Let's have fun writing those new "optional leads" for AP!

[KamaAina]

Seriously. If you had any doubt that the AP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bush**co, check this out:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1317641

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000844185

An example of the differing leads:

Traditional

MOSUL, Iraq (AP) A suicide attacker set off a bomb that tore through a funeral tent jammed with Shiite mourners Thursday, splattering blood and body parts over rows of overturned white plastic chairs. The attack, which killed 47 and wounded more than 100, came as Shiite and Kurdish politicians in Baghdad said they overcame a major stumbling block to forming a new coalition government.

Optional

MOSUL, Iraq (AP) Yet again, almost as if scripted, a day of hope for a new, democratic Iraq turned into a day of tears as a bloody insurgent attack undercut a political step forward.

On Thursday, just as Shiite and Kurdish politicians in Baghdad were telling reporters that they overcame a major stumbling block to forming a new coalition government, a suicide attacker set off a bomb that tore through a funeral tent jammed with Shiite mourners in the northern city of Mosul.

Okay, now let's try today's top story:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate today struck a decisive blow for our nation's energy independence and homeland security, opening up thousands of square miles of useless frozen tundra formerly designated a wildlife "refuge" to much-needed drilling by our patriotic oil comapnies.

Over the pathetic squeaks of tree-hugging environmentalists, the Republican majority held steadfast and struck down a wussy anti-drilling amendment by John Kerry -- yes, THAT John Kerry (D-France) -- by a 51-49 vote.

[KamaAina]

1. Oh, come on, guys. How about one from the world of sports?

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- "America's Team", the Oakland Golden Grizzles, defied incredible odds to defeat powerful Alabama A&M 79-69 in the inaugural game of the prestigious NCAA Tournament.

With the hearts and minds of a nation behind them, the Grizzlies will next go for their 14th win of the season when they take on the overrated North Carolina Tar Heels, who did not even win their conference tournament.