It's Christmas freakin Eve... and 70. About this time last year we were getting snow.
I guess it's better that we're not getting snow... people here can't drive in it for anything.
It's Christmas freakin Eve... and 70. About this time last year we were getting snow.
I guess it's better that we're not getting snow... people here can't drive in it for anything.
It's been a rough year. REALLY rough.
Between losing three friends (yes, THREE), Rita, my usual problems with members of the opposite sex and all the other boring crap that goes on in my seriously fucked-up existence it's been a really tough time.
I'm just looking forward to 2006. It can't be any worse I don't think... unless my moving to a different part of the country turns out to be a total bust... which it won't. *crosses fingers*
I leave you with a gift straight from Belvedere on the West end of town:
Strap in, kiddos, this is going to be a long one.
Merry Christmas indeed :)
It's a good site, really, it's craptacular.
Random thoughts will make it's triumphant return next week, when I plan to start blogging on nearly a daily basis.
YES!!!
That's all I can say right now... well that and GO ASTROS!!! BEAT THE SOCKS OFF THE SOX!!!
Two pictures, both were taken on October 5.
Our front yard post-Rita. If you look behind the tree trunk in the front, you'll see the roots of the other tree in our yard that came down... much, much bigger tree. Maybe I'll go out later with my digital camera and take a picture of it... that one hasn't been moved yet.
Click for full size.
If you look to the right, you'll see an SUV that was OWNED by the Jack in The Box sign.
Maybe I'll get more up later.
Rita's a b****
And so is spending 25 hours in a car to get out of her way.
I'm in Fort Worth. Our house didn't suffer any major damage, but the lights are out so there's no point in going back yet.<.p>
When we can, we will, and I'll post pictures... or something... whenever our internet is back up. That may be a while.
Really? Last I checked a huge hurricane flooded a major U.S. city.
It has been one month and one week since I sat in a ditch in Crawford, Tx. I can hardly believe it when I think of it myself. So much has happened in that time, and really, so little.
Really? You should explore this just a little bit. Do you really know a thing about hurricanes???
When I reflect on how the mother of the imbecile who is running our country said that the people who are in the Astrodome are happy to be there, it angers me beyond comparison. The people in LA who were displaced have nice, if modest homes that are perfectly fine. I wonder why the government made them leave at great expense and uproot families who have been living in their communities for generations.
It's called an evacuation, hun. They do them all the time.
Even though Algiers [Louisiana] came through Katrina relatively unscathed, our federal government tried to force (mostly successfully) the people out of the community.
Yes, because the government has nothing better to do than be waiters for the morons who stayed behind. Oh, wait, the LA governor and mayor were pointing fingers the whole time. And we all know that expecting people to take care of themselves is insanely unrealistic.
They didn’t want to go to the Superdome, because their homes were pretty intact: they wanted to stay and have food and water brought to them.
Yea, because we all know that Bush warmed up the gulf to insanely warm tempratures and steered it to New Orleans. Riiiiiiight.
When I think of how many other poor neighborhoods are being decimated and made so desperate and hopeless by the failed policies of the Bush administration, it makes me so angry.
You should have told them who you were. That might have been enough.
One thing that truly troubled me about my visit to Louisiana was the level of the military presence there.But what I saw was a city that is occupied. I saw soldiers walking around in patrols of 7 with their weapons slung on their backs. I wanted to ask one of them what it would take for one of them to shoot me. Sand bags were removed from private property to make machine gun nests.
Yes, because that DVD player's going to get you out of town.
The vast majority of people who were looting in New Orleans were doing so to feed their families or to get resources to get their families out of there.
Maybe that imaginary one in your head.
America stepped up to the plate to hold George accountable for the abomination in Iraq.
I consider that an insult to my faith.
If George Bush truly listened to God and read the words of the Christ, Iraq and the devastation in New Orleans would have never happened.
Maybe when you shut up.
George Bush needs to stop talking, admit the mistakes of his all around failed administration, pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq, and excuse his self from power. The only way America will become more secure is if we have a new administration that cares about Americans even if they don't fall into the top two percent of the wealthiest.
I've been watching a lot of CNN, FOX News, and the like this week... I'm a news junkie, what can i say?
<rant>
Anyways, today I started seeing these Cindy Sheehan commercialls on TV. They make me want to throw my TV out the window into one of the humongous vats at the ExxonMobil refinery near my house. Don't get me wrong, I feel bad for her losing her son and all, but I'm getting sick and tired of hearing about the b****. I'm not saying that the war was the right thing, I honestly do not know anymore. But pulling everybody out right now is the biggest mistake we could make. We made the mess, we need to clean it up. We need to make sure that the Iraqis are self-sufficient and then handle the pullout delicately.
It's either that or nuke the f***ing place and let God sort 'em out, and I don't like the latter idea.
So, Cindy Sheehan, SHUT UP!!!
</rant>
Or at least his Baseball-Reference page... soon as my message gets approved.
Now I just have to find more to get... too bad the 1908 Cubs page is taken :)
President Bush's speech:
In this time of testing, our troops can know: The American people are behind you.
Next week, our nation has an opportunity to make sure that support is felt by every soldier, sailor, airman, Coast Guardsman, and Marine at every outpost across the world.
This Fourth of July, I ask you to find a way to thank the men and women defending our freedom – by flying the flag, sending a letter to our troops in the field, or helping the military family down the street.
The Department of Defense has set up a website – AmericaSupportsYou.mil. You can go there to learn about private efforts in your own community. At this time when we celebrate our freedom, let us stand with the men and women who defend us all.
To the soldiers in this hall, and our servicemen and women across the globe: I thank you for your courage under fire and your service to our nation.
I thank our military families – the burden of war falls especially hard on you.
In this war, we have lost good men and women who left our shores to defend freedom and did not live to make the journey home. I’ve met with families grieving the loss of loved ones who were taken from us too soon. I’ve been inspired by their strength in the face of such great loss. We pray for the families. And the best way to honor the lives that have been given in this struggle is to complete the mission.
I thank those of you who have re-enlisted in an hour when your country needs you. And to those watching tonight who are considering a military career, there is no higher calling than service in our Armed Forces. We live in freedom because every generation has produced patriots willing to serve a cause greater than themselves. Those who serve today are taking their rightful place among the greatest generations that have worn our nation’s uniform.
When the history of this period is written, the liberation of Afghanistan and the liberation of Iraq will be remembered as great turning points in the story of freedom. After September the 11th, 2001, I told the American people that the road ahead would be difficult, and that we would prevail.
Well, it has been difficult – and we are prevailing.
Our enemies are brutal, but they are no match for the United States of America, and they are no match for the men and women of the United States military.
May God bless you all."
I just got him today... purebred beagle.
that's him
Him climbing over Jason
I couldn't agree with this more.
Written by Ted Nugent, the rock singer and hunter/naturalist, upon hearing that California Senators Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein denounced him for being a "gun owner" and a "rock star". This was his response, after telling the Senators about his past contributions to children's charities and scholarship foundations, which have totaled more than $13.7 million in the last 5 years:
"I'm a Bad American - this pretty much sums it up for me. I like big trucks, big boats, big houses, and naturally, pretty women. I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family - not some mid-level governmental functionary with a bad comb-over who wants to give it away to crack addicts squirting out babies. I don't care about appearing compassionate.
I think playing with toy guns doesn't make you a killer. I believe ignoring your kids and giving them Prozac might. I think I'm doing better than the homeless.
I don't think being a minority makes you noble or victimized. I have the right not to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird or make me mad. This is my life to live, and not necessarily up to others expectations. I know what sex is and there are not varying degrees of it. I don't celebrate Kwanzaa, but if you want to that's fine - I just don't feel like everyone else should have to.
I believe that if you are selling me a Dairy Queen shake, a pack of cigarettes or a hotel room, you do it in English. As a matter of fact, if you are an American citizen you should speak English. My uncles and forefathers shouldn't have had to die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come disrespect ours, and make us bend to your will. Get over it.
I think the cops have every right to shoot your sorry butt if you're running from them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the previous line.
I don't use the excuse 'it's for the children' as a shield for unpopular opinions or actions.
I know how to count votes and I feel much safer letting a machine with no political affiliation do a recount when needed.
I don't think that just because you were not born in this country, you qualify for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans, etc., so you can open a hotel, 7-Eleven, trinket shop, or any thing else, while the indigenous people can't get past a high school education because they can't afford it.
I didn't take the initiative in inventing the Internet. I thought the Taco Bell dog was funny. I want them to bring back safe and sane fireworks.
I believe no one ever died because of something Ozzy Osbourne, Ice-T or Marilyn Manson sang, but that doesn't mean I want to listen to that from someone else's car when I'm stopped at a red light. But I respect your right to.
I think that being a student doesn't give you any more enlightenment than working at Blockbuster or Jack in the Box. I don't want to eat or drink anything with the words light, lite or fat-free on the package.
Our soldiers did not go to some foreign country and risk their lives in vain and defend our Constitution so that decades later you can tell me it's a living document ever changing and is open to interpretations. The guys who wrote it were light years ahead of anyone today, and they meant what they said. Now leave the document alone, or there's going to be trouble.
I don't hate the rich. I help the poor. I know wrestling is fake. I've never owned, or was a slave, and a large percentage of our forefathers weren't wealthy enough to own one either. Please stop blaming me because some prior white people were idiots - and remember, tons of white, Indian, Chinese and other races have been enslaved too. It was wrong for every one of them.
I believe a self-righteous liberal Democrat with a cause is more dangerous than a Hell's Angel with an attitude.
I want to know exactly which church is it where the "Reverend" Jessie Jackson preaches; and, what exactly is his job function.
I own a gun, you can own a gun, and any red blooded American should be allowed to own a gun, but if you use it in a crime, then you will serve the time.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it makes you mad, then invent the next operating system that's better and put your name on the building. Ask your buddy that invented the Internet to help you.
I don't believe in hate crime legislation. Even suggesting it makes me mad. You're telling me that someone who is a minority, gay, disabled, another nationality, or otherwise different from the mainstream of this country has more value as a human being than I do as a white male. If someone kills anyone, I'd say that it's a hate crime. We don't need more laws! Let's enforce the ones we already have.
I think turkey bacon, turkey beef, turkey fake anything stinks.
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child - it takes a parent with the guts to stand up to the kid and spank his butt and say 'No!' when it's necessary to do so.
I'll admit that the only movie that ever made me cry was Ole Yeller.
I didn't realize Dr. Seuss was a genius until I had a kid.
I will not be frowned upon, or be looked down upon, or be made to keep silent because I have these beliefs and opinions. I thought this country allowed me that right. I will not conform or compromise just to keep from hurting somebody's feelings. I'm neither angry nor disenfranchised - no matter how desperately the mainstream media would like the world to believe otherwise.
Yes, I guess by some people's definition, I may be a bad American. But that's tough.
Ted Nugent"
What's in Baltimore, you ask?
The Astros, of course.
They're hot right now. 5 in a row. I went last night and watched a nailbiter. Lidge blew the save in the top of the 9th, only for Morgan Ensberg to whack a three-run walkoff HR in the bottom. They're turning it around.
That's why.
There's also other reasons, but I don't want to bore you with the details.
Your Amazing Yoda Sex Line |
"Who's your Jedi master? WHO'S your Jedi Master?" |
Yes, I'm finally convinced of it.
I've seen enough to believe it for sure now.
I feel like going on a rant, though
<rant>
Media.
Are you listening?
Good.
Rocer Clemens has not asked for a trade and the Astros are not looking to deal him, OK?
Stop speculating where you THINK he might go and reporting it like it's real news and someone out there gives a rat's ass.
Don't get me wrong, He doesn't deserve to go out this way if it is his last year, but there's no talks going on.
Let it go.
</rant>
Am I shocked?
No.
The ACLU has always had an agenda. It would be fine if the ACLU actually protected civil liberties, but since when did people who try to enter this country illegally have the same rights that American citizens do? Simply put, the ACLU's job, as they see it, is to undermine the government in every way possible.
The reefer thing, now that sounds about right. Those definately aren't normal cigarettes.
Heads-up: Lone Star Times
6:00 PM can't get here soon enough people.
It's time to show Anna's Deadbirds who's boss :)
Honestly, I'll be happy for a split of the two-game series.
Thanks to Dynamic Drive- FavIcon Generator for the info for how to do this.
It's next to the URL if you don't see it.
Astros 3 - Indians 7
Box score
Well, all I can say is thank goodness this is Spring Training. Redding, Hernancez, and Munro, who are all considered to be in the running for the 5th starter spot, stunk it up, all giving up at least three hits and two runs a piece in two innings of work.
They meet again tomorrow, and Clemens is suppossed to take the mound, so maybe we'll see something better.
But, like I said, this is early Spring Training, it really doesn't mean much.
Yes... that's right my peeps... random thoughts...
That's all I got for now. I'd post more, but I gotta go out to lunch with the family. Catch y'all later.
BOINK!!!
As far as a real update, you'll get one probably Sunday... Either a return to random thoughts or talking about the gal that my best friend Casey is trying to dump off on me Saturday night. Poor guy, being chased around by all these gals he's not interested in. I WISH I had that problem.
By RICHARD JUSTICE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
Baseball is not just better than football. It's way better. It's the only sport that captivates us every day of the year.
From the optimism of spring training to the ebb and flow of a regular season to the electricity of the playoffs, baseball draws us in, gets into our heads and compels us to keep coming back for more.
Even the hot stove league interests us. If we had a dominant starter. If they'll give that kid from Class AA a chance. If the stingy owner would just spend a little more.
On and on. Endless possibilities.
Some of you won't agree with this assessment that baseball is better than football. My friend, you've watched too much football.
Take a break and remember how you felt when Jeff Kent's homer soared out of the park in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.
Has football ever given you a thrill like that? No, it hasn't.
As you savor that memory, I'm here with 30 others that'll get your head right for the start of spring training:
1. Parity — Baseball has it. Football doesn't. Baseball has had five champions the last five years. The New England Patriots have won something like 20 straight Super Bowls.
2. Cheerleaders — Football has them. Baseball doesn't. Never has. Never will. Baseball doesn't need sex to sell its game.
3. Major League Players Association — Unlike football, baseball has a union that's strong and vibrant and watches out for the best interests of its players. There'll never be a salary cap in baseball.
4. Fenway Park — There's a magic there unlike any other place in sports. There's a stateliness that transcends even the special things that have happened there.
5. The Rocket — Every time he walks to the mound, it's an event. At 42, Roger Clemens has 328 victories, 4,317 strikeouts and seven Cy Young Awards. There has never been one like him.
6. Cooperstown, N.Y. — Baseball's Hall of Fame is so splendidly done, it would be special anyplace they put it. But having it in this lovely village enhances what's special. Football can't even come up with a legitimate selection process.
7. Instant replay — Let's stop a perfectly good game for 15 minutes while a guy looks at a television screen to find out what happened. Baseball understands the human element is part of the game.
8. Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell — They're beginning their 15th season together. They define professional and performance.
9. Quarterback ratings — Leave it to football to make one of its most important statistics one that almost no one understands.
10. All-Star Game — It's one of the showcase events in sports. It even counts for something. Does football still play the Pro Bowl?
11. Slogans — Football coaches paste them all over their locker rooms as if players have to be constantly reminded that playing hard and being unselfish is important. Most baseball players get it.
12. SBC Park — Stand on the walkway behind the right-field wall and take in the bay, emerald green field, San Francisco skyline and smell of garlic fries. There might not be a better place on earth.
13. Box scores — One of the most important inventions of the last 100 or so years.
14. Overtime games — You mean a coin flip could decide it?
15. Bud Selig — He's the guy in your neighborhood who almost everyone likes. He's revered by players and owners alike for his integrity and toughness. His legacy will include labor peace, wild-card berths, interleague play and record-setting attendance. He'll be the commissioner all future ones will be measured against.
16. Paul Tagliabue — If we admired smugness, we'd make him king of the world.
17. Janet Jackson — You don't have to ask, do you?
18. Dodger Dogs — Research shows they're as close to the perfect food as now exists. And the setting at Dodger Stadium ain't too bad, either.
19. Quarterback school — Is it where you go to finish your degree? Why does the NFL have so many of them? There must be some really dumb quarterbacks.
20. 56 — Every baseball fan knows Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak is the single most unbreakable record in sports. Or maybe it's Ted Williams' .406 batting average in 1941. Or Nolan Ryan's 5,714 career strikeouts. Baseball's numbers are more than just numbers. They shake memories, provide reference points and are unlike those in any other sport.
21. Ticket prices — Take out a second mortgage if you want to see your favorite NFL team. Better yet, come to the ballpark, where there are still good seats for under $20.
22. Milo Hamilton — He's not the radio voice of the Astros as much as he's the background music of our summers. It's the same with Vin Scully in Los Angeles, Marty Brennaman in Cincinnati, Eric Nadel in Texas, Jon Miller in San Francisco and others. They're constant reminders why we love it.
23. Autographs — Baseball players sign 'em almost every day. Football players don't get close enough to the fans.
24. Bull Durham/Field of Dreams — Baseball has inspired wonderful movies. Football has North Dallas Forty.
25. Ballpark nachos — They remain Arlington Stadium's lasting contribution to the game. They have all the basic food groups. Napkins required.
26. Terrell Owens — Baseball would consider him a bore. Football sees him as a cult hero.
27. Billy Wagner — He's 5-9 and throws 100 mph. Next.
28. September — There's nothing like the grinding, relentless pressure of a pennant race. The season rides on almost every pitch. The players are physically spent and mentally exhausted, and yet, they remember forever how great it was.
29. Coaches who sleep in their offices — Does it really help? What exactly are you trying to prove? Baseball managers go to dinner, not to the office, after games.
30. The World Series — Nine days. Seven games. Curt Schilling's stitched ankle. Priceless.
For the Game:
NE, although I did pick Philly on one board because it was my only chance of winning the pick-em
The Spread:
NE by 7
Philly, it's gonna be less than a touchdown diference, the teams are too good
Over/Under:
47½
Defense beats offense, and these are two of the best defenses in the game. Under
PHI
NE
Philly was an easy pick, I just can't see Vick performing terribly well against the Philly D in that weather.
As far as the NE - PIT game, it's a hard pick to make. That's gonna be a close game, NE by less than 7
ATL
PHI
PIT
NE
A note about the Philly, Minnessota game: On the last play of the game, Eagles FS Brian Dawkins will, in a tackle of Vikings WR Randy Moss, manage to pull down Moss' pants and cause him to moon the Philly crowd, which will immediately rush the field and kick his a**.