You know ... for all the talk about how bad things are ... it sure feels like these are exciting times.

Call it "change."

Call it anything you want too.

That's fine by me.

You know ... I'm not really talking all about politics.

As Wall Street gets flushed out ... and we welcome in a new president and other leaders ... and as we enter winter and the holiday season ... I can't help but think these are the times for people who want to take advantage of the opportunity that is sprouting out from all this.

There's an energy out there ... and for those wise enough to drop in (as the surfers say) and ride that wave ... they may find later that they set themselves up for a winning situation.

There are some great deals out there if you are willing to shop thoughtfully ...

Even the entertainment around here is somehow passionately different ... people are reaching in and finding a deeper inspiration.

I went to the Westside Theatre in Newman over the weekend ... and enjoyed a fantastic show (The Boulder Acoustic Society). I've been there before ... but I was happy to be reminded what a unique situation they have going there.

I know we have the new Gallo Center ... and the Merced Theatre is coming online ... but I don't think they will ever have the same small-town and eclectic feel that the Westside enjoys.

I plan on writing about that in next weeks paper ... it's one of the best places around for really cool --- and affordable --- entertainment.

We are also going to be out and about for the election ...

And then the fun is really going to start ...

We are ready to put this paper into high gear ... and have a great time while we do it.

So cheer up people ... and look for some new things that are going to blow your mind.

Let's huddle around the fire ... make it climb high ... reach a climax ... and then blaze into Spring.

As the band 10,000 Maniacs used to sing in the early 1990s ...

"These are the days you'll remember!"