"Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings"

I am taking some time away from the blog, which will return to its "normal" schedule on January 7, from Detroit's International Auto Show. I wish a Merry Christmas to all who believe in the Christian tradition, and a sincere Seasons Greetings for all who follow other traditions. May all of you spend some quality time with family, friends, soulmates and sweethearts...and may we remember the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coasties who protect us, so we can enjoy our holidays.

Vanilla vs. Jalapeno (Jimmie Johnson v. Curtis "Pops" Turner)

The new Nextel Cup Champion is, and appears to be, well spoken and has few, if any, rough edges...which is exactly what the spinmeisters at NASCAR want.

What would they do if their champion was like the late, lamented Curtis Turner? Ol' Pops was a hard drinking hell raiser, with ooodles of charm. (sorta also like one Tim Richmond, IIRC).

Props to Johnson, Chad Knaus, and all the crew who 'manned up' when Knaus was exiled for the first four races--that performance set the stage for the championship.