"I want to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumors of my imminent retirement."

Rehnquist speaks!

I am not about to announce my retirement. I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits.

Okay, then. I guess that's that. That ought to hold off the rumors until maybe sometime next week.

Or, no. Actually, let me personally refuel them by analyzing the statement. He wants to put to rest the rumors: that might only mean he doesn't like us talking about him. He does call the rumors "unfounded," but that might just mean the people who are doing all the talking lack a basis for saying what they are saying, not that what they are saying is not true. And he's not about to announce his retirement. Still, he might be planning to retire but holding off announcing his plan. I can think of some politically strategic reasons he might want to do that. And that last sentence could mean he's planning to stop working any minute now. It's entirely enigmatic.

So, carry on!