Disconnected?

The chief executive of Morgan Stanley, John Mack, will receive "the biggest bonus for the head of a Wall Street firm ever" being awarded "$40 million as the company headed for the best profit in its 71-year history. Mack was granted shares valued at $36.2 million as of Tuesday and about $4 million in options". $57 million in bonuses goes to seven other executives. A well-deserved and generous helping from the ladle.

Police found 55 bodies on the streets of Baghdad on Saturday, 3 American GIs were blown up by a road-side bomb. The UK press no longer mentions this daily slaughter. The BBC has "Leona crowned winner of X factor" as a "top story".

It rained a lot today, and I thought felt how purifying and life-sustaining water is. I have to hold on to some good thoughts.

Sources: International Herald Tribune, Saturday 16th December and Juan Cole, Informed Comment.