Free Republic

With less than a week before the debut of the state's new $3-billion stem cell institute, intense behind-the-scenes debate is growing over who should head the agency and whether a Friday deadline for filling the post will allow the best candidates to be considered. The debate is expected to crest Monday when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and three other elected state officials must, under the tight deadlines set by the state's embryonic stem cell initiative, put forward their nominees to lead the new agency. On Friday, board members — many still to be named — are scheduled to meet in San...

Alexander the Great's Death Debated Aug. 2, 2004 — What killed ancient world conqueror Alexander the Great is still a mystery, pitting scientists who favor West Nile virus against those who lean toward a death from typhoid. History says that Alexander, king of Macedonia, died at 32 in 323 B.C. after several days of fever in Babylon. However, the cause of the fever was always unclear.Alexander In The Fog Several hypotheses have been advanced: poisoning, malaria, or cirrhosis of the liver caused by Alexander's penchant for drink, as well as typhoid or west Nile virus. “ The dispute resurfaced in...

<p>Hollywood superstars aren't expected to live by the same rules as those who wait in line for their blockbuster films, experts say. This may raise an ethical dilemma for voters when one of those stars could be California's next governor.</p>

A bill that grants domestic partners most of the rights and responsibilities given to married couples under California law is heating up the debate over gay marriage. Opponents say Assembly Bill 205 undermines traditional values and the sanctity of marriage. Supporters of the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003 say it's an issue of fairness and civil rights. The bill will be heard Monday by the Senate appropriations committee. It is on track to land on Gov. Gray Davis' desk before the Oct. 7 recall election. Only heterosexual couples in which at least one partner is older than...

Aug. 1, 2003 — No one denies the Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most productive machines ever built, returning astronomical data that routinely reshapes our knowledge of the universe. But a controversy divides scientists and managers: pull Hubble's plug as planned in 2010, freeing money for new projects, or renew funding for the aging observatory? "In and of itself, it'd be great to extend Hubble. But there are a number of other missions to consider and if they have to be cannibalized, it wouldn't be worth it," said Ohio State University astronomer Andrew Gould. Hubble's fate is being...

<p>The Bush administration is promising big things for the package of $330 billion in tax cuts and rebates plus $20 billion in aid to states that Congress passed Friday. But independent experts disagree about how much the measure will jolt the economy.</p>