I launched this blog on January 8, 2006. I didn't expect to continue as long as I have with 1,132 blog entries since my first posting.

Earlier this year, I told myself I'd take a hiatus after the November election, which you've probably noticed if you're a loyal reader.

I'm going to take some time till the end of the year to assess whether I will continue postings.

Until then, enjoy a Scrabble game or two. Or maybe go play some disc golf. Ouch. I know I just touched a nerve.

Today's Scrabble word is galyak, a fur made of lambskin.

Right now Sorensen is behind Wahl by 328 votes.

Most people I know – Democrats, Republicans, and independents – are rooting for Sorensen because he’ll bring a fresh perspective.

Nevertheless, Sorensen appears to have run a mild campaign. It’s surprising given that he barely lost two years ago and should have been hungrier to win this time.

He should have walked every neighborhood during the past year to meet as many voters one-on-one as he could.

Today's Scrabble word is kir, an alcoholic beverage.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Butte County is easily identified above Sacramento in blue.

Life goes on.

Today's Scrabble word is cordate, or heart-shaped like a Valentine.

Probably about 1/3 to 1/2 of you have already voted, but if not, go vote.

Today's Scrabble word is flong, a sheet of a certain type of paper.

The "Yes on Prop. 8" campaign is trying to appeal to African-American voters by sending out a mailer highlighting support from ministers.

In case you're concerned about the "scared" institution of marriage, check out:

McCain vs. Palin.

Today's Scrabble word is goglet, a long-necked jar.

Change. That's wassup.

This is the last weekend to mobilize voters with get out the vote (GOTV) efforts before election night.

Based on new party registrations, it's pretty clear local Democrats have been much more successful than local Republicans over the past several months.

Message received loud and clear. Sprint to the finish line.

Today's Scrabble word is lehr, a type of oven.

Six more days!

Today's Scrabble word is inurns, or to put in an urn.

The City will officially release its quarterly financial report this week. Some people have incorrectly speculated that the budget forecasts would look dire, but I'm hearing that the quarterly financial reports are promising, especially in light of a weak economy.

Higher than projected revenue, coupled with the tough fiscal decisions the current City Council majority have made on spending, will likely paint an entirely different budget picture than presented by ACT.

Here is the media alert sent by Schwab and Holcombe:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mayor and Vice Mayor Announce Press Conference
Chico, CA, October 28, 2008

Mayor Andy Holcombe and Vice-Mayor Ann Schwab are holding a press conference at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 29 at the City Council Chamber steps to address the deceptive mailings sent by the developer-funded Political Action Committee: Accountable for Chico ’s Tomorrow (ACT).

Is this a new mural as part of Chico Artoberfest?

This uncanny old video sums up John McCain's campaign focus on the election homestretch - trying to make voters think Barack Obama is unworthy because of nefarious past "terrorist" ties.

McCain will hopefully go down like The Penguin because his attacks are not only horribly inane, but come across angry and trivial just like in this video.

Today's Scrabble word is ictic, or pertaining to, or caused by, a blow.

Assemblymember Rick Keene and his aide Cliff Wagner, who head the developer-funded Accountability for Chico's Tomorrow (ACT), get a hand slap from City Attorney Lori Barker for improperly using the Chico Police Department shoulder patch and Fire Department photo for campaign purposes.

By using these images improperly, ACT left an misleading impression that the public safety departments and the individuals presented in the photo endorsed the group's message. This tactic was willfully deceitful, especially since the mailer was created by seasoned political operatives who know better.

Today's Scrabble word is picot, to edge with ornamental loops.