Free Republic

<p>WASHINGTON - For the first time in at least three years, the nation's governors are headed for their annual meetings here wearing something other than long faces.</p> <p>After one of the worst sieges of budget-cutting and general economic misery in decades, state governments are sensing a turnaround. With revenues once again on the rise, nearly half of the states say this year's tax receipts are likely to come in ahead of forecasts, according to a new survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures.</p>

Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2003 February 10 Comet NEAT Approaches the Sun Credit and Copyright: Anton Spenko (Rezmon Observatory) Explanation: A comet may likely become visible to the unaided eye over the next few days above the horizon where the Sun has just set. Comet NEAT (C/ 2002 V1), discovered last November, has brightened dramatically as it approached the Sun. Over the next few days, the quickly setting comet could appear as...