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...Are we there yet? The year's longest month has an extra day piled on this trip around the sun. Carpe tedium says the gentle surfer? Not so, says Suttle World that will avail itself of the extra day provided by 2008 to enjoy a full schedule. First up, Suttle World wanders to Clarkston this morning to participate in a still mysterious happening that involves Suttle World briefly addressing an unknown group about a yet to be determined topic of any specificity. Suttle World isn't deliberately cryptic, it is simply clueless as to exactly what the morning shall bring, excepting that there was some mention of cash and prizes being on the line in the long run. More details as Suttle World comes to understand them.

...Tonight. The Variety Playhouse. One show only. Mr. Delbert McClinton---whose performance will be attended by Suttle World and the lady of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. Toss in a few errands in the interim, and it makes for a hectic February 29th in Suttle World. Word on the street has the Dollars joining the notable Tucker couple for tonight's event.

...When this subject was last visited, Suttle World was working with five year old data. Praise Allah, the new numbers (raw data as of January 1, 2008) are in, and we're still number one! "NEW YORK (AP) - For the first time in U.S. history, more than one of every 100 adults is in jail or prison, according to a new report documenting America's rank as the world's No. 1 incarcerator. It urges states to curtail corrections spending by placing fewer low-risk offenders behind bars. Using state-by-state data, the report says 2,319,258 Americans were in jail or prison at the start of 2008 - one out of every 99.1 adults. Whether per capita or in raw numbers, it's more than any other nation. The report, released Thursday by the Pew Center on the States, said the 50 states spent more than $49 billion on corrections last year, up from less than $11 billion 20 years earlier. The rate of increase for prison costs was six times greater than for higher education spending, the report said." Yes, Suttle World stipulates the "lock em up and throw away the key" mentality does somewhat reduce crime, but when you're incarcerating twice as many people as Russia... One more time: legalize drugs, and the prison population (at an average annual cost of over $23,000/inmate) can be cut in h

alf. Let Darwin work! Open the police locker, and invite everyone to the ballpark to pick through it at their will. Next day: clean up---messy, but well worth the cost.

...Satan made a special campaign appearance with The Devil yesterday, fueling rumors that the latter might be chosen as a vice presidential nominee, should Satan capture the Democratic nomination. Those rumors were quickly quelled when it was pointed out that the Constitution prohibits both a presidential and vice presidential candidate being from the same state or hell.

...Suttle World delights in watching punk ass, roid boy, Roger Clemens twist in the wind. Look for the Suttle World soap-on-a-rope collection campaign for old Roger in the coming months as he becomes introduced to an entirely new world of "head hunting."

...Yes, February comes to an end, and there is still no TV Cartoon Character Hall of Fame. Suttle World takes a large portion of the blame for its ever inept staff, but also would point out that a valued member of the executive committee has been missing in action for a couple of weeks as well. Would Mr. Bill please pick up the white courtesy phone?

...It is a melancholy morning in Suttle World as the roll is called of some of the great ones that have left this mortal coil since the last update.

..."(AP) NEW YORK - William F Buckley, Jr. died at work, in his study. The cold War had ended long before. A Republican was in the White House. The word "liberal" had been shunned like an ill-mannered guest. "He founded a magazine, wrote over 50 books, influenced the course of political history, had a son, had two grandchildren and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean three times," said his son, novelist Christopher Buckley. "He really didn't leave any stone unturned." As an editor, columnist, novelist, debater and host of the TV talk show "Firing Line," Buckley worked at a daunting pace, taking as little as 20 minutes to write a column for his magazine, National Review." Put simply, though he may have rubbed some folks the wrong way, Buckley was truly one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century---a visionary of true conservative/classical liberal ideology that was bathed in disappointment with the route of Barry Goldwater, and re-bolstered by the Reagan revolution.

...Legendary Pittsburgh sports writer and broadcaster Myron Cope is dead at 79. Cope was a much of a fixture in the Steel City as the "terrible towel" with which he is credited of creating/inspiring during the Steelers' glory days of the mid 70's.

...Finally, "MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Johnnie Carr, an early civil rights activist who joined a childhood friend, Rosa Parks, in the historic Montgomery bus boycott and stayed involved in the movement up to her final days, died here on Friday. She was 97." Ms. Carr was one of so many foot soldiers in a war of righteousness that she would live to see won at least in part.

...Suttle World stands corrected---big time. The ever inept staff advised Suttle World last week that the Mike Bibby trade was never completed, but a done deal it was, as Bibby and the Hawks beat Sacramento last night at Philips with aging guard pouring in 24 and adding 12 assists in his first ever appearance in a Hawks home uniform. With 17 games left in the regular season, the Hawks are a single game out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the East (truly a tallest midget in the room distinction).

"BISHKEK (Reuters) - Kyrgyz rights activists will offer a prize of up to $1,000 in a contest for the 'best song' to protest against the presence of U.S. troops in the Central Asian republic, the event's organizer said. Igor Trofimov, a rights campaigner spearheading the anti-airbase movement which groups a few dozen activists, said the author of the best song would perform at a rally outside the U.S. embassy in April. "We are holding a contest among rockers and rappers. Prizes range from $200 to $1,000," he said late Tuesday without specifying who sponsored the project." The Bishkeky Boys perhaps? The gentle surfer may simply insert its own joke here.

..."(International Herald Tribune) Lancaster, OH - Bill Clinton is dutifully traveling from state to state and small town to small town on behalf of his wife's presidential candidacy. But the growling and snapping Bill Clinton that the country saw before the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries has been muzzled and leashed. He is being kept as far from the media as possible to prevent any more of the red-faced, finger-wagging tirades and freelance political commentary that polls say cost Hillary Rodham Clinton a lot of support, particularly among black voters." Suttle World is shocked! Shocked! Meanwhile, Charles Lindbergh successfully landed in Paris...

..."BERLIN (AP) -- The euro climbed to a record high of $1.5057 in early European trading on Wednesday as sentiment increased that the U.S. Federal Reserve would continue its rate cut campaign. The 15-nation currency hit the high around 8:30 a.m. local time before falling back slightly to $1.5048, still above the $1.4967 it bought in late trading in New York on Tuesday -- equal to the last record high it had reached, back in November." Yes, Suttle World is among those that continue to point towards the plethora of positive data when examining the economy, and also readily admits to money and banking being its short suit in economic analysis. That being said, $1.50 Euros and $100+/barrel oil can't be good. Didn't seem to scare Wall Street, as the DOW posted a near triple digit gain Tuesday, but this makes some sense to Suttle World, who can see cash flowing into equity markets because of the downward pressures on fixed investment instruments/bonds/the other side of the markets' coin.

..."(DailyTech.com - Science Blog) - Over the past year, anecdotal evidence for a cooling planet has exploded. China has its coldest winter in 100 years. Baghdad sees its first snow in all recorded history. North America has the most snowcover in 50 years, with places like Wisconsin the highest since record-keeping began. Record levels of Antarctic sea ice, record cold in Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Mexico, Australia, Iran, Greece, South Africa, Greenland, Argentina, Chile -- the list goes on and on." Does a single season have any significance? Of course not, any more than 100 years of iffy meteorological data out of over 10,000 years of human existance can be extrapolated into a global warming scenario.

..."TOKYO - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, seeking Japanese help in pressing North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons, said Wednesday..." Obviously Secretary Rice has not been briefed on the new Suttle World foreign policy initiative---LET CHINA DO IT!

...A quick look at ajc.com shows exactly why Atlanta is the biggest little bush league town in the good old USA. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and its "reading" public deserve each other. Shameful, by cracky! Shameful! Certainly Suttle World will continue to use the organ as a source when absolutely necessary, but it is truly a site and "newspaper" of last resort.

...From the mailbag comes a reminder from cousin Moke that NASA plans a night launch of the shuttle March 11. The reminder comes with a suggestion of attending, and Suttle World is most intrigued by the idea, but hesitant to pull the trigger because of ongoing commitments through the middle of March. Time shall tell, but it seems well worth the ride.

...What hath Fleming's monster wrought? "CHICAGO - A woman dying of Alzheimer's has a fever. Should she be given antibiotics? Many people would say yes. But a provocative new study suggests that antibiotics are overused in people dying of dementia diseases and should be considered more carefully because of the growing problem of drug-resistant superbugs. The study raises ethical questions about when it's acceptable to withhold perhaps futile treatment and let people die, and whether public health issues should ever be considered." This is a real ethical head scratcher that, fortunately will be rendered moot when the people's paradise is realized with the enactment of universal health care. Under socialized medicine, demented Grandma aint gettin' no stinkin' Vancomycin.

...Move over Rico Carty...reanimated by the Disney folks, and bumbling off the bench comes Dikembe Mutombo on behalf of the Houston Rockets who announced yesterday that Yao Ming would miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his left foot. In their first game with Yao missing, Grandpa Mutombo collected four points and six boards in 23 minutes work, as Houston won their 13th straight with a home victory over the Wizards. Following the game, Dikembe said: "ldkja lasjflj ijuiouejnhr lakdflkad kjhdkjha ikjnl, maopj kl."

..."(National Post) - Snow cover over North America and much of Siberia, Mongolia and China is greater than at any time since 1966. The U.S. National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) reported that many American cities and towns suffered record cold temperatures in January and early February. According to the NCDC, the average temperature in January "was -0.3 F cooler than the 1901-2000 (20th century) average." There have been so many snow and ice storms in Ontario and Quebec in the past two months that the real estate market has felt the pinch as home buyers have stayed home rather than venturing out looking for new houses." Just another little sicko inconvenient truth.

...Coming to the rescue of an otherwise update lite (that, of course, has a third fewer calories than regular updates) is another installment from cuzin Matt in yet one more edition of Bruner's Texas Takes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

..."WASHINGTON (AP) - Ralph Nader said Sunday he will run for president as a third-party candidate, criticizing the top White House contenders as too close to big business and pledging to repeat a bid that will "shift the power from the few to the many." This comes to the great relief of Suttle World, knowing that a messiah has finally emerged. No word from Ralph as to how he had power over the Watermelon Party wrestled his grasp by Cynthia McKinney. Howard Stassen and Pat Paulson would be proud. Dennis Kucinich would applaud if not for fear of the dead animal worn on his head falling off.

...Suttle World believes it arguable that Tiger Woods is the greatest athletic competitor in the history of sports. Instead of putting forth some grandiose case in defense of the notion, Suttle World merely tosses it out there for consideration, and believes that there can be little argument that it is an arguable point.

..."NEW YORK - Visa said Monday it expects to raise almost $19 billion from an initial public offering, which would easily become the largest IPO in U.S. history. San Francisco-based Visa Inc. said in a SEC filing it will to offer 406.6 million shares at $37 to $42 per share. There will be an option for its underwriters to buy an extra 40.6 million shares to cover any excess demand." Suttle World finds this interesting on two fronts: first, like most gentle surfers, Suttle World would have suspected that Visa was already publicly traded, but unlike buddy MasterCard (how many gentle surfers remember Bank Americards and Mastercharges?) that went public two years ago (and has more than quadrupled in value in the interim) rolls out the shares starting today.

...Perhaps the strain of two solo automobile missions proved too much. Regardless, nephew Ridge will be receiving the obligatory pokes and prods this morning to address the his persistent upper respiratory complaints that have waxed and waned over the past week. Stately Roberts/Suttle Manor has remained relatively contagion free in a season that would seem to have conquered many a hearty soul with afflictions from full blown influenza to infectious bronchitis infestations that seem to linger endlessly. The gentle surfer is urged to wash their hands, and eat more vegeble.

...The "moving" activities of Saturday morning went smoothly, and Mr. Budget was returned his 10 foot rental vehicle in a surprisingly short period of time. Unfortunately, the activities only progressed so far as the eastern front of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor, and from there will require more than an hour of garage rearranging, etc.., so that retrieved stuff may either be incorporated/substituted for other pieces in the Manor or warehoused in the northern wing. Despite the most trying affair of navigating the aforementioned rental truck nine excruciating miles, Suttle World was able to strategically utilize the remainder of the afternoon that incorporated the perfect mixture of napping, coffee and refreshing shower so that Suttle World was able to behold the Memphis and Tennessee in all its late night glory.

...Great ball game that doesn't so much as expose Memphis as it punctuates the notion that there are a dozen or so very good teams in the country right now, that and March Madness should be wide open when it gets underway in three to four weeks.

...At this writing, nephew Ridge is to be motoring back to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor, and upon touchdown, will have completed his first complete solo voyage from stately Roberts/Suttle Manor---having made his way over to nearby buddy Daniel's home yesterday evening. Its just a 67% increase in insurance premiums. Who needs food? Highly overrated.

..."(AFP) - The New York Times' ombudsman strongly criticized the newspaper's insinuation this week that White House hopeful John McCain had a tryst with a female lobbyist 31 years his junior, nearly 10 years ago. "The newspaper found itself in the uncomfortable position of being the story as much as publishing the story, in large part because, although it raised one of the most toxic subjects in politics -- sex -- it offered readers no proof that McCain and (Vicki) Iseman had a romance," public editor Clark Hoyte wrote in the Times' online edition." Enough said.

..."TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese man was arrested for trespassing this week after turning up at a high school dressed in a girl's uniform and a long wig, local police said. Thirty-nine-year-old Tetsunori Nanpei told police he had bought the uniform over the Internet and put it on to take a stroll near the school in Saitama, north of Tokyo, on Wednesday, a daily newspaper said."

...Suttle World likes match play golf, excepting the final round of such tournaments that tend to cram 10 minutes of excitement into a three and a half hour rounds. Regardless, the chance to watch the greatest player in the history of the game go two full turns is the Suttle World order of the day. Tiger is a prohibitive favorite at -$400. Underdog Stewart Cink will fetch +$300 in the 36 hole final round of today's Accenture World Match Play Championship. The Golf Channel provides coverage of the first round starting at 10:00 (EST), and NBC brings them home starting at 2:00 (EST).

...Any Saturday that has "Pick up truck when place opens at 8:00" on the list is also quite likely a Saturday that has a brief update, and such is the case today as Suttle World soon departs to take temporary possession of a 10 foot long Budget rental truck to assist Dirk and the Bremenettes get their gear loaded for the big show. Working in Suttle World's favor is the fact that it is Saturday, necessitating the truck in question be returned by 3:00 pm, and Suttle World's built in excuse to differ from any heavy lifting while recover from the Cortisone injections of Thursday afternoon.

...At this writing, Vegas is giving 7:2 that Suttle World never makes it to the end of tonight's 9:00 (ESPN) match up of #1 Memphis and #2 Tennessee, but it is an event at which to look forward with great aniticpation.

...Be all accounts, Hillary/Satan may be close to the Suttle World promised meltdown as witnessed by here whacky performance in last night's "debate."

...A perfect example for the Suttle World "Let China Do It" doctrine: "(AP) BELGRADE, Serbia - Angry Serbs broke into the U.S. Embassy and set fire to an office Thursday night as rioters rampaged through Belgrade's streets, putting an exclamation point of violence to a day of mass protest against Western support for an independent Kosovo." The Soviets managed to maintain order, now "Let China Do It."

..."(AP) The Cleveland Cavaliers gave LeBron James the help he wants — maybe enough to compete for the ring he craves. The Cavaliers took part in the biggest trade of deadline day, landing center Ben Wallace and swingman Wally Szczerbiak on Thursday in a three-team deal with Chicago and Seattle." The defending Eastern Conference champions are making the right moves---those desired by Bron. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks, who were rumored to be near a deal acquiring Mike Bibby, made no moves prior to the trade deadline. Suttle World has enthusiastically noted the Hawks improvement this season, but Suttle World remains unsure if the Atlanta Spirit group is up to the task of successfully managing both an NBA and NHL franchises, regardless of the manner in which the partnership is constituted. Also worthy of mention while on the hard court---stipulating that Shaq has re-invented himself, and won rings in the process, twice before in his now lengthy NBA career, Suttle World views the trade to Phoenix to be sadly akin to Johnny Unitas in a Chargers uniform. Suttle World would very much like to be proved wrong on this particular point.

...Good news on the Suttle World wing front. Expected surgical intervention is not currently required following imaging and consultation with a shoulder guy yesterday. Instead, Suttle World had the pleasure of two 10 ml injections of cortisone into the areas of interest. Suttle World is reasonably confident the treatment will bear fruit long term, but this morning it is simply feeling a though two needles were crammed into its shoulder. Suttle World needs to continue on its project to file a complaint for damages against Nintendo by blaming this somehow on the Wii. Its not that Suttle World's light use of the game is the culprit, but Nintendo has a lot of insurance, and John Edwards doesn't have anything to do right now.

...The close of the week is the prototypical wet rain that screams February, but the climate is supposed to give way to sunny skies and a high above 60° Saturday. Regardless, the gentle surfer's clicker will require a workout over the weekend, and, as such, is invited to click here for a rundown of the ATL weekend TV lineup. #1Memphis at #2Tennessee starts at a maddeningly late 9:00 Saturday night.

...The New York Times "hatchet" piece on Senator McCain is problematic on two levels. First, the hatchet in question is a piece of rubberized plastic (the kind the gentle surfer had as a kid when non-electronic toys were sold and yunguns were callous enough to play cowboys and Indians)---six pages of nothing, what "charges" that are alleged are uncorroborated, and with no comment from the McCain campaign. Second, the Times has gone from a pathetic joke from the how the mighty have fallen department to just plain belly laugh moronic. The old gray lady is pushing a shopping cart containing all her worldly possessions up 7th Avenue.

...The full lunar eclipse was up over stately Roberts/Suttle Manor last night, and it was good! Breaks in the clouds allowed for a good look as the orb reached full blackout stage around 10:30. Passing clouds did obstruct continual viewing, but it turned out better than expected. Payoff from the incoming cloud cover is expected to be in the form of more than an inch of rain in and around the grounds of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor later today. The precip is most welcome, but Suttle World hopes that its metro wide sweep that is today's schedule can be completed before the craziness of a wet pm rush hours present themselves.

..."(AP) HONOLULU - A U.S. Navy cruiser blasted a disabled spy satellite with a pinpoint missile strike that achieved the main mission of exploding a tank of toxic fuel 130 miles above the Pacific Ocean, defense officials said." Very cool times two. First, Suttle World would ask the gentle surfer as to why a space based missile defense system makes others nervous. Perhaps, its because the technology is close to being operational. Second, is the rather interesting take of many in the space geek community that the effort to blow the sucker up was done so as to not allow such a large piece of technology to fall into the hands of the Chinese or Russians---stating that the fuel tank issue was a red herring. Lock and load.

..."(AP) NEW ORLEANS - Strokes have tripled in recent years among middle-aged women in the U.S., an alarming trend doctors blame on the obesity epidemic. Nearly 2 percent of women ages 35 to 54 reported suffering a stroke in the most recent federal health survey, from 1999 to 2004. Only about half a percent did in the previous survey, from 1988 to 1994." TWO FREAKIN' PERCENT! Here again we find not a health care crisis, but a chronic disease crisis. If half the middle aged female population has had a stroke, "regular" health care is going to end up costing the otherwise healthy gentle surfer big time (and already does). If the government is going to be in the medical business (a reality that only has varying degrees), spending half as much on the front end pushing exercise and nutritional public information, etc.. is a huge cost saver. Every gentle surfer above their ideal body weight is encouraged to drop 5 lbs over the next month. Suttle World interrupts its health care and lifestyle pontifications to step out upon the grounds of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor and light a cigarette.

...With Suttle World's emphysema advanced by another small notch, Suttle World is proud to announce that the three martini lunch is not dead. "(AP) BEIJING (Reuters) - Liquor makers in central China's Henan Province are planning a legal challenge to fight a ban on Communist Party officials and civil servants drinking alcohol at lunch during work days, state media said on Wednesday." "I take KFC original recipe rat and double Absolute."

..."(AP) LeBron James had his second consecutive triple-double, with 31 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, and the Cavaliers beat the Indiana Pacers 106-97 on Wednesday night." This is not confused with two consecutive SEASONS in which Oscar Robertson AVERAGED TRIPLE DOUBLES.

...Suttle World thought Carolina looked pretty good this year, and can now report that they look that much better in high definition. Having now procured the appropriate box from the Comcast folks, and attaching the various plugs, Suttle World afforded itself the opportunity to take in a HD sporting event in the form of a portion of the second half of the Tarheels drubbing of NC State. If necessary, Suttle World envisions recovery from wing cutting to be greatly aided by an NCAA tournament displayed on its fine new viewing device.

...No, Suttle World has not forgotten several matters that are well past due in their respective required attentions. First, the oft touted mighty fighting Colonials of George Washington University are conspicuously absent from regular updates of late. This, in large part, is due to the fact the GW cannot suck enough. Despite an impressive win over St. Bonaventure last Saturday, the Colonials stand at a dismal 7-14 (3-8) to make them 13th in the Atlantic 10 Conference (by definition, no easy accomplishment). With a campaign more ragged than that of the encampment at Valley Forge, Suttle World has not bothered to investigate as to why, and merely write off the season to being a rebuilding year. Hideous. Now the Colonial Babes---different story, as GW remains ranked in the mid-teens, atop the A10 (without any other ranked teams), and are assured a sixth consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament come next month. In other college hoops news, Suttle World has acquired ducats to behold the mighty Winthrop Eagles host the Bulldogs of UNC-Asheville, with 7-7 360lb junior Kenny George. Suttle World needs to be in the vicinity that weekend anyway, so why pass on such an opportunity?

...Suttle World is also aware that the much hyped TV Cartoon Character Hall of Fame to be a project that has yet to be completed. Familial obligations interrupted that effort which should receive greater attention today as Suttle World is held hostage to not one, but two separate service calls at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. An official announcement remains TBD, and may be dependent, like many of life's daily routine be interrupted by...

...The right wing of Suttle World will undergo examination tomorrow afternoon by a doctor proficient in that particular part of the anatomy. Suttle World's cursory consultation with several other physicians reveals that a surgical remedy is most likely in order. Even under such a scenario, Suttle World makes such an announcement not due to woe and misery (the surgery is supposed to fix that), but rather to prepare the gentle surfer for such a time that may arise in several weeks when Suttle World will cease normal publication. Suttle World attempting to publish with only the use of its left hand would be akin to using a ball peen hammer to peck away at the keyboard. Such a procedure may also wreak havoc upon the upcoming 2008 POFGC and 2008 Wiffle Atlanta participation for the bulk of the season, but such are the vagaries of the aging process---stuff breaks after many years of wear, and requires repair.

...Finishing up business on the home front, Suttle World turns its attention to nephew Ridge. The gentle surfer no doubt recalls nephew Ridge, who, according to the Internal Revenue Service and several other governmental agencies, at last check was a denizen of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor. The gentle surfer's mind will be put to ease with the knowledge that the young man was seen in and around the grounds of the Manor in the past several days, and according to some Suttle World sources, has had actual contact with other adult residents of the Manor. Suttle World looks forward to a pleasant afternoon with the young man, who shall begin preparation for tomorrow's BIG EVENT: THE DRIVER'S LICENSE TEST! By current law, nephew Ridge is now eligible to be issued a provisional license to indepently operate a motor vehicle, and has an appointment with the nice folks at the Department of Public Safety Thursday afternoon. Details such as a vehicle to operate, and the Suttle World mantra of "I aint payin' for no damn insurance for a 17 year old!" have yet to be resolved, but will, no doubt, find some compromise shortly after Sut

tle World requires a loaf of bread during afternoon rush hour, armed with a young man and a set of keys. Bottom line: denizens of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor to "eat more vegeble!"

...Suttle World readily admits to being in the easy, convenient camp that remains very leery of the Clinton machine, and the ability of Satan to play the comeback kid card in her own special way. "[S]he's not dead yet." That being said, Bensonitis is interesting, and would appear to be an equal opportunity contagion---common among almost all demographic groups. Suttle World duly notes that Wisconsin isn't exactly a slice of "average" American politics, with most of the state being just to the right of Mao. Let there be fist fights. Korean parliament stuff. Also of note, and of no consequence than perhaps just to make the gentle surfer say hmmm...Hillary pulled only four points more than Mike Huckabee, and the GOP race is supposed to be, and defacto is, over. Not good for Satan fans. The gentle surfer is reminded that for every day longer that socialized medicine is held at bay is one additional day of medial R&D that will come to a grinding halt once government runs the whole health care show.

..."WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court dealt a setback Tuesday to civil rights and privacy advocates who oppose the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program. The justices, without comment, turned down an appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union to let it pursue a lawsuit against the program that began shortly after the Sept. 11 terror attacks." Suttle World must confess to a big steaming bowl of ignorance regarding this decision, the law and fact situations behind it. As one of Georgia's foremost Fourth Amendment advocates, Suttle World is disturbed by much of the administration's "domestic" surveillance efforts on a gut level. Time to actually read the opinion and render judgment on same. Suttle World remains unsure as to whether the current Court is a good one or not, but Suttle World is certain that its a closely divided Court, and the next President... If the Exclusionary Rule, Miranda, et al constitute "judicial activism," then Suttle World wants activist judges. The Constitution clearly states on a number of occasions that "Congress shall make no law..." There is no mention of "the Supreme Court shall not..." The Fourth Amendment is not a technicality, much to the chagrin of "conservatives" who want to lock up even more folks in the most incarcerating country in the developed world.

...The music calendar is getting crowded. Friday, 2/29 Delbert McClinton ($27.50) makes an appearance at the very attendee friendly Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. Suttle World hastens to extend its most sincere condolences to the McClinton family over the loss of Delbert's brother, Randall Bridwell (1936-2008), last week following a fight with cancer The venue will also host Nick Lowe ($25) on April 22, another Suttle World must see. Also on the schedule are Cruis-O-Matic gigs both this Friday at The Twilight Bar & Grill in south metro ATL, and a March 22 show set for The Irish Bred Bar and Grill in Rex. More importantly is the do-over 30th Anniversary kick off re-gig just up the street from stately Roberts/Suttle Manor Friday, March 29 at the Moon Shadow Tavern. The Dirtbombs ($10 advance/$12 door) play The EARL on April 2, and this just in: Wednesday, April 9, The Levon Helm Band at the Tabernacle. No ticket info is presently available. Suttle World and the world's greatest wife have decided to defer on the early April appearance of Joe Jackson in lieu of the otherwise crowded schedule, especially given we have every indication that this Jackson tour highlights a less than thrilling new release, as opposed to the ungodly original Look Sharp four piece band tour of several years ago. A great show that just can't possibly be topped---we'll catch Joe the next time around. That's a lot of tunes for Suttle World to be taking in, and 18 months later, still no Dictators!

...Suttle World would normally quote the AP story regarding tonight's total lunar eclipse---the last such event until 2010, but Science writer Alicia Chang's prose is too tortuous. Bottom line: the eclipse will begin around 10:00 EST (7:00 PST) and last nearly an hour. The celestial demonstration would be fully visible to most of North America were not weather a mitigating factor. The forecast for the ATL calls for mostly cloudy skies during the eclipse.

..."HAVANA (AP) - An ailing Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president Tuesday after nearly a half-century in power, saying he was retiring and will not accept a new term when the new parliament meets Sunday." Dressed in a cowboy hat with a beagle sitting at his side, and a bust of LBJ in the background, Castro stated: "I will not aspire to nor accept - I repeat, I will not aspire to nor accept - the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief," in a letter signed by Castro published early Tuesday in the online edition of the Communist Party daily Granma. Suttle World deduces that the announcement is prima facie evidence as to Fidel being either dead or being prepared for embalmment. The gentle surfer will recall that Castro took power in 1959. The fact that he won't hang around for the 50th anniversary of the revolution speaks volumes. Suttle World suggests the gentle surfer make some bucks with Fidel's demise. But Bally and gaming machine makers. The casinos are off the shore of Cuba, just waiting for the signal to start setting up shop again.

..."WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Navy will likely attempt to shoot down a faulty spy satellite Thursday, the day after the space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to land, two officials told CNN Monday. The officials -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because much of the planning remains classified -- said the idea is to leave as much time as possible so a second attempt could be made if necessary." The gentle surfer can track the satellite's demise here.

..."(AP) BURLINGTON, Vt. - The founders of Ben & Jerry's endorsed Barack Obama on Monday, and lent his Vermont campaign two "ObamaMobiles" that will tour the state and give away scoops of "Cherries for Change" ice cream." Suttle World had its money on Cookies and Cream. Surely the gentle surfer has some suggestions for future flavors to aid those afflicted with Obamaitis. The gentle surfer can send their nominations here.

"(AP) CHICAGO - Democrats in Wisconsin and Hawaii were heading to the polls Tuesday in a presidential campaign that has grown increasingly negative with charges of broken promises, plagiarism and petty partisanship. They entered Tuesday's contests closely divided in the hunt for the 2,025 delegates needed for the nomination: 1,281 for Obama and 1,218 for Clinton." Polls have the two in a statistical dead heat for both of today's contests, and Suttle World continues to say its prayers for fist fights on the convention floor by App State t-shirt wearing delegates.

...The long last days of February have a bright spot---Saturday's matchup between undefeated #1 Memphis and now #2 Tennessee. In other hoops happenings, cuzin Bill brings his usual heat with regard to Suttle World's comments on the dunking Houston high school junior Brittney Griner---replying with attention being brought to 7 foot 7 inch tall junior center Kenny George of UNC-Asheville.

...For perhaps the first time in its three year history, SOTD features back-to-back 21st century tunes.

February 18, 2008

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Presidential politics 2008
<<<<Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama cops a kilo from the estate of John Edwards

President Bush calls Larry Craig to join with GOP leader John McCain in a threesome>>>

...The appropriate warnings were sounded yesterday evening and local news played with some really nifty looking color pinhead weather gear as severe thunderstorms (and possible tornado activity) approached the ATL. The metro area escaped with little more than high winds that caused minor property damage. Many will have a fair amount of clean up to do today.

...Suttle World would like to wish the gentle surfer a pleasant Presidents' Day, but finds itself among the crowd that takes great umbrage in eliminating the previous custom of honoring the births of Washington and Lincoln for the now single Monday holiday to honor all Presidents. Suttle World does not wish Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Reagan to be lumped in with Nixon, Clinton, Fillmore and Pierce. Making the catch-all Presidents' Day worse is that FDR still has May Day set aside to honor his great works for the workers.

..."(AP) WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Jeff Teague scored 26 points and Wake Forest shocked No. 2 Duke 86-73 on Sunday night, ending the Blue Devils' 12-game winning streak and giving first-year coach Dino Gaudio his first big victory as the heir of the late Skip Prosser's program." Just another Sunday afternoon on Tobacco Road. Duke's top five season has been nothing short of remarkable given their relatively diminished talent cache. Memphis remains a unanimous #1 in both polls, but the RPI ranks Tennessee over the Tigers. Carolina is #5, and Xavier is representing the A10 well with their #11 position. Three weeks remain (the longest three weeks in any given year) before conference tournament play commences around March 10. Selection Sunday is March 16, with first round NCAA tournament action beginning Thursday, March 20.

...Suttle World had seen some brief video Houston area high school junior Brittney Griner dunking a basketball with ease, but only yesterday went searching for a closer look. Suttle World is astounded---so will the gentle surfer by clicking here.

...Sources close to Suttle World indicate that some dude driving a Dodge Aries finished four hours of left turns ahead of the other cars yesterday in Daytona.

...Having witnessed the coming of the event first hand, Suttle World believes that NBA All-Star week and post-Katrina New Orleans are a match made in heaven. At first, Suttle World thought it was the bush league ATL that may have been the problem, but if Vegas couldn't handle the crowd last year...So, either everyone behaved and New Orleans looks the same as it did last week, or there were near riot conditions and New Orleans looks the same as it did last week. Next year Galveston, and then on to Newark in 2010.

...Yes, its a new and improved Suttle World Home Page that greets the gentle surfer this afternoon, and although far from complete, and not nearly as tidy as desired when this round of tweaking in completed, Suttle World is reasonable pleased with the new look. FYI---after limited testing, the page would seem to be best view with Mozilla---a rather odd state of affairs, given Suttle World is published with a cannot suck enough Microsoft FrontPage application. Most suggestions from the gentle surfer will be summarily dismissed, but are reluctantly welcomed nonetheless.

..."(TimesOnline) - A row has erupted over “Vatican interference” after the Italian Synod of Bishops appealed to actors to exercise their consciences and refuse to take part in “vulgar and destructive” erotic scenes in films." Suttle World would respectfully suggest the Bishops first concern themselves with their clergy not engaging in vulgar and destructive erotic scenes with their own parishioners prior to concerning themselves with the world of cinema.

...There is a silent epidemic beginning to infest the nation. Suttle World calls it Bensonitis. Those afflicted exhibit catatonic like symptoms of lethargy and indifference, punctuated with visual and auditory hallucinations of "Robert Guillaume wouldn't be such a bad president." These patients, when combined with those already stricken with full fledged Benson Fever may be more than can be treated successfully with the penicillin of logic and reason. Suttle World reminds the gentle surfer that it most likely awoke this morning completely unconcerned with the horrific contagions of polio, tuberculosis or small pox. Each of these plagues were contained, and no longer are a normal part of life in America. Suttle World says just say no to Bensonitis. "I beat the hell out of Satan" does not make for compelling campaign slogan. Bensonitis is still containable. The gentle surfer has been forewarned. Also, for the record: Suttle World believes there to be little therapeutic value in Uncle Ernie Salve.

...Like many a gentle surfer, Suttle World is most confused over as to what exactly encompasses HDTV, and the full fledged conversion mandated by January 1, 2009. The AP has a decent primer story from dummies here.

"(AP) BOSTON - Obesity is on its way to being deadlier than smoking as a cause of cancer, a leading researcher said Friday. Being obese is currently associated with about 14 percent of cancer deaths in men and 20 percent in women, compared with about 30 percent each for smoking, Dr. Walter C. Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health, told the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science." This segues nicely with a belated Suttle World take about John Edwards long since failed campaign and his "advocacy for the poor"---the same Americans dwelling in poverty whose single greatest health threat is clinical obesity. Huckabee has this one nailed on the head---the US doesn't have a health care crisis, it has a chronic disease crisis; and the vast majority of that chronic disease is self inflicted. If the gentle surfer wishes to ease the great nursing shortage in the US, then don't get sick.

...Weather is supposed to cooperate for the Super Bowl of left hand turns this afternoon in southeastern Florida. Yes, its NECKCAR time again---one of many American fancies that completely escapes Suttle World. Hey, it makes a lot of bucks, but Suttle World is convinced if it could be explained in terms the average race fan could understand as to exactly how much liquor could be distilled from the fuel used in just one Daytona 500, they'd stay home, greedily fill their Welch's Flintstone's Grape Jelly jar glasses and watch reruns of Dog the Bounty Hunter.

...At the All Star break, the Atlanta Hawks have their best shot at making the post season in the 21st century.

...Memo to Vladimir Putin: Given that both you and your motherland, Russia, cannot suck enough, feel free to sit down to a big steaming bowl of shut the hell up until further notice. The Snidely Whiplash schtik is running thin, and aside from a bunch of rusting nukes, your country comes in just above Costa Rica on the nobody gives a damn list. Russia sucked for centuries under imperial rule. Sucked another century under Communist dictatorship; and it continues to suck in the whatever the hell it is third world, mob ruled, astoundingly corrupt turd that is the Russian economy. Vlad, you are to the world stage what the quadruple amputated knight is to the Holy Grail---a hysterical, hemorrhagic cartoon character.

..."(Space.com) - During the next week, a wayward U.S. spy satellite will make passes across North America and western Europe soon after sunset and should be easily visible to the unaided eye. That's if it doesn't get shot down first. Today through Feb. 22, USA 193 will make a number of evening passes over North America and western Europe. It's orbit is inclined 58.5-degrees to the equator, a setup that makes it readily observable from most of the Northern Hemisphere. During this period, USA 193 will move along a general southwest-to-northeast trajectory and pass over a number of cities in the United States, southern Canada and western Europe. To spot a specific satellite, you need to know when and where to look. Predictions for the times and locations of USA 193 are available at the Heavens Above website (www.heavens-above.com). Based on this website's sighting information, USA 193 will be very favorably placed for observation over a number of large cities, assuming it is still in orbit around the Earth and weather conditions permit." Meanwhile, US Homeland Security Director Daniel Sackheim announced that Americans should be prepared for the possibility of the satellite's impact with Earth by making sure they had adequate supplies of bottled water, plast

ic sheeting and duct tape.

..."(Jamestown, NY, The Post-Journal) - 2/15/2008 - Presumedly [Suttle World note: that's not a real word] seeking revenge against the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League for calling it quits in the middle of the season, several players with the Jamestown Vikings trashed the historic Vikings Lodge on the corner of Washington and West Fourth Street early Thursday, leaving most of the building in shambles. Trash and debris were everywhere, especially on the second and third floors where the stench of beer and rotting food was almost overpowering. Bar stools were smashed through doors, and virtually every piece of glass in the building had been shattered, the broken shards unavoidable underfoot. ‘‘They were on a drunken rampage,’’ said Greg Moran, a building inspector with the city Department of Development, who was called to the scene once police learned of the destruction. ‘‘I was absolutely appalled. ... Some of this stuff is probably irreplaceable.’’ For police, the first sign of trouble was a chair that had been thrown through the storefront window facing Washington Street. When police arrived to investigate, they found the place a wreck and more than a dozen people — players as well as their friends — passed out drunk throughout the building." Authorities characterized their findings as clues in the investigation. Suttle World characterizes the incident as old skool hockey.

...Say goodnight, Gracie. "(AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has picked Blu-ray over HD DVD in the market battle for the format of high-definition video. The nation's largest retailer said Friday it has decided to sell only Blu-ray DVDs and hardware in its 4,000 U.S. stores and no longer carry rival HD DVD offerings. The announcement comes five days after Netflix Inc. said it will stop carrying rentals in Toshiba Corp.'s HD DVD format and instead go exclusively with the rival Sony Corp. technology favored by five major movie studios." HD DVD meet Betamax. Betamax meet HD DVD---excepting Sony won this round. Suttle World doubts the decision will have much impact in its own endeavors, but can appreciate why many a gentle surfer has been awaiting a true industry standard to emerge. Suttle World is still experimenting with the HDTV that now dwells in the east wing of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor, and certainly has not availed itself of the HD programming that is available. Suttle World speculates that the 15 minutes of the Daytona 500 watched tomorrow in HD will be less boring than the 15 minutes observed in previous years on old fashioned, low resolution, cathode ray tubes. The new fangled set's narrow profile is still a bigger selling point to Suttle World than is the enhanced picture.

...In the Scrabble equivalent of tossing all of one's tiles back into the pot and starting over..."(AP) FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons released four-time Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler and six other players Friday in the first step of a major rebuilding job in the post-Michael Vick era. The Falcons also cut quarterback Byron Leftwich, defensive tackle Rod Coleman, offensive tackle Wayne Grady, cornerback Lewis Sanders, wide receiver Jamin Elliott and linebacker Marcus Wilkins." Arthur Blank is scheduled to close his eyes, and pick a new rack of tiles in the near future.

...Obama v. McCain holds out such incredibly fertile material that Suttle World will refrain from any current commentary. Suttle World hastens to add the it is not of the opinion that either nomination is a done deal, but certainly trending in that direction---a long lost SOAP episode featuring Benson and Col. Tigh.

...The tragedy visited upon Northern Illinois University yesterday is, of course, an unspeakable horror. Suttle World also believes the incident is best left at that---allowing the grieving process to begin, unencumbered by the inevitable political posturing such a major news event is apt to garner.

...The halfway point of the year's longest month brings a weekend of winter fun. Weather wise, ATL denizens cannot complain with sun and 60's forecast. Still there is the sports calendar to keep in mind. The gentle surfer in the ATL can point its clicker in the appropriate manner after examining the sports weekend TV listings here.

...Sure the takes a shorter and less pithy, but Suttle World has a life here! Current distractions will pass in due time, allowing for the more cogent rants to which the gentle surfer has become so accustomed.

...Let the cash air drops begin. "(AP) WASHINGTON - The checks aren't in the mail, but they will be soon. President Bush signed legislation Wednesday to rush rebates ranging from $300 to $1,200 to millions of people, the centerpiece of government efforts to brace the wobbly economy. First, though, you must file your 2007 tax return. More than 130 million people are expected to get the rebates, starting around May. Congress, Bush, the Federal Reserves and Wall Street are hoping the money will burn such a hole in people's pockets that they won't be able to resist spending it. And the spending is supposed to give an energizing jolt to a national economy that is in danger of toppling into a recession if it hasn't already." Suttle World wishes the record to be clear. It is the opinion of government that in times of economic hardship, it is more beneficial if the gentle surfer chooses how to spend the money it earned. In other times, it is best for the government to confiscate a greater portion of the gentle surfer's earned income for government to spend. Makes sense to Suttle World that is certain the policy would make equally as good sense to Adam Smith were he to come down to breakfast this morning.

...Suttle World defines justice as Roger Clemens, after being afforded a big steaming bowl of due process, wearing an orange uniform for the last years of his career as a pertinent public figure. This is the guy who thought nothing of throwing 90+ MPH at a batter's head, and then hiding behind the dress that is the designated hitter rule. Suttle World speculates that one who would engage in the aforementioned cowardly acts might just lie to a clueless Congressional committee about his having used steroids or HGH. Suttle World fervently desires to see Clemens in the mother of punk perp walks.

...Suttle World still believes the Democratic presidential selection process to be way too close to call, but will admit that Obamarama has grown from flavor of the day to a full fledged political force that now has the inside track towards the nomination. Meanwhile, it would appear Republicans are prepared to nominate a Democrat, but hastens to add that Mike Huckabee wasn't supposed to be the only other candidate standing on Valentine's Day. He couldn't do that, so there's no possible way he could win the nomination, right? Regardless, Suttle World continues to urge Mike to continue with the campaign to get his prim

e time speech at the convention to pimp the Fair Tax. And as already related by many, Huckabee makes an attractive running mate next to Uncle Ernie.

...Offered for the gentle surfer's pleasure is another stellar installment by cuzin Matt Bruner with his latest Texas Take >>>>>>>>>>>>

...Obama sweeps the Potomac primaries yesterday, and now for the first time since Iowa has more committed delegates in his pocket than Satan. Superdelegates are starting to fall into the Barack camp, and it would seem as though the long anticipated Hillary meltdown may have to wait until some sort of concession speech between now and the primaries where Satan will berate the idiotic American electorate for not recognizing the once in a lifetime chance to vote for the world's smartest woman. Obama carried every demographic group that could be identified from women to gay amputees. "I'm melting!' I'm melting!"

"(The New York Sun) UNITED NATIONS — While he acknowledged that scientists are unable to predict its consequences, Mayor Bloomberg yesterday compared the scourge of global warming to the threat of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Although it is a "long-term" fight, he said, reducing gas em

issions may save the life of "everybody" on the planet, the same way that fighting terrorism and its proliferation saves lives in shorter terms." Suttle World is most pleased that veiled presidential aspirations for Bloomberg have proved as successful as his predecessor.

...Props to Uno, the first ever standard beagle to win Best in Show last night at Madison Square Garden in the most prestigious Westminster Kennel Club's 101st annual dog show.

..."LONDON (Reuters) - Police in central England are hunting for a badly scorched would-be copper power cable thief after finding a hacksaw embedded in an 11,000 volt power cable Saturday night." British authorities are on the look out for a white male with the street name of Smokey as their investigation continues.

..."(NYT) Senator Hillary Clinton and her advisers increasingly believe that, after a series of losses, she has been boxed into a must-win position in the Ohio and Texas primaries on March 4, and she has begun reassuring anxious donors and superdelegates that the nomination is not slipping away from her, aides said on Monday. Mrs. Clinton held a buck-up-the-troops conference call on Monday with donors, superdelegates and other supporters; several said afterward that she had sounded tired and a little down, but determined about Ohio and Texas. They also said that they had not been especially soothed, and that they believed she might be on a losing streak that could jeopardize her competitiveness in those states. “She has to win both Ohio and Texas comfortably, or she’s out,” said one superdelegate who has endorsed Mrs. Clinton, and who spoke on condition of anonymity to share a candid assessment. “The campaign is starting to come to terms with that.” Campaign advisers, also speaking privately in order to speak plainly, confirmed this view. Several Clinton superdelegates, whose votes could help decide the nomination, said Monday that they were wavering in the face of Mr. Obama’s momentum after victories in Washington State, Nebraska, Louisiana and Maine last weekend. Some said that they, like the hundreds of uncommitted superdelegates still at stake, might ultimately “go with the flow,” in the words of one, and support the candidate who appears to show the most strength in the primaries to come." No need to write the "you won't have Hillary to kick around anymore" speech. She'll be hunted with dogs for further kicking if so desired.

..."(KGTV) OCEANSIDE, CA -- John Corcoran graduated from college and taught high school for 17 years without being able to read, write or spell." Yes, that's a 17 year teaching career by a complete illiterate. Just something to file away for this fall when school tax bills come due. The gentle surfer is reminded that this is the fashion in which the government runs education. Imagine how cool health care is going to be when the government runs that show too.

...Recently posted is a pretty good glimpse of what The Dictators are all about as a live act. Of course, the sound isn't stellar, but the gentle surfer gets the idea by clicking here. Also found while watching the clip, was a piece of home video from a 1999 NYC Dictators gig in which they are joined on stage by Joey Ramone for the encore, and perform The Kids Are Alright---again, well worth the click here.

...Once every 53 years or so, one might expect to get a break, and Clemson finally got their hearts' broken yesterday afternoon, falling to Carolina in double overtime, and making the Tigers 0 for eternity in Chapel Hill. 53 trips to UNC in 53 years now makes for 53 consecutive losses.

...Another travel day for Suttle World as it returns to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor later today. "Normal" publication is set to resume in the next several days.

...In local news, there is none, with gusting winds knocking out power to some in the region being the banner headline in today's edition of the Hendersonville Times-News.

..."A risky behavior information seminar will be held tonight at the Rosman High School cafeteria. Admission is free." First on the agenda tonight is running with scissors to be followed by not looking both ways before crossing the street. Up next week: sharing needles and driving while dialing.

...The ever inept Suttle World staff failed to pack the necessary back up data, so Suttle World is compelled to wing it with previous incarnations of the site from various computing devices in and around the Suttle World western North Carolina HQ this morning. Alas, the gentle surfer should be on worse for the wear, and Suttle World has an excellent excuse to continue in the mail it in mode for daily updates.

...Yes, its yet another excursion to the Tarheel state for a couple of days---tending once again to familial affairs. Return to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor is expected on or around Tuesday.

..."It all began at a little 5000 watt radio station in Fresno, CA..." Actually, this episode all began with a dead PC discovered upon the awakening of Suttle World Wednesday morning. Not to fear, Suttle World has backup in the form of a functionally inferior laptop unit. Still other pressing duties, combined with the awkward alternative machine made for brief updates on Wednesday and Thursday until such time as repairs could be affected. That successfully being completed, Suttle World found itself in the midst of a household pandemic outbreak of February Freakin Fever. The gentle surfer is advised that if one speaks in soft tone of angst while reassuring the nice young lady behind the pharmacy counter that you do not seek to purchase a wheelbarrow full, the gentle surfer will find it worth the hassle to get real pseudophedrine hydrochloride. Combine same with other appropriate more over-the-counter friendly symptom treatments, and Suttle World finds it can function at a higher rate of actualization than anticipated.

...OK, so the gear is tuned up, and Suttle World enjoying the fruits of the American pharmaceutical manufacturers just in time to pack up shop and return to the western North Carolina satellite headquarters this through Monday. With such travel, comes the necessity of planning, and as such, consequently the typically extended Saturday get together will continue in the most abbreviated style of the week.

...Suttle World was truly shocked by Romney's no mas Thursday, much like the nation was 40 years ago when dear old Pops Romney jumped out of the race in mid-stream because things weren't exactly going his way. The similarities are stunning, but not as stunning as John McCain being the Republican nominee. First, while Suttle World enjoys (and in may cases, justly so) beating the Senator from Arizona about the head and shoulders, it could be worse. Suttle World remains stupefied that as the lone Republican left stand, the media will give no connect between the Fair Tax and Mike Huckabee. Much remains to be decided, but a certainty is that a Clinton v. McCain race would epitomize the typical American political choices that are akin to that between paper or plastic. The App State factor has worked so well---let's not blow it, and end up with a BCS engineered national championship nobody really wants to see. In other belated political news, Suttle World's late endorsement of Mike Huckabee puts him over the top in the Georgia GOP primary on Super Tuesday.

...Yeas, Duke whooped on Carolina in Chapel Hill Wednesday. Check back in five weeks. Meanwhile, the Colonial Babes of George Washington continue to hang at or around the 13-14th ranking at 18-4 (6-1) with a visit from Richmond on tap for Sunday afternoon. Pretty slim pickings, but the ATL Weekend TV Sports Listings are here for the clicking.

...Full remote publication potential is to be expected from Suttle World in its brief absence.

...Technical issues resolved only to give way to Suttle World and various other denizens of stately Roberts/Suttle Manor being infected with a hideous respiratory infection of an unknown culprit. Bottom line: Suttle World calls in sick. SOTD updated. Comments on GOP presidential race to come.

...Technical issues continue to haunt Suttle World, but hope is in sight. Regular updates are expected to return in their full glory at or before Friday morning's update. The gentle surfer's patience is greatly appreciated.

...Obviously publication is possible from Suttle World HQ, but technical issues with the main frame unit at stately Roberts/Suttle Manor this morning result in the necessity to utilize a less than desirable unit/laptop with keyboard and other computing issues of its own. Further updates as technology and practicality permit.

...For the first time in memory, Suttle World heads to the polls shortly to vote for the candidate it truly wants to win a presidential race. Perhaps politically it doesn't head off the Hillary or even McCain problem, but the Fair Tax deserves its ever expanding audience, plus Suttle World just likes Mike. Yes, Suttle World endorsing a Baptist preacher is odd, but in Suttle World's view, Mike Huckabee is the best choice of the 5 remaining viable candidates.

...The gentle surfer comes to the Suttle Security Council Daily Briefing on this Super Tuesday expecting sage analysis from Suttle World (a/k/a Johnny Politico) regarding what will be first ever de-facto national primary in history. The gentle surfer should brace itself for woeful disappointment. At this writing (as always, without objection, permission to extend and revise my remarks. Without objection, so ordered.) Suttle World knows: (1) Today is Super Tuesday (2) stately Roberts/Suttle Manor is within the boundaries of the state of Georgia that is among the 22 states holding presidential primaries today; and (3) Suttle World is keenly aware of where its designated polling place (great name for a titty bar) is located. Suttle World simply has not studied of the necessary charts, graphs and talking heads/homework in its 8 day absence from Suttle World HQ. Suttle World truly does not yet know for which candidate it will cast a ballot, nor which party's primary it will vote, nor the reason why. Smells like a day for an extra edition---the Super Tuesday Extra Edition. Check back mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, tonight will be amusing, and Suttle World has long since compromised itself to amusement to be the only thing to be gained by this hideous spectacle that is a presidential campaign. Suttle World is still certain that its most fervent support in this year's election cycle is that there be fist fights on both convention floors.

...Belated Super Bowl take. Suttle World caught most of halftime/Tom Petty. Suttle World has never seen Petty---having long since eschewed the arena show prior to his mega-status. That being said, Suttle World has no issue with the seasoned songwriter---admiring most of his toe tapping tunes like much of the western world, and Suttle World believes old Tom to be a true Elmer Gantry story. Only in America, could a man that ugly make so much money as an entertainer. Memo to Tom Petty: stick with the beard. Oh yeah, the review/take: seemed real old and unanimated. Its not a though they mailed it in like the Stones of a couple years ago in which Jagger and Richards had one eye on a guy off stage to give the thumbs up sign indicating the check had cleared, and they could quit. Just seemed awkwardly old. Redemption came with the big finish of Runnin' Down A Dream. Here, Suttle World saw 6 geezers actually have some fun and kick a little ass in the process. 3.5 stars.

...For the record there is a five star performance rating system at work, with five being reserved for a handful of shows seen among hundreds in Suttle World's lifetime (The Who, c/ 1977, several Dictators and Ramones gigs and a couple of other obscure events in which the artists peeled paint off the walls)---not many five star perfs to be had).

...The ever inept Suttle World staff let this fly under the radar for all of January, but is most thankful to be rescued from today's hideous prose with a trip down memory lane---all courtesy of cuzin Matt Bruner. Yes, Suttle World was backstage the "time they played the Omni" as Matt explains in another installment of his world famous, and now published: Bruner's Texas Takes.

...Its a getaway day for Suttle World, so today's update is short and sweet---recapping arguably the best Super Bowl ever played.

...Plaxico Burress is no Joe Namath, but he ran the same smack, and pulled in the winning TD with 30 seconds left (how the hell can Burress be that open in the end zone in that situation?) to give the Giants an upset for the ages. Props to Eli and the Giants staff for another impeccable game plan that concluded a four game post season winning streak on the road to capture the Lombardi Trophy. This and that... The Patriots finally got beat, and there's no shame in 18-1. The Dolphin geezers can just shut the hell up. Your tool was left in the dirt at 18-0. Sources close to Suttle World say that stone workers are now etching "BITE ME" in 3 foot lettering to permanently replace the Times Square billboard that Eli has been renting for the past five weeks. The gentle surfer is left to break down the TV spots---some of which Suttle World found most amusing. Just a great game that actually ran at an almost normal pace/fast for Super Bowls. Failure to mention the Giants defense would be perilously close to criminal, so major props to that squad that kept Brady off his game for the entire 60 minutes. Comments by Giants ownership paying homage to Giants fans from back to the Polo Grounds while accepting the hardware was in excellent taste.

...Suttle World understands that gentle surfer should be cleaning lint from their dryers or some sort, get fat on Tuesday, and rub their foreheads against the inside of the fire place on Wednesday. Suttle World certainly respects the rites, its simply woefully ignorant of such things.

..."(High Velocity Wrestling) Hendersonville, NC - CEO Sherry Brown has confirmed to HVWLive.com that Viper has been the victim of a brutal attack tonight (Wednesday, 1/30/08) as he was leaving a local restaurant in Hendersonville. He confirmed to her, in fact, that his assailant, did break his right leg by repeatedly slamming his car door into his leg. He told her it was a masked man and there was somebody there with a camera taping the entire attack. Sherry Brown added, "Moments ago I was delivered a package to my office along with a letter, saying it was a tape of the attack and my instructions are to keep it sealed until Saturday night at 8:00pm when I am to open its contents and play the tape for all the HVW fans to see. I will follow these directions." Sherry Brown continued, "We are all shocked by this. Viper's participation in REDEMPTION-THE FINAL CHAPTER has been cancelled and from the severity of the break, who knows about his wrestling future at this time. Viper will address his fans Saturday night." Suttle World takes great umbrage at this brutal attack, and so along with the world's greatest wife who lovingly made a commute to the Suttle World western North Carolina HQ for the day, Suttle World dutifully made the arduous five minute commute to the House of Pain to investigate the matter further. The video tape revealed little of the unprovoked attack on Viper, but Suttle World is under the distinct impression that Serial Killer has a hand in this messy affair. More details as they become available. Meanwhile, of other note was Big Daddy Z handily defeating Section Eight in the evening's main event. The gentle surfer may click the pics below for a better look, albeit poor photography one the part of the ever inept Suttle World staff.

serial killer 02-02-08.JPG (3060665 bytes)

...Props to Stan Davidson who rolled the high game of 215 last Tuesday in the Haywood Knolls Mixed Senior League at Tarheel Lanes in Hendersonville. Gloria Morris recorded the high game of the night for the women with a most respectable 188.

...Finally in other local sports news, the Basketball Club of WNC has announced that registration is officially underway for tryouts for their Lady Royals Basketball Teams. The gentle surfer is advised to click the "Tryouts" link from the link provided above for registration and info regarding the appropriate age, time and site.

...Oh yeah, its "Super Sunday"---an event that rivals the Olympics, Tournament of Roses Parade. and Oscars as the most overrated events on the planet. Suttle World is fully aware (and a true believer) in the "on any given Sunday" parity that the NFL so cherishes, but the Patriots are the much better team from the much better conference. The line opened at NE -12 and remains stuck in that position Sunday morning. Suttle World believes the betting public to be right on the mark---New England wins easily, with the Giants having a puncher's chance at covering the spread. At this writing the pre-game telethon is now into its 29th hour with Jerry Lewis really beginning to look frail. Currently Waylon and Madame have the stage to themselves. Of course Suttle World will watch, and is torn in its allegiance. On one hand is the possibility of witnessing the perfect season and the delight of cuzin Sal in Boston. On the other hand is Suttle World being a drop dead NFC fan, and typically an underdog rooter. What's a mother to do? Suttle World recommends that mothers of all sizes, shapes and descriptions not spend much time at the wagering window. Gene, the Caucasian, has no pithy betting input---excepting its prediction that the game will be a long, tedious affair.

...Saturday morning dawns at a warm and well lit Suttle World western North Carolina satellite Headquarters---a welcome contrast from yesterday's electricity free zone that was HQ. Props again to Duke Power for their Herculean efforts to restore the juice in most inhospitable conditions.

...Suttle World often wonders as to why Drudge gets to take weekends off while Suttle World presses on EFD. Following due consideration, Suttle World believes that it must be Trojan ancestry.

...Al Gore emerged from his hole this morning and saw his shadow, meaning, of course, the gentle surfer will be up to its elbows in rising seas for the next six weeks. Pretty damn clever of Suttle World for just of the top of its little head---no, not that little head you perv.

..."CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (Reuters) - It was fear of the hefty bill as much as fear of the drill that kept American musician Don Clay away from U.S. dental clinics for 30 years. Shrugging off concerns about hygiene and Mexico's brutal drug war, thousands of Americans are heading to Ciudad Juarez and other Mexican border cities for cheap dental treatment." Suttle World believes this to be the beginning of the Mexican economy emerging from third world status. Canadians in need of medical care sooner than the appointment scheduled six months from the onset of symptoms of their various maladies, have long come to the US to be treated. Such is the price of a utopian socialized medical system. The US is on the fast track to emulating the wonderful Canadian model, and soon those in need of bypass surgery will be waiting a year before the system can get around to them. The logical extension is the same as the dental care mentioned in the Reuters story. Americans will head south of the border for health care when utopia finally comes here. The result will be the economic kick start Mexico so badly needs. Sure, many gentle surfers will die while waiting for an appointment to see an oncologist, but Mexico will become the economic equal of its other North American neighbors. "Always look on the bright side of life."

...Speaking of socialists, Suttle World finally gets a chance to comment on the Democratic Presidential "debate." A game show set in the Kodak Theater filled with perhaps the largest gathering of limousine liberals in the history of western civilization stupefied Suttle World. It was like Orwell meets Lewis Carroll, or stepping through the looking glass into 1984. Reality was suspended for the two hour joint press conference, as the candidates, panel and audience basked in a blissful ignorance (intellectual dishonesty would be a more apt description) where up is down, and less is more. As opposed to breaking down the entire tedious affair, Suttle World will point out a remark made repeatedly by both Satan and Obama: "tax cuts for those who don't need it." All the other idiocy flows from that premise that is the Democratic mantra: "We know how to spend money better than the person who earned it." Don't NEED it? Here's some things the gentle surfer doesn't NEED: televisions---at least none that are finer than a 10 inch black and white set. Nobody NEEDS anything more. Meat. Humans can survive quite well with only a sufficient portion of Purina Monkey Chow. Nobody NEEDS bread, sugar, milk, pasta, tofu or rice---God forbid a steak or ice cream. Suttle World believes it has made its point, and will end the rant at that.

...On the Republican side...The gentle surfer can say what it will about Ann Coulter, but if she is willing to vote for Satan as opposed to Senator McCain (a sentiment being expressed by many in the "conservative" wing of the GOP)... Suttle World has difficulty putting up a cogent argument. McCain is every bit the liberal as his brother and sister (allegedly) on the other side of the aisle. At least the gentle surfer can rest assured that should Satan come to re-occupy the White House that it will be a failed single term, and allow Republicans to take back control of Congress---a repeat of her stellar efforts in 1994. Over 300 million folks bumping around in the USA, and this is the pool from which we get to choose?!! Would the gentle surfer prefer the chicken or beef shit sandwich? Meanwhile, the hope of a Libertarian messiah has vanished with the party turning into a Star Trek convention. Suttle World still likes Mike (Huckabee), but aside from the mission critical issue of the Fair Tax, he offers little different than the aforementioned contenders.

...SUPER BOWL! SUPER BOWL! SUPER BOWL! SUPER BOWL! SUPER BOWL! Suttle World is simply inviting a cease and desist letter from the NFL. An actual take on the game itself is reserved for tomorrow. At this writing the pre-game telethon is in its fifth hour. Jerry Lewis has just handed the microphone to Joey Bishop and Howie Long.

..."(AP) CLEARWATER, Fla. - A hole-in-one is rare on the golf course, but what are the odds of a blind golfer sinking one? Leo Fiyalko couldn't see it, but his golf buddies did — a hole-in-one on the fifth hole at the Cove Cay Country Club." Fiyalko is 92 years old, and, no doubt, taking a little wind out of the sails of cuzin Paul in the Green Mountain State.

...Holy mini ice storm Batman! A little more freezing rain than predicted by the fine forecasters overnight resulted in a 5-6 hour

power outage at the Suttle World western North Carolina satellite HQ. Duke Power indicates that about 2800 customers in the area were effected, and the most dutiful linemen worked through a heavy very cold rain to restore the juice at or around 10:30. Electricity is fun. No complaints from Suttle World, as those just to the north and east (Roanoke to Pennsylvania and beyond) are in for a very long weekend. Given the late hour, Suttle World shall leave the update brief, and leave the first of the month updates until a bit later today. Much more to come, especially regarding the insipid Democratic presidential "debate" from last night.

...This just in: fighting back from the slew of endorsements recently given to Barack Obama by such luminaries as Ted and Caroline Kennedy, the Clinton campaign announced this morning that Hillary has received the full and complete support of Eleanor Roosevelt.