Martin Schneider writes:

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George Packer praises an obscure civil servant toiling in federal bureaucracy.

The Front Row: Hilton Als can't stop watching Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect.

Steve Coll unravels the broadband plans in the stimulus bill.

Evan Osnos, Twitterer, expects more surprises from China's National Congress.

Hendrik Hertzberg thinks Ronald Radosh has lost his marbles.

News Desk: Lauren Collins on James Salter; the dog handler at Abu Ghraib dies.

Sasha Frere-Jones suggests Neko Case and house music for the weekend.

James Surowiecki won't be watching Jerry Seinfeld's new TV show.

The Book Bench: A poet submits to a vote; will Reader's Digest go bankrupt?

The Cartoon Lounge: One million dogs; David Sipress draws man's best friend.

Goings On: Michael Jackson's big announcement; Britney Spears returns.