The 13-part drama is about a mysterious time-travelling adventurer known simply as “The Doctor” (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). The Doctor and Rose risk death and danger, battling aliens and monsters.

The deal, brokered by Lisa Hofer, Director Co-Production & Sales, BBC Worldwide Americas, grants SCI FI Channel the first run rights for series one with an option for series two. The award-winning series will premiere on SCI FI beginning in March, airing Friday nights at 9.00pm.

Russell T Davies, Head Writer and Executive Producer told us: “The Doctor’s made all sorts of journeys in Time and Space, but this is one of his most exciting yet! I’m a huge fan of the SCI FI Channel, and I’m delighted that Doctor Who is appearing on a channel that supports and enhances the entire genre.”

“With its rich history of imaginative storytelling, Doctor Who is a true sci-fi classic,” stated Thomas P. Vitale, SCI FI’s Senior Vice President, Programming & Original Movies. “We’re excited to add the show to our lineup.”

Commenting on the deal Candace Carlisle, Senior Vice President, BBC Worldwide Americas, said: “The new production has fantastic storylines and production values and has already gained an iconic status around the world. SCI FI Channel is the perfect home for the show and will introduce Doctor Who to a whole new generation of fans in the US.”

Robertson is leading a group of evangelicals who have pledged to raise $50 million to build a large Christian tourism center in Israel’s northern Galilee region, where tradition says Jesus lived and taught.

But Avi Hartuv, a spokesman for Tourism Minister Avraham Hirschson, said Israeli officials were furious with Robertson, a Christian broadcaster. A day after Sharon’s Jan. 4 stroke, Robertson said the prime minister was being punished for “dividing God’s land,” — a reference to last summer’s pullout from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

“We can’t accept this kind of statement,” Hartuv said.

He said the Christian Heritage Center project was now in question, though he left the door open to develop it with others.

“We will not do business with him, only with other evangelicals who don’t back these comments,” Hartuv said. “We will do business with other evangelical leaders, friends of Israel, but not with him.”

The 21-year-old turned himself in at the Suffolk magistrate’s office Monday afternoon, where he was later released on a $10,000 bond. Sunday night, shortly after 9 p.m., police were called to the parking lot of the McDonalds at 6201 College Dr.

The mother of a 17-year-old boy reported that Vick “had pointed a weapon at her son and two others during an altercation,” said police spokeswoman Lt. D.J. George.

The blast occurred Saturday when a real-estate agent was showing the log home near Sandpoint to a couple and their son.

“They went to the house with the agent. She unlocked the door, they went in, they smelled gas, she turned the light on and at that point the house exploded,” said family member Sue Peterson. “It actually blew them off the porch and into the snow.”

…

The victims suffered second- and third-degree burns, said Capt. John Valdez of the Bonner County Sheriff’s department. The burns, mostly to the hands and face, are not considered life-threatening.

The house was not leveled by the explosion and fire, but walls were damaged and all the windows were shattered.

“I was set up,” he protested while leaving jail. “I was in the area pastoring to police.”

Latham was in the parking lot of the Habana Inn, an area not known for police officers but rather for male prostitutes who flag down cars, police Capt. Jeffrey Becker told the Associated Press.

Becker said Latham asked an undercover officer to join him in his hotel room for oral sex.

Police arrested the pastor and impounded his 2005 Mercedes. He was charged with a misdemeanor count of offering to engage in an act of lewdness and was released on $500 bail Wednesday afternoon.

Latham could be sentenced to a year in jail. He also faces a $2,500 fine.

Latham will also face a puzzled congregation at South Tulsa Baptist Church, where he is the senior pastor.

Latham, a member of the Southern Baptists’ executive committee, has spoken out against same-sex marriage and has supported a Southern Baptist convention directive aimed at converting gays into heterosexuals. Southern Baptists are urged to befriend gays and lesbians and try to convince them that they can become heterosexual “if they accept Jesus Christ as their savior and reject their ‘sinful, destructive lifestyle.’ ”

…

The Rev. Robyn Murphy, a spokeswoman for Soulforce, an organization devoted to changing the hearts and minds of religious leaders who engage in anti-gay campaigns, was sympathetic to Latham.

“The anti-gay bias has now claimed another victim,” Murphy said. “Now he will be ridiculed for being gay.”

Family members said 16-month-old Miranda Boll’s new book, “Potty Time With Elmo,” was supposed to teach an interactive lesson using voice commands.

However, when the book’s buttons are pressed, it reportedly says something it is not supposed to — “who wants to die?”

“It’s a sick joke,” mother Angela Bolls said. “If it’s a joke then it’s a bad one, you know? And it’s not necessary. It’s inappropriate.”

Bolls said she checked another copy of the same book and found that it says something completely different; “Who wants to try to go potty?”