Charlton Heston, 84; actor played epic figures  —  Charlton Heston, the Oscar-winning actor who achieved stardom playing larger-than-life figures including Moses, Michelangelo and Andrew Jackson in historical epics and went on to become a best-selling author, a contentious Hollywood labor leader …

In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog Till They Drop  —  SAN FRANCISCO — They work long hours, often to exhaustion.  Many are paid by the piece — not garments, but blog posts.  This is the digital-era sweatshop.  You may know it by a different name: home.

There He Goes Again  —  Why can't we just have a civilized debate about important issues, such as the war Islamic extremists continue to wage against us?  —  The Democrats just won't do it.  During the 2004 presidential campaign, Kerry started the negative campaign.

Come, O Come, Emanuel  —  It ain't over till it's over.  But at some point soon, someone may have to not-so-gently tell Hillary time is up.  Enter ‘Rahmbo.’  —  Rahm Emanuel has been described as a street fighter with a killer instinct—as explosive, profane, wired and ruthless—sometimes as a compliment, sometimes not.

McCain is “implicitly attacking Obama for basking in self-glory, when the Obama campaign is very much predicated on ‘we’ and not 'I.'"  —  Bill Scher perceives irony in McCain's ad — which depicts his life story, including his service in Vietnam — because it is “very much about ‘I.’” …

Housing Crisis Hits Its Own  —  Mortgage Bankers Group Faced With Tougher Terms  —  A year ago, the Mortgage Bankers Association was thrilled to sign a contract to buy a fancy new headquarters building in downtown Washington.  Interest rates were low, the group's revenues were steady …

In Massachusetts, Universal Coverage Strains Care  —  AMHERST, Mass. — Once they discover that she is Dr. Kate, the supplicants line up to approach at dinner parties and ballet recitals.  Surely, they suggest to Dr. Katherine J. Atkinson, a family physician here, she might find a way to move …

This Is What Real Political Progress Looks Like  —  Ever since Nouri Al-Maliki came to office, we've been told he represented only Shia interests, or perhaps even Iran's.  We were told he needed Sadr.  We were told Iraq's irreconcilable sectarian differences would inevitably plunge the country into civil war, sooner or later.

McCain Is Vocal on War, but Silent on Son's Service  —  One evening last July, Senator John McCain of Arizona arrived at the New Hampshire home of Erin Flanagan for sandwiches, chocolate-chip cookies and heartfelt talk about Iraq.  They had met at a presidential debate …

I Did Not Make This Up.  —  Hugh Hewitt really wrote this: … The man is completely cracked.  I guess if I were a family member I'd be worried, but since I'm not, I just think it's funny.  —  If you have the time and inclination, I strongly suggest you e-mail Hugh “evidence” and for the love of god, cc me.