On the Fourth Day There Will Be Questions

The woman who claimed to have seen a baby being tossed from a moving car fabricated the story as a cover to abandon her newborn and hide an unwanted pregnancy from her family, authorities said Friday. State law allows a mother to take a baby to any medical facility or fire station within the first three days the baby is born without any questions asked.

"That provides parents or women with an option. You don't have to just abandon your child in way that would endanger his or her life," said Veda Coleman-Wright, a sheriff's office spokeswoman. (AP)

A Diplomatic Tussle Nobody Anticipated

Michael Jankelowitz, a Jewish Agency spokesman, said just over 10,000 Jews from the Soviet Union moved to Israel last year. In comparison, 12,000 moved to Germany, where he said they are granted refugee status and receive generous welfare benefits.

Israel has pressed Germany to cancel its absorption benefits to help encourage the remaining 800,000 Jews in former Soviet lands to move to Israel, he said. (Moscow News)

It's Like They Don't Like Us or Something

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami warned Thursday that any invader would be met by a "burning hell" as tens of thousands of people braved blizzards to join rallies for the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. After close to a week of record snowfall, Tehran and much of the north has been virtually paralysed - making it virtually impossible for many people to find transport to take them to the town centre for the annual anti-American demonstrations. But regime loyalists were out in force, parading effigies of US President George W. Bush and his new Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

According to powerful former president and top cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the strong turnout "in this snow and cold should send a message to America." (Middle East Online)

A Few People Had Their Suspicions at the Time

Is this a new and improved Corey Dillon, or have we finally been allowed to see the real Corey Dillon?

"People are going to view me how they want to," said Dillon, who admittedly has matured since his college days and his early years in Cincinnati, which included run-ins with the law. "The way I look at it, people didn't think Jesus was Jesus, so who am I? People are going to think what they want." (Espn.com)

And what is it that they are, sir?

A 1999 trial in Alzheimer's disease patients that Pfizer sponsored but never published found an increased risk of heart problems in those taking Celebrex. And the National Institutes of Health ended a study in December after finding that high doses of Celebrex more than tripled the incidence of heart attacks and strokes in patients. "They are what they are," Dr. Feczko [President of Pfizer] said of those two trials. But "the overwhelming preponderance of evidence" indicates the drugs are safe, he said.

Over all, Pfizer has performed much less research on Bextra than on Celebrex, Dr. Feczko said. Most of the company's studies of Bextra have been short term, with many lasting only two weeks. As a result, Pfizer has less data to support its contention that Bextra is safe, he said. (NY Times)

Oil Execs Can't Always Have Unimpeachable Integrity

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Friday he was "shocked" by an initial investigative report that found the man in charge of the U.N. oil-for-food program made illicit oil deals. Paul Volcker's report, released Thursday, said Benon Sevan "repeatedly solicited" several million barrels of oil worth about $1 million on behalf of a company named African Middle East Petroleum. The illicit deals "violated standards of integrity," the report said.

"We do not want this shadow to hang over the U.N. So we want to get to the bottom of it, get to the truth and take appropriate measures to deal with the gaps," he told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York. (CNN)

In Your Face, Hans Blix!

But this year, Republicans stamped their support of President Bush's foreign policy on their index fingers, passing around a tin of purple stamp ink in homage to Iraqi voters, who marked their fingers similarly Sunday when they cast their ballots. While both sides of the aisle applauded throughout the speech when Bush mentioned the election in Iraq, GOP members stood and wagged their purple fingers as a clear signal that the election stemmed from their president's campaign for democracy in Iraq. (Chicago Tribune)

His Career is Like a Clock Melting on a Beach

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's "exceptional career" has been honoured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. He was presented with the award by Martin Scorsese. "It's a lifetime achievement award, which is completely and utterly surreal, given I'm only 30 years old," DiCaprio said. "But what has it been? Almost 17 years now. I've done quite a few films." (BBC)

Most of Them Believe in Evolution, For Instance

Speaking in the right spiritual tongue may be difficult for Democrats. Howard Dean stumbled during his presidential campaign when he famously stated his favorite book of the New Testament was the decidedly Old Testament Book of Job. Gaffes like that have Republicans excited to bash Democrats on the issue. "They have no credibility," said House Majority Leader Tom Delay about these Democrats efforts. "Talk is cheap. We'll see if their actions fit their words." (Time)

That's Not Leadership, That's Being a Dickhead

A-Rod sees no slight at Jeter in Steinbrenner's mandate. In fact, he's quick to point out, "This is still Jeter's team because he's the captain. But my approach is not to be everyone's best friend. My approach is to win championships. The only way to do that is to be myself, and to take care of my world. With my talent people will follow naturally."

A-Rod is so committed to delivering on that promise, he declined an invitation to Jeter's celebrity golf tournament in Tampa last week, even though the guest list included Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens, Reggie Jackson, Wayne Gretzky and Lawrence Taylor. Rodriguez's absence didn't go unnoticed, as his handlers said the third baseman didn't want to interrupt his workout schedule. (ESPN.com)

Unify This, Liberal Motherfuckers!

Secretary General Kofi Annan said Tuesday that he had selected former President Bill Clinton to be his special envoy for the countries affected by the tsunami in southern Asia. Mr. Clinton's role is expected to last two years. Mr. Eckhard said Mr. Clinton would most likely be called on to help settle longtime disputes between the governments and rebel forces in Indonesia and Sri Lanka where solutions might be more easily reached after the unifying experience of shared tragedy.

At the same time Jesse Helms, the former Republican senator from North Carolina, in a fund-raising letter for his senatorial library, has raised the issue of possible ambitions by Mr. Clinton to become secretary general.

According to The Associated Press, the letter said, "I'm sure you might agree that putting a left-wing, undisciplined and ethically challenged former president of the United States into a position of such power would be a tragic mistake." (NY Times)

Kafka Would Have Found Some Mirth

Judge Green cited the case of Mustafa Ait Idr, who was accused of associating "with a known al-Qaeda operative" when he lived in Bosnia. Faced with the allegation, Mr. Idr asked the tribunal the name of the alleged al-Qaeda member so he could identify him, but he was told this information was classified.

"These are accusations that I can't even answer," the detainee told the tribunal in exasperation. "You tell me I am from al-Qaeda, but I am not an al-Qaeda. I don't have any proof to give you except to ask you to catch bin Laden and ask him if I am part of al-Qaeda."

The judge said that the exchange might have been considered humorous if the consequences of the detainee's designation as an enemy combatant had not been so "terribly serious."

They're in a Better Place. The Shotguns, I Mean.

It wasn't until Martin reached the home that he realized just how vicious the blaze was: The roof and porch were gone, and the woods and a nearby camper were ablaze. Testifying Monday, the assistant chief of the West Chester (SC) Volunteer Fire Department said firefighters were certain no one could be inside the home, so they put out the fire and began trying to salvage the homeowner's guns.

They didn't learn until later that Joe Pittman, 66, and Joy Pittman, 62, lay dead upstairs.

Researchers Disagree Whether or Not Death is a Symptom of Being Dead

To get those results, however, Wolfe defined "serious heart problems" much more broadly than others--including Topol--have in the past. When Topol co-authored an influential paper on Vioxx and Celebrex in 2001, he and his colleagues looked at three certain signs of cardiovascular risk: heart attack, stroke and death. Wolfe, in contrast, grouped together a smorgasbord of heart problems that are harder to diagnose, such as angina, arrhythmia and heart failure, a weakening of the heart muscle.

Waitstaff Gratuities Were Also Bumped to 20%

President Bush will propose the dramatic increase in his budget proposal to Congress next week. He wants to increase the tax-free "death gratuity" to 100-thousand dollars from the current 12-thousand. He also proposes an extra 150-thousand dollars in life insurance payouts.

Assuredly, Sir, the Edge Lies Elsewhere

As part of an overall review of where cricket is heading, Packer is so keen to make sure the merits of Twenty20 cricket are analysed properly that he rang Shane Warne earlier this week and sought his opinion.

He is determined to make sure his network, Channel 9, which has broadcast cricket for almost 30 years, remains at the cutting edge of the sport and presents what the public wants.

Who Elected You the King of Nepal?

"I have decided to dissolve the government because it has failed to make necessary arrangements to hold elections by April and protect democracy, the sovereignty of the people and life and property," the King said announcing the dismissal of the Deuba government installed by him last year. This is the second time in three years that the King has dissolved the government.

Nobody Invites Jason Giambi to Orgies Anymore

"I'm appalled," Padres owner John Moores says. "I am loath to criticize some of my fellow geniuses, and not all of the clubs participated in the orgy. I guess some of these guys got that ESPN Radio money and lost their minds. It's amazing to me how some owners and players think the players actually get better during the offseason. Some of these guys are lucky to be playing baseball, let alone signing million-dollar contracts. Some of these players who signed long-term deals are going to be out of baseball when they get their last paycheck."

Well, This All Sounds Very Promising

Washington hopes the ballot will help transform Iraq from dictatorship to democracy but it risks worsening the insurgency by further alienating Iraq's 20 percent-minority Sunni Arabs, who formed the backbone of Saddam's ruling class.

Several leading Sunni parties are boycotting the polls, saying the insurgency raging strongest in the Sunni heartlands and the presence of more than 150,000 U.S.-led troops will make it impossible to hold a fair vote.

The country's majority Shi'ites, long oppressed under Saddam, are expected to cement their newfound dominance. An alliance formed under the guidance of the top Shi'ite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, is almost certain to win the most votes.

Even if an alliance of secular Shi'ites led by interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi doesn't do well, he is seen as a strong consensus candidate to possibly stay on in office.

But under-representation of Sunnis could undermine the credibility of a new 275-seat national assembly and increase the risk of sectarian conflict.

The campaign unfolded in a climate of such intimidation that most candidates kept their names secret and even the locations of polling places were kept under wraps to the last moment.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

It bothers me more than just a little bit that the most eloquent critique of our current foreign policy, that I've been able to find, was written in 1900...BY THE GUY WHO LOST THE SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL. Bryan was not an intellectual heavyweight by any means. Think about that next time you hear a Democrat apologetically, you know, sort-of...maybe...expressing some concerns...with our present foreign policy.

William Jennings Bryan accepts the Democratic nomination for President and condemns U.S. policy in the Philippines, Indianapolis, IN, August 8, 1900.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Notification Committee:

When I say that the contest of 1900 is a contest between Democracy on the one hand and plutocracy on the other I do not mean to say that all our opponents have deliberately chosen to give to organized wealth a predominating influence in the affairs of the Government, but I do assert that on the important issues of the day the Republican party is dominated by those influences which constantly tend to substitute the worship of Mammon for the protection of the rights of man.

For a time, Republican leaders were inclined to deny to opponents the right to criticize the Philippine policy of the administration, but upon investigation they found that both Lincoln and Clay asserted and exercised the right to criticize a President during the progress of the Mexican war.

Instead of meeting the issue boldly and submitting a clear and positive plan for dealing with the Philippine question, the Republican convention adopted a platform--the larger part of which was devoted to boasting and self-congratulation...If it is right for the United States to hold the Philippine Islands permanently and imitate European empires in the government of colonies, the Republican party ought to state its position and defend it, but it must expect the subject races to protest against such a policy and to resist to the extent of their ability.

The Filipinos do not need any encouragement...our whole history has been an encouragement, not only to the Filipinos, but to all who are denied a voice in their own government. If the Republicans are prepared to censure all who have used language calculated to make the Filipinos hate foreign domination, let them condemn the speech of Patrick Henry. When he uttered that passionate appeal, "Give me liberty or give me death," he expressed a sentiment which still echoes in the hearts of men. Let them censure Jefferson; of all the statesmen of history, none have used words so offensive to those who would hold their fellows in political bondage. Let them censure Washington, who declared that the colonists must choose between liberty and slavery. Or, if the statute of limitations has run out against the sins of Henry and Jefferson and Washington, let them censure Lincoln, whose Gettysburg speech will be quoted in defense of popular government when the present advocates of force and conquest are forgotten.

There can be no doubt that we accepted and utilized the services of the Filipinos, and that when we did so we had full knowledge that they were fighting for their own independence, and I submit that history furnishes no example of turpitude baser than ours if we now substitute our yoke for the Spanish yoke.

Let us consider briefly the reasons which have been given in support of an imperialistic policy. Some say that it is our duty to hold the Philippine islands. But duty is not an argument; it is a conclusion. To ascertain what our duty is, in any emergency, we must apply well settled and generally accepted principles. It is our duty to avoid stealing, no matter whether the thing to be stolen is of great or little value. It is our duty to avoid killing a human being, no matter where the human being lives or to what race or class he belongs.

The principal arguments, however, advanced by those who enter upon a defense of imperialism are:

First -- That we must improve the present opportunity to become a world power and enter into international politics.

Second -- That our commercial interests in the Philippine islands and in the Orient make it necessary for us to hold the islands permanently.

Third -- That the spread of the Christian religion will be facilitated by a colonial policy.

Fourth -- That there is no honorable retreat from the position which the nation has taken.

The first argument is addressed to the nation's pride and the second to the nation's pocket-book. The third is intended for the church member and the fourth for the partisan. It is sufficient answer to the first argument to say that for more than a century this nation has been a world power. For ten decades it has been the most potent influence in the world. Not only has it been a world power, but it has done more to affect the politics of the human race than all the other nations of the world combined....The growth of the principle of self-government, planted on American soil, has bee the overshadowing political fact of the nineteenth century. It has made this nation conspicuous among the nations and given it a place in history such as no other nation has ever enjoyed. Nothing has been able to check the onward march of this idea.

I am not willing that this nation shall cast aside the omnipotent weapons of truth to seize again the weapons of physical warfare. I would not exchange the glory of this republic for the glory of all the empires that have risen and fallen since time began.

The pecuniary argument, though more effective with certain classes, is not likely to be used so often or presented with so much enthusiasm as the religious argument. If what has been termed the "gun-powder gospel" were urged against the Filipinos only, it would be a sufficient answer to say that a majority of the Filipinos are now members of one branch of the Christian church; but the principle involved is one of much wider application and challenges serious consideration...If true Christianity consists in carrying out in our daily lives the teachings of Christ, who will say that we are commanded to civilize with dynamite and proselyte with the sword?...Imperialism finds no warrant in the Bible.

The command "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" has no Gatling gun attachment. When Jesus visited a village of Samaria and the people refused to receive him, some of the disciples suggested that fire should be called down from Heaven to avenge the insult; but the Master rebuked them and said: "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of; for the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Suppose he had said: "We will thrash them until they understand who we are," how different would have been the history of Christianity!

Compare, if you will, the swaggering, bullying, brutal doctrine of imperialism with the golden rule and the commandment "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Love, not force, was the weapon of the Nazarene; sacrifice for others, not the exploitation of them, was His method of reaching the human heart.

The argument made by some that it was unfortunate for the nation that it had anything to do with the Philippine islands, but that the naval victory at Manila made the permanent acquisition of those islands necessary, is also unsound.

We won a naval victory at Santiago, but that did not compel us to hold Cuba. The shedding of American blood in the Philippine islands does not make it imperative that we should retain possession forever; American blood was shed at San Juan Hill and El Cagey, and yet the President has promised the Cubans independence. The fact that the American flag floats over Manila does not compel us to exercise perpetual sovereignty over the islands... Better a thousand times that our flag in the Orient give way to a flag representing the idea of self-government than that flag of this republic should become the flag of an empire!

...When our opponents are unable to defend their position by argument they fall back upon the assertion that it is destiny, and insist that we must submit to it no matter how much it violates our moral precepts and our principles of government. This is a complacent philosophy. It obliterates the distinction between right and wrong and makes individuals and nations the helpless victims of circumstance.

Destiny is the subterfuge of the invertebrate, who, lacking the courage to oppose error, seeks some plausible excuse for supporting it. Washington said that the destiny of the republican form of government was deeply, if not finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the American people. How different Washington's definition of destiny from the Republican definition!

I can conceive of a national destiny surpassing the glories of the present and the past--a destiny which meets the responsibility of today and measures up to the possibilities of the future.

Behold a republic standing erect while empires all around are bowed beneath the weight of their own armaments--a republic whose flag is loved while other flags are only feared.

Behold a republic increasing in population, in wealth, in strength and in influence, solving the problems of civilization and hastening the coming of an universal brotherhood --a republic which shakes thrones and dissolves aristocracies by its silent example and gives light and inspiration to those who sit in darkness.

Behold a republic gradually but surely becoming the supreme moral factor in the world's progress and the accepted arbiter of the world's disputes--a republic whose history, like the path of the just, "is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day!"