Roland Burris has few detractors and may be a very interesting, somewhat unassailable choice to fill Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Burris — a former Attorney General and Comptroller of Illinois — seems to be a decent guy.

A friend sent me this pic of her dad’s dog looking wistfully out the window after reading a good chunk of Barton Gellman‘s much acclaimed Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency.

This is a guest post written by Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative. These comments and views are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Washington Note or Huffington Post.

This is a guest post by New America Foundation Middle East Task Force Co-Director Daniel Levy For many people, what has happened today between Gaza and Israel may have all too familiar a ring to it – Israel warns and then retaliates to an alleged or real Palestinian escalation of violence, there is Arab condemnation…

One of the most important and sensible comments made during the last stretch of the campaign came from the straight-talking Joe Biden. The then Democratic vice-presidential nominee said that Barack Obama would be “tested” by crisis early in his presidency.

Just received the following from one of the principal shakers in the self-described “pro-Israel, pro-Peace” activist group, J Street.

I love reading the “pool reports” of those hardworking journalists who forfeit their holidays to trail Barack Obama’s every public moment. The New York Times‘ Jackie Calmes weighs in with this cute story of Barack Obama doing the hang loose, “shaka” thing — with thumb and pinky pointed out.

From a CNN news alert: — Israeli aircraft launch air attacks across Gaza, causing many deaths and injuries, according to CNN journalist. Over 100 now reported killed in attack.

(UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown receiving bust of John F. Kennedy from Caroline Kennedy) Caroline Kennedy is having a rough time convincing fellow New York-based Dems that she’s good for them.

This is a special pic of Annie pup a few years ago. I want to wish all a very safe and happy holiday, a great Christmas and a high sizzle New Year. I am off to Los Angeles now – though I’m writing this from San Francisco.