Narcotraficantes In Paradise

• The GDP "only" declined 1 percent in the second quarter of 2009, which, sure, capped a record year straight of declines, but still! Less than the expected 1.5 percent. [ AP ]

• The ghoulish Kennedy clan is keeping constant watch over Teddy's body to make sure he's "never alone." [ ABC News ]

• South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford said "thanks, but no thanks" to his lieutenant governor's gracious invitation for Sanford to step down. [ Los Angeles Times ]

• The federal probe that prevented Bill Richardson from becoming Commerce Secretary has reportedly been killed, by federal officials. [ AP ]

• Michael Jackson: :Ted Kennedy = Farrah Fawcett::Dominick Dunne. [ Los Angeles Times ]

• The US is bringing some members of Mexican drug cartels north of the border and using them as informants, and danged if some of the horrible violence and shootings don't come along with them. Washington Post ]