What Caught My Eye Today

In honor of Halloween, today's entries are presented in orange and black.

Congress - President Bush ratcheted up his confrontation with Democratic leaders Wednesday, laying out what he said is a stark ideological divide between a fiscally prudent, free market-loving GOP president and a Congress that aims to raise taxes and nationalize health care. He chided Congress for failing to send him any appropriations bills even though the government started a new budget year on Oct. 1, and for drafting bills with higher spending than he wants. Bush never vetoed a spending bill when Republicans controlled Congress, but he's itching to do so now to demonstrate fiscal toughness. "Considering how eager they are to spend your money, it's shocking how long they are taking to do so," the president said. Forgive me I take the President's criticism of Congress with a grain of salt. I may not have all my facts straight, but at least Congress is attempting to include ways to pay for the spending increases it is proposing. I haven't seen the President once explain how we're supposed to pay for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Myanmar - More than 100 Buddhist monks marched peacefully in a northern Myanmar town noted for its defiance of the country's military rulers, the first large protest since the junta violently crushed a wave anti-government demonstrations. The monks chanted a Buddhist prayer that has come to be associated with the pro-democracy cause. They did not carry signs or shout slogans, but their action was clearly in defiance of the military government. You have to give these guys credit for their persistence in what they believe in. It looks like they are going to need it too, seeing as the international community shows no inclination for getting involved.

Iran - Iran warned the United States on Wednesday it would find itself in a "quagmire deeper than Iraq" if it attacked the Islamic state, and Russia intensified efforts for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear row with the West. The United States has refused to rule out military action if diplomacy fails. Iran has so far refused to heed U.N. demands to halt nuclear work that has both civilian and military uses. President Bush has suggested a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to World War Three. Russia, a veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council, says dialogue rather than punishment or talk of military action offers the best way to ease tension over Iran. It says the International Atomic Energy Agency process should be given time to run its course. How sad of a commentary is it on U.S. foreign policy, when of all countries, Russia is providing the voice of reason?

Health - Keeping slim is one of the best ways of preventing cancer, as is avoiding excessive amounts of red meat and wine, a landmark study has revealed. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said the link between body fat and cancer is closer than generally realized. The report, which selected 7,000 studies from a worldwide pool of 500,000 written since records began in the 1960s, includes five key findings: 1. Processed meats, such as ham and bacon, increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and should be eaten sparingly. Well that sucks. At least I can enjoy a nice steak 2. Another is the link between red meat and colorectal cancer, for which the evidence is stronger than ever. People should not eat more than 500g of cooked red meat a week -- or between 700g and 750g for "blue" or uncooked meat. DOH!!! Okay fine, I'll just drink my dinner from now on. 3. A further finding was the strongest evidence yet that alcohol is a cause of cancer. If people must drink, the report said, they should limit their intake to two units a day for a man or one for a woman. A unit is a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine. Just kill me now. 4. The report recommended mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months after birth followed by complementary breastfeeding, after evidence showed breastfeeding protects the mother against breast cancer. I'm not sure this is going to help me at this point in my life. 5. It did not recommend dietary supplements as prevention. Finally, something that I can embrace. Yeah, so basically it comes down to this--everything you like to eat and drink is bad for you so stop. And on top of all that, now they are saying that pills won't help you. Apparently you have to actually do some exercise. Oh, the humanity! When will the madness stop?