*Longtime followers of "The Media Project" on WAMC Northeast Public Radio are in for a treat on the next program. And, no, it has nothing to do with the fact that it's my week to be on. You will, however, hear a familiar and popular voice from the past. (We're recording Thursday morning; I hope nothing changes between this writing and then.) Tune in at 6 p.m. Sunday or 3 p.m. Monday (or anytime thereafter on WAMC.org).

*I'm told the governor's people are trying to salvage the Open Meetings Law he recently vetoed, despite near-unanimous approval in the Legislature. But it says here, a compromise won't retain the much-needed penalties (already minor) the original bill contained. Without teeth, it's easy for public officials to ignore a sunshine law.

*If somehow you haven't heard and you're heading to Canada anytime soon, beginning Monday, you need a passport or something more official than the proof of citizenship previously required to cross the border. Check it out here.

*It's been years since I followed the National Basketball Association closely.(When was the last year the Knicks made the playoff?) But the prospect of Kobe vs. LeBron (as in Lakers vs. Cavaliers) final caught my attention. Now, with Cleveland down 3-1 to Orlando and Los Angeles squared at two with Denver, it may be wait 'til next year. You think NBA Commissioner David Stern and his network TV partners aren't holding their breath?