We have a winner for Murder on the ‘Ol Bunions. Congrats, Sherri, Queen Coupon Clipper! Just email me with your home addy, and I will get that book out to you.

I made it through another year of parent-teacher conferences and lived to tell about it. Actually I won’t be telling about it. But I did have one crazy moment. Which I can’t share because I’m all professional. And stuff.

Even though I’m a sports idiot, somehow I found this story. This is Mike Singletary, the 49′ers coach, who told a player to hit the showers during a game, refusing to play him anymore. In this age of indulged athletes (and ninth graders…and pop stars…and politicians…), I really liked what he said at his press conference. Skip to minute 1.50 and just watch for a minute or so.

Did you know Hilary Duff is making a new CD? It’s her greatest hits. Should be a short CD. But Eonline wrote an article about her new video, a cover of a Depeche Mode song from the 80s (No, Hilary! No! How could you?) and titled the article simply “New Hilary Duff Music Video is Really Uncomfortable.” And it is. I watched it, and it made me feel icky inside. I had to cleanse my mental palate with some happier, wholesomer things like this:

Did you know Obama is encouraging people to take the day off on November fourth to vote and work the campaign? McCain said that was a totally ridiculous idea, and that Americans should be all responsible and go to work and school. Is it just me or is somebody being a drag? I mean, I’ve already voted, but taking the day off…not a bad idea. Wouldn’t it be cool if we got a National Day Off to Vote (or watch TV)? That would be awesome. We could just vote and then spend the rest of the day reflecting on our liberties and freedoms. Just reflecting. Maybe at the mall. Or on the couch.

Have you ever read the book Walter the Farting Dog? Um, because it’s just about the best book ever. I don’t know why it hasn’t won a Pulitzer. In fact, I recently bought my nephew this book. My brother was really impressed with my aunting skills as usual. But it’s a great book. And now it’s gonna be a great movie! And if a movie about a dog–nay, a farting dog–won’t get you to this flick, how about adding in the Jonas Brothers? Because what’s the first thing you think of when you hear “farting dog?” The Brothers Jonas! There’s Nick and Joe. Jermaine. . .Tito . It’s a very short book, so I’m wondering how they are going to stretch that storyline into 90 minutes or so. Probably with lots of sound effects.

Have a great day. I’m totally burned out from conferences and a lack of real food, so I’m going to read my new Gluten Free cookbook (with recipes that will end up tasting like EATING the cookbook), and go to bed early.

Whether you take the day off or not (and I vote you do), be sure and plan to vote on November 4th. This is your PSA for October.

JEN