Airport Food

So, I just returned from a family wedding in Houston. Great time and we're in the Houston airport where every TV had the Houston Texans doing their best against the Chicago Bears when suddenly, for no apparent reason, all of the airport TVs switched to the New England - Buffalo game. The thought of switching away from the local team's broadcast would never fly in Indianapolis. Babys would cry...well you get the idea. So, Mrs. General Tom, son (Lt. Daniel) and I decide to try some airport food. I see that Barry's was selling pizza for $4.50 a slice. Being basically well, cheap...I passed on the pizza. After all, I've had the best pizza and I'm sure that Barry's is at least OK...but $4.50? Naw. So we went next door to Papadeaux.
It looked a bit pretentious, but what the hell. Delicious. Yeah, more than $4.50, but worth every penny. Fast service, quite busy but real good. One of the reasons for dinning out is to enjoy food that you wouldn't normally find at home - that was it at Papadeaux.
It was one of the very few places at the airport that was not understaffed. Note to Southwest curbside baggage in St. Louis: If you make me wait in line for more than 5 minutes, your place is understaffed...especially when I've got to catch a plane.

Friday Foto - Kristin Chenoweth

This week, I'm going to class it up a bit. Theis feature is loaded with marginally talented women who may have one or two (usually two) cosmetic advantages over the common female of the species. This week, I present Kristin Chenoweth! A Tony Award winning actress and a singer who can actually sing! Really, she's a very good singer, a rather good actress and, if she had to be, a good looking model. As usual, click the picture to get the "full effect."

Have a nice weekend!

NFL Picks - Week 17

Last week was dismal. I only picked 7 winners out of 16 games. This puts my season mark at 141 & 98. I blame the teams more than I blame my own ability to assess and select (and guess).
Here we go, Week 17!

st. louis at ATLANTA
CHICAGO at houston
nj giants at MINNESOTA
CAROLINA at new orleans
cleveland at PITTSBURGH
oakland at TAMPA BAY
tennessee at INDIANAPOLIS
detroit at GREEN BAY
NEW ENGLAND at buffalo
kansas city at CINCINNATI

jacksonville at BALTIMORE
miami at NJ JETS
seattle at ARIZONA
WASHINGTON at san francisco
dallas at PHILADELPHIA

denver at SAN DIEGO

General Tom's Christmas Message

For the four previous Christmases I hadn't offered a Christmas message. I've been thinking about this and I think I'll do it this year. You know for the past few weeks, Andy Williams has been reminding us that this is "...the most wonder-ful time of the year..." Well, in may respects, he's dead wrong. The weather in this neck of the woods is lousey. The retail car business, especially this year, is horrible. People with money are afraid to spend it. People without money - well, it seems that there are more of them than ever! What could make this the most wonderful time of the year is that I think we appreciate each other a little more at Christmastime than we normally do. This probably dates back to when we were greedy little snot noses looking for the Christmas loot. It's funny how things naturally evolve. This morning I heard a commercial on the radio about the perfect Christmas gift. What was it? I don't remember. I do know that it was something that my wife, Mrs. General Tom, would not appreciate. That's too bad, because it's the day before Christmas and I haven't started shopping for her.
I've had some wonderful Christmases and some so-so Christmases. The best Christmas that I ever had was when I was alone, far from home. I got to appreciate the warmth of my upbringing. To me, that's what Christmas is all about. Sure, there's the religious significance, but the appreciation for who you are and what you have and who you have to share it with.
So, I end with sincere wishes for a Merry Christmas with hopes that your team manages to win this week.

Illinois Lego Set

Just in time for Christmas! Lego offers us a chance to enjoy their usual creative possibilities coupled with current events! Hurry! This unique set is bound to sell out quickly!

Friday Photo - Leryn Franco

This week's Friday Foto is by special request. It's Leryn Franco. Leryn threw the javelin for the 2008 Paraguay Olympic Team.
We actually have two pictures for you. One is with Leryn at work and the other has her, er...resting.
In either case, click the picture for a better look!
Have a nice weekend!

Study: Kids Watching Less TV

What's more hip to today's kids than TV? Well, for Millennials (14-25 year olds) it's video games, music and the Internet with only 10.5 hours of TV in a week. This is a lot less than it used to be. Three complete football games take more than the 10.5 hours.Generation X (26-42 year olds) watch 15.1 hours of TV per week. Baby Boomers (43-61) watch 19.2 hours and Matures (62-75) watch 21.5 hours.
The study was done by Deloitte and paid for, ultimately, by YOU.
General's conclusion: Kids don't have the patience to watch an hour long TV show, much less a 2 or 3 hour TV movie. Their attention span is more suited to a 4 minute song. Instead of watching TV, they'd rather surf through pics of Britney & Lindsey or play video games. I don't see how any of this could beat a good football game, a cheap, cold beer (or two), and anchovies on crackers!

NFL Picks - Week 16

Another milestone. I just noticed that this is my 599th post to this blog! A person could kill the better part of a day muddling through this crap!
On to the NFL picks! I heard from my account and after going 12 out of 16 last week, my season total is 134 and 89. If you know any of the big shots at ESPN - you might bring this to their attention...
Here are this week's picks:

INDIANAPOLIS at jacksonville

baltimore at DALLAS

cincinnati at CLEVELAND
PITTSBURGH at tennessee
san diego at TAMPA BAY
NEW ORLEANS at detroit
arizona at NEW ENGLAND
MIAMI at kansas city
san francisco at SAINT LOUIS

BUFFALO at denver
NJ JETS at seattle
HOUSTON at oakland
atlanta at MINNESOTA
PHILADELPHIA at washngton

carolina at NJ GIANTS

green bay at CHICAGO

Obama: Time's Person Of The Year

Surprised? Time Magazine has picked Barrack Obama as it's 2008 Person Of The Year. Time says, "In one of the craziest elections in American history, he overcame a lack of experience, a funny name, two candidates who are political institutions and the racial divide to become the 44th president of the United States."

The runners up? Quite a collection:
U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Chinese director Zhang Yimou.

Adolph Cake Controversy

It is not illegal to be stupid. Maybe it should be. There's a couple in New Jersey. They're married and have three kids. Heath & Deborah Campbell's 3 year old boy was having a little birthday party, last Sunday. They ordered a birthday cake from the local ShopRite Supermarket with the child's name on it. The kid's name is Adolph Hitler Campbell. The supermarket refused to do it and, folks, we have a national story! The story has some interesting sidelights. Remember, this couple has two other kids. They are both girls. Are you ready for their names? JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell.
The ShopRite justified themselves, saying, "We reserve the right not to print anything on the cake that we deem to be inappropriate....We considered this inappropriate." The Campbells had similar requests denied at the same store the last two years and said Heath Campbell previously had asked for a swastika to be included in the decoration.
The Campbells ultimately got their cake decorated at a Wal-Mart in nearby Pennsylvania.
Somebody should give daddy, Heath, a history book for his birthday.

NEW Illinois State Christmas Song!

This is pretty funny if you live in Illinois and are familiar with the hoods who run our state government. If I were still in radio, I could see myself recording this song - maybe with a chipmonk voice...

To the tune of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Get packin¹, Rod Blagojevich
The state¹s in disarray
The Tribune wants you unemployed
At least by Christmas Day.
The TV pundits want your head
Could there be pay to play?
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Save Illinois!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.
Good riddance Rod Blagojevich
Your Elvis look¹s inane,
The Senate¹s mad, so¹s Lisa¹s dad.
You drive us all insane.
Our transit¹s broke, the state¹s a joke, The Tollway¹s one big pain.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Save Illinois!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.
Good luck old Rod Blagojevich
The feds have quite a place.
Fitzgerald¹s poked his nose around
And if he has a case,
George Ryan¹s moving stuff around
Creating extra space.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
Save Illinois!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.

Jennifer Aniston

This is the January 2009 GQ Cover that everybody's talking about. The more I look at the picture, the more I think they should have used it on a photography magazine. Not to take anything away from Jennifer, but...with the proper photo editor, they could make me look like the next James Bond!
Nice little picture Jennifer. keep up the good work!

Bush Shoed In Iraq

You've probably heard about this by now. President Bush on Sunday was giving a news conference during his surprise trip to Iraq. With him was Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. An Iraqi TV reporter called visiting U.S. President George W. Bush a "dog" (in Arabic) and threw his shoes at him. Click to see the video! Iraqi security officers and U.S. secret service agents leaped at the man and dragged him struggling and screaming out of the room.
Since no one was hurt, the initial reaction might be that this is kinda funny. Well, let's remember that this happened in a foreign country. The shoe throwing was meant to be an insult. The reporter was upset at the (Iraqi) death toll since the invasion began. He's being hailed as a hero by many in Iraq.
What do you think would have happened if he had thrown a shoe at Saddam?
It's becoming more and more apparent to me that if Iraq did not have oil, we wouldn't give a rat's ass about them.

Friday Foto - Denise Milani

Another Friday, another Friday Foto.
This week, it's an old personal friend of mine, Denise Milani.
This is where I tell you something about Denise. Are you reading this? Probably not. If you are reading this, you should probably know that if you click on Denise's picture, it will get larger!

Have a nice weekend.

New From "Congressional Motors!"

This is the kind of stuff I'd like to write. From the European Desk of General Tom's Blog, we present this following possible look into the future...

It's in the way you dress. The way you boogie down. The way you sign your unemployment check. You're a man who likes to do things your own way. And on those special odd-numbered Saturdays when driving is permitted, you want it in your car. It's that special feeling of a zero-emissions wind at your back and a road ahead meandering with possibilities. The kind of feeling you get behind the wheel of the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition from Congressional Motors.
All new for 2012, the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition is the mandatory American car so advanced it took $100 billion and an entire Congress to design it. We started with same reliable 7-way hybrid ethanol-biodeisel-electric-clean coal-wind-solar-pedal power plant behind the base model Pelosi, but packed it with extra oomph and the sassy styling pizazz that tells the world that 1974 Detroit is back again -- with a vengeance.
We've subsidized the features you want and taxed away the rest. With its advanced Al Gore-designed V-3 under the hood pumping out 22.5 thumping, carbon-neutral ponies of Detroit muscle, you'll never be late for the Disco or the Day Labor Shelter. Engage the pedal drive or strap on the optional jumbo mizzenmast, and the GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition easily exceeds 2016 CAFE mileage standards. At an estimated 268 MPG, that's a savings of nearly $1800 per week in fuel cost over the 2011 Pelosi.
Even with increased performance we didn't skimp on safety. With 11-point passenger racing harnesses, 15-way airbags, and mandatory hockey helmet, you'll have the security knowing that you could survive a 45 MPH collision even if the GTxi SS/Rt were capable of that kind of illegal speed.
But the changes don't stop there. Sporty mag-style hubcaps and an all-new aggressive wedge shape designed by CM's Chief Stylist Ted Kennedy slices through the wind like an omnibus spending bill. It even features an airtight undercarriage to keep you and a passenger afloat up to 15 minutes -- even in the choppy waters of a Cape Cod inlet. Available a rainbow of color choices to match any wardrobe, from Harvest Avocado to French Mustard.
Inside, a luxurious all-velour interior designed by Barney Frank features thoughtful appointments like in-dash condom dispenser and detachable vibrating shift knob. A special high capacity hatchback holds up to 300 aluminum cans, meaning fewer trips to the redemption center. And the standard 3 speaker Fairness ActoPhonic FM low-band sound system means you'll never miss a segment of NPR again.
Best of all, the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt is made right here in the U.S.A. by fully card-checked unionized workers and Detroit's famous visionary jet-set managers. Even if you don't own one, you can enjoy the patriotic satisfaction that you're supporting the high wages, good benefits, and generous political donations that are once again making the American car industry the envy of the world.
But why not buy one anyway? With an MSRP starting at only $629,999.99, it's affordable too. Don't forget to ask about dealer incentives, rebates, tax credits, and wealth redistribution plans for customers from dozens of qualifying special interest groups. Plus easy-pay financing programs from Fannie Mae.
So take the bus to your local CM dealer today and find out why the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition is the only car endorsed by President Barack Obama. One test drive will convince you that you'd choose it over the import brands. Even if they were still legal.
The preceding was a guest post by Darcey at dustmybroom.com. Thanks, Benny.

O.C. Gives 'em Hell

I know a little bit about radio advertising, more recently car dealership advertising. O.C. Welch owns a Ford dealership in Hardeeville, South Carolina, near Savannah, GA. His recent radio ad campaign raises three points. Two of these points are valid. You can chalk the third one up to frustration. He says that politicians are good for two things, slinging mud and spending money. He also says (in his radio ads)that when you buy a Toyota and send your money to Japan, don't be surprised if you lose your job and can't make your Toyota car payment - don't come "Cryin' to me!" His point, here, is that the automobile industry impacts the American economy more than most of us realize. Then he makes a mistake by saying that the imports don't smell like new cars because they are "rice ready" - not "road ready." Asian Americans are not amused.
My personal opinion is that no bail out will ever help a company that is not selling its products as they should. Put the blame on management. They are the ones who could not or would not overcome their companies' problems.

My mother was right! I should have been a doctor!

NFL Picks - Week 15

Hey, I had a good week, last week, picking 11 winners out of 16 games! This puts my season total at 113 & 85, unofficially. I say "unofficially" because I have a real, live CPA tracking my NFL picks! Some things in life are that important!

Here goes.....week 15:

new orleans at CHICAGO

tampa bay at ATLANTA
san francisco at MIAMI
SEATTLE at saint louis
buffalo at NY JETS
SAN DIEGO at kansas city
WASHINGTON at cincinnati
TENNESSEE at houston
green bay at JACKSONVILLE
detroit at INDIANAPOLIS
minnesota at ARIZONA
PITTSBURGH at baltimore
denver at CAROLINA
NEW ENGLAND at oakland

NY GIANTS at dallas

cleveland at PHILADELPHIA

Teaching Math: 1958 vs 2008

I know that I'll never be able to use all that I learned in school. There is something to say for knowing things simply for the sake of knowing things - you know, like when you're watching Jeopardy or trying to do a crossword puzzle. I've noticed that teaching methods have changed over the years. Friend Benny Brown pointed this out to me...
1. Teaching Math In 1958:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is 4/5 of the price.
What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1968
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80.
What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1978
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80.
Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1988
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80 & his profit is $20.
Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1998
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he
is selfish & inconsiderate & cares nothing for the
habitat of animals or the preservation of our wood-
lands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20.
What do you think of this way of making a living?
Topic for class participation after answering the
question: How did the birds & squirrels feel as the
logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong
answers, & if you feel like crying, it's okay).

6. Teaching Math In 2008
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100.
El costo de la producciones es $80.
Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

Thanks, Benny

Senator Fran Drescher?

When you think of it...it's really not that far fetched. Fran Drescher, The Nanny, says she wants to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. In real life, she's a good person - working with charitable organizations. She already has money, so she won't be prone to the temptation that high office brings. And that voice - in the U.S. Senate!

Hey Fran, if it doesn't work out for you in New York, I hear there's a Senate seat open, here, in Illinois!

Will CC say Si Si?

CC Sabathia is considering a contract with the NY Yankees for $160 Million over 7 years! That's $22,857,000 a year for 7 years. I bet his agent is going nuts!

Is he worth the money? Before you answer, consider his post-season performances - the Yanks are interested in going after all the marbles! He holds a lifetime postseason record of 1 win and 3 losses in 5 games. He has pitched a total of 25 postseason innings, giving up 22 earned runs resulting in a dishonorable 7.92 ERA. In those 25 innings he also walked 22 batters while striking out 24. His most recent postseason start was his worst yet, giving up 5 runs in only 3.2 innings.

I predict that he will sign with the Yankees. The economy in the South Bronx must be pretty good!

NFL Layoffs!

Something is seriously wrong, here.
The National Football League says it is being affected by the economic recession. Today they announced that they will lay off 14% of their staff. That amounts to 150 jobs.

This move should not be confused with the individual NFL franchises...you know...the guys who charge $8 for a beer.

Blagojevich Arrested (Finally!)

They say that things come in 3's. You know, celebrity deaths and sometimes other things, like...maybe..famous people getting arrested. I predicted this, privately to my wife, last Sunday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, has been taken into custody on criminal charges, a federal law enforcement official said on Tuesday.

The official, who declined to be identified, said the charges brought in Chicago have yet to be made public. Blagojevich has been the subject of a federal corruption investigation.

The three? Plaxico Burress, O.J. Simpson & Blagojevich!

Physicians Comment On Bail Out...

We all have our own opinions about government bailing out private industry. Here's a brief sampling of the medical community on the subject...
Allergists voted to scratch it.
Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it.
Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
The Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
The Pathologists yelled, 'Over my dead body!'
Pediatricians said, 'Oh, grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness.
Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow.
Plastic Surgeons said, 'This puts a whole new face on the matter.
Podiatrists thought it was a step forward.
Urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water.

Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas.
Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists left the decision up to some a**holes in Washington.

Monday Message - New US Naval Ships

USS REAGAN
Seeing it next to the Arizona Memorial really puts its size into perspective... ENORMOUS!


USS BILL CLINTON
The USS William Jefferson Clinton (CVS1) set sail today from its home port of Vancouver , BC.
The ship is the first of its kind in the Navy and is a standing legacy to President Bill Clinton for his foresight in military budget cuts' and his conduct while holding the (formerly dignified) office of President.


USS Barack Obama