Amidst spiraling economic turmoil, a perpetual War in Iraq, and times of significant partisanship, President Bush and President-Elect Obama spent over an hour privately discussing the current and future direction of our country. It is up to imagination to wonder what topics specifically were discussed, let us examine the likely possibilities:

Dear Sen. McCain, As we approach what many will call the final stretch of an historic campaign, I would like to formally commend you for your valiant effort. You may be aware, as it is widely accepted, that I posses a significant lead in all polls, to be the next President of the United States. Now let us not get ahead of ourselves; the race is far from over. However, I believe that the American people are ready for change and that I will soon be elected President of the United States of America.

To what extent is Fall Break actually a break? Sure, there are no classes Monday and Tuesday, but to what extent does the world around us pause, if even for a moment? The economic uncertainty did not cease, the presidential hopefuls continued to campaign, and for many, more prelims were around the corner. Nonetheless, I doubt anyone was complaining, and any day in which I can sleep past 9:00 a.m. is a nice digression from the norm.

The focus of this column, then, will be the metaphorical roommate who won’t leave when you and your significant other are clearly vying for some privacy. Yes, I will continue to beat it (no pun intended), the only issue of relative significance these days, the dead horse — the economy, stupid.