NP: Frank Zappa, Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar (CD)

Would you believe, a happy political post? I watched Real Time with Bill Maher this week, and the big thing that stood out to me, other than how incredibly boring Maureen Dowd is on TV (reinforcing her Daily Show appearance last week), was how my congressman, Rahm Emmanuel, stood up for himself and his beliefs. He didn't let Maher or anyone else get away with any sweeping generalizations, and did a great job of framing the issues in very strong terms. Compared to the GOP congresswoman toadying Bush's party line last week on the show, Emmanuel acquitted himself quite well. Very smart. Very articulate. Also, missing half of a finger, which was a little disconcerting to watch.

So next year, if (and likely when) I've got Durbin, Emmanuel and Obama working for me in Washington, I've got to feel good, at least on the local level.