There are victims of Katrina, and there are victims of Katrina

"The Saints (3-8) returned to East Rutherford, having played their 'home' opener here against the New York Giants after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area and ruined the Superdome. The Saints lost 27-10, and receiver Joe Horn later said the NFL was making a 'mockery' of the team."

Excuse me while I cry a river for them. When will the suffering of this noble NFL franchise and its players and coaches end? Can't the citizens of New Orleans see that the Saints are the real victims here? Won't somebody please think of the football players?

I got porked on Thanksgiving

Just a few of the many things that I'm thankful for after this weekend:

• Pert and koALa's continued love and hospitality every time their compound is overrun by crumb-snatching little bastards. We love you and appreciate everything you do.
• Gock's pork roast idea and recipe. That was just the thing to give this Thanksgiving a distinction that will keep it remembered as something other than "just another holiday".
• The visit from KT1 and KT3. I must admit that my first instinct is "Oh, shit. Now I have to bring up my energy, be friendly, entertaining, and charming." (Not that I succeed on any count) However, I end up being incredibly glad that they visit, and wish they didn't have to leave. They're funny, loving, and tremendously entertaining.
  
• That GT1 is taking dance actively again. It's wonderful to see her light up about something that she loves. Kudo's (improper apostrophe acknowledged) to Gock for managing to make it happen.
• Agatha's influence on the team: My better half brings a...something...to the procedings that puts just enough sugar to the recipe to keep the whole weekend sweet. Thanks, Baby.
• A Sunday morning conversation with O Mr Leonard. It's good to hear his voice, and good to see the way the 'rents get all excited when he calls. The bastard.
• Mostly, it's the fact that I can spend a three or four day weekend with my family, and end it genuinely excited about the holiday next month.
  

Kick in with your Christmas plans when you have them, and I'll put together some kind of a travel grid to track us all, whether you're planning on descending upon koALaville this Xmas or not.

2752?

Anyone want to throw out a date we can use for the over/under on when the American Troop deaths in Iraq (as if they're the only ones that matter) outstrip those on 9/11? Current course and speed looks like mid to late next year.

Indiana Unclaimed Property

I rarely watch the local news, but I did last night, and they mentioned that the state has a huge amount of unclaimed money.

You have a deceased family member who has over $400 due from an insurance company.

A few Sunday afternoon news items

Meet some incredibly self-centered parents:
Chicago cafe wages war on brats

What an oaf. The look on his face is priceless.
Bush attempt to retreat impeded by supply closet

Is nobody shocked by the level of blatent dishonesty from these people any longer?
Rummy: What? Nobody asked me what I thought!

Silent but deadly?

It's quiet out here. Too quiet. And I've got too much time on my hands today. Here's a list of silent killers I found on the web, along with the source of the information. Good luck trying to sleep at night, knowing that all of these crafty bastards are lurking about, waiting to suck the life out of you and your loved ones:

Affordable Housing Crisis: The "Silent Killer"	High Cholesterol: The Silent Killer Disease
Ammonia - the silent killer	Hypertension: the Silent Killer Disease
Aneurysm: The Silent Killer	Hypothermia -- The Silent Killer
Anxiety, the Silent Killer	IBC: The Silent Killer
Asbestos: The Silent Killer	Indoor air pollution: the silent killer
Aspartame - the silent killer	Inflammation the Silent Killer?
bladder cancer, the silent killer	kidney failure: The Silent Killer
Body Fat, The Silent Killer	Kids Drowning: The Silent Killer
Brain tumours: the silent killer	Lung Cancer: the Silent Killer
Breast Cancer: the Silent Killer	Marijuana the Silent Killer
CAPRINE ARTHRITIC ENCEPHALITIS - THE SILENT KILLER	Mesothelioma: the Silent Killer
CARBON MONOXIDE: The Silent Killer aboard your boat	Obstructive Sleep Apnea: the Silent Killer Disease
Colon Cancer: the Silent Killer	Opiates the silent killer
Congenital Heart Disease: The silent killer	Osteoporosis: the Silent Killer Disease
Diabetes: the Silent Killer Disease	Ovarian Cancer: The Silent Killer
Dihydrogen Monoxide	Parasites: The Silent Killer
Domestic Violence: The Silent Killer	Rectal Cancer: the Silent Killer
Drowsy Driving: The Silent Killer	SIDS...THE SILENT KILLER
Fire: The Silent Killer	Smoke - the Silent Killer
Fluoride: The Silent Killer	Stress The Silent Killer
GastroIntestinal Stasis, The Silent Killer	Stroke: The Silent Killer
Haemophilia, The Silent Killer	Syndrome X, The Silent Killer
Heart Disease: the Silent Killer	Teflon poisoning: The silent killer
Hepatitis C the Silent Killer	Women and HIV -- the silent killer
Herbal Formulation for Blood Pressure- The Silent Killer	X-linked Lymphoproliferative syndrome, The Silent Killer
High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer

Regarding David's Posted Photograph

Your comment is wrong. The picture is an example of why you should be taking and posting photos.

Big K Inspired By New Sleep Plan

Big K Inspired By New Sleep Plan

For the November and December Family Gatherings.

Daybed to gazebo. Trundle bed to gazebo. One futon couch to gazebo--if it fits. Tarps around edges. Electric blankets for each bed. Fire in stove. Enter now to win a chance to sleep out there--Big K is a given 'cause it was her idea, and like Henny Penny, she will do the work. (Is it Henny Penny?) Eva T2 and Gock T and Eva T1 are first in line.
Gotta go spackle and paint now.

Looks like somebody's got a case of the Mondays

My schedule, until further notice: