In the news...

The red sea urchin found in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean is one of the Earth's longest-living animals. The small, spiny creature can last for more than 200 years with few signs of age-related disease.

Why am I telling you this? Because that's what I am reading on the news these days. El Busho has gone to ground and so have most of his cohorts. The irrepresible Rummy stuck his head up to criticize Arab media who broadcast statements from Saddam and Al Quaeda - so much for freedom of the press - but that's about it. Maybe Bush & Co. are relieved the much-hyped London protests were not all they could have been, or maybe they've just worked out that the best thing they can do is keep their mouths shut, hope the killings in Iraq subside and work hard at generating some good news before the election gets into full swing.

So they slap a $260 million dollar withdrawal on the Israeli government's US loans. But it's just part of a $9 billion package. Pretty minimnal, albeit it has some value as a warning to Sharon.

So they tout the recent lift in the US economy. But the economy has flat-lined since 9/11, it would be almost impossible to go another year WITHOUT a lift.

And did anyone notice that the arrest of Michael Jackson just happened to co-incide with El Busho's visit to London? Now Jacko is outraged that he was secretly filmed chatting with his lawyer on a private flight. Get used to it. With the Homeland Security changes, the same thing can happen to anybody.

P.S. Sorry for the long break. I have been travelling and sick and busy (not a good combo).