Bush Restoring Cash Bonuses for Political Appointees. The White House will make several thousand political appointees eligible for lucrative cash bonuses, abandoning a Clinton-era prohibition. By Eric Lichtblau. [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

Apple: It’s All About the Brand. The secret of Apple’s success may have less to do with its innovative products than with the image that the company has created through skillful marketing campaigns. Part two in a series by Leander Kahney. [Wired News]

After Widespread Protests, Egypt Frees Rights Activist. CAIRO, Dec. 3 The human rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim was freed from prison today after an appeals court overturned his seven-year sentence for tarnishing Egypt’s image abroad and misappropriating funds. By Agence France-presse. [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

Concern and Caution: U.S. Urges Israeli Restraint After Kenya. American relations with Israel are in a complex and precarious moment following last week’s attacks in Kenya. By Steven R. Weisman. [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

Can Global Warming Be Studied Too Much?. Many climate experts say the perennial need for more study can no longer justify further delays in emission cuts. By Andrew C. Revkin. [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

Brazilian Rallying Neighbors Ahead of Meeting With Bush. Brazil’s president-elect began an unofficial visit to Argentina and Chile on Monday with an emphatic call for a new regional “strategic relationship.” By Larry Rohter. [New York Times: Business]

Equipment Missing at Iraqi Missile Development Plant. The new round of U.N. weapons inspections appeared to run into its first serious problem on Monday. By John F. Burns. [New York Times: NYT HomePage]

Total eclipse live on the Net. Your computer screen could provide a glimpse of Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, if a scheduled Webcast of the event comes off as planned. [CNET News.com]

Capital Games

University wins rainmaking grant. Scientists in Britain are designing a machine that could help to produce rain in areas where it is needed. [BBC News | Technology | UK Edition]