2006 Bahraini general election, Campaign
Al Wefaq was skillful in how it criticised the government, taking it to task over its track record in providing goods and services to Bahrainis rather than questioning its political legitimacy per se - for instance, in a televised debate on Bahrain TV, Ali Salman accused the administration of being 'lazy', and failing to meet its obligations in education and employment. This is a theme that Al Wefaq is likely to continue in parliament with Ali Salman promising, "If we find the necessary cooperation [from government], we will be highly positive. But if we find that the government or one of its ministers is stalling people's interests, then we will hold them responsible."


2006 Bahraini general election, Women candidates
A large number of women candidates contested the poll, with one female candidate, Lateefa Al Gaood, winning her seat by default even before polling began when her two opponents withdrew from the race. This made her the first woman to serve in an elected parliament in the Persian Gulf. Critics accused the government of engineering her victory because it wanted to see a woman win and they were aware that it was highly unlikely any woman would be elected in the voting.


2006 Bahraini general election, Women candidates
Several female candidates faced an orchestrated campaign of political abuse against them through text messages telling them to withdraw from the contest and one woman had her election marquee burnt to the ground. Women's organisations have been strongly criticised for not doing enough to support female candidates; liberal columnist Sawsan Al Sha'er commented, "We have seen business leaders, liberal thinkers and even foreign religious scholars move from one tent to the other to interact with constituents or deliver lectures. But we have not seen any women's organisation do or say anything throughout this month. We had high expectations because the elections are a golden opportunity for women to highlight their programmes and ambitions. But instead, we see that the women's societies have withdrawn into their shells."


2006 Bahraini general election, Women candidates
The Supreme Council for Women activist and co-author of the Arab Human Development Report, Dr Muneera Fakhro was standing for the Leftist National Democratic Action (of which she is Vice-President) in suburban Isa Town. The NDA along with the National Unity Bloc were the only two parties fielding female candidates; both parties have their origins in Bahrain's Marxist movement. However, all parties with the exception of salafist Asalah publicly stated that they do not object to women MPs. Asalah for its part said that its position reflected its "honesty" and inferred that opponents are being hypocritical.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
The domination of politics by religious parties has seen concerns raised by the business community that their voice will be marginalised. The agenda of both Al Wefaq and the Sunni Islamists has been portrayed by opponents as "statist", while there are concerns that the government may be tempted to buy off opponents in parliament through traditional clientelism by providing their supporters with jobs in the civil service, thus further bloating the public sector.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
Ironically, business representatives, being both liberal and anti-sectarian, tend to have most in common with parties on the Left of Bahrain's political spectrum, such as the National Democratic Action. Perhaps symbolically, the NDA's leader, Ibrahim Sharif, is a former banker. However, with Left-wing and liberal parties faring badly in the polls, business groups have been urged not to back specific parties and risk alienating opponents, but to lobby MPs after the election to ensure they understand businesses' concerns.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
The Leading Shia authority, Grand Ayatollah Al Sistani advised Bahraini Shi'a to participate in the poll, in a move similar to the edict received in 2002 by Salafist leader, Adel Al Mouawda, from Sunni religious authorities in Saudi Arabia that allowed him and other Sunnis to vote and run in the elections.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
Shia religious scholar Sheikh Isa Qassim has been urging voters to go to turn out in the polls. "Boycotting the elections would be a grave mistake," said the fatwa that the Shiite establishment. According to a poll in Al Wasat newspaper, 1.9% of voters will heed calls for a  boycott being made by a splinter group of Salafists and the Haq Movement. Turnout was thus expected to be "fairly high" according to a survey by Al Wasat, which predicts that it should be significantly up on 2002's 53% participation rate.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
Several individuals contesting the election had faced accused of links with international terrorism. In a bitter battle in Riffa, extremist Salafist, Jassim Al Saeedi, was being challenged from the Right by Muhejeudeen Mohmood Mohyeden, who claimed that the government branded him an Al Qaeda operative. Mr Mohyeden says that the allegations arose from his role as a volunteer fighting against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, but that instead of undermining his campaign the claims helped to raise his profile in the conservative constituency.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
Municipal candidate, Muhieddin Khan, (who is backed by the National Justice Movement) spent most of the election campaign before a Bahraini court charged with planning terror attacks. Mr Khan, along with three other alleged members of the cell, was only found not guilty on 20 November 2006, less than five days before the poll. After the verdict Mr Khan announced that he is suing the Bahraini government for BD700,000 for harassment.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
On the Shia Right, Al Amal is seen as the direct descendant of the group that plotted a coup d'état in Bahrain in 1981; the party's leaders only returned to public life in Bahrain after they returned from exile or were released from prison in 2001.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
The political campaign began in controversial circumstances in September 2006, with the Bandargate scandal, in which it was alleged that a secret organization of government officials were planning to rig the elections to marginalize the Shia community. Under the plan, an alleged secret organization set up a slush fund to finance candidates sympathetic to the government, with sums of hundreds of dinars given to several candidates in order to lessen the number of seats won by Al Wefaq. The plot led to crisis talks between King Hamad and the leaders of Bahrain's political parties, as well as senior clerics, such as Sheikh Isa Qassim. After being given assurances from the King, opposition groups announced that they would continue to participate in the poll.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
Subsequently, poll monitors, the Bahrain Transparency Society, registered 79 violations ranging from oversized banners and posters, out-of-place billboards, attacks on the character of contenders, dissemination of lies and rumours, anti-women calls and the use of mosques to promote candidates. Opponents of prominent Leftist candidate, Dr Munira Fakhro, have sought to use text messaging to try to portray her as anti-religious, receiving backing from by both the government and Al Wefaq, and drawn attention to her personal wealth. Dr Fakhro dismissed the attacks: "To say that only a poor person can feel with the poor is ludicrous and illogical."


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
The only member of the royal family to contest the elections, Sheikh Salman bin Saqer Al-Khalifa, has alleged that his opponent in Riffa, Khalifa Al Dhahrani, has the backing of a Kuwaiti tribe which should not be allowed to vote under the electoral rules but will be casting their votes for Mr Al Dhahrani.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
The Haq Movement has led a call for a boycott of the 2006 elections arguing that it is unconstitutional under the 1976 constitution, that the electoral districts have been heavily gerrymandered to favor the desires of the Al Khalifa royal family, and that mass illegal political naturalization has taken place.


2006 Bahraini general election, Controversy
On 16 November 2006, two activists for the Haq Movement, Dr. Mohammed Saeed and Hussain Abdelrazaq Alhabashi, were arrested by Bahraini police for distributing material urging Bahraini to boycott the November 25 elections.


2006 Bahraini general election, Opinion polls
There are also concerns that domination of parliament by Islamists from two different sects arguing contentious issues in the chamber may further encourage sectarianism. Bahrain's leading salafist politician, Sheikh Adel Al Mouwdah, has sought to play down the fears and welcomed the prospect of working with Al Wefaq and other Shia Islamists, seeing opportunities for cooperation, saying "I would rather have Islamists from both Sunni and Shiite sects than liberal deputies who do not uphold Islamic values."


2006 Bahraini general election, Opinion polls
Government officials have sought to downplay concerns that the Islamist victory will have negative implications for personal freedoms in the Kingdom. Government spokeswoman, Ahdeya Ahmed, said that the several Islamists represented in the previous parliament had not managed to pass legislation to segregate Bahrain University or introduce 'Vice and Virtue' police, and neither had Shia and Sunni Islamists working together on municipal councils sought to target people's rights.


2006 Bahraini general election, Opinion polls
Almost immediately after Ms Ahmed made her comments, new Al Wefaq MP, Sayed Abdulla Al A'ali, announced that he wanted to see legislation introduced to restrict employment opportunities for women to prevent them entering 'male orientated jobs'. While the government has reacted to the sweeping Islamist victory by announcing a clamp on alcohol sales in residential areas.


2006 Ball State Cardinals football team
The 2006 Ball State Cardinals football team competed in football on behalf of the Ball State University during the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by head coach Brady Hoke.


2006 Ballon d'Or
The 2006 Ballon d'Or, given to the best football player in Europe as judged by a panel of sports journalists from UEFA member countries, was awarded to the Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro on 27 November 2006. On 16 October 2006, was announced the shortlist of 50 male players compiled by a group of experts from France Football.


2006 Ballon d'Or
There were 52 voters, from Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and Wales. Each picked a first (5pts), second (4pts), third (3pts), fourth (2pts) and  fifth choice (1pt).


2006 Ballon d'Or
Fabio Cannavaro is the last defender to have won the award.


2006 Ballon d'Or, 2006 Ballon d'Or Rankings, Non-voted players
The following 24 men were originally in contention for the 2006 Ballon d’Or, but did not receive any votes:


2006 Baltimore Orioles season
The 2006 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 4th in the American League East with a record of 70 wins and 92 losses.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Offseason, Front office changes
Following the disappointing 2005 season, it was clear major changes needed to be made within the Orioles. In the front office, Executive VP Jim Beattie was not re-signed, allowing Mike Flanagan to become the sole GM of the Orioles. Shortly after, Jim Duquette was hired as Vice President of Baseball Operations, which was Flanagan's previous position. Duquette made it clear at his signing that he reported to Flanagan, so the "two-headed GM" did not exist anymore. The Orioles also fired Assistant General Manager Ed Kenney and asked for the resignation of Dave Ritterpusch, Director of Baseball Information Systems.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Offseason, Coaching staff changes
There were also drastic changes in the Orioles coaching staff. Perlozzo was named the new manager, and unlike Mazzilli, was given full freedom to name his coaching staff. Sam Perlozzo led off strong by convincing Atlanta pitching coach Leo Mazzone, who had revolutionized the careers of many pitchers in Atlanta, to become the pitching coach for the Orioles. He retained hitting coach Terry Crowley and first base coach Dave Cash. Former base coach and 1983 World Series MVP Rick Dempsey replaced Elrod Hendricks as the bullpen coach, with Tom Trebelhorn resuming third base coach. Perlozzo rounded out his staff with former Cubs and Phillies manager Lee Elia as the bench coach.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Offseason, Roster changes
The roster changes of 2005 were prefaced with Peter Angelos' comments: "We are coming back strong next year. I know you have heard that tune before, but this time it will literally come true." The Orioles allowed Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa, and B.J. Surhoff to become free agents. They also set their wishlist: An everyday first baseman, an experienced starter, a closer, a defensive catcher, outfield help, more defense, and more speed. However, their offseason moves showed no differences from past years.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Offseason, Roster changes
The Orioles were not able to re-sign closer B. J. Ryan, who signed a landmark deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. They were also locked out in bids to sign first baseman Paul Konerko, outfielder Johnny Damon, and starter Paul Byrd. The Orioles chose not to enter the bidding for players like A. J. Burnett and Kevin Millwood, whose asking prices were far beyond what the Orioles were willing to pay, but they did sign catcher Ramón Hernández.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Offseason, Roster changes
Locked out of pursuits to sign top-tier players, the Orioles decided to make several moves to allow minor league prospects more time to develop. This led to bringing in players like Jeff Conine and Kevin Millar, both of whom are known for their positive presence in the clubhouse. On February 4, 2006, Ricky Bottalico was signed as a Free Agent with the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles also made several trades to bring in needed players.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Offseason, Roster changes
They first traded disgruntled reliever Steve Kline for LaTroy Hawkins, then traded for outfielder Corey Patterson, who brought speed and defense to the outfield, and traded former closer Jorge Julio and John Maine for experienced starter Kris Benson. The Orioles also addressed future free agents by extending the contract of outfielder Jay Gibbons and third baseman Melvin Mora, and recently signed a contract extension with second baseman Brian Roberts. The team's Opening Day roster featured top prospect Nick Markakis, a potential A.L. "Rookie of the Year", the best young position player the Orioles' farm system has produced since Brian Roberts. Markakis represents the revival of the Orioles' farm system, which features four players listed in Baseball America's 2006 list of the top 100 prospects in minor league baseball.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Regular season, Beltway Series
During spring training in 2006, the Nationals and Orioles played each other in Washington on March 31 and in Baltimore on April 1. The first match up of the Beltway Series rivalry took place on May 19, 2006 during the 2006 regular season, the Orioles won at RFK Stadium. This marked first time in 35 years that the Orioles played a regular-season game in Washington, as they played the Washington Senators, another team in the American League annually from 1954 to 1960. The Orioles continued that rivalry with the new Washington Senators from 1961 to 1971.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Regular season, Beltway Series
The two teams split the season series 3–3 with each time winning two games at home and one on the road.


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Player stats, Batting, Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In


2006 Baltimore Orioles season, Player stats, Batting, Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In


2006 Baltimore Ravens season
The 2006 Baltimore Ravens season was the franchise's 11th season in the National Football League,  it would begin with the team trying to improve on their 6–10 record in 2005. The Ravens, for the first time in franchise history, started 4–0. The Ravens ended the regular season with a then-franchise record thirteen wins that stood until 2019 where they won fourteen games. The Ravens clinched the AFC North title and a 1st-round playoff bye. Their season ended with a tough loss to the eventual Super Bowl XLI champions Indianapolis Colts 15–6 in the divisional round. As of 2020, this remains the greatest-single season turnaround for the Ravens.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
In the 2006 offseason, the Baltimore Ravens were in negotiations to try to obtain veteran quarterback Steve McNair from the Tennessee Titans. On Sunday, April 30, 2006, the Titans allowed McNair to speak with the Ravens and on May 1, 2006, the Baltimore Sun stated that the Baltimore Ravens had been waiting for McNair to be released by the Titans since it was the free agency period. The deal was completed in June 2006.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
McNair and the Ravens agreed to an $11 million signing bonus on May 5, 2006.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
On June 7, 2006, the Ravens and Titans agreed to trade a 4th round pick in the 2007 draft for McNair, pending a physical.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
Steve McNair brought a calm leadership presence to the quarterback role that had been absent from the franchise since its inception. The critical issue in the 2006 season remained whether McNair would hearken back to his Pro Bowl performance days or whether the cumulative effect of injuries would continue to hamper his performance.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
During the 2006 NFL Draft the Ravens acquired future star defensive tackle Haloti Ngata as well as safety Dawan Landry and punter Sam Koch.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
During free agency, the Ravens also picked up former Denver Broncos RB Mike Anderson, who in 2005 posted a 1,000-yard plus season. He was expected to back up Jamal Lewis and to be insurance if Lewis posted stats similar to 2005. The Ravens also acquired DE Trevor Pryce of the Denver Broncos who would prove a strong addition the Ravens defensive line, which had some pressuring problems the previous season.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Offseason
The Ravens also changed flagship radio stations, from WQSR "Jack FM" to WBAL 1090AM and WIYY "98 Rock." The announcing team was not retained; Scott Garceau now co-hosts an "uncensored" pro football discussion program, with former Baltimore Colt Tom Matte, simulcast on WHFS "Free FM" and WJZ, ESPN Radio 1300AM.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Schedule, Regular season
Apart from their AFC North division games, the Ravens played against the AFC West and NFC South according to the conference rotation, and played the Titans and Bills based on 2005 divisional positions.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida TV Time: CBS 1:00 pm eastern


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Ravens opened the regular season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 10. In QB Steve McNair’s inaugural start as a Raven, the team gave a dominating performance. RB Jamal Lewis got the team's first points as he ran into the endzone on a four-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter. Then, in the second quarter, CB Chris McAlister intercepted a pass from Tampa Bay QB Chris Simms and ran 60 yards for another touchdown.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rookie Haloti Ngata recorded his first career interception and also returned for 60 yards to set up kicker Matt Stover with a 20-yard field goal to put the Ravens up 17–0 at halftime. Baltimore continued to suppress Tampa Bay in the second half, as Stover kicked a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter to put Baltimore up 20–0. In the fourth quarter, McNair put the game away with a 4-yard pass to TE Daniel Wilcox.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While the Ravens offense had a very good start to the 2006 season, the defense also showed much promise, as they forced Simms into throwing three interceptions and limited star RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams to just 22 yards on eight carries. For his efforts in this game Ray Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 tackles and a sack. With the win, the Ravens were 1–0 and 1–0 against NFC Opponents.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland TV Time: CBS 1:00 pm eastern


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders
The Ravens opened Week 2 with a home-opener against the visiting Oakland Raiders. From the get-go, the Ravens dominated the game. The Ravens forced two fumbles by Oakland QB Aaron Brooks in the first quarter which led to two of Baltimore kicker's Matt Stover three field goals (25, 33, and 37-yarders). The Raiders would get on the board in the second quarter with a 34-yard field goal by opposing Sebastian Janikowski, but Baltimore would respond with QB Steve McNair completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to TE Todd Heap.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders
In the third quarter, the only score of the period would be LB Adalius Thomas sacking QB Andrew Walter in the end zone for a safety. In the fourth quarter, Stover increased the Ravens' lead with a 23-yard field goal. Even though Oakland would get three points on Janikowski's 51-yard FG, Baltimore RB Mike Anderson put the game away on a 34-yard TD run. With another win, the Ravens advanced to 2–0.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 3: at Cleveland Browns
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio TV Time: CBS 4:05 pm eastern


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 3: at Cleveland Browns
The Ravens traveled to Cleveland, Ohio for an AFC North match-up with the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens struck first with kicker Matt Stover getting a 32-yard field goal. However, in the second quarter, their small lead was wiped out, as WR Braylon Edwards caught a 58-yard TD pass and QB Charlie Frye got a one-yard TD run. In the third quarter, both sides stiffened their defenses and prevented each other from scoring. In the fourth quarter, down by 2 points, McNair drove down the field to set Stover up for a 52-yard field goal.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 3: at Cleveland Browns
With 0:29 left in the 4th quarter the field goal provided the winning points. Steve McNair passed for 264 yards. He threw no interceptions and completed 23 passes out of 41. Jamal Lewis rushed for 86 yards. The leading receiver was Derrick Mason with 7 completions for 132 yards. The defense sacked Brown's quarterback Charlie Frye seven times. The defense also had one forced fumble and an interception. With their third straight win, the Ravens advanced to 3–0.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 4: vs. San Diego Chargers
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland TV Time: CBS 1:00 pm eastern


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 4: vs. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers visited Baltimore for the first time since 2000. The Chargers led down the field first with a 31-yard touchdown pass to WR Malcom Floyd. However, this was followed two drives later by an interception by OLB Bart Scott (who was named September's Defensive Player of the Month recently before the game), which led to a 5-yard touchdown pass from QB Steve McNair to TE Daniel Wilcox. In the second quarter, 2 Chargers field goals from kicker Nate Kaeding put San Diego in the lead at the half.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 4: vs. San Diego Chargers
In the third quarter, the Ravens' defense held the Chargers to no points. They were assisted by a loud stadium, which led to a fourth quarter intentional safety by Chargers punter Mike Scifres. The Ravens took the ball at the 40-yard line with 3:12 to go. After Derrick Mason dropped a possible touchdown pass early in the drive, a 10-yard pass to TE Todd Heap won the game with 30 seconds to play. On the touchdown catch, Heap broke a tackle from Shawne Merriman. With the win, the Ravens were 4–0 for the first time in their 11-year history. However, Guard Edwin Mulitalo was injured for the entire season with a triceps injury.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 5: at Denver Broncos
at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado TV Time: ESPN 8:30 pm eastern


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 5: at Denver Broncos
The Ravens suffered their first loss of the season as they were beaten 13–3 by the Denver Broncos. In a defensive struggle most of the game, Steve McNair was intercepted three times and Jamal Lewis was held to 43 yards rushing.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 5: at Denver Broncos
The Ravens got on the board first when Matt Stover kicked a 24-yard field goal, following a fumble by Broncos RB Tatum Bell. The Broncos responded with a 43-yard field goal of their own by Jason Elam. The Ravens drove deep into Broncos territory late at the end of the first half, but that drive was thwarted as Steve McNair was intercepted by Champ Bailey in the end zone on a pass intended for Clarence Moore. The third quarter saw no points scored by either team as the defensive struggle continued.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 5: at Denver Broncos
The Broncos controlled the clock in the second half with the running game led by Tatum Bell, who atoned for his fumble in the first quarter, by bouncing back with 92 yards rushing. Ravens QB McNair was intercepted again by Darrent Williams, which led to a Jake Plummer to Rod Smith touchdown pass. McNair was intercepted a third time, ending the Ravens' final drive, this time by Domonique Foxworth. With their first loss, the Ravens dropped to 4–1.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers
The Ravens lost their second straight game in a contest with the Carolina Panthers.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers got on the board first with a 21-yard field goal by kicker John Kasay. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was knocked out in the first quarter with a concussion, and backup Kyle Boller took over, connecting on a touchdown pass with Mark Clayton, on a pass intended for Derrick Mason that was tipped to Clayton. The Panthers responded when Drew Carter caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme, and Kasay kicked another field goal, this time from 31 yards. The Panthers went into halftime with a 13–7 lead.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers
The third quarter was scoreless, and midway through the fourth quarter, Panthers kicker Kasay kicked his third field goal of the day from 21 yards out. Ravens wide receiver Clayton caught his second touchdown pass from Boller, again on a tipped pass, bringing the score to 16–14 Carolina. Panthers quarterback Delhomme continued his career day, this time throwing a 72-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Steve Smith. Delhomme threw for a career-high 365 yards. Ravens tight end Todd Heap caught a 7-yard pass from Boller in the final minutes, but it wasn't enough as the Panthers extended their current winning streak to four games. The loss dropped the Ravens to 4–2, and 1–1 against NFC Opponents.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 7: Bye week
On Tuesday, October 17, 2006, it was reported that Ravens head coach Brian Billick fired offensive coordinator Jim Fassel and that he had taken over Fassel's job of offensive coordinator. Also with the Bengals’ loss this week the Ravens were also able to take the lead of the AFC North.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
In Steve McNair's return from a strained neck and concussion last week, he dominated while running for one touchdown and threw for 2. The Baltimore Ravens snapped a 2-game losing streak with this 35–22 win October 29, 2006. The Ravens defense was excellent as well. They had four interceptions, two for touchdowns by Ronnie Prude and Dawan Landry, and a fumble recovery. Bart Scott knocked Reggie Bush out of the game with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. This was the first game the New Orleans Saints have lost in the Louisiana Superdome since the stadium reopened for the 2006 season.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
First quarter consisted of a five-yard quarterback draw by Steve McNair which made the score 7–0. Early in the second quarter, Clarence Moore caught a short four-yard pass in the endzone to make it 14–0. About 6 minutes later, Ronnie Prude intercepted Drew Brees for a 12-yard interception return. Later on, Drew Brees passed to Joe Horn for a 32-yard touchdown pass to make it 21–7. Late in the second quarter tight end Todd Heap was passed a ball that was another Baltimore touchdown to make it 28–7 at halftime.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
In the third quarter Dawan Landry intercepted Drew Brees for 12 yards for another Baltimore score to make it 35–7 Baltimore. In the fourth quarter, Drew Brees passed to Marques Colston for a 47-yard touchdown to make it 35–14. Then Drew Brees passed to Marques Colston for a 25-yard touchdown catch. A 2-point conversion was made to make it 35–22. New Orleans went for an onside kick but it failed so the Baltimore Ravens won by the score of 35–22. With the win, the Ravens advanced to 5–2 and 2–1 against NFC Opponents.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
Jamal Lewis ran for 109 yards on 31 attempts. Steve McNair ran for 23 yards on 5 carries and completed 17 passes out of 23 for 159 yards.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 9: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Riding high from their road win over the Saints, the Ravens returned home for an AFC North showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first quarter, RB Jamal Lewis got a touchdown on a 2-yard run. Afterwards, the defense did some stepping up, as CB Samari Rolle got an interception at the Bengals 49-yard line. He ran 24 yards and then lateraled the ball to Free Safety Ed Reed who returned it the remaining 25 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, kicker Matt Stover kicked a 43-yard field goal to give Baltimore a dominating lead.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 9: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals would finally score, as QB Carson Palmer completed a 26-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh. In the third quarter, Stover helped the Ravens increase their lead with two more field goals (a 25-yarder and a 36-yarder). Cincinnati would have kicker Shayne Graham nail a 51-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Bengals drew closer, as RB Rudi Johnson got a 4-yard TD run. Stover would give Baltimore one more field goal, which came from 35 yards out. Even though Cincinnati would get a 31-yard field goal from Graham, the Ravens held on to win and improve to 6–2.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 9: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Jeremi Johnson runs the ball, Ray Lewis misses tackling him


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 10: at Tennessee Titans
For this road game of former AFC Central rivals, QB Steve McNair would go up against his successor and his former team, QB Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans. In the first quarter, the Titans struck first with kicker Rob Bironas nailing a 21-yard field goal. The Ravens would respond with McNair completing a 65-yard TD pass to WR Mark Clayton. However, Tennessee started showing signs of an upset, as Young got a 2-yard TD run, while DE Tony Brown got to McNair in the endzone for a safety.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 10: at Tennessee Titans
In the second quarter, the Titans continued their dominance with TE Bo Scaife getting a 13-yard TD run and RB Travis Henry getting a 1-yard TD. Afterwards, Baltimore responded with McNair completing a 30-yard TD pass to FB Ovie Mughelli, along with kicker Matt Stover ending the half with a 27-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Stover completed a 40-yard field goal and McNair completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason to take the lead. The Ravens ended any chance of a Titans upset by blocking a game-winning field goal attempt as time expired. With the win, they improved to 7–2.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Kicker Matt Stover lost his consecutive field goals-made streak, yet the Ravens were able to beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons 24–10. Using the kick/punt returns by returner B.J. Sams, the Ravens rallied in the second half to win. After being scoreless in the first half, RB Jamal Lewis finished with a 91-yard, 3-TD performance, ending his 35-game multi-TD drought. QB Steve McNair completed 24 out of 34 passes for 236 yards. The leading receiver was Mark Clayton, who had 5 receptions for 89 yards. With the win, the Ravens improved to 8–2.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Ravens collected their second shutout of the season against the Steelers. The defense set a new team record by collecting 9 sacks against the strong Pittsburgh Steelers offense. Todd Heap and Steve McNair hooked up to score the first touchdown of the game in the 1st quarter. Jamal Lewis rushed for the second touchdown in the second quarter. Adalius Thomas returned a fumble by Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The 27-point margin of victory was the Ravens’ largest against the Steelers to this point (since surpassed on September 11, 2011, when the Ravens won 35–7), and the second shutout recorded against the Steelers this season. After being sidelined for 2 games, Ray Lewis returned to the lineup and recorded one of the 9 sacks. With the win, the Ravens improved to 9–2.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off of their dominant home win over the Steelers, the Ravens flew to Paul Brown Stadium for an AFC North rematch with the Cincinnati Bengals, trying to win the division and a playoff berth on this Thursday Night fight. After a scoreless first quarter, the Ravens trailed early as Bengals kicker Shayne Graham kicked a 23-yard and a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, things went from bad to worse for Baltimore as QB Carson Palmer completed a 40-yard flea-flicker TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens valiantly tried to fight back, as QB Steve McNair completed a 36-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason. However, a failed onside kick spelled Baltimore's doom. With the loss, the Ravens fell to 9–3.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 14: at Kansas City Chiefs
After a Thursday night loss at Cincinnati, the Ravens got an extra 3 days of rest before they traveled to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, beating the Chiefs 20–10. This was Kansas City's first loss at home in December since the 1996 season when they fell victim to the Colts. Ravens quarterback Steve McNair threw for 283 yards and an 89-yard touchdown pass to receiver WR Mark Clayton, McNair's longest career touchdown pass. Other Baltimore scores included a 1-yard touchdown run by RB Jamal Lewis and two Matt Stover field goals.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 14: at Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs quarterback Trent Green threw two interceptions, both to Baltimore safety Ed Reed, and one touchdown pass to Dante Hall. LB Terrell Suggs also forced a fumble, the 16th of his career making him the Ravens all-time leader in that stat. With this game, the Ravens improved to 10–3, sharing the second best record in the NFL, one game behind the San Diego Chargers. This would be the Ravens' first win against the Chiefs in franchise history.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns
The Ravens beat Cleveland 27–17 in an AFC North Division match up. Baltimore's quarterback, Steve McNair, sustained an injury on his right throwing hand, and backup Kyle Boller came off the bench in the first quarter. Boller showed flashes of excellence at times, throwing two vital touchdown passes and setting up a Matt Stover field goal. Jamal Lewis also had a rushing touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens improved to an 11–3 record, clinching their first playoff appearance since the 2003 season. In addition, with a Cincinnati loss on Monday Night Football, the Ravens clinched the AFC North Division Title.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Ravens beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–7 for the second time this season. and improved to a 12–3 record, moving up to the #2 AFC playoff seed with a Colts loss during Week 16 against the Texans. The Ravens defense held Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker to just thirty yards rushing and sacked Ben Roethlisberger five times. On offense Steve McNair threw three TD passes and was 21/31 for 256 yards with 2 interceptions. RB Jamal Lewis added 77 yards and a touchdown, and Matt Stover delivered a 26-yd field goal.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This was the Ravens first win at Heinz Field since 2001. It was also the first time the Baltimore Ravens swept the season series against the Steelers in franchise history. The Ravens also tied their franchise record for wins in a season at 12 while improving to 12–3. They had last won 12 games during the 2000 season, after which they went on to win Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Regular season, Week 17: vs. Buffalo Bills
The Ravens beat the Buffalo Bills to end the season with a 13–3 record, clinch the #2 AFC playoff seed and clinch the first-round bye. Matt Stover kicked a 26-yard FG in the 1st quarter, a 37-yard FG in the 2nd quarter, and a 39-yard FG in the 3rd quarter. The Ravens almost shut out Buffalo, but Lee Evans caught a 44-yard TD pass from J. P. Losman midway through the 3rd quarter. The Ravens came back by recording an interception and a 31-yard interception return and TD by Chris McAlister. The Ravens ended the game in the 4th quarter by a 28-yard FG by Matt Stover.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Postseason, AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Coming off their bye week, the second-seeded Ravens began their playoff hunt at home against the third-seeded Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, Baltimore trailed early with kicker Adam Vinatieri getting a 23-yard and a 42-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Ravens managed to score as kicker Matt Stover nailed a 40-yard field goal, yet Vinatieri would respond with a 51-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Colts improved on its small lead with Vinatieri getting a 48-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore would manage to get a 51-yard field goal, yet Vinatieri helped the Colts get the win with a 35-yard field goal.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Postseason, AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. Indianapolis Colts
QB Steve McNair was 18 of 29 for 173 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Overall, the Ravens lost four turnovers during the game.


2006 Baltimore Ravens season, Game summaries, Postseason, AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. Indianapolis Colts
With the loss, Baltimore ended its season with an overall record of 13–4.


2006 Bandy World Championship
The 2006 Bandy World Championship was held in Sweden 28 January-5 February. There were men's national teams from 12 countries participating in the 2006 tournament: Belarus, Finland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Russia, Sweden (group A) and Canada, Estonia, Hungary, Mongolia, the Netherlands, the United States (group B).


2006 Bandy World Championship, Bidding
In February 2004, Hälsingland expressed its interest for hosting the tournament, with the final game intended to be played inside the Edsbyn Arena to avoid being affected by weather conditions.


2006 Bandy World Championship, Bidding
Dalarna, Göteborg, Stockholm and Västerås also expressed their interests for hosting. On 27 November 2004, the Swedish Bandy Association announced that the tournament would be played either in Dalarna or in Stockholm. On 14 January 2005, it was announced that Stockholm would host the tournament.


2006 Bandy World Championship, Group B
Were played in Ekvallen in Gustavsberg, a bit outside Stockholm


2006 Bangkok International Film Festival
The 2006 Bangkok International Film Festival was held from February 17 to February 27. The festival's events were held in the newly opened Siam Paragon, the first time all the festival's screenings, sidebar events, activities and film market were gathered under one roof.


2006 Bangkok International Film Festival
The festival opened with the Asian premiere of Pen-Ek Ratanaruang's Invisible Waves. The closing film was Rent by Chris Columbus.


2006 Bangkok International Film Festival
Celebrity highlights included director Terry Gilliam giving a master class, actor Christopher Lee giving a talk and introducing a screening of The Man with the Golden Gun, as well as appearances by Catherine Deneuve, Willem Dafoe, Tadanobu Asano, Rita Moreno, Rufus Sewell, director Oliver Stone and cinematographer Christopher Doyle.


2006 Bangkok International Film Festival, Controversy
Ahead of the 2006 festival, Somsak Techaratanaprasert, the president of the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, called for a boycott of the festival by group members, because festival organizers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, had not included Federation in the film-selection process and marketing plans for the festival, as it had in past years. Member film studios Five Star Production, GTH and RS Promotion did not agree with the boycott, which led to Somsak, also the chief executive of Sahamongkol Film International, to resign as chairman of the Federation. But as a result of the boycott, some films produced or distributed by Sahamongkol were pulled from the festival program.


2006 Bangkok bombings
The 2006 Bangkok bombings occurred on 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2007, during New Year's Eve festivities in Bangkok, Thailand. Four explosions went off almost simultaneously in different parts of the city at around 18:00 local time (11:00 UTC), followed by several more explosions within the next 90 minutes. Two explosions also occurred after midnight. In total, eight explosions were reported during the night.


2006 Bangkok bombings
As of 1 January 2007, three people were confirmed dead and more than 38 injured. One additional bomb exploded inside a cinema, but went unreported until the next day due to fears of negative publicity. The next morning, a bomb exploded in a mosque in Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand. Authorities ordered all public New Year's Eve events cancelled, including the countdown at the CentralWorld shopping center and the alms-giving at Sanam Luang.


2006 Bangkok bombings
Chiang Mai police claimed the Chiang Mai mosque's janitor confessed to making that bomb, and a man was arrested in Bangkok for carrying an explosive device. However, no one has ever claimed responsibility for the Bangkok bombings. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont blamed the "old power clique" as the group responsible for the bombings, referring to the deposed government of Thaksin Shinawatra as well as all those who had lost political power due to the 2006 military coup. Both the Thai Rak Thai party and deposed Premier Thaksin Shinawatra denied involvement. Surayud later backtracked and admitted that his claim that Thaksin-allies were responsible "was just an intelligence analysis" and was based on no solid evidence or information.


2006 Bangkok bombings
The initials "IRK" were found written in marker in four places at three bomb sites. The IRK is an Afghanistan-trained urban guerrilla terrorism unit. Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya shrugged off suggestions that those responsible were Muslim terrorists. A meeting between Premier Surayud Chulanont and various security and intelligence agencies on the evening of 31 December failed to officially identify those for the attacks.


2006 Bangkok bombings
On 1 January, Surayud announced that although the bombs had similar designs to those used by insurgents in Thailand's Muslim-dominated Southern provinces, closer inspection indicated no link, saying "I don't think they would come here as they could get lost in Bangkok." Police arrested more than a dozen individuals, including several military officers, on suspicion  of being involved in the bombings. Junta-leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, himself a Muslim, claimed all of the military officers were innocent.


2006 Bangkok bombings
A police investigation later determined that southern separatists were actually behind the bombings. Detonation circuits and other materials used to make the bombs were identical to those used by the Islamic insurgents. However, the junta downplayed the role of the southern separatists, claiming they had been hired by people connected to the political turmoil in Bangkok.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Bombings
Six explosive charges went off almost simultaneously in the early evening in Bangkok, killing three and injuring 38, as Thais were about to start celebrating New Year's Eve.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Bombings
Because of the attacks, the large New Year's celebrations at CentralWorld and Sanam Luang were cancelled. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin led a New Year "countdown" more than three hours early at the CentralWorld party, then told everyone to return home.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Bombings
Two more bombs exploded shortly after midnight, both near CentralWorld. Those injured included two Thais and six tourists: two English, one Irish, and three Serbs.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Casualties
The wave of bombings claimed the lives of three people, all Thai nationals. Songkran Kanchana, 36, and Ekkachai Ruangpoom, 26, were both fatally injured at the Victory Monument bus stop, while Suvichai Nak-iam, 61, was killed in the Khlong Toei bombing.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Casualties
A total of 38 people were injured, including eight foreigners: two British, three Hungarians, two Serbs, and an American.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Forensic evidence
Police General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj claimed that all eight bombs were placed in 3x5-inch boxes and detonated by digital alarm clock. Traces of M4 high explosive booster were found in all of the bombs. Other military ordnance sources claimed the bombs were all ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO)/M4 bombs. This would make the bombs the same type as had been found in a car outside Thaksin Shinawatra's residence in August 2006.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Forensic evidence
The police were criticised for barring Central Institute of Forensic Science acting director Pornthip Rojanasunand from collecting evidence at a bombing site in Pratunam. Pornthip called the police unprofessional because they mainly focused on the type of bomb that was used, rather than the identity of the bombers, and let city cleaners sweep up the site before the collection of evidence was completed.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Forensic evidence
Prime Minister Surayud ruled out involvement of Southern insurgents. He claimed that forensic reports showed that the bombs were assembled "to look like those used by the Southern insurgents" but that detailed examination of the explosions and modus operandi indicated no link.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Forewarning
Authorities had earlier warned of an escalation of the South Thailand insurgency during the New Year holiday.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Forewarning
According to the Thai-language daily Thai Rath, Thai Military Intelligence and the Special Branch received reports that there would be bombs in up to 30 locations in Bangkok and surrounding areas, especially popular shopping malls such as Siam Paragon, The Mall Bang Kapi, and Seacon Square.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas
No one ever claimed responsibility for the bombings, and both the Thai Rak Thai Party and deposed Premier Thaksin Shinawatra insisted they were innocent. In the absence of concrete public evidence, theories abounded about those most likely behind the attacks.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas
The initials "IRK" were found written in four places at three bomb sites: a pillar near a bus stop at Victory Monument, a phone booth near Gaysorn shopping mall opposite CentralWorld, a phone booth near Pratunam Pier, and a phone booth near BigC Ratchadamri. The IRK is an Afghanistan-trained urban guerrilla terrorism unit. However, Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya shrugged off suggestions that those responsible were foreign militants. Senior junta leadership agreed that Muslim terrorists were not involved, and that the initials were meant to implicate the IRK. Police claimed the IRK graffiti was done by teenage gangs to frighten the public.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas
Junta-leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin claimed he was "more than 100% certain" that the bombings were not perpetrated by southern insurgents and that even in the south, it was "no longer easy to perpetrate attacks". He said the bombings were done by people very well acquainted with the city, and added that even his own soldiers sometimes got lost in Bangkok. He insisted that it was "impossible" that the bombings had been prepared months in advance.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas
Experts from the Department of Special Investigation noted the technique used was similar to that in the bombing of a Bangkok Bank branch in Amphoe Betong, Yala Province in 2006, where Casio digital watches were used as timers. Stainless steel back covers of 200 and 201 series Casio watches were found at the Bangkok bomb sites.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
Members of the ruling junta attributed the bombings to various groups. The day after the bombings, government security sources blamed the "old power clique," a presumed reference to members of the government of deposed Premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Other security sources suggested the bombings might provide a reason for the junta to seize Thaksin's sizeable personal assets. The Thai Rak Thai party denied involvement and warned the junta not to blame them without facts.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
Anti - Thaksin newspaper editor Sondhi Limthongkul said he believed the bombings were conducted by "undercurrents", supporters of the deposed government of Thaksin Shinawatra, who wanted to discredit the junta. He gave no evidence.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
A meeting between Premier Surayud Chulanont and various security and intelligence agencies late on the night of 31 December failed to identify anyone as behind the attacks.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
The next day, however, Surayud announced the bombings had nothing to do with the southern insurgency, since "I don't think they would come here as they could get lost in Bangkok." He claimed that the "old power clique" was the mastermind. "Based on the government's information and intelligence agencies, it was the work of people who lost power, but I cannot clearly say which group was behind it," he said. He claimed he was not referring only to the deposed government of Thaksin Shinawatra, but to all those who had lost political power due to the coup.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
Surayud later admitted that his claim that Thaksin allies were responsible "was just an intelligence analysis" and not based on solid evidence or information.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
Junta vice-chairman Saprang Kalayanamitr charged, "The evidence and intelligence information proves that the bombs were the dirty work of politicians who lost power and benefits. Some bad soldiers loyal to the bad politicians collaborated with them with the intention to topple this government." He claimed, "the bandits and terrorist groups in southern Thailand had no links or connections to the bombs in Bangkok." Saprang was harshly criticised by Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, a former military officer who was a member of the deposed Thai Rak Thai government. Chavalit dared Saprang to arrest all those behind the bombing.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
"Saprang Kalayanamitr claimed he already had pertinent information on the bombing, but he failed to take any action. This is gross incompetence," Chavalit said. He said the Council for National Security should examine among its ranks if it truly wanted to solve the case, alluding to speculation that the military had staged the bombing to justify its grab for power.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, "Old power clique"
A public opinion poll conducted by ABAC revealed that a majority of Bangkokians did not believe the junta's claim that the deposed government was behind the bombings. Just 11% said that they had "full confidence" that the government could handle the crisis.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, Conflicts within the junta
A widely circulated theory posited that the Council for National Security itself planted the bombs to strengthen its own hand and discredit Thaksin, who remained highly popular with the public. Junta leader Sonthi denied the rumours on television, saying "I have risked myself to do what the people wished. Why should I do that? I love my people, and my country."


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, Conflicts within the junta
Conflict between junta assistant secretary General Saprang Kalayamitr and First Army Region commander and Lt General Prayuth Chan-ocha were cited as a possible causes of the bombings and the coup rumours. Both men were potential heirs to the leadership of the junta after Sonthi Boonyaratglin would retire in September 2007.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, Jemaah Islamiyah or southern insurgents
Some Thai intelligence officials have stated that they now believe the attacks were orchestrated and carried out by a combined effort between Jemaah Islamiyah and the Patani United Liberation Organisation, contradicting initial announcements by the interim government that the attacks were not likely to have been related to the Southern insurgency. There is a 1,000,000 baht ($35,700 US$) bounty for the arrest of Lohmueli Yusoh (alias Rusdi Pohseng), thought to be the leader of the attack.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Responsibility, Urban guerrillas, Jemaah Islamiyah or southern insurgents
Later forensic investigations strengthened the theory that the Bangkok bombs were made using the same signature bomb-building techniques and materials as bombs used by southern insurgents.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Further bombings, 1 January 2007 bombing
At 8.45 am on 1 January 2007, a motorcycle rider threw an improvised bomb into a mosque in Chang Klan Road in Chiang Mai, injuring four people, including the Burmese janitor, Nasis Ahamad. Nasis said a grenade had been lobbed in, but an army bomb expert said the blast was caused by the premature explosion of a bomb being built by the mosque janitor.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Further bombings, 1 January 2007 bombing
Police later said that Nasis confessed to carrying the small home-made bomb to the mosque then accidentally dropping it on the floor, causing it to explode. However, police are still investigating Nasis' motive for carrying the bomb, and have not yet charged Nasis, who is still in hospital, with any offence. Police reported their findings to community leaders, but were met with disbelief that a Muslim would bring a bomb into the mosque.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Further bombings, 30 January 2007 bombings
On 30 January 2007, two explosions were reported in the headquarters of the Daily News newspaper and the Rama Garden Hotel's parking lot at around 1 am. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont later declared that the explosions were caused by M79 grenades. He also noted that it would not be easy to find the bombers because not much shrapnel was found on the scene.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Security measures and junta responses
Several foreign embassies issued travel warnings to their citizens in Bangkok warning that further attacks are possible.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Security measures and junta responses
The junta ordered the military to the streets of Bangkok to control the situation, with 6,000 checkpoints set up throughout the capital. Army commanders for the North, Northeast, and the South were placed on alert. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin ordered all 50 districts in Bangkok to collect all their rubbish bins.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Security measures and junta responses
Junta head Sonthi Boonyaratglin cut short his hajj and flew back from Saudi Arabia to meet with the junta leadership in the afternoon of 1 January 2007 Later on that same day, assistant police commissioner Jongrak Juthanon was assigned to lead an investigation into the deadly incidents.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Security measures and junta responses
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration initiated plans to spend 186 million baht on installing 1,628 closed-circuit television cameras throughout the capital in 2007, with plans for 504 cameras to be placed on pedestrian and traffic flyover bridges and low-population locations, while 1,124 cameras would be placed in more populated places like bus terminals and intersections.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Coup rumours
Rumors that the junta would use the bombings as a pretext to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont abounded. Junta leader Sonthi went on television to deny the rumours. "We love the people too much to do it," he said.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Economic impact
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index fell 3.2% the day after the exchange opened after the New Year holiday. Thai shares declined another 1.67% on 4 January 2007. The declines followed massive losses in mid-December after the junta briefly introduced capital controls. The Thai baht weakened slightly, trading at 36.15–17 to one United States dollar, against 36.05-10 at the close of trade on 29 December 2006.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Economic impact
However, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula claimed that the bombings "would not have an impact on this year's GDP."


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Arrests
On 20 January 2007, some 15 military officers and civilians were arrested in commando raids regarding the bombings. Police invoked martial law, which empowered them to detain suspects without placing charges against them for seven days. Among those arrested were Lt. Col. Suchart Khadsungnone, an officer of Sonthi Boonyaratglin's Lopburi-based Special Warfare Command. Reporters who witnessed the questioning said the interrogators demanded the suspects provide alibis during the August 2006 Bangkok car bomb against deposed Premier Thaksin Shinawatra.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Arrests
The junta was not satisfied with the police investigation and arrests and planned to make a parallel inquiry. Junta head Sonthi warned the police chief not to seek scapegoats in the military. However, the junta's plans to launch a parallel inquiry were reversed after Police Chief Kowit Wattana reported evidence to the junta's leaders. However, Pallop Pinmanee, the former Internal Security Operations Command leader who was implicated in the attempted assassination of Thaksin Shinawatra, warned the junta not to trust the police. Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, an influential Army officer echoed Pallop's warning. Junta chief and Army Commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin said he was certain that all military men held by police for the past week were innocent.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Arrests
On 16 March 2007, the Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against a tall and thin man aged 25 to 30 with crippled leg, whom police believed had planted a bomb at the Major Ratchayothin shopping center on New Year's Eve. The man was seen on a closed circuit television camera in the shopping mall. The man was charged with possessing an explosive object, terrorism and trying to kill others, and his photo was shown to the media on 21 March 2007.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Arrests
On 22 March 2007, police posted photographs of two suspects who were caught on closed circuit television at the Seacon Square shopping center. On the evening of 22 March, Pratya Preechavej and Yutthaphong Kittisriworraphan told reporters of The Nation newspaper that they were the men in police photos, but insisted were not the bombers. Both men were taken to a hotel on Sukhumvit Road by several senior officers and held from 10 pm until 2 am. They returned home at 4.30 am the next morning.


2006 Bangkok bombings, Aftermath, Arrests
Their story changed in a subsequent press conference at the Prawet police station, when Pratya claimed he had not worn a black jacket as did one of the men in police photos. Pratya also said he had a ponytail, and he almost never let down his hair – unlike the man in the photo – and had been accompanied by his sister. Junta chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin later said it was a case of mistaken identity, as both men looked similar to the suspected bombers.


2006 Bangkok local elections
Elections for local councils in Bangkok were held in 2006.


2006 Bangkok local elections
The first batch of elections took place on 30 April 2006 for all seats on the district councils of 14 districts in the north and east of the city.


2006 Bangkok local elections
In the second phase of voting held on 23 July 2006, the District Council seats for the remaining 36 districts, along with all 57 seats on the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, were up for election. Local elections follow a four-year cycle, and the 2006 elections are a follow-on from the 2002 elections.


2006 Bangkok local elections, April elections, 14 District Council elections
Elections for district council in Bang Kapi, Bang Khen, Bueng Kum, Chatuchak, Don Mueang, Khan Na Yao, Khlong Sam Wa, Lak Si, Lat Krabang, Lat Phrao, Min Buri, Sai Mai, Saphan Sung and Wang Thonglang were held on 30 April 2006.


2006 Bangkok local elections, April elections, 14 District Council elections
Turnout in the 14 districts was at 35.39 percent, with 482,688 voters exercising their right to vote. The Thai Rak Thai Party won 68 seats along with overall control of nine councils, while candidates from the Democrat Party won 27 seats, taking control of four councils. The Chart Thai Party got seven candidates elected and took control of one council.


2006 Bangkok local elections, April elections, 14 District Council elections, Detailed results
(Democrat (DP) councils in blue, Thai Rak Thai (TRT) in red, Other in yellow, No Overall Control in grey.)


2006 Bangkok local elections, July elections
The second batch of elections took place on 23 July 2006. At stake were all 57 Bangkok Metropolitan Council seats as well as all district council seats in the 36 districts that did not hold polls in April.


2006 Bangkok local elections, July elections
Out of a total of 3,996,881 eligible voters, 1,676,373 voters came to vote, resulting in a voter turnout rate of 41.94 percent. This figure was up from the previous elections held in 2002, when only 35.53 percent of eligible voters turned out to vote.


2006 Bangkok local elections, July elections, Bangkok Metropolitan Council
The number of seats on the Bangkok Metropolitan Council was reduced from 61 to 57 for the 2006 election. In the last elections, held on 16 June 2002, the Democrats won 28 constituencies and Thai Rak Thai took 25, while the Prachakorn Thai Party, the Chart Thai Party and the Mod Ngarn Group each won two seats. The remaining seat went to an independent candidate.


2006 Bangkok local elections, July elections, Bangkok Metropolitan Council
The Democrats made big gains in the 2006 poll, winning 35 seats, giving them an absolute majority on the council for the first time ever. Thai Rak Thai managed to pull in only 18 seats, while the remaining four seats went to independent candidates.


2006 Bangkok local elections, July elections, 36 district council elections
Elections for 36 district councils were held concurrently with the elections for the BMA council.


2006 Bank of America 500
The 2006 Bank of America 500 was the 31st stock car race of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and the fifth in the ten-race season-ending Chase for the Nextel Cup. It was held on October 14, 2006, before a crowd of 175,000 in Concord, North Carolina, at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The circuit is an intermediate that holds NASCAR races. The 334-lap race was won by Kasey Kahne of the Evernham Motorsports team, who started from second position. Jimmie Johnson finished second and Jeff Burton was third.


2006 Bank of America 500
Although Scott Riggs won the pole position, he was immediately passed by teammate Kahne at the start of the race. Riggs regained first place twelve laps later, only to lose it to Tony Raines on the 19th lap. Riggs retook the lead on lap 31 and maintained it for the following 16 laps until he was passed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. who led for the next 31 laps. Kahne moved back into the first position on lap 96, with Raines reclaiming the lead on the 123rd lap. Kahne passed Raines to move back into the lead 15 laps later.


2006 Bank of America 500
Johnson moved into the lead on lap 168 and held the position for a total of 72 laps. At the race's final restart on lap 307, Johnson led until he was passed two laps later by Kahne who maintained it to win the race. There were ten cautions and 34 lead changes by thirteen different drivers.


2006 Bank of America 500
The victory was Kahne's sixth of the season, and the seventh of his career since he debuted in 2004. After the race, Burton maintained his lead in the Drivers' Championship, which increased to 45 points over nearest rival Matt Kenseth. Kahne's victory moved him from ninth to eighth, while Jeff Gordon dropped to tenth because he failed to score enough points due to an engine failure in the race's closing laps. Chevrolet maintained its lead in the Manufacturers' Championship, 48 points in front of Dodge and 54 ahead of Ford with five races left in the season.


2006 Bank of America 500, Background
The Bank of America 500 was the 31st of 36 scheduled stock car races of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, and the fifth in the ten-race season-ending Chase for the Nextel Cup. It was held on October 14, 2006, in Concord, North Carolina, at Lowe's Motor Speedway, an intermediate track. The layout used was a four-turn, 1.5-mile (2.4 km)-long, asphalt quad-oval track. The track's turns are banked at 24 degrees; both the front stretch (the location of the finish line) and the back stretch (opposite the front) have a five-degree banking.


2006 Bank of America 500, Background
Before the race, Jeff Burton led the Drivers' Championship with 5,598 points, with Matt Kenseth sixth points behind in second, and Mark Martin was a further four adrift in third. Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin were fourth and fifth. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, and Kyle Busch rounded out the top ten drivers competing in the 2006 Chase for the Nextel Cup. Johnson was the race's defending champion. Chevrolet was leading the Manufacturers' Championship with 231 points; Dodge was second with 170, and Ford was a close third with 169.


2006 Bank of America 500, Background
NASCAR mandated that teams use a 13.8-US-gallon (52 l; 11.5 imp gal) fuel cell for the second time in the season so there would be fewer laps between pit stops and more tire changes could occur. Tire supplier Goodyear brought a supply of new right-hand tires, which were tested at the track on August 29 by drivers Joe Nemechek and Kurt Busch. The duo believed Goodyear had rectified problems with harder-compound tires that had been raised at the previous round at Charlotte (the Coca-Cola 600).


2006 Bank of America 500, Background
After he was rammed by his teammate Brian Vickers in the preceding UAW-Ford 500, Johnson said the expectations for him to succeed at Lowe's Motor Speedway were high and hoped the track's surface would be more predictable than the last race at Charlotte. Martin said he was in the best position he had been in for several years to win the championship, and spoke of his waning interest in looking at race results.


2006 Bank of America 500, Background
Having secured one top-ten finish in the season's first four Chase for the Nextel Cup races, Earnhardt stated he needed to secure a top-five finishing position and was determined to get his team more involved in the championship battle. Gordon had driven well at the circuit, but without finishing. His team brought the car he drove to victory in the season's 18th race at Chicagoland Speedway. Gordon felt it would help him at intermediate tracks and return him to championship contention. Although Kahne had a poor start in the Chase, he rectified this by finishing second at Talladega Superspeedway. He believed the momentum would be carried into Charlotte and stated he would push hard to win races.


2006 Bank of America 500, Background
One team made its début at the race. Red Bull Racing Team elected to start operations early as part of a warm-up exercise to running a full-time schedule in the 2007 season with the 1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Bill Elliott driving the No. 83 car. Elliott would attempt to qualify the car at three races towards the end of the year. He said his decision to join Red Bull was because of the organization's willingness to become competitive. Elliott said he was required to qualify the car for the race and then move up the field and provide input that would allow the team to be prepared for the 2007 Daytona 500.


2006 Bank of America 500, Practice and qualification
Three practice sessions were held before the Sunday race, one each on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The first practice session lasted 90 minutes, the second 60 minutes, and the third 50 minutes. Kahne set the fastest time in the first practice session with a lap of 28.834 seconds; Scott Riggs, Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler, Martin, Johnson, Nemechek, Martin Truex Jr., Jeff Green, and Hamlin rounded out the session's top-ten fastest drivers.


2006 Bank of America 500, Practice and qualification
A total of 52 cars were entered in the qualifier, according to NASCAR's qualifying procedure, only 43 could race. Each driver was limited to two timed laps, with the starting order determined by the competitor's fastest times. Riggs clinched the third pole position of his career, and his third consecutive at Lowe's Motor Speedway, with a fastest time of 28.203 seconds. He was joined on the grid's front row by Kahne, his Evernham Motorsports teammate, who held the pole position until Riggs' lap.


2006 Bank of America 500, Practice and qualification
Kurt Busch originally qualified in third, but his car's right-rear shock absorber was found to have violated NASCAR regulations during the post-qualifying inspection because it did not bounce back. Busch was required to start from 42nd position after using a provisional. Hence, Casey Mears inherited third, Sadler fourth, and Harvick fifth. Burton, Martin, Clint Bowyer, Reed Sorenson and Johnson rounded out the top ten qualifiers. Kenseth, a Chase for the Nextel Cup driver, qualified eleventh, while Earnhardt took 16th and Kyle Busch 18th.


2006 Bank of America 500, Practice and qualification
The nine drivers who failed to qualify were Elliott, Kevin Lepage, Derrike Cope, Chad Chaffin, Hermie Sadler, Kirk Shelmerdine, Kenny Wallace (who crashed on his first timed lap), Morgan Shepherd (who withdrew due to a lack of preparation), and Carl Long (who crashed while attempting to record a timed lap). After the qualifier, Riggs said his team knew his car was decent and revealed that they wanted to get back into a rhythm of starting and finishing in a top position.


2006 Bank of America 500, Practice and qualification
On Friday afternoon Kyle Busch was fastest in the second practice session with a time of 29.378 seconds, ahead of Kahne and Robby Gordon. Bowyer was fourth-fastest; Johnson was fifth and Truex sixth. Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Burton, and Martin followed in the top ten. Of the other drivers in the Chase, Edwards was eleventh-fastest, Hamlin set the twelfth-fastest time, and Harvick was fifteenth. Ryan Newman crashed and switched to a back-up car. Later, on Saturday afternoon, Earnhardt led the final practice session with a time of 29.357; Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Kahne, Johnson, Bowyer. Biffle, Truex, Riggs, and Robby Gordon made up positions two through ten. Other Chase drivers included Jeff Gordon in 13th and Burton in 15th; all were within three-tenths of a second of Earnhardt's time.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
Live television coverage of the race on NBC began at 7:04 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Around the start of the race, weather conditions were sunny with an air temperature of 64 °F (18 °C) which was forecast to drop as the event progressed. Dr. William K. Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina, began pre-race ceremonies with an invocation. American Idol contestant and country music singer Kellie Pickler performed the national anthem, and Mickey Jackson, the winner of a sponsored Grand Marshal contest, along with his five-year-old son Kalob, commanded the drivers to start their engines. During the pace laps, Ryan Newman moved to the rear of the field because he switched to a back-up car.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
The race started at 7:21 pm. Kahne accelerated faster than teammate Riggs off the line and was ahead of him by the second turn. The first caution of the race was given one lap later when Todd Bodine collided with Robby Gordon in the tri-oval. Gordon slid but regained control of his car with Bodine slowing. This triggered a multi-car accident: Mike Bliss hit the rear of Hamlin's car, sending him spinning down the front stretch, which then involved Mike Skinner, Truex, Jamie McMurray, Kyle Petty, J. J. Yeley, Travis Kvapil, David Gilliland, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Newman, and Nemechek.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
The incident blocked the track temporarily. Hamlin drove back to his garage where his team repaired his car. Kahne led the field at the lap-nine restart, followed by Riggs and Mears. As the field drove through the first turn, a caution was issued immediately, because three safety vehicles were on the track as crew members did not hear there would be another lap added before racing resumed. All laps were counted towards the first caution.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
Several cars elected to make pit stops under caution. Stewart made repairs to his car's body which had been damaged in the lap two crash. Kahne maintained the top position at the lap twelve restart, with teammate Riggs in second. Riggs reclaimed the first position from Kahne on the 13th lap; after starting from 41st, Jeff Gordon moved up to 22nd position by lap 15. Two laps later, Dave Blaney spun after leaving turn four and hit the outside barrier with his car's left-rear quarter, triggering the second caution.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
Most of the field, including Riggs, chose to make pit stops for fuel and tires. Tony Raines decided not to make a pit stop and led the field back up to speed at the lap-22 restart, ahead of Newman, McMurray, Terry Labonte, and Riggs. On the 23rd lap, Riggs and Kahne got ahead of Labonte for fourth and fifth positions. Riggs passed McMurray for third one lap later, and Kahne got ahead of McMurray for fourth on lap 25. Newman fell to fourth place when Riggs and Kahne passed him two laps later. Riggs passed Raines for the lead on the 30th lap, while Kahne moved into second place. Truex hit the wall on the same lap but no caution was shown.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
On lap 33, Sorenson ran into the rear of Dale Jarrett's car, which spun backwards into the turn four wall, prompting the third caution. Jarrett retired from the race when he drove into his garage. All drivers elected to make pit stops for fuel under caution. Riggs maintained his lead at the lap-39 restart, followed by Kahne and Bowyer. Johnson got ahead of Sadler to move into eighth on lap 44.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
On lap 46, a fourth caution was given; after leaving turn two, Todd Kluever was hit by teammate Greg Biffle and spun on the backstretch, causing Ken Schrader and Petty to collide with Kluever. Michael Waltrip hit the wall in avoidance. Most drivers (including Riggs) chose to make pit stops for fuel. Earnhardt led at the lap-53 restart with the non-stopping cars of Edwards, Newman, Biffle and Sorenson following him. Riggs moved back into third place on lap 59 after passing Biffle and Newman. By lap 66, Earnhardt held a 1.78-second advantage over Edwards.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Opening laps
Two laps later, Riggs passed Edwards to take over second place. Riggs closed the gap to Earnhardt and was 1.5 seconds behind by lap 75. Green-flag pit stops began three laps later, with Earnhardt stopping on lap 79, giving the lead back to Riggs. Kahne and Riggs made pit stops on the 85th lap for scuffed right-hand tires.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Mid-distance
After the pit stops, which concluded on lap 91, Riggs reclaimed the first position. Kahne closed the gap to teammate Riggs, who was holding a lead of four-tenths of a second, by lap 95. One lap later, Kahne passed Riggs (who complained his car had too much understeer) for first place. Earnhardt moved into second when he passed Riggs on the 100th lap. Lap 105 saw the fifth caution; Waltrip lost control of his car and hit the turn four outside wall, causing him to spin while attempting to make a pit stop for fuel.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Mid-distance
During the caution, all drivers again made pit stops. Kahne maintained the lead at the lap-110 restart, followed by Earnhardt and Bowyer. Gordon passed Bowyer to claim third position one lap later. Bowyer lost two further positions when Burton and Johnson overtook him on the 115th lap. A sixth caution was prompted on the following lap when Kurt Busch spun leaving turn two and hit the inside wall on the backstretch; while attempting to avoid Busch, Sorenson lost control in turn two and went towards the inside backstretch wall. Most of the leaders, including Kahne, made pit stops for fuel. Harvick and Kahne avoided a collision on pit road. Sadler led the field at the lap-121 restart, followed by Raines and Robby Gordon. Raines passed Sadler to reclaim the lead two laps later, while Sadler drove back to pit road with engine problems on lap 125.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Mid-distance
Kahne moved up into second place by lap 132 after passing Jeff Gordon, Earnhardt, and Robby Gordon. Johnson got ahead of Robby Gordon for fourth place one lap later. Kahne returned to the lead after passing Raines on the backstretch on lap 138, while Johnson moved into second on the following lap. The second round of green-flag pit stops commenced on lap 143 when Robby Gordon made a pit stop for right-side tires and car adjustments. Kahne and Riggs stopped on lap 154. Jeff Gordon and Johnson made similar stops over the next three laps.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Mid-distance
Following the pit stops, Kahne reclaimed the lead after battling with Raines. A seventh caution was given on lap 163 when Gilliland spun in turn two and contacted the inside wall heavily. He drove to his garage to retire. Most of the leaders, including Kahne, made pit stops. Sterling Marlin stayed out and led at the lap-168 restart, ahead of Johnson. That same lap, Marlin lost the lead when Johnson passed him on the backstretch, and Kahne moved ahead of Marlin for second on lap 169. Martin got ahead of Earnhardt for fifth position ten laps later. By lap 180, Johnson held a 1.4-second lead over Kahne. Gordon passed Martin for third on lap 182, while Edwards overtook Kyle Busch for seventh two laps later. At the front, Kahne closed the gap to be six-tenths of a second behind Johnson by the 188th lap.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Final laps
The third round of green-flag pit stops began on lap 199; Johnson stopped on lap 203, while Earnhardt made a pit stop on the following lap. After the pit stops, Kahne retook the lead. Johnson steered left at turn three and passed Kahne for the lead on lap 211 and started to pull away from the rest of the field. Bowyer drove to his garage on lap 216 for a transmission change because he had lost the use of third gear. Jeff Gordon had closed the gap to Kahne by lap 229.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Final laps
Green-flag pit stops again started six laps later when Kahne made a pit stop from second place. Johnson took on four tires at his stop on lap 239, handing the lead to Jeff Gordon, who ceded it to Earnhardt two laps later. Martin's pit crew dropped a lug nut which resulted in him remaining stationary for 21.7 seconds. Burton stalled his car which required his crew to push him to the end of pit road. An eighth caution was triggered on lap 242 when Yeley attempted to drive down pit road, and Martin was approaching him.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Final laps
Martin tried to avoid Yeley by steering left onto the turn four apron but made contact with him. Martin then spun and went hard into the tri-oval wall; his car went airborne. Robby Gordon could not avoid the melee and hit Yeley. Gordon consequently spun into the front stretch grass but continued.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Final laps
Earnhardt made a pit stop on lap 244, followed by Kahne on the following lap. Edwards gained the lead and maintained it at the lap-252 restart, followed by Earnhardt and Kahne. Five laps later, Kahne passed Edwards to reclaim the lead as they came across slower cars and began to pull away. Debris was located on the track on lap 276, necessitating the race's ninth caution. The leaders elected to make pit stops during the caution. Kahne maintained his lead at the lap-281 restart and pulled away from Earnhardt.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Final laps
Jeff Gordon passed Nemechek to move into fourth place on the following lap. Jeff Gordon's engine failed after he crossed the start-finish line on lap 302, triggering the race's final caution. The leaders, including Kahne, made pit stops for fuel under caution. Johnson led the field at the lap-307 restart, ahead of Kahne, Earnhardt and Burton. Kahne turned right to the track's outside and passed Johnson around the inside in turn one for the lead on the 309th lap. Burton (who felt a vibration from his car) passed Earnhardt to take over third position seven laps later.


2006 Bank of America 500, Race, Final laps
Kahne increased his advantage over Johnson in the remaining seventeen laps to win the race and became the eighth driver to win both points races at Lowe's Motor Speedway in a calendar year. Johnson finished second, ahead of Burton in third, Earnhardt was fourth and Bobby Labonte fifth. Kyle Busch, Raines, Edwards, Nemechek, and Vickers rounded out the top ten. The race had a total of ten cautions and thirty-four lead changes by thirteen different drivers. Kahne led eight times for a total of 134 laps, more than any other competitor. The win was the seventh of Kahne's Cup Series career and the last of a series-high six victories he posted in 2006.


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
Kahne appeared in victory lane in front of the crowd of 170,000 to celebrate his sixth win of the season, which earned him $305,889. Kahne was delighted with his victory and thanked the people who worked on his car's transmission and rear: "We had a great car. It was unbelievable all night. I slammed it into second gear at the end of pit road one time and I thought I had to break something. This isn't the special car. This car's been good two other times this year, but it went to waste. It's just an awesome team."


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
Second-place finisher Johnson said he finished the event where he ran in its duration: "I only made up ten points. But ten points is ten points." Third-place finisher Burton was happy to recover from a tire issue from the previous race at Talladega Superspeedway. However, he was upset that he stalled his engine as he felt it cost him the chance of victory.


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
Burton also said his late-race vibration was enough to scare him and was glad the race ended because of the amount of shudder coming from his car: "I screamed, ‘We’ve got a wheel loose, we got a wheel loose’ and they said, we do not have a wheel loose, we know we got them tight."


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
Shortly after leaving his car, Martin said he believed it was not possible for him to clinch the championship: "They tell me a lot of people are having trouble anyway, but we didn't need to throw that away." He said he was unaware that Yeley intended to make a pit stop and, from his viewpoint, it allowed Kenseth to pass him while Yeley was coming from the center of the track. Yeley said the pit stop was planned and signaled his intentions to Martin for over a mile.


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
He felt Martin placed him in a position to hit the backstretch wall. Hamlin said the first-lap crash that he was involved in was part of auto racing and stated it was problematic being involved in difficulties in the Chase for the Nextel Cup: "We checked up and somebody else (Waltrip) didn't. I put myself back there in qualifying. We'll take our lumps and go on." Seventh-place finisher Raines was happy to hold the first position for 28 laps saying it was "extra special" to lead a race at Charlotte. Tom Bowles of Frontstretch opined that, had the caution flag not been displayed for the three safety vehicles on lap nine, it could have resulted in "one of the most disastrous accidents in NASCAR history."


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
Johnson and Burton stated it was difficult to achieve a rhythm because of the small fuel cells mandated for the race and the hard-compound tires. Temperatures had been warmer than the previous day's Busch Series race and this gave the drivers more grip although sliding was observed during both events. McMurray noted it was difficult to drive alongside other cars and that other competitors drove cautiously. Kenny Francis, Kahne's crew chief, said he preferred to see longer runs but was aware that safety had to be taken into consideration.


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
Four days after the race, Penske Racing South was given penalties for Kurt Busch's car. The penalties, for "actions detrimental to stock car racing"; "car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules"; and a right rear shock absorber that did not compress, included a $25,000 fine and a two-race suspension for crew chief Roy McCauley who was placed on probation until December 31, 2006. Crew chief Matt Gimbel took over McCauley's role at the next race weekend. Team owner Roger Penske and Kurt Busch were penalized 50 points in the Owners' and Drivers' Championships. The following day, Penske Racing South announced it would not appeal the penalties.


2006 Bank of America 500, Post-race
The result kept Burton in the lead of the Drivers' Championship with 5,763 points, ahead of Kenseth, who had 5,718. Harvick moved into third with 5,674, thirteen points ahead of Martin who fell to fourth. Earnhardt moved in front of Hamlin for fifth, and Johnson, Kahne and Kyle Busch filled positions seven to nine. After the race, Jeff Gordon (who fell to tenth) said he would try to win races to return to contention for the championship. In the Manufacturers' Championship, Chevrolet maintained the lead with 237 points. Dodge remained in second with 179, six points ahead of Ford. The race took three hours, forty-seven minutes and twenty-nine seconds to complete, and the margin of victory was 1.624 seconds.


2006 Bank of the West Classic
The 2006 Bank of the West Classic was a women's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It was part of the Tier II Series of the 2006 WTA Tour. It took place at the Taube Tennis Center in Stanford, California, United States, from July 24 through July 30, 2006.


2006 Bank of the West Classic, Finals, Doubles
Anna-Lena Grönefeld /  Shahar Pe'er defeated  Maria Elena Camerin /  Gisela Dulko, 6–1, 6–4


2006 Bank of the West Classic – Doubles
Cara Black and Rennae Stubbs were the defending champions, but both chose not to compete that year.


2006 Bank of the West Classic – Doubles
Anna-Lena Grönefeld and Shahar Pe'er won the title, defeating Maria Elena Camerin and Gisela Dulko 6–1, 6–4 in the final.


2006 Bank of the West Classic – Singles
Kim Clijsters was the defending champion, and successfully defended her title, defeating Patty Schnyder in the final 6–4, 6–2.


2006 Bank of the West Classic – Singles, Seeds
The top four seeds received a bye into the second round.


2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open
The 2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open was a women's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. It was the 2nd edition of the Slovenia Open, and was part of the WTA Tier IV tournaments of the 2006 women's professional tennis season. It was held in Portorož, Slovenia, from 18 September until 24 September 2006. Unseeded Tamira Paszek, who entered the competition as a qualifier, won the singles title.


2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open, Finals, Doubles
Lucie Hradecká /  Renata Voráčová claimed the title, when  Eva Birnerová /  Émilie Loit withdrew before the final.


2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open – Doubles
The Doubles Tournament at the 2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open took place between September 18 and September 24 on outdoor hard courts in Portorož, Slovenia.


2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open – Doubles
Lucie Hradecká and Renata Voráčová won the title, after their opponents Eva Birnerová and Émilie Loit withdrew before the final (due to Loit's left wrist sprain).


2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open – Singles
The Singles Tournament at the 2006 Banka Koper Slovenia Open took place between September 18 and September 24 on outdoor hard courts in Portorož, Slovenia.


2006 Banquet 400
The 2006 Banquet 400 was the twenty-ninth stock car race of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and the third in the ten-race season-ending Chase for the Nextel Cup. It was held on October 1, 2006 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas before a crowd of 125,000. The 267-lap race was won by Tony Stewart of the Joe Gibbs Racing team who started from twenty-first position. Casey Mears finished second and Mark Martin came in third.


2006 Banquet 400
Pole position driver Kasey Kahne led the field until Jimmie Johnson moved into the first position after a caution period. Johnson lost the lead when he was passed by Kahne's teammate Scott Riggs on lap 28. He held the position for the next seven laps until Clint Bowyer took over the lead. Dale Earnhardt Jr. moved into first on the 64th lap and held it for sixteen laps when he was passed by Kyle Busch. Busch held the lead position for 64 laps.


2006 Banquet 400
Bowyer reclaimed the first position and led for a further 17 laps, before Johnson moved ahead of him. After drivers made pit stops for fuel, Stewart took over the lead after electing to stay out, and held the position to win the race despite running out of fuel on the race's final lap. The race had a total of eleven cautions and twenty lead changes by thirteen different drivers.


2006 Banquet 400
It was Stewart's third win of the season, and the twenty-seventh of his career. The result kept Jeff Burton in the lead of the Drivers' Championship, sixty-nine points in front of Kevin Harvick. Martin moved up into third place, while Jeff Gordon fell to sixth because he retired with a broken fuel-pump. Chevrolet maintained its lead in the Manufacturers' Championship, forty-seven ahead of Ford and forty-eight in front of Dodge with seven races left in the season.


2006 Banquet 400, Background
The Banquet 400 was the 29th out of 36 scheduled stock car races of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and the third in the ten-race season-ending Chase for the Nextel Cup. It was held on October 1, 2006, in Kansas City, Kansas at Kansas Speedway, an intermediate track that holds NASCAR races. The standard track at Kansas Speedway is a four-turn D-shaped oval track that is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long. The track's turns are banked at fifteen degrees, while the front stretch, the location of the finish line, is 10.4 degrees. The back stretch, opposite of the front, is at only five degrees.


2006 Banquet 400, Background
Before the race, Jeff Burton led the Drivers' Championship with 5,351 points, with Jeff Gordon second and Matt Kenseth third. Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick were fourth and fifth, and Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch rounded out the top ten drivers competing for the 2006 Chase for the Nextel Cup. Chevrolet led the Manufacturers' Championship with 213 points; Ford was second on 171 points, with Dodge a close third on 168. Martin was the race's defending champion.


2006 Banquet 400, Background
After he was involved in a crash at the previous race (at Dover International Speedway), Kahne said he would attempt to improve his position in the championship by winning races: "I think we have an all right shot. If we do things like I know we can, like my team has done all year long, this team can definitely come back." Gordon said his team had been gaining momentum, and stated he felt comfortable with his position. Johnson stated he would attempt to lead as many laps as he could at Kansas Speedway, and felt it was a track where he could achieve a good result which would improve his position in the championship and aimed for a top starting place.


2006 Banquet 400, Practice and qualification
Three practice sessions were held before the Sunday race; one on Friday and two on Saturday. The first session lasted 90 minutes, the second, and third sessions ran for 50 minutes. In the first practice session, Kahne was fastest with a time of 30.417 seconds; Johnson was second and Elliott Sadler third. Brian Vickers took fourth position, and Scott Riggs placed fifth. Kurt Busch, Gordon, Kyle Busch, Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. rounded out the session's top ten drivers. Carl Long crashed into the outside wall and switched to a back-up car.


2006 Banquet 400, Practice and qualification
Forty-seven cars were entered in the qualifier on Friday afternoon; according to NASCAR's qualifying procedure forty-three were allowed to race. Kahne clinched his fifth pole position of the season, and the eleventh of his career, with a time of 30.273. He was joined on the grid's front row by Riggs, his Evernham Motorsports teammate. Johnson qualified third, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Vickers fourth, and J. J. Yeley fifth. Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Kenseth, Sadler and Burton rounded out the top ten qualifiers. Gordon, a Chase for the Nextel Cup driver, qualified eleventh, and Earnhardt recorded the twelfth fastest lap.


2006 Banquet 400, Practice and qualification
The four drivers that failed to qualify were Scott Wimmer, Kevin Lepage, Chad Blount and Long (who hit the turn two outside wall after he spun on his first qualifying lap). After the qualifier, Kahne said, "I feel like I got just about everything out of it. I could have used more race track off turn four, but it was turning so good you didn't really have to."


2006 Banquet 400, Practice and qualification
On Saturday morning Greg Biffle was fastest in the second practice session with a lap of 30.994 seconds, ahead of Casey Mears and Bowyer. Johnson was fourth-fastest; Kurt Busch was fifth and Kahne sixth. Carl Edwards, Vickers, Harvick and Kyle Busch followed in the top ten. Of the other drivers in the Chase, Hamlin was twelfth-fastest and Burton set the thirteenth-fastest time. Later that day, Johnson paced the final practice session with a time of 31.240; Vickers was second and Reed Sorenson third. Kahne was fourth-fastest, ahead of Burton and Kurt Busch. Bowyer was seventh-fastest, Biffle eighth, Sadler ninth and Harvick tenth. Other chase drivers included Martin in twelfth, Kyle Busch seventeenth and Kenseth twenty-sixth.


2006 Banquet 400, Race
Live television coverage of the race began at 1:31 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in the United States on NBC. Around the start of the race, weather conditions were warm and sunny with an air temperature of 90 °F (32 °C). Cole Cochran, of Kansas City Raceway Ministries, began pre-race ceremonies with an invocation. Country music group Heartland performed the national anthem, and three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and comic actor George Lopez commanded the drivers to start their engines. No driver moved to the rear of the field.