Has anyone noticed the increasing number of large retailers that are clearancing out merchandise and closing up due to the rotten economy? Over the weekend, I went to a Mervyn's by chance, a place that I normally purchase my formal shirts and to my dismay, they were closing their doors in a matter of days. Inside the store looked like it had been gutted by a Hurricane. Clothes were everywhere and shelves were in complete disaray. It looked like a Chinese Laundromat on Acid. Fortunately, they had my size for a few shirts so I got some pretty good deals. I spent a bit too much money, but it was something I just couldn't pass up. When you're my size (6'2" with a 6'8" wingspan) and you see clothing that fits, particularily shirts, you MUST purchase. At any rate, have you noticed any large retailers in your area that are closing their doors? In addition to Mervyn's, here is a list of other retailers that will be closing a significant amount of stores:

Circuit City.

Sharper Image has filed for bankruptcy protection and said 90 of its 184 stores are closing

Talbots Inc. has closed or is in the process of closing 66 stores

Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter of 2008 and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.

K-Mart- Closing 284 stores.

Ann Taylor Stores Corp. said it will close 117 stores over the next three years

Linens 'n Things is closing 120 stores nationwide

Gap Inc. is closing 85 stores-

Foot Locker will close 140 stores-

Macy's is closing nine underperforming stores this year, including three in Ohio in Akron, Canton and North Randall.

KB Toy Works closed its three remaining stores in Rhode Island earlier this year as part of a plan to shutter 120 stores nationwide.

Dell Inc. closed its 140 kiosks in the United States as the computer maker is changing its retail strategy to sales in partnering stores.

New York & Co. already shut its chain of 23 Jasmine Sola upscale women's clothing stores in January.

After buying the struggling CompUSA chain in December, Gordon Brothers Group LLC said it will sell or close most of the chain's 103 stores. (It has since agreed to sell as many as 16 CompUSA stores in Florida to Systemax Inc. for $30 million.)

Liz Claiborne Inc. said it's closing the entire 54-store Sigrid Olsen chain.

Zales Corp closed 60 of its stores already this year and plans to close a total of 105 stores, most by July 31, and 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores in its Zale's and Piercing Pagoda subsidiaries- I purchased my Fiance's engagement ring from there.

Home furnishings stores Bombay Company and Pier 1 Imports, with announced closings of 508 and 100, respectively, are among the most deeply affected retailers.

Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores in 2008.

Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Catherines are closing a total of 150 stores nationwide for under-performance.

Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores. The 37-year-old retailer targets middle-income customers and filed for bankruptcy protection.

Walt Disney is closing about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S.-

The Home Depot closed 15 stores, affecting 1,300 employees, but the corporation said these numbers represent less than one percent of its existing stores.

Since December 31, Pep Boys has closed 33 stores and Sprint Nextel has closed 125 retail locations.

Ethan Allen Interiors plans to close 12 of its 300 stores.

Dillards will also be affected by the horrible state of the economy. This is the only place I buy my pants from.



Wii-Gret

I'm starting to feel some Wii-Gret.



Other than a small handful of games for the Wii, the system is weak has currently reached new depths of suckitude. All the good games are being released on the OTHER Next-Gen systems, the PS3 and the 360. When the Wii DOES have new games released, they suck. I was thinking of purchasing 007 Quantum of Solace (Hoping it would be like Goldeneye) and Star Wars: Clone Wars for the Wii (Hoping it would be like Jedi Academy)

[img]http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/images/NEWS2/boxart_quantofsolace_wii.jpg
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until I saw the reviews in IGN.com, which I normally trust. Wow! Neither game got above a 5 in the ratings. With all the compelling games being released for the OTHER next-Gen systems, what games are worth buying for this damn system? I was really looking forward to the Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe game



but it's not being released on the Wii. Mario Kart is off the hook, but Mario related games can only take you so far. Sometimes you want to change up your gaming experience and balance it out with some shoot-em-up games or at least games that are more mature, but just about everything in that category for the Wii has gotten a sub-par rating. When you have that urge to shoot something and you have the Wii, what are you supposed to do? Can anyone recommend some good games (not Mario related) for the Wii?



Top 20 Celebrity Girls Next Door

Because I can. As everyone knows, I just love the Girl-next door type. Usually brunette, incredibly attractive, petite and soft-spoken. You've seen her. She's the kind of girl you'd take home to Mom and the kind of girl that Pops would give you a nudge and say, "Way to go, son!" Without further adieu...

20. Marsha Brady- Maureen McKormick: Who could forget Marsha Brady? Marsha! Marsha! Marsha! How many of us didn't want to run our tongues up those lovely, long legs and reach up that tiny, little skirt to grasp a small piece of heaven? Okay, maybe it was just me. "Ow! My nose!" "Mom always said not to play ball in the house." Young me: "I'll give her some new balls to play with."



19. Claire Kyle- Jennifer Freeman: Okay, so I'm a dirty old man for checking her out, but she was such a hottie on the show... and her superficial lines on Wife and Kids were hilarious! With the right make-up job, she looked amazing.



18. Carmen Lopez- Maisela Lusha: Okay, so I'm STILL a dirty old man, but there was no denying her beauty. The girl was absolutely gorgeous and a nice bonus to watching the George Lopez show! "Sabes que!"



17. Kate Macdonald- Chelsea Noble: Kirk Cameron is still one lucky son of a wallabe. He got to tongue her down on Growing Pains and then he married her!



16. Denise Huxtable- Lisa Bonet: How many of us didn't want to hit that back in the 80's while watching the Cosby Show and A Different World? Soft-spoken and sweet, how many of us wanted to invite her to our dorm rooms for a nightcap?



15. Chole Sullivan- Alison Mack: I would SO love to give her a make-over. Depending on how her hair looks on Smallville, she can be absolutely stunning. Still, with a brain and heart that big and legs that juicy, Chloe comes in at #15. If I were Clark, I would have stolen her away from Jimmy a long time ago and... been inside of that big brain of hers. Giggity.





The next 5 to come on the next blog! Who would you have in those slots?

Have a nice day!

I know, I know... I'll put up a new banner when I get time. Don't rush me!

Over the past couple of weeks, my blogs have gotten bogged down with politics and topics that are just un-fun so I've decided to get back to blogging basics... Objectifying women! j/k This time around, I'll do it in reverse by listing the top 10 Overrated Hotties in Hollywood. The NOTTIES, if you will. Spike TV lists the most Overrated Hotties as follows:

10. Amber Heard - I disagree. I think she's very attractive.
9. Jennifer Garner - Even though I like her and her hard body, I can kind of see this as her facial features are a bit masculine.
8. Mischa Barton - Not too familiar with her, but she looks okay.
7. Adrianne Curry - Shes okay.
6. The Olsen Twins - Nasty!!!
5. Sarah Jessica Parker - Definitely agree. She looks like a Horse.
4. Cameron Diaz - Without make-up she's *blech*
3. Hayden Panettiere - No way in hell she belongs on this list.
2. Paris Hilton - Yuck! Right where she belongs.
1. The Hills Girls - The who?!? Never watched the show.

My list is a bit different so without further adieu...

10. Angelina Jolie- Seriously, I don't know what people see in her. She looks like an alien. An attractive alien that I'd sleep with, but still an alien.



9. Scarlett Johanson- She looks okay, but I don't know what the big deal is. She looks like a horse in some shots.



8. Eva Longoria- She'd be (J.J. Evans- Good times) Dyn-O-Nite if she put on some weight. She looks like a Scarecrow half the time. Will Tony Parker PLEASE fix her a sandwich. The starving children in Africa look more healthy.



7. Charlize Theron- Airbrushing and make-up make her look great, but without them, you wouldn't even give her a second glance in the mall. She'd look like another tall, plain jane.



6. Cameron Diaz- Other than the Mask and MAYBE 2 other B-type movies, when has she really looked good? If you take the make-up off of her, you have Mary-Kate Olsen.



5. Tila Tequila- While kind of cute, this girl is just NASTY. On her show, she tongues down some random chick and 10 minutes later, tongues down some random dude. No breath mints, no mouthwash, no toothpaste, no nothing. Just unsanitary and tawdry spreading germs around like her open legs.



4. Lindsay Lohan- Epitomizes trash. Alcohol, drugs, DUI's... Nuff said.



3. Fergie- While this girl has a smokin' hot body and a beautiful singing voice, she's a butter-face.



2. Britney Spears- Welcome to Skanksville, USA. Why she gets so much run these days for being insignificant is beyond me. When she steps out of a limo with no panties on and her legs open, the camera is already in her crotch giving us the muff-shot we don't need. I used to think she was gorgeous, but currently, she's trash.



1. Paris Hilton- The Queen of trash. La Reina de basura. Need I say more? Who really thinks she's hot? I bet you could contract an STD by breathing the same air as this woman. If you rub up against her, you'll probably need a penicillin shot. If you look up the word filthy in the Dictionary, this is what you'll see:



I just threw up a little in my mouth looking at that photo. Funny how Carls Jr. ran a commercial with her washing a car in a bathing suit to sell their Six Dollar burger. With all the skin she showed, it made me do a double-take... until I saw her face. I can't believe that spot was even aired as it's 2 steps away from full-blown porn. It probably costs Six Dollars to rent her for the night, but most would feel ripped off and demand change. Strangely enough, Carls Jr's slogan at the time was, "If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face." Eww! If anything from Paris got all over my face, I can guaran-damn-tee that I'd have less than 6 months to live.

So... do you have any Notties that you'd like to give a dishonorable mention?



While on the subject of overrated Hotties, how would you rate yourself physically on a scale of 1 to 10? Myself, I don't think I'm all that and a bag of chips or anything, but I certainly don't think any female would look at me and say, "EWWW!!!" Well, unless I just woke up and had a boogers in my eyes and nose. Boogers. Even though I hadn't used that word in probably 20 years, I love it! Boogers! Boogers! Boogers! Anyway, I'd rate myself a 7 out of 10. Maybe an 8 on a good day when I'm dressed up. I used to have women calling me "handsome" on a frequent basis so that used to make me feel good. How about you?



Churches Vandalized over Prop. 8

SOURCE- CBN News.com

Several churches have been vandalized by apparent supporters of same-sex marriage since the idea was banned in California last week, local police have reported.

Proposition 8, which defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman, was passed 52 to 47 percent on Nov. 4. Since then, local authorities have reported a protest or vandalized property nearly every day.

"It is evident that the election results for the constitutional marriage amendment will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this state, or our country," Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokeswoman Lisa West said Last Friday in Orangevale, Calif., a Latter-day Saints chapel sign and several walkways were tagged with the phrases "No on 8" and "hypocrites."

Saturday morning, two churches in San Luis Obispo, Calif. were also hit. Someone had poured adhesive on a doormat, key pad, and window at a Mormon church, while eggs and toilet paper were thrown at a nearby Assembly of God church.

Mormons, Evangelical Christian churches, and other religious groups were strong supporters of Proposition 8 and provided much of the funding for the measure.

Monday in Utah, home to the Mormon church, the windows of five Latter-day Saints wardhouses were shot out with a BB gun. Police, however, did not openly link the damages to Prop 8 supporters.

"A lot of opinion has generated that this is in connection with Prop 8," Layton Utah Police Lt. Quinn Moyes said. "We aren't making that connection yet."

Several protests have also been reported in California; most of them peaceful.

About 1,000 gay rights supporters protested outside Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Sunday. Warren publicly endorsed Prop 8 weeks before the Nov. 4 election.

Monday, at least 400 gathered outside a Mormon church in Oakland. Police had to close two highway ramps because of the protest.

Marriage ballots were also passed in Arizona and Florida, but demonstrations have been on a smaller scale in the states. END-

My thoughts: All it takes are a few idiots to make an entire community look like a bunch of miscreants and thugs. It's too bad that the majority of folks will lump everyone into the jackass category.



The Decline of TV.com

As I create this blog, I'm doing so from Movietome.com because TV.com is STILL full of annoying glicthes that were SUPPOSED to be fixed by now INCLUDING the horrible white backround. So much for listening to our requests and responding in a reasonable time frame. I should have known they were full of crap.

Have you noticed that the forums are void of activity? Quite a few forums that I frequent have been barren wastelands ever since the change. Many users have quit TV.com and headed to other forums. Someone even sent me a link to another TV discussion forum. I really don't understand what's so hard about acquiescing to the users wishes that make the site a success... and it's not like people have been asking for too much. If they would change the color scheme alone, it would satisfy at least half of the current users. We shouldn't have to download some software just to keep our retinas from burning out of our heads. In addition, half the glitches still exist from Day 1 of the launch. Just what in the hell have they been doing all this time?!? "I'll take that answer off the air." Have a nice day.

Random Person: Sylent! Why do you cover so many topics in your blogs?

Me: Because I can. Seriously, so there's something that everyone can chime in on and post their thoughts.

November 5th, 2008. The day after Super Tuesday, Election Day. Even though Obama is the next President elect, for me it's just another day. No celebratory lap dances as I jokingly mentioned in a previous blog, no drinking, no partying, no nothing. It's business as usual. I arrive at work forty minutes early as I normally do, but this time there's a different feeling in the air; like something is slightly out of place. For whatever reason, people aren't speaking, not as if they normally do, but this time, the majority of my co-workers have scowls on their faces, like something is devouring them from the inside out. I passed by one Attorney in the hallway and the look in his eyes was, "I hope you're satisfied" as he refused to acknowledge my presence by returning my "Caucasian nod." Well, the entire day, I endured this type of treatment and was on the receiving end of nasty looks. Was everyone having a generally rotten day or could they really be this upset because McCain wasn't chosen as the next President of the United States? It was like these people had money riding on the election. Wait! They just might if they earn more than $250K a year... like a tax increase would put a stranglehold on their wallets.

Anyway, I figure, "whatever." It's just sour grapes. Remember, I work at a law office which means most of the people I work for are devout Republicans that lean so far to the right that they'd need two crutches, a back splint and a V8 to stand up straight. It's funny because I've never openly divulged my political affiliation to anyone in the office so they probably assumed I'm a Democrat simply because of the color of my skin. In any event, since I arrived early, I went online to see what the general reactions would be. As I figured, there were some positive, jovial reactions, but the negative responses really caught me off guard and threw me for a loop. I read such nonsense as, "I'm ashamed to be an American, I want to renounce my citizenship, The reason Obama won is because most of the people that voted are uninformed, uneducated kids encouraged to vote by watching MTV, We elected a Bolshevik as President, This is the darkest day our nation has ever seen, We are now a Communist nation and Welcome to the new Socialist States of America." That's just the tip of the Iceberg. Some of the other bunk I read would certainly earn me a TOS if I posted it. Let's just say that there were discussions regarding assassination attempts, racial blasts and the KKK. Funny how people forget that Obama is half white. At any rate, it's like people conveniently forgot how we got to this point. Under Bush's leadership, this Country has fallen into horrific economic times. Not to say it's all Bush's fault, but it occurred during his watch and the near $10 billion a month for the war in Iraq certainly doesn't help matters. Frustration boiled over and the people demanded change. Election day came and went and the people have spoken... Clearly.

Now that Barack Obama has been elected as the 44th President, how about giving him your support and a chance to prove himself and deliver on some of his campaign promises? He deserves that much. He might swing to the left, but we've been on the right for so long that a little left would bring us closer to the middle where we belong. Besides, let's see if he provides affordable Health Care to the elderly and all Americans in general. Let's see if he issues tax breaks to (Joe the Plumber) small business owners so they can afford to provide Health care for their employees. Let's see if he issues tax breaks to the Middle C|ass and slightly raises taxes for families earning more than $250,000 annually. Let's see if he can responsibly end the war in Iraq and bring our soldiers home so we can use that money on rebuilding our nation instead of theirs. Before throwing in the proverbial towel, denouncing your citizenship and condemning this Nation, how about giving Obama a chance to make good on his promises to renew this great Country? Keep in mind that cleaning up the Country and righting the wrongs of this nation isn't going to be a sprint to results, but a marathon so change won't be immediate as many people anticipate, however, I believe America has chosen the right candidate to usher us into a positive, productive new era. Whether you like him or dislike him, you will respect the title.

This afternoon, I will be hitting the polls. Not this pole:



Heh heh. Maybe later... but I meant THIS poll.



Maybe if the RIGHT person wins the election, I just might hit that other pole to celebrate. Is there any better to celebrate than having a hottie bathed in expensive perfume so potent it makes your nose bleed while she jiggles her goodies in your face and moves her body like a cyclone in your lap? "I'm in love with a stripper...." T-Pain references, people! Stay contemporary!

Seriously, I realize that there are quite a few bloggers imploring everyone to hit the polls and vote so there isn't much more I can write to get everyone to exercise their right and responsibility as American citizens. I believe that if you don't vote, you have no right to complain when things aren't going well so get off your arse and vote! Make a difference and remember to vote responsibly!



Just so you know, your employer is legally obligated to give you two hours to fulfill your civic duty so don't take any crap from the boss!







RANT of the day

Do you know what Grinds my Gears? Minivans!



I HATE Minivans! Why? They make me sick! They're the slugs of the road! You can't see around them because they're so damned fat and the person that's driving them seems to NEVER be in a hurry to get to their destination. They're always clogging up the fast lane going 10 miles UNDER the speed limit and they LOVE to ride the brakes. The person driving them always seems to be the little person that needs two pillows to see over the steering wheel. You've seen them in the Grocery store. They're 4 foot nothing, weigh a hundred and nothing and the last person on EARTH that still writes checks. That being said, I'll post this clip of Al Bundy, one of the greatest TV philosophers of ALL TIME. Nuff said!

I think Al Bundy's rant alone could get me another TOS.



New banner up! It's more of my personal favorites: Leah Dizon, Keeley Hazell, Alicia Keys, Adriana Lima and Olivia Wilde. This time, however, I'm going to focus the spotlight on a new hottie I found while perusing the net. Her name is Maria Ozawa and the most adorable lil' thing I've ever seen. Even Summer Glau would "Be Jealous!" (Miz and Morrison) She's 22 years old, mixed with Japanese and Canadian and brings the word adorability to new heights. See for yourself and let me know what you think:











The downside to her is, well... She's a naughty girl and does the adult video thing... WITH ME!! j/k

Get out there and vote!

Sensitive subject material. You've been warned.



In California, this has been causing quite the stir in the news. For those of you that don't know:

Source- Wikipedia

Proposition 8 is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election ballot titled Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. If passed, the proposition would "change the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California." A new section would be added stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

If passed, the amendment would override the ruling in In re Marriage Cases that struck down both the 1977 law and Proposition 22 for being unconstitutional. The Constitution, as amended, would add a new section (Section 7.5) to Article I, placing it between the state Equal Protection clause and nondiscrimination in business and the professions. This new section would read:

Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

- END

One of the more prevalent issues for people that favor Prop. 8 is education. Some believe that children will be taught in schools at a very young, impressionable age that it's okay for two boys or two girls to be together. It takes gender education out of the hands of the parents and places it into the educational system. Many think this would be less like education and more of a brain-washing. They feel if Religion can't be taught, why should this?

The cons to Prop. 8 are it's unconstitutional, based on ignorance and fear and encourages social intolerance. Furthermore, it eliminates the rights of a certain group as gay couples wouldn't stand to receive the same tax breaks and benefits as a traditional union between a Man and Woman.

I have mixed feelings about this. While I believe ALL couples should be free do do as they please and marry whomever they see fit, I also believe that a TRUE Marriage is a union between a Man and a Woman. Don't get me wrong, a good friend of mine is gay and I have no issues with that life s t y l e (other than the gay parades in San Francisco), but the sanctity of Marriage should strictly be between a Man and a Woman for the sake of reproduction and creating a family. Religion and all other opinions aside, only males and females are capable of reproduction.

Any thoughts?



Palin Effigy causes Uproar



Source: Welt Online

A Halloween themed effigy of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has generated several complaints because the mannequin, dressed in Palin's trademark updo, glasses and a red business suit, is hanging by the neck from a noose. Above an effigy of Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain pops out of a chimney surrounded by fake flames.

Click HERE for the full story. This stupid software isn't allowing me to paste it.




Last night, the NBA season kicked off in full force with my Lake Show pounding the TrailBlazers into the court 98-78. Kobe led the Lake show with 23 points and Pau Gasol chipped in 15. Greg Oden went down with a foot injury in the first half, landing on point guard Derek Fisher's foot when coming down with a rebound.



Oden left the game and his status is unknown.

Just give the Lakers the title right now! Chappelle's voice: "Kobe!"







Hottie Poll! Who do you think is CURRENTLY the most attractive female on TV?

Olivia Wilde: House



Deanna Russo: Knight Rider (Her and Olivia look the same!)



Ali Larter: Heroes



Hayden Panettierre: Heroes



Erica Durance: Smallville



Dania Remirez: Heroes



Summer Glau: Sarah Connor Chronicles



Lena Headey: Sarah Connor Chronicles



I like them all and want them to be a part of my Harem. I need to somehow fill the gaping void left by Leah Dizon.