When I say here's your hat, what's your hurry?, I'm actually specifically wishing that that particular little group of cranky righties would hole itself up in a nice cul-de-sac somewhere or sail off to foreign climes, declare itself seceded, theocratize to its hearts' content, and leave the rest of us alone.

What are you talking about? They already have found a nice cul-de-sac to hole up in to theocratize.

However, since it's Washington, the "leave the rest of us alone" part is going to need some work.

in the world capital of freakshow televangelism at the heart of the reddest of red states

You're from Alabama, too?

CNN is reporting a fire at the corner of Bourbon and Canal.

There is some concern about gas in Atlanta because of the lack of electricity to pump gas through the pipelines that normally serve the area. The gas companies are saying that they'll use more tanker-trucks instead, but there may be some temporary shortages.

I'm more sensitive to it myself for the same reasons, DH/dw, but I don't think we can class former friend as having a typical blue state reaction.

OK, that's true. JZ is smarter, nicer, and a hell of a lot prettier. He is a slovenly moron.

We're typical blue-staters. He's an arse, and we already pretty much knew that. He's just taken it into the unpardonable range this time.

I wish he had a conscience. Or compassion. Or a soul. He claims to be a Buddhist, but Buddha would probably give him a swift kick in the ass for being such a hole.

You're from Alabama, too?

Nope. Grew up a few miles from this place.

I have no idea how much gas it will take to get to Atlanta from here, I have almost a full tank but I was going to top off as soon as I got in Georgia.

And I heard a rumor around the work place that here in town we are goign to have to start rationing electricty for some reason.

Quick, tell me the first thing that comes to mind that you like about yourself.

(I'm suffering from lack of work.)

I mean, not that I go to Vermont either, but I could. In a day. And come back again for supper.

Nonsense! If you go to Vermont, you go to the Alchemist Pub and Brewery (23 S. Main St., Waterbury, VT) for dinner!

t /my brother's restaurant likes -- and cooks -- carrots

the first thing that comes to mind that you like about yourself.

That I'm in California.

They're talking movies at work. They shouldn't do that because I can't help piping up with "Well, it's based on a famous science fiction story..." when I really should be either working or goofing off on the web.