1.   This will be the first round-the-world balloon attempt from the Southern Hemisphere, and Fossett hopes that the unconventional course will enhance his chances.

2.   British business mogul Richard Branson, forced down in his own transglobal balloon attempt this month, pleaded with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

3.   Cheered on by one-time rival Richard Branson, a Swiss-Belgian duo Saturday made final preparations for lift-off in their round-the-world balloon attempt.

4.   Cheered on by one-time rival Richard Branson, a Swiss-Belgian duo Saturday made final preparations for their round-the-world balloon attempt.

5.   Even British business mogul Richard Branson, who was forced down in his own transglobal balloon attempt earlier this month, pleaded with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

6.   Fosset hopes to launch another solo round-the-world balloon attempt next year, his sixth crack at the feat.

7.   His fifth solo round-the-world balloon attempt, also launched from Northam, ended last August when he was forced to land in Brazil.

8.   Round-the-world balloon attempt put off while team waits for clearance to overfly China.

9.   That broke a mark that Elson helped set last year in another around-the-world balloon attempt.

10.   Swiss launches round-the-world balloon attempt.