So... my local ABC station is sponsoring this fun new contest for teenagers - reporter for a day. They get to follow a real live news reporter (as opposed to all those dead ones we keep out back) around all day, help report on a story and then get interviewed about the experience, so they get to be on TV _twice_. They'll be FAMOUS.

How do you get in on this action? You just have to write a short essay about something going on in your home town. It's really easy. Quite short. And best of all - IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE TO BE TRUE.

The first time I heard this ad my jaw hit the floor.

I mean, sure, you want to open up the field and not make the assignment too scary. Get as many kids involved as possible. But come on. Haven't we seen enough evidence that journalism has to be taught right from the very beginning?

Books: If I'm lucky I'll make some more progress on this chapter tonight. Still missing my S key. Never noticed how often I use it.