It's So Cold ...

... I'd like you to tell me how cold you think it is.

If you read gazetteonline maybe you've already seen my request there. In Friday's Gazette (Jan. 16) you'll find my Ramblin' column. And I'm asking here, too, in an effort to find the best responses Eastern Iowa has to offer. (If you respond here, please leave your real name, city of residence and a day-time telephone number.)

I'll be following up with my column in Wednesday's Gazette (Jan. 21) when, hopefully, these 20-below zero temperatures have finally climbed back above freezing, or at least above zero.

Obviously, you can search the Internet for ideas, too. But, keep in mind I've already done that. Among my discoveries is "It was so cold" with more than 250 responses and growing.

Some of my favorites so far include:

• Chickens were rushing into Kentucky Fried Chicken and begging to use the pressure cooker!
• We had to chop up the piano for firewood - but we only got two "chords."
• The barbershop was doing a booming business in thermal hairpieces!
• The mercury in the thermometer was just - GONE!
• Disco dancing became popular again. It wasn't the music - it was the warm lights.