Strong overseas sales put fizz in Coca-Cola's 4Q

Coca-Cola's strong overseas growth more than made up for a weak North American market in the fourth quarter, sending profit up 55 percent for the world's largest beverage maker.

The company, whose brands include Sprite and Diet Coke, sold 5 percent more beverages worldwide _ with unit case volume up sharply in emerging markets like China and India. It also posted solid growth in Latin America.

Shares rose $1.86, or 3.5 percent, to $54.51 in morning trading.

The only region to report a decline in case volume was North America, which makes up about one-fourth of the company's sales. The region reported a 1 percent drop-off in the figure _ a sign that …

Hidden peril of home jobs: added poundage

For people who work from their homes, everything can become anexcuse to eat, whether it's a slow day, a happy day, I-didn't-get-the-job day or I-did-get-the-job day.

"There isn't a reason in the world not to eat," said Donna Gould,head of Phoenix Media, a book publicity business she runs from herhome in Matawan, N.J. "When I got a book client on Oprah Winfrey, Icelebrated by having food delivered," she said. "Monday is pizza day(in her area), so I'd buy pizza for my staff and get two for theprice of one."

And, she could hide her indiscretions. "At home you can wearsweats and jeans that stretch. You don't have to look in the mirrorbecause you're not going out," Gould …

Olympic champ Lysacek back on Grand Prix schedule

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — After taking last season off, Olympic champion Evan Lysacek is back on the Grand Prix schedule.

Lysacek drew Skate America and Trophee Bompard on the list of Grand Prix assignments released Monday by the International Skating Union. He has not competed since Vancouver, where he became the first American man to win the Olympic gold medal since Brian Boitano in 1988.

Lysacek skipped last season because of a heavy schedule of promotions and appearances, including touring with the "Stars on Ice" 25th anniversary tour. But he did not rule out a return to competition, saying in January he was still doing run-throughs of his Olympic programs and working …

NASA's last space shuttle blasts into history

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) — Atlantis has blasted off on NASA's last space shuttle launch.

The historic liftoff occurred Friday morning, 30 years and three months after the very first shuttle flight.

Four astronauts are riding Atlantis to orbit. The shuttle is bound for the International Space Station, making one final supply …

Maple gets the axe to protect nearby house

A maple tree outside the Assembly Rooms has been cut down toavoid damage to a property.

The roots of the tree, aged 35 to 40 years old, were growing intothe basement of a nearby house.

Bath and North East Somerset Council felled the tree on Tuesday,and will replace it with a Turkish hazel, which will be planted in adifferent location close by.

A council spokesman said: "The roots of the tree were growinginto the basement of a nearby residential property.

"In this particular case, because it is …

Gonzales Rejects Calls for Resignation

WASHINGTON - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales rejected growing calls for his resignation Tuesday as scores of newly released documents detailed a two-year campaign by the Justice Department and White House to purge federal prosecutors.

Gonzales acknowledged his department mishandled the dismissals of eight U.S. attorneys and misled Congress about how they were fired. He said he was ultimately to blame for those "mistakes" but stood by the firings.

"I acknowledge that mistakes were made here," Gonzales told reporters at a news briefing after he canceled an out-of-town trip. "I accept that responsibility." He promised changes "so that the mistakes that occurred in this …

Senator says IRS to drop private debt collections

Sen. Charles Grassley says the Internal Revenue Service is eliminating a program that uses private debt collectors to go after tax delinquents.

The Iowa Republican says Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner told him the program would be eliminated.

The program is relatively small, bringing in a little more than $20 million a year …