Mind Bursts

• I tried to take a picture of the text of the 1979 Dave Campbell magazine I mentioned this morning, but the glare was killing the shot. (I don't have a scanner hooked up right now.) I'll get it done.
• There's some show on Fox right now about a millionaire going "undercover" to work as a common man. Not a bad theme.
• I ate a 7-11 sandwich in my car today. Not-a-good.
• Someone met me yesterday for the first time after reading this silly blog for about a year. The main observation: The fact that I have as thick of an accent as I do.
• I don't know what I'm going to do with my Netflix account. I can now watch programs recorded on a DVR on the TV in front of my treadmill. That's the only time I used to watch movies.

Random Wednesday Morning Thoughts

• That's new Britney Spears up there. Man, the girl has made a heck of a comeback.
• I've never stolen anything from a store.
• I did look down in my shopping cart in the parking lot one time and saw a bar of deodorant that I didn't scan through the self check out line. That felt like stealing.
• I recently went in the Dublin Sports Bar (or something like that) right by Posadas restaurant off Western Center. Verdict: Festive. Wheels off crowd. Waitresses in school girl skirts.
• Tense read: A Houston prosecutor who had his own silly little blog is given the pink slip and writes about the day.
• Last weekend, that crazy Silicone Alley wrote that she visited a girlfriend in Houston, went to the Galleria, and saw her purchase a pair of $700 shoes. There should be a verse in the Bible calling that an "abomination."
• I got hired over the phone a few months back by an out-of-state college student on a misdemeanor charge. I worked the case out very favorably, and she's coming into town today to sign off on the plea bargain. It's very weird to meet a client for the first time on the last day that I'll represent her.
• Baylor snuck into the Top 25 Basketball AP Poll. As much as I want to care, I don't.
• The Ozzie Osborne commercial where he has to text what he is saying is very funny. (Never mind how he knows the number of the folks he's trying to talk to.)
• I've never seen Blade Runner.
• I doubt if I'll put a Christmas tree up this year. I rarely do.
• At some point as a teenager, and I don't remember the specifics, but I was disappointed about an event that I had look forward to for weeks. Ever since that time, I refuse to get excited about anything in the future.I call it my "Rule Of Low Expectations."
• I recently learned that modern day Catholic confessions occur face to face with a priest and not in a booth. No way I'm doing that.
• I really don't know much about Dallas Star Sean Avery, but he was suspended yesterday by the NHL for comments he made about another NHL player who is dating his former girlfriend. He said, "I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy [word deleted for a reason I'm not sure about.]" The funny part is how the local news media is handling the comment. The Ticket rolled with it and quotes him directly. Most TV media won't go that far. Fox 4 inserted the word "[former girlfriend]" for the offending words. Edit: Video
• The "big" news yesterday was that the U.S. "warned" India of the terrorists attacks that occured last week. I bet the U.S. warns every nation every day of potential terrorists attacks.
• I found a 1979 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football. When I get time, I'll scan the blurb about the Bridgeport and Decatur High school prospects. The names will be very familiar to the local crowd.
• If Chuck Norris used a folder as a weapon, this would happen. (Please watch that video. Gold.)

Does This Look Like The Face Of A Woman . . .

SAN FRANCISCO – A husband and wife have been charged with torture and other counts after a bruised, terrified 17-year-old showed up at a gym with a chain locked to his ankle, claiming he had just fled his captors, authorities said Tuesday.

Lady, hire me. I've got my closing argument all written out: "Ladies and gentleman, did Samuel L. Jackson get prosecuted when he chained up Christina Ricci in the exact same manner in Black Snake Moan? No, he didn't. And I don't think there should be a double standard which allows Mr. Jackson to get off just because he's some rich Hollywood type. Thank you very much." And that's why I'm Board Certified.

Teaching Little Junior To Ride A Bike

 I've analyzed this video down in my blog laboratory and there's lots going on here. First, we've got momma who decides to launch little Ricky Bobby in a straight line right towards the Tree of Destruction. Secondly, little Ricky commits the cardinal sin in bike riding on the streets: he takes his feet off the pedals and panics like a little baby. Thirdly, daddy decides that the fear on little Ricky's face is the cue to "keep filming" instead of "save boy." Come to think of it, daddy is a hero here. I bet he was even in charge of the video editing. Bravo.

Fragile Life

I generally don't read a whole lot of human interest stories that appear in the Dallas Morning News, but over the weekend I couldn't help but read the one associated with the above photo. The first two paragraphs had me hooked.

A collective “Why her, Lord?” shuddered through the ranks of North Texas United Methodists late last week.

Word arrived that the Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball, an admired, beloved leader among United Methodist pastors — and mother of a 4-year-old boy — would enter hospice care after a nearly two-year fight with cancer.

To "enter hospice care" was code for "she is in her last days." Any story that involves the death of a 50 year old is going to stop me in my tracks --especially one involving what appears to be a wonderful person. I'll admit to tearing up a bit while I read the story.

That emotion changed to shock about five minutes ago when this headline hit the DMN web site: "Beloved Allen pastor Kathleen Baskin-Ball, 50, dies of cancer."

Random Tuesday Morning Thoughts

• Stumbled on the oddest and greatest show this morning: All I know is that it was called "Sunrise Earth" (or something like that) and it was simply video of remote parts or Norway, at sunrise, with audio of the wind. No talking. Just landscape. I couldn't look away but I had to leave because it last 30 minutes.
• I'm beginning to identify specific points in my life where I made major mistakes.
• I think I saw that oil fell below $150 a barrel yesterday -- we may see gas below $1.60.
• I hate the ol' wake-up-and-remember-that-clothes-you-need for that morning are still in the washer. So then you throw them in the dryer and compete in the "get ready to leave" vs. "are they dry yet" race.
• And you know that if you open the door to the dryer to peek on the status of the clothes and you're wrong, that you've let out all the hot air.
• Redneck Luxury: Did you see the Texas Motor Speedway is ripping out about 20,000 seats to make way for premiere RV spots that will lease for $15,000 a year. I'm washing the Family Truckster as we speak.
• Every time I watch Curb Your Enthusiasm, I laugh.
• There's a gal that always claims she knows when I'm in a bad mood based upon these Random Thoughts. Darlin', you have no idea.
• Dallas Morning News financial guru Scott Burns wrote last month that he is against pre-nuptial agreements because it sends the wrong message about the marriage. Puhleeze. You're a financial advisor, not Dr. Phil.
• Two girls were arrested for stealing stuff after posing as Colleyville High School students. I refer to them as the "blurry mug shot and hot mug shot girls".
• Britney Spears, who is looking smoking hot these days, turns 27 today.
• I wish the Bridgeport/Liberty Hill game were to be played in the afternoon.
• George Bush bowls with a frozen turkey a few years back while host (Norm Hitzges) announces that the event will ruin any chance he ever has to become President.

Big News, I Think

Story. And I think "near Bridgeport" might be a stretch. I think its down there around Cottondale or Boonesville or something like that. And I'm not so sure there isn't some Jurassic Park thing going on down there as well.

Open Carry

The legislature will apparently be bombarded with requests that concealed handgun license owners be allowed to carry the handgun in an unconcealed manner. (Which really messes up that CHL acronym.) I'm not sure how I feel about this. I guess if I am oblivious to the fact that some nutcase in Sweetie Pie's is packing in a concealed manner, I'm not sure I'd feel any better if he placed his Ruger next to his plate of chicken fried steak. And if I still understand the Penal Code, did you know you could walk down the street right now carrying a shotgun or rifle?

My Day Has Gone Like This

And I'm Wes Welker. (From yesterday's game.)

Random Monday Morning Thoughts

• The Monday after a long weekend is never-a-good.
• I finished the Turkey Trot with a time of 1:10:33. The official results even had the time down to a hundredth of a second which seems a little silly.
• Assistant County Attorney Thomas Aaberg showed up at the last minute and ran a 59:31 which included a bathroom break because he, uh, showed up at the last minute.
• My favorite part of the race is at the six mile mark where the course loops you back and you see downtown Dallas which is where the finish line is. It is at that moment, every year, that I'm thankful for my health. Almost got a little teary eyed this time. Or maybe that was just because the pain in my legs.
• It's December.
• Given enough time, I think everyone will disappoint you.
• My sickness went away on Thursday but not before my mom packaged up a bunch of loose Vitamin C pills for me to take home. Looking at them on my passenger seat in a baggie made me think I was soooooo going to be spread eagle on the ground if a cop had stopped me that night.
• I don't believe that Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, and I don't believe that Cyber Money is the busiest online shopping day of the year.
• Bridgeport's opponent this weekend, Liberty Hill, is apparently very good. If you're the kind of guy that likes message board smack talk about the game, you'll love this.
• There was a motorcycle death on 114 in Irving on Friday but the tragedy of the weekend has to be the Waxahachie family driving into Mexico whose SUV goes off of a bridge that had been washed out. Seven died.
• The great Sarah Silverman is 38 today.
• How can a show like The Deadliest Catch suck you in like it does?
• At the urging of a buddy, I created a Facebook account. After three days I had one friend. I just sat there looking at the screen with Barry tears rolling down my Barry cheeks.
• Remember girls, don't have relations in a the men's restroom with someone who is not your husband or your picture will be posted on the Internets.
• Holy cow, Baylor almost beat Texas Tech on Saturday but I didn't know that Tech's quarterback had two fingers crushed on his non-throwing hand and that he "underwent four hours of surgery Sunday on the pinkie and ring fingers on his left hand, with 17 pins and two plates inserted in his hand to heal nine separate breaks." And he never came out of the game.
• I spent 20 minutes of Friday morning watching Jerry Springer. I'm not sure, but I think it involved infidelity amongst family members and a fight on stage ensued.
• I may find an out of state bowl game to go to. I haven't done that since 2004 but the stars seem to be aligning for it.

Craziness

The BCS rankings were just released and, as expected, OU leap frogged the Evil Empire which means (1) they will go to the Big 12 Championship game, and (2) to the National Championship game after they thump Missouri in that game. Texas has every right to be upset considering they beat Oklahoma on a neutral field back in October. But so it goes. Since I haven't heard anyone talk about it, I presume that if Florida beats Alabama in the SEC Championship Game (and they probably will), they jump Texas as well leaving us with 1. Oklahoma 2. Florida 3. Texas. I haven't heard any serious talk of a Texas/OU rematch in the National Championship game, but I think I'll go snoop around for it.

Saw This Photo Just Posted

Better than any art work in any museum. You just want to sit and look at it.

Bridgeport Game: Oh, My

Trying to get a score of the game that is almost over. Looks like Bulls might be in trouble. Edit: The Bulls were down 28-14 in the 4th when they blocked a punt which took off 50 yards backwards. They scored a few plays later. An onsides kick failed, but the defense held forcing a punt. Now with the ball, the Bulls converted a 4th down in their own territory and then ANOTHER fourth down with less than a minute to play. Then, being inside the 10 yard line with less than 30 seconds left . . . . they scored on a six yard pass! PAT was good and we had a tie game with 26 seconds left. It then went to overtime. Monahans had the ball first but turned it over on downs. Bulls then converted a 34 yard field goal for the win. Good times. The Messenger's "Live Blog" of the game was fantastic. SCORING SUMMARY Second Quarter Monahans -- Trevor Owens 19 pass from Quincy Titus (Ty Horton kick), 10:05. Bridgeport -- Corbin Green 13 run (Ricky Martinez kick), 6:11. Monahans -- Quincy Titus 6 run (kick failed), 3:38. Monahans -- Quincy Titus 16 pass from Wade Roark (Calvin Franks pass from Quincy Titus), :00. Third Quarter Monahans -- Stephen Neel 34 run (Ty Horton kick), 9:57. Bridgeport -- Corbin Green 10 run (Ricky Martinez kick), 3:49. Fourth Quarter Bridgeport -- Corbin Green 4 run (Ricky Martinez kick), 6:20. Bridgeport -- Collin White 6 pass from Cameron Green (Ricky Martinez kick), :21. Overtime Bridgeport -- FG Ricky Martinez 33. --- INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing Bridgeport: Corbin Green 21-97, Cameron Green 2-15, Jordan Daniel 2-(-2). Monahans: Stephen Neel 19-114, Quincy Titus 16-111, Tyson Childress 16-84, Wade Roark 1-0. Passing Bridgeport: Cameron Green 14-27-0-174, Cody Henson 0-1-0-0. Monahans: Quincy Titus 6-17-0-86, Wade Roark 2-3-0-45. Receiving Bridgeport: Daniel Olmos 6-81, Collin White 6-49, Austin Blevins 1-30, Corbin Green 2-14. Monahans: Trevor Owens 3-52, Kalep Warden 2-34, Quincy Titus 2-26, Fabian Flores 1-13, Tyson Childress 1-6.

Oddly Addicting

A constantly updated list of pictures uploaded by folks using their cell phone in real time. Just hit reload/refresh.

Headstone Documentation

I had no idea. This web site documents 31,537 Wise County graves with pictures of the headstone(s).

That Time Again

It's Thanksgiving and time for the only post I repeat annually. Here it is. It's a crowd pleaser. And it's still true. Happy Thanksgiving.

Got Some Serious News Here

Having spent part of last week in New Jersey, I feel like I am expertly qualified to comment on this news story brought to you by the family values people over at Fox News. This sweet lady has a part time job in an elementary school in NJ as a cafeteria worker and playground monitor. Heck, she is making under $6,000 a year which means she is doing some of this work out of the goodness of her heart which . . . uh . . . has to be in there somewhere. But now a "problem" has developed when school officials were tipped off that she is former porn star (and I love this name), Crystal Gunns. Who could have possibly thought that when she walked into the interview room that something was amiss? I wonder if the guy who did the hiring was a man? Kind makes our little "indoor practice field" controversy a little small in comparison.

The MySpace Federal Prosecution Trial . . .

. . . of Lori Drew is coming to end. I've set up a Google alert to try and stay on top of it. This is where it left off yesterday: After deliberating the case of Lori Drew for six hours Tuesday, jurors asked U.S. District Judge George Wu if they could be hung on one count but unanimous on the others. Wu ordered them to continue deliberations for a second day, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Edit: Most recent update (12:45 p.m.) . . . .

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. attorney's office says a verdict is to be read in the MySpace cyber-bullying trial of a Missouri mother.

A statement issued by the prosecutors' office said the verdict would be read Wednesday morning.

Edit at 1:57 p.m.:

Nov. 26 (Bloomberg) -- A Missouri woman was found guilty of misdemeanor computer fraud for posing as a teenage boy on News Corp.’s MySpace social-networking Web site and acquitted of more serious charges she did so to harm a 13-year-old girl. A federal jury in Los Angeles today found Lori Drew, 49, not guilty of felony charges of unauthorized computer access to inflict emotional distress on the girl, who later killed herself. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy. Drew could be sentenced to as long as one year in prison for each of the three misdemeanor convictions.