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Wednesday, November 21, 2007
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! gobble gobble
So for years, I was the official "green bean casserole" lady. Then, a couple years ago I was demoted. I didn't think there was anything below green bean casserole, but I was wrong. I was asked to just bring Jello. I guess I didn't do such a hot job on the Jello as the following year, my mother-in-law requested I bring nothing.
I've never thought I was an exceptionally bad cook. Well, there was that one time I made shrimp creole for my inlaws and I substituted red pepper for chili powder. (We drank a lot of milk.) Oh well. I made a pumpkin cheesecake to bring anyway. I just can't show up empty handed.
My mother-in-law likes to get creative with Thanksgiving dinner. She never just puts an ordinary turkey in the oven. Last year, it was Cornish game hens. One time it was a deep fried turkey. Another time she got a turkey from a farm. A farm fresh turkey. This turkey was so fresh, it still had its feathers when she got it. As we sat down to eat, she told us how she had to pluck its feathers out. OK, I'm no country girl. I'm from Chicago. And I really have no need or desire to hear about or see my food in its alive state before eating. That was just a little too fresh for me. My inlaws are car people (as you might recall from this post) so I'm a little surprised that they've never tried to cook a turkey on the engine of a car. Maybe next year.
So, in honor of Thanksgiving, here is my thankfulness list...
I'm thankful for each of my kids even when they're poking each other, running around the house, messing things up, and burping the alphabet.
I'm thankful that despite all the ear infections and colds, we're all healthy.
I'm thankful my husband has a steady job.
I'm thankful for art even when it's on my walls.
I'm thankful I live in a country where I'm free.
I'm thankful that even though it's miserably dreary and cold and the landscape is barren, there's the promise of spring.
I'm thankful that I'm tired because it means I have a lot of fun things to keep me busy.
I'm thankful for my parents who put up with all the things I did that my kids are now doing to me.
I'm thankful for a sister who's also a best friend and who understands what I'm talking about when I say, "He was a tall man."
I'm thankful for my Yia Yia and my aunt Vasiliki who are always thinking about us and cheering me on.
I'm thankful for Sue who is always on the other end of the phone when I need someone to talk to while I clean or when I need someone to commiserate with after paying bills.
I'm thankful for Jen who has been a best friend since high school. I would never brave camping if it weren't for her company. And who else would stand in an elevator with me for a full five minutes before realizing that neither of us had actually pushed the button for the floor?
I'm thankful for Julie who has been a best friend since high school. She gives me firewood and Chicken George and she laughs at my lame jokes.
I'm thankful for Gin who is not only a friend, but my hairdresser and she can always fit me into her schedule when my hair starts turning funny colors.
I'm thankful for my loopy friends and their endless conversations, jokes, and pretty blue lines.
I'm thankful for laughter, especially the tears from your eyes, stomach hurts, peeing in your pants, snorting kind of laughter.
I'm thankful my kids didn't scare my sister from having kids of her own.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to share a smile and a laugh with so many people on this blog and soon - my book as well.
I'm thankful for all the people who read and/or comment on my blog. You make my day.
And I'm thankful I have a God to be thankful to!
Posted by Dawn at 11:24 PM
63 comments:
I *just* started reading this blog - and I'm first to comment here - woohoo! lol
- November 22, 2007 at 12:47 AM
I'm thankful for my Yia Yia too! Yia Yia's are absolutely amazing!!!
- November 22, 2007 at 1:00 AM
Your list of what you're thankful for made me smile. I've been very, very depressed & stressed out over tons of stuff so I thank you for the smile. It made me think of the things I have to be thankful for, even through this time of struggle. I appreciate your blog and your outlook on life. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
- November 22, 2007 at 1:03 AM
Ahh, the coveted first comment - thought I read that somewhere on here. I've been enjoying your blog - I've only got 5 kiddles of my own but can relate to so much of your writing. Very funny and oh so true!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Smith
- November 22, 2007 at 1:05 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too!! On top of everything else I have to be thankful for, I also have you now, you are just too funny and have made me smile many, many days...(okay and some days I even snort.) Thank you!
- November 22, 2007 at 1:10 AM
And we are Thankful for you Dawn because you brighten up our days.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
HE, Illinois
- November 22, 2007 at 1:29 AM
Amen sista. I'm blogging almost identical today. Thanks for making me smile. I'm thankful for YOU - for making me laugh on a daily basis - most times when I don't feel like even smiling. Thank YOU.
- November 22, 2007 at 1:29 AM
- Kristy said...
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
- November 22, 2007 at 1:32 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!! I look forward to your blogs everyday...they help keep me sane between my three kids, working outside the home, and pursuing my masters degree...all while trying to remember my name and where I put my car keys.
Jen from Denver
- November 22, 2007 at 1:33 AM
- Liz's Random Thoughts said...
Well I'm pretty sure that I'm NOT the first one to post a comment. If I made it into the top 100, normal...top 50 ok, top 25 huh, top 10 wow, #1 I spend too much time online and need a life. Oh wait that is true and I'm not even #1 hmm....
But anyways just wanted to say that I hope you and your family have a wonderful thanksgiving.:)
- November 22, 2007 at 1:35 AM
I really liked a lot of the things on your "thankful" list. Its good to be reminded of how sweet life truly is, even when its bringing us to our knees some days.
Like so many others, I am thankful for your blog. Moms need people like you....stories like yours....because even though we often feel otherwise, motherhood is not about being perfect....its about doing the best you can and hopefully being able to find the humor in it along the way so you don't go insane!
Thank you. Thank you for putting your stories out there and risking judgment from others. For providing so many of us with some much-needed laughter. For being brave enough to be real in a society that often demands perfection from us mothers, even if its just an illusion. Hopefully the rest of us can take a page from your book, so to speak, and be a little more real...a little less afraid to let the imperfections in our parenting show.
I hope this is coming across right-I mean to compliment you, not criticize you. I admire how you seem to be able to laugh and roll with it. How you can tell your stories and not be scared. I am always so hard on myself, thinking that whenever my kids act out or something doesn't go right, that everyone is judging me. I think I would enjoy parenthood so much more if I could shake the need to appear perfect. If I didn't care if someone down the aisle is staring at me when my daughter decides to throw a fit in Target over Spongebob dixie cups. You know? So when I read your blog, I feel....somehow....less alone. More empowered. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
- November 22, 2007 at 2:10 AM
Dawn, I am thankful for Mothers like you who can take a day filled with tribulation (I hope I spelled that right) and with a bright sense of humor (sarcascism is just one of many services offered) make life a bit easier to bear. I have been reading your past posts, and have to tell you I fell out of chair laughing at the Butt Cream comment you made. I was a wonderful child (STOP laughing I was) and my Mother had to only deal with me, but I never got pudding on the ceiling either.
Thanks for the laughs, and to the rest of the Moms out there....Motherhood is a job (way under paid) with more responsibility than any over priced CEO of a Fortune 500.
- November 22, 2007 at 3:30 AM
Just wanted to say Thank you for reminding me of all there is to be thankful for. We rarely stop and remember all the little things that make our day. Happy Thanxgiving to you and your family, may you always be blessed.
- November 22, 2007 at 4:38 AM
- Kim said...
I am so thankful that I found you. You make me smile every morning and give me strength to face the day ahead. I only have three kids but two of them are identical twin boys. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
- November 22, 2007 at 5:16 AM
- manda said...
Thank you for sharing. You have prompted me to think of all the wonderful things in my life. Too often, we take for granted the "little" things. Shall make a dedicated attempt to list at least one thing per day for which I am thankful. (one of which would be your blog) :)
- November 22, 2007 at 6:23 AM
I hope you aren't tired or hearing this or take offense, but now you are really starting to sound like Erma, making me laugh and cry in the same post! I've always enjoyed Erma and have 4 of her books. I've recently started reading them again in anticipation of your book. I'm thankful that you are filling a void left by a wonderful woman who I miss dearly. You have the same ability to make us all feel like your friend and bring us into your life. You help us feel like we are not alone and that others are going through the same things. Ditto on a previous comment, thank you for sharing your lives with us and exposing yourself to the risk of being criticized. We all appreciate it and love you.
May everyone have a safe Thanksgiving and make it to and from their distinations safely.
Deb in OPKS
P.S. I'm bringing pumkin cheescake to my SIL's also!
- November 22, 2007 at 6:38 AM
- kimikki said...
I am thankful for your blog and the luagh it starts my days with. I'm thankful for my family, and especially my daughter and her baby, who brighten every day for me, even when I don't get to see them. I'm also thankful for my sister, who would be the one with me in that elevator, the one with the "unpushed" button, giggling our faces off. Thanks, Dawn!
- November 22, 2007 at 6:43 AM
- Irene said...
Your blog is hilarious! I laughed out loud at the comment that you were "demoted" from green bean casserole (which I never liked or understood anyway).
Funny thing is, I actually am on the other end of this situation - I like to cook, and it isn't my MIL's strongpoint, so I usually gently tell her she doesn't need to bring a thing! Hopefully, she doesn't realize WHY I tell her that!
Have a great holiday!
- November 22, 2007 at 6:52 AM
- suburbancorrespondent said...
I'm with the "Anonymous" who says it's great to be reminded by you that we do not have to be perfect. And that it helps to laugh at the zillion and one things that go wrong every day. So often I forget that.
- November 22, 2007 at 6:56 AM
- Linda (UKS Gadget Monkey) said...
Happy Thanksgiving.....
I have 10 children and I thought it was only my 6 year old who burped the alphabet.... glad to see he is not the only one.. rofl
- November 22, 2007 at 7:10 AM
- Just-Me-Jen said...
Great Post! Happy Thanksgiving! :-)
- November 22, 2007 at 7:13 AM
- Brenda said...
I am thankful for humor. Where would life be without it?
- November 22, 2007 at 7:29 AM
- Hoffman Family said...
Happy Thanksgiving to the Meehan Family! Thank you for putting your "thankfulness list" out there for others to see. Makes us all realize what we should be thankful for.
I use to be the jello girl at Thanksgiving dinner and got demoted. Now I bring KFC cole slaw!
- November 22, 2007 at 7:52 AM
- kakykeke said...
Happy Thanksgiving, its great to hear others thanksgiving, and share that with others. It reminds us all how the little things in life are precious.
BTW, when you said you were thankful for Gin, before reading on I thought you meant Gin the liquor LOL... I was quickly redirected when you mentioned it was your hairdresser WHEW.
- November 22, 2007 at 7:59 AM
Lovely words....God has indeed blessed you. May He continue to do so.
- November 22, 2007 at 8:05 AM
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are absolutely right to be thankful for all those things and you helped me to realize the wonderful things to be thankful for too. Life is way too short and we need to appreciate all the wonderful things in our lives. Even the things that seem like they will drive us crazy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Tom :o)
- November 22, 2007 at 8:16 AM
Thank you to the Anonymous poster (#11 at 2:10AM) - you were very well spoken, and, I think, communicated what so many of us feel.
In addition to being in agreement with so many of the same things Dawn and these ladies are thankful for - I am thankful that you are not ashamed, Dawn, to give thanks to God as well as credit to Him for what He does in your life. You are an inspiration to many, and that subtle voice of encouragement to so many of us...besides reminding us that laughter is the best medicine out there. :)
Thank you - and Happy Thanksgiving!
- November 22, 2007 at 8:17 AM
Hi Dawn, Just wanted to say I made my first pumpkin cheesecake this year. It called for a half cup of gingersnap cookies in the grahm cracker crust. I made them homemade and ended up with 5 dozen of them. ( for only half a cup) Well, cookies will be served too. Recently I told you about my stray cat chewed on turkey. I bet your inlaws have never cooked one of those! They can be thankfull for that! LOL Happy Thanksgiving Dawn! Kristine in Michigan
- November 22, 2007 at 8:37 AM
- Lisa M said...
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
- November 22, 2007 at 9:15 AM
- mbaskin23 said...
The list was great, except you didn't thank your husband.... You were only thankful for his steady job. I am sure he is loving and helpful too (as helpful as any man can be!).
Your blog is great!
Happy Thanksgiving!
- November 22, 2007 at 9:24 AM
I'm thankful that someone who said they were first to comment, were indeed, the first to comment. :)
Happy Thanksgiving, I love your blog. It makes me laugh almost every time.
- November 22, 2007 at 10:16 AM
- Melissa said...
I'm thankful for your thankful list! ;)
- November 22, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Sometimes I'm a bit ashamed that I'm a 22 year old college student and I absolutely love your blog, hehe! I'm a nanny for 3 crazy children under the age of 5, so I can relate at least a little. And I see you have a Yia Yia, too! I had never heard that before the family I nanny for. They have a Yia Yia. Greek I think? Anyway, have a great Thanksgiving. Thank you for always giving me some entertainment in the mornings with your witty writings!!!
- November 22, 2007 at 10:19 AM
I have to ask... because it drove me nuts that I couldn't figure it out and had to ask my husband: HE = Hoffman Estates? Considering I'm 20 minutes from there, I should have been able to figure that one out, but I'm still not so good on the 'burbs (but if anyone wants to quiz me on what hundred a particular street in Chicago is...) :)
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Dawn!
I'm most thankful for my parents. Who are hosting 23 people for Thanksgiving today, including the four in my family. Who just arrived to pick up the two kids for "a viewing" because they couldn't stand to wait until 4pm. And I'm thankful that they know I appreciate them and don't take them for granted and appreciate what they do when so many of my friends' parents have gone the "I had my kids and raised them, now it's your turn" route and spend hardly any time with the delightful children.
In any case -- Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
- November 22, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Dawn!! Thank YOU for putting a smile on my face every day!!
- November 22, 2007 at 10:38 AM
- Lauren said...
Hey Dawn - We weren't asked to bring anything either but we're bringing a Christmas Tree cake to my Great Aunt's today. It required brownie mix, eggs, oil, water, snot and a few egg shells as my four year old with a cold helped make it. Hopefully the heat in the oven burned the snot germs.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for giving me some much needed laughter. Here's a pic of the cake and a link to our family blog... www.hallsey.blogspot.com.
- November 22, 2007 at 11:42 AM
- ImprovGal said...
Happy Thanksgiving, Dawn! Thanks for your big heart and for sharing it with us. :)
- November 22, 2007 at 12:43 PM
awesome post.. found an article thats kinda interesting. im thankful that im NOT paid 138 grand a year to be a mom cos then i wouldnt learn how to be selfless, or aprreciate my mom's sacrifces.
Survey: Moms' work would bring in $138,095 a year
POSTED: 9:47 a.m. EDT, May 3, 2007
Story Highlights• 40,000 mothers responded to survey at Salary.com
• Mothers explained what their job entailed, how many hours they worked
• Salary.com says mothers work at least 10 jobs, put in 92 hours per week
• Company used median salaries for jobs, calculated work hours for each
Adjust font size:
(Reuters) -- When Tricia Himawan was a financial analyst, she worked 50 hours a week and earned about $75,000 a year. Now, she works, by her estimation, about 119 hours a week doing 11 different jobs, and, for 10 of them, she makes ... nothing.
"I work nonstop as a mother," says Himawan, of West Orange, New Jersey, as she breast-feeds her nine-month-old son Jonas and watches over 4-year-old Juliana.
If she were paid for her work as a mother, she would be earning almost $140,000 a year.
That is the conclusion of research conducted by Salary.com, a firm based in Waltham, Massachusetts, that specializes in determining compensation. Himawan was one of 40,000 mothers who responded online to Salary.com explaining what their job entailed and how many hours they worked. (Book urges mothers to stay in work force)
The typical mother puts in a 92-hour work week, the company concluded, and works at least 10 jobs. In order of hours spent on them per week, these are: housekeeper, day-care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, chief executive officer and psychologist. By figuring out the median salaries for each position, and calculating the average number of hours worked at each, the firm came up with $138,095 -- three percent higher than last year's results. (Audio Slide Show: Evolution of motherhood)
Even mothers who work full-time jobs outside the home put in $85,939 worth of work as mothers, according to Salary.com.
"My work is my family right now, and my backbone is about to break," says Himawan, who now also works at home as a real-estate broker."My baby is on my hip 24 hours a day."
CNN's Jonathan Mandell contributed to this report.
- November 22, 2007 at 1:45 PM
- Becky said...
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Dawn. And AMEN on the list! You are truly blessed!
I'm thankful for the smile you bring to my face everyday when I read your blog...and the vivacious family you have that made it all possible.
God's richest blessings on you and yours!
- November 22, 2007 at 1:46 PM
- Eileen M said...
Please, please -- I really want to hear the Tall Man story!
Love reading your blog -- and Happy Thanksgiving!
- November 22, 2007 at 2:34 PM
- roseys madhouse said...
Thats nice I really enjoy reading your blog so your more than welcome. Could you please explain to me though what is Thanksgiving for? We dont celebrate it here in Australia and I couldnt fathom having to get a huge dinner and the family together this close to christmas?
I should probably google it lol?
- November 22, 2007 at 2:50 PM
I am thankful:
*for my son who's healthy and happy
*that my mother is breast-cancer free (7yrs later!)
*that my husband is still in love w/me after all these years (hey, I'm a weird girl so that's really something to be thankful for:)
*that my brother who was in Iraq isn't going back anytime soon
*that my other brother who is going to Iraq won't be on the front lines (although just him being over there scares me)
*that I am still healthy
I am thankful for so much more but there's too much to write and somethings I'm just not ready to write down yet:)
- November 22, 2007 at 3:05 PM
Same thing happens with me. I cook fairly good, I think. If I'm asked to bring something, there will be a problem. "There's not enough", "It doesn't look right". Grrr...so I just smile if I'm asked to bring "nothing" - fine by me! ;) Have a great day!!
- November 22, 2007 at 3:25 PM
- Rick said...
Happy Thanksgiving to you. I don'tlike stuffing, but I LOVE stuffing myself.
- November 22, 2007 at 6:18 PM
- Gardenwife said...
Well, shoot, if they're car people, their cars probably don't burn oil. If one does burn oil, they could run a tube out of the tailpipe and into a box containing the turkey: oil-smoked turkey!
Happy thanksgiving!
We put a little soy sauce and water chestnuts in our green bean casserole. Mmmm-mmm-mmm, tasty.
- November 22, 2007 at 6:59 PM
Hello there! I enjoy reading your blog more than you could ever imagine! Your joy in life is infectious. You allow me to have a sense of humor about my own life, even when things sometimes look overwhelming. I only have two kids, but one of them is severely special needs. So, sometimes, I need strength from others when his days are at their worst.
Thank you so much.
- November 22, 2007 at 7:19 PM
- ~*~ Jennifer ~*~ said...
That's hilarious -- My MIL never wants to eat my food either. My dad says I'm a 5 star cook -- and my family will eat my food... but my MIL... N.O.P.E. nothing... I think her taste buds are screwed up -- either that or her ego is.
- November 22, 2007 at 7:41 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to all and especially to you Dawn and your family!!
Yes, we all have so much to be thankful for.
Someone shared with me about an Oprah show where people shared the life changing power of being thankful. They were given the task to write down for 10 minutes daily what they were thankful for. In a short matter of time, their perspectives changed and so did their lives.
God bless,
and ps. I understand all about car families, I have one too :)
- November 22, 2007 at 7:55 PM
- Maria said...
I'm just starting to read your blog because I love big family stories. I have 4 kids of my own. Families are the best thing to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.
- November 22, 2007 at 8:23 PM
- Laura said...
Hi Dawn,
I've been reading awhile though I've never posted, I want you to know what a difference your making in the lives of people you've never met. Myself included.
I have been under so much stress lately that sometimes I feel like I can't breathe. My poor kids have been wondering where their Mom went. Reading your post today reminded me how much I have to be truly thankful for. Thank you.
- November 22, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Thanks for letting us see into your world. My six children are all married and have children of their own--but I have a very good memory of those days.
I was nodding my head at all the things you listed for which you are thankful. Life is a wonderful adventure.
One burning question--What is a yia yia?
Warm Thanks!
- November 22, 2007 at 8:55 PM
- Kristi *sweet* Sauer said...
Green bean casserole is my favorite!
- November 22, 2007 at 9:09 PM
- korkie said...
Demoted down to Jello: Funny
"And I really have no need or desire to hear about or see my food in its alive state before eating. That was just a little too fresh for me." PRICELESS!
Spitting parts of a chocolate donut out laughing ..... Just ain't right!
"May this day be filled with endless moments of gratitude.
- November 22, 2007 at 9:42 PM
Love your blog and this is such a nice post! And you comment about your in-laws cooking a turkey on the car engine reminded me - do you remember the episode of "Wings" when Lowell sold Roy a Car-B-Que! It cooked/grilled on the engine of the car??? Maybe your in-laws would be on to something?
- November 22, 2007 at 9:58 PM
I am thankful for you - why - because I am a mom of four kids under 6 yrs that have run me ragged today. We are 1800 miles from home visiting the in-laws. The kids have been trapped inside because of cold and rain. I just came in from driving the baby around in the car to put her to sleep (this was a last ditch effort after two hours of non stop crying)The other three have finally gone to sleep and I might sometime before midnight eat my dinner. Thank you for reminding us all that life is crazy for everyone and that those sleeping little bundles are really pretty cool to have around....but please Lord, let them sleep a little bit longer...Thanks again
- November 22, 2007 at 9:58 PM
- Jill said...
HI Dawn,
I'm always asked to bring the green bean casserole. The first year I made it, I accidently put WAY too much pepper in it. (I always mix up those teaspoons and tablespoons) It was too late to do anything about it, and took it to the family dinner anyway, preparing myself to make many apologies, and thinking I would bring most of it home. As it turned out, everyone liked it and said how wonderful it was. Who would have guessed?
I liked your thankful list. I honestly believe if we take the time to think of all we are thankful for, we are happier.
- November 22, 2007 at 10:43 PM
- Linda said...
OK, I'll bite: What do you mean when you say "he was a tall man"?
Also, how do you make green bean casserole with just beans & soup? I'm not American so this is all new to me.
- November 23, 2007 at 2:51 AM
Hi Dawn and happy Thanksgiving.
Ive been reading your blog since it started and have posted some comments in the past and today is yet another of those days when you hit the spot on a topic that was close to my heart.
I have six kids aged fourteen down to two and have recently moved from the UK to France. Since Ive been here I have made alot of new friends and one of the wonderful things Ive been introduced to is the way that neighbours bring you fresh fruit and veg from their gardens for free and expect nothing in return.
My nearest neighbours name is Andre and hes a really nice chap. The other day he brought me a freshly killed pheasant from that mornings hunt.
I was so touched by his kindness that I forgot all about the fact that as an ex townie I had never been introduced to the finer art of preparation it was only later that it hit me like a brick wall... what the heck do I do with it? - or words to that effect.
After studying the net and asking a few polite questions of several other friends I dutifully hung the bird by its legs for a couple of days as I was assured this would increase its flavour.
Finally armed with as much knowledge as I could gather I decided to sort it out for our Wednesday evening meal when the kids were off school so they could watch and learn how to - or not to as the case may be - prepare a pheasant.
Andre also collared me earlier on that Wednesday and he seemed surprised I hadnt eaten it on the same day! I explained that Id hung it up but it would appear thats not the normal thing to do with a game bird here in France.
Anyway I set too and plucked most of the feathers out except for the head and the very ends of the wings. I managed to do most of it without tearing too much of the skin apart from in one or two small areas across the breast.
The kids were disgusted when I chopped the head, wings and legs off of the bird but they turned even greener when I pulled the insides out. It will be one of my treasured moments remembering watching the kids run in any direction other than watch me remove the insides.
At this point several of them also declared that they would rather become vegetarian. This is one of the reasons why I came here. I wanted the kids to be fully aware of where things come from before they end up on their plate although during the cooking period they slowly started to gravitate towards meat again as the smell of the bird cooking was gorgeous.
I wasnt sure if I should put salt or pepper on it so I left it as was and used some olive oil, put it in a pre heated oven on a low setting and left it for about an hour and a quarter. I basted it three or four times and left it to rest for about five or ten minutes before I cut it up for the meal.
The bird fell apart when I carved it and the meat tasted superb. THe kids think its the best meat theyve ever tasted despite watching all the gory bits and I dont think I will have a problem from now on preparing any bird for the table from start to finish.
Apart from my lack of confidence in the preparation of the bird having now tackled it the once I dont think Ill have a problem with anything like that in the future.
Ive put the bones and stuff into a pot to get the rest of the stock etc out of it and Ill be making some game soup for the kids and me later on.
For the dessert I pondered long and hard on something filling that wouldnt detract from the centre dish. I finally decided to throw some scones together whilst the oven was still hot so we had hot buttered scones for pudding and I ended up with six very full and happy kids for the night. I took four of the scones round to Andres to say thankyou and I just hope he enjoyed them as much as we enjoyed the pheasant.
Ive often heard about American Thanksgiving and thought is was a shame that other countries dont follow suit in this tradition but just for the record Id like to thank all the wonderful people who have made us feel so welcome in their country, especially Andre, and also thankyou to my children for trying so hard to settle into their new lives.
- November 23, 2007 at 6:53 AM
- Liz said...
Great Thanksgiving list...what a reminder to look past all of the frustrations and be glad they're there to begin with! Thanks for the reminders and the smiles! Hope the day was wonderful for you and your family! BTW...I LOVE pumpkin cheesecake!! ;o)
- November 23, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Hi, Dawn,
I've had no difficulty in the past finding things to be thankful for until this year.
You see, Wednesday afternoon my DH of 33 years and I were told by his doctor that he has Stage 3 Lung Cancer.
It's hard to reflect on your blessings when this kind of news comes your way. So, we searched, found, and shared some very special little and big blessings.
We found that blessings are alot like beauty...it's in the "eye" of the beholder.
We are thankful for:
Tears that cleanse the soul
A Granddaughter whose miraculous kisses CAN make it better
Family and Friends who stick like glue to you
JOKES...the old SNL reruns...National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...Arthur (his giggling is absolutely contagious)
ANYTHING that's funny!
Kitties...quietly laying right up next to you in support
A warm home and food to eat
Two loving daughters who will drop anything and run to help out
Heating pads and electric blankets that provide just the right amount of needed heat without turning UP the thermostat...hot flash issues here!
HOPE...surgery may be a possibility. Upcoming tests will determine if it's spread. Total healing or, if not, Everlasting life.
PRAYERS, PRAYERS, and again I say PRAYERS!
I cannot tell you how many times over the past 2 days that, out of nowhere, a sudden peacefulness has settled on us.
And Dawn, I'm thankful for you! This is a place where I come to put things in perspective. Family and Friends...LOVE...It's all around here.
Nancy Binky
- November 23, 2007 at 10:34 PM
- Dorothy said...
Dawn, has helped so many people share what's in their hearts. And as I read the comments I see it brings them closer to a peaceful time, if only for a moment. Blessings to the bloggers who had made a peaceful place for those who need a moment to reflect.
Dorothy from grammology
remember to call gram
- November 24, 2007 at 12:09 AM
- Nicki said...
A great list of things to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing.
- November 24, 2007 at 8:43 AM
LOL! I got demoted one year too from Green Bean Casserole to Rolls...yeah thanks.
- November 26, 2007 at 11:30 PM


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Chocolates protected by thick glass... Piles of empty boxes...
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Macarons Bonaparte
Chocolates protected by thick glass... Piles of empty boxes...
38 comments:
- Anonymous8:11 AM
Though this Lauderee is beautiful and the chandelier luscious, have you been to the one on Champs-Elysee? If you reported on it, I missed the post. I love the angels watching over you there while you sip your coffee and have a wonderful treat. The perfect spot for a respite after you walk the "street of dreams."ReplyDelete
Weren't you in photo thief heaven catching all those wonderful shots?
Oh dear. The boxes, the ribbon. Like a siren call. Oh I drooled over the chocolates and ahh the decor, but the boxes and ribbons MORE MORE!!! I know. May be a sickness. :) But I'll hand you the scissors.....and visit you in jail.ReplyDelete
All best, Jan
Quite enjoyed your report, especially as I have heard so much about Laduree but never have been in it myself! So fun to see what it looks like inside! Appears to have much more than I expected (Perfumes (such lovely bottles!) Pretty wrappings!). As you note, even the boxes of chocolates are so lovely! Fun to see the Laduree indoor decor!ReplyDelete
Carol, You get more daring with each visit to Paris and you're getting some cool photos because of it. Good timing on exiting the Tea shop. What an awesome chocolate shop, from the boxes to the ribbons.. not to forget the chocolate to die for... No wonder you go 'photo thief' crazy. ;)ReplyDelete
More More. ;)
- Asuncion ananda9:55 AM
Carol...Next time you´ll better bring with you that Chinesse scissors that can be bent on theirselves and you can carry them, not bigger than a coin. I have ones that my Grand Mama gave me when I was 15.when I am out and need a pair of scissors and I can take that tiny piece of metal out from my bag,unbend it and have a pair of scissors.ReplyDelete
I feel like McGiver ;D
Laduree Bonaparte is one of my must-visits every time in Paris. They serve wonderful ice cream creations and I've always found the service delightful.ReplyDelete
Once I was standing outside and two American ladies were debating whether to go in and sample a macaron. "Maybe." "I don't know." "Perhaps..." Finally I couldn't stand it for another minute and said; "You CANNOT get this close to Laduree's macarons and not taste them. I IMPLORE you to go buy some."
When I go into food-passion-mode like this. my husband gradually edges away, pretending he doesn't know me. But I felt I had a DUTY.
I LOVE PAPER! I LOVE CHOCOLATE! Guess I'll have to go to Laduree one day! :)ReplyDelete
- loveitaly12:59 PM
LOL--Carol, you probably will wind up in striped pajamas one day, (nice pastel stripes) but don't worry, we'll all post bail for you. I still have visions of some security guys in a bunch of buildings watching you on video over and over...they must get a chuckle out of your escapades...great post.ReplyDelete
You know the Pivot Questionairre, where he asks if heaven exists what would you like God to say. I think I would like him to say, we have a Laduree here and there are no calories.ReplyDelete
Wonderful "tea" subject posting this morning Carol ! ! !ReplyDelete
If you would ever land in jail (from sneaking those "in-store" pics, I would plan your prison break by baking all day (including files in cakes) and rescue you in a beautifully painted helicopter in Laudree's colors!
Hugs - thanks again for all the creative work you do!
You know, I may have lost the travel bug (for now) but my love of Paris will never fade. Thanks for reminding me :)ReplyDelete
- jeanette, Mistress of Longears, Raising rabbits against my will since 1987, http://www.flickr.com/ph9:07 PM
OH, my dear, you are so wrong about the stripes. They were banished long ago, and just as well, since, as any devotee of What Not To Wear can tell you, horizontal stripes are a complete fashion no-no, and that, come to think of it may be why the latest in prison garb is the orange jump suit.ReplyDelete
However, I don't really think you need to worry about incarceration. You lack the larceny gene. Proof of that? Finding yourself ALONE and UNOBSERVED and surrounded by CHOCOLATE, did you stuff your pockets and cheeks like Lucy on the production line?
NO! YOU pulled out your CAMERA!
You are a veritable master, heisting all these beautiful images! The first photo of the chandelier, oh my, oh yes, I'll take it. Anytime.ReplyDelete
Oh dear, so much fun following you, tripsy-trapsy, so as not to wake the lions. Yes, get a pair of Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie scissors (must not be yellow), oh, well, maybe better not?
P.S.: Did I mention that the painting is so darn inviting? And my pot of tea is empty. Oh drats!
- Troxelations5:25 PM
I noticed in your posting yesterday the box with the French Bulldog on it.ReplyDelete
I asked about it at the time and it was 25 Euro.
I know it was filled with chocolates, but I just wanted the box and passed on it.
To this day I am sorry about that (especially with what the Euro is priced right now).
Thanks again for making my day.
Ah, yes . . . Laduree chocolates! Some of my favorite in the world, and how delicious that you were able to snap some furtive photos!ReplyDelete
I find the Belgians to be similarly fussy when it comes to photographing their precious chocolates. . . just TRY pulling out a camera at Whitamer!
A friendlier venu is the International Chocolate Salon held each year in San Francisco. Can you tell I'm completely addicted?
I've been known to make a special pilgrimage to the Bay Area just for this one; but ever the bargain-hunter, I stay across the bay in Berkeley for half the price. The rest I spend on chocolate!!
Oh Carol! You naughty, naughty girl you!!ReplyDelete
lol :-D The risks you take for us! I, for one, am truly appreciative :)
- Anonymous5:50 PM
Your photos look great!ReplyDelete
I am very sorry to say that we went to Laduree Bonaparte last week and it was totally disappointing. We were seated and served immediately but then waited for about half an hour to find out that the pastry I had ordered (eclair cafe) was unavailable. We were served with our drinks (my order was messed up and I got an espresso instead of the noisette I ordered). We then waited another 10 mins for our pastries which we thought were average, especially given the high price tag. When it came to leaving we asked for the bill twice, waited some 20 mins and then walked up to the till to try to get someone to give us our bill and take our cash. We were shocked to see that 2 pastries and coffees came to over 20 euros. The table of 3 parisian ladies next to us asked to have their order taken four times with no result.
We enjoyed much better patisseries at Gerard Mulots (not sure on spelling, Rue de Seine, near St Germain markets) and at the Pauls Salon De The on the other side of Blvd St Germain.
I am really hoping that we visited on an off day but I think we will avoid Laduree in the future!
Dear Anonymous,ReplyDelete
I had a similar experience at Laduree Bonaparte and I've heard other stories.
They seem stretched and unable to handle their clientele with grace.
That's why discovering the empty chocolate shop was such a delight after a mediocre restaurant experience.
Dear delightful fun loving Carol:ReplyDelete
The French movie industry can write a screen play about your adventures through the Parisian shops – Amelie delighted us all on the big screen as a precocious muse ---
Your photographs and watercolors delight us daily over and over again with wonderful "eye" candy.
Love it all…

subset: commoncrawl


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Because of this, lining the waterline and tightlining were always something I stayed away from up until a couple years ago. It just seemed dangerous, unnecessary, and gross.
I'm so glad I gave it a shot, practiced, and have discovered some great fool-proof products over the past few years because I absolutely love the results.
So to show you what "tightlining" and lining the waterline really mean, and how to get great results, I figured I'd make a handy dandy little video tutorial.
...One that didn't make it seem dangerous, unnecessary, and gross.
Because I still cringe whenever I see someone else do it.
If you have sensitive eyes and want to try this technique, make sure you stick to the tips I give in the video and choose safe products that are safe for use in that area. Also, maybe just skip the waterline and start with tightlining.
Check out the video below for a description of both and a tutorial/demonstration of these lining techniques.


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The internet's fantastic ability to let you grab content, paste it into another document, make edits and publish it online has made plagiarism a very simple process. Some people plagiarize without even realizing that's what they're doing. To avoid plagiarism you first have to understand its definition, the process of paraphrasing, and what it means to appropriately cite sources.
With these definitions, it is easy to identify plagiarism – it occurs any time someone tries to take credit for someone else's work, thoughts or content.
Plagiarizing is more than just dishonest; it can have serious consequences for students, including failing grades on papers, failing a class and suspension. For adults, the consequences of plagiarizing material can be even more severe. College students can be kicked out of college for plagiarism, and employees who plagiarize content in their jobs are likely to be fired. And the chances of getting caught for plagiarism is increasing as teachers leverage search tools specifically designed to check content for plagiarized pieces.
you're researching content for an assignment but fail to copy the URLs of the websites you visited, citing your sources – or remembering that a piece of content is actually a quote that needs to be in quotation marks – can be difficult to do. So start by diligently copying all the information about the source before you leverage any of the content.
Next, decide whether you want to use the content as is – which requires citing your sources – or if you want to paraphrase the content.
Paraphrasing requires that you stay true to the intent of the ideas in the original content but that you use your own words to describe those ideas, concepts or thoughts. Changing a few words, or moving sentences around isn't paraphrasing – it's plagiarism. Changing the intent of what the author wrote isn't paraphrasing, it's just inaccurate.
Remember: Paraphrasing does not remove the requirement to cite your sources at the end of your paper.
The easiest way to avoid plagiarism is by being honest and giving credit where credit is due. If you didn't come up with the idea, write the quote, take the picture, draw the image or create the graphic, don't pretend that you did.
We live in an age where virtually all learning, thoughts and ideas are built upon the work of others in some way. By citing your sources you show respect for the content creator and their work, and your own original content will be stronger as a result.


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Going back two weeks ago, it looked as if the Wolverines weren't going to be having the season they had hoped for.
Going back two weeks ago, it looked as if the Wolverines weren't going to be having the season they had hoped for. When they travelled to the Westwood Basketball Tournament two weeks ago, they were sort of lacking in the win column to say the least; however, there was one thing they weren't lacking—determination.
Senior guard Chance Felkins racked up 30 points at the Westwood Tournament to lead the Wolverines in scoring, and he also hijacked nine steals and 15 rebounds. However, he wasn't the only one with big numbers. Nathan Callaway trailed right behind him with 27 points for the weekend, while Juan Castaneda brought in 26 points. Castaneda also grabbed an impressive 38 rebounds at the tournament, while Matt Chandler snatched 22 boards along with 19 points in the three-day tournament. On the other hand, the boys with the big numbers can give thanks to their junior guard, Blaine Roles, who led the team in assists. Roles also picked up 13 points at the Westwood Tournament. Greyson Milburn added 17 points with 14 rebounds and Brendin Milbrath scored 14 points of his own. The Wolverines out scored their opponents 155-97 at the Westwood Tournament.
The Wolverines carried the momentum into this past weekend in front of the Wolverines' fans by winning their own tournament.
The Eagles from Princeton High School didn't stand a chance against a vicious Wolverine defense. The Wolverines allowed Princeton to score only 20 points in the first three quarters—and only five points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Juan Castaneda led the pack of Wolverine scorers with 14 points, but Andrew Perez was right behind him with 12 points. Nathan Callaway put up 11 points, including the only 3-pointer in the game. Chance Felkins notched 10 points and swiped five steals. Castaneda grabbed eight rebounds, while Ryan James had six. The Wolverines ripped the Eagles apart by a final score of 62-34.
The Wolverines' next victim—the Williams Yellowjackets—appeared to have a little more fight in them than Princeton did, but Biggs was able to hold them off late in the game. The game went back and forth for the first three quarters, and Williams was up 48-41 at the beginning of the 4th. But the Wolverines were determined to keep their four-game winning streak alive—and they did just that. Biggs put up 20 points in the last quarter of play, yet only allowed Williams to put up nine points. Matt Chandler led the Wolverines with 12 points, while Nathan Callaway put up 11 points and had seven assists. Chance Felkins recorded 10 points, and Juan Castaneda scored eight points and eight rebounds. Blaine Roles had seven points, and Andrew Perez had six points and seven boards.
In a rematch from the Westwood Tournament Championship game, the Wolverines this time hosted the Lumberjacks of Westwood High School. Unfortunately, the game ended pretty much the same way—that is for the Lumberjacks. The Wolverines won the Championship game over Westwood behind Andrew Perez's 14 points. Nathan Callaway put up 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals and earned himself the title of the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Juan Castaneda also made the all-tournament team. Castaneda scored nine points, grabbed 11 boards, and four steals in the championship victory over Westwood.
Since going into the Westwood Tournament on December 6, the Biggs Boys' Basketball team has put together a six-game winning streak, and they have improved from 1-4 on the season to 7-4.
The Wolverines gave the Westwood Lumberjacks another rematch on Monday of this week, but scores were not available at the time of submission. Please check out The Gridley Herald Facebook page for update local sports scores!


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On 1-4-1952 Vincent Bollore (nickname: Vincent ) was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. The economist is in 2018 famous for Chairman and CEO, Bolloré. Vincent Bollore's starsign is Aries and he is now 66 years of age.
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Possessions, fortune & earningsCurrently no houses listed on Taddlr
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Body Measurements & HealthThis cool friendly talented economist originating from Boulogne-Billancourt, France has a thin body & round face type.
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|No, never Read: 20 Celebrities you did not expect to be smokers
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Gossip, Rumors & Social MediaDoes Vincent Bollore have official Social Media profiles?
Discuss the latest gossip and rumors (Plastic surgery, Scandals etc) and post the latest photo's and video's of Vincent Bollore here:
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On Taddlr you can find the 2018 girlfriend, wife, lover or kids of celebs. Also info about the ancestry and origin, age, height, weight, hair style, diet, fitness routine & tips or whether he smokes (cigarettes or weed) or has a tattoo. And read about his net worth, salary, house and car. Has a couple broken up or gotten a divorce? Or does someone earn more salary this year? Sometimes we are forced to speculate. (June 10, 2015)


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Would that big, bad JPMorgan Chase trade have violated the Volcker Rule?
It's too soon to say, despite the fact that the rule is part of a two-year-old law.
The Volcker Rule bans deposit-taking banks from making speculative bets. But it allows banks to make investments to hedge risks.
Whether the JPMorgan trade counts as a hedge gone horribly wrong (and therefore kosher under Volcker), or as a speculative bet (and therefore prohibited) depends in part on the details of how the rule is written.
And those details have yet to be finalized.
The rule was included in the Dodd-Frank act, the big financial-reform bill that Congress passed in 2010. It was a few pages long in the statute.
The proposed details of how the rule will be implemented run to hundreds of pages. Five different regulatory agencies are collaborating. And the banks are weighing in with their own, extensive comments.
This long, slow implementation isn't unusual at all. It's entirely typical. Dodd-Frank called for hundreds of new rules; only 27 percent of those have been finalized, according to this recent report (PDF).
The details of the Volcker Rule are likely to be finalized later this year. But the regulators recently said banks will have until 2014 to comply fully with the final rule — four years after Dodd-Frank was passed, and six years after the financial crisis.
Next, let's try to explain a financial rule we've constantly mentioned on the air lately, but that not all of us understand. In fact, even federal regulators do not yet seem to fully agree on the meaning of the Volcker Rule, but it's been suggested that if that rule had been in place, it might've been harder for JP Morgan Chase to lose more than $2 billion with a single trading strategy, something that's been revealed in recent days.
Jacob Goldstein of NPR's Planet Money team joined us from New York to talk about it. Hi, Jacob.
JACOB GOLDSTEIN, BYLINE: Hi, Steve.
INSKEEP: Would you remind us what the Volcker Rule is or is supposed to be?
GOLDSTEIN: Well, sure. So, it's named for Paul Volcker. He's a former chairman of the Federal Reserve. And after the financial crisis, Paul Volcker was going around, pushing what sounds like a pretty simple idea: that is, banks that take deposits from ordinary people, banks whose deposits are insured by the federal government, they should not be allowed to make speculative bets in the market.
And the jargon for this is that you've probably heard is: Banks should not be allowed to engage in proprietary trading.
INSKEEP: Just to be clear on this, if I put my money in the bank, in a savings account, the bank is going to send it back out the door in an investment. But the idea here is that it should be a nice, reasonably safe loan to somebody. It shouldn't be the Wall Street equivalent of a casino bet.
GOLDSTEIN: Yeah. That's a great explanation of sort of the simple version of the idea. And the Volcker Rule, it was passed as part of that big Dodd-Frank act a few years ago, the big finance overhaul. But like a lot of other things in Dodd-Frank, over time, the Volcker Rule has gotten a lot more complicated.
There's one wrinkle in particular that's really important in the context of the whole JP Morgan thing, and that is there's part of the rule that says banks are allowed to hedge their risks. And this is where it gets really gray. Banks may be allowed to hedge risks against their entire portfolio.
So it's not just that they can hedge specific loans or even specific bundles of loans. They can try to hedge, basically, against their entire business. And JP Morgan, it's a huge, global bank. You know, so JP Morgan's entire business, that includes this huge swath of the world economy.
So you could imagine JP Morgan being able to argue that almost any trade is actually a hedge against something or other, against its whole business.
INSKEEP: So - based on what we know, anyway - would this trade that has cost JP Morgan more than, it seems, $2 billion actually have violated the Volcker Rule?
GOLDSTEIN: Well, let's start with what JP Moran says. They say, not surprisingly, this trade was a hedge. They say it was badly executed. They say it was sloppy. They even say it violated the bank's own principles of risk, but they say it was a hedge, which suggests - you know, according to them, anyways - it would not have violated the rule.
INSKEEP: OK, they say that. What do the federal regulators say?
GOLDSTEIN: Well, so we heard this week from the SEC that they're looking into it. But, you know, the real bottom-line question here, yes or no, would this have violated the rule, we have not heard an answer to that yet. And a big part of the reason we haven't heard an answer to that yet is this rule actually doesn't exist yet in final form.
The original law, Dodd-Frank, it really just had a rough outline for the Volcker Rule. The regulators are supposed to fill in the details, and they're still working on that.
INSKEEP: I wonder if the problem here gets back to the beginning. In the end, a bank is going to take my money and risk it somewhere, and they are just pushing and pushing and demanding the fullest freedom to risk it in the way that they want to do, the way that they think is best.
GOLDSTEIN: That's certainly true. The banks have been pushing back on not just the Volcker Rule, but on a lot of elements of Dodd-Frank. I do think, though, it's worth pointing out just how long this is taking. You know, it's been almost two years since Dodd-Frank was passed. It's been four years since the financial crisis. And this long implementation, this is not unique to the Volcker Rule. This is, in fact, typical of Dodd-Frank. Most of the rules in this bill, they are still not in place, and it's really taking a long time.
INSKEEP: Upside, at least, Jacob, you've got several more years of employment trying to explain all of this to us.
GOLDSTEIN: The more complicated it gets, the better it is for me.
INSKEEP: Jacob Goldstein of NPR's Planet Money team. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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There have been so many new products in the biscuit, cookies and cereal bars category recently its been hard to keep up with the pace and give them their ChocolateMission reviews. Here are a few products that I have trying out recently, that haven't quite made it on to my 'SNACK OF THE WEEK' weekend shout outs. The reviews are short and sharp so be sure to leave your own thoughts on them.
Kcal 71 Fat 3.3g Fat(sats) 1.8g Carbs 9.5g (per cookie)
To my knowledge, Oreo Double Stuff are currently available in Tesco & Asda where you can buy 185.0g packs for £1.30. As you can probably tell from the name, these are simply your standard Oreo cookies with twice the amount of 'stuff' (vanilla flavour creme!) sandwiched in the middle. These have been a long time coming to the UK, but Kraft have finally obliged, and by my ruling they are very welcome. The additional creme may not do much for the taste, but the beefed out creme does provide a little more moistness to the very dry biscuits, and it does make them seem like a more satisfying product compared to the originals. The only problem you guys might have with these, is that like myself you may find yourself never being able to look at the original Oreos in quite the same way - they just look a little meagre now I'm used to these.
8.3 out of 10
Kcal 126 Fat 4.3g Fat(sats) 1.3g Carbs 19.4g (per bar)
The Mcvitie's Hobnobs Medley range was first featured on the site back in July 2010 - See HERE when I reviewed the chocolate & raisin variant in the range. Although this peanut variant was released at that very same time, the distribution of it was rather low, and it was only recently that Tesco stores actually started carrying this part of the line. Described as 'biscuit & cereal bar with peanuts & milk chocolate chips', I was excited that this variant might be more to my liking than my previous raisin experience. The packaging certainly looked a bit more suitable for Hobnobs with the use of the orange colouring to indicate the peanut flavour, though I was a little disappointed to find it was hard to pick out the peanuts aesthetically when looking at the real thing. Essentially these turned out to be nice enough cereal bars, however they struggled with the same issues that the raisin variant did with the influence of both the biscuit and peanut contents lacking cut through against the syrupy oat base. As I said, nice enough, but couldn't of been better with a greater presence of chocolate and peanuts.
7.3 out of 10
Kcal 65 Fat 3.1g Fat(sats) 1.6g Carbs 8.6g (per biscuit)
Perhaps I was being a little presumptuous, but when I saw the press release from Fox's about the launch of his Amber range, but I was expecting them to be positioned as a premium tier offering to their usual 'Chunky' cookies. You can imagine I was relatively surprised then when I saw the entire line on a £1.00 deal in Tesco - a much cheaper option than the 2 for £2.50 deal running across the 'Chunky' cookies. Looking at both packaging and presentation of all three Ambers variants there was very little disparity, though it was the Praline flavour that caught my eye. Billed as 'golden honeycomb biscuit, baked with praline and dipped in chocolate' I thought these sounded like they had great promise stepping in to a 'praline' territory not ventured in to often by the likes of McVitie's etc. Unfortunately when it came to the tale of the taste, the praline element didn't come through strongly - a blind taste test on some colleagues totally proved this when they failed to register nut content of any sort. The taste was dominated by a strong golden syrup influence, with the oat and milk chocolate very much secondary players in the background. The taste was resultingly very, very sweet - too much so in my honest opinion. These weren't bad biscuits, but they didn't deliver the praline experience either promised or desired.
6.8 out of 10
Kcal 495 Fat 24.7g Fat(sats) 14.5g Carbs 59.7g (per 100.0g)
After a few demoralising product reviews from M&S recently I have been a little less willing to check out their confectionery range, though these chocolate coated pretzels did catch my eye when I saw them instore. At first it was the rather ghastly green colour of the packaging that got my attention, however the premise of chocolate pretzels encouraged me enough to part with £1.49 for a bag. The whole area of chocolate covered salted snacks is a massively untapped area of the market here UK what with Nestle Flipz being a sore loss from our shelves a very long time ago. I thought this presented M&S with a real opportunity to offer something different here, but unfortunately they didn't quite manage to deliver the product I had in mind. Cutting the long story short, these pretzels were coated in a thin layer of no better than average, sweet tasting milk rooted sugary chocolate. The potential of the savoury pretzels was unfortunately not taken full advantage of - they were neither flavoursome or salty enough to really deliver the contrast of flavours that these needed to give - if anything they just tasted like rather bland biscuits. These could have been so much better and I wish they were - a real opportunity missed out on by M&S here.
5.8 out of 10
Kcal 131 Fat 6.8g Fat(sats) 4.0g Carbs 15.9g (per bar)
Unlike most of the others featured today, these Fox's Classic Originals weren't so much a new product, but more the case of an existing product being added to the shelves of one of my local stores. Indeed, coinciding with the rest of the latest shelf update, these 'milk chocolate covered cream filled honeycomb biscuit bars' popped up in my local Tesco. A £1.00 expenditure bought me a multipack of seven bars - just about enough for me to dish out to the people sitting round me at work. As you can hopefully see from the photos, the standard of packaging and overall presentation was really rather standard - the cream poking out between the biscuit pieces was at least somewhat appealing. General consensus when it came to taste test was one of disappointment, with no fewer than 5 out of 7 saying they wouldn't buy again (myself included!). The main point of issue with these chocolate biscuit bars were that the terrible milk chocolate meant they were ridiculously sugary tasting, and both the biscuit and cream elements added little or nothing to experience. These were fundamentally bland tasting sugary biscuits - I wouldn't recommend.
5.4 out of 10


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Both Immaculata squads fall on the road; Saint Mary men close out regular season with win while USM women do the opposite
A defensive adjustment changed the course of the Immaculata boys' basketball team's game at ACCHS Monday, at least according to its head coach.
"They switched to a 1-3-1 zone on us and after scoring on it the first time down, we struggled against it," Imac coach Mike Connelly said. "They were aggressive, had some nice steals and I believe that was the difference in the ball game."
The contest was close for much of the first three quarters. At half, the Raiders trailed just 21-16.
But in the third, the home team's defensive switch shifted everything towards their favor and Imac couldn't keep up.
Connor Schmidling led the visitors in scoring with 16 points while Sean Murray added seven and Connor Goetz piled on four.
Immaculata, 6-13, will host KC Christian at 7 p.m. tonight in its regular season finale.
Third quarter drought drains Lady Raiders
It was an upset in the making for the Immaculata ladies Thursday.
On the road at ACCHS, the Lady Raiders' basketball team held a 21-19 halftime advantage. But then a scoreless third quarter, one where its hosts recorded 18 points, doomed everything.
Imac went on to score just five second-half points and lost 45-26.
"It's almost like you wish there wasn't a halftime," Imac coach Terry Jordan said. "We were able to make enough passes to run the clock and then hit shots in that first quarter.
"Mary Kate (Wolken) and Georgia (Lynn Dean) worked their butts off, as did all of them. We just can't have a zero-point quarter."
The Lady Raiders, 5-14, will host its regular season finale tonight at 6 p.m. against KC Christian.
Spires finish how they began
Nearly three months ago, the University of Saint Mary men's basketball team began conference play.
Just over 20 games later and a 16-2 record, the Spires concluded its Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference season the way it began — with a win.
On Saturday, USM took out visiting Southwestern College 86-74 to put the finishing touches on its first league championship since 2001.
Saint Mary now sits at 22-7 and will open the 2012-13 KCAC Men's Basketball Championship by hosting McPherson at 7 p.m. Wednesday. If victorious, the No. 1 seeded Spires will host the winner of Bethany versus Friends Saturday at 2 p.m.
USM women wrap up 2012-13
For the sixth-straight game, the Saint Mary women's basketball team suffered defeat.
Hosting Southwestern College Saturday, the Lady Spires finished its 2012-13 season with an 86-54 loss.
USM concluded the regular season 2-16 in the KCAC, 8-22 overall, and failed to earn a birth in the conference tournament.


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- Feb 22:
- Lafayette tea shop owner sues city over recreational marijuana moratorium
- Nov 15:
- Denver joins Boulder in dropping prosecution of limited pot possession
- Nov 14:
- Boulder DA dismissing small-scale marijuana possession cases in light of Amendment 64
- Nov 7:
- Boulder-area police debate how to handle marijuana in light of conflicting laws
- Amendment 64 could shake up medical marijuana industry
- Despite Amendment 64, CU-Boulder still plans to snuff 4/20 smoke-out
GREELEY -- Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck announced Thursday that he will continue to prosecute people already charged with possessing marijuana, even though voters approved its legalization by passing Amendment 64 last week.
"Our office has an obligation to prosecute offenses that were crimes at the time they occurred. Accordingly, we will not be dismissing existing marijuana possession cases. But more importantly, our office prosecutes low-level possession cases to get drug users help with their addictions. That practice will continue until state law changes," Buck said in a press release.
On Wednesday, Boulder County District Attorney said he will dismiss all pending cases in which someone is charged with possessing less than an ounce of marijuana. He said it was unlikely, in light of Boulder County voters' strong support of the amendment, that a jury would convict anyone of possession.
In Boulder County, the measure passed with 66.1 percent of the vote. In Weld County, it passed with 50.3 percent of the vote.


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Monday, October 8, 2007
"Inside NEXTEL Cup" Has A Heartbeat After All
The boys were back in town for SPEED as Inside NEXTEL Cup took to the air on Monday night. Host Dave Despain looked across the panel and found his original 2007 line-up of Kenny Schrader, Michael Waltrip, and Greg Biffle.
Last week, after one of the INC panelists finally won a race, he did not appear on the show. Greg Biffle had a family function to attend, and he flew to the west coast. In the same vein, Schrader was involved in a controversial wreck, and was not on the show due to previous obligations. So, this week the panel was back at full strength.
The obvious theme of this show was that all three panelists had raced, and crashed, at Talladega. Both Schrader and Waltrip were victims of tire failure, and Biffle was involved in a crash. Dave Despain was happy to let the guys talk, and this is the magic of this show.
Biffle was clearly going to be in for some good-natured ribbing about his conflicting statements on the final lap at Kansas. Needless to say, this came up very quickly with Waltrip asking "are you still sticking to that story?" Biffle was tongue-tied, but managed to point the finger at NASCAR, who Biffle said inspected the car and found fuel. Waltrip and Schrader were absolutely not buying it.
Once the race highlights began, the panel had a tough time explaining the Talladega happenings because everything was brand new. The first COT event, the first time for drafting in that car, and the first time for creating a new dynamic for staying safe. It seems that a lot of different race philosophies were being used with varied degrees of success. Waltrip's point was that he had to run up front or the fans would think he had another bad car.
Rarely has SPEED ventured out and taken a poke at the ESPN on ABC gang, but in this show the poking was aimed at Rusty Wallace and his brand new "Draft Lock." Completely tongue-in-cheek, Despain said he had not heard that term before. Unfortunately, it appeared that none of the panelists had watched the ABC telecast, and Despain's attempt at humor fell flat.
The DEI/RCR engine woes were up next, but the panel never discussed the issue. Despain alluded to the fact that Rick Hendrick had referenced another RCR multiple engine failure on the Victory Lane show, but the panel never helped viewers to understand what had actually happened. Light oil, bad parts, and high RPM's had all been suggested in the media. Despain needed to pin this down, but he chose to move along to keep things on time.
Ryan Newman running over Dale Earnhardt Junior's jack in the pits as a result of an inattentive crew member got the panel going. After all the tension of the weekend, once again the laughter was loud and the one-liners were flying on the show. Brian Vickers was once again used as a source of humor for his earlier comments on the program.
The panel's review of "the big one" was brief, and that was due in-part to the fact that no one really understood what happened to Bobby Labonte's car to start the wreck. Schrader's tire failure was next, and it was clear that he was upset to drop out of the top thirty-five in points.
Petty's accident triggered a good discussion about safety and the COT. Schrader was up-front about his belief that we had not seen the COT really put to a bad high-speed accident yet. Biffle made the good point that the trunk lid of the COT was actually opened and torn-off by the force of sliding backward.
Michael Waltrip's accident review resulted in a good explanation of the strength of the COT cars, and continued the issue of why so many tires were going flat on a track that is usually cleaned very well after a caution period. No one had an answer, which was one theme of this show about the COT on a superspeedway.
The last lap move of Gordon was celebrated, but the overall boring racing with no passing was avoided like the plague. The review of the final results was interesting, and always yields facts and opinions not heard on other racing TV programs. Its clear that this panel has a lot of information that Despain just does not have the "NASCAR chops" to bring out.
The embarrassing qualifying session at Talladega was disputed by Waltrip. He stuck by his contention that he had "changed nothing" on his car. The panel was split about the qualifying vs. race trim issue, and the impound procedure. Waltrip did back-up his statement by spending a lot of time at the front of the pack, further adding to the new COT legacy.
Finally, Greg Biffle had been trying to keep something under-the-radar, but Despain and Schrader would not allow it. Pushed as to why he would be absent from the show next week, Biffle shyly admitted that he would be getting married. Asked Schrader "were you not going to bring it up?"
Longtime fans of the show were all too happy to watch the final segment collapse into chaos as it so often had before. Schrader was harassing Biffle, Mikey was trying for sponsor plugs, and Despain was trying to wrap things up. Now, this was a lot more like the INC we know and love. Maybe this series has a heartbeat for a 2008 season after all.
The Daly Planet welcomes comments from readers. Simply click on the COMMENTS button below, or email email@example.com if you wish not to be published. Thanks again for taking the time to stop-by and leave your opinion.
36 comments:
- Anonymous said...
I liked this show, it was both funny and informative. I'm like schrader and and Mikey, I don't believe biffel about the feul.
What about the news on rockingham I didn't know it had been sold. You think they'll fix it up and we'll have two NC races in a nascar series preety soon, I hope so.
Your're right the end of the show was classic INC.
- October 8, 2007 at 10:23 PM
- SophiaZ123 said...
LOVED tonights show!! I loved the opening tease and the show just seemed good from the get go. I ain't buying Sniffles story either...that boy is a terrible liar! Ha.
The story about crew guys standing around or sweeping in pit road. . .
Mikey almost spoiling the "surprise" party for Biffel's brother in Washington state last week. . .
I wonder if Despain would've brought up Rusty's name even if he DID know? When somebody brought up ESPN in an email read on Wind Tunnel, Dave just said something about the racing partners or something like that, in RESPONSE and did not use those 4 letters again. Have we ever heard ESPN on any other SPEED show?
Anyway, tonight was fun. I hope they bring Vickers next week and replay the guy in Jr's pit box..."now that guy deserves to get run over" LMAO. Mikey had fun with that quote from V. :-)
- October 8, 2007 at 10:37 PM
- Anonymous said...
Great line about qualifying looking the B-Main line up;) Schrader deadpans "not funny." Everyone is back in fine form...
- October 8, 2007 at 11:03 PM
- mant2003 said...
I thought the show was good but not their best. I love the fact that Biffel is really sticking to his guns about the fuel. Yea let nascar take the heat. What was the whole Elliot Saddler thing about with Michael? Did I miss something? Does Saddler really think Michael wrecked him on purpose?
- October 8, 2007 at 11:16 PM
- Anonymous said...
Dave said "Draft Lock".... and someone here said Dave does not watch the broadcast.
- October 9, 2007 at 12:19 AM
- BA said...
Very good show. Dave was surprised he had to go to a commercial shows he was having a good time.
Mikey saying Biff's car was ugly and Biff's expression. Classic.
- October 9, 2007 at 1:14 AM
- SophiaZ123 said...
I forgot about Mikey saying Bif's car was ugly, LMAO!
Greg's expression was PRICELESS.
- October 9, 2007 at 1:21 AM
- Anonymous said...
The Draft Lock bit was mentioned a lot in the race thread over on the Speedtv.com boards ...
Elliott Sadler said during his post-wreck interview with Glen Jarrett ... "I don't want to talk bad about your brother's (DJ) employer, but he (Mikey) was driving like an idiot ..." ... Elliott did not know at the time that Mikey had gotten a flat tire ... But if you watched Mikey closely enough, you would've seen him taking things 3-4 wide at times as well as cutting in & out and chopping people off ... All of which could've caused a lot of problems ... Right before Jr blew up, Mikey was taking it 4-wide ...
Depsain did say that Vickers would be in next week for Biffle who's finally gonna make a honest woman out of Nicole ...
Biffle & the fuel/being on the apron -- The pick-up in the fuel tank is on the right side of the car ... When the cars are running at race speed on a track with banking, the centrifugal force pushes the gas up to the right side to the fuel pick-up ... Driving on the apron gets the fuel to the pick-up when you're low on fuel ...
Another case of MRN filling in the blanks that the boys on INC miss ...
- October 9, 2007 at 1:54 AM
- Bill H said...
There were a number of one-liners on INC that made me laugh, Despain's "First Draft Lock, now Frogger" in response to Mikey saying the racing was like the video game Frogger and then explaining the moving around with his hands and making video game sounds. The panel discussing Jeff's win and when Despain was wraping it up Mikey said "That kids gonna be great someday" talking about Jeff Gordon. Overall an interesting show. Also Mikey calling Biffles car ugly, and Greg agreed with him.
I didn't know that Biffle has never finished a Dega race, you think that would be one of the those things they would mention in the race. It's not like Biffle is field filler.
- October 9, 2007 at 6:13 AM
- Anonymous said...
The fun was back!
Biffle was on the hot seat.
All three guys ran.
Mikey didn't have to be embarrassed about not making the race.
Enjoyable show.
- October 9, 2007 at 7:34 AM
- Anonymous said...
Great show, very light-hearted, funny and factual. Biffle is clicking with the group and can handle the other two. Loved the clips of the race, and the pit stops. All the guys on the panel have chosen very stressful careers, granted they make good money, but to be able to laugh at yourself is priceless.
- October 9, 2007 at 8:53 AM
- Anonymous said...
The only thing that I did not like was the typical "toeing the line" from Waltrip, as he said that the race was exciting,that there was nothing wrong with the pack falling into line in the back, and Jeff and Jimmie hanging around in the back for 490 laps was great. Every post and/or article on the web related to the race and/or broadcast stated that it was boring.Even the drivers, including(gasp!) Dale Jr. said it was boring. Ryan Newman said he drove for 15 laps with one hand, Jeff Gordon said he yawned in the race car, and that he never did that before. What race was Mikey in? It's true that if Despain lets the panel talk and be themselves, (or is it the producer?),then the show actually shines. It also helps when the entire panel is in the race. I still like the idea of having a guest on "the hot seat" each week. If they brought that back, and actually had top drivers,i.e. Gordon, Johnson, Earnhardt,Stewart,etc., then the panel could take the show to the next level. Can you imagine Shrader grilling Stewart about his temper? And you know he would.That would be priceless......
- October 9, 2007 at 10:05 AM
- Anonymous said...
Not "every" post said it was boring, and in fact, I thought it ws very interesting to watch the packs shift around.
Boring for drivers does not equal boring for viewers.
Why do people get so upset when a driver agrees with NASCAR?
- October 9, 2007 at 10:21 AM
- Anonymous said...
You think they'll fix it up and we'll have two NC races in a nascar series preety soon, I hope so.
No chance.
Racing, yes.
NASCAR Cup races (or even Nationwide or Truck), no way.
- October 9, 2007 at 10:23 AM
- Anonymous said...
Thought it was funny that Mikey said he thought all races were exciting. Was kissing NASCAR's a$$ part of his penalities? Glad he finally saved up enough money to buy socks. What is the latest on Mikey and Ty's investigation into who caused the problem in Daytona?
- October 9, 2007 at 10:34 AM
- Bobb said...
blog said:
Rarely has SPEED ventured out and taken a poke at the ESPN on ABC gang, but in this show the poking was aimed at Rusty Wallace and his brand new "Draft Lock." Completely tongue-in-cheek, Despain said he had not heard that term before. Unfortunately, it appeared that none of the panelists had watched the ABC telecast, and Despain's attempt at humor fell flat.
I disagree - I was laughing by butt off - it was an obvious dead-pan line that may have been rehearsed. Despain asking if anyone ever heard of draft lock and all three almost in unison shaking their heads and saying not me - uh-uh - No. Sorry John you didn't get it. Then later with the frogger draft-lock reference. That sealed it. It was pre-planned. The best jokes are the least obvious.
- October 9, 2007 at 10:52 AM
- Anonymous said...
What is the latest on Mikey and Ty's investigation into who caused the problem in Daytona?
If you actually cared, you'd know he said they'd fired several people they found responsible.
But you don't care, you're just try to be a jerk.
And it's working. You are.
- October 9, 2007 at 11:30 AM
- Anonymous said...
Regarding "Draft Lock". Mikey slipped in something like "tell me who said it and I'll tell you"...(couldn't hear the rest). I think no one wanted to blast Rusty by name. Also, no mention of Mikey giving COT a "10", which most would conclude was him kissing up t0 NASCAR. However, Biff said if they fix the problem seeing out the front window he would give it a "12". (Jeff G on WT also was very positive about it, saying NASCAR was conservative, which probably was a good thing and next time should be back to 3 wide racing). Oh, last thing about boring. I watched the race live for the first time in years (Tivo) because we got an HD TV...hated the commercials, but I liked the race, because I like all the strategy. In the end, every race, no matter the track has it's "boring" time.
- October 9, 2007 at 11:36 AM
- Anonymous said...
Yup. GREAT show! It seems like they're going out of their way to be loose. And yet they're actually being loose while trying! ;-)
Keep it up boys! I'm back in the groove and WANT to watch this show again!
- October 9, 2007 at 12:35 PM
- GinaV24 said...
I watched the show for the first time in a long time based on last 2 week's columns saying things were looking up. I enjoyed the show so if they can keep up this level of fun -- even though they did avoid all controversy as always and Mikey's constant sucking up to NASCAR is still irritating, at least it was better fun than it has been. Good job!
- October 9, 2007 at 12:55 PM
- Anonymous said...
I loved it when the Bif even agreed that his car was ugly. I had to laugh when MW said the single file racing at Tally was exciting, he really does kiss Nascars butt. Go snoogs!!
- October 9, 2007 at 1:19 PM
- Anonymous said...
I didn't watch the show last night but I'm glad to read that things are back to normal on INC. The wisecracks and silliness are mainly why I've watched the show in the past. It's the one gauranteed thing that I know will make me laugh a lot after coming home from work on Monday.
Providing it stays the same, I'll make it a habit to watch it for the rest of the season.
- October 9, 2007 at 1:54 PM
- Deborah said...
It's kind of humorous to me that some are criticizing Michael for saying that the racing at Talladega wasn't boring - didn't anyone notice how Michael was racing up front for a large part of this race and even led a number of laps? Of course that's not going to be boring for him considering the way the rest of his season has gone! But in general, I think that the drivers have a very different perspective on the racing than fans do at home. Those of us who watch at home only see what the TV broadcast chooses to show us, which may not paint a complete picture of what's going on in each race for every team and driver.
Also, what if Michael genuinely agrees with the decisions that Nascar makes? Is he supposed to not say what he thinks because it's not what the fans want to hear? Sometimes it seems as if some fans are only open to hearing anti-Nascar opinions that they agree with but the reality is that it's possible for there to be pro-Nascar opinions that are valid too. I want to hear opinions and view points from all sides whether I agree with that opinion or not. Beyond that Michael has been known to question Nascar such as on last week's INC in relation to the way things unfolded at the end of the race, and on his XM show in relation to the way Nascar handled things when Carl Edwards car was found to be too low.
As for last night's show, I thought it was one of the best ones all season. There was a lot of joking around and good discussion - more more interesting and entertaining than it's been for a while. The look on Greg's face when they were talking about the ugliness of his car was hysterical!
- October 9, 2007 at 4:01 PM
- JHD said...
Deborah, at least for me, the problem with Michael's constant NASCAR cheerleading has to do with the fact that no matter how outrageous, inconsistent or just downright weird the decision is, Michael will agree and say it's great for the sport. Even when it directly contradicts something he agreed with the previous week.
I understand wanting to be supportive of the sport that provides your paycheck, but sometimes he goes overboard, and I think that's what irritates people more than anything.
- October 9, 2007 at 5:16 PM
- Anonymous said...
I wish the show would go back to its original lineup. I don't care for Dave, I liked Allen Bestwick better as the host (I really liked Johnny Benson but I understand letting him go because he is not racing Cup at the moment.) Love Mikey and Kenny. they are great!
- October 9, 2007 at 6:04 PM
- Anonymous said...
the problem with Michael's constant NASCAR cheerleading has to do with the fact that no matter how outrageous, inconsistent or just downright weird the decision is, Michael will agree and say it's great for the sport.
But he doesn't do it constantly. He does speak critically about NASCAR.
- October 9, 2007 at 6:10 PM
- Lisa Hogan said...
Well said.
- October 9, 2007 at 6:11 PM
- Anonymous said...
I thought the "draft lock" thing was perfect whether it was rehearsed or not. Rusty (or ESPN) was trying to sell the lock as some kind of commonly used term and it was clear none of the drivers had ever heard it before.
- October 9, 2007 at 6:34 PM
- Kathy said...
I look forward to this show every week...it's like sitting with the guys after the race and seeing it from their perspective without all the hype of the post-race interviews. I love their "inside" jokes...keep them coming.
Rusty Wallace is probably a fine guy, but I get really tired of hearing his overuse of terms like "aero-loose" and his new "draft-lock"! And the comment at the beginning of the race that the go or go homers at the front were "inexperienced" and likely to cause a pile up that could take out some of the 35 cars behind them was just plain uninformed...Mikey, Dale, and Joe are "inexperienced"...give me a break.
Those chasers are not going to admit they had to work during the race...they'd rather pretend that it was oh-so-boring and they could drive with one hand on the wheel because they are so "cool"...sorry, I don't believe it.
- October 9, 2007 at 7:11 PM
- Busch Series Fan! said...
The one thing I noticed about last night's show was that the group seemed to talk over each other and it was hard to understand them.
- October 9, 2007 at 7:37 PM
- Anonymous said...
cant stand waltrip
- October 9, 2007 at 10:46 PM
- sean424 said...
I'm really not so sure Despain was actually poking fun at the draft lock thing as much as he didn't really understand it, nor have any idea what it was about. He is absolutely the wrong host for this show... I wish they'd get someone who actually cares about/enjoys/follows NASCAR. He just comes off as being completely ignorant the majority of the time.
- October 10, 2007 at 1:07 AM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
I agree with you. I don't think they are slick enough to deal with group jokes and Despain is not into the NASCAR scene. In much the same way that Suzy Kolber was placed on NASCAR Countdown, Despain was placed on INC.
- October 10, 2007 at 9:52 AM
- AndyPandy said...
If I were the King of the World, IndyCar and Champ Car would finally get back together, and Despain and his buddy Robin Miller would have IOW (Inside Open Wheel) on SPEED, leaving INC and all other NASCAR shows for NASCAR professionals.
ESPN and NASCAR would negotiate an end to their contract and the Worldwide Leader would cover high-tech Indy racing with their high-tech broadcasting gimmickry.
Truck and Nationwide series races and all series qualifying and practices would be shown on SPEED. FOX would split the Sprint Cup races with the CW (an over-the air network with no conflicting NFL contract). The FOX announcers would cover the whole season with occasional fill-ins (Bestwick, Petty, Dale Jarrett, Wally) to give Mike, Larry and Darrell a break for a couple a races each.
And Wendy would have her own show on SPEED. It's good to be the King.
- October 10, 2007 at 2:46 PM
- Daly Planet Editor said...
Great post...I am still laughing. All hail the king.
- October 11, 2007 at 7:13 PM
- Anonymous said...
All I can say is...Finally they are beginning to loosen up again. I have hated that the producers tried to change INC to be more of the same annoying life and death drama, stick and ball schtick that other sports commentary shows shove down your throat. Somehow I guess they felt that this would legitimize racing as a main stream sport. But who for, the stick and ball media?
More than once I this year I have thought "thank god for Schrader, at least he still remembers that its racing stupid, its supposed to be fun". Hope the boys can keep it going, and bring the show all the way back to its former self, a light hearted look at a sport we love.
Now if they'd only bring back the hot seat...
- October 12, 2007 at 1:19 PM


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