17-Oct-2005  (yacht cruise)

• 'Mercedes R-class: It's a great... thing (CNN Money)
'Land yacht' is such an ugly term. It brings to mind the pointy-fendered Kojak-mobiles of the 1970s with swimming pool-sized hoods. But it really is the best term I can think of to describe the new Mercedes-Benz R-class.
• 'The outdoor isle Divers and donkeys find haven on western Caribbean desert isle of Bonaire (San Francisco Chronicle)
Kralendijk, Bonaire -- Years ago, I told a friend I was going on vacation to the Caribbean.
• 'Lottery firm wrote part of N.C. law (The Charlotte Observer)
Lottery company Scientific Games wrote parts of North Carolina's new law that outline how companies will win multimillion-dollar contracts to run the state's gambling operation.
• 'Vikings? cruise allegedly turns into lewd sex party (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)
MINNEAPOLIS ? Minnesota Vikings players are being investigated in connection with a lake cruise that turned into a wild sex party last week on Lake Minnetonka.
• 'HUMBLE ONE: This would be a Supreme test of his abilities (Patriot Ledger)
Being a natural born leader can be a heavy burden. Yes, lovers of heavy hitters, your fearless forecaster sometimes has to step up and be counted when it?s obvious a leader is needed.
• 'Questions rise about N.C. lottery access (The Charlotte Observer)
Meredith Norris, a top political aide to House Speaker Jim Black, hired two Charlotte lawyers Friday as Secretary of State Elaine Marshall investigated whether Norris lobbied on behalf of a major lottery company without being registered to do so.