't take a lot of time to review his first season as Washington State football coach Monday in a wrap-up teleconference call. Cougars http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/cougars/2008457634_coug02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:52:34 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457575_fema02.html?syndication=rss A 30-mile scar of debris along the Texas coast stands as a festering testament to what state and local officials say is FEMA's sluggish response to the 2008 hurricane season. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457575_fema02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:50:34 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008457333_sounders02.html?syndication=rss Seattle Sounders FC will kick off the 2009 Major League Soccer regular season against the New York Red Bulls on a Thursday night, March... Sounders http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2008457333_sounders02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:26:30 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457315_peep02.html?syndication=rss Six years after a moment of brilliance introduced a sparkling 16-year-old talent to the world, Wayne Rooney has 100 club goals to look back... Other Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457315_peep02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:26:29 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457426_armstrong02.html?syndication=rss Lance Armstrong said he will ride in the 2009 Tour de France, marking the first time he will compete in that race and the Giro d'Italia... Other Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2008457426_armstrong02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:26:26 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457570_autobailout02.html?syndication=rss Later in the week, the companies' chief executives will return to Capitol Hill, attempting to reverse their disastrous performances when they first asked for help in November. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457570_autobailout02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:04:48 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2008457335_prepstars02.html?syndication=rss Joey Bradley, Issaquah football Bradley, a senior quarterback, completed 13 of 18 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles'... High School Sports http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2008457335_prepstars02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:50:52 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/craigsmith/2008457363_smitty02.html?syndication=rss Basketball requires commitment, and practicing on Saturday's isn't too much to ask of high-school players. Craig Smith http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/craigsmith/2008457363_smitty02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:50:52 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008457428_ibanez02.html?syndication=rss The appearance was that the Mariners had just taken a first step toward re-signing free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez. But the reality is that Monday's decision by the team to offer arbitration to the 36-year-old was merely an insurance move for when Ibanez almost certainly leaves town. As if to confirm this, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in an afternoon conference call that he has no immediate plans for any deal with Ibanez beyond 2009. Mariners http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2008457428_ibanez02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:50:51 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457572_cardealers02.html?syndication=rss General Motors and Chrysler say they burned through a combined $34.6 billion of cash in the first nine months of this year, as U.S. auto sales have plummeted to the lowest level in more than 25 years. Nation & World http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008457572_cardealers02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:50:17 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457513_mutualfundtaxes02.html?syndication=rss Investors in the $4 billion Templeton Foreign Fund already have lost more than 50 percent of their money this year and now they'll be forced to pay taxes on as much as $1 billion of gains from the sales of investments. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008457513_mutualfundtaxes02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:11:21 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2008456819_antonia02.html?syndication=rss Theater review by Misha Berson: "My Ántonia," the Willa Cather classic, is on stage at Seattle's "Book-It Repertory Theatre, "in a fine adaptation by Annie Lareau. The Arts http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2008456819_antonia02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:23:04 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2008456766_newdvds02.html?syndication=rss A weekly listing of new DVDs. Movies http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2008456766_newdvds02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:43:51 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2008456824_nwdeaf02.html?syndication=rss A group of University of Washington researchers are working on MobileASL (American Sign Language) which would allow the hearing-impaired to use sign language on cellphones Health http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2008456824_nwdeaf02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:41:57 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008456820_birdbooks02.html?syndication=rss A roundup of bird books, from "Birds of the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies" to "For the Birds: A Month-by-Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard." Books http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008456820_birdbooks02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:39:25 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008456792_poetry02.html?syndication=rss Class, status, privilege; despite all our talk about equality, they're with us wherever we go. In this poem, Pat Mora, who grew up in a... Books http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008456792_poetry02.html?syndication=rss Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:22:11 PDT