Conservative senators join 10,000 others
at former Jew's megachurch

Hymns and prayers rarely run more than 10 seconds over their allotted time. Executive producers follow precise cues for mood lights or, at times, a fog machine. The sanctuary stage has the same lighting system as the Kennedy Center and features 92 loudspeakers, more than Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.

Nothing done by Solomon, a man with an admittedly obsessive eye for detail, is sloppy. During an announcement about Sunday school, he pats the head of a boy -- but not before he discusses the little gesture with his staff. Then it is repeated in precisely the same way at all six weekend services.

What can I say? It's not my style.