Check out Babel On! The author, who immodestly calls himself “Supergenius,” (but who, in truth, is a very nice, unassuming guy, and who happens to be very smart), is on his way to Iraq, where he will be teaching Democracy 101 to the Iraqis. He posted some nice pictures of Kuwait, where he made a brief stop. He will be heading for Baghdad tomorrow.

I am looking forward to hearing, first-hand, from someone whose job it is to try to bring democracy to Iraq.

I wish him well.

Sheb Wooley, who perhaps was best known for writing and singing “Purple People Eater” in 1958, died yesterday at age 82. Born in Eric Oklahoma, he had a long career that included writing music, making records and appearing in numerous television shows (e.g. Rawhide) and in movies, such as High Noon, Outlaw Josie Wales, Giant, Rio Bravo, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Starman, and Hoosiers.

He had been ill with leukemia, but he managed to attend Johnny Cash’s wake last week.

Although his popularity waned in recent years, he remains one of great country entertainers.

R.I.P., Sheb.