Happy Birthdays to two wonderful long-time friends, kantayra and makd.

Nom nom! I got fic nominations, for Bug on the Cosmic Windscreen at the Crossing Over Awards and for Nocturnal Emissions at Running with Scissors.

From TPM:

Watching this speech reminds me of when I listened to my high school principal speak for the first time after I graduated. He still sounded crazy but no longer scared me.

It also makes me think of the expression of horror on Buffy's face when she realized that in addition to turning into a big snake and eating people, the Mayor was going to make a speech. Of course, I could have not listened, but I really couldn't stay away. My favorite part was Brian Williams being irked that he had to cover the speech before he could talk about that amazing landing in the Hudson River today. Sorry, Bushie, but everyone's talking about how that pilot did a heck of a job. They've barely got time for reviewing your train wreck of a presidency, and somehow I think you're not as grateful for that as you could be.

Interesting hearing in the Senate today. Not only did Eric Holder say in so many words that waterboarding is torture and admit that he had made mistakes in his career without squirming or equivocating, he had these two entertaining exchanges with the panel.

( youtube embeds under the link )

And, just so I can use my Tyrant King Porn Dragon tag, I give you this story:

Former chief of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under Gov. Ted Strickland (D-OH) arrested for running hooker rating website.

He was running a raffle for an evening with a lady of the evening. Well, you can't deny he showed initiative.

I've been tagged to do this meme and one other. (The 16 random things one, which I promise to get to.)

THE HAPPINESS MEME
Rules: For eight days you have to post something that made you happy that day.

I was happy working this afternoon while I listened to my daughters chatting as they cooked dinner. They were so grown up and competent, while still silly. They get along so well even though they're different personalities with different tastes. And I'm so lucky to have them both home for this little while.

I'm supposed to tag someone else, so if you haven't done this one yet, consider yourself as tagged as you wish to be.