"Iraqis who were outside the Palestine Hotel at the time of the attack there said the donkey there had started so violently after the first volley of rockets singed his backside that he upset the cart, toppling the launcher onto its side, spilling the battery onto the street and disrupting the firing mechanism. Outside the Italian Embassy, Iraqis said the donkey there had begun munching on the hay, exposing the rocket launcher before it could fire."

At least we know now that the Iraqi donkey contingent can be counted on as allies

Meanwhile, in Washington, the Leave no Pharmaceutical Co. behind passes the House...barely.

Word was, Daschle wasn't going to filibuster this wacky bill, another one written by the GOP behind closed doors, allowing the full House only a few days to decide on a 1,000+ page piece of legislation, but given the close House vote, he may be emboldened. Especially in light of the fact that cracks are appearing in the GOP congressional facade.

But...We all new the Republicans cynicism know few bounds, but this is really incredible:

"'Some are now attacking the President for attacking the terrorists,' the type says. 'Some call for us to retreat, putting our national security in the hands of others.' The word 'terrorists' turns red."

Do you think when Bush finally has to debate the poor Democratic nominee, Bush will turn to his opponent, and, with that trademark furrowed look of concern he has, ask, "So, when did you stop abetting terrorists?"

Of course, there's no reason to worry if you haven't done anything wrong.

*****

For those of you who can't get enough of the 2003 MLB season -- particularly Game 7 of the ALCS -- you can thank Roger Angell for another warm hearted but sharp look back. Angell's prose is so elegant, it's worth a read, baseball fan or not.