I’d like to say we were painting it silver and blue, but sadly, alas, many of those present were not Cowboys fans. This is the burden I bear. So let’s just say we were painting it purple and gold in honor of the respective beverages being implemented.

L to R: No Relation, G. Stone, Joe Budzinski, Dan S., ACTivist (with his trademark one-finger salute), and Cathymac. Not pictured: Linda B. because she left early (which is very unfortunate because while Cathy elevated the overall hotness level of the photo to 11, Linda certainly would have brought it to 22), Brian Withnell and Jacob, because I am actually both Brian Withnell and Jacob, among others, but please ignore that clause and allow us to continue in our blogging conceit.

It was a very fun night, and I am happy to report that “Sterling Curling” will become a reality because we have determined that an intelligent group of people can dedicate themselves to an Olympic sport that can be performed with 1) a beer in one hand, and 2) a cigarette in the other, and 3) no additional physical fitness challenges required. Tryouts begin in Dan’s driveway next month.

Another important bit of news came from ACTivist, who let us know that the Mayan calendar has the Earth ending in December, 2012, when the axis of our planet will shift 90 degrees such that the latitude of Virginia will become the new North Pole.

ACTivist announced that he and Momma are moving to Greece prior to that time in preparation. We all wished them well, and have made plans to move to Antarctica, and sincerely hope that Momma has a say in that family’s future relocation, or at least buys ACTivist a globe.

No Relation is back from his requested tour of duty in Iraq. NR’s appraisal of Iraq: “It’s over.” The good guys won. We look forward to NR chiming in here at some point.

When the history is written, I believe, GW Bush will get the credit. 2002-2009 has been a period of relative peace and prosperity here in the U.S. Considering all that is happening in the world, this is no small accomplishment. Thanks to NR and all the guys and gals who signed up to protect our country so that we can live our lives and make idiots of ourselves on the blogs.

There was a fair amount of discussion about the train wreck that has become the Republican party.  None of the “third parties” are viable. We are all individuals who have expended significant time and money on the behalf of the GOP, so what do we do now? Should we shoot for Democrat-lite or Republican-lite? Are the GOP’s problems traceable to too much influence by liberals or conservatives?

The only solution thus far arrived at is Sterling Curling. Stay tuned to this blog for news on further developments.