The shift to the Times of Jim Stewart, among America's most respected business authors, also is worth noting, by the way. He formerly wrote his "Common Sense" column for the Wall Street Journal, where he had been one of the top reporters and editors in the pre-Rupert-Murdoch years --- including a terrific stint as the editor in charge of its page one stories (including some of mine.)

The Journal is sure to miss him --- especially at a time when it's fielding so many other questions about its coverage, and its part in Murdoch's media plans.

For the Times, Stewart already has become a terrific voice of reason.

The only thing I miss is the column's erstwhile concentration on helping investors determine when to sell and when to buy. Stewart has an uncanny, useful, simple system. And it was some of the best-written investing advice around.

I hope he keeps that alive somewhere, in some form, while he takes on his wide range of other topics.