November 22, 2004

Arabs favour late Iraqi election Egypt, Jordan and the Arab League all raised the possibility of delaying the elections beyond January, the date set by the UN Security Council, if the process is not inclusive. Just so we are clear, a group of people, who spend all their time making sure that their own citizens are not included in any political process, are suddenly worried Iraq won't have a perfectly inclusive election. The only real worry is that the Sunni minority might not want to participate.  If they want to miss the freedom bus this time, that is their own fault.  Despite all the misgivings, the next one will be four years away, and they can participate in that one (or not). 2:54:49 PM

Cocoa Ingredient May Help Stop Coughing NBC 17.com - A new study suggests that an ingredient in chocolate could help stop persistent coughs. Researchers from England and Hungary found that theobromine, a derivative found in cocoa, may be better than some medications at suppressing coughs. 2:46:16 PM

USDA moves to open border to Canada cattle imports AlertNet -  Canada would be allowed to resume exports of live cattle and additional types of beef to the United States under a regulation approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agency said on Monday. But the proposal still must be reviewed by the Bush administration's budget office, which signs off on all major regulatory changes, as well as members of Congress. Those reviews could take up to 90 days, said USDA spokeswoman Alisa Harrison. She was not sure whether the new trade rule would take effect immediately after being approved. Federal regulations sometimes take effect at a specified date, such as two months after the measure has gained final approval. 11:39:54 AM

Hoping that actually reading the medical reports would bring the circus that is Arafat's death to a conclusion was too much.  Today's headlines don't help at all: Arafat's medical records show 'no poison' Arafat's Nephew Won’t Rule Out Poisoning Arafat nephew: No poison found   9:04:43 AM