Syria: President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday there is clear evidence that Syria used chemical weapons against its own people. “It’s important for us to recognize that when over a thousand people are killed, including hundreds of innocent children, through the use of a weapon that 98 or 99 percent of humanity says should not be used even in war, and there is no action, then we’re sending a signal,” the President said.  He said he is considering a “limited narrow act” against Syria.

  A US intelligence estimate said 1,429 Syrians were killed in the Aug. 21 attack, 426 of them children. Obama does not have strong Congressional, voter, or international support to hit Syria. The President is leaning on the intelligence estimate which said that the movement of chemical weapons was detected three days before the attack and that the impact of chemical-filled rockets were seen on Aug. 21. So far no evidence revealed by the US indicates President Bashar al-Assad directly ordered the chemical attack.

Black and White: The Washington Post this week has been publishing details of the so-called “Black Budget”, the money the US spends on intelligence. The Post got the information from NSA leaker Edward Snowden. According to information given to the Post, the US spends $52.6 billion on spying and analysis of data. The CIA budget is $14.7 billion, up 56% since 2004. The NSA, which couldn’t keep its own secrets, is at $10.8 billion, up 53%.

40 Winks: Nearly four percent of American adults, about 9 million people, use sleeping pills, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Researchers say millions more people have trouble sleeping and use over-the-counter remedies, chamomile tea, or just go without sleep. The CDC says sleeplessness is on the rise.

iAlert: In a possible signal that a new iPhone is about to be released, Verizon has cancelled all vacations among its retail employees Sept. 18-22. Apple is expected this year to release an improved iPhone 5 and a cheaper version of the iPhone to compete with less expensive phones from other manufacturers.

Filner Done: Bob Filner, the serial groper, is no longer mayor of San Diego. His resignation was effective at 5pm yesterday. As part of its deal to ease out the randy mayor, the city agreed to pay for his legal defense against sexual harassment claims by 18 women. The city has scheduled a special election in November at a cost of about $6 million.

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