Tastes Like Victory: You're looking at the best part of my election night (well, the second best part anyway): Obama cupcakes courtesy of Trophy. The chocolate cakes were topped with thick buttercream and sprinkles. The two I ate nearly sent me over the edge. I can't even talk about it.

A Few More Shots from the Westin Party: Also bumped into Rick Steves and his wife Anne. Anne, a good head, shoulders and chest shorter than her husband, says having a really tall spouse is helpful. In large crowds like the one at the Westin, he can tell her what's going on. She's also a great sport about taking photos of her famous pot-advocate, traveling husband and his many fans. Obama, Obama, Obama! the couple kept shouting. I think Anne Steves was a tad jealous of her son, currently at Notre Dame, who was headed for Grant Park in Chicago.

Seattle People: West Seattle: Our weekly look at people not making headlines around Seattle hits the West Seattle Bowl.

Politicians Like the Market and Mass Transit: City Councilwoman Sally Clark, with partner Liz Ford and dining companion Joe Martin. Clark voted for parks, too but wasn't sure she should say so. Larry Phillips was spotted later brushing past the bar.

Death, Parks, Democrats: City council member Nick Licata: I'm glad the win was by such a large margin. He has a mandate.

Republicans in Pioneer Square?: So it's possible I misread the note and no Republican party was actually set for the J&M, but I did find a McCain supporter among the sparse drinkers. Scott, last name withheld, donned a grey Izod v-neck with a blue dress shirt and met his friend Dan Rubinsky, a nappy brown sweater wearing Democrat, for Winterhook Ale on neutral ground. Scott didn't know anything about other Republicans joining him in Pioneer Square, but he was quick to note that not only did he vote for McCain and Rossi, he was able to celebrate with his dear friend Rubinsky.

Barack Obama Will Be Our Next President: President-Elect Barack Obama made a brief appearance at Seattle Weekly's election-night party at Spitfire.

Barack Obama Will Be Our Next President: When the projection was made, Obama suppoters went nuts at Spitfire.

Last Night: Joshua Radin & Missy Higgins at The Showbox: Watching Radin practice his art of aEœwhisper rockaE was thrilling. The dulcet tones of his voice were as good as I could have hoped, and the subtleties of his picking were beautiful to hear but entrancing to watch.

Politicians Like the Market and Mass Transit: Also in attendance was Alex Fryer, spokesperson for Mass Transit. We appreciate Mark Fefer's non-endorsement, he says. We appreciate him being notably ambivalent.

Last Night: Joshua Radin & Missy Higgins at The Showbox: To be honest, I wasnaE™t even really planning to stick around for Missy HigginsaE™ set, but I found myself captivated by her presence. Her strong voice and pure melody conveyed a distinct depth and soul. IaE™m glad I did too: Radin came on stage at one point for a duet of mutual performer favorite Patty GriffinaE™s aEœLong Ride Home.aE

But, Can He Govern As Well as He Speaks?: Several years ago, a friend from Marseille, France said to me, aEœAmericans are differentaE¦they just seem to have this idea that anything is possible. Why is that?aE I couldnaE™t really sum it up for her then, but I know now. This country has certain characteristics and timeless founding principles that are far less present in the rest of the world.