Al Martinez is getting more attention for being forced to take the Trib's buyout than for writing his columns. Rallying to the veteran writer's defense are Kenani, Bill Boyarski, Joan Leonard (on the same page, Marsha Armstrong of Dr. Phil, Gia Gittleson of Los Angeles magazine (who could hire him) and assorted others. Ken Reich weighs in, as well.

Martinez will be on Patt Morrison's show today.

We're guessing that one thing Martinez won't be doing in forced retirement is

blogging:

blogs are largely the habitat of unemployed writers, enraged misanthropes, retired teachers, aging journalists and people who normally pass their time doodling or making obscene telephone calls.