George Carlin, 71, Irreverent Standup Comedian, Is Dead  —  George Carlin, the Grammy-Award winning standup comedian and actor who was hailed for his irreverent social commentary, poignant observations of the absurdities of everyday life and language, and groundbreaking routines like …

First Obama attack book in the works  —  The same publisher that distributed the 2004 best-seller that took aim at John Kerry's Vietnam service is planning a summer release of what's scheduled to be the first critical book on Barack Obama.  —  Conservative journalist David Freddoso's …

The New Republic syndrome  —  (updated below)  —  The number one problem facing the Democratic Party is that, as events of the last week demonstrate, it continues to be plagued by The New Republic Syndrome, one of the most fatal political afflictions that exist.

Three women who might join the GOP ticket  —  While the vice presidential slot may be John McCain's best means of wooing those Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters who remain loath to embrace Barack Obama, the Republican party is a thin source of politically viable women, leaving McCain with few top-tier options.

Encounter Bids The New York York Times Farewell  —  Beginning today, June 23, 2008, Encounter Books will no longer send its books to The New York Times for review.  Of course, the editors at the Times are welcome to trot down to their local book emporium or visit Amazon.com to purchase our books …

Someone Else's Alex  —  The people at MoveOn.org have a new Iraq ad that is, if they do say so themselves, their most effective ever.  Then again, for the group that brought us the “General Petraeus or General Betray Us?” ad last September, that might not be saying much.

Reporters Say Networks Put Wars on Back Burner  —  Getting a story on the evening news isn't easy for any correspondent.  And for reporters in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is especially hard, according to Lara Logan, the chief foreign correspondent for CBS News.  So she has devised a solution when she is talking to the network.

Obama Camp Closely Linked With Ethanol  —  When VeraSun Energy inaugurated a new ethanol processing plant last summer in Charles City, Iowa, some of that industry's most prominent boosters showed up.  Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association and the Renewable Fuels Association …

Is He the Ticket?  —  As the popular governor of Florida and a Republican known for supporting relatively progressive causes, you are often mentioned as a possible running mate for Senator McCain.  It's been said that you could deliver Florida for him in the November election and lend him some overall centrist appeal.

‘I despise Islamism’ says award winning author Ian McEwan in astonishing outburst  —  He is known for his polished prose, critically acclaimed novels -and for keeping a decidedly low profile.  —  But today the Booker-winning novelist Ian McEwan found himself at the centre of an uncharacteristic row.

Poll: Obama has edge over McCain  —  WASHINGTON — Democrat Barack Obama begins the presidential campaign with some overwhelming advantages over Republican John McCain, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, but voters also express doubts about the Illinois senator's experience and ability to handle the job of commander in chief.

Put oil firm chiefs on trial - scientist  —  James Hansen, one of the world's leading climate scientists, will today call for the chief executives of large fossil fuel companies to be put on trial for high crimes against humanity and nature, accusing them of actively spreading doubt …

Barack Obama inspires Milan men's runway styles  —  MILAN, Italy - The latest “first” for Barack Obama comes off the Milan runway.  —  Calling the U.S. presidential hopeful “the man of the moment,” Donatella Versace dedicated her Spring-Summer 2009 collection presented Saturday evening to Obama …

Why Clinton voters say they won't support Obama  —  The attack of the PUMAs, or a dozen reasons why Clinton voters are still too angry to come home.  —  Hillary Clinton supporters wait for their candidate to arrive at the National Building Museum in Washington on June 7.

ANTI-TERROR OOPS  —  BARACK BUMBLES LEGAL QS  —  SPEAKING without a text in front of him, Barack Obama betrays a troubling lack of knowledge on important issues - such as the law and terrorism.  —  In his ABC interview last Monday, for example, Obama attacked the Bush approach on fighting terror.