The 6 o'clock news began at 6 o'clock yesterday. The 11 o'clock news began at 11.
Both programs were written and reported on time. We have a deadline, and we met it. We don't have any choice.

Did your kids complete their homework assignments on time? I'm sure they did. They don't have any choice.
Have a doctor's appointment today? I'm sure you'll be there on time. Use it or lose it.

It's after midnight as I write this. Just after the expiration of the legislative session. But our representatives to Hartford will be back next week, because they didn't meet their deadline. They couldn't agree on a budget, so they'll have a special session. A very special session. Just like a "very special episode of Blossom," as NBC used to tout, when Blossom was about to learn a very important life lesson.

But what very important lessons have we learned from this not-so-special session of the legislature? Ummm...adults don't play well together?

Governor Rell on the Democrats: "Tax and spend."
House Speaker Jim Amann on Rell's adminstration: "That is a dysfunctional office."

Sweet.

We did learn that spending 18 years in prison for being wrongfully convicted of rape is worth five-million dollars.
We learned that we should buy energy-efficient appliances.
We learned medical marijuana is good, IF the governor signs the bill.
And we learned that even the Catholic church couldn't stop Plan B emergency contraception.

We also learned that circus elephants couldn't be saved from handlers using bullhooks. That was a popular bill for TV news, so we could keep using video of circus elephants. And not a pachyderm called to thank us.

Anyway, get ready for that very special session of the legislature. Maybe they can bring in a very special guest star. I'm thinking Sen. Lou DeLuca's grandson-in-law, who gave us the sound bites of the week.

"Do I look like I'm afraid of anyone? It would have been a mistake if anyone ever came to my house. As far as anyone going to see me...Mr. Galante or anyone else...just make sure they bring a lot of bullets."

Now THAT'S entertainment.

By the way, speaking of entertainment, Bud Collyer was the genial host of the old game show "Beat the Clock." Guess nobody under the gold dome ever watched.