Traditional American media has, in some ways, passed the point of no return. With the advent of the 24-hour news cycle, the Internet has become the source for the most up-to-date information on any and every topic, from sports to domestic and international politics to celebrity gossip.

The ready availability of information has resulted in nothing short of clamor. We have become dependent on the Internet for what we require to be the latest and greatest news, complete with immediate video upload. As a result, news outlets that were formerly the go-to sources, such as newspapers and national magazines, are forced into playing on this field, detracting from their former goals of reporting the pure news.

Political endorsements are but one arena where this traditional media has been eclipsed. As the Fourth Estate becomes swiftly and inexorably linked with corporate interests and the will of individuals, thoughtful prose like the following has all but disappeared:

His life story is in so many ways ours. In his political pursuits, he has defied both traditional paths pursued by minority politicians: identity politics built on narrow affiliations, typical of most ethnic leaders...who run from their history and identity.

Incumbent Lt. Gov Brian Dubie will not seek to fill the Republican line in Vermont's 2006 Senate race:

Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie's decision to seek re-election, rather than run for an open U.S. Senate seat, makes Sen. Mark Shepard the only Republican candidate for that position with previous experience in politics.

Shepard, R-Bennington, said during an interview on Wednesday that he plans to announce his intentions on Monday.

"I've got a lot of people who are interested in me running for higher public office," he said. "The people that know me know that I would be a strong candidate for the office."

Describing himself as "a regular working Vermonter," Shepard said that most state residents support his positions on health care, economics and wilderness preservation.

"Many times I've taken a stand that a lot of people appreciate," he said. "That's what makes me a strong candidate."

This Vermonter's take after the jump...
Edited 12:11 EDT to make a pun in the title

In the waning days of open availability of the New York Times' op-ed page online, John Tierney today decided to use his considerable reach to write a list of questions the Senate might ask John Roberts to "keep TV viewers awake." Some of the highlights:

If Roe v. Wade were a tree, what kind of tree would it be?
Would you think it's cool if a professional wrestler dubbed himself Chief Justice, or would you sue him for trademark infringement?
When justices have birthday parties, should they invite all the other justices, or can they invite just the ones they like?