She was on talking about Patraeus. And the book about him that she was trying to publicize.

Oh, that's just icky. And kind of classic adultery.

So that's a couple of marriages and two very high flying careers in the crapper.

Have the marriages ended? I'm also assuming the impact on her career is yet to be determined, or did I miss something?

ita_!, that's probably the best price you're going to find for a good, non-scratchy petticoat.

I saw her visit to TDS and she did not come across as very bright. I'm glad to know that she seems better than she came off during that interview.

I was kind of surprised at the lack of depth she displayed.

Well, she took some, you know, short-cuts. Who needs depth?

Has billytea seen this?

Hee. I have! The little penguins at Cincinnati Zoo are quite awesome. 

I'm not single-issue, but as a broad category, I vote more on social issues than economic. I have strong opinions on economic issues, but they tend to fall between our two parties, and there's less disagreement between them anyway. In principle. I'm often happy to vote on competence here. But there is a significant difference between them on social issues, and I certainly won't be voting Liberal while that remains the case. 

I could vote Green, especially since with preferential voting, a third-party vote won't be wasted; and my social positions are closest to them. But economically we're quite far apart, and I don't have much reason as yet to trust their competence in government.

Sadly, right now that's true of both major parties too right now. I don't recall the last time Australia was as ill-served by its politicians. 

The testiness has started. But I am maintaining zen goddamnit, even of it means walks in the dark. The very dark.

Undara was magical. Lava tubes cool. Chillagoe now which is very pretty and I'm the middle of nowhere. Cockatoos everywhere. My dad and nephews are acting about the same age.

I'm gonna probably knock off a bottle of wine tonight and my nic ban went to hell. ZEN.

My conservative family members are alternating between posting "drug testing for welfare recipients!" and "Whoever's president, Jesus is King!" stuff on Facebook. Eh, they're not being overtly racist (although if you asked them to describe their mental image of a welfare recipient, I doubt that person would look like them) or calling for armed rebellion, so I'm gonna just scroll on by.

FUCKING OOOOMMMMM...

Let's see, I quelled an epic tantrum in a 5 year old and then refused to let a 71 year old act like the same, I didn't lose my temper, I did not raise my voice, and I was a sane, calm human being. Hell, I didn't get so much upset as annoyed and incredulous. And gobsmacked, even as I know better.

I may not say a single thing but cordial filler to my father for the next week but I am actually ok. It's all about perspective and I'm good. God I love family holidays.

I want a gold star goddamnit.