Dear Jolters,

Jim is away today. The spirit of Elmer Valo,

the great pinch-hitter of the 40s and 50s (as a Dodger, Senator, et. al.), watches over your humble servant and replacement, who dashes off these suggestions.

The first: Reserve your luxurious cabin on the National Review 2015 Alaska Summer Cruise. Yes, there is time, and room. Get complete information at www.nrcruise.com.

The second: Get your earbuds acquainted with some of truly groovy podcasts NR and our friends at Ricochet.com are producing. I suggest Jay Nordlinger’s sorta-new “Q & A” -- this week’s edition features the esteemed political journalist and author (and Reagan expert), Lou Cannon. Find it at iTunes or on the NRO podcast page, here.

Third: On Monday, if you’re in Raleigh, go see Charlie Cooke talk all sorts of conservatarianism at the John Locke Foundation. Info here.

Fourth: Visit the NR Facebook page, here.

Finally: Did you know NRO has a great blog called Postmodern Conservative? Now you do! Check it out.

Jim is back Monday. Until then, choke up and don’t swing at anything outside the strike zone.

Best,

Jack Fowler

Publisher