The day has arrived ...

... Well, it's here. Ed and I leave early this afternoon for Miami, where we'll board the cruise ship Celebrity Century tomorrow for our trip to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. It'll be our fourth cruise in four years.

I'm telling you, it's the only way to vacation.

Both of us are really looking forward to getting away for awhile. Work for both of us has been a b*tch -- in fact, when we get back Ed will be changing jobs. Lord knows if I could find a new job, I'd be doing the same thing. Josh is here from Arkansas to watch the dogs, and in fact, will be finding a job himself while he's here.

I'll be in contact with all my family while we're gone, especially my sister Sue, who underwent her first chemotherapy treatment yesterday. The doctors told her she'll lose every hair on her body in the next couple of weeks (yikes!). But, she only has to undergo four treatments, which is much less than originally planned. And she's already found a wig.

In the meantime, the latest slice of heaven awaits. Talk to you all in about a week.

Today's gratuitous photo of Novak Djokovic ...

No Andy Roddick, no Rafael Nadal, no Roger Federer. Say hello to Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who will play in Sunday's Australian Open final against France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (who?)

Winter, a poem by Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre

I found this beautiful winter poem and thought it might be a comfort to you. It was to me, and it's very well written.
SH*T!! It's cold!
The End

My sister Cheryl sent me this -- I just cleaned it up a bit.

Heath Ledger 1979-2008

Actor Heath Ledger died Tuesday in New York at age 28. An autopsy Wednesday was inconclusive. I just hope it wasn't drugs, like many people have already decided it was.

Here's a Brokeback Mountain clip with co-star Jake Gyllenhaal. Fantastic movie. Great actors. I can't wait to see Ledger as The Joker in this summer's Batman: The Dark Knight, his last movie role.

RIP Heath. You will be missed. Please give Suzanne Pleshette our best...

Nice guys win 'Amazing Race 12'

The Amazing Race 12 is history. And the team I wanted to win did just that.

TK and Rachel (the hippies) beat Mr. Miagi and his daughter (Ron and Christina) and Gramps and the Kid (Don and Nick) to the finish line in Anchorage.

A friend of mine at work was disappointed that Mr. Miagi and his daughter didn't win, going so far as to say the hippies didn't deserve to win. Huh? I told him that either team was worthy, both won multiple legs. But ... TK and Rachel came from last place, with a speed bump no less, to win. I think that says something in and of itself. My friend said "but they were so far ahead." True. But we all know airports are the great equalizer on TAR, and again this proved to be true.

I was hoping Gramps and the Kid would rally, but they screwed up early in the finale when they didn't read the Detour clue correctly and had to do a U-turn and pick up supplies that they left behind.

Still, everybody was neck-and-neck going into the final Road Block,that saw the team members with the best memories (Rachel, Christina and Nick) placing an item from each city they visited onto a stage for their final clue. After a few dramatic one-shots and a commercial break, Rachel proved to have the best memory (No way dude!) and she and TK were off to the finish line.

TK and Rachel graciously accepted their prize (how I'd love to hear Phil start that final speech --"After 30,000 miles and four continents ...") but emphasized that their relationship was more important than the money they just won. Sure. That will change when they realize how much incense $1 million can buy.

I also had no problem with TK saying something to the effect of "Nice guys can definitely finish first." Arrogant? Maybe. But they won, despite the best efforts of others (namely Nate and Jen), who said they were too easy going and didn't deserve to win. TK can borrow a line from one of Ron's T-shirts in reply:

"Who's your daddy now?"

Thank God for TiVo and DVR. I can watch the last couple of episodes until TAR returns, probably in the fall. 

Until next time ...

Ziplining through Jamaica ...

This is what Ed and I will be doing when we get to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I can't wait ...

A little dab will do ya ...

All this for a little hair gel. Pretty cool, but I wonder how long it took them and how many takes it took them to film this...

Now this is a Christmas card ...

... Don't know who Rob Sheridan is, but he's talented and funny. Check out his website here.

Jon Lajoie is fricking funny ...

... I can't believe this guy isn't more well-known. He's come out with a sequel to Everyday Normal Guy, called Everyday Normal Guy 2. Pretty original, wouldn't you say?

Check out his website, and especially watch the rest of his videos. Beware: He does like to drop the F-bomb.

I guess this proves it ...

It's a little bit chilly ...

I know it's nothing like what my sister Cheryl is having to deal with right now in Des Moines (it's 9 degrees), but it feels like 9 here with the windchill. The real temperature is 23, but with a 25-mph wind out of the northwest, it feels like 9.

It's the coldest air of the winter so far here in the D.C. area. Which is fine. But if it's going to be this cold, it might as well snow. We missed out on another big storm yesterday. It stayed south in the Carolinas.

Oh well. What do I really care anyway. This time next week I'll be cruising in the Caribbean, on my way to Jamaica.

So I've got that going for me. Which is nice.

Brokeback Enterprise

A parody of Brokeback Mountain and Star Trek.

Crutches and a skateboard

Who knew you could do so much with crutches and a skateboard? Mostly crutches. And what kind of mind thinks of this?

Things that make you go hmmm...

Today's gratuitous photo of Andy Roddick ...

Andy, we hardly knew ye.

The last of a series. To celebrate his quick exit from the Australian Open, a five-set loss to somebody named Philipp Kohlschreiber.

At least you still look good...

Roddick photo courtesy Boston Globe

RSS Hugger

I just signed up here, a site that is supposed to draw traffic to your site. I've heard some very good things about it, so I'm going to give it a try. Hopefully I'll get more than just my circle of friends and family to give it and me look ...

Real Men of Genius

God I love those Bud Light commercials. I did not realize there are now more than 160 of them. This one is fricking funny.

Go here to hear a few. You can also find some videos at YouTube.

Favre vs. Brady

To celebrate Sunday's AFC & NFC Championship Games, I hereby give you a possible Super Bowl preview between the Packers and the Patriots.

Well, not really. But both videos are pretty funny...

The Tom Brady mancrush song

Whew! That was close!

Ed will be happy to know that Zac Efron, he of High School Musical fame, will be OK after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital Wednesday for an emergency appendectomy.

That means Efron, 20, will be able to continue filming High School Musical 3, which is slated for sometime later this year. Probably Halloween, since that's the reported theme of the unexplainable Disney hit. I know Ed is letting go one huge sigh of relief right about now.

Speaking of unexplainable hits, another Bring It On movie just went straight to DVD. Bring It On: In It To Win It, is the fourth of the cheerleader movie series. The first one, with Kirsten Dunst, is a hoot and a half -- the opening scene alone is worth the price of admission, I mean rental, I mean purchase price. The other two? Meh ... But you know I'll still watch it anyway.

Zac Efron photo courtesy Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Kirsten Dunst photo courtesy Universal

Finally, a winter wonderland ...

It hasn't been much of a winter so far here in Northern Virginia/D.C. In fact, it's been one of the warmest on record. But winter showed up today with some snow, sleet and freezing rain. Now it's actually changing to all rain. But it is pretty.

It still kills me that they cancelled most of the schools in this area today because of this little inconvenience. It hadn't even started yet and the panic had already begun.

Good thing I got to the store yesterday in time to pick up all the milk, bread and toilet paper I could find.

I hope you noted the sarcasm ...

Sister Sue update...

... Well, she got the results back from all her bone/CT/MRI exams last week, and the news ain't all that good. She has two lesions on her brain and one on her liver. She starts chemotherapy next week. Strangely enough, her lungs are now clear of any cancer.

The news could have been much worse, of course, but this is bad enough. At least she's gotten smart enough to realize that chemo could make a difference. And I think the fact she likes this doctor helps too. She really did not like the last guy. She thought he was just shuffling people in and out of his office with little care for his patients.

I keep reminding Sue about Lance Armstrong, who had cancer start in his testicles before going to his lungs and brain. He fought and survived -- well enough to win seven consecutive Tours de France. And he continues to help people with cancer today with the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I'm sure you've seen people wearing the yellow bracelets that bear the Livestrong name on them. It was Armstrong's bracelets that started the wave of bracelets that adorn wrists around the country -- from other foundations and charities and health organizations to sports teams. I even have a blue Chicago Cubs bracelet that says "I Believe" on it. It hasn't worked yet.

I've given the Livestrong bracelets to all my family to wear, including Sue, who says she's given all of hers away, but doesn't wear one herself. Hmmm ...

Click here for more Livestrong information.

Now if only we could convince Sue to stop smoking ...

Family ties...

We're one day closer to our cruise. We leave Jan. 25 for Miami, where we'll spend one night before hopping aboard the Celebrity Century the next day on our way to Jamaica and the Caymans.

My nephew Josh is coming to watch the dogs again. He arrives on Jan. 23, and his stay is likely to be quite lengthy. Things aren't going well with him at home in Arkansas, so Ed and I have opened up our house to him with the hopes that he might be able to find a job here and get his feet firmly planted on the ground somewhere else. I think the best thing for him would be to get out of Arkansas and start over. We'll see if he agrees.

My sister Cheryl and her other half Val will be making a visit, too. They will be coming in late April to see the Cubs and Nationals play at the new Nationals Ballpark. Ed and I have season tickets (half-season plan) so we're assured of at least one game. So when single-game tickets go on sale, I'll need to be right there trying to get them tickets because it's probably going to be a bitch getting tickets for one of the biggest series of the year.

As for the rest of the family? Should hear from Sue tomorrow about her bone scans last week. Hopefully there'll be good news coming there.

Brenda? She's going to graduate from college next May. Couldn't be prouder of her. She still has some issues to work out at home, but overall her life is really heading in the right direction.

Brother Ron continues to live in Little Rock. Every time I talk to him he asks if he can "borrow" some money. We've all pretty much figured he has a box stored away in a closet somewhere overflowing with $20 bills.

Amazing Race 12

Finally, they are gone.

Nate and Jen were finally eliminated in last night's episode of The Amazing Race 12, one of the best of the season if not one of the best of the series.

The little blonde and her boyfriend --as we like to call them at work -- went out bickering. So what else is new? They may also be the dumbest competitors ever. Going to Taiwan, they were excited about getting to meet "Thai" friends and eating "Thai" food. Seriously -- people watching this must wonder what the U.S. education system is coming to.

And it was fun to watch them freak out when T.K. and Rachel -- who may be the most mellow, most laid back couple ever on the race -- caught up to them despite the speed bump, which involved running through a field of fireworks. No wins either, despite being in the final four. Oh well. Too bad so sad.

The final leg of this edition begins next week from Taipai, with Mr. Miagi and his daughter in the lead, followed by T.K. and Rachel and Gramps and the Kid ("We've been playing this game like bitches").

Mr. Miagi and his daughter continue to surprise, but my choice to win is T.K. and Rachel, and if not then Gramps and the Kid.

It's going to be a great fight to the finish...

Gramps and the Kid photo courtesy CBS

It's really, really HOT in Melbourne ...

Today's gratuitous shot of Andy Roddick AND Rafael Nadal.

Hot fun in the summertime ...

Today's gratuitous photo of Andy Roddick ...

The Australian Open begins Monday in Melbourne. What better way to celebrate than with a shirtless Andy Roddick?

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!

Amazing Race 12 ...

... They are down to the final four, but T.K. and Rachel face an uphill climb. They were last into the pit stop at Osaka, Japan, but because it was the final non-elimination leg of the race, they are safe for now. Phil told them they were already three hours behind the others, and they'll have to deal with the Speed Bump in next week's episode.

Looking at the previews for next week, they catch up, but you never know what happens to them on the Speed Bump. They are still my choice to win, with Grandpa and the Kid my next choice.

I had to laugh, though, because Nate and Jen failed to finish first -- again. Let's just hope that continues, though it would pain me to see them finally come in first and win the $1 million. That's the LAST thing I'd like to see happen.

The fourth couple? Mr. Miagi and his daughter? They were first again, but as long as he keeps treating his daughter like crap it's hard to cheer for them.

Until next week ...

T.K. and Rachel photo courtesy CBS

Yes, Richard Simmons can be funny ...

Check out this video of Richard Simmons on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Fricking funny...

And if that's not enough check out his appearance about 20-25 years ago on General Hospital when he was a regular.

Now THAT'S funny.

Sorry Joe

The second coming of Joe Gibbs to the Washington Redskins is over. The coach resigned yesterday after four seasons and two playoff appearances, which is a little short of what everybody expected when he replaced Steve Spurrier.

Gibbs cited his family and, in particular, one of his grandsons being treated for leukemia, as his reason for stepping down. The murder of Sean Taylor midway through the season probably didn't help much either. And the fact that they made the playoffs after that is pretty impressive, even for those of us who aren't Redskins fans.

So, Gibbs will head back to North Carolina and his NASCAR operation.

See ya later Joe. Hello Bill Cowher?

Colon cleansing

Bowel detoxification program. An alternative to enemas and laxatives.

What?

I've been getting these spam emails telling me of the wonders of cleaning my colon. I'm sorry, I have enough issues with my colon that going through 2-3 days of unpleasantness (one site recommends starting on a Friday and taking Monday off from work -- really!) just doesn't sound like fun to me.

Here's one of the promotions:

Benefits of Colon Cleansing: Notice that you have so much more energy. This is because you are now able to absorb the full nutrition from the good food that you eat. Notice that you require less sleep and still wake refreshed. Notice that the little aches and pains that you used to have are gone. Notice that your eyes are so much brighter. Notice that your skin is softer, smoother and healthier-looking. Notice that you feel lighter and happier overall. Notice that you have lost weight. Notice that your digestive system works 1,000% better without needing laxatives, enemas, or any type of support, as you’ve gotten things working correctly again!

Harmful Side Effects:They tell you not to worry if taking the cleanser makes you feel sick because that's a sign that the product is working. According to one pamphlet, gas and other gastrointestinal discomfort along with flu-like symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose are "temporary, positive signs that your body is working to rid itself of the toxin build-up." Another product says, "Do not be alarmed if you pass strings of mucus ... for a couple of weeks as this is a good sign that you are detoxifying." Yet another tells patrons to "just relax and appreciate your body's cleansing process if you develop any of the following -- headaches, bad breath or body odor, dizziness, irritability, skin eruptions ... or low energy."

But do not relax. Dizziness could be a sign that you're becoming dehydrated. And strings of mucus—the intestine's response to stimulation—mean the body views the cleanser as a toxin and is trying to get rid of it. The idea of having to feel worse before you feel better is particularly dangerous in light of the fact that feeling bad is very possibly a sign that a cleanser is disagreeing with you in a serious way. Consider a U.S. Food and Drug Administration report that linked kidney problems and progressive muscle weakness to a cleansing formula that contained herbs and fiber. In another FDA report, a body cleanser that contained clay, cascara, and comfrey was associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting up blood. A woman even ended up in the emergency room with life-threatening heart problems after ingesting an herbal cleansing regimen with tainted ingredients. (Unlike drugs, cleansers do not have to meet standards for quality and purity.)

Not convincing enough? Then maybe this photo of what exits your body will be convincing enough. Which begs another question -- why are they holding it with their hands?? YUK!!!

Bon Appetite!

Opening Day

It's only January, but baseball is already in the air for me, especially with such a disappointing football season now in my rear-view mirror. And the fact it's been 70-75 degrees the past few days in the D.C. area.

According to bleedcubbieblue.com, Opening Day for the Chicago Cubs is a little more than 82 days away; the first spring game is only 50 days away.

And the Washington Nationals are getting ready to move into their new ballpark. An exhibition against the Baltimore Orioles kicks things off on March 29, followed by the nationally televised (ESPN) opener the following night against the hated Atlanta Braves.

I didn't think the new park would be done in time, but by golly it looks like the $611 million was spent wisely and correctly. Check out this cam shot of the new digs. Pretty cool...

Cruisin'...

Three weeks from today Ed and I will be on the Celebrity Century, cruising on our way to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. From there it's on to the Cayman Islands before the return trip to Miami.

Can't wait. I've been driving Ed crazy about hotel rooms before and after the trip, constantly going to the website to check prices (we really got a pretty good deal -- 5 nights, $309 each, not counting excursions, gratuties, etc.). Before the trip was listed as SOLD OUT this morning, Inside Staterooms were going for as high as $800 at one point! They did come back down before selling out.

Anyway, we're going to to a zipline tour excursion in Jamaica. It'll probably be as close as I ever get to actually doing The Amazing Race. In Grand Cayman, we're going to do a Jeep 4x4 adventure. We did one in Cozumel on our first cruise. If this one is anything like that one, it's going to be a blast.

This will probably be our only vacation/big trip this year. Money's going to be a bit tighter since we've had some work done on the house ... and with layoffs/buyouts at work, I think we're going to have to keep a closer eye on the bottom line.

I haven't even decided yet if I'm going to play softball this year. Oh I'm going to definitely play/coach on my work team, but I'm wavering on my Sunday Gay league team, NITRO. I really like the team and those guys will always be my best friends. But you just have to wonder how long the window's going to be open for us to ever win the NAGAAA Gay World Series. We thought we'd have done it by now. Oh well. We'll see.

But you know what? It's too soon to be thinking softball. Our cruise awaits -- and then hopefully about two feet of snow when we get back...then I'll worry about playing with balls.

The most handsome dog in the world ...

Dexter, in all his morning glory ...

I tried to warn them ...

... I told my neighbor across the street, I told my friends at work:

"You are letting yourselves in for a huge letdown."

And so here it is. Planning Super Bowl parties before the first playoff game is just plain stupid. Did the Washington Redskins have a chance to win yesterday? Of course. Did they? Of course not.

This whole thing about Sean Taylor and destiny was just a bit much, and in the end may have come back and bitten the Redskins and their fans right in the arse.

And so the hangover begins. But hey, at least you haven't been waiting 100 years for a World Series title like the Chicago Cubs have.

My prayers were answered ...

... Final score: Seahawks 35, Redskins 14.

I think that's all that needs to be said ...

Living and loathing in Washington, D.C.

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the Washington Redskins? No, well, here goes:

I REALLY, REALLY HATE THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS.

Lord help us today if they beat the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC wild-card playoff game. After they barely made the playoffs last week, people I work with and a certain friend who lives across the street were already planning Super Bowl parties.

Give me a fricking break.

OK, so they might be the "feel-good" story of the postseason, what with the murder of safety Sean Taylor and all. But just because they've won four in a row with a backup quarterback who's on the run of his life, I wouldn't start making plans for the Arizona desert just yet. Todd Collins is going to come crashing down to earth one of these days, and hopefully, today's that day.

The local TV stations have had nothing but "Battle in Seattle" stories all week. Election news? What's that?

This hatred isn't just a passing fancy either. While I've lived in the Washington, D.C. area since 1991, I've hated the Redskins for as long as I can remember. And it's because of their fans (a fraternity buddy of mine and the neighbor across the street would be best friends). Totally without a sense of reality where the team is concerned. If you aren't a Redskins fan around here, you are scorned -- people act as if you just asked for their first born. And some would give away their first born if it meant a Redskins victory.

Joe Gibbs? Your time has come and gone my man. Your second coming has been no salvation. But if you guys win today, you are probably assured of another season or two by little owner Danny Snyder.

And, their name is racist. Having some Cherokee blood running through my veins, I can say that.

Many of you are probably saying that these are rants of a bitter Chicago Bears fan. Who watched as his team got spanked by the Redskins in early December. Well, sure, but I'm not bitter. I'm just a fan of any team who plays the Redskins.

But here's a final caveat -- if the Redskins do win today, I can think of no better scenario than to see them go down to Dallas and get whupped by the Cowboys. All these Redskins, especially my neighbor, going into a major depression/funk.

Now THAT would be fun to watch. ... Update after the game.

Another kid on the way!

Well, there's news today of another impending birth in the Munz family. Ed's brother Chris and his wife Julie found out today that they are expecting another boy, in 145 days according to his blog. Last August they celebrated the first birthday of Jack, who I'm sure can't wait for a little brother to beat up on. More as the big day approaches.

Close, but yet so far away

Christmas is over dammit. My favorite time of year -- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, packed malls the Saturday before the big day, but no snow -- again -- this year. One of these years I'd like to see a blizzard roll through here on Christmas Eve, dumping about 15 inches of snow. Now THAT would be a Christmas to remember.

Got some great gifts though -- an iPhone from Ed and a Cubs Derrek Lee jersey from my sister top the list.

And Christmas may be over, but that just means we're another day closer to our next cruise. Ed and I are going to Jamaica and the Grand Caymans on a five-night Celebrity cruise aboard Century. Can't wait. I don't know if we'll ever really vacation any other way than cruising.

After that? Pitchers and catchers report in mid-February, softball arrives in April and the Cubs win the World Series next October with new Japanese import Kosuke Fukudome being named MVP after Kerry Wood saves Game 7 at Wrigley Field against the Detroit Tigers.

I can dream, right?

Rudolph and Hermie courtesy CBS

Where have I been???

Umm, away? Hell I don't know. I just know I haven't blogged since Sept. 30, 2007. Good God, that was last year!

A lot has happened since then, and maybe that's why I just haven't had the desire. First and foremost, the Cubs were 3 and done in the playoffs. To the Arizona Diamondbacks. Bastards.

The Bears' season just ended, though on a good note, with a 33-25 win over the New Orleans Saints (take that JW or whatever the hell your name is now). But by winning their final two games they actually screwed themselves a little bit. Now instead of fifth or sixth pick in the draft they get No. 14. Please, if you are reading this, DRAFT A QUARTERBACK WHO CAN ACTUALLY WIN IN CHICAGO. PICK A RUNNING BACK WHO ISN'T CEDRIC BENSON. Sorry. Had to vent.

My sister Sue is OK I guess. She had her lung cancer surgery and then proceeded to start smoking again. She seems to think that since they cut part of her lung out that all the cancer is gone. Sure. And I'm going to win Powerball this week too.

She does like the doctor she's currently seeing, though, and he may be just the one to change her mind about chemotherapy. We'll see.

In reality TV land, Survivor: China has come and gone, with Todd, our little cutie mormon gay flight attendant walking away with the million bucks. He deserved it. Kid Nation is also over and probably won't be back. I liked it, but it raised a lot of concern over child labor laws and such. Pshaw.

And last but not least, we're down to the final four on The Amazing Race 12: Grandpa Don & Nick, Nate & Jen (please let them lose this week, please, please, please), Ron & Christina (Asian father and daughter -- he really treats her like crap), and the hippies, Rachel & TK.

I'm pulling for the hippies and grandpa & Nick. It's been a great year so far. Too bad the Goths are one. They were pretty funny.

Alfred E. Newman courtesy MAD Magazine