In July 2005, Vernon L. Jackson returned home to Louisville from Washington, where he had just met with Representative William J. Jefferson, the Louisiana Democrat who had been helping to promote his fledgling digital-technology company. David Harper, a lawyer for the company, said he had never seen Mr. Jackson so demoralised. For nearly five years, the inventor and the congressman had carried the message that Mr. Jackson's company, iGate, could help close the "digital divide" by delivering high-speed internet access to poor blacks around the world.

Travel in brief

It's hard to believe it's almost that time again — the Christmas season. And right along with end-of-the-year observances come the numerous civic celebrations that entice visitors to pay visits to communities beyond their usual stomping grounds. The towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley in the Gold Country are already off and running with their 2006 offerings.

Nevada City presents its annual Victorian Christmas events the evenings of Dec. 6, 13, 17 and 20. Grass Valley does its Cornish Christmas celebrations the nights of Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Both towns — whose central main streets will be closed to vehicular traffic — will be appropriately decorated, with local shopkeepers and other business proprietors in period costumes. Caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, hay rides, and refreshments will be offered as visitors are invited to shop for gifts and dine along the way.

Sports bulletin board for Sept. 21

12-under baseball: The California Kings Baseball Club's 12-under team is looking to add two or three players for the 2006-07 season starting in September. The team is coached by Mike Schulz, who has more than 25 years of baseball playing and coaching experience. Info: contact coach Mike at (760) 776-4202, (760) 406-2881, or kingscoach6@hotmail.com

palm Desert board: The Palm Desert Youth Sports Association has opened nominations for its baseball/softball league executive board. Nominations for all board positions are due no later than Oct. 5 and will be posted on the PDYSA website. General elections will be held at Cook Street Fields on Oct. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please visit the web site at www.pdysa.org to post your nomination.

Soccer