Some people think this is a big deal:

Iraqi PM says US should leave as soon as possible

BERLIN - Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says U.S. troops should leave Iraq "as soon as possible," according to a magazine report, and he called presidential candidate Barack Obama's suggestion of 16 months "the right timeframe for a withdrawal."

In an interview with Germany's Der Spiegel magazine released Saturday, al-Maliki said he was not seeking to endorse Obama. The Illinois senator and likely Democratic nominee has pledged to withdraw combat troops from Iraq within 16 months if he is elected.

"That, we think, would be the right timeframe for a withdrawal, with the possibility of slight changes," al-Maliki was quoted as saying. "Those who operate on the premise of short time periods in Iraq today are being more realistic. Artificially prolonging the tenure of U.S. troops in Iraq would cause problems."

Asked when U.S. forces would leave Iraq, he responded, "As soon as possible, as far a we're concerned."

What does this mean for McCain?

Via e-mail, a prominent Republican strategist who occasionally provides advice to the McCain campaign said, simply, "We're fucked."

[link]

Congrats on the job offers, shrift.

hey ita, did you get that discharge?

For ita: [link]

ita, I hope you home

yay for shrift

chili crab and pepper crab. I'm just saying.

nom nom nom.

"Tech Support With Dad" is totally on the "How To Drive Your Daughter Insane" book, or: Why I stopped wondering years ago why the computer at my parents' home needs serious fixing every 8 months, part 46:

Today's unlearned lesson was "Where To Save An Important File To Attach" (not that he can attach a file to an email without a blow-by-blow guidance from me). He still can't find it, though now it's on two different locations on the computer. I suspect it's because he doesn't scroll to look for the file when he opens the folder to attach from from his email account.

AHHHHHH.

Edit: also, happy-late-birthday. SA!

I am very proud of myself today. I got up early, and rather than just staying in bed and reading until I actually had to get up, I did one of the ten-minute Pilates segments from a DVD. Sure, it's not really a full workout or anything, but it's ten minutes more than I usually do.

Yay Hil. As a "workout? what's this thing you're talking about?" person, I can appreciate the mental effort it takes.

Now, why 1. I'm not hungry at lunch?, 2. I'm not showing any love to the sweet potato quiche I have right here next to me?

All I want is a fruity shake now, honest.

Gronk. Mac and I were up past 1 last night, but having fun, so it's not so bad, just tired. I expect an early night for mac tonight.

Yay for fun.

It is puoring rain here and I am meeting my old friend for breakfast and I am soaking wet because I left all six of my umbrellas at various places that are not my home.

My bus is waiting because it got ahead of schedule, and now we are waiting for a pregnant lady who got off the bus to pee!