Beginning a new work week with a few random notes:

--- Tonight is the first of two scheduled debates between U.S. Senate candidates Betty Castor and Mel Martinez. It should be quite interesting, as it will be moderated by NBC News Senior Vice President/Washington Bureau Chief and host of "Meet The Press" Tim Russert from the WFLA-TV studios in Tampa and broadcast on the state's NBC affiliates. Russert has plenty of experience in this type of format with Florida candidates for over a decade; he moderated both of Jeb's gubenatorial candidate debates against the late Lawton Chiles and Bill McBride. It starts at 7:00 PM ET.

--- Jeb! is saying he will not seek the presidency in 2008. Maybe it's because there are too many other Republicans anxious to seek the top job. Regardless, let's not forget this statement, and hold him to his promise.

--- And how 'bout those Astros! When I lived in Metro Houston (actually Pasadena, made famous by Gilley's nightclub of "Urban Cowboy" movie fame) back in my previous life (as a high school student during the early 70s), they were almost as pathetic as the Devil Rays are today. Now if they can just beat those Cardinals... Meanwhile the Yankees and Red Sox are even after what seemed like a marathon last night.

--- And the Buccaneers? They play tonight. There's still hope.