Kerik's Position Was Untenable, Bush Aide Says
By ELISABETH BUMILLER and ERIC LIPTON
Bernard B. Kerik, the former homeland security secretary
nominee, said he faced an "ugly" process of confirmation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics/12kerik.html?th

New Spy Plan Said to Involve Satellite System
By DOUGLAS JEHL
The Senate intelligence committee has tried to kill a new
$9.5 billion satellite system that could take photos only
in daylight hours and in clear weather.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics/12spy.html?th

Liberal Leader From Ukraine Was Poisoned
By ELISABETH ROSENTHALInternational Herald Tribune
New tests confirmed that Viktor A. Yushchenko had been
poisoned with dioxin, providing an explanation for his
illness.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/internat...ukraine.html?th

- QUOTATION OF THE DAY -

"It would have been messy, ugly and an embarrassment to President Bush, so I withdrew my name."
- BERNARD B. KERIK, who was nominated to be Homeland Security secretary.


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics/12kerik.html?th

- THE CITY -
Last Days at the Fulton Fish Market
The Fulton Fish Market, one of the city's iconic places, is relocating to a new facility in Hunts Point in the Bronx. The pending move has the market's 600 workers overflowing with opinions, memories and stories. This feature includes an audio slide show.
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/nyregion/thecity/index.html?th

Seven-Year Drought Puts Afghanistan on the Brink
By CARLOTTA GALL
Officials warn that despite the outside help and a good
harvest last year, the country is living on the brink.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/internat...drought.html?th

Series of Insurgent Attacks Kills at Least 4 Iraqi Policemen
By ROBERT F. WORTH
The attacks were the latest in the campaign of violence
aimed at Iraq's policemen, soldiers and national guardsmen.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/internat.../12iraq.html?th

In Taiwan Ballot, Ties With Beijing Seem to Be a Winner
By KEITH BRADSHER
Voters appeared to reject President Chen Shui-bian's calls
for greater Taiwanese independence from mainland China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/internat...2taiwan.html?th

Neighbors of Burned Homes Pained by Suburban Sprawl
By FELICITY BARRINGER
The fires set at a development on a wetland in Maryland
have highlighted a long and contentious battle over whether
the injection of suburban density belonged there.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/national/12fire.html?th

Test Finds Inaccuracies in Help Line for Medicare
By ROBERT PEAR
Medicare's telephone line gives accurate answers less than
two-thirds of the time, Congressional investigators say.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics...edicare.html?th

Mystery Cloaks Couple's Firing as Risks to U.S.
By JAMES DAO
A Shiite Muslim couple are suing after they were fired from
their federal jobs for failing secret background checks.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/national/12shiite.html?th

Test Finds Inaccuracies in Help Line for Medicare
By ROBERT PEAR
Medicare's telephone line gives accurate answers less than
two-thirds of the time, Congressional investigators say.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics...edicare.html?th

The U.S. vs. a Nuclear Iran
By DAVID E. SANGER
The U.S. wants to block Iran's nuclear ambition, but
diplomacy seems to be the only path.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics/12nuke.html?th

Homeland Security Department Experiments With New Tool to
Track Financial Crime
By ERIC LICHTBLAU
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 - The Department of Homeland Security
has begun experimenting with a wide-ranging computer
database that allows investigators to match financial
transactions against a list of some 250,000 people and
firms with suspected ties to terrorist financing, drug
trafficking, money laundering and other financial crimes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/politics/12finance.html?th

Even if Just a Bauble, Luxury Counts for Holidays
By TRACIE ROZHON
The luxury market, which was struggling only a few years
ago, has come back with a bang for the holidays.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/business/12luxury.html?th

How Consultants Can Retire on Your Pension
By GRETCHEN MORGENSON and MARY WILLIAMS WALSH
Nowhere are the conflicts of interest for financial
services conglomerates more potentially lucrative - and
more obscure - than in the management of pension assets.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/business...pension.html?th

ECONOMIC VIEW
Social Security Reform, With One Big Catch
By EDMUND L. ANDREWS
The idea that letting people invest some of their Social
Security money in the stock market will allow for higher
returns is as flawed as a perpetual motion machine.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/business.../12view.html?th

A Blow to NASA's Hubble Rescue
The Hubble Telescope should be preserved even if that means
diverting the shuttle from other tasks and slowing plans to
send astronauts to the Moon and Mars.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/opinion/12sun1.html?th

Help! We May Be in Danger Someday
Moving forward on the textile industry's petitions for
protection signals to China and the world that America is
still picking which free trade pacts it will honor.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/opinion/12sun2.html?th

EDITORIAL OBSERVER
Disneyland for Washington and Lincoln History Buffs
By FRANCIS X. CLINES
The current touch-ups of Lincoln and Washington seem
unavoidable considering that modern technology has made
interactive morphers of us all.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/opinion/12sun3.html?th

The Poor Have More Things Today -- Including Wild Income Swings
--------------------

As economic risk rises, those near the bottom are hit with a vengeance: china plates, perhaps, but also more pay cuts and evictions.

By Peter G. Gosselin
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

"The poor are not like everyone else," social critic Michael Harrington wrote in the 1962 bestseller "The Other America," which helped shape President Johnson's War on Poverty.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-poor...0,5347390.story

Russia Policy Under Review
--------------------

The U.S., faced with Putin's increasingly undemocratic policies and anti-Western moves in the region, may become more assertive.

By Paul Richter
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is beginning a broad review of its Russia policy that could lead to a more confrontational approach toward Moscow over its treatment of neighboring countries and its own citizens, U.S. officials said.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5084532.story

Leinart Wins USC's Sixth Heisman
--------------------

Junior quarterback becomes the second Trojan in three years to win college football's top award. Oklahoma's Peterson is second.

By Gary Klein
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

NEW YORK — For the second time in three years, the school that used to be known as "Tailback U" has produced a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisma...,0,748431.story

A Cabinet Setback for Bush
--------------------

Some analysts say the president stumbled by nominating a chief of Homeland Security before fully vetting the candidate.

By Janet Hook
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — The abrupt withdrawal of the White House's choice to head the Homeland Security Department is an embarrassing setback for President Bush's effort to put his second-term Cabinet in place quickly and without controversy.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...0,4792494.story

Immigration Debate Is Likely to Turn on Driver's Licenses
--------------------

Differences, even in the GOP, may put the brakes on overhauling policies for foreigners in the U.S.

By Richard Simon
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — With this year's session barely over, congressional leaders are already looking ahead to debating an issue that has been a hot potato in a number of states: whether illegal immigrants should be allowed to obtain driver's licenses in the U.S.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...1,7650710.story

--------------------
A Cabinet Setback for Bush
--------------------

Some analysts say the president stumbled by nominating a chief of Homeland Security before fully vetting the candidate.

By Janet Hook
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — The abrupt withdrawal of the White House's choice to head the Homeland Security Department is an embarrassing setback for President Bush's effort to put his second-term Cabinet in place quickly and without controversy.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...eadlines-nation

The Issue Behind Nanny Scandal
--------------------

Different sides of the immigration question say the Kerik case points to the need for change.

By Chuck Neubauer
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — Angela Kelley, deputy director of an immigrant advocacy group, "gave a small cheer" when she learned that Bernard Kerik had to withdraw his nomination as Homeland Security chief over a nanny who may have been an illegal immigrant.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...eadlines-nation

Some Find Strong Pulse in Social Security
--------------------

By Joel Havemann
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — Even before settling on a proposal to privatize part of Social Security, President Bush is mounting an aggressive campaign to convince the public of something that many Democrats and economists say is mistaken: that the massive government retirement system is hurtling toward disaster.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...eadlines-nation

Washington-Watchers Seek Hint of Rice's Pick for Deputy
--------------------

The choice may mean the difference between smooth sailing or rough seas for Bush's policies.

By Sonni Efron
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

WASHINGTON — One of the most talked-about jobs in Washington might not register with most Americans. But as President Bush rebuilds his Cabinet for his second term, Beltway cognoscenti are focusing on the unfilled No. 2 job at the State Department for clues about the direction of foreign policy.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...eadlines-nation

U.S. Seen as Laggard at U.N. Climate Change Meeting
--------------------

As signatories to the Kyoto pact adopt ways to cut gas emissions, America is increasingly shut out, having balked at ratifying the accord.

By Hector Tobar
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

BUENOS AIRES — The United States is the big odd man out as diplomats, scientists and environmentalists from more than 190 countries gather here at the 10th meeting of the United Nations' Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,3424307.story

Opposition Gains Edge in Taiwan
--------------------

The ruling party fails to win an absolute majority in elections. President Chen says he will relinquish his post as chairman.

By Mark Magnier and Tsai Ting-I
Special to The Times

December 12 2004

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The opposition scored a surprise victory in legislative elections here Saturday, a development expected to blunt President Chen Shui-bian's pro-independence agenda and ease fears in Beijing.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Ex-Taliban Figure Is Questioned About Kidnappings
--------------------

By Mubashir Zaidi
Special to The Times

December 12 2004

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistani authorities said Saturday that they were interrogating a former Taliban commander arrested on suspicion of masterminding the late October kidnapping of three U.N. election workers in Afghanistan.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,3005748.story

For Some, the Race Remains Far From Over
--------------------

Most have moved on since Nov. 2. But thousands continue to contest the presidential election results, with efforts focused on Ohio.

By Sam Howe Verhovek
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Clifford Arnebeck won't let it go. He can't let it go. Not, he says, while America refuses to recognize that John F. Kerry was elected president Nov. 2.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...0,7920965.story

European Defense Firms Buy Into U.S.
--------------------

Foreign contractors are gaining small aerospace players to ease access to big Pentagon contracts.

By Peter Pae
Times Staff Writer

December 12 2004

Operating below Wall Street's radar, Europe's biggest defense contractors have been buying up small U.S. aerospace companies in hopes of grabbing a piece of the Pentagon's record defense budget.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-aero...0,2887040.story

So long, California
--------------------

Family ties, better schools and simpler, less costly lifestyles are luring families east.

By Marnell Jameson
Special to The Times

December 12 2004

While on vacation with their three young sons last January, Mark and Ellen Kiely made their decision. Like many people, they had talked about moving out of Southern California for some time. They wanted to be closer to their family on the East Coast and to nature, get more home for their money and be near better public schools.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-re-relo...dlines-business

They Will Strike Again ...
--------------------

Europe is fast becoming the staging ground for terror attacks on the U.S.

By Peter Bergen
Peter Bergen, a Schwartz fellow at the New America Foundation, is the author of "Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama bin Laden" and an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University School

December 12 2004

Is Al Qaeda capable of carrying out another Sept. 11 attack in the United States?

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-...0,2032796.story

A Diminished Treasury
--------------------

Secretary Snow has lost credibility by being too loyal to the president's flawed policies.


December 12 2004

Forget about Alexander Hamilton. John W. Snow is not even in Robert E. Rubin's league. That was the subtext of the Bush administration's leaked musings over the last few weeks over whether to keep Snow as Treasury secretary in the second term.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...ment-editorials

--------------------
Lighten Up, Prune Face
--------------------


December 11 2004

After a lot of very serious, expensive and esoteric laboratory research involving, for instance, telomeres in the chromosomes of certain cells, scientists have determined there is a link between stress and aging. No, really. More important, they've figured out that increasing stress helps you age quicker. So, start stressing over this and start crumbling sooner.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...ment-editorials

Military brass eager for better Humvees
Indianapolis Star - 1 hour ago
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- US military commanders in Iraq, where bombings pose the deadliest threat to their soldiers, have welcomed news that the Pentagon wants to speed up production of upgraded armored Humvees, a military spokesman said Saturday.

http://www.indystar.com/articles/4/201592-2894-010.html

Tumbles
MSNBC - 1 hour ago
Richard (Bo) Dietl and Bernard Kerik have long been familiar figures in the flashy underside of New York City night life. They could ...


http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6700947/site/newsweek/

Arabs slam US for policy on Israel
Indianapolis Star - 1 hour ago
RABAT, Morocco -- Arab leaders rebuked the United States on Saturday for its policy on Israel, saying US efforts to curb Islamic extremism and promote democracy in the Middle East could not be taken seriously because of its one-sided stand in the Israeli ...

http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/201597-2701-010.html

Democrats meet in search of leader

Party chiefs hear from eight candidates

By Bill Cotterell

DEMOCRAT POLITICAL EDITOR


LAKE BUENA VISTA - Candidates for the Democratic national chairmanship said Saturday that the party won't make a comeback until it stops conceding "values" to the Republicans.

"I'm a Democrat because I'm a Christian, not in spite of it," said Donnie Fowler Jr. of South Carolina. "Patriotism and the flag do not belong to the Republican Party; values do not belong to George W. Bush."

State party chiefs and top party strategists came to Florida to grill the candidates, conduct an autopsy on the Nov. 2 election and tell their national leaders that they need more money and autonomy to run their campaigns next time.



full story: http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/10397191.htm

Delphi eliminates jobs, revises revenue forecast
News-Leader.com, MO - 3 hours ago
... said Friday it plans to cut 8,500 jobs — or 4.6 percent of its total work force — worldwide next year as part of an ongoing restructuring. ...


http://springfield.news-leader.com/busines...lim-248405.html

Auto parts firm to cut 8,500 jobs next year
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, AR - 20 hours ago
DETROIT — Delphi Corp., the world’s largest maker of auto parts, said Friday it plans to cut 8,500 jobs worldwide next year, when it expects to lose $350 ...

http://www.nwanews.com/story.php?paper=adg...&storyid=101577

Silicon Valley loses jobs in November
KESQ
http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2680157

US judge allows to release names of Enron conspirators
Press Trust of India, India - 20 hours ago
Houston, Dec 11 (PTI) A US judge has ruled that attorneys for Enron founder Kenneth Lay and its former CEO Jeffrey Skilling can name about half of the 114 ...

http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0...EA?OpenDocument

Corporations haven't learned from Enron
The Wichita Eagle, KS - 2 hours ago
2, 2001 -- that Enron Corp. filed for bankruptcy, ushering in the "post-Enron era" that optimists hoped would curb corporate sin. If only it had. ...

http://www.kansas.com/mld/eagle/business/10395961.htm

Commentary: Is China on the verge of its own Enron scandal?
International Herald Tribune, France - Dec 8, 2004
... Could the affair turn out to be the Chinese equivalent of the Enron debacle? While ... reported. All of this surely sounds Enron-esque.


http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/12/08/blo...rg/sxpesek.html

Dabhol GoM hopeful of solution
Sify, India - Dec 10, 2004
... While the main promoter Enron has gone bankrupt, the other two, GE and Bechtel, are looking forward to complete the project and open to selling their stakes. ...


http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13627092

RWDSU Endorses Eliot Spitzer for Governor


The State's largest retail union announces the endorsement of New York
Attorney General citing his track record of fighting for economic justice for
working people.

BAL HARBOUR, Fla., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Board of the
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents 100,000
throughout the United States, including 40,000 members in New York State,
voted today to endorse New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for
Governor of New York in 2006.
"Eliot Spitzer's track record of making a difference in the lives of the
working men and women of this state has earned our endorsement," said RWDSU
President Stuart Appelbaum.
"Spitzer has worked with the RWDSU and other labor unions in the state to
bring economic fairness to workers. He has used the power of his office to
ensure that employers complied with labor laws and that the rights of workers
to justice, dignity, and respect in the workplace are protected.
"With Spitzer's help supermarket delivery workers in New York City, some
of whom were being paid as little as $70 per week plus tips for a 60-hour-plus
work week, won settlements of over $7 million. Through union representation
those workers have been able to continue to improve their salaries and working
conditions."
The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers.


SOURCE RWDSU
Web Site: http://www.rwdsu.org