Removing Pole From Ground For Dummies

I think the guy's body language of ultimate defeat may be the funniest part.

What? Meth Dealing Doesn't Make You Rich?

From The Wichita Falls paper:

The North Texas Regional Drug Task Force closed down in 2007, victim of budget cuts. The consortium of law officers had served 23 counties in drug investigations. The Texas Legislature curtailed its funding of regional task forces and federal grant money was diverted to other purposes.

Another factor was the trend of drug traffickers to choose methamphetamine over cocaine, which resulted in lower cash seizures by the task force.

City and county governments chipped in enough money to keep the task force, which operated out of the Wichita Falls Police Department, running though 2007. But the money wasn’t available for 2008. The task force officers were absorbed into WFPD or other agencies.

As stated here, When the Tulia scandal broke in 1999, Texas had more than 50 of these regional drug task forces. With the demise of the Wichita Fallas Task Force, we're down to four. And I think we are safely living without them.

Still Amazing

It's four day old news, but the story of the mom who had her six year old make up a story of her dad being killed in Iraq in order to win Hannah Montana tickets is amazing. The best coverage I saw was when Byron Harris confronted the mom in the store - the "deer in headlights" look doesn't do it justice. (It's here if you can get it to work.)

But the story is all over the place this morning - on a national scale. It was onThe Today Show and Good Morning America

Don't Tase Yourself, Bro!

"I'm being chased by Guido the killer pimp."

Let's see. A 17 year old contacts a hooker to come to his house when his parents are gone. He doesn't pay her so she shows up the next day with a little help.

Sound familiar? Well it actually happened last week near Austin.

Liberally Lean: The Year In Pictures

No Country For Old Men

Review from the Movie Tavern off of Hulen:

1) The first half of the movie was great. Absolutely great.
2) The second half can best be described by a comment I saw on IMDB:

I am a 40 year old movie buff Academy Award trivia expert I own over 700 movies I've been a member here for 6 years And I have a college degree. Maybe I ate too many milk duds or something but it went right over my head.

If you are looking for a Donnie Darko, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind MUST SEE A SECOND OR THIRD TIME TO FULLY UNDERSTAND kind of movie then go for it!

If you think you are going to see a Titanic, The Green Mile or Silence Of the Lambs kind of movie where the plot unfolds at a normal pace and doesn't make you search for answers and meaning then don't go see this thing.

Again, not a bad movie. Great acting, cinematography, pace.... the works... just incredibly difficult to understand after the first half.

In fact the first half is very good, suspenseful.. second half does not fulfill. Leaves you hanging and wanting more.

Then again, I didn't think much of Pulp Fiction the first time I saw it. I'll give No Country another chance.

Ric Williamson Has Died

I really don't know much about the former Texas legislator, 55, that represented Wise County other than everyone thinks he was a good guy.

That's not a bad way to be remembered.

A Look Back: The Crab Incident

Yet Another Reason Cheerleaders Need To Wear Skirts And Smile A Lot

The key line in this rant is "Joe Paterno is on his death bed" and "someone needs to find him a casket." For those not familiar with Paterno, he's the head coach of Penn State, the Aggies' opponent tonight. He's also 81 years old. I read today in the Morning News that the yell leader had been "sent home" by A&M officials. They were not pleased. Paterno, when asked about the comments, was pretty good natured: "Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he's accurate, I don't know."

A Discovery

Found a new, to me at least, Mexican restaurant call Oscar's located in a place I'd never expect to find: South of 820 in Fort Worth off 377.

Mini-review:
- The main dining area was really nice.
- One of the side rooms, where I ended up eating, not so nice. The Christmas tree that had been tossed aside and was leaning against the wall was not a nice touch.
- Food was good. Salsa mucho good. Me loves me some salsa.
- They had "live entertainment" in the main dining area that I could have done without. I don't want to hear some guy sing "Margaritaville" during a meal. Heck, I don't ever want to hear any version of "Margaritaville" at any time.
- The outdoor dining area looks like it would be great when it's not freezing.
- Huge parking area.
- In the bar area, there were two huge screens that were showing a college football bowl game. TCU, which was playing at that moment, did not appear on either one of them.
- My waiter looked like a Hispanic A.C. Slater from "Saved By The Bell."

Blew, Blowned, Blow?

Kinda funny segment today where Emmitt had to speak. He has a tough time doing that sometimes.

Very Random News Thought

Channel 5 did a segment on Curves last night. Basically, it interviewed the owner of one of the franchises, spoke to women that had only had wonderful success, and mentioned the "new machines" that the fitness club was offering.

Man, it looked like a commercial disguised as a news story. I heard something similar on the radio a while back when there was a story on the anniversary of the Slurpee - but the segment also talked about the new products that were being introduced into 7-11.

I wonder if the stations are truly getting paid for these things?

Leelee Sobieski. . .

. . . wishes all of Wise County, and especially Newark, a safe weekend.

The Force Almost Got Them

If you saw this last night, you know you almost witnessed what could have been one of the craziest moments in Evil Empire history. (One sentence summary: Mack Brown's stepson - a coaching assistant or something - was charged with touching the ball after a backwards lateral pass came towards him on the sideline.)

Man, it took about 15 minutes to sort it all out - with tons of close ups of the guy who was the focus of all of the attention. And then the refs incorrectly ruled that he had touched the ball. No way. (The next play resulted in an Arizona State touchdown as everyone distanced from the guy on the UT sideline.) But as covered extensively here, the same penalty could have been called for being on the field even if he hadn't touched the ball.

Sheesh

Summary: Even though the law gives you the right to refuse a breath or blood sample, that doesn't prevent the cops from getting a search warrant for your blood. The normal obstacle is having a judge available to "review" a probable cause affidavit (which is nothing more than a checklist with the typical observations in a DWI arrest) and issue the warrant.

Wise County has been doing this over the last year but normally only in unusual cases.

However, Tarrant County, over the holiday weekend, will take the blood of every DWI arrestee who refuses to give a sample.

Sadly, no one will care about the government forcing the blood out of a person via a needle - even if the person really isn't guilty. Nor do they care of statements like this made by a MADD representative on WBAP this morning: "If you say you have had two drinks, officers are trained to know you have had an overflow of alcohol." Actual quote. I wrote it down while shaking my head.

Injustice Anywhere

We have a clear civil rights violation going on in France! (Assuming France has a constitution and assuming said constitution has some reference to civil rights.) Anyway, some hot French chick wins the title of Miss France this month (I don't know which one she is in the pic with the two girls because I don't read that fancy French stuff). Then some free speech loving magazine publishes a picture of her casually swimming in a pool and relaxing on two sticks of wood.

So what does that liberal sissified French pageant organizers do? They won't let her compete in the Miss World or Miss Universe pageants!

I was mad at France when they wouldn't let our jets fly over its airspace when Reagan showed Libya's Muammar al-Gaddaf the business end of a couple of bombs in 1986. But this crosses the line.

Friday Dance Off With Only One Competitor

I looked everywhere to find a video to go up against these Packer fans partying "like a rock star" but without decent results. So we'll crown them champions on this special Friday which really isn't that special.

Oh, The Memories

I need to do a better job of keeping track of all the Wise County moments throughout the year. A faithful reader reminded me of this guy who went on a rant about the McDonald's inside the Decatur Walmart. Bless you sir, for the gold that you provided.

Goof. Ball.

Story.

Edit: And the Houston DA wanted to kiss his secretary "behind" her "right ear."

Yeah, But Can She Play "Dust In The Wind?"

If my parents would have told me that one day I could have become a little Japanese girl who could play "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas, I would have taken piano lessons. Wait. I think I screwed that up.

Two Girls That Want A Do-Over

Mischa Barton arrested for DWI (mugshot) VS. Girl who might not be as sexy as she thinks.

Going Postal

Haven't seen anything in the paper about it, but it looks like we had a high speed chase on Friday night starting close to Bridgeport and ending when the guy crashed into the post office in downtown Paradise. DWI arrest followed.

A Political Year In Pictures

"Sincerity"
"I Don't Recall My Own Name, Sometimes"

"4,207 Soldiers Dead In Iraq And Counting"


"Family Values Sometimes Means Being A Little Gay"



Edit: The joy of Christmas is flowing through some of the comments today:

These Girls Want To Remind You . . .

- There is no chance of a tiger escaping from that sanctuary in Boyd. But we need some media coverage to confirm it.
- Call 911 and ask, "Is this call really being routed to Bridgeport? Eeewwwww."
- "Freezing fog" can't touch you this morning
- Tonight is the last game of the year for The Evil Empire (and the 1st hasn't even arrived yet)
- Some important lady in Pakistan just got killed. Chaos ensues. Some local convenience stores may have spotty service today.
- That NFL game between New England and the Giants will be broadcast simultaneously on Saturday night on the NFL Network, NBC, and CBS. But these girls will be watching a Rock Of Love marathon. And it will be more entertaining.
- They are all potentially better wives than that lady in the Lexus commercial who hangs up on her husband right before he gives her a new car

Bridgeport PD Becomes NORAD

Channel 5 News just reported that 911 service for Wise County "went down" yesterday afternoon and that all calls are being funneled through Bridgeport.

WCSO released this yesterday:

Wise County 911 service went down about 2:00p.m. today. Immediately the emergency service was transferred to Bridgeport Police Department, so that all 911 calls would be answered. Communications Supervisor Susan Gomez worked throughout the day with Sprint to locate the cause of the problem. As of tonight, 911 service at the County has not been restored. It will possibly be Friday before Sprint can repair a failing part in the computer system.

911 Service is WORKING and will be answered in Bridgeport. Please do not be alarmed if you call 911 and it is answered "BRIDGEPORT 911." Other than Decatur Police Department, Bridgeport will answer all County 911 calls until the service can be repaired.

We do not wish to alarm anyone and will respond to all 911 calls. The only difference is where the calls are being answered.

Fox 4 Screenshots On Bell Family Tragedy

FYI

Getting lots of reports that both Fox 4 and KXAS (Channel 5) will have segments tonight on the tragic wreck on New Year's Christmas Eve that involved the Bell family.

He's Having The Best Week Ever

The Cowboys just cut fullback Zack Crockett, who they picked up off waivers last week when Roy Williams was suspended. Williams is back so Crockett is gone.

Crockett arrived at Valley Ranch on Thursday. He participated in Thursday's practice, Friday's walk-through and went on the trip to Carolina but was inactive for the game.

For all that hard work, Crockett pocketed $48,235, which is one-seventeenth of his $820,000 salary.

Credit.

Found Puppy Dog

How's this for a kind heart? From an email:

I was hoping you could help me. We have a dog that showed up Christmas day and she sure acts like she's somebody's dog since she's great with the kids, and very friendly. We are 1 mile north of 380 on 51. We would like to find her owner since I'm sure her family misses her. Could you please post her picture on the blog with our area? Her markings are fairly unique.

Let The Panic Begin!

One Of Time Magazine's Photos Of The Year

A member of the military accompanies Rachel Guy-Latham at a viewing of the body of her husband, Sergeant Thomas Lee Latham, 23, who was killed by an IED in Baghdad, Iraq in March.

Post Christmas Pick Me Up

In other news, a guy gets killed by an escaped tiger, a little girl gets killed while riding her new bike, a 19 year old gets drunk and dies after falling off of a roof, and a guy drives into the home of Pete Geren in Fort Worth and then commits suicide two blocks away. Triple sheesh. Can we just cancel the rest of the year and move onto 2008.

I Just Learned . . .

. . . that Paris Hilton has a 16 year old brother named, get this, "Barron." I'm suffering from so much post-Christmas depression that it made me smile.

That Good Kid Stuff

Brittany Higgins of Paradise made it as Dale Hanson's Scholar Athlete of the Week on Sunday.

Not Everyone Was Off

As I went home to Bridgeport today, I was surprised to see some folks working on a construction site (I'm not sure what the building is, but it's kind of close to where the new hospital will be.)

Actually Came Across This Last Night

It was horrible looking. (See Update or this ST story.) And the fact that it was on Christmas Eve makes it even worse (if that's possible.)

That left hand turn off of Business 287 to go south on 287 is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous places in the county.

Before I Forget . . .

. . . Merry Christmas. To the lurkers, to the posters, to the haterz, and to those that often look at this silly blog with a question mark forming over their heads. Thanks for reading. Enjoy these days.

At Least I Didn't Hear, "Come With Me, Sir."

I walked in and out of Macy's at Northeast mall a couple of times yesterday after making a clothing purchase. I noticed the security alarm seemed to correspond with my entry/exit but didn't think much about. At least until I pulled out the purchase today and noticed the security doohickey was still attached. (Yeah, I paid for the clothes - don't get the search warrant.)

But I didn't really experience the joy of Christmas Eve a moment ago as I tried to remove thing. Sheesh. I finally had to take a hammer to dang thing. (Above.)

Maybe That Christmas Thing Got To Me

Back Story: Someone posted a comment on youtube regarding the crazy coach video (see below) I posted yesterday. He said something about "you must have never played the game" so, having irritated me a bit, I clicked on his username. From there, I found this video he had posted that had been viewed a whopping 13 times. I was ready to roll my eyes but, I'll be dang, it kind of sucked me in.

Random Tnoughts

- I saw a record four troopers between Decatur and Jeterville yesterday (and a Rhome cop.)
- For the love of all things sweet and clean, can I please walk through Northeast Mall without being accosted by salespeople from the kiosks. I felt like I was in Matamoras surrounded by kids selling Chicklets.
- Man, it looks cold at the Chicago/Green Bay game right now.
- People are driving like idiots. Slow down.
- The Waitress is like a bad high school one act play. (Although I remember why I rented it: the co-star/director/producer was murdered before the movie was released.)
- I saw Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story the other night. Funny. But I probably need to watch it again to fully appreciate it.
- And what a pile-up in the Panhandle: "We're not really sure how many cars, probably in excess of 40 cars and in excess of 20 semi-trailers."
- Field Of Dreams was on today, and everyone always thinks it is so touching. But the basic theme is this: "If you have a magical place where baseball players from the past appear, you can make a buck off of it by charging $20 a person." Yep, people will come Ray. People will come.
America at its finest.

Edit: Lest I remind you of this quote from the movie. . . . "Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it."

Gold

The head coach for Converse Judson is a calm man. (Taken today during the 5A Big Division Championship Game.)

I Love Lists

Top grossing movies for 2007. I saw two of the top ten (300 and The Simpson Movie), and for regrettable reasons I'm currently watching #98.

Developing . . .

Just learned the deceased has a Boyd address. No name yet. Story (with no reference to Boyd, though.)

Edit: Dwayne White, 44?

www.ruinromo.com

If this happens on Saturday night, It will be funny.

Sheesh

The online edition of The Update appears to be overtaken with ads. Especially that big one smack dab in the middle. Either that's an HTML screwup or the next thing you know we'll be hit with those pop ups that the Dallas Morning News wants to abuse you with.

Friday Morning Dance Off: Cha Cha Slide

Entry #1: Entry #2:

Horrific

Crazy accident in Dallas today - look at the whole hole in the windshield caused by a piece of concrete. Here.

Crazy Afternoon

Never saw a seizure before. Until today. More later. Edit: So I'm in the County Attorney's office around 2:00 p.m. doing nothing else other than wasting time. An employee of the office ("J"), who is normally very calm, rushes through the door and yells, "Call 911. A man is having a seizure." Another gal in the office ("T") dialed 911 and handed J the phone and went out the door to check it out. T is a former EMT. I don't know anything about CPR or emergency health care so I stayed put - probably too calmly and, sadly, apathetically - and I kind of wanted to listen to the 911 call to see how calm (or not) J handled it. All went well. After about a minute, I went outside the door and into the Jury Room/Grand Jury Room/Commissioner's Meeting Room to check out the scene. I saw a guy on the floor face down. Things changed then. It was a friend of mine. A close friend. A friend of 20 years. T was by his head, and I got on my knees to help - although I didn't know what to do. The scene was horrifying. His eyes were open but he was completely unresponsive. A small amount of blood was dripping from his mouth. And, horrifically, his body was shaking uncontrollably. All I could do was say his name over and over and rub his back. "It's OK. It's OK," I said. But it was anything other than "OK." The shaking wouldn't stop. All I wanted was for the shaking to stop. T told me to roll him on his side, and I did. But nothing about his condition changed. I was scared. And I was totally frustrated in the realization that I didn't know what to do to help my friend nor did I understand exactly what I was witnessing. And then his left arm began to shake even more violently than before. My dumb brain remembered that your left arm hurts when a you are having heart attack. I just knew his left arm was now out of control. "Is he having a heart attack?" I asked T. "No," she said matter of factly. My mind raced on. "Is he breathing?" (Lord. I'd been in there three minutes watching this horror and it just dawned on me that I hadn't thought about his breathing.) "Yes." T said. "I'm on it. He's breathing." He was sweating profusely and she told me to take his tie off. Finally, I was useful: I knew how to undo a tie and unbutton a top button. The seizure went on for about five minutes and ended about the same time as the paramedics arrived. I had never been so happy to see people arrive that knew what they were doing. My friend finally stopped shaking and slowly came to. He was completely disoriented and responded to questions only after much delay. He didn't know where he was. I sat in front of him for 10 minutes and not once did he acknowledge I was there. He looked bewildered and exhausted. Fast forward. He was taken to the Decatur Hospital (yeah, I know it has a different name) where he was treated quickly and efficiently. The doctors were great. The nurses were great. The facility was great. And, most importantly, all test results were great. It was decided later in the day that he should be transferred to Harris in Fort Worth so that he could be evaluated by a neurologist. He's there now. All looks good. The only concern is why it happened to a guy that has no history of seizures. That's scary. But I contemplate tonight a conversation with another friend of mine who came out to the hospital this afternoon. While we waited for the CATscan to be completed, he said in a serious tone - especially for a guy who is rarely serious: "We are all hanging on this earth by a thread." Long pause. "That's my joyous Christmas thought," he added with a small smile. You're right my friend. But my Christmas gift arrived early today. He's alive and well in Harris Hospital tonight.

Greg "The Hammer" Williams . . .

. . . update. As we bid farewell to The Ticket's only Wise County connection, I'm reminded of when his show had The Fake Ricky Lee Green call in moments before his execution. That probably crossed the line.

Thursday Afternoon Pick Me Up

I've got a Christmas tree ornament shaped like this.

Unstable

Edit: Source

Kinda Funny

The news today has the story of the rescue of the guy and his three kids who had been missing for three days after going off into the forest to find a Christmas tree.

The normally unfunny WBAP had a bit today with the Fake Andy Rooney who began, "Let me get this straight. We spent a million dollars of taxpayer money to find you all because you wanted to act like The Waltons?"

Decatur in SI

A faithful reader tells me his newly arrived issue of Sports Illustrated has a two page photo of cowboy Trevor Brazile in it with a reference to Decatur.

Edit: From the "Kind Of Related Photo" Department



Edit #2: Here is the pic sent in by a faithful reader (who adds, "My scanner sux.")