From Holden:

Holden here, checking in from my extended Christmas holiday vacation to keep you up to date on the gaggle. Little Scottie must be visiting his mom this week, Texas Comprtoller Carole Keaton McClellan Rylander Strayhorn (how bout them family values?!), ’cause backbencher Terrence Trent d’Uffy was subbing for him today.

And it was indeed a boring gaggle, due to Scottie’s absence or that of Les Kinsolving I suppose. So instead of bringing you the straight gaggle today I’m going to play Fun with [snip].

Q Separately, a new bin Laden tape has emerged that’s calling on Iraqis not to vote in the election. Do you have any information on whether that tape is authentic, or any reaction to it?

[snip]

MR. DUFFY: I think he was clearing some brush, one of his favorite activities, this morning; working hard on the ranch, doing some yard work. That’s pretty much it.

Damn, I’m glad I’m a blogger and not a journalist.