The Cruise Lines International Association estimates that 12.6 million cruised worldwide in 2007 on the 24 cruise lines CLIA represents, a 4.6 percent increase over 2006. CLIA believes demand will hold, with a projected 12.8 million passengers for 2008 despite the weakening economy. A recent CLIA survey of 500 travel agents found 90 percent expect 2008 cruise sales to be as good or better than 2007.But consumers with flexible vacation plans may be in for some deals. "The more uncertainty there is in the marketplace, the more deals there will be later in the year," said Heidi Allison Shane, spokeswoman for CruiseCompete.com. "When the cruise lines go out with high prices and they don't sell out, the bigger the discounts later on." The softest markets, she predicted, will be in mega-ships sailing to the Caribbean and Bermuda.Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of CruiseCritic.com, also expects "more competitive prices for sure, because the economy is shaky, but where you'll find the real deals are on the older ships in cruise line fleets, not the newer and bigger models.

Preschool to Grade 4

This title was originally published in 1950, and Yaccarino's new illustrations retain the look of that era. The colors are uniform and flat throughout, and Ollie wears a navy suit with short pants and a bow tie. The illustrator plays with size and perspective; the boy's horn is sometimes larger than buildings. The book is mildly amusing but not an essential purchase.—Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

PreS—Isobel refuses to go to bed. Instead, she wants to join her mother as she exercises, picks up toys, and reads. After each activity, the little panda is put back into bed, but she gets up again and insists on doing what her parent does.

Task force ramps up anti-gang efforts

ASHLAND — Sgt. Colby Staysa briefs the Alameda County Gang Suppression Unit as the four-man team prepares to hit the streets.

On this cool February evening, the unit plans to conduct "direct enforcement" operations in an attempt to keep a lid on gang activity in an area that encompasses Castro Valley, Cherryland, Ashland and San Lorenzo.

The unit, based in the Eden Township Substation in unincorporated San Leandro, was formed two years ago by Sheriff Greg Ahern. Eden Township Substation Commander Capt. Dale Amaral requested the formation of the unit to address increased gang activity.

On this evening, the unit will conduct parole and probation searches of known gang members who live or operate in the unincorporated areas of the county.

The team members are well-armed as they listen to Staysa's briefing.

Hot in Fall

The sweaters and coats of winter are classic trenches with a twist, the snug boots have all taken on classic cuts — but with a funky heel, a bright stripe somewhere, or even just a zebra print sole. This season it’s easy to not take fashion too seriously. You won’t find it hard to buy select pieces that suit you, be unbelievably trendy and still look like you’re not trying too hard. The cardinal rule does, of course, apply: do not go for anything that you know doesn’t look good on you. And finally, have fun with it. After all, fashion revolves around a little bit of fun, an abundance of frivolity and a touch of obsession, all to make up the perfect fall wardrobe.

Q&A: Brown explains shake-up at Sumo

I brought in Alex Godfrey who was editor of Bizarre and understands how to make commercial success out of less mainstream content. We have developed lots of new shows around themed content. So far it has been short attention span TV. If you are coming in and having a spliff after the pub, it's great to stick on. You are getting short hits. Now we are giving appointments to view. Before, we have not really used presenters much. Now we are bringing in three or four presenters. I am also making them repeat the shows, which they've not done before.You have created a show with Alex Sim-Wise. Who is she and what will it be?"She is a glamour model, but a different type of glamour model, and she's funny. I noticed her magazine column where she had pictures of her messing around with mates and things.

Ford banks on parental duties to keep him out of prison

Federal prosecutors said Ford is making the same arguments he made in November when Breen postponed Ford's prison report date for the second time.