It's hard to believe, but there's only seven days left until Barack Obama's inauguration. And with only seven days remaining of George W. Bush's stay in the White House, I have to admit… I feel a little sorry for him. He's an idiot, of course. But a well-intentioned one. These articles pretty much sum it up.

In other news, monster snow storms are sweeping across this part of the U.S. (if there isn't a snow day tomorrow, I'll club someone), and I have officially received two college acceptance letters. One of them has already invited me into their honors program. I'm still waiting on the other one.

Your hot dance/homosexuality-themed video pick of the day:

What? I like girl-on-girl action.

Wait… actually, that guy-on-guy thing was hotter.

Midterm exams next week. Test on calculus tomorrow (assuming no snow day, of course). And a whole lotta odious volunteer work to be worked on over the weekend. Gah.

Update (1/15/09): I'm going to club someone.

That was history. We're all living in history.

NBC has called the election. Images of shouting and cheering crowds are playing across every television channel. Shouting, cheering, crying… this feeling is unreal. Can I believe this? Is this a dream? I can't believe it. I'm so happy I could cry…

Current electoral count by NBC's reckoning:
Obama: 333
McCain: 156

McCain is giving his concession speech right now. Acknowledged the historic implications of Obama's presidency and all. Here's more photos and a slideshow of tonight's events. Also shown are photos of expectant and celebrating Americans abroad, in foreign embassies… bars… and crestfallen Republicans… tonight is a beautiful thing. An unforgettable moment in history. Really.

Also a moving retrospection from an American voter.

Update: The world reacts to Obama's victory.

This is an update from my high school library. Voting has commenced in the United States, and the excitement is palpable. Right now the library is hosting a "mock election" for those of us who can't legally cast ballots. I already submitted mine, and a slew of students are already gathered here, lining up for the computers so they can vote. Judging by the discussions around me, support is mostly Democratic, though there is a sizable amount of Republicans. It's a divided country, after all… and our affluent, isolated little community is, unfortunately, a Republican stronghold.

The latest chatter on Twitter has declared that Obama has just cast his ballot. McCain is supposedly to follow shortly, and Palin two hours later.

When I wake up tomorrow morning, I want to wake up to the news that Obama has won. Otherwise my decision to hold off on my applications to Canadian colleges would seem superfluous.

Don't forget to check out the links in the previous post for more election updates!

Update (7:28 pm): First projected winners of the night: Kentucky - McCain, Vermont - Obama.

Update (9:15 pm): Aaaaaaagh. Couldn't access the Internet for the longest time; my neighbors' wireless networks seem to be down… Anyway, electoral totals according to NBC: Obama - 175, McCain - 76. I'm finally feeling hopeful. Nighty-night, Joen!

Update (9:35 pm): NBC's Decision 08 Dashboard seems to be the most up-to-date electoral map. Ohio, amazingly, is projected to be a win for the Democrats. Obama's lead right now is astounding. I think I'll go take a shower.

Update (11:08 pm): The happy news was just announced less than ten minutes ago. I can't believe it.

Local and national television networks have been running "Election Day" specials all evening. Though I sadly succumbed to election fatigue a long time ago (the primaries were just way too long), I shall be awaiting the results as anxiously as anyone else come tomorrow.

Here's a good place for updates. CNN and Yahoo have their own news feeds and dynamically updated electoral maps, too. Also, don't forget Twitter's insane second-by-second commentary tomorrow.

Anyway, if Obama wins, I think school should be suspended as a… celebratory occasion. For about five weeks, mind you.

Addendum: Oh yeah! For those of you who don't watch Saturday Night Live or missed the latest episodes, here's some classic political sketches that I picked out for your viewing pleasure. My personal favorite's the Palin rap, though I detest the candidate in real life.

• Clinton Halloween Party — The Clintons throw a costume party for the Democrats. The only live appearance of Barack Obama on the show so far.
• Weekend Update: Blackness Scale — Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton analyze Barack Obama's "blackness."
• Presidential Debate — A parody on the first presidential debate (I think). Simultaneously the funniest and creepiest debate sketch.
• Weekend Update Thursday: Debate Open 10/9 — Parody on the second "town hall" debate. I like this one, too.
• Governor Palin Cold Open — Sarah Palin impersonator Tina Fey and the real Sarah Palin cross paths.
• Weekend Update: Palin Rap — Weekend Update anchor Amy Poehler takes over Sarah Palin's planned rap skit. Beware: Eskimos and moose costumes (meese?) abound.

If you somehow can't access the videos, they're also posted on YouTube under similar names. Let me know if you can't get to them.

Sigh… the SNL McCain is so much cooler than the real one.