The Sun acts like this is a recent decision. The court denied the petition on June 8, 2008, and a certified copy was either delivered or mailed to the parties on June 19, including the Legislative Counsel. So, who knew what and when? Andy why the delay in reporting the court's decision? If the court denied the petition BEFORE the Special Session, why did the Senate kill AB 2, clarifying the Legislature's intent that comped meals were to be taxed? These are the questions that journalists should be asking.

I was with a friend earlier this week who had earned enough points at a local casino that she treated my daughter and me to lunch. Funny thing is that she was required to pay the tax for the meal. And her sister, who lives in New Jersey, earned enough points that she was comped a room for two nights, but she had to pay the room taxes. So, if the casinos are collecting the taxes for things that are comped, why wouldn't those taxes be submitted to the state? Are casinos going to get refunds from the state for taxes that customers already paid?

What a wonderful tribute to Tim Russert, Jon. This weekend watching MSNBC, I heard similar comments from people. And this morning, MSNBC had clips of an interview with his son, Luke, that was done shortly after Sunday's Meet The Press memorializing Tim. Luke was so composed and gracious. He made his father proud. I am saddened by his death although I never met him. But I enjoyed his broadcasts and enthusiasm. Maybe that's the Irish in me. Thanks, Jon, for the touching story!

I thought Senator Reid's appearance on The Daily Show was refreshing. His book has received favorable critiques. Surprisingly, Senator Reid did not attack the Republicans when Jon Stewart accused the Senate of being in a holding pattern. He briefly explained that neither house holds a majority large enough to override a veto (although I find that a lame excuse -- pass legislation and let the President take the heat for vetoing it). Yet, he admitted and accepted that the Democrats have not been able to push its agenda forward. Given the posturing from most politicians, Senator Reid's remarks were, as I said before, refreshing.

I'm not a lawyer, but I just read both Halverson's pleading and the constitutional articles regarding the Judiciary. The constitution clearly allows the Legislature to amend the districts and to set the terms and the seats of Supreme Court Justices and District Court Judges. Regarding the Supreme Court Justices, if the Legislature increases the number of seats on the Supreme Court, the constitution specifically requires the Legislature to stagger the terms of the newly-created seats. Although this specific language does not appear in the articles for district court judges, there is a blanket statement that the terms are set by law. Therefore, I think Elizabeth Halverson's pleading is nothing more than a frivolous pleading and I hope the Supreme Court slaps her accordingly.