frank, the first dog

ah, ash wednesday, one of the most morbid and yet strangely comforting days of the religious year. there's something so ritualistic and nostalgic about bundling up to go to mass on a february night and having the priest smear ashes on your forehead. i went to a new parish tonight and really liked it. the songs they chose were great, and the place was packed. but i have to admit that i washed my ashes off when i got home ... if i don't, i always forget about them and then end up with ashy smears all over my house. i'll just have to remember that "to dust i shall return" without the visual cue.

the obamas have chosen their dog breed! our new first puppy is going to be a portuguese water hound, and apparently the first lady is upset that the girls want to name him frank. i disagree -- i love old man names for pets, and frank the first dog sounds just delightful to me!

also, the obamas hosted a special event in honor of stevie wonder tonight, and i love the first lady's hair! picspam here at the lovely obama_daily. video is here at the always awesome ontd_political. president obama deserved a little stevie-wonder fun time after that amazing congressional address last night. health care and education ... hell yes!

so sad to hear about the unexpected death of david cameron's son, ivan. i have always admired the way he and his wife have devoted themselves to making life better not only for ivan but also for all other disabled children in britain, working to pass initiatives to promote scientific research and raising awareness by speaking about their son and allowing him to be photographed with the family. prayers and condolences to the whole family; little ivan is now pain free in a better place, and i'm sure it's comforting that they have that lovely thought to cling to in their grief.

and now, i'm off for bed. what a long day!