The Dean

Just found out that T Lavitz died a few days ago "unexpectedly in his sleep". http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/in-memorium-t-lavitz-1965-2010/ Lavitz was (among other things) keyboard player for the criminally underrated Dixie Dregs (AKA The Dregs). He also was a short term member in Widespread Panic (who I did not see on 10/1...looking forward to Chef's review), Jefferson Starship (we can forgive that) and Jazz Is Dead and been involved in many side projects like the excellent 2007 album "School of the Arts". Another great musician bites the dust.

I haven't seen (or had any inclination to see) Jersey Shore either. But I am familiar with the characters and the show simply through watching other stuff and hearing people discuss it. I thought the show was pretty good and very funny. I probably missed some things by not having seen JS, but I'm willing to make that concession.

Good for her. She really seems like a person with some integrity.

"The McRib — a boneless pork product conglomeration pressed into a rib-cage shaped patty..." How can anyone resist that?

Can't say I blame her.

A billion here, a billion there...pretty soon you're talking real money.

I'm a bit disturbed you know how squirrel piss tastes. But judging from the way you worded your post, squirrel doesn't give you a headache. So I guess that's a good thing. I guess.

I simply can't fathom why the guy wouldn't get even a sniff from an NFL team unless: 1. He simply isn't very good. But I find it hard to believe that every NFL FO thinks the kid has zero shot at making their roster. Still it is a possibility. Maybe they simply don't think he is good ENOUGH to counter the bad press they are likely to get if they sign him. After all, he is a convicted sex offender (as ridiculous as that label is in this situation). 2. There is more to the story, or there are more stories that have kept every NFL team away. It could be he comes across poorly, has been given poor recommendations by his previous coaches/teammates, etc. But judging by what I have read and heard, it seems as though his former coaches have great things to say about him and he is described as "gentle" in articles. So while I doubt this, I suppose there is a chance there are other issues that have not been made public. 3. The NFL has let teams know they don't want him in the league. I don't know how they would do this. I really don't tend to believe conspiracy theories, as a rule. But I suppose there is a way for Goodell to let the teams know the league prefers this kid not be a part of the NFL organization. I don't think this is likely or probably, but certainly possible. I'm sure I could think of many more reasons, but would they be any more likely than these? I wish I could be more eloquent, but this is just weird to me. But based on some responses in this thread, perhaps there really are people who judge based solely on a label and refuse to look deeper at the reason for the label. There are sex offenders who stalk and rape, and there are sex offenders who got caught taking a leak in some bushes too close to an elementary school. There are 30-year old men who are convicted of statutory rape of their 13-year old "girlfriends" while some convicted of the same crime are guys who just turned 18 and had sex with their 16/almost 17 year old girlfriend. Same label HUGE difference, IMO. While this guy may be a convicted sex offender, he hardly fits the profile most imagine, if the stories like this article are to be believed. I would think the NFL, or any individual team, could get a lot of positive mileage out of signing a guy like this if they properly managed the story. But that would involve risk I suppose. And I guess it's worth it when a guy is as talented as Michael Vick, but not when he is unproven in the NFL.

Wow, talk about ruining a good thing: Candied Sweet Potato Kit Kat? I nearly puked at first glance of the package. OTOH, Caramel Macchiato and Tiramisu are two variations I can get behind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA6l2KgQ2Kw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad2EPO_y0ps

I honestly think Washington is a victim in this case, from what I have read and heard. Now, I don't know if he is an NFL caliber starter, but I agree the Bills might benefit from giving him a shot. Now there may be more to the story, and a reason no team is willing to sign him (after all, Vick is playing in the NFL and what he did is FAR FAR worse). Maybe the guy has other issues preventing teams from pursuing him. Of course, this could be an NFL blackball, too.

Of course. The Bills will get a perfectly good, very early pick in 2011. Going 0-11 isn't positive in any way, IMO.

Pretty fair. Health has been a bit ragged, but I've been through worse. Otherwise pretty good. How's sobriety treating you?

Typically these things last only one day, so check it out soon. Very well done, IMO: http://www.google.com/

If "Hear me out" is a near guarantee of a bad opening post, what the hell does "Here me out" guarantee?

Yes, the lyrics aren't the greatest. But the music makes up for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpoAuoEtkB8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgH_oVplF5Q

One of the worst SP episodes, I think. Still there was plenty to laugh at.

Sorry to hear about your small bone. Really.

Good for these girls! It's nice to see at least some girls are offended to having to dress like strippers and tramps.

Sarah's a babe.

You'd just love it here in Florida.

While I think saggy pants look really stupid, who the !@#$ does this guy think he is that he can enforce some sort of universal dress code?

I don't like the value received in this trade. Otherwise I understand it.