New York’s currently: passing on waivers

 Battle at Najaf began without plan or approval, turns stalemate when rebel cleric Sadr refuses meeting with Iraqi leaders.

 Sadr becomes the voice of the opposition in Iraq, gains grassroots support with snub of government leaders.

 Bloomberg offers nice RNC protesters discounts on tourist attractions, Broadway shows, and restaurants.

 Britain charges eight for conspiring in terrorist plot; evidence includes plans of New York Stock Exchange, IMF, New York/New Jersey banks.

 A bag of ice for $10: Florida price gouging in the wake of Hurricane Charley.

 Soldier sues administration over extension of tour.

 Why non-sovereign states can compete in the Olympics, but, no, Puerto Rico still won that basketball game.

 Mount Sinai students tour their patients’ neighborhood in East Harlem.

 “And, therefore, the relationship between the federal government and tribes is one between—sovereign entities.” Get your fresh, up-to-the-minute Bush-isms with DubyaSpeak.

 Jim Romenesko’s new Starbucks gossip blog.

 “Pimp” and “Ho” costumes for children.

 Video: Fun wackiness from Stella Comedy.

 Here they are: The Top 10 Most Ridiculous Black Metal Pics of All Time.

 “Those who like it are very fortunate, as there is scarcely a village whose grocer does not market this dreadful substance.” The history of cheese, from inedible to delicacy.

 Video: Watch Luis Bunuel’s Un Chien Andalou. [156MB]

 Many thanks to the person who made a cracking good donation to The Morning News yesterday!