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The Donnybrook
Friday, December 30, 2005
 
Quickie Rock Trivia Quiz...

For a slow Friday afternoon...

1.) Who replaced Ace Frehley as the lead guitarist for KISS in 1982? Vinnie Vincent

2.) What legendary guitarist played on Ozzy Osbourne's song "Back On Earth" from the Ozzmosis CD? Steve Vai

3.) What color of M&M's did Van Halen not want backstage during their 1981 tour? Brown

4.) What office product did the mother of the Monkees' Mike Nesmith invent? Liquid Paper

5.) According to urban legend, what is the "Hotel California"? The Church of Satan

No Google, Snopes, or Wikipedia. Nobody likes a cheater!

P.S. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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Flyers 4, Hurricanes 3...

There is nothing worse than the feeling of a player your team recently traded coming back to haunt them. Especially in overtime of an important game.

Sorry, Canes fans...
Sami Kapanen scored in overtime for the second straight game after NHL goal leader Simon Gagne tied it midway through the third period, and the Flyers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Thursday night.
Once the hideously sluggish 1st period of last night's game ended, this was a terrific game. Both teams really got after it, especially in the final 10 minutes of play.

Great effort by all, but in the end, the better team won...

P.S. The Canes' made a classy move by making Bobby Clarke the subject of Chuck Kaiton's "Legends of the Game" montage. Very classy...

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Thursday, December 29, 2005
 
Anyone Else Miss The Good Ol' Days Of Wrestling?

My brother and I used to watch the NWA religiously back in the heyday of Ric Flair, The Four Horsemen, Magnum T.A., Dusty Rhodes, and of course, the immortal Road Warriors.

Even though the WWF was much bigger in the Northeast where we grew up, I remember very vividly watching the NWA on Channel 17 every Saturday afternoon in the mid to late 80's.

Honestly, every big show they did felt like an event. The characters weren't as cartoon-y as the WWF, the wrestling seemed "more real", and we even got to go to a few live shows in Philly. Very cool.

So tell me this: Who were your favorite wrestlers back in the day?

P.S. Who else loves Wikipedia?

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24% Of Americans Still Think 9/11 Hijackers Were Iraqis...

I mean, this is isn't even up for debate.

You can wank your crank all you want about Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda being in cahoots (even though they weren't), but this is a FACT that 1 in every 4 people you run into are still unwilling to accept...

My head hurts...

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Wednesday, December 28, 2005
 
Irony Claims Cultural Icon...

Diabetes kills a guy that did commercials for a donut company. Time stands still...
Michael Vale, the actor best known for his portrayal of a sleepy-eyed Dunkin' Donuts baker who said "Time to make the doughnuts," has died. He was 83.

Vale died Saturday in New York City of complications from diabetes, according to son-in law Rick Reil.

Vale's long-running character, "Fred the Baker," for the doughnut maker's ad campaign lasted 15 years until he retired in 1997.
Irony's such a bitch. Cookie Puss had better start doing his cardio...

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Tuesday, December 27, 2005
 
A New Perspective On What I Do Here...
"I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed. I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war."
--Franklin Delano Roosevelt, August 14, 1936
Above is a quote that I hadn't heard before I visited the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC a few years ago. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend checking it out the next time you visit the area. It's an amazing tribute to an amazing man.

That quote crystallizes my own feelings about war. I know I've never fought in one, but then again, neither did FDR.

In addition, I understand war is a harsh reality, and is sometimes necessary. Contrast FDR's quote with the fact that he successfully led this nation to victory in World War II. He hated war, but knew when it was necessary.

In a perfect world, there would be no war, but (to spout the oldest cliché in the book) we don't live in a perfect world.

A meeting I had with an old friend over the holiday got me thinking about the realities of war.

My friend is a Marine who has served all over the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. He's served in both a military and private capacity over there.

Talking to him also got me thinking about the idea of "supporting the troops". My concern is that all too often those words are just that: words.

I believe "supporting the troops" means holding their civilian leaders accountable for questionable decisions. On this, and several other blogs, I've been labeled everything from a communist to terrorist sympathizer, for doing just that.

In light of the comments coming from the right side of the political spectrum back in 1999, these accusations ring particularly hollow.

If soldiers and Marines aren’t getting the equipment they need to finish the job, I’ll talk about it. If they’re in a war without a clear exit strategy, I think it’s my duty to find out why. Not because I’m trying to make trouble, but because once Americans stop holding their leaders accountable, those same soldiers and Marines (and the rest of us) will be in even greater peril.

The sacrifices that others like my friend make are sacrifices that I, quite frankly, don't have the balls to make on my own. I recognize this, and it's for this reason that I have a great appreciation for what they do on my behalf.

Occasionally, people on both sides of the political spectrum lose sight of that level of dedication.

I honestly hope I never do.

I opposed the Iraq War from the beginning because it was (and I think, still is) a misguided detour from the real enemy.The sad reality of the Iraq war, as I see it now, is that you can only reach so many "turning points" before you're walking in circles.

My only hope is that enough of those in power will come to the realization that their actions have consequences, especially in matters of war.

That sounds simplistic, but I really wonder how many of our elected officials considered the possibility of over 2,100 troops and many contractors being lost in this war.

Not enough of them, I’m guessing.

I'm glad that meeting an old friend could give me a brand new perspective on a situation that we all spend so much time thinking about.

Thanks, Pat...

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2-Time Fantasy Football Champion...

Ol' Gravylegs 115
White-On-Rice 106

Some startling statistics for you from an up-and-down season:
My average points scored for the 13 weeks of the regular seasons: 79.6
Number of times my team scored more than 100 points in those 13 weeks: 0

My average points scored for my 3 playoff matchups: 110
Number of times my team scored more than 100 points in those 3 weeks: 3

They say the best get it done when it really matters.

That's what I do...

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Sunday, December 25, 2005
 
Four Things...

A fun little meme from the good people at Crooks and Liars. Give me your answers, I'll start w/ mine...

Four jobs you’ve had in your life: Car wash attendant, pizza delivery, electronics salesman, financial advisor.
Four movies you could watch over and over: Swingers, Rounders, About A Boy, The Color of Money.
Four places you’ve lived: Concordville, Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs.
Four TV shows you love to watch: Scrubs, The Office, My Name Is Earl, King of Queens.
Four places you’ve been on vacation: Ireland, Mexico, Hawaii, San Diego.
Four websites you visit daily: DailyKos, Liberal Oasis, Stinging Nettle, ESPN.com.
Four of your favorite foods: Sushi, anything Italian, Paella, Steak.
Four places you’d rather be: Ireland, Hawaii, Mexico, Asheville.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2005
 
KFFL Super Bowl 2005

Here we go. Upwards of $400 hang in the balance. Two men enter, one man leaves...

The combatants? #5 Ol' Gravylegs (9-5-1) vs. #2 White-on-Rice (9-5)

The players?
Ol' Gravylegs
QB David Garrard
RB Rudi Johnson
RB Thomas Jones
WR Donald Driver
WR Terry Glenn
WR Andre Johnson
TE Todd Heap
K Neil Rackers
D/ST Seattle


White-on-Rice
QB Carson Palmer
RB Shaun Alexander
RB Chris Brown
WR Torry Holt
WR Rod Smith
WR Joe Jurevicius
TE Marcus Pollard
K Jay Feely
D/ST Jacksonville
Current line: White-on-Rice by 2...

UPDATE: As of the end of Saturday's action, I'm down 106-80, BUT I still have Thomas Jones, Todd Heap, and Donald Driver to go today while my opponent is finished. It's possible...

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Had Any Good Beers Lately?

One of the banner designs that PusBoy did for my site reminded me of something we haven't discussed in a while.

BEER...

Since the PopTheCap movement has died down, I haven't paid too much attention to the issue, although I should note that PTC will be beginning it's new mission of craft beer advocacy in January 2006.

But back to the issue at hand: What's new and good in the world of brew?

If you haven't tried Chimay yet, you're really missing out. Their Grande Reserve is so damn smooth it's just crazy.

Edenton Street Brewery's Pumpkinhead Ale is awesome as well, but it's season is just about over.

One other quick note bears mentioning. Wellspring Grocery on Wade Avenue and Earthfare at Brier Creek seem to have the best selection of microbrews and foreign beers in Raleigh.

If there are any other places I'm missing, please let me know...

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Tuesday, December 20, 2005
 
Oh The Times, They Are A-Changin'...
Secondly, there are such things as roving wiretaps. Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution.

--President Bush, 4/20/2004
(From Eschaton...)

UPDATE: Jonathan Alter's Newsweek piece this week is razor-sharp...

Here's an excerpt:
President Bush came out swinging on Snoopgate—he made it seem as if those who didn’t agree with him wanted to leave us vulnerable to Al Qaeda—but it will not work. We’re seeing clearly now that Bush thought 9/11 gave him license to act like a dictator, or in his own mind, no doubt, like Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.

No wonder Bush was so desperate that The New York Times not publish its story on the National Security Agency eavesdropping on American citizens without a warrant, in what lawyers outside the administration say is a clear violation of the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act...

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Todd Heap Finishes The Job Early...

Ol' Gravylegs is headed the Super Bowl thanks to Todd Heap's amazing 110-yard, 2 TD performance last night against the Packers.

It didn't even take 4 minutes for Heap to step up and put my game away.

One quick question, though: When did Kyle Boller turn into Dan Marino???

Now it's time to look ahead, especially since this is a short week and I'll be heading home on Thursday.

My only lineup issue (as it's been all year) is whether to start Thomas Jones against the aforementioned Packers, or Corey Dillon against the equally wretched Jets...

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Monday, December 19, 2005
 
Big Thanks To PusBoy...

...for making me some terrific title banners for the blog.

I am forever in your debt for making this site more presentable.

Everyone be sure to check out PB's stuff over at VirtualPus...

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Three Points From The Finals, Two Players Going Tonight...

Who's gonna be heading to the finals of their fantasy league next week? Other than me, that is...

Take a look at the dead heat I'm involved in:

Ol' Gravylegs (that's me)

David Garrard 18 points
Terry Glenn 2
Andre Johnson 5
Donald Driver (playing tonight)
Rudi Johnson 24
Thomas Jones 15
Todd Heap (playing tonight)
Neil Rackers 8
Seattle D/ST 0

TOTAL 72 points

BuckiFlyers (my opponent)

Matt Hasselbeck 26 points
Marvin Harrison 13
Isaac Bruce 1
T.J. Houshmandzadeh 12
LaDainian Tomlinson 7
Brandon Jacobs 0
Jeremy Shockey 3
Josh Brown 4
Colts D/ST 9

TOTAL 75 points

In this league, 10 receiving yards=1 point. Given this breakdown, I feel pretty safe.

We'll see what Monday night holds...

P.S. While we're here, kudos to my MVP for the year, Rudi Johnson. Have you seen what he's done over the second half of the season???

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A Message To Indianapolis Cots Fans...

Get over yourselves!!!

Your team is 13-1, has clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, and is still a heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl.

Stop fucking crying!!!

P.S. This post was born out of the rage I felt while watching the Colts fans in the RCA Dome acting like they had actually lost something substantial yesterday.

Knock it off, you spoiled brats...

UPDATE: All right, I guess it wasn't rage I felt as I watched the mourning Colts fans yesterday. It would probably be better described as pure, sheer enjoyment.

Specifically, it was the kind of enjoyment you can only get by sneaking up behind Frank Gifford and screaming "Hey, is that Chuck Bednarik?!?"...

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Friday, December 16, 2005
 
Sen. Feingold Succeeds, With A Little Help...

When Americans' civil rights are in jeopardy, "the perfect" is, in fact, the enemy of "the good".

In the case of the Patriot Act, the "good" just isn't good enough at keeping the federal government from infringing on our civil liberties.

Kudos to Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) for understanding this, and kudos to the other 45 Senators that felt the Patriot Act needed serious improvements.

A special thanks to the four Republicans who crossed the aisle and voted against cloture.

Sen. Larry Craig (ID)
Sen. Chuck Hagel (NE)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Sen. John Sununu (NH)

Now, get the job done before you start your vacations...

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Thursday, December 15, 2005
 
Defending Donovan McNabb...

Enough already...

It's one thing when a pill-popping zero like Rush Limbaugh delivers a low blow to a respected guy like Donovan McNabb. His comments rang pretty hollow since, well, he's Rush Limbaugh.

But I can't believe the inane comments coming from the head of the Philadelphia NAACP, J. Whyatt Mondesire. Mr. Mondesire decided it was a good idea set his target of frustration on one of the classiest athletes currently playing in the City of Brotherly Love. He's claimed that McNabb is a failure as a team leader, that he choked in the Super Bowl, and that he tried to use his race to deflect criticism of his play.

I can only assume that with the amount of influence he has, Mr. Mondesire can make far more valuable contributions to his community than to drag a guy like McNabb through the mud.

On a quick change of subject, I'm sick of this new tide of "T.O. Good, McNabb Bad" sentiment.

Where the fuck does that come from?

Donovan McNabb is a class guy and a credit to the Eagles franchise. Terrell Owens is a money-grubbing mercenary whore who will NEVER be a respected member of any NFL team because he doesn't give a shit about ANYONE BUT HIMSELF.

I'm happy to relay McNabb's response to Mondesire's idiotic commentary:

"If you talk about my play, that's one thing. When you talk about my race, now we've got problems. If you're trying to make a name off my name, again, I hope your closet is clean because something is going to come out about you ... I always thought the NAACP supported African Americans and didn't talk bad about them. Now you learn a little bit more."
Keep talking shit about McNabb, everybody. He'll be back next year to prove every one of you motherfuckers wrong.

And as far as Mr. Mondesire goes, maybe he should spend more time trying to unite the people of Philly, rather than turning them against each other for such a lame-ass reason...

UPDATE: Dr. Masse adds some needed words in defense of #5...
He will never be the most accurate passer in the world. But he is a winner. Look at where the Eagles were when he arrived and look at where they were before this year. The guy took some mediocre teams at best to the playoffs in 2000 and 2001. Before last year his freaking receivers were guys like Torrance Small, Charles Johnson and James Thrash and yet he took the Eagles to the title game every year and made the pro bowl every year.
2nd UPDATE: The national president of the NAACP, Bruce S. Gordon has called out Mondesire for his divisive column and urges him to refocus his efforts...
"Whatever possessed Mondesire to take such a negative position on a positive person like McNabb is beyond me," Gordon said. "The NAACP has many civil rights issues that require our attention. Criticizing Donovan McNabb is not one of them."

"In light of Mondesire's criticism it has become a personal priority of mine to set the record straight," Gordon said. "I intend to reach out to Mr. McNabb personally to offer my apology as well as my support."

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Wednesday, December 14, 2005
 
Onward To The Semifinals...

After putting up my first 100-point game last weekend (thanks to the heroics of Rudi Johnson, Terry Glenn, Corey Dillon, and the Seahawks suddenly-Steel-Curtain-esque defense), I'm through to the semifinals against the league's #1 seed.

My matchups look great with Neil Rackers back and set to go off against the not-trying-too-hard Texans, Rudi Johnson playing the hapless Lions, and Seattle set to continue it's defensive domination against the Titans.

One change had to be made, though...

As a result of the Kerry Collins debacle, I had initially picked up Brad Johnson to assume QB duties for my team and he didn't do much last week.

So, this week's big lineup question is this:
Do I give Old Man Johnson another shot this week, or do I play David Garrard against the 49ers' wafer-thin defense?
My gut tells me to go with Garrard, despite the fact that he went to ECU...

P.S. Don't forget there are NFL games this Saturday, so make sure you have your lineups set in time...

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Nixonian Paranoia Goes High-tech...

...and finds a home in Donald Rumsfeld's Pentagon...
The Pentagon has a secret database that indicates the U.S. military may be collecting information on Americans who oppose the Iraq war and may be also monitoring peace demonstrations, NBC reported on Tuesday.

The database, obtained by the network, lists 1,500 "suspicious incidents" across the United States over a 10-month period and includes four dozen anti-war meetings or protests, some aimed at military recruiting, NBC's Nightly News
said.


The network said the document was the first inside look at how the Pentagon has stepped up intelligence collection in the United States since the September 11, 2001, attacks.

The report quoted what it said was a secret briefing document as concluding: "We have noted increased communication between protest groups using the Internet," but not a "significant connection" between incidents.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2005
 
How Exactly Would You Define It???

When a Senator votes one way on an issue, then decides he'll vote the complete opposite way the next time the issue comes up, what is that supposed to be called?

Sen. George Allen, R-Va., after coming under fire from some social conservatives for a 2004 vote, plans to reverse course next time and oppose making hate crimes against gay people a federal offense.

"When it comes before the Senate again, he will vote against adding sexual orientation to federal hate-crimes statutes," Mike Thomas, Allen's state director, said yesterday. In 2004, Allen voted the opposite way on an amendment in the Senate.

"I wouldn't define it as a flip-flop," Thomas added.
2008 GOP Presidential hopefuls take note:

You gotta shore up the "We Hate Faggots" vote if you wanna win the GOP primary!!!

UPDATE: Click here for a look at the vote breakdown for the hate crimes bill that Sen. Allen regrets voting for last year. Even Zell Miller voted for this thing, so you know Allen is joining some really fast company...

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Monday, December 12, 2005
 
Who's The Least Sexy "Sex Symbol"?

I got the idea for this topic while watching Shakira perform on Saturday Night Live the other night.

She's getting an unbelievable amount of attention for being the hottest female performer around right now. There's just one small problem:

SHE'S NOT THE SLIGHTEST BIT HOT!!!

I'm fucking serious about this. Her creepy gyrations and horribly frizzy hair give me the douche chills. Not sexy at all.

I'm sure she's not alone. What other big time sex symbols don't deserve the attention they get?

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The ultimate expression of "honoring the troops", courtesy of Donald Rumsfeld's Department of Defense...

Dead soldiers being shipped home as freight...

I make a concerted effort not to post the same information as Stinging Nettle, since our readerships overlap a little bit. That being said, I think this piece of information needs to be seen by as many people as possible.

SAN DIEGO -- There's controversy over how the military is transporting the bodies of service members killed overseas, 10News reported.

A local family said fallen soldiers and Marines deserve better and that one would think our war heroes are being transported with dignity, care and respect. It said one would think upon arrival in their hometowns they are greeted with honor. But unfortunately, the family said that is just not the case.


Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the American flag -- greeted by a color guard.


But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.

John Holley and his wife, Stacey, were stunned when they found out the body of their only child, Matthew, who died in Iraq last month, would be arriving at Lindbergh Field as freight.

"When someone dies in combat, they need to give them due respect they deserve for (the) sacrifice they made," said John Holley.


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Friday, December 9, 2005
 
Bilingual Kansas Kid Gets Suspended For Speaking Spanish In School...

This is is really unbelieveable. If Tom Tancredo, James Sensenbrenner, and rest of their ilk get their way, this kid would probably be expelled...from the country.

Most of the time, 16-year-old Zach Rubio converses in clear, unaccented American teen-speak, a form of English in which the three most common words are "like," "whatever" and "totally." But Zach is also fluent in his dad's native language, Spanish -- and that's what got him suspended from school.

"It was, like, totally not in the classroom," the high school junior said, recalling the infraction. "We were in the, like, hall or whatever, on restroom break. This kid I know, he's like, 'Me prestas un dolar?' ['Will you lend me a dollar?'] Well, he asked in Spanish; it just seemed natural to answer that way. So I'm like, 'No problema.' "

But that conversation turned out to be a big problem for the staff at the Endeavor Alternative School, a small public high school in an ethnically mixed blue-collar neighborhood. A teacher who overheard the two boys sent Zach to the office, where Principal Jennifer Watts ordered him to call his father and leave the school.

Watts, whom students describe as a disciplinarian, said she can't discuss the case. But in a written "discipline referral" explaining her decision to suspend Zach for 1 1/2 days, she noted: "This is not the first time we have [asked] Zach and others to not speak Spanish at school."
Besa mi culo, Principal Watts...

UPDATE: PusBoy has a brilliant solution to the "Kansas problem":
"Some progressive on the Kansas State School Board should introduce a policy that would allow the teaching of Intelligent Design, but only in Spanish."

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Random Thoughts For Your Weekend...

Go check out Disturbed's version of Genesis' "Land of Confusion". An awesome cover of a song that seems quite timely at this point. It's on iTunes if you're so inclined...

How many years are we from beer-flavored donuts, and how can I speed up that process?

Did you know Randy Newman did an entire concept album in 1974 that examined the culture of the Deep South? Neither did I...

The Colts are gonna lose this weekend. Unless they don't. In which case, the Chargers will definitely beat them...

Could someone please tell Brian Setzer that the whole swing dance craze ended about 3 years ago? Seriously, it's time to move on. I'm done hearing him yapping about "that crazy Santa Claus"...

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Thursday, December 8, 2005
 
Because They Can't All Be Geniuses...

I always see those Baby Einstein toys in the mall that are supposed to stimulate kids' imaginations.

Conversely, I've always wondered what the perfect gift would be for the kid that's got shit for brains.

I know that sounds rough, but clearly, kids are no different than us adults: For every smart one, there's probably about 3 doorknobs.

With this thought in mind, the creators of Baby Bush Toys are really onto something. Just in time for the holidays, no less.

Imagine the look of complete and utter confusion on your below-average child's semi-expressionless face when he/she/it unwraps (with your help, of course) a brand new Twisty Thing, That Is Red.

Isn't that the kind of memory that'll last you clear through the holidays, taking your mind (at least temporarily) off of trying to figure out which one of you smoked too much pot prior to conception?

Don't believe me? Read some testimonials of satisfied, yet ultimately, disappointed parents that were just begging for something that would keep their little one from chewing on the furniture...

(Thanks, RocketBoom!)

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Wednesday, December 7, 2005
 
Fantasy Football Playoffs: Are You In???

I slid into a cozy 5th seed and a not-so-cozy first round matchup against a team that beat me by 17 points in week 7.

Since we last discussed fantasy, I've had a couple of, ummm, let's call them "reversals".

1.) Kerry Collins shit the bed worse than Hervé Villechaize after three trips to an Indian buffet, so he's probably going to be benched this week...

2.) The Eagles' defense was abducted by aliens and systematically de-balled...
As a result, I opted to pick up Brad Johnson (and his colostomy bag) off the waiver wire.

I also exercised the "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" rule by picking up the Seahawks defense, which so viciously railed the Eagles on Monday night.

My new-look lineup:

QB Brad Johnson
WR Donald Driver
WR Terry Glenn
WR Andre Johnson
RB Rudi Johnson
RB Thomas Jones
TE Todd Heap
K Mike Vanderjagt
DEF Seattle Seahawks

I have two pressing lineup questions:

1.) Do I start Thomas Jones vs. the Steelers or Corey Dillon vs. the Bills?

2.) Who's a better pick for #3 WR: Andre Johnson vs. the Titans or Dennis Northcutt (Cleveland's new #1 WR) vs. the Bengals?

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George W. Bush: Foot Soldier In The "War On Christmas"...

Man, our beloved President must really hate the baby Jesus...

What's missing from the White House Christmas card? Christmas.

This month, as in every December since he took office, President Bush sent out cards with a generic end-of-the-year message, wishing 1.4 million of his close friends and supporters a happy "holiday season."

Many people are thrilled to get a White House Christmas card, no matter what the greeting inside. But some conservative Christians are reacting as if Bush stuck coal in their stockings.

"This clearly demonstrates that the Bush administration has suffered a loss of will and that they have capitulated to the worst elements in our culture," said William A. Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights.

Bush "claims to be a born-again, evangelical Christian. But he sure doesn't act like one," said Joseph Farah, editor of the conservative Web site WorldNetDaily.com. "I threw out my White House card as soon as I got it."

This kind of fun shouldn't be legal without a permit...

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Tuesday, December 6, 2005
 
Charlie Brown Christmas Special Is Tonight On ABC...

For my money, this is one of the few Christmas specials that is actually worth watching again and again.

I watched "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" last week, and was struck by how disjointed and flat-out weird it was.

Besides, you gotta feel for any kid that goes bald by the time he hits 8 years of age.

Exactly how long do you think it took ol' Chuck to actually man up and get himself laid? I'm guessing by his 3rd year in college, he found at least one young lady that felt sorry enough for him to toss him a sympathy pop...

UPDATE: After Charlie Brown, I highly recommend checking out "My Name Is Earl" and "The Office" if you haven't already. Two very funny shows...

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Monday, December 5, 2005
 
United Kingdom Slated For Destruction By Hordes Of Locusts...

Man-on-dog nuptials are just around the corner.

The end is nigh...
At least 1,200 ceremonies are confirmed as being scheduled already, according to figures from councils compiled by the BBC News website.

Registrars are preparing for the first ceremonies, with couples permitted to register from Monday morning.


Campaigners says the law ends inequalities for same-sex couples.


The first ceremonies under the Civil Partnerships Act can take place in Northern Ireland on 19 December, followed by Scotland the next day and England and Wales on 21 December.


Under the law, couples who want to form a partnership must register their intentions with local councils. Unlike marriages, the signing of the legal partnership papers does not need to happen in public.
On a serious note, kudos to the United Kingdom and South Africa for treating homosexuals as equals deserving of the respect afforded to the rest of us.

One day, I hope the United States will follow suit...

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9/11 Commission: We're Still Not Close To Being Ready...

Try to act surprised as you deal with the fact that a whopping 4+ years after 9/11, the Bush administration and the Republican Congress are dragging their feet in safeguarding the country from terrorist attacks.

It seems the administration is still resisting the suggestions of the 9/11 Commission, which it didn't want created in the first place...
Tom Kean, the Republican chairman of the committee, told NBC's "Meet the Press" that enacting the changes is "not a priority for the government right now.

"A lot of the things we need to do really to prevent another 9/11 just simply aren't being done by the president or by the Congress.

"What we're concerned about now is that these recommendations -- four years, more than four years after 9/11, are still not being done. People are not paying attention to them."

Lee Hamilton, the committee's Democratic vice-chairman, predicted another attack will occur -- "It's not a question of if" -- and said the nation is not "as well-prepared as we should be."

Added Kean, "God help us if we have another attack and we haven't done some of these things."
Gotta love it. What was the Bush campaign's underlying theme last year?

"Vote for us or you're all gonna die!"

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Friday, December 2, 2005
 
Fantasy Football: It's Crunch Time...

Since I quite literally shit the bed in my big money league, it's time to focus on my B league.

In spite of having the 2nd lowest point total for the season, I'm in 2nd place and have already clinched a playoff berth and may be looking at a 1st round bye next week with a win this weekend.

Here's my team:

QB Kerry Collins (OAK)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Terry Glenn (DAL)
WR Andre Johnson (HOU)
RB Rudi Johnson (CIN)
RB Thomas Jones (CHI)
TE Todd Heap (BAL)
K Mike Vanderjagt (IND)
DEF/ST Philadelphia Eagles


I've already got my first bad omen of the weekend. My superkicker, Neil Rackers was seen leaving the Cardinals' practice facility on crutches yesterday.

It's not everyday you lose a guy who a.) is the best kicker in the league, and b.) whose name also happens to sound like boobies.

A dark day, indeed.

Let's hear your questions...

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Thursday, December 1, 2005
 
Walgreens Does The Right Thing, Suspends 4 Holier-than-thou Pharmacists...

This is has been an interesting, if not completely screwed up story from the past few months. It seems that a few pharmacists across the country have decided that their ethics must dictate the ethics of the customers they were hired to serve.
Walgreen Co. said it has put four Illinois pharmacists in the St. Louis area on unpaid leave for refusing to fill prescriptions for emergency contraception in violation of a state rule.

The four cited religious or moral objections to filling prescriptions for the morning-after pill and ''have said they would like to maintain their right to refuse to dispense, and in Illinois that is not an option," Walgreen spokeswoman Tiffani Bruce said.


A rule imposed by Governor Rod Blagojevich in April requires Illinois pharmacies that sell contraceptives approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to fill prescriptions for emergency birth control.

Pharmacies that do not fill prescriptions for any type of contraception are not required to follow the rule.
I like John at AmericaBlog's approach:
I go to the pharmacy for medicine, not spiritual advice. If you're opposed to the death penalty, don't apply for a job as an excecutioner. If you're allergic to animals, don't become a vet. And if you hate kids, don't become a pediatrician.
Simple enough. Mind your own damn business and live your life the way you choose, just don't tell me how to live mine...

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