Minus 6000

That's my score on today's online Jeopardy. Good thing real money wasn't on the line! You can play here...http://www.wandtv.com/global/Category.asp?C=114341

Go Bears!

Had to share this one from my cousin Sue....

Lake Forest police reported that some individual attempted to "egg" Lovie Smith's house last night. The report stated: An empty egg carton was recovered at the scene. Two eggs hit Mr. Smith's house, 3 eggs went over his house and hit his neighbor's back door, 2eggs hit the houses of each of his next-door neighbors, and the remaining 3 eggs were found broken on the ground near the carton from where the individual threw them. Looking at what was hit; police officials say they are considering Rex Grossman as the primary suspect.

Steal a base...

If you've been watching the World Series, you know a few things. One, the Rockies are in trouble. Two, since a player stole a base, Taco Bell's promotion kicks in and everyone gets a free taco from 2 to 5 Tuesday. What I found odd was the "conversation" the Fox mics just happened to pick up in the dugout. The Red Sox claim it was not staged. Coco Crisp basically said to Royce Clayton "hey, if you steal a base, everyone is going to get a taco from Taco Bell." Of course, being cynical I was assuming the conversation was staged. And I was thinking where this type of thing could lead next. For example, "Hey Royce, man my feet itch. Darn athlete's foot." "Coco, man, you gotta try tough actin' Tinactin." Or "Hey Coco, after the game what do you say we have a Budweiser or two? You know it's the King of Beers?" "That's right Royce, it's got that clean, crisp taste I love." Well, you get the idea.

Can you "Believe" it?

I was flipping through the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly today when I noticed a smell emanating from the pages. I soon found the source, an ad for Britney Spears new fragrance, Believe. Now I don't want to get on the Britney bashing bandwagon, but this seems very strange to me. First, there was the breakdown where she shaved her head. Either it has grown back quickly, or that's a wig. Next was the less than stellar performance on MTV. Then her kids were taken away from her as she was declared an unfit mother. Is this the best time to release a new product? I guess it's appropriately named, someone must believe that her fortunes are ready to turn around. I however have no such faith.

Chicago!

Chicago...it's got a great skyline, occassionally good sports teams, lots of great neighborhoods. And it has a language all it's own. Having grown up in the Windy City I can tell you we speak English, but there are some variations that you may need help translating. The Sun Times has made this easier with the Chicagopedia. http://www.suntimes.com/chicago/chicagopedia/index.html

Let me demonstrate..."Hey it's Pulaski Day. I'm gonna grab a couple two tree beers and head into the front room. Later on we'll watch da Bears."

Have a great weekend!

Celebrities Gone Wild

Well, Kiefer Sutherland has had another alcohol related incident. His latest is not as funny as tackling a Christmas tree. This time it's a DUI conviction. The prosecutor is seeking a little over a month in jail, however the judge could tack on more, or presumably less, time. Remember Nicole Richie's hour long stay in the slammer? Wonder if something like that will be offered? I hope Kiefer gets the help he needs if he has a drinking problem, but I also hope that the judge doesn't send a message that this type of behavior is somehow ok if you're a celebrity. There should be consequences when someone displays bad judgement and endangers others.

Gotta root for somebody

Well, I guess I'll pull for the Cleveland Indians this year. Them or the Rockies. The poor showing of the Cubs still fresh in my mind, I can't support Arizona. Boston got their championship a few years back and Colorado, well I like them too. Especially since they prove you don't have to spend a lot to field a competitive team. But the Indians remind me of the Cubs somewhat. They haven't won a World Series in 50 years (OK, for the Cubs it's been 99.) Like the Cubs, they tease their fans now and then. Notably, in 1997, the team was two outs away from a World Series win, but blew it and the Florida Marlins took the title. Sound familiar? At least they went to the series though. In fact, from 1995 to 1999 the Indians made the post season every year but failed to win the big game.

By the way, for those who thought Chief Illiniwik was a stereotype, get a load of Chief Wahoo. Yes, that's what they call him. I am surprised that this mascot is still around.

October

This is my favorite time of the year, even though it means the days are getting shorter, Winter is coming and my allergies are usually acting up. October is a time for walking through crunchy leaves, sipping warm apple cider (make it cold cider this weekend, it's supposed to be like 88,) and of course, Halloween. There are always good haunted houses to check out and renting a scary movie is another great way to celebrate. If you're planning a party at your house and want to set the mood, Midnight Syndicate is a group you may want to seek out at your local music store. I found out about them when a local haunted house used their music. I can't imagine anyone listens to this on a regular basis (you'd probably get nightmares) but for Halloween, it's perfect. Eerie instrumental music with sound effects and all. Get some other creepy ideas at http://www.hauntedillinois.com