1. Obama was elected President.
2. The other choice with half a chance of winning was John McCain.
3. Katie Couric is still on the air (CBS), even after a promise that she’d be gone after the elections.
4. The TV Writers strike.
5. Pushing Daisies was canceled (ABC).
6. Stargate Atlantis was canceled (SCI).
7. CBS canceled Jericho (again).
8. X-Files 2 – This movie sucked beyond belief.
9. Batman: The Dark Knight – the movie was excellent, but Heath Ledger overdosed on meds he was taking due to his Joker character.  An utter shame.
10. [Free Space - add your own via the comments]

Crew injured as speed yacht flips off France

When I clicked the link I was really hoping for a story about a group of drunken rich guys floating about in the waters just off of the coast of France while flipping “the bird” in France’s direction for all of the world to see.  But nooooo, that would’t be a “P.C.” story to run now would it?

For those of you wondering what this is really about, apparently some folks with too much time and money are into creating the yacht version of a speed boats.  I don’t have the time to research what that is all about, but I’m picturing some folks water skiing behind these bad boys, dressed up as clowns and jumping waves while getting chased by sharks out in the open water (think water skiing Rodeo Clowns).  I’m sure the real explanation is not near as entertaining, so I think I’ll just stick to what I’m envisioning and run with that as the “truth” behind it all.

Is it just me or is a $180 million contract over eight years (or $190M depending on who’s reporting) just seem crazy for more than one reason?  I guess the whole similar waste of money on A-Rod has went over these folks heads (remember that Rangers-Yankees deal that still makes no sense to me).  Sure, I can’t really blame the likes of A-Rod or Teixeira for going for it if the teams are willing to throw the money around, but their sports pimp needs to go.  I think it might be good if A-Rod got in touch with Teixeira and told him that the pimp isn’t necessary to land a good contract, even if it’s not an 8 year deal.

In a memo sent to employees this week, Kodak indicated it will flip the switch shutting off its employee voicemail on Dec. 31, as the company’s current voicemail contract expires.

Sure, chalk it up to money saving measures and the use of mobile technology, but you better have voicemail somewhere.  While I do prefer e-mail over voicemail, there are instances when leaving voice messages is helpful and preferred.  Hopefully they have some sort of voicemail option, be it on their Blackberry’s or elsewhere.  Maybe I should bring that up in the next shareholder meeting.  What do you think?

With Hoke’s departure, it is speculated that Nate Davis (8th in the 2008 Heisman Trophy balloting) will declare for the 2009 NFL Draft.

Neither one of these should really come as a surprise to anyone.

Small schools are merely a spring board to better coaching jobs if you can get them (not that San Diego State is a big school either, but they have more money).  And given Hoke’s clear improvement over the past two seasons I can see why he’d gain interest.  I’d say take it while you’re on top.

And regarding Nate Davis, if you’re going to have a new coach next year you might as well go where the money is.

I just received an e-mail from Staples with the subject line of “Will Office Depot closings affect you?” and here’s the message body:

You Can Always Count On Staples

BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec 10, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Office Depot, Inc. (NYSE: ODP),
plans to close 112 stores in North America through 2009.

With the uneasy economy and recent headlines about suppliers like Office Depot, business owners face all sorts of questions.

• Will troubled retailers honor my rewards checks?
• Where will I go for office essentials?
• Will I get my products delivered accurately and on time?

Now more than ever, it’s important to plan for your business. We invented the office superstore
in 1986 and we aren’t going anywhere. And remember, when other suppliers are closing their doors
we’re here to stay.

Now I can’t say that I’m a fan of Office Depot for office supplies…their stores around Indianapolis have been less than stellar for years and I’ve opted for Staples or Office Max solely based on price and products.  But still, this seems a little below the belt doesn’t it?

As most people know, it is common for fans, normally females, to throw their bras and panties at musicians while on stage.  (Why these ladies think this is a good idea and why the musicians really want their crusty undergarments is beyond me, but that’s a post for another time.)

But what I didn’t know until yesterday was that political “fans” / “media” (at least Iraqi ones), like to throw their shoes at politicians. I get that it’s a cultural insult, but like most things that come out of the Middle East, I just don’t get it.  I sort of like keeping my shoes on so I can run away faster if needed.

And chalk one up for the US Secret Service there!   You can bet that the next Bush speech will require removal of shoes (if not other garments).  But come on, shouldn’t it be harder to see the President than it is to get on an airplane?