The Journal-Sentinel just asked me to do an extended column for publication on Christmas Day. Quoting the email from the editor: "You seem to have a knack for writing holiday columns with just the right feel." Flattered and all, blah blah, but mighty sick of being good enough to be sought out for publication and yet never considered for regular work.

My Thoughts

Former IL Gov Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison today on corruption charges. Blech. I'm all for punishing the guilty, but to my mind imprisoning someone for a non-violent crime seems like a waste of resources. Stab someone, rape, murder, even risk someone's death (by drunk driving or by carrying a weapon during a crime) and by all means lock 'em up, but short of that there have to be more cost-effective & intelligent solutions.

We Remember

70 years ago today my maternal grandparent's were on a date at the Riverside Theater. The movie was stopped, the lights came on, and an announcement was made that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. They both knew my Great Uncle Leo (grandma's brother) was stationed there that morning. He was part of the crew of the USS Vestal, moored alongside the Arizona. Luckily, he survived, but of course 2000 Americans did not. To all the men at Pearl that day, thank you for your service. We'll always remember.

The Falling Dishwasher

When I picked up LuLu nd her friend from Arts & Crafts Club today after work, a full size dishwasher, some five gallon buckets, and other junk fell off the back of a truck driving directly ahead of us. I saw it about to fall and so we avoided it all, but the guy took off without stopping and I took off after him, exchanging some words at a stop sign a half mile away. There's nothing else to the story, except to say Lu and her friend, being 8, thought it was the greatest trip of their lives.

I Luv Them!!

St Nick's

St Nick's morn went well, with everyone in a good mood and loving their stockings. Booklights, winter caps (featured), dry erase boards, an outfit, a book (doll for Junie), candy, and odds and ends. A good haul and as I said they loved it. Lisa got makeup and a nice candle. Heck, I got a new pair of slippers myself.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

We just finished watching "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". It was much, much better than your average comedy/rom-comedy, Kudos to Segel for a funny, well-crafted script that made the characters real and complex, each with their own flaws and strengths. I was really impressed (and the great cast didn't hurt). A + (Lisa was less keen on it, but ya ain't hear to read her opinions, are ya?;)

St Nick is Coming!

The stockings are full and laid out by the fireplace. An unintentional compliment from the kids tonight: one of them asked why we bothered with the stockings since "there's always too much to fit in them anyway". For that, a big thank you to Lisa, who I swear works all year long to compile an impressive hoard of goodies for the holidays.

Tiger Cubs

Dan this reminds me of you in cub scouts - my Mom

It's Finally Working

After two days and four calls AT&T got my internet up and running again. No word on what the 'line trouble' was, or why it took repeated calls for the automated repair system to iron it out. Still, for AT&T, a banner day.

They Suck

After two days and four calls AT&T got my internet up and running again. No word on what the 'line trouble' was, or why it took repeated calls for the automated repair system to iron it out. Still, for AT&T, a banner day.

The Smurfs

I just finished watching 'The Smurfs'. It is what it is, a not unpleasant kids movie w/ a nostalgic hook for the grown-ups. NPH, as is his norm, rocked.

And?

yes, its a grim 48 degrees or so w/ wet pavement, a steady wind and gray skies. And yes, I'm sitting in the rocker on my front porch reading. What of it?

Bad Title, Great Script

2x now we've seen the pilot of Fox's 'I Hate My Teenager'. Dumb title, talented acting and a WONDERFUL LOL script. The screenwriter has talent to spare.

The B10 Championship

watching the big ten championship game w/ an inquisitive and attentive Lu

Congrats to the Big 10 champion Badgers! What an ugly, unimpressive W (it all comes down to a punter!) but we'll take it. On Wisconsin baby! CU in the Rose Bowl!

$$%#@%@#% AT&T

the net is down @ home (yes, bill is pd) AT&T says its a line problem, which is a euphemism for "AT&T sucks donkey bal*s, always has always will"

Yaya and LuLu and their first "real" school Dance!

Tonight my girls had their 1st 'real' school dance and both were dressed to the 9's and wore corsages their Mama made them @ the floral shop. They had a great time!

Lookin' Sharp!

Our Tree is . . . .Gone.

Unbelievable

There's some fool on Craigslist looking to hire a writer to do a 6 or 7 page psych paper. The payment terms? FIFTEEN dollars. Yeah, maybe if it was per page buddy. Here's a term you may find helpful when writing that paper all by your lonesome: go f--k yourself.

Water For Elephants

"Water for Elephants" surprised me by being a darn good, non-weepy romance set during the Great Depression. Robert Pattison, aka Twilight boy, proved to be more than just a pretty face, and Renee Witherspoon very nearly convinced me she had one. A-

Moving Malcolm

"Moving Malcom" is a film about a guy who's devastated when his fiance (Elizabeth Berkeley) leaves him at the altar. A year later she calls him - but only to ask if he could help her elderly Dad move while she's out of town. It's more of a mild drama than a comedy, but enjoyable either way. B.

Kudos to Pres. Obama

Kudos to Pres. Obama for correctly praising Bush's efforts on behalf of AIDS prevention/treatment in Africa. Said the President: "I believe that history will record [Dubya's] Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief as one of his greatest legacies," he said. "That program -- more ambitious than even leading advocates thought was possible at the time -- has saved hundreds of thousands and thousands and thousands of lives, spurred international action, and laid the foundation for a comprehensive global plan that will impact the lives of millions." Thank you, Mr. President, for your honesty.

Quote

I love you more than tongue can tell - a saying of Robin Bush (daughter of George and Barbara, sister of Dubya) who died of leukemia at age 3. The family never forgot the saying, adopting it and using it often since her death a half century ago. It appears in private letters between father and son reprinted in 'Decision Points'.

judy Lewis

The secret illegitimate daughter of Clark Gable and Loretta Young; I  just saw her speak on a documentary a few months back. RIP.