Smoking rehab is for quitters

After a few days of economic meetings and other events in Honolulu, and a long flight to Australia, the president might be feeling a bit weary and stressed. Just the time when a recovering smoker might reach for a cig, despite all his best intentions.

Although a physical exam of the commander-in-chief three weeks ago found him hanging in there with his personal smoke-free campaign (reportedly still leaning on nicotine gum), he may need all the encouragement he can get.

The annual Great American Smokeout arrives tomorrow, so maybe that’ll help.

A little extra push, Mr. Obama? There’s always the help-me-help-me hotline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). Not sure if that works with the Australian country code, but there’s always the Web (www.smokefree.gov).

This is the one time a year when it’s fashionable to be a quitter.

Judge’s ruling is quite appealing

A judge’s ruling that Gov. Neil Abercrombie must make public the names of potential nominees to be state judges presented to him by the Judicial Selection Commission is a victory for the public and should be a nudge to the governor.

The impression of Abercrombie as being too secretive has contributed to his low popularity during his first year as a political executive rather than legislator.

The question now is whether Abercrombie will find it easier to appeal the decision or change his approach to what many regard as the people’s government.