Election Day!

....in the UK.

The voting booths open at 7am tomorrow morning, and the latest polls are predicting a hung parliament. I haven't been following this election as closely as I would have liked, but from what I've gathered, voters are split on who to choose because everyone's terrible. All the usual options—Labour, Tory, LibDem—are led by baffoons.

There's the reigning PM David Cameron (posh-babyfaced-baffoon), Labour leader Ed Milliband (nasal-claymation baffoon) and LibDem leader Nick Clegg (yellow-skinned-weakling baffooon).

The only party with any razzle-dazzle are the Scottish National Party. They've pretty much wiped out Labour to become Scotland's ruling party. Their leader, Nicola Sturgeon, is smart and seems to be the only one capable of speaking in a way that even remotely resembles authentic, passionate debate.

Nicky S.
Image by The Scottish Government via Wikimedia Commons

Now, we're all the way over here in America. Why should you care about the UK elections? Honestly, there isn't a good reason. It's not going to impact your life in any way. But here's why I think the three paragraphs above were worth reading:

1. You can mention the elections to someone and sound smart.

2. You'll remember to see who wins and then you'll know the name of the UK's head of state (I thought it was Tony Blair when I first moved to Scotland, and then it turned out to be some guy named Gordon Brown. I felt so out of touch!).

3. You can use it as an opportunity to study the differences between a parliamentary system and a presidential system.


GOODNIGHT OMG I'M SO TIRED OMG BYE GOODNIGHT,

Margaret

Referendum morning — some snaps

'Tis referendum day! I'm lucky to be in Edinburgh for such a momentous occasion. As an American, I don't get to vote (can't be trusted—I totally understand). But that's OK, because it's nice to take in the action from the sidelines. Reminds me of when I made the 7th grade basketball team and then was benched for the entire season after a ridiculous half court shot attempt in game one. I was relieved (was always more of a choir girl than a baller).

The city is buzzing with supporters from both camps, as well as journalists from around the world. I tried to tune in to the news this morning, but for some reason our BBC channels haven't been working for us (all pixelated...I want my TV license money back!).

So, I put my shoes back on, grabbed the camera and hit the mean streets of Edinburgh to take in the atmosphere first hand. Take that Gonzaga University journalism department! You said I'd never amount to anything, but look at me now. Only kidding, they didn't say that.

Outside a newsagent on Canongate.

Lothian Chambers polling place on George IV Bridge.

A 'Yes' truck on Queen's Drive. 

Chalk graffiti near the Chambers on the Royal Mile. 

'No' signs are smaller and sparser. However, 'No' still leads the polls by 6 points, and many believe that the quiet 'No' vote will be the deciding factor.

Referendum reminder outside Holyrood. In case anyone forgets, today's the day to vote.

Team Bible taking advantage of the additional foot traffic near George IV Bridge.

Remnants of a 'Yes' sticker on a Royal Mile bin. 

Ari Shapiro from NPR (yes, our NPR) stands near the Heart of Midlothian and interviews a dude about independence. 

Yes, yes, yes from one flat in Canongate. 

Catalan independence supporter outside Holyrood. 

Signs outside the Lothian Chambers polling place on George IV Bridge. 

Cypriot 'Yes' supporter on Holyrood Drive.

Message from The Scotsman on a post on George IV Bridge. 

High Street wellhead sharing in the joy of democracy at work. 

Pro-union support from a flat on George IV Bridge.

Lots of honking in the Grassmarket this morning, but the latest polls still predict a 'No'. 

Classic shenanigans from William Chambers. 

Joke shop on Victoria Street has all the referendum gear you're looking for, including a unicorn mask (Scotland's national animal)

Early results expected at 2am tomorrow morning.

UPDATE: and it's a 'No', as expected. Andy and I went back out right before the polls closed. Here are a few more snaps of the hopeful 'Yes' revellers before the results were in.

Candles outside St.Giles Cathedral in the design of both the Scottish and Catalan flags.

Some boisterous 'Yes' supporters make their way down the mile, chanting "We still love you, even if you're 'No', even if you're 'No', even if you're 'No'" in the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'. They just hugged those guys by the red car.

Scottish flags outside the Parliament.

'Yes' and 'No' supporters (but mainly 'Yes') gather outside the Scottish Parliament.  

Bicycle 'Yes' flare.

Group of 'Yes' supporters pose for photo.

People outside the Kilderkin pub on Canongate.

Things got a bit heated (but for the most part remained polite) outside the Lothian Chambers polling place just after polls closed at 10pm. 

Cheerio,
Margaret

P.S. Your move, Cascadia.

K-Log

You just never know how the Internet is going to dictate your day. I wake up in the morning and can only guess as to what bizarre Wikipedia page I will be reading by 2:00 in the afternoon.

Well, guess what the Internet had in store for me today?

Kenny Loggins and his sweet, soft-rock weasel voice.

As I sit here listening to Rainbow Connection I must raise the question: Is Kenny Loggins likable? I'm not sure. But he definitely has that "it" factor, and don't you deny it. Plus, he is a WASHINGTONIAN! Kenny was born in Everett, Washington in 1948. Who knew?!

The original Lady Gaga? K-Log goes 'creepy-chic' for this epic album cover.

In other news, Char and I are yoga-ing tonight. Thankfully my "trapped wind" found its escape route this morning (it also functioned as my alarm clock). Now I can do cat pose without fear!

It's election day in the UK today. I am not a citizen and Kenny Loggins isn't on the ballot so I didn't vote. Instead I walked with Andy to the polling place and voted vicariously through him.

Slán,

Grassy