The siege of Dristra failed, as the emperor found himself surrounded by the Pechenegs. […] Fearing a Cuman–Pecheneg alliance, Alexios immediately sued for peace and the Pechenegs agreed to a truce, which they immediately broke in order to take advantage of Alexios' notorious lack of troops and invade Thrace.

As for those who speak Ersu, Guiqlong, and Namuyl, they used to be called, pejoratively, Xifan (western barbarians).

Agriculture Secretary Edward T. Schafer is preparing to walk into a buzzsaw of criticism over American biofuels policy when he meets with world leaders to discuss the global food crisis next week.

Reading boss Brian McDermott says Saturday's home game with Wigan is not a six pointer and insists he does not worry about the league table.