Overheard at the breakfast table

[pegkerr]

Reading the newspaper over breakfast is just awful. S&P is the lowest it's been since April 1997. Minnesota gained . . . 107 jobs last month. In the entire state. And lost thousands. One bright spot: federal unemployment benefits are getting extended again. That's a big sigh of relief for my family.

Then there's the wrangling over the photo finish of the Minnesota Senatorial race. Both candidates are acting like asses. "I read this stuff," I grumbled to Rob, "and I just want to say 'A pox on both your houses.'" I glanced at Fiona. "Quick, what's that from?"

"It's Mercutio's line from Romeo and Juliet," she said immediately, "Except it's a plague on both your houses."

I beamed at her. "Very good. See? Education is good for something."