Paul Soglin over Mayor Dave Cieslewicz in the Madison mayoral primary.

It's a big deal around here:

In a remarkable comeback, former Mayor Paul Soglin won the Madison mayoral primary by a narrow margin over two-term incumbent Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, assuring a general election for the record books on April 5....

Cieslewicz is seeking a third four-year term. Soglin, who to the mayor's surprise entered the race late on Dec. 22, held the office longer than anyone in two stints in the 1970s, '80s and '90s.

Back to the 70s!

The mayor ran on his record — a top bond rating, more cops and fire stations, rebuilding the Central Library, automated trash collection, his vision for a new economy and challenges presented by Gov. Scott Walker and the GOP-controlled state Legislature.

Of Soglin, [UW polisci prof Charles] Franklin, said, "He's maintained a political base in the city that's truly remarkable when you consider how long his career has spanned. And of Cieslewicz, Franklin said, "with two terms in office has failed to make the office securely his own."

I happened to get a picture of Soglin the other day when I went down to the demonstration:



Somehow this song plays in my head....

A little bit of courage is all we lack
So catch me if you can, I'm goin' back

Things singers sing that they do that they actually never do.

I'm starting a list:

1. Hop a train.
2. ...
3. ...

I need some help with this one. I don't want fantasies, but real things that are intended to make the singers sound gritty and deeply in touch with life, but you know damned well they don't do.

(Here's the song that was playing....)

Finches rock.

Celeste Boursier-Mougenot gave the birds their guitars. (Via Jac.)

Maybe I'm the first to think: The Fynches.

Have you got a song that you use to eradicate another catchy song from your head?

I do. I've had it for years. It's "5D" by The Byrds. I've used it, effectively for 40 years. (And I'm still wondering how it is that I could come out to here and be still floating and never hit bottom but keep falling through, just relaxed and paying attention?)

And what's the last song you needed to eradicate? (I dislike the term "earworm" for some reason.)

Chez Althouse, the song in need of eradication is something you will hear if you play the clip that follows, which you will do at your own risk.




That's the comedian, JP Inc., who opened for Neil Hamburger, here in Madison last Thursday.

And here are photographs of President Barack Obama wearing what, if you were foolish enough to play that clip, you will now be calling — not "mom jeans" — Randy Normal jeans.