Many things have happened since the last time I visited this site:

I wrote a few stories.

I visited Fiancee(TM) in Minneapolis.

I had a few job interviews.

I didn't get a job.

Then, I got a job.

I have to leave home... again.

I'm moving to South Carolina.

I had few beers.

I cried a few tears.

The Twins are making an improbable run at the AL Wild Card.

The NFL started training camp.

I renamed my Fantasy Football team "Bacon Train."

I met Ted Koppel.

I found a feature on Goole called "Google World," which is maybe one of the coolest inventions ever.

I sneezed... a lot.

Blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, let's get down to business. We'll go through this painlessly with a photodocumentary of the last month. Enjoy.

Where the real work happens:

The three guys in blue and khaki (AKA the Medill-dos), appear to be working hard here -- kind of like one of those cheesy college brochures for Steve and Bruce Technical College in Omaha, NE. However, these guys are devising the master plan to beat "The Sandman" on Mike Tyson's Punchout. I think it took them two weeks to figure it out... Yep -- August in DC. What a treat.

From left: B-Rog, Johnny Sanchez (so nicknamed after forming a band -- we'll get into that later) and STEVE NERY*

*said like "MATT DAMON" in Team America World Police.

After the work is finished:

Indeed, these are grim times in Our Nation's Capital. With all of the legislators out of town, everyone is scrambling to either a)find a story, b)find a job, or c)find an apartment in a foreign country. It's tough. I'm telling you. Very tough. A new weekly tradition, $5 burgers and big beers at Chef Geoff's. Not a bad gig -- especially for a bunch of degenerate dirt-bags like us -- a smallish, but clubby power happy hour joint just down the road. CG's is not bad.

The crew, from left: S.Michael (double-down), Johnny Sanchez, T-KatZ Class Rep, Some Guy, RND, HSM for Men, Special Ed and El Matador Rafa Cores Primero.

Now, let's meet some members of the crew up-close style, with Roy Firestone.

Don't call me Ashtar Analeed.com Marcus. Our Englaqi friend. I'm not sure how to explain this pose, but I think she calls it "Utter Confusion." Good look.


Yes, here he is. El Matador himself. THE Rafa Cores, pictured here, shows us all how difficult it is to be the scratch reporter for the Scranton Times. Hard-hitting news, tough questions, Rafa Cores -- Spaniard Man of Mystery.


And, of course, here's our friend over at Dickie Cronkite whom I will now refer to as Johnny "Pepe" Sanchez after he formed a band in his kitchen after a long night of beer, some girly limey drink prepared by Double-Down and ribs expertly crafted by Scooter. Notice the slight tilt of the head. He calls the look: "Red rum, red rum." Scary.

Johnny Sanchez and His Band

And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, here's Johnny "Pepe" Sanchez and His Band, here to preform: "Stupid songs sang after sunset." Let's meet the band, from left: Lead Vocals (alto), STEVE NERY; Lead guitar and songwriter, Johnny Sanchez; Drums and Laugh Machine, Elizabeast; backup singers and light percussion, Analeed.com and RND.

Yes, this is what my world has devloved to: Joining makeshift bands at 1130 p.m. on a Saturday night in Virginia. It can't get much worse... Can it?