arbitrary bits and bobs.

Some nonspecific thoughts running through the ol' noggin this week:

• Unsurprisingly, I approve wholeheartedly of the selection of Paul Ryan for veep. I like him for many of the reasons that I liked Herman Cain. Mainly because they both recognize the need for fiscal responsibility and restraint. AND they both have put forward viable plans that accomplish – or certainly have the potential to – real goals.

I also like that Mr. Ryan doesn't speak like a slickster über politician. It doesn't matter whether it's an interview, a hearing, or a town-hall meeting. He's not one of those who spits out focus-group-approved rhetoric designed to appease and cover up.

So that, I suppose, makes him a real threat to the other side. At least, if you're judging by the amount of hysteria out there. One of my Facebook "friends" has even perpetuated the "Ryan's anti-women/birthcontrol/freedom to kill babies" meme. Which I called her out on. I mean, really -- the country's on a steep slide to falling into the shitter and all you're worried about is sex? You really think that that's going to be high on the legislative priority ladder with the mess the next administration's going to have to clean up and repair? Please. Get your priorities straight.

But I don't get it. I mean, why the hysteria? When in history has a vice-president really wielded power? (I'm not counting when they've had to step up into the Number One position.) They're usually picked for balance, or to pull in a certain constituency to vote. Sure, they're supposed to have the POTUS' ear and be the theoretical right-hand man. But do they?

• Of course, if Biden has any real influence up there inside the Beltway, it explains a great deal. Especially the way he runs his mouth.

No wonder people don't want him around. Hey, if I'm ever in Danville, I plan to go get me some cookies. Maybe a cupcake or two. Why? The same reason I ate Chick-Fil-A most of this month.

I support businesses that aren't afraid to take a stand for what they believe in. In this case, freedom to speak; freedom to trade and conduct business in the way they see fit; and … well, truth in general.

Plus, I like cookies. A lot.

• So the Lightbringer's campaign is trying to cut a deal with Romney. Release your tax records and … we won't ask you for anything else. …nudgenudgewinkwinkknowwhatimean…

What the… is this some sort of schoolyard game they think they're playing? A "I'll give you my Nolan Ryan rookie card if you'll give me…" little kids' thing? This is the future of the damn country that is at play here. I realize that for the last four years The Anointed One has been secure in his arrogance, surrounded as he is by toe-sucking sycophants, but what he's playing with is bigger than him -- bigger than any one person in this country, and it's about time he started acting that way. This locker-room bully playing his Chicago politics game and trying to cut deals instead of dealing with the issues does NOT play well outside Illinois, and is starting to piss people off. People who would have otherwise voted for him.

Fortunately, Mr. Romney is willing to address what's truly important:

"I just have to say, given the challenges that America faces – 23 million people out of work, Iran about to become nuclear, one out of six Americans in poverty – the fascination with taxes I've paid I find to be very small-mnded compared to the broad issues that we face."

Mmm mmm mmm.

No, he's still not my first choice. But I'm feeling better about it as time goes by.

• Yes, for those of you who haven't heard, I had to get my first pair of bifocals. Or more properly, progressive lenses. My eyes aren't that bad, but this job has proven to be very hard on them, and I'm not focusing like I used to.

Apparently, the weak prescriptions aren't easy to get right. Since I'm now on my fifth pair (one original and four remakes; two from an online vendor with most excellent customer service and three from a nationwide eyewear retailer), this is the only conclusion I can draw. We'll see if I ever actually get to wear them for more than an afternoon sometime next week.

So my nerves and confidence aren't the only thing to be destroyed since taking this job! Yay me! Three for three!

• Her Serene Highness starts school in two weeks. It can't be soon enough for me. She seems to have the typical tweenie asshat thing going a lot earlier than I expected. Girl Scouts starts back up soon after. I should have about 18 girls this year. Shoot me now. I am fortunate to have a most capable Number Two to help and that will be what helps me make it through this year.

• Freckles isn't moving around as easily as she used to. I don't know exactly why. I blamed the heat, but she's lying around a lot and walks stiffly when she does move. She's only five. I suppose a trip to the vet is in order.

And now, me for bed. Hasta luego.

Comments

[Chris]

I really can't understand the focus on sexuality in this election, whether it's preference or reproductive. I am getting tired of being told to mind my own business when it comes to their bedroom preferences, but then the issues are brought out and put in my face? What you do and how you prevent what you do from impacting you are not my business. Keep it between you and the person/people you do it with. Buy your own prevention and keep it to yourself! I'm beginning to think these idiots never got enough attention from their parents, or something.

[Cindy in un-Happy Valley]

We were on vaca when the Ryan pick was announced (staying at a Mom and Pop hotel, small business anyone?) All I could do was chuckle - now Obama's only the third smartest guy in the room, I bet he's pissed.

And sometimes the comments on articles are better than the articles. On a description of Biden's recent stumbles one wag posted:

Paraphrase: I was warned that I'd get an idiot for a VP if I voted for McCain, and look what happened!!