All Blog Posts from Couric & Co.

Logophiles, listen up. Here's a big, complicated word for a very simple superstition.

Triskaidekaphobia - the fear of the number 13. It's the reason why so many buildings don't have a thirteenth floor.

No one knows the origins of the phobia for sure. It could date as far back as the Last Supper, when Judas was the thirteenth guest at the table.

If you are a triskaidekaphobe, you're in good company. The AP reports that Henry Ford, Napoleon and FDR all suffered from it. Fortunately for them, they didn't have to endure 2009 - which has had three Friday the thirteenths - the most possible in any given year.

But despite the slasher films by the same name, there is little evidence that today is any more dangerous than any other day. In fact, a Dutch research firm found that accidents decrease on Friday the thirteenth.

That's probably because all the triskaidekaphobes are home - hiding out until Saturday the 14th rolls around.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

Hi everyone. Katie's off. I'm Russ Mitchell.

It is estimated that 24,000,000 American children are growing up without their fathers.

It's a very personal issue for Barack Obama. So, the president and first father spent most of Friday afternoon talking about the importance of dads. He took part in three separate events designed to focus attention on fathers and the vital roles they play in their children's lives.

Mr. Obama knows what it's like to grow up without a father. His left when he was only two years old, and he understands these children run a higher risk of falling into lives of poverty and crime and becoming parents themselves while still teenagers.

Of course, the vast majority of fathers are there for their kids, and we don't always give them as much attention as we'd like. So, dads, if you haven't done it lately, put aside what you're doing and toss around a ball with the kids this weekend or perhaps take them for a walk. From one dad to another, have a very happy Father's Day.

I'm Russ Mitchell. CBS News.

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Katie Couric's Notebook: Affording Sick Days
The Problem With Sick Days

Does this happen at your office? The guy at the next desk coughs and sneezes all day long. You keep your distance and wonder, why didn't he just stay home?

It may be because he wouldn't get paid.

Well, there's a move in Congress to change that. The Healthy Families Act would force companies with at least 15 employees to provide up to seven paid sick days a year. Workers could use them, not just for when they're sick, but to care for a child, parent, or spouse.

Business groups vow a fight, arguing that with so many companies on the brink in this economy, it's the wrong time to make them pay more. But supporters insist this affects all of us. Half of private sector workers, three quarters of low wage earners get docked when they're sick. They include day care workers, restaurant staff, and maybe the guy in the next cubicle. Happy, health employees are more productive employees. And more productive employees make for better business.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

Change. It's a word we heard over and over again when President Obama took office 99 days ago.

Today, pundits are arguing whether changes so far have been helpful or harmful, but there is no doubt as Mr. Obama's First 100 Days come to a close ... they have been busy.

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Last year, candidate Barack Obama left Iowa with the wind at his back, having scored an upset victory in the first caucus of the 2008 election.

Today, he returned to The Hawkeye State with a message about the wind, and how we can harness its power for energy.

While wind power provides only about two percent of our electricity now, the AP reports the wind industry generated 13,000 jobs last year.

The president's energy plan focuses on renewable resources and the creation of green jobs, but it has lawmakers from coal-producing states like Kansas seeing red.

As old debates continue about what's best for state economies versus what's needed to clean up the environment, Earth Day feels a bit like Groundhog Day.

President Obama claims his plan can satisfy both interests, but his staffers admit it's an uphill battle.

Ultimately, Congress will decide if today's talk turns into action, or just becomes a lot of hot air.

That's a page from my notebook.

Readers and colleagues,

After more than a year working on Couric & Co., I'm packing up and heading west. The newsroom has been ringing all day with the sounds of "I left my Heart in San Francisco," and, indeed, that's where I'm destined. Of course this blog was only one of my myriad duties here, but it was really the only one in which I got regular feedback from you.

So, before I pack up my coffee mug, AP stylebook, Tums and the herd of high-heels that have taken over my filing drawer, I'd like to say a big thank you to anyone who's checked out this blog, anyone who's left a comment or given us some feedback through e-mail.

And, to all the correspondents who put up with my e-nagging and contributed some great posts and stories that otherwise might not have been heard.

Click through for a couple semi-embarassing pictures. Consider it your farewell present.

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If you missed our marathon coverage from Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day, we compiled a little reel of highlights - and a bunch of behind-the-scenes moments from our set in Washington that you definitely didn't catch last week.

You'll see some cameos from Colin Powell, Russell Simmons, Jesse Jackson and more! It was a long day, but we had a lot of fun. Check it out below:

Hey, everybody!

Just a quick note to tell you about our plans for Inauguration Day, January 20th. In addition to daylong coverage on CBS, I'll be anchoring a live prime time special beginning at 9 p.m. And then, it's time for what we call our "After Party," our live Webcast. It begins at 10 p.m. ET.

The Webcast is live from a ball, so we're your all-access pass to the party and you don't even need a tuxedo!

But more importantly, our political team and guests we'll be answering your questions about the transition of power and the challenges facing the new administration in the coming months. If there's anything you want to know or a question you'd like to ask, just drop us a line at questions@cbs.com.

The video explains it all.

Thanks and see you at the Inauguration!

Anyone who's been to a VFW hall for a clam bake or a Christmas party will tell you the crowd generally consists of old men - guys who fought in World War II, Korea, or Vietnam.

In a few years, that will change.

Women are the fastest-growing group of veterans in America. There are nearly 2 million of them already, and by the year 2020, 20 percent of the vet population younger than 45 will be female.

Clearly it's not your father's Army anymore.

But just like your dad or grandpa, those women return with the wounds of war, both physical and emotional. Some have even seen combat on the frontlines.

Today as we honor all of our nation's veterans, keep in mind the many women who have served as proudly and bravely as their male colleagues.

The image of Rosie the Riveter is as outdated as her pin-curled hair. But her message still resonates today: Ladies, we can do it.

It's Election Day, do you know where your polling station is?

If you have already voted today, congratulations! It is your right and your responsibility as a citizen of this democracy. If you haven't voted, there is still time.

Judging by the long lines in Ohio, Virginia, and even here in New York City, this will be a record-breaking year. Experts say 130 million people could cast their votes before the polls close, possibly the highest number of votes in history.

This long and dramatic race has come to its final act. By the night's end, we will have a President-elect, and the face of our democracy will be changed. Alongside those paintings of the white male Presidents and Vice Presidents who've led this country since 1776...we will add either a black man or a white woman.

When the contest is behind us, a new challenge begins for the victor. But tonight, we celebrate democracy together as Americans.