On this day:- 1912: Antarctic explorer Lawrence Oates leaves his tent, saying: "I am just going outside, and may be some time." He never returned.

On some day soon the Merkin President announces: "Our troops are now at war with Iraq and France, and may be some time." He was not returned for a second term.

(Sorry, I just made that up. The Miami electoral officials have bought a brand spanking new abacus.)