Friday the 13th Ketchup
 

Nope. You aren't thinking of Dallas, you are thinking of the suburbs. Totally different look in Dallas than what was sold to you by the tv show. Dallas is LA lite. The women spend a lot of time and money on appearance and it shows.

Bonds
 

That would be something, but that's counter to the Feds' usual pattern in these things... They go up the chain rather than down. Plus, Bonds could make an argument that he was told and believed that the "supplements" he was given were legal. Plus, he testified before the grand jury and may have gotten immunity to do so.

From what I've seen, I just can't imagine that going after the athletes is that big of a priority. The priority for the Feds is shutting off the flow, and they appear to have accomplished that.

Last Minute Trips
 

I flew out to Florida to see my mom on Mother's day last year. She had just had knee surgery and was kind of bummed out. She was utterly surprised to see me. I was there for maybe 2 days.

The shock and pleasure on her face made it worth the effort my father and I had to go to to surprise her.

It became more worth it however in July, when it became the last time I saw her alive.

Last Minute Trips
 

Mrs. Finch (before she was Mrs. Finch) and I travelled from SF to NY for a surprise b-day party for my father. He knew my siblings were in town (they lived closer to him, and they came into to town to "take him out to dinner"), but the party and our presence was a surprise.

There were around 80-100 people there, and he was completely, utterly surprised -- he literally went completely slack-jawed.

Then he saw me and the Missus, and visibly was even more shocked.

Despite never being close with him, I must say it was worth the huge hassle of a cross-country trip. It's really charming to see someone totally overwhelmed and flattered like that.

Bonds
 

What would they go after bonds for, using? It's like going after the buyer of a dime bag. What bonds has to fear is the docs and the testimony coming out from the trainer and other witnesses.

"Now, turning to page five of the ledger, you have listed a one Mr. Larry Stocks. Is that a real person? . . . "

Last Minute Trips
 

My ex-husband flew in my best friends from law school (we lived in Dallas, they lived in Florida) for my birthday one year. Complete surprise. He arrived home the evening of my birthday and had them ring the doorbell about 5 minutes later. I nearly fell over when I saw them. Very nice gift.

Bonds
 

Not just that. Expect him to be a witness in the trial of his trainer, for one side or the other... Assuming the guy doesn't plead and roll over on the guy who founded BALCO.

My last minute trip
 

One more...

A friend and I flew last minute to Tampa the year that the superbowl was there (I'm a Giants fan). Airfare was not expensive, but when we left for the airport we had nowhere to stay in Tampa. We decided to go anyway. She put in a call to a couple of people who might be going and we hopped on the flight. When we landed, we were set up to stay in the set of rooms reserved by a minor Dallas/Atlanta sports celebrity (PM me if you care to know who). We partied with him and his friends all weekend.

I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, but I would have preferred a different game outcome.

Bonds
 

Oh lord. Thanks for the lesson.

I know they go up the ladder.

I know they want the suppliers and distributors.

I know they probably won't go after Bonds or any other athlete.

I know Bonds can concoct a lie to counter the charge.

I wasn't making a comment on what would be the best way to get Bonds. I was saying that there would be a bigger reaction from people if someone drew a direct line to Bonds.

But if they really wanted to reduce usage on the pro level, they should bring Bonds down for it. If they show other athletes that they're trainers/friends will roll over on them in a second to reduce their jail time, I'm sure that would be enough for some people to think better of it.

TM

Bonds
 

It sounds like Conte (the trainer) has already been given that choice--that is spill about whom you've supplied (and who supplied you, duh) or go to jail. Or will be given that choice soon. I bet he flips sometime shortly before trial, once it's clear (if it is), that the gov't has the goods on him.

Last Minute Trips
 

Hey! You stole my story, asshat.

My grandfather back east recently had his 90th birthday. I, being recently bounced all over the friggin' country, was not expected to come, and we hinted to the folks that it would be impossible.

For logistical reasons not worth going into here, I flew a Friday night redeye back east, picked up Ms. Gattigap and the Juniors, drove across 2 states and dropped in on the party on Sunday. (And, I flew back west later that evening).

A tremendous pain in the ass, but I felt I needed to do this. I had missed out on a variety of family events recently, and though they didn't say so, I could tell that my parents had been disappointed. Granddad was pleased and surprised, but my parents were simply flabbergasted. That moment made the trip worthwhile.

Gattigap

Last Minute Trips
 

What the fuck are you doing travelling with my wife?

Bonds
 

Not to be a steroid Timmy, but Conte was the supplier, Bonds' trainer is a different guy...

And TM, I agreed with you. It would be huge if Bonds, Giambi or some track athlete went down for this. It's just not likely.

Best Valentines Card
 

http://www.gawker.com/archives/valen...rds_012955.php
(bad language, otherwise work appropriate)

Slave
 

Ummm, I think that guy Cliff Yablonski kinda beat you to the punch on this one:

http://www.somethingawful.com/cliff/...ou/page-01.htm
[spree: the first of over 250 pages with photos of Wisconsonites and accompanying disparaging comments from crazy old Cliff Yablonski]