My college diploma says I majored in English, but I actually majored in editing the student newspaper. I took over as editor-in-chief on Nov. 22, 1963 (talk about your basic baptism by fire). I did everything from paste-up to tossing bundles on front stoops. It qualified me for my first professional job: cub reporter for the Albuquerque Tribune, a Scribbs-Howard p.m.

I spent 13 months there before falling in love with a young woman who lived in D.C. While on a Labor Day, 1967, visit to her, I decided to apply to the Post. It lasted. We didn't.

In my first 14 years on the staff, I worked as (in order) night police reporter, day police reporter, roving national political reporter, assistant city editor, courts reporter, District Building reporter, Capitol Hill reporter, feature writer, assistant sports editor, and feature writer again.

In June 1981, I was asked to write a daily column. Having tried just about everything else, I signed up. It lasted. Somehow, 3,000 columns later, I have too.

I was born in Manhattan and grew up in the Bronx. I escaped at a tender age to attend the University of Chicago, where I earned a BA with special honors.

I've worked for seven local radio stations and four local TV stations as a commentator and talk show host. I've taught journalism at three local universities. I'm a life master and regional champion at tournament bridge, and I still play competitive slow-pitch softball (good field, spotty hit).

I'm married to historian (and recovering journalist) Jane Freundel Levey. I have two children, both of whom profess to be bored by newspapers, but there's time.