Previously known for its six syllables of sweetness and light, reconciliation has become the political fighting word of the year.

If you re-read your work, you can find on re-reading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by re-reading and editing.

When infuriated by an outrageous column, do not be suckered into responding with an abusive e-mail. Pundits so targeted thumb through these red-faced electronic missives with delight, saying 'Hah! Got to 'em.'

Never look for the story in the 'lede.' Reporters are required to put what's happened up top, but the practiced pundit places a nugget of news, even a startling insight, halfway down the column, directed at the politiscenti. When pressed for time, the savvy reader starts there.

The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.