Yeah, just wait until we invade you. Provided we can actually find Australia.

Pfft. I figure we'll be safe for a while, I'm pretty sure your government's first step will be trying to negotiate permission to use Germany's airspace for the invasion.

An American woman I went to college with who lives in Aus just posted on Facebook that she got a safety warning from the US Embassy about anti-American protests today. She was kinda bemused.

Yes, we had some protests in Sydney against the "Innocence of Muslims" film that turned violent. Not impressed. (Happy to live in Melbourne too.)

What's ironic is that Romney said in the infamous donor video that the markets will probably go up if it is likely he will win the Presidency, and down if it looks likely in the Fall that Obama will be re-elected. The polls are way up now and have been up since after the DNC. Not quite certain how to interpret that.

Eh, Romney's a goose. I really don't think the President has such a hefty influence on the stock markets, not unless he's trying to pull something really odd. I don't think Obama is that popular in the business community - they seem happy to vote with their wallets in Romney's direction - but he hasn't run around nationalising industries or provoking trade wars with China (that's Romney's stated policy). The market will cope just fine with an Obama second term.

What it may not cope with is another Republican-dominated Congress. Let me qualify that - a Congress dominated by a Republican Party dominated by the Tea Party. IIRC, Boehner was actually able to agree to a compromise on the debt ceiling, until the Tea Party caucus threw sand in the gears. In that regard, I agree entirely with our Treasurer.

Provided we can actually find Australia.

Since Australia isn't in the Bible, the cranks and crazies probably think it's a theory.

I know there is a polysci modeler who say otherwise, but I'm pretty sure the Rs will retain the House. The Dems may win the popular vote in the house races, though that is far from certain. But between the way Congressmembers are slightly overallocated to rural (read Republican) states in proportion to population and Republican redistricting in many states which put Democratic voters into as few districts as possible, it is highly unlikely for the Democrats to take back the House. With current districts they would need a blowout in the popular vote. And that is before we consider voter suppression. I would be happy but very very surprised if Democrats won the House.

I would be happy but very very surprised if Democrats won the House.

Agreed. The Dems look a lot better to keep the Senate, though. Current polling actually gives them a decent shot at increasing their margin.

I think the Dem's best hope in the House is that Obama has a shot at scoring a solid victory over Romney from here. The better the margin, the better his coattails. Still feels like a long shot though, especially with the Republican-dominated redistricting.

Nonetheless, even if the Repubs retain a majority, that doesn't have to mean financial disaster. If their margin is reduced (which it really should be) and if the Tea Party becomes somewhat marginalised, then I may not like the compromise they'll reach, but I would still expect them to reach it.

If the Republicans only manage a slight edge, they may find it harder to bulldoze things through. And there may be enough Republicans feeling vulnerable that they'll contemplate the dreaded C-word (compromise).

Anybody watching Parenthood this season? I'm finding myself wanting to mute the tv a lot more than last season. Is that just me, or other people, too?

Yeah, just wait until we invade you.

You do know I am landing on Election Day, right? (well, Weds in Australia, Election Afternoon in the US.) After my youngest nephew, AUS may never be the same again.

You do know I am landing on Election Day, right? (well, Weds in Australia, Election Afternoon in the US.) After my youngest nephew, AUS may never be the same again.

We have a different name for election day, we call it Melbourne Cup Day. You guys don't get your voting day off, but I do.

Thanks again for Birthday Wishes!

FTR, I think UK Coupling was hysterical. Ever since I have giggled every time I've heard the word "gusset."

Just in time -- Happy Birthday, Sue! I'm glad you had a relaxing day. All good wishes for the coming year.