McCain once confessed that he doesn't know much about economics. Even he should be able to comprehend the disastrous fiscal effects of the Iraq war, which its proponents originally promised would cost us almost nothing. Perhaps he should ask an economist to calculate the real cost of occupying Iraq for a hundred years, as he imagines—and how many generations will pay dearly for this mistake.

Bottled Water Boycotts: Back-to-the-Tap Movement Gains Momentum

From San Francisco to New York to Paris, city governments, high-class restaurants, schools, and religious groups are ditching bottled water in favor of what comes out of the faucet. With people no longer content to pay 1,000 times as much for bottled water, a product no better than water from the tap, a backlash against bottled water is growing.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors, which represents some 1,100 American cities, discussed at its June 2007 meeting the irony of purchasing bottled water for city employees and for city functions while at the same time touting the quality of municipal water. The group passed a resolution sponsored by Mayors Gavin Newsom of San Francisco, Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City, and R. T. Rybak of Minneapolis that called for the examination of bottled water's environmental impact.

Collins inks three-year deal to return to Redskins

The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus for Collins, who led the Redskins to the four-game winning streak that clinched a surprise NFC wild-card playoff berth last season. Collins, 36, had offers from Washington and Jacksonville to consider shortly after free agency opened at 12:01 a.m. on Friday. And while the Jaguars' offer was said to be very competitive with Washington's, Collins had told the Redskins they would have every opportunity to retain him.

Collins' contract raises the bar for backup quarterback pay in the NFL. His $3 million yearly average is a reflection of his value to the Redskins, whose 2007 season appeared to be over before the 13-year veteran took over for the injured Jason Campbell in Week 14, getting his first starting opportunity since playing for Buffalo in 1997.

Quick-thinking duo help Canton woman escape blaze

Lynn Rodway had just sat down for coffee Friday at Peltiers Collision Center in Canton when Doug McKinney burst through the door and said Kathy Hilt's house was on fire.

Tom Kadinger, who was at Peltiers, figured that Hilt was sleeping because she works nights. So the men jumped in a pickup and drove to 400 N. West St. at 2 p.m.

Rodway honked the horn on the pickup. Kadinger hollered and banged on the front door until he pushed it in and found Hilt three steps away.

"Boy, we were abusive, kicking and beating the door," Rodway said. "(Kadinger) was about ready to break it."

Thick smoke consumed the home, Rodway said. Kadinger led her out and retrieved her cat on the sofa. Rodway used a knife to cut a leash on the kennel attached to the garage to get her dog, with flames leaping toward it from the porthole.