Blog Wars Episode IV: Blogger's Hope

This was originally posted on Sporting News on May 12, 2007. Also, this was edited and character changes were made, too. This is my last post for 2008, so Happy New Year to you all!

Blog Wars Episode IV: Blogger's Hope

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.....

It is a period of civil war in the Blogging Universe. The Members Alliance spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first battle against the evil Troll Empire. During the battle, Member spies managed to steal secret plans of the Empire's ultimate weapon, The Thumb Down Star, an armored space station with enough power to thumb down an entire planet of bloggers.

Pursued by the Troll Empire's sinister agents, Princess Goddess races home aboard a starship, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the entire Blogging Universe ......

Scene: A total eclipse emerges as the planet of Blogtooine is revealed
(Two ships are battling with countless lasers being fired)

Scene: Imperial-Interior Blogade Runner
(The ship that 3Santinio and R2 are on has an explosion that rocks their ship)
3Santinio: Did you hear that?
(Their starship is now being controlled by the Thumb Down Star)
3Santinio: They have shut down the main reactor! We are doomed!
(The starship opens up, but 3Santinio and R2 happen to not suffer any harm)
(Darth Troller makes his way down the main passageway)
(His face is obscured with a black mask and grotesque breath mask and he stands out with white trollship troopers flocking him)
(Darth Troller grabs a Members Alliance Officer by the neck)
Trollship Officer: The TDS plans are not in the main computer.
Darth Troller: Where are those plans you intercepted?
(Darth Troller then lifts the officer up off his feet)
Member Alliance Officer: We intercepted no plans. We are here on a diplomatic mission.
Darth Troller: Where is the Ambassador?
(The Alliance Officer refuses to speak, and Darth Troller kills him before throwing his body up against a wall)
Darth Troller: Commander, tear this ship apart until you've found those plans, and bring me the passengers alive!
(The Trollship Troopers scurry out to find the plans and passengers)

Scene: Blogtooine Desert Wasteland
(Freak Blogtalker is standing on a rock and motions for a robot to follow him)
Freak: Hurry up! Come with me! What are you waiting for?! Get it in gear! I need my blog editted!
(The robot scoots around in a circle, then explodes)
(Freak throws his arms up in the air in disgust)

Scene: The Thumb Down Star
(Princess Goddess happens to get secret information to the R2 Unit)
3Santinio: Where have you been?
(R2 is speaking in a technical language)
3Santinio: Secret Mission? Plans? What plans?
(3Santinio and R2 are heading for their blogade runner to take them home)
Trollship Trooper: Wait! There's one!
(Princess Goddess is firing at the Trollship Troopers)
(The Trollship Troopers use a stun mechanism to knockout the Princess)
Trollship Trooper: She will be alright. Inform Lord Troller that we have a prisoner!

Scene shifts to 3Santinio and R2 on the blogade runner......
3Santinio: I'm going to regret this!
(3Santinio and R2 are launched away from the Thumb Down Star)
Trollship Trooper: There goes another one!
TDS Captain: Hold your fire! There are no life forms leaving! It must have short-circuited!

Scene: Blogtooine Desert Wasteland
(Freak is riding his Blogspeeder through town which allows him to blog at the speed of light while riding)
(Freak then returns home and notices a familar friend)
Freak: Madman?! How are you?! I didn't know you were back. When did you get in?
Madman: Just now. I wanted to surprise you.
(Madman laughs)
Freak: The Blog Academy didn't change you much. Did you get a commission?
(Madman is hesitant to answer)
Madman: Of course I got it.
Freak: I almost forgot. There is a battle going on out there.
(Freak looks through his binoculars to see the battle in the sky)
Freak: There they are!
(Madman takes the binoculars)
Madman: That isn't a fight! They are sitting there!
Freak: They were fighting earlier!
Madman: The Member's Alliance is a long way from here. This planet has nothing on it.
(Freak seems to agree, but is unsure about all of it)

Scene: Interior Blogade Runner Hallway - TDS
(Princess Goddess is being escorted down the hall by armored Trollship Troopers)
(Darth Troller is now in view and stares down the Princess, but the Princess doesn't budge)
Goddess: I should have known it was you, Lord Troller. The Imperial Bloggers Senate will not stand for this....
Darth Troller: Don't play games with me, Your Highness. You weren't on any mercy mission this time. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Alliance spies. I want to know what you did with those plans they sent you.
Goddess: I don't know what you are talking about. I am here on a diplomatic mission.....
Darth Troller: You are part of the Member's Alliance, and a traitor! Take her away!
(Goddess is marched down the hallway by the Trollship Troopers)
(A TDS Commander turns towards Troller)
Commander: Holding her could be dangerous. If word gets out, it could generate sympathy to the Member's Alliance to the Imperial Bloggers Senate.
Darth Troller: I have traced the Alliance spies to her. Now she is my only link to find their secret base!
Commander: She will die before she tells you anything.
Darth Troller: Leave that to me. Send a distress signal to let the senate know that all aboard were killed.
(Another Commander is approaching Troller)
Second Commander: Lord Troller, the plans are not on this ship! No transmissions were made. A blogade runner was jettisoned during the fighting, but no life forms were found.
Darth Troller: She must have hid the plans in the escape runner! Send a detachment to retrieve them. See to it personally, Commander.
Second Commander: Yes sir.
(A blogade runner comes over the Blogtooine planet)

Scene: Blogtooine Dessert
(3Santinio and R2's blogade runner lands on the planet)
(They kick up dust as the runner is buried in the sand)
(R2 heads off in one direction as 3Santinio heads off in another)
3Santinio: Where are you going?
(R2 makes some computer noises)
3Santinio: Well, I'm not going that way.
(3Santinio is too stubborn and goes the opposite way of R2)
3Santinio: There are no settlements that way.
(R2 makes more beeping sounds)
3Santinio: Don't get technical with me! What mission are you talking about?
(R2's reply is rude, and they now are off in opposite directions)
(3Santinio is heading into the hot part of the dessert as dunes appear to go for miles)
3Santinio: It is that R2's fault!
3Santinio sees a blogger's transport ship and yells for help)

Scene: Blogtooine Entryhead settlement
(Freak is telling a tale about his blog missions while him and Madman are drinking a brew)
Madman: You should take it easy with those ships, Freak. One day, you could be a statistic out there.
Freak: Look who is talking. You sound like my relatives now. You've gotten soft out here....
Madman: I missed you kid.
(Madman then looks to inform Freak of a secret)
Madman: I wanted to let you know that I made some friends at the Blog Academy, and that I'm going to join the Member's Alliance.
(Freak looks shocked)
Freak: Are you kidding?! How?!
Madman: Quiet down, will you?
Freak: Sorry.
Madman: There are a couple of friends that will help me make contact with them.
Freak: You are crazy!
Madman: I know it is a long-shot. I am not waiting on the Troll Empire to draft me. The Alliance is spreading, and I want to join them.
Freak: And I am stuck here.
Madman: You can't join next term?
Freak: No, I had to cancel my blog subscription last month. Besides, I can't leave my relatives.
Madman: I feel for you, Freak. You're going to have to learn what is important or what seems to be more important. I have to leave in the morning.
Freak: Well, I will see you. Take care, Madman.

Scene: Blogtooine Canyon
Both R2 and 3Santinio are captured by the Thumbwas. They are then transported to hideout by these creatures. Both robots reunite in the holding area not knowing that they are going to amongst other robots for sale. Meanwhile, the Trollship Troopers that were sent to Blogtooine have discovered the blogade runner that R2 and 3Santinio were in. They discovered that robots were indeed leaving the blogade runner. They are now on the hunt after them. After much debate, the robots are sold to Freak's relatives after one of the robots that they originally were going to buy, exploded on them. They buy R2 and 3Santinio after that.

Scene: Blogtooine Entryhead Settlement
Freak is frustrated by the fact of having to stay on the planet while Madman is leaving. He is trying to fix the robots after they have an abundance of sand on them. Upon doing so, he finds out that R2 has a picture of Princess Goddess sending a message......
Princess Goddess(From R2 unit): Help us Frag Kenobi. You're my only hope.
Freak: What's this?
(3Santinio is saying that the message is a malfunction as the message is repeated over and over)
Freak: Who is she? She's beautiful.
3Santinio: I'm not sure, sir. I think she was a passenger on our last voyage when we found strange blog replies.
Freak: Is there more to the message?
(Freak reaches out to the robot to find out if there is more to the recording)
(R2 doesn't take kindly to it, but then gives in at the insistence of 3Santinio)
3Santinio: He says that he is property of Frag Kenobi. However, he can be eccentric at times.
Freak: I wonder if he means Fragnoli Kenobi.
3Santinio: I beg your pardon, but do you know who he is talking about?
Freak: Well, I don't know of a Frag Kenobi. But Fragnoli Kenobi lives out in the dunes. He is a strange character. I still wonder who she is. She sounds like she is in trouble. I'd better play back the whole thing.
3Santinio: R2 says that you maybe able to play the entire message if you remove a certain bolt from him because it has short-circuited his recording system.
(Freak removes the bolt, but the Princess' image disappears)
(Freak is called away by his relatives)
Freak: Here is the bolt, 3Santinio. See what you can do with him. I will be back.
(Freak goes inside to find out what his relatives want)
3Santinio: You better play back that message for him.
(R2 makes beeping sounds)
3Santinio: No, he doesn't like you.
(R2 makes beeping sounds)
3Santinio: No, I don't like you either.

Scene: Blogtalker's Entryhead home
Freak is trying to get answers from his relatives about R2, and that he belonged to Fragnoli Kenobi. His uncle said that he is a crazy man, and that R2's memory needed to be erased. He then said that he knew both Darth Troller and his father, and that both were dead. Also, his uncle is persuading him to stay at his home for one more season of blogging. Then he said he could join the Blog Fighting Academy the following year. His aunt says he can't stay there forever, and that his uncle will make it up to him as Freak storms out of the home. He goes out to the garage to help the robots and the blog machines that are out there only to find out that R2 has disappeared. He and 3Santinio look around the area to find it. They will not risk going out with the Thumbwas lurking, so they wait until morning to find him.

Scene: Blogtooine Canyon
Freak and 3Santinio are searching for R2 in the canyon. They encounter the Thumbwas which attack Freak and 3Santinio. Then a terrifying sound comes across the canyon which scares the Thumbwas off. It is Fragnoli Kenobi that appears and helps Freak to his feet. They then find that 3Santinio was buried in the sand, and they help to get him out. Then the three go inside Kenobi's dwelling.

Scene: Kenobi's Dwelling
(Freak is repairing the R2 unit while Frag is talking)
Frag: Hey Freak, I have something that your father wanted me to give you when you got older.
(Frag pulls out a light saber)
(Freak then turns it on to see a green glowing light that is about four feet long)
Frag: Now let's see if this unit is fixed now.
(R2 then shows that message from the Princess as Frag and Freak look on with 3Santinio)
Princess Goddess: General Kenobi, years ago you served my father in the Forum Wars. Now he begs you to help him against the Troll Empire. I regret that I am unable to present my father's request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack and I am afraid my mission to bring you to Replydaron has failed. I have placed information vital to the survival of the Member's Alliance in this R2 unit. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this droid safely to him in Replydaron. This is our most desperate hour. Help me Frag Kenobi, you're my only hope.
(Static comes out of the R2 unit, but the message is completed)
Frag: You must learn the ways of the CI(Creatively Insane) if you are to come with me to Replydaron, Freak.
Freak(laughing): I'm not going to Replydaron! I'm in enough trouble out here as it is!
Frag: I need your help. She needs your help. I am getting too old for this sort of thing.
Freak: I can't get involved! I have work to do! It's not as if I like the Troll Empire, I hate them! But there is nothing I can do!
Frag: That's your uncle talking.
Freak: Oh man, my uncle. How am I going to explain this?
Frag: Learn about the CI, Freak.
Freak: I can take you as far as Entryhead past the canyon.
Frag: You do what you feel is right of course.

Scene: Thumb Down Star Conference Room
Two Commanders are debating over the operational power of the Thumb Down Star. One says they are vulnerable until the TDS is fully operational and also that the Members Alliance is gaining strength. Darth Troller then walks in to join in on the discussion. He says that the original plans that were stored into the R2 unit will be in his possession, thus the Members Alliance will not be able to exploit the weaknesses of the Thumb Down Star.

Scene: Blogtooine Wasteland
Freak, Frag, 3Santinio, and R2 return to the Entryhead home to find it burned down. They also discover that Freak's relatives are dead as a result of the attacks. Freak thinks it was the Thumbwas who burned the blog posts down as their are no remains of any entries. However, on his way back to the Entryhead home, he discovers that some Thumbwas were gunned down. Frag is convinced that the Trollship Troopers are responsible for the damage, and tells Freak there is nothing he could have done. Freak then says that he has nothing left on Blogtooine now that his blog entries are gone. He decides to learn the way of the CI.

Scene: Thumb Down Star Corridor
Princess Goddess is being held in a cell while Trollship Troopers enter. Darth Troller then enters the room with a torture robot that has large hypodermic needle.

Scene: Mo's Tavern
The owner of Mo's Tavern, morrisseyweb is on a space mission and is not on the Blogtooine planet as of now. Freak and Frag tell 3Santinio and R2 to wait outside while they go inside to find a pilot. Frag uses his CI to get past a Trooper at the door as he manipulates his mind. Upon arriving inside, a ugly-looking creature challenges Frag. Frag then pulls out his life saber to quickly take out the creature. As they to find a place to sit down, they notice a tall menacing looking individual by the name of Lewbacca. Lewbacca leads them to a table where a pilot by the name of Guardian Solo is sitting.
Guardian Solo: Guardian Solo. I'm the captain of the Millenium BlogFighter. Lew tells me you are looking for a passage to the Replydaron System.
Frag: Yes, indeed. If it is a fast ship.
Guardian: Fast ship? You've never heard of the Millenium BlogFighter.
Frag: Should I have?
Guardian: It has flown from one side of the galaxy to another in no time. She is fast enough for you. What is the cargo?
Frag: Only passengers. Myself, Freak, the two droids, and no questions asked.
Guardian: Are you in some kind of local trouble?
Frag: Let's just say that we'd like to avoid further entanglements with trolls in the future.
Guardian: Well, that's the trick, isn't it? It's going to cost something extra. Ten thousand in advance.
Freak: Ten thousand? We can buy our own ship for that!
Guardian: Yeah, who is going to fly it! You?
Freak: You bet I could! We don't have to listen to this.
Frag: We don't have much right now. We could pay you two thousand now, plus fifteen when we reach Replydaron.
Guardian: Seventeen, huh? You got yourself a ship. We'll leave when you are ready. Looks like someone is taking interest in your handiwork of taking out that creature earlier.
(Freak and Frag leave as Trollship Troopers look around for answers)
Guardian: Seventeen thousand! This could really save my neck. Get the ship ready, Lew.

Scene: Outside Mo's Tavern
Freak is told by Frag to sell his speeder to afford the trip to Replydaron. Freak agrees, and says that he will not be coming back to Blogtooine again.

Scene: Mo's Tavern
As Guardian Solo is about to leave, a person points a gun at his side. The person is football player Adam "Pac Man" Jones.
Pac Man: Going somewhere, Guardian?
Guardian: As a matter of fact, I was going to go see your new boss of the drug kingpin you are a part of.
Pac Man: What? You were going to pay him?
Guardian: No. I was going to get him arrested.
Pac Man: You owe me. Since I gave away that money away at that bar a couple of months ago, I have needed you as a fan to give me that money. If you give me the money now, I will forget I saw you here and won't have the bounties come after you.
Guardian: I don't have it with me.
Pac Man: I'm through with you, and so are those bounties. Drugba's got no time for smugglers.
Guardian: Even I get boarded sometimes.
(Guardian reaches for his gun under the table)
Pac Man: You tell that to Drugba. He may only come get your ship.
Guardian: Over my dead body.
Pac Man: That's the idea. I have been looking to take you out for sometime now for avoiding to help me.
Guardian: I bet you have.
(Pac Man fires his gun at Guardian, but hits the wall instead)
(Guardian, in the smoke-filled room, blasts his gun at Pac Man taking him out)
(Guardian is leaving the bar and leaves coins for the bartender)
Guardian: Sorry for the mess.

Scene: Thumb Down Star Control Room
Captain Blogsniper and Darth Troller have agreed to use a different form of persuasion on the Princess. They want to show the Princess the power of the Thumb Down Star.

Scene: Mo's Tavern Alleyway
Guardian runs into Drugba outside the bar. He says that he is going to get him arrested, but then Drugba threatens him because he has put a bounty on his head. He demands the money, and says that the bounties will take him out if he doesn't. Guardian says he will have the money to him after his latest mission is over. In the meantime, Freak was able to sell the blogspeeder to afford the trip to Replydaron.

Scene: Inside the Millenium BlogFighter
Frag, Freak, and the two droids make their way onto the ship as Lewbacca and Guardian join them. The Trollship Troopers that were investigating the scene at Mo's Tavern have located the ship. They are blasting shots at it while Guardian is getting the ship off the ground. The ship finally takes off. The ship has two more Trollship Air Fighters going after them. They happen to cause slight damage to the ship as Guardian and Lewbacca are preparing the ship to reach top speed. Finally, they reach top speed, and lose the trailing ships in the process.

Scene: Thumb Down Star Control Room
Captain Blogsniper and Darth Troller are still in the room. Two Trollship Troopers bring in Princess Goddess in an attempt to make her talk. After refusing at first, she gives away the Alliance base by naming another planet. Captain Blogsniper and Darth Troller then plan on destroying the planet of Replydaron, where she lived. The TDS has thumbed down the entire planet of Replydaron which contained some of the best blog sites on the planet. The planet is now destroyed with no blog posts or bloggers. It is more or less space dust now.

Scene: Inside the Millenium BlogFighter
Freak is beginning his CI(Creatively Insane) training on the ship while a suddenly stricken Frag sits down. Frag realizes that something terrible has happened. Guardian informs everyone that they have outrun the two Trollship Air Fighters. They discover that Replydaron no longer exists as astreroids are coming at the ship. Then a Trollship Air Fighter is found as Guardian decides to chase it down. Upon doing so, they discover the powerful station known as the Thumb Down Star. The Millenium BlogFighter is caught in the TDS forcefield and is being brought into the main port. As they are being brought in, Darth Troller and Captain Blogsniper order the ship to be checked as they originally found no one aboard. The crew was hiding in the corridors of the ship that Guardian uses for smuggling. After a Trollship Trooper is told that the ship is his, Guardian tricks him telling him and another trooper that they need help. After gunfire is heard, two Trollship Troopers are leaving the post. The Trollship Troopers reveal themselves as Guardian and Freak.

Scene: Thumb Down Star Command Office
Freak, Guardian, and the two droids are in the command office. Frag leaves on his own, and tells them to stay behind. R2 finds out where the Princess is being held and that she is going to be executed. Both Freak and Guardian have Trollship disguises on as they have Lewbacca bound. They leave as the two robots stay in the room to find out the plans of the Thumb Down Star. Trying not to look suspicious in the trooper attire, Freak and Guardian enter an elevator with Lewbacca. Frag is heading down the main hallway as no one seems to notice him.

Scene: Main Hallway
Guardian and Freak enounter problems. Guardian tells Freak to go to the cell where the Princess is being held. Guardian is now dealing with heavy fire as they are being attacked by Trollship Troopers. Freak then locates the Princess in her holding cell and informs her very quickly on what is going on and that Frag is aboard.

Scene: TDS Conference Room
Captain Blogsniper and Darth Troller are in the room. Troller senses that Frag Kenobi is aboard the ship. Captain Blogsniper says that the CI knights are all extinct. However, Troller says that that Frag is aboard, and is wanting to confront him. Troller says he is waiting for him.

Scene: TDS Hallway
Freak, Princess Goddess, Guardian, and Lewbacca have met in the hallway as heavy fire takes place. Freak is frantically calling 3Santinio in the command office to give them outlet for escape. Then the Princess takes a gun revealing a chute for their escape. All of them jump in the chute avoiding the troopers.

Scene: TDS Garage Room
Freak, Princess Goddess, Guardian, and Lewbacca are in the room trying to find a way out. A creature grabs Freak, and pulls him under the rubble. Freak struggles to get free from the creature until the walls of the room begin closing in. All four use poles to try to keep the walls from closing in, but they simply snap in half. Freak then is trying to get a hold of 3Santinio. However, 3Santinio and R2 are not in the control room after Trollship Troopers are in their investigating. The two robots tell the troopers that the escapees are down the hall. Freak finally is able to get the two robots to stop the walls as they are tightly closing in.

Scene: TDS Unused Hallway
Freak and Princess Goddess get seperated from Guardian and Lewbacca. They both have several Trollship Troopers after them down the hallways. Freak and Princess Goddess have to go across an abandoned bridge to escape them. Meanwhile, Guardian and Lewbacca are under heavy fire now as well as troopers tried to trap them by closing doors in front of them. Freak is not happy because he needs Guardian alive to escape the station.

Scene: TDS Power Trench
Frag Kenobi is able to get into the power trench. He is able to turn the power off that will allow the Millenium BlogFighter to escape the station. He uses the power of the CI to distract the troopers that are in the same room as him.

Scene: Hallway heading to the Main Bay
Frag walks down the Main Bay, and sees Darth Troller at the end of it. Both open up their life sabers as they prepare for battle.
Darth Troller: I've been waiting for you, Fragnoli. We meet at last.
(They both begin to circle one another)
Troller: When we last met, I was but the learner. Now I am the master.
Frag: Only a master of evil, Troller.
(Both warriors are standing still waiting for the right moment to strike)
Troller: You should not have come back.
(Frag makes a lunge at Troller as they begin fighting)
Troller: Your powers are weak.

Scene: TDS Hallway
Freak, Princess, Guardian, and Lewbacca have met in the hallway again. They are fighting off troopers until they notice the fight between Frag and Troller as they are trying to make their way to the ship to escape.
Freak: Look!
(As they are watching the battle, the troopers are closing in on them)
Guardian: Here's our chance! Go!
(Frag realizes that he is trapped as troopers are closing in)
(Frag happens to recover from the distraction of that)
(Frag then notices Freak and lifts his saber up towards the air)
(Troller cuts Frag in half with the saber, but his body is not in the remains where his clothes are)
(Freak sees Frag cut and half)
Freak: No!
(Trollship Troopers begin firing at the crew again)
(The crew makes their way to the Millenium BlogFighter)
Guardian(to Freak): Come on!
Goddess: Come on! It's too late!
Guardian: Blast the door, kid!
(Freak blasts a door in front of the troopers and three of them made it through)
(Guardian and Goddess are firing weapons at them)
Frag's Voice: Run, Freak! Run!
(Freak is trying to figure out where the voice came from)
(The crew makes it to the ship)

Scene: Millenium BlogFighter cockpit
The ship is taking off as they encounter Trollship Air Fighters coming at it. The ship suffers from heavy fire, but does manage to fend off the Air Fighters.

Scene: TDS Control Room
Darth Troller enters the room as Captain Blogsniper is watching the big screen.
Blogsniper: Are they away?
Troller: They just made the jump to cyberspace.
Blogsniper: You're sure the homing device is operational? I'm taking an awful big risk here, Troller. This had better work.

Scene: Millenium BlogFighter cockpit
The crew is celebrating with being able to escape the TDS. However, the Princess says that they let them go. Meanwhile, Guardian and Princess are in somewhat of a disgreement.
Goddess: At least the info that R2 has intact.
Guardian: What is so important about that? What's he carrying?
Goddess: Important readouts of the TDS. I hope we can find a weakness in the data. This isn't over yet!
Guardian: It is for me, sister! I ain't in this for your revolution, and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I'm in it for the money. I expect to be well-paid.
Goddess: You needn't worry about money. If money is what you want, then you will receive it!
(Goddess turns towards Freak in disgust)
Goddess: Your friend is quite the mercenary. I wonder if he cares about anything..or anyone?
Freak: I care!
(Freak looks at Guardian as the Princess leaves the room)
Freak: So what do you think of her?
Guardian: I'm trying not to, kid!
Freak(under his breath): Good!
Guardian: She's got alot of spirit, and it shows in her blogs. What do you think? Can a guy like me and her....
Freak: No!

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost Base on the Tagvin planet
The crew is greeted by the rest of the Members Alliance. Goddess believes that the ship will be tracked to the base they are at, so she urgently wants to find a weak spot in the TDS.

Scene: Space
The TDS is approaching the Tagvin planet where the Members Alliance Base is at.

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost War Room
Discussions are being made about the attack on the TDS. Lanzona is preparing the screen and discussing the attack.
Lanzona: The battle station is heavily armored, and has greater power than half a star fleet. It's defenses are designed around a large-scale assault. A small fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defense. An analysis of the station reveals that a small fighter can go in because the TDS doesn't consider them threats. The approach won't be easy, but it is very possible. A precise hit will start a chain reaction and could destroy the station.
(Freak is sitting next to Enova Wedge)
Enova: That's impossible.
Freak: No, it is not.
Lazona: Man your ships!

Scene: TDS
Darth Troller and Captain Blogsniper are in the room.
Troller: This day will long be remembered. Frag is gone, and it will soon see the end of the Members Alliance.

Scene: Members Alliance Hangar
Freak and the rest of the fighters are getting ready to fly out. Freak then notices that Guardian is ignoring requests to get ready to go.
Freak: So you are taking the money and leaving then?
Guardian: That's right, yeah! I have debts to pay off.
Freak(angrily): Take a look around! You know what's about to happen! You're turning your back on the fighters!
Guardian: What's a good reward if you can't use it?! Besides, attacking the TDS is suicide!
Freak: All right. Take care of yourself. That's what you are good at.
Guardian: Freak. May the CI be with you!
(Goddess then sees Freak upset)
Goddess: What is wrong?
Freak: It's Guardian.
Goddess: He has to choose his own path. No one can for him.
Freak: I wish Frag was here.
(Goddess then hugs Freak and walks away)
(Freak then notices a familar face)
Freak: Madman?!
Madman: Freak! How did you get here?! Are you going with us?
Freak: Yes, I will be up there. Boy, do I have stories to tell you!
Madman: Tell those stories when you get back here.
Freak: I told you I would make it one day!
Madman: You did. This is going to be like old times!
(The ships depart)
Frag's voice: The CI will be with you.

Scene: Space
All fighters have reported in. They have all seen the TDS now.
Enova: Look at the size of that thing!
Madman: Accelerate to attack speed!
(The approach the TDS as they are attempting to draw fire)
Madman: I am going in to draw their fire!
(All the sudden, Trollship Air Fighters put the Members Alliance ships under heavy fire)
Enova: Heavy fire, boss!
Madman: I see it. Stay low.
(Freak goes in to towards the trench, but realizes that he has to pull his ship up before it goes under heavy fire)

Scene: TDS Interior
Darth Troller: We have to destroy them ship by ship. Get my ship ready!
(Troller's ship is ready as he and his wingmen are leaving)

Scene: Space outside the TDS
Madman is being persued by a Trollship Fighter as Freak helps to destroy it. Troller's ship is off and running as he and his wingmen are outside the TDS now.
Enova: Watch your back, Freak! A fighter is on you!
(Freak's ship gets hit, but not much damage takes place)
(Several ships on both sides are destroyed as the Members Alliance makes their way to the trench)

Scene: TDS Conference Room
Captain Blogsniper and others are in the room standing by.
Officer: Should we have an evacuation ship ready?
Captain Blogsniper: Evacuate? In a moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!

Scene: Space outside the TDS
Several attempts are made to send fire into the exhaust port of the TDS, but have failed. Now the remaining Members Alliance ships are trying to destroy the station. But, the TDS has a backup plan, and have located the Members Alliance Base.

Scene: Thumb Down Star - Control Room
(A Captain watches the target screen of the Member Alliance Base)
TDS Intercom: Members Base, thirty seconds and closing.
(Freak is being pursued by three fighters with Darth Troller's ship in the middle)

Scene shifts back and forth from Darth Troller's cockpit and Blogtalker's cockpit.
Darth Troller: I'm on the leader.
(Blogtalker's ship is now in the trench of the Thumb Down Star)

Scene: Member Alliance Blogpost Base
(Princess Goddess is now determined that Blogtalker will succeed after constant worrying)
3Santinio: Hang on out there, R2!

Scene goes back and forth on Troller and Blogtalker's cockpits.
(Blogtalker is concentrating on his tracking device)
(Three TDS fighters are now following Freak in the trench with Troller in the middle)
(Troller has grabbed the control stick and is ready to destroy Freak Blogtalker)
(Blogtalker is adjusting his lense on the tracking device while proceeding down the trench)
(Blogtalker is lining up his target until he hears a familar voice)
Frag Kenobi's voice: Use the CI, Freak.
(Troller and his two ships are closing in)
(Blogtalker is starting to look back in his tracking device before having second thoughts)
Frag Kenobi's voice: Let go, Freak.
(Freak now has a determined look on his face as he starts to mumble Frag's training to himself)
(Freak's ship is continuing through the trench)
(Troller is having a tough time tracking Freak on his screen)
Darth Troller: The CI is strong with this one!
(Troller continues to follow Freak's ship as he tries to lock on him)
(Freak then goes to look at his tracking device, before hearing Frag's voice)
Frag: Trust me, Freak.
(Freak presses the button, and moves his tracking device away)

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost Base
(Princess Goddess and the others are watching the projection screen)
Members Base Voice: His computer is off. Freak, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?
Freak(Over the speaker): Nothing. I'm alright.

Scene: Thumb Down Star trench
(Freak looks at the TDS surface, and R2 turns his head side to side in anticipation)
(Troller and his two ships continue to follow Freak down the trench)
(Troller maneuvers his ship then presses the button to fire at Freak's ship)
(A large laserfire engulfs R2 and he makes a high-pitched sound)
(Freak looks over his shoulder at R2 in the back of his ship)
Freak: I have lost R2!

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost Base
(Princess Goddess and 3Santinio are staring intently at the projection screen)
Members Alliance Blogpost Intercom: The Thumb Down Star has cleared the base. The Thumb Down Star has cleared the base.

Scene: Thumb Down Star Control Room
(Captain Blogsniper stares at the projection screen)
TDS Intercom: Members Alliance Base, in range.
Captain Blogsniper: You may thumb down the Members Alliance base when ready.
TDS Intercom: Commence Primary Ignition.
(A TDS officer reaches up to push the button)
(Green-lighted button turns red)

Scene: Thumb Down Star trench
(Troller and his two ships continue pursuit of Freak's ship never breaking formation)
(Freak looks down at the exhaust port)
(Troller adjusts his tracking screen and control stick)
(Freak's ship barrels down the trench as Troller takes aim at his ship)
Darth Troller: I have you now!
(Troller pushes the fire button)
(The three ships move in on Freak's ship as Troller releases laserfire)
(As laserfire is being fired at Freak's ship, one of Troller's wingman's ship is destroyed)
(The two remaining ships move on)
(Freak looks around wondering who destroyed the wingman ship)
(Troller is taken by surprise as he looks out from his ship)
Darth Troller: What?!
(Troller's other wingman looks around to locate the unknown attacker)

Scene: Inside the Millennium BlogFighter
(Guardian Solo and Lewbacca are grinning ear to ear)
Guardian: Yahoo!

Scene: Thumb Down Star trench
(The Millennium BlogFighter heads right after the two remaining TDS ships)
(The other wingman spots the Millennium Blogger coming after them and warns Darth Troller)
Wingman: Look out!
(Wingman is taken by surprise as he collides with Darth Troller's ship)
(Wingman's ship crashes into the trench wall, while Troller's ship suffers a damaged wing as he spins out of the trench)
(Troller's ship spins out of control and into space)
(Guardian's ship moves in on the trench)
(Guardian, smiling, speaks to Freak over the intercom)
Guardian: You're all clear, kid!

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost Base
(Princess Goddess, 3Santinio, and others listen in on Guardian's transmission)
Guardian(Over the intercom): Now let's blow this thing and go home!

Scene: Thumb Down Star trench
(Freak looks up and smiles. He concentrates on his target and fires laser torpedoes at the exhaust port)
(Freak's torpedoes shoot towards the target, but disappear)
(The shots do find their mark and have gone into the exhaust port and are heading for the main reactor)
(Freak is now relieved that his shots found their mark)

Scene: TDS Control Room
(A TDS soldier pulls the lever down to thumb down the entire Members Alliance Base)
Intercom voice: Stand by to fire thumbs down at the entire Member Alliance Base.
(Several TDS soldiers are now pressing all buttons to fire at the Members Alliance Base)
Intercom voice: Standing by.
(A rumble of explosions are now taking place on the TDS)
(The TDS is now all alone against a blanket of stars)
(Members Alliance ships race out of sight)
(The TDS bursts into a supernova)
Guardian: Great shot, kid! That was one in a million!
(Freak is now relaxed, and his eyes are closed)
Frag's voice: Remember, the CI will be with you...always.
(The Members Alliance ships race back to their base)

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost Base
(Freak climbs out of the ship and is greeted by his ground crew)
Princess Goddess: Freak! Freak! Freak!
(Goddess hugs Freak)
Guardian(laughing): Hey! Hey!
Freak(laughing): I knew you'd come back! I just knew it!
Guardian: Well, I wasn't gonna let you get all the credit and take all the reward.
Goddess: I knew there was more to you than money!
(Freak looks towards the ship)
Freak: Oh no!
(A fried R2 is carried off the back of Freak's ship)
3Santinio: Oh, my! R2! Can you hear me? Say something! (to mechanic) You can repair him, right?
Technician: We'll get to work on him right away.
3Santinio: You must repair him! I will donate any of the circuits or gears if need be.
Freak: He'll be all right.

Scene: Members Alliance Blogpost Main Assembly Room
Freak, Guardian, and Lewbacca are walking in with hundreds of soldiers looking on)
(Freak, Guardian, Lewbacca are greeted with medals from Princess Goddess)
(They all face towards the audience as they bow in front of them)
(Lewbacca and R2 are happy)

Scene dissolves into space as credits are appearing.

Credits:

Written and directed by David Funk
Produced by BSFE Productions and Basic Bloganomics in conjuction with Lucas Films

Cast:
Paul H(wwefreak).........Freak Blogtalker
guardian of the galaxy..........Guardian Solo
Footballgoddesstoo/ferociousjane.........Princess Goddess
TheGreatSantini........voice of 3Santinio
fragnoli........Frag Kenobi
Lew Troop........Lewbacca
T&R Guy.........voice of Darth Troller
blogsniper.......Captain Blogsniper
enova.......Enova Wedge
sde642(MadMan).......Madman

Special guest appearances:
Adam "Pac Man" Jones as himself
Lanz1 as Lanzona

Make up Supervisor.......texasadlerfan
Location manager.......soadrules1313
Visual and Sound Effects.......morrisseyweb
Planet Design.......Larsen B
Animators.......mojomike & Lester's Legends
Catering and Food Services........dking97

Scene and Star Wars movie info provided by: Star Wars Scene by Scene. This post is a dedication to the original Star Wars that was released into theaters in May as part of celebrating the release of the original. According to my parents, this was the first movie that they took me to see when I was two years old at the time.

~(C) Copyright 2007. Property of BSFE Productions and Basic Bloganomics. All rights reserved. Any publication or retransmission without the express written consent of the BSF Network and its affiliates, is strictly prohibited.

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Paying Your Dues

Before I get started, I want to draw your attention to MoonDog's article called Earning Your Way. It talks about his perspective on his attitude as a blogger as well as advice, too.

Now, this is my view and MoonDog and I are very simular on this. So if any of what I'm about to say makes you mad, I don't care. Just to be 100 percent crystal clear here -- this isn't to tell anyone how to run their blog, and it's YOUR choice as to whether you read the rest of this, NOT mine.

I started blogging three years ago on Sporting News, and built my blog from the ground up. How so? I didn't do it by talking about sports. I didn't do it by posting links all over the internet because at the time, those blogs weren't even in the search engines, so you had to go to your own blog to access others. I did it because of being different and being active. I thrive on being different.

I started doing Today Show formats with blog commercials and the latest news with opinions three years ago that helped promote other bloggers. Also, I commented on other blogs which helped me to get noticed because many of them returned the favor. They respected the fact that I took the time to stop by, and then they noticed I wasn't your average sports blogger that talked about JUST sports.

For the time I've been on there, I've been questioned and criticized for posting non-sports related entries. In fact, I made it to where I only talked about non-sports stuff for a long time, and used creative parodies as well as new formats which people latched on to. And you know what? It worked.

I started on Blogger with several sites about sports, but I admit, I overwhelmed myself with it. Maintaining one site alone is tough, but more than one got to be too much for me. Furthermore, I wanted to create something where I could combine the elements of sports as well as creative posting and anything else I wanted to talk about. I grew really tired of just sports and fantasy gaming. Fantasy Sports Depot drew way more traffic than my other sites, and I wanted to go back to the way I was on Sporting News. So now you know why Basic Bloganomics was created.

Folks, I'm one of the most caring people you'll come across on the internet. Also, I'm naturally a competitive and talented individual, too. I still play sports when I can because I like competing and it's for fun, so that should tell you something. As those of you on the internet know, I don't post an article anywhere just for the sake of posting something. If it's not like I want it to be, I won't post it until it is. I don't care if it takes days or weeks to prepare, I won't post it and will put something else out in the mean time. In other words, I don't post entries half-assed. I'm not perfect, but I want my posts to be good.

I know what it's like to post without much attention being drawn to it because of how Sporting News was before without being in the search engines. Anyone that remembers that knows what I'm talking about. I went out of my way to promote bloggers that were trying to establish themselves as well as those who wanted to get more traffic.

I only bring up the success I've had on Sporting News because of the fact that it doesn't necessarily translate to anywhere else on the internet. You still have to pay your dues elsewhere, too! I'm still doing that myself.

It's alot of work to build a site up, and garner attention for it. I'll be the first one to admit that I've asked those to link me, but I've always said that it's their choice to do so because I don't run their blog. I don't care if you link me or not because guess what? I built my blog on Sporting News from the ground up without you, and I'll DO it here, too!

I'm thankful for the friendships I've made on Sporting News and around the internet. It's helped me in so many ways as well as make a transition over to Blogger. I'm more thankful for that than any of you on the internet know.

For those who blog just for fun without advertising, I salute you and respect your wishes on that because again, it's YOUR blog. I'm just one of those types that would rather make money at this instead of taking up anymore valuable time posting for free. That isn't to say I won't post for free in communities, but I want to make better use of my talents while making money at it.

One of my best friends once told me, "People don't care where you've been. They only care where you're going." Remember that when you go somewhere else to write.

Am I making much doing this? No, not yet. However, I've been a success at blogging once, and I WILL AGAIN. My posts will not be as frequent as before starting in mid-January, but I will still do everything I can to make it a success.

So, you want my advice to being a better blogger? Stand out, be counted, respect others, and WORK at it. As MoonDog so eloquently put on the last line of his article, the blogosphere and/or community will let you know when you have arrived. So if you make the choice to want to be noticed, then get busy and earn it.

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Chicago Bears Off-Season Analysis and Year in Review

The Chicago Bears season came to an end yesterday with a loss at Houston as they missed an opportunity to go to the playoffs. The Bears had some high moments in the season, and trouble with consistency throughout the campaign.

The season couldn't have gotten off to a better start as they pounded the Indianapolis Colts during Week 1. But the trouble of closing out games after leading late plagued them with losses to the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They got back on track with the help of a goal-line stand for the ages against the Philadelphia Eagles at home.

Then they took care of Detroit before losing another heart-breaker in Atlanta after taking the lead late with seconds remaining. Then the Bears offense scored an unheard of 48 points against Minnesota in a win before their bye week.

After an injury to Kyle Orton against Detroit at home in which the Bears came back and won, the team proceeded to lose three of the next four games with two of them against Green Bay and Minnesota. Their lone win in that stretch came at a struggling St. Louis Rams franchise. The team then made an improbable run after losing control of their playoff destiny as they looked to get back on track with a three-game home slate.

After winning against Jacksonville, the Bears came back against New Orleans and Green Bay in overtime as they moved to 9-6 on the season. The Bears game against Green Bay had some unusual moments which had many thinking they were destined for the playoffs. But that all came to a screatching halt yesterday.

The Bears defense could not slow down the Texans' offense, and lost 31-24 as they missed the playoffs.

Much has been made about the team in terms of consistency as well as the offense not helping the defense. The defense was troublesome in many of their games as well, but looking at the numbers, it's clear to see where the team needs to improve at next year.

Total yards p/g: 295.9(26th)
Passing yards p/g: 191.3(21st)
Rushing yards p/g: 104.6(24th)
First downs p/g: 16.5(27th)
Third down percentage: 35.6(25th)
Time of Possession: 28:36(27th)

Total yards allowed p/g: 334.7(21st)
Passing yards allowed p/g: 241.2(30th)
Rushing yards allowed p/g: 93.5(5th)
Interceptions: 22(Tied for 3rd)
Sacks: 28(22nd)

I won't bore you with the rest of the stats, but the common perception I've heard is that the Bears secondary was the biggest problem for them in stopping the pass. But they were only part of that problem, and not getting a consistent pass rush upfront will make anyone look bad.

Good defenses in the league start upfront as to how you play on the defensive line, and it's become an all to common theme to see secondaries always having the finger pointed at them by critics when it comes to pass defense, too. Pressuring the quarterback is so vitally important in pass defense, and that's why the Bears have to make it a priority to improve on a consistent pass rush for next year. I do like how Tommie Harris played towards the latter part of the year though. So with that, the team needs someone else that can provide a pass rush as well as having a reliable safety and another cornerback for depth.

But the bigger problem in my mind continues to be the offense. Looking at the TOP stat alone, it tells me that the offense doesn't sustain drives in order to keep their defense off the field. Furthermore, converting third downs were a problem, and it wore down the defense in many games especially when they lost leads late earlier in the season.

The positives is that Matt Forte is a complete running back, and will continue to improve and be the focal point on offense. Also, Greg Olsen is becoming more prominent in the offense as a reliable target. Devin Hester is improving, but is far from being a go-to guy on offense. Rashied Davis isn't a bad receiver, but isn't the go-to guy either. Brandon Lloyd showed flashes when healthy, but no one knows for sure with him either.

In order for improvement, changes have to be made with players and/or coaches. Keeping the same group of people means you'll have the same results, so something has to give with this team as well as others around the league.

Overall, despite the numbers, the Bears had a good year with a 9-7 mark. But to get back to being a contender, the offense has to help the defense. And the defense has to find a way to consistently stop the pass by pressure upfront and in secondary coverage.

IMO, here are the top priorities for the Bears to address in the off-season:

1. Defensive end: No one on the team had more than six sacks on the season, and that can't continue on into next year. What happened to Mark Anderson?
2. Offensive line: Is Chris Williams going to have a sustained career at tackle? The offensive line did a good job this year, but concerns about age are there again.
3. Wide receiver: Until I see someone emerge as the go-to guy, it'll remain a position of concern.
4. Safety: I like Kevin Payne, but Mike Brown is being counted on too much after going on IR...again. Craig Steltz maybe the answer, but they obviously need depth.
5. Cornerback: More of a depth issue with Tillman and Vasher under big contracts already.
6. Quarterback: The team needs a reliable veteran because I don't see Grossman coming back. Besides, the team hasn't been able to keep the starting quarterback healthy for an entire season since...well...ever?

Again, the team finished 9-7 season, so they're not very far off from vaulting back up to being a Super Bowl contender. But again, change has to be made or the results will be the same.

Thanks for reading!

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Land of Confusion

This is a parody song that I first posted on my Sporting News blog on September 25, 2007. It has been edited with the SN aspect taken out of it.

Land of Confusion
Parody of Genesis' Land of Confusion
SN's Freedom Writers
Untouchable

I must've dreamed a thousand dreams
Been haunted by a million screams
But I can see trolls wanting to compete
They think they're elite.

Now did you read the blogs today
The abuse has not gone away
But I can see the trolls fight,
They're calling out into the night.

There's too many posts
Too many bloggers
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can't you see
This is a land of confusion.

This is the internet we write in
And these are the brains we're given
Use them and let's start trying
To make it a place worth postin' in.

Ooh Blog Police, there you are now
Spying out of worry for bloggers somehow
They think they're the real deal, people of power
Who call out bloggers by the hour.

This is the time
This is the place
So we look for the future
But there's not much love to go round
Tell me why, this is a land of confusion.

This is the internet we write in
And these are the brains we're given
Use them and let's start trying
To make it a place worth postin' in.

I remember long ago -
Ooh when bloggers were moving on
Yes and the blog stars were bright
All through the night
And the sound of bloggers' frustration
As I saw you fight
So long ago -

I won't be bloggin' at all tonight
My friends will be logged off the site
We're not just making promises
That we know, we'll never keep.

Too many posts
There's too many bloggers
Making too many problems
And not much love to go around
Can't you see
This is a land of confusion.

Now this is the internet we write in
And these are the brains we're given
Use them and let's start trying
To make it a place worth posting for.

This is the place we blog in
And these are the IDs we're given
Stand up and let's start showing
Just where our creativity goes to.

Land of Confusion
Parody of Genesis' Land of Confusion
SN's Freedom Writers
Untouchable

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Depot Heavies Volume 1

OK, this is the first installment of Depot Heavies. This is where I talk about my days in retail as well as some of the insane things we did. You should find these funny or downright crazy, but that's just how I am and how the people I worked with were. So I'm going to kick things off by talking about maybe the funniest gig we ever pulled off.

I was moving to central PA on a job transfer a few years back, and this was the perfect setup for what became not only redemption, but a clever way to send me off to PA.

It was no secret as to when my last day in the High Point, NC store at Office Depot was, and some of my friends made sure that they got me good one last time before leaving up north. During the second to last week before leaving, the seeds were set for an unbelievable sendoff.

My friend Kyle Taylor arranged for me to meet up with him at his place on Saturday to show me the new WWE Raw game on XBox. I stayed over there for a long time, and then his girlfriend Leona had taken off with their car to go shopping.

Kyle then let me know that his brother was at the bowling alley just a couple of blocks away from his home, and that he needed a ride back home. Since I didn't know what his brother looked like, Kyle came along. Strangely enough, he knew I bowled in leagues in the past, and I just happened to have my bowling bowl in the trunk of my car.

I get inside the place, and waited at the front so that Kyle could locate his brother. In actuality, he was looking to see which friends of mine at OD had showed up for the surprise going-away party that they just threw for me! That's when I first noticed my friend Jeff Beck(no, not the musician) and that's when I knew it was a setup! But that was far from the best part.

About 10-12 of my friends from OD showed up to wish me off because I was moving the next week. We bowled one game if I recall, and then they brought out the cake. I didn't think nothing would top the setup by Kyle, but that was proven wrong when my friend Becky brought the cake out!



In case you're wondering, the person in the picture was the store manager by the name of Barry which was taken by another friend Faith, who showed up for the party, too. He wasn't liked or respected by anyone in the store(and I'm not kidding either), and I admit I was no exception to that.

It was kind of a parting shot of sorts for not only me, but the rest of those who showed up because we all knew that everyone was going to go their seperate ways. In fact, two years after this party, only two people from this party are even with the company now.

I didn't have any of the cake, and to reassure that, my friend Karl punched a hole right on Barry's face in the cake anyway! Karl was one of those hyped-up types, and I still have shots of him licking the cake off his fists after it happened. That was priceless, and seeing how many times people were slipping and sliding while bowling was just too much.

According to what Kyle told me, Becky and Faith setup the part with Barry's face on the cake. Knowing them, I wasn't surprised because they were crazy like Kyle and I. My friend Paul also showed up, and he and Kyle planned this out so well.

Even my assistant manager Craig showed up right before some of us were set to leave. He thought the whole thing was funny, and I remember giving him a hard time that he knew the whole time!

I was flattered and caught off guard with this surprise party, but it showed how much those guys liked and respected me there.

So to Kyle, Paul, Karl, Becky, Faith, Lisa, Jeff, Craig, and the rest of those who showed, thanks for that. It's still a moment that is etched in my mind. Again, I thought the surprise by Kyle was enough, but that was only the beginning of what was a crazy night.

Retail can be stressful especially during the holidays, but we always had our fun in the High Point store. When I moved to PA, I worked with some more crazy guys, so I fit in well there. Yes, we had our fun there, too. Between both stores, there was enough memories to where I felt compelled to start this series. Trust me, there were plenty of moments to talk about.

So what in the "Funk" would you do without "The Funk"? I hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!

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2009 WBE Blog of Courage Award Winner

I'm proud and honored to announce this year's winner of the WBE Blog of Courage Award. As most of you know, anyone that receives this award will be automatically inducted into the WBE Blog of Fame. The WBE Blog of Courage Award winner is given to the blogger who most exemplifies writing blogs under adversity. This year's recipient of the WBE Blog of Courage Award knows adversity all too well, and is no stranger on how to deal with it.

On December 20, 2006, ShakySpker made his debut on Sporting News. It was eight days later that he wrote his first blog entry called Confused Loyalties in which he talked about the teams he followed as well as where he's lived in life. People didn't take long to notice.

Since 1975, Shaky has lived with Parkinson's Disease, but you wouldn't know it by his positive attitude he brings to blog entries. But 2008 was a tough year for Shaky.

In March, he announced that he needed brain surgery which would require two different visits. He has two holes in his head, but Shaky still managed to make a joke about that by saying he knows more languages now. The surgery went well, but his troubles didn't stop there.

In July, a blog was posted about his wife Emily attempting to committ suicide by overdosing on pills as well as cutting herself. She was later taken to a psychiatric hospital and treated by several therapists. It was later revealed she had bi-polar II which is without the manic depressive characteristics associated with Bi-Polar Disorder. This was really a concern to Shaky, but he's been optimistic about it all despite the concerns of all the medical bills that piled up as a result of the year he's had.

The family has had a most difficult and trying year. But through it all, he's managed to post just often enough to prove why he's a very intelligent and thought-provoking blogger. His latest entry was his own parody of "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

Even under all that adversity surrounding him and his wife, Shaky has kept a positive outlook on life and in the SN community. He's never one to shy away about bringing up real-life issues as well as awareness in the on-line community. He also is very gifted in knowing how to get the attention of readers for his blog. His professionalism as well as positive attitude under adversity is why he's so respected and adored by many members in the SN community. He's been a true testament to human will and dealing with adversity head-on.

So with that, it's my honor and priviledge to present the 2009 WBE Blog of Courage Award to SN blogger ShakySpker. As a result, his name will be automatically placed in the WBE Blog of Fame in the WBE BOF link above(where you can see the previous winners). Congrats ShakySpker!

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My Personal Favorite Sports Teams & Athletes

OK, I wanted to try this out so that those who read this can know who my favorite teams and players are, both past and present.

Major League Baseball(MLB):
Favorite team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite past/retired player: Andre Dawson
Favorite current player: I like alot of them, but one doesn't stand out

National Basketball Association(NBA):
Favorite team: Chicago Bulls
Favorite past/retired player: Michael Jordan
Favorite current player: Josh Howard(went to my high school)

National Football League(NFL):
Favorite team: Chicago Bears
Favorite past/retired player: Walter Payton
Favorite current player: Brian Urlacher

National Hockey League(NHL):
Favorite team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite past/retired player: Wayne Gretzky
Favorite current player: None(I don't follow it as closely now)

College Sports:
Favorite football school: Oklahoma Sooners
Favorite basketball school: Oklahoma Sooners
Favorite past football players from your school: Brian Bosworth closely followed by Adrian Peterson
Favorite past football player not from your favorite school: Red Grange(Illinois)
Favorite past basketball player from your school: Wayman Tisdale
Favorite past basketball player not from your favorite school: Michael Jordan
Favorite current athlete from your favorite school: Sam Bradford

Other sports:
Favorite past/present boxer: Joe Louis
Favorite UFC fighter: None
Favorite past/present NASCAR driver: None
Favorite past/present soccer player: None
Favorite past/present Olympic star: Jesse Owens & Jim Thorpe
Favorite past/present male tennis player: None
Favorite past/present female tennis player: None

Wrestling:
Favorite all-time promotion: Mid-South/UWF in the 1980s
Favorite wrestler: John Cena is ahead of Sting for the present, but Sting is my all-time favorite.
Favorite past/present wrestling diva: I like many of them, but Trish Stratus and Mickie James top my list.

My top five favorite sports:
1. College football
2. NFL
3. MLB
4. College basketball
5. NBA

My top five favorite teams:
1. Oklahoma Sooners
2. Chicago Bears
3. Chicago Cubs
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Too tough to call

That's my list, and now all of you know which are my favorite teams, players, and athletes for the sports listed here. Fill free to list yours in the comments if you want. And remember, you don't have to list those from sports you don't like or follow.

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The I-Team Christmas Movie!

Setting: Cleveland, Ohio at a bank downtown
(A line of people are shown as they wait to be called)
Bank Teller: Can I help the next person in line?
(One guy begins to come up until gun shots are heard)
(Suddenly, two guys in Santa suits with masks appear)
(They shoot the surveillance cameras)
One guy: Nobody move and no one gets hurt! Now, everyone down on the ground!
(He looks at two bank tellers)
One guy: You two, fill this bag up full of money now!
(Tellers are nervously filling up the bags full of money)
One guy: C'mon, I don't have all day! Move! Move! Move!
Second guy: We only have a couple of minutes!
(Tellers fill the bags full of money)
Second guy: Hey, there's our ride!
One guy: Let's go!
(A van is outside to pick them up)
(The two guys get in the van as they pull away)
End of scene

In 2006, a Blog Writing Commando Unit was sent to prison by the Feds for a writing crime they didn't committ. These men would escape a maximum security message board stockade into the High Point underground. Today still wanted by the Feds and blog snipers, they survive as soldiers of fortune. So if you have problems with blog writing, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire....the I-TEAM!!!!

A-Team theme

The I-Team Christmas Movie!

Cast:
Big Sooners fan as Colonol David Funk: The leader of the I-Team.
Morrisseyweb as Lieutenant "Face" Morrissey: A master of disguises and gathering inside info on anything. He does the same thing when it comes to putting together great blog entries.
Lester's Legends as Sergeant First Class Lester: A computer tech wiz capable of solving any kind of computer trouble and is a specialist in dealing with crime on the internet. A blog writing legend.
Fragnoli as Captain "Frag" Murdock: He's a crazy man, but is an expert pilot on almost any machine, and can help solve any blog problem!
Mojomike as Sergeant B.A. King: BA(Bad Attitude) is an expert in mechanically making any kind of machine from spare parts. He is deafly afraid of planes, but knows how to write great blogs.

Special Guest appearances:
Paul H as himself
The BEEZE as himself
Jack Pot as himself
Robin Banks as herself

Special cameo appearance by Kenny Kumar as himself

Setting: High Point, NC
(Funk is in his office on the phone with a friend)
Funk: Well, it's been one of those times.
(indistinct voice on the phone)
Funk: You should be. I know it's been a tough time of the year for many of us, but some will always complain over the petty things.
(Another call is coming in)
Funk: This has actually been a pretty good holiday season. Hold on, someone else is calling.
(Funk switches lines)
Funk: Hello?
Kenny: Bu Funk! What's up man?
Funk: Kenny! Not much here. Hold on a second. I've got someone on the other line.
(Funk switches back)
Funk: Hey man, that's my friend Kenny on the other line. I'll catch up with you later.
(Funk switches back to talk to Kenny)
Funk: OK, I'm back.
Kenny: Did you see that Bears game last night? That was unreal!
Funk: Yeah, I thought their season was done! How about that weather you're putting up with?
Kenny: Two words for ya: 21 Below!
(Funk laughs)

Setting: Cleveland, Ohio at another bank
(A car pulls up to the ATM machine to withdraw money then leaves)
(A woman just parked her car, and is heading inside the bank)
(All the sudden, gun shots are heard inside as the woman panicks)
Guy: Nobody move and no one gets hurt!
(Three minutes later, the two guys flee the bank in a getaway van with bags of money)
(One guy drops a button outside when leaving)
(The woman outside the bank is never seen by the robbers and she picks up the button)
(The button says, "Fundingmycareerblog.blogspot.com".)
(Police show up minutes later, and the woman gives the button to them)

Setting: Boston, MA
(Face Morrissey is on his phone uploading pictures)
(He's then seen talking about the New England Patriots on the phone)
Face: Oh yeah. Definitely. This has been one crazy year in the NFL. I'm home now, and I'm going to check the internet.
(Face hangs up the phone to check the internet)
Face: Nice entry by Frag here about the Greatest Show ever.
(Face continues to check around the blogs)
(One of his kids is calling for him)
Face: OK, I'll be there in a minute!
(Face suddenly comes across an article that talks about bank robberies in Cleveland on Google)
Face: You've got to be kidding me. Who in the world leaves a button for a blog site after robbing a bank?
(Face leaves to go to the living room with his kid)
(Face's cell phone rings)
Face: Hello?
Funk: Hey Mo.
Face: I'm so glad you called because I wanted to tell you Happy Holidays.
Funk: Thanks Mo. But unfortunately, there's a problem.
Face: Oh wait, don't tell me. It isn't about that bank robbery in Cleveland, is it?
Funk: Bank robbery? Heck, they hit three different ones since last Friday. I hate to have to do this during this time of year, but we're going to have to get the gang to Cleveland to bring these jerks down. I'm leaving out now.
(Face's kids in the background can be heard)
Face: Well, I'm on my way.
Funk: OK, I'm just not sure how to tell B.A. King that he needs to get on a plane to meet us there now!

Two hours later in Cleveland, OH
(Lester is seen coming off his plane)
(He's seen walking inside to get his luggage)
(Two officers immediately detain him upon arrival)
(Funk, Frag, and Face walk up as they see Lester being handcuffed)
Frag: What the heck is this about?
Officers: Freeze! You're all under arrest!

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Setting: Cleveland, OH in a jail cell
(The I-Team minus B.A. King is sitting in a jail cell)
Funk: Can someone tell me what this is about?
Mo: I can't believe that I'm sitting in jail during the holidays.
Frag: This is a bunch of crap!

Next Setting: Cleveland, OH at another bank
(The BEEZE is walking towards the bank when he sees two guys with weapons approaching)
(The BEEZE calls the police)
(The bank robbers pull the same routine, but get held up when the van is not there)
(Cops come in, and the robbers retreat inside)
(Officer is on a megaphone)
Officer: The building is surrounded. There's no way out. Come out with your hands up.
Guy: I'm not coming out until you meet my demands.

Setting: Cleveland, OH in the jail cell
(The officer at the desk gets a phone call)
Officer: Really? This is the fourth attempt by those guys. They're surrounded.
Funk(whispering): Guys, I think they just hit another back before the cops showed up.
Lester(whispering): We have to get out of here!
(Suddenly FBI agents walk into the police station)
Officer: Is there something I can help you out with?
FBI agent: Yes, we're with the FBI. I understand you caught a group of guys at the airport.
Officer: Yes, they're right over there.
(FBI agents walk towards the cell)
FBI agent: Well, if it isn't the I-Team. I'm surprised you were so easily caught.
Funk: So what brings you down here?
FBI agent: Well, there's been a string of robberies going on in Cleveland, and we think this happened in other cities before.
Funk: Really?
FBI agent: We have looked at your records, and we want to make a deal.
Funk: Oh jeez.
FBI agent: We think you guys were setup in 2006, but we don't have enough proof of the imposters who did it yet. But we're in a bind.
Funk: How so?
FBI agent: We've been on the trail of these robbers for sometime, and we understand that you guys have been helping bloggers out in simular circumstances such as this one. We want to hire you to put these bandits away for good.
Funk: You've been chasing around for over two years, and now you want our help to take care of something that you can't?
FBI agent: That's fine. You can sit in the jail cell then.
Face: I'm not going to continue sitting around!
FBI agent: I think you better listen to him.
Funk: OK, but only on one condition.
FBI agent: What's that?
Funk: We want a full pardon on what happened before.
FBI agent: Well.....
Funk: Look, you know darn well we didn't committ those writing crimes! Second of all, we've helped bloggers before, so it's not like we're hiding that!
(FBI agent looks at the other agents)
FBI agent: OK, we'll give you guys a pardon if you put an end to this once in for all. Guards, let these guys out.

Setting: A rental van that Frag is driving.
Funk: Damn, where's B.A. King? I can't reach him on my cell phone!
Frag: Well, we have to get to that bank now!

Setting: Just outside Cleveland, OH
(Robin Banks and Jack Pot are seen at their home)
Robin: We finally are able to fund our blog site and our son's one, too.
Jack Pot: Yes, this is something else.
(Phone rings)
(Robin picks it up)
Robin: What?? Are you kidding me? You better not let them know that!
(Robin hangs up)
Jack: What's going on?
Robin: We have a big problem now!

Setting: Cleveland, OH at the bank
(The I-Team has just arrived)
(The getaway van full of friends of the robbers pulls up in the back of the bank)
(Officers let them inside the bank as part of the robber's demands)
Funk: Who's in charge?
(An officer comes over)
Officer: I am. Who are you guys and what do you want?
Funk: We're here to stop these guys for good.
Officer: Says who?
(FBI agents walk over towards the officer)
FBI agent: Says us. And we'll be taking over here.

Setting: Cleveland, OH inside the bank
(A mother and son are seen talking)
(One of the robbers tells her to shut up)
Mother: My son is very sick, and needs to get to the hospital for surgery!
Robber: I said shut up! No one's going anywhere!

Setting: Cleveland, OH outside the bank
(FBI agent picks up the megaphone)
FBI agent: OK, we let your guys in, so you need to let some people go!
(FBI agent is waiting)
FBI agent: C'mon, we have given you a demand!
(The leader comes out)
Guy: Where's our way out of here! Once you do that, we'll let everyone go! I need a doctor in here now though.
FBI agent: Is someone hurt?
Guy: No, someone is sick. Get them in here now, and then we'll talk about the hostages!
(Funk looks at the FBI agent)
Funk: We have to get in there now. This can't go on.
(FBI agent looks at the other officers)
FBI agent: OK, this is your turf now. You guys do what you do best and make sure no hostages get hurt!
Funk: Face, get a map of the building to see all the ways we can get in here.
Face: I'm on it.
Funk: Lester, find out what you can about that blog site that was listed on that button. I have a hunch these robberies are being done for the funding of blogs.
Lester: Will do.
Funk: Frag and I are going in on the roof. Frag, let's go!
Frag: Let's end this!

Blog commercial:
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Setting: Elyria, Ohio at a local retail store
(Paul H is seen working and is now approaching a customer for help)
Paul H: Is there something we can help you with?
(The person turns around, and it's B.A. King)
B.A. King: Yes, fool! I need a new cell phone because the other one I had broke!
Paul H: OK, what kind are you looking for?
B.A. King: I don't care. I need something that works right now because I'm in a hurry here. The I-Team needs me!
Paul H: Woh, woh, woh. Did you say I-Team? Who are you?
B.A. King: B.A. King, fool!
Paul H: No way! You're Mike B.A. King! OMG! How'd you get here!
B.A. King: Long story, and I took a cab because I need a new cell phone! What about the phone, fool!
(Paul is still in shock)
Paul H: Oh, right. Here's one.
B.A. King: That works. Now I was knocked out on a plane, and they landed here. I need to get to Cleveland.
Paul H: Well, I get off in a few minutes, and I'm heading there anyways to visit family.
B.A. King: This is an emergency. The rest of the team doesn't know where I'm at, and banks are being robbed. Activate this phone, and let's go!
(B.A. King turns around to see a customer yelling and threatening an employee)
B.A. King: Hey fool!
Customer: Is this any of your business? Butt out!
(Customer attempts to push B.A. out of the way)
(B.A. then throws him across the store and into the plexiglass in front of the store)
B.A. King: As I was saying, get that phone done and let's go!

Setting: Just outside Cleveland, OH
(Robin Banks and Jack Pot are watching the news)
Robin: Look at this. It's a hostage situation now. Not what we need!
Jack: Don't worry. Those guys will get their way out of it.
Robin: If they trace us here, it's over. Do you hear what I'm saying?
Jack: They won't trace us here. We have that covered.

Next Setting: Cleveland, OH outside the bank
(Face brings a map to Funk and Frag)
Funk: OK, we'll make our way in there.
Lester: I tracked the IP address of that blog site. Man, they must have lots of money with all those ads!
Funk: You and Face go check that out. Take a couple of officers with you.
Lester: OK, but what about you guys?
Funk: We have the map now, so I think we'll be fine. Besides, if they're smooching money from these guys, then they need to be stopped now.
Face: Will do. We're on our way there now.
(The BEEZE appears out of nowhere)
The BEEZE: Perhaps I can be of assistance and give you guys a ride out there.
Face: BEEZE! What are you doing here?
BEEZE: I witnessed those guys going in, and it wasn't long after that the cops showed up. So what are you guys waiting for?
Face: Let's go!

Setting: Cleveland, OH inside the bank
(Doctors finally arrive to check on the sick boy)
Doctor: Yeah, one of his kidneys has failed. He needs medical help now.
Mother: Someone take care of my boy!
Guy: No one's going anywhere!
Lead Guy: What's going on?
Mother: My boy is going to die if he doesn't get to a hospital!
Lead Guy: OK, get him to the hospital.
(Mother is leaving, but is stopped)
Lead Guy: No, not you. Just the boy!

Setting: Cleveland, OH on the roof of the bank
(Funk and Frag make their way to the roof of the bank)
(Frag stays behind while Funk observes the scene)
(Funk proceeds to the door on the roof of the bank)
Funk: OK, this has to be where he goes in at.
(A robber approaches with a gun)
Robber: Over my dead body!

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Setting: Cleveland, OH on the roof of the bank
(Funk has a gun on him by a robber)
Robber: Who was that that you were talking to? Check that out.
(Another robber looks over the edge of the roof)
(Then all the sudden, a hand appears out of nowhere to clip the robber by the feet)
(Frag appears then knocks the robber out with a punch)
(Funk then kicks the gun out of the robber's hand)
(Funk then throws him off the roof where he lands inside a dumpster)
Funk: OK, let's try this again.
(Frag goes inside the door, followed by Funk)

Setting: Just outside Cleveland
(Robin and Jack are in the house with two other robbers who brought them some money)
Jack: Nice. What took you guys so long? We need to get out of here because of what's going on at that bank in Cleveland. We can't take any chances.
Robber: Right. We have our share, so we'll be going.
(A vehicle pulls up)
Jack: Wait. Someone's coming.
(Face and Lester are coming to the door)
(Face knocks on the door)
(Jack answers the door)
Jack: Hey wait, there's a cop!
(Jack attempts to shut the door, but Lester blocks that to get inside the house)
(One robber tries to go out the backdoor until BEEZE tackles and punches him out from out of nowhere)
(The other robber is taken down by Lester)
(Jack tries to escape, but the cops stop him in his own yard)
Face: So this is what you do to fund advertising for your children.
Jack: Why I outta....
(Jack attempts to punch Face, but Face counters with a punch to the gut and kick to the head)
Face: Arrest these guys, and Robin, too! You two are a disgrace, and you better pray that the one kid that your robbers had held inside makes it!
Jack: What?
Lester: Yeah, one kid was dying inside the bank while your heartless robbers were holding hostages!
BEEZE: I'll take you guys back to town. But I just heard about a major accident, so we'll have to take the LONG way around.

Setting: Cleveland, OH inside the bank
(Funk and Frag are inside on top of the bank where they look down at the robbers)
Funk: It looks like about 8-10 of them.
Frag: Yeah, we need to figure out how to get down there to take care of this.
Robber: And I want to figure out how you guys got in here!
(Robbers have guns on them)
(Funk and Frag are taken down to area with the rest of the hostages)

Setting: Cleveland, OH outside the bank
(FBI agent notices a van pull up as they make their way inside the bank)
(FBI agent calls into the bank to talk with the lead robber)
FBI agent: Are you missing two guys from before?
Lead Guy: Well, they must be the two guys that were on the roof or something. Let them in.
(Two guys come in masks because of the cold air)
Robber: Take your masks off.
(They begin to take their masks off, but one begins to sneeze with a cold)
Robber: Oh, it must have been that cold air!
(Finally they take the masks off, and reveal themselves)
(It's B.A. King and Paul H)
(Robber turns around, and is punched by Paul)
(B.A. then grabs another and throws him across the office)
(Frag kicks the gun out a robber's hand and punches him)
(A melee ensues)
(Funk then punches another robber)
(B.A. throws two more robbers down, and Paul tackles and punches another)
(Lead Guy then tries to leave only to be decked with a phone by the mother of the sick child)
(Then Frag and Funk punch Lead Guy out)
Funk: What took you so long B.A.?
B.A.: The plane and my phone, fool!
Funk: Who's that?
B.A.: Are you kidding me? That's Paul Huffaker, fool!
Funk: OMG! wwefreak has helped the I-Team!
(Paul H shakes Frag's hand, too)
Paul: Where's Face Mo and Lester?!
Funk: I hope they caught the bastards who are paying these guys off!
Frag: I'll call Mo to find out.
(Frag calls Face on his cell phone)
Frag: Good news! They got those guys for funding their children's blog ads and hiring these and other robbers for it!
(Funk, Frag, B.A., and Paul H celebrate along with the hostages)

Setting: Cleveland, OH at a local hospital
(Doctors come out to the waiting room)
(Doctor is questioned by the mother)
Mother: Well, is my boy going to make it?
Doctor: He's stabilized right now, but we were able to find a kidney match. He's going to make it.
(The mother is relieved)
Mother: It's a Christmas miracle, and she let's the I-Team know over the phone.

Setting: BEEZE's Fish House in Cleveland
(BEEZE is serving up some dishes for the I-Team)
Funk: Wow, I can't believe this.
Face: Yeah, no kidding. We were arrested, and BEEZE even helped us out.
Lester: We foiled a blogging ad scheme.
Frag: We stopped one of the most notorious teams of robbers.
B.A.: I was held up because of an emergency landing as well coincidentally running into wwefreak as he helped with a new cell phone and getting us here to help out. And he helped foil the crime!
Funk: And one boy got an early Christmas wish. Plus, we're finally going to get full pardons for those writing crimes we didn't committ! Now that is one heck of a Christmas!
(Everyone at the bar celebrates)
(BEEZE is cooking more food, and gives them to-go boxes)
BEEZE: Merry Christmas guys! Now go home and enjoy the holidays!
Funk: Guys, I love it when a plan...err...Christmas plans come together!
(Christmas music plays in the background)

The End

Note: The characters are fictitious, and in no way are portraying what the bloggers and members in this show are like in real-life. Any character names or personalities used in this blog that represent members in real-life is purely coincidental. This was something put together for fun, and I hope you enjoyed. Again, this is a fictional story.

The I-Team: There really is an "I" in team. It's called Mo, Lester, Frag, Mojo, and I!

Promotional consideration paid for by the following:
-Me and everyone of my fans of the I-Team!!!!!!

The I-Team is in conjuction with BSFE productions. The I-Team is a registered trademark.

~(©) Copyright 2008. Property of BSFE Productions. All rights reserved. Any publication or retransmission without the express written consent of the I-Team and its affliates is strictly prohibited.

Happy Holidays from Basic Bloganomics!

Read More

SN User Blog Card Application

Originally, I posted this entry on April 20, 2007 on Sporting News.

David Funk
190000 Blog Views Place
High Point, NC

Dear David Funk,

You have earned this pre-approved offer for a user blog card from our staff here at SportingNews.com. There is no annual fee and you have a 0% ABR(Annual Blog Rate) on any entry transfers from other sites. Just give us a call at 1-800-1SNBLOG or complete this form below to request your free user blog card today!

Blog Entry Line up to 200 entries and No Annual Fee

You can use your blog card to entertain and "purchase" friends on your list at any place in association and/or affiliation with American City Business Journals. Plus, you get to pick the topics that you want to talk about.

Take advantage of this great offer with 0% ABR right now by transferring your higher-rated blog entries and list of SN friends to your brand new SN User Blog card today to avoid future fees. In addition to being a platinum SN member, you will get automatic blog entry reviews from the SN Staff as well as money-saving discounts, and access to your overall star rating.

*0% ABR applies to blog entry transfers now. Please see reverse side for information about this pre-approved offer, rates, and applicable blog entry transfer fees.

Reverse Side

Pre-approved means that you received this offer because a preliminary review of your blogging history from the Sporting News staff showed that you met our requirements for a SN User Blog card. The issuer of your SN User Blog card will review your blogging history, friendships, and all other information that you provide to ensure that you meet all of our requirements when you respond to the offer. If you meet these requirements, you will receive a SN User Blog card with an entry limit of 200, but no less than 50, and the rates below. Your entry line will be determined by your blog history profile at the time we open your account. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not extend the entry limit for you.

ABR: 0% Fixed
Other ABRs:
Blog Entry Transfer ABR: 0% through the first
Cash Advance ABR: 0% for the first six months
Default ABR*: Up to the Prime Blog Rate or reply percentage, whichever is greater.
Your ABRs may vary
Purchase ABR: 0% for six months(16.99 thereafter) or the Prime Blog Rate whichever is greater.
Balance Transfer ABR: 0% for six months(16.99 thereafter) or the Prime Blog Rate whichever is greater.
Grace period for all purchases: At least 30 days if the New Balance on the card is paid in full by the due date.
Minimum finance charge: 0.5%
Cash advance fee: 1% of the advance
Entry Balance Transfer fee: 1% of the entry balance transfer
Late fee: $5 if balance is less than $100; $10 if balance is greater than $100
Entry overlimit fee: $50 if you exceed your entry limit at any time during the billing period.

Earn cash and more entries to use when you receive the maximum replies to your user blog. Credit will be issued for those who qualify at the conclusion of the pay period. Earn up to 10% back on replies to your blog.

We may change the ABRs, fees, and other terms of your account at any time in accordance with applicable and state law and the Account Agreement, which will be sent to you when the account is opened.

*Each time you default on this or any other SN account because you fail to make at least the minimum payment when due, exceed your blog entry limit, make a dishonorable payment on your account, or you are reported as delinquent on an account with any other blog creditor, we may raise the ABR to the maximum Default ABR.
Cash line: 25% of your total blog entry line that you earn on can be used for cash.
Additional payment information: Payments will be applied first to finance charges and fees, then to the Blog Entry Balance Category with the lowest ABR until the Blog Entry Balance is paid, then it will go to the Blog Entry Balance Category with the next lowest ABR until the BEBC is paid in full.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that:
1. You are at least 18 years old.
2. All information you provide is accurate and complete.
3. Your account will be used only for professional blogging and not for any household purposes.
4. We may check your blog history and any information you provide.
5. We reserve the right to change the terms of your account.
6. We obtained a pre-qualifying blog history report from an American City Business Journals agency.
7. We may request blog history reports in connection with this application and to review your account.
Upon request, we will tell you if we obtained blog history reports and the name and address of the agency that provided those reports. We may report information about your account(including any second blog cardholder's name) to blog history bureaus. Blog replies, missed payments, exceeding the blog entry limit, or other defaults may be reflected in your blog history report. When you use the card, you agree to be bound by the Account Agreement. This account may not be available to you if you already have a SN User Blog Card with us or have applied within the last 90 days. This offer is not transferable.

Important information about procedures for opening a new account: To help the government fight the funding of the trolls, thumb-downers, anonymous bashers, and pests, federal law requires that all financial institutions obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.

If you do not want future blog card offers mailed to you from SN, you may inform them in writing by sending your name and address to SN Headquarters. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for this request to take place.

So call us at 1-800-1SNBLOG or you can fill out this application:
Name:
Address:
Home Phone:
Do you have a blog account? Y or N?
Employment:
Please send a second card for this account at no extra charge to:

___________________________________
Signature

This form is non-transferable and must be signed by the person to whom it is addressed. I certify that I am at least 18 years old, and have read the terms and conditions on the front and back of the letter.

Offer expires on April 30, 2009 and will not be offered to you again.

Blog Entry Transfer Request:
1. Account Number
Name of Blog Entry Lender
Amount to be Paid and Transferred
So return your Pre-Approved Reply Form Today! Operators are standing by!

SN User Blog Card

The End

I'm strongly considering this great offer, and I think I'll sign it. I have to find out how much my entry limit will be. Would you do one of the following:

1. Sign for a new card?
2. Not bother applying because you will not qualify for a card?
3. Or tell a friend in the community about this amazing offer?

I hope you enjoyed this, and that I get approved to use my card! For those who already received the card, pay attention to your entry limit!

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Finding a Friend

Yesterday, I had a long conversation with a friend of mine named Kenny Kumar in which our friendship goes back almost 20 years ago. He, my brother Allen, and I played on the same little league baseball team in Kernersville, NC which is where we met. He and my brother graduated in the same year in 1995 though it wasn't at the same school.

I was actually taken back when he told me he's been trying to get in touch with me for several years. He signed up on Associated Content and left me a private message and how to reach him back over the summer. Unfortunately, I found all my AC messages were going into my spambox of my Yahoo! account(I've heard others saying they've had the same problems as well). I discovered it about a month or two later, but forgot to call him back.

Well, I got up Friday morning to find that he sent me a friend invite on Facebook. After accepting it and going to workout, I saw a message on my cell phone. It was Kenny, and I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was relieved and estatic that he found me.

I called him back in the afternoon, and we talked for about two hours. We had ALOT of catching up to do. I won't get too much into detail on what he does, but he's in Chicago alot and lives in Los Angeles. He's a huge Chicago sports fan with the Cubs being by far his favorite team. And the fact he's from there and that I'm a Chicago sports fan myself is the biggest thing we have in common.

He also told me that he and a long-time friend of his have a site up which I'm going to promote here: Blue Monkey Disco Party. It's not stuff you would see everyday, and it's definitely different than any other site. Okay, us being different is something else we have in common!

One thing I've always appreciated about Kenny is how determined he is. He wanted to find out about my brother and I, and he did it without giving up at all. We both come from different backgrounds, but we both are good-hearted and caring people.

This is one benefit on the internet, and on Facebook as well. It gives you a faster and more precise way to find someone you may not be able to necessarily locate otherwise. I wasn't even close to being the most popular kid in school, but it's great to see those I went to school with and how they're doing now even if I barely knew them. That's why I never turn down invites on there from those people either. This isn't an endorsement for Facebook, but to show you that it's like everyone says: Anyone can be found on there.

Kenny and I are going to cross paths in person soon, and I'm looking forward to it.

Kenny got an early Christmas gift. And so did I. It has definitely made my holiday season to hear from a long-time friend.

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