Learning To Blog VI: Google Search Code

In my efforts to be a better blogger (I gave up long ago on being a better person), I've been taking Harvey's blocks of instruction and tips. Some of what he suggested, I actually stumbled across. Some is stuff I never thought about. Some is stuff that might not apply for one reason or another.

Now, I'm not taking these courses with the intent of being a cookie-cutter Web site/Blog. And Harvey doesn't intend that. Rather, he's sharing his experiences and experiences from others in hopes of helping folks like me avoid some pitfalls and learn from the experience of others.

So far, I've taken the courses related to:

• How to start blogging
• Finding your blog voice
• Getting more traffic
• Getting more comments
• Free image hosting

Now, I'm going to learn about "Google search code." Following the same format as before, I haven't read ahead. I will take excerpts from Harvey's post and comment on how well I've done by accident or intuition, and where I need to improve. And where I disagree, depending on how arrogant I'm feeling.

Since I'm only using excerpts, I strongly suggest you read Harvey's full post if you want to use the tips and suggestions. Anyway, here goes ...

Big Sister's Headlines 4/30/05

basil's been busy at work, so you're stuck with me,,,

Planet Outside Solar System Is Observed
Scientists are considering naming it "Hollywood"

England's Family Deals With Guilty Plea
Oh, Charles and Camilla, what have you done?

Study: Risks Jump As Obesity Escalates
This must be by the same group that says fire tends to be hot...

New Design Could Transform 1st Bike Ride
Let's see...since the first bike ride was in 1817, I think this is a very old story... or maybe the study was done by the same group as above...

Missing Georgia Bride-To-Be Found with Cold Feet
If she could only remember where she put her shoes and socks...

Palestinian Authority Launches Law-And-Order Drive
Rumors of Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston fan club beginning

Senate Democrats reject GOP proposal
GOP is returning the ring next week...

GOP sets stage for inquiry on DeLay
DeLay delay delayed...

Wizards Get First Playoff Win in 17 Years
Harry Potter does happy dance

Buffett Expresses Confidence in AIG
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame...  (sorry, Jimmy...)

Gosh, my tooth hurts (root canal), and I am tired, so I am stopping before the posts get even stranger.    Good night.

Brunch 2005-04-30

Try one of these specials with your weekend brunch:

• Michelle has a test for you.


• Beth gets lonely.


• Crystal Clear are the reasons folks are visiting that blog.


• moehawk finally explains himself.


• Laurence Simon couldn't decide whether to cat-blog or Star Wars-blog. So...

Catfish Blogging: Good News, Bad News

First, the good news. Good for the Catfish and their fans, anyway. The Catfish jumped out to an early lead and built on it throughout the night to post a 9-2 victory over the Greenville Bombers (Red Sox) and earn a split in the four-game series. It's also the first time the Catfish have had back-to-back wins this season.

There were smiles all around afterwards, both in the stands and on the field. Lots of young fans were lining up to get autographs of players after the game. The Catfish were more than happy to oblige.

Headline News: 4/29/2005

From WDIV:
Police: Suspect caught living lavishly
Killer of Mary Jo Kopechne found living in Hyannis Port, MA

From KPRC:
Teachers reprimanded for recess vote
Texas Democratic Party demands recount, says felons, dead were not allowed to vote

From ABC News:
School Mistakes Huge Burrito for a Weapon
Vindicated when it goes off an hour after meal

From ABC News:
R.I. Police Say Man Offered Steak for Sex
Defends: Only meat he had to offer

From ABC News:
Pope More Popular in Poland Than Germany
Remembers what happened when they weren't so keen on famous German back in 1939

From ABC News:
Archer Daniels Midland Earnings Miss Views
Really like Barbara Walters, but still can't set the VCR

From ABC News:
Jackson Jurors Shown Nude Boy Photos from '93 Case
Prosecutor to be arraigned to porn charges

From ABC News:
Ex-Georgia Sen. Zell Miller Hospitalized
Just found out he's still registered as a Democrat

From CNN:
FDA OKs lizard-derived diabetes drug
Daily shots replaced by eating bugs

From WCVB:
Dad upset over gay characters in book
Dr. Seuss' last book, "The Cat In The Hat Comes Out" causes controversy

Supper 2005-04-29

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Confederate Yankee shows what happens to a legal immigrant who supports legal immigration.


• Macker says "Oh,yeah?" to the UN.


• ScrappleFace tells of new charges against Rush Limbaugh.


• Chris Short wants help with the AARP.


• The Therapist has the latest on the King of Pop.

Lunch 2005-04-29

Try one of these specials with your lunch"

• ScrappleFace sites a rare bird.


• Hog On Ice is still messing with the Nigerians.


• a small victory sends the Bat right back into Hell. (Let me sleep on it. Baby, baby, let me sleep on it, ...)


• WuzzaDem has the latest poll on Bolton.


• Ogre has an ACLU roundup.

Breakfast 2005-04-29

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Beth may be cheap, but she ain't easy.


• The Therapist shows why there was no malice in the Air America ad.


• Red State Rant says the Democrats may get more than they bargained for.


• Confederate Yankee is spreading rumors.


• Barking Moonbat Early Warning System lightens it up.


• And BMEWS has a tip for the guys. [Guys Only Alert!!]

Filthy Lie: Evil Glenn at BlogNashville

Ever since I managed to gain possession of Evil Glenn Reynolds'® Universal Remote Control, the device he used to travel throughout space and time causing havoc, I have been trying to figure out how to make it work. I'm not an electronics genius, so I'm having to take my time so I don't tear anything up.

Last week, I finally broke the code that opened the help and hints function, and it was easy from that point onward. And just in time, too.

Harvey called this week and told me about Evil Glenn's® plans to attend BlogNashville, and wanted several of us make plans to attend. The hope was that at least one of us would be able to gain admittance to the Friday May 6 Blogging & Journalism Panel Discussion. You see, while the place it's being held seats about a thousand, it was expected to sell out.

The assignment was to gain admittance and ask questions of Evil Glenn®. Sounds easy enough, but security would be a challenge to get past.

Catfish Blogging: That's Much Better

Tonight was much better for the Catfish. After dropping the doubleheader last night, Columbus took game three of this four-game series, 7-5.

Luke was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. His batting average is now over .300 and tops on the team. His home run was his third in the South Atlantic League, and the wife and I have seen all three. She was excited and just squealed when the ball bounced off the scoreboard above left-center.

Dan had a good evening, too, going 1-for-3, plus a walk, and two RBIs. His average is up six points, so it was a good night all the way around.

Friday night, they can gain a split in the series before heading to Savannah this weekend. They should do well. Savannah's a pretty good team, but if the breaks go their way, no one can beat the Catfish.

Headline News: 4/28/2005

From CNN:
The ruffian and the college boy
Behind the scenes with Dick Cheney and George Bush

From WCVB:
Archbishop kicks off fundraising campaign
Paying hush money to altar boys, shredding documents more expensive than first thought

From ABC News:
Hilton vs. Richie: When Celebs Duke It Out
The most real and intense rivalry since Jerry Lawler vs Andy Kaufman

From ABC News:
Exploding Toads Puzzle German Scientists
Al Qaeda recriuts reptiles

From ABC News:
Doctors Remove Maggots From Man's Ear
You see, their young enter through the ears and wrap themselves around the cerebral cortex. This has the effect of rendering the victim extremely susceptible to suggestion. Later as they grow follows madness ... and death. These are pets, of course. Not quite domesticated.*

From ABC News:
Pleasantly Plump May Be OK
Then I'm REALLY okay

From ABC News:
Scientists Call for Fishing Limits to Protect Tuna
Bill Parcells offers thanks

From ABC News:
First Lady Says No Plans to Seek Office
Still willing to kick Hillary's ass in a one-on-one fist-fight

From ABC News:
Bus-Train Collision in Sri Lanka Kills 35
Democrats blame Bush

From CNN:
Well-known Alaska alpha wolf killed
NOW Who's The Alpha Male?

Supper 2005-04-28

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• WitNit likes it when folks flash him.


• Reliapundit says you can get spare parts from the UK.


• Gun-Toting Liberal has had enough. [via Beth]


• AmericaBlog sees no shades of gray in this story. [via Eschaton]


• The Volokh Conspiracy wants your rankings.


• IFOC News News has an update on sports and steroids.


• NIF has more news.

Lunch 2005-04-28

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• Ace of Spades HQ says Rosie missed the bus with Letterman.


• The Astute Blogger takes on (surprise!) ... the left.


• Confederate Yankee takes the California GOP to task.


• Conservative Cat knows humans.


• Eyes On The Ball News shows us "Take Your Child To Work Day" at the ACLU.


• Wilson Fu isn't suprised at Dubya's dip.


• Sigmund, Carl and Alfred schools us on arts and craftiness.

Breakfast 2005-04-28

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• ProfShade has a cutaway diagram of the new A380 Airbus


• Mike (Fat Kid) wants help picking out his new vehicle.


• Of the Mind shows the advances made by gays in San Francisco.


• VW sums it all up nicely.


• Captain's Quarters has some thoughts on that bastion of free speech: Canada.

Land Of The Trembling Earth IV

I've been able to drag the story of the wife's visit to the Okefenokee Swamp out for a while now. And, with such a long, drawn out story, you're expecting a big pay-off in the final episode.

This is the final episode.

Catfish Blogging: The Pain, The Pain

"Oh, the pain, the pain." On Lost In Space, Dr. Smith used to say that. I know the feeling.

After getting rained out Tuesday, the Catfish played two against the Greenville Bombers (Red Sox). Things didn't go well. Not at all.

In game one, Columbus had the Bombers out in the second inning, except that the umpire ruled strike three (for the third out) was not a strike, but a ball. At least, that's how I saw it. Anyway, the batter then knocked in some runs and put Greenville up comfortably. Take away that inning, we have a 2-to-2 tie and extra innings.

But, that's not how it goes. The Catfish lost that game, 6-2.

Game two was different, other than the second inning again being the big inning for the visiting team. Greenville punched 5 across and went on to win, 8-0. Their pitchers did a fantastic job of keeping Columbus off-balance, allowing only three hits, two coming in the last two innings.

I'm looking forward to game three of this four-game series. While the Bombers looked the better team Wednesday night, Thursday is another day. And the Catfish can take them.

Headline News: 4/27/2005

From AJC:
J.B. Stoner dies at age 81
Greeted at gates of Hell by Johnnie Cochran, Yassar Arafat, Julius & Ether Rosenberg, among others

From ABC News:
Kansas Board Taking Up Evolution Debate
Expected to continue to reject evolution until current board members are replace by Homo Sapiens

From ABC News:
Grasshopper Infestation Hits S.D. Ranchers
Greensboro baseball club's bus driver make a wrong turn

From ABC News:
Are You a Twinkie Lover? E-mail Us!
... since you're too fat to take your ass down to the mailbox

From ABC News:
David Beckham and Wife to Sue Ex-Nanny
Fran defends: "I was talking about Niles, not all Englishmen..."

From ABC News:
Elton Plans Civil Marriage with Long-Term Male Partner
Weight gain, sudden marriage leads to rumors he's pregnant

From ABC News:
Actress Says 'Desperate Housewives' Are Friends
Crew of TV show agrees ... if you remove the last 'R' from that sentence

From ABC News:
Senate Passes $81 Billion War Spending Bill
Now If They Can Just Come Up With The Other $219 Billion

From ABC News:
Democratic Challenger to DeLay Bows Out
Says DeLay doing fine job of getting kicked out of Congress all by himself

From CNN:
Albuquerque prepares for 300th birthday
Dick Clark, present at city's founding, will be keynote speaker at celebration

Supper 2005-04-27

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Down For Repairs is down for ... fishing!!


• Sortapundit got his car.


• The Therapist analyzes Katie Couric.


• aTypicalJoe watches Katie Couric.


• Toner Mishap gets e-mails from John Kerry.


• The Astute Blogger talks guns, butter, debt, and left.


• Eyes On The Ball News has the transcript of a VH1 show.


• Gut Rumbles takes Instapundit to task.

Lunch 2005-04-27

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• WuzzaDem has a Scarborough Country transcript.


• Spacemonkey (IMAO version) finds his identity: pitchman.


• Spacemonkey (classic version) is from Alabama.


• Michelle Malkin looks at what happens when a cancer survivor on the left speaks on a cancer fighter on the right.


• Wizbang is prepping to watch cable nonstop.


• Moe has a picture of Donald Rumsfeld and Dolly Parton; now there's a couple of big ones.


• Is mountaineer musing still counting the votes?

Breakfast 2005-04-27

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The Jawa Report has part 3 of the interview with Carrie Hallums Cooper


• Info Theory wants to know why people visit his blog.


• UnSpun takes on Christian gangs.


• groupThink is blogging again.


• If moehawk offers you punch at a party ... pass.


• The ancored nomad says "Crack Kills"

WTW: Fun With No Clothes

Yesterday, Basil went and told on himself about the first time he went to a strip club. Read it if you hadn't already.

Anyway, I had heard that story before, back around the time it happened. He told me about it, cause he had to spend a couple of nights over at the trailer, seeing as how the woman he was married to back then didn't particularly care for him being took to a place like that, and went and changed the locks on the place.

Me and Basil sat around talking about things, and I was sure impressed with his description of the place. He mentioned that it was loud, but not real loud. He also told about the big fellas that was acting as bouncers at the place. He said they was some big dudes. And they kept the folks there in line, throwing out some drunks.

And it all got me to thinking. I said we could open up a place like that and make a ton of money. But Basil wouldn't have none of it. But that was okay with me. I figured I could make the money and not have to split it with him.

But things don't always go like you plan. I did pick me up a double-wide for sale and moved it to just inside the city, because while it was a dry county, it was a wet city. And, once we got set up, we put in some special things to give it local atmosphere. Like a gas fireplace and some ceramic statues like they used to have on Wheel of Fortune. This place was going to be high class.

We put lots of time into setting it all up, nearly a full week. And on our opening night, we had all kind of games, and we topped it all off with a strip-twister contest. Twister has always been real big in my home town. So we made a big promotion out of the whole thing, and I thought it went well. But for some reason, no one showed up the next night. And when the bills came due, we had to shut it down.

That was a shame, because we coulda had a big thing going. Never could figure out why no one came back, particularly after all the noise the crowd made during the stip-twister contest. I even found a picture:

Headline News: 4/26/2005

From ABC News:
Supreme Court: Gun Law Doesn't Count Foreign Convictions
Foreign law only applies on death penalty cases involving minors

From ABC News:
Photos Show Pitt, Jolie Together in Africa
Reporters ignore genocide, starvation to focus on "real" news

From CNN:
Conservative Democrats scarce in South
Non-existent elsewhere

From BBC:
US movie pirates face jail terms
Johnny Depp, Cary Elwes, Errol Flynn set to appeal

From ABC News:
Herd of Buffalo Disrupts Traffic in Md.
Hillary Clinton campaigns in Pikesville

From ABC News:
Experts Remove Young Bear From N.J. Tree
Had head stuck in jar labeled "HUNNY"

From ABC News:
Flesh Chunks Found in Iowa Water Lines
Where Wendy's makes its chili

From ABC News:
Tiberius Crowned King of Wrinkles, Drool
Having died on March 16, 37 AD, the former Roman Emperor doesn't care

From ABC News:
Judge to Woman: Jail or Packers Tickets
Has seen Packers roster, will take jail

From ABC News:
Lawmakers Push for Federal Sex Offender Registry
Will allow them to keep up with Ted Kennedy once he retires

Supper 2005-04-26

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Farmhunk (The View from the Bunker) quit smoking last Friday, and hasn't been seen since.


• The Project Bowl had declared Wednesday a blogging Day of Random. I'm so honored. Everybody will post just like I do. [via Down For Repairs]


• Beautiful Atrocities looks at Libya's quest for "compensation."


• Beekeeper explains Howard DEAN.


• bookofjoe asks if love is real.

Sports Extra!

Today's Columbus Ledger-Enquirer has an article on Columbus Catfish middle infielder Brandon Carter. He joined
the team near the end of the 2004 season, and the wife and I were his sponsor family. He is back with the Catfish this
season and is being sponsored by another family. Still, it was nice to see a write-up on Brandon in the paper. Take the time to read it. You may recognize a name or two.

Lunch 2005-04-26

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• SondraK looks to the left and says "Your ride is here."


• Maggie must have a thing for guys in orange. Or they have a thing for her.


• ManicViking tweaks Firefox.


• A Small Victory calls Frampton overrated.


• Ace looks at a certain dad being upset with his son's sexual preference.


• Raven has a question about Air Marshalls and 9/11.


• Baseball Musings has stats on a meaningless stat.

Breakfast 2005-04-26

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The Astute Blogger says slow and steady wins the race.


• The New Editor looks at two reporters fired for researching their story.


• Beth takes issue with Jane and her defenders. And, no not that Jane.


• Goober Queen just isn't herself.


• Interested-Participant has found the newest diet craze, sure to replace Atkins or South Beach.

Fantasy Supper

During our extended weekend trip, we stayed Friday night in Columbia, Tennessee. We have a niece that lives there, and another that lives near there. They are sisters, the wife's brother's daughters. The older is married and is now expecting her first child, and the younger is in high school.

This was my first trip here. While I know the nieces, I don't really know their mother. They had moved to Tennessee before I came into the picture, but saw the nieces during their trips to see their father.

Anyway, we wanted to take them out to supper Friday night. They played phone tag a lot. Actually, they had a bunch of little conversations that got about as much accomplished as phone tag. But, finally the question was asked and answered: Q: "Where do you want to go to supper?" A: "Fantasy"

"Fantasy?" What kind of place could that be. I had been to a place with a similar name in Jacksonville years ago. Oh, I never told you about that, did I? Okay, then...

Headline News: 4/25/2005

From ABC News:
Most Condoms in India Used to Make Saris
Large Demand For Saris That Are Ribbed For Her Pleasure

From ABC News:
Inventor Creates Soundless Sound System
Prof. Hubert J. Farnsworth does it again

From ABC News:
Marijuana Party Launches Local Campaign
Campaign Slogan: Dude, Let's Remember To Vote This Time

From ABC News:
Grandmother Who Stopped Bobcat Shuns Media
Goldthwait also refuses to comment

From ABC News:
Wendy's Hopes Arrest Woos Back Customers
New ad campaign: "Try Our Chili, Now With Less Human Remains"

From ABC News:
Elian Gonzalez Thanks U.S., Cuba for Help
If he has to live in country with Godless society and crazy-left media, he'd just as soon it be his country of birth

From CNN:
Becks, Posh Ticked At Tab
No problem, however, with Diet Coke

From CNN:
Meteor shower sparks calls to police
Meteor told to keep curtains closed

From CNN:
E-mails 'hurt IQ more than pot'
Nigerian scams, penis enlargment drugs explained

From CNN:
Slain girl mourned at funeral
That's usually when it happens

Supper 2005-04-25

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• GOP and the City doesn't take to kindly to the City being blamed for 9/11.


• Grandma's House had headlines.


• hamstermotor had a roundup of ... hamstermotor.


• Hello Iraq asks for your help.


• Hog On Ice is toying with the Nigerian spammers again.

Lunch 2005-04-25

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• Steven (A Republic...) asks what happens when a darling of the left acts like a darling of the right.


• Harvery offers a blogger words of advice.


• Conservative Cat finds little truth, including in movies.


• Dane Bramage does Bolton-blogging.


• ScrappleFace says church will never be the same.

Breakfast 2005-04-25

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The New Editor finds a spammer that's at least honest about it.


• Pluto observes government standards.


• Tish faces some tough questions.


• Beth found some terror blogs. And some suggestions.


• moehawk is growing.

I'm Baaack!

I want to express my thanks to phin and moehawk for taking care of things while the wife and I were on our long weekend. I knew things would be in good hands with a fish on guard duty and an ace reporter keeping everyone informed.

I asked the guest-bloggers at the last minute. I mean, Friday morning is when I asked them. And we left Friday morning. While I was getting ready to leave. That's how last minute it was. I know, that wasn't fair to them. But you know what? Being the troopers they are, they jumped right in.

Because I waited so late, I had written posts and scheduled them to appear Friday at Lunch and Supper, and the Friday evening Headline News on Friday. It was completely unnecessary. And, to top it off, my Big Sister (who's 5'4") interrupted her busy week to help out.

One other thing. There were some very nice things said by phin on Sunday night. I really appreciate those comments. Thanks.

Thanks to all of you for keeping things going and under control. I owe you guys. Big time.

Thanks basil

basil said he 'spects traffic to start dropping of since he's blogging about baseball.  I started to reply in the comments, but since I've got the keys to his place for at least a little while longer I figured I'd post about it.

I can't really see traffic at basil's doing anything other than increasing as time goes by, matter of fact I'd be willing to bet somebody this shiny quarter I've got in my pocket that it does nothing but increase.  There are several reasons I feel will keep people keep coming back, I'll only get into a couple of them.  One reason, most of the posts are well written, I say most of them because I have a couple of posts here that may be stinkin' the joint up (sorry 'bout that ya'll, but you do the best you can with what you've got).

Another is people can relate to what he's writing about, especially with baseball.  My local team is the Kinston Indians, when their schedule doesn't conflict with my sister-in-law's softball schedule we try to attend their games.  It's professional baseball in its most pure form.  You don't have the superstars that demand the spotlight, the fans don't ruin the atmosphere and it's still affordable, all in all it's and enjoyable way to spend a weekend afternoon.  With the enthusiasm basil displays for the Catfish it'd be hard not to vicariously pull for the Catfish.

Then there are those of us that stop by to for the meals.  Breakfast / Lunch / Supper and the occasional snack provide us with links to blogs we may not otherwise read.  I can say with some certainty that on a daily basis I find a post I would have probably missed were it not for basil's suggestion.  I've also found several of my daily reads from meal time post, blogs that I probably wouldn't have otherwise found.  Then there are the readers that found my blog through the links basil offered.

Thanks basil for the inviting each of us in to share the passion you display for the Catfish, bringing back memories of games we've attended or played in, keeping us entertained with the Alliance's various assignments and keeping us well fed while we're reading along.
phin

If you've got something to add leave it in the comments, that way maybe the Mrs. basil won't take basil away for an entire weekend again; Its way to much pressure trying to find something to satisfy all the finicky eaters out there.

Body Parts

Well, I've been out of pocket seeing about fixing body parts that weren't working just right. I just got logged back on, and I see that basil has disappeared. Hmmmmm.....

Body parts, you ask? (You DID ask, didn't you?) Well, it's not nearly as melodramatic as it sounds. Seems as if I had a filling fall out a while back, and while I won't bore you with all the details, I will say that it turned into a three-part root canal. Yuck! Double yuck!! I have had parts one and two, and part three comes tomorrow morning. Triple yuck!!! I have had a lot of swelling and lumps in my cheeks, and I had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. (and yes, it has hurt a little) I'll be glad to have part 3 finished and my mouth working ok again.

Also, this past week Mama had to have knee surgery... the kind where they poke three holes in your knee and fix it. Well, that meant a trip to Little Sister's (who's 6'0") house because she works at a hospital, and that's where Mama was having the surgery. I drove Mama and Daddy down there and back, and I have been staying with Mama while Daddy has been seeing about a dead body.

Dead body, you ask? (You did ask, didn't you?)  Well, you see, Daddy is an officer in the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution. There's a Revolutionary War soldier buried in the county where I live, and there was a ceremony to dedicate a monument at the soldier's grave this afternoon. (It ought to be on the Savannah TV news tonight.) Anyway, Daddy was the person seeing to all the arrangements.

And I am the person who has been seeing about everything and everybody else. So, like I said, I have been seeing about body parts. It's my turn again tomorrow. Wish me luck...

I see phin and moehawk have been taking care of things for basil. I am sure he is deeply appreciative. I extend my heartfelt thanks to you, too.

I miss you basil...

basil should be home soon

Some folks think that Mrs. basil's plotting revenge on basil for post about a cock fight and that he might not be coming back.

Don't worry if he's not back soon I'll but the skills I acquired as a stalker non paid unwanted private investigator to use.

Sunday Brunch 4/24/05: southern fried phish

Try one of these specials with your Sunday brunch:

• Mustang 23 talks about testing his privates.
• Ogre is looking for help to save the king.
• Beth says to quit whining (well she didn't say it that way, but it is Sunday and all).
• Mean Ol' Meany is trying to keep from exercising.
• The Rottweiler Analyzes the Left's Analysis of the War in Iraq.
• The Jawa Report has a Caption Contest.
• Sigmund, Carl and Alfred are talking about sex in school.
• moehawk apologizes for robbing basil and does headlines.

Saturday Lunch 4/23/05: phish and chips

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• WitNit is tracking The Stupid Meme he created (I'm not being mean, that's the name of the meme).
• An American Housewife has a New Obsession.
• The Wizard muses about his daughter riding around topless.
• Superhawk says: My give a damn's busted.
• Preston Taylor Holmes talks about the woman who got the finger.
• evil moehawk helps out with Headlines, always a favorite.
• Here's a reminder in case you're thinking about acting up while basil's away.

Breakfast 4/23/05: phish phlakes

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Spacemonkey presents us with a Friday Perspective.
• Dash reminisces about fishing (at least it wasn't in my bowl).
• TeaFizz thinks to much.
• Tammi tells us what a girl wants.
• William Teach says Nancy Pelosi is ice skating.
• Ogre's tracking the If I Could Be.... Meme (Sure wish I could be on a weekend road trip).

We couldn't have you going hungry while basil & Mrs. basil were away now could we?

While basil's away the goldfish will play

As basil said earlier he and Mrs. basil have run away for the weekend. I tried to get them to take me, but they said there just wasn't room.  I don't take up much space; but basil said somebody had to stay back and guard the fort.


So that's what I'm gonna do.  I'll be standing guard making sure nobody tries to sneak in an throw a wild party.  He warned me that The Sisters(Big, Little and Mean) were party animals; but I assured him it wouldn't happen on my watch.

I bet now you're wondering just what I'd do if somebody decided to have a wild fandango with midgets strippers and a bath tub full of Mad Dog 20/20.  Well there's a little known fact about goldfish.  Goldfish, besides being extremely intelligent and sexy, make excellent "guard dogs".  Didn't know that did you. 

Well that's where another little known fact about goldfish comes in handy:  We have teeth. 


See, I brushed them just for you.

Now be sure to behave yourself so I don't have to take a chunk out of your behind.  If you're planning on misbehaving like leaving comment or track back spam.  Don't even think about.  basil's blog is protected by a rabid goldfish.  So go ahead, just back away slowly, we'll act like nothing ever happened and close the door behind you when you leave.

Just don't turn out the light, I'm scared of the dark.

Headline News: 4/22/2005

From ABC News:
7 Corpses Found in Ancient Egyptian Tomb
Had hoped to find 5,600-year-old people alive, but arrived too late

From ABC News:
Ex-Ecuador President Gets Asylum in Brazil
Wanted "Arkham Asylum" in Gotham City, but settled for clear title to "Capella do Asyllo de Órphäs"

From ABC News:
Building a Better Pyramid
Scientists: "The ones in Egypt have only survived for 5000 years. We can do better!"

From ABC News:
Geyser Microbes May Point to Mars Life
Handy if Martians disguise themselves as humans

From CNN:
Qatar to replace camel riders with robots
Shortage of roast beef, Provolone cheese blamed

From KCRA:
Man pulls gun during test drive
Would have been arrested had it not happened in California

From WDIV:
Song touts Detroit
Ice-T's "Cop Killer" re-released

From BBC:
Stranded SA commuters torch bus
Crowd fell silent when asked how they were getting home now

From BBC:
Actor Chan calls for landmine ban
Still content to release his own bombs

From BBC:
Early Universe was 'liquid-like'
"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."

Supper 2005-04-22

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Nihilist In Golf Pants did an entire day on Jimmy Carter. [via EckerNet.Com]
• Chris (FlashBang) is enjoying the break.
• GOP and the City says the church is there for him.
• Denise feels that Michael Smith, who spit on Jane Fonda, was right.
• Hector Vex feels Michael Smith was wrong.
• Thursday's Headline News gave my thoughts on Michael Smith.

Lunch 2005-04-22

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• The Therapist explains Howard Dean.
• Down for Repairs says Don't Be A Boob.


• Emily celebrates a birthday.


• ScrappleFace has an update on the Senate hearing. Both of them.


• Eyes On The Ball News confirms the rumors about the new pope.

Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid

With the wife and I on a weekend trip of undetermined origin and length, some new faces might show up around here. I'll drop in as I'm able, but again, I might not be able.

The Sisters (Big, Mean, Little) may decide to drop by. Buy you never know. They have, like, lives and such.

But some others might drop by.

Before I go, I want to share with you, even though it's bad new, that the Catfish fell to Rome last night. They had the lead, 4-2, with two out in the bottom of the ninth, but three straight walks loaded the bases and allowed the tying and winning run for Rome to score. Some days are like that. But, today's a new day. Good things will happen.

Breakfast 2005-04-22

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The Therapist says rising gas prices affect everyone.
• Kim (Ramble Strip) says Opposites Attract.
• Diane (Respublica) reminds everyone about Google's phone number look-up, including yours.
• Oldcatman (BMEWS) has a great ballpark quiz for baseball fans ... if he can find his answers.
• oystersnout is baseball blogging.

Filthy Lie: Evil Glenn and Baseball

Pete: "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another day of Atlanta Braves baseball. This is Pete Van Wieren, along with Joe Simpson, coming to you from our nation's capital as the Braves take on the Washington Nationals. Joe, the Braves have gotten off to a slow start this season, and part of the problem has been the lack of support for John Smoltz." Joe: "That's right, Pete. Smoltzy has pitched as well as could be expected following that opening day loss, but the Braves bats just haven't been there for him. He's 0-and-3, but should be 2-and-1. He's pitched that well. And... what?" Pete: "Sorry, Joe, but I'm getting word that something of importance has been announced by Major League Baseball. If this is correct ... yes, we've a confirmation ... Major League Baseball has announced the resignation of Commissioner Allan H. 'Bud' Selig."

Headline News 2005-04-21

From BBC:
UN body fails to condemn Sudan
Voinovich, Biden: "That's the kind of ambivalence and indecision we seek in a U.N. Ambassador, not someone like Bolton"

From KPRC:
Zoo euthanizes baby elephant
PETA & ACLU silent, thought Baby Bella news reports were about a human

From ABC News:
Long-Awaited Lincoln Museum Opens in Ill.
Was delayed by the work to open the libraries of more important presidents

From ABC News:
Officials Investigate Buttocks Shooting
Police: Man was being an ass

From ABC News:
L.A. Attorney Moonlights As a Porn Star
What really happened to Johnnie Cochran

From ABC News:
Zoo Keeps Gorillas Kosher for Passover
Our Jewish friends can now also enjoyed the taste of fresh-cooked gorilla for the holidays

From ABC News:
Jurors to Decide Accused Sergeant's Fate
Juries do that, you know

From ABC News:
Man Spits in Jane Fonda's Face at Book Signing
Shows support for troops by spitting in 67-year-old woman's face and running away like a little girl

From ABC News:
Cuckoos May Be Dim, But They Are Strategic
Inside the Democratic Party

From ABC News:
Expert: Apes May Be Key to Human Nature
Inside the Republican Party

Supper 2005-04-21

Try one of these specials with your super:

• Champaign Media Watch signs off. Until the fall. Maybe.


• Common Sense Runs Wild on the ACLU.


• Conservative Cat speaks on common sense.


• Cranky Neocon shares the love.


• Dane Bramage says there's something about Mary.


• Soldiers' Angels is worth your consideration. [via Beth]

Lunch 2005-04-21

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• ScrappleFace smiles and says "cheese."


• The Astute Blogger urges support for Bolton.


• aTypicalJoe likes the new Google search history.


• Baldilocks Pope-bogs.


• Oddybobo is now a member of the Bad Example family.


• Soldiers' Angels is worth your consideration. [via Beth]

Breakfast 2005-04-21

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Soldiers' Angels is worth your consideration. [via Beth]


• HunderedPercenterNews is 100% tired of NewsMax spam.


• Steven (easier to just type his name rather than "A Republic, Madam, If You Can Keep It") looks at teachers. Some teachers, anyway.


• ScrappleFace has a similar take.


• An American Housewife is suffering blog burnout. And she only made three more posts later that same day.


• Assumption of Command has located the Sea Tiger. *

Catfish Blogging

Yes, I fully expect that things will start dropping off any day now. I'm talking about links to this little blog. I appreciate all the folks that have been linking. But, I realize that few people care about a Class A baseball team in Columbus, Georgia.

But I do.

And I appreciate the other baseball fans that can understand my obsession with the sport. And with my local team,

Headline News 2005-04-20

From ABC News:
U.S. Frees 17 Afghans, 1 Turk from Guantanamo Jail
Will keep bunks reserved for them when they are recaptured fighting against Americans next week

From CNN:
Food pyramid becomes 12 pyramids
USDA under investigation for running pyramid scheme

From CNN:
Talking dog, evil infant, mastermind
Bush holds cabinet meeting

From CNN:
Wandering whale heads back to Atlantic
Accompanied by gnome

From CNN:
Opera Web browser ups security
Opera to Microsoft: Up Yours

From CNN:
White House backs DeLay
... Into a corner

From KGTV:
Effort under way to recall mayor
Can't quite remember his name, think it's Murray or Murphy or something like that

From KGTV:
Police: Mom steals mail to help son
Wants him to grow up to be a thief

From KMBC:
Rabbi, man with swastika trade blows
Results are in: Man with swastika really blows

From CNN:
Taliban back on Afghan airwaves
'Air America' now available world-wide

Supper 2005-04-20

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Confederate Yankee says Benedict XVI is not here to make you laugh ...


• Wonkette's Greg Beato pokes fun at the food pyramid ... and at poking fun at the food pyramid.


• The Pirate Captain is running for student body president. [via A Bama Blog]


• A LowB World talks about happy children.


• Julie with a B puns with nuns.

Lunch 2005-04-20

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• The New Editor says it's a matter of degrees.


• ScrappleFace says a new product, RC Lite, is on the market. And, no, it's not RC Cola's new diet drink.


• The Zero Boss: daddy-to-be again?


• Tim Blair has an unrelated story.


• Wizbang shows the health risks are a big fat lie. Maybe.

WTW: Picking A Pope

So they've gone and picked 'em a Pope. Well, good for them.

Since I'm not Roman Catholic, it's not that big a deal to me. But for those who is, it is. So it's a good thing.

But you know, when they pick the Pope of Rome, they do it different than us Baptists do. What I saw them doing on the news channels was pretty much the same thing they did back in 1978.

Breakfast 2005-04-20

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The Astute Blogger looks at Sen. Voinovich.


• The Therapist examines the media and the pope.


• WuzzaDem tries blogging with MSN Spaces.


• Jeff H (Think Sink) holds a news conference about the voting scandal.


• Confederate Yankee has an update on the Minutemen.

WTW: Real Sports

I waked up this morning and realized it was Wednesday. And I had gone and told Basil that I'd cover for him on Wednesdays. He must be sleeping in since he was up late last night.

He had gone over to the baseball game to watch his team play. And he weren't too happy afterwards. He was happy with how his team played, cause they played a good game, but wasn't happy with the final score, because they didn't win.

Basil goes to the baseball games. Me, I'm not much on going to baseball. I used to go over to the Braves games when they was in Atlanta, but since they moved to Turner Field, I hadn't been able to find them. I mean, look at a map of Georgia. It's got Atlanta on it. And that's the stadium they played in. But, they moved and I can't find no Turner Field on the map.

But that's okay. Cause I can watch them on TV sometimes. When the weather's clear, I can turn the TV antenna to point it in the direction of Atlanta and watch them on channel 17. Seems they still are on the Atlanta TV channels.

But, I'm ready for some real sports. None of this silly baseball stuff. I'm ready to pack up the car and head out for ...

Headline News: 4/19/2005

From CNN:
Top Democrat seeks to delay Bolton vote
With Bolton's confirmation certain, Sen. Joseph Biden wants to look silly for a while longer

From WRAL:
Golden Corral founder dies
In honor, Wendy's offers William Foster Carl chili on 99¢ menu

From KMGH:
Deputies: Shooting dogs legal on property
Especially if they are caught cheating at cards

From CNN:
Bodies of Kuwaitis unearthed in Iraq
Bush Blamed

From ABC News:
US Airways Glitch Leads to Cheap Tickets
Programmer inadvertently set prices to match value of service

From ABC News:
Sting Teaches Star-Struck Music Students
Steve Borden shows there is life after wrestling

From ABC News:
Man Seeks Library for 'Real' 1st President
Family of John Hanson ready to kick his ass

From ABC News:
Police in Ariz. Seek Monkey for SWAT Team
State is currently last in nation in screaming, feces-throwing SWAT Teams

From ABC News:
Motorist Injured by Flying Frozen Sausage
At least, that's the story he told his wife

From ABC News:
Man Sets Record With 157 Squibs on Body
Also listed in Guinness as "Man With Most Free Time"

Supper 2005-04-19

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• IFOC News has a programming schedule change.
• The Jawa Report says Collin's back in.
• The Minor Prophet looks at God in China.
• Crystal (via The Awide Awakes) looks at the L.A. mayors race.
• The Truth Laid Bear is following the vote.
• Confederate Yankee follows DU around with a pooper-scooper.
• Dane Bramage does Headlines.

Interview With Susan Hallums

Getting serious for a minute.

Excerpted from The Jawa Report:

American Roy Hallums was abducted from his temporary Baghdad home on
November 1st, 2004. He was in Iraq as a civilian contractor working on
rebuilding efforts. His mission had everything to do with helping the
Iraqi people rebuild their country after decades of war, mismanagement,
and terror under the Saddam Hussein regime. ...

Unfortunately the mainstream media has tended to bury stories of
American hostages in the back pages until something dramatic happens,
such as the release of a hostage video. ...

I had the opportunity to have several e-mail conversations with both
Susan Hallums and Carrie Hallums Cooper recently. They have graciously
agreed to letting us interview them. What follows is part 1 in a series
of interviews with the family of Roy Hallums. This segment features an
interview with Susan Hallums.

Read it all. Dr. Rusty Shackleford is doing a four-part series of interviews. Part 2 (scheduled to be
posted tomorrow) discusses what is being done to secure Roy's release.

Part 3-4 (next week) is an interview with Carrie Hallums, daughter of
Roy Hallums. Do not miss this series.

If I Could Be…

Gee, thanks, Jody. You're going to make me have to think! I don't normally use my brain when I blog, so this will definitely be a change.

First, here's the rules of the "If I Could Be A ..." meme that I've been slapped upside the head tagged with:

Immediately following there is a list of 18 19
20 different occupations. You must select at least 5 of them (feel free
to select more). You may add more if you like to your list before you
pass it on (after you select 5 of the items as it was passed to you).
Each one begins with "If I could be..." Of the 5 you selected, you are
to finish each phrase with what you would do as a member of that
profession.

For example, if the selected occupation was "linguist,"
you might take the phrase "If I could be a linguist...I would learn Hebrew, Greek, Russian, Italian and Chinese." See how
easy that is? Here's the list:

If I could be a scientist...
If I could be a farmer...
If I could be a musician...
If I could be a doctor...
If I could be a painter...
If I could be a gardener...
If I could be a missionary...
If I could be a chef...
If I could be an architect...
If I could be a linguist...
If I could be a psychologist...
If I could be a librarian...
If I could be an athlete...
If I could be a lawyer...
If I could be an innkeeper...
If I could be a professor...
If I could be a writer...
If I could be a llama-rider...
If I could be a bonnie pirate...
If I could be an astronaut...

So, here are my answers:

Lunch 2005-4-19

Try one of these specials with your lunch:

• Sheryl provides us with what we need: more bra stories!
• Sara (guest posting at Sigmund, Carl, and Alfred) talks about sex.
• Scared Monkeys says the government is cracking down on Al-Jazeera.
• ScrappleFace has more on the Bolton hearings.
• Confederate Yankee says, despite their name, one certain group are no Angels.

Breakfast 2005-04-19

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Protein Wisdom is on pope-watch.
• Riehl World View has your pope.
• Merri Musings says it's Bob, not John, who is flip-flopping this time.
• Huw says it's not baseball season, it's not duck season, it's ...
• Say Anything said the sky REALLY IS falling.

They Earned That One

Boy, did it feel good to get a win tonight. The Catfish, after losing three in a row to Rome, bounced back to take a 4-0 win from the River Dogs.

Going into the game, Charleston was the number two team in the division, a game behind Augusta. And the River Dogs had beaten Columbus in all three games in Charleston last week. So this win for the Catfish tonight felt very good. Very good, indeed.

Headline News: 4/18/2005

From ABC News:
Black Smoke from Vatican Signals No Pope Chosen
U. S. Catholics must wait at least another day to find out whose pronouncements they will ignore

From ABC News:
Some Fear Loss of Women's Rights in Iraq
Especially those that forget they had no rights under Saddam

From ABC News:
Dog Rejected As Cash Drawing Winner
He'd just spend it all on his bitches

From ABC News:
'Mad Max' Fans Arrested for Re-creation
'Johnny The Boy' still looking for his foot

From ABC News:
How a New Pope Is Chosen
Eeny Meeny Miny Moe...

From ABC News:
Adobe Buys Macromedia in $3.4B Stock Deal
We are one step closer to the day when all overpriced, full-of-bugs, hard-to-use software all carries one brand name

From ABC News:
Einstein's Legacy Keeps on Expanding
Historians detect 'red shift' in history books

From ABC News:
Microsoft, Yahoo Join Blogging Craze
This day in history: Henry Ford, Ransom Olds join Horseless Carriage Craze

From ABC News:
Once Half-Ton Man Now Weighs 530 Pounds
Michael Moore does TrimSpa

From WRAL:
Durham Named Tree City USA
Bull

Lunch 2005-04-18

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• The Therapist says the legend lives on...


• Blue State Conservatives has the scoop on "Legal Observers" illegal activities. [via Confederate Yankee]


• ScrappleFace has the latest on Bolton vs Boxer: Goo goo ga joob.


• RambleStrip: Mmmm. Candy.


• Beth is being interviewed. (Firefox users: Scroll down. It's there.)

Breakfast: 2005-04-18

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• Confederate Yankee found a blessing in disguise.


• Harvey (IMAO) says Vive le Difference!


• Beth has been possessed by SondraK. Oh, and check out her new Favicon. Yep, SondraK.


• Assumption of Command is in Iraq but is from ... guess where?


• Conservative Cat says us human used to fight for really simple reasons.


• oystersnout had headlines.

No 'I' In 'Team'

It's been a very difficult homestand for the Catfish. After winning the first game of the four-game series with Rome (Braves), the second game was very difficult. But that third game, it was a real heart-breaker.

Headline News: 4/17/2005

From CNN:
Harvard reprimands professor
Should have called 9/11 victims "little Eichmanns"

From CNN:
Student ordered to stop posting old tests
Teachers too busy not teaching to create new tests

From CNN:
Mariah Carey: 'I feel like that's over'
Singer, rest of the world agree about her career

From CNN:
Bush has slime-mold beetle named after him
Sorry, I have nothing to add. It's all been said.

From ABC News:
Man Upset With Penile Surgery Mails Bomb
Doctors not surprised, say man was a real dick, plus he was nuts

From ABC News:
Grandma Stops Intruder With Garden Gnome
After saving Grandma, gnome tells would-be burglar "Don't forget your hat!"

From ABC News:
Man Accused of Being I-65 Flasher Caught
Beth cancels daily trips to Evergreen

From ABC News:
Man Facing Execution Finds Romance
Now has dates with both crazy woman and the needle

From ABC News:
Are Wedding Bells Ringing for Mary Kay Letourneau?
Networks cover her every move, then ask "What's America's fascination?"

From ABC News:
Income Tax Scams From Behind Bars
Convict: "I mean, what are they gonna do to me? Lock me up?"

Brunch 2005-04-17

Try one of these specials with your weekend meal:

• OrthoDixie talks about the merging of two movements.


• Outside The Beltway rounds up Caption Contests.


• Overtaken By Events is up. Let Matt know you're up, too.


• PoliPundit says a Byrd in the hand can be overtaken by Bush.


• Practical Penumbra has a post considering weekend blogging.

Learning To Blog V: Free Image Hosting

Wow. It's been over a month since I read part four of Harvey's series on "Learning To Blog." At first, I was focusing on trying to implement the suggestions about areas where I needed work. Then, It'sAPundit took off, and now I don't have an excuse. Before we start part five (Free image hosting) here's where I still need work:

Headline News: 4/16/2005

From CNN:
Atlanta: 72 holes in 72 hours
Braves make most of exhibition game in Nevada

From ABC News:
Mystery of Wendy's Chili Finger Deepens
Questions about what Wendy's did with Dave Thomas now answered

From ABC News:
Flamboyant Earl Found Dead Five Months After Disappearing
Dixie Chicks questioned

From ABC News:
South Korea Cracks Down on Online Porn
Wants it back on the streets of Seoul where it belongs

From ABC News:
Utah Judge Strikes Down Ephedra Ban
Thought 'Ephedra' meant having two wives

From ABC News:
Vigorous Activity May Lessen Arthritis Disability
Unfortunately, Arthritis Disability May Lessen Vigorous Activity, So You're Screwed

From ABC News:
Teens: Oral Sex a Safe, Common Practice
More From Teens: They'll Live Forever, World Owes Them A Living, Money Grows On Trees

From ABC News:
Carmichael Statue to Be Erected at Indiana
Statue of Lucy to also feature Mr. Mooney

From ABC News:
House GOP Kills Dems' Latest Ethics Move
Not having had any ethics since prior to 1960 election, Democrats unsure how to properly protect ethics from Republicans

From CNN:
Car shopper, 81, hits husband, salesman, tree...
Woman charged with injuring husband and tree, given award for running over car salesman

Brunch 2005-04-16

Try one of these specials with your weekend meal:

• Red State Rant's Jarhead relates tragic results of a search. [Hug Your Kid alert]


• Nate Nichols writes the regents.


• ScrappleFace reports a pre-emptive strike.


• Mitsurugi's Baba Gannouj offers sage advice.


• Naked Villany defines creationism.


• Baseball Musings considers the complete game.

Some Days Are Diamonds …

I'm talking baseball. And after a great come-from-behind-in-extra-innings game Thursday, things took an ugly turn Friday. Actually, the entire game wasn't ugly. Just one inning. But it was ugly. Fugly, even.

Take away the fourth inning, which saw Rome put nine runs on the board. The fact they did that with just five runs and no errors shows how bad things were. And those nine runs did in my beloved Catfish. Take away that one bad inning, and you have 8 great innings of defensive baseball with some absolute gems in the infield. One error in the third inning spoiled an otherwise flawless defensive effort. And, although a run scored on that error, it would have scored anyway, base on how the rest of the inning played out. So no real harm from that error.

But that fourth inning was a nightmare. And that's how things go sometimes. Not just in baseball, but in real life.

The good news: 88% of the game looked great. The crowd was treated to another home run by the local team. And despite the 10-2 score, it only counted as one loss. Saturday, the score's 0-0.

If only life was like that all the time.

Headline News: 4/15/2005

From CNN:
Pop princess reveals worst-kept secret
Britney confirms: She's a nasty skank

From CNN:
Finding the roots of modern humans
Expect to find them right below the trees of modern humans

From CNN:
Sources: Dragnet grabs 10,000 fugitives
Adam-12 arrests 6,000

From WDSU:
Alligator pulled from canal
Embarrassed rescue workers were trying to rescue tourist

From KCCI:
Iowan upset over Rudolph plea agreement
Unaware Iowa doesn't have death penalty

From CNN:
Rumsfeld ups support for Pakistan
Tells India: "I've upped my support for Pakistan. Up yours."

From ABC News:
Great-Great-Grandmother Shoots Robber
She's Also A Great Great Shot

From ABC News:
Colorado Man Resuscitates Chicken
Today chicken gets CPR, tomorrow sold to KFC

From ABC News:
Teacher Resigns After Wearing Blackface
Ted Danson moonlights

From ABC News:
Comcast Internet Clients Having Problems
If you use Comcast and are unable to access the Internet, this story has important information for you!

Supper 2005-04-15

Try one of these specials with your supper:

• Confederate Yankee answers the question "Who Ya Gonna Call?"


• ScrappleFace has the CIA report: No Nukes.


• Eyes On The Ball News covers the big game.


• Conservative Cat reflects on spam.


• oystersnout does Headlines.

Breakfast: 4/15/2005

Try one of these specials with your breakfast:

• This Blog Is Full Of Crap has a better Carnival of the Vanities. [see also It'sAPundit, Sean Gleeson, Wizbang]


• Michelle Malkin has questions for the White House.


• Jim Treacher finds Sploidishness outside of Sploid.


• sarahk got ready for Tax Day with a trip to the dentist.


• Multiple Mentality breaks for a commercial.


• Myopic Zeal rounds up the pie tossing.

That Was AWESOME!!

I'm talking baseball. The local team, the Columbus Catfish (Class A) concluded a 1-5 road trip Wednesday and opened the home season Thursday night. While the road trip was disappointing, it could easily have been a 4-2 trip, with three leads lost late. But that's baseball.

Anyway, Thursday night was the home opener and they were hosting the Rome Braves. This area is Atlanta Braves country. And I've been a Braves fan for many, many years. Still, it's easy to cheer for the local team, even against an affiliate of the Braves. And we came to cheer. In fact, we came early to cheer. Guess who was first in line at the gate? That's right. Your humble servant and the wife were the first two fans in the gate for the 2005 home season.

© Savannah Morning News
http://www.savannahnow.com/

It was a hard-fought game, tied at 1-1 at the end of nine. Columbus' run was a solo home run by Lucas May, one of the two players we're sponsoring. It was his first Class A homer, since he played last year in a Rookie League (Pioneer League). Lucas and others on the Catfish made some outstanding plays and kept the game close. (The picture here is Lucas in a game last week in Savannah.) And it was close through 11. In the top of the twelfth, Rome managed to put two runs across to cause several in the stands to hit the exits. Too bad for them, as Columbus pushed three across in the bottom of the inning to win it, 4-3.

The never-say-die attitude is wonderful to see in the players. And it paid off. Like Dan (the other player we're sponsoring) said, after the hard luck they had on the road trip, the win felt really good.

Yes. Yes, it did.

Headline News: 4/14/2005

From ABC News:
Low-Cost Windows Launched in Brazil
Senate Democrats call for Windows Prescription Card Benefits program

From ABC News:
Thailand to Host World Toilet Summit
Outbid Flushing, New York for the honor

From ABC News:
New Cookies Let Dogs Share With Owners
Ideal companion for new toilet that allows both pets and owners both to drink from

From ABC News:
Nevada Brothels Literally Ask to Be Taxed
To be considered an "income tax" ... or something like that

From ABC News:
Teen Accused of Killing Friend With Bat
Unclear why his friend has his bat

From ABC News:
Eric Rudolph Reveals Motives for Bombings
Admits he's a murdering prick

From ABC News:
Ordinary Iranians Soften Toward U.S.
Dulcalax credited

From CNN:
Poor song pick dooms 'Idol' contestant
World not ready for a remake of 'Jimmy Crack Corn'

From CNN:
Student claims he was suspended for wearing makeup
Worried it will hurt his chance to enroll in Clown College

From CNN:
Museum brings Abraham Lincoln to life
Still unsure how to handle that gaping hole in his head