AFGHANISTAN: Security in Kabul tightened after powerful car bombing. Death toll reaches 7 in blast outside American guard company +U.S. Warplanes Bomb Militants Near Afghan Village, Killing More Than a Dozen People, Wrecking Relief Workers' Camp

IRAN: The Iranian bomb

MIDDLE EAST: Twin bus bombs rock Israeli city + In pictures: Beersheba blasts

U.S. Criticizes Syria's Attempt to Keep President in Office, Sends Senior Envoy to Damascus

AFRICA: IAEA Questions Libya's Nuclear Program

Sudan's key ties at the UN + Darfur: Corpse that points the finger of guilt

ASIA PACIFIC: Pakistani workers trapped in cycle of debt.

Indonesian Military Applauds Human Rights Acquittals (WaPo)

EUROPE: Divided France Unites Over Hostages

New Chechen Leader Says He Will 'Eradicate' Rebels

Georgia, the unlikely war state

War prisons: Soldier was a pawn, her lawyers say. Military policewoman is 1 of 7 charged with abusing prisoners at Abu Ghraib + Witness: Marine beat Iraqi prisoners to show he was in charge + Lynndie England 'had fun' at Abu Ghraib + Generals May Pay a Price for Iraq Abuse

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Moscow station hit by car blast

Spy in Pentagon: FBI Interviews Senior Defense Officials in Probe of Analyst (WaPo) + F.B.I. Is Said to Brief Pentagon Bosses on Spy Case; Charges Are Possible (NYT) + FBI Questions Israeli Lobbyists in Spying Probe (LAT Reg) + Pentagon briefed on probe + A molehill without a mole + The scoops that followed `Scoop' + New spy scandal comes as major blow to Israel, AIPAC + Did CBS Smear Israel and AIPAC? + Dreyfus: Next of spies + Xymphora opines + FBI briefs Wolfowitz on Israeli spy claim

Iran: Iran Says It Has Arrested Several Nuclear Spies (WaPo) + Iran arrests dozens 'for spying'

Iraqi sleeper: Iraqi Charged With Lying on Petition For U.S. Citizenship (WaPo) + Suburban man called Iraqi spy + Des Plaines man arrested as 'sleeper' spy for Iraq

Anderson betrayal: Guardsman Anderson accused of "betrayal" as court martial begins + Military trial begins for guardsman accused of trying to aid terrorists + Soldier's mental health disputed + Court-Martial Opens in al-Qaida Aid Case + U.S. says man was Iraqi spy (CT Reg)+ Man Accused of Lying on Citizenship Papers

Russian plane crashes: Terrorists find a crack in the shield + Twin-crash probe focuses on women

Equatorial Guinea: Mummy's boys and mercenaries + Africa: Adventure playground + Du Toit may be pardoned in return for 'co-operation' + Equatorial Guinea Suspends Coup Trial, Seeking Information on Mark Thatcher

Famous Soviet Spy Philby Knew Nothing About Stalin’s Repressions

The Milosevic trial is doing its job

Talks Continue in Hamdi Case (WaPo)

Air marshals' fitness reviewed

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Utah Judge Finds Man Charged in Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping Competent to Stand Trial

Doctors challenge federal English-translation mandate

Jury selection in Bryant case resumes behind closed doors+ Jury tryouts in Kobe case tip off in court

UK: Lawyers face curbs over 'profits before ethics'

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Santa Clara County: New chief of probation named, Sheila E. Mitchell (SJM Reg)

Richmond leaders urge community to refrain from retaliation re: murder of football star (CCT Reg)

Man's 'I forgot' defense for failure to register as sex offender doesn't hold up in court (CCT Reg) + Forgetting is ruled no excuse. Sex offenders who blank out face '3-strikes'

Church officials were warned about San Jose priest (SJM Reg) + Priest abuse cases examine hierarchy (SJM Reg)

Belmont: Plea deal of 8 years for dealer in teen's `ecstasy' overdose

Sacramento: Shifting persona of John Lone Eagle adds mystery to a murder

Cruz kidnap suspect, San Jose: `I was scared'

Sacramento: Pimping suspect preyed on teen, trial told

Bank robbers: One farewell kiss, then they're off to jail

Fresno legal aide services faces changes in light of federal audit

Well-dressed man robs Larkspur bank

Oakland: 15-year-old charged in baby's death

Alameda: Cops hold man in college aide's slaying

Alameda biotech plans delayed

Manteca police arrest 3 women after a hit-and-run

Manteca home invasion a shocker

LA district attorney's office investigating Pomona council meetings re: open meeting law

San Diego man pleads innocent to child abuse, imprisonment for locking child in car trunk

Ex-Beverly Hills Bar Association leader sentenced for embezzlement

Salinas: 3 sentenced to 16 years for murder of carnival worker + Three get 16 years for slaying

Prosecutor challenges Alexander witness in Sausage King trial

Vacaville: Photos of 2 suspects in slaying released

Hayward: Women arrested in killing of ex-boyfriend

Sonoma County rapist found guilty of assault

San Leandro man confronts alleged abuse by priest after 50 years

Missing Orange County girl was murdered in 1969, DA says

Five people indicted in alleged SoCal credit score scam

Santa Rosa: Jehovah's Witness church seeks dismissal of suit over child abuse

Hayward woman wields crowbar, escapes kidnap attempt

Napa: Quilters want to stick it to thieves

High tech solution brings old Napa County courthouse records into view

Scott Peterson: Timeline at center of Peterson trial + Laci may have been online Dec. 24, expert says (CCT Reg) + E-mail record undermines prosecution (SJM Reg) + Timeline problem hinted + Peterson's odd behavior attributed to media, stress + Who was Web surfing Dec. 24?  Expert: Someone at suspect's home was Internet shopping + Developments Monday + Defense attempts to poke holes in timeline+ Defense: Peterson felt heat of family

The Governor:  Far From Left Coast, Many See Gov. as Mr. Right + Election fund freeze protested + Release of Vote Funds Is Sought Click. (LAT Reg) + Report: Overhaul savings oversold + Governor rejects teacher evaluations bill + Rail safety bill vetoed + Governor vetoes oral surgery bill. Plastic surgeons' turf stays off-limits + Major Prison Reform Eludes Lawmakers Click. (LAT Reg) + Florez's bill to aid pesticide victims heads to governor Click. + Talks sought on bridge funds Click. (CT Reg) + Internet sex offender registry awaits governor's OK + A look at Internet-accessible Megan's Law information + Phone tax for hospitals? + San Francisco's $5bn bridge to nowhere

Election Pits Dove and Hawk in Alameda County, Barbara Lee v. Claudia Bermudez (Contra's daughter) Click. (LAT Reg)

Stem Cell Initiative Attracts Backers Click. (LAT Reg)

Senate underdog Jones basks in GOP limelight Click. (FB Reg)

Machado settles dispute with FPPC over funds Click.

GOP's McCarthy bashes anti-Florez ad Click.

Dan Walters: Uphill climb for California GOP to recapture its relevance

LOCAL NEWS:  Project restores creekbed to help steelhead

Indian Tribes: Tribe disputes man's claim of leadership at Point Molate (CCT Reg) + + Richmond's casino-land plan slowed (CCT Reg) + Judge delays casino land deal in Richmond + Point Molate casino to get hearing. Council session tonight on disputed plan + One GOP convention brochure promotes unlimited-expansion of California's $6 billion Indian gambling industry Click.

School days: Bailed-out Vallejo schools start year (CCT Reg) + Lead found in water at Novato school + San Francisco Dream Schools open doors on a new era. One problem: Mandatory ties in short supply + Many Newark schools deal with changes + Problems mar first day of school in Vallejo + Court case opens in fight over Santa Cruz area school closings + State Data to Show How Well Schools Met Academic Goals Click. (LAT Reg) + New fall classes too few to cure college-fee pain + Details on New SAT, Debuting in 2005

San Jose City Hall costs spur new court challenge (SJM Reg)

San Jose: Coyote Valley infrastructure costs examined (SJM Reg)

Santa Clara County: Sen. Bryon Sher leaves environmental legacy (SJM Reg)

Homeowners losing ground on insurance

Compromise sought over Klamath

Berkeley battles over prostitution measure + Sober forum, street theater on prostitution ballot issue. Measure on relaxing enforcement shaping into hot election item

San Francisco: Greek God found in Crocket Bar + 200 BART workers on terrorist patrol + Permits delayed on Natoma tower + Richard Sklar named PUC panel member

High-rises planned on Richmond toxic site. Developer says fans will disperse fumes + Rotten egg smell and brown dust.  Life in Seaport -- next door to a plant making pesticides

Oakland losing deal for fuel tax

11th-hour talks can't save jobs of  Oakland city workers

Health workers walk out of Alameda County Med centers + Medical workers protest staff cuts. More than 500 walk off the job at hospitals, clinics

Alameda biotech plans delayed

Bullet train (S.F. to L.A.) study comments close today

Fetzer's Valley Oaks poised for upgrade

Pleasanton: Non-profit group Crime Stoppers joins the Valley

MILITARY

How the Pentagon has failed U.S troops

Canada: Military probes links between soldiers, biker gangs

Sex Assault Widespread at Bases

Japanese Navy Ship Types--Kaiten type Human Torpedoes

LEAKGATES

Taking Stock After a Pre-emptive War NIST Tests Provide Fire Resistance Data On World Trade Center Floor Systems

Poll: Half of New Yorkers Think Govt Let 9/11 Happen

U.S. should welcome Islamic scholar

Feds Attempt Subpoena For Indymedia Logs

Breaking Into Voicemail Is Easy

Website Offers Caller I.D. Falsification Service

CONNECT THE DOTS....

She went to the Amazon and stayed

Stardom: BARCO DO ABORTO

Blood for pork....

U.S. and Russia still top list of weapons dealers (NYT)

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

West Nile fatal to 22 more horses in California + Horse owners rein in West Nile virus

Needle-free Anthrax Vaccine Shows Promise In Animal Studies

Whole-body scans raise risk of cancer. 1 in 1,200 could get tumor from single test, study finds

NASA plans to announce new class of planets

The Havoc of an Undetected Extra Chromosome

Blueberry Compound Shows Promise Of Lowering Cholesterol As Effectively As Drug

Light Oscillations Become Visible

NASA Satellites Detect "Glow" Of Plankton In Black Waters

How An Insidious Mutation Fools DNA Replication

Molecular Assemblies Created To Convert Water To Hydrogen Gas Global Study Shows Nine Factors Identify Majority Of Heart Attack Risk

Children With ADHD Benefit From Time Outdoors Enjoying Nature

Shrimp, Anyone? Biologist Discovers Two New Species

Mars Odyssey Begins Overtime After Successful Mission

Astronomers pick off small worlds

Call for 'cowboy cloners' ban + Human cloning attempt has failed

Prisoners' clue to hep C vaccine

'Long-lasting' hip joint tested

Humans march to a faster genetic 'drummer' than primates

Doctors sceptical of 'wonder drug' claims

Earth-like planet could harbour life

PSYCHOTIC MICE USED TO STUDY DISEASE

New Stent Helps to Prevent Strokes

Linux slowly picking up steam with businesses

Advanced Micro Plans to Show New Chip Ahead of Intel

Can Microsoft Beat iTunes With a Store of Its Own?

Lighting The Way To Better Nanoscale Films

Patented Process Preserves Transplant Tissues/Organs

Software Difficulties Cost Builders Billions

'Electronic Crystal' In High-temperature Superconductor

Apple shows off new iMac in Paris

Microsoft spends £1bn to keep out the hackers

Photosynthesis Drives Solar Cell

Air Conditioning for Motorbikes

First Practical Plastic Magnets Created

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush Forms Civil Liberties Board

Bush wants to relax national standards for selenium, toxic metal causing mass deformities of water fowl

Overtime Rules Dispute Is a Numbers Game

Bush says War on Terror cannot be won + Bush speech to veterans reaffirms commitment to all-out victory in war on terror + PRESIDENT BUSH CALLS INTO LIMBAUGH; SAYS AMERICA WILL WIN WAR ON TERROR + Bush Says U.S. `Winning' War on Terror as Kerry Criticizes Earlier Remarks

Bush’s Military Bill Beats Cold War Spending

Man Held for Coming Within Feet of Cheney

WTO Authorizes Sanctions Against U.S. Over Antidumping Rules

THE 2004 ELECTION:

In New York, New York, many don't want to be a part of it

Election Overseers Want Big Win

Court Fights Loom Over E-Voting Paper Trail

The Pentagon's Troubling Role in E-mail voting

Republican Rep. Ed Schrock of Virginia announces retirement following claims he is gay

BUSH/CHENEY: Corporate interests will be at the forefront during the final weeks of campaign + GOP's 'Safer World' gambit not necessarily foolproof + Governor Schwarzenegger to do his part for party

KERRY/EDWARDS: Garrison Keillor: Candidate Kerry's introduction to the Fair Click. + Pinning Down Kerry

OPINIONS:

Questions For a Wartime President (WaPo)

Not close and no cigar--Bush as Churchill

Michael Moore: The GOP doesn't reflect America Click.

Jonathan Greenberg: Five reasons Giuliani's no hero Click.

Jimmy Breslin: From the heights of hypocrisy Click.

Thomas Oliphant: A convention village of GOP fantasies Click.

Paul Krugman: A no-win situation Click.

David Corn: The McCain fizzle Click.

M. J. Parrish: The new road to serfdom Click.

Helen Thomas: Hand Rumsfeld his walking papers Click.

Greg Palast: Florida fixed again? Madame Butterfly flies off with ballots Click.

Let's stop Bush-bashing and listen to what he has to say

John Dean: The New Book Attacking Kerry's War Record: How It Defames the Candidate, and Why He Should Sue

War prisons: Soldier was a pawn, her lawyers say. Military policewoman is 1 of 7 charged with abusing prisoners at Abu Ghraib + Witness: Marine beat Iraqi prisoners to show he was in charge + Lynndie England 'had fun' at Abu Ghraib + Generals May Pay a Price for Iraq Abuse

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Has First Drop Since February; Factory Index Slips

Harrah's, Caesars looking to sell four casinos

Mutual funds reveal their votes in corporate elections

Hollinger's Black `Victimized' Company, Independent Committee Report Says

Oil Market Shrugs off Iraqi Export Troubles as Fears of Supply Crunch Ease

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: A 'sense of betrayal' for gay Republicans Click.

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Sacramento radio exec buys city's No. 1 Spanish station

A pop culture magazine for freaks and 'new outcasts'. Other journal is pro-rant, pro-loopy and pro-anarchy

When the reporting comes before the fact

Hersey's "Hiroshima" and Habakusha

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Shepherds of Arcadia, Nicolas Poussin
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

California getaway: Markleeville's lures include hot springs

Theater lab exploring issues of religion

Breakaway Episcopal parishes reject refusal to surrender churches

Latin grammys

Free gin for UK juniper spotters

Hunting for the long-lost sleeping Buddha of Bamian. In 629 A.D., a pilgrim described a 1,000-foot-long statue

Roswell UFOs And Billy The Kid's DNA

Bisexual Viking idol marks ancient circle

Adam Gopnik on wine

Mozart may have had Tourette's syndrome

Leonardo of Liverpool

Inheritor of Bacon's fortune went on 11-year spending spree

Colombia to gatecrash hippos' pool party with tourist park at Escobar's hacienda

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons: Ex-Humboldt man alleged Afghan vigilante

AFGHANISTAN: 2 Americans among dead in Afghan car bombing. Blast in Kabul hits U.S. security firm as elections loom + TALIBAN WARNS OF MORE ATTACKS IN AFGHANISTAN

MIDDLE EAST:  Sharon to Present Gaza Timetable to Mutinous Party

Sharon: All 21 Gaza Settlements to Be Removed Together

Shots Fired at U.S. Diplomatic Car in Saudi Arabia

AFRICA: How tragic fuse was lit in Darfur

As U.N. Deadline Expires, Sudanese Government Asks for Reasonable Action by Security Council

UN Says Libya Earnest on Nukes, But Probes Design

EUROPE: New Chechen Leader Vows Peace, Poll Criticized + The "Loyal Gangster" Solution for Chechnya

Blood for pork....

Mercenaries cashing in on booming global economy

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Spy in the Pentagon: Officials Say Publicity Derailed Secrets Inquiry + Analyst at center of spy flap called naive, ardently pro-Israel + U.S. sources: Spy charges unlikely in Pentagon mole affair + Israeli Held Meetings With U.S. Analyst + Shalom: Pentagon mole affair is 'media nonsense' + Sneh: Pentagon 'mole' story is nonsense + Israeli diplomat denies any improper behavior + Israelis Fear Fallout from Pentagon Spy Probe + Background: Not AIPAC's first controversy + Controversy's No Stranger to AIPAC + Show the proof + Making a mountain into a molehill + The AIPAC kerfuffle + Mole-Man + Who is Larry Franklin + The Axis of Treason: Justin Raimondo + Superb Chronology Of The Israeli Pentagon Spy Case + TENET WARNED OF ISRAELI SPY: REPORT + Diagram + FBI has briefed, interviewed high-ranking Defense, State officials

CIA, Pentagon officials fight merger plan + Pentagon, CIA Go To War With Each Other

U.S. paramilitary operations

Sex, Flies and Videotape on Sinai Smuggling Routes

Susan Lindauer's Mission to Baghdad

Accused Guardsman Faces Court Martial for sharing secrets with Al Qaida + Trial Set for Soldier on al-Qaida Charges

Al-Qaeda undimmed by sanctions

Spain reviews terrorism protection

'Mercenaries tortured in Zimbabwe prison' + 'Mercenary leader' found guilty + South African arms dealer faces death over failed coup

ALL-OUT HUNT FOR OSAMA'S NEW DEPUTY

INDIA-PAKISTAN: Pursued Terrorists and Protected Terrorists

Off-The Shelf  Satellite Reconnaissance

Finding the Real War in Iraq and Afghanistan

Tehran media: Latest Iranian missile has upgraded warhead

U.S., France Make Take Concerns Over Lebanon to U.N.

Russian Plane Crashes Definitely Caused by Explosives; "black Box" Shows No Evidence of Hijacking

Bail Set at $1 Million for Alleged Top Hamas Operative; Wanted for Questioning in Chicago

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Crude oil below 42 dollars as market reacts to Iraq truce

Going public getting harder

Growing pains at U.S. Genomics

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Kobe Bryant makes first appearance at trial + Potential jurors face questioning

Small Iowa town fights a family's deportation

Specialists at odds on Smart kidnap suspect

Feds' 'Super Pot' Warnings Are Bogus Say Experts

Boy, 10, shot father dead after parents' 'ugly' divorce

Homemade Sat Radio Software Bump

Ex-Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell Is Charged With Fraud by US

Chief of Florida's Child-Protection Department Resigns

IBM Asks Swiss Supreme Court to Block Lawsuit by Gypsies Over Alleged Holocaust Link

Fight Over Brain-Damaged Woman Heads to Florida Supreme Court

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

SF lawyer Tehin accused of stealing from poor, sick goes on trial

Lawyers for plaintiffs in the Catholic priest sex abuse cases put claims at $1.5 billion

Police exam puts LAPD chief to the test

Judge studies 'sausage king' gag, criticizes public defender who hit D.A. + 'Sausage King' Trial Takes a Back Seat in Bay Area

Cops call Oakland tot's death suspicious + Child's death may be homicide, police say

Cotati police find Redway man in car with pot, cash

Fremont police have hang-ups with unnecessary 9-1-1 calls

East Palo Alto: Drive-by shooting kills teenage boy

Two men wrongly convicted of SF murder must prove innocence to receive compensation

Alleged Diploma Mill Used Churches to Recruit Pupils

Sonoma executions: Slain couple's tight-knit hometowns join in grief, faith. Ohio, Michigan communities remember Christian counselors

Scott Peterson: Dogs to get spotlight + Testimony re: details on his computers

The Governor: Gov. offers glitter and a moderate voice + 'Girlie man' insult a rally cry for GOP  + Gov. to keep Bay Bridge construction afloat + Governor Is Sprinting for Donations Click. (LAT Reg) + Arnold & the Tabs Click. + Maria is no novice Click. + State trying to reform how it gets aid to families (CCT Reg) + Corbett bill to protect disabled

Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: San Francisco's paradox + Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: In 1987, an attempt to bring back the valley

Rising star Kevin Shelley faces cloud in Capitol (CCT Reg) + Controversy could stall Shelley's political ambitions (SJM Reg)

Indian tribes: Despite furor, don't bet on deluge of urban casinos, experts advise

LOCAL NEWS:  Glamour goats find out who's fairest one of all

Roundup highlights fight over resources

Annadel State Park blaze burns 6 acres

Bethel Island dock owners challenge fees (CCT Reg)

San Jose may raise household pet limit (SJM Reg)

UFW supports new federal legislation re: immigrants

School days: Tuitions rise for Catholic education + School Achievement Reports Often Exclude the Disabled + Paramedic program closed at Columbia College starts in January at Stan State +  Dream Schools strive to raise bar for kids. Innovative methods come to Bayview + Santa Cruz: Disbanded charter students are now being homeschooled + Cal Berkeley fears cuts will threaten rankings. Higher fees, frozen salaries may weaken top academic status Click. + State-of-the-art Beckman High opens today for students in Orange County Click. (OC Reg) + New head's goals will be tall order for MIT

New Valley of the Moon home for children going up near Oakmont

Most East Bay hospitals could suffer serve earthquake damage

Corporate refugee energizes Russian River chamber

Fremont businesses wary of possible tax

Livermore: Downtown group brings new life to historic building

Pleasanton seeks plans for park

San Joaquin looking to save babies by using fire stations

Result of spring sickout: suspensions. 24 S.F. General workers dinged 5 days for action that upset city

Sierra to gain unified voice and strategy if governor signs conservancy bill

Growers' chief, union unite for illegal workers bill Click.

Farm worker says father, 53, didn't have to die of heatstroke Click. (LAT Reg)

Costs and Cutbacks Squeeze San Bernadino Hospital  Click. (LAT Reg)

Riverside County consumers pay $23,300 per day in cash register overcharges Click. + Meat often weighs less than label says Click.

7th ablaze with anti-Bush fervor + Stage set for days of dissent + Best bet: Go with the flow

Census Bureau to put limits on Arab data-sharing

SUBPOENA SEEKS RECORDS ABOUT DELEGATE LISTS ON WEB

Japanese banks deploy biometric palm scanners

Israel High Court allows screening of controversial film 'Jenin Jenin'

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: Women on Waves Creating A Tsunami In Portugal

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Hard hit 'Horse Town USA' taking West Nile threat seriously + Fighting West Nile in the Land of 400,000 Pools + West Nile Virus decimating birds Click.

Scientists Fear New Ebola Outbreak May Explain Sudden Gorilla Disappearance

Canada: Budget cuts have contributed to spread of super-bug

Animal disease center should tell all

Figuring out the very nature of nature. UC lab heads groundbreaking genome work

Language may limit thought, study finds

Automated Data Assesses Quality of Hypertension Care

Advances In Tumor Angiogenesis -- Dendritic Cells Co-opted To The Dark Side

New Genetic Research Demonstrates Possible Cause Of Inherited Form Of Parkinson's Disease

Study Identifies Rapidly Rising Gastrointestinal Disorder

Laboratory Advances The Art And Science Of Aerogels

NASA Satellites Allow USDA To See World's Lakes Rise And Fall

Streptococcus Infects Humans By Thwarting Blood Clotting

Small Bumps Could Make A Big Difference For Hip Replacement

Critically Endangered Monkey Species Plummets More Than 50 Percent Since 1994

Drug-Resistant Bacteria May Find New Foe In Novel Drug Design Approach

Trojan Horses, Xenon Imaging And Remote Controlled Genes: Chemical Cages Deliver Drugs And Peer Into Cells

The Cosmic Revolution: Task Force Outlines Role Of Particle Physics In A New Universe

Do Treatment Plants Effectively Remove Drugs, Hormones From Wastewater?

Dark Chocolate Helps Blood Flow, Scientists Find

Move over Atkins, merits of low-GI diet proving sweet

Was Venus alive? The signs are probably there

Britons attack US cloning ban bid

Acid oceans spell doom for coral

Immune response turbo-charged

Heart Attacks More Likely for People With High Blood Pressure in Cold Weather

King Kong vs. Godzilla at the Microbe Level: Scientists' Creepy Movie Shows Spidery Virus Moving in for the Kill

Study: Smokers Who Have Heart Scares Making No Progress in Quitting

DIET: Raw Food, Oldest Cuisine Catching On; Its Health Benefits Debated

Intel Announces Chip Shrinking Milestone (SJM Reg) + Intel to announce new 500 million-transistor chip

Startup Akimbo to launch Internet video-on-demand service for TV

Distributive computing spreads out

The Players and Pretenders of Nanotech

NIST Unveils Chip-Scale Atomic Clock

US website offers Caller ID falsification service

Supercomputer Seeks Comeback

Whatever happened to solar power satellites?

New low-power "personal supercomputers"

Google is dying

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush on terror war: `I don't think you can win it'  + Bush says war on terror may be unwinnable, but retreat no option

U.S. State Dept. official visits Darfur

Secret Service worried about NYC Bush plot

Congress: Congress aims to pass intelligence bills before elections

THE 2004 ELECTION:

GOP convention: Bloomberg kicks off RNC + The city beyond the Garden gate + Mitchell:

Where are all the black Republicans? +

Novak: Giuliani, McCain outsiders in GOP, but public loves 'em

Florida voting again under microscope

BUSH/CHENEY: Bush security record draws Dems' criticism + Delegates reflect on 9/11 at Ground Zero + Bush's man Parsky in California stays upbeat + Few Visit Ground Zero in N.Y. as Convention Begins + Bush likely to target Social Security + Rove focuses on devotees + Bush will be a lame duck not a warmonger if he wins + These GOP parties are grand, new + Bush puts softer face on hard right agenda

KERRY/EDWARDS: Edwards decries Bush's foreign policy + A disciplined campaigner, Edwards stays on message + Clintons criticize Bush during N.Y. visit

OPINIONS:

John Cassidy on Bushonomics

Elephants on Parade

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: GOP has dol-fun with Dems

Christopher Hitches: What Czeslaw Milosz understood about Islam

Where is McCain's straight talk now?

Bob Herbert: Of campaigns and breakfast cereals Click.

The Florida Report. Ya gotta love Lucy

MILITARY

Over 8,000 troops get probable yearlong deployment back to desert Click.

Spangdahlem to be joint fighter-cargo base Click.

Navy's newest destroyer commissioned

Russian Armed Forces to obtain new unique rocket complex

N.A. Jewell, the British sub commander who tricked the Nazis

Shrinking the US Naval Reserve

Foreign Troops in the US Army

LEAKGATES 

Xymphora opines re: who forged Niger documents?

Juan Cole: FBI furious at leak re: spy in the Pentagon

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Gay Republicans say they are unlikely to back Bush, GOP platform + GOP Gays Find Allies + Fresno Mayor's heterosexuals-only City Hall event attracts 2,000 attendees and 250 protesters Click. (FB Reg) + Gay GOP leader warns of a cultural war within party

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Ay, caramba! Spanish-language radio stations filled with raunch

Hard work pays off in publishing world

For Good Press, Slip 'Em Pesos

NPR's Growing Clout Alarms Member Stations Click.

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

International papers

Shepherds of Arcadia, Nicolas Poussin
Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

One man's junk is another man's treasure at annual Niles flea market in Fremont

Atwater Air museum expects to display four more fighter jets

'Trek' fans, vets fete 'Scotty'

American Indian Museum Set to Open in Washington

Turnout at three-day London carnival could top a million

German theatre director named to head Salzburg festival from 2007

Headless skeletons found in Pacific graveyard

Metis, Mycenae

Medieval discovery in Oslo

Helen Mirren poised for royal role

Secret chamber may hold key to mystery of the Great Pyramid

Sudan's ancient treasures reveal culture that humbled the pharaohs

Alex Ross on Shostakovich

Wine and Noses

A Celebration of Cell-Phone Film

Historic American Sheet Music

Today in literature

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Occupation: Iran Hosts Iraqi Official, Eyes Better Relations + EU Ready to Discuss Increased Aid for Iraq

AFGHANISTAN: Two Afghan Blasts Kill at Least 15; Taliban Claims 1 + Blast rocks Kabul foreign quarter

MIDDLE EAST: Vote near, Saudis push to modernize

EU presses for Syrian weapons clause

Jordan to ask UN to help check for possible radiation from Dimona reactor

EUROPE: Kremlin candidate favorite as Chechnya votes amid violence

Mussolini fights for women's right to pass on name

Schroeder’s ‘stunts’ wear thin

AMERICAS: Honduras, from war-torn to wonderland

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

The hunt is on for radioactive fuel rods that went missing from a former reactor near Eureka. It's the third case of disappearing fuel rods in the country since 2000

Africa coup: Margaret Thatcher dotes on her wayward son but she’s also made him suffer + Britain helped to foil Africa 'coup' plot + How new Africa made fools of the white mischief-makers + Britain dragged into coup plot as rumors swirl over London meeting

Hunt for militants steps up as Pakistan takes on al-Qaeda

Holocaust In a Suitcase

Spying: Time to Think Outside the Box

Intelligence Agencies Pose Complex Conundrum

New York subway bombers had 8 targets + PAIR FLIPPED OUT OVER GHRAIB JAIL ABUSE

FIGHT STUFF FOR FLIGHT CREWS

PAKISTAN LOSING GRIP ON EXTREMISTS

Online Statement: Al-Qaida-Linked Group Says Vatican Not a Target

Pakistan Arrests Suspect in Assassination Attempts on President

MILITARY 11 years later, Army recalls Md. reservist

LEAKGATES In Prague, a tale of 2 Attas

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: Sieg Heil The OLYMPICS

Bill Berkowitz: White supremacist love connection Click.

Blood for pork....

In Iraq, 'Road Warriors' Deliver the Goods

Cheney at Halliburton: A mixed record as CEO

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Fresno mayor takes on Newsom over City Hall marriages. But born-again official renews only traditional vows

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Justice Dept demanding records on liberal Internet site that lists delegates to Republican National Convention

U.S. courts await clarity on sentencing guidelines

Shooter won't be charged in forest fire

Wife wild card at Kobe's trial

Woman sues airline for humiliation over her weight

Nigeria case furthers scrutiny of Texas' Child Protective Services + Protection for CPS caseworkers strains police

Boy held in dad's death witnessed messy divorce

Guatemalan laws, culture blamed for female slayings

How Long Do Cops Keep Evidence?

Basketball star's rape trial recalls O J drama

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Pleasanton police arrest man on forgery charge (CCT Reg)

Woman arrested in connection with missing Fontana police dog

Education gives prisoners their best chance

Juvenile inmates learn to chill out with yoga

Stanislaus seniors urged to beware scam artists

Immigration office goes online

Woman Who Said She Left Young Daughter With Relatives in 1969 Charged in Girl's Death + Santa Ana: Arrests in girl's disappearance could yield answers for brother + Investigators arrest Wis. woman in daughter's 1969 disappearance

Hard sell for lost years. Wrongly imprisoned man must prove case again for state to pay

Wrongly imprisoned

Is SF Soft On Hate Crime?

Sonoma executions: Carole Sund Foundation offers reward for lead in couple's killings + Mystery of couple's last days + Retracing couple's steps

Scott Peterson: State Senate balks at paying county, city for Peterson case

The Governor: Bill flurry to reveal Gov.'s politics (SJM Reg) + Labor-friendly bills face Gov.'s scrutiny + Dems confront Gov. with tough choices over final bills + Bills approved this week by the Legislature + Democrat bills are ready for Arnold's judgment day + Legislature Wraps Up Difficult, Humbling Year + Dems hold Gov. in check. Schwarzenegger's next moves will set tone for future relations + Democrat bills are ready for Arnold's judgment day Click. + Arnold to grapple with 1,000 would-be laws Click. + A Look at Some of the Key Bills Passed Click. (LAT Reg) + Some in the North Suspect Southern California Bias in Gov. Click. (LAT Reg) + Trojan horse alive and well in Sacramento Click. (OC Reg)

Bay Bridge future falls into limbo Click. + Bridge impasse prompts blame Click. (CCT Reg) + Bridge contract extension sought. Construction may be halted if bidder doesn't go along

Coming to terms + Burton makes abrupt exit

Jerry Brown sets his sights on Attorney General's office

Dan Walters: Shelley's in quicksand, but double standard helps him + Shelley's career is a study in contradictions. Stellar past at odds with tales of bad temper and tainted funds

Hetch Hetchy reclaimed: CALVIN says the dam can go + Editorial: Hetch Hetchy reclaimed - The dam downstream

LOCAL NEWS:   Risk levels vary by neighborhood (SJM Reg) + Sacramento fails to fix Bay Bridge funding woes (SJM Reg)

School days: Dean wooed by SJSU backers rumored in Santa Cruz hunt (SJM Reg) + Flaws mar efforts to hold schools in state accountable (SJM Reg) + Closing gaps on path to diploma + Christian college opens doors Monday in Rocklin + Which SAT should junior take? + Educational goals may be too ambitious + Federal rules set lofty aims, lack flexibility + Educating Santa Rosa + Tracy district working on facility price plan + Cal State Monterey Bay takes on the ‘sophomore slump’ + Food joins academic menu in Berkeley school district. Credits, not calories. Chez Panisse founder cooks up new 'core curriculum' + Federal officials curtail charter school data. Education office cites 'technical,' financial reasons

Branching out: Valley is hot spot of bank expansion

Marin: Opposition to sales tax plan more muted than in 1998

Inverness couple leaves $277,500 to Marin Ag land trust

Daniel Weintraub: Is there a health crisis? Numbers tell another story

Oakland: Truckers aim to haul more money home

Indian tribes: Beyond tribal gaming + Blue Lake Rancheria not alone in push to diversify + San Pablo casino enticing to retirees. Shorter ride on bus would leave extra time for gambling

Political bruises linger from Rohnert Park recall fight

Stanislaus County money problems date back 3 to 4 decades

In-home workers to get a pay raise

Dublin: New water meters could mean higher bills

Alameda County Medical center's staff to walk out

Health care shortcuts don't pay off

Stockton: Farmers to get recovery advice

Santa Cruz: Task force to meet to discuss dump sites + Santa Cruz mayor set to defend grocery workers + Dan Harper: A rejuvenated river might rejuvenate downtown S.C.

Napa: Off the air? Politicians' shows may be on hold + Environmentalists, boaters at odds over Napa River docks

The changing face of American Canyon

Los Angeles County Feels Symptoms of Health Crisis Relapse Click. (LAT Reg)

Paid family leave program rivals rigors of birth for some Click.

Businesses take pledge not to hire illegal immigrants Click.

Fear, hope flow from water ruling re: San Joaquin River Click. (FB Reg)

Rocky Mountain Elk Make Tracks to California Click. (LAT Reg)

Asbestos exposure found in El Dorado pets Click.

Riveting Senate race a clash of San Joaquin titans Click.    

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

U.S. Economy Probably Added 150,000 Jobs in August as Expansion Quickened

US economic soft patch sparks debate on outlook

New rules speed check processing, squeeze 'float'

Mining gold in the ivory tower + Once shunned, tech licensing now a cash cow for schools

Safeway's CEO Steven Burd on the record

SEC gives a slap on the wrist

The great whiskey myth

PUC overloaded with deregulation complaints

Steffy: Waiting for Enron to pay up

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

West Nile's course is hard to chart

Mosquito swat team in Tomales + Monterey: The buzz on West Nile

Blood alert: thousands may be infected with vCJD

Flu 'becoming resistant to drugs'

50 years of organ transplants

Managing chronic health conditions on the job

Scientists May Use Drugs to Stop Addiction

Scientist stereotypes and reality

Siberian cubs get radio collars

China acts to tackle Aids spread

'Rare' gut disease rates soaring

Pills stop popping for Big Pharma

Protesters: 'Today we send our message' + Protests heating up + Sunday: 200,000 March in NYC to Protest Bush Policies

One Irishman in his boat spreads anti-war message

Spy in the Pentagon:
ANALYSIS: Pentagon investigation is another burden for Rumsfeld + FBI Probe Wider Than Israel Allegations + Pentagon Analyst Probed by FBI for a Year + Iran-Contra II? + Target of Spy Probe Served in Israel + Report on Iran Key to Spying Inquiry + Pentagon worker traveled to Israel as Air Force reservist + Military Intelligence chief denies charges of Israel spying in U.S. + 'Dual loyalty' slur returns to haunt American Jews + Comparisons to the Pollard affair highly exaggerated + Xymphora opines

Internet Turns 35, Still Work in Progress

THE BUSHWORLD...

BUSH ENVIRONMENT ORDER RILES ACTIVISTS

Howard fury over White House ban

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Corporate cash flows to cover GOP bash. Hedging their bets, firms also underwrote Dems' party

BUSH/CHENEY: Speeches will target record of Kerry in Senate, not war + Risk-taking shapes Bush's leadership + Questions, and more questions, on the eve of the RNC + Bush pledges open markets overseas + Compassionate conservatism’s future + Bush Takes On Direct Role in Shaping Election Tactics + Bush stumps in W.Va. + Kerry says he's in 'fighting mood' + ANALYSIS: Bush record suggests two presidencies + In His Father's Shadow, a Son Charts His Course + Making over Mr. Macho president + Cheney weak link in armor + The stars leave town … and the has-beens sing for Bush + KEYNOTER ZELL SET TO RIP KERRY + LAURA GETS PERSONAL + FIRST LADY ON SWIFT BOAT ADS: ‘Do I Think They’re Unfair? Not Really'

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry, Greenspan Differ on Social Security + Pro-Kerry Vets Protest at Home of Anti-Kerry Backer + Brazile: Memo to Kerry-Edwards

OPINIONS:

In corner, then oval, offices

Click. Who's the leader of the religious right?

Still Unreported. The Payoff For Bush's Air Guard Fix

A wary post-9/11 city

Can Bush Get Right With the Right?

Voting with one hand on Bible in Oklahoma Click.

George Bush's Secret War

Dan Payne: Questions, and more questions, on the eve of the RNC Click.

Alexander Cockburn: Zombies for Kerry

Faltering Bush plays terror card

Heart of America

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

French journalists kidnapped in battle to end headscarf law

ABC vs. CBS vs. NBC vs. Fox vs. WB vs. UPN

Best TV shows in the barrel + The fall prime-time lineup

New Age magazine's publishers are ready to enlighten you

Dyke: Blair tried to gag BBC war reports

Hello Kabul, I'm listening

Jim Boyd: This year, the political smear is exposed even as it's happening Click.

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers: Bush on Christopher Street?

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Roundups eliminating icon of the Old West, critics claim

Gypsy Boots remembered at Hollywood memorial service

Jews invoke ancestry on walk

Searching abandoned cities, urban centers to unlock an ancient nation's past

Mystic's burial site at commune is reincarnated as posh resort

London's Notting Hill Carnival celebrates 40th year

Hazaras rebuild from ruins of a war-torn Afghanistan

Eskimo traditions melt away with every generation. Marriages were far more complex than just saying, 'I do'

Ben Widdicombe's Gatecrasher: Chappelle's ramble makes 'em scramble

Patricia Cornwell

SEX-CRAZED SECRETS OF BADGE-LUST 'BUNNIES'

ROSIE'S SKETCHY ART GRAB

Where the Gruffalo roams

Theatre of war

Tim Robbins acting up

Revealed: Nelson loved the French

The day I was 'kidnapped' by Elton John

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

AFGHANISTAN: U.S. and Afghan Troops Arrest 22 During Anti-Militant Sweep, Renegade Warlord Also in Custody

AFRICA: Sudan fails to halt militias. But efforts to quell Darfur crisis likely to delay sanctions

IRAN: Iran Ready to Provide Nuke 'Guarantees' Click.

EUROPE: Russia Added to Central Asian Bloc Click.

Dysfunctional, Violent Chechnya Holds Election to Replace Assassinated President + Chechnya at a Glance

Portugal bans Dutch abortion ship

Croatia erases 'fascist' tributes

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Two Arrested in Alleged Plot to Blow Up NYC Subway

Russian plane crashes: Explosives Found in Both Jets + Pravda: Chechen terrorists had motive  + Jet crashes have 'Black Widow' link + Face to face with Russian crashes

Italian war crime trial points to 'new Odessa'

Swift Intelligent Smokescreen: Ray McGovern

Argentina 'Was Told' It Had US Backing for 'Dirty War'

U.S. Says Belarussian Bank Helped Hussein

Click. NASA Reveals Classified Counter-Spy System

Report faults U.S. airports for few bomb screens

FCC TO KEEP PHONE OUTAGE DATA SECRET

U.S. Set Back on Treatment of Combatant Hamdi Click.

The technocrat of massacre

Yemeni Court Convicts 15 Militants on Terror Charges; One Sentenced to Death

US-Kazakh Talks on Leftover Plutonium Stall; Some See Risk

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

The incredible expanding case: After a year, Bryant goes on trial

Coca Entrepreneurs Create Plant Immune to US Attack

Conflict-of-interest law for arbitrators upheld by court

Warranty, quitclaim deeds serve different purposes

Houston: Errors spark new review of DNA cases; analysts could be charged

Mexican high court is asked to take genocide case

Judge revokes citizenship for accused Nazi guard, 84

Skinheads who attacked kids sued in federal court

Lawsuit Challenges Missouri's Ban on Sexually Oriented Billboards

Two Florida Probation Officers Appeal Their Firing After Ex-Convict Charged in Murders

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

State offers self-help legal aid on the Web (CCT Reg) + Web site + More

Soto settles police brutality suit vs. Richmond for $150,000 (CCT Reg)

Explosives found on Antioch man's boat (CCT Reg)

Bay Area counties file suit against Microsoft (SJM Reg)

Conflict in laws on child care centers (SJM Reg)

Santa Clara judge throws out cases re: victims subject to reused needles (SJM Reg) + Last cases dismissed

Diversions ruined San Joaquin river, judge rules

Ex-Ravenswood school official alleges sexual harassment (SJM Reg)

Ross names new chief of public safety

Novato police warn of 'Spanish lottery'

Bratton struggles to reform LAPD

Pot plot in foothills sparks high anxiety

Alameda County health chief: Test released cons for HIV

Defense lawyers seek to remove judge from Orange County statutory rape case

Stanislaus: Plea deal in fatal accident on hold

Court rules confessions in San Joaquin slayings were coerced

Hayward man's body dumped in foothills

Walnut Creek nursing facility settles wrongful death lawsuit

Woodside: Neighbors sue man for noisy peacocks

Judge rules Daly City priest to stand trial on charges of molesting girl

Vallejo man to stand trial on attempted murder charges

San Francisco: Police seek girls who disappeared from apartment + Sanity trial in 'mercy killing' of homeless man + "Fajitagate" trial moved to Sacramento + Chief says 3 officers leaked Fagan memo + Gang killing in 2001 brings 2 convictions

Redwood City: Killer's accomplice pleads no contest

Federal judge rules Friant Dam near Fresno violates California law

Both sides in BALCO deny media leaks

Court reluctantly orders deportation. Father, son returned to Mexico for visit and stayed too long

5 Charged With Scam Topping $10 Million Click. (LAT Reg)

Oakland: Kids who have known violence study how to end it. New program looks at positive ways to effect social change

Sonoma executions: Counselors' slaying clues hard to find (CCT Reg) + Few Clues in Camp Counselor Slayings, California Coast on Edge

Scott Peterson: Trial calms down with Frey gone (CCT Reg) + Time the essence of defense theory (SJM Reg)

The Governor: Gov. to veto immigrant driver's license bill + Convention offers Gov. national stage and risks + Energy bill makes way to governor + State overhaul plan overstates savings, analysis shows + Key bills given final approval

Election money off-limits to Shelley + Secretary-of-state controversy freezes U.S. voter-access funds (SJM Reg) + Finance director awaits audit of Shelley's spending

Legislature: Legislature OKs disputed license bill + Plan to keep Bay Bridge work alive sent to Assembly + Senate approves 4 casino deals throughout state + Assembly OKs Mt. Tam ranger bill + Workers' comp rate bill dead + Lawmakers send bill restricting foreclosures to governor + Stopgap plan to keep bridge work going fails as lawmakers leave + Bay Bridge rebuilding in doubt (SJM Reg) + Legislators, governor in Bay Bridge stalemate, No deal reached on who should pay -- cost likely to rise + Offshore firms keep tax breaks + Marjie Lundstrom: Statewide ban on beach smoking just a matter of time + Vasco Road double-fine bill stalls + Reporters would get better access to inmate interviews under bill + Lawmakers Vote to Allow Drug Purchases From Canada Click. (LAT Reg) + Bill to give Orange County more cash goes to governor Click. (OC Reg) + Car insurance slackers targeted Click. + Burton's curtain call. Senate leader forced out by term limits, combined political savvy, bulldog mentality to become Sacramento legend

State tax agency offers easiest form: Just sign here Click. (SJM Reg)

Senator appeals to federal judge to halt prison guard union's power

Workers' comp reforms spur physician networks (CCT Reg)

Indian tribes: Tribal casino resort proposed near Gilroy (SJM Reg)

California's garage sale draws horde of bargain hunters

The buzz: Haves and have-nots of stem cell research measure

LOCAL NEWS: 

Sebastopol: Blueberry lovers descend on farm to save bushes from bulldozers

Mt. Diablo conservationists to receive honors

Detroit Fights California Bid to Open Car Pool Lanes to Fuel-Conscious Import

Editorial: A Sierra conservancy?

Bearing arms goes with the territory in Modoc County (CCT Reg)

2 arts programs in San Jose eliminated

School days: Elk Grove schools get new leader + Faculty book resales raise ethical issue + Pleasanton school funds debate goes on + Modesto schools back down on tests + Stan State's finance program brings France a little closer + CSUH receives high marks + USC agrees to make trams more accessible to disabled + Laws will demand equal access. Legislators approve 4 bills to help poor schools improve

Alameda County Medical center is cited for two violations

Island biotech plans delayed

Ft. Bragg swim center gets $1 million from foundation

LA Episcopal diocese demands property from breakaway parishes

Paralyzed Willits teen refuses offer to buy guns

Port of Oakland may ban contractors who sue frivolously in business community

New Benicia neighborhood offers affordable housing

Lawmakers Vote to Allow Drug Purchases From Canada Click. (LAT Reg)

Bill to give Orange County more cash goes to governor Click. (OC Reg)

Car insurance slackers targeted Click.

State tax agency offers easiest form: Just sign here Click. (SJM Reg)

Bill to let troops wed from abroad sent to governor Click.

Alameda County Hospitals: Nurses set one-day strike to protest plan to cut staff Click.

Environmentalists, boaters at odds over Napa River docks

Napa: Bad economic times force nonprofit coalition to lay off executive director

San Francisco: Housing lottery: 1,600 vie for 36 units. Seniors eager for new apartments in Outer Mission + Newsom, volunteers canvass needy areas

L.A. tastier water on tap

MILITARY

Gen. Franks, in Simi, defends U.S. policy Click.

VA hospitals secure despite FBI warning, officials say. Bulletin suggests terrorists may seek easy military target

Navy's Newest Destroyer, Named for Submarine Hero, Commissioned With Crew That Includes Descendent

American Veteran Revisits Crash Site With the Woman Who Saved His Life During World War II

Israeli Reservists Deal With Double Lives of Being Civilians and Soldiers

Click. Give Your Name or Not at the RNC Protests?

New York: Waking Up to Security That Never Sleeps Click.

Pro-Choice March Marks Day of Anti-Bush Protests

Police bust up bike protests

'Whose streets? Our streets'

We don't like you signs aimed at Bush

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: My Space Gone MAD

List: The World's 100 Most Powerful Women

Blood for pork....

Boeing exec under scrutiny

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Crude Oil Has Biggest Weekly Drop in a Year as Iraq Supply Concerns Wane

Greenspan: Social Security disaster looms + Update 13: Greenspan Sounds Alert on Social Security

Dem calls BofA chief liar over job losses

Even in Face of High Oil Prices, Weak Job Growth, Fed Expected to Raise Rates Again

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

California passes Arizona as worst in nation for West Nile

West Nile fight gets boost Click. (FB Reg)

Contaminated flu shots 'not a crisis,' says CDC. Chiron expects delays, but not serious problems

Company Is Investigating Possible Vaccine Problems in Brazil

Drug to Help Avert Blindness Moves Closer to Approval

Concern grows over diabetes in Indians Click.

False diagnosis of HIV discovered after 8 years. Veteran's life severely affected after VA doctor made mistake

Dandelions 'could combat cancer'

The Athlete's Pharmacopeia

ISRAEL SPY IN PENTAGON: Israel Spy Nest: The Net Widens + Israeli Spy May Have Shaped US Policy + Israeli sources: Alleged Pentagon spy had regular work ties with us + Top analyst may have passed secret papers on Iran + PAPER: FEITH MAY HAVE SUPPLIED INFO TO ISRAEL IN THE 80'S

Two Arrested in Alleged Plot to Blow Up NYC Subway

Special Report: Six Internet Trendsetters

Siemens Says Cellphone Flaw May Hurt Users and Its Profit

Microsoft decides to rein in Longhorn

UN drive to boost free software

Poolside digital advice

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush talks of counterterrorism center plans

Bush Defends Record as Protesters Hit NY Streets

Bush Acknowledges 'Time of Change' for Workers

Bush admits mistake over post-war Iraq

Bush Says He's Following Sept. 11 Panel's Intelligence Recommendations

Defense chief in error on probe. Rumsfeld flubs facts on abuse and interrogations + Rumsfeld disputes finding of abuse panel + Rumsfeld's deep denial analyzed

With Protesters Waiting, Powell Cancels Trip to Olympics

Florida Police Officer Indicted in Threat to Shoot Bush

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Bush Moves Ahead of Kerry by Two Percentage Points, Time Magazine Reports

In Palm Beach, Results of 2000 Still Stir a Fight

Club of the Most Powerful Conservatives Gathers in Strictest Privacy Click.

GOP Fete for Man in Black Stirs Debate

Zing and a prayer from Hillary

BUSH/CHENEY: Republicans to Bush: Back Away from Iraq, Vietnam + Christian Right not on GOP speech list. Convention to air moderate speakers aimed at swing votes + Special Interest Rule at GOP Convention + Arab-Americans Use Republican Convention to Their Advantage + Barnes says he regrets getting Bush into Guard + GOP Convention Delegate Drops Out Over Bush + Bush courts Florida vote + Expect a seesaw ride for Bush next week + Battle in Missouri. Why President Bush is courting votes in the 'Show Me' state + Playing with fire: Bush clashes with New York's finest

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry champions 'real Americans' in California + Kerry slams Bush, proposes debt relief in Daly City stop + Ads suggest Bush-Nader connection + Kerry touts jobs in Washington visit New DNC Ad: A Case of Almost Right + Kerry says Bush is ‘out of touch’ with US workers + Kerry under fire again: War record faces new assaults + Democrats Seek More Benefits for Iraq Reservists

OPINIONS:

Ivins: He Loves Us Not

N.Y.'s political promise turns to peril for GOP. Convention must evoke, not exploit, 9/11

Christopher Brauchli: Protecting the president from dissent Click.

George Ochenski: A tale of two campaigns in Portland Click.

Our Second Civil War

It's Not The Economy, Stupid

Unlikely alliance built on opposition to Iraq war now raises questions

War prisons: Abuse cases: U.S. mercenary Idema made his mark with viciousness + REPORTS SHINE HOT LIGHTS ON MILITARY MISTAKES + Guantanamo: 'Name' detainees to be charged. 9/11 mastermind may be one of them

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Simmons considers appearance on 'Queer Eye' + Mobo voters to decide on 'anti-gay' stars + The New Reggae: Anti-Gay Lyrics Stir Controversy in Music's Jamaican Birthplace

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: My Space Gone MAD

List: The World's 100 Most Powerful Women

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Iraq militants seize two French journalists, give 48-hour ultimatum: report

AP Appeases Hillary Publisher Irked At Leaks

Christine Craft is back on 1240 radio Sacramento

Freed Journalist Micah Garen, Back in U.S., Thanks Supporters

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Masterpieces of the garden

Jane Withers hopes to create museum for Hollywood memorabilia

Round Valley musician returns to her roots

Fremont to host quilt show

Oakland museum's Vietnam War exhibit opens old wounds

The Red Hat Ladies

Hell On Wheels

A tamer MTV awards show is hinted at, but with this crowd, there are no promises

Spain: Controversy surrounds opening of Garcia Lorca's grave

Fiddle Tunes of the Old Frontier

Fortress New York takes post-9/11 play to its heart

Hollywood hell

Bloody chambers

Drawing pains

Vatican returns icon to Russia+ Pictures of Virgin of Kazan icon

Hundreds of thousands gather for fifth Budapest techno parade

Paris fame's has gone to her head

Ben Widdicombe's Gatecrasher: Wek's a fashion no-show

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons: Abuse cases: Interrogation rules blurred by general, Army probe says. Sanchez approved practices barred by Geneva conventions + Doctor: Broken ribs may have led to Iraqi's death + Daily Food Shortages at Abu Ghraib Cause Riots + Six Interrogation Contractors Referred for Prosecution + Prison Torture, From Texas to Abu Ghraib + America's problem: Abu Ghraib abuses + Sadr orders fighters to lay down arms Guantanamo: Al-Qaida member asks to represent himself in court + Al Qaeda confession stuns hearing + NO AUDIO RECORD OF GUANTANAMO TRIALS

MIDDLE EAST: 350 fasting prisoners resume eating; UN urges Israel to meet obligations

ASIA PACIFIC: North Korea's environment crisis + North Korea likens Bush to Hitler + N Korea food prices 'rocket'

EUROPE: Defiant Italy won't bow to 'terrorist blackmail', says minister

Russian bear calls on gray wolf

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Questions continue to swirl around Wen Ho Lee

British rearrest jailed Islamic cleric, detained for U.S. extradition

Al Qaeda May Target Veterans Hospitals, U.S. Says

Zimbabwe court finds Mann guilty over coup arms deal, absolves others

Israeli-US Arrow Missile Test Fails

Russian crashes: Russia finds air crash explosive + Pravda: TU-134 and TU-154 were exploded from their toilets + Drinking vodka saved the 6 plane passengers' lives + Debka view

Al-Qaeda sanctions 'ineffective'

Al-Qaeda operative: Montreal man who trained with 9/11 hijackers brought down American Airlines flight in New York three years ago

War crimes suspect charged in Boston

Most Terror Attacks Cost Under $50G

Equatorial Guinea: Spain 'secretly backed Equatorial Guinea coup by sending warships' + 'Coup bid ringleader' found guilty + Lawyer condemns 'political' arrest + Comment: John O'Farrell + Thatcher: the net tightens + Young British accountant's 'Wonga List' preoccupies investigators + Thatcher 'was planning to flee' before being detained + Mark Thatcher arrested over alleged African coup plot + Son of Margaret Thatcher led mercenaries from the former USSR

MI6 involved in Balkan spy plot

Click. British Spies in Croatia Named

Click. Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi

Of Chinese pirate kings, Dutch traders

Checking for nukes at Mexican border

Hijackers force plane to land in Khartoum

Figuring Out the Human Landscape

LEAKGATES

9/11 study: Saudis long ignored Al Qaeda funding

Blood for pork....

Defense Contractor CACI Spins Alleged Role in Abu Ghraib

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Agencies crack down on cyberfraud

DOJ Accuses Six With Crippling Rivals' Web Sites

Pharmacists sue drug makers for charging too much in U.S. and price-fixing

FBI Helps Probe of Blast at Stem-Cell Lab

Houston crime lab finds boxes of lost evidence. Fetus, body parts, other items from 8,000 cases

Kobe Bryant trial opens with first wave of jury selection + Prosecutors scolded by judge in Bryant trial. Challenge to DNA evidence at issue

Judge voids late-term abortion ban. Federal law declared unconstitutional for excluding exemption

Witnesses testify re: assassination of Archbishop Romero

Feds bust DDoS 'Mafia'

Golden Triangle puts its poppies to sleep

Wm Kennedy Smith case. Accuser: I was dragged to his home, raped

Famous, Wealthy Criminal Defendants Can Hire High-Priced Lawyers, But Do They Also Face Disadvantages?

Kentucky High Court Vacates $15 Million Damage Award Against Ford

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Arrest of Curtis Alan McCutcheon, a computer technician employed at the Marin Civic Center, for transmitting porn, leads to arrest of 2 others re: sex assault of 3-yr-old and pictures taken Click.

Richmond: No revenge, pleads slain star athlete's family + Teen held in athlete's death given 'escort' in juvenile hall

Contra Costa jury rules drowning death accidental in case where deputies pursued fleeing suspect into lake (CCT Reg)

Testimony: Three defendants seen near elderly murder victim's house in Mountain View (SJM Reg)

9th Circuit to rehear murder case (Stockton D.A. made deal with informant, didn't tell defendant)

Oakland: No contest plea in fatal drunken-driving crash that killed Congolese dancer Casquelourd

Richmond: Man found shot dead inside idling car

Antioch woman accused of abducting her own 3-yr-old pleads not guilty

Governor OK with murderer's parole. Woman claimed self-defense in '86 slaying of boyfriend

Trial of three in Livermore teen's slaying (Jenna Simons Nannetti) delayed to '05 + More

Feds probing theft of guns in Millbrae + Owner of stolen guns says theft could have happened years ago. His last check of weapons was in December 2001

San Francisco investment bank Weisel to pay $12.5 million on SEC charges + Banks settle in conflict probe

California Supreme Court: Class-Action Lawsuits for Overtime Pay Allowed Click.

Promotion means yet another Ross fire, cop chief

Parolee in San Rafael assault arrested after robbery in Petaluma

Web setup will end long wait at Sacramento immigration office

Santa Rosa: 2 homeless men arrested in slaying

LA police officer charged with alleged extortion

Modesto boy, 16, dies in shooting

3 Merced County cities adding Tasers to arsenals

Man charged with 2 felonies in Bear blaze

Two Florida firms to pay $1.89 million to settle telemarketing fraud suit re: credit counseling

Los Angeles jury recommends more than $500,000 to woman who says she was enslaved by couple

Vandals hit Fremont home of Sikhs again

Fullerton man convicted of killing 2-year-old daughter

Monterey man detained in Bahamas over gun in luggage

Alleged statutory rape victim sues prosecutors, says she won't cooperate (Orange County assistant sheriff's son is suspect)

DA searches office of First Latino, a Vista organization, group pays off loans Click.

Jury Awards Ex Culver City Policeman $4.1 Million in Ephedra Case Click. (LAT Reg)

Sonoma executions: Photos capture couple's final days + Tale of two seasides: Murder jolts coast's laid-back lifestyle

Scott Peterson: Defense challenges Internet search dates + Wiretap missed some calls (CCT Reg) + Defense revisits reason for fishing trip (SJM Reg) + Frey done; Peterson trial gets technical + Witnesses: Peterson wiretaps not fully functional + Laci's mom pleads for reimbursement + Damage control for the defense + The Peterson File + Developments Thursday

The Governor: Gov. orders consolidation of state computer centers + Defining Time for Gov. Click. (LAT Reg)

 San Pablo Casino: San Pablo casino won't get OK in 2004. Gov. gives up after lawmakers oppose compact + Legislators deal delay to casino + Gov. delays casino plan push (CCT Reg) + Gov. backs off on Bay Area casino + Gov. gives more time to lawmakers

New Bay Bridge: Capitol unwilling to pay bill on bridge. Bay Area lawmakers reject Gov.'s latest proposal + Turns into nasty regional politics (CCT Reg) + Safety last + State offers to bear part of Bay Bridge costs; program audit set + Gov. softens stance

Bill signing: A look at actions by the Gov. and Legislature on Thursday+ Bills about cell phone privacy, election date, ferrets go to Gov. (SJM Reg) + Hybrid auto bill awaits Gov.'s OK + Anti-outsourcing bill to Gov. + Proposed Ocean Protection Council goes to Gov. + Gov. burned on solar bill (SJM Reg) + Gov.'s biggest battle over electricity +

Oakland: Gov. urged to sign illegal immigrant license bill + Sacramento showdown

Legislature: Race to the finish for California lawmakers + State Senate OKs Canadian drug bill + Nation's scaled-down bill on tanning salons approved + Bill to curb landlord neglect OK'd + Mercury vaccine safety measure passes + Mixed year for prison legislation + Dan Walters: Senate duel reverberates as Legislature churns to adjournment + State trumps Contra Costa's rifle ban + Legislators do a disservice by not closing tax loophole for offshore companies + Electric re-regulation bill gets an OK Click. + Leno tops smog-check bill opponents Click. (SJM Reg)

Senator Perata, an effective wheeler-dealer, stirs strong feelings from all sides

Audit panel to probe Sec. of State Shelley funds. It also will question office's spending of federal money + Lockyer subpoenas Shelley's office, top contributors + Shelley: Neck pain tied to anger issues

Gates, others lead California ballot effort for stem cell research + Biotechs support stem cell ballot initiative Click.

Garamendi moves to block Wellpoint, Anthem merger

LOCAL NEWS: Elk Grove: Cosnumnes Preserve gets funds for wildlife habitat

Hiker, Stanford lecturer Kathy Namphy's body found in Iran (SJM Reg)

Weekend anglers take toll, study finds (SJM Reg)

Did Ikea keep election promises in East Palo Alto? (SJM Reg)

Tony LaRusso's Animal Rescue Foundation: Is it doing enough? (CCT Reg)

Low rainfall a problem for Contra Costa area cattle ranchers (CCT Reg)

San Francisco: Health Dept., UCSF talk hospital merger in Mission Bay development + Federal grant will help put additional police on the street. Funding will train 50 new officers, some civilians + Housing Authority Commission President Julie Lee faces new problem: Protest over her eviction of blind tenant + Tempers flare at housing meeting + Green candidate loses ballot bid + Supervisor hopefuls queue up for funds + Peskin, other controversial pols effective + Missed meetings + Friday fish stew, side of scandal + The tax attack

San Jose Mayor Gonzales offers ideas to spur city economy (SJM Reg)

School days: Stanford: $43.5 million given for more graduate student housing + San Francisco: Teachers union makes board of education endorsements + UC late-admission offers come under fire + Sonoma County schools worried over Latinos' test scores + A Windfall for a Student Loan Program + Lessons of school integration in 1950s South valuable today + State schools chief encourages expectations + Mission San Jose coaches, AD reinstated + Chinese officials look to Ohlone to serve as model + The campus, a joint venture between L.A. Unified and a museum Click. (LAT Reg) + Female leadership signals shift at MIT

Millbrae: Owner of stolen guns says theft could have happened years ago. His last check of weapons was in December 2001

Contra Costa: Most owners agree to remove illegally built homes in delta

Contra Costsa homeless shelter fund-raising gets a hand

Marin: Public safety radio antenna nears approval

Novato finds spot for temporary 'City Hall'

Golden Gate Bridge to get improved security

Fire threatens Santa Rosa neighborhood

Pesky pests eating away at two tall ships in Orange County

As quarter-a-pack tax turns 15, smoking and related illnesses decline

Napa: Assembly candidates square off at Vets Home + County workers agree to new contract + Calistoga woman killed in double murder case in Maine

Santa Cruz: Regional Transportation Commission releases tourist-train plan

Child poverty soars in L.A. Nearly 1 in 3 living in need

Indian Tribes: Rural tribes plan casinos in San Diego Click.

Trade group calls for heat-stress prevention Click. (FB Reg)

Central Valley grocery negotiations smooth, but many issues still on table Click.

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Soccer idols reach golden age. The team that made U.S. women's soccer famous shares one last victory

Stardom: MURPHY'S LAW WORKING OVERTIME

How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life

MILITARY

California, Montana Black Hawk battalions to mobilize

Soldiers' Iraq Blogs Face Military Scrutiny

Charges Unlikely for Dad of Dead Marine + A father's unbearable pain

5,500 GIs get orders for Afghanistan Click.

Bradley the favored vehicle in Najaf battles Click.

Canada to expand its armed forces to facilitate foreign interventions

For Student Soldiers, Returning to Campus After Iraq Can Be a Challenge

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Chiron says some flu shots tainted. Distribution halted as bad lots found at British factory + Company's flu shots fail sterility test

Tomales a hot spot for West Nile virus + Living with West Nile Click. + West Nile has human vector Click. + CDC, state numbers do not match re: West Nile Click.

Mad cow secrecy in California may end

John Clark, creator of transgenic sheep, dies

Scientists fear new Ebola outbreak may explain sudden gorilla disappearance Click.

Study Finds Anthrax Retesting Unnecessary in Postal Facilities

New jaw grown on patient's back

Sea life reacts unpredictably in warming waters (SJM Reg)

Caring for the obese a booming business

Platinum linked to breast-surgery fears

Exercise Boosts Immunity in Elderly Men

Study In Science Reveals Recreational Fishing Takes Big Bite Of Ocean Catch

Researchers Uncover Secrets Of Immune System's Munitions Factory

'Molecular Portals' In Brain Cells Identified

Dynamic Ice: Surface Physics Technique Reveals Complex Chemical Reactions On Icy Surfaces

Mars Odyssey Begins Overtime After Successful Mission

Clams: They're Not Just For Chowder Anymore

Stem Cell Discovery Could Aid In Diabetes Treatments NIH Releases Research Strategy To Fight Obesity Epidemic

Fixed Assets: Aquatic Plants Sequester Toxic Compounds In Cell Tissue, Removing Contaminants From Wetlands

Home Computers Aid Efforts To Develop New Medications, Stanford Researcher Reports

Sardine Migration One of Nature's Great Wonders

Big shuttle repairs not possible

Breast scans 'fail' in some women + Breast cancer less likely to be detected in thin women

Doubts over good carb diet claims

NASA's Backup Plan Involves Rescue Shuttles, Space Station

HP expected to release its iPod today in rollout of new devices

Computer Hard Drives Perform Better, Last Longer With Novel Polyester Lubricant

Vast New Energy Source Almost Here: Solar Hydrogen Fuel Dream Will Soon Be A Reality, Australian Scientists Predict

Bananas could power homes

NASA, Boeing want to ease traffic with flying cars

THE BUSHWORLD...

Bush set to expand power of CIA chief by executive order

Bush Admits Iraq 'Miscalculations' in Times Interview

White House takes secrecy to new levels, coalition reports

Bush Seeks $2 Billion in Hurricane Charley Aid

Bush orders agencies to consider more local environmental interests

Uninsured ranks hit record high 45 million + Poverty Rate Up 3rd Year In a Row

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Poverty Figures Put Bush, Kerry Policies in Spotlight Click. (LAT Reg)

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: GOP itchin' for a Mike fight

White House Blocks Request for Records on Contact With Anti-Kerry Vets

Florida Policeman Arrested for Threat Against Bush Click.

The McCain Myth

The naysayers come to New York

BUSH/CHENEY: Bush calls Kerry's service honorable. But president won't condemn TV ads by veterans group + Wall St fundraisers shy away from Bush + GOP platform stays conservative course, with few surprises + Where's Wall Street + Cheney's Air Force jet dodged a plane during an Aug. 7 flight + Novak: Admiral speaks out, disputes Kerry's account of 1st wound + What Bush needs from convention + Bushism of the Day + BUSH REFUSES TO PULL OLYMPIC AD + BUSH: CAMPAIGN "DOESN'T SEEM THAT UGLY TO ME"

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry to stump in Bay Area today amid Vietnam clamor + Arab Americans favor Kerry over Bush, poll indicates. War in Iraq seen as main reason for shift from GOP + Edwards has harsh words for Bush, Cheney + Kerry Proposes Crackdown on Credit Card Abuses + Kerry's medals were deserved, says widow of slain comrade + Kerry uses new census data to attack Bush + Smeared by Ginsberg

OPINIONS:

Mark Morford: Sentient Non-Idiots For Kerry

Reeves: The real issue. Bush is incompetent

Rage Against the Machine: Justin Raimondo

Entangling Alliances and the US Election

Dubya Should Have Read Daddy's Book

The Silent Majority Is Ours

Sadr a Better Strategist Than Bush

It's the IQ, stupid

Sexed-up reports, pressure on the UN...here we go again

Greeley: Bush's lies cause untold pain

Thom Hartmann: What would Machiavelli do? The Big Lie lives on Click.

Molly Ivins: Conservatives, repent! Click.

Chris Floyd: Cry havoc Click.

Bob Herbert: Where is Bush's shame? Click.

'Secure Flight' Replaces CAPPS II + New Passenger Profiling System To Be Tested Click. (LAT Reg) + GAO WILL PROBE NEW AIR TRAVELER WATCH LIST

A Gandhi preaches peace in Mideast

Paris zoo workers strike over rat infestation and safety of animals

Patti Davis: The price of an opinion Click.

Tom Hayden: Scapegoating the protests Click.

Cho: Emergency Revolutionary

Company Pulls Toys Depicting 9-11 Attack Click.

Technology Playing Role in GOP Protests Click.

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Greenspan Says Time Is Short to Avoid `Painful' Shocks to Retiree Programs

Now It's Official: U.S. Growth Slowed

Despite burst bubble, S.J. leads nation in income (SJM Reg)

Krispy Creme is too good to be true

China gaining on India's IT lead

NYSE Seat Is Sold for Lowest Price Since 1996

Fetzer launches new label to revive sagging wine sales + Wine Institute suggests lowering vintage standards + Interbrew, AmBev merger creates world's biggest beer company + After Dark Era, Peru Winemakers Seek to Rebuild + Australian wine geologist crusades for the idea of 'terroir'

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Announcer gets job back after gay joke + Gay marriage ruling still in crosshairs + Athens gay scene out for the Games + Baldwin judge: No plan to bar public in gay murder case

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Najaf Police Abduct 60 Journalists

Challenging a Media Myth: '68 Riots Didn't Doom Humphrey

Editorial Pages Fight 'AstroTurf' With Listserv

GOP 2004: Journalists Get Luxury Treatment, Including Spa

Life Magazine's Photographs that Changed the World

Salam Pax of Iraq is back online

Umansky

Columbia campaign desk

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Salinas artist's canvas is classic automobiles (CCT Reg)

San Francisco Ferry Plaza Marketplace is a bounty of taste

Grant to help dig up Oakland Chinatown's roots

Wonder Woman and film festival come to Livermore

At 40, London's Notting Hill Carnival confronts middle age

Siberia's spectacular Baikal Lake gets own tourist railroad

The painting on the front line of modern art restoring

Bow ties, Bentleys and Bollinger

Drawings of Spanish civil war exhumations on display

Review of The Motorcycle Diaries re Che Guevara + Film review: Here's the myth, where's the man?

The decline of a superstar Robert Redford

Book Group: From 'sick lit' and 'chick lit' to 'Xeno lit'

The Shanghai connection

Current Cinema: Married Life

UFO's In Ancient Art

James Fenimore Cooper, Mark Twain

The Columbus Letter

Ancient nuclear blasts and levitating stones of Shivapur

Israel: Second Temple village recovered

Yimou's mythical `Hero' deserving of worship

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons: Abuse cases: UK Soldiers Arrested After Iraqi Beaten and Drowned + At Abu Ghraib + U.S. Abu Ghraib Prison Contractors Defend Iraq Work  Guantanamo: Australian held at Guantanamo denies war crimes charges + Confusion as Yemeni Faces U.S. Military Tribunal + Guantanamo trial turns to farce

AFGHANISTAN: U.S. to hand over inmates to nascent Afghan courts + Corruption gives impunity to Afghanistan's drug lords

MIDDLE EAST: Israel Must Rethink Prisoner Policy + Israel begins Gaza clampdown + Sharon's strategy is working, to his critics' disgust

EUROPE: 300 years of bloodshed scar relations with Chechnya

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Pentagon Official: 'Half of Govt Secrets Shouldn't Be Secret'

Lawrence Lab resumes disk use

Margaret Thatcher's son arrested in African coup plot. He allegedly helped finance failed move to topple dictator of Equatorial Guinea

Pinochet loses immunity

Russian crashes: Black boxes switched off immediately, no data + Fear of terror in Russian skies + Russians Caught Between Unacceptable, Unbelievable + Business as Usual at Moscow Airport Where Doomed Airliners Departed + A Look at Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders

US admits 'bounty hunter' contact

Cleric Hamza arrested

Australia gets tooled up with cruise + Australia Risks Asian Ire with Long-Range Missiles

US spends $90m to protect planes

Click. Al-Qa'ida Statements Collection

Pentagon Official: 'Half of Govt Secrets Shouldn't Be Secret' + Ludicrous, Lethal Government Secrets Cited + Agencies misuse classification authority, managers say + DoD Reviewing Information Classification Decisions + Amid calls for more sharing, U.S. stash of secrets grows + Overclassification overdone? + U.S. government secrets reach new high + Secrecy Report Card

KGB Involved in Murder of British Queen’s Cousin Mountbatten

Michigander Hoekstra Picked to Lead Intelligence Panel

Senate Names Intelligence Panel

Accused doctor in Japan sues govt for 43 mil. yen over detention

Industrial Espionage by Foreign Competitors Increasing

Camera phones test security

Japan to try again with spy satellites

NORAD commander ponders co-operation with Canada + NORAD Commander Urges Anti-Terror Effort

Canada's Stealth Defense Policy

Hamdi says he was trying to leave Afghanistan when captured

Jakarta police unveil anti-terror squad

New Research Set to Reveal Similarities Between Terrorists and Tourists Click.

What Really Happens to Foreigners Kidnapped in Iraq

Experts: Aviation security outdated

Sir Mark Thatcher: 'The charmless Mark' + Oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, a country that leaves its terrorized people in poverty

Mark Thatcher 'was planning Texas move' + How former PM's son became embroiled in mystery of plot to oust brutal despot+ Joseph Harker: What is Peter Tatchell's problem?

Anti-Ballistic Missile Misses Target in Second Test off California in Recent

LEAKGATES 

World Trade Center inferno re-created

Bruce S. Ticker: The 9/11 commission's intelligence breakdown Click.

9/11 COMMISSIONER: THREAT OF AIRPLANE SUICIDE BOMBING HAS INCREASED

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Outsource firm sues in India for alleged code theft (SJM Reg)

Tapes recount Enron gaming

Tech firms craft alternative to anti-piracy bill

Internet Gives Teenage Bullies Weapons to Wound From Afar

Sharia law: The Canadian Muslims who want to introduce religious courts

Kennedy Smith faces lawsuit that alleges he raped aide

Induce Act Draws Support, Venom

Porn Law Draws Adult Sites' Ire

Oregon: '89 memo: ‘Control’ murder probe

Oregon: Weaver trial gets a yes or no this week

Ex-Manson follower loses 15th bid for parole

Federal judge rules ban on Partial-Birth Abortion Unconstitutional Click.

Elian's kin lose legal battle

Lab errors cited in petition on 200 Montana cases

Bryant Judge Questions Prosecution's Late Challenge to DNA Evidence

Crematory Operators, Families of Deceased Settle Suit for $80 Million in Georgia

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Tip leads to conviction of Carranza in 1975 murder (CCT Reg)

Castro Valley Jane Doe case: Letter writer sought as 'person of interest' (CCT Reg)

West Marin fired up over pepper-spraying by two federal park rangers

Nurse's theft conviction overturned because based on barred videotaped evidence (SJM Reg)

Feds accuse Beverly Hills brokerage of fraud over trading practices

Walnut Creek scam bilked  investors

Migrant workers to get refunds on rent charges

Sacramento: Depressed pair wins dogfight. Court restores $18,000 award

Sacramento: Murder victim John Lone Eagle's business deals scrutinized

Yuba judge's fate still undecided

Healdsburg mother pleads innocent in child's heatstroke death in van

Judge Sabraw in key abuse case rules on church's duty

Concord: 2nd officer on leave in profiling case

Shot in chest, Vallejo victim drives to the hospital Click. (LAT Reg)

San Francisco: High court to rule on role of City Attorney in City's bribery suit vs. tech companies + Judge delays hearing on teen's sentencing in hate crime case + Family boosts reward in researcher's death

Sonoma executions: Reward offered + Drifter cleared  + Man questioned in killings not a suspect, officials say + Cops try to allay fears over slaying despite lack of progress + Wisconsin man passes lie-detector test

Scott Peterson: Phone calls reveal lies (SJM Reg) + Witness once believed coconspirators in Laci case + Peterson investigator sought co-conspirator +  Supporters misled about whereabouts

The Governor:  Gov.'s alleged retaliation backfires + A long to-do list in Capitol. Bills on energy. Canadian drugs, jobs await votes + Gov. faces decisions on Sierra conservancy, Wal-Mart bills + Gov.'s textbook rental idea eyed for colleges Click. + Maria Shriver appointed to chair volunteer program + Gov., Shriver to launch service corps + Plan would trim CHP lunchtime pay + Gov. planning strong Bush pitch + Gov. ready for his close-up at GOP convention + GOP candidate Krueger, 7th Dist, gets Gov.'s support + Gov.'s a Master of Mixing Messages Click. (LAT Reg)

Perata: Perata flexes new job's muscles. He confronts Gov. on Bay Bridge overruns + New Bay Bridge: Engineers' fees swell overruns (CCT Reg) + Term Limits Throw Away Decades of Expertise Click. (LAT Reg)

Indian Tribes: San Pablo casino: Casino's neighbors hot to deal land (SJM Reg) + Casino grumbling grows + Chevron to oppose land sale for casino + Card rooms, tracks battle San Pablo deal + San Pablo casino vote in doubt. Some legislators say quick decision unlikely, seek a special session on Indian gaming pacts

More tribes: Indian tribe, oil firm sue Richmond on casino deal (CCT Reg) + More Bay Area casinos looming on the horizon + Rohnert Park recall survivors trusted 'silent majority' + Council members survive recall, but foes vow to fight on + Casino politics in Rohnert Park + Pechanga may expand reservation Click.+ Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe May Consider L.A.-Area Casino Click. (LAT Reg)

Legislature: Legislature OKs Sierra conservancy + Dutra bill could put 'hot lane' on I-680 + Bill focuses on developmentally disabled + High-powered rifle curb backed + Anti-superstore bill OK'd + Bill bars 'teak surfing' + Nursing home bill aims to up quality of care + Handful of energy bills await Senate Click. (CCT Reg) + Bill could pave way for San Joaquin needle exchange Click. + Electronic voting bill clears state Senate Click. + Bill on Sealing Victim-Witness Data Goes to Gov. Click. (LAT Reg) + Bill OKs Food Stamps for Some Drug Felons Click. (LAT Reg) + Assembly approves bill for Canadian medicine Click. (CCT Reg) + Power to the people? Not from this Legislature Click. + Ford Expects Rules, Not Self, to Shift on Hybrid Issue Click. (LAT Reg) + Pombo weighs Species Act reform Click.

CalPERS urges unified political-gift disclosure

Indignant Shelley denies wrongdoing. He says he didn't question campaign gifts + Shelley's voter outreach campaign scrutinized (SJM Reg) + Shelley's sad defense

Solano County: E-voting flop cost $415,000

Activists try to derail Prop 64, frivolous lawsuits ballot measure Click. (CCT Reg)

Group's study says illegals not paying their way. Taxes gleaned from undocumented workers said to be less than cost of services they use

LOCAL NEWS: New warnings on water supply

Hundreds search peak for Palo Alto hiker lost in Iran (SJM Reg)

Cost rises for San Jose theater (SJM Reg)

Ex-aides to S.J. mayor fight back (SJM Reg)

High hopes for Sacramento airport

School days: Requests to parents for school aid pile up (SJM Reg) + Fremont: Centerville school boasts new look + UC lists plans for Lunch Poems series + Oakland military school will march on despite cuts + Pleasanton may bail out elementary school + Soft market shelters students. Lower rents and increased vacancies make finding post-dorm housing less of a chore + School board newcomer loses battle. Newsom appointee wanted to overhaul format of meetings + Legislator questions UC's late admission offers + H&G: Cabrillo College horticulture program teaches the nurturing powers of nature + San Francisco community had to fight for new, safer school Click. + MIT expected to select its first female president

House proposal prompts debate re: gentrification of Bolinas land

San Rafael Canal tenants complain about high rent

Newark board split on energy contract

Use of Alameda Navy base at issue

Placer meeting facility planned

Livermore Agricultural Resource center good place to meet

Sacramento: Plan for top Broadway agency fades

Analysis of Sacramento region shows great disparities among counties

Sonoma County dips deeper into reserve fund

Santa Rosa plan pushes lower limit on campaign spending

Bodega Bay wave overtakes boat, kills fisherman, 71

Berkeley: Shirek slated to run as write-in candidate

Bakersfield mayor wins first 'Worst in Government' nod

Napa Sanitation District reaches agreement on river discharge

San Francisco: Rumble over jet fuel tax at airport + Julie Lee's troubles mounting

East Bay gossip

Anaheim gets out vote for next GOP convention Click.

State Tests Program to Fill Out Tax Returns Click. (LAT Reg)

Garamendi Tries to End Anthem Suit Click. (LAT Reg)

Enron Spawned Trouble for Fish Click.

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Ode to ancient Games, nudity and all

Psychiatrist Changed How We Look at Death

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Birds found in Tomales carried West Nile virus

West Nile virus arrives in Monterey county

U.S. Issues Its First Plan for Responding to a Flu Pandemic

China confirms bird flu in pigs

Artery disease treatment hailed

'Killer bees' may have arrived in Oklahoma

Stem cells: hope and setbacks

Government Study Indicates Arthritis Drug Vioxx Can Triple Heart Attack Risk

Astronomers find possible rocky planet. Earth-like orb spins too close to its star to be habitable

Experiment in health care solves big problems

Astronomers probe Cassiopeia's secrets

Sunflower oil boost to car future

Earth warned on 'tipping points'

Diarrhoea vaccine 'a step closer'

Clean houses 'may trigger asthma'

Watching TV 'harms back muscles'

Where Do the Extra Embryos Go?

Seas Seen as Viable Power Source

Demanding Careers May Thwart Alzheimer's

The Power Of One: Unicellular Organisms Contribute More Nitrogen To Ocean Than Reported Earlier; May Affect Global Atmosphere

Researchers To Examine How Engineered Crop Genes Stray

Falloff In Freezes: NCAR Study Projects Decrease In Frost Days

UC Davis  Tests Robot That Brings Your Doctor To You After Surgery

Depo Provera Appears To Increase Risk For Chlamydial And Gonococcal Infections

Scientists Establish Database Of Genes Associated With Cancer Drug Resistance

Scientists Report First Observation Of An 'Atomic Air Force'

Are Physicians Over-performing Colonoscopy?

Meteorites Supplied Earth Life With Phosphorus, Scientists Say

Space Houses On Earth

Stage 0 breast cancer is not always breast cancer

Ovarian Cancer Sheds Tumor Suppression With Loss Of Estrogen Receptor

Brain Scans Show Planning Revenge Really Can Be Sweet

Redesigned Tanks Should Not Shed Foam, but Astronauts Still Helpless Against Big Wings

Chinese finger 'exam cheat' virus

Silicon carbide: coming soon to a chip near you

RSS Attracts Really Serious Money

Nano-Proprietary Receives Key Patent

Gold Quantum Dots: Fluorescing "Artificial Atoms" Could Have Applications In Biological Labeling, Nanoscale Optoelectronics

Soon, spider-silk togs and mussel glue?

THE BUSHWORLD...

U.S. report on warming puts blame on humans. White House shifts view on the causes of greenhouse gases

Americans Without Health Insurance Rise to Record 45 Million, Census Shows

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Bush pulls ahead of Kerry in new poll

Minorities bear brunt of 'subtler' bias at US polls, report says

Weapons of Mass Mobilization

'SWIFT BOAT VETS' UNLEASH THIRD AD

it's still the Electoral College, stupid!

Voters May Have Their Say Before Election Day

The Voting Machine Jackpot

Why Wall Street cares who is in Oval Office

Campaign finance joke

Tricky Dick

BUSH/CHENEY: Responding to McCain, Bush Plans Legal Action on Ads +  Bush calls McCain about anti-Kerry political ads + Bush lawyer who aided boat-ad group resigns + GOP hardens stand against gay marriage + Bush needs performance of his life + Bush pins hopes on conservative base + Novak: Bush skips GOP protocol, lays down the law + Bush make 4th trip of year to New Mexico + Bush May Watch Convention Coverage From New York Firehouse + Bushism of the Day

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry faults Bush, Rumsfeld leadership in Iraq prison scandal + It's Kerry's antiwar acts they resent + Kerry may win Vietnam battles but lose the war + Kerry promises collide with plans to cut deficit + Cleveland blacks tell Edwards what counts Click. + Kerry challenges Bush to weekly debates

OPINIONS:

Atrocities Denied, From Vietnam to Fallujah

Setting back women's rights

Fuhgeddabout making nice

Blumenthal: A ruinous trap of their own making

Scott C. Smith: The thin skin of conservatives Click.

Ed Naha: Putting lipstick on pig Click.

John Emerson: Soros vs. Scaife Click.

Jim Crow's New Party

The Mark of Rove

The GOP hates New York

Is McGreevey Scandal Another Ashcroft Sting Operation?

Cheney and Bush: The New Vietnam Dodgers Team

Blood for pork....

Selling the High Life in Iraq

Letter from America: Meting out 'pot of gold' in the war on terrorism

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Economic fallout of $50 a barrel

California holds garage sale

Westamerica bank buys Redwood

Speculation swirls around Mondavi

FCC tries to preserve pay phones

Napan's new book: Take it to the bank

Ranks of poverty, uninsured rose in 2003

Deutsche Bank Paying $87.5 Million in Conflict-of Interest Settlement

Mass. threatens to pull business from Bank of America

USA asks for more oil. Russia says yes

Job reports can't track those who dropped off radar Click.

California Overtime pay unchanged Click.

Japan's 'nerds' represent 2.6 bln dlr market

Former DuPoint Chairman Named to NYSE Board

MILITARY  US troops on the move towards faster and more flexible deployment

New submarine picture presents Chinese puzzle + Navy shuffles its vessels + Navy announces nuclear reactor simulators + Ages apart, two subs return to Norfolk together

Aircraft Carrier Captain Relieved of Command After Crash in Gulf

After ruling, where will protesters go? + All the nudes fit to print + Iraq war cost in New Yorkers' faces + The first lady of protest + Anarchists hot for mayhem + Judge nixes park, but still they will go + Internal NYPD Memo: Beware the Trojan Puppet

Danny Glover arrested in Sudan protest

Activists: Pastors hurt AIDS fight

U.S. will take no-fly lists from airlines

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: McGreevey Wants Team Announcer Rehired After Gay Remark + UK'S ROYAL AIR FORCE TO TAKE PART IN MANCHESTER GAY PRIDE PARADE + Gay marriage tops GOP platform

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Former publisher of San Diego Union-Tribune Copley dies at 81

Talk show host Tom Leykis kicked in the head in Seattle

Nancy Franklin on “American Candidate”

Interviews show Bush tuned in to right-wing radio

Columbia campaign desk

Umansky

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Theater: Center stage in San Francisco

This week at Shakespeare Santa Cruz

Cult of Che lives on. Che Guevara tourist trail revives difficult memories for Bolivia

48 hours to show time

Archaeologists Unearth Lost Military Camp

Indian dwellings found at UT golf course site

How Hollywood helps keep out foreign films

60 years of memory: Paris of myth, Paris of reality

Theatre: 'I want to stay pure'

Woman adds fizz to Perrier shortlist

A trek through the 'Lost World'

Swiss bootleg valley braces itself as "green fairy" comes out of closet

Voyage through time on leisurely French train

Greek fashion boost from Olympics

Munch's 'Scream' Joins Huge Cache of Priceless Stolen Art Lost Forever

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown

Rush & Molloy

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons abuse: U.S. Army's Abu Ghraib Report Implicates 27 Military Intelligence Officers + Independent panel tracks prison abuse to Pentagon. Top echelon failed to set up clear rules, commissioners say + Marine says he saw no abuse at Iraqi camp where inmate died + Probe Compares Abu Ghraib to 'Animal House' + Abuse Report Dents Rumsfeld's Reputation + (PDF FILE) + News Analysis: Panel says Rumsfeld should not step down + Intel Unit Members Faulted in Iraq Abuse + General: Some abuse at Abu Ghraib amounted to torture _ Report of Independent Abu Ghraib Panel+ What the Prison Abuse Report Said + Judge rejects request to question Rumsfeld

AFRICA: Sudan agrees to foreign force

MIDDLE EAST: Top Israeli Commander: Barriers Motivate Bombers

Daily News Exclusive: Radical Jewish groups raise funds

Hooked on winning

EUROPE: Hungary's Socialists Pick Wealthy Businessman to Be New Prime Minister

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Russian Plane Gave Hijack Alarm Before Crash + Pravda: They think we are idiots: special services deniy allegations of terrorist act aboard the planes + 9/11 in Russia: Terrorists hijack two jetliners. Crashes leave no survivors + Rescue Workers, Witnesses Find Charred Bodies, Mangled Fuselage, a Book at Grim Sites of Two Russian Plane Crashes

War in Iraq 'Gave al-Qaeda a Training Ground'

Web Site Shows 'Beheading of American Spy' in Iraq

Gaza Gunmen Shoot Palestinian Intelligence Chief

Mark Thatcher proclaims innocence on coup charges in South Africa + Thatcher denies coup charges + Profile: Sir Mark Thatcher + Q&A: the Equatorial Guinea 'coup'

Document Presented in Yemen Court Implicates Former Government Minister in Cole Plot

10 Years After Cease-Fire, IRA Casts Long Shadow

Judge frees 2 suspects and blasts terror case

Suspected Hamas operative held in taping of bridge

Security test program to use machines to check air cargo

Senate group to review intelligence oversight

CNN not CIA alerted Clinton to Pokhran 98 Click.

Michigan Congressman Named to Head House Intelligence Panel

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Santa Clara battles West Nile carriers + Rare form of West Nile worries California. Athlete suffered polio-like symptoms after Colorado event + West Nile virus cases up 46 percent over last week + Ventura County Gets Mosquito Hotline + L.A. new epicenter of W. Nile

Applied Biosystems losing pioneer scientist

Battling the sharpshooter

Efforts to eradicate polio falter

Fisherman who survived bacteria: 'I got lucky'

Government Preparing for World's Next Big Flu Outbreak

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Fresno: Federal judge hears evidence in murder of Archbishop Oscar Romero + Trial to settle history starts + Archbishop's murder haunts woman

Gun Dealer To Pay $850K In Boy's Killing

Japan orders Fischer deported

Prosecutors claim DNA material in Kobe Bryant case was contaminated

Siegfried & Roy producer won't share mauling video despite 2 federal subpoenas

Immigration board rules Iranian brothers (jailed 2 yrs for terrorism charges) can't be deported to home country

Justice Dept. cracks down on illegal copyright network + DOJ Operation Slams Spam

Copyright Bill Needs Big Changes

Lesbian can forgo paying child support

Another ex-Enron executive charged with fraud

FBI Seizes Computers, Equipment in First-Ever Copyright Action Against P2P Network

Defining and Redefining "Torture": In An Argument Before a Federal Appeals Court, the U.S. Government Once Again Tries to Narrow The Meaning of Torture

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Woman, juvenile arrested in Santa Cruz attack (SJM Reg)

Armed robbers get cash and pizza in San Jose (SJM Reg)

Brentwood: Prosecutor outlines motive for killing in Carenza case (CCT Reg)

Stanford lecturer, hiker feared dead on Iran trek (SJM Reg)

Oakland: More cop stops for black drivers. Report draws no conclusions on profiling

San Francisco lawyer Brad Seligman loves taking on Goliaths

Seller needs buyer's data to release liability on car

Suit against Walnut Creek nursing facility settled

Watsonville: Livermore woman pleads innocent to embezzlement

East Palo Alto woman arrested in stabbing of Manteca man

Fremont: Sikh family claims harassment

Sausage King case: Brain injuries led to killings

Redwood City: Prosecutors decide to accept life term for bank manager's slayer

Oakland: Closed pot club sues city. Council broke up cluster of clubs in 'Oaksterdam'

Berkeley: Opener of account held in bank robbery

Man shot by Modesto police Sunday had attacked cops before

Suit alleges bias in Elk Grove arrest

Sacramento

County checking out charge of religious bias against cabdrivers

Sacramento: Slaying victim John Lone Eagle's life and death a mystery

Two Sacramento men sought in murder, beating and cover-up fire in Solano

Former Watsonville massage therapist gets prison for attack on client

Police raid Vallejo smoke shop on contraband allegations Hunter's Role in Cedar Fire Probed Click. (LAT Reg)

Cops find boy, 7, locked in car trunk Click.

Sonoma executions: Man talks to police in 2 killings (CCT Reg) + Pair's slaying on the beach particularly troubling (SJM Reg) + Hunt for clues in Jenner slayings + Wisconsin man questioned, released in murder of two camp counselors + Mom says man questioned in Calif. case is no killer + Potential witness comes forward

Michael Jackson: Sheriff says he's vindicated in probe of Michael Jackson's claim of abuse during arrest

Scott Peterson: Frey: Love never broached + Frey unscathed by questioning. Defendant's former lover sticks to story + Former lover ends long stay on witness stand (SJM Reg) + Frey: Suspect never confessed (CCT Reg) + The Peterson File + Developments Tuesday

The Governor:  San Pablo Casino deal on the line: California on Path to Become Nation's Gambling Capital + Legislators may not ratify pact for San Pablo casino. Administration fails to win converts in party caucuses + Legislators unwilling to gamble (CCT Reg)  + Casino pacts could unravel under scrutiny (SJM Reg) + "Anonymous" tribe ready to battle governor

Gov. faces legislation: Governor's last-minute proposals draw criticism (CCT Reg) + Governor's timing questioned on late proposal (SJM Reg) + Peter Schrag: K-12 education - Fumbling in the governor's office + Other view: Unkindest budget cuts to the needy + Gov. expected to veto licenses for illegals + Ford Seeks Veto of Carpool-Lane Shift Click. (LAT Reg) + New CHP contract Click. + Governor's timing questioned Click. (SJM Reg) + Price of school books target of Senate bill (CCT Reg) + Assembly signs off on bill to ban foie gras (SJM Reg)

State's bond rating rises

Editorial: Bye-bye, loophole foreign tax loophole

Perata picked: Senate Dems pick Perata to lead + Oakland's Perata to take Senate reins. Northern California retains enormous clout in Legislature + Narrow win for Perata + Dan Walters: Odd, hard-fought campaign decided Senate leadership fight

Legislature: Crucial legislation needs to be resolved before term ends (SJM Reg) +  Legislature OKs offshore data privacy bill (SJM Reg) + Assembly bill shifts corrections spending toward education (CCT Reg) + Assembly OKs focus on inmate rehabilitation + Back-road speeders hit twice with fines,e.g. Vasco, Altamont Pass + Assembly OKs bill allowing public to track sex offenders via Internet + Sex-offender law goes to governor+ Legislature acts on bills + Bill would require residential water meters in Sacramento, other communities + Senate OKs smoking ban in vehicles with children Click. + Driver license plan for immigrants hits legislative rush hour Click. + Assembly panel halts surplus-land sale plan Click. (RP Reg)

Secretary of State Shelley admits to being tough

McClintock Looks Into Bid for Lt. Gov Click. (LAT Reg)

LOCAL NEWS:  Fire-control goats might get to stay in Mill Valley

Oakland: Expert condemns abuse of elephant at PT Barnum Circus

Indian tribes: Orange County city shoots down idea of Indian casino + Ex-finance director backs Indian-supported Prop. 70

School days: Santa Clara schools could close, merge (SJM Reg) + Parents urge Los Altos to drop day care restriction (SJM Reg) + San Jose District considers closing schools + Tracy trustees OK $42 million deal to repair school + Colleges to offer file-sharing services + Community college fees increased by state + College fees rise to $26 per unit + Click. (CCT Reg) Fremont board begged to reconsider dismissals in hazing case + Former state superintendent Delaine Easton to teach education at Mills College + San Francisco school board debates need for 'more efficient meetings'.  Member's proposal would cut back time for discussion + Group to battle schools over tests + Narconon banned from S.F. schools. Anti-drug teachings tied to Scientology called inaccurate + Ex-finance chief, others call for San Juan inquiry re: pensions + School recess a victim of budget cuts + Charter schools expelled: Statewide probe displaces 50 local students

San Jose City Hall scandal could cost $3 million (SJM Reg)

Rohnert Park: Recall of officials loses by wide margin. Casino foes began initiative against 2 council members

San Francisco: Former Supervisor Tony Hall complains Conroy left him a dusty mess at Treasure Island + Housing agency 'troubled' again. Finances land S.F. authority on federal list+ Green candidate Terry Baum asks court to put name on ballot + Hetch Hetchy project may be done early + Chief aide to run treasure's office + Newsom creates Bayview task force. City departments, state agency join to combat violence + Healing the Bayview + Tackling the crack + Newsom swears off future flashy photos + Gossip

East Bay: Scam suspect tied to St. Mary's pledge. Real estate scheme lost millions for investors

Oakland: S.F. lawmaker covets Oakland airport's jet fuel taxes + Kibby's bar agrees to shape up

Alternative fuel efforts in Riverbank highlighted

CEO hire gets former Modesto mayor all fired up

Port of Sacramento to lose a key business

Mayor wants L.A. water agency out of Utah power plant project

Sacramento Supervisors agree to audit of two major departments

Marin: Large home approved on appeal

Marin County knocks health-care report on Marin County hospital

Tiburon illegally rezoned land for library, suit claims

Budget passes in San Anselmo, but questions remain over tax

King City gets loan from Monterey County to stay alive

Napa: Lutheran pastor takes his own life

Advocates say Santa Cruz County’s mental-health services are strapped — and that Proposition 63 could help

Watsonville council OKs senior housing project

New CHP contract Click.

Governor's timing questioned Click. (SJM Reg)

Insurers cautiously re-enter workers comp market Click. (CCT Reg)

Nurse shortage growing critical Click.

Los Angeles: No Quick, Cheap Fixes for Healthcare Click. (LAT Reg)

Water, not energy is state's crisis Click.

L.A. Mayor Hahn Halts Coal Plant Investment Click.

Orange County Workers Win on Pensions Click. (LAT Reg)

Poll backs privacy of church member lists

Nicholas von Hoffman: A police state of mind: Don't you feel safer? Click.

Bush bars Muslim scholar from Notre Dame

Republican armada

Thomas Lubart: Hey, DMV, mom's not a terrorist

CONNECT THE DOTS....

First female firefighter recalls how it was

Stardom: Groundhog Deja Vu

Sheep Pine for Absent Friends

Miracles of medicine carry big price tags

Report finds soft drinks increase risk of diabetes

Mice May Hold Key to Restoring Human Hearing Loss

Periodic Dimming Of Bright Starlight Reveals Distant Planet

Evidence For The Impact Of Climate Change On Deep-sea Biodiversity

Research Reveals Potential New Target For Prostate Cancer Drugs

Bright Idea Could Doom Cancer And Viruses, Say Purdue Scientists

New Study Identifies Additional Genetic Mutations In SIDS Babies: Focus Is On The Autonomic Nervous System

No Longer Just For Biology, RNA Can Now Be Built Into 3-D Arrays

Hepatitis C: Surprise Finding Could Lead To Vaccine

Studies Find No Evidence That Simian Virus 40 Is Related To Human Cancer

When Is A Mouse Like A Test Tube?

New 'Clock Gene' Uncovered: Genome-wide Approach Yields Results

Plumbing Trees' Plumbing Reveals Their Engineering Skill

Robot Health Care on the Way

Museum Welcomes Flesh-Eating Bugs

Lop-Sided Features Linked to Temper

Wine: Even better for you

Five Diseases Help Drive US Health Spending Rise .

New Blood Test for Babies Could Allow Earlier Treatment of Diseases

The first 40 million years of Arctic climate history have been recovered from beneath the Arctic seafloor Click.

Vibrations In Crystal Lattice Play Big Role In High Temperature Superconductors

Researchers Show How To Assemble Building Blocks For Nanotechnology

Limits to computers found

Reactors Trim Radioactive Waste

Master of the Nerdiverse

Why Spam Will Revolutionize Tech

PC's Replace Pills to Prevent Pregnancies

THE BUSHWORLD...

Max Cleland Tries in Vain to Get Protest to Bush

Iraq Hawks Turning on Each Other

White House Puts the West on Fast Track for Oil, Gas Drilling Click. (LAT Reg)

Mercury in fish in 48 states

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Refighting Vietnam in Battleground States

Primary moves Alaska senator closer to keeping seat

`Values' pitch a potent elixir

Mr. Soros goes at Washington

Keyes: Constitution protects machine gun ownership

BUSH CHENEY: Cheney breaks rank on same-sex marriage. Vice president refers to daughter as lesbian publicly for 1st time + Cheney draws fire for gay marriage comments  + Bush's father foresaw costs of Iraq war + Bush using convention to woo undecideds + Oakland: Black religious leaders back Bush + Bush Campaign Lawyer Quits Over Ties to Ads Group + Republicans Push Gay Marriage Ban in Platform + Anti-Bush group's new ads: More subtlety, less sledgehammer + Bush twins will be seen, rarely heard, in New York

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry renews call for Rumsfeld's resignation + Navy report backs Kerry's role in swift boat incident + For Kerry detractor O'Neill, the feelings still run deep + Kerry calls critics of his war record 'petty' + Bushism of the Day

Guantanamo trials: U.S. opens first tribunal at Guantanamo + Gitmo Trials 'Designed to Convict': Eli Clifton + Australian Taliban charged at US military tribunal after meeting family + First US war trial since World War II tests limits of fairness

OPINIONS:

Military experience doesn't guarantee a good president.  Lincoln, FDR were civilians

The Neocon Civil War: Justin Raimondo

Karl Rove Accomplished His Mission

Bush campaign's top outside lawyer advised Swift Boat smear group Click.

David Corn: Liar: Bush overstated his military record Click.

Timothy Noah: Ostracizing the people who were right on Iraq Click.

Georgie Ann Geyer: World's problems wait while Americans focus on the trivial Click.

Margolis: Coalition of the coerced

GOP convention could be moderates’ last stand

Stopping by New York: why Bush won't linger

Click. Fratricide Reigns As ’08 Race Begins For Post-W. G.O.P.

Click. Age of Damaged Info Provides Bush-Hating Complicity Theory

Click. Call It a Coming-Out Party for Young Republicans

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Central bankers seek to dispel oil price concerns

Google IPO hasn't inspired others. IPO investors not enthused by Google

Cyberspace marketing: Small firms use Web to catch sales

Stores will match sale prices, whether via catalog or online

If you look some things can still be free

Real deal at the crossroads

United's pension dilemma

Mondavi may consolidate shares; stock climbs 9 percent

WGA, SAG to watch directors

Oil exploration firms keep pumping

1/2 of Americans will use food stamps during lifetimes

MILITARY

Paris Fetes 60 Years Since Liberation From Nazi Occupiers

From sailor to soldier, program facilitates transfer

Military's sodomy ruling backs airman's conviction

Rift leaves hundreds of planes in world's bodies of water

LEAKGATES

Edward Wasserman: Ironies abound in Novak-Plame case Click.

Xymphora opines

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Sacramento judge eyes California's domestic partners law + Saving gay history + Gay groups call for rejection of stars 'who back murder'

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Attacking the Fourth Estate

Washington Post Managing Editor Steve Coll Resigns to Write Books

Newspapers support Conta Costsa Times lawsuit over nondisclosure of salaries in Oakland (CCT Reg)

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Niles antique fair in Fremont

Hanging out with the roses in Berkeley

Hot rods find cool home in Pleasanton

Marin's taming of the west goes to Edinburgh festival

Santa Cruz man creates neighborhood oasis

The real 'dream team'

Third SoCal parish breaks off affiliation from Episcopal church and links with Uganda diocese

Seeking a Sleeping Giant Buddha

Life, Wartimes of a Celebrity French Restaurant

Botero's Rotund Take on Life Stretches to Tuscany

Indian music hits US mainstream

Redefining Swedishness (and causing a stir in the literary world)

Oliver Stone documentary on Castro screens at Spanish film festival

More to Munch than `The Scream'

Thibeault installation is intriguing

In with the old, out with the new

The Chagall Windows

Rush & Molloy

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

IRAN: Israel, US Foment Iran Hysteria

AFRICA: Sudan rejects wider use of peacekeepers + Diamonds keep shifty reputation as African nations attempt to go straight

MIDDLE EAST: More West Bank housing OKd. Israel plans 533 units -- most near Jerusalem + AG: Israel should adopt Geneva Convention in wake of ICJ ruling

ASIA PACIFIC: North Korea nuclear talks stall over insults. Uncertainty over U.S. elections may also delay progress

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Lawmakers seek incentives to reduce classification of information

FBI chief struggling to turn rhetoric into action

'Mystery Aussie' in al-Qaeda Plot

Aussies to Spend $35 Million on Terror Defense

Indonesian Police Say Fresh Arrests Prove Terror Group Is Active

Novelist Wanted on Terrorism Charges Disappears in France

Maj. Gen. Robert Ostenberg. The Pentagon's point man against terror threat in California

Crisis Alert in Critical State

The reinvented, more youthful al-Qaeda

Suing the Shin Bet and the State + Husband had secret life as spy

Hearing-Impaired Activist and Spy Rocky Stone Dies

Virus alert: Spies prize Webcams' eyes

Former Ohio researcher sues government for damages

Man Accused of Videotaping Chesapeake Bay Bridge + Man Described as Key Hamas Operative Spotted Driving a Car While His Wife Videotapes a Bridge

Pakistan, US take on the madrassahs

Ex-guerrilla flees France

Nick Berg In FBI Custody For 2 Weeks In Iraq  Before Beheading - Pentagon Lied Click.

TSA to Test Electronic Screening of Some Air Cargo

Idema: Court sees Americans' defense. Tapes at trial show defendants meeting with Afghan officials

An easy path for terrorists

Muslims Angry Over FBI Terrorism Sting in Albany

Man described as key Hamas operative spotted videotaping bridge in Virginia

U.S. Increasingly Using Terror Finance Probes to Track Al-Qaida Operatives

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Supreme Court won't revisit ruling on Pledge of Allegiance. 'Under God' stays -- Newdow says he will try again

Mexico nabs drug suspect. Alleged Mexicali kingpin caught

Treasury moves against foreign banks for money laundering

Police cuff 'international computer piracy gang'

Court cuts cross-dressing Durst's big $3B bail to $450G

Last 'Lord of the Manor'

Former University of Colorado Aide Indicted in Football Recruiting Investigation

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Custody ruling backs grandparents' rights

DNA samples don't ID Jane Doe + ALAMEDA COUNTY / Unsigned notes are focus in slaying. Anonymous writer recants statements about dumped body

Ex-Cylink CFO charged with securities fraud

Stanislaus DA denies charges of misconduct

Parents turn teen in after Antioch shooting (CCT Reg)

Alameda County: Man to spend 30 years in prison for murder of wife (CCT Reg)

Former Daly City priest to be tried in molestation (CCT Reg)

Judge dismisses Comcast lawsuit (SJM Reg)

DA says he won't seek death penalty in Scanlon case (SJM Reg)

Healdsburg mom charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2-year-old's death in locked van + Mom charged in 2-year-old's death

Law narrows on minors, alcohol. Adults who buy for them gain defense

San Francisco: Cops make murder arrest, but D.A. balks. Insufficient evidence cited -- 'probable cause' tactic misfires + Police assault trial (Fagan case) site to be considered + Hearing on sentence in hate crime case + Argument behind killing in Western Addition, police say + Juvenile probation chief to leave Oct. 1

Santa Rosa: Hit-run driver gets 14 years in cyclist's death

Tiburon: Financier accused of $2 million tax evasion

Solano County: 2 suspects named, sought in arson, slaying. Dead transient IDd; county worker is recuperating

Fremont teacher accused of sex with student

Thieves love Hermes. Statue of Greek god is stolen again from Nob Hill perch

Carol Channing steals show during jury duty appearance

Calif. man sued over death of leading Latin American human rights figure Archbishop Romero

Undercover operation in Compton nets 184 drug arrests

Worker sues California department over religious cubicle censorship

Orange County policeman allegedly jumped into online chat with sex talk

Jury rules against Union City police in harassment case

Santa Cruz: Woman judged insane in stabbing wants release

'Cold hit' on DNA solves Lathrop rape 7 years later

Sacramento: Mom gets 4 years in death of teen son

Oroville plea deal gives mom 6 years in baby's death

Sacramento: Trucker charged in child-porn case after trying to develop film

Judge Bans Logging in Tahoe Site Click. (LAT Reg)

Wells Fargo settles lawsuit. Class action alleged bank sold customers' financial information Click.

Riverside Deputy Faces Rape, Kidnap Counts Click. (LAT Reg)

Sonoma Executions: Slayings set seaside Jenner village on edge (SJM Reg) + Police seek Wisconsin man for questioning (SJM Reg) + Drifter sought  + Police seek Wisconsin man for questioning  + Arizona murders in 2003 similar to shooting of couple on beach

Michael Jackson: After key hearings, judge issues tentative rulings on evidence + Week of hearings conclude, evidence still in dispute

Scott Peterson: Calif. Jury Told Peterson Never Professed Love + Mistress Says He Never Tried to Stop Her From Going to the Police + Geragos grills Frey + Ex-lover stands up to grilling (SJM Reg) + After pain of the spotlight, let Frey be (SJM Reg) + A talkative Geragos (CCT Reg) + Defense tries to trip up Frey + Lust, not love affair, the defense insists. + The Peterson File + Cell phone records' usefulness in doubt + Developments Monday + Frey under fire

The Governor: Gov. inks 2,500-slot casino deal + Gov. gets bill on worker notification before monitoring e-mail + Minimum wage bill headed to Gov.+ Bay Bridge deal may be coming Click. (SJM Reg) + Clean-air program consensus reached Click. (FB Reg) + Corbett bills to protect disabled, consumers + New tack proposed on solar power + Governor wins back supporters

California's Rating on $42.7 Billion of Bonds Raised Three Levels by S&P

Close battle to succeed Burton. Senate Democrats vote today -- Perata is a top candidate + Senate OKs Sierra conservancy bill + Ford chief sets roadblock for hybrid auto bill + Assembly OKs return to June primaries + Senate bill OKs a safer way to buy your home + Dan Walters: Last-minute crush is lobbyists' annual moment of truth + Daniel Weintraub: Lawmakers sit on study praising offshoring jobs + Bill would limit hospital charges to the uninsured Click. (CCT Reg) + Offshore Jobs Bill Is OKd Click. (LAT Reg) + Bill seeks to curtail offshoring of jobs Click. (CCT Reg) + Last-Minute Push for a Bill to Undercut Prop. 64 re: shake-down lawsuits Click. (LAT Reg) + Assembly passes bills curbing kids' steroid use (Click. CCT Reg) + Bill to ban smoking on state beaches fails Click. + Group wants to put school property tax to voters Click. (CCT Reg)

Indian tribes: Gov. agrees to Bay Area casino (SJM Reg) + Las Vegas closes in on San Pablo (CCT Reg) + Hints of jitters over San Pablo casino plan. Expansion may mean more jobs -- but what else? + Two other tribes bent on Bay Area casinos (CCT Reg) + Lytton Rancheria of California Compact + Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians Compact + Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Compact + Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians Compact + Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians Compact + 2 East County tribes propose partnership in a casino deal Click.

Shelley is accused of vulgarities

Westly proposes change in strategy at CalPERS

Workers' comp costs surge in '02

LOCAL NEWS: Collective bargaining should not supersede state laws re: criminal investigations, rights of accused

San Jose refuses to release employees' salaries (SJM Reg)

Peninsula Trust buys coastal bluff land for trail near Half Moon Bay (SJM Reg)

San Francisco: SAN FRANCISCO / Newsom's latest round of appointments + Feud over nonprofit funds in Chinatown + Gossip

Oakland: City threat to shut problem bar. Neighborhood residents lead effort to crack down on drugs, public urination + Claremont workers to picket hotel, spa

School days: Some 8,000 new students welcomed to Cal + Tracy: $42 million offer up for a vote + Mission San Jose water polo left high and dry + More and more, adults are the ones heading back to school + Children left behind + Physics professor awarded $200K

Neighbors of Fruitvale bar say they're fed up

Livermore: Wine industry stakes claim at new ag center

Rohnert Park votes today on council recall

Capable hands have steered Stanislaus County, but need for new CEO echoed at top

Livermore Ag facility connected to wine industry

Monterey: Desal plant has $250 million price tag

Napa: Robert Redford lends support to Land Trust preservation efforts + Looks like a buyers' market for grapes

Campaign donor curbs sought in Placer County

Domino Effect Feared From Closures of L.A. Emergency Rooms

Stockton: 'Emergency' water dries up for farmers Click.

$490-Million Project Will Improve and Widen Garden Grove Freeway Click. (LAT Reg)

Actuary questions Orange County's pension plan Click. (OC Reg)

MILITARY

Reserve pay has 95% error rate

Life-saving plastic reseals itself around bullet holes

Kerry dispute revives memory of Mekong Delta battle

Boykin's folly

Bodies of Three WWI Soldiers Found in Italian Glacier

Africa's Old Soldiers Feel Forgotten by France

Tricks of the War Trade

Marines cut combat training time in half.

Judge won't tell N.Y. City to OK rally on Great Lawn. Site Arab Americans seek has strict limitations + Police brace for unauthorized convention protest in Central Park

Rolling protest over high drug prices heads from LA to Canada

McAuliffe says Democrats not aiding protesters

Denis Hamill: Theater slate will be UnConventional

Anarchy: A Journal of Desire Armed

Kiss Your Rights Goodbye: The Frightening State of the Union

Will Protesting Help Re-Elect Bush?

Weathermen Terror Group Back to Wreak Havoc at RNC

ID chips more than skin deep

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Daily News Exclusive: I married three mobsters and a cop

Stardom: What A SEE SAW Morning

AP Centerpiece: Losing a Job in 50s Can Be Emotionally, Financially Devastating

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Oil Prices Fall to $45 as Iraq Oil Flows

Heinz profits down, sales up

Changes boost Mondavi's stock + Mondavi giving up control of winery

Google's weak governance rating + Google Playboy: Take Two

The negative return economy: a discourse on America's black budget

Older Investors Jittery as U.S. Markets Disappoint

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

West Nile spraying might be needed in L.A. Click.

Africa 'faces new polio threat'

USDA document cites young mad cow cases Click.

Adding sugar (trehalose) to the wound

San Francisco Doctor wants Viagra to be controlled substance + Viagra should carry HIV warning, say San Francisco health officials

Lactic acid found to help muscles work

As a Hormone Substitute, Soy Is Ever More Popular, but Is It Safe?

After a Multitude of Tests, an Answer From Grandmother's Memory

Beagle team probes its own loss

Brain Disease Blocker

Blueberries appear to lower cholesterol in rats

New Study Suggests Link Between Maternal Diet And Childhood Leukemia Risk

Deepest Image Of Exploded Star Uncovers Bipolar Jets

Genetically Engineered "Marathon Mouse" Keeps On Running

Preschool Bolsters Early Childhood Immunity, Reduces Risk Of Young Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Physicist, Neurobiologist Team Up To Develop Technology For Neuroscience

Counting Foxes Before The Last Tally-ho

New Clues To Hereditary Blinding Disease Found

Nerve Cells 'Guided' To Repair Spinal Damage: Technique May Lead To Treatment For Severed Spinal Cords

 Scientists Reinvent DNA As Template To Produce Organic Molecules

Future Flyers: Pushing Forward for Personal Aircraft

2 Companies to Make Gear for Phoning Over Internet

Nextel Contemplates Movin' on Up

New Linux Guide for Developing Nations

DoD Awards NDC $2.5 Million for Nanotech Fuel Cells

THE BUSHWORLD...

Kerry, Dems divided on GOP's spy fix. Proposal would dismantle CIA, Pentagon units + Feinstein opposes proposal to break up the CIA + Plan to Dismantle CIA Gets Cool Reception + Senator: Iraq, 9/11 Prompted CIA Overhaul + Intelligence analysts see risk in reform

FDA wants more detail on Ill. drug plan

Six California Demos accuse Bush of making sweetheart Central Valley water deals

Government Releases Plan Focusing on Obesity

Fishing Warnings Up Due to Mercury Pollution-EPA

THE 2004 ELECTION:

Lost electronic votes in N.M. add to debate

Click. Why is Florida's voting system so corrupt?

Still ducking the entitlement crisis

NYC, Set of the Biggest Political Ad Campaign in History

Conventional Wisdom: Airborne Sex Toys and Cardboard Caskets Await Delegates

BUSH/CHENEY: Observers see eerie parallels in attacks on Kerry, McCain. As in 2000 campaign, Bush attempts to distance himself from hits against rival + Bush to stump in eight states on way to convention + Bush daughters urge young people to register, vote + New Bush ad hits Kerry on taxes + Bush rips third-party ads, is mum on anti-Kerry push + New Swift Boat Ad Takes Kerry Comments Out of Context; Ignores Fact That Atrocities Did Occur, But... + Iraq Olympians say Bush is not on their team Click. + Cheney Backs 'Freedom' for Gay Relationships

KERRY/EDWARDS: Kerry Says Bush Weakens Middle Class + Kerry hits town - and Bush, for 'fear and smear' campaign + Anti-Bush spots dotted with stars + Kerry, a hero, mishandled war issue + Kerry to make a late-night stop on 'Daily Show'

OPINIONS:

Neocon Treason: Paul Craig Roberts

Former CPA Adviser: We Muffed the Occupation

What kind of favor is Bush doing?

Bush plays Humpty Dumpty with prosperity

Bush's absolutism reeks of hypocrisy

'Pre-election plots' and the politics of fear

Click. Christopher Hitchens: John Kerry's dubious Vietnam revisionism.

Joshua Micah Marshall: The moral cowardice of George W. Bush Click.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd: Defending liberty Click.

Paul Krugman: The Rambo coalition Click.

Chris Floyd: Deep background: The Bush family tradition of war profiteering Click.

Jimmy Breslin: What we've really lost in this indefensible war Click.

War prisons: Defense Leaders Faulted by Panel in Prison Abuse + 'Chaos' at Abu Ghraib - report + 2nd GI to plead guilty to abuse. Reservist accused of misconduct at Abu Ghraib + Report says teens abused at Abu Ghraib. Military dogs used to frighten prisoners + Jury seated in court-martial of Marine in Iraqi's prisoners death + Judge: Rumsfeld Need Not Testify + Legal net widens in Iraq prison abuse scandal + Abuse Judge Forcing Intelligence Testimony + Memo purportedly foresaw Iraq abuses Click. + Rumsfeld Indirectly to Blame for Abu Ghraib -Panel + Prosecutors: Marine Accused of Karate-Kicking Iraqi POW Wanted to Show Prisoners Who's Boss + Bin Laden Chauffeur Formally Charged With Conspiracy to Commit War Crimes, Including Murder

LEAKGATES 

Contempt order re: Time Magazine lifted in CIA leak case + Ironies abound in Novak-Plame case

Dems want panel alive Click.

9/11 Panel Tells of al-Qaeda 'Travel Agency'

Blood for pork....

Everyone Wants a Piece of the $18-Billion Man in Iraq

Auditors urged Army to act against Halliburton + Pentagon Auditors Urged Army to Withhold Halliburton Pay

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond: Partners party to counter hate crime (CCT Reg) + Oakland's black gays seeking a voice

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Some of Kerry's biggest fans are in the press

Author Truss still baffled by success of punctuation book

On cable, a fog of words about Kerry's war record Click.

Ben Wasserstein: You can report, but we will decide Click.

Campaign Journalists: Has Swift Boat Story Gone on Too Long?

Editors Grapple With How to Cover Swift Boat Controversy

Matthew Cooper Off the Hook, Gives Deposition in Plame Probe

Dilbert's Dream Home Is Rising on the Web

Smear politics

The beginning of history

Bush's plan to "kill" the White House press corps

Columbia campaign desk

Today's papers

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

Where to hear fiddle music in upcoming weeks

New Arab cinema breaks taboos and tell intimate stories

Arctic team finds ship remains

'Hippie Dictionary' Tells It Like It Was, Man

Tibetans Say Dalai Lama May Not Return in This Life

Music to the masses: BBC plans opera by stealth

Jewish Vienna

Scraps Of Prehistoric Fabric Provide A View Of Ancient Life

Carleton E. Watkins: Yosemite Views, ca. 1876

Edward Muybridge: Valley of the Yosemite, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Mariposa Grove of Mammoth Trees, 1872

Peer Gynt, Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh

Rush & Molloy: Did First Lady send Puffy packing?

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown: 'Hardball' or 'slimeball'?

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

War prisons: Developments in Prisoner Abuse and Terrorism Court Cases +  Abu Ghraib picture begins to fill in + US military judge threatens to suspend Iraq prison abuse hearing + Camp Pendleton Marine goes on trial in death of Iraqi prisoner + Army Investigators: Abu Ghraib Abusers Also Involved in Afghan Deaths + US Decides All Reviewed Gitmo Prisoners 'Properly Classified,' Can't Leave + Abusive GIs in Iraq Allowed to Avoid Trials + U.S. Soldier Wants Abuse Trial Moved from Baghdad + Soldier feared being scapegoat + Soldier to plead guilty to some prison abuse charges + Text of Statement by Staff Sgt. Ivan 'Chip' Frederick  + Health professionals and U.S. torture + Trials or travesties?

IRAN: Iran delays start of first nuclear reactor until 2006 / Contract with Russia calls for several plants to produce electricity

MIDDLE EAST: Israel Plans 530 Settler Homes with U.S. Acquiescence + Israel to reroute part of separation fence following High Court ruling

ASIA PACIFIC: North Korea Says Talks with U.S. Are Pointless

India, Japan eye new axis

AFRICA: Sudanese peace talks open amid disagreement over African troops + New efforts to end Sudan crisis + Arab militia leader rejects claims his tribe is behind atrocities + Can ethnic cleansing be stopped

'Mercenaries' coup trial begins

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....
 

Click.  Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court Members

China's view of US 'lily pad' strategy

China breaks vow on halting arms transfers

Man Appointed by NJ Governor as Security Chief Is Former Israeli Intel Agent

The Glaswegian anarchist who failed to assassinate Franco

Australia: L

Wiretapping on the Net: Who pays?

India: Beware, Uncle Sam's watching you

Dow Secrets Stolen In Taiwan

1985: West German spy chief defects to East

Janssen: It Can't Happen Here

USA prepared to crack down on Belarus president

How Soviet Intel Sized Up Oswald 

VIGILANTE TRIAL RESUMES IN AFGHANISTAN + Alleged American Vigilantes Show Videos of Contacts With Afghan Official, U.N. Troops

Few nations check to see if passports are stolen

Aide to Carlos the Jackal is acquitted

Saudi Reformists, Supporters Protest Access Ban by Police, Trial Postponed

BIOWARFARE  WATCH....

Flu in pigs takes world closer to human flu pandemic: WHO + China says pigs clear of bird flu

West Nile disease lurks in birdbaths, feeders (SJM Reg) +Tracking West Nile Begins at UC Davis Click. (LAT Reg) + West Nile 'causes lasting damage' + Possible 7th Death of West Nile Virus

Mayo Clinic Researcher Uses Supercomputer To Model A SARS Viral Enzyme

Canada: meatpackers profit from BSE crisis

Covert BioWeapons Testing In Punta Gorda In 1957 

MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK....

Oil's slippery slope + East Asia tackles energy security + Asia's recovery at risk of stalling + How to divide the "second Kuwait"

Google slammed for corporate sleaze

Reflections on earning $4 billion

Microsoft's multicultural missteps

Next few quarters will be key for HP

Commentary: How big a slice will Japan Inc. allow Wal-Ma

MILITARY $1bn to build unmanned fighter

G.I. love you! Yank weds Iraqi

War museum to unveil long-lost Victoria Cross

Troops get desert training on Copperheads Click.

At 50, C-130 still important USAF prop Click.

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Bryant's attorneys expected to try to shift focus to accuser

Oslo Police Launch Hunt for 'Scream' Thieves + Gallery defends Scream security + Stolen Scream was not insured + How the Scream was stolen

Britain's New Political Force: Angry Dads

Daily News Exclusive: Sexcapade woman in psych unit

Daily News Exclusive: Mob targeted Rudy

Richard Schwartz: Keep reins on judges

A defense for murder: Blame the medicine

The Kobe Bryant Accuser's Civil Suit: Why It Isn't Redundant With the Trial or the Victims' Fund, And Why One of Its Claims Is Very Unusual

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

Sonoma: Mom charged with murder after toddler dies in van (CCT Reg)

Alameda County Sheriff keeps closer tabs on sex offenders

Suit: Oakland unfairly targeting Sweet Jimmie's nightclub

Prisons packing them in

Orange County Must Defend Its Use of Planning Fees to the judge Click. (LAT Reg)

Modesto police kill knife-wielding man

San Rafael: Numerous violations alleged at Mary Ann's day care

San Francisco: Stun gun used in sexual assault

Attorney suing Wal-Mart sees justice, not dollar signs

Hearings begin in Oakland over church liability for sexual abuse

Health care cost proposal re: immigrants who can't pay bills, ends up in court Click.

Sonoma Executions: Jenner man says he saw couple after they were reported missing + Slain couple stopped at lodge. Owner says he saw them 24 hours after they missed work + Jenner man says he saw couple after they were reported missing

Michael Jackson: Prosecutors try damage control in pretrial hearings + Jacko Team Works Money Angle

Scott Peterson: Peterson Mistress Takes Stand for Cross-Examination + Phone Official Testifies First

The Governor: Gov. may say a lot with a yea or a nay + Some bills have link to Gov. + Blitz of bills will offer clues to where Gov. stands + The buzz: Prisoners play it cool as Gov. pays a call + Dan Walters: End of session brings usual complaints about sneaky bills + Gov. seeks Prop. 64 compromise. Last-minute move to bridle measure on frivolous lawsuits + Democrats complain about Gov.'s bridge, casino deals + Deciding Bills Not a Coal Mine, but No Picnic, Either Click. (LAT Reg) + Unlike 2003, Legislature winds up session quietly Click. (SJM Reg) + Gov. Targets 9 Assembly Democrats for Defeat Click. (LAT Reg) + Help for troubled kids may be cut + Legislative focus is on Bay Area + Burton slashes funds to Jerry Brown's pet military school + Deciding Bills Not a Coal Mine, but No Picnic, Either Click. (LAT Reg) + Unlike 2003, Legislature winds up session quietly Click. (SJM Reg) + Gov. Targets 9 Assembly Democrats for Defeat Click. (LAT Reg)

Legislators end by mandating mundane matters (CCT Reg) + Foes Aim to Put the Brakes on Bill to Cut Gasoline Use Click. (LAT Reg)

Bill aims to get input on sex offenders + San Leandro lawmaker's bills await Gov.'s OK

Republican candidate Bill Jones says he doesn't want to take central valley support for granted

Stop tax treason in California

Benefits of Stem Cell Bond Issue in Question Click. (LAT Reg)

Indian tribes: Tribe offers to halve casino slots at San Pablo site (CCT Reg) + Tribe agrees to downsize gambling plan (SJM Reg) + Rohnert Park: Casino recall vote spurs donations from outsiders + Casino bus bursts into flames next to freeway in Rohnert Park+ Tribe cuts slots plan by half. Lytton band bends under pressure on San Pablo casino

Critics urge more grant oversight

Secretary of State Shelley kept close eye on fund-raising

State Sen. John Vasconcellos.38 years of pushing the envelope. Liberal South Bay crusader forced out by term limits

LOCAL NEWS:  Livermore: Winemaking season comes early

Imagine a million solar rooftops in California

Climate shift threatens California water + Study on global warming paints a troubling future for the state and valley

School days: State's worst schools unsure how much to expect from suit (CCT Reg) + Settlement is small step for schools + Los Altos charter school opening (SJM Reg) + New leaders at Oakland military school include students + Manteca school gets computer aid + Chabot College honors its own institution + Two tests, two results: What are kids learning? + Peninsula school district bans taking photos with phones + More S.F. State students than ever live on campus. School wants to draw students from throughout state + American Indian charter school on success in Oakland + UC Merced: Just a drop in the bucket + Retirements leave schools scrambling + $1,000 notebook PC will fill needs of college student + San Joaquin County's neediest students at risk Click. + Community College Chief Making Waves Click. (LAT Reg) + Teachers' tax relief is history Click.

R.E. Graswich: No coasting for Darrell Steinberg - he aims to help the mentally ill

Concord profile: One city, many worlds, experiences (CCT Reg)

Fremont: Sikh temple leadership unresolved + Fremont may get palsy program

Berkeley gets fire grant

Pleasanton struggles with hard water and bad taste

Novato's lack of access draws fire

Mormon Temple breaks new ground in Rancho Cordova

Nevada County:  UC outpost is a natural survivor. Sagehen research station near Tahoe helps land stewards manage the West

Bee attack near Barstow leaves six people hospitalized

San Francisco: New political fire from Gonzalez embers. Former volunteers refocus their efforts

Kern County officials face Los Angeles mulch mess Click.

Maverick Health Plan Ups Quality to Cut Cost Click. (LAT Reg)

Terminal Operators Extend Their Hours to Ease LA-Long Beach Port Jams

Protesters, police get set in NYC + Keep off the grass in Central Park, judge tells protesters

Army: JetBlue Data Use Was Legal

New, Non-Fatal Electric Bullet

CONNECT THE DOTS....

Stardom: RAH RAH RAH! GO IRAQ!!!

Anti-aging industry rolls out its latest gadgets at meeting in Chicago

Blood for pork....

Post-9/11 Govt Contractor Mergers Causing Problems

Spinoffs from missile shield may reap $1.5B

Thief of Baghdad

Will Japan Inc. allow Wal-Mart?

Pancreas stem cells for diabetes + Pancreas Could Harbor Stem Cells

Research monkeys accidentally die at UC Davis lab

Battle royal over monarch habitat. Illegal logging by armed gangs a big threat to villages, butterfly reserve in Mexico

Contraceptive Depo Provera is linked to high STD risk

Jane Pauley's midlife roller coaster

Wine leftovers 'fight bacteria'

Friendly bacteria 'target ulcers'

Is it safe to fly when you are six months pregnant?

Mystery of Wales turtle 'solved' + Pacific turtles 'gone in decade' + Turtle-tracker tool aids experts

Viruses On The Attack: Revealing Visuals Show Details Of A Common Mechanism For Infection

Hopkins Scientists Use Blood Proteins To Detect Ovarian Cancer

Cooking On A Comet?

Protein Targeted By Drug Developers Not Open And Shut Case

The Sixth Wave Of Extinction

Mouse Model Of Rare Disease Offers Clues To Aging And Cancer Development

Last Of Known Genes Identified In Complex Obesity Syndrome

Literature Review Of LASIK Shows Benefits, Challenges

ASU Researchers Demonstrate New Technique That Improves The Power Of Atomic Force Microscopy

Chemical Engineers Discover Filtration System To Help Biotech Industry

Linking Climate, Water And Civilization In The Middle East And North Africa

Heartless Worms Hold Clues To Cardiac Arrhythmias, Sudden Death

Sometimes the most stressful period for people with cancer occurs when treatments end

Mars Probes to Yell 'Geronimo!'

NASA Updates Robonaut

Translating Iceland’s Genes Into Medicine

British Stem Cell Studies Push Past U.S.

Treating Alcoholism With a Pill?

Evidence That The Study Of Music Promotes Intellectual Development

FAT REDUCING MICROWAVE UNVEILED

Meet the Peeping Tom worm

Net sector struggles to capture digital photo market

New way to recreate sound in movie theatres (SJM Reg)

Do-it-all sport watches to help you get in shape

Encryption gets a boost

BugMeNot Gets Booted, Restored (to avoid registration roadblocks)

Indian tech firms go 'upstream'

THE BUSHWORLD...

President Says Progress Being Made in Iraq

GOP senators' drastic call to break up CIA. Spying reform proposal jolts Washington + Tenet blasts proposal to strip CIA of powers + Officials Question Plan to Split Up CIA + Rockefeller, Tenet Assail Republican Plan to Split CIA Into Three Agencies

Hate working OT? Love the pay? New rules go into effect today

Rolling protest over high drug prices heads from LA to Canada

As Congressional Budget Chief, Former Bush Economic Aide Isn't Keeping to Script Click.

THE 2004 ELECTION:

July job figures decline in six swing states

Kerry, Bush on same page militarily. Minor differences pale in comparison to their similarities

Critics say Palm Beach County absentee ballot too confusing + Terror fears to slow vote results in Fresno County, CA Click. (FB Reg)

Politicos Dig Deep for Your Data

State Renewable Energy Goals in Jeopardy Due to Prolonged Federal Tax

Business leaders lobby for after-school expansions

Timothy G. Elbourne, former aide to President Nixon, dies at 65

McGreevey's folks lie low as sex scandal plays out + Golan off for visit - with female pal

Steinberg: Gov enlists Carville -- is Obama why?

Louisiana Judge Reopens Ballot in Congressional Race

BUSH/CHENEY: BUSH DENOUNCES ADS FROM OUTSIDE GROUPS + Bush To Only Spend A Few Hours At His RNC + Bush's medals + Bush maps out policy with defense team + Brooks & Dunn tops GOP entertainment bill + BUSH CAMPAIGN DENIES SMEAR TACTICS + Click. Profile of Deal Hudson, "the man who told Republican leaders how to connect to Catholic voters. Deal resigned over sex scandal Click.

KERRY/EDWARDS: Edwards blasts Bush on overtime pay changes + New Kerry ad hits Bush over 'front group'. Dole says Dem owes apology to Vietnam vets + Kerry ad calls on Bush to 'denounce the smear' + Gary Younge: Kerry only has himself to blame + Glam gals drop 10G on brunch with Teresa + Dems deny Harkin pulled from stump + Anti-Yucca Nuke Waste Nevadans Flock To Kerry 

OPINIONS:

The home truths of this faraway place

Buchanan Against the Empire: Justin Raimondo

Dubya Turned Out to be The Great Divider

The imprecise `war on terrorism'

Bush should focus on nuclear terrorism

Novak: What's behind troop movement

Bob Herbert: A chill in Florida Click.

Nick Coleman: Gospel, crosses and boos on cue Click.

Sam Parry: Bush-style politics, again Click.

Harvey Wasserman: Bush's nuke cronies re-open door for Click.

The Left Coast Plans George W. Bush's Going Away Bash

LEAKGATES

9/11 panel details gaps in visa process

14 Search Dogs From Ground Zero Have Died Since 9/11, Eight From Cancer

911 Cell Phone Calls From Planes? Not Likely

San Francisco gay marriage and beyond:  Louisiana appeals courts to hear suits over gay marriage ban  + James Bond can never go gay!

The Pen Is Mightier.... 

Oakland, CA gets glossy fashion magazine

Moribund 'lad mag' market in Britain gets a boost

Writing about elections and what they mean

Telling Che's story a revolutionary challenge

Conrad Black Is Ready for His Closeup

New Overtime Law Vague on Reporters, but Could Be 'Nightmarish'

Columbia campaign desk

Mussel collectors at Berneval,
Pierre- Auguste Renoir Enlarge

Daily picture from the Metropolitan

'Memory lane' runs through Dublin CA (CCT Reg)

Mustang sanctuary in Shasta County (SJM Reg)

Women taking reins in Catholic churches (SJM Reg)

Exhibit at Alameda Island library highlights Asian heritage

Artist's vision to spruce up Manteca

San Francisco seeks to join couture ranks with multiple shows

American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco opens season

Yosemite snapshots

Scientists to Flesh Out George Washington's Appearance

Catholic Shrines Draw Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims

Fierce warrior Genghis Khan could read and write, researcher claims

Irish sunken wreck likely Cromwell's flagship, archaeologists say

Miami braces for MTV awards, celebs, glitz, glamour

John Updike on Orhan Pamuk

Death of a King Arthur legend

Digging for history under the Hudson

Floral Literacy

Lloyd Grove's Lowdown

Rush & Molloy

Page Six

Liz Smith

Cindy Adams

Your daily braindrop

Word of the day

Occupation: GI fix-it teams work to build a better Iraq + In Postwar Iraq, Long Arm of the Law Just Isn't Long Enough

War prisons: U.S. military tribunal proceedings to begin in Cuba. 4 defendants to be tried; questions arise about fairness + A Look at the Four Detainees Set for Preliminary Hearings This Week

AFGHANISTAN: Remote control explosions pose threat in Afghanistan

IRAN: Iran Says Report on its Preventive Operations Distorted

Iran Bullies Israel’s Strategic Friends - with Eye on Washington Click.

Iran 'three years away' from nuclear bomb

Iran to Build More Nuclear Reactors With Russian Help; Europeans Show Interest

MIDDLE EAST: Palestinians say US destroys hope over settlements + Gov't opens office to compensate settlers evacuated under pullout + Qureia: I would be shocked if U.S. confirms shift on settlement policy

EUROPE: Via a grave site, Spain relives harsh divisions

Anger in Italy as Italian fugitive fails to report to French police

PAPER: Tony Blair refuses to travel to US to pick up Congressional Medal of Honor

INTELLIGENCE AGENTS AT WORK AND AT PLAY....

Terrorist attack on LA-area ports could cost economy $34 billion

Financial backing for al Qaeda down, report says. But group still easily able to fund terror operations

Farmlands Seen as Fertile for Terrorism  Click. (LAT Reg)

'Dirty' Bomb's Impact Studied Click. (LAT Reg)

New fears below Mexican border Click.

Alpha Russian special service unit is as strong as ever

Up-to-date S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to defend Moscow's air space

Pravda: US troops approaching Russian borders

Australia: Al-Qaeda fears stark before war + PM was told war would spur terrorism + Labor's '27 lies' dossier attacks PM's credibility

Click. Your TEMPEST Partner

Click. Mission Critical Name Recognition Software

The day I met Osama's man in Britain

Che Guevara: The killer staring down in a bedsit near you

Accelerated test program increases F-16 capabilities

UK: Case for arrests of terror suspects revealed

Elite Israeli troops anger at arrest of colleague

Idema: EMBASSY LETTER OPENED DOORS FOR IDEMA + Reporter or fiend? + American Accused of Torturing Suspects Entered Afghanistan With Help of U.S. Official

Terrorists Thriving in Fringe Areas

Spies Stopped by Wicked Wallpaper

When is a terrorist not a terrorist?

Mex border terror fears

HOW LOW
THE LAW GOES....

Mexican police discover small, crude tunnel under U.S. border

The Mepham assaults: A year later

Think meth’s a problem? Now triple it

Killing of Tulsa bar owner leads to backlash against homeless

Wife's 21-year struggle gives husband new hope

National Security Courts and Torture Warrants

'Mr. Botox' Case Raises Some Brows

To trial or not in Kobe case

US court: Software can't commit piracy

Report: Abandoned Children Had Suffered Years of Abuse Prior to Nigerian Odyssey

Grand Jury Hands Down Indictment in Colorado Recruiting Scandal, According to Newspaper

Fifty Years After Brown V. Board, NAACP Legal Defense Fund Carries on Civil Rights Fight

CALIFORNIA BREAKING LAW NEWS....

State may list exact address of sex offender

Convicts pin hopes on governor for parole (CCT Reg) + After guarding inmates, she now decides their fates

Inmates say AIDS education is lacking (CCT Reg)

Santa Clara County sued by adoptive parents re: child with HIV (SJM Reg)

San Francisco jail: Funding closes the 'revolving door' of incarceration (CCT Reg) + Inmates put welfare fund to use + Inmate families paying high phone rates for "welfare funds" + Why is oversight of jail phone call so thin?

Disrespect has repercussions on the streets (CCT Reg)

Sonoma executions: Link between Jenner slayings, Arizona sought. A Scottsdale couple was also fatally shot in sleeping bags + No suspects yet in Jenner beach slaying + Town scared by killing of campers

Safe play structure design sweats the details

Tiburon lawyer strives for diversity

Marin General Hospital director wants to discuss complaint re: death of infant

Corte Madera second-unit policy might violate state law

At 72, lawyer gives of himself so seniors have a place to turn

Sacramento: Struggle with police officer ends with suspect shot

Change in home hazard reports

Oakland: Key decision expected in priest abuse cases. Debate over when Catholic leaders learned of problem + Oakland cops cage animal rights group + No leads in case of man shot to death

Lawsuit challenges LA county over immigrant medical billing

South San Francisco: 3 parkgoers attacked by mob, police say

San Leandro: Marshals, cops nab suspect in slaying

Agencies team up in Modesto to tell gangs: Better leave town

Healdsburg mother on suicide watch after son dies in locked van

Vagaries of our 'three strikes' law

Deputy to hit road on motorbike after a 28-year ride

New L.A. regulations on cybercafes take effect to prevent juvenile violence

Michael Jackson: Ears where Jacko's nose comes from

Scott Peterson: Peterson lies will hit nerve with some victims of love + The  Week In Review + Frey to Take Stand, Experts Say Solid Evidence Needed

The Governor: Cuts to state program affect children with emotional disorders + The love-in is over for the Gov. + License Showdown Looms + Vehicle fees could raise $90 million for air pollution programs + Voters are ignorant about growth but fear its impacts

What he knew and when he know it. Kevin Shelley said to have accepted campaign checks from Julie Lee in person

Big week ahead for Bay Area in Legislature + Immigration consultant fraud bill receives its final approval + Back to days of wine and payoffs

GOP hopes for rare victory in Assembly race (SJM Reg) + State GOP tends to its grass roots

Bay Bridge plan risks losing trust of voters (SJM Reg)

The Indian Tribes: Legislators balk at huge casino (SJM Reg) + Feinstein opposes huge San Pablo casino + Point Molate resort details released (CCT Reg) + Maloofs set sights on the young and hip + State casino deal bets against the vulnerable  + 'Friendly City' Rohnert Park icy over casino furor + Tribes plan $70 million Cloverdale casino + Hupa Indians battle to reclaim Trinity River + Siren song of the slots Click. (CCT Reg) + Tribe Backing a Casino for Orange County Plays Its Plans Close to the Vest Click. (LAT Reg) + Indians barred from tribes can't seek help in U.S. or state courts Click. (FB Reg)

Forum: Looking again at Hetch Hetchy + Editorial: The lost Yosemite

State eyes expanding wind farm locations

LOCAL NEWS: Newborn screening to expand (CCT Reg)

The Braceros: Labor's lost legacy