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)

But then again, I’ve never invited everybody to tell me why they hate Wing Ding, that huge, loud concert that they and their station, 104.9 FM, put on at the Rockford Speedway.

Tune in at 2:30 p.m. Thursday (May 15) to hear how they’re treatin’ me now. Remember, guys: I also invited readers to tell why they love Wing Ding.

Chevelle headlines the lineup.

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

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.”

He’s so famous, Cartman’s mom on “South Park” (parental advisory) called the dog trainer in to fix her son’s behavior problems. Hilarious but raw.

The name likely will remain Wrigley Field and won’t take on the name of the chewing gum-maker’s new owner, Mars, the story seems to say.

Just think: We’ll be spared the “Men (in other words, ‘Cubs’) are from Mars, Women (in other words, girls/Sox) are from Venus” kind of thinking.

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.

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.’