Time in the field is a little long for my tastes, but all around good news for Obama:

Colorado: Obama leads McCain 49 - 44 percent, including 51 - 39 percent among independent voters;

Michigan: Obama tops McCain 48 - 42 percent, with 46 - 38 percent among independents;

Minnesota: Obama buries McCain 54 - 37 percent, and 54 - 33 percent with independents;

Wisconsin: Obama leads McCain 52 - 39 percent, and 50 - 37 percent with independents.

New in the annals of poor research. Women are drummed out of the military in far greater numbers than you would expect based on the 15% proportion of women in the military. They account for 45-50% of discharges.
This study postulates that the reason is: that almost 1/2 the women in the military are lesbians and only a small proportion of men. But offers no proof.

But that ignores the fact that in a military that is 85% male and a bastion of sexism, that women who 'don't put out' get targeted for rumors and accusations. On top of the suspicion about women choosing traditionally male jobs. I also will postulate that the gay men who join the military are comfortable in macho culture and thus don't 'stick out'. There are so many gay men who just blend into the scenery - for example my ex-brother-in-law who is a cop, fixes cars, hunts, and for his first several years at his barracks all the wives of fellow officers were setting him up with their friends.

So my theory (as valid as the researchers) is that while it is possible that a larger % of female military are gay vs men it is much more likely that sexism is the cause, which the researcher apparently didn't even broach.

The telecom companies clearly know a thing or two about phone bills--whether it's asking customers for money or getting their way with federal legislation. Last week 94 House Democrats who once opposed providing immunity to the telecom companies for their role in the Bush administration's controversial warrantless wiretapping program voted in support of the protection. What distinguished the 94 lawmakers who switched their vote from the 116 that remained opposed? Campaign contributions from the companies, according to an analysis by MAPLight.org.

Addington said Cheney was attached to the legislative branch but was not a member.  The guy questioning him asked, "Attached like a barnacle?  

He gave some interesting points to his delight in having these two smart, and respected people on his side. Even stated that Bill had been a GREAT president.

Yesterday he told reporters his VP choice would have to be someone who could step in and be President should anything happen to him, AND someone who could get him back on track when he isn't making good decisions.

I believe the President's approval rating is now 22%?

300 people paid $1000 apiece to have dinner with the President the other evening in Livonia, Michigan.  Another 110 paid $5000 to have their picture taken with him.

The news reports seemed to indicate that the 110 having their pictures taken were DIFFERENT than the 300 having dinner.

The real ripoff, however, was that he arrived at Metro Airport at 4:15 PM and was BACK IN THE AIR BEFORE 7!!  

Let's see--say 1/2 an hour from the airport to venue.  Arrival at 4:45.

To get airborne by 7 he probably left at approx 6:15.  That's 1 1/2 hours at the site.    

If they took one picture per minute, this gala now has a negative 10 minutes for dinner.  Did they eat without him?  Did he take a carry-out?  Shake any hands?  Give a speech?  

The poll found 53 percent of the Democrats who favored Clinton for the nomination two months ago now back Obama for president. That's an improvement from April, when only 40 percent of Clinton supporters said they would back Obama over McCain.

I only watched snippets of his testimony before Congress today, but his whole manner just oozes smug superiority and contempt.

Indigo Girls, Hammer and a Nail