Free Republic

TOKYO -- New-car buyers know the scent of fresh plastic, paint and upholstery, which can bring a rush of pride and consumer satisfaction. But that unmistakable new-car smell may soon be a thing of the past, because of safety concerns. Recent research linking it to a toxic cocktail of harmful chemicals is spurring efforts by Japanese automakers to tone down the fumes. Toyota and other Japanese carmakers are trying to reduce cabin concentrations to within government guidelines. The push could spur similar action by U.S. and European rivals.

Signs celebrating deaths of Saddam's sons criticized By Associated Press July 30, 2003 CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - State-hired paving contractors say they were being patriotic when they posted the words "Odai and Qusai dead - way to go 101st" on two electronic message boards. But some found the roadside messages about the deaths of Saddam Hussein's sons offensive rather than inspiring. "Our soldiers are not members of a sports team to be rooted for," Roberta Halgrim of Adams told The Leaf-Chronicle newspaper. "They are not gladiators. They are our protectors, and they are willing to pay the ultimate price for peace,...