I want to first apologize for my long absence -- with the Thanksgiving holiday and several staff vacations, I haven't had a chance to sit down and write a word... and I've missed it! I'm glad to be back, and really excited about some upcoming theatre and arts events happening around Dayton.

However, today I won't be talking about the arts (unless you fall into the "all politicians are actors" camp). Today I got a political scoop and I just couldn't wait to share it with all of you!

This morning, I received an email from a friend of mine who lives in Australia. He told me the newly-installed Premier of New South Wales, Kristina Keneally, used to be a U.S. citizen. Pretty cool, right? Well, hang onto your boomerangs, because it gets a lot cooler! Turns out, Keneally was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of an Australian woman and a U.S. serviceman. Adding to her awesome points (depending on how you feel about Tom Cruise, I suppose), she even knew Ohio-native actress Katie Holmes in her childhood!

Now, here's where it gets really fun. Keneally attended the University of Dayton, graduating with a degree in political science in 1994. During that time, Keneally met her future husband at World Youth Day in Poland, and would later follow him to Australia, where she would become actively involved in the political arena.

Keneally acted as Minister of Aging and Disability Services in New South Wales, quickly climbing the political ladder. When the leading Labor party underwent a recent shakeup, Keneally was poised to step in and replace the last Premier, Nathan Rees. Last night, Keneally won a leadership challenge 47-21, ousting Rees and becoming NSW's first female Premier.

WHIO Radio contacted the University of Dayton this morning, but they hadn't yet heard about Keneally's win. They sent us a link to a web article about Keneally and her time at UD, which you can find here.

And not to trivialize Ms. Keneally's win, but on top of everything else, she's a total looker! I'm just sayin'... look out Sarah Palin -- someone might be stealing your "Hottest Politician" crown! Of course, I mean no disrespect in saying that -- I actually think it's great that young, vibrant, fashionable women are taking to the political arena, and becoming role models for young ladies everywhere. Of course, you may not agree with their political positions or methods... but it's always refreshing to see strong, confident women in positions of power.

If you'd like to learn more about Kristina Keneally, check out this fact sheet, or read her Wikipedia article here. I'll end today's blog with a quotation directly from Ms. Keneally, posted on the UD article referenced above (words we all can live by): "Every day we've got on this planet is a gift."

An excellent sentiment, and words I hope will guide her time in office!