Free Republic

Next automotive must-have: the coconut husk interior. Eco-minded engineers develop a way to do it commercially - and increase the annual incomes of 11 million poor coconut farmers.

LOUISVILLE, KY. (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry warned his political opponents on Monday against attacking his outspoken wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, saying, "They're going to have to go through me." The Massachusetts senator also sought to dispel the notion he was aloof, asking one television interviewer: "Have you had a beer with me yet? I like to have fun as much as the next person, and go out and hack around and have a good time." Worth an estimated $500 million, born in Mozambique and fluent in five languages, Mrs. Kerry can be controversial and blunt, disclosing her...

LAKE FOREST (AP) After turning around the St. Louis Rams' defense, Lovie Smith is taking on the Chicago Bears. Smith was hired Wednesday as the Bears new head coach, and he will be introduced at a news conference Thursday, team spokesman Scott Hagel said. Smith was given a four-year deal to replace Dick Jauron, who was fired Dec. 29. "There's a position right for everyone," Smith said Tuesday when he came to Chicago for his second interview. "And I'm hoping this position is what is right for me." The Bears focused on Smith and Pittsburgh offensive line coach Russ Grimm...