Much as it pains me to say it, congratulations to the UCONN womens’ basketball team on their 89th straight win. That, of course, breaks John Wooden’s legendary record of 88 straight at UCLA. They haven’t lost since the Final Four in 2008 (and they only lost 2 games that year). Now let’s hope the SU women kick their asses in February (though the Orange women got their own asses handed to them last night by Baylor down in the Bahamas).

I saw an AP story this morning about how Americans have become resigned, compliant sheep when it comes to airport security screening. Not that there’s much of a choice, I guess (except to not go anywhere, which is my solution). So, congrats, America (and to help you along during this holiday travel season, the Huff Post has 10 airport securoty tips to move you along smoothly – I didn’t read them, but I’m assuming they include packing a personal less-than-four-ounce supply of KY Jelly in a clear plastic baggie). Soon you’ll be happily carrying your national ID cards, gladly presenting (without objection) your papers to any minimum wage, officious prick wearing a mall cop uniform, cheerfully submitting to retina scans, and dutifully reporting your suspicious-looking neighbor with the funny accent and/or long hair.

Your government commends you, Citizen!

Not feeling particularly compliant? Well, the Obama Administration is drafting an executive order that will allow traitors like you to be “detained” forever without trial. Oh, not to worry, though: they’ll be doing a periodic review of the secret “evidence” they have against you, and if it turns out you’re innocent, you’ll be among the first to know (at least until we get a Republican in office, who’ll tighten up this namby-pamby liberal nonsense).

Okat, you must be so proud (as usual) of your Senator, Tom Coburn. Oh, excuse me, that’s Doctor Senator Tom Coburn.

Larry David is quite happy that the Bush tax cuts have been extended for another two years. Can’t say as I blame him. But shouldn’t we call them the “Obama tax cuts” now?

I have no idea who Ryan Reynolds is, but apparently he’s married (though not for much longer) to Scarlett Johansson, and is complaining that she “treated him badly” by not making him a priority. Hey, Ryan, did you get laid? ‘Cuz if you did, then boo-fuckin’-hoo for you. Scarlett should treat me so badly. Now move along, please.

Julian Assange is a bit peeved with The Guardian. Seems he’s unhappy that they’ve published details that have been leaked about his rather – how shall I put it – coincidental legal issues back in Sweden (I hope that using the word “coincidental” doesn’t get me on the shitlist with Michael Moore; pondering whether or not there’s just a slight aroma of bullshit surrounding these allegations apparently makes you “pro-rape”).

Anyhow, Assange a victim of leaks to the media. Somewhat ironic, no?

Speaking of Sweden, Swedish medical students got a bit of a surprise when they performed an autopsy the other day – the subject was their former professor (it doesn’t say in the story, but presumably he was already dead, or it woulda been really awkward). Well, that’s life kids. It aint all Abba and over-priced firniture out there. And, difficult as it may have been for you, at least you were on the right end of the skull chisel.

Speaking of dead stuff, does it seem like everybody’s frickin’ dying on us here, or what? Steve Landesberg, Leslie Nielsen, democracy…. Now I know how my parents felt when they were past the half century mark, and the Jack Bennys and Jim Jordans of the world were kicking off (oh, you younger folks don’t understand now, but some day – sooner than you think – you will, and then you’ll remember…well, actually you won’t remember shit, ‘cuz you’ll be old and feeble-minded and too busy trying to find your goddamn keys that you left right over… oh, there they are).

Of course, it’s more than just lamenting the loss of a celebrity. It’s the knowledge that, with them gone, it’s your turn to be stalked by Death. :reaper:

And, really, isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?

Oh well, speaking of walking death, time to get ready to walk through another day of work.

You folks out West stay safe and dry, OK?