Good Journalism Makes For... Well, What Does Good Journalism Make For?

On June 4, you heard it here first

And, lastly, this nugget: It's being whispered that the first encyclical of Benedict XVI is being targeted for a December 8 publication, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the close of the Second Vatican Council.

And on July 22, you heard it here first again

the first Encyclical (coming to a bookshelf near you on December 8)

And only today, Reuters chimes in

Pope Benedict has written his first encyclical, the highest form of papal writing addressed to all members of the Roman Catholic Church, a Vatican source said on Monday.

The source said the encyclical, which is expected to be published before the end of the year, deals with one's personal relationship with God.

The work is just under 50 pages long and will probably be published to coincide with the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, the source said.

Forgive my lack of erudition but, well, duh. Not like I didn't say this, um, almost five months ago.

Suffice it to say, I've got my beat covered. Again.

-30-