16 January 2003

New York's currently: refusing certain temptations

Bush pressuring weapons inspector Blix to skip March 27 report on Iraq, focus instead on January 27 so U.S. can declare war shortly after. Related: If Blix's report finds no weapons in Iraq, U.S. to rely on omissions as cause for war. Related: Rumsfeld's speech explaining omission-policy.

Despite running a surplus from 1998 to 2001, Federal deficit will probably hit $300 billion next year, says White House aide, as country prepares for two wars while maintaining global anti-terrorism force, alienating reasonable allies, stoking a massive defense build-up, and celebrating another round of tax cuts while economy stays sour.

Man offers $100 for dirt on economist and Times columnist Paul Krugman. Glad to be paid for an easy job, Krugman responds. [ via cdl ]

Mad: 100 Updates Today in the Life of Dennis Mahoney.

1,500 patients leave the O.R. each year with surgical tools still inside them.

Dr. Pauley, also known as Dr. Dark, fights light pollution around New York.

Lucien Freud and David Hockney show results of traded portraits.

Despite his courageous opposition to the death penalty system, Governor Ryan's legacy of corruption makes his departure sweet to Illinois-ians.

Map of cats who live in U.S. libraries.

Senator Frist: Perfect for good deeds. Bad for health care policy.

Hot News Day: 8,700 frying pans recalled because they may explode if used 'on high heat, or used for frying.'

New Harry Potter novel to arrive on June 21.

German Satanists busy eating babies.

Fascinating stories at the FBI's famous cases library. (favorite: Great telling of the Lindbergh kidnapping.)

Con man with 16 convictions obsessed with living like a cop.