Free Republic

WASHINGTON - President Bush, promoting bipartisan immigration talks as they reach a critical stage, said Saturday that Republicans and Democrats are building consensus that could produce a bill this year. "I am optimistic we can pass a comprehensive immigration bill and get this problem solved for the American people this year," Bush said in his weekly radio address. Bush used the address to put pressure on senators as they prepare to hold a vote on the contentious issue next week. Signing an overhaul into law would be viewed as a marquee domestic achievement for the president. He has dispatched two...

"Can't take it with you? Mail it instead," reads a sign posted on one of ReturnKey Systems' Automated Mailing Kiosks (AMKs) in the Newark Liberty International Airport. Thanks to ReturnKey and the company's AMK system, airline travelers no longer must forfeit personal items to the Transportation Security Administration, which since 9/11 has been commissioned to keep airlines free of any potential weapons. With the kiosks, items that would've been confiscated can now be mailed ahead. The AMKs look much like ATMs. There's a touch screen where users can enter information and access directions, along with a mail slot for sending...

WASHINGTON - President Bush prodded Congress on Saturday to pass a long-stalled national energy strategy, saying American families and small businesses are feeling the pinch from rising gasoline prices. "If you're trying to meet a family budget or a payroll, even a small change at the pump can have a big impact," Bush said in his weekly radio address. Bush is using concern over the recent spike in fuel prices to pressure lawmakers into passing an energy bill set for a vote next week. Although the House bill is focused in the long term on diversifying the nation's energy supply...

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Appalled by female students who wear short, tight school uniforms, a Bangkok university is planning to raffle off diamond and gold jewelry to coeds who dress more modestly. Bangkok University deputy rector Suree Buranathanit said "well-dressed" students would be picked every month to become eligible for a lucky draw at the end of the school year, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported Sunday. Thai college students are required to wear white shirts and black skirts or trousers. Most students flout the dress code by wearing tight blouses and revealing slit skirts, Suree said. She said such uniforms...