Alberto Gonzales, of Texas, the new AG. I don't know enough to make a judgement call yet. Though he was one of the staunchest supporters of the Bush Administration's design to keep "suspected terrorists" in prison without access to lawyers or the outside world. Working-class Latino, educated at Harvard. We'll see what he's all about.

Also: welcome back! Will I ever rate an email again?

Eh! Yes. The problem is that, by this point, I have SO much to say to you that it's just snowballing and we STILL don't have internet at the house, so I can't just catch you when I'm inspired. But tell me about Paris? Your travelogues, as always, are marvelous. And gimme a week or so to get that e-mail on its way. xoxoox