Meanwhile, back on planet earth...

The gibberish fest that is the Presidential update to Congress, and most of the unbearable expert analysis, is over, something to be truly grateful for. Regardless of the President, nothing meaningful ever comes of these things, and since our current leader is, well, sloppy with the facts, the whole thing is beyond pointless. This LA Times fact checking piece is as good as any, I guess, but their language is awfully timid.

So we're back to the daily grind, and it ain't pretty. A summary, for those not keeping score.

• This AP piece outlines a GAO report that basically says the Department of Homeland Security completely bungled the Katrina response, their first big test since inception, and haven't done a thing to fix the problems since. Here's hoping the terrorists are busy poring over the speech transcript looking for facts.
• The situation in Darfur (remember the relief - and, frankly, surprise - of the humanitarian community when Colin Powell officially declared it Genocide) continues to deteriorate, despite pretty words from everyone. Read more here (scroll down).
• The unrest in Israel continues, and this time there are no Palestinians involved.
• 12.5 Billion dollars disappeared from Mountain View, CA as Google shares joined in the national angst.
• Iran's leader continued his saber rattling routine in response to...well, I'm not sure there has to be a catalyst with this group, but they have been politically astute in the past. How this ends well is beyond me.
• And, sick people masquerading as parents, disgruntled postal mayhem, and signs of defiance from Mahmoud Abbas.

Back in Neverland, of course:

Bush Tries to Ride Post-Speech Momentum

Have a nice day.