Nero Fiddled, Bush Clears Brush

Actually, Nero allegedy sang an aria, although historians are pretty much in agreement that he took an active role in the rebuilding of Rome following the fire--not the least reason being that he decided to build his Golden Palace. Dubya is happy enough with a big-screen TV and a chain saw.

While Bush takes what he considers some well-deserved R&R, Iraq continues to seethe, and the news out of Afghanistan isn't much better. Reuters reports that General Abdul Rashid Dostum is advancing in Faryab province, calling on Karzai to fire the defence and interior ministers, and threatening to overthrow the government itself.

Another smashing victory, I guess.