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??

Next U.S. Senator from Illinois?

Governor Blagojevich has the right/responsibility to select someone to fill out the remaining two years of President-Elect Barack Obama's Senate term. Obama has publicly stated it is the Governor's decision, but many feel he will have some influence on the pick. There are many factors at play with this pick (as usual). Obama is the only african american in the senate, and there is pressure to make sure there is one for the next two years. The governor also has the opportunity to select a political rival to prevent them from running against him in his 2010 re-election attempt. That group is large and could include Dan Hynes, Alexi Giannoulias, or the intriguing Lisa Madigan. Another possibility is Jan Schakowsky who has publicly stated her interest in the appointment prematurely for months. Or he could pay off a loyal supporter for their efforts, possibly Illinois Senate President Emil Jones? And while he insists he has no interest in appointing himself, it would not be the first time he did the opposite of what he says to the voters, and it would be an ideal way to step away from the awful mess he has helped create in Springfield.

Fall television season 2008

It may seem like I have all kinds of time to watch unlimited tv, but that is only partially true. Or maybe more than partially...or...never mind. Here is my view on new shows, returning shows, and even some shows I haven't watched!

NEW SHOWS

My Own Worst Enemy: I watched it once. The premise is intriguing, but it apparently didn't capture my attention on a crowded night. I find myself watching a show I tivoed (verb: to tivo or record. Used here generically for vcr, dvr, betamax, whatever).

Knight Rider: Remake of classic (dumb??) 1970s show about a high-tech talking car. The new car is very cool...medical diagnosing, glovebox surgery (go ahead, stick your arm in there), finding people using GPS technology, etc. Lead character just doesn't have the same pizzazz. Can't see it lasting the full season.

Ex-List: Like it. But it is limited because the writers pulled off one of my biggest pet peeves: they didn't plan for success. Psychic tells girl she will never marry unless she meets/marries "the one" in the next 12 month. Oh ya, and she has already had a romantic relationship with him. What if the show is a hit? How long can they drag out 12 months? It has a definite My Name is Earl sense to it as she makes a list of all her ex-boyfriends. Don't see it lasting. Especially with its morgue-like Friday night slot.

Starter Wife: I have had every intention to watch this, but haven't. Yet. It is hard to remember shows on TBS. Guess I should tivo it.

Life on Mars: Perhaps my top new pick for this season, and I am surprised. A BBC copy (like the office) where a NYPD cop is hit by a car and wakes up 35 years earlier in 1973. I am a sucker for time travel and it has some of the same nostalgic feel of That 70s Show, but it is better than I expected. And I am not a big police show fan. Worth a look.

Kath and Kim: Another copied show, this one from Australia. I like Molly Shannon, but this show gets two thumbs down. If you want to see it, hurry. It is too annoying to last long.

Gary Unmarried: They gave it a good time slot on Wednesday, but it is only okay. I put it in the light and funny category, but I don't see it lasting long. Watchable.

RETURNING SHOWS

Dancing with the Stars: I don't watch it, but daughter Liz is a big fan. She correctly called that 82 year-old Cloris Leachman would survive for many weeks ("lots of old ladies watch the show and they will vote for her"). Too much drama and dead time for me, plus I don't like shows on more than once a week. But some of the dancing is very entertaining. It definitely has the elusive "buzz" again this season.

The Office: Back and as good as ever. Very popular with many people I know. I like it, but find it a little too realistic to be one of my favorites.

Big Bang Theory: Another light and funny comedy about geniuses and the girl next door. Very well done. I watch it regularly, but you don't get lost if you miss a week.

How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM): I have watched this show since inception, and it is one of the better written scripts currently. This season seems to be winding down a bit, but a great DVD choice if you want to start from the beginning.

New Adventures of Old Christine: I don't know why I watch this show, but I do. Funny with some good characters. Especially friend played by Wanda Sykes, harmless dysfunctional brother, and stereotypical blond soccer mom snobs at the private school.

Gossip Girl: I have never seen it, but friend Rebecca says this season is very strong. It is also praised by the critics.

Smallville: Last remaining show from my WB phase a few years ago. Superman prequel that has sucessfully outlived its premise as it went through Clark Kent's HS days and is now running into the original story. The only thing missing is Perry White. Intriguing characters, but would be hard to pick up now if you haven't been watching. Early seasons are very good.

Samantha Who?: Christina Applegate has had several good (not great) shows that haven't lasted long, and this may fit that bill. ABC has backed it, but I will be suprised if it makes a long run. The amnesia premise is a good one, but is hard to milk for a long time.

30 Rock: Why are they waiting so long to start the season? They could not have anticipated Tina Fey's success with Sarah Palin. Or is it the other way around? A very funny show in an uncomfortable sort of way (has a little Office in it). Definitely a laugh out loud opportunity.

SNL on Thursday: Creative use of talent for the political season. Show consists of one political spoof (debate, endorsement, etc.) followed by Weekend Update for the rest of the 30 minutes. Well done, but won't be the same without Amy Poehler (just had her baby), unless Tina Fey returns. Thursdays are done after this week (due to the election).

MY FAVORITES

Pushing Daisies: My top show the last two seasons, but it was one of the newcomers hurt by last year's writers strike. It is quirky and colorful in an Edward Scissorhands sort of way, but has depth and is very entertaining. The premise is somewhat morbid (guy can bring things back from the dead, but only for a minute or something similar in the vicinity will die), but the absurdity overpowers the tragic in one of the most artistic shows in years. Even Dr. Suess would love the character names: Ned the piemaker, Charlotte Charles (aka Chuck), Emerson Cod, Olive Snook. The first episode was a headspinner trying to make up for lost time with the shortened season one, but it has settled in and is even better than last year.

Chuck: A secret agent spoof...think Bond meets the Pink Panther. Zachary Levi plays Chuck to perfection, and several other characters are very entertaining also (especially insecure bff Morgan). This is definitely my 1A favorite and looks like it may last for several years. However, like many 7:00 shows, I think the subject matter is better suited for a later timeslot. But tv execs stopped being responsible in this regard many years ago.

Ugly Betty: A spoof on serials, but a serial itself. Brilliant. Actually a pretty good show with good story lines and some top notch humor. I don't think you need any background to start enjoying this show if you haven't been watching. Yet another that could be in a later timeslot (but I am not sure what they would show at 7 anymore??).

Heroes: Love the premise, some people have different special abilities. Time travels hooks me on this one too. Another show badly damaged by the strike last year. The show varies from week to week, and you have to have your thinking cap on to keep track of everything. It is too much sometimes. I don't like that the writers adjust future scripts based on fan reaction. Too much appealing to the masses rather artistic storytelling. Still one I watch every week.

NUMB3RS: Okay, I thought I would be one of the few to watch a show about a geek math genius who applies theory to help solve FBI cases. And being a Friday night show, I figured it was doomed early. But it is flourishing in season 3. It is actually back to using math in a more believable and understandable way to catch bad guys. Producer Ridley Scott has also done several movies that you have probably enjoyed over the last few years. This is a good quality show that you show consider for the tivo.

SHOWS I'VE STOPPED WATCHING: Okay, I still flip to them every once in awhile but I stopped watching these shows regularly one or more years ago: Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal, Desperate Houswives (although I am intrigued with the idea that they jumped ahead 5 years, and might take one peek).

SHOW I WATCH IN RERUN: That 70s Show. Brilliantly funny and very well acted. They run on ABC Family (usually 14 shows a week). I have seen most of them, but they are still good the second time. Kitty is a hoot. Monk. I am glad they keep making new ones, but I only watch the reruns. Keep an eye out for Monk Marathons on TBS.

SHOWS I SHOULD WATCH: I mean, I think I would like these if I watched them. House, Bones, Mentalist, Starter Wife, The Closer (at least Rebecca thinks we all would like it).

SHOWS I WON'T WATCH (even if nothing else is on): Worst Week, Survivor, ER (is this really still on?), daytime talkshows, or pretty much any daytime show for that matter. I am sure there are plenty of others I am not remembering.

Vote in the poll if you get a chance. If your favorite show is not there, mention it in a comment or drop me an email and I will add it as a choice. Probably.

October stuff

I am not as big a fan of Autumn as some of you, but there are certain things I do really like about the season.

It is cliche, but the leaves are gorgeous this year. It is officially candy eating season as everyone buys treats in advance of Halloween and then we eat a good portion of them before trick-or-treat. I also like the 10/31 holiday itself, Breeders Cup horse racing, and the fact the campaigns will be over soon. I don't mind elections, just the empty headed, populist campaigning. It is clearly better to appeal to the masses than be right or intelligent.

Two other things I really enjoy are Homecoming and cross country. Here are a few photos from each. Elizabeth capped off her strong running season finishing second in her District Invite behind her friend Cassidy. This is how they ran in all of their big meets all year. Their team also had a championship season.

I am working on reviews/commentary of this fall's tv season, both new and old. Hopefully soon....

CUBS WIN

Congrats to the homtown team. While I will never be on that bandwagon, it is certainly nice having the positive energy in this town. It will be nice if the Sox can also join them in the playoffs.

So I tip my hat to the Cubbies and wish them well. Although I have to admit, I don't see the 100 year streak/curse being broken. Didn't the Cubs win the division last year too??

Cubs...team of destiny??

I have enjoyed the life-long social experiment of watching Cubs fans emotionally collapse in the "good years" as the team inevitably destructs as the days get shorter. Sometimes it is injuries and bad play. Other times it is running into a hot divisional rival or playoff foe. And occasionally it is a blow from some other unexplained science like goats or cats or...who knows what's next.

My friend Beth writes in a comment to another post: As a youngster, I was a die hard Cubs Fan. After watching virtually every game in the 1969 season, the disenchantment began. For the next three decades I limited my viewing to post-season games only, because there is truly some great baseball in the fall. Needless to say the northsiders were not part of this. I watched my son go through the disappointment of rooting for the Cubbies only to have to endure the post-Bartman collapse. My father and my brother are rabid fans of the boys in blue and are always painfully involved...I think they are somehow related to Ron Santo.

I have been watching at arm's length throughout this season, and have been repeatedly surprised by their ability to win and in so many different ways. I believe in ways unique to teams that go on to play in October. I have been contemplating taking that leap of faith and diving into Cub Nation, heart first. Reverting to those immature beliefs in superstition and empty rituals. Despite all this, it's 8/29, they are 5 1/2 games ahead. They are 34 games over 500 with the same amount of games left to play. I'm thinking that the time has come to join Lou's Crew. Any thoughts?

I thought this captured the decades of anguish in our generation very well, and now the Cubs are losing consistently in September. I have warned several newcomers to our city about the ravages of being sucked into the Cubs' vortex. They are clearly the crack cocaine of professional sports. Unfortunately, I have saved few (Ryan, are you out there?).

I'm looking for opinions on the subject, and advice for Beth? What do you think?