Flippin' Santa the Bird
Chicago has a certain amount of tourism that goes on (particularly in my part of town). Often a motor coach full of dumb struck tourists fights its way through the downtown traffic until it finds whatever landmark or shopping mecca it’s looking for and then parks itself in the right line of the street – usually blocking a CTA stop – so that it’s inhabitants can shuffle off onto the sidewalk. Often the busses are hired from the middle of nowhere, driven by someone not familiar with Chicago’s downtown traffic, and filled with 80 year old Christmas shoppers.
You can imagine a coach full of elderly shoppers and how long such a disembarkment might take. Typically you’ll have at least one CTA bus and a bakers dozen of cabs honking and swearing.
Last night as I was walking to Water Tower to buy a new coat I saw many of these motor coaches. One of them nearly hit me and had no apparent concern for the pedestrians who had the right of way. You can imagine my reaction, but before I could muster up a verbal assault that might shame the driver and any passengers who might have otherwise taken his side … I got a good look at the driver … it was Santa.
The driver was all decked out in a full Santa suit and beard … and he cheerfully waved at me as he drove by.
Brilliant.
Just Brilliant.
Who is gonna flip off Santa!? This guy had the ultimate anti-road-rage solution. Santa.
Naturally my concise but stinging evaluation of his understanding of traffic laws died in my throat … and I almost – ALMOST – waved back at the endearing symbol of Christmas.
Brilliant.
Now, if you are Doug or Jana – having seen the coats I was thinking about buying – you will be wondering which coat I purchased. And this might make for a fun little guessing game. You can make your guess as a comment on this blog:
Which coat do you think I purchased?
- The stylish one
- The warm one
- neither … I found one somewhere in the middle ground.
David Meade ... Indianapolis based vlogger, geek, rock star, ham radio operator, protector of innocents, defender of the weak, and role model to millions of children everywhere.
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Doug
30 Nov, 2004
You should have waved.
Now you’ll get nothing for Christmas.
As for the coats…
You got the stylish one.
Audra
30 Nov, 2004
Before I comment on the actual blog, I need to place my vote for which coat. Knowing you as I do, there is no question……you went with the stylish one! (no brainer).
NOW back to the story, that is too funny! The driver was actually dressed as Santa? I just can’t get over that! I am not sure what I would have done, but the way I have been feeling lately, I think I would have flipped him off (Santa or no Santa). Then I would have stressed out about it!
FORGET IT! I change my mind, I would have waved!
David
30 Nov, 2004
It has come to my attention that some of you are reading the blog but not commenting. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!
If I’m going to take flack for not blogging then you have to comment. Blogging is a two way street.
2 votes so far for the stylish coat.
Kevin
30 Nov, 2004
Wow, I gotta believe that due to past history, that comment was directed at me.
Sorry Dave, only had time to read that time. Do you have a camera in my office or something??? Jeesh.
I’m gonna have to go with the stylish one as well. I’m guessing you’d take looks over warmth every day of the week. However, you may change your mind mid-january.
We’re gonna want a picture of the answer by the way.
David
30 Nov, 2004
Actually, Kevin, I was trying to shame someone else into posting *cough*Todd*cough* but I’m glad my rant brought you out of the shadows as well.
Doug
1 Dec, 2004
This coat thing should be a poll.
That way we can continue to mock this Todd character without ignoring the underlying issue.
Todd
1 Dec, 2004
Well, not really but since I sit next to David, I KNOW what kind of coat he bought. So for a mere $5 (or a drink at our next outing) I’ll give clues to the coat OR for $5.01 I’ll flat out tell you. Cheap, ain’t I? Please make checks payable to “Rat out David”. And like a bad cockroach, now that you’ve seen me once, you’ll pray to never see me again. If only you could be so lucky.
- The man with the info.
Audra
1 Dec, 2004
Todd, I think this is the first time you have commented on David’s website. I am very proud of you and happy too because your comment was quite amusing!
So am I on the money with the jacket? Did he go with the stylish one?