The Planet will be back later on in the evening for more posts after a busy early morning doing two guest radio spots. We’re in between deadlines at this moment, so let’s dash off a couple or three quickies.

First, a word about the “Response” or “Talk Back” feature of this site. The Internet is an amazing thing. It allows instant communication, literally, across the globe. When you invite responses to stories, though, one must be on guard.

We're all connected, but be cool about it, eh?

Thus, The Planet made the decision to allow this “reader response” feature, since we are huge advocates of free speech. We will not, however, allow “helmet to helmet hits” — in other words, posts that, in our judgment, violate even the most liberal interpretations of intellectually honest deliberation, debate, and discussion. This week, we trashed a number of posts. If you want to be a clod, be it elsewhere. We here at The Planet are about exchanges of information, not exchanges of ignorance. Hit hard but hit clean.

Two New Regular Features Added

The Planet is adding a new feature called “The PLANET’S Top 5.” This started inadvertently when we listed our top five baseball movies of all time. It got a tremendous response, judging by the number of hits. Our “Top 5” will be preferential, subjective, personal, and provocative. WE ENCOURAGE READERS TO TELL US IF THEY AGREE OR NOT WITH OUR CHOICES. ALSO, FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR “TOP 5” IN ANY CATEGORY.

Today, the Top 5 looks at Berkshire County eateries, category, breakfast:

Bob's Country Kitchen is Tops in The Planet's "Top 5" breakfast places in Berkshire County. Find out the other four below.

(1) Bob’s Country Kitchen, Rt. 7, Lanesboro. Good food, good price, from good people.

(2) Elm Street Market, Stockbridge. In the a.m., the place to be. Regular Jack Fitzpatrick sightings.

(3) On a Roll, North Street, Pittsfield. The most creative breakfast menu in town. Dee-lish.

(4) Martin’s, Railroad Street, Gt. Barrington. Busy, bouncy, brimming, and bright.

(5) Villa Valenti, Stockbridge, so exclusive, no one goes there except by personal invitation.

The second recurring feature (not every day but more than occasionally) will be “It Didn’t Happen.” This will be items we wish had occurred by didn’t. Today’s first, “It Didn’t Happen”:

Kudos to Chris Speranzo, Smitty Pignatelli, and Paul Mark — Democratic candidates for state rep — for holding a joint news conference publicly apologizing to the electorate in Berkshire County for smearing the democratic process by snubbing debates and forums, formal or informal, this week. It takes a lot for a man to apologize, but with their apology, these three stalwart specimens of humanity showed class, character, and courage, and guess what: IT DIDN’T HAPPEN!!!!!!!