My Girl Abbey . . .

Looking forward to 2007 . . .

Have a "Yeah Buddy Happy New Year" everyone!

Pre-Game Festivities . . .

I don't recall a Penn State bowl game with a kick off before noon in the previous decades I've followed the Lions. But, tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. (EDT), the game begins. A few friends and relatives will huddle together tomorrow around the Hitachi wide screen . . . the only question at this point is whether we'll be drinking coffee or adult beverages at kick off (LOL).

A far as victuals go . . . the usual fare (brats, deer balogna, assorted cheeses, salsa, etc.) and because it's New Years I've added pick and peel shrimp and pulled pork to the menu (hey, any excuse to fire up the smoker grill on the last day of December works nicely). My buddy is bringing some Belgian beer, my son's bringing some micro brew, and I'll provide a baseload of Irish and English ales for the obligatory pep rally/bonfire in the front yard commencing at 09:00 a.m. (that always gets the neighbors fired up) . . . should be fun!

Sent in all my retirement paperwork

It took some doing but I was able to gather together all the necessary documentation for my Guard retirement annuity. E8 over 26, looks decent.

Joe gets team ready . . .

The photo everyone's been waiting for . . .

Early images . . .

First report . . . 21:57 hours

This guy is a piece of work . . .

Meet Giovanni DiStenfano. Legal eagle for such human debris as Slobodan Milosevich, Kenneth Noyle (M25 killer), Harold Shipman (serial killer), and Saddam Hussein (war criminal).

Woof is off today at CNN . . . drats, that would have been entertaining! But this guy DiStenfano has been interviewed regularly all day on CNN . . . he's a piece of work . . . and doesn't have the best track record should you be looking for a defense lawyer. Early leader in next week's dumbass of the week award . . . hey, I'm not particularly well versed in matters of law . . . but, since when is a foreign citizen, convicted by a foreign court of law, somehow protected by the U.S. Constitution? There shouldn't be any possible way that a U.S. District Court would have the authority to issue a stay of execution . . .

Fearless Prediction . . .

It's been an up and down season for this fan and amateur prognosticator . . . but, it's time to offer up my pick for the bowl game.

First off . . . I've read about all there is to read on the subject of this contest . . . and very few of the sports writers and so-called experts pick Penn State to win. If these folks guess correctly, then it'll be a close game with Tennessee winning by a touchdown or so.

I agree on the close game part of their predictions. The Lions have a defense that will keep the team in the game. They're not going to run up a score on PSU's defense. I think the Lions will win this one by a margin of maybe 2 or 3 points. Should be a good game. Go Lions!

Memorial ideas . . .

You can be sure radical Baath Party supporters and others will attempt to memorialize Saddam. In keeping with the spirit of capitalism, and a natual irreverence toward dictators, here are some proposals . . .

For the restroom areas:

For receptionist: (she's allegedly a virgin also)

For the concession area:

Another fine example of human debris . . .

Progress

Allegedly handed over to Iraqi authorities . . . 11:48 hrs EST.

BS . . .

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Television networks face a killer of a conundrum with the impending execution of Saddam Hussein, whose hanging could be videotaped and perhaps aired on Iraqi TV.


The timing of Saddam's date with the gallows was unclear, but late Thursday CBS, NBC and Fox News Channel reported that the former dictator, convicted this year in the deaths of 148 people in 1982, would be turned over by the American military to the Iraqi government within 36 hours and hanged before the start of a Muslim holiday on Sunday.


Several sources said Saddam's execution would be videotaped by the Iraqi government, though it wasn't clear whether it would be released to the public or broadcast.

"We will video everything," Iraqi National Security adviser Mouffak al Rubaie told CBS News.
Judging by the Iraqi government's release Tuesday of videotape of the hanging of 13 convicts, it could be a gruesome affair. Meetings were held Thursday in at least two network headquarters over how to handle the potentially graphic images.


ABC and CBS said they wouldn't air the full execution if the video became available.



Bullshit! Now the media is suddenly concerned about keeping "graphic and gruesome" out of our living rooms . . . bullshit double standard IMHO. Here's a prediction . . . when it happens, you can bet "Woof" Blitzen over at CNN will walk around with his head bowed and mumble sad remarks about his execution . . . it'll be a riot to watch . . . don't miss it.







It's called "documentary film footage" folks! Mussolini's execution (out take above) is a prime example.

For the record . . .

Just so everyone is clear on the reason why . . .

MCSB . . .

Word is . . . today is the day! The US received a formal request to hand over Saddam Hussein to the Iraqi government for execution. The MCSB (malingering c*** sucking bastard) is about to discover that all the promised virgins are 375 pound+ infidel "ho bags" who bear a resemblance to Rosie and have shrill voices like Hillary . . . that should be adequate eternal damnation for this piece of human debris!

Just ain't right . . .

NASCAR driver is rebuked for Bush sticker

It’s no secret that NASCAR drivers skew Republican, which is fine with the Federal Election Commission, just so long as they don’t display their preferences where anyone can see them.

In a decision announced Tuesday, the FEC sent an “admonishment letter” to Kirk Shelmerdine Racing. Kirk Shelmerdine, a former pit boss for the late Dale Earnhardt, has been an unsuccessful, underfunded and undersponsored driver. He has never finished higher than 26th.

So back in 2004, in a move perhaps designed to draw some attention to his car, he placed a “Bush-Cheney ’04” decal on his rear quarter panel, which was otherwise unencumbered by advertising. Democratic activist Sydnor Thompson complained to the FEC, and the agency found that Shelmerdine “may have made an unreported independent expenditure or a prohibited corporate expenditure.”

Former commissioner Bradley Smith dissented in one of the case’s early votes and blogged about the result this week. He has written that in reference to the FEC’s $250 expenditure limit, “evidence is strong that the market value of Shelmerdine’s rear quarter panel was approximately $0, give or take $249.”

Give them boys on the NASCAR circuit a chance to settle it with Mr. Thompson!

Final Farewell to James Brown

Giving my age away, but I saw JB and the Famous Flames at the Apollo in 1962. Albeit, I was one of a very-very-very few white guys there, it was probably the best concert I ever attended during my long infatuation with R&B. So long James . . . you were the "hardest workin' man in show business" and truely the Godfather of Soul.

Amazing Sunset

Doing my bit to obsess on the weather!

Since there's a media frenzie over the fact that Denver will have another snow event, I thought I'd contribute this bit . . . we've had another 50 degree+ day in Pennyslvania with mild temps predicted through the weekend too!!!

24-7 news cycles must be hard up for stories!!! When did snow storms make lead story status?!? Oh . . . that's right . . . must be the gobal warming angle being played, damn, I forgot.

And this week's winner is . . .

An official close to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has said Saddam would remain in a U.S. military prison until he is handed over to Iraqi authorities on the day of his execution. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to address the media.

A top government official disputed the court's ruling that Saddam must be hanged within 30 days, saying the execution should be held after that time period. The comment comes amid debate over other legal procedures such as whether the presidency is required to approve the execution.

"The law does not say within 30 days, it says after the lapse of 30 days," said Busho Ibrahim, deputy justice minister. There was no immediate explanation for the conflicting claims.

Al-Dulaimi, Saddam's lawyer, warned that turning over Saddam to the Iraqis would increase the sectarian violence that already is tearing the country apart.

"If the American administration insists in handing the president to the Iraqis, it would commit a great strategic mistake which would lead to the escalation of the violence in Iraq and the eruption of a destructive civil war,"

Al-Dulaimi qualifies for the Al-Dumbass Award of the Week . . . no competition!

Abbey

Cool Slideshows

A Short Story . . .

2007 Nittany Lions Schedule & Forecast

9-1 Florida International

9-8 Notre Dame

9-15 Buffalo

9-22 @ Michigan

9-29 @ Illinois

10-6 Iowa

10-13 Wisconsin

10-20 @ Indiana

10-27 Ohio State

11-3 Purdue

11-10 @ Temple

11-17 @ Michigan State

Just a few seasons ago, Penn State had major issues at WR. In a short amount of recruiting time, coach Paterno has rearranged this unit into a group of top-flight athletes. Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood are no longer the heralded freshmen from highly regarded recruiting classes.

This, their junior year, is the time to deliver the goods in a big way. The immediate issue at hand is getting promising Pittsburgh-native Anthony Morelli to consistently deliver them the football. Morelli, in his first year of starting this past fall, did not meet some of the higher expectations some (including himself) originally felt he bought to the offensive table. A 10:8 touchdown-to-interception ration isn't going to win many tough games.

All-Big Ten RB Tony Hunt's services will no longer be available. Look for young A.J. Wallace to get a try out for the job. Should Wallace turn out to be a better fit on the defensive side, hopes are that injured senior Austin Scott can return healthy to boost the run game. While this OL was short on experience in ‘06, this time around they have much of it.

Having OT Levi Brown graduate to the NFL creates a big void. The rebuilding process will have to start up front on the DL. 2005 Butkus Winner Paul Posluszny will move on, which means LB Dan Connor will no longer be playing in his shadow. This is still Linebacker U., so one of the nation's better run defenses can rest (somewhat) assured knowing they have a steady group backing up a new-look front line.

The secondary will be the strength of this defense led by Justin King and Anthony Scirrotto. Opponents will attempt to test this defense by running the ball between the tackles. To a large degree, this Nittany Lion’s destiny will be determined by how well the DL can mature given the physical play in this conference.

The offense will be a better version than the one displayed this past fall (nation's 72nd ranked scoring offense). If Morelli can play like a senior and the new RBs can be as effective as the departed Tony Hunt, Penn State will push for another New Year's Day Bowl bid.

For that to spell BCS over the likes of Michigan and Ohio State will take more work.

http://www.nationalchamps.net/2007/earlybird/index.htm

Bowl Game . . .

4 days and counting . . .

1 - 2 - 3 . . .

"Iraq was preparing for the rapid execution of former dictator Saddam Hussein, with the US-backed government eager to bring his chapter in the country's bloody history to an end.

As another deadly car bomb hit Baghdad Wednesday and the shooting of a Shiite politician triggered anti-American protests, the fate of the ousted tyrant threatened to deepen still further the rift between Sunnis and Shiites.

Justice Minister Hashem al-Shibli said Saddam's death sentence for crimes against humanity -- upheld by an Iraqi appeal court on Tuesday -- would be rubber stamped by the presidency and the prison service would hang him.

In a defiant open letter to his former subjects, the man who ruled Iraq with an iron first from 1979 until the 2003 US-led invasion said he would go to the gallows as a "sacrifice" and urged Iraqis to unite against their enemies.

"I sacrifice myself. If God wills it, He will place me among the true men and martyrs," wrote Saddam in the letter, which his lawyer said was penned last month for release if his death sentence was upheld.

Judges have ordered that Saddam die within 30 days but, while Shibli said the execution process will get underway rapidly, it could be delayed by the onset of the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday, due to start at the end of the week.

Saddam and two regime cohorts were convicted of crimes against humanity on November 5, after a court heard they ordered the deaths of 148 Shiite men from the village of Dujail in an act of collective punishment.

Shiite politicians welcomed Saddam's imminent demise as a blow to his remaining supporters that could take the heat out of the Sunni-led insurgency."

Pub Night . . .

If you are ever in Westminster, Maryland . . . stop by O'Lordon's Irish Pub! This is a superb establishment! Yesterday, I spent 4 delightful hours there with a few of my buddies from work . . . great food, every Irish beer you can think of, and an excellent staff. 5 Stars!!!

Meez . . . pretty cool animation site

4 Pics for the Baath Party!

AMMAN, Jordan: Saddam Hussein's Baath Party threatened Wednesday to retaliate if the ousted Iraqi leader is executed, warning in an Internet posting it would target U.S. interests anywhere.

The statement appeared on a Web site known to represent the Baath, which was disbanded after U.S.-led forces overthrew Saddam in 2003. The site is believed to be run from Yemen, where a number of exiled members of the party are based.

On Tuesday, Iraq's highest court rejected Saddam's appeal against a conviction and death sentence for the killing of 148 people who were detained after an attempt to assassinate in Dujail, northern Iraq, in 1982. The court said the former president should be hanged within 30 days.

"Our party warns again of the consequences of executing Mr. President and his comrades," the statement said.

"The Baath and the resistance are determined to retaliate, with all means and everywhere, to harm America and its interests if it commits this crime," the statement added, referring to Baath fighters as "the resistance."

"The American Administration will be held responsible for any harm inflicted on the president because the United States is the decision-maker (in Iraq) and not the puppet Iraqi government."

The statement said that if the execution takes place, it would be impossible for the Baath to take part in any prospective negotiations with U.S. and Iraqi officials to reduce the violence in Iraq.
Saddam's defense lawyers, who are based in Amman, called on Arab governments and the United Nations to intervene to stop the execution.

"Otherwise, all may be participating in what is going on, either actually or due to their silence in face of the crimes, which are being committed in Iraq in the name of democracy," the lawyers said in a statement in English that was e-mailed to The Associated Press bureau.

RIP

Rest In Peace

Gerald Ford . . . 38th. and longest living President . . . rest in peace.

Great redneck stuff . . .

26 DEC 06 and 55 degrees

Wow . . . I love this weather!!!!

Where's the liberal media on this?!?

Iraq's highest appeals court on Tuesday upheld Saddam Hussein's death sentence and said he must be hanged within 30 days for the killing of 148 Shiites in the central city of Dujail.
The sentence "must be implemented within 30 days," chief judge Aref Shahin said. "From tomorrow, any day could be the day of implementation."

On Nov. 5, an Iraqi court sentenced Saddam to the gallows for ordering the 1982 killings following an attempt on his life.

Under Iraqi law, the appeals court decision must be ratified by President Jalal Talabani and Iraq's two vice presidents. Talabani opposes the death penalty but has in the past deputized a vice president to sign an execution order on his behalf _ a substitute that was legally accepted.
Raed Juhi, a spokesman for the High Tribunal court that convicted Saddam, said the judicial system would ensure that Saddam is executed even if Talabani and the two vice presidents do not ratify the decision.

"We'll implement the verdict by the power of the law," Juhi said. He did not elaborate.
The appeals court also upheld death sentences for Barzan Ibrahim, Saddam's half brother and intelligence chief during the Dujail killings, and Awad Hamed al-Bandar, head of Iraq's Revolutionary Court, which issued the death sentences against the Dujail residents.

So . . . if I understand this right, this asshole will be hanged between now and 25 JAN 07. This makes a good lead story!

Have not died in vain . . .

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - The U.S. military death toll in Iraq has reached 2,974, one more than the number of deaths in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, according to an Associated Press count on Tuesday.

The U.S. military announced the deaths of two soldiers in a bomb explosion southwest of Baghdad on Monday.

The deaths raised the number of troops killed to 2,974 since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003. The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks claimed 2,973 victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

What I struggle to understand is why this fact is trumpeted by the liberal media as another "cut and run" campaign. Shit, you'd think the start of Kawanzaa would be the big story of the day . . . but these SFBs (shit for brains) trot out the death toll story instead. It drives me stupid that there are those in America who just don't get it, nor understand the struggle for the survival of democracy and Christian-Judeo values. Freedom isn't free. No one wants to see another America soldier or innocent civilian killed here or abroad . . . I get that . . . why should it take another 9/11 event to get people to understand that the military death toll to date was not in vain?