Pincus sees the Stinkus (don't we all)

"Valued Talbot's Shopper!" Harriet should be topic #1 in the District today given her lame questionnaire release to the Senate yesterday as accompanied by the infinitely more insightful Dallas City Council "I support a Constitutional Amendment to end abortion" candidacy response from way back in 1989. After all, Dubya saddled her nomination with the claim she's not gonna change in the next 20 years so we should assume a 16-year-old disclosure to hold true. But instead the real story that everyone's sipping at water coolers everywhere is the Valerie Plame case and the expected indictments in the White House. The Bushies are entirely vulnerable given their loss of public support and, unfortunately for them, everyone knows it. I watched reporter emeritus Walter Pincus (WashingtonPost) on C-SPAN's beloved "Washington Journal" this morning during Maya's early nap. Ol' Walt (who I respect IMMENSELY) alludes consistently to just what a labyrinth of intrigue this story represents and how much indictments in the White House could shake the foundations of this Administration. The best I can say of this whole mix is that we ain't seen nothing yet.

SaddamTV gets rolling today. According to the WSJ, Saddam's legal strategy is to shake thing's up with courtroom surprises including trying to pin some degree of complicity on the U.S. for past crimes. This, dear readers, will be a circus. Yuck.

Bill O'Reilly really made an ass of himself on "The Daily Show" last night, going so far as to call Jon Stewart a "pinhead". Jon held his fire for the most part, but got some great zingers in. If you missed it, I'm sure they'll feature it prominently on "TDS" website very soon. An absolute must-see.

Speaking of must-sees, the best new show of this TV season is unquestionably "My Name is Earl" starring an extremely funny Jason Lee. I've almost melted our TiVo on a few occasions replaying bits and pieces that are especially hilarious. My favorite by far was in his "Quit Smoking" episode when he got into his brother's car and burped up a small lunger of smoke and quipped "I don't know where that came from - I haven't smoked all day." Absolutely fabulous sitcom humor and top-notch character acting. I give the series a solid A- thus far, with a chance for a legit (and rare) full A.

Maya's California grandparents are in town, giving them some quality time with her (especially Nanna) and me some concentrated writing time on my book. Very much appreciated all around. Maya's growing like a compost-pile weed. Check back for pics of the Halloween costumes we're considering. For her first Trick-or-Treatin' tour we've got either a skunk, a bumblebee, or a ladybug. We, as her parents, also will dress in related costumes. Any suggestions you might have will be greatly appreciated. Rock on.