Inaugural Eve

Carlos Sim is not known for making bad investments. Yet he's, alledgely, investing in the New York Times (former employer of mine). I'm lefting shaking my head, wondering why. See Gawker (I know, I know) for some details.

The Sulzbergers have done a piss-poor job of running the Grey Lady for at least two decades now and I'd be happy to see a reputable journalist take over (not Murdoch). But Slim? He's apt to leave the biggest loser, Art, in charge - unless he completely takes over and brings in someone new and I'm not sure who that could be at this point.

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The Swamp, aka Washington DC, has become the center of the known Universe. At least until Wednesday morning.

Media executives must have been paying attention last week when President Bush declared a state of emergency for Tuesday's inaugural.

CNN's Washington bureau chief David Bohrman, for one, issued a "news emergency" of his own.

While Bush freed up federal funds, Bohrman made available satellite phones in the event of rolling cell phone blackouts. There will be cots and air mattresses for staffers camping out in the newsroom on Monday night, along with shower arrangements at a nearby health club. Staffers will be treated to a pancake breakfast prior to braving the bitter cold and bulging crowds.

"It's the biggest event any of us have ever had to cover," Bohrman said.

While this is an important and historic inauguration, once again the media have gone bat-shit crazy. And not in a good way. I wish we could give the totality of the Fourth Estate a large sedative, a blankie and a teddy bear and send them off for a good, long nap. Gods knows they need it. They've been running hysterically amuck since the Bronco incident with OJ Simpson... in 1994? Something like that - nearly 15 years of a never-ending adrenaline rush. Poor things must be exhausted.