The View From Here . . .

Although we are a long way from adopting the French custom of designating August as the national vacation month, it is increasingly true that this month, and particularly the latter half of it, is America's time to get away and relax.

In a typical pattern involving families with children, the kids have their activities earlier in the summer and then the whole family goes somewhere during the last two or three weeks before school resumes. In some ways it is easier for the grownups to take this time of the year off because business is generally slow, with customers, clients and colleagues often away themselves. Traffic, at least in urban areas, is relatively slow and public transportation (except at airports) is relatively uncrowded.

The August pace thus contrasts with other great time of year for vacations, the holiday season in December. December is frequently an important month is business, with year end deadlines often looming. Also, in December there is the need to buy presents and deal with the holidays themselves. None of this applies in August.

The vacation mindset also tends to affect news coverage. While there certainly are a number of very significant news stories, such as the London terror plot, the shaky ceasefire in Lebanon and the continuing sectarian violence in Iraq, for some reason the news focus at this time of year seems to be on sensational stories.

For example, in recent late August news cycles, considerable attention was paid to an alleged wave of attacks by killer sharks or to a missing intern who had a relationship with a Congressman. (Last year, a very slow news cycle, including Cindy Sheehan's protest outside President Bush's ranch during his extended vacation, was interrupted by Hurricane Katrina.) This year, the attention is focusing on the very weird saga of the obviously troubled individual who claims that he killed JonBenet Ramsey.

One obvious feel good story (at least for Yankee fans) in this late August was the Yankees' stunning five game sweep of the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park that left the Bombers 6 1/2 games ahead in the American League East. While this series will be discussed for years to come, one important reason that the Yankees prevailed was the tremendous balance of their offense.

Although not boasting the one-two punch of Boston's David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez, the Yanks have an imposing array of very patient hitters who are very difficult to retire, like Derek Jeter and Robbie Cano, as well as a few genuine sluggers like the rejuvenated Jason Giambi. Also, a number of the new additions this year like Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera and the recently acquired Bobby Abreu have allowed the team to overcome key injuries to Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield.

In any event, for a few more days the focus will be on things like baseball and beaches and barbecues. School will be starting soon enough, the cool air will be blowing in and business will be picking up. But for now, it is time to sit back, enjoy life and the company of our family and friends.