If there are people who don't believe men landed on the moon, and who don't believe President Barack Obama was born in the United States, you know there will be plenty who think Osama bin Laden's death was faked. In fact, on Friday hundreds protested in Pakistan, many of them chanting, "Osama is alive."

Maybe this will convince them:

Al-Qaida itself confirms bin Laden's death. A statement was posted Friday on several militant websites that traditionally have run al-Qaida's messages. Not surprisingly, it also threatened: "We will remain, God willing, a curse chasing the Americans ... . Soon, God willing, their happiness will turn to sadness, their blood will be mingled with their tears."

Other details were revealed Friday, based on material seized when bin Laden was killed, which said al-Qaida had been planning to derail an American train on the 10th anniversary of 9-11.

All this proves accurate what experts have said: First, that al-Qaida will outlive bin Laden, and second, that terrorism remains a global threat.

Counterterrorism officials said they don't think the train plot got very far and have no evidence any such plot is active.

We fervently hope that is the case, and that any 9-11 commemorative terrorist acts are foiled long before they can hurt anyone.

Largest Roman Catholic country OKs gay unions

It was good news to hear that Brazil - the world's fifth most populous nation - will allow gay unions, giving gay couples in "stable" partnerships the same financial and social rights as those in heterosexual relationships. Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday voted 10-0 in favor.

Brazil is also the world's most populous Roman Catholic nation. And the country's Catholic church has opposed gay civil unions. Both of Brazil's two main presidential candidates in 2010 said they supported civil unions for gays.

Elsewhere in the Americas, same-sex marriage is legal in Canada and Argentina. Same-sex civil unions are legal in Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador.

What a contrast to the U.S., where unfortunately, despite growing public acceptance of gay unions and gay marriage, religious leaders from many denominations continue to campaign against gays.

South America offers a better model of progressive leadership in this area, it seems, than does this country.

Elvis fades, at least as a name for baby boys

It's possible, of course, that Elvis Presley (unlike bin Laden) is still alive. But for the first time since 1954 Elvis is no longer alive on the list of the 1,000 most common children's names. This according to the Social Security Administration's website, which offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880.

So what to name your new bundle of joy if you no longer want a baby Elvis? This year the 10 most popular boys names are, in order: Jacob, Ethan, Michael, Jayden, William, Alexander, Noah, Daniel, Aiden and Anthony.

And for girls? Don't look for Jane or Mary - or Priscilla, for that matter. The top girls names are, in order: Isabella, Sophia, Emma, Olivia, Ava, Emily, Abigail, Madison, Chloe and Mia.