Fang

Fang Mitchell traveled the highway of life as if it were a demolition derby. A trail of players collided with the Coppin State College men's basketball coach, and the sport's establishment steered clear of him. Then Fang married Yvonne, and she became his cushion as he tried bumper cars. People get jostled, but everyone stays in the game. "I'm truth and justice," Mitchell said. "She was mercy and grace. I'm a strong believer that you need balance in your life, and that's what she gave me."

BOSTON -- It was a tame Halloween after all. The most popular costume on the market wasn't a super villain but an accidental superhero, Spider-Man. The small revelers on this death-defying holiday were dressed as angels. I suppose the kids have had enough fear to go around this year. For weeks, there had been a boogeyman on the highways and on the news. Monsters had seemed far too real. A sniper loomed over the landscape, growing in stature with every shooting. The analysts described him as a skilled marksman, a demonic genius, an intelligent and extraordinary serial killer.

In the newspaper business (motto: "Trust Us! We're English Majors!") we have high standards of accuracy. Before we print anything, we make sure that: We personally believe it's true, or A reliable source (defined as "a source wearing business attire") told us it's true, or Another newspaper, with a respectable newspaper name such as the Fort Smidling Chronic Truncator says it's true, or It's getting late and we need to print SOMETHING so we can go to the bar. Despite these safeguards, newspapers are not perfect, as evidenced by the recent front-page New York Times story incorrectly identifying Gen. Colin Powell as "the capital of Guam."

ORIOLES FANS are frequently described as passionless, Chablis-sippin', brie-sniffin', shop-talkin', cell-phonin' interlopers who go to Camden Yards to hobnob with clients, not root for the Birds. This has been rendered a cliche by now, largely because it's true, at least in certain sections of the park, where Washingtonians and corporate suits rule the roost, and where you're more likely to hear talk about an IPO than about an ERA. Did you catch the recent display ad in this newspaper for US Airways MetroJet commuter service?

COLLEGE PARK -- When Kentucky meets Maryland on Saturday night, an overflow crowd at Cole Field House will wish it was in shorts and tank tops. Several thousand empty seats at Tuesday's overtime win over Winthrop raised the temperature of coach Gary Williams, who fumed about an attendance of 10,107 that reminded him how easy it used to be for visitors to Cole.That victory was the Terps' 68th in a row at Cole against nonconference opponents, and the longest such streak in the nation will get an uncommonly strong test from No. 23 Kentucky.

As I overheard someone in the audience say, "Dracula" "has been done to death." John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane's adaptation of Bram Stoker's vampire tale is probably best known as the 1931 Bela Lugosi movie. It re-surfaced four decades later in a sexy stage version starring Frank Langella. And the play has been a Halloween perennial at little theaters.So here it is, ensconced at the Spotlighters for the month of October. As directed by Melainie Eifert and Ron Gregory, with a set designed by Mitchell A. Nathan, the production turns the entire tiny theater into a kind of Halloween funhouse.

BEIJING -- As Fang Xiaoxuan rode to work through rush-hour '' traffic on the back of her friend's bike one recent morning, a thief unzipped her shoulder bag, slipped his hand inside and stole her wallet containing more than $300.It was a brazen act before scores of commuters. Rare during the era of Mao Tse-tung, such bold thefts have become increasingly common these days on the crowded streets of China's capital. Fang, who cares for animals at Beijing's new aquarium, has had her money stolen five times in the past five years.

It was nearly three years ago when Coppin State College men's basketball coach Ronald L. "Fang" Mitchell was faced with what appeared to be an easy decision. Florida International University had offered a contract worth $150,000 -- a 50 percent salary increase -- as well as a job for his wife, Yvonne.From Coppin President Calvin W. Burnett came an offer to retain his current position at basically the same pay, asking the popular coach to choose the tiny West North Avenue school over a spacious campus and the sunshine of South Florida.

As the clock inches toward 11 p.m., the Coppin State basketball team approaches the end of the grueling, three-hour practice.Coach Fang Mitchell has been on his feet for much of the session. His voice has ranged from a whisper that's barely audible four feet away to a roar that could be heard in the offices surrounding the gym.But at this particular moment, the day is taking its toll. And as the team runs its full-court defensive drills, Mitchell sluggishly ambles over to a courtside seat, buries his face into his hands and shakes his head.

WESTERN High School's Breezy Bishop is probably the best coach of any sport at any level in Baltimore. (Others will argue for Coppin State's Fang Mitchell and North Baltimore Aquatic Club's Murray Stephens; let them.) Her girls basketball teams have won 424 games and lost 40.Her value to the city magnet school, one of two public high schools for girls in the country, goes further. A phys ed teacher as well, she has guided generations of girls to see how sports NTC dedication can gain them as well as boys admission and financial aid at many fine colleges.