The Seasons

Ever have a hard time figuring out exactly what accounts for the four seasons?
This animation may make it a little easier to understand.
Sadly, summer is leaving us as we drift closer to the Autumnal equinox; evenings are getting shorter. Alas.

Paid Leave

This being president thing is hard work.
Ha ha:

“Spending time outside of Washington always gives the president a fresh perspective of what’s on the minds of the American people,” White House press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters Friday. “It’s a time, really, for him to shed the coat and tie and meet with folks out in the heartland and hear what’s on their minds.”

I don’t see that Mr. Bush will gain any better perspective regarding what’s on the minds of the American people at his secure “ranch” than he will at the White House. What is he going to do? Host public barbecues and mingle with the commoners?
UPDATE: I’m glad Mr. Bush clarified things as he kicked off his month-long vacation:

“Make no mistake about it, we are at war.”

Ironically, the person most likely to make that mistake would someone watching our commander-in-chief this month.

The Toll Rises

Thanks to our only negative mainstream news, I caught a passing reference to this.
Add to that the seven marines killed on Monday and we have 21 US soldiers thus far this week for which the “last throes” still had enough in the tank to bring their demise.
TONIGHT on MSCNNFOX: Where’s Natalie: Day 88.