TOKYO (AFP) — Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito, celebrating his birthday Monday, said he was pleased his reclusive wife, who has been suffering from stress-induced illness, is now able to carry out more public duties.
But he expressed concerns for the health of Emperor Akihito, who had surgery for prostate cancer in 2003.
Masako, 45, has skipped most public duties over the past five years because of her illness as the former career diplomat Read the rest of this entry »

KNOXVILLE — The Tennessee men’s basketball team already had finished practice, but J.P. Prince still was launching shots from just beyond the 3-point line Monday at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Teammate Tyler Smith looked in Prince’s direction and speculated, perhaps jokingly, that it was the first time Prince had put in extra work all season.
“Hey,” Smith said, glancing at Prince with a laugh. “Looking good.”
Better than ever, really.
Finally Read the rest of this entry »

The rating downgrade to ‘A-’ reflects PWHS’ operating losses in fiscal
year ending Dec. 31, 2007 and through nine months ended Sept. 30, 2008,
declining patient volume trends, and weak debt service coverage. The
profitability deterioration in fiscal 2008 stems from a combination of
factors, but most significantly related to poor revenue growth, which is
reflective of below budget inpatient admissions and selective Read the rest of this entry »