US – Friday, July 30

For Paul Rudd, the decision to star in Jay Roach’s new comedy, “Dinner for Schmucks,” was an easy one. “I thought the script was really funny,” he says. “That was it. It was kind of a no-brainer.” Of course Rudd, who’s built an impressive resume of smart comedies, was just as enamored of the man behind the camera.

Amaro not here to talk about the past

Arlington graves may be mixed up

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has just gotten quite a bit of company: As many as 6,600 graves at the country’s hallowed Arlington National Cemetery for fallen U.S. service members may be mislabeled, one lawmaker said on Thursday.

Jobless claims fall, still high

New claims for unemployment benefits slipped last week, but stayed at a stubbornly high level that underscored the labor market recovery was having trouble gaining traction.

Un-Happ-y ending for talented southpaw in South Philadelphia

J.A. Happ said all the right things, just as the crafty lefty always has.

WikiLeaks founder defends war posts

Julian Assange, founder of the website that published more than 91,000 secret U.S. military reports from Afghanistan, says he’s revealing injustices. President Barack Obama says he’s concerned that disclosure of sensitive information may harm military operations.

New York Sports

3 Storylines to watch in Jets training camp

1. Will the Jets regret cutting Faneca?

2. Will Jenkins return to form up front?

3. Can this team keep its focus?

It’s so hard to say goodbye

For many job-hopping careerists, smuggling a resignation letter in their bag like a guilty secret, there are few workplace rituals so hard as saying so long.

Short-term living in Jersey City

Subletting in NYC typically involves some kind of covert transaction. Try to find a budget traveler who hasn’t enjoyed the risk of Craigslist’s lease-free rentals. But thanks to a bill Gov. David Paterson signed into law last Friday, renting an apartment for less than 30 days isn’t kosher. Fortunately, there’s a saving grace for those in search of short-term living: Jersey City.

So long, Snuggies. Hello, Acushakti

Could nail mats like the Acushakti be the next Snuggies?

It’s possible, according to a top consumer survey.

Published 00:50, July the 2nd, 2009

A look at LaDainian

FANTASY FOOTBALL. For the last seven years, LaDainian Tomlinson’s predraft analysis was simple: Take him in the top three and enjoy.

It’s not so simple anymore. Coming off the worst season of his career, the jury is out on LT2 and he’s going a little later in drafts — the back of the first round.

Should you use your first pick on Tomlinson? Conventional wisdom says to let someone else take the risk. For once, we agree. Here’s why:

Age — Unlike the third-year WR myth, the 30-year-old RB theory is actually true. Shaun Alexander, Marshall Faulk and Eddie George all hit meteoric slides at 30. Tomlinson’s slide started last year at 29 when he had the worst season of his career.

Schedule — Even a young LT would have a hard time against this lineup. The Chargers play the Ravens, Dolphins, Steelers, Giants, Eagles and Titans out of division. Yikes.

Waiting in the wings — Darren Sproles isn’t as good as his hype, but the Chargers are comfortable with him. So much so that rumor had it the Chargers almost cut LT with plans to draft a running back in the first round.

ADAM LEVITAN