Phil Alexander, a computer technician, lets his hair down by writing songs and attending open-mike events.

WSJ: Brits Find Writing a Cheddar Anthem That Isn't Cheesy Isn't Easy

In other words: Over the years, semiregular flashes of Norquist defiance have tended to be one of those Washington obsessions that grab big headlines to little permanent effect, sort of like open-mike profanity on the campaign trail.

CNN: Norquist's no-tax pledge has survived challenges before

Marcum (0-6) allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 2-3 innings, becoming the first Mets pitcher to open a season with six consecutive losses since Mike Pelfrey went 0-7 in 2007.

WSJ: Marcum gets little help, Mets' winning streak ends

Republicans will be competitive in Democratic open seats in Iowa, Michigan and Montana if they recruit top-quality candidates like Rep. Mike Rogers, who's considering a run for Michigan's open seat.

WSJ: Rove: The GOP Sets Its Sights on the Senate in 2014

In one of the open races, Democrat Mike McMahon won the last GOP-held seat in New York City, defeating the GOP's Robert Straniere.

CNN: Democrats widen House majority, CNN projects

That perception may have been strengthened, in a roundabout way, by the incident in which she and fellow GOP talking head Mike Murphy were caught trash-talking Sarah Palin into an open mic last fall: The backstage Noonan was refreshingly candid about assessing the weakness of the Palin pick.

FORBES: The trouble with Peggy

Fisher poked the ball away from Memphis' Mike Conley, springing three-time NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant into the open court with a chance to put the Thunder on top.

NPR: Durant, Thunder Edge Grizzlies 93-91 In Game 1

"Losing sight, " Rutgers coach Mike Rice said of how Connaughton was able to be open and go 6 of 8 from 3-point range and finish with a season-high 21 points in the 24th-ranked Fighting Irish's 69-61 victory Wednesday night in the second round of the Big East tournament.

WSJ: Rutgers can't stop Connaughton in loss to Irish