The Week That Was

By: | Times-Dispatch
Published: March 07, 2009

On Thursday, Newt Gingrich -- who should not need an introduction -- told a "packed house" at Randolph-Macon College that he might run for president in 2012. Politico.com posted the information with attribution to a "Breaking News" item by

The Times-Dispatch's Jim Nolan.

While in Ashland, Gingrich advised Republicans regarding the approach they ought to take with Barack Obama in the White House and Democrats in control of Congress: "I think they have to be the party of better solutions, not the party of opposition."

The "center" of the universe has nuances.

On Oct. 1, Peter Lee officially will step down as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Retirement will not find him idle. In a letter to his flock yesterday, Lee announced he will become interim dean of San Francisco's Grace Cathedral. One of the most beautiful churches in the country, Grace lives up to its name. Person and institution will experience a relationship mutually blessing, mutually blessed, for as the Prayer Book says, "Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift: Send down upon our bishops, and other clergy, and upon the congregations committed to their charge, the healthful Spirit of thy grace; and, that they may truly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing."

Song conveys grace in diverse voices. Lovers of music mourn the passing of John Cephus, the blues singer and guitarist who with great love and great skill preserved the folk traditions of Southwest Virginia.

Central Virginia received good news with the announcement that a Welsh auto insurer will be basing its new U.S. operations in Henrico. Admiral Americas anticipates employing about 200 people at an Innsbrook site. This is a coup not only for Henrico but for the entire region. Tomorrow's Commentary section will feature excerpts from a "conversation" in which

The Times-Dispatch spoke with government leaders and officials from Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover. The participants discuss how they are contending with economic turmoil; they explain how developments in one jurisdiction can affect the others.

Sanjay Gupta -- CNN's celebrity doc -- has withdrawn as a potential surgeon general. The Obama administration threatens to set records for the number of nominations withdrawn for personal, political, or ethical reasons. Change apparently means changing your mind.

Last weekend's weather-themed movie was "Dr. Zhivago." This weekend's may be "Lawrence of Arabia."