SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:23 P.M. ET: 

ECONOMIC INDICATOR – I've heard anecdotes about this, but now we know from an Associated Press study that Americans are canceling cable and TV satellite service in record numbers.  The reason appears to be high unemployment and a declining housing market that has many young people living with their parents, eliminating the need for their own TV service.  People are also watching free TV by computer, and there are constant complaints about the absurdly high cost of some cable and satellite service.  During the Great Depression, the entertainment industry did reasonably well, but radio was free, paid for by sponsors.  TV services, with many more offerings, takes a financial bite.

DEADLY TERROR THREAT – American officials are increasingly concerned that Al Qaeda is trying to produce ricin, a deadly poison, for attacks against the United States.  Al Qaeda operatives in Yemen have been seeking to buy castor beans, from which ricin is made.  Sources stress that the Yemen affiliates have shown an imaginative capacity to deploy weapons, such as a bomb sewn into the underwear of Nigerian man taking an airline flight, or explosives packed into printer cartridges.  The threat from Yemen is considered more pressing than that from Al Qaeda in Pakistan or Afghanistan, since the latter branch has been cut up badly by American attacks.

SHE HAS RETURNED – Sarah Palin returned to Iowa today and immediately made a big splash at the state fair.  She also hurled a dig at Governor Rick Perry of Texas, expected to enter the race tomorrow, contrasting her experience in a "strong governor" state to Perry's, who's presided over a "weak governor" state.  Palin also shrewdly played down her affiliation with Fox News, giving interviews to other networks instead.  She said she would decide on whether to run for president soon.  She may not have widespread support, but she certainly knows how to make a grand entrance and direct all the spotlights toward her.

SYRIA BOILS – At least 14 more protesters were killed by the government in Syria today, as crowds defiantly chanted for the death of President Assad.  At the same time, the United States has stepped up its rhetoric, now calling for Assad to go.  This rhetoric is having absolutely no impact.  Washington also called, many months ago, for Gadaffi of Libya to go.  At last report, Gadaffi was still in Tripoli, not going anywhere.  Who's afraid of the Obama administration and its "rhetoric"?

August 12, 2011