I'm ba-a-a-ack. After a day of noodling with the other newsroom editors about the future, I'm back, refreshed. I wished all of you could see the type of folks who run things in our newsroom. Yeah, they tend to lean Left. But they're quality people who know how to put a good paper out. I've been privileged to work with great people at this paper for 20 years. And I return to you today enthused that The Spokesman-Review still has many good days ahead.

Photo Fix: Brian Williams (right) succeeded Tom Brokaw as anchor of "NBC Nightly News" last night, debuting at No. 1 on the viewer charts (see story below).

1. Political 'Toon Fix: Wayne Stayskal here, Timothy Kelly here, and Paul Nowak here.

2. Humor Fix: "Tom Ridge told friends he wants to go to the private sector, where he can make some more money. Finally — a Republican acting like a Republican. Never mind that crap about spending more time with his family. He’s sick of the colors red and blue, he wants to see some green" -- Jay Leno.

3. My Way Fix: This Day in History here, This Day in Music here, Today's Birthdays here, and Positive Quote here.

4. Top of the News Fix: Williams debuts at No. 1 as Brokaw's replacement here, WalMart tries to save Christmas here, Pastor faces suit in adultery case here, Bush seeks full disclosure in UN oil-for-food program here, and Departing troops seek Iraq coalition here.

5. Reality Check Fix: If you like Garrison Keillor as much as I do, you'll be disappointed to know that he's an Lefty ideologue deep down. George Shadroui of FrontPageMag provides an overview of Keillor's latest book, "Homegrown Democrat," here.

6. Opinion Fix: Ann Coulter/AnnCoulter.org (Dr. Rice), Wesley Pruden/Washington Times (Self-righteous war to stamp out history), San Francisco Chronicle (Balco scandal), Chris Suellentrop/Slate (Delay unites GOP critics), and Viktor Yushchenko/Wall Street Journal (Legitimate victory in Ukraine).

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