Is it significant? I don't know. I doubt if they coordinated their activities. It does show that while Jim Black has to deal with these burgeoning investigations, it makes him less able to deal with other things. People may sense opportunity.

The thing is, in today's political firmament Jim Black stands out because he's not ideological. He isn't identified with a particular point of view or a set of strongly held beliefs. He comes at legislation by trying to figure out how do you build a majority.

He told the governor, 'I'm going to help you get the lottery,' and he worked it out. He's not a big lottery advocate. He's not a big lottery opponent. But he worked it out.

The kids all know each other, and it's a very competitive game. There's no doubt the winner of this game has the upper hand in district. It's a big game, no doubt.

You can't really class all reality shows together. For instance, 'Top Chef' is about talent and competition. 'Big Brother' is more like what happens when you get all those narcissistic personalities crammed in together... and there are limits to that.

Personally, I don't get that whole reality show thing. It was much smaller, and it's grown. It's like an epidemic. I'm still rather confused by it.