A free and truly independent press - fiercely independent when necessary - is the red beating heart of freedom and democracy.

And now the sequence of events in no particular order.

There was a time in South Africa that people would put flaming tires around peoples' necks if they dis-sented. And in some ways the fear is that you will be necklaced here, you will have a flaming tire of lack of patriotism put around your neck. Now it is that fear that keeps journalists from asking the toughest of the tough questions... And again, I am humbled to say, I do not except myself from this criticism.

The Republican convention opens in New York to re-nominate George W. Bush and showcase the party's, quote, 'moderate side.' Will voters buy it?

I think you can be an honest person and lie about any number of things.

Performing doesn't turn me on. It's an egomaniac business, filled with prima donnas - including this one.

I don't pretend to be a digital savant or even a digital apprentice.