Today's Opinions

I’m conducting an unscientific experiment this summer.

No television.

That’s right. I’ve turned over my remote control for a reading lamp and novel.

I can’t say I’ve missed the nightly surf through endless titles of summer re-runs.

I’ve always enjoyed reading, but just on a casual basis. I would get a book and read on it for a couple of weeks. However, sometimes I go on marathon reads. I have been known to still be awake trying to finish a book when my husband gets up for work at 5 a.m.

If you’ve ever wondered what members of Congress do to earn their keep, the current health-care debate on Capitol Hill should give you a good idea. This complex legislation, placed on the congressional agenda by President Obama but shaped by the intense give-and-take of the legislative process, is a perfect window into our democracy.

My usual church time is the Saturday night service. If I do go to church on Sunday, I prefer going at 9 a.m.

A few weeks ago, however, I went to the later Sunday morning service because I was meeting someone afterwards for a newspaper story I was working on.

On Saturday nights, I like to watch the sky through the giant arched window above the stage area in the sanctuary. At this time of year, the sun sets while church is going on and dusk is gorgeous, with the sky changing from blue to amber to black.