The birthplace of Ron Santo, Sir Mix-A-Lot and Gypsy Rose Lee

Nicole and I will be spending the next week in Seattle, so don't expect any bylines from me until December. It feels good to say that.

On the other hand, please be patient with my coworkers next week. My vacation -- planned months ago -- comes directly on the heels of Caine's departure as sports editor.

That leaves three people to do the job of five. (Six if you count the sports writer position eliminated a few years back.)

That's not easy stuff, dear readers.

In my absence and in honor of my destination, enjoy this little piece of comedy. My fellow journalists will tell you I can be a bit surly from time to time. I'm sure they will enjoy imagining me doing this at the original Starbucks store:

Let's hope I'm a bit happier than that on my visit to The Emerald City. If not, though, I'll be able to add it to my list of amusing ways I've been kicked out of establishments.