The domestic fiscal picture would improve without a big tax increase, and the Bank of Japan could resume raising interest rates and supporting the too-weak yen.

FORBES: Ebb and Flow

Consumption, which accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. GDP, rose in July, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, suggesting a pickup in activity that could be fundamental in supporting what has been a weak economic recovery.

FORBES: Consumption Picks Up In July Indicating Lower Risk Of Deflation

But those same Democrats and supporting liberal organizations suddenly go from weak and negligible to powerful and cohesive when it comes to confronting DeLay, one of the most powerful men in Washington.

NPR: DeLay's Precarious Strategy for Survival

Privately, some Democrats say they fear they will open themselves up politically to charges of being weak on the issue unless they are on record supporting Bush.

CNN: Senate Democrats wrestle with Iraq

But luckily for patients and drug companies alike, the data supporting a link between the impotence drug and a loss of sight are weak at best.

FORBES: Viagra Unfairly Drawn Into Drug Safety Witch-hunt

George Hood was panic-stricken one day in November when illusionist David Blaine, dehydrated and weak after spending 52 hours in a spinning gyroscope over Times Square in Manhattan, suddenly crashed through a supporting platform.

FORBES: Charity Case