News Item: IBM Sequoia supercomputer sets record as world's fastest, performing 16.32 quadrillion calculations per second. That is, if  you are inclined to take the computer's word for it.

QT is taking the day off.

News Headline: "After soda ban proposal, NYC officials set sights on popcorn and milk shakes."So here is where we are. Feel free to hide in your basements until further notice.

News Item (2010): Congressional Republicans cut $512 million from funds to control wildfires. News Item (2012): Canada lends help as shortages of manpower and equipment continue to hinder firefighting. Republican leaders have offered no comment on their latest success in cutting the size of government.

News Headline: "Revealed: How chefs use 'meat glue' made from pig blood to stick steaks together."News Headline: "Is 'meat glue' the next pink slime?" Agribusiness is still working on our dessert.

News Headline: "GOP goes glitzy at fundraiser." News Headline: "Republicans attack Obama over glitzy fundraisers." Don't worry. Only 151 more days of this to go.

News Item: ". . . Estimates are that Walker is outspending Barrett by an 8- to-1 ratio. . . ." One other thing about money and politics: In a close election, money turned Wisconsin into Indiana this week.