Yesterday, at just past 8 in the morning, we boarded a crowded plane in Los Angeles. As we shimmied and edged our way into an aisle spot in the 38th row, we exchanged a "hello" for a "good morning" with an elderly lady who'd be flying beside us; she smiled in the middle seat. A copy of the morning's Los Angeles Times lay folded on her lap; a blazer draped her shoulders in bright, red felt.

"Are you excited about Sarah?" she asked.

We smiled, reflexively, and told her we certainly weren't bored by the selection. She offered us the paper and her thoughts on Palin; we listened eagerly, hoping to glean some perspective for the week.

Now, as we bounce between Minneapolis and St. Paul in search of insight, we hope to deliver as much perspective, thoughtfulness, and/or absurdity as possible to you.

Photo: our room with a view.