THE STEEL DEAL: 'Tis the Season!

BATON ROUGE, LA - Authorities say a Springfield woman was booked on attempted murder counts for allegedly shooting two men whose dog damaged Christmas decorations at her home. Ethel Shannon McKinney, 28, was booked on two counts of attempted second-degree murder and illegal use of a weapon, Jason Ard, a spokesman for the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Department, said.

McKinney and her boyfriend got into an argument with the men over the damaged decorations, and McKinney allegedly fired at the men, Ard said.

One man was hit in the upper torso and arm; the other, in an arm. Ard said none of the injuries were life threatening.

The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

McKinney's boyfriend, Audie Ray Criswell, was booked on two counts of aggravated assault and with disturbing the peace, Ard said. Link

Yikes! I am not the greatest fan of Christmas, what with all the commerciality and hype. But welcoming in the season by blowing your neighbor's ass all to hell seems a bit excessive, although I do understand the sentiment. Many's the time I wish I could unload a couple of barrels of double ought at some dufus wearing a Santa hat and jingle bells and an insufferable smile on his face. With that Christmas spirit in mind, I thought I'd start a new holiday tradition, here at TSD. Most families send Xmas cards, and many make their own. Some are sooo cute, crayon creations rendered by angelic little cherubs between episodes of Sponge Bob Square Pants and Grand Theft Auto, Others are more elaborate - professionally photographed family portraits showing the proud parents and the little darlings itching and scratching in their Sunday best. So, I thought I'd make some Christmas cards for YOU, my happy, ho ho ho, readers. These are just thumbnails, and I used .png format, so you can click each for a larger version in a resolution suitable for printing out and sending to all your friends and family on this glorious holiday season. Merry Christmas!