Thursday miscellanea #491

• Clemson played a near-perfect championship game Monday night, and I think the evidence for institutional excellence is strong. They will be formidable for the foreseeable future. In the game’s aftermath, many writers and fans seemed incapable of having this thought without also saying Alabama’s run had come to an end. Uh, no. That’s ridiculous. Whether it has or hasn’t is no more determinable right now than in the week following the Alabama loss in the championship game for the 2016 season, or the 2014 semifinal loss. How did those work out? (Hint: Alabama won the national title each of the following years.) A solid, high-profile loss is just the thing to recharge Coach Saban in terrifying ways.
• Speaking of football and former great Alabama antagonists, I might own a white Les Miles KU cap before I own any Trash Pandas gear. That strikes me as a good fit, and I’ll look forward to seeing what he can do there.
• Sears has pulled one more gasp out of its hat. The decision on the latest $5 billion (up from $4.4 billion) offer from chairman Eddie Lampert to save the company should come Monday.
• You know who’s a fun and stimulating follow on Twitter? Richard Marx. He’s opinionated and occasionally vulgar, but also smart and funny.
• Cecil Ashburn Road has just closed for the year for widening and improvements. This cuts off one of the primary accesses for Anaheim Chili—one of my favorite area restaurants. Scott is concerned about business drop-off. Please get by there when you can (via Bailey Cove or Four Mile Post). It’s a fantastic place. Even if chili isn’t your thing, they have some of the best burgers and appetizers in town.
• Speaking of chili, I’ve been out of the high-quality cumin, Mexican oregano, and chili powder I usually use and have made a couple of batches with grocery store spices. Monday night’s was my first pot back with the good stuff, and the difference is dramatic. I don’t need to let myself run out again. I recommend Mild Bill’s as a good shop for such.
• January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and tomorrow (January 11) is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I’ll be on WTKI with Fred for morning drive-time. Wear blue tomorrow, take a selfie, and tag yourself with #WearBlue on social media. Come to First Baptist Madison Wednesday next week to build your human trafficking awareness. Shine the light!

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