Farty talk from mac.

McCain hasn't made a Senate vote since April.

has Obam? because if so - THAT should be yelled by all Dem talking heads loudly every 2-3 minutes.

...how many have there been? I mean, the Senate is usually out of session for a lot of August, but...dang. That initially seems pretty off.

What's the last thing that made you smile?

The diet Coke was refilled in the vending machine.

What's the last thing that made you smile?

Emmett running down the street to scoop up Matilda on his birthday last night. She just made him so happy after he had a crappy birthday.

I am more or less packed. Ipod and phone are charging and important phone numbers entered. Looks like I'll be carrying on the old laptop in its original packaging and checking my bag. Probably earn me a hassle at security, but I am already expecting one, what with having to change my name on the ticket because of a typo. Ah well, that means I can take my hair mousse!

Flight doesn't leave until 1, so that gives me enough time to declutter the apartment in the morning. It looks like a bomb hit it (it's been a crazy few weeks) and this weekend is my normal cleaning weekend. So it is just going to get worse.

Devi is leaving Loki alone more so far. And he's not losing it quite as much about it, though he is totally crackers tonight. I expect he'll be bonkers sunday night as well. Devi, too.

...how many have there been?

I want to say he's been there for one vote of the last 110? But I may be misremembering the exact number. Including the GI Bill extension (Mr. Support the Troops!) and everything on energy policy and environment issues (Mr. Drill Baby Drill!)

yep: [link]

Timelies all!

Am heading to San Diego tomorrow. Meeting up with G, who has a meeting there. Going to the zoo on Saturday.

The new California Academy of Science museum here in GG Park is getting a rave review in the Times.

I used to take Emmett to the predecessor all the time on rainy days in the winter. Fun to run around and check out the dioramas. I suspect we'll only be going to the new ones when JZ's dad or mom loans us their museum membership tickets. Prices are steep.

Did anyone catch Palin's interview with Couric? I didn't, as I usually avoid the news that comes out of the television box, but this sounds way worse than the Bush Doctrine business, as avoiding the question goes:

Couric: You've said, quote, "John McCain will reform the way Wall Street does business." Other than supporting stricter regulations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years ago, can you give us any more example of his leading the charge for more oversight?

Palin: I think that the example that you just cited, with his warnings two years ago about Fannie and Freddie - that, that's paramount. That's more than a heck of a lot of other senators and representatives did for us.

Couric: But he's been in Congress for 26 years. He's been chairman of the powerful Commerce Committee. And he has almost always sided with less regulation, not more.

Palin: He's also known as the maverick though, taking shots from his own party, and certainly taking shots from the other party. Trying to get people to understand what he's been talking about - the need to reform government.

Couric: But can you give me any other concrete examples? Because I know you've said Barack Obama is a lot of talk and no action. Can you give me any other examples in his 26 years of John McCain truly taking a stand on this?

Palin: I can give you examples of things that John McCain has done, that has shown his foresight, his pragmatism, and his leadership abilities. And that is what America needs today.

Couric: I'm just going to ask you one more time - not to belabor the point. Specific examples in his 26 years of pushing for more regulation.

Palin: I'll try to find you some and I'll bring them to you.

I'm sorry. I thought this was an open-book test.