The Clinton legacy gets splooged onto the pages of your kids' history textbooks.

LEFT: In April 1996, King Goober II gazes wistfully at the remnants of his manhood.








Thanks to Drudge for the heads up on yet another reason to get your kids out of the government schools - and watch the books coming into your private school very carefully.

The impeachment of former President Clinton is in a gray area of history, too long ago to be a current event, too recent to be judged in perspective. Yet history is already judging Clinton in the place where millions of students get their information about him _ textbooks.

Seven years after he was impeached in a scandal of sex, perjury and bitter politics, Clinton has become a fixture in major high school texts.

The impeachment is portrayed in the context of his two-term tenure, a milestone event, but not one that overshadows how Clinton handled the economy, crime and health care.

How many pages do Waco, Somalia, and Bosnia get?

The most commonly used texts give straightforward recaps of Clinton's toughest days, with some flavor of how it affected the nation. Absent are any the lurid details of his relationship with Monica Lewinksy that spiced up daily news reports and late-night talk shows as the scandal and impeachment played out in 1998 and early 1999.

"It should not be in the book for titillating purposes or settling scores," said Alan Brinkley, the Columbia University provost who has written or contributed to several history text books. "It should be in the book because of its significance to our recent history."

Clinton was president from 1993 to 2001, the growing-up years of today's high school students. Even today's oldest high school students were only 10 or 11 during the height of the scandal, and today's middle schoolers were just approaching or entering first grade.

So, for students, the impeachment is literally a subject for the history books.

"This is very difficult for everybody, because it's so fresh," said Gilbert Sewall, director of the American Textbook Council, an independent research group that reviews history texts used in schools. "It's easier to nail down history like the transcontinental railroad. With Clinton, you're dealing with material that has by no means been settled."

It's not your job to settle it, jackass, no more than it was Dan Rather's job to settle it. Your job is to write down the facts for posterity.

The House impeached Clinton on charges of lying to a federal grand jury and obstructing justice to conceal his affair with Lewinsky, a White House intern. Although he was acquitted in a Senate trial, Clinton was branded as the second president impeached for conduct in office.

He was branded? I wish! He was impeached. Believe it or not, the word is in our Constitution.

The topic is covered briefly in middle school texts. McGraw Hill's "The American Journey" offers a description that is representative of other accounts _ balanced and methodical.

"Although there was general agreement that the president had lied, Congress was divided over whether his actions justified impeachment," the book says.

In McDougal Littell's "The Americans," a high school text, the topic merits two paragraphs. The same book gave more space to the impeachment of Andrew Johnson in 1868.

Ha! That is because all the principals in that one are dead. They don't want to cross Hitlery.

"The American Vision," a McGraw Hill high school book written by Brinkley and others, spends five paragraphs on Clinton's impeachment and one more on his uncertain legacy.

"Compression is a tremendous challenge," Brinkley said. "Five paragraphs on a topic is a lot for all but the most important issues."

Sometimes, the language gets blunt.

"A History of the United States," a Pearson Prentice Hall high school text, refers to the impeachment scandal as "a sorry mess" that diminished Clinton and his rivals.

WTF??? You callthat blunt? I call it wishy-washy at best, totalitarian excuse making at worstWait a hundred years and schoolchildren might not be afflicted with leftist spin like"sorry mess". I'll bet you $20 the same book doesn't call the Watergatepot Dome scandal a sorry mess.

Polls showed most Americans did not believe Clinton's "tortured explanations of his behavior," the book says, but also did not think his offenses warranted his removal.

That's because the establishment (including textbook publishers) keeps attempting to cover ol' King Goober II's fat ass by claiming the scandal was about his preference for oral sodomy and blowing his wads on on the dresses of fat chicks with low self-esteem when it was about the President of the United States perjuring himself in court.

By the time students get to college, the textbooks, as expected, offer more sophisticated detail of the impeachment and the way it all changed American public life.

Yet at all levels, the salacious details of the Lewinsky affair are nowhere to be found.

Just like you never see those planes slam into the WTC anymore. You see, kiddies, the truth is inflammatory. Wouldn't want to hurt Hitlery's chances or make the booboisie hate the goat rapists.

Middle school texts describe it as "a personal relationship between the president and a White House intern." In high school books, it is Clinton's "improper relationship with a young White House intern," or Clinton "denied having sexual relations" with an intern.

Students don't need the bawdy details to grasp the impeachment struggle, said Allan Lichtman, a presidential historian and professor at American University. But they do need textbooks that present the issue with as much depth as is practical, he said.

"The books not only influence the students, they influence the teachers," he said. "And given that many students don't go on to college _ and even those who do may not revisit the material _ the textbook may be their most significant impression."

May God help us.

Wayfaring Strangers: Part 26 and Last.

The fascinating journal of a couple converting to Catholicism came to an end on the first Sunday of Advent.

Here's Darrell on why it's time to stop looking back at what he and his wife used to be and start looking forward at the new creations they are about to become.

Sunday, November 27, 2005
Looking back over the entries I've posted I can see my enthusiasm and dedication to Roman Catholicism growing in leaps and bounds. Now, granted, it could be argued that I'm getting more out of the Catholic church simply because I'm dedicating myself to it more than I ever did to any of the fundamentalist churches I attended as a child and as a young man. I've considered that, and I don't think that's the case. I think that the reason I'm getting so much out of it is because this is the church for me. I think I've finally found my home, in Christ, on earth. I know where I belong.

Nonetheless, when I look back over these Wayfaring Strangers entries, it does seem that I've spent a lot of time airing my gripes about fundamentalism. That's time that would have been better spent enthusing about Catholicism, which I've honestly come to see as the best of all possible paths to Christ. (After all, if I hadn't come to believe that, there'd be no reason to convert.) The tone and mood of much of what I've written has been that of a, ahem, "Recovering Fundamentalist" instead of a happy Catholic in the making. That has to change.

It's time to stop carrying a chip on my shoulder about fundamentalism. Today is the first Sunday of Advent, and maybe it's providential. Maybe now is the perfect time to finally put it down.

With that in mind, this is going to be the last post in the Wayfaring Strangers series. This will be the last post from someone who sees himself as an ex-fundamentalist who's outside the Church he believes in. I'll still write about my conversion experience, and I'll still write about faith. I don't think I have any choice in that. Those topics are the ones I enjoy writing about, the ones I feel compelled to write about. I write it more for my own benefit than anything else, anyway. It's good to keep a journal. Getting occasional comments and feedback from people who are kind enough to read it makes it that much more therapeutic.

Keep The Faith, Baby. Holy Week will be here before you know it.

Christmas Smile of the Day.

From IowaHawk:

Yuletide News Niblets
NY TIMES: CLAUS OK'D ILLEGAL SURVEILLANCE

The New York Times reported today that Polar authorities are engaged in a secret program to conduct warrantless monitoring of private communications and activities among U.S. minors. Anonymous sources within the State Department and Central Intelligence Agency said the program, codename "Operation Coal Lump," dates as far back as 1879, and recieved approval at the highest echelon of Polar administration, including President Santa Claus himself.

The disclosure of the program sparked an immediate furor among civil libertarian organizations and brats right groups. ACLU spokesman Dan Knaggs said "that chill in the air isn't December -- it's Big Brother Kriss Kringle unconstitutionally watching, and following, and evaluating your every move."

Josh Cleland, 9, a spokesboy for the Council For Misbehaving Americans, decried the program as "a looming threat to the economic rights of millions of young Americans, many of whom may be guilty of nothing more than a wedgie or Indian burn of self defense."

Cleland added that "Stop hitting yourself, retard. Stop hitting yourself, retard."

At an afternoon press conference, Claus angrily defended the secret youth surveillance program, saying that "with limited toy inventories, it is critical that we know who has been naughty and nice." He also called for an investigation into the leak, saying that "by revealing sources and methods, it has put thousands of our covert elves at risk for BB gun violence and worse."

The TImes announced it would be running a series of stories in the days ahead focusing on other illegal Polar administration programs, including unauthorized airspace violations and "no-knock" home invasions.

Website of the Day AND Right-wing Smile of the Day.

Network of College Conservatives

From FoxNews:

Though Christopher Flickinger calls himself "dean" and poses in parodistic photos waving a small American flag and looking stern, he says he's never been more serious about eliminating what he claims is pervasive anti-conservatism on college campuses today.

"When I was on campus, I had no help," the recent Ohio State University graduate told FOXNews.com. "I was harassed, intimidated, shouted down."
Flickinger, schooled in broadcast journalism, said he wants to provide the support he never had as a lonely conservative in college. That's why in November he launched the Network of College Conservatives to act in part as "a link for these conservative students, to let them know they are not alone."

Running the Web site solo from his Pittsburgh, Pa., home, Flickinger said he wants the network to be much more than a shoulder to cry on. Conservative students are still easy targets of liberal intimidation, he claims, but more than ever, they have a growing body of legal and activist support groups to turn to — and he wants his organization to be top among those resources.

Flickinger added that his group plans on "exposing and letting people know what is going on" on campuses by creating a clearinghouse on the Web site for students to pass along information about individual schools and professors. (Thanks to CNSNews.com for the heads up.)

The War of the Natural Law continues apace.

Catholic Philippines Mulling Limits on Family Size
(CNSNews.com) - Lawmakers in the predominantly Catholic Philippines will soon consider legislation promoting artificial contraception and promoting the idea of a two-child limit for families. Full Story


Laws and Stigma Make Abortion Rare in SD
(CNSNews.com) - It's hard to obtain an abortion in South Dakota, where there's only one clinic -- and no in-state doctors willing to perform the procedure because of the baby-killer stigma attached to it, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

It was clinic day, the one day a week when the only facility in South Dakota that provides abortions could take in patients. This time it was a Wednesday. The week before it was a Monday.

The day changes depending on the schedules of four doctors from Minnesota who fly here on a rotating basis to perform abortions, something no doctor in South Dakota will do. The last doctor in South Dakota to perform abortions stopped about eight years ago; the consensus in the medical community is that offering the procedure is not worth the stigma of being branded a baby killer.

Wow. Stigma, eh? I'd call it conscience reinforced by the words and deeds of people of good will. Whatever. As long as fewer kids are being chopped up for fun and profit...

Abortions Hit 30-year Low in Illinois
(CNSNews.com) - The number of women and girls obtaining abortions in Illinois hit a 30-year low in 2004, the Chicago Sun-Times reported, but explanations for the decline differ, depending on which side you ask.

Results of this weekend's football picks.

On Saturday 12/24, Sunday 12/25, and Monday 12/26, I was an incandescent 9 and 5 with two pushes.

By the way, this is still Christmas.

The Octave of Christmas lasts from Christmas Day through New Year's Day. The season that ends on Christmas is Advent, not Christmas. (Nor is it shopping season.)

So, Merry Christmas, kiddies!

Saint of the Day and daily Mass readings.

Today is the Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. Pray for us, all you angels and saints.

Today's reading for the Feast of St. John is 1 John 1:1-4.
Today's Gospel reading is John 20:1, 2-8.


[Links to the readings will be from the NAB until I can find another chapter and verse searchable Douay-Rheims Bible on-line.]


Everyday links:

The Blessed Virgin Mary
The Rosary
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Prayers from EWTN
National Coalition of Clergy and Laity (dedicated to action for a genuine Catholic Restoration)
The Catholic Calendar Page for Today


Just in case you are wondering what exactly Catholics believe, here is

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.


Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession,was left unaided.Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.


St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse, pray for us.


Prayer to St. Anthony, Martyr of Desire

Dear St. Anthony, you became a Franciscan with the hope of shedding your blood for Christ. In God's plan for you, your thirst for martyrdom was never to be satisfied. St. Anthony, Martyr of Desire, pray that I may become less afraid to stand up and be counted as a follower of the Lord Jesus. Intercede also for my other intentions. (Name them.)


PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the divine power, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

And to all a good night...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

1577
Oil on panel, 106 x 75 cm
O.-L. Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp

Three little angels kneel with Mary and Joseph in worship of the newborn Child. The ox and the ass stand behind them. Other angels in the distance announce the birth of Christ to a group of shepherds. The ruin behind Joseph symbolises the defeat of paganism by the coming of the Saviour. The artist has made the symbolism even plainer by including a relief in the classical ruin - a recumbent female nude, possibly Venus, and several playful little naked figures. These represent the pagan world and 'impure', earthly love, as opposed to the divine love in which Christ was conceived.

Marten de Vos spent some time in Italy, where he familiarised himself with the new art of the Renaissance. This is apparent in details like the lively poses, the realistic approach to the anatomy and the references to classical antiquity. The divided upper zone, one half containing an architectural setting and the other a deep landscape, was also typical of 16th-century Venetian art.


A reading from the Gospel of St. Luke (Luke 2:6-14)

2:6. And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Factum est autem cum essent ibi impleti sunt dies ut pareret

2:7. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn.
Et peperit filium suum primogenitum et pannis eum involvit et reclinavit eum in praesepio quia non erat eis locus in diversorio

2:8. And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock.
Et pastores erant in regione eadem vigilantes et custodientes vigilias noctis supra gregem suum

2:9. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear.
Et ecce angelus Domini stetit iuxta illos et claritas Dei circumfulsit illos et timuerunt timore magno

2:10. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people:
Et dixit illis angelus nolite timere ecce enim evangelizo vobis gaudium magnum quod erit omni populo

2:11. For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.
Quia natus est vobis hodie salvator qui est Christus Dominus in civitate David

2:12. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.
Et hoc vobis signum invenietis infantem pannis involutum et positum in praesepio

2:13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying:
Et subito facta est cum angelo multitudo militiae caelestis laudantium Deum et dicentium

2:14. Glory to God in the highest:and on earth peace to men of good will. Gloria in altissimis Deo et in terra pax in hominibus bonae voluntatis

SEX IS DEATH. (Mommy loves you)

The latest in a continuing series.

I came to Carthage, where I found myself in the midst of a hissing cauldron of lusts. I had not yet fallen in love, but I was in love with the idea of it, and this feeling that something was missing made me despise myself for not being more anxious to satisfy the need. I began to look around for some object for my love, since I badly wanted to love something. —St. Augustine, Confessions


Kevorkian is merely a symptom. Consider this from St. John's, MI on October 14, 2002.

Mom Sentenced In Suicide Case

A woman who drove her 19-year-old son and daughter-in-law to an abandoned farmhouse and supplied the young people with drugs so they could commit suicide was sentenced Monday to 15 to 30 months in prison.
Kathleen Holey, 43, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted assisted suicide in August as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Holey's attorney pleaded for her release, arguing she has already served 182 days, but a prosecutor told the judge she should remain behind bars for at least a year.

Holey's son, Patrick Holey, died in the suicide pact but his wife, Jennifer, survived. Jennifer Holey has since been sent to prison on a no-contest plea in the rape of a 14-year-old girl.

Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding! That set off the Homolka bells in my old head. (Also here. The Toronto Star has a constantly updated page devoted to Canada's most famous devotees of SEX IS DEATH.)

Before sentencing, Kathleen Holey told Circuit Judge Randy Tahvonen that she tried to get help for the two 19-year-olds when they first discussed suicide. But she said she decided to help them end their lives because they thought they were facing life in prison in the rape investigation.

What can one say?

"That's when all of us lost our sense of thinking entirely," Kathleen Holey said. "All I can say is that I ask for mercy, and I am truly sorry."

Nope. I do not think that is quite it.

She initially faced a charge of assisted suicide. Prosecutors said she supplied painkillers to the two and helped them find the abandoned Clinton County farmhouse where they tried to carry out their suicide pact on April 9.

At the time, the couple was being investigated in the rape case and state welfare workers had removed their infant daughter from their care.

Infant daughter. Rape a 14 year old girl with your husband.

Can't you smell the stench of death all around us?

Jennifer Holey now is serving a four- to 15-year sentence for her role in the rape of a minor. She gave birth to a second child in August.

May God have mercy on all their souls.

Kathleen's sister-in-law, Mary Joetta Wendland, also pleaded guilty to attempted assisted suicide and was sentenced to six months in jail. She went with the group to the farmhouse and also provided drugs.

There are some families you should avoid joining. Or abandon if you are born into them.

Clinton County Prosecutor Charles Sherman believes Kathleen Holey and Wendland are the first people to plead guilty to violating Michigan's four-year-old assisted suicide law, which was passed to stop Jack Kevorkian.

Kevorkian eventually was imprisoned on second-degree murder charges.


Part 1: SEX IS DEATH. (Stories for Boys) is here.
Part 2: SEX IS DEATH. (Distaff Death) is here.
Part 3: SEX IS DEATH. (Joyously dispensing death) is here.
Part 4: SEX IS DEATH. (Sex is depression) is here.
Part 5: SEX IS DEATH. (When self-pleasuring becomes self-destruction) is here.
Part 6: SEX IS DEATH. (Sex is theft) is here.
Part 7: SEX IS DEATH. (A review of Bareback Mountain) is here.
Part 8: SEX IS DEATH. (What is the ultimate penalty?) is here.
Part 9: SEX IS DEATH. (Haven from reality) is here.
Part 10: SEX IS DEATH. (Sin-redemption-reasons-reason) is here.

Mass Murderer of the Day Update.

People all over the world who are depressed because they are ill are rejoicing at the sight of this headline:

Parole Board: No Pardon for 'Dr. Death'

Lansing, MI - The state parole board rejected a request to pardon assisted-suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian or commute his sentence, despite warnings that he is in grave condition.

The 77-year-old former doctor is serving a 10- to 25-year prison sentence for murder for giving a fatal injection of drugs in 1998 to a man with Lou Gehrig's disease. Kevorkian is not eligible for parole until 2007.

He is just another serial killer. Lots of them think they are helping their victims.

His lawyer, Mayer Morganroth, warned last month that Kevorkian was in "dire shape" and might not live that long. Kevorkian suffers from high blood pressure, arthritis, cataracts, osteoporosis and Hepatitis C, the lawyer said.

But the parole board, in a 7-2 vote, recommended the governor deny the application, according to documents released Thursday.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm will follow the recommendation, as she has done with similar recommendations on Kevorkian in 2003 and 2004, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said.

"I think the parole board is acting irresponsibly and outrageously," Morganroth said. "The doctor in the prison keeps telling us, 'What can I do to get him out? He shouldn't be in here.'"

The shyster is right. Ol' Jack Death should have been executed years ago.

I can think of one way for him to get out immediately...

Bush the Wild-eyed Christian Conservative Update.

Fox News/AP:Navy Chaplain Goes on Hunger Strike Outside White House Over Uniformed Prayer Rules

It's almost Christmas, and U.S. Navy chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt is on a hunger strike that includes nightly prayers outside the White House.

Lieutenant Klingenschmitt, an Evangelical Episcopal priest, says he won't eat until President Bush signs an executive order allowing military chaplains to pray according to their beliefs.

Klingenschmitt, who began his fast on Tuesday, says Navy admirals have told him that he can't pray publicly in Jesus' name unless he's wearing civilian clothes. He's continuing to pray as the Bible says Jesus instructed, but not in uniform.

More than 70 members of Congress and 170,000 petitioners also are calling on President Bush to let chaplains pray according to their faith instead of being limited to generic invocations.

The emasculation of American boys continues apace.

(CNSNews.com) - Along with the many seasonal clashes over the display of Christmas trees and religious items, there are disputes over the sale of toys like the G.I. Joe action figure and squirt guns, which the anti-war group Code Pink believes are inappropriate.

Code Pink attracted attention earlier this year for its anti-war protests outside the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Now, the group is encouraging its members to protest outside stores that sell "war toys." Such items, according to the Code Pink website, "prey on our children with pro-war propaganda disguised as innocent toys."

Code Pink spokeswoman Jodie Evans told Cybercast News Service that the group was targeting violent video games, toy guns, other make-believe weapons and anything "that encourages violence.

"The group provides activists with sticker designs that look like official warning labels and encourages them to place the stickers on toy boxes. "Surgeon General's Warning," one reads, "Violent Toys = Violent Boys."

Another of Code Pink's tactics is to buy up the violent toys and immediately return them to customer service desks, in order to "create long complaint lines, showing other customers (and hopefully you've called the media) why war toys are bad," according to the group's online action guide.

Evans said the group has not received complaints about the shopping disruptions. "When we're doing our actions outside, people -- the moms and dads -- are really supportive," she said. "It doesn't disrupt anybody's shopping."

Code Pink also distributes rewritten holiday songs that attack the war in Iraq, various members of the Bush administration, and what it deems to be violent toys. One song, to the tune of "Jingle Bells," contains these words:

Little kids will learn by what their parents do,
So when you buy their toys, it's really up to you ...
If you buy them guns, you teach them how to kill,
But violence is not a game and we have had our fill.

Evans said she doesn't know of any studies connecting violent toys to violent boys, but added that "you can extrapolate that when you're taught that that's okay and when those things are given to you, it encourages and indoctrinates a behavior that doesn't necessarily have to be there."

You see, they're the good guys. It's ok when they do it.

Former Clinton Official Contradicts Leahy on Spying
(CNSNews.com) - Claims by a top Senate Democrat that the Clinton administration's warrantless surveillance of suspected spies and terrorists was different from what the Bush administration has employed are being contradicted by a former Justice Department official who served under President Bill Clinton. Full Story

Las Vegas Sun/AP:Bush Administration Defends Spying Program

Washington Post:Daschle: Congress Denied Bush War Powers in US

Clone clowns.

South Korean Stem-Cell Researcher Resigns - AP

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korean researcher Hwang Woo-suk resigned from his university on Friday after the school said he fabricated stem-cell research that had raised hopes of new cures for hard-to-treat diseases.


Origins of 'Cloned' Dog Now in Question - AP

Panel: S. Korean Faked Stem Cell Results - AP

Stem-Cell Researcher Apologizes, Resigns - AP

S.Korea panel to give first stem-cell probe results - Reuters

High-stakes S.Korea stem cell scandal shakes science - Reuters

Stem cell controversy brings crews to town -Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

New developments in the cloning scandal embroiling a University of Pittsburgh reproductive biologist and his former colleagues seem to break every few hours.

Steelers Update.

+With two games remaining a year ago, the Steelers had already clinched the AFC North championship at 13-1 and were a mere victory away from securing home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

This year, they're 9-5 and aren't guaranteed to qualify for the postseason, as a lowly wild card even if they win their final two games.

Still, inside linebacker Larry Foote is looking at the positives in a tenuous situation, particularly on the heels of a two-game winning streak during which the Steelers have dominated the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.

"I have a better feeling than last year," Foote said. "Last year we were struggling a little bit at the end. This year, we have that sense of urgency, that our-back's-against-the-wall approach.

"We have fighters in this locker room, people that don't want to go home. And we're not used to going home early."

+Offensive tackle Marvel Smith's upgrade this week from questionable to probable (ankle) for Saturday's game at Cleveland is a sure sign that Smith will have an opportunity to take out his frustrations on the Browns.

Smith is plenty frustrated after missing all but one quarter of the last five games.

"It's tough sitting back watching the team, not being able to go out there and contribute and help us win games," he said. "It was the toughest period I've been through in a long time."

+Linebacker Clint Kriewaldt (ankle), cornerback Chidi Iwuoma (ankle) and quarterback Tommy Maddox (illness) returned to practice on Thursday.

Fyodor's Pro Football Picks of the Week.

1) The guys who set the lines are professionals. Their job is to make each game look as attractive as possible to everyone. That way they even out the amount of money bet on each side.
Instant translation: The house wins no matter who wins. That's why people get into the gambling business.

2) I am just a fan. I won't even keep track of these picks week to week if it gets too embarrassing.

3) There is no such thing as "inside information". Especially in the pros.

4) If those idiot touts on tv and in the paper were any good, they wouldn't go public with their genius. They'd sit at Harrah's sports book from open to close and then go out and buy $2,000 an hour hookers who dress like high school girls.

5) Gambling is stupid. You cannot win.

That being said, here are my NFL picks for this week.


Saturday 12/24


Atlanta (+3) at Tampa Bay
The Bucs know how to stop Vick. Take Tampa.
FINAL: Bucs 27 Falcons 24 - PUSH!



Buffalo (+13.5) at Cincinnati
The number is too big. Take the Bills and the points.
FINAL: Bills 37 Bengals 27 - Fyodor wins! (Bengals stumble toward the playoffs.)



Dallas (+5) at Carolina
Both are struggling, but Panthers less so. Pick Carolina to cover.
FINAL: Cowboys 27 Panthers 20 - Fyodor loses! (Talk about late season swoons...)


Detroit (+3) at (sort of) New Orleans
Ta-da! The Crummy Game of the Year! Take the Lions for no apparent reason.
FINAL: Lions 13 Saints 12 - Fyodor wins! (Even crummier than anticipated.)


Jacksonville (-6.5) at Houston
Jaguars will cover easily.
FINAL: Jaguars 38 Texans 20 - Fyodor wins! (Yep.)



NY Giants (+3) at Washington
This should be a good one. I think the Redskins are hungrier. Take Washington.
FINAL: Redskins 35 NY Giants 20 - Fyodor wins! (Giants won't win a playoff game.)


Pittsburgh (-7.5) at Cleveland
A tough number for the Steelers to cover in a road rivalry game. But I'm going with 'em anyway. Pick Pittsburgh.
FINAL: Steelers 41 Browns 0 - Fyodor wins! (The Steelers' D is hot. Ben's thumb and the O line are the keys to playoff success.)


San Diego (-2) at Kansas City
Everything tells me to go with the Chargers, so I'm picking the Chiefs to cover.
FINAL: Chiefs 20 Chargers 10 - Fyodor wins! (What exactly does "deserve to be in the playoffs" mean? That is why the NFL has a 16 game regular season. And if the whiny Chargers don't like traveling from west coast to the east, move to Kansas, you big babies.)

San Francisco (+9) at St. Louis
I'll pick the Rams because they are home.
FINAL: 49ers 24 Rams 20 - Fyodor loses! (What was I thinking?)



Tennessee (+5.5) at Miami
I have no idea. But I'll take the Titans as a road dog to cover.
FINAL: Dolphins 24 Titans 10 - Fyodor loses! (The mammals have won 5 in a row! They "deserve" to be in the playoffs!)



Philadelphia (+1) at Arizona
This might be a good game to actually bet. (Just kidding.) Take the Eagles to cover.
FINAL: Cardinals 27 Eagles 21 - Fyodor loses! (I forgot the stinkin' Eagles quit a couple of weeks ago.)


Indianapolis (NO LINE) at Seattle
Take the Seahawks.
FINAL: Seahawks 28 Colts 13 - Fyodor wins!



Oakland (+13.5) at Denver
That's a big number. On the other hand, the Raiders stink. Pick Denver.
FINAL: Broncos 22 Raiders 3 - Fyodor wins! ("Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Al Davis, football genius.")


Sunday 12/25


Chicago (-7) at Green Bay
For the first time in a long time, take the Bears to cover at Lambeau.
FINAL: Bears 24 Packers 17 - PUSH!



Minnesota (+3) at Baltimore
Boller had the game of his career last week and the Ravens found out their coach will probably be back for another year. Take the Vikings.
FINAL: Ravens 30 Vikings 23 - Fyodor loses! (A gift for the rest of the league: it looks like Boller and Billick will be back next year.)


Monday 12/26



New England (-6) at NY Jets
Patriots are playoff ready. They'll cover big time.
FINAL: Patriots 31 Jets 21 - Fyodor wins! (The end of ABC's Monday Night Football? Who freakin' cares? At least there's a chance ESPN will treat it like a football game.)

Scriptural Snippets.

Today's Gospel is Luke 6:27-38.

Love thine enemies, kiddies, and do unto others as thou would have them do unto thee.

6:27. But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies. Do good to them that hate you.
Sed vobis dico qui auditis diligite inimicos vestros benefacite his qui vos oderunt

6:28. Bless them that curse you and pray for them that calumniate you. Benedicite maledicentibus vobis orate pro calumniantibus vos

6:29. And to him that striketh thee on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away from thee thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also.
Ei qui te percutit in maxillam praebe et alteram et ab eo qui aufert tibi vestimentum etiam tunicam noli prohibere

6:30. Give to every one that asketh thee: and of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again.
Omni autem petenti te tribue et qui aufert quae tua sunt ne repetas

6:31. And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner.
Et prout vultis ut faciant vobis homines et vos facite illis similiter

6:32. And if you love them that love you, what thanks are to you? For sinners also love those that love them.
Et si diligitis eos qui vos diligunt quae vobis est gratia nam et peccatores diligentes se diligunt

6:33. And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks are to you? For sinners also do this.
Et si benefeceritis his qui vobis benefaciunt quae vobis est gratia siquidem et peccatores hoc faciunt

6:34. And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks are to you? For sinners also lend to sinners, for to receive as much.



6:35. But love ye your enemies: do good, and lend, hoping for nothing thereby: and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest. For he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.
Verumtamen diligite inimicos vestros et benefacite et mutuum date nihil desperantes et erit merces vestra multa et eritis filii Altissimi quia ipse benignus est super ingratos et malos

6:36. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Estote ergo misericordes sicut et Pater vester misericors est

6:37. Judge not: and you shall not be judged. Condemn not: and you shall not be condemned. Forgive: and you shall be forgiven.
Nolite iudicare et non iudicabimini nolite condemnare et non condemnabimini dimittite et dimittemini

6:38. Give: and it shall be given to you: good measure and pressed down and shaken together and running over shall they give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.
Date et dabitur vobis mensuram bonam confersam et coagitatam et supereffluentem dabunt in sinum vestrum eadem quippe mensura qua mensi fueritis remetietur vobis

Saint of the Day and daily Mass readings.

Today is the Feast of St. John of Kanty, a role model for priests everywhere and at all times. Pray for us, all you angels and saints.

Today's reading for the Feast of St. John of Kanty is James 2:14-17.
Today's Gospel reading is Luke 6:27-38.


[Links to the readings will be from the NAB until I can find another chapter and verse searchable Douay-Rheims Bible on-line.]


Everyday links:

The Blessed Virgin Mary
The Rosary
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Prayers from EWTN
National Coalition of Clergy and Laity (dedicated to action for a genuine Catholic Restoration)
The Catholic Calendar Page for Today


Just in case you are wondering what exactly Catholics believe, here is

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.


Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession,was left unaided.Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.


St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse, pray for us.


Prayer to St. Anthony, Martyr of Desire

Dear St. Anthony, you became a Franciscan with the hope of shedding your blood for Christ. In God's plan for you, your thirst for martyrdom was never to be satisfied. St. Anthony, Martyr of Desire, pray that I may become less afraid to stand up and be counted as a follower of the Lord Jesus. Intercede also for my other intentions. (Name them.)


PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the divine power, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

And that's where I usually lose them...

I have not received a reply to this latest e-mail, but I am sure he is a very busy guy.

Businessmen and politicians are always looking to make a deal, cut a few corners, compromise so the job gets done.

No sir, that's not my style.


Date:Tue, 20 Dec 2005 11:51:15 -0800 (PST)
From:"Fyodor Garibaldi" fyodorgaribaldi@yahoo.com
Subject:RE: And now for the bad news...
To:"Krempasky, Michael" Michael.Krempasky@edelman.com


The lesser of two evils no longer interests me. I'm shooting for evil free.

Merry Christmas, et cetera.

Fyodor




"Krempasky, Michael" wrote:

If there's a business of its size that comes closer, I'd very much like to hear about it.



From: Fyodor Garibaldi [mailto:fyodorgaribaldi@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 3:44 PM
To: Krempasky, Michael
Subject: Re: And now for the bad news...

So, the glass is half full, eh? I'm not looking for perfect. I'm looking for companies who reflect my values. At this moment, Wal-Mart is not one of them.



"Krempasky, Michael" wrote:

Fyodor - I've no problem with them taking lumps they deserve - but I think the details of this story may be better than you think. Not perfect, but better. Indeed, they've been the ones to embrace the Salvation Army while Target kicked them out.


-----Original Message-----

From: Fyodor Garibaldi
To: Krempasky, Michael
Sent: Fri Dec 16 10:57:16 2005
Subject: And now for the bad news...


Dear Mr. Krempasky,

Don't think I'm going to let your employer off the hook for it's capitulation in the War Against Christmas. I haven't bought any Christmas gifts at Wal-Mart and will not until it returns to sanity and reality.

Regards,
Fyodor