My Supposedly Interesting Thoughts

Long way away, but

2011-07-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

I know it is almost a year from now, but I already can't wait.

Still need to see Captain America and Thor.

Unplugged

2011-07-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

So, I took the summer off from blogging. Partly from laziness and partly from the fact that I did not want to spend my summer in front of a computer. In fact, aside from the occasional email checks, Facebook updates, a few baseball and Tour de France updates (mostly done from my phone), I tried to stay offline as much as possible. It was somewhat liberating. I spent a lot of time teaching RPM at the Riverplex and teaching cycling at the Loop...actually, these consumed lots of time this summer. I trained in Body Combat. And I spent as much of the time left with my family.
I did from time-to-time wonder what I was missing in my RSS feed, but after a few quick scans of it, there wasn't much. A few postings from friends that I caught up on, but most professional stuff was "stuff" that could wait.
Regardless of the peace over the summer, I plan to get back in the swing of things and spout more Supposedly Interesting Things in upcoming weeks/months.

Send a letter

2011-05-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine who is a columnist for the Peoria Journal Star, Steve Tarter, wrote in last Sunday's paper an article titled, "Business Watch: Help a postman-write a letter today." His article is right on so many different levels, I had to respond.

First, read his article (click above).

Second, a mantra in business is that you've got to change with your customer to survive and some argue that the post office hasn't done that. That isn't my argument. I feel that the post office is a service that we still need. What would we do if we got home from work and didn't get to make the trip to the mailbox to see what surprises are in there? Granted half the stuff I get is garbage or recycling, but it is a simple way to communicate, give and receive. Also, I'm still waiting for my million dollar check to come! If they dump Saturday delivery, I'll have to wait an extra day, probably. I'm not quite sure why the term "snail mail" got such a bad reputation. Don't good things come to those who wait? We don't have to get everything NOW! How about a little patience?

Third, I am all for helping people keep good jobs, especially in the environment we live in today. It is not going to break anyone's bank to do what Steve is suggesting: write a letter and if that is what it takes to keep an American staple of home delivery every day, how is that going to hurt? Write a letter once a week or once a month. Would it kill us to do that? Not just to save jobs, or a service that we all take for granted, but to write, share, think, care, etc. And, like Steve suggests, do you remember what it is like to get a note from someone in the mail? Isn't it fun to get a card in the mail on your birthday or Christmas? How would it feel to just get one for no reason except that someone was thinking about you?? I know, a foreign concept, because email and texts are so random and sent with little thought many times. And as we weed through our inboxes, how much time to you spend actually reading the contents? I've heard plenty of people, myself included, say, "I saw the message, but didn't really read it." A letter makes us stop and read. Do you have any idea what the handwriting of your family or friends is like? I will never forget what my dad's handwriting was like.

So, check your contacts in your email, see who your real friends are on Facebook (those would be the people whose address you know) and send them a letter in the mail. Also, maybe turn them to Steve's article or my plea (print them out and stick it in the envelope with your letter) and ask them to send a letter to a friend. If we all do this, we won't lose postal service, you might save your friendly, neighborhood postman/woman's job, you might rekindle an old friendship, you might get a surprise letter in your mailbox, you might reduce your stress by actually sitting down and thinking about something for more than sixty seconds. We all need that and so does the USPS.

CD revival stalled and Note to local Radio

2011-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

The CD revival has been stalled and it is XM Radio's fault. Since our baby has been born, I have been driving our car and not the Aztec (long story). Anyway, the car has XM Radio and I discovered two stations that I can't leave behind when I'm in the car. One is BPM that plays techno dance and the other is the Grateful Dead station. I realize the stations are as different as black and white, but they both take me to different places in life.
I hope to get back to the CD revival soon, but as long as I'm riding in the car it will be XM Radio.

Oh, on a side note to all the radio stations in Peoria and their advertisers. Radio in Peoria is terrible!!! We are sick of light rock, pop/urban rap, canned country, and 80's and 90's heavy metal. Stations: get a real, original format that is different from your competitor. Advertisers: stop wasting your money and demand that the stations get real formats. Oh and get a clue, advertise on stations that meet your market. I don't think too many people listening to the rock and heavy metal station are going to the Peoria Symphony any time soon. Stop using Ad agencies!!!! Hire someone local who can actually listen to the station and understand who does or doesn't listen to the stations.

Happy Poetry Month

2011-04-22T09:36:00.001-07:00

Rain, rain go away
the Bulls keep winning, so it's okay
the Hawks keep putting the puck in nets
I wish I would have placed some bets
if the Chicago boys of summer would start knocking in some runs
that might just bring out the sun

Happy Poetry Month from
the Cycling Librarian

CD Revival reveals "No Doubt" iPod worthy music

2011-03-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

Yep, I know everyone has been wondering if I'm still listening to my entire CD collection and the answer is, yes! I did take a week off to go back and listen to several that I had determined iPod worthy, and I still agree they are.

I must admit that I am getting to a smaller collection of CD's that I roll my eyes at as I grab any random 5-6 to put in the car for the week. But today, I came across a couple of gems that I had forgotten all about. They are currently out in the car, so I do not recall the names of the albums. The band is No Doubt. Wow, I forgot how much of a Ska beat is on one of the albums, but the next is more electronic beat. Besides the nostalgia of the music and remembering how much I liked them about 10-15 years ago, some of the "flip side" songs really rocked.

It is re-discovery like this that is the reason why I am doing my CD revival. I will post again as I get close to finishing.

Can't wait for this!

2011-02-23T08:18:00.001-08:00

New Avengers

2011-02-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

Pretty excited about the sudden appearance of Dr. Doom in the New Avengers this month. He is one of my favorite villains. Well, I guess it isn't actually Dr. Doom himself, but one of his Doombots. I am going to guess that when a Doombot shows up, the real deal isn't too far behind. Oh, by the way I'm also pretty excited that the New Avengers, led by Luke Cage (very cool), have convinced Dr. Strange to join. I really hope he can somehow return to the Supreme Sorcerer. One more accolade, the artwork will keep me around for a long time, too.

Loving Every Minute

2011-01-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I've been sucked in. Over Christmas I decided to inventory my comic book collection. I discovered that I seem to be missing all of my Iron Man and Dr. Strange books. Disappointing. I did start digging through several looking for some to sell to make more room for new ones still coming in. I still get Amazing Spiderman, New Avengers, Avengers Prime, Secret Avengers, Spider Girl and X-Force. Before you start thinking, whoa, what's he doing buying so many books? I could buy lots more...easily.

Anyway, I was looking for some books to get rid of and I thought, I will read them one more time, put them aside, and sell them. I started with the X titles: X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, Cable, X-Force and X-Factor. All of these are books from 1991 to about 1998. I have been reading them all together chonologically (all titles from Jan. 1991 then Feb...) just like I did when I bought them new. Of course my books all start with the unbelievably good X-cutioner's Song storyline. Let's just say, I'm not getting rid of any of these, but I'm back reading everyone of them and loving every minute.

Head hits in football

2010-12-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

I read the Sports Illustrated article, "Concussions" in the November 1, 2010 issue this week. The only thing I kept thinking about as I read was how we, or someone, are spending millions to create safer protective helmets to reduce concussions and head injuries in football while we, or someone, are spending less to protect our own society from crime and violence. It just doesn't make sense why we spend millions to protect millionaires in their job, while public servants like police, fire, teachers get less and less. Frustrating and sad.

Kindle

2010-12-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

I got a Kindle for my birthday last month. The jury is still out but leaning to the "like it" side. It has 3G tech and is stupidly easy to get books (kind of dangerous since they do still have a price). But the catalog of free classics is pretty extensive and I have found myself browsing through some pretty cool stuff. Such as the "Rough Rider's" journal penned by Teddy Roosevelt himself. It, of course, is retyped word-for-word in e-book format. Pretty cool.
It has a browser, but is very clunky to use. Still a lot of stuff I have to read up on and figure out, but I have enjoyed reading books on it. It is kind of neat to walk out of the house with a folder no bigger than a day-planner with potential for hundreds of books at the fingertips.

"Oh, yes...oh, yes...oh, yes!!!" we'll miss you, Ron

2010-12-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

It was opening day 1995. I was in the Wrigley Field press box covering the game for the radio station I was working for at the time. It was between innings, somewhere in the middle of the game between the Cubs and Montreal Expos. Sammy Sosa had just hit a line drive home run that still has to be one of the longest home runs I have ever seen. If it would have been 20 feet to the right, it would have hit the famous Wrigley scoreboard, which has never been hit in a game. After the shot, the press box was buzzing with PA announcements, phones ringing, typewriters (yep, a few sportswriters were using them) clacking, and general discussion and awe among the sportsmen. After the inning completed, I went to the pressroom dining area. I was picking up a cup of coffee and some kind of snack, when the guy behind me remarked that he hadn't seen a home run that deep since Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit one at Wrigley. I turned around to see who made the comment and there was Ron Santo. The legendary third baseman now radio commentator commenting on the amazing hit. Sadly, I had been a bit star struck that day after interviewing Harry Carey, Felipe Alou and Mark Grace, so instead of striking up conversation with him, I just nodded and passed by back to the press box. Disappointing, but that was Ron Santo in line behind me.
After my wife called this morning to tell me that Ron had passed the night before, I couldn't hold back some tears. I wasn't sad because I had lost someone close to me and typically celebrity deaths don't affect me all that much (although it was tough to see Sparky Anderson go last month). I was more sad because I always thought Ron would see one of two things in his life. Either a Cubs World Series victory or a vote into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I actually thought he might see both. But he realized neither. I don't remember him as a player, but the highlights and his statistics say a lot about him as a player. I did know him as a loyal Cubs fan and listener to the radio broadcasts. I am sure that since college graduation almost 20 years ago, I have easily listened to more games on the radio than I have seen on television. Ron is a staple in our house from April until October. My daughter knew Ron as that Crazy Uncle Ron on the radio. She might have said one time, "why does that guy keep yelling and moaning." And I would have to say, "Crazy Uncle Ron is frustrated, the Cubs just aren't playing very well today."
Ron was the greatest Cubs fan and arguably among some of the greatest Cubs players ever. He will be greatly missed by me and my family. I will be flying my Cubs flag this weekend with the famous Wrigley "W" flag on Sunday.

Music update

2010-12-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

My supposedly interesting music collection listening extravaganza continues. Some recent artists in my car's CD player include: Billy Joel, Madonna, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Reba. I am searching my CD collection looking for artists, songs, and albums that are iPod worthy. But this week I came across an album that I wish I could go the other way in music listening progression. I would like to take this particular CD and get it on vinyl. The album is Jimi Hendrix The Blues. As I listen to this album, it is just losing something with the scratchiness gone. I remember listening to some Jimi Hendrix on reel-to-reel tape in my college days when I had a reel-to-reel player. The terrible quality of the tape and recording left a raw sound to the music that really seemed to add to the "quality" of the sound. I have been thinking of what other artists I have who I haven't listened to that might fit this unique category, and the Grateful Dead pop to mind. Anyway, Jimi Hendrix is a CD I have come across that is iPod worthy, but I would prefer it on the old record player.

CD Revival Revisited

2010-11-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am continuing to listen to my CD collection that I started back in August. I am about half way through my collection, and I have found that the mega stars of their time like Janet Jackson, U2, Madonna, James Taylor, Dave Matthews and Sting have lasting value and what I am calling I-pod worthy. In other words I would download the entire album into the I-pod. Most other albums have one or two songs worthy of saving and some leave me scratching my head wondering what I was thinking in purchasing. I am planning a music playoff plan when I complete revisiting the entire collection sometime early in 2011. I will continue updating my supposedly interesting analysis of my music collection.

100,000

2010-11-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

I heard a statistic yesterday that the average American gets a new car every four and a half years. It was a timely stat for me because this December 31 my Aztec will be in my possession as a new car for eight years, and on Wednesday it rolled through 100,000 miles. While I did sink some considerable money into it between miles 75,000 to 90,000 miles, it still seems like a well worn "new" car to me. I can't imagine trading it in for a new car. I know the crazy sounds and scrapes that it makes; I know the handling of it to the detail. In fact, I must keep my hands in the 10 to 2 zone on the steering wheel because it is worn smooth. In many ways, it is as much me as it is my car.
This is the second car I have taken to post 100 thousand miles. It is unimaginable to me why we as a society need to trade cars every four and a half years. I enjoy thinking about the different roads the Aztec has been on and where it has taken me. Besides covering most most roads in the central Illinois region to Chicago and the Quad-Cities, the Aztec has taken me to Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. It has helped me move three times; it has carried my bikes and bike trailer to multiple trail heads, hiking paths, camp grounds, and adventure. It has suffered through listening to Cubs wins and losses on 720AM; it has cheered on Notre Dame and the Bears as well as a few Bulls games on long drives. It has suffered through my eclectic music collections. It brought my daughter home from the hospital after she was born. It has been my home base after numerous races.
I have never gotten a car to 200,000, but maybe this is the one. Let you know in about 8 years.

The Only Road North recommendation

2010-11-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Finished reading a terrific novel today, The Only Road North. It is a book for all of us with adventure in our souls, but maybe not enough adventure to really break away. It is not a simple book about adventure. It links to life meanings and spirituality. The author, Erik Mirandette, does not dwell on events; he describes them simply and effectively. He concludes with meaningful observations regarding the trip and tragedy that occurs. I highly recommend the reading of this book.

Movie to See

2010-10-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched the movie Everything is Illuminated. A young American Jew goes back to the Ukraine to find the woman who saved his grandfather. The movie had me laughing at the cultural differences early but touching as I became more connected with the characters and the search. The conclusion is a little surprising and left me with lots of questions. I highly recommend the movie though. It is well written and directed.

Let's Hear it for the Fingers

2010-09-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

Here's a supposedly interesting thought, I have about 6-7 passwords that I use for computer "things." But I have one really important one that I've had for a while that I can't remember. The funny thing is, though, that my fingers remember it. It is so automatic and fast that my mind can't pick up the letters, numbers and symbols anymore and I don't remember it. When I concentrate on it, I never get it right, but when the fingers just go, they get it without fail.
Let's here it for the video games I played as a child that gave me incredible hand/eye coordination, and for goodness sakes, let's just hear it for those fast, 'remembering' fingers!

P.S. If I don't post for weeks, its because my fingers forgot the password.

A Stinky Thought

2010-09-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

I don't love running but I love a good challenge. Running meets that challenge for me, so I made a goal in July to run 100 miles before mid-November. I am making really good progress to surpass that goal; I have 40 miles left. I have been running about 10-12 miles a week since mid July. I should far surpass my goal.

In the time that I am running I take time to think about anything in which my mind will wander to avoid thinking about running. So here is my supposedly interesting thought, well, actually more like a supposedly interesting observation. A lot of cars pass me even in the early morning; cars, trucks, motorcycles, dozens of vehicles. But there is one vehicle that passes me almost every morning that I am out and it really is noticeable. In fact, I always dread when it will pass me. Yes, it is the early morning bread trucks. Wonder Bread, Hostess, Butternut bread pass me almost every day. I don't dread them because they make me hungry for sandwiches, toast, Ho-Ho's, Ding Dongs and the sort. I ironically, dread them because they are the smelliest vehicles on the road! I dont' know what the deal is with the trucks, but all of them spew exhaust that just makes me choke. Funny.

CD Surprise

2010-08-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

Short note that is supposedly interesting on my CD revival, I can't stop listening to U2's Rattle and Hum CD. How did I ever put this gem away? It is filled with great songs, messages and memories. My CD revival may get put on hold as I fill up on "Desire," "Sunday, Bloody Sunday," and "In the Name of Love." This one is definitely i-pod worthy.

CD revival

2010-08-26T19:35:00.001-07:00

This is the first year that I have a new job in 10 years, and it is also the first time in 7 years that I drive to work alone. So to pass the time (not that I really need an activity to do that) since I do not have satellite radio or any I-pod jacks, I have resurrected my C.D. collection. I have been listening to one or two CD's a day from my (our) "old" collection of CD's. I am 12 CD's into this "project" and I have some surprising interest results. CD's with lasting power include: Sting, Van Halen, James Taylor, and Tear's for Fears. Some disappointing results: John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, and Pearl Jam. It has been fun to go back and relive the past through this music. I will check in another time with updated results.

Something I've never thought about.

2010-08-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

I watched a movie last night on a topic I had never thought much about. The movie is called Paradise Now. It is about two Palestinian friends who are chosen to be suicide bombers in Tel Aviv in revenge of a Israeli army killing. The movie shows the night before and day of the planned bombing. I found it fascinating because we hear about suicide bombings in the news and as "First World Westerners," we see them then forget about them,"terrible tragedies." This movie puts a face and story to the people and their cause. What was really interesting was the part of the story where we hear a Palestinian voice trying to convince the two not to follow through with their mission. This is a great movie to watch to help understand "the other side." A side note, it is all in Arabic with subtitles.

Star Trek

2010-08-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, I watched the most recent edition of the Star Trek films. Overall, I found the movie entertaining and living up to the reputation of the Star Trek franchise as well as adding some new twists. I did tire a bit of the back story of James T. Kirk; it could have moved on a bit quicker. I did like, however, the Obi wan Kenobi style use of Leonard Nemoy and a Spock from the future to guide the young Captain Kirk. When I realized that it was Leonard Nimoy as a Spock from the future, I have to admit that I groaned a bit, but they really made it work into the story.

The storyline kept me interested and the special effects were realistic and enjoyable. I also had to appreciate the campy style of the Doctor McCoy and Scotty. Not sure I really got the flame between Spock and Nyota Uhura. Was there a relationship between them in the TV show? I would recommend this movie to a Star Trek fan as well as someone who is not familiar with the story (is there anyone?).

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 4

2010-08-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about summer is baseball. I feel fortunate to live in a city where we have some live professional baseball. And, to top it off, our team is a single A Cubs affiliate, so I get to see the young talent before they get to the show. Also, Peoria hosts many Cubs rehab assignments. In the past, Ted Lilly, Aramis Ramirez, Normar Garciaparra, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and a host of relief pitchers have come here for one/two game stints.

I just love baseball. It is a truly American game and when one studies the game it has traits that only an American game can have. One aspect that I enjoy is that there is no time clock. Every game has its own pace. You could watch a two hour pitchers' dual or sit through a four hour slug fest with a dozen pitchers and even more runs. I love that on any given day even the worst team in the league could have a spectacular game against the best team in the league, or if you were my beloved Cubs, you could have a good team and still lose to everyone.

I understand how to the casual viewer it is a boring game, but I have to say it is one thing I love about the game. On a summer Sunday afternoon, I can lay down on the couch for the first couple innings, get in a good nap and wake up for the last two innings and possibly not miss that much action. But, I can also study a game and be involved in even the most surface level "boring" game. Try sometime when you are at a live game. Watch one position each inning and see how the player adjusts to each batter and each pitch. For example, in the first inning, watch the right fielder of both teams. Watch how he stands in different places based on how many outs, runners on base, pitch situations, there are. Then the next inning watch the third baseman, etc. You can really see how there is a lot of subtle action and strategy to most situations in the game. It is a great game and one of the reasons I love summer!

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 3

2010-08-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about summer is that I never know what day it is. "What? Today is Monday?" I love that feeling about summer. I love that every night is like a Friday or Saturday night, because I don't have to get up at 5:00 am to get ready for work. This is one thing I love about summer.

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 2

2010-08-09T11:22:00.001-07:00

One thing I love about summer is visiting Chicago! I never know what I will see in the city. This summer we stumbled upon the set of the Transformers 3 movie. What an amazing undertaking! They closed down about 2 blocks of upper Wacker Drive and brought in lots of destruction for what looked like a post-battle set. All this work for what will probably be 5 minutes in the actual movie. It was amazing to see.

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 1

2010-08-09T11:18:00.001-07:00

One thing I love about summer is going to the jazz concerts on the riverfront on Thursday nights. Kaleigh has acquired a taste for jazz or at least dancing/jumping around to the jazz beat.

Proud to be a Cubs fan

2010-07-30T22:48:00.001-07:00

After giving up 12 runs with two outs in Colorado and losing 17-2, I am proud to be a loyal Cubs fan. I can take a good swift drubbing, but in a year like this...?

I swear, if they take the Ivy off the wall for advertisements, I am walking.

New Gadget

2010-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed, I added a "Followers" gadget. Feel free to jump in there if you read my blog from time to time. It will make me feel like I'm not the only one to read my own postings. Thanks!

Finishing a book

2010-07-27T19:16:00.001-07:00

I finished reading a book today. It is the latest book in a collection of books by R.A. Salvatore. The book is titled The Ghost King. I am always glad and excited to finish a book, because it means that I get to start a new story. But, I always have a bit of a melancholy feeling as well. I have spent hours over many weeks reading about and living the lives of the characters. I have rooted for them, worried about them, and even felt my heart rate increasing in the rising action moments. So, when I finish a book, I really do feel as though I have become a part of the characters or maybe more so, they have become a part of me. I hope that I am not the only one who feels this way, but even if I am the only one, it is time to move on and meet some new characters.

Melting

2010-07-24T18:53:00.001-07:00

It is hard to stay motivated to do much of anything in this heat and humidity. I will try to get on the ball with some new "thoughts" soon. Be sure to check out my companion blog "The Cycling Librarian" and follow my mishaps and successes as a new school librarian.

Bathroom Done!!

2010-07-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

In conclusion to my earlier posting "Wallpaper," the bathroom is finally finished. Besides the removal of wallpaper, a few trips to the hardware store and removing and rehanging shelves and towel racks, I was able to escape most of the work of this project. My wife did all the sanding, prep, painting, clean-up, etc. To dismiss any thoughts that I was just laying around on the couch watching the Tour de France or baseball...I wasn't...except, maybe, a couple times. I was working on other projects. But, I have to say, my wife did a terrific job with the new color choices and paint job. Even my daughter, who insisted on a pink bathroom, has admitted to liking the new look. We are all glad that it is finally over.

The Today Show: what did I just spill in my lap?

2010-07-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

I got home from a workout this morning and the television just happened to be on NBC. The Today Show was the broadcast. It took me back to my college days when morning free time was abundant and the Today Show would be on from time to time. I remember it being a somewhat entertaining show that gave some news and relatively relevant informative segments.

Well, in the last 17 years of work, I haven't missed anything in regards to the Today Show. In fact, the programming has taken a sad nose dive in quality and it should be sent to the refuse pile. Actually, the refuse pile might be an honorable dismiss of the show; it needs a new, lower pile for it to retire. David Sarnoff should return and give them a good Sarnoff beating.

Today's news stories (this is supposed to be the serious part of the show) included a story about the release of pelicans on the Florida coast and a shark that is following seals near some beach in California. This was the serious stuff. Then their segments included the pressing news of Sarah Palin's daughter's announcement that she was getting back with her boyfriend and father of her baby. They might actually get married. This story required an interview with the editor of some important magazine that deals in celebrity/political news. And, the Palin's did not know of this announcement until the release of the article in the very important magazine. I'm glad I did not miss this story. Then the elite Today Show, with Matt Lauer as the captain of the ship of fools, thought it to be of most important entertainment to introduce us to a 31 year of single man whose mother is trying to get him "hitched." I noticed that this young man's mother was not wearing a wedding ring, I suggest maybe he get hitched to her. He has spent 31 years riding on her coat tails, he might as well add some responsibility his smug smile. My favorite story was the finance segment where they took a question from a viewer who is loaded with credit card debt, has two children and two incomes but can't catch up. The financial geniuses suggested getting the card interest rates lowered and stop using the cards. What insightful advice! I'm sure that couple hasn't thought of that. Then the experts looked in the camera and gave "sympathetic" smiles like they understand the situation.

This show made me throw up or spill my coffee in my lap; I wasn't sure what that hot feeling was because I was trying to wipe the glaze from my eyes and the stupidity from my brain. I hope that people don't actually watch this show and that the advertisers who support the show eventually figure out that they are sponsoring garbage.

Now that I have lowered my blog to the lowest denominator with my "Supposedly Interesting Thoughts" on this topic; perhaps I should dump it as well.

Rock Island Trail

2010-07-12T19:26:00.001-07:00

Took a few hours today to visit the Rock Island Trail this morning. I can't believe it is mid-July and I haven't been out to run or ride. While that is disappointing, I still had a great ride today. I hitched up my daughter's trailer and she eagerly hopped in the trailer. We did a three hour round trip from the Alta trail head to Princeville. Kaleigh chatted it up to Dunlap then suddenly got quiet. I looked back and she was sound asleep. She slept the entire 30 minutes it took to get to Princeville. It was a BNSF train that jolted her out of her sleep. She was so excited to see the train because we had ridden a train to and from Colorado, but that morning in her tumbling class, they marched around pretending to be a train.

Then we stopped for a break so she could stretch her legs and we both enjoyed peaches, carrots and cherry tomatoes. We also took a short walk to inspect the white butterflies fluttering about. The regular flies got the better of us and we loaded up and headed back. It was a great day with great weather but even better company. We will be back soon.

Buried Article

2010-06-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Page A11 in the bottom left corner of the Peoria Journal Star last Thursday was an eleven line article that stopped me in my scanning from the doldrums of oil leaks, Avanti's dome, U.S. General changes in Afghanistan, Peoria shootings, yada yada yada. The headline: "Last South Dakota code talker buried." Many thoughts crossed my mind when I saw the headline, but a lesson I try to communicate to my students immediately came to mind.

We all carry our life story with us and when we are gone, our story is gone. I tell my students that there is no way that we will know all the stories, but we cannot discount people. Their stories are important and we need to listen to the stories and pass them on. I saw this article and all I could think is I hope that Clarence Wolf Guts' story lives somewhere. He is gone and his voice is gone. All we might have is the story that he told someone. This hero's story is seemingly so significant but so small in actual remembrance. Maybe technology like this will help us to document our stories so the future generations will remember and learn from us easier.

Wallpaper

2010-06-25T05:33:00.001-07:00

We have decided after 5 years in our house (at the insistence of my wife) that we redecorate our bathroom. She (and I, admittedly) have had it with the seahorse door handles and sea shell wall paper. Part of what has held us up in the past is a lack of direction. We knew we didn't want the ocean theme any longer, but we couldn't finalize on a new look for the bathroom. Our daughter has the easy solution...pink, Barbie or Hello Kitty bathroom. While that would be nice, that's not going to happen. So, I made a decision that has erased any doubt that a decision will easily be made. Like any good-minded husband, I stepped out of the decision making process and turned all power of decoration over to my wife. I trust that she will make an excellent decision, and I also know that the decision will finally be made. I accept the responsibility that I have dragged my feet on the bathroom project long enough.

So, last night, bathroom destruction began! We spend three hours applying that goopy compound and scraping off paper, old glue, and some paint. We spent three hours on one panel of drywall. We still have three panels to go! Lets just say, I hate wallpaper. I have decided if you ever want to do an evil act to an eventual buyer of your house in the future, or if you feel like self inflicted evil in the future, you should apply as much wallpaper to your house as you can. It will eventually lead to misery, anger, frustration, and quite frankly, a complete breakdown of whomever will be removing it in the future. Did I mention that I hate wallpaper? It is kind of the slang language of home decorating. It looks cool when you put it up, but it is quickly out dated. And, it looks silly if it is kept up too long, but some of it never goes away driving people crazy. I hate wallpaper.

The Warrior Dash

2010-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I ran in "The Warrior Dash" in Joliet. The race was an off road 5K with muddy hills and obstacles. I would not consider it a challenging race physically, but it certainly did not disappoint in the thrills, excitement, and "good times" category. Some of the more memorable experiences were the mud pits. One with a slide down to a knee high pit then a muddy climb out, and of course the ever popular finish in the mud pit crawl with barbed wire over your head. Also, the junkyard barriers were especially fun for me as I took great joy in doing a Bo and Luke Duke slide across a hood and jumping on top of the car and getting a bit of bounce to launch me off. I also enjoyed the (maybe most dangerous in my eyes) the fire leaps. As I approached the first line of fire all I could think was that I was

going to slip on my approach and fall face first into the fire. The post race party was great as well, with live bands and DJ's and groups of people sharing th eir warrior stories. The race was a blast, and I will definitely find myself being a warrior next year.

Things that make you go Hmmmm...

2010-06-16T07:54:00.001-07:00

What are these guys thinking about? Probably second breakfast.

The MRT is Awesome!

2010-06-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from my bike trip to Winona, Minnesota. Once again it was a most enjoyable trip filled with headwinds in Illinois, rolling hills in Iowa, and great descents and climbs in and out of the Mississippi River Valley. Also making the trip great was the company. I went with three colleagues from PCHS and the verbal jabs, encouragement up the hills and laughter were frequent.

We all feel that the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) road in northeastern Iowa is a great example of cycling and motorized vehicle harmony. On each side of the road (a two lane highway) there are paved and clean cycling lanes about seven feet wide each side. It made for safe riding on the bikes and kept the traffic from coming close to our sides. The day earlier we were on a two mile stretch with little to no shoulder and we were constantly beaten by trucks and cars driving by at 55+ MPH. Not only does this toss a cyclist around but the cars and trucks are, in most cases, closer than 3 feet. This is not fun for either the drivers of the cars and trucks, but it is not fun or safe riding for the cyclist.

It seems that the Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (from Illinois) supports road projects like the MRT. He says in a written statement that, "We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities." I hope that this includes more new road and road repair projects that include biking lanes like those found on the MRT.

Here is the irony to this statement and my accolades of Iowa's MRT project. In the most recent issue of Bicycling (July 2010) there is a small piece I will quote here. "Iowa Congressman Tom Latham ridiculed transportation secretary Ray LaHood for his support of cycling, declaring that 'one biker is one less person paying into the transportation trust fund.'" Isn't that an amazingly disappointing statement coming from anyone, but especially from someone who represents a state that has the MRT and citizens happy to see us riding through their small towns spending money. And, as Bicycling editors note, "Hey, Latham: You know most cyclists drive right? We vote, too."

The Perfect Response to the Almost Perfect Game

2010-06-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

On June 2, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers had 26 of 27 straight outs in a game, then on a close play at first the umpire Jim Joyce called the runner safe. I always think that call is a difficult one and as a armchair viewer of the game, I frequently call it wrong, but in this situation it was especially stressful for everyone: the umpire, the pitcher, the opposing team, the fans in the stands. Unfortunately, this call ruined a perfect game for the pitcher but the ump got it wrong; the runner was out by at least half a step. A disappointing ending for a run at a perfect game, but this is where the real story begins.

The umpire saw the replay in the clubhouse and immediately went to the Tigers locker room and tearfully apologized to Galarraga. He called for the media in the press room and apologized to a nation, then the next day he apologized in public in front of the fans. How many times do we make mistakes and hide behind excuses? How many other professionals in the spotlight like a major league umpire make huge miscues in their calls or plays and never apologize? As a 33 year professional and one of the best in baseball, he didn't have to do this, but he did. What a great example for all of us.
Also, on the pitcher's side, after the missed call was made, he did not argue. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Galarraga said of the apology, "He tried to talk. He'd say a couple words. 'You were perfect, I was not.' I felt so bad. I didn't feel bad for me. I felt bad for him." This pitcher missed a milestone that kids dream about in little league and the umpire "blew it," and he was humble about whole situation. He took it in stride with the best sportsmanship on display. Tiger fans and fans of sports of all kinds should look to Galarraga a a model as well.

I've been a Tiger fan for 26 years and I will always remember Galarraga not for his almost perfect game, but for the sportsmanship he displayed and for the honorable actions of Jim Joyce.

The Beautiful Game or Just Winning?

2010-06-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

I recently read the article, "The Beautiful Game: What Soccer Means to the World." I have enjoyed following the World Cup over the last three or four times it has been held, and I am most interested this year. Not so much because I am a die-hard soccer fan, I'm not. I have become interested because of the international and cultural values of the game. I started watching maybe 16 years ago because I was entranced at the national connectedness other nations have with their teams. I have enjoyed from World Cup to World Cup seeing national pride and "party" atmosphere in the stands. In the Sports Illustrated article they took three countries and highlighted them loosely by introducing the star of those teams. They showcased the Ivory Coast, Brazil, and the United States. I was particularly interested in the discussion of Brazil. In the days of Pele, Brazil's World Cup teams were described as playing "the Beautiful Game." An interviewee in the article states that Brazil used to play with style, but now they play ugly to win games. And that seems to be the contention among Brazilian fans. They want to play the beautiful game but win also which does not seem to be the way the game is played anymore. A Brazilian fan says, "Do you know this word utopia? The Beautiful Game is a fantasy. Spain plays it, but they won't win. Brazil and Italy: that's ugly soccer, and they'll reach the semifinals."

I believe that we have seen this in all aspects of sports, well, American sports that is. In baseball, it has become more about power pitches and hitting home runs. In basketball it is the fastbreaks and dunks. The NFL, a high powered passing game for instant gratification. While I would agree with the argument that sports is not the most important thing in life, I would make the argument that sports reflect a certain aspect of our societies. We have moved away from living meaningful lives of "style" with grace and beliefs, and moved into lives of the now and "high powered" instant gratification.

I hope the teams that play next week and up to the championship on July 11, who play with grace and style, are rewarded with wins and recognition. I hope we see a return of the Beautiful Game.

Two Years

2010-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I was just looking through my archives (the massive volumes that it includes), and I realized that I have been blogging for just over two years. In two years, I have posted 39 supposedly interesting thoughts. My goal: 39 posts in the next 6 months (not including this one). So here we go true believers (apologies to Stan Lee).

The Birds are Here!!!

2010-06-01T05:41:00.001-07:00

The birds are here. Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal came first and I have about 2 "couples" of finches and a couple Black Caped Chickadees who hang out at the feeder in front of our house. It has become quite a busy hub of activity. Kaleigh and I have to refill the feeder every third day or so. Also, hanging out in the tree are a couple Robins and several Morning Doves. It is fun to have some "friends" hanging out in front of the house.

Humble Thanks

2010-04-21T20:40:00.001-07:00

Tonight I was treated to a delicious dinner and kind words at the Weaver Ridge Country club by the IEA Region 13 and 16 districts. I was nominated for the Silver Apple Award in our local the Pekin Education Alliance. It is quite an honor to receive the award for work that I simply feel called to do. It is nice to be recognized, but also I was humbled by the work others winning the award had done. I am small in comparison to the time and commitment others have put in to improving the education of young people. I work with some terrific people who are dedicated, knowledgeable, caring and persistent, and they all deserve the recognition I received tonight. Thanks

Still waiting

2010-04-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Still waiting on the birds. They are really missing out on some great grub!! Oh, the morning doves, or as I call them the slacker bums, have come around, but they don't count.

Chapel in the Sky

2010-04-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

I met the author of the book Chapel in the Sky last evening. This book looks very interesting, here is an abridged description from the book cover,

"Knox College's Old Main - a national landmark and the only extant building that was a site of the Lincoln-Douglas debates - is a campus treasure with a secret. Built in 1857, Old Main was designed by Charles Ulricson, a Swedish-born immigrant who was trained by the Freemasons. In Chapel in the Sky, Knox faculty member Lance Factor decodes the symbols of this beloved building and explores how an ardently Anti-Mason administration came to hire Ulricson. The mysterious Masonic architect left his legacy on both Knox's Old Main and the Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois."

In my conversation with Mr. Factor, he told of how he just started noticing little details in the building and making mental notes about their oddities, then one day he started measuring windows and angles, counting tiles and steps and everything started coming into place as he began his research. He also shared stories about how even though there was a temperance movement in the college community, they would brew homemade wines on campus.

My conversation only reinforced in my mind that we all need to keep our eyes open. Mr. Factor worked in the Old Main building 40 years and through his observations of "ordinary settings" he discovered an amazing secret. We need to stop droning our way through life and we need to start looking at the wonders out there, even if they are the wonders we see everyday. When I finish reading this book, I will post my thoughts. Thank you Mr. Factor for seeing the world and stopping to tell the story of this very interesting building.

Lost in 2.0land

2010-04-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Blabborize, Audacity, Glogster, Wordle, Shelfari, Blogger, Wiki-everything, Pandora, Googledocs, iGoogle, Ning, Facebook, DimDim, Flickr, Wallwisher, Delicious, Zoteri, Jogtheweb, Screencast, Evernote, Diigo, Jing, Slideshare, Penzu, Surveymonkey...just to name a few. The 2.0 world has changed the way I do things, create, and communicate, but when does it stop? I find that I never get to really learn all the things these applications can do, before something else "betters" it or creates a new way of doing "it." Progress is one thing, inundating us is another. How about this little piece:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXFEBbPIEOI

Still Waiting

2010-04-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have filled the bird feeder outside our front window, but I saw a few finches checking it out last week. So, Kaleigh and I filled it Saturday evening. We are still waiting for the finches and chickadees to return.

Scratch Beginnings

2010-04-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I read Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the search for the American Dream this past week. I was drawn to the book because of Adam Shepard's statement on the back. He says:

"Mine is the story of rags-to-fancier-rags. I'm not an extraordinary person performing
extraordinary feats. I don't have some special talent that I can use to 'wow' prospective
employers. I'm average. My story is very basic, simple. My story is about the attitude of
success. My goal is to better my lot and to provide a stepping-stone over the next 365 days for
everything else I want to accomplish in my life. I aim to find out if the American Dream is still
alive, or if it has, in fact, been drowned out by the greed of the upper class coupled with apathy
of the lower class."

I enjoyed the book, even though it had some stories that carried on with no seeming point until the end of the chapter, but my favorite part is when he writes a letter to the morning bus driver. He reports that this bus driver was always positive, had a smile and something nice to say. Shepard writes the bus driver a letter that essentially says that even people who have seemingly insignificant jobs (bus driver, plumber, mover, drive through attendant) can be significant. The bus driver's attitude always put Shepard in a good mood. And he makes the realization that even insignificant, ordinary people can make a difference in the world. We don't all have to be the doctor, astronaut, race car driver, Donald Trump, to make a difference. He tells the bus driver, "there are people like you, who wake up with the purpose of making a difference in somebody's day."

Do we do that? Do we wake up and decide that we are going to make a difference? I don't know that I think that daily, but it is what I try to do every day, make a difference. Maybe we should wake up each day and decide, "what kind of difference will I make today?" And then we look for those opportunities. Smile at that stranger or co-worker (maybe the same person). Open the door for someone who has his or her hands full. I don't think it is the answer for the American Dream, but it certainly is a part of it. Shepard's point is that anyone CAN achieve the American Dream.

Baseball

2010-03-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Cubbies are engaged in a spring training game in sunny Mesa today. One week and two days they will be opening the season on the road, but opening day will be here nevertheless. I don't have high hopes for either of my teams, the Cubs or the Tigers, but I long for the afternoons and evenings listening to the static on the AM radio with Pat and Ron calling the game. It never has to be just the Cubs. I enjoy listening to the Cardinals play-by-play here in central Illinois too. I don't have to enjoy it when the Cards win though.
As I look forward to the season a few things come to mind. First, have the Cubs assembled a winning team? I don't know. I just hope that they make the games competitive, fun to watch and they play until the 27th out. Same hope for the Tigers. I do look forward to watching the young talent on the White Sox. Alexi Ramirez, Gordon Beckam, and Carlos Quentin. With a healthy Jake Peavy and the pick-up of Juan Pierre, I don't think I should make my annual bet with my brother. But pride will make me make the bet, that the Cubs will still have more wins.

Another team I look forward to watching is the Cincinnati Reds. Again, a young team with seemingly great talent. I will give Jay Bruce a year or two to prove his immense power. I also really like Joey Votto (except when he plays the Cubs). Brandon Phillips is fun to watch at second base.

My fifth team to watch is the incredible Los Angeles Dodgers. They have an unbelievable outfield offensively and an very solid center and right fields defensively. Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are terrific to watch in the field and at bat. Manny Ramierez is fun to watch at bat, but also comically enjoyable to watch in the outfield. The Dodgers also have a strong pitching staff that will keep them in the games even if the batters are able to hit it to left field.

Finally, check out the final tour of Ken Griffey Jr. in Seattle. Even though he hasn't been the amazing player he was in his youth, he still deserves the respect he will get playing back at home in Seattle. I remember when he came to the majors in the late 80's and how much fun it was to watch him play with his dad in the outfield in Seattle's old ballfield. I hope to get to a Seattle Sox game sometime this summer.

Summer is almost here.

iPad

2010-03-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

I watched a video about the iPad tonight...I want one. If I get one, I may never need to leave the house ever again except to simply unplug. Sorry, I have to figure out how to drop video from the net to my blog, so instead you will have to click on the link. The iPad will probably just do it if I thought about it.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/ipad-video/

The New "Broadcasting"

2010-03-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

I took my Advanced Communication students on a field trip to local television and radio stations today. It was a great trip topped off by lunch at Old Chicago.

Two interesting and related concepts introduced today were brought to our attention at the public television station, WTVP, and the Regent Broadcasting corporation radio group. First, the tech director at WTVP was discussing the future of television. He sees a future where the viewer decides which shows, or he preferred to call them stories, to watch and when to watch them. True, we have the capability with DVR and even back to the VCR to do this. But he is talking about technology where programs are just offered, like in a Netflix library or something like that, and we simply put shows into a collection and we view when and where we choose. In other words, the concept of "turn on the tv and flip through channels" will be over. In the same vein, the radio station discussed with us that they are purchasing LDR software for the Peoria market. LDR stands for Listener Driven Radio where the listener using a digital radio (ever see those for sale?) can collect songs and listen, using the station's radio frequency, to their favorite songs. Kind of like a Pandora radio concept, but with local advertisements, local news and weather, and emergency reports. Neat concept, but they better start marketing it along with digital radios. That's called parlaying your advertising.

This really is becoming a "me" society. While I find these offerings and ideas appealing, because I live and am immersed in this society, I struggle with this because part of the fun of media and "broadcast" is that we share shows or stories with other human beings. Today, I run into this disconnect with others when they say, "Did you see that new YouTube video..." No, I didn't. End of conversation...awkward smiling...then "see ya!" When we individualize our media entertainment from five to ten options to thousands of "popular" options, the concept of broadcasting disappears and we lose connections with others. I don't know. Any thoughts???

Built to Last??

2010-02-19T20:14:00.001-08:00

We bought both of our cars within months of each other in 2003. In the last 12 months, they have almost literally begun to fall apart. We have dropped thousands of dollars into both of them, and they continue to almost on schedule, have problems. Just replaced a windshield on the Alero, the Aztec has a crack below the dash all the way across. Both need new rotars and brakes. One needs a coolant leak fixed the other has some leak that goes into the passenger floor board. That one is ok because it is just water...nothing toxic getting onto our feet at least! The Aztec has a grinding in the front wheel axel. Hey Detroit...or should I say, US Government or whoever bailed out the car makers (us?), stop making crumby cars!!! Americans can't be expected to purchase a new car every two or three years. Well, I guess they do and so we do keep buying cars every two or three years. It is ridiculous. A car is something that should last. I would be appalled if my refrigerator bailed out on me every two or three years. We expect those to last many, many years, and yet a car, that costs 10 to 20 refrigerators, needs to be replaced often. I don't think two items that we paid almost 40,000 dollars to purchase should be falling apart in seven years. I wonder if the government will bail me out when the cars eventually die, or when I go broke trying to fix them, or better yet, maybe the government could just give me the money that they gave to the car dealers so I could buy a car now then turn around and buy another one in three years, then again in another two years, then in three years... I think the auto industry is just fine; they haven't skipped a beat in sticking it to the American/worldwide consumer.
Now, lets talk about the banks and their rising credit/loan rates...

Learn something new

2010-01-24T19:03:00.001-08:00

My Facebook profile says that I am, "just trying to simplify." Yet, there is a relatively new aspect to my daily life that seems to "stress" me. A couple months ago, I created a reader on my igoogle page to follow some of my favorite blogs and I could easily add about 10 more blogs to it. My problem is that I never have time to read all of the great blogs that are in my reader. I try not to let it stress me because when I get 10 minutes at lunch or somewhere, I read the blog postings and I ALWAYS learn something new. Not just something new about someone or what they are doing "right now" (I can't stand 99% of the Facebook postings), but something new that I can use in my profession or personal life, right now. Sorry my blog isn't that valuable, but maybe one day, when I learn to truly "simplify", it will.

Duh

2009-12-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

FYI: Before anyone else makes this bonehead mistake... We all know to keep magnets away from our iPods...right? Well, last night I had my sweatshirt pocket full of things and my iPod was in there. I was listening and it all of a sudden went to a metalic buzz. I fished it out of my pocket and stuck to it was a bolt that must have been a magnet. I fried the iPod; the home screen showed the lock and froze at 10:45 pm. I patched it into the computer...nothing. So, I went and bought a new iPod this morning. Later in the day, I went to mourn over the fried iPod and the screen came up with the apple. I plugged it into our docking station and discovered it has a second life. Now I have two iPods... Not that I am disappointed with the extra memory, video camera, pedometer, etc. but I really did not need it.
So, if you fry your iPod with a magnet. Let it run out of juice and plug it in. Expensive bone head move... I guess Kaliegh will get an iPod sooner than we planned.

Santa Claus

2009-12-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

My first year really playing Santa. Done at 9 PM. Time to watch Jay Leno.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Chirstmas to everyone!!

Too Long

2009-12-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that someone actually does read my blog! Yea! But if I don't update I will lose my reader(s). So as I look at a blank screen, I find myself with writer's block. In this case, nothing is quite intimidating. It is quite amazing how nothing really adds up to something. I remember one time at a Greatful Dead concert a guy was walking around selling, "absolutely nothing!" He would say, "I have absolutely nothing for sale! You can buy absolutely nothing for only 5 dollars." He had several customers buying absolutely nothing. Some asked if they could get nothing in different colors. Of course they could! Some were buying nothing in red or black or orange. Some people were buying little nothings and big nothings. I also saw someone buy four of nothing. He dropped twenty bucks for four. It takes a novel entrepreneur to sell nothing. It would be so much easier to sell something, but one just doesn't make as much money as selling nothing.

Well, maybe he was selling more than nothing, because everyone walked away with hearts filled with joy. I found the scene hilarious (no I did not buy nothing...but I wanted too). Nothing can be filled with opportunity. Every now and then, I feel that I have nothing, nothing to have, nothing to offer, nothing going on. But I remind myself of how valuable nothing can be. I remind myself of how dozens of people were buying nothing and getting something, and there are days I am rich in nothing. It doesn't happen often in my life, but in the life of my students, I see it everyday. My students think they have nothing; they are nothing. I try to tell them what a great opportunity it is to have nothing. I tell them the story of buying nothing and they love the idea that they are rich with nothingness. However, I assume that they leave and forget the lesson, because no one has ever come to tell me how nothing got them something. But maybe in the future, when they feel like nothing, they will remember how valuable nothing can really be.

Better Now

2009-12-17T06:21:00.001-08:00

I am better now...have been for quite a while. Thanks

Sick

2009-10-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sick of being sick. This sore throat is making me sick. I am sick of this cough. I am sick of hearing about the swine flu. I am sick of sore skin and I am sick of a sore back. I'm sick of being lazy and having no energy. I was happy to watch X-Men Origins today; I finished two books I have been trying to finish for quite a while; I finally read a magazine article that kept me reading and laughing, but I'm sick of why I had time to do these things. I don't want to lay around any more. I am sick of it.

October 14

2009-10-14T19:13:00.001-07:00

Today is one of my favorite historical days. It starts with William the Conqueror defeating the English at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Thank you, William, for the English language. In 1947, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in his X-1 Jet Rocket airplane. And my favorite, in 1912, while campaigning in Milwaukee, Theodore Roosevelt was about to give his speech when he was shot in the chest. After assessing the damages, he decided to give his speech with the bullet inches from his lung. Talk about tough! Happy October!

An American Lion

2009-09-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching part 2 of Teddy Roosevelt: An American Lion. I only hope that some day in my life, I will get to meet someone as great as T.R. While he, like all Presidents, made several mistakes, his accomplishments as a president and a human being are tremendous. He stood up for his beliefs, battled the seemingly invulnerable, and lived life as a true adventure. Two favorite moments of his life are first when he was leading the Rough Riders he wouldn't say "charge," he would say, "follow me!" And, second, while campaigning in Wisconsin in 1912, he was shot in the chest, and "with a bullet lodged next to his left lung and blood gushing, he delivered an hour long speech." I admire him for his love of family, conservation of land, sense of adventure, and love of country. He was an amazing American.

Running

2009-08-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, Angie and I ran the inaugural Chicago Rock and Roll half marathon on August 2. It was a fun race with a nice expo, good crowds and lots of bands. What made it memorable though is that we ran the whole race together. Besides some 5K's, we are pretty sure that it is the only race we have run together start to finish. Running a race like that is kind of like experiencing marriage. It had a great, fun start. Then there was some pain and frustration for both of us. We enjoyed the scenery of downtown. We endured some long stretches along Lake Shore Drive with not much to look at or enjoy just like life and marriage where there are times where not much happens except the daily grind. Angie was there when I tripped on the sidewalk and took a spill. We cared for each other through the tough of training and the good times of the run. But the best part in running and marriage, even through the good and the tough, is that in the end we were holding hands raised in the air in celebration of a great race and a great marriage.

Across the State

2009-08-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

We were in Chicago this last weekend for the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon. It was a great weekend, but what struck me was the trip home. We left downtown Chicago in the morning and caught I 94 East to I-55 South. It was amazing getting out of Chicago as the traffic flowed right along. From I-55 we caught I-80 West. We went all the way across Illinois to I-280 to Rock Island to pick up our daughter. Kaleigh spent the weekend at her Aunt Laura and Uncle Chad's house; she also got to visit her grandma Townley. Then we jumped back on I-280 to I-74 East back to Peoria.
While the travel made for a long day and stiff muscles from sitting in the Aztec all day after the race, I really enjoyed the ride across Illinois. I've done the trip several times and I can almost name all the towns and exits across I-80 and east on I74. I love seeing the land and how it changes or doesn't change over time. I remember the times I've spent in many of the places like Oswego, my hometown; Morris, my high school rival; Ottawa, where I lived and worked in radio for several years; LaSalle/Peru, where I spent time with friends; Milan, where Angie's mom lives; Rock Island; biking under I-74 near Cambridge; Galesburg, where I always want to stop and visit; and of course Peoria, where we live. It's a great state with great memories.

Learning to Read

2009-07-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

I just came across a really cool quote from a book I am reading called, "The Graveyard Book." It is written by Neil Gaiman. The main character in the book is a young boy (he doesn't know how old he is) named Bod, short for Nobody. He is being raised by the dead in a graveyard. That is all I am saying about the book, go read it!
The boy is learning to read and discovering the power of letters and wants to know when he will learn about "joined-up letters." Then realizing what joined-up letters and reading will do for him, he is thrilled. "He imagined a future in which he could read everything, in which all the stories could be opened and discovered."
This line made me realize how much I (we) take reading for granted. Reading opens up stories; it opens up the past. We know what we do because of the power of letters, symbols written on paper or on a screen, on a wall, in the sand. The words help us learn and grow. In this day where moving images on television, on a movie screen, on a computer screen, on our phones; tells the story more often, the images don't fill in the blanks. We want more (or should) and we should go to the written word in a newspaper, magazine, book, or the Internet. Reading fills in the cracks; it is the cement to our learning. Bod realizes this and he reminded me of it too.

Bitter Sweet Season

2009-07-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

As the All-Star game approaches in two weeks, I have to say that this baseball season has a bitter sweet feeling for me. First, I have to establish that I have two favorite baseball teams. One my lifetime favorite, the Chicago Cubs and the other, the Detroit Tigers, evolved out of the failure of the Chicago Cubs. In 1984, when the Cubs completely blew it to the San Diego Padres in the NL championship series, I swore that if the American League team that played the Padres in the World Series won, I would be a fan of that team. So, since 1984, I have been a Detroit Tigers fan along with the Cubs.
But now, with interleague play, the Cubs have played the Tigers in two seasons. The first time they faced off I was really excited and enjoyed the games. But this season, as my "life sentence" as a Cubs fan is wearing a bit thin, I watched the three game series with weary eyes, as the Tigers completely dominated a Cubs team that in pre-season was clearly the favorite to win the NL Central.
Now, I don't want any confusion, I am not a fair weather fan. I still cheer for the Cubs. I do love the fact that Lou has called up all sorts of rookies like Jake Fox and Sam Fuld. But, after the drubbing the Tigers laid upon the Cubs in June, I have to say for the first time in many years, the Tigers are first in my heart this year. The Tigers have figured out that it doesn't take an all-star line-up; it takes solid clutch hitting and timely, effective pitching. I wish the Cubs could figure that out. They have had "great" pitching, but hitting that leaves runners on base seemingly every inning. I will enjoy watching the Cubs' young players, and hope for a solid winning streak. But this summer, I am really watching the Tigers!

Baseball

2009-04-06T05:01:00.001-07:00

Opening Day!! A day full of hope. A day where anything is possible. A day that promises warmer weather and green fields. A day when the "Star Spangled Banner" is followed by "play ball!," and then seven and a half innings later followed by "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Opening day is a day where hot dogs and chips become a staple in my diet. It is a day where play is not measured by time, but by strikes, hits, runs and outs. The crack of the bat. Triumph. Defeat. The ball snapping into the leather of the catchers mit. The calls and cries of balls and strikes. The home run cheer. Rounding the bases. Dust after a stolen base. The swing and a miss. The bat slammed on the ground. The high fives and pumping fists after a win. The white "W" flag. The box scores in the paper. Fantasy teams. The call of the beer and hot dog vendors "Beeeeeeeeeer here! Ice Cold Old Style! Hot Dooogsssss! The chocolate malted with the wooden stick spoon. The crowd. Harry Carey. Pat and Ron. WGN. KMOX. Cubs. Sox. Cards. Tigers. Damn Yankees. Late night West coast games on the radio. Falling asleep in the third inning. Waking up in the eighth. Foul balls. Peoria Chiefs. Wrigley Field. Comisky Park. Busch Stadium. Comerica Park. Called third strikes. The Heater. Line drives. Duck-snorts. Bobbles. 4-6-3 double plays. World Series. God, I love baseball.

End of March

2009-03-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

It is not my favorite time of the year, but there are several things about the end of March that could, arguably, make it a candidate for "Best Time of the Year." First is basketball. While basketball is not my favorite sport, I can't help but be drawn into the March Madness experience of high school and college. Living in Peoria is a dream for any basketball purist, when the high school state tournaments come to town. I try to go to the games every year and this year my high school Alma mater, Oswego, made it to the championship game for class 3A. I did make it to that terrific game even as Oswego lost by two points. It was a hard fought game that started out with lots of long range three pointers (not my favorite type of basketball), but then both teams started going inside the paint for hard fought baskets (my favorite kind of play). Then, that night I watched from home on T.V. as Michael Jordan's son played in a great game for the 4A championship game. This is one of the reasons I love living in Peoria, and March may be the best time of the year.
Second is college hoops. The tournament is fun to watch and predict. Two of the five or so teams that I root for are doing very well in this year's post season tournaments. Notre Dame is in the final four in the NIT tournament and Louisville is in the elite eight after demolishing Arizona last night 103 to 64. Exciting games.
I also enjoy the end of March because the earth is changing. We move from the grays, browns, whites of winter to the blues, browns and greens of spring and summer. Just yesterday, I noticed that the trees are starting to bud leaves. Green stems are starting to sprout out of the ground and the soil is soft. I can smell spring in the air with the warmer breezes and thawing ground. It is very nice and gives hope of warm, short sleeve weather up ahead.
Finally, baseball is just around the corner! In two weeks, the boys of summer will break out the lumber and start smacking baseballs around stadiums and baseball fields across the country. I can never quite articulate it, but baseball just has a characteristic about it that relaxes me, excites the competition in me, and slows down a summer afternoon/evening to a liveable pace. I love the game.
March, while it doesn't match up to June or July or August or even October, is filled with lots to be excited about.

Enjoying the Credits

2009-02-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

When I go to the theater, which isn't often, I find myself conforming to the crowd when the movie ends and credits begin; I file out of the theater with the crowd. Sitting through the credits used to be a very enjoyable experience. I used to stay to see if anyone in the hundreds of names sliding up the screen shared my name. Then, I learned that the music is usually great! It became the music that kept me. The credits are the place where a viewer can actually take time to listen to and appreciate the music. For example, sitting through any of the Star Wars films will get you an almost private concert with music by an Oscar winning composer, John Williams. The Lord of the Rings movies offers some powerful music that during the movie subconsciously drives our emotions, but we are so wrapped up with the visual sense that we don't realize the music also has us on the edge of our seats.

The last time I sat through the credits (either one of the Lord of the Rings movies or maybe even Chicago), the experience was kind of ruined. After most people have left and I was settling in to enjoy the music, the lights slowly started coming up and employees entered the theater. Nothing like enjoying the full TMX (or whatever) sound of a theater while being surrounded by vested employees weilding brooms, bags and those little dust pans on a stick.

Next time I stick around, I will imagine that they are characters in some dramatic endgame. They will battle it out to see who can get the most dropped popcorn, shells of soda cups with the watery left overs of ice floating around in the bottom, and the Milk Duds that were rolling around on the floor. It will be quite a battle in the shadowy theater as ushers duel it out with their brooms, clashing in front of the screen as one tries to shove the other into his dust pan box on a stick. All the while, the dramatic music from whatever movie I just watched plays in the background. The post movie experience just might be even more dramatic than the feature.

But, then I will miss the complete experience of enjoying the music uncluttered by the visual sense. Alas, I guess I will have to settle for the sound track.

Simplify

2008-11-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I just have to get out walk in the woods. It was the first weekend of November that I decided to stop at a forest preserve and just take a walk. Henry David Thoreau says in his book Walden, "Simplify, simplify, simplify!" I try to carry this simple concept with me, although, even though he warns of this, I just seem to complicate and fill my life and time. So, a walk in the woods is good for me to reconnect to Earth and myself. Thoreau also writes in Walden, "

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach." So, there I was in the forest, listening for what it had to teach. These images are what I found.

Once Upon a Time...

2008-11-18T18:18:00.001-08:00

With the change in the weather outside, I couldn't help but think back to this summer. Theses are pictures of the cruise we went on with Angie's family. The picture above is our approach to Haiti. It was a warm, windy morning and there was still a haze in the hills as we got near. Even this far out, we were passing little boats each carrying two fishermen. They had to be two to three miles out and still heading away from the island when we passed them at about 6 a.m.

This picture on the left shows the communication tower of the ship. There was something neat about seeing this, especially at night. The technology that allows clear navigation of the seas is very interesting. They had a viewing window above the captain's bridge and all the different radar/sonar screens, controls, and navagation computers made the bridge look more like the bridge of the USS Enterprise. I kept looking for Spock and Captain Kirk.

To the right is the running track that was on the top level. With Kaleigh on board, we didn't get to run or work out as much as we would have liked, but the couple times we got to use the track was definitely a fun experience. Running forward, in the direction the ship was going, was just like running into the wind, but running to the back was amazingly easy and when I tried a running jump, it felt like I was really making an amazingly long jump. I'm sure I wasn't, but it felt like it. It was neat to look out and see endless ocean while running. It made me feel quite small.

Below, I included a couple of my "artsy-fartsy" pictures. I realize that I am no photographer, but it was fun to play with our new camera.

How could I not conclude without a sunrise picture? This was early morning on Father's Day. We were greatly anticipating seeing and getting on the ship. Since we were up early (having never slept in anything except her crib or pack and play, Kaleigh did not sleep but maybe two hours on a bed lined with pillows and mom or dad on either side), we decided to take a walk to the ocean. We were in Coco Beach (no Jeanie sightings).

Today, November 18, with the high of 38 degrees, I look at this picture and remember the cool, damp, soft sand under my feet; the warm breeze off the ocean; and the excitement of the trip ahead. I certainly do miss warmth and scenery, but would not trade the anticipation and fun of the seasons of central Illinois.

Squeezed out

2008-10-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I just feel like we are squeezed out by ourselves. When I took this picture this August standing in Millenium Park, Chicago, I was taken in by the beauty of the city. Today, when I look at this picture I feel crowded. I feel like the green space is a novelty to be simply looked at as if to say, "Look at the grass and bushes! Daddy, do you remember the days of trees, grass and bushes?" Why do we seem to see progress as more space being filled. Technically, I am talking physical space like parking lots and buildings, but I also mean our lives. Our lives are as crowded as this picture. Look, there is lots of activity, just like our lives, but there is also the "calm" right in front. We just tend to look right past it. We look down the road. Is there peace down there? Is there more "progress?" Maybe we should stay right where we are in the green of our lives.

Off to Minnesota: Day three

2008-06-13T09:39:00.001-07:00

Here are some images from day three.

Petersburg, Iowa

Site of the first consecrated church in Iowa.

Old truck near

Elkport, Iowa

Abandoned Standard Station

Farmersburg, Iowa

A barn from
the lost town

of Elkport

Mr. S and Mr. G

choking down
terrible food at
the Cafe/Bar in
Marquette

TNT: Windy Wednesday

2008-06-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first speedwork practice of the season. In good measure, there was a good headwind on one side of the track. That always makes for a good workout! Holly, the Peoria team honoree, was at the practice. Coach Tom gave us a ladder workout with three-200's, two-400's, one- 800 then back down again. It was a good workout. Thanks again to those who have supported me this season. It's not to late to donate, check out my webpage at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chcdist08/tnttomgross

Thanks!

Off to Minnesota: Day Two

2008-06-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

I stretched and moaned my way out of bed. The pain of the previous day was gone and simple soreness was left in my muscles. After a "breakfast" at the Super 8, we took off for Dyersville, Iowa. The first thing we noticed was NO WIND!!! It was the most pleasant day of the trip regarding weather.

The morning took us through Bennett and up the Hoover Highway to Lowden. We had a great breakfast in Lowden at the Arrow Cafe. The waitresses were very nice and curious about our trip. They said that many bikers come by the cafe. Our breakfast of eggs, sausage, toast and coffee really hit the spot!

After passing through the tiny town of Massillion and the Wapsipinicon River, we rode in to Oxford Junction. We took several pictures here and came across a very unhappy store clerk. Our first unfriendly encounter. We think it had something to do with the heavy metal music playing and all of the patrons including the clerk being over 65 years of age. It was an odd match. But after some air in the tires and a Snickers bar, we were off.

We were looking forward to passing Wyoming, Iowa; because a nice man at the Arrow Cafe had mentioned that the landscape flattens out after Wyoming. This became the mantra of the day especially after we passed Wyoming; the landscape did not flatten out. In fact, there were more hills and they were longer and steeper. So, as we would be climbing a large hill, one of us would yell, "It flattens out after Wyoming!" The man had clearly never been past Wyoming or at least he had never been past Wyoming on a bike.

We had lunch in Cascade which clearly had money in town based on the houses on the south side, the nice parks and amazing school for such a small town. Then we pushed on to Dyersville. I was looking forward to our stay in Dyersville, because it meant a visit to the "Field of Dreams."

It was a five mile ride out to the field. It is nothing fancy, just the house and the field. The corn was just emerging so no ghosts from baseball's past were present. But it is amazing that this Hollywood symbol of America's Pasttime is still so frequently visited. In the guest book, there were at least 75 names for that day from all over the world. There were visitors from Japan, California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Wisconsin and Alabama. It is my opinion that there is very little that symbolizes America better than the game of baseball. The setting of the Field of Dreams epitomizes the Americana of baseball. It is set in the heartland of America. It is tucked away between rolling hills, and on this particular day the sun was shining with a small breeze. It is our game, and it is in our setting.

After showers, dinner, a short walk and a call to our wives to tell them everything is good, we had a good night's sleep in Dyersville.

TNT Training June 7

2008-06-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Today was hot, humid and rainy. This was my first week running with the team on a Saturday. I got a late start this year because of my bike trip (see other postings for that experience). We waited about 15 minutes for the rain downpour to let up before we started. I ran six miles on the Bishop Ave. (hill) route. I ran just under a 10 minute pace. Not a great pace, but not bad for my first training run.
I was pleased that my legs could carry me six miles. They were really feeling the fatigue from the bike trip.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed to Team in Training!

Team in Training

2008-06-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Now that my bike trip is finished, my training turns to running. This year I will be running in the Chicago Distance Classic Half-Marathon. Training for the last two marathons has taken a bit of a toll on the body, so a half-marathon is in the cards.
I will update training experiences in the blog, but if anyone would like to contribute to my run, visit my website at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chcdist08/tnttomgross

The money goes to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They support patients who have blood cancers and they support research to find a cure for blood cancers. Thanks for your interest.

Off to Minnesota: Day One

2008-06-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sometime early last school year as we began our team teaching experience in American Studies, Rich Schurter and I decided that we would ride North on our bikes to Stillwater, Minnesota. Our goals were somewhat unclear, even to this day, but I think we were looking for something in America. What shapes us? What makes us unique? How do "we" change as we get further away from "home?" What is the voice of this land?

It would be the first road trip for me on a bike, and our path would complete a trip Rich started several years ago. We spent the entire year talking and planning. I bought my first road bike in January. Finally, school was out on Friday, May 29, and on Saturday, May 30 we were off. Rich's wife, Vicki, drove us to Kewanee, Illinois for us to start the first stretch to Muscatine, Iowa. The sunny and warm day was perfect except for one thing...wind. The wind was coming out of the west and we were on a westward path 90% of the day. The sustained winds were relentless and really beat us up.

Regardless of the wind, we did find enjoyment and some good laughs. Just south of Cambridge we rode past a "nice" junk shop that had a sign outside naming the establishment as "Fine Junque." I am sure any other day it would have been worth a stop.

The novice rider came out in me when we were leaving the BP station in Cambridge. We stopped in the street to wait for traffic to clear and I couldn't get my shoes out of the pedal clips and down I went, right in the middle of the street. I fell again later in the day, but that was the extent of falling for me on this trip. I was uninjured, but my pride took a bit of a hit.

As we traveled west, we met some very nice people. One in particular was a woman in the Casey's in Reynolds. It was a warm day and she came out to get our bottles to fill with ice and water. She said, "I take care of my bikers." Also, in Sherrard they gave us water and mentioned that it was good "well water." It did taste good! In Muscatine, a nice man at the Salvation Army Thrift store gave us perfect directions to our hotel. All of these people, and others, went out of their way and this day left both of us rejuvinated in the belief that there are good people out there. It is so easy to get caught up in the snap judgements and selfishness of ourselves and others that we begin to lose focus of our relationship with others. The technology that has made communication with others "easy," leave us to interpret or rather misinterpret meaning behind the communication. We forget that we are amongst human beings who live for response, feedback, acceptance. Today, we saw the smiles; we experienced the kind actions; we caught the subtle sarcasm and humor; we rode away into the west with a sense of small town America.

I know physically and mentally, as we pulled in to the Super 8 in Muscatine, I was telling myself that I did not have too many days in me facing the wind. If tomorrow was like today, it would be a much shorter trip than we had planned. We cleaned up, got a good dinner at Applebees and got some sleep. Hopefully, tomorrow, my muscles and mind would be rested.

Giving it a try

2008-05-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog. I hope I remember to update it, and I hope it is interesting.