Erin Makes Her Decision

PALATINE - Erin announced her decision to attend Indiana University this morning after contemplating her options for several weeks. She chose IU from among her finalists that also included Illinois and Wisconsin. "Indiana just felt the most comfortable for me," Erin said when explaining her decision after visiting all of the schools. She denied that keeping the red/white (crimson/cream) color scheme she has now at high school played any part in the decision, although she admits it does offer wardrobe synergy. Erin plans on majoring in Biology with the intent of eventually pursuing kinesiology/physical therapy or genetics.

Christmas Cookies

My kids were baking Christmas cookies with their cousins when when cousin Ryan made reference to the abdominal snowman. After a hearty laugh, they all made Abdominal Snowman cookies. (The yellow one has "6-pack" abs)

Retirement Perspective

My cousin Larry also retired earlier this year, and he shared this recent experience with me.
He was sprawled on the couch one afternoon when his wife, the lovely and wise Terry, entered the room.

"What are you doing?" she asked
"Nothing" he responded.
"You were doing that yesterday."
"I know, I'm not finished yet."

December musings

• I am not a dunker. Some people really love to dunk their cookies in milk (or coffee), others like to dunk occasionally. Not me. Doughnuts either.
• Cheesecake. Not a cheese, not a cake, what is it? Is it pie? Does it have it's own separate dessert category?
• I was out for a run last month during the day when I passed a school with many children out at recess. I realized the cacaphonous sound was just like a flock of agitated Canadien geese. This similarity was stunning.
• I can't believe Chevy brought back the "Red Tag Sale." The price on the tag is the price you'll pay...not a penny more. Really!? And how does this benefit the consumer? Do we usually pay more than the listed price for anything? I was under the impression you can usually buy a car for less than the listed price. Doesn't sound like a very attractive sale to me. Did they bring back the idea because it worked, or because they still have all of last year's cars since the concept was so stupid.
• No pun intended. Always one of my favorite cliches/sayings. Try to slip it into a conversation this holiday season after you have been rambling about something when there is actually no pun involved. It will bring about some confused looks and eventually a few chuckles.
• Twilight has been very successful in the theaters this season. It is very good whether you have read the book or not. I was surprised there was so much commentary (and apparently controversy??) about it being the highest revenue film ever by a female director (and screenwriter). We won't have to worry about that next time since she wasn't renewed for the next film. Bit of a head scratcher??
• Economic thoughts: 1) We all new the runaway train of the high fee, unregulated hedge fund industry would be derailed by something. How many other huuuuge shams are still out there. 2) Oil prices had to come back down and should eventually stablilize in the $40-$60 range, but may trade in the $20s first. It was just a matter of supply/demand restoring itself and the aforementioned hedge funds losing influence. It just took a awful long time for these two area of the market to "correct." Unfortunately, many good firms and people are suffering or gone because it took so long. 3) Real estate bubble burst and zero interest rates. Are we Japan from the early 1990's? I hope not. They are still recovering from the economic slowdown that has lasted over a decade.

From the mailbag:

How come no Heat Miser in your Christmas Show poll? - Erin C.

She is referring to the beloved "The Year Without a Santa Claus", of course. I just messed up. It is one of my favorites too, but there was the 25 year gap when it wasn't around that must have created a mental block for me . Good catch.

You were right about Ex List being cancelled. I went to the kitchen to get something to drink, and it was cancelled by the time I got back to my chair. - GR

Harsh! In this age of instant gratification, things happen very quickly. At least the NUMB3RS reruns are good quality filler. And why is Kath and Kim still gracing the airwaves??

We are of one mind when it comes to Cook County Board President Todd Stroger Jr. Maybe he and Rod can share a cell. - Beth F.

What, no death penalty? I received many calls, emails, and good discussion on the Blago arrest topic. Nothing like the takedown of a scoundrel to bring everyone closer together.

BLAGO ARRESTED!!

Looks like business as usual for old Rod. Can Stroger be far behind??