The Final Filibuster

After more than 70 years in politics, Strom Thurmond finally did something I can agree with. Thurmond answered the Grim Reaper's gavel last night at the age of 100, becoming President Post Mortem of the Senate. A fixture on the Senate floor even in his later years when he would sleep through or pass out during sessions, Thurmond's final wish was to be stuffed and mounted at his old Senate desk.

With his passing comes lots of shuffling on the leaderboard, and the end of one of my favorite pastimes - mocking Joan-Marie's success in the Dead Pool. With her correct call of the corpse, JM ends her 18-month shutout streak and leaps into a three-way tie for 8th. From tiny acorns, eh JM? More importantly, she claims family bragging rights, as brother Keith missed this one. Michelle, Shawn, Christine, Conni, and John also decided that a 100-year old man who had taken up residence in a hospital was not a good candidate for the Pool. Good call guys. This is especially vexing for Conni, who listed Strom last year, but not this - you thought he was getting better? And Joy and Jennifer, sweet vindication could have been yours had you stuck around.

But for the 5 who are in the game and called this correctly: Kirsti, Greg, Mark, JM and I, 4 points each, launching Kirsti and Greg into a first-place tie.

The Leaderboard:
1st: Kirsti 2 dead, 24 points
(tie) Greg's Wily Veterans 2 dead, 24 points
3rd: Me 1 dead, 20 points
(tie) Greg's Fresh-faced Rookies 1 dead, 20 points
(tie) Michelle 1 dead, 20 points