Some of the changes for volunteers include a physical fitness test, lessons in the physics of balloon-handling and a free three-month gym membership to help them shape up.

CNN: balloon

The only thing that did seem to draw the media glare away from the Bain free-for-all was last week's trial balloon on the Drudge Report that Romney is seriously pondering former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as his No. 2.

CNN: Romney risks playing running mate hand too early

Free newspapers were available, National Guard troops kept watch, ventriloquists and balloon artists entertained kids, and even massage therapists were trying to help the 12, 000 to 15, 000 evacuees relax as they fretted about the fate of their homes.

CNN: Unrelenting fires char S. California, at least half a million flee