Bob & Doug (I *swear* a CNN reporter in theater called them that -- on the air) both have head injuries. Woodruff has had shrapnel removed form his head and neck. They are described as "seriously injured," but stable. Take a moment to think about & wish well all casualties and hostages everywhere.

This, too. I mean, what the?? Pray for all the servicemen, journalists and others in war zones. Pray for our troops' success and speedy return home to the arms of those who love them, those who miss them. Pray for justice and for peace. And that's enough earnestness and enough religion for any Sunday!

What the?

A tiny, unassigned little opinion piece on Supreme Court judicial nominee Samuel Alito: Leave the Man Alone Already Somebody would probably have to comb private records to determine whether I ever managed to become an official, card-carrying member of the Young Republicans. Over the years they've sure seemed to be nice folks. I've certainly attended (and plan to continue to enjoy) lots of YR events and meetings. And I remain proud of the affiliation on my voters card -- particularly considering the GOP's big tent that officially enfolds people of all hue and creed who share a common outlook. Even an engenue understands that lawmakers sometimes feel compelled to employ obstructionist tactics when they have philosophical objections to candidates. However, bipartisanship is not a four-letter word, and bashing is outre. The quizmasters on Capitol Hill should stop letting party politics get in the way of the business of the nation.

More inevitability? For, I'd say, two years I've largely posted to this blog when I felt guilty of neglecting it and when I had experienced something noteworthy. Today, after the tv woke me up -- a fairly common occurrence given my prediliction for watching late night tv -- I watched a few news items in a row on CBS that seemed, well, blogworthy. Is the news improving, courtesy of Bob Schieffer? Am I enjoying thinking about the news again? Or are my creative juices slowly thawing? Is it possible that all three are happening? -------------- I'm semi-publicly giving myself three assignments, which I'm hopeful I'll revisit in future posts. If you stop back, I don't know if you'll find just writing and thinking exercises, reporting or analysis. I hope you'll find poetry, preferably just on the final item. (1) the interview Schieffer (?) did with the Ohio bishop who says he was abused by Roman Catholic clergy (2) the disabled veteran who just had plastic surgery to replace half his skull after he ran into an IED in Iraq (3) a more conventional love poem -------------- Another little bit of praise for tv: If I can find the listings for "Classic Arts Showcase" on WHYY, I may try to occasionally wake up early some days to exercise in front of the tube before work. It's that good!