One year ends

As 2006 comes to an end, it's difficult to distinguish what is most important. News media are providing nonstop coverage of President Ford's death and funeral, but rivaling that are the tributes paid to the talented renegade "Godfather of Soul," James Brown. Struggling to find its proper place in history alongside these two stories is the demise of the "Butcher of Baghdad," as Saddam Hussein met his death by hanging. What an end to a year!