February 2 Listening to the National news on NPR as I tore myself awake from my drowsy, blanketed nest, I grudgingly admit to actually noticing that there is an extremely powerful election campaign going on. Not "my" election, but a surging volley between seemingly tireless men tossing epithets, innuendoes and direct attacks like the Australian Open. The game will change soon and the relentless assaults will aim in my political direction. My hope is that they can keep on with this infighting long and heavy, deep into the election year, so I can pretend I live in Ireland or Britain where the election "season" is short and to the point. Just get it over and get on with the work.