Events

The owners of this property in Carmel, Calif., wanted to build a starter castle. The California Coastal Commission generally doesn't allow new building in coastal communities, especially ugly starter castles. So the dude decided to "remodel" his existing home: Apparently, this fits the definition of "remodeling" in Monterey County, believe it or not. The CCC, however, required him to take 4 m (12.5 ft) off the top of his proposed refit, so it will wind up being only 3 stories tall. Gotta draw the line...

What I'm reading right now (and what Anne can't wait to borrow):

It appears we're finally going to have an impartial, thorough investigation into the run-up to the Iraq war, conducted by an governmental organization with the power and motivation to do it right: the U.K. House of Commons. That's what happens when you have a 36% approval rating.

Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn writes today that we should move Thanksgiving into October: Major holidays, like meals and vacations from work and school, should be as neatly spaced as practical. As it is, Thanksgiving both crowds the Christmas season and creates a long slog of days for most of us from early September until the end of November. Thanksgiving in October would mean no need to surf the Web fretfully on Saturday evening wondering if you'll make it back home the next day or if you'll...

Yesterday in Chicago: Today in Carmel, California: I should also point out the current weather in both locations: Chicago: -8°C (18°F) but the 52 km/h (33 mph) wind gusts make it fee colder than -18°C (-1°F) Carmel: 11°C (51°F) but the gentle onshore breeze makes it a little foggy at the ocean This is why I love traveling.

It looks like we've gotten about 12mm (1/2 inch) of snow overnight in Chicago.

"When your IQ reaches 50, you should sell." —Guest blogger Anne

I'm glad someone agrees with me. :) From today's Chicago Tribune: "The president could take the politics out of Iraq once and for all if he would simply go on television and say to the American people: 'Yes, we made mistakes. Yes, there are things that I would have done differently. But now that I'm here, I'm going to work with both Republicans and Democrats to find the most responsible way out,'" [Illinois U.S. Senator Barack] Obama said. "Imagine if he did that, how it would transform the politics of...

Jeff Goldblum called Anne "sweetie pie." Fortunately I'm not the jealous type. Cute photo, though.

First, Andy Borowitz has a hi-larious report today: In a ploy designed to put House Democrats on the spot, Republicans in the House of Representatives today insisted upon a floor vote on a new resolution banning the drowning of kittens. While few in the House expected the kitten-drowning resolution to pass, the House GOP leadership hoped that by calling for the floor vote they might force Democrats into an embarrassing position that they would have to explain to their constituents back home during the...