What Caught My Eye Today

Iraq - President Bush warned Congress Friday that he will continue vetoing war spending bills as long as they contain a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. He invited congressional leaders to come to the White House to discuss a new piece of legislation that would not include a timetable, and expressed hope a deal could be reached. Democratic leaders said they hoped to have a follow up bill ready by June 1. Several Democratic officials have said the next measure likely will jettison the withdrawal timetable, but may include consequences if the Iraqi government does not meet certain benchmarks, such as expanding democratic participation and allocating oil resources. And such consequences would be what? I'm curious how the wording of these benchmarks and consequences will influence the palatability of the spending bill both for Congress and the White House. Let the wordsmithing commence.

Britain - Prime Minister Tony Blair, preparing to step down after a decade in power, says he has changed British politics for good and history will judge his decision to back the invasion of Iraq. Blair set out his achievements in a memo to lawmakers of the ruling Labour Party. Blair's memo showed his determination to secure his legacy and disprove critics who say he squandered the huge political capital he enjoyed when he came to power in 1997, ousting an unpopular Conservative government that had ruled for 18 years. Blair is expected to announce his resignation soon after he reaches the milestone of 10 years in office on May 1. Dude isn't exactly overflowing with humility is he?

iPods - Banning baseball caps during tests was obvious — students were writing the answers under the brim. Then, schools started banning cell phones, realizing students could text message the answers to each other. Now, they're targeting iPods and other digital media players as potential tools for cheaters. Who thinks American students are stupid now, huh? Pretty creative use of technology, I think. Clearly beyond the realm of dullards and simpletons.

Baseball - After winning 8 straight to follow up a 2 and 7 start, the San Francisco Giants now lead the NL West at 12 and 8. Having said that, and now having hope that they're actually good, I fully expect them to implode.

And this just in (literally)...

A former New York Mets clubhouse employee pleaded guilty Friday to distributing steroids to major league players, and is cooperating with baseball's steroids investigation. Friday's guilty plea is the latest development in the steroids scandal that has plagued sport in recent years. And it put baseball back in the doping spotlight and surely will get fans wondering what names will follow. Oh happy day. I was getting tired of just watching them play.

Football - You have to hand it to the NFL for making its annual draft such a big deal. ESPN has already aired 4 or 5 thousand hours of coverage on the draft (I may be lowballing the actual number of hours...they have lots of networks, you know) and will be airing the all 7 rounds of the draft this weekend. As for me...I'll be watch highlights of the Cricket World Cup. I hear the commentators are riveting.