Update: I wrote another story published today. Check it out here. Also, the bureau chief, Leila, has put together some well-written features worth reading. One on the four truck bombings last week that killed 500 people (read it here), and another on how sectarianism has torn couples apart from each other (read it here).

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I haven't done a good job responding to some of the solid questions thrown out in this blog's comments section. So I'm making up for that now... right after I wipe my greasy fingers clean of another round of Iraqi pizza leftovers. Mmmmm...

Rodger, you're right. If I was smart I would probably carry a weapon during these missions. But I'm not that bright, as it turns out, and also the Rules of Media Engagement here prohibit us note-takers from taking guns or other weapons. So instead, I just trust the guy with the gun next to me to guard me with his life. Which I'm sure he will.

Hey Cliff, good to hear from you, dude. I'm already working on my Edward R. Murrow delivery: "Good night, and good luck."

Hi Emily, I haven't heard of the Spanish word Ojala, which you say means something similar to en'shallah (God-willing), despite the fact I took 2 ½ years of Spanish.

Hi Aunt Betty, yes, the electrical system is all messed up here. I actually went to a press conference on that issue yesterday featuring the minister of electricity. It'll be a few years before things are up to speed here. The problem is that it's basically a free for all out there and that, like most things here, if you have power or connections, you get more electricity than the next guy.

Hey Janel, I will indeed try my best to stay safe. Thanks for the note.

"T" - you say the local nationals can turn on you in a moment's notice. I've heard many stories about that. It's frustrating because regardless of whether you're with the military, media, or any other organization, there's few locals you can truly trust. They could be your friend for 100 days, and then on the next day turn on you - sometimes because they're forced to, sometimes for money, and sometimes because that was the plan all along.

Barbara, I heard about Larissa Schuster's trial being moved. My fate is once again in the hands of Judge Wayne Ellison.

Hey Amber, yes, I'm starting a new trend. The Collins Jacket. Part leather, part New York City, part metal plate, part Kevlar. Can you do a photo shoot?

Eccles, thanks for your questions: You asked about whether it is difficult to write stories when I am limited mostly to military sources and whether we have local sources who can help develop a story. You're right, it's frustrating having limited sources here. The U.S. military and embassy (though the embassy less so) are usually responsive to questions, although of course the spokespersons give only limited information. Some military officials, however, can be pretty candid, and during my embed most were pretty good about letting me roam around and talk to soldiers, though others wanted to me to keep them in the loop on whatever I was doing.

The Iraqi government and politicians are frustrating. They are slow to respond, give vague answers, and are very selective about who's phone calls they answer. There is one key spokesperson here who only answers our calls if it comes from this one female Iraqi reporter who works here. He once jokingly said to her that he'd like to kidnap her. Also, I've heard some officials will do interviews only if they're bribed. So much for being a public servant. There are a few, however, who are cooperative and speak frankly.

The Iraqi journalists here are invaluable. Any news agency would be practically worthless without them. They're the ones who can call up their friends, get a feel for what the average Iraqi feels, and translate and give context. That definitely broadens the number of sources we have.

I have noticed that there are a lot of left-wingers/conspiracy theorists commenting on McClatchy's stories. Not sure exactly why.

You're last question about whether Iraq could ever be stabilized is a hard one. I'd like to try and take a crack at that later toward the end of my time here.

Hey Sharyn, I do feel like I'm on a different planet. Western society is like some weird dream to me now.

Hi Jack, I hung out with some LAT reporters last night, but none of them were Louise. I'll try to find her (the Times is based on the floor above us).

Hi Naomi, good to hear from you. Glad you found the blog. Let me know how you're doing one of these days.