It's German-American fest in the 'hood this weekend, so I joined Dawn, Luis and Kevin for the Parade o' Lederhosen and calf warmers, marching bands, and very bored parade float queens. Judy Baar Topinka had a float, but she did not twirl her baton, so I have lost all respect for you.

Riding my bike home, I passed the current governor's house, and lo, there was Rod Blagojevich out on his front steps. "'Ello Guv'nor," I said in my best worst Cockney accent. "Hey, how you doing?" he replied. And my esteem for Rod rose.

The fact that these two sightings may make the difference of who I vote for come election day is very depressing.