*I don't know about you, but I get queasy seeing all those TV commercials featuring Linda McMahon, who is running for U.S. senator from Connecticut. McMahon may be intelligent and successful. But she's the matriarch of the sleazy World Entertainment Wrestling empire. That's a disqualifier, as far as I'm concerned.

*Excellent performance by Leon Russell before an appreciative gathering Saturday night in Red Hook to cap off the village's Hardscrabble Day celebration. It was a particular treat for those of us who've seen Russell perform in in the past, but never in such an intimate setting. I'd say there were between 500 and 1,000 folks inside and surrounding a relatively small tent. Someone posted a clip on YouTube.

*Spent Sunday in New York City with family and was reminded of what a special place it is. A walk from Central Park at 68th and Fifth all the way down and across to 14th and Eighth was a treat. Topped off the day with dinner in the Meatpacking District, which has been resurrected with fine restaurants, trendy nightspots and a hip (is that word still in vogue?) hotel.

*Last week I pointed you in the direction of Time magazine's cover story on Glenn Beck. Today I suggest you learn more about this guy in this long profile on salon.com.