Scattershooting / 2020 Will Be Here Before We Know It

Ready for more Scattershooting? I am. Halloween is over and we've all put away our candy (back in the pantry if not in our stomachs ), and now comes turkey time in these great United States. The fall season is most definitely upon us, but it also leads to another big thing. Read on.

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In just a couple of months from right now (as of this post entry), our check-writing will take on a different look as, instead of changing one digit in our repertoire, we now have to change two. The year 2020 is almost here, bringing with it new excitement and energy. What will folks be expecting from this new decade-to-come? What identity, if any, will it have? Nobody really knows until it gets here, as history will be made somewhere.

As for the year itself, we'll have plenty to juggle.

My twenty-year work anniversary will occur in 2020. Various highway projects in Texas will be completed, while others begin. The Texas Rangers will start play in a new yard just a few steps away from the old one, but this one will feature a retractable roof. Radio deejay Phlash Phelps of 60s on 6 will be celebrating twenty years at that channel as he reminisces about how satellite radio began. The XFL will relaunch its schedule next winter, albeit with a format far different than its predecessor did and offering an alternate to the controversy-riddled NFL. America's economy is crazy good going in to yet another presidential campaign. And my Texas Longhorns should be way better than they were for this year's contest, as they should once again battle the tough Oklahoma Sooners for Big 12 supremacy, and, quite possibly, bigger things.

You're probably asking, "Where did the old year go? Where has it gone?" Seems like The Masters at Augusta was yesterday. Just looking forward, though, to the next one.

2020 should be looked at as year of destiny. We should appreciate the now, but we anticipate great things, no matter how fast it comes.

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A favorite Tex-Mex dining spot of mine, as well as my family, had been El Fenix. It was one of many Mexican food restaurants started by the famed Martinez family, but in recent years, had been bought out by the folks who ran El Chico (which now has shuttered nearly every one of its own Dallas-area locations). El Fenix has had two closures near me, one in Lewisville (just a mere few days ago) and another in Grapevine. Rats! Guess this writer will have to drive to Denton for a taste of nostalgia, but the competition in Dallas-Fort Worth for Tex-Mex tastes is decidedly fierce.

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Did anyone really expect the home team not to win one single game of this year's World Series? Houston's Astros had the perfect situation and home field advantage and, despite their history against their given competition (the Washington Nationals), seemed destined to win it all in front of their home fans.

It was not to be. This is now referred to as the Heartbreak World Series. But can you imagine if the Astros had stormed back after finding their offensive mojo after the Nats' Howie Kendrick spoiled the Game 7 party? Imagine this, an Astros walk-off home run in the ninth from George Springer or a huge comeback in the eighth to set up, say, Roberto Osuna for a dramatic, but climactic ninth?

Didn't happen. Oh, well. Maybe next year. Actually, Houston already is heavily favored by Las Vegas oddsmakers, but the club has to get busy retooling and reloading.

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I still like Yogi Berra's philosophy of life: "If you see a fork in the road, take it...."

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Things are really bubbling over when a 108-year-old lady reveals the secret of her long life.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/10...cret-long-life

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Remember those old Andy Griffith commercials for Ritz Crackers way back in the day?

Hypothetical: Let's imagine Andy Griffith with these words: "Ya hungry? Then how about some roadkill on a crisp Ritz cracker?"

Now, that might have made for some pretty good eating and even better television. You just never know.

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Postcards from Frisco (Texas) ISD's Fine Arts division: This has been another banner year for Frisco's ten high school marching bands, with all achieving first division ratings at the regional University Interscholastic League marching contest last month. At last week's Area contest, seven of them have made it through preliminaries and into the finals. Of those, three of them progressed to the upcoming State contest in San Antonio, which is this coming Tuesday.

Congratulations are in order for Lebanon Trail, Lone Star, and Wakeland high schools for their achievements. And Wakeland was expected to advance, having done so every eligible year since the school opened thirteen years ago. Yes, it's a tradition.

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Let's get cheesy with this next link. A cheesemaker from Oregon has plenty to cheer about.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyl...-much-it-costs

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One thing the sports media must never, ever do is ask pitchers questions about his future when the World Series just ended twenty minutes earlier............with his team losing. Yes, that's what happened with the Astros' Gerrit Cole after his team just lost to the Washington Nationals. He had to walk back his comment about being unemployed by the Astros and did take time later to thank the ballclub, the fans, and the city for their great support during his playing time there.

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And more baseball, as the new ballpark for the Texas Rangers has finally released its seating chart for Globe Life Field.

Check it out here: https://www.eventticketscenter.com/g...g-chart/3649/f

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Looking for some ideas for Thanksgiving beyond what your home state does? Feast your eyes (Pardon me....) with this link....

https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/thanksgiving-recipes

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Marilyn Monroe's memory hasn't really escaped a lot of people. Her personal items are still out there, waiting for some curious takers....

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyl...-sell-for-800k

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Another one bites the dust in the political world. Beto O'Rourke has decided to drop out of next year's presidential race. Good! He was not going to make it as a U.S. Senator, and he certainly won't cut it as President. His goal really was not bent to serving any of us in the first place. On the following YouTube video, President Donald Trump summed it up best when describing O'Rogue's decision to drop out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7hyAbG2z5w

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If the National Hockey League considered another American city for expansion (after Seattle enters the league in 2021), it should go to Houston. Why not? I've got the perfect name for the franchise. That name should be the Houston Apollos. Given that city's space theme and reputation, it ought to be a natural; plus, it'd be a great potential rivalry with the Dallas Stars. This has to happen soon. Besides, Quebec City has already had their day in the sun.

Otherwise, don't rule out possible relocation ideas from others teeting near or over the edge. Phoenix and Carolina, reportedly, are looking.

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In Louisiana, there was a big explosion at a very important chemical plant. The reason it's significant is because, during my time as a courier dispatcher, I had dispatched a number of drivers to make deliveries at that location, so it became kind of special in a way. Hopefully, everyone is okay.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/louisiana...ical-explosion

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Were you surprised when Kansas State's Wildcats upset number 5 Oklahoma last week?

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Musician David Foster must be seeing red.

No, he's not mad at his wife.

Could Katharine McPhee be dabbling in new women's wear? She just happened to be donning a little red, and it isn't about Christmas.

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainmen...n-david-foster

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Speaking of Christmas, it's not too far away. We'll be all over City-Data just getting into the cheer for the season. In the meantime, this writer is wrapping up another post for now. Enjoy your Thanksgiving on the road to the sleigh ride.

And there you are.