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Monday, February 28, 2005

Aryans Dine at Applebees

A scary and funny story about Harmon Leon's attempt to infiltrate a white supremacist group in CA. It's long, but worth it. Some choice cuts below.
...I decide to infiltrate a white supremacist hate group by posing as an eager new recruit, a new hater, if you will. I want to put a face on extreme hate, to find out the hobbies of haters, what haters find hot and what haters find not. I want to learn what someone in a hate group really loooooooves. Ice cream? Everyone loves ice cream. I love ice cream. Maybe hate groups love ice cream, too?

(...)

The next hurdle: a little new-potential-hater questionnaire I'm asked to fill out. I start by answering with extreme sarcasm:

Ethnic background: "What do you think! Come on!"

Profession: "Children's birthday party entertainer"

What prompted you to want to become a racial activist or at least look into it?: "I really want to get more involved in activism in my community. I work well with others and have good organizational skills. I have a pickup truck if that's needed at any events."

Then I throw in for good measure: "Also, I hate the Jews! Lol"

And in closing I add, "Where shall we meet?"

The local leader of the hate group -- an organization that is a direct spinoff from the old American Nazi Party and that sees itself as carrying on Hitler's dream to purify the white race and prevent Jews and blacks from degrading "our" culture -- responds:

"How about Applebee's? I'll be coming with my wife, baby, and one other member. We can meet in the reception area. I'll be coming with two women and a baby?"

Bingo! I've got a date with hate! And who doesn't love Applebee's? It has quality dinners and a wide selection -- and all at budget prices!

(...)

As the menu is being sought, we, the men of the table, get down to the business of hate discussion while the racist womenfolk make cutesy baby talk to the gurgling infant.

"Crazy baby boy," coos his racist mom, who recommends reading David Duke's book The Awakening because it changed her life. "You're such a good boy."

Race hater Kevin asks where I live. I tell him I'm about to move up from the Bay Area.

"It's really horrible about the Asian problem there," the dumpy blond girl chimes in, speaking for the first time tonight, matter-of-factly, as if making small talk about the traffic or baseball scores.

[Long pause.] "Uh, yeah." [Pause.] "The Asian problem." [Pause.] "That's why I'm planning on moving up here."

(...)

Before leaving, I ask Kevin, "What made you decide to join the organization?"

He pauses, turning a bit reflective, almost philosophical. Perhaps, I think, he is about to provide a true, meaningful insight into the complex psychology of white supremacy.

"I always hated minorities," he states bluntly. "I've always never really liked being around them. They always made me feel uncomfortable. So when I was 14, I decided to do something about it."

"We were old-school skinheads from way back," the racist soccer mom says perkily.

Now I see it. This is what happens to skinheads when they grow up, have kids, and move to the suburbs. They become fatherly, respectable, racist white supremacists, the kind you'd wave to at the company picnic...

Stomach churning.

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Oscar for Best Special Effects

Should have gone to the person who affixed the tarantula to the head of the Counting Crows lead singer, Adam Duritz.

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Sunday, February 27, 2005

First Blogiversary

A year ago today I began writing a blog. Since then I've written over a thousand posts (don't know the exact number, it's been stuck on 953 for months), received some comments, corresponded with some fantastic people and had a great time. The blogosphere is an amazing and unique place that is larger than the people posting in it. I'm proud to be a part of it.

Some people suffer blog burnout and being unable to keep up frequency of posts. I don't think this will ever be a problem for me. I enjoy sharing my thoughts & feelings with whoever stops by.

I really appreciate you taking the time to visit and look forward to many more years together.

I'll also let you know if I ever learn to type.

Yours,

Uncle Horns / E. Bradlee

(Yes, honey. You can use my laptop when you pry it from my cold dead fingers. ;-)

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Saturday, February 26, 2005

Great Gift Idea

Poor Flower...



Road Kill Rugs!

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Thursday, February 24, 2005

Victim's Statement

I recently posted about the murder of my father-in-law and his wife in 2003 along with the conviction of the murderer a week ago.

After the verdict, the following allocution was read by my wife Christine to the court, the jury and the convicted murderer.

I apologize for the length, but I didn't want to edit it. I also did not include the surnames of my wife's siblings. Finally, this post is intensely personal and something that all of the family holds very dear.

Who Joan and Bob were to each other

Partners who loved each other for all the things that were great and wonderful as much as the things that were not. They kept their individuality while creating something greater than themselves.

Joan took care of the business side of things allowing Bob to do the things he loved like take care of the home and Joan – cooking, cleaning, taking care of the house and the yard

Joan and Bob had a special marriage that was an glowing example for family and friends.
They made each other happier than they had ever been – they truly adored one another
Their happiness allowed them to be wonderful parents to their children as well as each other’s best friends
They were content in their marriage – yet still acted as newlyweds – hugging and kissing in quiet corners when they believed that no one else was around to witness their affection
Their love, affection and respect for each other led each of their children to find partners that were as complementary to them as Joan and Bob were to each other


Partners who loved each other for all the things that were great and wonderful as much as the things that were not. They kept their individuality while creating something greater than themselves.

Joan took care of the business side of things allowing Bob to do the things he loved like take care of the home and Joan – cooking, cleaning, taking care of the house and the yard

Joan and Bob had a special marriage that was an glowing example for family and friends.
They made each other happier than they had ever been – they truly adored one another
Their happiness allowed them to be wonderful parents to their children as well as each other’s best friends
They were content in their marriage – yet still acted as newlyweds – hugging and kissing in quiet corners when they believed that no one else was around to witness their affection
Their love, affection and respect for each other led each of their children to find partners that were as complementary to them as Joan and Bob were to each other


Who Joan and Bob were to Us - Jonathan

To Jonathan – his father was his hero. He was his mentor, best friend and counselor.

My father always had a new joke or bit of trivia ready for Jonathan.

They had a continued “best toys” contest and talked about what was new and available or soon to be on the market.

They often talked shop and about computers and programming which was a ‘true love’ for both of them.

Jonathan was really starting to get to know Joan. She became a mentor when it came to going back to school – and she helped provide the kick in the pants that he needed to get him through school.

Jonathan loved to talk to her about the things in life he could look forward to after he was done with school.


Who Joan and Bob were to Us - Kimberly

To Kimberly – her mother, Joan represented love, support, hugs laughter and advice. They were true role models to her.

To Kimmy – their house was command central. They were always there when she needed anyone to talk about anything.

She adored just being in their presence – being the youngest and in town – Kimmy would frequently go over to their house because it was one of the most comfortable and warm places she had been.

Joan would make it a special occasion when Kimmy came to the house and she would stop her schoolwork to spend time with her and try out her new recipes on her.

Kimmy enjoyed watching the History channel with Bob – even if it actually bored her to tears – it was just the time that she got to spend with him doing something he really enjoyed.

Kimmy would like to sit and watch Joan do the bills or homework as it gave them the opportunity to talk and hang out.

Kimmy had asked Bob to walk her down the aisle when she got married – as she felt that he was a wonderful father – but they both agreed that it might be difficult for her biological father – so Kimmy asked Joan to escort her instead. Joan was so happy.

After their murder – Kimmy chose to walk down the aisle alone - only accompanied by the spirit and memory of her mother.


Who Joan and Bob were to Us - Jennifer

To Jennifer – Joan was her hero. She was her role model. Jenny wanted to be just like her mother. A hard worker who achieved anything she set her mind to. In fact, in college she wrote a paper about how Joan was a hero to her. When she presented it to Joan – she cried and was touched.

Joan was Jenny’s rock. Whenever she needed advice – and even advice she didn’t want to hear – Joan gave it with all her heart.

To Jennifer – my father – Bob represented everything a father should be. He became a surrogate daddy to her and she loved and adored him even more so because he loved her even though she wasn’t his biological daughter.

They would tease each other – and Jenny had the honor of taking care of Daddy when he had his heart bypass.

She truly regarded Bob as her father and one year on father’s day she asked him if she could call him Dad – and with tears in his eyes he said yes – and they both cried about it.

Jennifer feels blessed and honored to have known such wonderful, beautiful people.


Who Joan and Bob were to Us - Christine

To me; Joan is a mentor. She gave advice and support and encouragement. When my second son’s medical needs changed my life completely – she quietly and with gentle humor introduced me to coupons, budgets and how to find and utilize social services.

Joan also showed me how to stand back up – dust myself off – and end up better off than I was before.

Father-sir is my heart. He was the one who taught me to cook, to shop and read about the sea.

Daddy was my confidante and even across the country – he would call me to watch TV together or make a new recipe.

As grandfather sir – he would play computer games over the phone with the older boys and give them advice on how to torture me – their poor mother.

Father Sir taught me duty, honor, service and respect. That is why I teach today and serve my community in any way I can.


Negative Impacts - Jonathan

It hurts me that they never got to see me graduate from college – knowing that was something they both wanted so much for me.

They never got to see me get married and see how wonderful my wife Carla and I are together.

They will never see their grandchildren grow into the fine adults that I know they will be.

My children will never experience the love and knowledge they brought to everyone.

I miss them every day.

The image of them dead will never go away. No one should ever have to identify the bodies of people they loved. I make sure to keep a picture on my mantelpiece so each day I can try to forget a little more of those horrible images I still hold in my memory.


Negative Impacts - Kimberly

I have had nightmares. I have had dreams that they are still alive and upon waking – it is with deep sadness and regret that they are really gone.

I am now frightened to walk in front of mirrors in the dark – as I am afraid that I will see their presence and I am not ready for that yet.

I am terrified to be in my own home alone – sounds scare me and I have a fear that someone will break in and kill me.

I am scared to go from my car to the house – I always have my keys ready now and lock the door as soon as I enter the house.

I get very emotional on weekends and holidays – because I know I should really be with them at those times.

I get emotional when I drive by the Parks Mall in Arlington or drive down streets and past areas that I used to drive to with them or on the way to their house.

I have depression at the thought of not ever having them at all the special occasions. - Mom holding my hand when I have my first child – moving into my first real home – my Master’s graduation – my future children’s graduation.

I will never forget the day I got the phone call that I had to come and identify my parents’ bodies. I have never cried so much in my life – and probably never will again.


Negative Impacts - Jennifer

I don’t go a day without thinking of them. I try every day to get the images out of my head of what their house was like when it was released to us. I will never forget the smell or the sight of their blood on the walls and the carpet.

I have forgotten what it is to sleep – and I am haunted at night by dreams and night terrors of someone breaking into my home and killing me in my sleep.

I have found ways to secure and lock myself up as best I can – but I still have the fear that no matter how careful I am – that someone will eventually kill me.

I relive in my imagination every day how absolutely horrible those last moments must have been for my parents and it makes me want to weep.

My parents never got to see me marry my wonderful husband – or see the fruits of their labors in regards to the wedding.

My children will never know their grandparents. They will never get to know what wonderful people they were. They will only have my memories – “I” will only have my memories.

I will never be able to hug my mother or Bob again. Some days I would give anything to just get one last hug. I would give 15 years of my life just to get that one last hug and to tell them I love them just one more time.

I will never forget that even after all of this is over – I will never get them back and that having to go through this trial – this ordeal has made us all victims once more.


Negative Impacts - Christine

Since their murder – my days and nights are filled with grief, worry and fear. I walk the floors late at night worrying over the safety of the rest of my family.
My husband grieved the loss of his In-laws and the absence of our new baby while trying to take care of our older boys solo while I was here taking care of my family and the estate while recovering from childbirth.
Our baby Liam was 14 days old when I had to come to Texas. I had to get him on a plane and separate him from his father, his remaining grandparents, great-grandparents and brothers for the entire summer while I handled estate matters.
And even now, at 22 months – he wants and cries for mama and daddy who have had to take the trip out here for this trial.
My older children, Julian and Duncan suffer tremendously from nightmares, intense grief and emotional outbursts. Their school performance has been greatly impacted by this tragedy.

They are questioning and worrying about death in ways that such small children should not have to worry about and have impact their daily lives so intensely.

My son Duncan was required to join me for the summer of 2003 here in Texas for medical reasons – and while in the Kingswood St. KinderCare® during the day – he was told in great detail by the older children enrolled in the camp exactly how his grandparents were murdered. He held that inside for months until he finally asked if people who were killed by guns were allowed to go to heaven.

My children and husband are all learning how to live with this ‘new’ mama – one who seems always sad and only sometimes joyful.

I haven’t learned to live with this new person yet myself.

Father Sir and Grandma Joan have missed holding little Liam – their latest grandson –who has now learned to walk.

They missed Julian – my oldest son’s acceptance into his school’s excelled program.

They have missed learning that our son Duncan’s life-threatening seizures can be cured with surgery and that despite his brain injury – he has learned to read and is advanced in math.

They have missed the start of my Doctorate and my husband proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is the bravest man on earth – which is always what they believed about him.


Service and Honor

My greatest fear throughout my childhood was a knock at the door that would reveal two officers and a briefcase informing us that my Father Sir has given the ultimate sacrifice for his country. – But instead it was a late night phone call telling me that my Father Sir and his beautiful, sweet wife Joan had made the ultimate sacrifice – forced on them for a car, a cell phone and some credit cards – by Lance Kirk – an American neighbor who has served no one and made no sacrifices to serve or support others in family, community or country.

We as a family pray that one day – the full weight of what you have done to this family, this community and your family truly hit you. For not only have you taken the lives of two wonderful, caring, generous people who were trying to give you all that you asked for – but you have forever wounded my family – and your family as well.

Not only do you have to live with your actions for the rest of your life – but so do we and so does your family.

We charge you to think about the lives of our parents each and every day and what kind of contributions they made to their family, friends, community, and country. And, we charge you to reflect each day on your future and what you can change so that you also can make contributions to your family, friends, community and country.

We charge you to make positive contributions to those in your future communities.

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Eavesdropper

As I was walking into Starbucks last night I held the door for a woman who was leaving. She was talking on her mobile and I caught a brief part of her end of the conversation:

"...and he slept with all my friends too!"

Chivalry may or may not be dead.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Victim's Statement

I have been unable to export the document from .PPT so it will have to wait a day or so. I appreciate your patience while I curse Bill Gates and his crappy apps.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2005

A Long Trip

This post will be unlike anything you've read here before. If you don't like it, well, tough it out, we hope to return to banal ramblings at some point. Maybe even soon.


My father-in-law, Robert Griswold, was a great man. I'd only known him for five years but he made an impression on me that I will carry with me forever. His wife, Joan, who I'd known the same amount of time, welcomed me into their family when I married Christine and made me feel at ease from the day I met her.

One of my favorite stories about my father-in-law, Bob, is the wager we made before the January 1, 2003 Citrus Bowl between the Auburn Tigers and the Penn State Nittany Lions. He was a War Eagle and I am very much a Nittany Lion. The winner had to buy the loser a sweatshirt and take digital photos doing yard work, going shopping etc... So, Penn State loses (again) and several weeks later I get a bright orange sweatshirt in the mail. After a gloating phone call from Bob (extra amusement, for him, came from the fact that I could go hunting in the hideous rag) I agreed to have some photos taken. The best photo I could think of at the time was to get the two boys (8 and 7 at the time) on either side of me while using the orange sleeves as a tissue, or at least pretending to. Quite proud of myself I sent those pictures to Bob and waited for a response. But when it came after two weeks it wasn't what I was expecting.

He sent me an email at work with a .WAV (sound) file attached. I didn't think much of it, as he forwarded me all kinds of jokes. The message in the body of the email was to the point: "Best if played twice." So in the middle of February, six weeks after PSU loses, I get a .WAV file at work that says:

TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!

It was obviously taken from the hometown broadcast in Alabama and I never found out how he did it because I just emailed him back, "Well played" and we never spoke of it again. Kind of like the devil laying the fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet. I miss him.



My wife's father and step-mother were murdered on May 24, 2003 in Fort Worth, TX. They were at home enjoying their Saturday afternoon when an intruder forced his way in, took their credit cards, car keys and shot them both in the back of the head.

The jurisprudence portion of this ordeal ended this past Friday when Bob and Joan's son and daughters witnessed the conviction of Lance R. Kirk on a capital murder charge after a two-and-a-half-week trial.

I was proud to travel to TX and offer support to my wife and her resilient siblings. I learned a lot from them and their spouses about compassion and empathy. I drew strength from all of them based on their support for one another.

The story in Saturday's Fort Worth Star Telegram is here. The victim's personal statement, as read by my wife, is quoted several times in the story. I will be posting the whole thing in this forum tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

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I'm Back

But have much to do. I will have a post up at some point this evening about my travels.

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Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Off to Texas

I'll be in Texas until then end of the week to provide support to my wife and her side of the family during a difficult time. I may get to post a couple of times while in the Lone Star State.

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Monday, February 14, 2005

Ouch

Not good:
ORLANDO, Fla. -- What was supposed to be a magical moment at Sunday night's Orlando Magic basketball game instead turned into an embarrassing memory for one man, according to Local 6 News.

The unidentified man asked his girlfriend to marry him in front of thousands of fans at the Magic's 97-94 victory over the New Orleans Hornets at the TD Waterhouse Centre.

The man, who was standing on the court, dropped to a knee and asked the woman to marry him.

Instead of answering, the woman turned and ran off the court with her face in her hands.

Meanwhile, Steve Francis scored 22 points and handed out 10 assists to lead the Orlando. Hedo Turkoglu also had 22 points in the win...

Am I completely broken to think that the transition in that story is funny? Man's heart crushed in front of 20,000 fans, meanwhile, Magic win.

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Ew

What next?

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Sunday, February 13, 2005

Zach Braff Auctioning Items from Garden State for Tsunami Relief

If you enjoyed this great film then you may be willing to kick in the cash to own a part of it. And it's for a good cause.

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Saturday, February 12, 2005

On The Curb

I've always been blessed with the ability to park my car very well. I can see the angles and can parallel park on the first try 90% of the time.

Other people aren't so lucky.

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Paging Mr. Spicoli

Check out this online community. There is only one rule for contributing.

If you meet the criteria, try not to get Twinkie filling on your keyboard...

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A Drinking Problem

You work for Miller Beer in Milwaukee.

Your picture appears in the newspaper holding a Bud Light.

You get sacked.

(Nice beads though. I really hope he was attending a Mardi Gras celebration.)

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The Perfect Gift

For the child who fancies a career in law enforcement. The Law & Order Coloring Book.

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Friday, February 11, 2005

Fired for Blogging

Everyone makes a big deal about firing people who blog on the job. If you slam your company something is going to happen. In this case I can't blame the employer:
"I really hate my place of employment. Seriously. Okay, first off. They have these stupid little awards that are supposed to boost company morale. So you go and do something 'spectacular' (most likely, you're doing your JOB) and then someone says 'Why golly, that was spectacular.' then they sign your name on some paper, they bring you chocolate and some balloons.

"Okay two people in the newsroom just got it. FOR DOING THEIR JOB."

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If Only I Had Known This in High School...

"Male sweat can be a turn-on to some women but only if it is fresh ... If you miss your window of opportunity (20 minutes) it will definitely repel" -- advice from the book, "Flirting 101"

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Shouldn't You Be Working?

I agree, it's impossible. With the Internets and all of the gadgets available to us it's a wonder anything gets done at all.

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That Felt Good

A blogging free day. I've been able to get some stuff done and should be able to re-start the steady flow of detritus later today.

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Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Uncle Horns Day

Mrs. Horns has been out of town for a week and will probably be gone for at least one more. So I'm hanging at home with the lads. The wee lad had a doctor's appt. this morning and I decided to take the rest of the day off to decompose decompress from work and kids. Ran some errands and stopped at Barnes & Noble to cash in a couple of gift cards. I picked up Shark Tale which is supposed to be good. The wee one loves Finding Nemo, so I hope he enjoys this. Animated guppies. It's all the same, right?

I was also browsing through the music and came across Van Morrison's Enlightenment. My good friend Steve made a tape of this CD for me when we were at PSU and I hadn't listened to it in years, but at the time it was in the heavy rotation. (Despite the fact that the CD fit all but two songs onto one side of the tape and my thrifty friend decided to put REM & Aerosmith MTV Unplugged sessions on the second side, including commercials. But he didn't charge me for the tape, so I can't complain, yet.) I snapped up the CD today and was just listening in the car. Memories of a simpler booze-addled time.

I'll be doing dishes and taking trash out for the next hour before the first final round World Cup Qualifying game for the US Football Team.

C'mon you Nats!

So what are you up to?

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Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Best Call-In-Sick Excuse Ever

"I can't come in today; the voices told me to clean all the guns."

Many more here.

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The Day Before Ash Wednesday

Is always Fat Tuesday. Happy Mardi Gras! If you've never been to New Orleans during carnival you're missing one hell of a party. If you're curious about the carnage festivities, you can find a Bourbon St. cam here.

Always remember, beads are one of the only disposable commodities in the world. Don't believe me? Take a walk past the corner of Canal & Bourbon tomorrow morning at 5am.

Les Bon Temps Rouler!

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Blogrollin'

I've added the blog of frequent commenter Ang to the hollowed hallowed Uncle Horns blogroll. So why not head on over to Ang's Weird Ideas and say hello! Be sure to scroll down to the "Jumper" post, but only if you have an iron constitution.

(For the longest time I thought there were only three sixes in Ang's URL, but then discovered there were four. Whew.)

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Rove Gets Bigger Role at White House

I'm sure he already has his grubby mitts in foreign and domestic policy. What else is there?

Oh yeah...

We're goin' to Mars, bitches!

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Attention Bloggers

Did you ever post just for the sake of posting?

(Me neither.)

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Monday, February 07, 2005

Collector

Ever collect anything? Stamps? Coins? Beer cans? Matchbooks

It's safe to say this guy has a collection to beat all (if it was a contest to begin with). Behold:

The Airline Napkin Wipeoreum

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Super Droll

After all the hype of the pre-game show and watching Charlie Daniels (with hubcap sized belt buckle) sing Devil Went Down to Georgia, I couldn't take any more.

Instead of watching the "Big Game" I took in the Angela Lansbury & Estelle Gettys marathon on Lifetime.

I feel more balanced because of it.

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Witty Headline

But I think it's unintentional. Powerline has a post this morning with the following headline:

Betting Against President Bush is Like Betting Against the Patriots

Of course if you took the points against the Patriots yesterday, you won.

And I did, thank you.

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Sunday, February 06, 2005

Finding Uncle Horns Via Google

I sure hope I offended someone with this search.

ManUre.

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Philadelphia Inquirer: Please God, Deliver Us a Victory

Editorial writers today have a letter to the man upstairs. Because you need to register, I've copied the entire thing here. Over the top? Yes. But it will give you an idea how the Eagles and, to a lesser extent, all of the other teams define this city.
Dear God,

This prayer makes us feel somewhat guilty, let's confess that right away.

Many folks probably think it's unseemly for a newspaper to get down on its knees and pray to God Almighty for a Super Bowl victory. They'd say it's a superficial subject for invoking divine intervention.

And maybe You agree with them. God knows - uh, You know - that You are busy with more important matters, from tsunami relief to everyday wedding blessings.

Be that as it may, God, please please please please please grant the Eagles a victory today.

Philadelphia fans deserves a Super Bowl victory. The people here are good, honest (give or take an FBI probe of City Hall), hard-working, family-oriented fans who love our team. Most of us don't know what it feels like for our Eagles to win a championship. To share that exultant joy with friends, to hug strangers on the street - well, that only happens when teams win championships or wars end. Not nearly often enough. So try us.

Nothing against Boston, God, but you already answered its prayers last fall when the Red Sox finally won the World Series. And the Patriots have won like, what, a dozen Super Bowls? Boston has been there, done that. Boston doesn't need a victory the way that Philadelphia does.

Obviously, You see all, so You probably see that we have been risking Your wrath as the big game approaches. Yes, we have sinned. Pride? We planned a parade. And one of our players, Freddie Mitchell, disrespected the other team. Gluttony? We feasted for feasting's sake at Wing Bowl 13. (Didn't anybody think to skip this unlucky number?) Don't hold these acts against us, we beseech You. They're signs of our passion for our team, our city, our brotherhood and sisterhood of fans.

Philadelphia fans get a bad rap. Other people say we boo too often, even at Santa Claus. Well, that was decades ago, and even the fill-in Santa who got pelted said he had it coming. Philadelphians have heart. We cheered 11-year-old Timmy Kelly, who is blind, when he sang the national anthem at the last game. He practiced in a snowstorm. That's heart.

Some TV comedians did a funny bit years ago in which they'd protest: "We are not worthy." Dear God, on this day, Eagles fans are worthy. From Mount Airy to Mount Holly, from the Northeast to South Street, from Paoli to Paulsboro, Eagles fans deserve this day. Please grant us this victory.

And we won't even ask you about the point spread. Thank you. Amen.

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My Pick

It's time for my Super Bowl pick.

It looks like lots of "experts" are picking the Patriots to win the games. If you're looking for a similar pick here, you may as well move along.

Here is why the Eagles will win and other thoughts on the Supe:

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's name will be on everyone's lips after the game. Look for him to mix his coverages and blitz less than everyone thinks. Three out of four Eagles DBs are going to the Pro Bowl, a little better than the Pats have faced in the playoffs. The Birds will pack the box and dare the Pats to run. They'll try. Unsuccessfully.

Terrell Owens will be a big factor, especially when Westbrook lines up in the slot. This will mean that the Pats will have to put an LB on a WR. Traditionally the LB is put on the RB lined up in the slot. BIG advantage Eagles.

Read nothing into TO missing the walk-through yesterday. I wouldn't be surprised if he caught two in the game.

Everyone will know Greg Lewis's name after Super Bowl XXXIX

The Pats return defense is weak. The ranked third & fourth from the bottom in the AFC for kick and punt returns, respectively. I think Reno Mahe could bust one. Fun Fact: Mahe (MA-hey) means 'underwear' in Tongan. We've got that going for us, which is nice.

Finally, it seems like the Birds are loose and that's a good sign. There was a fight in practice this week too which lends itself to feistiness as well.

I wanted the Eagles to play the Pats from the start of the playoffs, because they are perceived to be the best. Now we have the match-up. The Pats are a great team, but it is the Eagles day.

Patriots 17
Eagles 28

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Friday, February 04, 2005

SOTU Quiz Results Posted

Bow down to my awesome red power.

Thanks for a great quiz Dana, and for keeping score!

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Woman Busted for Selling 'Duff' Beer

Of course she is not animated and Duff Beer doesn't actually exist.

To her credit, she sold three cases of the "beer" on eBay for over $1,500.

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Get Your Rock Fonts

I don't know what use you would have for a WhiteSnake or Guns n' Roses font, but you never know when a situation could present itself.





Many more bands here.

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Eagles Prayer

Origination unknown.
Our Father, who art in Philadelphia, football be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, there's a Super Bowl to be won, on earth as it is at the Linc. Give us this day a playoff victory, and forgive us our penalties as we defeat those who play against us. Lead us into victory, and deliver us to Jacksonville.

Amen.



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Thursday, February 03, 2005

Toolio

"If Michael Jackson is convicted, I'll shave off my mustache"
-- FNC's Geraldo Rivera ("Access Hollywood" release).

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Super Bowl



Yes, that is me with two Super Bowl tickets.

No, I will not be going to see the Eagles.

Yes, I am a little surly about it.

No, my shirt doesn't look like that in person.

Yes, I do own a razor.

The whole ticket story is kind of a mess and involves my employer, I will try to share at some point soon without getting myself sacked.

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Cynicality at the SOTU

Am I cynical to think that the embrace shared last night between the Iraqi Human Rights activist and the fallen soldier's mother was contrived?

It definitely was a stirring moment, but why did I immediately think of Karl Rove when it happened?

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Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Super Bowl Fact of the Day

Terrell Owens middle name is:

Eldorado

(No word if his little brother's middle name is El Camino.)

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Tuesday, February 01, 2005

When Cows Fly!

Oh wait.



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Think You've Got Job Worries?

Think again:
A 25-year-old waitress who turned down a job providing "sexual services'' at a brothel in Berlin faces possible cuts to her unemployment benefit under laws introduced this year.

Prostitution was legalised in Germany just over two years ago and brothel owners – who must pay tax and employee health insurance – were granted access to official databases of jobseekers.

(...)

Under Germany's welfare reforms, any woman under 55 who has been out of work for more than a year can be forced to take an available job – including in the sex industry – or lose her unemployment benefit. Last month German unemployment rose for the 11th consecutive month to 4.5 million, taking the number out of work to its highest since reunification in 1990...

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