Our very special, droll speaker today

T. R. Reid, a Washington Post reporter, was wildly popular among the students this morning. He had a treasure chest full of war stories from the old days. He's covered 13 conventions, plus covered conventions and elections in about a dozen foreign countries over the years. His opening and closing comment: "It used to be fun, but it's not anymore." They have to do it all -- writing, photos, video. There's no time for reflection, for partying or composing good writing. He's the author of a book I read last year and enjoyed very much: The United States of Europe. It's about the effect of the European Union. Fascinating reading. Four of my students managed to get an interview with him after his speech. They're good!