William Safire, Nixon Speechwriter and Times Columnist, Is Dead at 79  —  William Safire, a speechwriter for President Richard M. Nixon and a Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist for The New York Times who also wrote novels, books on politics and a Malaprop's treasury of articles on language …

Was Census Worker Bill Sparkman A Child Predator?  —  Update: Before any more people start going bonkers that I'm accusing Sparkman of anything, take a breath.  I've done a fair amount of crime blogging mixed in with politics over time.  One doesn't rule anything in or out without some firm answers.

John Edwards' ex-mistress, Rielle Hunter, targeted by Elizabeth Edwards in blog comments - source  —  Former presidential candidate John Edwards is said to be ready to admit that he fathered a love child.  But Hades may have a skating rink before his wife, Elizabeth, signs off on such a confession.

The Outrageous Arrest of Roman Polanski  —  Of all nations, why was it Switzerland — the country that traditionally guarded the secret bank accounts of international criminals and corrupt dictators — that finally decided to arrest Roman Polanski?  There must be some deeper story here …

‘Meet the Press’ transcript for Sept. 27, 2009  —  MR. DAVID GREGORY: This Sunday: The president on the world stage at a time of growing danger.  The U.S. says Iran has a secret underground nuclear facility capable of weapons production.  —  PRES. BARACK OBAMA: Iran is on notice that …

New Cheney Taking Stage for the G.O.P.  —  NASHVILLE — Liz Cheney looks nothing like her father, but it is clear who he is.  She was introduced as “our favorite vice president's daughter” at a recent gathering of conservative women here.  She kept invoking him in her speech …

Babysitting ban review ordered  —  The Children's Minister has ordered a review of the case of two police officers told they had broken the law by caring for each other's children.  —  Ofsted said the arrangement contravened the Childcare Act because it lasted for longer than two hours a day, and constituted receiving “a reward”.

There Are Only Two Choices Left on Iran  —  An Israeli or U.S. military strike now, or a nuclear Tehran soon.  —  Printer  —  Friendly  —  Unless you are a connoisseur of small pictures of bearded, brooding fanatical clerics there is not much reason to collect Iranian currency.

D.C. job alleged as attempt to deter Romanoff  —  WASHINGTON — Not long after news leaked last month that Andrew Romanoff was determined to make a Democratic primary run against Sen. Michael Bennet, Romanoff received an unexpected communication from one of the most powerful men in Washington.

The dead end kids  —  Young, unemployed and facing tough future  —  The unemployment rate for young Americans has exploded to 52.2 percent — a post-World War II high, according to the Labor Dept. — meaning millions of Americans are staring at the likelihood that their lifetime earning potential …

The Taliban in Their Own Words … From the magazine issue dated Oct 5, 2009  —  During wars and after them, the real voice of the enemy is rarely heard.  Propaganda is plentiful, as are prideful boasts—and the Taliban have certainly been quick studies at the modern art of information warfare.

Triumphant Merkel eyes new coalition  —  Chancellor Angela Merkel has been returned to power in Germany, with forecasts showing her conservative bloc on course for a clear election victory.  —  Mrs Merkel told supporters they had achieved “something magnificent”, but said she wanted …

Policemen wounded in Temple Mt. riots  —  Article's topics: Jerusalem, Police, Riots  —  Twelve policemen and 15 rioters were wounded Sunday in riots on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and later in the Old City.  —  Approximately 150 Muslim worshipers participated in the disturbance on the Temple Mount …