What's Next: Oct. 16, 2006

300 Million in U.S. Population will hit landmark

The 300 millionth American will be born this month. The only major industrial nation experiencing a population boom--due mostly to immigration--the U.S. will probably hit 400 million by 2043.

Saddam Trial Delay The verdict could stir violence

An Iraqi tribunal delayed its ruling, from Oct. 16 until the end of the month, on whether the ex-dictator committed crimes against humanity. The defense said a "guilty" ruling could be "catastrophic."

All Bets Are Off No Net gambling, we're American

President Bush is expected to sign a bill banning the use of any U.S. credit-card or payment system (such as PayPal) to bet online. A ban could devastate the $12 billion Net gaming industry.

Caffeine Infusion A Starbucks on every block?

Calling all baristas: Starbucks may seem omnipresent already, but the coffee chain says it will expand to 40,000 shops--more than triple the current number--with half of them in the U.S.

Christmas List Socks, T shirts, a spaceflight ...

All I want for Christmas is a backyard water park ($100,000) and a spaceflight ($1.7 million). You can order both from Neiman Marcus, which just unveiled its extravagant 2006 Christmas Book.