Verbatim

"In the balance of Islam, this constitution is infidel and therefore everyone who participates in this election will be considered infidels."

OSAMA BIN LADEN, on the upcoming Iraqi election, according to a new tape broadcast by the TV network al-Jazeera

"His vision of the world is one in which there is no freedom of expression, freedom of religion and/or freedom of conscience."

PRESIDENT BUSH, in a rare direct response to bin Laden's statements

"We were more generous when we were less rich, many of the rich countries. And it is beyond me why are we so stingy, really."

JAN EGELAND, emergency-relief coordinator for the U.N., criticizing the amount of money Western nations initially allocated for disaster relief in Asian countries devastated by the tsunami

"The United States is not stingy. We are the greatest contributor to international efforts in the world."

COLIN POWELL, Secretary of State, responding to Egeland; the U.N. official later said his remarks were misinterpreted and that the assistance pledged by the U.S. was "very generous"

"Let me be clear: so far this has been more of a nuisance than anything."

BILL CARTER, FBI spokesman, addressing concerns that a spate of laser lights trained on pilots while they were landing could be the work of terrorists. An investigation is under way, though some officials suggested the incidents might be nothing more than people playing with new Christmas toys

"Both of us ended up losing a few pounds. We looked at it as kind of a challenge, kind of a camping adventure."

LEROY CHIAO, U.S. astronaut, after five weeks in which he and a fellow space-station occupant had to eat reduced rations because the previous crew had eaten some of their food

"I figured I could provide some holiday cheer to folks."

ALEK KOMARNITSKY, computer specialist, on his elaborate hoax in which millions of strangers thought they were able to control his home's 17,000 Christmas lights via his website

Sources: AP; New York Times (2); CNN; New York Times; Reuters; www.komar.org