Report: Rep. Giffords mouths along to song lyrics

PHOENIX (AP) - A newspaper report says Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' efforts to relearn how to speak include mouthing the words to song lyrics, such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and briefly talking with her brother-in-law by telephone while he orbited aboard the International Space Station.

The New York Times reports on its website Sunday night that Giffords has been receiving bedside briefings from aides on the uprising in Egypt and last week's decision by Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona not to seek re-election.

Her chief of staff, Pia Carusone, says Giffords definitely understands what is being said and has been providing short, verbal responses.

Giffords was shot in the head Jan. 8 while meeting with constituents outside a Tucson grocery store. She began intensive rehabilitation at a Houston hospital late last month.