I started my day today in a playful mood on the subject of conspiracy theory. But I think the following takes conspiracy theory to a new height. A relative of mine, who shall go nameless, said something similar months ago that sounded terribly cynical to me. If I didn't know for sure, I'd say this relative wrote into the"Voice of the People" of The New York Daily News under the pseudonym of"Leo F. Marshall" of Kew Gardens, Queens. My relative insists not. But here's what Mr. Marshall had to say under the title,"Perfect Timing" on 16 December 2003:

We're supposed to believe that the U.S. military happened to capture Saddam Hussein on Saturday afternoon—just in time to be covered on all the Sunday morning news shows and to divert attention from the Halliburton overcharging scandal, the economy and Howard Dean's popularity. It's obvious the military knew where he was all along and were just waiting for the right moment to" capture" him. It's equally obvious they know where Osama Bin Laden is and will" capture" him just before the November 2004 election.

So, y'all heard it here first. If there's an October surprise, we'll have to get in touch with Mr. Marshall and congratulate him for his soothsaying abilities.

Meanwhile, on a more serious note: All Hail the Freedom Tower: The New York Spirit of 1776 (feet) that will stand like a huge Middle Finger to Al Qaeda.