A New Champion Crowned

The annual Southeast Central Ohio Invitational Pancake Tournament was held on Friday, December 26, 2008 under ominous signs. The sighting of a raven bode ill for the prior two-time champion, Bunkerman. A broken outdoor thermometer also portended the breaking of a streak.

Bunkerman was defending his title on the challenger's home field, aka kitchen. The local supermarket were more than adequate for his improvisational skills to let him prepare a fine entry, viz., chocolate almond pancakes made with whipping cream, sour cream, and an admixture of graham cracker crumbs with a base of Hungry Jack pancake mix. The pancakes, fried perfectly in olive oil and topped with butter and pure maple syrup had a fine delicate favor which enticed the judges to sing paeans of praise.

Then Big Al stepped up to the stove. [FYI, Big Al is a non-posting reader.] His entry evinced weeks of preparation and experimentation. The batter used the identical Hungry Jack base, adding the secret ingredient - cinnamon chips - and chopped apple bits. His cooking skill was superb. The pancakes were perfectly round and browned. But then he used his finely honed culinary skills to create a perfect presentation with a topping of apple slices, confectioners sugar and caramel drips. The final effect was pleasing to the eyes, reminiscent of fine French cuisine. The flavor was superb and the texture and mouth feel were excellent.

The discussion among the judges was cautious. Bunkerman's pancakes were deemed champion quality by all. But those of Big Al were awarded the first place by a unanimous decision, including the vote of the gracious Bunkerman. Big Al accepted the prestigious title of SEC-Ohio Pancake Champion with humility, looking at his shoe laces as he spoke a few words of thanks to the judges.

Bunkerman is planning his comeback ...

Markets

GMAC getting TARP money to convert to a bank and resume auto lending.

Trouble in Gaza .. is that news ?

The Obama Fund may deploy cash soon. A stock list will be posted tomorrow.

Word of the Day

"Eschaton" - noun [$10]
Eschaton means the final things in the order of time.
Sentence: The defeat of Bunkerman in the SEC-Ohio Pancake Tournament altered the eschaton, disturbing the currents of life everywhere. Will the Universe ever return to normalcy ?