Troops, armored vehicles in Bangkok for 'D-Day'

Thai troops and armored vehicles gathered early Wednesday at the edges of the barricaded encampment of anti-government protesters in downtown Bangkok and fired tear gas in what appeared to be the start of a final crackdown to disperse them.

"This is D-Day," said one soldier when asked if this was the final push.

Sporadic gunfire was heard at daybreak after overnight rumors of a military push to clear the thousands of protesters. Soldiers extended their blockades around the protest site and used loudspeakers to tell all people to return to their homes. Smoke billowed above the city skyline as a government building was on fire in another part of …

For Hopkins - is third time too much?: Some think this reprise of Hannibal is overdoing it

NEW YORK - Sometimes, the third time's the harm.

As "The Godfather Part III" showed, a revered franchise can getsneered at. Prequels and remakes are disappointing most of the time.

So could it be that "Red Dragon" - go-round No. 3 for AnthonyHopkins as Hannibal Lecter, a film that shows how Lecter got started,and a re-do of 1986's "Manhunter" - is one serving too many of theCannibal?

When "Red Dragon" director Brett Ratner approached Hopkins aboutit, he remembers Hopkins telling him: '"I can't do this joke again.I've done it already.'"

"I was mildly reticent about playing it again," Hopkins concededin a separate interview. "And then my agent said to me, …

Average price of oil so far in 2007 is just 1 percent higher than last year as economy adjusts

As oil prices climb toward the once unthinkable $100 a barrel level, fears that the U.S. economy could tip into recession are also rising.

To spur spending and borrowing, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut a key short-term interest rate for the second time in two months. This, even after the economy grew at a respectable 3.9 percent annual rate in the third quarter and fuel demand continues to rise. So what gives?

Anxiety-inducing headlines can cloud reality, analysts said, especially when it comes to a critical commodity such as oil, whose economic impacts are best measured over time. Through October, the average per-barrel cost of oil is only 1.3 …

Bears nurtured a winner at QB, may regret one who got away

Dan, the Bears did the unthinkable. They brought along a quarterback, nurtured him, and after a few years, they let him go.

Jay Cutler threw twice as many passes as Kyle Orton for twice as many yards, but I say, big deal! Cutler needed to win one of three remaining games to get Denver into the playoffs. You will argue he threw for 1,200 yards in his last three games, but I will say he didn't get it done. The Broncos had no defense or running game, so Cutler had to throw.

Orton had a running game and a better defense. But if that defense holds on for 11 seconds against Atlanta, the Bears go 10-6 and make the playoffs, and Jay Cutler is playing for someone else.

Now, …

Bell stuck on hold

((PHOTO …

Georgia Processor Expands Meat Recall

WASHINGTON - A Georgia meat processor on Saturday expanded its recall of canned meat products that may be connected to a botulism outbreak.

Castleberry's Food Co. of Augusta recalled more than 80 types of canned chili, beef stew, corned beef hash and other meat products in addition to the 10 brands it had recalled Thursday.

Cans of chili sauce made at the Castleberry's plant were found in the homes of an Indiana couple and two children in Texas who had been hospitalized with botulism. All four are expected to survive.

Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by a bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. Such bacteria are commonly found in soil. …

A star flips to become the new `Dancing' champ

Shawn Johnson is adding a mirrorball trophy to her collection of Olympic medals. After all, the two glittering prizes seem to go very well together. The 17-year-old gymnast was named "Dancing With the Stars" champion Tuesday during the season finale of the hit ABC show, the third Olympian in eight seasons to win.

Johnson and her professional partner, Mark Ballas, held the mirrorball trophy aloft as the rest of the contestants rushed out to greet them, hoisting the couple on their shoulders as sparkling confetti flew.

"This has been the best experience ever," Johnson said after her victory. "I've grown so much."

Johnson …