I've decided that Edward Burns is a better actor when I have a hangover. Just finished the west coast version of some piffle called "Ash Wednesday". Burns raises his usual horrible acting to a level of mediocrity as he has to save Mr. Frodo from a revenge killing. Smiling Ed Burns:



My PD arrived today without the Arts section and, by default, the crossword. What are the odds? I would think it would be nearly impossible to forget one section out of one newspaper, unless several people are without Section F today. I'll do it online, which went quite well. I know what an "acolyte" is.

Hey, I just got a visit from my Dad looking for his ice chipper. Had to remind him it was stolen (no doubt, a Future Felon caper) while in my possession several years ago.

Meal of Links

The Governor of Illinois is urging everyone in the state to get a flu shot. During the panic days in November, remember the gov ordered 300,000 doses from overseas. They're still on the hook for those.

India now pushes the panic button by issuing tsunami warnings kind of on a willy-nilly basis. Death total now 120,000 as of 10:00 a.m. It's as if Peoria got washed away. For the cynics, is a higher death count a way to get more money? Or should we trust the figures. For the somewhat heartless, life goes on. Truly asinine quotes.

Eddie Murphy is selling his mansion. For $30 million. Too bad Arafat is not around, it has a bowling alley.

Exercise Yard

I guess sports folks need to know the rules on flying flags at half-staff.

Visitor

3 Down: "Sweet Child O' Mine" vocalist (7 letters) Answer: Axl Rose

I fell on the ice today. Lemme tell ya, it's as hard as I remember from more youthful days. It all started when I dropped my cellphone and strangely enough uttered the words, "What the hell was that?" because I didn't even know I had the phone on me (it was in my pocket). Then I went to grab it and began doing a camel, before I fell. With my leg now under the car, I tried to brace myself with my hand. Well, that was an incredibly stupid move, as the ice was not exactly smooth. I should have asked for this for Christmas.

Meal of Links

Jerry Orbach is dead.

USAir wants employees to work or free. Pardon me, but did they not show up when they were getting paid?

Lately, these things have been Overheard in New York.

Exercise Yard

Mike Martz was threatened by Kyle Turley. But now Martz says it didn't happen. If he's healthy, maybe the Browns can pick him up for a song.

Visitor

7 Down: "what's Going On?" singer (4 letters) Answer: Gaye

The deposed CEO of Fannie Mae gets $1.3 mil a year for life! It's amazing how these corporate miscreants always escape with their compensation in tow. If it was you or I...blah, blah, blah...but, sadly, it isn't.

Meal of Links

Some Canadians want to accept a tropical island into their country. Look outside, it is not a bad idea.

This Citroen C4 commercial from the UK is pretty cool. Kind of a Robocop meets Sylvester thing.

A quick reference of a bunch of famous people who died in 2004. I only had two on my Dead Pool, although there are 3 days left.

Exercise Yard

Cleveland ranks 32nd of 35 sport cities. Jose Hernandez, our "championship-quality" utility man, will propel us up the charts in 2005. Shapiro: "I can live with the strikeouts...Jim Thome either hit homers, doubles, or struck out." Clown.

Visitor

33 Across: "Jeopardy!" millionaire Jennings (3 letters) Answer: Ken (Apparently anyone can now make it into the LA Times Syndicate puzzle. Reference point, this dolt made it before LeBron.)

I went to my doctor today for a checkup and he gave me another six months, so I guess things are OK or he wants to get paid. But I got done with him early enough, so I headed over to the Regal to see "The Aviator".

I liked it. I thought Cate Blanchett had Hepburn done cold and Alec Baldwin played the ruthless, of course, head of Pan Am. Leo did a good job. Probably many nominations coming its way. Much better than "Gangs of New York".

Bruce Willis was in a couple of coming attractions. One called "Sin City" had a comic book look to it. Very arty. Not sure what it's about, but it definitely is striking to look at.

Meal of Links

The scary thing about the Asian earthquake is it was stronger than all of the earthquakes from the last five years...put together.

George Carlin says these seven words, "I need to go to rehab immediately."

Your $20 bill has some interesting pictures on it.

Exercise Yard

The Cavs are moving up in the NBA Power Rankings.

Visitor

53 Down: General ____ chicken (4 letters) Answer: Tso's

Had a nice brunch today at The Harp. My meal was the American Breakfast, Creme Brulee and the ubiquitous Bloody Mary. Very yummy.

Christmas has come and gone once again. I received a nice slate of gifts ranging from the practical to the humorous. Probably have some additional shopping planned this week, as I am off most of the next week.

Meal of Links

Buy a hand puppet. Get chicks.

A guy drops in on a homeless shelter in Denver and hands out $35,000. That's the Christmas spirit.

Kate Bush tries a comeback. Pretty woman with a pretty voice.

Exercise Yard

Reggie White died today. White was listed as the NFL's all-time sack leader for a time, and is considered one of the all-time greats. You may remember Art Modell bought Mrs. White a fur coat during free agaent negotiations one year, but God told him to go play for Green Bay. Made some unfortunate racist remarks in a speech to the Wisconsin legislature late in his career.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Visitor

Santa Claus

From the land of freezy-nads, I went to GFS today. I can't help but laugh when I see those huge cans of Bush's baked beans. Does anyone buy those? I had to pick up some plastic items (you know, cups and forks and stuff) and they always have a good selection. Really good food, too. The frozen stuffed chicken is excellent.

Meal of Links

NORAD tracks Santa again this year. The sentimental fool in me thinks it's pretty cool for the kiddies.

Kids are naughty. So, Dad is not nice and sells their Christmas gifts on eBay. Give him the appropriate feedback.

For the first time in memory, I had no CDs on my Chrsitmas list. I agree with the kid.

Exercise Yard

Santa almost beat Lance last weekend.



The Todd Bertuzzi case ended on a really strange twist. Steve Moore didn't have a chance to address the court in person.

Visitor

38 Across: Man in a "red" suit (11 letters) Answer: Chairman Mao

I called off work because of the snow today. I'm guessin' it's the worst I've seen in a long time. Probably since that early November snow we had several years ago. Can't remember the year, all I know is Holyfield beat Tyson that night. I have gotten stuck twice in the damn driveway today. And I haven't seen a plow yet. I look out the window and more and more cars are getting stuck making the turn over there onto the side street. Mayor Jane says it might be 48 hours until the streets are cleared. Mayor, it's Christmas!! The two best things about today is I got to see an old Christmas episode from "Happy Days" and I got to see this Alicia Scicolone on Channel 5. She's got it goin' on.

Meal of Links

Some kids write to Santa. Cool kids write to Christopher Walken.

Who knew that Arafat liked bowling? "Mark it 8, dude."

It figures the "Who's Your Daddy?" contestant would be good looking. It's still a creepy concept. Hey, it's Fox. Is "Man vs. Beast" coming back this year?

Exercise Yard

Summer...my time of year.



Visitor

14 Across: A Trump ex (5 letters) Answer: Marla

I had a good day yesterday, because I got an unexpected Christmas bonus. Hooray! Then we had a little work gathering at the Cavs game last night. But since Bron Bron showed up, the old floor boxes with the table and swivel chairs (oh, how I wanted to swivel) have been replaced by two rows of four folding chairs. Doh! Anyhow, I had a really good time and drank a lot, because we had curb service and I wasn't paying. Actually, I had drinks at three different places before the game and didn't pay at any of them. Alesci's, of course. Then Hairy Buffalo, off of my list now, because you have to put your name on a waiting list to get a table. It is a bar last time I looked. Then inside the Gund at The Depot, which is the little bar adjacent to the floor seats. They only charge $10 for a double. Sometime in the second half, I had my lampshade moment which consisted of a thunder stick with the word "unit" on it and the words Randy Johnson uttered by yours truly.

Meal of Links

NYC comics may be going on strike. No joke.

There's no such thing as the Sanity worm. I'm here all week, try the veal.

Don Knotts stars in a movie about "Dubya". He's a fine dramatic actor.

Exercise Yard

I never get tired of the Indians annual signing of Jason Bere. "Clean your oven."

Visitor

36 Down: Journalist Claire Boothe ( letters) Answer: Luce

How awful are the Browns? They motivated me to clean my oven yesterday. A new low in crappiness. It's as if some spirit took over the TV every time I saw Coach Robiskie. "Clean your oven.", he commanded. "Clean your oven." Like a dog that won't stop barking. Another bad play...there he is again. "Clean your oven." Must...turn...away...haven't...shovelled....snow. I think it was his replay challenge on a potential gain on what would have resulted in a 3rd and 6, instead of 3rd and 10, that put me over the edge. Turn away before he gets you, too.

Meal of Links

The "Dark Side of the Moon" version of "The Wizard of Oz". I have a DVD of this that I found on eBay. Very creepy.

Bush says Rummy is "a caring fellow". To paraphrase Thornton Melon, "He cares...about what? I have no idea."

In case you need a last-minute gift idea. Just in time for Midnight Mass. Or maybe after Mass.

Exercise Yard

The football gods must have had a beef with T.O. He is probably done with for the year with a broken leg. At least he has his head, unlike Robert Ferguson.




Visitor

39 Down: Rock singer Quatro (4 letters) Answer: Suzi

Yup, it's bad 

Action News is in full Armageddon mode. These clowns have extended their 7 a.m news to 11 a.m. For fans of "Face the Nation" and "CBS Sunday Morning, well, you'll just have to watch those shows overnight, because it's snowing. Biff is now doing the weather and when he says, "We are still waiting for those Lake Huron bands to develop" and "This Arctic air is really dry", my spider sense starts tingling and you realize they may have blown another forecast. Oh, it's snowing, but it seems more like a wind problem today.

I had been watching "Fox News Sunday" earlier and my, is Brit Hume Mr. Grumpy. But I wonder of they sell lots of local ads during that show. Because one of the commercials was for "The Clapper"! It makes a great gift, BTW. My guess is the old lady in bed on that ad has probably graduated to "fallen, but can't get up" mode by now.

Meal of Links

Next week's NY Times Top 10 Non-Fiction list is really scary. Jon Stewart is #1 and Dylan #2. Stephen King's Red Sox book is #3 and George Carlin is #5. Clay Aiken is (gulp!) #6. What happened to my country?

What's going on at "Survivor" tapings? I get the feeling Jeff Probst has been interested in seeing the "dailies" for quite some time.

For all those who supposedly were scared of Santa. You have company.

Exercise Yard

Glen "The Road Warrior" Johnson showed a lot of heart by defeating Antonio Tarver in a really good fight on HBO last night. Tarver blatantly took the 10th round off and it probably cost him the decision. I don't think I've ever heard a more modest, gracious winner than Johnson. In boxing especially, that is rare.

BTW, they had a rerun of Klitschko-Williams on as well. Why does Klitschko's nickname "Dr. Ironfist" make me laugh out loud every time I hear it?

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

"You got to dance with who brung ya, swing with who swung ya, don't be a big old fool..." I violated that rule of drinking yesterday. The bartender at A.J. Rocco's offered to do shots with me. I don't normally do shots, but I was feeling festive. Not being choosy about the food groups, I had a shot of vodka, then a touch later, a shot of tequila. A chaser, what's that? In addition to the run-of-the-mill (maybe run-of-the-gin-mill?) vat of bourbon. BTW, Brendan runs a neat little place at A.J. Rocco's with an awesome photo of Bob Marley hanging prominently. But I feel spry today and was able to attend my hair appointment on time. Of course, I did show up for that appointment last week, only to realize I was a week early. Prompt, but addle-minded.

Meal of Links

Jessica Simpson's Dad comments on her cans. Thanks, Pops.

Since my recap of "The Apprentice" blew up, this one tells the story.

In China, Pizza Hut allows only one trip to the salad bar. It takes a structural engineer to build a salad worthy of the price.

Exercise Yard

The mean folks at Adelphia have offered me an early Christmas present as the NFL Network has joined their channel lineup. This is like TV crack. Fittingly, the first show I see is "In Their Own Words: Hank Stram". Omigod, it's "65 Toss Power Trap", "keep matriculating the ball down the field, boys" and "Gloster, where's Gloster?" I may never go outside again.

Visitor

44 Across: Metallica drummer Ulrich (4 letters) Answer: Lars

Isolation Thought

It's the finale of "The Apprentice" and the palatial estate is abuzz with anticipation of tonight's three-hour (Jesus Cristo!) episode. Or maybe I'm buzzed. Either way, I've decided to do a recap of the festivities.

In honor of El Donaldo, I also have product placement: TV by Sony, Laptop by Dell, Jeans by Jordache (just seeing who's still with me.).

The finalists: Jen vs. Kelly. Jen Massey refers to herself as a "steel magnolia" on her website, therefore eliminating any chance of me rooting for her. Kelly Perdew, on the other hand, is an optimistic sort. When contacting Kelly, his website urges us to "think about your outreach effort as an elevator pitch." Sounds like a guy you'd like to have a beer with. In hell.

Not happy as all of my typing got erased with a glitch. Three hours of work. I'm not bitter. Oh well.

Meal of Links

Carl's Jr. adds the Breakfast Burger to complement Hardee's Monster Thickburger. The Breakfast Burger consists of a burger topped with, get this: fried egg, hash browns, bacon, cheese. How can that fit on a bun, let alone down your gullet?

iTunes recently passed the 200 million download mark. I am so far behind.

The Beatles Christmas messages were always kinda funny. I wonder if Outkast will do this in the future.

Exercise Yard

A friend of Drew's has designed an excellent Cavs History site. Extremely detailed and worth a bookmark.

Visitor

52 Down: Donovan McNabb, for one (5 letters) Answer: Eagle

Isolation Thought

Can't think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to write out Christmas cards. Of course, accompanied by the holiday CDs that I burned. I think I have "The Bedford Falls Mix" going right now. I'm currently singing "Marshmallow World" with Dino..."...like a punkin head...". I had the "Land of Misfit Toys Mix" on earlier. "The Burgermeister Mix" awaits.

But while getting stamp happy, I decided I'm going to send out some bills. Buzzkill.

Meal of Links

Paul Rodgers is the new Freddie Mercury. Yes, THAT Paul Rodgers.

If you have lots of running around this Christmas, you tend to miss some things. Here is the 30-second version of "It's A Wonderful Life". Acted by bunnies.

Here's a neat crossword with a unique twist.

Exercise Yard

Paul Dolan with the quote of the year in the Beacon today. "We struck early in free agency." My reply was "WTF?" He's trying to say Aaron Boone was their first free agent signing for next year. You remember Aaron Boone. The guy who they tried to rush LAST YEAR, when they thought Casey Blake was bombing. Spin is one thing, but that is an asinine comment. Clown.

Visitor

50 Down: Country singer Lovett (4 letters) Answer: Lyle

Isolation Thought

It snowed today. A measurable snow at that. Which means the weather folks get to put their "Armageddon" face on. I saw some insane forecast on the Weather Channel of 12-18 inches. But it didn't include the words "eastern suburbs" or "snow belt". So I don't know what the hell is going on. Only saw one accident on the way home, so that was cool.

Meal of Links

This year's Golden Globe nominees. I hope Scarlett shows up.

This year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Of course, U2 made it. And The Pretenders are in. But Percy Sledge?

Peter Gammons is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Uncle Petey is already on the $20 bill.

Exercise Yard

Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego provides us with memories of what Municipal Stadium was like towards the end. Except I'm not sure that was rain locally.

Visitor

40 Down: Diarist Anais (3 letters) Answer: Nin

Isolation Thought

It's snowing this morning. It's great to see our weather folks on top of things. My impression is it's supposed to get warm enough to rain today. But the flurries are now starting to cover things a bit. Nothing major, just annoying.

Cleveland State played their best home game since the North Carolina game last year and almost beat Kent. DeAndre Haynes form Kent took the game over in the latest episode of "Refuse to Lose". FYI, the blond on the dance team is still hot. Over 4,000 people showed up. Now with the great scheduling by CSU athletics, the next home game is January 6.

Sokolowski's update after the game; Pork chops, MPs, corn, salad, lemonade, blackberry pie, coma.

Meal of Links

It's the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe today. I'm not necessarily the world's most religious person, but the shrine in Mexico was hauntingly serene for me.

"Sideways" won the LA Critics Award. It was really good.

Some Minnesotan bowled a 900 series. Kudos to that klassy kegler. But isn't it odd that he owns the joint. I hope he enjoys his memento.

Exercise Yard

In case you haven't been paying attention, note that Bode Miller is currently leading World Cup skiing. Not asking that you care an American is leading, just take note of it.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Isolation Thought

I saw "Ocean's Twelve" today. Not looking to win any Oscars, they did a good job of poking fun at themselves. And Eddie Izzard and Bruce Willis popped in for cameos, so it couldn't be bad. Presposterous plot, but you're supposed to enjoy yourself at the movies and you will. I saw it at the DLP theatre at Cinemark. Not that I'm anal or anything, but the perfect seat there is 4th row, middle, in case you were wondering. But at the DLP there are no word games or Coke trivia or dopey intros, it's right to the previews and they had tons.

Here are the previews I saw (with some estimates on dates):

"Meet The Fockers": Of course, this looks really funny. (December 22)

Keanu is back in "Constantine": Looks OK, slow-motion glass breaking a la "The Matrix". Based on a comic. Comic book, not comedian. (February 18)

"The Pacifier" with Vin Diesel. The preview to this Disney movie made me laugh. A lot. (March 4)

"The Ring Two" looked really cool. (March 18)

"Batman Begins" revealed nothing, except it was dark. But Christian Bale is Batman, so I'm thinking it'll be good.(June 17)

"Mr and Mrs. Smith" with Jolie and Pitt. Married assassins' next target...each other. (June 10)

"Be Cool". Travolta as Chili Palmer. Cast on paper-->Outstanding. Uma, The Rock, Cedric, Keitel, Vince Vaughan. (March 4)

"Wedding Crashers". Self explanatory comedy with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughan. (Vaughan is also in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. He's like Action News.) (July 22)

"Beyond The Sea". The Bobby Darin biopic with Kevin Spacey looked decent. (December 31)

"Coach Carter". Samuel L. as a high-school basketball coach who is all about the learnin'. (January 14--January, the evil dumping ground of cinema)

"Assault on Precinct 13". Ethan Hawke and Lawrence Fishburne, who looks really mean. (January 21--January release date, ruh-roh)

"Hitch" with Will Smith (as a dating expert) and Kevin James. This looks hilarious. (February 11)

Then the movie started.

Meal of Links

I'm sensing Bernard Kerik realized he had more ethical issues besides an illegal alien nanny. The background check was barely underway before he withdrew.

Ah...Christmas in Paris. I see Red Wings.

All you ever wanted to know about Stephen A. Smith.

Exercise Yard

Will the Tribe sign anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Visitor

1 Across: Auto racer Breedlove (5 letters) Answer: Craig

Isolation Thought

I drop in occasionally on "The Alternative" on VH1 Classic. Sure, you get videos you have not seen in a while. Last night's episode had Talk Talk with the original "It's My Life", Lene Lovich-"New Toy" (written by Thomas Dolby, who is in the video), some Paul Westerberg, and Sinead O'Connor (I had forgotten that MC Lyte (for the old schoolers) showed up and ruined the "I Want Your Hands on Me" video). Hey, I know she went daft, but I still think Sinead looks pretty good with a shaved head.

Anyhow, my point is that you get very comfortable seeing these old videos. You see bad camera techniques, lots of animals running around, really dopey stuff. So, you cruise through the show and then there comes a moment in each epsiode where time stops. Because they never fail to come up with a video where you look at the TV, mouth agape, after saying, "What the fuck is this?" Yesterday, that moment arrived with "Control I'm Here" by Nitzer Ebb. Not really sure what actually happens in this video. "Hey, it's black and white...now it's color...what's that guy doing?...A priest?...Boy, he's hittin' that drum hard...Why is the singer wearing a Nitzer Ebb shirt?" Very confusing. Thank God, a few videos later, it was "Jesus Built My Hotrod" by Ministry. That'll make you stay awake.

Meal of Links

Here are some musicians who never recovered from releasing a Christmas single. The Vandals are doing quite nicely, thank you.

Christmas. A great time for...Bubble Wrap!!!

BTW, last week's episode of "Arrested Development" was genius. Omigod, they had Peanuts Christmas references!!! Whenever something terrible happened, they played "Christmas Time is Here" as the character got the "Gumby Shoulders" and slinked away. They even had the son, George Michael, pass a doghouse with a beagle on it! "I should be in that poof!" might be the line of the year.

Exercise Yard

Track is getting tough on dopers. Michelle Collins got banned without a positive test. And for 8 years. Wow.

Visitor

I am protesting today's dumbass theme: 37 across "Artless". Nonsensical.

Isolation Thought

I'm watching CNN and they are live from Columbus at the club where Dimebag got killed. There were about 75 people attending a vigil when you hear some guy yelling. Then into the frame runs a streaker. He prances around and yells for a while. Anderson Cooper tells the reporter, "It was hard to concentrate on your report because there was a naked guy behind you."

Peter J. Franklin died recently. For those of my age group who were into sports, there was no one like Pete. The man invented sportstalk as we know it today. And he was doing this back in the 70s. He was so popular that he convinced the Indians to have "Beat the Yankee Hankee Night" at Municipal Stadium. The crowds the day before and after that game would be crap, but they'd have at least 25,000 show up each year for that one. His greatest show each year was when he would bury the Indians, complete with the hokiest funeral music he could find. The Indians were so bad, you never knew when he would do it. Could be May, maybe June or July. I swear he buried them in April once. Pete was a great historian, knew sports ("good pitching beats good hitting") and was a trivia whiz.

Funny story. I have never forgotten the time a guy called his show and challenged Pete to tell him when the Tigers and Lions played in Detroit on the same day in the same stadium. Pete was puzzled and the guy said I'll call tomorrow with the answer. Next day, show moves along and the guy calls back. Pete was humbled and said he couldn't recall it happening. The guy's answer was that the only time the Tigers and Lions played in the same stadium on the same day in Detroit was when...The Clyde Beatty Circus was in town at Briggs Stadium in like 1947 or something. Of course, Pete yelled at the guy for about 10 minutes, a Franklin trademark. Truly an icon in local radio. His death recalls a simpler time when people actually listened to radio because it had a local identity, courtesy of folks like Pete Franklin.

Meal of Links

Jesus got hurt the other day. He's probably day-to-day on a much grander scale.

Was that hell freezing over? No, it was Denise Dufala getting engaged. The scary thing about this photo is not its age, but that someone owns a John Telich-autographed item. And does the man on the right have any legs?

Jay-Z is named President of Def Jam. I'm so old school I didn't know Russell Simmons sold his stake in Def Jam. In 1999!

Exercise Yard

Mia Hamm retired. Now she can concentrate on getting her husband off "the clear".

Visitor

27 Across: Ebbets Field favorite (5 letters) Answer: Reese

Isolation Thought

I went to see the movie "Sideways" with Paul Giamatti over at the Cinemark. While I'm getting ripped off at the concession stand, this guy next to me orders popcorn in a very distinct, yet familiar voice. I look over and it's Harvey Pekar's nerdy friend, Toby whats-his-name. Oddly enough, Paul Giamatti played Harvey Pekar in the movie, "American Splendor". I found that interesting for some reason. Anyhow, Toby went to see "Finding Neverland".

"Sideways" was terrific. My God, a movie written for adults! Very funny. And it shows how some people can get really get into wine. I mean really get into wine. Nice touch where Paul Giamatti has a scene looking at old photographs and there was one with him and his Dad. His real Dad, Bart Giamatti, the late baseball commissioner. But Giamatti can play losers with the best of them and everyone in the cast was really good. Definitely worth seeing.

Meal of Links

Great to see Loretta Lynn pick up some Grammy nominations. "Van Lear Rose" is a very cool album.

La Scala reopened once more. I'm not sure I like opera, but this seemed like a big deal.

When shopping online, always try and find some discount codes. Sometimes you can save big.

Exercise Yard

Mike Tyson jumped on a car. At least he didn't hit some old guy in the package. Or was that O.J.?

Visitor

42 Across: Hockey legend (3 letters) Answer: Orr

Isolation Thought

These thoughts have popped into my head recently:

It was Pearl Harbor Day today. Such an infamous day and it slips by unnoticed for the most part these days.

Matthew Lesko is one strange dude.

The list of potential coaches for the Notre Dame football job is pretty weak.

I didn't know the tree that blew down on Public Square was the city's Christmas tree. I thought they trucked in some random trees, but it was the only one.

One of those kids who come to your door to sell stuff showed up yesterday. I was willing to give him money, but I sat through his pitch anyhow. I figured he could use the practice because people would shut their doors, yell at him, etc. It was raining and it was December. If it was June, he would have got zilch. BTW, the candy was shitty.

The Christmas lines at Best Buy are starting to lengthen. Long line at lunch at Chapel Hill today. But that line was right by the plasma TVs. I'm reaching for credit cards, rewards zone cards, anything to get one. Then I woke up.

The Saturday crosswords have become more difficult over the last month.

Lou Dobbs is an angry old coot. I heard him address steroids this way, "The abominable behavior exhibited by so-called professionals..." True. But isn't he supposed to just read the news and not editorialize? That's so Action News of him.

Jim Brown can still whip your ass.

We are attending a Cavs game on the 21st from work and we got our tickets today. We are sitting in one of those boxes behind the basket. You know, where they have those swivel chairs, and you always wondered how those people got the tickets. Well, we're in them, baby. Should I yell at Spree?

It bothers me that on the very early "Seinfeld" episodes, Jerry actually asks George for advice.

Does anyone besides me carry cash?

My car does not like windy conditions very much.

The Christmas song I've fallen in love with this year is "Grandpa's Last Xmas" by The Vandals.

Meal of Links

NASA is putting you in harm's way by providing such close shuttle launch access. Cue up (written by Graham Parker, of course) Dave Edmunds' "Crawlin' From the Wreckage".

The Top 100 Overlooked Films of the 90s. Good stuff here. Most of them are worth the effort to see. I defy anyone not to have allergies act up during #13. And several comedies on the list: "Waiting for Guffman", The Hudsucker Proxy" (sure, sure), "Flirting With Disaster", "Mystery Men" (the "blame thrower" almost cost me a lung, I laughed so hard). It seems that a lot of movies with Tim Robbins made the list, too.

Craig Freguson is named host of "The Late Late Show". Did not see his tryout shows, but I heard they were good.

Exercise Yard

Peter King had some interesting things about the Browns in his MMQB column.

Visitor

21 Down: Patriotic Uncle (3 letters) Answer: Sam

Isolation Thought

I thought Montgomery Ward closed.

Meal of Links

The BBC cuts 6,000 jobs. I expect this newsman will be axed.

Humans love their tigers. The lemur gets no attention.

You may want to choose one of these jokes for your Christmas parties.

Exercise Yard

Calvin Murphy is acquitted of all charges.

Visitor

46 Across: Henry Higgins's protege (14 letters) Answer: Eliza Doolittle

Isolation Thought

I've decided that folks with yellow ribbons on the backs of their cars do not drive well. Keep your eyes peeled, you'll see what I mean. They seem...lost.

Meal of Links

eBay is gettin' kinda weird lately. Now, it's the grandfather's ghost sale. Do an eBay search on "grandfather ghost" to read the parodies. Many are funny. Especially "uncle ghost".

The Top 10 Cheesy Movie Lines. None from "Cheesy Rider".

Are the media afraid of the FCC?

Exercise Yard

I am glad I didn't have to sit through the Browns-Patriots debacle today. The Browns started on fire and played decently until the half. Then reality set in. The crowd that remained at the conclusion could not have numbered more than 2,000. It's all about the talent. The Browns have given up 100 points the last two weeks. This has shades of the end of the Chris Palmer era written all over it.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Isolation Thought

I was at the Alseci's Christmas party last night and it was fun, as always. But attendance has been an issue the last couple of years. I can remember several years ago when it was asses-to-elbows crowded, but those days appear to be over. However, it's always neat to go out during the holidays and mingle.

To take the edge off today, I got some takeout from the local China House. Man, I love hot and sour soup. It may have the texture of motor oil, but that hits the spot on a cold day. Toss in a shrimp roll and a visit from General Tso and that's a great lunch.

Meal of Links

Bad fads. I've done, worn and owned many of these things.

"McEnroe" finally gets the boot from the CNBC lineup. Might have been the most heavily-promoted, but lowest-rated show ever. Johnny Mac is great in the tennis booth, but he was in way over his head on this one.

For those who choose to buy books online, this search tool compares prices at 14 different retailers. As an example, I searched for the book, "The Big Horse", which I own. Overstock has it for $13.31, Amazon for $15.61 and Powells for $22.95.

Exercise Yard

The steroid scandal is really heating up. I obviously don't agree with those who feel this is much ado about nothing. Because I think younger and younger athletes are doing this kind of stuff, without really knowing what they are putting in their bodies. And the fact is, the less affluent can't afford the designer kind of steroid we read about at the professional level. They tend to go after the cheapest, and by default, the more dangerous substances, without a clue as to what they are doing. Execellent work once again, by the San Francisco Chronicle. Your Pulitzer awaits you.

Visitor

6 Down: Grandson of Germanicus (4 letters) Answer: Nero

Isolation Thought

I went to see the comedian Lewis Black at the House of Blues last night. Unfortunately, my brother Jeff could not make it due to illness, but my cousin Gale was in town and was his proxy. Lew was on his game and was really funny. Topics included: Thanksgiving, the difference between Christmas and Hanukkah, the Bible, gay marriage, and, of course, the election. We were upstairs and the only flaw was people talking. One was an HOB employee, who should have known better. Here is the scoop on the club.

The front entrance faces Euclid and you have to line up outside before the doors open. Everyone stands out there-VIP, reserved or general admission. Upon entering, you get a wristband that proves you are 21, so you are not carded at the bars inside. Very nice lobby includes a coat check for $4.00. When you finally get to the inside doors, you are wanded for objects. Upon entering, you have a choice of upstairs or down. Downstairs has reserved seating on the sides with a mosh pit in front of the stage. Upstairs has reserved seating around the whole theatre, not many rows though. Behind them is general admission (both up and down), which if you are lucky means you can get a stool or even a table behind the reserved, but you must arrive early as we found out. Those seats went super fast. Monitors throughout the place capture the performing artist. Two bars on each level. Crown Royal and soda was $6.50 and Michelob Ultra (in a can) was $3.50. No bottles or draft beer. If there was a way to get from the club to the restaurant, we didn't look for it. We exited on Euclid and the restaurant is around the corner directly across from Pickwick and Frolic on East 4th.

The food at the restaurant was good. Lots of entrees and only about three sandwiches. The sandwiches were a club, a burger and a chicken sammie. I had the burger. The only other non-big meal item around $10 was a bruschetta pizza that Gale got. Pepsi products from the fountain and bottles of beer in the restaurant. Strip steak and ribs were about $24 and I think pasta might have been around $10. Lots of salads to choose from and a cornbread side looked really good. Happy hour has $2 beers, $3 imports and $4 martinis and margaritas.

Meal of Links

I heard what could possibly be the worst Christmas song ever recorded. "Deck the Halls" by the Christmas Carol Cats. Ear-splittingly awful.

The word of the year is...fugazy. No, it's blog.

SpongeBob is getting kidnapped at Burger Kings all over the place. Plankton is suspected.

Exercise Yard

No one knew that this was coming. The United States has revamped Ryder Cup qualifying.

Visitor

54 Across: Environmental activist Brockovich (4 letters) Answer: Erin

Isolation Thought

I'm at home today, as I finally got my crown put in today. I didn't need my Tingly Chin outfit. Think of me as the ATM for dentists, because while I was there he suggested a cleaning and an exam. I think my guy has named the new wing on his house, or perhaps his boat, after me.

I'm going to see Lewis Black at the House of Blues this evening. This will give me an opportunity to check the place out. It sounds pretty cool and let's hope it doesn't become too popular, as we need to keep the local places alive.

Meal of Links

Hollywood is determined to replay the Betamax vs. VHS war all over again.

In case you had some questions about the HD-satellite service, Voom. I still don't have an HDTV...but I sense it's arrival is near.

The deep, dark secrets of eating sushi.

Exercise Yard

Anna Benson makes me wanna be a batboy.

Visitor

31 Across: Reeves of "The Matrix" (5 letters) Answer: Keanu