2 January 2006 By The Morning News — 02 Jan 2006 New York's currently: resolute, mf White House won't ask for more money to rebuild Iraq, suggesting the end of the $18.4 billion rebuilding effort. Wildfires continue to blaze across Oklahoma and Texas. Southern California besieged by heavy rainstorms as San Francisco starts to dry off, though thousands there are without power. Half of Germany watches an English comedy sketch on New Year's Eve that's never been broadcast in the U.K. or U.S. (See video here.) Publishers and agents reject en masse two Booker-prize winners submitted as first-time novels. Small ads from U.K. newspapers. Congress won't touch the minimum wage, but states are raising it on their own. See: pro-wrestling attack techniques. Pentagon contractor pays Sunni scholars for help with propaganda. Iran rejects Russian gambit to enrich its uranium. Slightly related: Recordings of ice. Opening a charming neighborhood coffee shop will bankrupt your family and ruin your marriage. An increasing number of Americans were heating their homes with corn. The Harper's yearly review. In response to more women-only trains, Japanese male commuters insist they're groping less than you think. Receipts tallied for Alex Kuczynski, the Times's critical shopper. 101 best restaurants in New York. Video: Road rage with bumper cars. 2005's top 50 music videos, and the best celebrity quotes. Man who changed his name to KentuckyFriedCruelty.com still called "Chris" by his parents. Web surf your first day back at work away.