Let's see if we can cut through some of the hyperbole and deal with facts.

First, some complain that companies that invent genetically modified seeds should not be able to patent them and charge royalties to farmers. The first thing to note is that patent rights were expressly provided for by our founding founders in the Constitution. Second, patents promote innovation and have brought innumerable valuable products to people, such as the light bulb, the telephone, computers, and a host of medicines. Next, it cost hundreds of millions, indeed billions, to develop some genetically modified crops. Assuming that profit is not a dirty word, how are these costs to be recovered so that additional research and development can take place, workers can be paid, and a reasonable profit can be made on the investment? Gee, I guess that means the company will have to charge for its invention.

Three weeks until it begins anew

The Braves need big production from their best two hitters, Chipper Jones and Mark Teixeira. They need Chipper to play at least 135-140 games, hopefully more, and they need more of last August-September's display from Teixeira, who carries huge expectations as he enters his first, and the Braves hope not last, full season in Atlanta.

But it's the rotation, the bullpen and the middle of the order that have the potential to carry this team not just to the postseason, but deep into the postseaason. It's been a while since the Braves had the potential to get 45-50 wins and 600 or more innings from a starting trio, but that's what they expect from John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine.

After 3 wins, Obama wins Maine, too

When i was in grade school the class stood up and faced the flag and put our hand over our heart and said the Pledge of Allegiance, and at very game we sang the National Anthem. But Burning the American Flag is soooooo Wrong, and Obama voted for it. That is an insult to very American.

Isn't it time to start impeachment of Bush?

We supported Musharraf in spite of his dismal record in fighting terrorists.Our ``great decider'' has an emergency teleconference and hears of the crisis in Pakistan which may threaten Afghanistan. But, let us not return to our nation's capital. The brush must be cleared and a bike ridden. And the nation's defense bill must be vetoed so there will be no lawsuits against the Iraqi government.The reality is the emperor has no clothes but his advisers compliment him on his wardrobe. May we have an impeachment hearing now?Maureen UgoliniBloomington .

Book Excerpt

The reality is that football, and sports, is about excellence, and winning results from that, and black kids have historically excelled in sports," said Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of black studies at Long Beach State. "So [Bryant] would have been making a mistake not to choose from all of the best players. He wanted to win. It was important to him.

"It provided much collateral benefit. By not practicing in sports the kind of early man segregation that was unjust and immoral, his excellent decision also became an excellent moral choice."

"It was a pretty bold step," said Cunningham. "Bryant was the only one who could guarantee our safety, and Coach McKay had to have faith in Bear that he could bring his players, fans and boosters in for a football game at a time when it probably wasn't conducive.

Chugiak dog mushers dancing for more snow

Mankind has historically gone to extremes to satisfy the gods. Some have sacrificed fellow humans or animals to win favor with their deities, while others have drank blood, performed ceremonial dances and offered up food, money and other wares to please the gods of the sun, wind, moon and stars.

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Wild Card -- Tuesday PM

For those keeping score at home, there was a good reason why Duane Hagadone pulled his memorial garden request in December. He woulda gotten clobbered at the polls. On Dec. 15, two days before he pulled the request, internal polling for the library bond showed the downtown garden proposals failing 72% to 28% (outta 756 replies). This, while the poll showed the library passing with 63% and the public safety bond with 56%). And you were wondering why The Duane didn't want to risk an advisory vote?
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*I visited the Ron Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza this p.m., and I'm certain The Ronfather woulda been pleased. You don't get the impact of the eagle statue, donated by the Rankin family, from photos. It's huge. And the new war mural of the kneeling Marines at Fallujah ... well, you can't visit the plaza without feeling as though you're on holy ground.

Tories demand Salmond quit as MP

On July 25, he took part in three votes on immigration, the machinery of government and home affairs. The other occasion was on November 19, when he voted in favour of the European Communities (Finance) Bill.

However, the First Minister later announced he would be donating the one-third of his Holyrood salary to which he is entitled as a so-called "dual mandate" politician to a special trust fund to help community projects in the north-east of Scotland.