The weather outside isn't exactly frightful but it's not the kind of stuff that has one reaching for the shorts and shades, either.

      I'm off most of this week, burning some vacation time and getting stuff done at home.     I might even get some Christmas shopping done, at least the stuff that can be done with a keyboard and a mouse.

      Before I dedicate my computer to commerce, allow me to ruminate on events of the day.

      --Tiger Woods might've spoken by the time you read this.   When he does, I'm guessing he'll be telling us things that won't exactly enhance his reputation.    I was skeptical of the original version of events (his wife, saving him from a low-speed crash by liberally applying a golf club to the rear window of his car?    Really?) and have a sick feeling that one of the biggest, cleanest names in sports is about to become just another guy with some issues at home.  

      --The best take I heard so far on the White House Party Crashers (they shall remain nameless here--they're already getting too much pub) came from Ed Rollins on CNN: these folks want to be in a reality show?    Let them take part in the one called the federal judicial system.    To me, these attention whores aren't to be celebrated.   And, whoever waved them into the State Dinner that night needs to be kicked to the curb before the next attention-seeker shakes hands with the President with far more dastardly intentions.   A White House invitation is an honor and an opportunity to shake hands with a President is a privilege.     It's not a Bravo audition.   Throw the book at these media whores.  

      --I make no apologies for being an NBA/Bucks wind sock.    I'm back in, so long as the effort is there and the team keeps playing hard, the way it did during Saturday night's loss to the Magic.    Milwaukee was sorely undermanned, especially in the middle, but still fought to the bitter end in a 100-98 defeat.    Brandon Jennings scored 18 and his supporting cast didn't let him down.   Michael Redd avoided the Mueller Curse by skipping the proceedings altogether (he got hurt each of the past two times I attended a game live).    Fans have a right to vote with their wallets and attention spans.      The product admittedly wasn't there the past few seasons, and it'll take time for the Bucks to invigorate the base again.    More performances like Saturday night's could do the trick.    And, you don't have to say "I'm sorry" to anyone as you migrate back to the Bradley Center.    

       --The wide-open week means a chance to get caught up on missed movies and TV series I vowed to dip into ("Dexter", "30 Rock", "It's Always Sunny...").    Then again, sleep is always an attractive option.