Week in Review

WEEK'S END

Bill Janis is running for re-election in the 56th House of Delegates District. A campaign brochure includes a photograph of Janis shaking hands with Gov. Tim Kaine. Janis is a Republican, Kaine a Democrat. The brochure also says the delegate is "working in a bipartisan manner." On two occasions, it refers to his work with Democrats and Republicans. As the political scientists say, Hmmmm.

The passing of novelist William Hoffman summoned memories from Hampden-Sydney men taught by him. One relayed a story about a final in a creative writing class. Hoffman answered questions for an hour or so, then rose, gave the students three hours to complete the exam, and said, "Prove to me you have learned to write."

According the journalist Gene Fowler, "Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." We suspect many of the H-SC test-takers proved him right.

Sam Rayburn of Texas ranks as the greatest speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 20th century, and perhaps for all time. His brief marriage ended in divorce. Later in life he said his main regret was that he did not have a son -- "a towheaded boy to take fishing." Fresh-water fishing indeed is one of the gentle arts.

Today youngsters in Southside Virginia will have an opportunity either to enjoy fishing for the first time or to hone their skills. Kids Fishing Day at Staunton View Park offers free fishing, free games, and free lunch -- as well as prizes and trophies in various age categories from virtual infants through 13. The location is near the Mecklenburg/Charlotte County line. Call Weston's Grocery (434-735-8106) for details, but call early, as registration opens at 7 this morning, and fishing runs from 8:30 to 11:30. If it rains, everyone will try again next Saturday. We expect to see towheads, as well as heads with locks of diverse colors -- and smiles.