I've been told that legislators are attempting to work out a last minute budget deal, presumably before tonight's midnight close of the regular session. But given the budget "compromises" we've seen in past years, I'm almost afraid to see the result.

Anyway, I guess that leaves me parked in front of TVW for while, just in case something dramatic unfolds.

UPDATE (9:48 PM): House Republicans are now passionately (or in Rep. Ahern's case, incoherently) arguing in favor of protecting tax breaks for out-of-state shoppers vs. funding full-day kindergarten. You know: Priorities.

UPDATE (9:59 PM): Tough choice: TVW or The Mentalist? I mean, they both kinda suck, but at least The Mentalist isn't TVW.

UPDATE (10:21 PM): So far on The Mentalist, Jane has offended several suspects with his inappropriate behavior, while cleverly leading police closer to solving the murder. Meanwhile on TVW, Republicans are still on the floor of the House fervently arguing tax exemptions over kindergarten.

UPDATE (10:36 PM): Jane has noticed something nobody else has noticed (that's what makes him The Mentalist), while the House just failed to fund full-day kindergarten by repealing the non-resident sales tax exemption, because it couldn't meet that bullshit unconstitutional two-thirds requirement on tax increases.

UPDATE (10:47 PM): Jane finally admitted to Agent Whatshername that Red John is still alive, while on TVW, unfortunately, so is the current session.

UPDATE (10:59 PM): Jane solved the crime! Meanwhile on TVW, still no budget deal.

UPDATE (11:13 PM): Wouldn't it be more fun if the legislature was covered on TMZ instead of TVW? Oh God I'm tired.

UPDATE (11:21 PM): Over on TVW, both houses are still apparently "at ease." Meanwhile on KING-5 News, I just learned that only 1 to 2 percent of people are sterile, which is why it's always a good idea to cover a person with toilet paper before sitting on one. Better safe than sorry.

UPDATE (11:27 PM): I can't feel my legs.

UPDATE (11:34 PM): To honor her retirement, Senator Margarita Prentice has been asked to preside over the final 30 minutes of this, her final regular session. (Though it wouldn't surprise me if Lt. Governor Brad Owen just presided over his last regular session too.)

UPDATE (11:43 PM): Back in the House, people are shaking hands and congratulating themselves on something, except for Representative Ed Orcutt (R-Angryville), who's sitting alone in a corner strangling puppies. Wait... oh shit... for some reason House Dems are caucusing.

UPDATE (11:49 PM): While the Dems are "caucusing" TVW is going on about historic lighthouses again, so I've switched the channel to Cheaters. Hey look... it's Aaron Reardon!

UPDATE (12:07 AM): And the House and Senate are adjourned! Thank fucking god. See you at the special session, assuming my eyes ever stop bleeding.