Rule of Thumb: When you insult more than half the state via the Associated Press wire, what’s required is a public apology via the same medium. That’s basic politics, and basic manners. And the sooner, of course, the better. Enough said.

For a commentary on Irene in the proper non-partisan spirit, check out this flood-benefit music video by the Barn Band. If the voices sound sort of familiar, it may be because one of the band members is VPR’s Bob Kinzel, who also penned the tune. Photos by the incomparable Jeb Wallace Brodeur. And it all benefits the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund. Now that’s more like it.