GETAWAY FRIDAY

It is indeed the first night of the holiday exodus, except for those of us who don't want to be more than 100 yards away from our backyard grills for the next few days.

We have a full broadcast tonight, including an interesting story involving GM and the secretive mega-investor, Kirk Kerkorian. In this current "grab your partner" economy where going it alone is often dangerous and even fatal, many experts say the road ahead for GM must include friends along the way.

Serious allegations of crimes of war top the news from Iraq tonight. Osama bin Laden has checked in by videotape (though we don't see him, we hear him, thanks to the television production arm of al-Qaida) with another message, still being analyzed.

There is more good medical news... it has to do with the leading cause of blindness and a new (but expensive) medication that can actually reverse it. Robert Bazell's report tonight needs to be seen and heard, especially by the elderly or those who care for them. 

It was a wild day at Graceland. The sight of the Japanese prime minister singing Elvis songs, wearing Elvis' aviators... is too much. The president often talks about how amazing it is that his own father fought the Japanese (in fact, was shot down by them and almost lost his life), and today's scene in Memphis makes for a further mind-bender. At least the two world leaders could have some fun. We also will check in on the preparations for the shuttle launch. 

My chief purpose today is to wish all of our viewers and blog readers a safe and happy holiday weekend. Take a moment (as my father used to insist we do on all national holidays), and remember what the day is meant to celebrate. And please forgive me for taking some time on Monday and Tuesday to be with my family. My friend Ann Curry has agreed to sit in and keep the ship sailing straight while I sneak away. I will see you all on Wednesday.