Missouriana

by Jack Stapleton, Jr.

* If you’re really curious whether someone has been paying attention, ask them to explain both sides of the stem-cell debate.

* Living seems to be easier at the end of August, although it isn’t the weather as much as Congressman Gary Condit’s disappearance from the 6 o’clock news.

* Another reason we may all be happier is that Congress isn’t in session, the Supreme Court is on vacation and the President is in Texas.

* The price of gas is expected to go up after a blaze at an Illinois refinery, although motorists shouldn’t hold their breath for any future fire sales.

* As they’re writing their memoirs, Hillary can ask Bill how to spell “philandering” and he can inquire whether “ice queen” is supposed to be hyphenated.

* It seems strange that the man left in charge in Washington is someone who’s on leave from a cardiac ward.