Man in the Pink Flannel Suit

That's City of Carbondale Business Development Manager Jeremy Hayes developing business in the hot pink suit of the "unnamed(?) Carbondale Pig Out mascot. Did I mention "hot"? The photo at right was snapped by inserting the camera into the snout of the pig's head to give you a snouts-eye-view of Jeremy promoting business in downtown Carbondale.

Bonus tongue-twister: Say "snout shot" quickly 3x.

The snout shot is one of my proudest as a photo-journalist. (Who knows? It could be picked for a Nostrildamus Prize for sniffing out the news.)

Apples 59, Pigs 9

This past weekend was full of things to do, Bloggy. Events in eight venues spread hither and yon: the Murphysboro Apple Festival, the Carbondale Pig Out, the Southern Stampede in Duquoin, the SIU Tailgate Party, the Football game, the (well-attended) Shrimp Fest in Golconda, a secret basketball workout at the Arena, and big dance in the country.

The Apple Festival was better than ever this year. For a few days, the capital of Jackson County was transformed into a small Missouri town with a parade, rides, food, music and apples -- the whole she-bang, although the theme for some reason was "Wonderful World of Sports." Meanwhile, in Carbondale, Pig Out offered more than just barbecue, booze and bands to a smaller throng (that's throng, Bloggy). There were activities for children too. But Pig Out also had the Saluki Football Tailgate party and football game to compete with, so . . . not as many people heard the fantastic strains of Big Larry, Chicken Foot Gumbo, Cajun Stomp or the wonderful musical acts on stage as might have otherwise. But the Woodbox Gang show that night was rockin', so I hear, and people from the football game got in free with their ticket stubs after the game which the Salukis won 59-9.

Meanwhile, the Dance in the Bluff was calling. (click here for more links)