Senate to close tax loopholes

Sure. Brooklyn or Golden Gate? I can get you a great deal on either one.

Oklahoma Republican Don Nickles, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, asked the Treasury Department for a list of known tax loopholes, pledging to halt abuses as Congress looks to shrink the budget deficit. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., said it might also be time to review older tax benefits to see if they're worth continuing, while noting that it might not be easy to close perceived loopholes because "one man's loophole is another man's necessity."  article

Excuse me, Pete? Are you advocating the use of loopholes? If so, can you find me one that keeps me from having to pay any taxes, as well? Because I really do have a tough time making ends meet some months.


And, not to change the subject, but....

Authorities investigating the mysterious death of Baltimore federal prosecutor Jonathan Luna, 38, now think he probably suffered from stab wounds inflicted with his own pocketknife and are reexamining financial records that might shed more light on the final months of his life. In a recent re-canvassing of the rural Pennsylvania field where Luna's body was found, investigators found a penknife that they believe caused his wounds, according to two federal law enforcement sources. They also said that investigators believe the pocketknife is the one that Luna regularly carried.

Oh sure. Stab yourself to death with a penknife? I wonder how many suicides are committed each year that way.


And, here's the apology you've been waiting for...

American Airlines chief executive Gerard Arpey apologized after the pilot of a recent cross-country flight got on the intercom and asked all Christians aboard the Los Angeles-to-New York flight to raise their hands and discuss their faith with their fellow passengers. The pilot, Rodger Findiesen of Annapolis, Md., has been grounded while the Feb. 7 incident is investigated, Arpey said.


Source of all these bizarre articles: The Star Tribune from somewhere in Minnesota.

Hey, I think that's your paper there in St. Paul, isn't it Tom?

Update 11:00 am: Thomas correctus: The Star Tribune, Strib, Star Trombone, you choose is the Mpls paper. St. Paul Pioneer Press is on the other side of the river.

Tack, Thomas, Tack. (You do speak Swedish, don't you?)