Crying Native American and polar bears

1 comment May 15th, 2008

The Keep America Beautiful anti-litter campaign of the 1970s featured the Crying Indian

The global warming warning symbol, in my mind anyway, is the polar bear, which Wednesday was placed on the endangered species list, mostly because its needed sea ice is being lost. (Photo appeared in the nytimes.com on Wednesday)

Calling all local Elvis lovers

5 comments May 13th, 2008

I’m going to write in my May 22 Ask Geo column about Elvises who’ll be marching in the May 24 Young at Heart parade in Loves Park, a new twist on the annual event.

Just curious: What do you like best/worst about Elvis impersonators?

Queen contests and ‘Attagirl!’ thoughts

Add comment May 12th, 2008

Harvard Milk Days kicked off Saturday with the crowning of the Milk Days Queen, and I was one of three judges.

What a breath of fresh (country) air. I’m referring to the 15 teens who competed. They were so put-together, charming and driven. Gave me reason to feel very encouraged about tomorrow’s young women.

You’ll have opportunities to take in other queen contests that’ll no doubt boost your “attagirl!” feelings in general at the Boone, Winnebago, Ogle and McHenry county fairs this summer.

By the way, Alexandra Engle was crowned 2008 Milk Days Queen. One of her first biggest appearances: She’ll ride with her court in the two-hour parade June 7  in downtown Harvard. Watching the parade is one of my highlights of “summer.”

Puddle of Mudd and Nirvana

3 comments May 7th, 2008

I’m not the only one who thinks Puddle of Mudd is Nirvana-like.

Better hurry if you want to check it out up-close-and-personal.

Only four of 76 seats remain in the front two rows for Puddle of Mudd’s

show with Finger Eleven at On the Waterfront Aug. 31 in downtown Rockford. Tickets cost $86.50 for those first-two-row seats. But you can get a reserved seat behind those for $32.50. Or stand waaaaay in the back for only the price of a festival admission pass.

TVs made overseas and economic stimulus payment

3 comments May 7th, 2008

You know those forwarded e-mails we all get. Here’s a good one I got today.

Economic Stimulus Payment

‘This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A  format:

‘Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
‘A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

‘Q. Where will the government get this money?
‘A. From taxpayers.

‘Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
‘A. Only a smidgen.

‘Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
‘A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

‘Q. But isn’t that stimulating the economy of China?
‘A. Shut up.’

Where is best catfish dinner in Rock River Valley?

5 comments May 1st, 2008

A reader needs an answer to this by tomorrow afternoon. She’s having company and they really want good catfish.

I’ve had catfish in a clay pot at Hai Quynh Vietnamese Restaurant, 324 Seventh St., Rockford, 815-964-5353. The typical dirt-taste of the catfish was nicely overpowered by a hoisinlike sauce.

Other recommendations?