Beach On The Brain

This post is dedicated to Mike Provine and beaches. He is right. This time of year really makes you think of warm sand.

The only way you survive the January bleakness is by pretending you are sitting on a beach with nothing but a beverage and the sun in your face.

Well ... you'd also have to deal with the waves crashing into the sound, stars so close they seem to be dropping on top of your head, no cell phone reception ..... glorious.

The good news? Six more months 'till vacation. The bad news? Six more months 'till vacation.

Gas Prices

We all knew this $1.60 a gallon gas was waaaayyyyy too good to be true.

Proof? Right here.

I just went to West Quincy and paid $1.58. At the local gas station in Q-town gas is $1.85. The difference, of course, is competition and state taxes.

Many times I go to West Quincy just to spite Illinois and its higher gas taxes. Sometimes I give in and buy gas here. But when it's 27 cents a gallon cheaper .... c'mon. You are dumb not to do it if you aren't that far from the bridges.

Now lawmakers say they may need to jack the federal tax on gas because Americans are driving fewer miles.

Let me get this straight — we, John Q. Public, are using less gas and being more responsible in tight economic times, presumably with less wear and tear on our roads, and the answer is to SMACK US IN THE FACE WITH MORE FREAKING TAXES?

Let's trade Washington D.C. to another country and just call it even.

Stuffed Animal Abuse

In some states, ripping the head off a stuffed animal is a Class 3 felony.

In Calftown, it's par for the course ....

Parties

The world's loudest band ever for the Sandwich Maker of Doom's Birthday Bash ....

So we figured out the more people drink, the better we sound.

And ...

- I hate "Sweet Home Alabama." But it works. We did draw the line with "Gimme Three Steps."

- Drums fall apart. Thankfully drummers still work.

- We'll work out a few kinks for the Jan. 16 show at The Elks.

- Gotta play a few more originals.

- These people know how to have fun!

Birthday Party

Looking forward to playing tonight at the Sandwich Maker of Doom's birthday party — the house is sure to be a rockin' ....

How about those QHS girls ...!

Watching Nick Saban run off the field last night looking like he swallowed sour milk was worth the price of admission. Take that, BCS. Take that, you arrogant Bama fans who dismissed Utah.

Plus it got me huge points in the Hart Family Bowl Challenge. I'm currently in first, with my brother's dog, Ella, in second. Ella made her picks by barking or growling when the team name was mentioned. She might be the dumbest dog in the world, but she knows her bowl games.

Back tomorrow with a report from the birthday bash ...

Also, Funions dates confirmed for Friday, Jan. 16 at the Elks (members and guests) and Saturday, March 7 for the Children's Action Network party at the old Holiday Inn, now called the Clarion.

New Year's Day

Lots of fun at the Elks Lodge last night. The Classics are awesome, a band that understands it's not about being loud, it's all about being heard.

New Year's Day has been quiet, lots of football and hanging out in the newly-dubbed "Mark's Sports Bar" in the Ridge. 

The hockey game today at Wrigley Field was the best. Whoever came up with this idea needs to be knighted .... you'll see it every year now.

Hope 2009 is good to you!

Sun and Bowls

I'm watching the Sun Bowl on CBS and it's a beautiful thing.

First of all, the sun is always out during game. Always. El Paso must be a great place to live.

Secondly, it's knocking some really lousy mid-day shows off CBS airwaves. Millions of disgruntled housewives will not be getting their Oprah fix today and the rest of us mere mortals rejoice.

Many years ago I used to rest up for a night of New Year's celebrating by taking a big nap and watching this bowl game (men can do both at the same time).

Gotta love the college bowl season ....

Be safe tonight!