The Gilliam Blog - All the Blog While Its Blog

Scott discussing energy policy with former President Clinton....also debating grass vs. astroturf

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!

AP-Bill Clinton entertaining his "money men" in Union City during a recent visit.

WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- I must say that I am simply appalled at Lisa's poo-pooing the idea of driving a mini- van and as the proud owner of no less than 6 mini- vans and the current owner of 2 such amazing vehicles and the Russ Gilliam's who also have been proud owners of several such modes of this transportation and at the present time no less than 3 of these lovely and functional haulers of children and all their paraphanelia grace their driveway, we two families at this very moment are gathering baby items provided by the Russ'es which will be hauled to Knoxville by me in my aforementioned mini-van thereby reminding me of the old adage that "Thou shalt not bite that feeds thee." WHEW!

Minivan Of Our Future?

The impending growth of our family has caused Lisa and I to evaluate our transportation priorities for the future. As you know, we have driven our 10-year old vehicles into virtual submission like a badge of honor. But we realize its time to investigate more reliable, more practical rides. This has been especially difficult for Lisa who has driven a convertible for all but two years of our 15 years of marriage. She willfully consented earlier in the year to buy - and drive - a Ford Taurus, the poster child of utilititarian company cars . . . but she has nixed a proposal to purchase a second Taurus of the station wagon variety, leaving me to search for other, less expensive options.

So far she has adamantly vetoed my lobbying for a Minivan, laughing off the mere mention of the word Caravan. Her derision gets even worse when I plead the case of her father-in-law and brother-in-law being avowed Minivan owners and aren't above driving this mode of transportation!

But with all marriages come compromise and our friends from Dodge may bring reconciliation to our vehicular brouhaha in the form of a:

Convertible Minivan!

The concept automobile that may become reality in the next couple of years is called the Kahuna. This overstyled Minivan with room for six has maple laminate, Country Squire-like accents along the side panels - evoking a sense of the 1970s. The roof is a silver/gray water resistant canvas that is see-through. The retractable top extends the entire length of the minivan.

Surely, the Kahuna's open-air design and the Hawaiian motif will appeal to Lisa's"inner wild", while providing the practicality, space, and storage capacity that this future soccer mom will need.

Goodbye Old Friend: A bittersweet look at Busch Stadium, old and new.

Russ, By the looks of this picture I guess our Busch Stadium seats are coming our way.

Pro football's most famous address - 1265 Lombardi Avenue - Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers, has been sold out since 1960. The waiting list for season tickets is 68,000.

The soon-to-be-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field 

First opened in 1957, Lambeau Field underwent a massive renovation in 2002-2003 to include restaurant, entertainment, and meeting facilities making it a year-round destination. Tours are conducted up to 12 times a day.

Captain Nick at the helm . . . with his first mate in tow

Nick on the high seas of Melton Hill Lake.

Nick: "Yeah, Mike go ahead and take your picture while I check out the babe in the boat passing by." 

Don't talk with your mouth full!

We conclude with a Trivia Question about Nick's Cow Mug that was handed down by his mother: The mug came from the Smoky Mountain Pancake House (circa 1973), one of only two pancake houses in Pigeon Forge at the time. Can you name the other Forge pancake house back in the day?

Even the most impatient shopper can have fun registering for gifts at Babies R Us with this handy Scan Gun. Suddenly, a visit to the store becomes a hunting expedition where everything is fair game -- even your wife's derriere.

I have learned though it is not proper store etiquette to stick the scanner in your wife's stomach and say "Jack Ruby".

SSSAAALLLLUUUUUTTTTEEEE!!!!!!

Riding the elephant into the Carson and Barnes Circus Tent

Can you find the farm?

A USAir flight from Knoxville to Charlotte provides a great view of Sevier County and the Smokies. Above, follow old and new Middle Creek Road from near the intersection of Middle Creek and Ridge Road (at the bottom) up to the Dollywood parking lot (at the top). Click on the picture to enlarge.

Suddenly, and without warning, I felt drawn to a Dodge Caravan . . .