If I was writing for a newspaper this week, I'd probably be sticking this in there -- but in any case: Barack Obama has spent the last few days calling friends, select elected officials, and likely major donors to tell them he's running for president, according to a Democratic source.

He's also begun an Internet advertising campaign to build interest in his candidacy -- another sign that, at this point, his deliberation isn't much more than a pose. Looks like it'll be a fun year.