Cue the dramatic music to play under Nicholas Kristof's voice over while images of his New York Times column fly on to the screen accompanied by the graphics department's rendering of anthrax in an envelope. Because it's the time again, where the New York Times gets to defend its need for confidential sources, while a federal judge who likely masturbated to the Judith Miller proceedings doesn't give a fuck.

Virginia's Judge Claude Hilton has ruled in favor of Army scientist Steven Hatfill – who is suing the Times for libel over allegations made in Kristof's column that it was Hatfill responsible for the spat of anthrax mailings that killed at least five – and has demanded the Grey Lady give up Kristof's sources. Having learned little from its little Miller-WMD "incident," West 43rd is standing their ground, refusing to hand over names. While the experts say it's unlikely Hilton will demand a Times operative to be jailed for its malfeasance (sorry, no "Kristof In Prison" Christmas cards this year, kids), a likely punishment may come in the form of fines. Which will go nicely with the dismal financial picture the Times is already facing at home and in Boston. But think of all the Membership Rewards points Arthur Sulzberger can rack up if he pays the feds with his AmEx.