I happened to see "Deal or No Deal" twice this week. Trust me when I tell ya, I hate this show. Sure, the chicks are nice, but they just stand there. Howie Mandel is OK as host, I guess. But it's these contestants that kill me. Too eager, too stupid, and not very funny.

I happened to see the Christmas episode on NBC. I wanted the guy sent back to "Loserville" in the worst way. Last night, I caught a rerun on CNBC. The woman had six cases left of $1, $50, $400,000, $500,000, $750,000 and $1 million. Eventually she got to three cases and was congratulated for taking $313,000 when two offers ago, she turned down $414,000. That's progress?

Two lines I hate. After having a case with a large amount taken from circulation, the Mensa usually utters, "That's OK." No, it's not. And after Howie (with hands in prayer mode) says deal...or no deal?, the idiot inevitably says, "That's a lot of money." Ugh!

Meal of Links

After the CSU game, Gale and I headed over to The Town Fryer, for what may be the last time. The owner is moving west. The non-greasiest fried food I've ever encountered. Great homemade chips with salsa and chicken that is yummy. Cold beer and good music and smoke. Yes, still smoking here. A real gem in town that will be missed.

The aforementioned models of "Deal or No Deal". The Christmas contestant knew all of their names. That is creepy.

In an odd twist, Clay Aiken does not know "Chocolate Thunder".

Exercise Yard

Cleveland State blew another game last night. This time in league play against Illinois-Chicago. Strange game, because it's the second team in a row that arrived without their head coach, this time Jimmy Collins was absent on personal leave. CSU had a 50-38 lead with over ten minutes to go, then promptly got outscored 34-12 the rest of the way.

Two things coincided with the Flames catching fire. One, they took their big guys out and got smaller and quicker. Two, Gary Waters seems to run more of a spread offense with a bigger lead, theoretically setting up easier shots. That doesn't work, as we get not much inside play, resulting in desperate heaves from afar. And Illinois-Chicago seemed to want it more down the stretch. Vikings lose, 72-62.

Visitor

40 Down: OK Corral name (5 letters) Answer: Wyatt