Senators reach compromise, agree to extend Bush tax rates and reinstate unemployment compensation. Economically speaking, giving gifts is futile: Their value rarely exceeds their price. Even Niagara Falls, the ultimate tourist attraction, couldn't save nearby towns from falling into disarray. Four apparently unconnected suicides within two months leave
"Get Your War On" is back, and though war still rages in Afghanistan, now it's time for ska and pesto. Secretly funded anti-piracy force in Somalia nearing readiness, preparing to receive air support. Contrary to popular belief, America's mission in Somalia was a
Audience offered refund after disappointing, too-artsy Steve Martin event. Australia braces for Wikileak data-dump, though its own low self-image prevents too much worry. Op: Taking future dumps for granted, let's encourage people to challenge institutions, not pledge further fealty. Report from one of Earth'
White House reverses course and says Gulf coastline will remain closed to oil drilling for seven years. Nigeria to file charges against Cheney and Halliburton on bribery grounds. China: Our love for Pyongyang will outlast international "tempests." While war seemed to arrive on the Korean Peninsula, life in
Senate approves food-safety bill, which many believe doesn't reach far enough, but is better than serving poisoned peanut butter. With Congress deadlocked on jobless benefits, two million people will go unpaid this month--a potentially serious blow to the U.S. economy. With competing billboards near the
Hamas to accept referendum on peace treaty with Israel provided it includes all Palestinians in Gaza, West Bank, and diaspora. Muslim Brotherhood to boycott Egyptian runoff vote after losing all seats. Musudan rumors--North Korea's missile, the BM-25--explored; evidence lacking that Iran can hit Western Europe
As a recession few economists saw coming enters the background, some look for new prediction models. Obama takes initiative on economic reforms ahead of Republicans, proposes two-year federal pay freeze. Moscow braced for the Wikileaks dump, though the data only proved what everyone knew: Medvedev is Robin, Putin is
Al Qaeda launches glossy web magazine Inspire to rouse Americans to kill other Americans. We're creating a tremendous reputational tax on the unethical. Wikileaks's Assanage says up next is a big bank. State Department memo on how diplomats deal with walk-in informants. White people outraged
From the WikiLeaks embassy cables, a rundown of Qadhafi's phobias. An overview of what's included in the leaked cables, as well as cleaned-up data ready for you to download. Also helpful: A cable about a riotous, well-armed wedding in the Caucasus. By planning to
Turkey strikes back at WikiLeaks accusation that it aided al Qaeda in Iraq. "I lost faith in all this stuff a long time ago." Corruption in Egyptian "elections" as seen by sign makers. Subliminal, Israel's most popular rapper, finds success by telling listeners to
