Heavy metal

DSM extols the virtues of plastic.

The use of plastics in a typical North American automobile is roughly 260 pounds. And while plastics have gained acceptance in many automotive components and systems, according to Fred Boss, Stanyl product manager at DSM Engineering Plastics, "there is still a lot real estate left."

DSM Engineering Plastics' goal is to reeducate manufacturers and make them aware of the changes in technology that have made plastic engineered parts an alternative for companies currently using metal but would like to reduce weight and lower costs.

"The strength of plastic is there," says Boss. "We can put forth a very good case where cost and …

German chancellor says arrest of Karadzic is 'historic moment'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the arrest of Bosnia's most wanted war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic is a "historic moment."

Merkel said in a statement Tuesday that "the victims need to know: Massive human rights violations do not go unpunished."

Merkel …

Silent film 'Wings' provided: ; lift to Gary Cooper's career

HOLLYWOOD - Born Frank James Cooper in Helena, Mont., on May 7,1901, Gary Cooper was a gifted visual artist who was educated inEngland and at Grinnell College in Iowa. He began his acting careerin 1924 as an extra in Hollywood westerns. Two years later, helanded the second lead male role in the Henry King western "TheWinning of Barbara Worth," with Ronald Colman. But it was hisendearing appearance as a young World War I flier in 1927's silentfilm classic "Wings" that made him a star. Film producer A.C. Lylesrecalls that Adolph Zukor, then president of Paramount Pictures,knew even before "Wings" was released that Cooper was somethingspecial.

"He realized that he had a new …

Gunmen Abduct Dozens at Baghdad Office

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Suspected Shiite militiamen dressed as Interior Ministry commandos stormed a Higher Education Ministry office Tuesday and kidnapped dozens of people after clearing the area under the guise of providing security for what they claimed would be a visit by the U.S. ambassador.

Witnesses and authorities said the gunmen raced through all four stories of the building, forced men and women into separate rooms, handcuffed the men and loaded them aboard about 20 pickup trucks.

Shortly afterward, authorities arrested six senior police officers in connection with the abductions - the police chief and five top subordinates in the Karradah district, the central Baghdad …

10-year yield rises on European bailout news

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prices for U.S. Treasury securities are falling, lifting the yield on the 10-year note from a historic low, after a German court backed that nation's role in bailing out its indebted neighbors.

Germany is expected to bear most of the cost of bailing out Greece, Ireland and Portugal because it has Europe's largest economy. Without German help, Greece might default on its debt, roiling …

Brooks Conrad's bunt lifts Braves past Twins 3-2

Brooks Conrad filled in neatly for Chipper Jones, making two nice plays at third base and then driving in the go-ahead run with a squeeze bunt in the ninth inning Saturday night that lifted the Atlanta Braves over Minnesota 3-2.

Conrad also hit an RBI double. He was put into the Braves' lineup about a half-hour before the game _ no reason was given for Jones' absence, though the slumping star missed five games last week with inflammation in his right ring finger.

Matt Guerrier (1-2) walked Gregor Blanco with one out in the Atlanta ninth and gave up a single to Martin Prado. Jose Mijares entered the game, and Conrad dropped down a perfect bunt that the Twins …

Security chief knows the ropes: Greenbrier's safety director spent 30 years guarding U.S. Capitol.

DAILY MAIL BUSINESS EDITOR

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS - James Rohan knows how to provide securityat a place like The Greenbrier.

Before he became the resort's director of security in December,Rohan spent 30 years protecting the U.S. Capitol.

"The similarities shared by The Greenbrier and the United StatesCapitol are striking," he said. "Start with an old, historic buildingthat was constructed before there were building codes or OSHA rules.A building that has tremendous historic value and is still a robustworkplace. A place with significant grounds and outbuildings. A placewith outstanding activities that attracts very important people.

"That description fits …