LETTERMAN JOKER IN NBC DECK.(TV/Radio)

Byline: Steve Bornfeld

Yes, NBC drew to an inside straight when it held onto King Carson, and Jay Leno is showing signs of developing into a late-night ace.

But the wild card in this deck is still that disgruntled joker, David Letterman. And to hear NBC's head dealer tell it, this is one card that might have to be - reluctantly - discarded.

As reported on Sunday, NBC has signed "Tonight Show" legend Johnny Carson - at one time rumored to be talking to CBS - to an exclusive, multiyear deal to star in or produce prime-time specials.

The network also baggged Henry Winkler for a comedy series, John Candy for specials, director Barry Levinson as producer of a drama series and Dana Carvey, who agreed to a long-term deal that will include a series once his "Saturday Night Live" days are over.

But negotiations with Letterman, NBC's veteran late- nighter …

Club America, Chivas de Guadalajara tie 1-1

A Club America own goal in the 56th minute led to a 1-1 tie against Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday in the InterLiga Group B opener for both squads.

Both teams are 0-0-1 with a point in group play. They are tied with Atlas and Tigres for first place in the group after those clubs played to a scoreless draw earlier in the night.

Jean Beausejour scored in the 37th minute to …

Royals win; Bell's slam boosts Jays

George Brett hit a home run with two outs in the 10th inningThursday night to lift host Kansas City to a 3-2 victory over theTexas Rangers and salvage the debut of former teammate John Wathan asRoyals manager.

Wathan was named earlier in the day to replace fired BillyGardner. Brett hit his 17th home run of the season to left field ona 2-1 pitch from Dale Mohorcic (6-4), who was reactivated off thedisabled list earlier in the day.

Bo Jackson tied the score 2-2 on a home run with two outs in theninth inning on a 3-2 pitch. Jackson hit his 21st homer, but firstsince July 30, 400 feet to left-center. Jackson entered the gamewith one hit and 12 strikeouts in his …

GAMES TO WATCH.(Sports)

TONIGHT

CLASS AA Empire Division

Bethlehem (3-2, 2-2) at Ballston Spa (4-1, 3-1), 7

The buzz: Ballston Spa can further solidify its playoff seeding with a victory, but must avoid looking ahead to a Week 7 showdown against Shenendehowa. The Eagles are coming off a 41-29 loss to Shen and need a win to lock up a playoff berth.

Notable: The Eagles have been susceptible to the running game. Shenendehowa junior Suhayb Banks piled up 201 yards and four touchdowns against Bethlehem last week. The Eagles must contain the running skills of Ballston Spa quarterback Mark Seager.

What to expect: If Bethlehem is to prevail, it needs sustained …

COLLEGES WARM `CHILLY CLIMATE' FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE.(LIFE & LEISURE)

Byline: BROOKE A. MASTERS Washington Post

Worried that women continue to enter math and science careers at a much lower rate than men, colleges and universities across the country are starting and expanding programs to make these fields more hospitable and attractive to female students.

Special scholarships, mentoring programs and study groups abound, as schools across the country act on the premise that women will feel less like outsiders if they come into contact with other female scientists and engineers.

Some schools are clustering women in the same course section, even though that means that the other sections will be virtually all-male. Pennsylvania State University has set aside a freshman dormitory floor for female science majors, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook has tried assigning women to special study groups led by older female students.

Concern about the issue stems from the numbers. Although more women are entering undergraduate math and science programs than in previous years compared with men, they are still more likely to switch majors and less likely to go on to math and science graduate programs.

``It's not that we need more …

Williams Helps Blackhawks Top Wild 4-2

Jason Williams had a goal and an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks snapped the Minnesota Wild's three-game winning streak with a 4-2 victory Tuesday night.

Dustin Byfuglien, Duncan Keith and Craig Adams scored for Chicago, which got its eighth win in 11 games and first in Minnesota since March 29, 2002. The Blackhawks entered Tuesday six points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and take on conference foes Anaheim on Wednesday and San Jose on Friday.

Pavol Demitra and Stephane Veilleux had goals for Minnesota, which had won three straight after losing its previous four.

The Wild came out strong as Marian Gaborik stopped on a dime …

College calendar checklist.(List)

SEPTEMBER

[] Finalize the list of colleges you plan to apply to and review them with your guidance counselor. For more college information and advice, visit our website at www.careersandcolleges.com.

[] Collect application materials and keep careful track of all due dates.

[] Decide if you need to take or retake the SATI or ACT, and register!

OCTOBER

[] Start outlining application essay ideas.

[] Ask teachers, coaches, or others to write recommendations. Give them at least a month to write.

[] Visit any colleges you haven't seen already.

NOVEMBER

[] Complete a FAFSA4caster (www.fafsa.ed.gov) …