Liver transplant plan blocked Accord can't exclude Illinois

The network that runs the nation's organ transplant system isordering four Midwestern states to include Illinois in their liver-sharing plan, but it's also imposing a system for Illinois to payback the organs it takes.

Friday's ruling by the United Network for Organ Sharing blocks anaccord by Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota toshare livers among their sickest patients, while excluding Illinois.

Dr. Michael Abecassis, director of liver transplantation atNorthwestern Memorial Hospital, welcomed the order as an "excellent"temporary measure, but it has raised concerns about how the paybacksby Illinois will work.

"I think it's better than the …

Thailand slaps tax on bonds to stem baht rise

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand slapped a 15 percent tax on the income that foreigners earn from investing in Thai bonds, hoping to stem strength in its currency as Asian nations scramble to keep their exports competitive against China.

Announcing the measure Tuesday, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said it will apply to all new foreign purchases of bonds sold by the government, state companies and the central bank.

A rush of cash into Asia as investors seek a haven of high-growth amid miserably low returns in the developed world is pushing many Asian currencies higher including Thailand's baht, which recently hit a 13-year peak against the U.S. dollar.

But China's currency, …

Summary Box: What's behind Wal-Mart's smart tags

WAL-MART'S SMART TAGS: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is putting electronic identification tags on labels for men's clothing basics like jeans starting Aug. 1. It plans to roll out the program to other products.

WHAT'S …

Climbing to the Top of the Performance Mountain and Staying There

We now have undisputed evidence that more than two thirds of publicly listed companies do not create shareholder value.1 Moreover, a large number of those who succeed seem to derive their success from events or items over which they have very little control. case in point: The rising share prices of oil and gas sector companies due to a global rise in oil and gas prices. And even in this "good fortune" sector, we find significant differences in the relative performance of companies.

There is also evidence that apart from a very select group, it is hard to find companies that continue to perform well beyond a ten-year span.

Which leads to the question: Are high performing …

Okur Helps Jazz Cruise Past Hornets

OKLAHOMA CITY - Mehmet Okur sees Utah's recent success on the road as a promising sign for the Jazz come playoff time.

Okur scored 28 points, Deron Williams added 20 and the Utah Jazz heated up in the second half to cruise to a 108-94 win against the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday night.

It was the fourth straight road win for the Jazz, equaling their longest streak away from home this season. Utah has won eight of its last 10 road games after starting the season 10-10 outside Salt Lake City.

"We should play playoff basketball night in and night out. That's how we've got to play," Okur said. "In the playoffs, you've got to play harder. That's how we've got to play …

Bergamasco back on the flank

Italy coach Nick Mallett abandoned for good his ill-fated experiment of playing flanker Mauro Bergamasco at scrumhalf when he made six changes, two of them positional, to his team for Sunday's Six Nations match against Ireland.

Mallett came under fire for playing Bergamasco at scrumhalf in last week's opening 36-11 loss to England and named his team Thursday with the Stade Francais player back in his usual openside position.

"Mauro returns to the back row. I think we can expect a great performance from him," Mallett said.

Paul Griffen will instead make his 39th international appearance in the No. 9 shirt for his first cap since the 2007 …

Alice B. Johnson; postal worker became actress

Alice B. Johnson, 76, a retired Postal Service worker who begana second career eight years ago as an actress, died Friday at herhome in Mesa, Ariz.

Mrs. Johnson, a longtime resident of the Park Manorneighborhood, worked for more than 15 years at the District 6 branchof the post office, retiring in 1967.

She then began to travel around the country until she and herlate husband, Irving, were recruited by talent agent Adrienne Jensen.They appeared as extras in at least 10 films, including "The ChicagoStory," "The Killing Floor," "On the Right Track" and "Bad Boys."

Recently, she appeared in commercials for Nutra-Sweet and the7-11 food store chain.

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