It’s cute how political genius Al Cross acts like the Daniel Mongiardo tapes are no big deal. [C-J]

PeckerPointe construction is starting today! Really! A Webb dude said so on the teevee, in Lexington, so it must be true. [Barefoot & Progressive]

Flat land left over from the practice of mountaintop removal is rarely used. Who knew? Guess Greg Stumbo’s golf course, country club and house he doesn’t live in are part of that 3% of land that’s ever used. [H-L]

An interesting look at new life in old Chernobyl. [The Star]

I-66 stalls as all the money dries up. Will it ever get built? Don’t hold your breath. [Ralph Dunlop]

Kentucky doesn’t really fall anywhere on the list of best places to launch a small business in 2009. Lexington kinda does. [CNN Money]

The balloon boy hoax story from Gawker goes national. [AP via H-L]

The banks are not alright. [Paul Krugman]

According to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. [SoS Notification Service]

Coal’s environmental damage costs the U.S. $62 billion. Can’t wait to see how Greg Stumbo and Steve Beshear spin that one. [Bloomberg]

Today U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $20.9 million for first responders. The funds will be used for the improvement of hazardous materials planning and training. Kentucky is set to receive $311,324.00. [Press Release]

Told you this would happen: Lt. Dan & crew are blaming the Conway Campaign for the audio recordings of Daniel Mongiardo trashing Governor Steve Beshear, the office he’s running for and other people, places and things. Kim Geveden’s whiny ass titty baby mess distraction is pure hilarity.  Dear Kim/Lt. Dan:  Prove the Conway camp is behind this mess.  Because I have every reason to believe the audio comes from inside your campaign – just like the campaign plan/budget your staffers leaked to me in July. [Bluegrass Politics]