Google a pizza from your cell phone.

You are out of town. You get a hankering for a pepperoni pizza. But you don't know the location or phone number of a local pizza joint. What will you do? What WILL you do? Find a phone book? That is so 1967.

What I would do is flip open my cell phone and send a text message to Mr. Google. If I was in Beverly Hills, I would text "pizza.90210" to "GOOGL" on my SMS enabled phone. And I would know the street address and phone number of a local pizza joint. In theory. It is a beta program.

You can also get driving directions and weather, stock quotes and more.

Here is what Google says about it.

The Browns

I grew up with the Browns. I can recall seeing bumper stickers proclaiming the Browns "The Winningest Team in the NFL." I can list former Browns Greats quicker than I can list first cousins. I survived the Model debacle.

I can no longer abide what has become a complete and total embarassment. I would love to personally ask each and every player what it feels like to be Pittsburgh's b***.

I apologize for such negativity on Christmas Eve, but they had the nerve to take the field on Christmas Eve and roll over and play dead.

As long as fans continue to buy every seat in the house to watch lousy football, the Browns will continue to dwell in the cellar of the AFC North.

A joke stolen from a Packer's fan..."The Browns are changing their name to the Cleveland 'Possums. At home, they roll over and play dead and they get killed on the road."

One disgusted fan,

LJ

Say it ain't so, Shapiro!

The hot rumor on the hot stove league has Coco Crisp going to the BoSox for Bronson Arroyo. This can't happen. My two year old son's favorite player is Coco Crisp. If the Indians trade him, his heart will be broken. Let's face it, if you raise your child to be an Indians fan you know his heart WILL be broken. But before his third birthday? When he is about to have a Very Coco Christmas? That is too much. I appeal to you Mr. Shapiro, don't do it.

First person account - Iraq

Below is a letter written by a soldier currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army. It was submitted to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. It was forwarded by a fellow soldier, who asked that we spread the word about how our soldiers are affected by the politics in Washington D.C. One man's opinion, you might say. I say it must be respected.

Unfriendly fire

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

I am an infantry soldier with "Task Force Panther" from Pennsylvania. We are deployed in the Anbar Province of Iraq. I have also been a registered Democrat for 25 years. Over the years I've watched and warned that our party was falling into an abyss of absolutely reprehensible behavior.

Was the Democratic Party so afraid of a victory in Iraq, three weeks before its national election, that it would coerce its last respected member in Congress to abandon U.S. soldiers while still in the field?

How dare you, Mr. Murtha -- a Vietnam veteran -- sell out soldiers in combat right before the end of a successful mission! Your behavior is inexcusable. You should be ashamed. I am sure the terrorist insurgency is grateful to you for announcing our defeat days before yet another victory in this country. You owe every American soldier a formal apology.

You could have been remembered as distinguished member of Congress, but now you'll only be remembered as a foolish old man who sold out his country to a den of vipers in the Democratic Party. Thank you for proving once and for all that the Democratic Party is the party of the sore loser, the selfish whiner and the gutless coward. So what was the price to betray us, Judas?

May God have mercy on your soul.

Note: We the returning soldiers of this war will be the force to tell the truth about this conflict and about the despicable actions of the Democratic Party.

Sgt. Mark Russak
"B" Co. 1/110th
North Irwin

Not much doubt where he stands, is there?

Konerko back with the Sox

I knew that he wasn't going to be picked up by the Tribe, but at least I was hoping for him to sign with a left coast team (Tokyo?). Let's hope that some of the ChiSox starting pitching falls off this year, beacause the middle of their lineip looks mighty tough!

Did you know

that I went to College with Albert Belle? not at FSU, but at CSU in '92. He would pass by the couch area where me and my friends would sit. He would say hi to me everyday and I got his autograph for my boyfriend's brother. While he was signing his autograph my now brother-in-law reminded me to ask him if he wanted to play on our intra-mural basketball team that I wasn't a part of. He said he would have to check - I said why are you playing winter ball? He said no spring training - I should have known - he never played with us and then I never spoke with him again. I was proud - he was the first "friend" at CSU that I introduced my sister too - unfortunately he didn't get her name right. Having said all that - I still don't think he belongs in the HOF.

Thome to the White Sox????

I wonder if his "ROCK" told him to go there. Do you think Charlie will go there next? I think we are still much better now not having Thome. I would take Pronk any day of the week and twice on Sunday's.

Anybody got word on this Ryan guy?? What is Wicky's story???

Mark Steyn does it again!

I marvel that a humble fellow sitting in a non-descript suburb of a non-major metropolis may access superb writing on the great issues of the day with a click of the mouse. Mark Steyn is a great observer of the world war in which we are engaged. Writing about Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and the recent events in Jordan:

The old head-hacker was sufficiently rattled by the critical pans of his Jordanian hotel bombings that he issued the first IRA-style apology in al-Qa'eda's history. "People of Jordan, we did not undertake to blow up any wedding parties," he said. "For those Muslims who were killed, we ask God to show them mercy, for they were not targets." Yeah, right. Tell it to the non-Marines. It was perfectly obvious to Ali Hussein Ali al-Shamari and his missus what was going on when they strolled into the ballroom of the Radisson Hotel.

Still, Mr Zarqawi has now announced his intention to decapitate King Abdullah. "Your star is fading," he declared. "You will not escape your fate, you descendant of traitors. We will be able to reach your head and chop it off."

Good luck, pal. I don't know what Islamist Suicide-Bombing For Dummies defines as a "soft target" but a Jordanian-Palestinian wedding in the public area of an hotel in a Muslim country with no infidel troops must come pretty close to the softest target of all time. Even more revealing, look at who Zarqawi dispatched to blow up his brother Muslims: why would he send Ali Hussein Ali al-Shamari, one of his most trusted lieutenants, to die in an operation requiring practically no skill?

Hat tip to The Anchoress

It snowed today

Yes, today was the first day this season that my little frigid corner of paradise saw snow accumulate. Which means, of course, that before I drove two miles on my commute this morning I saw two wrecks. I didn't actually see the impact, just people standing beside cars and gesticulating to police officers. Attempting to recreate in contemporary dance and movement the phrase "Gee officer, I guess I did forget how to drive sometime in the last seven months."

Read the map, people!

I don't consider myself a particularly fastidious homeowner. I try to keep the grass cut in the summer and the sidewalk scraped in the winter. And in the fall, I try to get the leaves raked into our leaf bags or yard waste cans. Every year our community is kind enough to distribute a map at the beginning of the season showing the schedule for leaf pick-up. On the weeks my neighborhood is on the schedule, I rake the leaves to the tree lawn the closest day practical to the pick-up date. Is this a difficult concept? I guess it is. Some of my neighbors will rake the leaves to the curb anytime the fancy strikes them. Did I mention that Autumn is a windy time of year in this part of the world? You can deduce what follows. My leaves are in cans and bags and their leaves are on my lawn. I implore you, good people in a seven house radius, read the map!

27

The Final Diff tonight was 27. Cavs won, by the way.

The season never ends.

Behold my boy John. We try to tell him that the baseball season is over. He will hear nothing of it. Most every evening you can find him taking shadow batting practice. Here he demonstrates his Coco Crisp batting stance. Complete with intimidating stare. 

Who is THE DIFF for?

The scoreboard at the Q now shows THE DIFF. Recently it was asked, is this for the fans? or is it for the players to know who is winning?

The murder of Saddam's lawyers

I just read that Saddam's lawyers were murdered. I'm just curious - did Saddam have this done on purpose to delay his trial? Are people really trying to kill Saddam and just missing? I don't know - just thought I would throw that out there.

The Best Sports Announcers

My husband and I have been discussing this topic for a few days now. In my humble opinion here is who I think are the some of the best in their respective sports:

Hockey - Gary Thorne

Basketball - Joe Tait

Baseball - Tom Hamilton, Matt Underwood, Craig Deas, Steve Lyons, Joe Buck is ok, Lou Pinnella

Football - Pat Summerall with John Madden, Mike Tirico, Howard Cossell

Golf - Mike Tirico, Jim Nantz

A good start for the Cavaliers

I tuned into the season opener with LeBron and the boys. Pretty impressive. I have no idea if New Orleans/Oklahoma City is any good. But the Cavs jumped out to an early lead and just kept rolling. The threes were dropping and the free throw percentage was good. Several steals.

In the first half the Hornets got away with too many open shots, but adjustments were seemingly made.

Now for my gripe. With about five minutes left, "The Q" began to empty. I know it is a work/school night, but c'mon! It is only 9:55 as write this. What do Cleveland sports fans need to stick around to the final horn/whistle/gun/out?

Why are my favorite rockers Scots?

I am watching VH-1 Classics this evening. Highly entertaining for this Son of The Eighties. Look! The Outfield! Love them! Del Amitri... can't do better than Del Amitri. The Waterboys, L O V E the Waterboys. Big Country...how ever did they get a guitar to sound like highland pipes? What have these in common? They are all from, or have integral members hailing from, the Land of the Thistle. What is it about Scottish rockers that so appeals to me? I know the literary tradition of Scotland is formidable. Might explain why one infused with that culture would produce poetic pop music.

Does the time change bother you?

My dear husband has been laughing at me for the last month and a half because I have been talking about "falling behind" and how it is going to screw up my life - at least for a week. Let's just say if they put it to a vote to stay on one time zone I would be all for it. I know there are a few states that don't change their time and if they were located even remotely close to Willowick, I would be all over it. Just in case you were wondering, I hate to "Spring Ahead" too. Oh dear, only 6 more months until my life gets all screwed up again.

What is up with this??

Ok - I know I'm a few days late, but I've been busy. Why does the media make a big deal out of people's sexual preferences that athletes and celebrities feel the need to announce who they prefer to spend quality time with??? Sheryl Swoopes announced that she is a lesbian although she wasn't born that way. Ya think? In fact she was married at one point and has a seven year old son. The person I feel sorry for in this whole mess is her son, but getting back to the point - why do people feel the need to announce who they like to have special time with?? Why does our country make such a big deal about it. When I saw the headlines - the first thing that came to my mind was "I really do not need to know this". It just drives me nuts.

Like I said....WhiteSox in 4!

OK.....congratulations to Ozzie Guillen.....oh, wasn't he the one that said, in early septermber, with the Tribe breathing at Chicago's heels, that if the Sox won the World Series, he would retire from baseball?
Well, it was a good run Ozzie! I'm sure that you can find work in Venezuela. Houston looked like the Indians....losing by one run in almost every game...close, but no cigar. The dream season is over now.

Payday!

Paul Konerko just hit a grand slam to put Chicago ahead in the seventh inning of game two of the World Series. He will be a free agent when the season ends. Just what dollar amount would you affix to that one swing of the bat? At least $250,000, if you ask me.

I will never drink Gatorade again.

I don't drink a lot of Gatorade, I'm not an athlete, so if you have large holdings of PepsiCo (PEP) in your portfolio, sleep well. The reason for my boycott? A commercial just aired in the World Series telecast that showed Michaels Jordan missing "The Shot". It is not funny to play with the emotions of Cleveland sports fans. What is next? Red Right 88 results in a TD? Jose Mesa gets those final outs? Ernest Byner hangs on to the infernal pigskin. Like I said, Gatorade shall never pass my lips again!!!

Cleveland sports fans, drink your conscience! H2O is the way to go!!!!!

Time for predictions!

White Sox in six.

Not that I am happy about it. I'm considering rooting for the Astros. I like the way the killer B's play the game. On the other hand, the White Sox also play the game really fundamentally well (obviously) . If the Sox do win, it might salve the wound inflicted on Indians fans in the last week of the season. How? Here is the twisted logic; it is better that the team that dominates you dominate everyone. This way we Wahoo lovers can say; "See! The Tribe fell under a crushing juggernaut! Who could expect anything else?"

But I'd really like to see the Astros fans give Ozzie the choke sign when it is all over!

how does one post a photo?

Having just figured out how to blog...I now wonder how to include pix with the blog, or in my profile. Please help, oh blogmeisters!
Aahh, now I have figured it out! All of you fellow bloggers now know what I look like!

Stop Me When I Am Lying: What will I read on Sundays?

I just learned of the passing of long time Cleveland scribe, Hal Lebovitz. I have missed his Sunday colum for the past 2 weeks, and now will miss it forever. It was always the 1st thing that I would read on Sundays. Hal always seemed to have the real scoop.

The White Sox will win the World Series.

I am not a fan Of Ozzie Guillen. And my beloved Indians are Central Division rivals of the CHW. But it is evident to me that the South Side Sox are this year's team to take it all. If for no other reason, they will be well rested. Their bullpen is ridiculously well rested. Which begs the question, "Can a team be too rested?" I don't think so.

I think the Astros will be the NL representative. I don't feel strongly about it, but I would prefer St. Louis. Why? Who knows? I quess I like the traditional look of the uniforms. Possibly the lamest reason to pick a team. Thank God I'm not a betting man.

Did you know..

Did you know you can blog from your cell phone? I just did!

What a football Saturday that was!

Did you watch the college games on TV yesterday? Particularly Penn State v. Michigan or USC v. Notre Dame? Both games had cliff hanging, stomach turning endings. In both cases I was rooting for the team that lost it with seconds to go. Never mind that, though. I never place a wager on sports, so no real harm came of it. This is why I like college ball so much more than pro; the student sections and marching bands go nuts on every play. The players have often waited four years to play one particular rival on one particular Saturday. When seconds are left on the clock and there are no more "get 'em next year" for the seniors, there is real emotion. In the grand scheme of life does it matter? Not really. But it sure is fun.

By the way, the mighty Bowling Green State University Falcons were victorious!

I'm with the Infidel Crusaders

I've spent this evening catching up on some of my favorite blogs. (They will make the blogroll at the left soon). So I almost forgot to post at "Stop Me When I Am Lying". I want to make it at least a week before I abondon the daily post.

Be that as it may, I came across that al Qa'ida letter that was released by the Director of National Intelligence. It seems #2 (al-Zawahiri ) tells #3 ( al-Zarqawi) to (Im para-phrasing) "Hang in there buddy, this war is being waged in the media as much as it is being waged with munitions. And you know how the American media is. Remember Viet Nam? P. S. Send money"

Actual quote:

"You might ask an important question: What drives me to broach these matters
while we are in the din of war and the challenges of killing and combat?

My answer is, firstly: Things may develop faster than we imagine. The aftermath of the collapse of American power in Vietnam-and how they ran and left their agents-is noteworthy. Because of that, we must be ready starting now, before events overtake us, and before we are surprised by the conspiracies of the Americans and the United Nations and their plans to fill the void behind them. We must take the initiative and impose a fait accompli upon our enemies, instead of the enemy imposing one on us.."

The comparison of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Viet Nam is flawed on several levels.

• The fact is, Iraq isn't a small containment operation that ballooned.
• The fact is, the Iraqis are actually voting to ratify a constitution this week.
• The fact is, that the American soldier and Marine are volunteers this time around.

All these facts contrast 'Nam. The constant is the media. If you follow the link above and read the letter, you will see that the polygamous Islamofacists are relying on their unwitting (I pray) dupes in the press to spin events in the manner the terrorists desire. I'm sure the bastards will not be disappointed.

As an aside, note how al-Zawahi laments that his favorite wife was killed by the Infidels. Would it been OK with him if his third favorite wife was killed?

Four More Years! (at least)

Hard to believe Joyce K and I tied the knot, got hitched, entered into wedded bliss four years ago today. I know this might not sound right, but it seems longer. Not in the way that unpleasant things seem to last longer that enjoyable things, just the opposite. We are so settled in a comfy house with two delightful and amusing kids, it just does not seem possible that I was a bachelor so recently. Happy anniversary, [insert embarassing pet name here]!!!!

How do I work this thing

I'm new to this blogging thing. So I have some time today, I thought I should post. I go to the website my dearly beloved husband gives me. I read what everyone has blogged before. Then I think ok - how in the heck to I add something. So I click on the BlogThis! at the top of the screen, I get this pop up menu and here is hoping that it works. Of course you have to sign in with your user name and password. Oh dear - what is my password?? So many passwords - but that is for another blog. Hope this thing works!!

ALCS on HDTV

As I type, the White Sox and the "Los Angeles Angels of Los Angeles County, closer to Mexico than Cleveland is but not as close as El Paso" are battling. We are pulling the signal off of the ether via a cheepo amplified antenna on a smaller than your average HDTV set. But BOY! It is FABULOUS! Sweet Lou Pinnella is making wry observations in Dolby 5.1. Now this is living!!!!

It was six years ago today...

That the Tribe lost to the Red Sox and saw their season end. But the day wasn't all bad. Joyce K and Matthew K met on (what can now be called) a blind date to go to the game. Joyce kept book and bought me a beer at the ballpark. Brother Drew and Da Bum brokered the deal. Little could they have known what they were starting. Thanks guys!

My new job

This has been a year of change for my husband and I. Both of us were forced to take new jobs. I think we both ended up with good jobs - only time will tell. So far I like my job. My boss is super nice. I haven't seen him too mad -- lucky for me. He believes in having a family is ok - with 5 kids I would hope so. Some days it is pure craziness and other days (like when he is out of the office) I feel like I can breathe and think clearly without being on guard. I however did not get any new clothes, but I did buy myself a pair of new shoes. I think I could stand to buy another pair - this time brown. I have to keep my eye on a good sale.

Day three and day one.

Well folks, this is my third day on Blogger and so far I am pleased with ease of use and such. Expect this solo act to be a duet, trio or quartet soon.

This was also my first day on the new job. Observations:

1. I know where the water cooler is.
2. I know the (first) names of the majority of the people in my department. It is a small department, mind you.
3. Tomorrow I will ask where the men's room is. That is one of those things I would really feel strange asking for the first time in week two.
4. My boss uses Blogger, too.
5. It was particularly good to see the smiling faces of the wife and my boys at the end of the day.

Two Days, Two Posts. I'm batting 1.000

I don't claim to be profound or prolific, just consistent. You might know that tomorrow is "Back To Work Day". I'm starting a new job Monday. This is the first time I've started a new job in more than ten years. (Discounting my usher gig for the Captains, but that first day was also the third day of being a first-time dad so let's just say starting a new part time job wasn't my only worry at the time). Since there is an autumn chill in the air, it feels like back to school. I even bought new shoes. I'm wondering how long it will take before I settle into a routine. I'm not one who really fears change. But I like consistency. Knowing what to expect. Not having to give any thought to "Where is that water cooler?" or "What is that guy's name?". Share your do's and don'ts for starting a new job in the comments.

Why blog? Why now?

An excellent question, my friend (or brother, or stranger)! If you can't be a trailblazer, you might as well follow in the fresh tracks of the big wagons that precede you. Since about 1998 I have published a vanity website. My musings were shared with family and friends and the odd miscreant who stumbled upon my site. It had (has) a forums section, published via FrontPage. It still exists, but I don't have the inclination to maintain it. So, here we go.

My plan is this; a core group of trusted individuals opine at will. Others comment. Very simple! Shall we commence? I think we shall.