bass pro shop

i can't believe earlier today was the first time i went to a bass pro shop. they just opened a second store in illinois and it's like five minutes away from where i live. it's a big store and has a lot of stuffed animals in there. not the soft, smooth and cutey kind of stuffed, but these are the real taxidermy stuffed rough, rugged, and scary animals.

actually there is a new mall just recently open in the area and we went there to check it out. i knew about this store, but never really pay attention coz i thought it's all about outdoor fishing and hunting or stuff. and it actually is. but i was overwhelmed once i got inside the store, they decorated it very nicely with a lot of game hunting accessories. they even have an actual area aquarium for variety of fishes that are native to illinois.

they sell all things fishing hunting related and in my opinion a part of americana. this is hardcore outdoor-living-cowboy-life in walmart style and price. my gf asked me how can they afford this big gigantic store with all the decorations by selling cheap hunting and fishing gears? then after a short pause she said, 'china! made in china. thats why!' well, no arguing there.

i'm just glad this new mall is very close to my place. coz we are thinking of buying a house in the area. with the housing market is a bit down maybe now is the time to get one.

you can say it's da bears!
monsters of midway! speaking of bears, the bulls are worth mentioning after their first playoff win since you know who still the sheriff in town (hint #23). they beat last year champ miami 'not so' heat in four, get out the broom! these ain't no baby bulls no more.