Mid-Day Quickie.

*No outcry about lobby scandal, lawmakers say; lobbyists' checks quickly deposited into bank accounts

*Black executives seek stake in Nats' future; Strom Thurmond is spinning in his grave.

*Catholic priest who was victim of sexual abuse draws fire after speaking out; the Catholic church prefers those who are victims of this crime to not tell the truth and commit sin instead. Things like "I'm a victim of a priest myself" coming from a priest are not good for the official church image, I guess?

*Pain at pumps may be felt at polls; oh, really?

*Iranian leader warns U.S. of reprisal; decides to play nuclear version of Russian Roulette with U.S..

*Ailing Liz Taylor is "close to death"; I guess diamonds are forever, but people aren't.

*Politicians show up to "high gasoline warning" press meeting in gas-guzzling automobiles; you have to love the collective intelligence of these guys.

*Australian research shows mobile phones affect brain function; can you hear me now...or think straight, for that matter?

*Dead soldier posts farewell note on MySpace; nothing witty or funny to really say about this--RIP.

*Hyundai chairman sought on arrest warrant; embezzling about 100 billion won ($106 million) seems to have that effect.

Tags: [no outcry about lobby scandal], [black executives looking to own a part of the Nationals], [Catholic priest talks about being victim of sexual abuse], [Catholic church doesn't like priests who speak out against abuse], [pain at the pumps will influence election later this year], [US is warned of reprisal by Iranian leader], [Liz Taylor is on her deathbed], [politicians prove they have no clue when they show up to high gasoline warning press meeting in gas-guzzling vehicles], [Australian research shows mobile phones affect brain function], [Dead soldier posts farewell note on MySpace], [Dylan Meyer], [Hyundai chairman sought after embezzling millions]