It looks to be an interesting week.

Of course the big story this week will be the “Wise Latina” Senate confirmation hearings starting today.

Hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee begin Monday with opening remarks from the panel’s 12 Democrats and 7 Republicans, followed by Sotomayor’s own statement that is expected to emphasize her compelling rise from poverty in New York City.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the committee chairman, planned to kick off the proceedings with laudatory remarks that also sought to firmly establish Sotomayor as a judge who follows wherever the law leads her.

“In truth, we do not have to speculate about what kind of a justice she will be because we have seen the kind of judge she has been. She is a judge in which all Americans can have confidence. She has been a judge for all Americans and will be a justice for all Americans,” Leahy said in excerpts of his statement that were provided to The Associated Press.

Questioning of Sotomayor will wait for Tuesday.

Yes, “we have seen the kind of judge she has been.” Overturned.

Also later today the Council of Economic Advisers will issue a report saying that healthcare and environmental jobs are growing at a faster rate than those of the U.S. economy as a whole.

The report, which looks at how the U.S. labor market is expected to develop in the next few years, says a rebound in employment in construction and some manufacturing sectors is expected as stimulus spending approved early this year invests in projects around the country.

The report is based on an analysis of recent labor market data, a White House official said. The report identifies likely changes in the U.S. labor market as economic drivers shift from sectors like financial services to the growing sectors that are transforming the economy, the official said.

Personally, I wonder if the healthcare and environmental job numbers, or any of the rest for that matter, are going to be real jobs, or the smoke, mirrors, and thin air numbers of “created or saved” fame. I have a guess, but will wait and see.

Tomorrow night is the MLB All-Star game. Four of my Phillies are on the team: Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard, and Shane Victorino. I’ll be watching.

I’ll be discussing these stories, and more, on bRight @ Night, tonight at 11:00 ET on Blog Talk Radio. You can call in and share your thoughts: (718) 664-9725 or go to the show page and look for the click to talk button. The chat room will open just before show time.

I hope you have a great week.

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I have worked as an umpire for years at the high school, American Legion, and college level. The equipment you wear does a great job of protecting you, but it’s not full-proof. I’ve had a few kids let one get by and have paid the price. However, when I was behind the plate it was probably some kid on the mound who topped out at around 60mph on a good day.

MLB Umpire Kerwin Danley‘s jaw was the backstop for a 96mph pitch from Brad Penny.

Plate umpire Kerwin Danley was carried off the field in the fourth inning after a pitch from Dodgers right-hander Brad Penny knocked the crew chief to the ground.

The game was stopped for 18 minutes while Danley was put into an ambulance and driven out through the center-field gate. The crowd of 50,469 applauded as Danley was placed into the ambulance.

Here’s a video of the incident.

The good news?

Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch said Danley lost consciousness briefly, but was conscious, coherent and breathing when he was placed into the ambulance. Dodgers medical personnel accompanied him to Good Samaritan Hospital, where officials said Sunday that Danley was treated in the emergency room and released.

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