FACILITY NOTES

          In Houston, John Williams reports that after a weekend
     of "tough negotiations," a final stadium financing plan
     "will probably be ready for a vote this afternoon by the
     Harris County-Houston Sports Authority."  Among the points
     agreed on were the authority and Houston business exec Bob
     McNair closing their $10M "gap in financing the stadium,"
     and the stadium design, which could hold opening and closing
     ceremonies and track and field events, should Houston get
     the 2012 Summer Games (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/19).....AL
     President Gene Budig contributed an op-ed in Sunday's BOSTON
     GLOBE touting a new ballpark for the Red Sox under the
     header, "Farewell, Fenway."  Budig, on Fenway Park: "It has
     seen its finest day come and go, and the Red Sox need a new
     place to play" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/18).