Ask Elsa

Nothing?

Q Elsa, Elsa. It must be me. Nowhere in Wednesday's paper could I find the score for Tuesday's All-Star game. Being rather elderly I now take to my bed early. Tony, East Cooper.

A Old? Maybe. But you're not blind. The reason you didn't find the score was because it didn't appear in all papers. The game ended at 1:37 a.m., well past the paper's deadline. The score was added "on the fly" while the presses were running, so many got the score, but not all did. It would have been helpful if the paper had added a notice explaining why the score wasn't included in all papers and suggesting readers go to Charleston.net for the latest game information.

Wire tilt

Q The Associated Press stories that serve as the backbone of the paper's national coverage have become increasingly biased against conservatives and Republicans. Even relatively straight news columns can't resist. The final straw was the article on Tony Snow's death. "With a quick-from-the-lip repartee, broadcaster's good looks and a relentlessly bright outlook — if not always a command of the facts — he became a popular figure around the country to the delight of his White House bosses." Had a reporter used a similar backhanded compliment regarding the recently departed Tim Russert, there would have been a loud clamor. Charles, Mount Pleasant.

A I'm sorry you were offended by the statement in the AP story. I might point out that the story did not say Snow was slipshod in any way. It is not unusual for press secretaries to be left out of the loop on some issues. The description of him as handsome, good-natured, well-spoken and clever seemed to me to dominate the story.

Elsa McDowell, public editor, welcomes questions or comments about the paper's news coverage. Call 937-5626 or e-mail her at askelsa@postandcourier.com.