Free Republic

I AM a genetic Republican. Five generations of Tafts have served our nation as unwaveringly stalwart Republicans, from Alphonso Taft, who served as attorney general in the late 19th century, through William Howard Taft, who not only was the only person to be both president of the United States and chief justice of the United States but also served as the chief civil administrator of the Philippines and secretary of war, to my cousin, Robert Taft, a two-term governor of Ohio. As I write, a photograph of my grandfather, Senator Robert Alphonso Taft, looks across at me from the wall...

DETROIT (AP) — In real life, Steven Demink didn't have children, a college degree or a lasting career. Online, prosecutors say, he presented himself as Dalton St. Clair, an attractive single father and psychologist — a fantasy image authorities say the Michigan man used to persuade mothers across the country to commit unspeakable acts on their children. Demink, 41, of Redford Township, preyed on single mothers for more than a year, prosecutors say, convincing them to sexually assault their children as a form of therapy.

Any caddie can give yardages. When Steve Williams launched his career 33 years ago, he wanted more. He wanted to reinvent what a caddie does. "My goal has always been to positively affect the outcome for my player, to make a real difference and raise his game," he says. Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1881268,00.html#ixzz0Z7pcSzMG

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Some Michigan counties have turned a few once-paved rural roads back to gravel to save money. More than 20 of the state's 83 counties have reverted deteriorating paved roads to gravel in the last few years, according to the County Road Association of Michigan. The counties are struggling with their budgets because tax revenues have declined in the lingering recession. Montcalm County converted nearly 10 miles of primary road to gravel this spring. The county estimates it takes about $10,000 to grind up a mile of pavement and put down gravel. It takes more than $100,000...

Phil Mickelson’s wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the three-time major champion said Wednesday he will suspend his PGA Tour schedule indefinitely.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Unless the courts intervene, the Minnesota Vikings will have to make their stretch run at the NFC North title without their two stalwart defensive tackles. Kevin and Pat Williams, who have anchored a Minnesota defense ranked second in the NFL against the run, were among six players suspended by the league on Tuesday for violating the league's anti-doping policy. New Orleans Saints Deuce McAllister, Charles Grant and Will Smith also were suspended along with Bryan Pittman, the Houston Texans' long snapper.

This one came across the desk this morning. It’s a portion of letter going out today(9/24/2008)from John Allison, President & CEO of BB&T, to every member of the US Congress. Key Points on “Rescue” Plan From A Healthy Bank’s Perspective

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Amazon Indians from one of the world's last uncontacted tribes have been photographed from the air, with striking images released on Thursday showing them painted bright red and brandishing bows and arrows.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Former Minnesota Vikings great Carl Eller was jailed Wednesday after allegedly fighting with police after being stopped for possible drunken driving. Eller was held on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, fleeing police and assaulting a police officer. Police Inspector Mike Martin said officers in north Minneapolis saw an SUV speed through a stop sign and gave chase. The SUV reached speeds of up to 60 mph through city streets. Martin said the SUV didn't stop until it pulled into Eller's garage about 1 a.m. Wednesday. Martin said the officers asked Eller to get out of the vehicle. He...

Ted Olson becomes frontrunner for Attorney General, top sources tell DRUDGE REPORT; announcement could be imminent... Developing...