Abrupt notice that the Inebriate Reception Center in downtown San Diego, commonly known as the drunk tank, might itself tank in 30 days certainly had a salutary effect. It got San Diego city and county officials scrambling to avert a crisis. But why reach crisis point?

You have no doubt heard about how Latinos, now the nation's largest minority, refuse to assimilate over the generations. Supposedly, they won't learn English, and they insist on clinging to their native language – Spanish. The reason we're sure you've heard this line is because it's a favorite of nativists and immigration restrictionists, and they love to repeat it.

With just under two months until Election Day, it's time to examine when we will know how things are shaping up for Nov. 7 and where to look for clues.

• Democrats appear poised to win House – and we'll know early

LONDON – For the Bush administration the most distressing aspect of Blair's departure is the main reason for it – mounting nationwide anger at his support for the war in Iraq.

On our best days, we Americans believe in earning our way, rising to the challenge and unifying around common goals. But on our worst days, we speak of entitlements, shrink from competition and bicker over meaningless distinctions. Here's the latest meaningless distinction over which some people are bickering: in-state versus out-of-state.