The president's spokesman, contradicting the steady refrain of Republicans, said the results in New Jersey and Virginia had absolutely nothing to do with the president. In a way, that's true, which is not good for Democrats.

Steve Sample, who is retiring after 19 years as president of USC, proved that sustained strong leadership can change institutions. He changed the face of an institution.

The reason people asked why women weren't in the picture of President Obama and the White House guys playing basketball is the media finally are asking whether the Obama White House is different from preceding ones, at least in terms of gender.

Trying to find a doctor or a clinic with a supply of the flu vaccine can be like looking for a needle in a needlestack — although it's interesting that drugstores use the shots as doorbusters.