A story from the Washington Times about the skirmish yesterday between the US Secret Service and Chilean security forces. Ultimately the tension between the two services resulted in the cancellation of tonight’s 200-guest formal dinner. The video‘s kinda funny, if you can dig it up…. “tell ya what, we’re a little short on the staff plates, so why don’t you boys stay outside and we’ll watch the President for you, is that cool?”

Now, granted, if I’d really loved the S60R the way I loved the S4, this issue might not have stopped me from purchasing one, even from dealers who were as numb as knobs. However, per my earlier post about the fact that e-mailing Volvo seemed to be a black hole, I thought that in fairness to Volvo, apparently they do indeed have at least one person who can use a computer. Unfortunately he appears to be powerless, clueless, and with no desire to repair any reputational damage.

Granted, my initial note is a bit snotty, but I started off pissed and didn’t bother to share in the feedback form that I’d actually gone into Boston Volvo and left my name, e-mail address, and that I wanted to drive a 2005 S60R and still didn’t hear back.

The thread between “Volvo Bob” and I can be found in the extended entry. Bottom-to-top, o’course.
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AP: Man in Mall Shooting Had Anger Issues

To the untrained eye, it’s just a dark blue Audi (edit: Audi calls it a “deliberately restrained appearance”). To the trained eye, it’s something special. For the second time in the three weeks I’ve had the car (in what I hope is the start of an ongoing pattern) I found a note on it -

“NICE RIDE! Enjoy!”

Those are better to find than parking tickets.

Shot a bunch of pix of Princess D this weekend, she was very patient and forgiving as I carried on like a moron with a new toy (because I am a moron with a new toy).

Beyond learning the camera and improving my technique, I was especially trying to learn the new flash I bought in NYC. Now I have even found myself debating a semi-professional setup in some corner of my apartment…. and as I learn, I learn how very much I have to learn. Anyway, some of them came out nicely despite me (I’ll post more, but there are 5-6 already in the gallery – bottom ones are newest.) I made a few rather obvious compositional mistakes that I am now angry about. As usual, the ones that were unplanned and unposed are the ones that came out the best. There may be a lesson therein.

Anyway, onward.

AdTech party photos are up for those who care.

Hrrmm… here’s something to think about. A grid breaking down the average IQ by state, and the way in which the majority in that state voted. (thanks kyla)

Kerry will address supporters no later than early afternoon and concede the race to President Bush.

Unless something very strange happens, Bush will win re-election. The Democrats have only themselves to blame for their loss. Unfortunately, by nominating a pandering, vapid sack of hot air, they were unable to clearly differentiate themselves from the incumbent and offer “movable voters” a clear, strong alternative.

Here’s hoping for the rise of some viable third-party alternatives. Of course, to fuel this we’ll need an involved populous, and I’m not holding my breath on that.

UPI has just moved a story citing senior White House officials who say that Bush has been told he is nearly certain to take Ohio and Florida when all the votes are in. Relying on internal data, reporting and exit polling, GOP sources believe both states will go to Bush.

If this holds true, Bush has certainly been re-elected President of the United States.