Robert Pattinson; Never Think

Who knew the man could sing and play too?

Moving lyrics.

PARAMORE: Decode

My Twilight Review

I chose to forgo the Midnight showing last Friday, but was just as excited Sunday evening to see Twilight hit the big screen.

A tried and true fan of the written series, I've managed to get two friends, mom, sister, hair dresser, and coworker hooked. Disclaimer: I cannot help if those friends get overly excited and purchase the subsequent books before I can loan them out.

Needless to say, the movie was a smash hit. Disappointments hit only after when I realized the parts of the book that get left out. But it's hard in Hollywood,and on a $37 million budget, to get a 500 page book and all it's high-school romance glory, to translate to the big screen.

Well done, screenwriter and director. Each major scene was hit in some way, and dialogue was true to the book. Moving to Forks, car scene, first encounter, lunchtime, evenings in her room, meeting the vampire family, the hunt, etc. Pattinson was exactly as I pictured Edward, to a tee. Stewart, in trailers left me wanting more, but did very well to the character of Bella.

Soundtrack was especially moving.

My favorite part was the feeling of a school girl, giggling quietly in the parts where the actors' faces somehow wink at the fans of the books more so than to a simple movie viewer in the audience. We know exactly what the intention of a glance or a smirk might mean, knowing the backstories and the future of these characters.

For what could have flopped, and with only a few semi-cheesey effects, is a much applauded movie. It was funny. I was pleased.

And for the males in awe of this sudden mayhem, the first may be a little too lovey dovey, but the idea of these vampires that live among humans is fascinating. The second book is often the favorite for male readers, so I'm told. New Moon should make for an even better movie, with motorcycle tricks, cliff-diving, scenes in Italy, and more.

Music in nature

Literally, a piano in the woods.

Discovered by a woman who was walking a trail, the Baldwin Acrosonic piano, model number 987, is intact -- and, apparently, in tune.

Sgt. Adam Hutton of the Harwich Police Department said information has been broadcast to all the other police departments in the Cape Cod area in hopes of drumming up a clue, however minor it may be.

But so far, the investigation is flat.

Also of note: Near the mystery piano -- serial number 733746 -- was a bench, positioned as though someone was about to play.

The piano was at the end of a dirt road, near a walking path to a footbridge in the middle of conservation land near the Cape.

It took a handful of police to move the piano into a vehicle to transport it to storage, so it would appear that putting it into the woods took more than one person.

Why would you tell the police? I would have sat down and played.

(Props to the author for the musical references throughout this story.)

Obama & Babbs

Barbara Walters asked a lot of questions. I truly did like the banter between Michelle and President-Elect Obama. But I dislike the way he's always starting with "Look."

Don't talk down to us, please.

Stronger

So long, Colmes

Hannity will have to do it on his own, now?

Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity is losing his liberal half. Alan Colmes of the network's "Hannity & Colmes" said Monday that he'll be leaving the prime-time show after 12 years. He'll continue as a commentator on Fox programs, keep doing his radio show and is developing a weekend show at Fox.

"We have a Democratic House, Senate and president," Colmes said in an interview. "My work is done."

Ha! That better have been a joke.

Vick gets probation...

Michael Vick pleas guilty.

SUSSEX, Va. -- Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty Tuesday to a state dogfighting charge, a necessary step to make him eligible for early release from prison and potentially speed a return to the NFL.

Vick, 28, pleaded guilty to one charge and not guilty to a second count that was then dropped. The former Atlanta Falcons star was given a three-year suspended sentence.

"I want to apologize to the court, my family, and to all the kids who looked up to me as a role model," Vick told the judge.

Vick already is serving a 23-month sentence in Leavenworth, Kan. for a federal dogfighting conviction. He's scheduled for release on July 20, 2009, and will serve three years' probation.

Vick was convicted of the federal charges in August 2007 when he admitted bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in eastern Virginia's rural Surry County, southeast of Richmond. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs.

It's not enough to those puppies.

Ho-ho-so Greedy

Audience guests at Oprah's Favorite Things show are probably the most coveted tickets for females aged 33-72 since George Clooney broke up with that model.

Strike that, they're the most coveted tickets in the history of talk shows, anytime, ever.

And people are complaining that they're not getting enough free stuff?!

Oprah's "Favorite Things" episode is one of the best tickets in town every year. The lucky members of the studio audience usually walk away with some very expensive gifts as the host talks up things to buy on the show. Last year it was a $3,800 HDTV refrigerator. This year? Coal. Or maybe, hugs?

Well, not exactly. A leak about the highly secretive show, which airs next Wednesday on the day before Thanksgiving, has made it to Perez Hilton, who reports that one audience member was sorely disappointed by the price tag of her swag. The Oprah Blog confirms that the gift list will be toned down this year, and that some of the gifts will even be free.

Wow, what a greedy bitch.

Some people would be happy if Oprah handed them a wad of her used toilet paper. And some, would just be grateful to be in the audience and see her.

Let's be Thankful, shall we?

Because the Bush admin. is so dangerous..

Risky business.

"Despite the hopes of many human-rights advocates, the new Obama Justice Department is not likely to launch major new criminal probes of harsh interrogations and other alleged abuses by the Bush administration," Newsweek's Michael Isikoff reports. "But one idea that has currency among some top Obama advisers is setting up a 9/11-style commission that would investigate counterterrorism policies and make public as many details as possible."

"At a minimum, the American people have to be able to see and judge what happened," said one senior adviser, who asked not to be identified talking about policy matters. The commission would be empowered to order the U.S. intelligence agencies to open their files for review and question senior officials who approved "waterboarding" and other controversial practices.

Obama aides are wary of taking any steps that would smack of political retribution.

They should be.

If they are talking about quitting the Patriot Act (because heaven forbid people are bitching unnecessarily about the possibility that their phone records might be accessed -OH MY!), I'd say grow up and choose something else to talk about. Our rights are not being taken away, our freedom is being protected.

Too easily said? If Obama attacks the Bush administration's oversight of our military in a time of war and the methods they may have used to obtain vital information to keep Americans safe from terrorism, we know the press will happily perform for him, but it will harm our resolve.

Some soldiers partaking in activities demoralizing other human beings should be punished, yes. But there are some things best left off of the American public's radar screen.

2 in the Morning -New Kids On the Block

Yes, watching this takes me back - 8 and 11 year old sisters watching the Hangin' Tough video tape in my sister's NKOTB sheets.

Ah, memories.

Obama's mug is everywhere

Now on D.C. Metrocards.

The subway system in Washington, D.C., is making fare cards featuring President-elect Barack Obama's image to commemorate his inauguration as the 44th president.

SmarTrip cards with Obama's smiling face will be available in January, Metro spokesman Stephen Taubenkibel told DCist. Regular fare cards marking the Jan. 20 inauguration will be available in late December.

Im sort of nonplussed about all this love.



Frankly, if I were Metro, I'd feel a tad embarrassed.

Boot-y Camp

AOL changed their headline from "Man loses weight for ODD reason" to "Man Dropped 140 Lbs. in 11 Months" in the same day. And rightfully so.

Army and Navy recruiters took one look at 330-pound Ulysses Milana and told him to forget about joining.

"'You've got to lose weight,'" Milana remembers them saying.

But Marine recruiters were willing to work with him as he began his weight-loss journey in December 2007.

Now, 11 months later, Milana is 140 pounds lighter as he leaves Monday for Parris Island, S.C., to begin boot camp.

It wasn't easy, Milana said, but he managed to slim down through exercise, healthier eating habits and forgoing an occasional beer after work. The 23-year-old said he even refused a beer at his going-away party Saturday night.

Milana said he always wanted to follow in his family's footsteps by serving his country. His wife, Latoya, also comes from a military family.

It's not odd. It's admirable.

We need more men like Ulysses.

Obama

Obama is, according to Marisa Guthrie, "a Historically transformative figure."

I'm sorry, yes he's the first black president. But what has he DONE to transform the path of history?

Can we wait a little until he's actually sworn in?

Nights in Rodanthe, the book

I'm feeling anti-politics lately...so a book review:

Nights in Rodanthe had me crying on page...ahem...13. It was beautifully written, although sometimes Sparks reveals emotions so quickly you wonder if he could have led in a little slower.

Nonetheless, the somewhat predictable ending and yet familiarly cozy sandwich effect of the "present" around the "past," is a no-fail strategy for selling love-story books.

Sweet. Touching. Aching. Empowering.

Now I can't wait to see the movie.

High school student dead from prop-gun

What is a kid doing with a prop-gun at a school play to begin with?

A 17-year-old Washington County high school student died Saturday after firing a blank-shooting prop pistol used for a play.

Authorities say the Desert Hills student died from head injuries. The pistol was found in the student's hands shortly before the play "Oklahoma!" was scheduled to begin.

St. George Police Captain Bruce Graham says there were no bullets in the gun, but the gas in it has the same energy that a bullet does.

A prop gun? "Prop guns" should be water guns painted black, or anything not able to cause fatal injuries. This is all on the adult who allowed that prop to even enter the stage area.

Aiding China in the Space race

This is just great.

Chinese-born U.S. physicist and businessman pleaded guilty Monday to bribing Chinese space program officials and illegally providing U.S. space launch data to the Beijing government.

Shu Quan-Sheng, 68, of Newport News, Virginia, admitted his role before a federal judge in Norfolk. Authorities said the naturalized citizen had been the subject of a FBI counterintelligence investigation from 2003 to 2007.

Under the plea deal, Shu admitted he had on three occasions offered bribes totaling nearly $200,000 on behalf of a client firm that ultimately won a $4 million contract.

Federal prosecutors in Virginia said Shu faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $1 million for the export control violations, and up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 on the bribery conviction.

Let's just export him to China where, without his "inside scoop," they'll see how helpful he really is.

Bad letter

Ease up, wing-nut.

Dear Editor:
I wholeheartedly agree with your opinions on J.B. Van Hollen! I've long been wondering if somebody might start a recall petition to oust him from his office. He's done a string of things, including pushing out career employees (who even had great reviews of job performance), but this lawsuit filed before the election was nothing but a tool to suppress the vote. It's the only way Republicans can win, so that's become their mantra -- "voter fraud." But for an attorney general of a state -- the top officer of the state Justice Department, which SHOULD stand for justice for ALL (not just for Republicans!) -- to try at the last minute to suppress the vote for political reasons is unconscionable!

And where does he get off being co-chair of John McCain's campaign anyway? That sends the wrong message -- that he is only fighting for one side, just like the federal Justice Department. So who can trust anything the Justice Department does now?

It's time to RECALL Van Hollen! Can someone PLEASE start a recall petition?

Lynn Brethouwer, Madison.

That this was even published, citing "a string of things," leaves me wanting an explanation from the Cap Times. And furthermore, hey Lynn, why don't you get off your ass and do something about it if you're so upset.

This is why I can't handle liberal Madison's "activists." Whine, whine, complain, complain. But when you're really upset, you're still asking for someone else to do the work or pay for the cost.

In the meantime, I'd like to say that 1) Van Hollen in no way attempted or was able of suppressing your precious vote for Obama (who won Dane county 3-1), 2)has made decisions that have alienated his own Republican party members when he's chosen NOT to make the office one of political moves, but of upholding the LAW, and 3)look at who was pulling for Obama- our GOVERNOR.

Get a clue.

SC Race begins

Just when we thought we could take a breath...

A Jefferson County circuit court judge is expected to announce he is running against Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.

Judge Randy Koschnick planned a news conference for Monday afternoon in the state Capitol to discuss the race. His press release was paid for by a committee called Koschnick for Justice.

The 48-year-old Koschnick said in October that he was leaning toward running and if he did, it would be as a "traditional judicial conservative."

The 74-year-old Abrahamson is running for a fourth 10-year term on the court she joined in 1976. She has served as chief justice since 1996.

It's likely she'll win, handily. But I'm always up for a surprising Election night. I'll be watching the media vultures, who I expect will continue in top form, even tired from the past November race.

They wouldn't want a new, or returning member, of the court to actually enjoy their victory.

Love

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because in love there is forgiveness for sins without number.

Packers tied up at top of NFC North

I missed this 37-3 whooping, but was grateful for game-time updates.

Grant and Rodgers both benefited from much-improved play by the Packers offensive line, which pushed around a Bears defense that had been strong against the run but vulnerable to the pass.

The Packers also protected Rodgers far better than they did in last week's loss at Minnesota. A week after taking four sacks and giving up two safeties, Rodgers wasn't sacked and barely was touched by the Bears' pass rush.

Rodgers completed his first seven passes, including a 3-yard slant to Greg Jennings for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.

Feels good to get a win.

GO PACK!

Founding Farmers

A new restaurant, owned by the North Dakota Farmers Union, has opened in Washington, D.C.

A modern, contemporary twist on rustic with faux clouds, the atmosphere was much enjoyed and the food, even more so.

I highly recommend it. OH, and it's green too.

Gymnast headed for Hollywood

Alicia Sacramone is done with the beam and moving on to TV.

Twenty-one-year-old Alicia Sacramone, who became a fan favorite at the Olympics for her "never give up" mentality that came after falling in both the beam and floor competition for Team USA, has been in talks with MTV, Bravo, A&E and Style for a television show about her fashion sense.

Please. Does anyone else realize leotards and scrunchies are on the "out" list?

At least give her something more substantial than fashion.

Mo Rocca & Cindy McCain

I laughable tale.

I had broken through to Cindy, yes, but she was in total control of this conversation. Perhaps this was the only kind of conversation we could have -- and it was better than nothing. But I had something to add, something I suspected she didn't know.

"Well, Caesar's still serves a great salad. But it's also partly a strip joint," I blurted.

Cindy reared back, a hand to her chest. "Oh my goodness, I won't tell my mother-in-law that."

Whole account, here. A guaranteed chuckle.

Inhumane!

Poor little guy.

Why I am a Reagan Conservative

Why I am a Reagan Conservative. I'm reading this collection of essays, to remind myself more or less.

So far, each essay author has spoken to me in some way.

Michael Medved: "I embrace conservative ideas because they work. The values emphasized by right-wing thingers and leaders -values of individual responsibility, fair competition, optimism, rewards for hard work, family, fidelity, religious faith, peace through strength and patriotism -maximize any individual's chances of achieving personal success and satisfaction.

On the other hand, the tendencies of contemporary liberalism -whining, politically correct conformity, competitive victimization, dependence on government, sexual and social experimentation, emphasis on group identity over individualism, justification of criminality, militant secularism, and utopian pacifism -increase the likelihood of disaster and despair on both a national and individual basis."

The distinction, at it's most basic level.

Doyle, of possible use to Obama

He's been "contacted."

It is unknown what potential positions Doyle might be offered or would be interested in within the Obama administration.

Given Doyle's law background, there is some speculation that he could be offered the attorney general job, but so far his name hasn't shown up on any circulated lists.

Doyle has said numerous times in the last few weeks that he "intends to remain the governor of Wisconsin" but would have to consider the possibility of an appointment if asked by the president.

Well, he's certainly...articulate?

WISC-TV asked Doyle following Obama's election about how hard it would be to turn down an appointment.

"I've never had a president call me up and say, 'This what I'd like you to do,' and if that call were to come -- and I don't think it's going to come, I wouldn't expect that it would come, I'm not trying to have it come -- if that call were to come, I think I, just like anyone, would have to take it very seriously," said Doyle.

Some nerves there?

If Doyle was interested in a possible appointment, he would have to complete a 63-item questionnaire.

Obama's team is asking each possible selection for an administration appointment to complete the questionnaire, which includes questions about everything from Internet aliases to prior gifts worth more than $50 from people other than friends and family.

It also asks candidates to identify all speeches they have given and to provide text or recordings of each.

It is unknown if Doyle is currently compiling that information.

He better weigh his answers to those 63 questions carefully... it could determine the shape of Obama's cabinet.

And not to mention his departure would leave us with Governor Lawton. Awesome, a governor who supports, like, arts, and stuff.

Palin tells it like she sees it

Sarah Palin is set in her convictions. She does not allow others to tell her what to think. She doesn't apologize for her beliefs or her statements.

Palin was more conciliatory in an interview with CNN. Asked by Wolf Blitzer if she was prepared to work with the new president, she replied: "It would be my honor to assist and support our new president and the new administration, yes. And I speak for other Republicans, other Republican governors also, they being willing also to, again, seize this opportunity that we have to progress this nation together, a united front."

But the governor, who had accused Obama during the campaign of "palling around with terrorists," repeated her criticism of his one-time relationship with William Ayers, a founder of a radical political group in the 1960s.

"I still am concerned about that association with Bill Ayers," Palin told CNN. "And if anybody still wants to talk about it, I will, because this is an unrepentant domestic terrorist who had campaigned to blow up, to destroy our Pentagon and our U.S. Capitol. That's an association that still bothers me."

I will continue to watch her (along with the world) and cheer!

Facebook

Facebook should still remain a college-student tool. And if you're a few years out of college, that's ok too.

But what's with all the older people getting on? Parents and grandparents... it's awkward and weird.

random thoughts

about airports: They should all have rocking chairs, like in St. Louis.

And microwaves, to reheat my coffee in since it takes me so long to drink it and it gets cold.

What, Obama's going to raise taxes?

His own read my lips crap is already a topic of discussion.

For investors, especially wealthier Americans, the victory of Barack Obama's Presidential campaign has raised the fear of higher taxes.

Obama actually proposes tax cuts on middle- and lower-income Americans, but he also campaigned on higher taxes on the wealthy—generally defined as couples earning more than $250,000 per year. Income-tax rates could be affected, as well as estate taxes and tax rates on capital gains and stock dividends (BusinessWeek, 6/11/08).

Many economists cringe at the idea that the government could raise taxes during a recession, but Washington experts say it has happened several times in the past, when recessions and falling revenue often inflate deficits. The best hope for tax-fearing investors may be that Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress will delay tax increases.

Let's hope.

Veterans, we salute you.

Bush graceful in transition

I'd expect nothing less.

And on that front, Bush is going well beyond the minimum. He has embraced the role of statesman with such gusto that it has been hard to miss.

The result is that Bush's last image at the White House will be one of a magnanimous leader. Whether it will improve his legacy is another matter.

"This has been a very good moment late in his presidency, and, I think it's fair to say, much appreciated by the nation," said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, the home of Bush's planned presidential library.

On Monday at the White House, Bush warmly welcomed Obama, whose dominant win last week was largely seen as a referendum on the Bush years.

The two leaders spent more than an hour discussing domestic and foreign policy in the Oval Office. And then Bush gave Obama a personal tour all around.

The world saw video images that were replayed all day and night: Bush and first lady Laura Bush greeting Obama and his wife, Michelle, as if they were old friends; Bush strolling with the president-elect along the famous Colonnade adjacent to the Rose Garden, both men waving and smiling.

Translation: Smooth transition.

I don't think he gives a rat's A** if it "improves his legacy."

Harry Reid's a jerk

Get your head out of your rear.

Obama is working to build a diverse Cabinet. That includes reaching out to Republicans and independents — part of the broad coalition that supported Obama during the race against Republican John McCain. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has been mentioned as a possible holdover.

"He's not even a Republican," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said. "Why wouldn't we want to keep him? He's never been a registered Republican."

Why does it matter, Reid? If he's competent, and in a time of war, it might be smart to keep the top level folks in place at the Department of Defense, no matter your politics. If he HAD been a registered Republican, at some time in his life, would you consider keeping him or put him out with tomorrow's trash?

May I remind you, there had to be quite a few Republicans voting for the President-Elect, even though they weren't "Registered Democrats."

You want to talk non-partisan White House-Congressional alliances? Bite me.

Good idea

Gotta stock up now.

...Gun enthusiasts nationwide are stocking up on firearms out of fears that the combination of an Obama administration and a Democrat-dominated Congress will result in tough new gun laws.

"I think they're going to really try to crack down on guns and make it harder for people to try to purchase them," said Smith, 32, who taught all five of her children — ages 4 to 10 — to shoot because the family relies on game for food.

Last month, as an Obama win looked increasingly inevitable, there were more than 108,000 more background checks for gun purchases than in October 2007, a 15 percent increase. And they were up about 8 percent for the year as of Oct. 26, according to the FBI.

No data was available for gun purchases this week, but gun shops from suburban Virginia to the Rockies report record sales since Tuesday's election.

They're scared to death of losing their rights," said David Hancock, manager of Bob Moates, where sales have nearly doubled in the past week and are up 15 percent for the year. On Election Day, salespeople were called in on their day off because of the crowd.

Obama has said he respects Americans' Second Amendment right to bear arms, but that he favors "common sense" gun laws. Gun rights advocates interpret that as meaning he'll at least enact curbs on ownership of assault and concealed weapons.

Gas prices dropping

Saweet.

Gas prices in Madison are closing in on $2.29 per gallon. It has been almost two years since prices have been that low, and prices could get even lower.

"It's really a perfect storm for low gas prices," Roth said. "Right now, consumers are enjoying the benefit of basically a recession, which is sad in terms of employment. But for those consumers who have to drive, it's a good thing right now."

The drops have been significant -- almost $1.47 per gallon since July. AAA spokesman Larry Kamholz said prices are not done falling yet.

"We still anticipate that our gas prices are probably going to continue to drop until the end of the year," Kamholz said.

A break is a break. We'll take it.

Where was coverage of this before 11/4?

Dog-companies weigh in on Obama's promise

"Sasha and Malia ... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us ...to the new White House." Obama said it. Now dog-loving companies are putting a paw in.

The Pedigree pups are writing direct letters.

Text: Dear President-Elect Obama, We'd love to help you fulfil your first campaign promise. We are thrilled that you are celebrating your victory by adopting a dog into your family. We think you'll find that shelter dogs are among the most loyal, loving and special dogs in the world. And no dog is more in need of a little hope. You can find a great dog and learn more about responsible adoption at www.DogsRule.com.

And for whomever the new First Family will choose, Milkbone's got the goods all promised and ready. Free bones.

"Milk-Bone, the iconic pet snack brand that is celebrating its 100th anniversary by recognizing Milk-Bone Moments, wishes to congratulate the new first family on the historic moment that occurred Tuesday night and their commitment to future pet parenthood by offering to supply the family with a LIFETIME supply of Milk-Bone dog biscuits. The Milk-Bone brand takes an oath to keep the presidential pooch-elect stocked with as many dog biscuits as he or she could wish for!"

Barney got the shaft. But then again so did Buddy.

Woof. Woof.

Grateful for migraines

Never thought I'd say this, but if it's true, I'm grateful for headaches where I usually want to rip out my eyeballs.

Migraine sufferers who likely have no kind words about the condition may take comfort in news that women who get the extra-strength headaches have a 30-percent lower breast cancer risk, according to a new US study.

"We found that, overall, women who had a history of migraines had a 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not have a history of such headaches," said Christopher Li, a breast-cancer epidemiologist and associate member of the Hutchinson Center's Public Health Sciences Division in Seattle, Washington.

While the biological mechanism behind the association between migraines and breast cancer is not entirely understood Li and colleagues suspect that it has to do with hormone fluctuations.

"Migraines seem to have a hormonal component in that they occur more frequently in women than in men, and some of their known triggers are associated with hormones," Li said.

I'll endure them for now.

Thoughts on the election

I wish President Obama well. I honestly do. It is imperative that he learn some quick lessons and get his handle on the job as soon as possible.

If you look at the WI map, McCain was crushed here. He barely won Walworth county, which having gone for Bush 60%-40% in 2004, is simply stunning. But at that point, there was nothing any campaign could really have done. Campaigns can't move the nation on their own, when its mindset is already determined. Change.

This is worse on the state level for Republicans than 2006, but on the national level 2006 was worse. With a few new GOP Govs across the state, and holding on to give the Dems only a 54-seat Senate majority, we'll look ahead to a new leader.

Four years ago the Democrats felt as we did, after re-electing Bush and making congressional gains. And they chose a 4-year state senator to lead them out... anything can happen.

Chatting with a Dem operative from the 70's and 80's, he mentioned that Obama's election is very reminiscent of the Carter election in '76. Following the Nixon years, an embarrassing scandal under a Republican, and impeachment, Americans were looking for something else - no matter the package. They saw in Carter whatever they wanted to see and made him their leader. Perhaps that is what they see in Obama. To me, this election was more a referendum on Bush and his last 4 years (if not more) than it was an election for Obama.

I do not want to discredit the Obama camp or the man himself for achieving a movement and a pro-Obama vote. He did. But now comes the hard part.

Obama appears to have a socialist mandate and now, a full Democrat congress backing. He will have to exercise discipline on Congress. I hope he leaves the 2011 Iraq timeline alone. I hope he's smart enough not to push through a socialist agenda, though Americans seem to be ready for it so what's stopping him? But Obama is even more of a political animal than Clinton was. He gave up most of his votes to the older Liberal establishment. My real fear is that he doesn't really have a plan...

Final thought: It wasn't the McCain campaign. McCain was the underdog from the start. Even after the surge in September, the shock of the economic turmoil was too much to bear. Seen as a problem under a Republican President watching a failing economy, during a time of an unwanted war (to some)- are only issues at the tip of the iceberg.

I do feel McCain was the only one who could have been taken seriously and give Obama even the smallest run for his money. As a "maverick" type, he bucked the system which people respect. He swayed more moderates and likely expanded the outreach of the GOP in directions it could not have gone under a Romney or a Huckabee, of that I have no doubt. America was not looking for a Bush, Jr., no matter how many times we could argue McCain is a leader, an individual, a separate thinker. He is a courageous hero, a class act, and a man of integrity. McCain staffers should be proud to have worked for the man, despite the campaign's outcome.

Perhaps we'll have 8 years, and Obama will get lucky and ride the wave of our economic rebound that is bound to happen. Perhaps the GOP will find its way back to the Reagan Conservative years and make Obama a one-termer like Carter. I only think we can't "wait to see." We must start now.

Unbelievable

And unacceptable.

For the second time this year, the Dane County 911 center apparently violated policy before a homicide, raising concerns again about the public safety agency's operations.

In the latest case, the center didn't dispatch Madison police on two noise complaints made to the center Monday night about a dispute in Lake Edge Park about 90 minutes before a man was found dead there, 911 officials said Tuesday.

Madison Police Chief Noble Wray said, based on the information he has, the center violated policy. The 911 board last month codified the center's dispatch policies for Madison police, clarifying that "noise complaints should not be dropped if multiple calls are received reporting the same problem."

"The bottom line is if there's a noise complaint, and if officers are available, they should be sent," Wray said. He said he believed officers were available Monday night, but regardless, police should have been notified by the center.

If a tree falls in the forest...

May we remember

This is how the Democrats were feeling four years ago- and rallied two years later with a State Senator as their leader.

Who knows what the next cycle will bring.

He's not missing

I know right where President Bush is.

4 years ago we worked to re-elect him. And tonight he's off the ballot for the first time in 14 years. He's doing the right thing to make this about the future- as the Obama/Biden campaign should have done from the get-go.

But anywho... I'll stand by our work in 2004 and the President's record. Blame Karl Rove all you want and Congress for hijacking spending- and Bush for not using his veto power - but at the end of the day, it's not about what America thinks. America is moving on.

Perino blamed the President's low 28 percent approval ratings in part on unpopular actions he's taken like proposing the 700 billion dollar financial rescue plan.

"And often when you do big things and you make tough decisions, they're not popular. President Bush understands that," said Perino. "When he goes home to Texas, President Bush will be able to look in the mirror and know that he was true to his values and true to his principles. And that's what keeps him going."

History will judge a lot of things. The Bush legacy, and tonight. We'll just have to wait and see.

Oh the fun of Election Day

Sleepy Librarian

At one precinct in Richmond, hundreds of people encircled a branch library by 6 a.m., the scheduled opening of the polls. But the line grew for another 25 minutes before the poll workers opened the doors. They said the librarian who had a key to the polling place had overslept. Despite the delay under a steady drizzle, voters cheered as the doors opened at 6:25 a.m.

Power Outage

Perhaps the most bizarre barrier to voting was a car which hit a utility pole in St. Paul's Merriam Park neighborhood. The accident knocked power out for over an hour to two polling locations. Ramsey County officials said voting continued at those sites, and the ballots were kept secure until the power was restored and the ballots could be run through an electronic machine.

and more.

Democracy

Nothing like watching democracy in action. As I mirrored the Obama door-walkers today in Madison, I must have been pitied for even attempting to find conservative voters off Nakoma Road.

Alas, the work of democracy is never complete.

Regardless of the outcome tonight, let us remember one of the first and most famous acts of democracy was "Give us Barrabas!"

The crowd asked to release Barrabas and crucify Jesus. They spoke and their desire was met. While no one is talking about crucifying anyone, it is merely a notion of perspective.

We shall ask and we shall receive. If Barack Obama wins, we'll be on the edge of our seats for hope and change - a rightful position after his promises. It will be time for people to see that Democrats' plans are disastrous for our economy, our livelihood and our values. If McCain wins, he will have to work hard to shift the bitch-and-blame-Bush attitude toward a plan of progress. I wish either of them well.

The state of our nation depends on their success.

Nostradamus, anyone?

An interesting idea.

"Conventional wisdom picks Obama. Nostradamus, four and a half centuries ago, picked John McCain," said Dr. Hubert Evans, professor of Renaissance Studies at Yale University and author of the best-selling "Nostradamus: Prophesize This!"

"Quatrain 78, Century X in particular seems to indicate that Obama had better not be measuring the White House windows for curtains quite yet, at least by my interpretation," said Dr. Evans.

The quatrain to which Dr. Evans refers - Quatrain 78 - is located in the grouping of stanzas known as Century X. Originally published in 1555 in Nostradamus' still-popular Les Prophecies, Quatrain 78 reads in full:

At the war's end:
The Feeble Kept One will strike down the Night
And his Imbecile Queen will rise from the snow
Bedecked in finery and the pelt of a wolf.

Eat for free on E-day

If you have a Krispy Kreme and a Starbucks, you could have yourself a pretty sweet breakfast tomorrow. Well, lunch by the time you finish waiting in line to actually vote.

Krispy Kreme wants your vote! Actually, the company doesn't care who you vote for as long as you vote. On November 4, locations around the country will be handing out free star-shaped donuts with red, white and blue sprinkles to anyone with an "I Voted" sticker (we're guessing other proof may be allowed, in case your polling place is out of stickers).

Starbucks just needs an "I voted" for a free cup o' joe. Awesome.

Palin cancels interview w/ Fox News

Not smart. Megyn Kelly delivered an angry "apology on behalf of the McCain campaign" this morning, as they broke their word on having Palin sit down for a ten minute interview with Kelly.

Fox News' "Viewers deserved better," she said.

Never a good thing.