The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that for the sixth consecutive year they will not raise ticket prices. Reaction? Befuddlement. But not so much at not raising prices. As a fan, I think that’s pretty cool. The Pirates and the Detroit Tigers are the two clubs who haven’t raised ticket prices since 2002–the longest streak in the majors. The Tigers announced that they will increase prices in 2008. That club made it to the World Series in 2006.

After the 2001 inaugural season of beautiful PNC Park, the Pirates’ front office, comprised mostly of ex-cons, tech savvy primates and Robert Morris grads, raised ticket prices. The public responded with “great derision” as Post-Gazette writer Dejan Kovacevic said. Or more accurately, in a rare expression of interest for baseball in Pittsburgh, fans nearly burned their new park to the ground.

Okay, so they didn’t increase prices across the board. But other clubs, like the Cleveland Indians, are implementing what they call “premium pricing.” This is when a club increases prices for games like Opening Day, “high profile rivalries,” every weekend game after mid-June, and every second Wednesday of months ending in “-uly.”

Kovacevic cited the Yankees returning to Pittsburgh for the first time next season since we beat their sorry [earmuffs] in the 1960 World Series as a possible “high profile” game. Who are we kidding? The only games that Pittsburgh fans get excited about are fireworks nights. And when SkyBlast comes to town, Pirates fans lose their minds in a euphoric daze of light and sound–anything to erase the memory of the game they just had to endure.

I’m not saying this is how I approach Pittsburgh baseball, nor am I saying I like this mindset. I’m just a lowly blogger reporting the facts as I sees’em. And I’m also not necessarily recommending raising prices. But as a fan, I’m left a little puzzled. We have new front office leadership, and I’m struggling to see what is being done to improve the team. Aren’t we poor? It feels like they’re avoiding price increases to delay our disgust with them until AFTER the first season. Admirable, I guess.

I don’t know what the answers are. I don’t know how we can start winning again. All I know is that I see small market teams succeeding, or at least making a run for the playoffs (or at least approaching a .500 record… for once… since I was six) and I wonder “why not us?” Maybe Mark Cuban will buy us.

Alright people, let’s get real. As ridiculous as this sounds, the 2008 presidential primaries are actually approaching quite quickly. The Iowa Caucus, whatever that charade is, is something like January 4 and the New Hampshire primaries are January 8, I believe. That means there’s about a month for people to stop being stupid and start thinking. This isn’t pretend time anymore… No more “I like him because his suits look nice.” This is the president of the flippin’ USA.

Everyone’s calling this a “change” election. Hillary is killing everyone on the Dem’s side. She has 43%, as opposed to Obama’s 22%, or Edward’s 12%, according to RealPolitics.com, an online poll compilation site. It’s at least comforting to see Democrats realize that Obama’s “all style, no substance” is complete fluff. People with brains all over college campuses have to be rolling their eyes at Obama’s adoring masses, who praise his massive cocaine snorting and constant repetition of the word “change.” Change to what? Well we haven’t thought about that yet. Maybe, with his vast foreign policy experience (living in Indonesia when he was 10–he actually said that, by the way), he’ll turn the US in that direction, and we’ll make boxers for Old Navy (check your tags). But he didn’t vote for the War in Iraq! Probably because the adults in the Senate wouldn’t let him vote at all, thank goodness.

So clearly the stage seems to be set for a Clinton vs. Republican nominee general election. So who are Republican’s pushing? Rudy! The funny thing is, I’m not sure anyone knows why. In this article, it points out that 36% of independents view Giuliani in an “unfavorable light.” But Republicans, in some bizarre 9/11 fantasy are choosing someone who’s more alienating to the middle than, say, John McCain.

John McCain? Funny you should mention him. I just finished reading his 2002 autobiography. I’m also in the middle of a research project investigating the polarity in the way the media portrayed McCain in the lead up to the Iraq War and in the aftermath of major conflict. On top of that, we go on weekend hunting/fishing trips dressed in matching American flag pants. You know, right leg stars, left leg stripes.

As it turns out, McCain is viewed much more favorable among independents. Fifty-one percent of independents have a favorable opinion of McCain. But what do all these numbers translate to? The same poll that found the above numbers also found that McCain trailed Clinton by 1%, a virtual tie, in a similated general election. Rudy was 4% behind that, Thompson trailed by 9% and Romney by 13%. Among independents, given the choice between Clinton and McCain, McCain leads the NY senator by 9%. The next closest is Giuliani who is 7% behind McCain. Donald Duck leads Clinton by 16% among animated candidates.

So if everyone’s so uncomfortable with Giuliani, why are Republicans not rallying behind the man who has the best legitimiate shot at beating a Democrat? Because they’re stupid, apparently. McCain is for the surge in Iraq, the only offensive that’s shown signs of working since the initial invasion, as much as it might pain the media to tell you. He’s against abortion. He’s staunchly opposed to wasteful government spending, including that of the Bush administration. I’m not sure what else Republicans could be looking for. Oh, and he’ll let you keep your guns, you crackers.

If Republicans are able to find a candidate of theirs who supports all of those things AND is seen favorably by a majority of independents, they should be shouting from the rooftops with joy. Also, a large percentage of the other candidates are either batshit crazy (Romney) or dead (Fred Thompson–I thought about writing just Thompson, but I don’t think people even recognize his name.)

Republicans are going to lose this election. They’ll lose in the Senate, and they’ll lose in the House. They have a chance at the White House, if they’re smart. People don’t like Hillary, but they’re not going to vote for Rudy because they don’t hate him. They need someone who appeals more to the center, who works with both sides of the aisle and who is electable in 2008. Educate yourself, unwashed masses.

In short, vote for freaking John McCain. (PS, there will be more of these, so deal with it. Also, if you want to vote for someone else, let me know so I can tell you why you’re wrong. Tee-hee! I’m serious.) Oh, and watch the CNN/YouTube debates tonight (sorry, I just got chills. CNN and YouTube combining efforts for anything makes me think of the book of Revelation for some reason. You know, beasts with seven heads and all).

Breathe easy, friends. I am back.

After traveling up north, stuffing myself with as much food as humanly possible in that amount of time and then traveling back south, I have returned to my adoring public. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

On Thanksgiving, I was told by someone in my family who shall remain nameless: “Jeets, I’m always sad when you come home, because you don’t update your blog.” I’m pretty sure there’s a compliment in there somewhere… I’m still trying to figure it out. ;)

Anyway, I had a really nice break. There was turkey, bowling, soccer, quality time with the Eanit and the rest of the fam and so on. Like pretty much everyone else, I was in need of a little break at this point of the semester. Unfortunately, I’m finding it pretty difficult getting back into the swing of things. It’ll probably come to me eventually… as deadlines approach.

I’m being told by, um, every commercial on television that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. And while I can see that being true by around, say, December 15, I’m not sure we’re there yet. First of all, it’s still November. I’ll admit–I bought the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack last weekend, but that doesn’t mean I feel good about it. (Although, it is excellent.)

I’m all about the Christmas season, but yikes… I don’t know if I can go 30+ days of decking the halls. It also hardly seems fair that everyone on TV is so happy when I’m writing papers, stories and taking tests. Someone should do a pyschological survey about that.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strain!

If you’re an reader of TimesOnline.com, the Beaver County Times’ Web site, these words simultaneously terrify you and spring you into “fight or flight” mode. Apparently.

On Tuesday of this week, the newspaper launched the brand new TimesOnline.com. The old site, which contained stories written mostly in Latin, Greek and runes, was replaced for a more 21st Century-style site that breaks the news down into sections, just as the physical paper does. These sections list the top three or four stories from that day.

Unfortunately for the Latin and rune writers, they will now need to find work elsewhere. The Times decided to keep the greek writers in case they decide to revert to their original tongue. Regardless, these are big steps for the BC Times.

In an effort to reach out to their readers, TimesOnline.com created a thread where visitors can voice their support or disapproval of the substantial changes that have been made. The response was, although not uniform, significant. They received 119 responses. The next closest: 26. Some, truly as a gift to you and me, were quite humorous. Without further ado, I give you: Beaver Countians Cry Out.

First, we start with the simple. This writer, known as “mo momma” wrote ” dont like this ………… ” I’m not sure what all the dots are for, but I think it’s mo momma staring at you. Can you feel that tension?

College GRAD, ALLIQUIPPA 98 (hm, got something to prove with that name, do we?) said, “PLEASE change it back to the previous setting…Pictures, headlines, better details…this is worst than checking my NASDAQ account. Thank You. ” Dude’s got a NASDAQ account. What’s up now? Jealous? You should be. College GRAD has a hard time checking out his NASDAQ account, if you didn’t catch that.

In one of my favorite comments, Aaron of Ft. Walton Beach, FL wrote, “The new format is really, really bad, I suspect the comments about it that are positive are really by the people who redesigned it, in an effort to keep their jobs (which they shouldn’t).” That message actually gets better and better as you read it. It starts out with “really bad” then goes into a conspiracy theory about who’s saying it’s good (because it’s so bad) and then goes even further by asking the designers to be fired. Honestly, read these aloud to your friends. You can’t not laugh.

In another classic, Joe writes, “Don’t like it. It has too much going on. Did a summer intern do this?? This site contains everything you’re NOT supposed to do in web development. ” Oh sure, blame the summer intern! Those last two sentences are my favorites.

And finally John (who I hope is John Havens, but I think that’s a long shot… this just seems like something he’d say) wrote one of the few mildly positive responses (of course not without a backhanded compliment), saying, “Now, if you could upgrade the content and repeporting quality you might have something.”

Ah yes! Beaver County… jumping headfirst into the technological revolution. I’ve been to the new site. It looks like a lot of other newspaper sites. It’s actually a lot better than many papers of similar size, if you ask me. But what do I know?

We’re constantly trying to improve ourselves here at Jeety’s Joint. My staff of writers, visual design specialists and web technicians (that is, nerds) work tirelessly to bring you, the ungrateful reader, the best possible Jeety’s Joint experience. Just kidding! But about which part, who knows.

Anyway, you might notice a couple new features here at the Joint, as we’re known… globally. The first is in posting. I’ve actually not witnessed this myself because why would I post a reply on my own site? How am I supposed to establish my role as the distant, omniscient (clearly) author? But, from what the techies tell me, posting on Jeety’s Joint is now easier than ever. If you see a post you’d like to reply to, click on the title. Scroll down to the bottom and there should be some “mystery word” there. Type that into the box they provide and then type your scintillating reply. It’s as simple as that.

You’ll eventually be granted level 3 clearance, but I’m still in discussions with the Feds about what that will involve. Ugh, DO NOT agree to be a top secret government mole. It’s more of a hassle than it’s worth.

Anyway, the other thing you might notice is a longer list on my blog roll (look to your right). I’ve added some of my other friends to the list. That’s right, Jeety’s Joint is moving beyond the family realm. Fasten your seatbelt great aunt Betty. [Note: there is no great aunt Betty Bechdel] So how about a little open house? Without anyone’s permission, undoubtedly breaking countless netiquette rules all over the place, I thought I’d introduce everyone briefly to each other. I encourage everyone to check out everyone else’s blogs–there’s some cool stuff out there.

Eliot Meyer - First is my roommate Eliot’s photoblog, or “phlog” as the kids call it. I was roommates with Eliot last year in the Moore-Hill dungeon (as literally everyone reading this already knows) and we moved off campus this year to the glorious 3200 Duval apartment complex. Anyway, Eliot’s phlog has a lot of really cool shots from a bunch of stuff. He was on the field for the Texas Tech, Iowa State, Oklahoma and I think one other game? He also has pictures from other events he’s covered for the Daily Texan, The Cactus or just for fun.

Jeff McWhorter - My new roommate this year! He also has a phlog. Although quite different from Eliot’s, he’s also covered football games and events for the Texan. Seen here is a favorite of mine. I was at a birthday party that was supposed to coincide with dressing up for Halloween. The hat I’m wearing was actually Jeff’s and not a part of my “Fred the Hairstylist” costume. Eliot’s sister Lauren is who’s next to me.

Jen & Dave - My cousin and her husband, both originally from Beaver, moved to Pasadena, California and are now raising one very cute little girl, Piper Grace. They created a blog about a month and a half ago in anticipation and then celebration of little Piper. They update almost daily, which is really nice for all their family back in Pennsylvania (and Texas… and other places). We’re all looking forward to meeting her this coming Christmas!

Julia Lacovara - My friend Julia, who has family near Ocean City, NJ (what what!) is from Clear Lake, TX near Houston. Currently, however, she’s studying abroad in Paris. Although it’s not been updated in a while, her blog catalogues her many travels (and they ARE many) around Europe. She and her friend Caitlin traveled through the chunnel to Scotland, pictured here.

Kevin & Jen - Ah, the original Bech-Tech’s. This is the parent site that makes Jeety’s Joint possible. My oldest brother and his wife, both school teachers, provide updates for their adoring masses. Or maybe, for their son Eli’s adoring masses? It’s not clear which. Eli basically runs that show over there. They’ve uploaded some great videos of my favorite little guy–he’s starting to talk and his personality is really starting to shine through. Anyway, they also write about what’s going on in their lives when they have time.

Lindsey Mullikin - My friend Lindsey is a fellow Journalism major. She started her blog a week ago today. Like me, I think she’s trying to figure out exactly what this “journalism beast” really is. She’s off to a great start on her blog, taking on current events and adding her take on things. Something tells me that since she hasn’t posted anything about comparing Coach K to a bald eagle (for example), her blog has a bit more credibility than mine. ;)

Scott & Jackie - Finally, the last one on the blog roll, my middle brother Scott (that always sounds awkward, what is your real title? Older middle brother? That makes it sound like we have more brothers… We don’t need more, especially since that incident with our now-missing brother Gerald) and his wife Jackie. Jackie just returned to the US after a year-long tour of duty in Kosovo as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Yeah, what did you do with your life last year? While Jackie was gone, Scott involved himself in several capers and adventures, including capturing a bat in their blog’s best post ever (seen here).

So, let the awkward mingling begin!

Well, the writers are striking. I realize this is old news, but sadly my TV watching has dropped off so sharply that I’m only beginning to feel the effects of this horrific event. This week, NBC will air the last new episode of “The Office” until the strike is resolved.

Daily shows like… “The Daily Show” and “The Late Show with David Letterman” have been off the air for a little over a week now. Apparently writers are an integral part to these things… who knew?

But the bottom line is, don’t these people realize what this is doing to me? How am I supposed to function without knowing when I’ll see Michael, Dwight and Pam again? How are millions of college students going to learn about the world around them without the “Daily Show” (reading is not an option)?

It turns out the writers want to be paid for DVD sales and so-called “new media.” They seem to think that their content is what people are buying, when we all know it’s the pretty faces we want to see. Namely Dwight’s.

So this got me thinking. What if journalists and news organizations went on strike? What then? For one thing, without the almighty teleprompter Wolf Blitzer would be out on his can so fast he and his wolf clan would have to sell their den and move back into the woods. And politicians would probably stop doing all the pointless PR crap they do just to look good. And I’d have no job prospects when I graduate. All good things.

The last writer’s guild strike, in 1988, eventually cost the industry nearly $500 million. And that was the year of such classics as “Naked Gun,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and of course, “Twins.” (”Gubernatorial Twins” is slated for the 20th anniversary in 2008–pray the strike is over by then!)

All tolled, people will just have less to talk about. No drunk Farrah Fawcett on Letterman, no Barack Obama pretending to be folksy on SNL, and no Dwight hiding himself in warehouse boxes.

What will we talk about? Life?

Seen here, Wolf Blitzer and his wife sharing an intimate moment before he goes on air. For a brief time in the mid-80s, Wolf teamed up with Sam Donaldson (reptilian, remember) to host the first all-animal news program. It was quickly canceled after Wolf tried eating Sam on the air. The two have not yet reconciled.

What’s worse than being stung by a bee? What’s worse than mosquitos attacking your limbs en masse? What’s worse than being chased down the beach by a flock of vicious, blood-thirsty seagulls at the tender age of seven? (The answer to that last one is nothing.)

I’ll tell you what. Reptiles in your room.

That’s right. The fortified walls of Apartment 101, Room “Buddy/Jeets,” were breached by none other than a cold-blooded killer: a gecko.

I had had my suspicions for a while. Every time a Geico commercial came on, the TV seemed to linger on that talking gecko a little longer than normal. And I could have sworn I heard the faintest giggling as that Cockney accent said one of his merry little lines. (That little twerp even has his own blog… who does he think he is, Sam Donaldson? [Editors note: Donaldson could, in fact, be reptilian.])

Anyway, on Sunday afternoon I was getting ready to come to campus and I spotted it. Frozen in a terror that rarely leaves its victims conscious, I began looking around the room for others. I was pretty sure this little gecko wasn’t going anywhere, though. He had somehow pinned himself behind my cork board on my wall. How he got there, I will never know.

At first, I thought he was fake. Then I bumped the edge of the cork board. With that “last hope” out of the way, I realized what I had to do: call the fire department.

Instead, however, I tried bumping the creepy little thing into a big cup I had, at which point I was planning on capping the cup with a cd case. To get the thing to fall down into the cup was going to be some perverse carnival game, which I had no desire to play.

Sadly, even that didn’t work. But once I started moving the cork board, he started crawling all over it. So I took it off the wall, kept my eye on him, and walked slowly downstairs. Now that I think of it, he probably pooped all over the back of the board. Anyway, this did the trick. I then released him into the wild: our front porch. He started crawling all over the place, like he was freaked out or something. I briefly considered joining in, but eventually realized this was below me.

Needless to say, it was a harrowing experience. I didn’t really sleep well last night (they could be everywhere!), but that’s just something I’m going to have to deal with… for the next year and a half of my life, possibly. We may never know how he got in, but with a steady hand, a little love and a cork board… I know how he got out. Run free, little friend… [This has been a Hallmark Family Classic. For more details, contact... Hallmark.]

Well, run for the hills. The American Public Health Association released a study finding that “pop music has drug references.” What ever happened to news needed to be new in order to get published?

“It’s good for us to know that this exposure is there so that we can go the next step,” said study author Dr. Brian Primack, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and nominee for Most Naive Man in the World, 2007. “We can talk to kids about it and say what we think is correct, and what is not.”

Apparently they studied the words of 279 songs from 2005 “in five genres they considered popular with kids.” Rumor has it that new, fandangled “rock’n'roll” was even on the list! Also on the list: pop, country, R&B/hip-hop, rap and Big Band/Polka.

The study found that 37 percent of country songs had references (mostly to drinking whiskey and beating your wife), rap had 77 percent (it was an off year… they’ll be back) and rock came in with a dismal 14 percent.

So I decided to do a little investigation of my own. Could this be true? Are “the kids” really listening to music littered with drug references? How could this be?

I happen to be boys with 50 Cent (what up, cuz?), so I decided to look into some of his lyrics. From his Oscar-worthy “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (2005) soundtrack for the film of the same name, I looked into a song called “I Don’t Know Officer.” My first impression was… this is going to be a great model for how kids should speak to authorities. And I was right.

Halfway through the first verse, I stumbled upon this gem: “I don’t know nothin ’bout sellin no beef in the streets / Nah, I don’t know nothin ’bout baggin the grams.” First of all, we’re not even talking about drugs. Apparently this young man is from a rural neighborhood, perhaps a farm, and he’s simply trying to sell some beef to make ends meet. The American Dream. And apparently he’s an immigrant worker as well. I’ve come to this conclusion from the fact that he’s still stuck on the metric system. Grams? Or perhaps he’s misspelled “grahams,” as in delicious Golden Grahams (Pick up a box TODAY! General Mills, Inc.). After all, are they not often found in bags–lunches? And the fact that he “don’t know nothin ’bout” it is further evidence of his immigrant status. Who doesn’t know about bag lunches?

Might you need to be on drugs to pose for a pictures like this?

Yahoo! News, in an attempt to piss off journalism teachers everywhere no doubt, featured a story this afternoon about which cities in America are the “most caffeinated,” and which cities are in a perpetual coma (read: least caffeinated).

No big surprises at the top of the list, really… Seattle took the top spot for the most coffee-based caffeine consumption. But has anyone ever really stopped to think why Seattle is such a coffee hot spot? Could it be that Starbucks and Seattle’s Best thrived in the Northwest because it’s so depressingly rainy for something like 95% of everyone’s lifetime? It’s a theory. Chicago took the top spot in “general” caffeine consumption. According to the story, Chicago consumes more chocolate and “cola” (What? If you’re referring to pop, call it that and end this charade.) than any other city in the US. In other words, one unnamed pollster said, “Chicago has a lot of fatties.”

The least caffeinated cities? San Francisco, Philadelphia and New York rounded out the bottom of the list, they said. See, now that’s surprising to me. Waking up in a city like Philadelphia has to feel something like a punch in the throat, so you’d think they’d need some assistance in embracing the day. Science never ceases to amaze me.

Indeed coffee has begun its vice-like death-grip on me as well. The way my schedule works out, if I don’t get some coffee in me by 10 a.m. on MWF, I’m passed out somewhere in an alley behind the library. I’ve woken up in one too many potpourri concoctions of rain water, gum wrappers and mouse turds to do that again. So it’s off to Einstein Bros. I go. Let me tell you, I would invest stock in these people, if I knew how or really meant what I said half the time. They’re coffee is so good that it’s actually impossible they’re not putting crack in it. And I’ve decided I’m okay with that.

There’s really nothing like those shakes you get around 1:30 when all you’ve had to eat that day is a bowl of Special K and a half gallon of “Darn Good Coffee,” as they call it. I know, I don’t care for the ego thing either, but they back it up (with crack). At Einstein’s they wear shirts which say on the back, “I’m a caffeinatic.” I used to think about how corny and dumb that was… Now that I’m a dependent, all I can think is “Genius!” Is that a bad sign?

It’s not like I’ve done any of the things they’ve asked me to do “if I really loved them.” Yet.

Two years!! Can you believe it? That’s right, Jeety’s Joint has been up and operational for two full years and, lucky for you, we’re showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Before we begin our par-tay, I just wanted to welcome Jackie home from Kosovo! I know she’s technically not at “home,” but she’s back in the good ol’ US of A where she belongs and she’ll hopefully be home soon. Anyway, we’re glad to have you back and can’t wait to see you! Also, hats off to the Longhorns for their awesome come-from-behind victory over Oklahoma State (the third time in three years)! If you saw it, you know how amazing it was. If you didn’t, I am sorry. Check out ESPN Classic next week.

November 3, 2005: “Greetings, Little Children!” And with that, we embarked on a long, convoluded journey that eventually brought us here. Where ever this is. I missed the one year anniversary last year because apparently I was “busy.” Luckily for you, I just don’t do my work anymore so that Jeety’s Joint can fluourish.

Looking back over that first month, it’s amazing how ridiculous it was. In my first month online, I published stories talking about how global warming was going to make summer even better, detailed an elaborate plan from the ’60s involving Texas trying to overthrow the United States and a long list of gripes I had about my Freshman-year roommate. And of course, who could forget the “History of Thanksgiving” post, where I educated you all about the holiday’s origins? Those were good times.

In recent months, I’d say Jeety’s Joint has taken a slight change in direction. I’m not sure what it is, but there just seems to be less stuff that’s made up making its way onto my site. I’ve found it’s actually just easier writing about ridiculous stuff that happens in real life than make up stories. I know, I know: reality is for quitters. I’m working on that.

Well in the spirit of reminiscing the greatness that is me, I thought I’d post some of the best pictures from Jeety Joint’s past and add a little commentary to remind you of its significance. And for those of you new to Jeety’s Joint or are as interested in everything I write as I am, then feel free to click on the months listed on the left side of the page for old posts. Happy browsing.

Ah yes, who could forget the “Are Andy Dick and Kathy Griffin the same person in different geners” discussion? Surely not I. I named it Kandy Griffdick and this was a product of one of my “predictions.” I had several visions and dreams in the month of January 2006, including that Eli was going to be a girl, so go figure. But another one was that Kathy and Andy morphed into one being. Uniquely, as I said then, this combination dropped from D-list to E-list: circus sideshow freaks. Yet I love them both.

Ahh, the old man olympian! In February 2006 the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics, held in Italy, did not disappoint. There were people dressed all in white, climbing on a verical net into the shape of a dove. There was Yoko Ono screaming something irrelevant. It was wonderful. This man I dubbed as the US hopeful for the “Living Event.” Each country submits their oldest citizen at the start of the Olympics and whoever’s citizen is alive by the end gets a Rascal Scooter.

There was this one time when Texas played Duke in basketball. I don’t really remember the outcome of the game and it’s irrelevant (DO NOT click on December 2005 or you’ll… get a virus.). In a ridicule-filled post with enough vitriol to jump-start a car, I described Durham as Mordor (essentially Hell on Earth, for those of you unfamiliar with Lord of the Rings [did that sound nerdy?]), and I might have implied J.J. Reddick and Sheldon Williams were more than just teammates. I guess I’ll apologize for that, although I’m enjoying the fact that J.J.’s terrible in the NBA. Anyway, I also made the comarison of “Coach K” and a bald eagle. Tell me, am I wrong?

And of course, Jeety’s Joint isn’t just an entertaining read (Although it is! Tell your friends!), it’s also a public service media outlet. In the wake of the terrifying “Moore-Hill Ricin Scare,” I used the Joint to send a message to the masses: I AM NOT DEAD. I also described this in graphic form, as you can see here. Ironically, less than a year later I’d move into that very same dorm and do my laundry in the very same room where the “ricin” was found. It was later discovered to be laundry detergent.

And finally, Jeety’s Joint had the honor and privilege of posting the very first picture of Elijah K. Bechdel online! I forget how this worked exactly–I think Kevin emailed me the picture and then I scooped him by posting it first. He supposedly was doing “parent-ly” things. Anyway, it’s hard to believe how big he is now and how much he’s changed!

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed the walk down memory lane. There were lots of other pictures I could have posted–the picture from when Kevin and Scott visited with me, Buster Bluth and Tobias Funke… my merging of the 50 states into something more like 14… The “Ohio=Poop” sign from the Ohio State game. Time and space limit these things, but luckily you can search for and view these things any time you want. It’s a lot of fun writing this thing, even if not many people read it, so thanks to those of you who do and here’s to year three!