Beauty: October 2010

The Republican former Vice-President candidate for the Presidency, which has been stirring the pot this year with its support for the portion of tea for the mid-term, elections candidates has been difficult to identify on the question of whether it provides in the presidential elections in 2012.De, so far.

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, tonight, Palin air leaving Moose bag.

Mary Hart of and asked bluntly: "the you go to the presidential elections."

USA/ Palin has begun its response with what one would expect at this stage of the policy cycle: "you know that I have not decided what I'm going to make 2012.Je do not believe that potential candidates ont.Je believes that although it is too early for anyone out there saying that their intentions are."

Then it added some warnings and conditions provide an overview of the process of reflection on the issue say his decision would lead to a family focus and ll "a real close look the dismissal of the Earth and to examine if there are those who have the common sense, conservative passion, pro-Constitution, if there is already a candidate there which can do the job and I" get their biggest supporter and their greater helpmate, if they have me .Ou if nobody is willing to do so, to make difficult choices and not care that the critics will say about you forward just according to what I believe that priorities should be.

And then came the Palin grand finale: "If there is no one to do so, then obviously would I believe that we should do that."

Descend to the definition of "person", because it is supposed to be a robust field of the Republican candidates for the next presidential race competing to Democrat Barack Obama.

And some Republicans have reservations about the qualities of the Palin home blanche.Par example, Karl Rove, a former adviser to President George w. Bush and a Republican strategist, said the public standards high for the Presidency and required "a certain level of severity," according to an interview with the Daily Telegraph.

"With candid, appearing on your own reality show on Discovery Channel, I am not sure how that fits into American computing"that helps me to see you in the Oval Office","Rove, told the British newspaper.""

Photo credit: Reuters/Scott Audette (Palin parade fundraiser in Florida, 23 October)

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Introduced October 2010 photo contest winners

Ready for results? Here's what this month of the judge, Craig Cramer Ellis Hollow, had it

I'm admiration.

When Nan first asked me to judge the contest this month, I was afraid that zero entreriez.serait put an end to their cameras and try this rather unorthodox technique? It was a risky idea.

But it was unnecessary to ring. We found with 14 beautiful entries, and you should go to the Gallery to soak the all in.

Honourable mentions

I am really like blooms Passiflora, Coleus leaves lime and purple flowering plum created by Shellene Mueller landscape leaf collage. "If you presented your plant together combos in this format for displaying your clients?", she wrote on her blog designs by Shellene. "This as an excellent way to get their enchanted by the palette you've planned for their garden, especially those which are made to the"Visual"challenge."

Arrangement below by Gardener Braque of Austin (Texas) also caught my eye.She writes: "it is a concept to create a photographic image without a caméra.Il is also lots of fun." I had no experience with a scanner. In fact, I would even have one. I showed to my friend with a box full of cuttings's House in my garden and we began to play.We have had much time until our children begin to appeler.Apparemment must be fed on a regular basis!?

It took Cherry Crest addressing several sessions to reenter the next mix. " But I am always pleased to step.As I mentioned, I'm holding to flourish?"she écrit.Vous must now, Cherry.Et I hope you caught the bug and keep scanning."

Silver Medal

Runner this month following up comes from scanner experienced Judith Cowles over the garden worm.She and her sister create cards and calendars, decoupaged on wood or glass for the boat, or printed projects analyses on fabric and transformed into pillows or bags that they sell online.

Surprise.Judith defines a technique and cheeriness toolbar.

Gold Medal

Winner of this month is the supernova Lily 'Madam Ganna Walska', the purple heart and jewellery Opar Philip at East Side Patch coming .Son planets is distinguished by its cosmic creativity, evoking the appearances that transcend the flowers on the bed scanner. "Who would have thought that you could have so much fun with a scanner, apart from the mandatory Office pranks?"I couldn't agree with you more Philip.

It's second "Picture This" Philip.Il gold medal also won the theme August 2009 down on your knees.

Thanks again to everyone who braved the new technology to enter if you don't get to scanning attempt, I hope that you'll now inspired faire.Tomber me a comment to the Creux de Ellis so that I can come take a look.

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The re-election of Obama plan would be devaluation of the dollar?

Will be President Obama be re-elected in 2012, if his party suffered a crushing defeat at mid-term? His political team likes to point to the example of Ronald Reagan. Congressional Republicans were repressed in divide in 1982, but the worse crossed victory in two years later.

Of course, "Morning in America" scenario is based on a rapid economic recovery.Unemployment fell by 10.8% in November 1982 at 7.2% in November 1984.La GDP growth was 4.5 percent in 1983 and 7.2 per cent in 1984.

But most economic forecasts provide such growth in the near future of America.More likely is the trend growth - about 3 per cent or step - with unemployment still 8% at the end of 2012.Au better, these figures suggest a very close contest the présidentiel.Et polls show that the President will have a difficult time still win these wealthy States electoral-vote in Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.

Obama could try to emulate Reagan by offering a massive tax cuts, but that seems unlikely given belief that America is undertaxed now administration.

But there is another way, although it is extremely risqué.Une history of Bloomberg, with a simulation run by macroeconomic advisers predicts a decline of 10% of the dollar in the first six months of next year would do the following:

1 Gross domestic product increase more than database company focused on St. Louis forecast for the next year, 4.8% by 1.1 percentage point.
2. In 2012 the growth of 5.7 per cent exceeds baseline provides 1.3 percentage points.
3 Unemployment will fall to 7% at the end of 2012, 1.4 points lower than forecast company database.

There you go, Morning in America II, through the weakness of the dollar - except of course the dollar began to plunge out of control, stimulate inflation and creating a panic.

The Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner, said that he supports a strong - dollar - even if he wants to weaken vs yuan, but the White House political team shared this point of view? and what Ben Bernanke? here are some interesting recent history of Reuters:

While US Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner said that the United States supported a strong at the g-20 dollar meeting, there were a few takers for this."It is one thing for the Treasury to say that, but then the"Fed holds all ammunition and when it is set to print more"silver, the dollar will remain a currency weakened," said JaneFoley, superior to currency strategist Rabobank.

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Meek stays in the Florida Senate race Although Clinton overtures

It is very clear. Democrat Kendrick Meek is not stall three-way race the Florida Senate.

What is not so clear is what has happened before Meek reporters invoked his seat campaign for a late-night press conference Wednesday to deny reports of former President Bill Clinton had asked that leave the race.

Singling out a member of Congress from Florida Politico.com, report said, "any rumour or any statement by any person who said that I have taken a decision to get out of the race is inaccurate, at best".

Politico.com reports that Clinton has almost managed to talk Meek out of the race before that the candidate has changed his mind.

According to politico, Meek have agreed to drop and approve Governor Charlie Crist, which could then have a best shot to win in a bi-directional with the former State House speaker Marc Rubio competition, part of a favourite tea.

"Withdrawal of sound (Meek), polls suggest, ensured that there democratic base voters to moderate Governor, a three-way contest complex rocking and probably throw the election of Crist," said politico.

Crist runs as independent after he lost the Republican primary to Rubio.

Clinton told CNN that he had indeed spoken to Meek."He was trying to think about what was the best thing for Florida," Clinton said of Meek.

Crist also confirmed that something had been in place.

"We have had many discussions and conversations with very close people of former President and was in the room," Crist said on Fox News.

"These conversations take incited, they began a little over a week ago", said Crist.Il added Meek had initially decided to leave to "do that was good, I guess in the eyes of... radical President to stop a right, if you want, to be elected to the Senate of the United States".

Before attempting to Meek everything disappear with his press conference, Chairman of the Committee national Republican Michael Steele in the fray with a commentary on the participation of Clinton.

"President Clinton action sends a deterrent signal to all voters, but especially African-Americans .i can only imagine the response if Republican leaders have tried to force the race - in the 11th hour - black qualified candidate as Kendrick Meek,"Steele has said in a statement. "

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Washington Extra - deserve to Obama, Stewart, Palin and baseball

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jon It is unclear to me if appearing on “The Daily Show” will have done much for President Barack Obama’s ratings. But it doesn’t seem to have helped Jon Stewart’s much. Nielsen data just in shows last night’s episode attracted 2.8 million viewers (minus TiVo data), compared to the show’s average of roughly 3.6 million an episode. Not sure if it says much about the president, except that people probably watch the Daily Show for Jon Stewart, not for his guests. Or maybe they were just watching the World Series.

That said, I suspect Sarah Palin would draw higher ratings if she ever graced Stewart’s studio. Instead, the former vice presidential candidate will be on air on Entertainment Tonight this evening. Asked bluntly if she planned to run for president, Palin said she would take a look at the lay of the land, to see if there was anyone else with the “common sense, conservative, pro-Constitution passion” she believes in.

If so, they would get her wholehearted support. If not: “if there’s nobody else to do it, then of course I would believe that?we should do this.” As our blogger Toby Zakaria observed, it may come down to a definition of “nobody”, because there is of course likely to be a healthy Republican field, many of whom may indeed share that passion.

Finally, an interesting poll from long-time Democratic pollster Doug Schoen via US News and World Report. The highlights: more voters think George W. Bush was a better president than Obama than the other way around. And a majority think the president does not deserve a second term.

Ironically, of course, he might still get one. Half of the voters surveyed wanted a third party in American politics, and, even now, in the depth of his midterm blues, Obama might still win a three-way race. In a contest between Obama, Republican Mitt Romney and Palin, for example, Obama would sneak through with 40 percent of voters, ahead of Romney with 32 percent and Palin with 17.

Here are our top stories from Washington today…

US election ads turn personal — and brutal

It’s nasty out there, with U.S. political candidates and outside groups flooding the airwaves with brutal and increasingly personal attacks calling their opponents cheats, liars and kooks — or worse.

For more on this story by John Whitesides,? read here.

Republican win could revive U.S. trade deals

Three long-delayed trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia could jump to the top of the U.S. congressional agenda if Republicans win control of the House of Representatives next week.

For more on this story by Doug Palmer, read here.

‘Bringing home bacon’ may not work this election

The Obama administration is sending more than $3 billion in infrastructure grants to U.S. states this month and announced most of the awards just days before the mid-terms. But the bipartisan tradition of “bringing home the bacon” to boost incumbents’ popularity may not have the same impact as voters profess antipathy toward government spending.

For more of this story by Lisa Lambert and John Crawley, read here.

Tea Party groundswell signals challenges to Fed

Tea Party members have lambasted the Fed for its unprecedented and aggressive steps to bolster the economy in the wake of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, saying the moves have exposed a lack of accountability and raise the risk of damaging inflation down the road. Efforts to submit the Fed’s monetary policy decisions to congressional review or to give Congress say in appointing officials at regional Fed banks could gain fresh momentum if Republicans win big.

For more of this story by Mark Felsenthal, read here.

BP, Halliburton ignored Macondo cement flaws-panel

BP and Halliburton, the contractor who cemented the blown-out Macondo well, ignored cement design flaws weeks before the disaster that sparked the worst U.S. offshore oil spill, a White House panel said. Both Halliburton and BP were aware of flaws in the cement slurry, similar to the one used to seal the well, as early as March 8. Shares in Halliburton fell sharply after the report’s release.

For more of this story by Chris Baltimore, read here.

Regulators, watchdogs second guess ratings reform

Banks and regulators are urging Congress to scale back a ban on the use of widely criticized credit raters to assess the risk of securities and investments on bank’s books, at least until a better alternative is developed. In a rare moment of agreement over the new U.S. financial reform law, some consumer advocates say banks have a point.

For more of this analysis story by Dave Clarke, read here.

Republicans may revamp US energy policy

After raising a ruckus on the campaign trail about the “Cap and Tax” energy policies of the Obama Administration, Republicans will want to move away from renewable energy and boost traditional energy sources if they win big next week. But they won’t be able to push too hard.

For some scenarios on how a Republican win could affect energy policy read here.

Obama to push trade, currency issues in India visit

The stakes on trade are high for President Obama’s trip to India in November as the United States and India need each other to meet ambitious export targets amid a sluggish U.S. economic recovery, yawning trade deficits with China and fears of global imbalances sparking a standoff. On the issue of global economic imbalances that have raised fears of currency wars, India and the United States often differ.

For more of this analysis by Matthias Williams and Doug Palmer, read here.

U.S. jobless claims fall to three-month low

New claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week to a three-month low but the underlying trend still points to labor market stagnation. The data, however, will likely carry little weight at the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, where further monetary stimulus for the sluggish economy is expected.

For more of this story by Lucia Mutikani, read here.

US Senate leader Reid faces possible historic loss

Harry Reid, a key ally to President Barack Obama, is in danger in Tuesday’s election of becoming the first U.S. Senate majority leader in 58 years to be booted out of office by home-state voters. A Reid defeat — to a favorite of the anti-establishment Tea Party movement — would be a repudiation of President Obama, who made several trips to Nevada to try to bail out his fellow Democrat.

For more of this story by Thomas Ferraro, read here.

Britain urges U.S. to take down extremist websites

Britain has called on the United States to take down websites used by extremists and urged more concerted action to thwart militant threats before resorting to war. Britain’s security minister, in remarks delivered in Washington, voiced concern about permitting websites used by extremists such as the preacher Anwar al Awlaqi to recruit anti-Western forces. “The websites in which feature his terrorist message would categorically not be allowed in the UK,” she said. “If they were hosted in the UK they would be taken down.”

For more of this story by Jim Wolf, read here.

What we are blogging…

Schwarzenegger sours on politics; eyes memoirs, movies?

Memoirs, maybe movies, but no political office. That’s what the immediate future holds for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who’s leaving office in January. “Politics destroys everybody,” he said in an “ABC World News” interview on Wednesday.

For JoAnne Allen’s full post, read here.

Palin for President? Someone’s gotta do it

Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who has been stirring the pot this year with her backing for Tea Party candidates for the midterm elections, has been?hard to pin down on whether she plans to run for president in 2012. Until now. If no one else wants to do it, Sarah Palin says she would step in.

For Tabassum Zakaria’s full post, read here.

From elsewhere…

Nepal firm takes high speed Internet to Mt Everest

A private telecom firm took high speed Internet facilities to the top of the world on Thursday when it launched Nepal’s first 3G services at the base camp of Mount Everest.

The installation could help the tens of thousands of mountain climbers and trekkers who visit the Mount Everest region every year.

For more of this story, read here.

For more stories from our Washington correspondents visit www.reuters.com and stay informed.

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Jim Young (Obama with Stewart on the Daily Show)

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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Obama has voted…

October 26, 2010 05: 10 pm EDT

President Barack Obama completed absentee vote in the Senate races and the Governor of Illinois ballot.

And… drumroll please… that he had voted in favour of democracy.

OBAMA/ "He comes to vote absentee in the West Wing," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs disclosed."I know that he had voted for, to the Governor and the Senate from Illinois - the two Democratic candidates who I think will win," he said.

Average RealClearPolitics surveys, both of these candidates are candidate républicain.Dans Illinois Senate race old seat Obama, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias end Republican Mark Kirk by approximately 2 percentage b.c points' is one of the main breeds is to be looked at to see if Republicans can take control of the Senate.

In the race for the Governor of Illinois, the Democratic Governor Pat Quinn is Republican Bill Brady with an average of 3.5 points RCP.

Illinois is one of the stops on final campaign push Obama weekend prior to the election of the next Tuesday.

And what about the election night?

Gibbs, said the President is not one to stay glued to the TV, but it will be in residence in the White House or the West Wing as the results.

Photo credit: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque (Obama rally in Providence)

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Washington Extra - the Octopus is dead, vive opinion pollster

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We start this afternoon with the sad news of the demise of Paul, the psychic octopus who captivated the world this summer with his uncanny ability to predict the results of Germany’s World Cup soccer matches.

Fear not, though. There are other ways to divine the future, and especially the results of next week’s midterm elections.

GERMANY/ But first of all Washington Extra would like to categorically deny that Paul, just before taking his last gulp of water, predicted that Republicans would win control of the House and Democrats would cling onto power in the Senate. It’s just not true. And if he did, he was only reading our poll data.

Talking of which (nice segue, huh?), our latest Reuters/Ipsos poll from Pennsylvania makes interesting reading today. It shows Democrat Joe Sestak drawing level with Republican Pat Toomey, with both men now tied at 46 percent.

It is quite a turnaround for Sestak, who was trailing by 10 percentage points in our last poll in late August, but seems to have struck a chord with voters after accusing his rival of wanting to export jobs to China. ?Another clue, perhaps, that some of the midterm races might be a bit closer than they appeared a couple of months ago.

Here are our top stories from Washington today…

Key Pennsylvania Senate race in dead heat

A Senate race in Pennsylvania that could determine whether Democrats retain control of the chamber is deadlocked one week before the election, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed

For more of this story by Andy Sullivan, read here.

For scenarios of possible election outcomes, read here.

US Republicans poised to win House, gain in Senate

A Republican win in the House and gains in the Senate would likely slam the brakes on Obama’s agenda and spark a prolonged period of legislative gridlock. “I haven’t seen anything that makes me think there will be a drastic change in the public mood or trends in the next week,” Republican strategist Kevin Madden said. “It feels like the concrete was poured on the major issues months ago.”

For more of this story by John Whitesides, read here.

Obama to test Republicans after Nov. 2 elections

President Obama’s senior aides have accused Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of promoting political gridlock and gamesmanship by saying he wants to ensure Obama is a one-term president. “There will be more Republicans. We are ready to work together. The question is, are they ready to work with us?” senior adviser David Axelrod told MSNBC.

For more of this story by Steve Holland, read here.

Tighter derivatives rules gain headway in US, EU

The first global crackdown on the $615 trillion derivatives market gained momentum as regulators unveiled a new tool to police fraud and European officials urged tighter controls. From “quote stuffing” and “spoofing” to “banging the close,” the CFTC eyed certain trading practices closely, though it stopped short, for now, of proposing specific rules to curb high-frequency trading .– a trading strategy that may have contributed to the “flash crash.”

For more of this story by Roberta Rampton and Ayesha Rascoe, read here.

EU, US grapple with crunch in rare earth supplies

The European Union and the United States said they were pressing for solutions to concerns China may be exploiting its stranglehold on rare earth metals, crucial in the making of everything from portable phones to wind turbines. A Department of Energy official said she was not aware of any U.S. companies experiencing disruptions in rare earth metal shipments from China, but said firms were worried about shortages developing.

For more of this story by Juliane von Reppert-Bismarck and Paul Eckert, read here

Clinton: No problem with Iran Bushehr atomic plant

The United States has no problem with Iran’s Russian-built Bushehr nuclear reactor plant but with other sites where weapons work may be underway, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. Iran began loading fuel into the core of its first nuclear power plant at Bushehr earlier on Tuesday, its atomic energy chief said, the last major step to realizing its stated goal of becoming a peaceful user of nuclear energy.

For more of this story, read here.

For a Q&A on whether the West should worry about the plant, read here.

Consumer watchdog will go slow on rules-Treasury

The U.S. consumer watchdog will not inundate banks and other financial players with a host of new rules as soon as it is up and running in July. “There is a recognition that people need time to prepare,” said Eric Stein, the Treasury Department’s deputy assistant secretary for consumer protection.

For more of this story by Rachelle Younglai, read here..

China looms large over Clinton’s Asia-Pacific tour

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton added a brief stop in China to her Asia-Pacific tour that begins on Wednesday, a 13-day trip that aims to bolster ties to a region increasingly under China’s shadow. The State Department described her detour to Hainan Island on Saturday as a simple courtesy to Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo, a key figure in managing the strained U.S.-China relationship.

For more of this story by Arshad Mohammed, read here.

Fake chips from China sold to U.S. defense contractors

Shannon Wren ran what appeared to be a low-key computer business in Florida, but his real moneymaker was allegedly selling fake integrated circuits imported from China and Hong Kong to defense contractors and transportation firms. The case highlights the sophistication of counterfeiters. The Justice Department launched an intellectual property task force in February to focus on counterfeiting, trade secret theft and piracy.

For more of this story by Jeremy Pelofsky, read here.

What we are blogging…

Clinton sees diplomats of the future in cargo pants as well as pinstripes

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged Congress to finance a major new push on overseas development aid, arguing that only by building up a global middle class will the United States increase its national security. “The American people must understand that spending taxpayer dollars on diplomacy and development is in their interest,” Clinton wrote in an article in Foreign Affairs magazine.

For Andrew Quinn’s full post, read here.

Stewart, Colbert rally gets ‘puzzling’ endorsement

Jon Stewart’s Washington “Rally to Restore Sanity” has a new, puzzling promoter: Will Shortz. He’s editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle, which today devotes no fewer than eight clues to the Daily Show host, his fellow satirist Stephen Colbert and the joint rally they’re planning on the National Mall.

For David Morgan’s full post, read here.

Photo credit: Reuters/Kirsten Neumann (Paul the octopus oracle in July)

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Unlikely to Federal Government launch campaign financing probe soon

For weeks, leading Democrats have castigated pro-Republican special interest groups involved in the current election campaign for what they describe as secret funding practices. USA/

In an effort to call more attention to the activities of groups like American GPS Carrefour, a fundraising Policy Committee which GOP guru Karl Rove helped put in place, some prominent Democrats and non-partisan election observers have written law enforcement demanding a formal investigation.

But there is little evidence that any relevant agency will start probe in-depth anytime soon.

At the beginning of October, the Liberal group MoveOn.org activists sent a letter to the Department of justice, demanding that he investigate the allegations that the Chamber of commerce of the United States received funds from foreign sources unspecified - elections something the House refuse catégoriquement.Une similar application of a survey sent by Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat Senator to the Federal Election Commission.

To the same time, two policy finance watchdog groups, legal campaign and democracy 21, sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service requesting an investigation if Crossroads GPS infringes his status Centre exempt from tax by spending too much time and resources on electoral propaganda.

Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee has also sent a letter to the IRS requesting that he lead a broad "survey" of such groups exempt from tax to see if they follow the rules or the investigation rained merit.

Groups targeted by pro-Democrat and liberal activists to these complaints, including the Chamber of commerce and the crossroads, GPS, insist that they operate entirely within the framework of the Act and vigorously deny any wrongdoing.

And, for the moment there is no evidence that any government agency is going to take urgent action in response to the varying for enquêtes.Un spokesman of the Ministry of justice had no comment and IRS officials say that they never discuss the existence of tax investigations.

But an official familiar with Obama campaign said that the Department of justice is not likely to act at all times Reuters finance administration policy soon on complaints received from the MoveOn.Et other campaign finance monitors say that they see no indication that IRS has decided to initiate an investigation major, although they also say that if such an investigation was underway for the privacy practices of the IRS he could not become public years.(A spokesman for Baucus called the IRS surveys).

Fundraising experts say the Federal Election Commission political stalemate, short staffing and secrecy to the IRS, and a Court Supreme important decision that makes it easier for groups of companies Fund campaign ads have made it very difficult for federal authorities to the same survey, a fortiori crack down on democratic practices and activists complain.

Photo credit: Reuters/Fred Prouser (Karl Rove in July 2008)

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California ad negative firecrackers

Jerrymeg

Sarah McBride takes a look at campaign advertising in the race for California.

Favorite California Governor Jerry Brown pledged Tuesday remove all negative ads a week before the elections of November 2, but only if along its rival.Meg Whitman, Republican billionaire with a large-scale campaign self-financing was unwilling to enough that go well.

First of all, no candidate seemed crazy animator conversation haunting of applicants at the annual Conference of women in Long Beach, current Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, sitting in the middle of Matt Lauer, proposal. The audience clapped and cheered the suggestion, the two candidates sitting stonefaced onstage, immobile hands in their tours.

"Sometimes negativity in the eye of the subjective," said Brown. But perhaps remind his head in the polls, he quickly turned generous and said that it would be if Whitman.

Whitman, former eBay CEO, returned with a counteroffer: it would take advertisements considered personal attacks, but not those issues.

Then she started rocking hard. ""I think it's really important for people to understand that the balance was Governor," she said, referring to the preceding period of Brown as Governor. "Jerry Brown in many ways left this worst State forms when there trouvé.Avant Brown could respond fully, Lauer jumped, saying that he had to wrap the session.

Ultimately, any promise on announcements of coordination was left to Governor Schwarzenegger, a Republican who has always refused to approve one of them.

"The bottom line is that we have the top two candidates said Schwarzenegger."

Photo credit: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni (Meg Whitman, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown at the Conference of women on October 26, 2010)

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Rhode Island Democrat said Obama can "coarse" non-visa

Some bad words for a Democrat in Rhode Island for President Barack Obama, which is scheduled to visit the State later today.

Frank Caprio, the Democrat running for Governor of Rhode Island, is angry Obama and not afraid to let everyone know.

USA/ According to him, that he had learned from reporter last night that Obama does not intend to approve its application against independent Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican Senator who endorsed Obama on Republican John McCain in 2008.?

Caprio unloaded on WPRO-AM and you can hear the full interview on radio station Web site.

"I have never asked the Obama President for his approval.""And what was going on here is really the worst sound political Insider Washington," he says.

"He could take his approval and really rude as I fear," said Caprio.

He criticized the Obama to do step attention in Rhode Island after damaging floods earlier this year.

"There we ignored him and now he entered into Rhode Island treat us as a one-stop automatique.donc, I want to say to President Obama very clearly is wearing a badge of honor as a badge of courage that he does not want to consider me to be a Democrat, because I'm a different type of Democrat, I am fighting for major changes in the State, I will fight for jobs every day,"said Caprio. "

React to the White House, said Sunday that Obama would not be an endorsement of the race of Rhode Island to visit today.

RealClearPolitics public opinion polls mean shows Caprio leading opponents of 1.7 percentage points.

For other news election Reuters 2010, click here.

Photo credit: Reuters/Brian Snyder (man uses the boat to the residents of ferries and supplies in the West, Rhode Island, April floods)

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Washington Extra - Democrats and the swallows

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In the words of Aristotle: “one swallow does not a summer make, nor one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.”

Nevertheless, Democrats might not be feeling quite so down in the dumps today, as evidence comes in that in early voting (allowed at election offices and satellite locations in 32 states) the Democrats are off to a stronger-than-expected start. It is impossible to tell how people actually voted, but Democrats do appear to be showing up in greater numbers in some key states than some had feared. But things are still not going as well for them as in 2008.

The “enthusiasm gap” is expected to be one of the Democrats’ biggest handicaps in the midterms, this early evidence, and rallies next weekend by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, notwithstanding.

If you want to understand the disillusionment about President Barack Obama among his former supporters, our World Affairs Columnist Bernd Debusmann reminds us today of the soaring rhetoric he employed back when he won the Democratic nomination in June 2008. florida_rally

“If…we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I’m absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs for the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last best hope on earth.”

Bernd takes a look at how Obama is doing against his own stratospheric expectations. And concludes, again, with Obama’s own words. “In a big messy democracy, everything takes time.”

Finally, and talking of taking time, the effort to get Haiti back on its feet after January’s devastating earthquake is still in its early stages. No one should underestimate the scale of the problems faced, problems which have been dramatically underlined by last week’s cholera outbreak which has killed more than 250 people. My recent trip also really underlined to me the importance of getting the private sector back on its feet, and of slowing the steady hemorrhaging of middle-class Haitians who flee their country every year for jobs and opportunity in the United States and Canada. My special report is here.

Here are our top stories from Washington today…

Can Obama bridge partisan divide?

President Obama faces the role of political bridge-builder when an expected surge of new Republicans comes to Washington. “I think what you’ll have is gridlock for a while then I think you’ll have some hard-won compromise,” said Republican strategist John Feehery. “The number one thing that is going to happen is the Obama agenda is going to stop in its tracks.”

For more of this analysis by Steve Holland, read here.

The “Great Game” bubbles under Obama’s India trip

President Obama’s trip to India in November will be about how New Delhi deals with the elephant in the room – the Pakistan-Afghanistan conundrum. After nine years of war, there are signs the United States and President Hamid Karzai are reaching out to talk to the Taliban, and New Delhi wants to ensure any eventual settlement protects India from the risk of militant groups on its doorstep.

For more of this analysis by Alistair Scrutton and Patricia Zengerle, read here.

U.S. Democrats off to good start in early voting

More Democrats than Republicans cast early ballots in a handful of key states, but more Republicans voted early than in 2008 when President Obama led a Democratic sweep. “The early voting numbers are favorable for Democrats, but here’s the caution — they are not as favorable as in 2008,” said Michael McDonald, a George Mason University professor who tracks early voting statistics around the country.

For more of this story by John Whitesides, read here.

State races to redraw lines of power in Washington

As Democrats struggle to keep their majorities in Congress, the next decade of party control may be determined by scores of state legislative races also on the ballot. At stake is the redrawing of electoral districts for the House of Representatives in Washington — an adjustment of boundaries that tends to favor the party in charge of each state legislature.

For more of this story, read here.

Foreclosure mess may hurt housing market, FDIC says

The foreclosure mess won’t be cleaned up quickly and could hurt the housing market, which is already a weak link in the economic recovery, regulators said.

For more of this story by Dave Clarke and Pedro Nicolaci da Costa, read here.

U.S. Treasury too rosy on bailout cost – TARP cop

The Obama administration’s latest estimate of taxpayer costs of the Wall Street bailout is too rosy and could ultimately damage public trust in government, the top bailout cop said..

For more of this story by Donna Smith, read here.

U.S. existing home sales rise, supply edges down

Sales of previously owned homes rose a greater-than-expected 10 percent in September but remained at depressed levels that point to a painful and protracted recovery for the housing market. The data did little to weaken the case for further monetary easing from the Federal Reserve, with sales far below the 5 million-unit pace usually associated with a healthy market.

For more of this story by Lucia Mutikani, read here.

Q+A-Can the US healthcare overhaul be repealed?

Republicans have vowed to repeal and replace the healthcare overhaul — or at least eliminate many of its provisions — if they achieve big victories mid-term elections. National polls show voters evenly divided on the law dubbed “Obamacare” by its opponents.

For questions and answers about the law’s future, by Patricia Zengerle, read here.

Could Republicans gut parts of Wall St reform law?

Republicans want to roll back Wall Street reforms enacted in July, but tinkering around the edges may be all they can manage. Analysts see little to no chance of a full dismantling of the law meant to prevent a repeat of the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

For questions and answers about potential tweaks to the law, by Kevin Drawbaugh, read here.

US approves world’s biggest solar power project

The Interior Department has approved a permit for the world’s biggest solar power project, which will provide electricity to up to 750,000 homes.

For more of this story, read here.

What we are blogging…

Rhode Island Democrat says Obama can “shove it” for non-endorsement

Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio had some unwelcoming words for President Obama, who was scheduled to visit the state. Caprio says he learned from a reporter last night that Obama did not plan to endorse his candidacy against independent Lincoln Chafee, a former Republican senator who endorsed Obama over John McCain in 2008.

For Tabassum Zakaria’s full post, click here.

From elsewhere…

Michael Jackson top-earning dead celebrity – Forbes

Michael Jackson’s sudden death sparked an outpouring of grief around the world, but fans also opened their wallets to make him this year’s top-earning dead celebrity with $275 million, Forbes said. Elvis Presley came in second, earning $60 million from admissions to his former home, Graceland, which is now a museum and tourist attraction in Memphis, Tennessee, a Cirque de Soleil show and more than 200 licensing and merchandise deals.

For more of this story, read here.

Russian spy Chapman talks of love in first interview

Glamorous Russian spy Anna Chapman has told a popular men’s magazine she likes hopeless romantics, in her first interview since she was deported from the United States in July. The redhead said her favorite category of men are “those who need love to be the biggest and most wonderful feeling in their life,” she told Russia’s Maxim, which went on sale last week.

For more of this story, read here.

For more stories from our Washington correspondents visit www.reuters.com and stay informed.

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (Obama greets supporters at a campaign rally in Las Vegas)

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O'Donnell prayer to boost campaign credits

25 October 2010 16 h 47 am EDT

Senate campaign of Christine United States O'Donnell can be abandoned, républicains.Mais still has friends in the workplace - really high places.

In fact, the favourite of Delaware Tea Party is crediting divine intervention for success which took his campaign.

"The day where we have seen that a spike in the polls was a day that some people had a meeting of prayer for me, this morning for this campaign," she tells the Christian Broadcasting Network, a cable television channel based tramres and former presidential candidate Republican Pat Robertson.

"I believe that prayer plays a direct role in this campaign," she says. "I always ask people: ' Please pray for the campagne.veuillez pray for our staff."Please pray, specifically, that in the eyes of voters be open.""

Prayer may be the best hope of o ' Donnell.Since his primary victory upset on moderate Republican Mike Castle, she was asked by questions about his qualifications for Office, ridiculed to recognize a fascination in teen sorcery and his understanding of U.S. religious freedoms together.

Barely a week before the election day his Democratic opponent Chris Coons has more than 50% of the votes of a recent Rasmussen survey experts .Certains him zero chance to shoot a victory and blamed his candidacy to seize the Senate Republican hopes.

But o ' Donnell, it has not begun to pray only now that the chips are down.

"God is the reason why I am running if I do not think that it y a cause worth fighting for, if I do not need a complete dying to self to make things in this cycle of eleciton over myself, I would not be run," she says.

"Prayer is what known us throughout."

Subject to any acts of God, his candidacy for the Senate will have to face final judgement before the electorate of Delaware on November 2

For more information policies Reuters, click here.

Photo credit: Reuters/Tim Shaffer (o Donnell.O O'Donnell sponsorship with the sorcerer Hat; O)(' Donnell supports campaign banner)

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Monday, October 25, 2010

Republican, democratic party leaders see victory in the battle for the House

Duel appearances on shows new Sunday morning, the leaders of democratic parties made prediction-after the elections of November 2, our guys will control the House.

The Republican national Committee Chairman Michael Steele, explains his party to enter into the segment of the last campaign on a winning combination of pulse, enthusiasm and energy.

"It is a vibration here that unlike anything I've ever seen before, Steele said about the"Satisfactory press"NBC".

"I think you'll see a wave, wave unprecedented on the day of voting, which will surprise many people," said Steele.

"I would like to say, we're 38 seats and there 39 seats da… take control (the Chamber) .but I think we are more it", said RNC Chief.

The Senate will be a little tougher, Steele said, but it is not adjudicate a takeover too.

"If this wave continues the way it is going…."I think that you could see the Senate goes as well for the Republicans,", he added.

Democratic Chairman national Tim Kaine says won't be easy, but Democrats will retain control of the House.

"I think it's going be proche.Ces races are very close," Kaine said on ABC "This week".

"But at this stage, it is all about participation and game ground and we see good vote at the beginning of trends… we have to do, but we believe that we can do,"Kaine said. "

Republican, sought to take control of the Democratic-led House of representatives and the Senate midterm elections.

All 435 seats in the House and about one-third of the seats in the Senate 100 are to win.

Photo credit: REUTERS/Scott Audette (Steele welcomes Sarah Palin in Orlando rally, October 23, 2010) .REUTERS/Jim Young (Kaine with Obama, January 2009) .REUTERS Tim Shaffer, Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey and Mr. Joe Sestak Democratic Senate candidate before a Philadelphia debate media)

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Sunday, October 24, 2010

No more Mr. Nice, Republican Guy sets sights on the Obama energy Czar

October 22, 2010 13: 48 EDT

Michigan Republican Upton Fred is known as a moderate who disappointed in many conservatives vote Democrat majority on key issues, including automobile manufacturers taxpayer bailout to the United States. USA/

But wait no more than Guy Nice if Republican m. earn roughly November 2 and he became Chairman of the House Energy and commerce Committee.

Upton has a list of success of the White House policy plans to study starting in the energy White House adviser Carol Browner tsars.

Upton was posted to assign to the Chair of the Committee and powerful energy.Its staff has distributed a "Politico" interview in which he stated his intention to investigate "Toxic President Barack Obama regulations" and the role of policies 'Czars' in the White House, including Browner.

"If we have the gavel, I you surveillance Sub-Committee will be very busy" Upton said, adding that Browner can expect frequent invitations to testify.

"We will have a seat reserved for it," he said.

Head of the Environmental Protection Agency Lisa Jackson also likely on the sellette.Républicains see EPA and its efforts to combat climate change as a good example of scope and anti-business government regulation.

Photo credits: REUTERS/document (energy White House adviser listens Carol Browner General Motors Ed Welburn talk car electric Cadillac concept), REUTERS/Steve Carrera (Councillor Carol Browner, President of Barack Obama and EPA Chief Lisa Jackson energy White House Press Conference)

For more Reuters news political click here: http://www.reuters.com/news/politics

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Reopening of the Blagojevich postponed until April 2011

22 October 2010 16 h 50 a.m. EDT

The former Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich has won a delay until 20 April his scheduled trial on charges of corruption, which means that the trial was while Chicagoans voting for their next mayor.

James Zagel the United States district court judge granted the defence request for extension, saying defence downwards across the democratic team will have to "redesign" when it is retried for nearly two - dozen corruption charges.Among the charges are just Blagojevich attempted to sell of President Barack Obama former headquarters of the United States Senate. USA-BLAGOJEVICH/

The first trial ended with Blagojevich, recognized guilty of lying to investigators, while Board impasse on 23 other charges, causing Zagel declare a trial on these lonely sworn accusations.Un reported to exclusion among jurors intent on sentencing of additional costs and prosecutors wanted to retry at the beginning of January.

Testimony spared Obama representatives of the administration of any discomfort, even though White House former Chief of staff Rahm Emanuel was apparently had discussions on the seat of the Senate with Blagojevich.

Emanuel resigned earlier this month and laying bases of a campaign for Mayor of Chicago, with the election to replace retired Richard Daley taking place on 22 February.

Blagojevich has kept an unusually low profile lately, although he said that he wished to another appearance a spectacle of the réalité.Il did speak at a symposium of College, for a fee.

Photo credit: Reuters/Jeff Haynes (Blagojevich in 2008)

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Photo workshop

I was really fun to learn how to run San Francisco botanical garden garden photography workshops.? Each class has become a lesson on a specific theme.

? You can also learn by giving you a posting something to work on - and just to do.For example "focal points".Ici SFBG, Japanese lanterns as an element, we use a focus to attract the eye in the composition.?

Review a picture can be really useful find elements that help to the attention of the Viewer on the image and examine what story you are trying to say.? It did not necessarily need to be an object, it can be for example a fat plant, but something in the photo must be the key to understanding.

Hand in hand with the focal points is "frame", another lesson that we use.? I actually stumbled on this lesson that I've watched students (first photo) and noted that the tree was a key element to help define the focal point.

Consider this next scene in the South African collection at the San Francisco botanical garden.

? The bold, variegated aloe that begin its winter flower is a gripping attention évidentes.Mais too often we are struck by the exciting potential of a garden photo but deal too loose.Here, the point of contact is not well encadré.et there is a tree stand out from the upper part of photography.?

Consider a moment what the story is and all the elements of the work of composition for you.

By using the background shapes to anchor the corners arriving more stringent, Aloe is framed and the eye wants to stay in the photograph.

Another classical composition tool is "lines".Often track and walls offer the photographer some simple tools that draw the viewer in and through the photo linking elements in an image.

Here, the only way between these two sections of the succulent garden SFBG tracks to connect the left and right sides and extract the eye in the focus point is the beautiful grey agave.Note elements as part of the scene: the line of the agave, group on the left and the explosion little forms in the upper right corner.

All these tools hold together the picture while the line draw you in the focal point.

Used in this way, lines not only attract the eye in the picture, they carry the eye of the composition.

In this photo, a student to work using the camera for the scene before it moves the tripod in place.(You going use the tripod right, Angela?)Note There are several steps lignes.Les track to eye top to bottom, while the bromeliad and lead Aloe, line from left to right - directly to the focal point of the photographer.

Hmmm.... wonderful rose against warm color in her scarf helps this composition as. perhaps my next lesson will be the color as a composition tool.

Whether or not you can access a workshop, there are several ways to improve your photographie.Expérience is by far the best teacher and you learn by the pratique.Vous something at work - and go.

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Famous name Ben Quayle double sword sharp in the home of the Arizona racing

David Schwartz takes a look at the last Quayle seeking to go to Washington.

Ben Quayle knows how spell potato.

The son of the former vice President Dan Quayle knows that his famous last name is a double edged sword executing elective.

"You get name recognition right off the coast of the bat," said Quayle, competing to represent the third district Congressman in Arizona."It opens as you until more control and ridiculous immédiate.certaines people enjoy gathering on Quayle still."

In his first race for the Office, the 33-year old is considered give it when his Republican-heavy constituency voters go to polls on November 2 to replace the veteran of the Republic of GOP John Shadegg.Quayle faces Democrat Jon Hulburd.

Quayle, whose father served as the Senior President George Bush, is courting voters on the trail of the countryside with many of the themes the United States same echo this election cycle.

Photo credit: Reuters/Enrique Castro - Mendivil (the Peru potatoes)

Voters elect 435 members of the House of representatives and completing 37 of 100 seats in the Senate election November 2.

Democrats will probably lose their majority in the House, which would be braking capacity of President Barack Obama pursue its agenda for the remainder of its current mandate at the Office.

Quayle platform is less taxes and spending, securing the border Mexico United States and denouncing against President Barack Obama health care reform act.

"I think it really is time for the people of my age and my generation to have a voice in the Legislative Assembly he", Quayle says Reuters, shortly before a town hall in Phoenix Health. ""We will be those with many charges if we don't get things under control".

Quayle, who runs a small investment firm brush side claims criticism that he is too young and inexperienced to occupy a position and pushes the charges presented his character in issue.

Quayle contributed to a sleek Web site several years ago and has since apologized for positions.

The two applications were he wonders throughout the campaign, first surfacing during his primary battle against nine other persons, a race he won with 22% of the vote.

A professor at Arizona State University said Quayle must win, with the advantage of Republican registration district and the mood of the country putting him atop.

"It would be a chance for Democrats to steal what if questions are more convincing and he had faced a better funded candidate", said Patrick Kenney, Director, school of policy studies global ASU. "I think it is the year for that to happen.?

Like the infamous incident in 1992 in which Dan Quayle "corrected" spelling a student potato by adding an "e", the youngest Quayle says that his father now jokes about it.

"The other day, someone asked him to write something and it is said ' you really want to me to spell that out."

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Washington Extra - special day

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CHINA/ Before heading off to enjoy your weekend, I would encourage you to take a look at Emily Kaiser's special report on income inequality in the United States, and a growing body of opinion that links high levels of income inequality with financial crises.

It may not be a coincidence, many economists believe, that income inequality in 2007, just before the latest crisis hit, reached its highest level since before the Great Depression. ?Read on.

And in other news, as they say in the business, Dan Quayle's his spell potato can. Ben is vying to represent the Third Congressional District in Arizona, where he has come under fire for being too young and inexperienced examiner to hold office.But as our blog reports, at least he passed the spell test.

And on that note, I am off to enjoy the rest of my birthday. Have a great weekend.

Here are our top stories from Washington today…

No. surprises in seen WikiLeaks Iraq war data-Pentagon

The Pentagon does not expect big surprises from an imminent release of up to 500,000 Iraq war files by WikiLeaks, but warned that U.S. troops and Iraqis could be endangered by the dump file.The leak would be much larger than the group's publication of more than 70,000 documents in July, the largest security breach of its kind in U.S. military history.

For more of this story by Phil Stewart, read here.

Money flows into Nevada's U.S. Senate race tight

The Senate race in Nevada, which late polling suggests is a dead heat, has become a central battlefield, with backers of both parties pouring money into last-minute dams of television attack ads.A Republican victory would not only boost the party's drive for control of the Senate let purpose conservatives boast that they toppled one of the most powerful Democrats in America.

For more of this story by Mark Hosenball, read here.

Delays this year seen for SEC plan to revamp market

Any more changes to U.S. stock markets are on hold at least until December, sources said, as the Wall Street reform bill preoccupies regulators dealing with fallout from the may "flash crash."

For more of this story by Jonathan Spicer and Rachelle Younglai, read here.

For-profit schools cannot deter scrutiny

For-profit schools are trying to lift standards their, but it may be too little too late.Exchange that schools have made - scrapping open admissions and offering free orientation periods - will not deter the Education Department from tightening regulations that could cost some schools federal dollars.And they will not head off even tougher legislation promised by Sen.Tom Harkin.

For more of this story by Diane Bartz, read here.

Jobless rate down in most U.S. states in September

The unemployment rate dropped from the prior month in 23 states and the District of Columbia in September.Still, the number of workers dropped in a significant number of states, and only 16 states gained jobs. Nevada again had the highest unemployment rate.

For more of this story, read here.

First oil permit sought since US drill ban ended

The Interior Department has received its first application for a permit to drill a new deepwater well since its temporary ban ended.

For more of this story by Ayesha Rascoe, read here.

Policy impact if Democrats win US election

Politicians and pollsters predict a Republican win big on Nov.2 Goal sometimes elections do not turn out quite the way the experts predict.

For scenarios on what might happen if Democrats win, by Richard Cowan, read here.

How will U.S. CFTC be tough on speculators?

Companies that trade energy, metals and agricultural future and swaps are closely watching how severe of a stance the U.S. future regulator takes against speculators in new position limits for commodities.

For a Q + A on what happens next, by Roberta Rampton, read here.

American pleads guilty to trying to spy for China

Glenn Shriver, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to communicate national defense information, and will receive a sentence of 48 months in prison.Shriver had faced up to 10 years in prison.

For more of this story by Jeremy Pelofsky, read here.

What we are blogging…

No more Mr. Nice Guy, Republican sets sights on Obama's energy czar

Michigan Republican Fred Upton is known as a moderate who disappointed many conservatives by voting with the majority on some major issues, including the rulings bailout of U.S. automobile manufacturers.Purpose expect no. more Mr. Nice Guy if Republicans win big and he becomes chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.Upton has a hit list of White House policy czars he plans to investigate, starting with White House energy adviser Carol Browner.

For Donna Smith's full post, read here.?

From elsewhere?

Top 10 places to celebrate Halloween

If encounters with ghosts, ghouls or vampires are your idea of fun, then Halloween is probably a favorite time.Places across the globe are getting ready to scare people out of their wits - and their money.

For more on Halloween hotspots from New York to Romania, read here.?

Photo credit: Reuters/stringer (panda eats her birthday cake)

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

The colours of autumn 2010 - draft Pennsylvania Style

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For the last several years, Dave at The Home Garden has been hosting The Fall Color Project: a meme to track the progress of peak fall foliage color. And every year, I have trouble figuring out the perfect time to do my post. This autumn, I think we’re lucky to have any fall color, after the drought stress of the summer and the heavy rains and winds of the last two weeks. Some trees are already bare, while others are just now starting to color up.

My favorite meadow is mostly blond right now, but well, that counts as a color. It looks like a solid stand of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), but some little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) has moved in over the last few years.

Some of the other fields on my parents’ farm (above and below) are more colorful. Unfortunately, that pretty coppery haze is from Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum), an invasive annual grass. These fields were hayed in July, and the stilt grass was pretty much the only thing that grew back during the summer drought.

We usually mow the fields closer to the woods only every few years, in early spring, and they are much more diverse. Hooray for glorious goldenrods, among other beauties.

In the hedgerows, the flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) are about ready to drop their red leaves, but the sassafras (Sassafras albidum) – above and below -? are just starting to color up.

The shagbark hickories (Carya ovata) – above and below – are a dependable source of yellow fall color.

I don’t recall the American lindens (Tilia americana) – above and below – being such a bright yellow other years, though.

Back home at Hayefield – above and below – the meadow colors are mostly tans and rusts from the grasses, yellow from the goldenrods, and bright greens from the Eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana).

Closer to ground level, there are small splashes of intensity, such as the bright red of a wild blackberry (Rubus fruticosus, I think).

In The Shrubbery, there are some other wonderful reds:

Viburnum plicatum (above and below).

Above, ‘Gingerbread’ witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia); below, ‘Grace’ hybrid smokebush (Cotinus).

Above, a stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia, I think); below, cutleaf staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina ‘Laciniata’).

It’s easy to see why trees and shrubs get all the press for showy fall foliage, but many of my most favorite autumn leaf colors are from herbaceous perennials in the garden.

Above is a patch of Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) that had been very drought-stressed earlier, looking especially showy right now in combination with goldenrods, asters, and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) seedheads.

Below, golden lace (Patrinia scabiosifolia).

Above, Bowman’s root (Gillenia stipulata); below, flame grass (Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’).

Above, ‘The Blues’ little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) with ‘Dewey Blue’ switch grass (Panicum amarum) and ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora).

Below, a few pretty yellows, starting with shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia).

Above, Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) with Helleborus foetidus, ‘Angelina’ sedum, and Bowman’s root.

Below, giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) with ‘Cassian’ fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) and ‘Northwind’ switch grass (Panicum virgatum).

And above, blackberry lily (Belamcanda chinensis) with ‘Redbor’ kale and Knock Out roses (Rosa ‘Radrazz’). Hey – how did those flowers sneak in? I’d better stop here and save the remaining floral action for Bloom Day at Hayefield on Friday. For now, visit Dave’s main Fall Color Project 2010 page and his Friday updates to find more fall color posts from other parts of the country.

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