That's a good letter, Daniel. I just finished reading an article by Paul Krugman. He expects the GOP to become even more hung up on the culture wars after the election, notably because the more moderate Repubs in Congress are about to lose their seats. But the country is moving past that. The Republican Party that believes we'd all be on their side if only we'd just wake up and listen to them and realise who Obama really is won't return to power anytime soon. It needs to rediscover a way to appeal to social moderates. I'm not sure how long it'll take them.

ION, I gave a speech tonight (with Wallybee and her parents in attendance) on the ins and outs of the Electoral College. One interesting tidbit: apparently some scholars conclude that the Founding Fathers expected the EC to fail, more often than not, to agree on a candidate, throwing the decision to the House of Reps. Its role was in large part to provide the Reps with a shortlist.

Having it actually happen in 1800 seems to have dampened the enthusiasm for an indecisive EC.

Someone called Mom's house for McCain/Palin asked for both me and my brother, Mom explained that neither lives there. The guy said he hoped that soemone in the household would be putting the country first and voting for McCain/Palin. She said No no one in the household was and he hung up.

I told her she should have said that the people listed think it's scary to vote for someone who can't explain what the position she's running for does AND doesn't seem to understand First Amendment rights.

Also I hate a dinner last night that's not agreeing wiht me today so I am staying home where it should be safe. I hate calling in sick but I think it's better for everyone.

Excellent letter, Daniel! And apparently I am Paul Krugman, only I seem to have misplaced my Nobel.

People, don't ever let me spend a whole weekend away from the internets again. No matter how burnt out I am from the work week. No matter how good the shiny new video game in the house.

Well then, that was a less-than-fun start to my morning. Our wood fence is apparently weakening down at the bottom and because it's been raining for the last couple of days, it's very flexible. Flexible enough that Pisces managed to wiggle through it.

Luckily, she didn't wander far and came after a few minutes of frantic calling on my part.

The fence is now bungied closed, which is not a great fix, but hopefully, one that will keep the wandering girls from wandering. (The lawn people had left the gate unlatched on Friday and Jasmine decided to go exploring. It's been an eventful weekend with the puppies.)

And I thought I had an upset stomach before. Oy.

libkitty, I hope your mother continues to improve.

Aims, so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Peace~ma to you and yours.

Poor Barb! A puppy on the loose is a terrible fear of mine since we're on a busy-ish street. Sass gave Perkins a good barking last night and this morning, but seemed to decide that anyone who knew how to open the treat jar couldn't be that much of a threat.

Bitches, should you go visit lisah and sarameg, be warned that they will feed you very, very well.

edited for punctuation problems caused by lack of morning beverage.

I have so much gronk I read that as lack of morning "cleavage."

Bitches, should you go visit lisah and sarameg, be warned that they will feed you very, very well.

It's one of my skills!

Hope you had a good time! It was great being able to hang out some.

Timelies all. I'm miserable and sick with spotty internets, but I did note that the Redmond campus was briefly Microsoft Escort Service on Google Maps: [link]

Oh, goodness. My asthma is bad. Last night my peak flows got lower than I ever let them get, and I don't think I really even slept. Have to see my PCP at 12:30 so he can prescribe more steroids. And I have to decide if I want to start fighting the hospital/Medicare/Drug Company to try to get the medication that would stop all of this insanity. I just can't keep doing this. It's officially too much.

I was on the phone with the nurse this morning, crying, telling her that it takes every ounce of energy to breathe, and I'm just so worn down. Now, this was a nurse I've never met before, and she said, "I can hear it. I can hear it."

{{{vw}}} I'm so sorry you are having such asthma trouble and that you have to do steroids again. I know how much you hate them. Take care.

Gronk. I accidentally fell asleep again after my last post. Thanks Shir, pain medication isn't really helping with this.