How to Get Rid of Those Pretentious Google Doodles in Google Chrome

1. Install the AdBlock (not AdBlock Plus) extension
2. General Tab > Check this box: I'm an advanced user, show me advanced options.
3. Filter Lists Tab > I unchecked all these boxes 
4. Customize Tab > Under Manually edit your filters add this line: https://www.google.com/logos/

That's it! The regular Google logo will appear, but on the days when there's a Doodle, the area above the search box will be blank.