Hugh Grant's Brother; A London Story

A friend e-mails:

I met Hugh Grant's brother at a dinner party recently. Very nice, also good-looking, a banker working now in NY, the older brother. What's it like? I asked, having a kid brother who's world famous. Rather fun, he said, then told me that his mother, at a dinner party in London, was asked what her children did. Oh, one's a banker and one's a film star, she said. Really, how interesting, the other guest said, which bank?

Michael Kelly

The addition of Michael Kelly to the Iraq War casualty list is enormously sad. Every addition to the casualty list is enormously sad. Mr. Kelly is well-remembered here. Down to his dying day, he was loyal and true.

Disaster

US Forces in Iraq suffered a stunning blow today when R.W. "Johnny" Apple announced -- on the front page of today's New York Times -- that US Forces in Iraq were winning. CNN military analyst Gen. Norman Downing (ret.) said Apple's analysis was "a serious setback for coalition forces" that "could point the way toward quagmire and even defeat." "When Johnny says you're winning," said Downing, "that's when you know you're losing."

Capt. Weir Gonnawin, a US Special Forces operative working near Baghdad Airport, was disheartened by the news. "I'm gonna change my last name to Gonnalose," he said.

Various senior officials at Centcom were unavilable for comment. One official, who asked not to be quoted by name, said: "defeat seems certain now. Just when we 're winning, he has to come along and ruin everything."

Cable News Networks Do Battle

Here's my piece about the cable news networks covering the War in Iraq. It was published today in The Wall Street Journal's "Weekend Journal," which is that fourth section of the paper with all the real estate ads. I must say that working with the Journal staff is a pleasure.

Situation Analysis

This link provides a fairly good overview of the military options. The Victor Davis Hanson has a good piece in The National Review. There's good news and bad news here. The bad news is the Marines are hungry. The good news is the citizens of central Iraq are feeding them.

The siege of Baghdad nears.

Report From The Player's Championship

Tiger Woods had this to say about the War in Iraq:

"I have great respect for the men and women fighting overseas to protect our way of life in Iraq and other parts of the world. As the son of an Army officer, I understand the strength, courage and discipline required to successfully carry out their missions in hostile environments and feel tremendous pride they are representing us.

"Obviously, no one likes war. Our Congress and President tried hard to avoid the use of force, but ultimately decided it was the best course of action. I like the assertiveness shown by President Bush and think we owe it to our political and military leaders, along with our brave soldiers to be as supportive as possible during these difficult and trying times. I just wanted to take this opportunity to let our forces know that I am thinking about you and wishing you and your families the best."

Sad News

Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan is dead.

Blog Note

I will, from time to time, post links to things like my Fast Company column. And I will be posting next weekend on The Player's Championship.

Fast Company Column

For those of you who access my Fast Company column through the blog, here it is. It's a fairly harsh assessment of the management of MSNBC. The column generated a considerable amount of email, some of it from inside the company. Virtually everyone thought I had understated the problems at MSNBC.

That said, I think it's only fair to say that MSNBC has done a terrific job so far covering the war. Lester Holt has been a rock, the military analysts have been terrific and the reporters and producers and camera people in the field have been great.

No Better Friend

"For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind.

"When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression.

"Chemical attack, treachery, and use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted: Never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in best interests of our Nation.

"You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit.

"For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles -- who fought for life and never lost their nerve -- carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is `No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy' than a U.S. Marine ."

-- Major-General J.N. Mattis, commander of the 1st Marine Division, now in Iraq.