Poetry Flash Anthology reading for “Beyond Forgetting: Poetry and Prose about Alzheimer’s Disease” with contributors at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 525-5476.

Back three weeks ago, we ran a News Blawg item with the heading: "Speaking of health care, can someone check Obama's backbone?" Well, the president apparently found and steeled his spine before confronting last night's joint session of Congress.

By Christopher Swann

Adrian Arrington, New Orleans Saints (#87) — 6-foot-3, 192 pounds. Second-year receiver from Cedar Rapids and the University of Michigan in on the practice squad.

When I first met Michael Moore more than 20 years ago, he was showing a half-finished documentary to a few dozen people in a classroom in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was funny and poignant and had a powerful message.

Sept. 21, 1960-Aug. 17, 2009Age: 48Residence: Glendale, Ariz.

Ellen DeGeneres is dancing her way into the fourth judge's seat on "American Idol." Fox announced Wednesday the talk show host and comedian, who admittedly has no formal music experience other than a passion for tunes, would join Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi for the ninth season starting in January.

Around the Mountain West Conference

Robert Rubin's reputation has taken a serious hit in the last couple of years. After getting glowing reviews for his stint as treasury secretary in...