I'm wondering what the protocol is when you meet a dog. I'm talking about the four-legged variety, of course. Sometimes when I am walking around the neighborhood, a much quieter place since the departure of Future Felon, there are people out with their dogs. Tonight, there was an old-timer walking his Scottie dog. So, I see him up ahead and sure enough the dog comes over by me.

I like dogs, so I don't ever ask the owner, I just go ahead and start petting the dog. I haven't lost any flesh yet, so I keep doing it. I mean, I'll always ask the dog how he's doing. The owner says, "You always like to meet people, don't you?" I said, "Oh, you must have me confused with Cousin Ron.". Then I realized he was talking to the dog. Not really, but do I need to ask for the dog's name or is there some sort of small talk obligation to the owner. I need to know these things.

I also saw a skunk later on. Now, what kind of a pact do we have with them?

Meal of Links

The life of a Fact Checker. Bill Murray stars. Mel from "Flight of the Conchords" also drops in.

Hey, the new "Crosswords" show is on. I was not happy with last Saturday's puzzle, BTW. Many stupid answers.

Paul Byrd, author. The part about struggling with pornography on the road should be fascinating. I'm sure his disputes with the front desk about ordering porn are classic.

Exercise Yard

The Browns have have only won 20 games at home since their return. They have lost 45. In 2006, San Diego won all 8 of their home games, 40% of the Browns home win total of 8+ years. Another Fun Fact to know and tell. BTW, this Onion article from last week on Brady Quinn was really funny.

The man who fired Joe Tait, former hated Cavs owner Ted Stepien, died today. Stepien was known as "TS", as in "Too Stupid". During his period of ownership, the Cavs were the laughingstock of all sports. Every damn one of them. I can remember Stepien being consistently blasted by Pete Franklin on 1100 and Doug Clarke in the Cleveland Press. He sued both of them.

This article pretty much sums it up on Stepien as NBA owner.

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40 Across: Dwarf who gets blessed a lot? (6 letters) Answer: Sneezy