Chi Trib had hot news the other day (Tues 9/21): "Kerry: Bush failed in Iraq." This is newspaper as morning shower or breakfast, as Marshall McLuhan termed it many years ago. Or is it news to Trib's news editors that Kerry says Bush is failing in Iraq? And they wonder why circulation is falling.

On the other hand, look at what Instapundit.com had at that very moment, sans links, which in some cases are needed to explain various short statements that nonetheless beat "Kerry: Bush failed," presented by Chi Trib as if it's news:

September 21, 2004
IRAQI BLOGGER ALI RESPONDS TO ROBERT NOVAK:
What does Mr. Novak know about Iraq and the decision makers in the USA? If his information about how decision makers in America are thinking, is similar to his information about Iraq, then I guess we are safe and there�s no need to worry.
Read the whole thing. I'm with Ali on this one.
posted at 08:14 AM by Glenn Reynolds
AND WE WANT THESE GUYS IN IRAQ?
Twelve French soldiers on peacekeeping duties in Ivory Coast have been arrested in connection with a bank theft there last week.
The troops had been assigned to protect a branch of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and were charged with stealing $120,000 (100,000 euros).
French military spokesman Colonel Henry Aussavy said the accused soldiers were being sent home to face French justice.
More than 4,000 French troops are serving alongside UN peacekeepers.
Sigh.
posted at 08:09 AM by Glenn Reynolds
WHERE NEXT FOR THE BLOGOSPHERE? Pejman Yousefzadeh has some thoughts.
posted at 08:07 AM by Glenn Reynolds
ANOTHER SUCCESS FOR DIPLOMACY?
Syria's ambassador to Washington said yesterday his country's forces in Lebanon will begin a major redeployment toward their own border this morning.
The diplomat also said Syrian and U.S. troops will partake in joint security operations along the Syrian-Iraqi border, although State Department officials contradicted that claim.
"This is official," said Imad Mustapha, Syria's ambassador to Washington, speaking by telephone from the Syrian capital. "Tuesday morning there will be a major redeployment of Syrian forces in Lebanon toward the border." . . .
A senior State Department official disputed the ambassador's statement last night.
"We are looking for Syria to take certain action to protect the border. That action has not been taken yet. We'll be working to improve Syria's performance," the official said. "At this point, that does not include joint actions with American troops."
Hmm. Stay tuned.
posted at 08:06 AM by Glenn Reynolds
TOM MAGUIRE is checking Joe Wilson's travel schedule.
posted at 07:32 AM by Glenn Reynolds
MICKEY KAUS IS ON FIRE, with posts on everything from RatherGate to polling.
posted at 07:29 AM by Glenn Reynolds
(more, more more)