America believes in second chances.

Dear Congressman Smith:

Thank you for your response. However, I noticed you did not even attempt to respond to my question. In fact, I’m left to wonder if you even read my original e-mail. Let me recap. Ezra Klein’s “insightful article,” which you reference in your response, discusses a proposal that to be eligible for Medicare, you would have to give someone power-of-attorney and sign a living will. You could tell your attorney-in-fact, and write in your living will, that you want every possible measure employed to keep you alive. You could say cost is no object, and neither is pain or quality of life. Or, you could instruct your attorney-in-fact not to prolong your life by extraordinary measures if you lost consciousness in a long, fatal illness or simply old age. You could make whatever choice, and offer whatever instructions, you want. You just have to do it. You have to make the decision.

So, I’ll ask again: Are you FOR or AGAINST a mandatory power-of-attorney and living will to be eligible for Medicare benefits? State whether you are FOR or AGAINST this idea, and then you can explain your position all you want. I know you will support only those changes to Medicare that do not penalize our nation's seniors. I want to know if you support THIS proposed change to Medicare.

Thank you in advance, Congressman, for your straight-forward response on your second attempt. Which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

You will have my views in mind? What views? I didn't tell you my views. I asked you a FOR/AGAINST question you didn't answer. Can you even read?

Dear luridtransom,

Many thanks for your thoughtfulness in forwarding a copy of Ezra Klein's insightful article. I appreciate having the benefit of this information.

We agree that all seniors should receive adequate and affordable health care. Over its thirty-two year history, Medicare has provided important services to millions of Americans. However, due to the rising cost of health care and the increasing number of individuals over the age of 65, Medicare will soon become insolvent if the program is not reformed.

Congress has increased, in the short term, the life expectancy of the Medicare trust fund. But Medicare still faces many challenges due to unexpected increases in medical cost. I will support only those changes that do not penalize our nation's seniors.

It is always helpful to receive input from friends and constituents. Be assured that I will have your views in mind when legislation concerning these matters are considered in the House.

For more information on my work in Congress or to send me an electronic message, please visit the 21st District's website, http://lamarsmith.house.gov.

Sincerely,
Lamar Smith
Member of Congress

So, in conclusion, what was the question?

Dear Senator Hutchison,

I appreciate your prompt and information-packed response to my inquiry regarding the mortgage income deduction. I am glad you are well-versed on the mortgage interest deduction, the federal deficit and debt, and the proposals to scale back the mortgage interest deduction. However, it appears you completely avoided my question.

In my inquiry, I asked you to state whether you are FOR or AGAINST the mortgage interest deduction status quo. After reading your response, I have no idea what your position is.

Americans deserve to know your position on the mortgage interest deduction. So once again, please state whether you are FOR or AGAINST the mortgage interest deduction status quo. You can explain your position all you want. If you refuse to take a position, please expressly state that you refuse to take a position.

Thank you in advance for clearly stating your position on the mortgage interest deduction. I will post your response on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

Senator Hutchison's Response to my Mortgage Interest Deduction Query.

Dear Friend:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the home mortgage loan interest deduction. I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Since 1913, households have been able to deduct the interest paid on home mortgage loans on their income tax returns. Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream, and the mortgage interest deduction is very important to many Americans on the path to homeownership.

However, out-of-control spending has put the United States in a tenuous economic position. Over the past two years, the federal government has posted deficits of $1.4 trillion and $1.3 trillion, respectively. This increase in spending has put our nation’s debt on an upward trajectory. Our nation’s debt surpassed a historical $14 trillion benchmark in December 2010, and it continues to grow by more than $4 billion per day, on average.

With this long-term budget crisis looming, it is imperative that we address our nation’s fiscal situation in the near future and that we achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. A number of ideas have been been proposed to address our nation's dire fiscal situation, and some have included scaling back the mortgage interest deduction.

One idea was submitted by President Barack Obama in his fiscal year (FY) 2011 budget proposal. Under the President's budget, Americans paying taxes in the two highest tax brackets would be limited to deducting their home mortgage interest at the 28% rate.

Another idea was suggested by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in its final report of recommendations aimed at addressing our nation's fiscal challenges. The fiscal commission's proposal would reform the tax code, lowering all tax rates but also removing a number of key deductions such as the mortgage interest deduction. In its place, households would be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit accounting for charitable giving and mortgage interest.

I believe that Congress must continue to strive to improve access to affordable housing, support community development, and increase homeownership, while not imposing an undue tax burden on Americans. However, we also need to get our nation’s financial house in order and have fiscal sustainability going forward.

I will continue to review recommendations aimed at addressing our nation's mounting debt, and, in particular, study the ramifications that such proposals will have on all Americans. You may be certain that I will continue to work toward spending cuts. I will also keep pushing for smaller government, a balanced federal budget, and lower taxes on families and small businesses.

I appreciate hearing from you. I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue that is important to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senator

284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5922 (tel)
202-224-0776 (fax)
http://hutchison.senate.gov

The mortgage interest deduction. Are Texas's senators FOR or AGAINST status quo? (Responses will be posted upon receipt.)

Dear Senator:

Currently the Internal Revenue Code allows deduction of mortgage interest on mortgages of up to $1 million. You can deduct mortgage interest for a first and second home. This is an over-simplification, of course – see http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html or consult your tax adviser for a more thorough explanation.

The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation says the mortgage interest deduction will decrease tax revenues for FY 2011 by $93.8 billion. (Source: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/23/business/la-fi-harney-20110123) To put this in context, the CBO projects total revenues of $2.228 trillion and total outlays of $3.708 trillion for a deficit of $1.48 trillion for 2011. (And really, if there’s no context, it’s meaningless, right?) So this means if you eliminated the mortgage interest deduction and kept outlays constant, the deficit would be $1.39 trillion for 2011. That’s a 6.1% deficit reduction.

Harvard economics professor Edward Glaeser has some interesting thoughts on the mortgage interest deduction. Most notably, Glaeser concludes that “the home mortgage interest deduction is poorly designed to encourage homeownership, which is, after all, the alleged desideratum.” I’m sure you’ll find Prof. Glaeser’s article of interest: http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/killing-or-maiming-a-sacred-cow-home-mortgage-deductions/

Please tell me whether you are FOR or AGAINST keeping the mortgage interest deduction status quo. If you are FOR the status quo, please explain why. Also, if you are FOR the status quo, perhaps you disagree with Prof. Glaeser’s conclusions. In that case, please feel free to explain your disagreements. If you are AGAINST the status quo, please tell America what changes you’d like to see made. Thank you in advance for your response, which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

Response from Gov. Perry. He refuses to answer questions about his Frisbee golf game.

May 16, 2011

Dear luridtransom:

Thank you for writing to the Office of the Governor.

Our office does not distribute grant funding. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) oversees several grant programs for communities seeking to improve their parkland. Eligible projects include ball fields, playgrounds, trails, camping facilities, beautification, restoration and more.

Please note that TPWD is an independent state agency, and the governor has no role in its day-to-day operations, including determining grant awards. You may wish to contact TPWD to share your concerns. You can do so by calling, toll-free, (800) 792-1112.

We understand that Helotes city officials decided not to apply for a beautification grant. We encourage you to keep in contact with your city council members if issues such as this arise in the future.

Please write to our office whenever we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,
/s/
Dede Keith

Constituent Communication Division
Office of the Governor
DK:sdp

Health care stats, USA Today style.

Click to enlarge on this graph comparing health care spending by percentage of GDP. It says Americans are twice as healthy as Finns.

Add this blog to the list of websites reporting Judgment Day is May 21, 2011.

Letters to Lamar.

Dear Congressman Smith:

In response to President Obama’s speech on immigration reform, you released a statement including the following:

“The non-partisan Government Accountability Office has found that only 44% of the border is under the operational control of the Border Patrol, and only 15% is under actual control. Mr. President, 44% is a failing grade. And if 44% is the most secure the border has ever been, it’s time to get to work to improve the grade. The American people expect nothing less than an A+ on border security.”

https://lamarsmith.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=240574

Please explain what the percentages you cited actually mean, and explain your plan for achieving an “A+” on border security. Also, please tell me the benefits of your A+ Plan versus the status quo. Finally, please tell me how much your A+ Plan costs, and compare that cost to the current cost of border security. List these costs in actual dollar amounts. Thank you for your straight-forward and thorough answers, which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
Matt Bishop

Texas Tech: You fired Mike Leach and hired a birther. I hope you're happy.

From the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal:

Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville appeared on conservative commentator Sean Hannity’s television show Tuesday [4/26], taking part in a panel discussion about President Obama’s Easter Sunday pastor, the controversy over his birth location and who might run against him in 2012.

Tuberville suggested that the president has a good chance to be unseated by whoever opposes him.

Asked by Hannity if there is anyone he likes for president, Tuberville said, “It really doesn’t make any difference. If the economy doesn’t get better, if the price of gas is six or seven dollars a gallon, if we’re still in wars, anybody’s going to run and win. Bottom line, we can’t keep going the direction we’re going.”

Tuberville was the day’s celebrity guest on “The Great American Panel” segment, joining in with former Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich and FOX News legal analyst Tamara Holder in a discussion moderated by Hannity.

The first family’s attendance at an Easter service led by the Rev. Wallace Charles Smith was the first topic. Smith, who has compared conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh to the Ku Klux Klan, has been accused by the right of race baiting.

“We’ve got to have leadership in this country,” Tuberville said. “For our president to do something like this, to go to a church and portray an image like this, doesn’t represent all people. I’m a football coach, and I have to represent everybody on our football team and our alumni and our fan base. I’m the leader, and you have to do that, so leadership’s very important.”

***

Tuberville later called on the president to produce his birth certificate. Last month, potential presidential candidate Donald Trump made headlines by questioning Obama’s birth and citizenship.

Hannity acknowledged the existence of a certification of live birth and birth announcements shortly after Obama was born, but showed statistics saying many Americans are unconvinced.

“We’ve got enough controversy going on in this country,” Tuberville said. “I don’t know why he wouldn’t just step up and say, ‘Here it is.’ Obviously, there’s got to be something on there he doesn’t want anybody to see.”

http://www.redraiders.com/2011/04/26/tuberville-weighs-in-on-conservative-talk-show/

And that mule went on to save Spring Break.

Luridtransom asked AARP, via e-mail, to state whether it is FOR or AGAINST requiring a power-of-attorney and living will to be eligible for Medicare.

For some reason I'm on Barry Jackson's AARP e-mail list. Here's his latest. (No clue why it's addressed to George.)

Dear George,

We need 75,000 activists to stand up for Medicare and Social Security.

Tell Congress: Don't harm Medicare and Social Security.

The message is simple: Don't harm Medicare or Social Security. Right now, Congress is considering making a deal to pay the nation's bills (or in Washington-speak, raise the debt ceiling) that could include reduced Medicare benefits and millions left without secure healthcare.

Congress needs to understand that Medicare protects real people. It is not simply numbers on a balance sheet – and they need to hear that people like you are against drastic cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

We need 75,000 activists to send a strong message to Congress by May 13th. Will you join me and speak up today? Tell Congress to stop harmful cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

Congress should not address the federal deficit by breaking the promise of secure healthcare that seniors have earned through years of hard work. But right now Congress is considering budget deals that could:

Re-open the Medicare "doughnut hole" and raise seniors' drug costs.

Eliminate Medicare as we know it for future retirees by turning Medicare into a voucher-like system that would double healthcare costs for seniors.

Place arbitrary limits on Medicare spending that could increase your costs and limit your access to care.

George, there's a lot at stake in the weeks to come. Congress must understand that Medicare is more than just a line in the budget – it provides health security that millions of Americans depend on each year.

Don't let Congress put the health of older Americans at risk. Now is the time to make sure your member of Congress knows where you stand in this fight.

Click here to tell your members of Congress to protect Medicare and Social Security from harmful cuts.

Thank you for standing with us to protect Medicare and Social Security.

Sincerely,

Barry Jackson
Senior Manager, Grassroots

Dear Congressman Smith,

Re. H.R. 1527

Legislation was recently introduced in the House to provide each American with an itemized tax receipt. Here’s more about that: http://cooper.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=479&Itemid=73
The bill would provide a written receipt for those filing paper tax returns and an electronic receipt for those that e-file. The receipt would include a breakdown of each individual’s contributions to Social Security, defense spending, Medicare, and other federal programs, as well as the total amount of federal debt and how much the federal government has borrowed per citizen.

Are you FOR or AGAINST H.B. 1527?

Regards,
Matt Bishop

Hola, ladies.

It's your civic duty as an American or Foreigner to: (1) inform yourself on the issues, and (2) vote for the Hottest Latina 2011.

http://mysa.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=29765

Luridtransom endorses Angela Ramirez.

And we runnin' out of french fries and burrito coverings.

There’s lots of talk about the federal deficit these days. How much do you know about the federal budget, federal revenues and the deficit? You should at least know the basics before the next Tea Party Rally or march to protest spending cuts (transportation and refreshments courtesy of AARP). So pay attention, ignorant Americans and Foreigners. Today we'll focus on Budget Basics.

These numbers are for FY 2010. (Source: Internet)

Federal expenditures: $3.5 trillion (24% of GDP)

Federal revenues: $2.2 trillion (15% of GDP)

Budget deficit: $1.3 trillion (9% of GDP)

So how does Uncle Sam spend all that cash money, you ask. About 80% of the budget comes from five categories:

• Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP: $732 billion (21% of the budget). $452 billion went to Medicare, which provides coverage to 47 million people age 65+ or with disabilities (15% of the population). $280 billion funds Medicaid and CHIP, which provide health care or long-term care to 60 million low-income children, parents, elderly people, and people with disabilities (19.3% of the population). Medicaid and CHIP require matching payments from the states.

• Defense and security: $705 billion (20% of the budget). This includes the cost of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, which totaled $170 billion in 2010.

• Social Security: $707 billion (20% of the budget). As of March 2011, 59.8 million people receive Social Security benefits of some sort. That’s 19.2% of the population.

• Safety net programs: $496 billion (14% of the budget). These programs include: the refundable portion of the earned-income and child tax credits, which assist low- and moderate-income working families through the tax code; programs that provide cash payments to eligible individuals or households, including Supplemental Security Income for the elderly or disabled poor and unemployment insurance; various forms of in-kind assistance for low-income families and individuals, including food stamps, school meals, low-income housing assistance, child-care assistance, and assistance in meeting home energy bills; and various other programs such as those that aid abused and neglected children.

• Interest on the national debt: $196 billion (6 percent of the budget). As of March 25, 2011, the total federal debt was $14.26 trillion. That’s 97.3% of calendar year 2010’s GDP of $14.66 trillion.

And here it is all USA Today style:

I Hate You, RoughRiders.

Note Henry the Puffy Taco in the background.

From the E-N:
Decker's three-run, eighth-inning homer was the difference in the Missions' 6-5 triumph over the Frisco RoughRiders, but it turned out that was only the beginning of what ended up as one of the wildest games in the franchise's 106-year history.

Before it was over, the small crowd of 2,153 witnessed a controversial ninth inning and a brief but frightening melee between Frisco players and a handful of unruly fans immediately after the game.

During the disturbance, heated words were exchanged. A trash can and bats were tossed into the stands by Frisco players from in front of their dugout, then back at the players by the fans.

By the time the dust had settled, at least three fans were handcuffed and detained by police. The fans were subdued and detained by San Antonio police officers, including officers called to the scene to back up off-duty police working as security, but a department spokesman could not confirm whether charges were filed.

Luridtransom Official Inquiry: E-Mail to Gov. Rick Perry. Response will be posted upon receipt.

Dear Gov. Perry:

I ran across this article in the San Antonio Express-News yesterday about a proposed frisbee golf course in Helotes which has been scrapped. Here’s the link to the article:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php

The story mentions a “state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay” for the frisbee golf course. I did not realize the State of Texas was in the business of funding frisbee golf courses, but apparently even in this time of budget crisis, there’s always money for frisbee golf. Is that right?

A few questions:
(1) Will you veto any budget sent to you that contains allocations for frisbee golf? (In other words, are you AGAINST state subsidies for frisbee golf?)
(2) If you answered no to Question #1, how much money would you like to see allocated to frisbee golf related items in the budget for 2012-13?
(3) Would you be willing to use the Rainy Day Fund to pay for frisbee golf related items?
(4) Finally, do you play frisbee golf? If so, what is your handicap?

Thank you in advance for your candid and thorough answers to my frisbee golf related questions. (I will post your response on my blog.)

Regards,
Luridtransom

Luridtransom Official Inquiry: E-Mail to Speaker Joe Strauss (R-San Antonio). Response will be posted upon receipt.

Dear Speaker Strauss:

I ran across this article in the Express-News yesterday about a proposed Frisbee golf course in Helotes which has been scrapped. Here’s the link to the article:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php

The story mentions a “state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay” for the frisbee golf course. I did not realize the State of Texas was in the business of building frisbee golf courses, but apparently even in this time of budget crisis, there’s always money for frisbee golf. Is that right?

A few questions:
(1) How much did the state spend on frisbee golf in the last budget?
(2) How much is allocated to frisbee golf in the budget recently approved by the House?
(3) Do you play frisbee golf? If so, what is your handicap?

Thank you in advance for your thorough answers to my frisbee golf related questions. (I will post your response on my blog.)

Regards,
Luridtransom

Open E-Mail to Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas). Response will be posted upon receipt.

Congressman Smith:

I ran across an interesting suggestion on Ezra Klein’s blog today. Here’s the link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/what-if-medicare-required-a-living-will/2011/04/13/AFk8qZsE_blog.html

In short, the idea is that to be eligible for Medicare, you would have to give someone power-of-attorney and sign a living will. You could tell your attorney-in-fact, and write in your living will, that you want every possible measure employed to keep you alive. You could say cost is no object, and neither is pain or quality of life. Or, you could instruct your attorney-in-fact not to prolong your life by extraordinary measures if you lost consciousness in a long, fatal illness or simply old age. You could make whatever choice, and offer whatever instructions, you want. You just have to do it. You have to make the decision.

Klein suggests that the simple act of making that choice would cut costs, as many people would prefer something besides maximal treatment, and would ensure fewer people suffered needlessly because their health deteriorated before they made their wishes clear.

Congressman Smith, as you may be aware, many economists say Medicare costs are a major part of the federal deficit. For example: "If you look past the next eight to 10 years, Medicare is the deficit problem," says Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former head of the Congressional Budget Office. "And there's simply no way we can address our fiscal problems without coming to terms with Medicare's future." (http://www.npr.org/2010/12/01/131701211/medicare-key-to-conquering-deficit-dilemma)

So, are you for or against Ezra Klein’s idea to make it mandatory to designate a power-of-attorney and sign a living will to be eligible for Medicare benefits? Please clearly state whether you are FOR or AGAINST this proposal, and then you can explain your position all you want. Thank you in advance for your straight forward response. Which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
Luridtransom

Ca$h Money Time

The Greatest credit card in existence: Fidelity American Express. No annual fee and you get 2% of the amount of your purchases deposited in the form of Ca$h Money into your Fidelity account.

The only reasons I can see to NOT get a Fidelity Amex are:
(1) You’re too lazy;
(2) Your main credit card concern is interest rate, because you carry a balance;
(3) You think I’m lying or I’m wrong;
(4) You think your current card gives you a better deal on rewards; or
(5) You aren’t interested in free money and/or you prefer a lower rewards yield from your credit card.

Unless one or more of the above apply, you should get a Fidelity Amex and make it rain with free cash money. You’re welcome.

Oh, and if you get a better rewards deal from another credit card, please let me know. Luridtransom loves value.

Hipster Estates at Oak Meadows

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/where-have-urban-austins-children-gone-1428955.html

Interesting story on Austin's demographic trends.

Ca$h Money Time

Telefónica (TEF) is luridtransom's stock pick of the day. It's cheap (7.89 P/E) and pays a great dividend (6.6% yield). And it's called Telefónica. Buy some shares immediately. It's a 5-star lock.

Telefónica is the number one Spanish multinational by market capitalisation and one of the largest private telecommunications companies in the world.

Product Review: Maui Jim Typhoons

Maui Jim Typhoons take some getting used to. The fit is different from Costas. I like the Typhoons, but we're still getting to know each other. I'll provide the definitive Typhoon review at a later date if that's what the people want.

luridtransom official inquiry to follow.

From the Express-News:

Amid concerns from nearby residents, a proposed championship disc golf course, pavilion, walking trails and other amenities are no longer moving forward in Helotes.

City Council members voted on Apr. 14 to withdraw their support of seeking a state-funded, $500,000 grant to help pay for the project. It was planned for 58 city-owned acres in the Iron Horse Canyon Natural Area.

Wait a minute. Did you say the state of Texas, which I hear is facing a pretty serious budget problem, gives out $500k grants to build frisbee golf courses?

The article mentions the project would have required an additional $250k from the City of Helotes. A $750k frisbee golf course? In a Natural Area?

www.mysanantonio.com/community/northwest/news/article/Helotes-disc-golf-project-voted-down-1344021.php

Appliance Maintenance

Dishwashers get all limed up.

Smoked Meats and Dance Yrself Clean YouTubes.

Since you obviously like reading blogs, I suggest you check out this blog:
http://elsmokeadorysmokehopper.blogspot.com/

Introducing Dr. Vannoy.

Some of you may already know Dr. Vannoy from such episodes as Mini-Date and Bad Rico. If you haven't heard, Dr. Vannoy's latest mania is restoring a 1973 Sidney Vannoy 16' hull, and transforming this hull into an ass-kicking, ultralight, tiller steer poling skiff. Look out, redfish. With Dr. Vannoy's permission, I'll provide periodic updates on plans and progress. Here's the current state of the skiff. Consider these the before photos:

Yeah, I know REI is a co-op and opens less than 10 stores a year.

Dear REI,

It's high time to open a store in San Antonio. Not out on 1604 or some garbage like that, though. Open a store inside Loop 410. I previously suggested the old Butter Krust bakery, but somebody beat you to the punch.

I suggest a location at the Pearl Brewery or near there. http://www.atpearl.com/ Or, you could buy the old Dodge dealership on Broadway, tear it down, and build an awesome REI there.

I look forward to seeing you at the new REI in San Antonio. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional suggestions.

Thanks,
luridtransom

Via Alberquerque, per UPS.

Guess what is scheduled to arrive tomorrow? Maui Jim Typhoons. Check back for product review.

So I made time for Twitter. As I suspected, it was a huge waste of time. It's the one-wheeled boat trailer of the Online-a-tron. And I don't even know what most of it means. All the @s and #s. Huh? I thought maybe I signed up to follow the wrong people, but how can you go wrong with Nancy Pelosi, Sarah Palin, Dez Bryant, Jessica Stroup and Hugh Ramsey?

Welcome to the rebirth of luridtransom.

Hello Citizens!

Great news. I'm back to blogging. We'll see how long I stick with it. But since it's just typing on a computer, it's not like I have to do much, so maybe it'll stick. My last post on luridtransom was in 2007, back when blogging was on the cutting edge of cyber and disappointing meant 10-3. And then there was the short-lived Critical Elitist, featuring Toronto Ron. When was that? 2008? Well, as everyone knows by now, Toronto Ron and I had creative differences and went our separate ways. But now I'm renaissancerating luridtransom, and all that's ancient history. A word about the state of blogging. These days it's all Facebook and social media. Look, I don't have time for social media. I just have time for old-fashioned blogging.

There are lots of topics to cover. A review of past posts indicates I've already said everything there is to be said about Houston sports talk radio, so let's move on. If that's the kind of blog you're looking for, you won't find it here.

My first point of the New Era is Boddington's Ale. See picture above. Why can I only put the photo at the top? I don't know. Toronto Ron? Anyway, you need to try a Boddingtons Pub Ale if you haven't. It's the ribeye of ales.

My second point of the New Era is celosia flowers. See above. Again, I don't know how to put photos into the body of the blog entry. F-ing Zuckerberg. I planted celosias in my garten, and they get an A+. They tolerate lots of sun (they crave sun) and they add a delightful yet respectful splash of color.

Toilet

Man, I can't wait to listen to Marc Vandermeer and Andre Ware on the 610 Morning Show. It makes me so angry. Morning sports radio in Houston is now totally unlistenable.

Cindy Sheehan of Google protests.

I've not updated my blog for months because my blog site wouldn't let me post without registering with Google, which I didn't want to do. I guess blogspot got bought by Google. Anyway, I abandoned my protest and registered with Google.

If Patrick Leahy decides your hobby is cruel, you'll be prosecuted on felony charges.

WASHINGTON — Congress has passed legislation cracking down on animal fighting, sending President Bush a measure that would make it a felony to transport an animal across state lines for fighting.

You know, Thomas Jefferson once said that the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. I'm fed up with tyrants in Washington legislating morality and slowly but surely eroding my liberties. If I can't take my dog to Louisiana to fight other dogs, the tree of liberty is dead.

NBA Notes: Bonzi

Remember the sports radio caller who vowed to drop his Rockets tickets if the club didn't sign Bonzi Wells this past off season?

Back again

I like Lowe's because they ask for your telephone number when you buy a handful of woodscrews. When you give them a 555 number, the computer recognizes it as a fake and they ask again for your real number.

Figuring out the statement.

Jessica Simpson tells Elle magazine she made the decision to divorce Nick Lachey after watching the 2004 romance movie The Notebook on an airplane. "I just figured out the statement," she says of the movie, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as star-crossed lovers. "It was about that moment of desperation. I needed to breathe."

Restaurant Review: Crystal's Patio & Grille

Two thumbs up to Crystal's Patio and Grille on the courthouse square in Coldspring, Texas. Friendly cafe with delicious food. Stop by if you're ever in San Jacinto County.

The Woodlands: A Rant

Have you seen the Venetian/Aladdin/Moorish themed strip mall in The Woodlands on the east side of I-45? It makes me furious just thinking about it. I'll write some angry complaint letters soon.

First Amendment Rights

The answering service should be mandated by law to identify itself as the answering service. What's so hard about that?

Summer Roberts from The O.C. got a job offer because of her blog. You lot haven't even offered me a gig with the answering service.

Speaking of The O.C., what happened to that show? I'll tell you what happened. It violated my first rule of high school television - NEVER let the characters graduate from high school. Don't stray from the formula, and keep the show in high school. I don't care if the gang has been in high school for seven years, and I'll look past the fact that the cast are obviously into their thirties. Once the principal hands out diplomas, the show has jumped the shark.

Tom Emanske says

Lidge will start throwing his slider for strikes again when he loses the sideburns and mustache-less goatee.

Jealousy over Chavez's radio & tv forum

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez told U.S. officials to "Go to hell, gringos!" and called Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "missy" on his weekly radio and TV show Sunday.

Other comments ranged from watching dancing Brazilian girls wearing string bikinis at a recent presidential summit to Washington's alleged role in the hanging of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

I hear you, Ben, but all the elected officials have their fingers in their ears.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned Congress Thursday that the economy could be gravely hurt if Social Security and Medicare aren't revamped and urged lawmakers to tackle the nation's thorny fiscal issues sooner rather than later.

Wango Tango Whoop!

Ted Nugent played Gov. Rick Perry's Inaugural Ball wearing a cut-off T-shirt emblazoned with the Confederate flag. The Nuge shouted unflattering remarks about non-English speakers. His props were machine guns.

Now there's a big flap about it in the press. Let's back up, pundits. The Nuge does this act at all of his concerts. Nobody was caught unaware. Perry let him play his inaugural ball, despite the political backlash that was sure to follow.

We can draw two conclusions: First, The Nuge is a redneck. Second, Gov. Perry is a moron.

It must have been a slow news day for this story to make the paper.

Voodoo Economics

47% of Myspace users are age 35 and older. Gross!

luridtransom backs Blair: Keep the Kingdom United

LONDON (AFP) - Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned against any bid to break Britain apart, saying it would be "a crazy" step 300 years after Scotland and England united. Blair's warning Tuesday came as the Scottish National Party (SNP) used the anniversary of their union to launch a fresh drive for independence, while some opinion polls suggested a majority of Scots and English want to separate. Speaking at his monthly press conference, Blair said Britons should celebrate "with pride" Tuesday's tercentenary of the merger of the Scottish and English parliaments.

"In commerce, in trade, in security and above all in shared values, the union of England and Scotland continues to be good for England, good for Scotland and right for the future of Britain," Blair said.

Achievement Award

I ordered phone service from Time Warner, and the confirmation email congratulated me on my order. At least it wasn't Cable Max congratulating me.

Speaker Pelosi: My Congress is the CFDA.

NEW YORK (AFP) - Despite growing concern about skinny waifs on the catwalk, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) stopped short of issuing rules on the size of models, instead calling for more education about eating disorders.

All sports is local

Thumbs up to Todd Graham and Major Applewhite for leaving Rice after one season. They saw the writing on the wall, which clearly states that Rice will soon be replaced by townhouses and big box retail.

Have you listened to Davies and Dukes on 790AM in the morning? Wow. Who are the ad wizards that came up with that?

L.A. merchants: Don't accept Posh and Becks' filthy quid.

DALLAS — Pizza Patron, a Dallas-based pizza chain, has been hit with death threats and hate mail after offering to accept Mexican pesos, becoming another flashpoint in the nation's debate over immigrants.

Twilight Zone of Nail Salons

The whiners in Afton Oaks have placed anti-light rail signs in their yards along Richmond with the slogan "Don't Mess with Richmond Ave." These people live on Richmond Avenue, yet they've obviously never seen or driven down Richmond Avenue. Freaky.

Pelosi Watch: Thumbs up to smoking ban.

WASHINGTON — New House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is snuffing out one of Congress' enduring prerogatives, still cherished by some lawmakers — the right to smoke near the floor of the House. Pelosi announced today that effective immediately, House members would no longer be able to light up in the ornate Speaker's Lobby off the House floor where lawmakers mingle during votes.

Hollywood Corner

Hey Cameron Diaz, why did you dye your hair black? That was ignunt.

Speaker Pelosi patronizes USA on first day as Speaker

Quoth new Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: "I accept this gavel in the spirit of partnership, not partisanship, and look forward to working with you on behalf of the American people. In this House, we may belong to different parties, but we serve one country."

Shopaholic

The Meyerland Circuit City is the Radio Shack of Circuit Cities. It’s poorly lit, disorganized, dirty and foul smelling. I was there recently in search of iPod accessories. I began my search in the aisle under a large sign heralding “iPods and iPod Accessories.” Not surprisingly, there was neither an iPod nor an iPod accessory to be seen. There were, however, all manner of digital photo printers to bolster your consumer confidence. I asked the guys at a nearby cell phone kiosk to direct me to the iPod section. A cell phone salesman in a nauseatingly awful suit replied, “We have cell phones with iPod features. Would you like to buy one of those?”

It turns out the iPods and iPod accessories are in the computer section. But the point is I spent $700 on two iPod cell phones, and it was worth every penny.

Race to the bottom

You pay 99 cents per song on iTunes? Wow, what a great deal. How much do you pay for air and gravity?

Sports Vogue

For $32 million, I'd get a haircut like Nick Saban. Of course, I'd get a haircut like Jay Novacek for free, so that's not saying much.

Built in a Day

Literally translated, carpe diem means watching poker on television.

John Lopez's Worst Nightmare

You know bowl season is upon us when you see families clad in Rutgers gear strolling the streets of downtown Houston.

Architectural Indigestion

Thumbs down to the new Capital One branch bank on Bagby in Midtown. It's a case in point example of why the potential of Midtown will never be realized without proper zoning. When Midtown is nothing but drive-through banks with half acre parking lots and CVSes, they should change the name from Midtown to Katy.

Open Letter to John Lopez

NOTE: I sent the following e-mail to Houston Chronicle sports columnist John Lopez in response to his Dec. 22, 2006 column, which can be found at this link: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/lopez/4420145.html

John,

You wrote today that “bowls have lost their luster.” As evidence, you specifically mention four bowl matchups – 3 lesser bowls and the national championship game. Hmmm…interesting sample. True, there are lots of bowl games these days – 32 to be precise. And that necessarily means they can’t all be compelling matchups. But you overlook, intentionally I think, the fact that there are many great bowl games this year, as there are every year. Let’s take a look at a few. A&M plays Cal in the Holiday Bowl. You specifically asked about the Cotton Bowl in your column – Auburn vs. Nebraska. Not a bad game. Arkansas faces Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl. And then there are the BCS Bowls, of course.

The only thing that has changed since the good ol’ days you pine for is the addition of more bowls. You can still gorge on the major bowls (now called BCS Bowls) and the so-called minor bowls – I’ve even listed a few interesting minor bowls to help you out. If you aren’t interested in the Rice/Troy game, then don’t watch it. But I fail to see how the New Orleans Bowl’s existence takes any luster off the USC/Michigan Rose Bowl matchup.

Yes, I understand the point of your article: College football would be better with a playoff system. Wow, another article whining about the bowls and pushing for a playoff system. Talk about a group shrug.

Regards,
Matt Bishop

Sen. Wentworth restoring belief in democracy

Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, will submit a bill in the 2007 legislative session to ban driving while talking on a hands-on cell phone. Wentworth’s proposed bill would make the use of a cell phone while driving a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of less than $500. Using a hands-on phone while driving would be allowed only for emergency calls. Hands-free cell phones would be allowed while driving. While previous attempts at the same law have failed, Sen. Wentworth hopes a new chairman of Senate Committee on Transportation will be more favorable to the bill.

As luck would have it

Miss USA didn't get fired for her penchant for drugs and such. I don't know any details, and I really don't care, but I don't like leaving loose ends here on luridtransom.

Booing Metro officials like Chris Simms

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority eliminated the Afton Oaks neighborhood from its potential light rail routes. I haven't been this bitter about a loss since the 2001 Big XII Chanpionship Game.

Wild like a Caddyshack cast party

Miss USA Tara Conner might get fired for alleged cocaine use, bar-hopping (she’s under 21) and promiscuity. I can’t wait for her reality tv show. I'd post Tara's picture, but WVZ won't license that proprietary technology.

Cheat Codes

"There is no doubting the fact that the widespread availability of sexually explicit and graphically violent video games makes the challenge of parenting much harder,'' said Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who asked the Federal Trade Commission last week to investigate one of the most violent titles, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.''

Hey Hillary, have you ever played Grand Theft Auto? It's pretty fun.

Parvenu couture

When declining an evite, remember to let everyone know how important you are by stating where you'll be in lieu of the evited event.

Mofo supports enforcement of existing laws.

I e-mailed Gov. Rick Perry my suggestion to ban talking on cell phones without a hands-free device while driving. In response, I received a letter from a staffer informing me that there are already reckless driving laws on the books, and that Gov. Perry supports enforcement of those laws. Your governor kindly enclosed a list of contact information for all state Senators and Representatives. Thanks, Rick. I'll pass my suggestion along to John Sharp.

I made a large contribution to the off-road drivers' legal fund because I HATE canyons!

BALLARAT, Calif. — Whoever named Surprise Canyon got it right. Mere miles from bone-dry Death Valley, the canyon cradles two unexpected jewels: a gushing mountain stream and what's left of a once-bustling silver mining town. These treasures have attracted visitors for decades — and now they're at the heart of a legal battle between off-road drivers and environmentalists.

Five years ago environmentalists successfully sued to get the narrow canyon and its spring-fed waterfalls closed to vehicles, arguing that the federal Bureau of Land Management was not carrying out its duty to protect the land.

In response, more than 80 off-roaders purchased tiny pockets of private land at the top of the canyon, and now they're suing the federal government for access to their property, arguing that the canyon is a public right of way.

Environmental groups allege that, before they won protection for the area in 2001, off-roaders destroyed the canyon by cutting trees, dumping boulders in the water and using winches to drag their Jeeps up the waterfalls. They are seeking to intervene in the off-roaders' lawsuit. Since 2001, the canyon has regenerated, with new vegetation attracting wildlife.

Konsumer Zone

Free advice: You can get super cheap magazine subscriptions on eBay.

Word of the Day

Cosplay, which originated in Japan, is a combination of the words "costume" and "play." In cosplay, people dress as characters from Japanese animation, as well as graphic manga novels and video games. Cosplay can also refer to someone simply wearing a costume.

Flying Carpets and Magical Carbon Emissions

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India, considered to be one of the world's top polluters, said on Thursday that it was not doing any harm to the world's atmosphere despite increasing emissions of greenhouse gases.

H-tastic!

You gotta see the smog in Houston today. It's beautiful. It reminds me of the popular bumper sticker that reads, "I came for the Rockets, but stayed for the sprawl."

Wake me up in 2008

US Weekly reports that Tori Spelling has been signed by Simon & Shuster for a memoir due out in April 2008.

79 Recommendations for US Soccer Policy

Dear U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati,

I hold you personally responsible for Juergen Klinsmann taking himself out of consideration for coach of the U.S. soccer team. I guess I’ll dig out my Les Blues gear again in 2010.

Yellow journalism at its worst.

NEW YORK - (AP) Britney Spears's recent nights out with party girls Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan — and those uncensored, R-rated crotch shots that were splashed across the Web — drew disapproval from her fans and other Spears watchers.

Disapproval? Are you kidding me?

Who's at fault: Chris Simms or Greg Davis?

Texas's non-conference 2007 schedule: Arkansas State, TCU, Central Florida and Rice. Boooo!

Speaking of France: Book Review

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong: Why We Love France but Not the French by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow.

The French smoke, drink and eat more fat than anyone in the world, yet they live longer and have fewer heart problems than Americans. They take seven weeks of paid vacation per year, yet have the world’s highest productivity index. From a distance, modern France looks like a riddle. But up close, it all makes sense. Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong shows how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

Decrypting French ideas about land, food, privacy and language, the authors weave together the threads of French society—from centralization and the Napoleonic code to elite education and even street protests—giving us, for the first time, an understanding of France and the French.

My Review: Two thumbs up and raise the tricolor.

I will be contacting my local cable provider.

PARIS - France goes head-to-head with CNN and the BBC from Wednesday with the launch of its state-funded 24/7 news channel, part of President Jacques Chirac's efforts to make his country's voice heard.

France 24 will broadcast two channels, one in French and the other mostly in English.

"Our mission is to cover worldwide news with French eyes," CEO Alain de Pouzilhac told AP Television News. He said the channel will emphasize in-depth reporting and debate, culture and "l'art de vivre" — the art of living.

Running count

Since the Ohio State-Florida game was announced, I've seen two Pat Forde articles criticizing the BCS, one by Gene Wojciechowski, and one by Richard Justice. All of the articles came to the same conclusion: The BCS sucks because it sucks. That's four articles, and I haven't really been looking. I wonder what that number would be if Michigan had finished ahead of Florida. I'll take a wild guess and say four.

Kudos to Bomani Jones for his level-headed article about the BCS on ESPN's Page 2. I'm sure Jones will be fired any minute now.

Clean Sheet Proposal

ESPN columnist Pat Forde revealed in his Sunday column that college football’s Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is “screwed up” and amounts to “haphazard guesswork at the 11th hour.” Thanks, Pat. You must be exhausted after such grueling journalistic analysis.

Over the next month I’ll keep a running count of how often I hear or read that the BCS sucks. I’ll also keep track of the number of proposed solutions. For the record, I don’t necessarily have a problem with the BCS, nor do I have a problem with the lack of a playoff. Those are two entirely different things, mind you, though most people don’t understand the difference. Sorry if I’ve lost you, but bear with me. Anyhow, I do think a playoff would be incredibly exciting and I’d love to see it happen. But as long as we’re in the land of what if, we might as well revamp college football from the ground up.

Here’s my suggestion: Form a league composed of the top 36 college football teams divided into six divisions of six teams each. Each team plays five divisional games and seven non-divisional games for a total of twelve regular season games. The top twelve teams qualify for the playoffs, with the top four teams receiving first round byes. The top two teams receive home field advantage until the Championship Game, which is played at a rotating neutral site. Playoff teams are determined by overall record, and divisional champions do not automatically qualify for the playoffs. The tie breaker for determining playoff qualification and seeding is head-to-head record followed by strength of schedule.

At the end of the season, the bottom four teams are relegated to the second tier, and the top four teams from the second tier are promoted into the league for the following season.

Divisions, which are realigned each year due to relegation, are created primarily for maintaining traditional regional rivalries. The divisions are also balanced to an extent for strength of schedule based on last year’s results. Disparities in divisional strength of schedule will be balanced with the non-divisional schedule. For example, if one division is relatively stronger than the others, the teams in that division will play easier non-divisional games. Obviously, scheduling for strength of schedule in college football is not an exact science. However, the idea is to make each team’s schedule relatively equal in difficulty. Over the course of the season, that goal can be achieved. Non-divisional games will also be scheduled to maintain traditional rivalries. For instance, the USC-Notre Dame game will remain on the schedule and Texas would still face Oklahoma even if they are not in the same division in a given season.

Although the teams in the league will change from year to year, determining which teams to place in the league at the outset is important for many reasons. The criteria would include the program's success (recent and historical), television market, stadium size and fan base, and traditional significance in college football. I will form a committee to determine the initial 36 teams, and I will chair the committee. The bribes and kickbacks will make the IOC blush. For illustrative purposes only, I have chosen teams based only on the 2006 Sagarin rankings. Using the Sagarin rankings through the end of the 2006 regular season to determine the top 36 teams, the 2007 league would be as follows:

Pacific Division
Hawaii
Southern California
BYU
UCLA
Oregon State
Washington State

Western Division
Arizona State
Boise State
Cal
Oregon
Arizona
TCU

Central Division
Texas
Oklahoma
Texas A&M
Wisconsin
Nebraska
Arkansas

Midwest Division
Ohio State
Michigan
Penn State
Notre Dame
Rutgers
Boston College

Southeast Division
Florida
LSU
Tennessee
Georgia
South Carolina
Auburn

Atlantic Division
Wake Forest
Virginia Tech
Clemson
Louisville
Georgia Tech
West Virginia

Texas’s schedule would be as follows:
Tennessee
@ Wisconsin
Arkansas
@ Michigan
Auburn
Georgia Tech
@ BYU
UCLA
@ Nebraska
Oklahoma (Texas/OU would almost certainly be home and home.)
@ Oregon State
@ Texas A&M

Demonstrations, riots, pole vaulting

Join me in my grassroots campaign to ban the use of cell phones while driving without a hands-free device. When I get around to it, I plan to send a letter to Gov. Perry. In the meantime, keep talking on your cell phone while behind the wheel.

Colorado pursues policy of appeasement with Satan worshippers

PAGOSA SPRINGS, COLO. — The Loma Linda Homeowners Association has withdrawn its threat of $25 daily fines against homeowner Lisa Jensen for putting a Christmas wreath shaped like a peace sign on the front of her home. Jensen was ordered to take the wreath down when some residents in her 200-home subdivision saw it as a protest of the Iraq war. Bob Kearns, president of the board, also said some saw it as a symbol of Satan.

Euro Apologist

American grocery stores should charge for grocery bags. That way, people would bring their own bags and we'd create less trash.

Al Gore's new movie isn't as great as I thought it would be. Do you think things would be different today if he were president? Do you think American grocery stores would charge for grocery bags?

If Italy can ban smoking in all bars and restaurants, what's your excuse, America?

I was on a KLM flight from Venice to Amsterdam with two disgustingly fat Americans: a fat woman wearing pajama pants and a sleeveless shirt, and a fat man wearing, I swear, hospital scrubs. That should be grounds for passport revocation.

Canadians Ooouuut!

PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Nevada town of Pahrump passed a law this week making it illegal to fly a foreign nation's flag by itself, the latest swipe by a U.S. community at illegal immigrants.

Whether the apocalypse comes in 6 months or 7 months.

From Adriana de Lorme's profile in the November 2006 issue of 002:

Q: What is the one thing you can't live without?
A: Tall nonfat no water 4 pump chai tea latte from Starbucks! I'm serious.

You said it, Daryl!

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - More than a year after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, thousands of homes damaged by flooding still stand empty, stained by black mold and some of them infested with maggots.

"There's nothing like a maggot-filled refrigerator," said Daryl Durham, as he hauled one into the street to join a growing pile of possessions. The stench from the fridge filled the road.

Really? Gee, I believe you this time.

WASHINGTON - On Day 1 of the next session of Congress, newly empowered Democrats are promising restrictive rules to "break the link between lobbyists and legislation." The plan includes a list of changes designed to clean up what the party calls "a culture of corruption" in Washington.

Congress: Lying, hypocritical powerwhores.
GNR: Candid men of principle.

Night Train

LEWISTON, Maine — Guns N' Roses canceled a performance in Portland, Maine, this week after being told by state officials that the band could not drink on stage. The band had wanted to drink beer, wine and Jagermeister while performing.

Opportunity Knocked

I missed a golden opportunity to vow to leave the United States if the Democrats took Congress, then not leave after the Democrats took Congress.

This time I mean it.

Hey River Oaks Vision over by Cafe Express on West Gray. F you.

Don't touch that dial, Bernanke

Houston's 94.5 FM "The Buzz" alternative music radio station has a daily financial news segment called "Rock out with your stock out."

Axis of Delicious

SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea is encouraging its people to breed rabbits for food, the regime's official media reported today.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that rabbits were "the most economically profitable domestic animals" for the mountainous country's limited arable land.

Why the hell not?

AUSTIN -- State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, said today that she is "vehemently insulted" by independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman's derogatory comments about Hurricane Katrina evacuees.

Friedman last week attributed a spike in Houston's crime rate to the "crackheads and thugs" who evacuated New Orleans. Friedman did not call Senfronia a vehemently idiot, despite the vehemently obviousity that she is.

On the record

Cincinnati over NY Giants in the Super Bowl. Win one for Lachey.

Why I hate lawyers

Exchange between fat asshole lawyer in an Eikelburg Fun Run t-shirt and unsuspecting girl working the hunting license machine at Academy:

Girl: Do you want a Federal duck stamp?

Lawyer: [rolls eyes] Pfffft! No! I don't want to mess with any ducks!

Girl: Did you hunt dove, ducks or geeses [sic] last year?

Lawyer: I don't know, maybe. How about you go ahead and put no for that question.

Girl: How many doves did you kill last year?

Lawyer [annoyed]: Zero.

Girl: How many ducks did you kill last year?

Lawyer [more annoyed and self-important, this time with raised voice]: Look, I haven't hunted ducks in thirty years. Does that give you any idea how many?

Girl: How many geeses [sic] did you kill last year?

Lawyer [more annoyed, almost screaming]: I told you already I DON'T HUNT DUCKS!

Give back Lady Liberty.

Great news, America. You can buy Boycott France bumper stickers on Bill O'Reilly's website.

Gibraltar Monkeys

Book Review: The Pyrates, by George MacDonald Fraser. Thoroughly enjoyable melodramatic spoof of pirate stories by the esteemed editor of The Flashman Papers. Fraser can't help but put to use historical figures as his characters, and Col. Thomas Blood stars as the novel's anti-hero. Col. Blood attempted to pinch the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London in 1671. At trial he vowed to answer to none but the King himself. Charles II granted Blood a general pardon and granted him an estate. There are several theories explaining the motivations behind His Majesty's pardon. Look them up yourself, you have the internet.

Movie review: Mystery of the Nile (IMAX). The movie itself was enjoyable. However, I didn't expect such a McDonald's crowd at the Museum of Natural Sciences. And I literally mean a McDonald's crowd. The theater smelled like french fries. And for Pete's sake, stop chattering and watch the movie. Maybe it's time to revisit my plan to move to Canada.

Concidence? Is John Mark Karr the same person as Texans' creepy QB David Karr?

Fascinating

You'd think I'd get more postcards than I do. Thanks a lot.

If you won $300 million in the lottery, would it ruin you? If you answered no, you're wrong.

Ponder for a moment produce supply chains. You can buy an apple at Central Market that was harvested just days earlier in a Chilean orchard. Mind boggling. By the way, I encourage you to buy locally produced meats and vegetables. It's better for our farmers and Mother Nature.

Concerning Hobbits

The Hobbit Cafe on Richmond is fantastic. You should go eat there.

Rhetorical Malfunction

The slippery slope argument is itself a slippery slope.