Down South: Seven South King County cities plan to build new jail.

Defensive: Obama's budget spends as much on defense as Bush's did.

Under Fire: People didn't like Metro's snow response.

Forgetful: Laura Bush "totally forgot" to watch Obama address.

Enfranchised: D.C. to get a full House vote.

Overturned: Obama to reverse Bush-era "conscience clause" allowing health-care providers to refuse health care on religious grounds.

Glad That's Resolved: Helmsley's dog's inheritance can go to non-dog-related charities.

Silver Lining: Reduction in traffic may be due to unemployment.

High Stakes: US to increase federal ownership in Citigroup.

Boo-Hoo: High-end apartment buyers abandoning six-figure deposits in NYC.

Boo-Hoo, Part 2: OMG! People are having to learn to dye their own hair and sew buttons on their own clothes!!!

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Recipe of the Day: Sweet Potato, Corn, and Jalapeno Bisque (Recipe via The Wednesday Chef; photo by Flickr user Christ-o-phile.)

Sweet Potato, Corn and Jalapeño Bisque
Serves 2 if that's all there is for dinner, or 4 as a first course

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds total), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons molasses
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Scant pinch ground cinnamon
Finely chopped scallions, green parts only, or minced parsley

1. In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until just soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and stock and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, purée contents of pot, in batches if necessary, until smooth.

3. Reheat soup, stirring in jalapeño, corn, molasses, salt, cayenne, black pepper and cinnamon. Taste, adjust seasonings and serve, topped with scallions or parsley.