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Ring leaves with the ignominious distinction of the worststatistical season of any reliever in the history of the franchisesince the 1870s, among those who appeared in as many games as hedid.

The lefty made 42 appearances and went 2-1 with a garish 8.42 ERAand .333 opponents' average and .400 on-base percentage. He allowed32 hits, 10 walks and 21 earned runs in 22 1/3 innings.

Right-handed batters were 18-for-43 (.419) against Ring. He pitchedwell early on, when called to face just one lefty batter in eachappearance. When his role expanded, so did his ERA — quickly.

After posting a 3.31 ERA and .230 opponents' average in 32appearances through July 1, Ring was torched for a 22.50 ERA and.514 opponents' average in his final 10 appearances.

Durango, Aspen throw hat into hybrid ring

If you buy one of these vehicles, he said, this is what you have to give up: Nothing.

While the market for a full-size SUV is diminishing (with thecurrent spike in gas prices) there will always be those who needthe flexibility and functionality of vehicle that can not only fiteight passengers but also tow trailers and boats. Chrysler wouldlike to see those consumers turn to the Aspen or Durango hybrids.

Though the Aspen and Durango have different images from theclassier side of Chrysler to the sportier side of Dodge, thepricing on both hybrids is surprisingly similar. The onlyconfiguration available for the 2009 model year is the four-wheeldrive Limited model equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi. Yet theDurango has a base price of $45,340, and the Aspen has a base priceof $45,570.

Obviously, badging, interior finishes and exterior fade will bespecific to each vehicle, but in terms of fit-and-finish and luxuryamenities, I didnt notice any major differences, which I foundodd. Plus, the only options available on either vehicle are therear DVD entertainment system ($1,400), the trailer tow package($460) and the sunroof ($850). Premium standards on both vehiclesinclude leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, side-curtainairbags for all three rows, navigation and a power liftgate.

So, for the purposes of the preview, my driving partner and I chosethe Dodge Durango for the test drive and figured that Durango andAspen could be used relatively interchangeably.

With its entry into the hybrid world, Chrysler utilized apartnership with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz and BMW Group tocreate the two-mode, full-hybrid system appearing in the Durangoand Aspen. The two modes refer to the low- and high-speedelectric continuously variable transmission modes, which allow theelectric motors to kick in both while driving in stop-and-gosituations and at highway cruising speeds.

As a full-hybrid, both the Durango and Aspen will be able tooperate in the full range power from electric-only all the way togasoline-only. With gentle acceleration and speeds up to about 30mph, the electric motor carries the weight of motivation. But assoon as you add in hard acceleration, the gasoline engine kicks inimmediately.

I had the opportunity to drive the shelled-out Durango Hybrid ayear ago in a prototype stage, and I was impressed then with theoverall acceleration and easy transition between full-electric andfull-gasoline modes. With all the finishing touches, leathersurfaces and slick gauges, the Durango Hybrid has only gottenbetter.

The 5.7-liter, V-8 Hemi engine in the hybrids delivers 345horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, and if you throw in the300-volt battery, total horsepower output increases to 385horsepower. Maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds.

Driving the Durango Hybrid, I often forgot about the sheer size ofthe vehicle because the acceleration was virtually instantaneousand the interior quietness was surprising. Having just got out ofthe Dodge Challenger with the 6.1-liter Hemi prior to the preview,I knew there was some sound produced by the engine. But the noisewas muted inside the cabin & as it should be in a large SUV withluxury amenities.

In addition to the hybrid powertrain, the Hemi engine utilizesChryslers Multi-displacement System (MDS). This allows the engineto fire zero (in electric-only mode), four or eight cylindersdepending upon the amount of power needed at any given moment.During the four-hour test drive, I noticed that shifts betweenzero, four and eight cylinders were almost unnoticeable. You canfeel a little bit of a click as it makes the transition, but oftenthe only clear way to keep track of how many cylinders were firingwas to watch the information screen.

Fuel economy for the hybrids is estimated to be 18 mpg in the cityand 19 mpg on the highway. This may not seem like a big deal, butconsider that in addition to seating eight, the Durango and Aspenweigh more than 5,500 pounds, only come as four-wheel drive modelsand have 20.1 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the third rowseats. Plus, the regular gasoline models have city/highway fuelestimates of 13/18 mpg. This translates to an overall fuel economyimprovement of about 25 percent, and Chrysler points out that thesehybrids will reduce fuel consumption by several hundreds of gallonsof gasoline per year.

The ride in the Durango Hybrid is surprisingly comfortable for sucha large vehicle. Stepping up into the vehicle was more of a climbfor me, and the initial impression is of sheer largesse. Yet intaking time to properly adjust the seat and the pedals, I was ableto get a really good driving position that put me far enough awayfrom the steering wheel, close enough to the pedals and high enoughto see over the front end of the vehicle.

After the first 50 miles of the drive, I felt like an old pro atdriving such a large vehicle so much so that other vehicles on theroad actually began to appear

. We passed an H3, and my first thought was that Hummer was in thearea testing an H4 or some such small vehicle. But no, I had simplybecome used to the gargantuan proportions of the Durango, and theyhad become somehow normal.

Before ending the review, I would be remiss if I didnt at leastmention the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids, the GM vehiclesthat resulted from the GM-Chrysler-Mercedes-BMW partnership. TheTahoe and Yukon hybrids are similarly equipped with plushamenities, but the base price flies up past $50K, creating a $7Kdifference in pricing between the GM and Chrysler counterparts. Allof these full-size hybrids weigh more than 5,500 pounds, can tow upto 6,000 pounds, can seat eight and have four-wheel drive models.

But excluding price, there are other differences of note. The GMvehicles offer two-wheel drive models in addition to the four-wheeldrive model, and gas mileage is better in the Yukon and Tahoe with20/20 mpg ratings in the four-wheel drive model. The two-wheeldrive models get even better fuel economy with 21/22 mpg, and theycan tow up to 6,200 pounds. On the other hand, the Chrysler modelsoffer more horsepower, more torque and more cargo volume behind thethird-row seat. Just something to consider.

The Durango and Aspen are set to enter the market this fall, andall I have to say is: Hurray! I think the full-size utility marketis where hybrid technology is needed the most. And, frankly, Imsurprised Toyota hasnt traveled this way yet. However, I have toadmit, Im glad for the Americans that theyre traversing this pathfirst and theyre coming up with some darn good products in theprocess.

5 busted in Jefferson County ID theft ring

A drug task force and police have busted a west metro Denver crimering that stole identities, fashioned false IDs, purchased goods,cashed fraudulent checks and bought methamphetamines.

Five of six suspects in the ID-theft ring have been arrestedfollowing indictments handed down by a Jefferson County grand jury,District Attorney Scott Storey said today.

The six stole IDs, credit card numbers and other information frompeople and businesses to create fraudulent IDs and checks, Storeysaid.

Those checks were cashed or used to buy stuff at places like BestBuy, Pizza Hut and American Furniture Warehouse.

Storey said the cash and merchandise was turned over to ringleaderSteven Aragon, who used them, among other things, to buymethamphetamines.

The investigation "shows us again how closely ID theft andmethamphetamine are connected," Storey said.

The indictment was returned a week ago, but investigators held offon making it public to increase their chances of arresting the six.

Arrested were Aragon, 41, Morgan Nerim, 28, Eric Rossi, 33, GeorgiaParks, 46, and Carla Ridgely, 34.

They're all charged with at least one count of identity theft incrimes alleged to have been committed in 2006.

Aragon also is charged with racketeering under Colorado's OrganizedCrime Control Act.

The West Metro Drug Task Force was investigating a suspected drugoperation in a house on West 52nd Avenue in Arvada when itsinvestigators uncovered the ID theft ring, Storey said.

The ring sometimes would open in-store credit accounts in Aragon'sname, using forged documents that its members had created.

The members of the ring then would charge purchases to the account,Story said. Aragon, in turn, would claim that his personalinformation had been stolen and that he was the victim.

He tried to file police reports that would absolve him of debts ranup by strangers, but was never successful, Storey said.

Among the other charges was that the ring used a computer to createthe forged IDs, including legitimate state identification cards,such as driver's licenses.

Among the documents seized were social security cards, debit andcredit cards and blank checks.

The West Metro Drug Task Force is comprised of investigators fromthroughout Jefferson County.

Among the other victims of the ID theft are King Soopers, HomeDepot, Medved Chevrolet, Bellco Credit Union, TCF Bank, Horizon'sNorth Credit Union and Big Lots.

School bell ready to ring at Grimes' North Ridge

Tim Friesen, 8, of Grimes said he's looking forward to startingthird grade in the new school near the intersection of 82nd andJames streets on the north edge of Grimes.

"We get lockers and we'll have a huge jungle gym," he said whenasked what he was looking forward to most about the school.

Tim already knows what the school looks like because he and otherstudents toured the building on the last day of school in thespring.

Growth in the district dictated the need for the new building,school officials have said, and this is the second elementarybuilding in Grimes. The older elementary school has been renamedSouth Prairie. There also is an existing elementary school and amiddle school in Dallas Center, and the high school is in Grimes.

Tim's mother, Karen Friesen, thinks the new school will be a "goodthing for him. There will just be more space for the kids."

The school has many large windows and natural light, as well astile and paint in hues of rust, green, burgundy, yellow and brown,among others.

The building has 14 classrooms, with three of the rooms being usedfor other purposes until the spaces are needed. For example, theDallas Center-Grimes school board will use one room for meetings.

As the district grows and an addition is built, the school willhave the capacity for around 500 students, she said.

Davidson particularly likes the spacious lunch room with largewindows, and the large gymnasium.

"The gym is big enough for some high school sports to be practicedand played here, which works out because the high school is onlyabout a half-mile away," she said. "There will be some high schoolvolleyball and basketball here this fall."

Staff was allowed into North Ridge on July 25 to begin setting upclassrooms, even though there is still equipment being installedand some finish work done. On Thursday, for example, workers werewiring light poles in the parking lot and installing kitchenappliances, countertops and sinks.

Unfortunately, weather delays have kept volunteers from installingthe playground equipment, Davidson said.

"We can start school as long as we have the kitchen," she said."The playground won't be done when school starts."

There's one thing that is unusual about the building. Students canstand at the front of the building and look across the road towhere animals are grazing on a neighbor's farm.

"How many students can look out the front door of their school andsee Texas longhorns?" Davidson said.

'R30 paid for Taliep's watch, ring'

Petersen said Hendriks had wanted to consult an attorney and wantedthe attorney to accompany him during police questioning about themurder. She told the court: "The lawyer wanted R20 000 for him tobe present during questioning."

She said it was because of her he was being questioned. She addedthat the money was given by her father.

Asked by presiding Judge Siraj Desai why she (or her father) hadpaid for Hendriks to consult a lawyer, she said it was becauseHendriks did not have any money himself.

She said: "I thought R20 000 was a fair sum for what the lawyer wasexpected to do."

Petersen said Hendriks had covered for her about the diamond story,because he and she were under the mistaken impression that thediamond transaction had been illegal.

She said she "did not think of it that way" when asked if she hadnot considered it strange for the two intruders in her home to lockher into a bedroom that had a telephone.

Petersen said she had received R30 000 insurance money for herhusband's wrist watch and ring that were stolen during the robberyon the night he was shot dead.

She said the watch and ring had not been covered by insurance, butshe had nevertheless included them on the insurance list of itemsstolen from the house.

Beijing circled by ring of steel

Hu's comments came after IOC president Jacques Rogge praised China,saying that in hosting the 2008 summer Games, it had "opened awindow to the world's most populous nation."

The two carefully worded speeches marked the start of theconference that historically precedes the opening ceremony of theGames, where countries gather to discuss the politics of theOlympic movement.

But this session comes amid intense scrutiny of China and anoverwhelming aura of public discipline.

The rigidness is expressed in visible form by the thousands ofpolice and military officers who man almost every street corneraround the Olympic venues.

"I said at the outset that I believe these Games will be historic -they are already a landmark event for the Olympic movement," Roggesaid. "The mere fact that the Olympic Games are coming to China -home to nearly 20 per cent of the world's population - issignificant. A billion television viewers are expected to watchlive coverage of the opening ceremonies on Friday."

Yesterday, the International Olympic Committee issued a statementsaying it "would be inappropriate" to comment on the attack inKashgar, adding that "as far as the Olympic Games are concerned,the IOC is confident the Chinese authorities have done everythingpossible to ensure the security and safety of everyone at theGames."

Security analysts have said no separatist group from Xinjiang wassophisticated enough to penetrate the "ring of steel" that has beenerected around Beijing for the Games.

Senior IOC member Dick Pound of Canada said it would take a lotmore than an attack to knock the Olympics off its plans.

"I would say that the threat assessment outside of Beijing would behigher than it is here," Pound said. "I think most of these(security) plans are in place already. I mean, I think in terms ofan Olympic city, security is pretty good."

Pound said the IOC won't bend to terrorists bent on attacking theGames, and raised the example of the killing of 11 Israeli athletesand coaches at the 1972 Munich Games by Palestinian terrorists.

"I think you get concerned no matter where terrorism takes place,but not to the sense of being brought to your knees. I mean, evenin Munich, as bad as it was, you don't cancel the Games. You don'tdo what the terrorists precisely want you to do."

New chief Sanjay Jha to ring changes at Motorola unit

ring 50million units. Shares in the group have fallen by more than 60per cent since October 2006, when investors began to becomedisillusioned with the company's falling sales. Its global marketshare has fallen to 9.5 per cent from 24 per cent two years ago,taking it from second to third place behind Nokia and Samsung.

In March Motorola agreed to float the handset unit after pressurefrom Carl Icahn, the billionaire activist shareholder, who arguedthat the failing division should be restructured.

Mr Icahn, who is the group's second-biggest shareholder with a 6.3per cent stake, had hoped to appoint Keith Meister, who runs MrIcahn's $8 billion (£4.08 billion) investment fund, as headof the handset unit.

Motorola has been searching for a chief executive of the unit sinceMarch. Greg Brown, who became chief executive of the group lastNovember, stepped in to lead the division in the interim.

Dr Jha, 45, who was born in India, lived in Britain for 15 yearsbefore moving to the United States in 1994 to work for Qualcomm,the wireless technology developer. He was was made chief operatingofficerby Qualcomm in late 2006. He has also been made co-chiefexecutive of Motorola group alongside Mr Brown, who will continueto run its home entertainment and public safety units.

Simona Jankowski and Thomas Lee, analysts for Goldman Sachs, calledhis appointment “a big win” for Motorola and a loss forQualcomm.

Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, said: “Sanjay Jhais very well connected in the mobile industry and knows thechallenges facing him. Taking on that role is a hugely dauntingtask, but I think he has the personality to pull the companyforward.”

Others fear that resuscitating the unit may be too great achallenge. Carolina Milanesi, research director for mobile devicesat Gartner, said: “He's very knowledgable and veryno-nonsense, but I don't know if he has enough vision to turnthings around in terms of design and brand.”

Last week Motorola surprised Wall Street by reporting a smallsecond-quarter profit, led by the success of its home entertainmentand public safety units. Although sales of its mobile phones grewto 28.1 million in the second quarter, up from 27 million in thefirst, the group predicted slowing sales in the third quarter.Qualcomm said that Len Lauer, its executive vice-president, wouldreplace Dr Jha.

Shares in Motorola rose $1.01, or more than 11 per cent, to closeat $9.82 in New York. Qualcomm’s shares fell $2.60, nearly 5per cent, to end the day at $52.87.

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The Style Arbiter: Oversized knockouts are this year¡¯s ¡®It¡¯ necklace

Oversized knockouts are this year’s ‘It’ necklace
Every style of jewelry has its day. And recently, big clunky bangles have ruled the roost as fashion’s “It” piece of jewelry. Before that, it was over-sized cocktail rings. Going back further, we had the chandelier earring craze.
Remember those nameplate chokers, a la Carrie Bradshaw’s circa, like, 2001?
Well, 2008 is undoubtedly the Year of the Statement Necklace.
From over-sized beads and door knocker-esque pendants to extra long, multi-chained varieties festooned with brooches and ribbons, super-striking neck decor is everywhere right now.
Last week, I dropped by a handful of my favorite jewelry stores and rounded up a few fine specimens of the biggest neckwear trends.
Here, along with information on what to wear them with and what (if anything) to pair them with, I give you five great examples of stand-out necklaces you can buy right now in Nashville.
Mix big and small
This multi-strand necklace by Express ($34.50) can easily stand alone; after all, with a sparkling brooch worked into the design, it’s practically two pieces of jewelry in one!
But if you do attempt to layer, make sure it’s with something that’s not too distracting. Go for a necklace on the small side made from a similar metal, like dark silvery bow ($22.50), also from Express.
Wear this silvery combo with a pretty, airy blouse and you’re, um, golden.
Creature features
The huge peacock movement that’s been happening in fashion over the last year or so is still going strong — and Betsey Johnson’s all over it. Her large gold bird necklace ($85) has bright enamel and rhinestone pavé detailing, as well as small moving parts on the tail.
With this much going on, you don’t want to wear anything else that’s gonna compete with it. So let this bird crow solo, and keep your outfit simple: All you need above the waist is a solid-colored T-shirt and small stud or hoop earrings.

Tickle your fancy
There’s something sexy about feathers — especially ones dangling from a belly-grazing necklace that can double as a tool for some very provocative flirting.
This iridescent feather necklace from Bebe ($29) is perfect for summer and early fall’s “rich bohemian” look, a languorous way of dressing that’s all about attracting the attention of the opposite sex. I imagine this piece worn over a loose tank and a long hippy skirt, or maybe even a floor-length gown or tunic…and nothing else.
Bead it
Big plastic beads in solid colors are cute — if you’re a12.
But for those of us who have graduated to sitting at the big table at family get-togethers, this summer you want to dress the part. The metallic accents on this Target necklace ($14.99) take it out of the sandbox and up to the deck for cocktails and conversation.
Paired with a geometric printed sundress and cute flat sandals, it’s all the jewelry you need when you’re hanging with the young at heart.
Wild at heart
Big cats are big news in the jewelry department, where there is a huge array of feline-inspired necklaces to choose from right now. I love this gold tiger head from Bebe ($39) that hangs alongside a same-shaped charm that acts a bit like the cat’s shifting shadow as it moves with the wearer. This fierce necklace is all about night hunting, and begs to be worn with a gauzy leaf-print top (why not evoke the jungle?).
Afraid your outfit is going too far into the wild? Declare your softer side by adding a smaller piece in a matching metal, like this simple gold heart from Francesca’s Collections ($18).

Lauren Conrad - Teen Choice Awards 2008

The Hills star Lauren Conrad arrives at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheater on Sunday, August 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

The 22-year-old reality TV star picked up two surfboards for the night: Choice TV Female Reality/Variety Star and Choice TV Celebrity Reality for The Hills. Lauren wore a one-of-a kind custom dress she designed specifically for this event. The dress is a strapless floor length blue and orange tie-dye silk georgette gown.

Other pictures include L.C. (in Mason) and BFF Lo Bosworth (in Ina Soltani) at the Do Something Awards and official pre-party for the 2008 Teen Choice Awards held at Level 3 on Saturday in Los Angeles. Lauren also donned a necklace she designed for charity. The proceeds are going to the mpowerment campaign for mark cosmetics to help stop domestic and dating abuse. You can purchase the charity necklace at meetmark.com.

U.S. man shot in thigh in failed robbery attempt

A 37-year-old man visiting Toronto for Caribana was shot in a botched robbery attempt early Sunday morning.

Police said the Rochester, N.Y., man was performing a card trick for some passersby just before 2:15 a.m. near Bay Street and Richmond Street West when three men approached the man and attempted to steal his gold necklace.

The man resisted and was shot in the thigh. The victim also broke his femur as he fell to the ground, Staff Sergeant Craig Lewers said, but his injuries are not life threatening.

Police are looking for three men in the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

LETTER: Necklace and knowledge found by the CSC

Necklace During the first two weeks of July, Cool Science Club hosted students from kindergarten to middle school who explored and investigated science concepts in an exciting, engaging, and hand-on approach. Our wonderful and dedicated staff developed these activities according to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The young scientists explored interactive biology, chemistry, forensics, and physics concepts throughout the day.

This science experience would not have been possible without a community effort. First, I would like to thank the parents who realize the importance the role of science and technology has on everyday life for our students, and the impact it will have in their future. This parental commitment to science is integral for increasing student interest and achievement in science. Second, CSC staff was amazed at the students themselves who were an incredibly enthusiastic, curious and knowledgeable group to work with each day.

Cool Science Club also owes a sincere thank you to Alex Sarro who provided an authentic learning experience the first week. Alex generously offered students the opportunity to investigate the “actual” forensic evidence at Alessandro’s Hair Salon. Also,one of Winchester’s finest detectives, Lieutenant Pierce arrived at the crime scene to demonstrate how forensic evidence is gathered and to stress the importance of teamwork. Lieutenant Pierce returned at the end of the week to help solve the mystery of the missing diamond necklace. CSC thanks Jim for sharing his expertise in his field and dedication to his community.

CSC experience may not have occurred without the help of the Winchester Police Celebrity Softball Game and Enka Fair who generously donated scholarship money; while a local business, Lee Kimball, donated funds for science development to pay for a marine biologist, a physicist, an engineer, a forensics expert and a chemist to increase the young scientists understanding of these concepts.

We also thank Dr. Kerble whose commitment to excellence in education, and in this case, science, demonstrates his focus and support in developing our students’ understanding of science in preparation for the challenges of the 21st century. CSC is also grateful to principals, Vandy French and Kate Scanlon; and the secretarial and custodial staffs of the Lincoln and McCall who were so cooperative as our scientists were allowed to share these buildings with other youth groups.

In closing, Cool Science Club sincerely appreciates the kindness and generosity from so many in our community.

Paris Hilton: Keepin' It Real

Once again, Paris Hilton seems to be using fashion and cute accessories to let the world know that she and Benji Madden are truly meant to be together. (Seriously, check out the necklace she's wearing at the airport in Copenhagen!)

If you recall, it all started with those rings—Paris wearing Benji's initials on her finger and Benji wearing hers on his—followed shortly thereafter by the two of them stepping out in color-coordinated outfits.

All of which raises the question: Is what they have, in fact, the "real thing," or should Paris' top be saying something completely different?

Hallmark Channel, Kay Come Out To Play On Dear Prudence

Hallmark Channel and Kay Jewelers are opening a partnership behind the network’s upcoming telefilm, Dear Prudence.

The family friendly network and the jewelry retailer will tie a promotion and sweepstakes around Golden Globe Award-winning actress Jane Seymour (Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman), who stars in the original movie, which bows on the channel Aug. 23 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) and also pitches the Open Hearts by Jane Seymour jewelry line.

To support the marketing partnership, Hallmark Channel will host an online sweepstakes at www.hallmarkchannel.com from Aug. 11-31, which gives users the chance to win one of the Open Hearts by Jane Seymour diamond necklaces. Kay Jewelers will place in-store displays in its 909 stores located across the country, featuring tune-in information for the premiere of Dear Prudence. Both companies will provide online links to the other’s Web site.

The attendant sweepstakes will offer three Open Heart designs: the grand prize is a one-carat diamond necklace crafted in 14K white gold; the first prize is a ½-carat diamond necklace crafted in 14K white gold; and the second prize is a pave diamond “family” design necklace flowing atop a 14K yellow gold circle.

“This partnership is the result of our stellar ongoing relationship with Kay Jewelers,” said Hallmark Channel executive vice president of ad sales Bill Abbott in a statement.“Kay is a longtime sponsor of our popular holiday movies so when this opportunity was presented to us, we knew it was a great way to help drive tune-in to Dear Prudence and sales of Ms. Seymour’s jewelry collection. Working together on this initiative has proven to be a win-win for both companies and yet another way for each of us to further our brand and products in the most cost-effective way.”

Noted Kay senior vice president of marketing George Murray: “Kay is delighted to bring Jane’s open heart philosophy to life. Jane’s emotional and artistic expressions are beautifully reflected in Kay’s new signature collection. The essence of her open hearts collection mirrors our own belief that jewelry is the perfect expression of a love that knows no boundaries.”

In the telefilm, Seymour portrays Prudence Macintyre, a humorous, Martha-Stewart-like advice columnist and TV personality who escapes on a much-needed vacation from her work-driven life and becomes embroiled in solving a murder mystery by using her own quick-witted, good-housekeeping tips. In doing so, she gains a better understanding of the mother she wasn't close to in her youth and takes her first steps toward finding a balanced life that includes true love.

Graff Unveils 224-Carat Diamond Necklace

MONTE CARLO - British jeweler Graff rocked Monte Carlo by unveiling a 224-carat necklace, with all the diamonds cut from the same stone.
The key attraction at a cocktail party for its elite clientele here last Thursday, The Lesotho Promise necklace boasted 26 white D-flawless diamonds, the most valuable on the grading system. All were extracted from the 15th largest rough diamond ever found, a 603-carat stone discovered in a mine in Lesotho, South Africa, last year and snapped up by Graff.
Other rare gems displayed in the palatial Salle d'Empire at Monte Carlo's Hotel de Paris included The Flame, a 100-carat pear shaped D-flawless diamond, along with a multi-colored display of Graff's finest diamonds and emeralds.
"These are the best diamonds in the world," asserted chairman and founder Laurence Graff, who noted he's already received two offers for the Promise although neither was high enough. "We're still waiting."
Guests in sparkling dresses ranged from local socialites to Russian billionaires. "I've never seen stones like this," said singer Shirley Bassey, a Monaco resident. "I had to come because of my song - "Diamonds are Forever," she quipped.

DIY style: Make a statement with a bold necklace

Eye-catching collars, chokers, chains, bold beads and powerful pendants reigned supreme on the fall runways, making this season all about the “statement” necklace. Costume jewelry has never been hotter. Bigger is better, and more really is more when it comes to accents this season. So bring the focus to your face and highlight your creativity all at once. By reinventing, reusing and rethinking the tired trinkets in your jewelry box, you can create a one-of-a-kind couture masterpiece.

Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, shows us innovative ways to transform everyday basics and out-of-date jewelry into fashion-forward modern designs.

Johnson's tires hold up for Indy win

Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Jimmie Johnson won Sunday'sAllstate 400 at the Brickyard 400 in a race that was marred withtire problems from the start at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.The No.48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driver and two-timedefending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion led a race-high 71 lapsand crossed the finish line 0.332 seconds ahead of Carl Edwards.

It was Johnson's second victory of the season and the 35th of hisSprint Cup career.

"I just can't say enough of this race car all weekend long,"Johnson said. "Carl put about as much pressure on me as he could. Iknew from chasing Denny (Hamlin) the run before, even if he gets alittle faster, he's not going to get by, so I just hit my marks."

Johnson won the race from the pole, becoming the second Cup driverto do so at Indianapolis. Kevin Harvick accomplished the feat in2003.

Johnson was also fastest in final practice. Saturday's practicebrought up concerns about tire wear at the aged track.

Goodyear tires stamped for next week's race at Pocono, PA were sentto Indy for reserve on Saturday night. Teams got an extra set oftires for the 400- mile event. And NASCAR planned a competitioncaution on Lap 10.

Johnson led the field to the green. His teammate, Jeff Gordon,moved from fifth to second in the first three laps. Gordon was inpursuit of Johnson, but a crash, involving Michael Waltrip and PaulMenard, on the fourth lap put the race under caution for the firsttime. Waltrip spun and hit the wall. Menard made contact withWaltrip while trying to get by him. He also hit the wall andsustained minor cosmetic damage during the incident.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was among a handful of drivers who pitted.Earnhardt, Jr. took on four new tires and had his crew look overthe car for damage after a near incident with Edwards several lapsbeforehand. Earnhardt, Jr. and Edwards almost bumped while battlingfor position on the backstretch.

NASCAR changed its planned caution to Lap 14 to allow more tirewear since the first caution took place on the fourth lap.

Contact between Harvick and Kurt&n