Do as I say; not as I do. Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, in a speech earlier this week, criticized his opponent, Democrat Barack Obama, for waiting until now - after six years in the U.S. Senate and two years into a national campaign - to visit the Middle East where American troops have been fighting for seven years. Read more...

• Whale mistake

Louis Pasteur illuminated a great truth when he said: "In the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind."

Pasteur, the 19th century scientist whose revolutionary accomplishments include the process of pasteurization and the first vaccine for rabies, understood well the value of knowledge as the gateway to achievement.

He also recognized that knowledge is rarely if ever gained without effort.

"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal," Pasteur said. "My strength lies solely in my tenacity."

Determination. Knowledge. Achievement.

All qualities Pasteur possessed and admired.

We are certain, then, that he would join us in congratulating the 39 students of the University of Southeast Alaska Ketchikan campus who were honored Saturday for earning their academic degrees and certificates.

For these graduates, the commencement ceremony was a public recognition of their achievements.

Fine words were spoken. Smiles brightened caps and gowns. Cameras clicked.

All the hours of effort and the memory of sacrifices made to reach this point faded into the background. This was and should be a celebration.

We wish each of UAS Ketchikan's graduates every success in their next fields of endeavor. They've proven themselves capable, and we look forward to hearing of future achievements.

We're also thankful they've been able to achieve their educational goals here.

It's rare for a community this size to have an institution of higher learning like UAS Ketchikan - especially one so attuned to local needs and interests. We appreciate the State of Alaska for supporting our school, and we especially appreciate the dedicated instructors and staff who make it all happen.

It's difficult to underestimate the value of UAS Ketchikan and of the students that it graduates.

And we believe Pasteur would agree.

"Knowledge," as he said, "is the torch which illuminates the world."