Free Republic

Just as predicted earlier, the GDP downgrades begin. We revised down our Q2 GDP tracking estimate by two tenths to +1.8% (quarter-over-quarter, annualized) from +2.0% previously. The downward revision primarily reflects weaker-than-expected real export growth in April. This was partly offset by stronger than expected wholesale inventories, which increased by 0.6% (month-over-month) in April.

The U.S. Marshals Service has "arrested" a Chinese ship after a crane aboard the vessel damaged a towering new container crane at APM Terminals in Portsmouth. The arrest came after the Virginia Port Authority and its operating affiliate sued the Chinese company that made and delivered two new cranes. The suit in Norfolk's federal court seeks $14.65 million in damages. The court then issued an arrest warrant for the ship. While still berthed at APM Terminals, it's now in federal custody. "From the time that it's under arrest, it belongs to the United States Marshals Service - until the courts...

Just a reminder that our film is out, and we are already in the process of making "Other Walls 2 Fall," about music's penetration and ability to change other oppressive societies, including the radical Islamic societies. This is a wonderful movie, and a great Christmas present to accompany "A Patriot's History of the United States." www.rockinthewall.com

In his nearly two years in office, President Obama has relied on a very small clique of advisers that serves as his most trusted sounding board on politics and policy. Members of his staff describe Obama as wary of outsiders and reluctant to widen his inner circle. As one of his advisers bluntly put it, the president "doesn't like new people." Like it or not, he will soon be surrounded by them as an expected staff shuffle will deprive Obama of two of his closest aides and an influx of replacements will take their places within the West Wing. The...

he 'born-again' American teenager who had been attempting to sail solo around the world defends herself against the critics of her young age INDIAN OCEAN - Sixteen-year-old American Abby Sunderland, a "born again" teenage girl attempting to sail solo around the world, was rescued on Saturday, June 12, 2010 in a remote spot of the Indian Ocean, bringing to a successful conclusion the dramatic bid to save her life. Abby, who is part of a Southern California Christian family, was picked up from her stricken vessel by a dinghy launched from the French fishing boat Ile de la Reunion.

FAILED teen solo sailor Abby Sunderland's team did not put a cent towards her rescue but still tried to get the public to pay for the boat's salvage. The 16-year-old American abandoned her 12m yacht Wild Eyes last week after storms snapped its mast, leaving her stranded 3700km from the West Australian coast. She was picked up by a French fishing boat on Saturday after an international search mission costing an estimated $300,000. Her mother MaryAnne said yesterday the family could not afford to contribute to her daughter's rescue. "We're not wealthy people," she said. She suggested Australian rescue authorities...

THE United States' peak sailing body was so concerned about Abby Sunderland's solo record bid that it refused to sponsor her. As the young sailor blasted her critics, the American Sailing Association confirmed it had knocked back the teenager's appeal for help, fearing commercial endorsement might encourage her to take too many risks. "We chose not to be sponsors of Abigail because we did have concerns about the timing of her departure," said executive director Charlie Nobles. Abby's route placed her in the treacherous Indian Ocean during the notoriously tough winter months. "She had a lot of sponsors that were...