An update from the gambling front concerning the upcoming elections (as you know by now, I greatly respect the predictive ability of such market-driven devices).  Odds greatly favor the Republicans retaining control of the House (currently at about 87% probability), however the Senate is at least a bit more hopeful.  While odds still very much favor a GOP-majority there (about 75% probable), the odds have been steadily eroding from a peak of 84%.
 
Another bright note: the odds of Bush winning another term have plummeted from a high of 75% at the start of the year to the current 50%.  That's huge.  And perhaps the best news is odds favor Cheney staying on the ticket, at a whopping 87%.  Let's hope Dick is watching his diet and remains healthy!