My friends,

I told Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere.

Let me start over. I am now drinking wine and eating many gourmets at an undiclosed location in Europe, and will be here until Jewish Christmas.

My mission is to post many pictures of shop signs in broken English, and to test my theory that a Barack Obama button can get me not only out of trouble, but many free beers as well.

I also would like to post photos of weird European doorknobs -- I am looking at 2 right now, in my European-sized studio apartment.

Anyway, pumpkins, I will report back with what these crazy folks think of our declining empire and future Snow Queen.

I'm gonna go check my mailbox for my absentee ballot - I feel guilty for leaving everyone behind. At least I will be able to ask for political asylum in a pinch.

Auf weidersehen for now, comrades.