An Interview Exclusive: 8 Ball

3G: Since Rupert Murdoch let his hair go to its natural grey, he has had nothing but trouble with his Brit tabloids. Will he soon return to that orangey-brown tint?

8B: Signs point to yes.

3G: The President and Congress have "sequestered" themselves in full view of their adoring respective constituencies to "negotiate" a reported $4Trillion deficit reduction over ten years. Will it happen? Will it help?

8B: You may rely on it/ Until next time.

3G: New York State faces unprecedented budget deficits and massively underfunded public pension plans. Do you agree with those who think legalizing gay marriage is an important first step in solving
these fiscal problems ?

8B: Try the not.

Rupert's former tint

3G: The media have been unanimous in their praise of New York's Governor Cuomo during his first six months in office. Do you see this love affair continuing? Will he run for President in '16?

8B: Love is a many splintered thing/Undecided.

3G: Former Governor Spitzer's CNN show has been cancelled due to abysmal ratings. In leaving, he noted that his failure was actually a triumph of sorts. Can this man be humbled?

8B: Don't rely on it.

3G: Will "Unavailable" ever stop calling us?

8B: My sources say no.

Sans tint. Humble Dye?

3G: Our bank was once Village Savings Bank, then it became First Fidelity, which morphed into First Union, and was then merged into Wachovia, which was forced into the arms of Wells Fargo. Wouldn't it be easier just to have apple and google remake the whole banking thing into i$ and gdough?

8B: Without a doubt.

3G: If we buy a digital book from ibooks or kindle for $12.99, we get to put it on our laptop, tablet, and phone. If we buy a hardcover in an indie book shop for $26.95, we get the book. Shouldn't retail hardcover buyers get a download at no additional cost? What do trade publishers think about?

8B: Most assuredly so/ Lunch.

3G: The 2012 Presidential campaigns are in full swing in Iowa and New Hampshire for Republicans. Does one of them have a chance of winning? Are you excited?

8B: Tea leaves point to no/ Zzzzzzzzzz.

3G (quietly): Thanks.