Saudi Arabia plans for first elections  October 14, 2003  Saudi
Arabia, an absolute monarchy, decided Monday to hold its first
elections, announcing a vote to create local councils in the
conservative Gulf monarchy.  The step comes at a time when the
Saudi royal family is under pressure to bring democratic reform
--especially since the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United
States.  The Cabinet did not say when elections would take
place. Elections will be held in 14 municipalities throughout
the country, with only half their members being elected, the
statement said.  SCHNAPPS FOR THE CROW: German police
apprehended a vicious crow by getting it drunk on bait laced
with alcohol, authorities said Monday.  The bird eluded its
captors after attacking a woman and a young girl over the
weekend until cat food soaked in high-alcohol fruit schnapps
proved too tempting to resist.  "The crow was completely
smashed," said a spokesman for police in the western city of
Dortmund.  Police said the crow was sleeping off its ha