Ayn Rand's Literature of Capitalism  —  One of the most influential business books ever written is a 1,200-page novel published 50 years ago, on Oct. 12, 1957.  It is still drawing readers; it ranks 388th on Amazon.com's best-seller list.  ("Winning," by John F. Welch Jr., at a breezy 384 pages, is No. 1,431.)

UCI reportedly working on a deal to rehire Chemerinsky  —  Days after the legal scholar was rejected as law school dean, talks are in progress.  He is noncommittal.  —  UC Irvine officials on Friday were attempting to broker a deal to once again hire liberal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky as dean …

The Surgin' General  —  And the reeling Democrats.  —  When congressional leaders met with President Bush last week at the White House, the Republicans were upbeat, the Democrats far less buoyant.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a more imposing figure than her Senate colleague …

Researchers flash personal aircraft, future jetpack  —  This one is straight out of a James Bond movie or Batman script.  —  German researchers this week showed off their Gryphon personal strap-on jet wing that lets the pilot scream through the air at about 135MPH.

UC yanks speaker's invitation: Controversial ex-Harvard president was scheduled to address regents Wednesday  —  After a group of UC Davis women faculty began circulating a petition, UC regents rescinded an invitation to Larry Summers, the controversial former president of Harvard University …

Moran Upsets Jewish Groups Again  —  U.S. House Democrat Said Pro-Israel Lobby Promoted War  —  Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.) has again come under fire from local Jewish organizations for remarking in a magazine interview that the "extraordinarily powerful" pro-Israel lobby played a strong role promoting the war in Iraq.

LIKE BRITNEY, BUSH IS A FLOP:  —  On Sunday night, it seemed pretty clear that Britney Spears' performance at the MTV awards ceremony was the biggest prime-time fiasco of the week.  Then came Thursday night and President Bush's Oval Office address on Iraq.  At first blush, coverage …

Keyes looks to rescue GOP, announces run for president  —  Former Reagan diplomat says he's unmoved by lack of moral courage displayed by others  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - After two previous runs for U.S. president, former Reagan diplomat Alan Keyes has announced he's again seeking …

In Europe and U.S., Nonbelievers Are Increasingly Vocal  —  BURGESS HILL, England — Every morning on his walk to work, high school teacher Graham Wright recited a favorite Anglican prayer and asked God for strength in the day ahead.  Then two years ago, he just stopped.

Giuliani: 'Listen' To Me On Iraq, Even Though I Quit The Iraq Study Group To Get Rich  —  In the New York Times this morning, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) ran an ad supporting Gen. David Petraeus' recent sugarcoated testimony before Congress.