1. Blake Schwarzenbach has a new band
2. Lily is sitting up, standing while leaning, and I'm pretty sure she's crawling every time I turn away
3. The Flyers have actually gotten their season on track (3-0-1 in their last 4 games, 7-3-3 in their last 13)
4. I'm nearing the end of a tedious freelance project, have another project waiting in the wings, and the prospect of two more not far off
5. We went to the Marabella's reunion and had an absolute blast
6. We went to the cemetery this weekend. It's been way too long but it was incredibly nice to get to spend some time there and just think about my mom
7. I'm nearing the end of an incredibly long project at work. It'll be nice to start the next project
8. It may be the middle of November but the Phillies are still World. Fucking. Champions.
9. I just got a free cupcake
10. Lily has started sleeping until about 7:45
11. Carrie has a light schedule this week and I'll actually get to hang out with her
12. Finally, I think my Xbox will be back from repair

From @MarsPhoenix
[From Phoenix mission ops: Phoenix is no longer communicating with Earth. We'll continue to listen, but it's likely its mission has ended.]

...
[Phoenix mission ops: We bid our good friend a fond farewell. Phoenix did us proud: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm ]

There was a point in time when I was worried that the people of this country would suddenly forget about the last eight years and McCain would steal this election. Homeland Security has been a pressing issue throughout most of this decade and the Republican party is amazing at capitalizing fear mongering. It's a volatile combination that unfortunately results in people overlooking the wrongdoings and poor choices of our elected officials.

McCain has a military background and that supersedes intellect, ability, age, and even the piss-poor choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate to some people. Even in the face of what appears to me as one of the most crystal clear choice in the history of presidential elections, McCain still stands a shot.

One monumental hurdle stands between McCain and the presidency, though: the current financial crisis. As far as I can tell, the bailout may end up being the turning point of this election. The bailout turned a giant mirror on our nation and exposed all of its flaws. As difficult as it was to see our money stolen from us and given to companies who spent it on golden parachutes, bonuses, lavish retreats, etc., it may have been a necessary vehicle for change.

Suddenly, people began realizing just how bad a shape our country really is in and that we need to get ourselves on steady ground rather than waste time being fearful of the imaginary monsters under the bed. (Eh, it's a bad metaphor but you get the point.)

So, who knows how this election will end? I think and hope it will be Obama but I think it will come down to fear and finances.