I read this morning that 80% of New Hampshire is forest. Here is some few percent.

Trees, leaves turning. It is quiet.

Molly Ivins makes me snicker: Our Petulant President.

The Difference Between Pepsi and Coke

by David Lehman

I was so keyed up. I was ready, man! Bring it on, Cheney! BRING IT!!! Yeah. I ate a half a bag of tootsie roll midgets in nervous anticipation of last night’s vice presidential debate. And boy was it worth it.

Before it started, Allen said to me, “Why do you think Edwards is going to be so good? He might disappoint you, you know?” But I knew he wouldn’t. Not my John Boy.

And for the most part, Edwards was stellar. On point, on topic, hammering, chipping, poking away at the smug Cheney, the scolding Cheney, the obfuscating Cheney. Edwards came right out of the gate with a one-two punch. And oh boy, oh boy did it feel GREAT.

Now much of the mainstream media and pollsters will tell you that Cheney “won” the debate but the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t matter. What matters is that Edwards was out there. He was strong. He defended Kerry. He made his party proud.

Okay, so the one time when I cringed was when the topic was same sex marriage and Edwards made that weird comment about Cheney’s daughter. WTF was up with that? I thought it was a) weird; b) pointless; c) inappropriate for him to bring personal life into political debate. BUT I also felt like Edwards was uncomfortable saying it. He sort of fell apart for a few minutes after it, became flustered. Ergo, I think it was not his choice to say that—as though he were sort of forced into it. Whatever, I hope he can move on from it (and change his archaic views that marriage is between a man and woman).

Now, if Kerry can keep the next debate focused on the economy and health care we’ll be cooking!

more information:

Edwards Shoots and Scores

Edwards, Cheney Spar on Iraq

debate excerpts

early polls differ

Today is the long-awaited day of the release by Lit Pot Press of Terri Brown-Davidson’s debut novel, Marie, Marie, Hold On Tight. Order your copy here. I have read this book and can tell you that if you like powerful prose, you will not be disappointed.

To get a sense of Dr. Brown-Davidson’s artistic process, read Elizabeth Glixman‘s interview with her in Eclectica.

Cool new flash by Katrina Denza: Wrong Size.

Edwards vs. Cheney–oh is this going to be interesting! I really can’t wait. You want reality tv? These debates are reality tv. They are showing us what we’re going to live with for the next four years. This one or that one. Someone who speaks for your ideals or someone who is the antithesis of them.

Watching Kerry in the debate last week gave me a feeling akin to watching Smarty Jones pulling forward at the last second and just tear assing down the final stretch, leaving the other horses in the distance.

He was that good.

I have high hopes for Edwards. Apparently, he’s brilliant in the court room. I have a feeling he is going to shine.

War is supposedly going to be high on the agenda (as it should be, because it is the most newsworthy topic day in and day out as more and more die. Take this story, for example.). I wonder if Halliburtonwill be mentioned?

Okay, so if you don’t have a televsion, then listen to the debate on the radio, or read about it online. Do something though–pay attention! Don’t be apathetic, please.

Thanks!

In Blackwater Woods

by Mary Oliver

And because it’s impossible (at least for me) to read just one Mary Oliver poem and walk away, here’s another…

Lingering in Happiness

by Mary Oliver

More turning leaves and clear sky

Trees just beginning to turn

Beautiful day today