-Dick Meyer (good read)
A new report gives a grim outlook on the future of Africa.
"From outside of the U.S., it may seem justified to conclude that the country of immigrants is backtracking."
Samuel Alito vs. James Madison. Also, Senator Kennedy outlines Alito's credibility problem.
A lesson from Katrina: in a disaster, pets matter.
Bam. Florida Supreme Court blocks school vouchers.
2005 IN REVIEW:
* Dave Barry's year in review.
* The Post's year in review.
* TV Gal's 2005 TV's best, and picks from Hercules from 2005.
OTHER NEWS:
* And, DeLay quits his quest to regain Republican leadership. Also, the prosecutor broadens the inquiry.
* "Most torso wounds that killed Marines in Iraq might have been prevented or minimized by improved body armor, a Pentagon study found. "
* Congressional report challenges the administration's assertions on domestic surveillance.
* BBC Q&A on the power players in Israel after Sharon.
* White House criticizes Pat Robertson's comments on Sharon. Which, oddly, mirror those of the president of Iran.
* Britain expands its already extensive video surveillance.
* Think the Bush administration officials believe in narrow and restrained interpretations of the law? Think again.
* Problems with the administration's dirty bomb guide.
* A CBS reality check on the new Medicare.
* Bush calls for broader linguistic education. Wonder how much money he's going to invest into it.
* "Anti-Gay Pastor Busted For Trying To Pick Up Male Prostitute Decoy" (Courtesy
* Downs syndrome more common than initially thought.
* Wisconsin governor stands up for science in veto of abortion bill.
* Linguists honor Tom Cruise. Sort of.
* Heat gun gets wacky warnings award.
"Archaeologists have unveiled two Iron Age 'bog bodies' which were found in the Republic of Ireland." Bonus: ancient hair gel.
DNA insight into cat evolution.
Rethinking advertising in a new era, one that's moved past the traditional commercial.
Baltimore, 'the fittest city'?