Thursday:

The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice offered a "prayer for peace" at a gala dinner of Asia's largest security meeting last night.

The talented pianist played a Brahms sonata at the summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) to reflect her sombre mood following a diplomatic visit to the Middle East.

"It’s a serious time," Dr Rice said before the gala dinner — traditionally a night of song and dance performed by the diplomats themselves — but others did not share her sentiments and went all out to entertain.

How are they dealing with the somber tremors of World War III back at the White House?

Friday:

"President George W. Bush welcomes nine of the top 10 American Idol finalists to the Oval Office at the White House."

Sunday:

"White House South Lawn Tee Ball"

Video

Yes, as President Bush briefly emerges from his bunker situation room for some fresh air, you can see that the strain of round-the-clock crisis management is clearly taking its toll on him.

Weighty times indeed.