Sunday, March 27, 2005

Cozy Dogs and Route 66 The Cozy Dog is a Springfield institution, invented there in 1946 by Ed Waldmire, a longtime friend of my family. Today the Cozy Dog lives all over the world, known variously as "corn dog" or "pogo" up in Canada or "dippy dog" down in Australia. The only authentic version is in Springfield, where members of the Waldmire family still operate the original stand at 2935 South Sixth Street. The Waldmires support many preservation projects, especially concerning historic Route 66. Bob Waldmire, a talented graphic artist, has made hand-drawn maps of Route 66 that are available on his website. Proceeds from sales support his travels and the publicity he brings to this great American highway. 1:00:36 AM    comment []

Illini in the Final Four Everyone who is following the NUMBER ONE basketball team in the nation knows this news, but Illinois beat Arizona tonight in a thrilla-dilla: they were down 15 points with 4 minutes to go, tied the game at the end of regulation time, and went on to win the OT by one point, 90-89. If you missed the game, ESPN has a recap and the lordly New York Times even has to admit that Illinois has earned its bragging rights at last. They call Illinois "the most lightly regarded Number 1 team" ever, but that's just because New York can never believe anything happens west of the Hudson River. Go Illini! 12:49:35 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2005 William Howarth. Last update: 4/26/05; 8:35:39 PM.