There's really nothing like being home for the holidays (no pun intended.)

I had a great day. Got in late last night following work in Sylvania and the long drive back to Van Wert by midnight. Had some mixed emotions in the final hour of the drive...

Here's a recap:

Browns QB Brady Quinn is shutdown for the rest of the season to give his ailing throwing hand some down time. Sucks because he needs the experience, but gives us a chance to let Derek Anderson shine again so that his trade bait potential increases (Can it get worse?)

President-Elect Barack Obama named retired USMC General Jim Jones his National Security Advisor. Jones has 40 years of Marine Corps service that began as an infantry officer in Vietnam and culminated with his leadership as head of NATO forces and U.S. forces in Europe (Kosovo region era, I believe.) He also served as the 32nd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. Needless to say, Jim Jones can lay the hammer down if need be. Additional good news comes from the retention of Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense (atleast until the Obama transition is complete and the new administration has a grasp on the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.) I have been waiting for some direct sign of a move toward bipartisanship from this new administration. Granted, this is the fastest that a presidential transition team has moved in awhile, they didn't exactly win me over by bringing Senator Clinton into the fold right away. So, kudos to you, President-Elect Obama... Gates and Jones maybe balances out either just Clinton or the combo of Daschle in H&HS and the lack of Governor Tim Kaine in any position thus far.

I watched Four Christmases tonight with my brother and mother at the always-hoppin' Van Wert cinema theaters. AMAZING movie in my opinion. I was afraid that the Vince Vaughn/Reece Witherspoon combo would go sour about 20 minutes into the feature, but I was astonished to see the potential chemistry turn into something great. They combined Christmas, family issues, and relationship drama into a hi-ho-hilarious entertainment experience. I felt like this was what The Breakup could have been, but wasn't. The cast was amazing, and I appreciated the writing. I won't ruin it for you, but it is worth seeing.

I got home in just enough time to see the Cleveland Cavaliers polish off the Oklahoma City Thunder by 35 points and move to 12-3 on the young season. Upcoming games at home against Golden State, New York, and Indiana and a road game against Milwaukee. Consistent play could elevate the Cavs to the top 1, 2, or 3 team in the NBA within the next 2 weeks.

Goodnight all! Think about our soldiers, sailors, and Marines that aren't going to be home tomorrow and say a little prayer for them. Also, don't forget to say a quick prayer for our fellow Americans that are in harm's way in India during this horrible terrorist attack and hostage showdown.

And remember.... if you're going to pardon a turkey, make sure they aren't slaughtering 20 behind you during the press conference.