The only down side is it seems like you've been practicing forever, when it really hasn't been. It just feels that way. This week, they're paying attention to what you're talking about. Everything picks up a notch because you're going into the home stretch and finally playing a game.

The play has taken on a greater height of spirituality. He didn't make it. That was a painful thing, but it feels absolutely right that we are here. His family is here. His people are here.

The personal attacks on the president and the condemnations of America by Hugo Chavez from Venezuela, I think, are completely unjustified and uncalled for, ... Chavez is a difficult person with whom to deal personally. I know from my own experience.

The personal stuff for me is the best, ... And this one felt a little raw emotionally. I wanted to capture some stuff, to see if I could get it right. The way it feels to lose a loved one and find a reason to celebrate, oddly enough, as a result of learning who you are.

The person at the top matters most. You can shuffle the deck, but the president is the ace of spades, and he's not going to change.