Archives---December, 2008
December 31, 2009 NEW YEAR'S EVE
...It was a masterful piece of showmanship performed last night by cuzin Matt at the Back Room. Friends were met, CDs were distributed, and a good time was had by all. The festivities continue on what will most likely be a quite, and frozen precip free New Year's Eve that shall be celebrated by a fine in-house repast.
...Yep, gonna mail it in again today, and get to the best of ruminations over the weekend. A safe and happy amateur night to each and every gentle surfer.
December 30, 2009
...After careful calculation, Suttle World has determined that 2009 was one freakin crazy year that is to end with a blue moon on New Year's Eve.
...The Suttle World western North Carolina satellite headquarters is proud to welcome Matt and Kelly Bruner who made their arrival Tuesday afternoon. Suttle World, joined by bride of Suttle World later in the evening. No specific plans are in the works for today, excepting Matt's triumphant return performance tonight at the Back Room in beautiful downtown Flat Rock. In due deference to its guests, Suttle World signs off with this abbreviated late December update.
December 29, 2009
...Just short, as in two points worth. Bride of Suttle World finishes a close second in her fantasy league's championship game, and the Mother Tuckers finish as runners up in this year's foray. A season well managed.
...A morning of errands in preparation of the arrival of honored guests and other matters leave this morning's update short and sweet. More news as it happens.
December 28, 2009
...Let the masses rejoice as the unnamed decade
that encompasses 2000-2009 comes towards a close by crowning Suttle World's Team
Elvis with its FIFTH (
two of them being
"Winners" leagues!---a league composed only of those who had
won their leagues the previous season) Yahoo public league fantasy football
championship of the era! Yes, the King is king again by virtue of a handy
15 point win in yesterday's championship action. Meanwhile, bride of
Suttle World must wait until the completion of tonight's Vikings/Bears matchup,
and hold onto a precarious 30 point lead to take the pennant in her
league. Details tomorrow. Having now completed its 18th season on
fantasy football, Suttle World has come to fully appreciate what an absolutely
silly game it is, but it does keep one interested in the 4:00 games most weeks.
...Suttle World asks the gentle surfer to hold that thought (of the NFL generally) as it segues into reflection on a week in which the bad guys/terrorists made some unfortunate gains. A fire is set aboard a commercial flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, and then another organization hijacks the bus carrying the New York Giants to their last ever home game in the Meadowlands---replacing the NFC East team with a random selection of highly integrated males from a state psychiatric hospital. See boys and girls, here at the western North Carolina Suttle World satellite headquarters, the cable TV viewer is held captive by the Panthers, and must witness their mostly awful contests on "any given Sunday." Yesterday was no exception, and well worth the sacrifice to witness the Giants fold like a cardboard suitcase at home against an inferior team. 41-9 in a game with playoff implications!? No doubt, Tiki Barber will be found to be the source of the Giants' hideous, mail-it-in "effort."
...On the home front, Suttle World is giddy with anticipation of what is now becoming a New Year tradition---a most welcome extended visit from cuzins Matt and Kelly. The Texas couple honored Suttle World and bride of Suttle World last year, and its looking like something of a repeat. Matt is set to perform at the Back Room on Wednesday, Dec. 30, while the remainder of the schedule is still being penciled in.
...Given there's very little happening in the slowest news week of the year (next to mid-August in non-election years, 2009 excepted), Suttle World will follow the path of the lame in reflecting on the best of... This time for both the year and the unnamed decade. At this writing, the Suttle World staff is assembling various lists from other sources that Suttle World will examine, and comment on in the coming days.
...For the time being, Suttle World has a full day planned as it assembles all the necessities for its Y2K+10 emergency kit.
December 27, 2009
...Very late to the punch following a dark day for Suttle World due to technical issues. The schedule presses today, so we'll get right to Gene, the Caucasian's, fifth consecutive winning pick. "Upon further review..." there's little that perks the Caucasian's interest after a quick glance at the board, so this weekend will be without a pigskin pick. Alas.
December 25, 2009
...Suttle World extends its warmest best wishes for a merry Christmas to gentle surfers worldwide now that the big day has finally arrived. A week ago, the Suttle World western North Carolina satellite headquarters was under the threat of what would finish as a foot of snow. This morning finds the even more delightful threat of an "Ice Storm Warning," in effect until noon. Fortunately, the threat doesn't appear to be nearly as dire as depicted, and should not interfere with Suttle World holiday travel plans later today. Yes, its currently raining like a mother (an event that will permit the first sight of ground cover in a week), and the temperature is at the freezing mark, but climbing as daybreak approaches.
...The Suttle World staff remains hard at work, despite the holiday. This morning it is tracking down rumors that the woman who so rudely shoved His Holiness last night prior to mass in Rome is the same hot chick who crashed the White House party with her husband a few weeks ago. Suttle World is certainly pleased that no harm came to Benedict, but in both instances, is truly shocked that such things could happen in today's highly sensitized security environments. It does occur to Suttle World that if everyone entering both St. Peter's and the White House had to take off their shoes, such things probably wouldn't happen. Airports do it, and the gentle surfer doesn't see the Pope getting shoved around in there, now does it?
...Just a reminder (actually gloating would be a more accurate) that both Suttle World and bride of Suttle World begin competition in both of their respective fantasy football league championship games today with the next to last week of the NFL regular season getting underway tonight when San Diego visits Tennessee. Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates have carried Suttle World's Team Elvis on their backs all year... Bride of Suttle World has less interest in tonight's single contest, hidden on the NFL Network. Suttle World finds both the lines, and unusually low payoffs offered to be of little interest wagering wise.
...Wassail on!
December 24, 2009
...6:00 am, Christmas Eve, what better time for the Senate to approve legislation that will guarantee each and every American reduced quality and access to medical care. No, Suttle World still doesn't think the House will be able to reconcile this before the end of the year, but should it come to pass (damn, I'm funny), here's a little peak into the brave new world. The gentle surfer is encouraged to travel to the nearest large, metropolitan "charity" hospital---the big public hospital where people go to the ER, and wait six hours to have a sore throat treated as gunshot victims are rolled by. This is the future of the gentle surfer's health care should the single payer system (the ultimate goal of the Dems) appear. Again, one quarter of those diagnosed with colon cancer in the UK die before their first appointment with an oncologist rolls around.
...Bride of Suttle World made a successful late return to the western North Carolina Headquarters last night. Then denizens will each fight with some last minute shoppers today, respectively, and then settle in until tomorrow afternoon, when the entire crew returns to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor---returning the day following Christmas.
...The big day is already begun for the fat man with the reindeer. As is the custom, NORAD is tracking Santa's course. The gentle surfer may check on Mr. Kringle's progress by clicking here.
...Recent data from the Census Bureau indicates that the Tar Heel State had the third fastest growing population this year (in raw numbers), outdone only by Texas and, amazingly, California---the world's largest outpatient clinic. Michigan, Maine and Rhode Island saw a drop in population.
...Much like the rest of the week, its a slow news day in Suttle World. Let the festivities begin. The gentle surfer is urged to enjoy its Christmas Eve, and just a little reminder: egg nog has elf urine it it. A little know fact, but true (yeah, that's why it tastes like...).
December 23, 2009
...There has been more news than simply frozen precipitation in and around the western North Carolina Suttle World headquarters. About a 1000 feet from the WNC HQ now stands a lone chimney, Before Saturday night there was a two story house attached. Amazingly, fire fighters arrived on the scene quickly in the aftermath of the winter storm, but the fire, still under investigation, leveled the home on Campbell Drive in about 30 minutes according to neighbors. Three were at home when smoke was detected. All escaped safely.
...In another oversight by Suttle World, the winter solstice came and went on Monday without Suttle World reminding the gentle surfer that it now only has a little less than two years left before the end of the world.
...Attorneys General from around the nation are beginning to challenge to Constitutionality of the health deform bill that the Senate will vote on tomorrow night. Seems as though there's something about buying Ben Nelson's vote with extra bucks for the Nebraska Medicaid program not providing equal protection under the law. Those gosh darn Constitutional technicalities.
...Atlanta rapper Treasure Island has been released from a federal prison in Arkansas and is headed to a halfway house in Georgia. The Suttle World staff has just brought word that the gentleman in question in known merely by the initials TI.
...No doubt old man Crouch was mighty proud of his quadruplets all being accepted by Yale (class of 2014). That is until he did the math. That's almost $600,000 in tuition for the four to finish their undergraduate work.
December 22, 2009
...Archaeologists on Monday unveiled what may have been the home of one of Jesus' childhood neighbors. Its a two bedroom, one bath bungalow that is currently in foreclosure with Bank of America.
...It was a successful, albeit stressful, foray for bride of Suttle World who returned to stately Roberts/Suttle Manor yesterday. Her return to the western North Carolina HQ is expected Wednesday. Departure was aided by Mr. Plow who made several snow and ice clearing trips in front of the WNC HQ late Monday morning.
...Both Suttle World's Team Elvis and the fantasy squad managed by bride of Suttle World will play for their respective league championship's this week.
...Assisting to bring joy to an otherwise slow
holiday week is cuzin Matt, and another stellar installment of Bruner's Texas
Takes
.
The second paper back edition is being readied for release.
December 21, 2009
...Suttle World ponders as to what the many gentle surfers will be placing under the Suttle World tree this year. Why, with all the extra cash on hand now that Gene, the Caucasian, has given four straight winning wagers that has magically turned what was a mere $400 in the gentle surfer's pocket into $1,040, Suttle World is expecting some very nice goodies. To quote the friendly man at your neighborhood Otasco store: "thanks, here's your change."
...A brisk 18º surrounded the Suttle World western North Carolina headquarters at day break today. Bride of Suttle World, who, unfortunately, must make a foray to the south the next two days has delayed her departure this morning until Mr. Sun has the opportunity to make travel a bit less hazardous. The start of bride of Suttle World's trip is that much easier following the removal of approximately 150 cubic feet of "snice" (© Suttle World, 2009) from the lower two-thirds of the western NC HQ driveway yesterday afternoon. During and after the exercise, Suttle World came to a keen understanding as to why so many shuffle off this mortal coil with one hand on the orange shovel and the other clutched to the chest. Today, Suttle World must dig out himself in order to prevent a riot in the Suttle World kennels. Though not completely out, the call for kibbles is growing louder.
...Per usual: the latest column by Thomas Sowell is genius as he provides readers with some holiday shopping tips.
December 20, 2009
...The National Weather Service is now saying 10 inches of snow fell in and around the western North Carolina satellite headquarters Friday, and most all of it remains on this frozen Sunday morning. Major arteries, such as interstate and US highways have been cleared, but secondary roads remain, for the most part, impassable. This evening's dog walking session still has an opening. Contact Suttle World for details.
...What's more important than a firm, principled, "pro-life" stance? At least for Senator Ben Nelson, its extra Medicaid dollars for Nebraska. And so the Democrats claim to have 60 votes to stop debate, and vote on their own special 1500+ pages of health care deform. Suttle World can hear the gentle surfer's protestations from here: didn't Suttle World proclaim there would be no health care deform bill? Yes it did, and getting 60 votes to stop debate in the Senate is a hell of a long way from a bill on the President's desk. Its going to be much closer than Suttle World figured, but it still aint gonna happen this year.
...Suttle World wonders as to whether David Axelrod aspires to one day have a disease named for him?
...Suttle World hears no protestations from the gentle surfer who cashed its third consecutive winning ticket at the wagering window last night. Since the abbreviated prognostication season began, Gene, the Caucasian, has magically turned a $400 investment by the gentle surfer into $760, with an honest to God Sunday pick still to come. The winning ticket comes at the expense of the Saints perfect season, as Dallas pulls off the upset in New Orleans. As for today's pick, the Caucasian retreats to the six point, three team teaser that includes the dreadful that should keep it close enough for the outrageous lines to help (net): Detroit +20 v. Arizona (yes, the Lions get 20 at home); Buffalo +13 v. New England (same deal); and Carolina +15 v. Minnesota (third verse, same as the first). Pays 9:5.
December 19, 2009
...For four consecutive weeks, the upper left portion of the television screen's of local network affiliate stations for the Suttle World western North Carolina headquarters were constantly flashing with various winter weather warnings, watches and advisories. The TV is hitting a mere .250, but has one hell of a slugging percentage. Suttle World's best estimates puts the snowfall to have accumulated to at least the 8-10 inch neighborhood, while most of the area enjoyed a foot or more that began falling heavily, and shutting down interstates by early afternoon Friday. Forewarned, Suttle World and bride of Suttle World made a very early departure, and arrived just prior to the onset of impassable conditions that will continue indefinitely. The plow man doesn't cometh, so the denizens of the WNC HQ are officially stranded until further notice, albeit well stocked, and, obviously with electrical and techno connectivity. The Suttle World Kennels very much enjoyed the winter storm. Yesterday afternoon's walk in 4-5 inches of snow as it fell heavily about was a lovely holiday moment. Fast forward to this morning when 10 inches or more had accumulated and then frosted over by a final onslaught of sleet and rain overnight. Forty pound quadrupeds do not fully penetrate such a snow cap, and spring about despite their geriatric states. In contrast, their geriatric biped humans weighing in at over four times the mass do fully penetrate the snow. The gentle surfer preparing to engage in such behavior is advised to consult with their doctor first. An opening remains for the afternoon walker. Contact Suttle World here to apply.
...Local goats are being used to re-discover historic cemeteries in and around the Suttle World western NC satellite HQ. The White House could take a cue here: a real way to stimulate "shovel ready" goat job growth. (Insert pun here).
...Will Gene, the Caucasian, working off a two-week-in-a-row ticket cashing frenzy have sage wagering advice for the gentle surfer this weekend before Christmas? But, of course---especially given the Caucasian's limited entertainment options. One NFL game is on tap for tonight, and provides what is seen by many many gentle surfers as a candy ass bet. Suttle World sees it akin to the shrewd bettor that is not above watching the show pools while at the track. A six point, two play teaser pays straight-up, even money. That said, and given two different on-line books are offering it: take (net) Dallas +15.5 @ New Orleans; and Dallas @ New Orleans under 60.6. That's a lot of points, and look much more attractive to the actual lines themselves. A more typical Sunday offering will come with tomorrow's update.
...Other obscure, but entertaining sports on the tube today include the Division III football championship at 11:00 on ESPN2. Suttle World assumes its still on in Salem/Roanoke, VA where a hell of a lot of snow fell yesterday as well. Regardless, Mount Union of Ohio is supposed to take on Wisconsin-Whitewater. Carolina at Texas probably won't be as good as Duke and Gonzaga at the Garden, but they're certainly the best college hoops has to offer nationally. Cable or satellite impaired Hawks fans can find them tonight on good old WGN as they take on the Bulls (Suttle World doesn't often have the opportunity to take in the ball club), and the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship is tonight at 8:00 on ESPN. Of course, the Bowl Season gets started in all its glory this afternoon with the ever popular New Mexico Bowl featuring Fresno State and Wyoming, to be followed by the breath taking St. Petersburg Bowl where Rutgers will take on Moscow State.
December 15, 2009
...As promised, remote publication of Suttle World continues seamlessly following a Monday foggy foray.
...Christmas comes early for Suttle World's fantasy football Team Elvis that backs into the post season due to a huge/24 point Monday night by Frank Gore for the lowly Niners. Gore propelled another team to an unlikely victory over an opponent that seemed destined for the 4th and final playoff slot. Team Elvis finishes the regular season at 8-6 in a league where the #1 seed was the only 9-5 club. Several million ran a team on Yahoo again this year, but few put a team in the post season scoring fewer points (under 1200---next to last in the league). Semi final action begins Thursday night, in an NFL week that also features two games Saturday in addition to the traditional Sunday fare.
...Suttle World ponders the utility of explaining that the three detectives shot (all non-life threatening) yesterday during a drug raid in RI being more victims of the "war on drugs"...the simple economics that creates the violence inherent in prohibition, or the more righteous indignation about adults, ostensibly living in a "free country," being able to decide for themselves what they will and will not put in their own bodies...Nah, file it under "Dead Horse, Beaten."
December 14, 2009
...No need to thank Suttle World. Yes, channeling through Gene, the Caucasian, a second consecutive football bet pays 9:5 easily. Such does not appear to be the case in the fantasy world where Suttle World's Team Elvis will not prevail in the final week of the regular season, and miss the playoffs based on the first tie breaker.
...Travel day Monday for Suttle World, and what
better way to both aid in the composition of this morning's abbreviated update,
and get the week started off right, than with cuzin Matt and another of his
scintillating Texas Takes?
December 13, 2009
...About a single degree Fahrenheit overnight separated Suttle World with the ability to communicate with the rest of the known universe this morning. At this writing the mercury would stand just above 32 degrees if Suttle World had a mercury filled thermometer handy. Digital being the next best thing (truly next best in that a properly calibrated and sealed mercury thermometer is about as close as the gentle surfer is going to get to a perpetual motion machine---a true comfort for most males of the species), 32.3 will have to suffice for now with a rather unpleasant rain falling. Temps are expected to climb as the day progresses, so the Winter Storm Warning expired, as predicted, at 6:00 this morning. And so, the humans come out the winners in the first serious brush with mother nature (proper noun?) this winter season. Suttle World admonishes the chortling gentle surfers who dwell in large northern metropolises. Winter weather events do receive an undo amount of attention because they are rare, much like National League pennants in most aforementioned Yankee outposts. At 2500 feet, the Suttle World western North Carolina satellite headquarters and surrounds are less apt to panic at the mention of frozen precip, but the deal is: ice trumps all; and it was damn near an inch of ice that is currently not being enjoyed by the singular degree.
...Sunday means its time to take a look at the tote board for any afternoon investment opportunities. Gene, the Caucasian, is none too thrilled at the offerings, but in the spirit of guidance will take a stab in the form of the tried and true three team, six point teaser that today features (net): Atlanta +16.5 v. New Orleans; Carolina +19.5 @ New England; and Carolina at New England under 49. Pays 9:5.
...An abbreviated Sunday update. The gentle surfer is advised to check their locally broadcast august talking heads to fill in the details.
December 12, 2009
...Once again Suttle World is thwarted by an inept staff and technical issues that prevented publication mid week. A back up system shall be readied this weekend so that Suttle World is not dependent on server farms in Bangladesh to push forward.
...Yes, Suttle World is starting to drag the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the Every Day Is Saturday TV Cartoon Theme Song of the Day shtick. Musically, especially given the Scatman Crothers performance, the Hong Kong Phooey theme is far from the worst, but a bust of a show---in this case a 16 week wonder. Certainly its no match for the much beloved George of the Jungle? Suttle World would agree, but hasten to point out only 17 episodes of that half hour show were produced, though they did run over a three season stretch. See boys and girls, in the olden days when you had to actually draw all the frames, it took a lot longer to make a cartoon, so fewer shows were produced.
...A Winter Storm Warning is in currently in effect for the western North Carolina Suttle World headquarters, where temps dipped below twenty last night. Actually the warning is set to take effect at 6:00 pm this evening and carry over until 6:00 AM Sunday morning. This may well be a true French Toast alert, and, unfortunately, Suttle World will have to compete with the bread and milk hoarding mob to simply stock the pantry with a few items intended for everyday use. Suttle World continues to endorse the notion of localities declaring States of Hysteria that evoke certain rules upon retailers. Chief among them would be a check-out aisle at each grocery for those who are not crazed, and just happened to have to pick up some stuff.
...What's more fun than fighting with a bread and milk mob? A goon squad meeting in Copenhagen to worship a naked emperor works for starts. The collective imbecility of the summit, and its alleged objectives (as opposed to the true objective of global wealth redistribution) make Suttle World's hair hurt. Previous sage takes on the subject can be found in the Suttle Security Council Daily Brief Archives.
...Wrapped in a holiday motif: Suttle World encourages the gentle surfer shopping for a Tiger take to look elsewhere. Word on the street indicates there are are more than a few to be found.
...The Saturday sports calendar has slowed down mightily now that college football has gone on hiatus before the beginning of the compelling 30 game bowl season. The exceptions would be the Division II playoffs (how can they possibly pull it off?), and the traditional Army-Navy---a game of which the last 15 minutes are always worth a look. Another handful of early college hoops games are to be had by the gentle surfer that consults its local listings. Yes, Kentucky looks great, including blowing out Carolina in Lexington. Suttle World would hasten to add 1) looking good in late March is when it counts, and 2) Suttle World is uncertain as to how many victories accumulated now will still count in a few years once Calipari has moved on to coach the Raiders. Gene, the Caucasian, is pouring over his charts and graphs at this writing in time to begin a late start to what has become a Suttle World tradition. Two wagers have been offered to date this season. One has paid, and the gentle surfer's $200 worth of bets is now worth $280.
December 8, 2009
...Its a travel day for Suttle World, making for an abbreviated update this morning.
...Breaking news...something or someone else broke at Tiger's pad (damn, I'm funny) early this morning where all major media outlets are now reporting that paramedics were called to the Orange County residence.
...The battle against colorectal cancer in the U.S. has been a growing success story: The death rate dropped roughly 20 percent in the last 10 years. Meanwhile, in the worker's paradise, the United Kingdom, 25% of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer die before their first appointment with an oncologists rolls around.
December 7, 2009
...Sixty-eight years ago today, the nation of Japan launched an unprovoked act of military hubris and brutality that resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans at Pearl Harbor, and began the United States' involvement in World War II that would eventually take nearly 400,000 additional American lives.
...192 nations (who knew there were so many) are in attendance for the climate change summit that opened today in Copenhagen. Meanwhile a more sparse crowd of 173 nations will have representatives on hand for the Tooth Fairy summit that begins tomorrow in Istanbul.
...A little inclusive language to get the week started...¿Los Falcones aspiran mucho? Si', Falcones aspiran mucho.
...On the collegiate gridiron, the spectacular post season gets underway Saturday, December 19 when Fresno State takes on Wyoming in the always thrilling New Mexico Bowl. Thirty-three days following their last appearances, Alabama and Texas will meet in the BCS Championship game. Brilliant, no?
...Beware, this could be the opening the food police have been looking for. A 25-year-old Port St. Lucie man was arrested for allegedly rubbing a hamburger on his wife's face during an argument. Vegan activists and other groups of generally unhealthy looking people are insisting authorities charge the man with assault with a deadly weapon.
...Also getting the second week of December off
on the right foot is cuzin Matt, with another stellar installment of Bruner's
Texas Takes
December 6, 2009
...Bloomberg is reporting this morning that "President Barack Obama plans to head to the U.S. Capitol to press Senate Democrats to agree on health legislation." Suttle World would respectfully suggest the president would benefit more from spending the time pressing the drapes in the White House---at least that would accomplish something. Suttle World is on record that there will be no health care bill that comes out of the Senate this year, much less a conference mark-up that can be presented for Obama's signature before Guy Lombardo, err, Dick Clark, err, whoever the hell does the New Year's Eve thingy now when the big pickle drops. If both Joe Lieberman and Bernie Sanders threaten filibusters on either side of a "government option..." It aint gonna happen this year, and if it doesn't happen this year, it doesn't happen in an election year with Democrats running, quite deservedly, scared with double digit unemployment and an angry electorate breathing down their necks.
...Suttle World would sleep much better if Barbara Boxer were asking folks "would you like fries with that" for a living, as opposed to being a member of the US Senate.
...No need to thank Suttle World, or Gene, the Caucasian, for that matter---it was just a friendly suggestion on yesterday's college football action that paid a tidy 9:5. Cincinnati/Pitt was simply a great ball game. Alabama looked ungodly in making Florida look mortal, and Tech holds on in the second half that Suttle World never made it through. Suttle World would also like to be the first to volunteer to accept the bowl bid phone call, and use the appropriate language with the fat stooge on the other end that the AD at Texas Christian University might find unfit. Suttle World truly doesn't get it. If following the money is a reliable modus operandi, there are literally billions of dollars on the table from a network for a playoff. A lot more post season bucks would be generated, so everyone gets more. What's the problem here?
...Suttle World sends its thoughts and condolences to those affected by the loss of over a hundred lives in a Russian night club fire over the weekend---evidently ignited by a pyrotechnics display. As some measure of comfort, Suttle World would hasten to point out that at least the dearly departed didn't go out attempting to see Great White.
...Talking heads time---where the blind lead the lame, and a nation clamors to learn more about a 9-iron to the window of an Escalade than a 1,400 page health deform bill.
...Pete Rozelle proved beyond doubt that parity can equal prosperity. It can also be rather ugly as is the case with week 12/13 of the NFL season. There are a host of what should be blow outs and a handful of potentially close contests, but only because both teams are dreadful. Now in its 18th season of operation, Suttle World's fantasy Team Elvis, must run the table the next three weeks to make this year's post season.
December 5, 2009
...As previously warned, Suttle World is intermittently technically challenged (as always, because of the ever inept Suttle World staff), and such became the case shortly following publication Tuesday. Regardless, Suttle World will push forward with all the fortitude that it can muster to tell the gentle surfer what it so desperately longs to know.
....The Suttle World western North Carolina satellite headquarters is giddy over the likelihood of the season's first snowfall throughout Saturday, with little, if any accumulation expected. Those a thousand feet or so more elevated should see significant accumulation in the 4-6 inch range.
...Through its own sheer neglect, Suttle World is fully and completely responsible for its failure to publish late yesterday, thereby acknowledging the sixth anniversary of the most recent wedding between Suttle World and bride of Suttle World in Hanover, VA. Hanover County Magistrate Wren officiated the ceremony, as security controlled the throng of three (Suttle World, bride of Suttle World and Magistrate Wren). The drive-by wedding was while en route to NYC, where, the following day two feet of snow would fall in Central Park. The gentle surfer in need of snow the first weekend in December now knows the team to call or email for more details and pricing (first class air fare is required).
...College football---the Sisyphus of sports. Today's featured exhibition is, of course, the SEC title game, and will, most likely, be a more exciting contest than the Cheetos Championship/whatever the hell the big BCS exhibition is called. Its the game played about two months after either team has taken the field. Suttle World finds the betting public to be wise in making Florida a 5.5 point favorite. In addition to the Suttle World axiom of not wagering hard earned cash on 19 year olds, Suttle World is not tempted by either side of this line straight-up, That said, the gentle surfer just aching for some action this Saturday might find a decent wager in the form of the trusty three team. six point teaser taking (net) Cincinnati +4 @ Pitt; Alabama +11.5 v. Florida; and Georgia Tech +5 v. Clemson in the ACC championship game. Each exhibition has great promise in the amusement department. The gentle surfer is urged to check its local listings.
...There has always been a positive correlation between the indexes (or is that indices?) of Suttle World Joy and the Dow Jones Industrials, but Suttle World takes some comfort in the DOW shaking itself back to a flat Friday close. This followed a 125 point upward opening on a jobs report that came in at an even 10%---down from 10.2% in October. Certainly Suttle World would agree that a decline in the unemployment rate is a good thing, but Suttle World has difficulty seeing much room for further downward movement in the current environment. Here's the deal: (Suttle World works fast and loose with some numbers here, but they're real close and make the math easier; and if the gentle surfer is in doubt, as Casey so eloquently stated, "you can look it up").: Small business has created 80% of the jobs in the US economy over the past 20+ years. Many economists would argue that small business created 100% of "new jobs" in the past decade. Regardless, about 80% of those jobs are created by only 20% of the small businesses (the "jumbo shrimp" of the group). The company that last serviced the gentle surfer's HVAC system is probably an excellent example. Private and individually owned, almost all are subchapter (s) corporations. This means the big, bad boss man (in this case, pop of the mom and pop/Mr. Riley of Riley's Heating and Air) does the books for the business, and then shows any profit on the appropriate line of his 1040, much like the overwhelming number of workers do with a W2. There's a catch. Since Mr. Riley has been at it for 20 years, and busting his ass, he's built a business with nine full time employees. He has five "trucks" on the road doing service calls. He's worked 70+ hours a week since they first opened the door, and now this has parlayed himself into the stratosphere of the "evil rich/" having an income (the profit of Riley's Heating and Air) of a quarter-mil or more. The phones ring at Riley's Heating and Air. Winter's coming, and folks need to make sure their heat will work properly. Riley is booked solid, and is beginning to refer some service calls to trusted colleagues/competitors. Logic would dictate that Riley expand, and hire some folks, but the geezer has some questions first. "I'm pretty sure the Bush tax cuts will expire next year, and my effective tax rate will increase 5%; many want a tax increase on folks in my bracket for various and sundry reasons, and the cap on Social Security earnings that may be taxed could fall by the wayside, costing me another 5%-8%. I may or may not have to buy my employees health coverage (even though they might already be covered), and I have no idea what that might cost." Old man Riley did not make it 20 years by being rash. Sure he could hire another tech, buy another truck and grow Riley's Heating and Air a fraction even in these dismal times, but the sage Riley will instead stand on the sidelines, because no one can give him a clue of what to expect the government to do to him. Mr. Riley is doing OK. Sure, times have been better, but he's not worried about keeping his lights on. The employee he may have hired (and the multiplier effect of the extra truck, wages, supplies, etc...) may not enjoy that luxury. (A pretty decent take on the fly. With some editing...Suttle World is becoming comfortable in the saddle/stroller again.
...Hey...not bad for a late update following canine transport, ministering to the long lost, healing the blind, and helping the sick to see. Suttle World's not even back in full swing, and still, it gives, and give and gives...
December 2, 2009
...A shout out to cuzin Matt (as in Bruner's Texas Takes, and his most recently released CD, "Drive In Sky.") who graced stately Roberts/Suttle Manor yesterday evening. In the ATL for a regular whirlwind tour, as always, Suttle World and bride of Suttle World were honored by the visit. A lovely repast ensued at a local eatery, with the party returning to the Manor just in time for the most gracious hosts to treat dear Matt with...
...The speech by President Obama last night at West Point was about as good a job as Suttle World could have expected. Each of the last two Commanders in Chief have persuaded Suttle World to initiate, retaliate or escalate a military operation that were unsuccessful at best, and disasters in many cases. Further examination of the nuts and bolts of the latest Afghani strategy is necessary, before Suttle World can give a more cogent take.
...A piece of housekeeping as Suttle World begins to resume regularly scheduled programming. Suttle World remains periodically technically challenged---making especially week day updates abbreviated for the time being. "Courage," is the advice Suttle World has for the gentle surfer in the interim.
...A rare, 5-carat pink diamond was auctioned off for a record $10.8 million in Hong Kong on Tuesday, according to a Reuter's story. Tempting though it may be, Suttle will remain steadfast with its manta to not shoot fish in a barrel by making any reference to the irony and entendre of it being a "pink" diamond."
...The Simpsons' 20th anniversary special will air Jan. 10.
...Props to the Hawks on their 12-5 start, The current #3 seed in the Eastern Conference, host Toronto tonight at Philips.
December 1, 2009
...Ok, a few fixes to work out, and the gentle surfer is up and running once again with Suttle World who makes a triumphant return for the first of December. Regular updates begin now---almost. Time constraints are not conducive to a lengthy morning update today. Patience.
WORLD 
