Dept. of 'Wouldn't it be pretty to think so'

Electoral-vote.com has Kerry leading 298-231 in the electoral vote this morning, based on polls taken over the weekend. According to these polls, Kerry takes all of the big 3 swing states and the entire upper midwest (except, of course, for solid-red Indiana). I think that's pretty much the outer end of possibilities. Still, it's nice to gaze upon. Just go back to that website anytime today you feel down.

In news closer to home, I got a nearly ecstatic email from my friend Marilyn, a writer who may very well be on the edge of real success. She only hints at it in her blog, but she received many hopeful signs over the weekend. And hopeful signs are what it's all about today, folks.