Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Weather...Or Not September 2009 Entries
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9/30/9
See you next year, September!
If you have been paying very close attention to the morning news lately you might have caught me making comments about how the studio has been a coughing factory lately. Tara Barrett has been fighting allergies, and our camera operator is working on ejecting a lung out of his chest, from what I can tell. I am generally a healthy person. I can count on one or two nasty colds each year that take me out for a few days...but that is about it.
Well...it would appear as though I am succumbing once again to my semi-annual cold. My throat is sore, my nose is stuffy, and my body is achy and tired. I've found that putting Zicam in my nose helps make the cold easier to survive, and I take a garlic pill every morning which I believe helps me to stay healthier overall. But this morning I kind of feel like poo! I might see about taking tomorrow as a sick day if I don't feel better by early afternoon.
If you were paying attention to the news yesterday morning you might have heard Tara bragging on her chili recipe. Scot and I kind of got on her about it. She was supposed to make that chili yesterday when she got home...and bring some of it in this morning for us to try. I think we will do it during the news...IF she actually made the chili, and IF she actually remembers to bring it in to work with her this morning.
For my taste...I hope it is spicy hot. Not only do I like things to have a lot of burn...it would also help clear out my congested head this morning! By the way...if the chili sucks...I am going to totally call her out about it during the news. It will be brutal...
***IT'S AN EXCLUSIVE "WEATHER...OR NOT" UPDATE!!! TARA BARRETT DID NOT BRING CHILI INTO WORK WITH HER THIS MORNING. SOURCES SAY THAT SCOTTY ENGLAND IS HEARTBROKEN. AND IT MIGHT TAKE ME A FEW WEEKS TO GET OVER MY SORROW. THANKS, TARA!! MAYBE TOMORROW??***
9/29/9
You know I love to get feedback and emails from you. And every week I get several that have links to what are mostly interesting websites. This week is no exception! Here are a couple that might be of benefit to you!
This one gives you links to a multitude of sites that a lot of people visit every day. Although...I did notice that "Weather...or Not" is not one of those links! Someone needs to do something about that!
Here is another one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7sQHunYdN8
That is part one. Here is part two.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MJsF11PsnQ
Those links are to a senior citizen of these United States talking about health care. I will not say I agree or disagree with what he says. Like all links I post here...I will leave it to you to watch and make up your own mind. But I do like to show as many sides to an issue as possible.
Any thoughts/comments/questions about anything this week? Simply use the feedback form at the top of this page to send me feedback. I will post the feedback on "Feedback Friday"!
Also...you are welcome to sign up for email alerts. That way you get notified anytime I update the blog. I will be on vacation next week. I'm heading out to see my large-bellied little sister! She is due in a couple of weeks, and I want to get there before my niece shows up! So while I am gone next week the only way to be sure I have updated the blog is to have the email alerts. (Or of course...just check the blog...)
I will likely be blogging a fair amount next week. My little sister is not so little right now...and can't do much! So I think we are just going to sit by the pool or the ocean for several days. She will be fat and cranky...and I will be bored!! (Just kidding, Lisa. Love you!!!)
9/28/9
Hope your weekend was a good one. Mine was...great. Friday night I went to the HOPE benefit in Charleston and saw some tremendously talented people perform. Some people got up and read their poetry...which I thought showed cajones. And of course there were several musical acts. My girl Jenny Keefe did a set. There were a couple of acts with whom I was unfamiliar that were very good. My friend Reverend Robert did a surprise set. When he plays it is just him, his chair, and his guitar. He plays old school blues, like from 1910's Delta stuff. And of course Motherlode closed the show. I also got to see some old friends, which is always great. I hear there was also some good money raised for a great cause.
Saturday night was the JC Fultz wedding extravaganza. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the South Side Country Club in Decatur. JC is a golf fanatic, so having the ceremony at the golf course was a no-brainer. The bride was beautiful...and so was the weather. The reception afterwards was almost scandalous...which was tremendous!
So I have been talking for a few weeks now about the money making opportunity. I am now officially all set up and ready to go. For me...it is a money making opportunity (I'll be making a couple grand a month soon from it). For some of you it might also be. But for most of you it could be a money saving opportunity. I am giving you a link to my website, and if you check it out look for the link called "The Products". Check it out carefully...there are deals to be found there for things that you are probably already paying for. So check it out...and let me know what you think. I love feedback, as you know, and I am hoping you can give me an honest opinion. Sometimes having fresh sets of eyes look at something can provide clarity.
Here is the link: Save money!
9/25/9
One month ago today I had my 36 birthday. One month ago today I was also having one of the worst stretches of my life. I am much better now...but I still occasionally have days where I just don't have "it". Yesterday was one of those days...so I chose not to blog. The decision really kind of made itself to be honest with you. I just had nothing really to say, so I left the blog alone. And again...thank you to those that noticed and emailed to make sure everything was alright! Yeah...everything is alright and day by day getting a little bit brighter.
I do believe I am headed to Charleston tonight for the HOPE event. Frankly I am going for the music alone. "Motherlode" is playing...and they are FANTASTIC. And my "little sister" Jenny Keefe is playing and she is truly an angel...with the voice to match. If you are interested in a good time for a good cause head to the coffee house on Jackson Avenue in Charleston. The thing starts around 6, I think. And if you stop by...you better say hello to me!!!
A-ha! Time for "Feedback Friday"! It'll be a short one today.
From Shelley in Decatur (9/22/9):
Good morning!
I received an email that I thought was quite interesting. Author is unknown-it was forwarded to me. I doubt that it could ever become a reality simply because it makes too much sense... and we all know that politics sometimes lacks common sense that we search for frequently. Anyway, I'll share it with you:
"Like most folks in this county, I have a job. I work. They pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.
"In order to get that paycheck in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem).
"What I DO have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who DON'T have to pass a urine test.
"So here is my question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check, because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
"Please understand that I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sit on their @$$ and doing drugs, while I work.
"Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or you're out!'"
Something to think about, no?
And what's up with those tiny little bugs that seem to be swarming the city??
We actually ran a story on the bugs, Shelley. They're some kind of soy beetle, and only stick around about 6 weeks or so. Hang in there!
As to the email...I have seen it before. Here is a thought, though. Who is going to pay for the urine tests? Would that erase any savings in public aid? I am not opposed to making welfare recipients drop for their "coverage"...but sometimes these ideas have more underneath them when you look deeper. You have to first pay someone to administer the tests. Then you have to pay a lab to run the tests. Then you have to pay people to keep track of the tests. I could see where the cost/savings would offset. Plus...there is a whiff of elitism in that email, as I see it. And maybe a hint of "those people are on drugs", which we need to avoid.
We gotta keep thinking and looking for better ways, though. I just wonder if that idea would actually work. Someone should do a study on it...which of course would cost more money! Argh...
From Laine Sylvester at StormCenter 17 (9/24/9):
I wanted to comment on your blog about the water in Illinois...well actually the water in the United States. The EPA mandates what must be done to the water...and it's basically the same across the United States. I know this because my mom is the chemist at the water dept in Normal. The job of a chemist is to run samples and test the water for contaminants. They then turn those samples in to the EPA. If the samples are bad...the EPA will shut the water plant down. Simple as that. Now some of the water tastes different though...depending on if it's from a lake or well/ground water. Of course a lake will need more chlorine and what not to make it drinkable...but it is perfectly good/healthy to drink. You will notice a difference in taste compared to well/ground water. In fact, I would say Normal and Mohomet have some of the best tasting water I've ever had anywhere!
The water that comes out of the tap is actually better for you than bottled water. Bottled water is not regulated by anything or anyone...so they can get it from anywhere. Most of the time it is tap water...so it is safe...but why would you pay ten times more for bottled tap water when you can get it out of your faucet?! Also, when something is stored in plastic for a long period of time...bacterias can grow. That's the same for Brita Water Filters and all those other type of filters. If you don't clean it often or properly...you'll actually get more bacteria in your water. Seriously...the water does not need to be filtered...it's fine.
Maybe I should start to sell bottled air?! The same people who buy bottled water would probably buy that too!
See you later!
~Laine
Thanks for chiming in, Laine! We love hearing from my co-workers. I had no idea you were such an expert on tap water. Pretty cool. You certainly give us a lot to think about. I always suspected that bottled water wasn't straight from the mountains as some of them suggest. For me personally...here at work I drink the Culligan water because I am still not a fan of the taste of Decatur's water (nothing personal!). But at home I drink from the tap or from the fridge, which has a filter that I do keep clean.
And if you are ever interested in trying that bottled air idea let me know. I am always on the lookout for ways to make more money!
Okay...that's it for this week! Check out the benefit tonight if you get the chance. Enjoy your weekend. Next week I will probably talk more about the money making opportunity I jumped into, which is also a chance for you to save money on some services that everyone already uses. I've got a website now, and will pass on the address next week!
9/23/9
Is it just me...or is this week flying by pretty fast?? Last night was another episode of "The Biggest Loser". I don't get to watch it as it runs, but I do record it every week. So I will watch it when I get home later today, unless something weird happens. I do enjoy the show...it is inspiring...but I have a lot of problems with the way it is put together. I won't bore you with another "Biggest Loser" rant...but let me just say that I think the show is overdone.
Did you know that we do a local "Biggest Loser" competition around here? We have had some tremendous things happen here with people, just like on the show. Some amazing transformations have happened. We are doing another competition with the start of this latest season of "Biggest Loser", and this time they are doing a "Biggest Loser" blog. It is being written by Elizabeth Moors.
Elizabeth is married to Brian Jodice, who does one fine sports blog on this website. They are honestly two of the better people you will meet, and a joy to be around...most of the time. Elizabeth used to anchor the morning news with me and sometimes she would be...cranky...that early in the morning! Heh. That one will earn me a glare...
Anyhoo...here is a link to "The Biggest Loser" blog done by Elizabeth. Basically she will chronicle the challenge this season, and we have already begun hearing from some of the contestants themselves. It really is cool to watch/listen/read about these people literally changing the course of their lives. So...check it out if you need a little inspiration!
9/22/9
Yesterday I came into work and the internet wasn't working. When that happens I can't update the website. And when I can't update the website I can't update the blog. When the internet came back around...I just never got on the blog. So...no blog yesterday. I do love that you miss it, though! And I know you miss it because many, many of you busted me out for not blogging yesterday. And honestly...I love that!
Do you ever wonder about the quality of the water you get out of the tap? I do. Someone sent me a link the other day to a site that gives an updated status report on the nation's drinking water. Illinois ranked as the 11th worst state in terms of water quality. Now if you really dig into the site you will question some of their numbers...but the website certainly makes a person think. Here is the link.
I find Champaign's water to be pretty good. I always thought Springfield had decent water when I lived there. I grew up in Mattoon, and that water is much better since they put in the new treatment plant a few years ago. I lived in Decatur for a few years...but sadly I don't have much good to say about that water. I always thought it smelled and tasted less than good. Sorry to say that...but we bring honesty here on the ole weather blog. I just thought the website at least makes you think about the water you use in your house. Check it out if you care to...and if not that is fine!
I'm sending out a round of emails today about the money making opportunity. I am getting settled into it...and it is time to start cranking this stuff up. If you feel you would at least like to hear some information about it...just drop me a line!
9/18/9
A friend of mine is very good at doing hair. She's young...she's cool...and she has great style. If you are in need of a new do, or want to freshen up an old do...you should check her out. Her name is Jessie, and she works at ExSalonCe. Make an appointment at (217) 422-4877. And please do tell her I sent you. (I have in no way been compensated for typing this. I just like to help my friends!)
"Feedback Friday!"
From Angie in Charleston (9/10/9):
Thanks so much for the mention of Night of HOPE. This really is just such a fun night...it's a favorite for many people in our area!
No problem, Angie. It is a great organization, and the Night of HOPE really is a blast. The music alone is worth the trip to the coffee house! I am planning to be there...and I think everyone else should, too.
From Jeff in Arcola (9/14/9):
hay i want in on his money deal makin money my favorite sport....Cowboys...hum. well all im going to say is i love the cowboys cheerleaders AWSOME !!!!LOL
I put you on the money list, Jeff! I will be contacting you about it in a few days, probably.
Yeah...the Cowboys are awesome. And to be honest...I mentioned Tony Dorsett being my favorite back in the day. But it was probably the cheerleaders that first caught my young eye...
From Phil in Cissna Park (9/16/9):
Greg, your blog is well-written, and I wholeheartedly agree with every word. I think people in this country are looking for excuses to blow off steam...and they are distorting the health care reform issue way out of context. I stood behind President Obama long before he became our President. He said the fixes we need would not be short-term and painless. So far, he's been right on track. I still support him and will continue to. You watch, my friend, things will turnaround and these naysayers will eat crow. It's already starting...but it's hard to convince those who are struggling and out of work that this is the case. I say we SUPPORT his strategies for this great nation and we'll be headed for a full recovery. It just won't be overnight. He even told us this!!
Word. We elected him. So let's give him the opportunity we give every President to get us going in a good direction. I guess. :-)
From Shannon in Decatur (9/16/9):
I completely agree with your blog about the whole healthcare "thing" and also with your thoughts on the President addressing students in this country. Regardless of anyone's personal feelings for whomever holds the office of POTUS, you have to RESPECT the office. The way people have been behaving about this is ridiculous and childish -- what kind of an example does that set? I know of someone who was extremely opposed to their children seeing the speech because they go to private school and the person felt that they were paying NOT to have their children exposed to liberalism -- but then saw the speech themselves and admitted there was nothing offensive in it and that it was actually good. But that didn't stop the initial reaction -- I, like you, felt that it was an awesome thing to have the most influential person in the world, take time out to address the future of our country! Too bad not all of those kids saw it! Keep on blogging, Greg!
There certainly been a lack of respect in regards to our current POTUS. I was not a big fan of President Bush...but I never referred to him as Hitler. Dislike the man/woman if you choose...but we have to keep respecting the office.
I don't have kids, and maybe that kicks me out of this conversation. But maybe someone with kids that did NOT want the President speaking to their kids can feedback me and explain to me what the issue was. My job has allowed me to get to know a lot of kids. And in many ways I am still a kid (just ask Emily). I know what kids watch/listen to, and the video games that they play...because I'm playing/watching/listening to a lot of the same stuff. Many parents aren't remotely concerned about some of that CRAP...but flipped out when they heard the President was going to address school children directly. If that's not ridiculous...I don't know what is anymore.
From Sharon in Decatur (9/16/9):
re: your healthcare blog on Wed--Well said Mr T
Well thanks, Sharon!
From Mark in Decatur (9/16/9):
I have lost all respect for the Republican Party after a news article was broadcast about a woman confined to a wheelchair trying to address the crowd at one of the town hall meetings. She was verbally harassed and assaulted at the meeting by the same crazies you mentioned.
Next time you vote, remember who stirred to hornet's nest up and vote them out. That's the only thing they'll listen to.
If you hear this nonsense being broadcast, turn the channel or turn it off completely.
I know what you are saying, Mark. I hear you. But I would caution against throwing all Republicans into the same boat. The group of crazies to which we speak is not indicative of the entire Republican Party. As a matter of fact...I think it is the minority. I have many, many Republican friends that are rational people. They just believe in a more conservative way of living. And that is their right. Frankly...I tend to be more fiscally conservative and socially liberal, which is to say I don't completely dislike everything about the Republican Party.
But yeah...someone has to get in the way of these crazies. The entire issue has become stupid because of them, on both sides of that aisle.
From Randy in Decatur (9/17/9):
Greg:
I think that first planet you refer to on the "cam" in the morning is Mars, then Venus is kind of rising with the moon right now followed by Saturn and....something else.
Anyway, you can go to "wundermap" just google it that way and it's a way cool weather map but you can click on "astronomy", put in our zip here, (I happen to live near the station) and choose the time and "view" as in "East".
You can turn off any stuff that distracts you if you like, such as grid and constellation names, or not.
Check it out, hope you dig it, have fun.
Thanks for the information, Randy. I actually used it yesterday morning on the air!
Thanks for the website, too. I will be hitting that one many times each week. I know enough about astronomy to be dangerous, but it still fascinates me. It also makes me feel really small and insignificant...but that is a topic for another blog!
Someone sent me some feedback that had some information about why "ObamaCare" is not so great. Unfortunately the information was in the email, and not from a link. I can't figure out how to get the graphics onto this blog. So...Bruce, or anyone else, try to find a link and send it to me and I will post it next week. This is a multi-partisan blog, and I like to show as many sides as possible. So hit me with a link...I will post it...and maybe we can solve all of our problems right here on this blog!
From Mary Jo in Decatur (9/17/9):
I think you and I are in complete agreement on healthcare, along with a lot of others. All I want is common sense, and so far I haven't heard a lot of that from either side.
See...I think someone really does need to start another political party and call it the Common Sense Party. That would be a nice slap in the face to the other parties, I think!
From Bart in Champaign (9/17/9):
Dude...yesterday I'm sitting at Espresso Royale and some random guy approaches me and says I look just like Bob from "The Biggest Loser". Ahhhh! One show and it's starting again already!
You do look like Bob, Bro. We have been telling you that for 8 seasons now! Take it as a compliment. Bob is a good looking dude, and consequently so are you.
Remember, all, that Bart is one of my best friends. He is also my personal trainer and a lot of other people's personal trainer. And he does look like friggin Bob from "The Biggest Loser". Somehow he needs to cash in on that fact...but I am not sure how he would. Bart also owns B. Lime, the Green Store. You can find the link at the top of this blog!
From Sonja in Clinton (9/18/9):
Hi Greg. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on Ameren IP wanting to tack on a charge for people that don't pay their power bills? I do feel bad for people that are unable to pay, such as the elderly. To be honest though, I know most people have a hard enough time paying their own power bill. I just don't think this is right.
Good question, Sonja. Granted...I do not know everything about that situation. But from what I understand the headlines coming out from local media (including us) are not telling the complete picture. According to Representative Bob Flider, as heard earlier this week on Talk101 FM, formerly US101, this system has been in place for decades.
Yeah...apparently we have always been charged to help pay other people's power bills. But shoddy and incomplete reporting has stirred up this hornet's nest. Now maybe you can find this information somewhere on the Ameren website. Or maybe you can call Flider's office and talk to someone there to verify.
Now how do I feel about that? Eh. It does not bother me all that much. The fee is minimal, and if it helps keep someone else's kids warm in the winter...then so be it. I don't want to pay for some slacker that refuses to get a job. But some people really do need a hand, and I have no issues helping good people when I can. It's part of why we are here, in my opinion. We take care of our own...and then help other people if we can.
I've had my IPod on the entire time I've been typing this. But now it is time to put my makeup on. Honestly at this point I am digging the music so much...I think I would rather keep typing and skip the news this morning! Besides...the weather has been so nice lately there is no one paying attention to me now anyway!
Ah...but wait. Change is in the air, and soon we will be talking about rain again...
9/17/9
I got a bit of feedback already from yesterday's healthcare rant. Honestly it is about what I expected. Obviously it is a hot button issue. There is crap flying from both sides of the argument. Or maybe I should say two sides of the argument. You see...there is another side that is not getting a lot of media coverage right now, and I alluded to it yesterday.
There is the conservative side...the liberal side...and then there is the common sens, e si, de. I've seen the crazy stats and websites that reportedly back up the fact that the President of the United States is lying about what the Dems' plan will and won't do. I've seen the facts and websites that talk about how great the Dems' plan will be. But I think what MOST Americans are waiting for is the common sense plan that probably meets in the middle and settles this stuff in a way that makes the crazies on both sides shut the Hell up.
For me personally...sure I voted for President Obama. For one...I spent about 30 minutes in the same room with the guy. And while that does not make us soul mates...it did give me the chance to "feel" the guy's presence...and it seemed presidential to me. Plus...he is smarter than me, and he is smarter than you. Period. And that can not be a bad thing. PLUS...I like the fact that we have someone with dark skin...finally...in the highest position in the world. I think that is very important in our world today. And if you have ever seen the guy speak to a crowd live and in person you know how he can inspire, and that may be the biggest reason I voted for him. He really does give an essence of hope to people, as long as they get over their fear that he wants to take over the world and put bar codes on our arms.
But politically I am probably more Libertarian than Democrat or Republican. So when I go on a healthcare rant I am not taking the side of either of the main parties. Frankly...I think they are both walking the line of really messing things up. So when you send me feedback keep that in mind. Sure...be honest about how you feel, because that is the point of this blog. But try to keep in mind that I am not a crazy Dem beating on the Conserves...and I am not a crazy Republican irrationally berating the leader of the free world. At this point...I am not crazy about either party. I just love our country.
Now on to another pressing issue. I was heading into the new TV season thinking I had seen my last episode of "The Biggest Loser". I've always found the show to be inspiring...but if you remember the blog from last year you know that I also think the show is over-produced and often times ridiculous. Frankly at times the show is downright insulting to the collective intelligence.
However...the series recording feature on my DVR was still set to record the show. So Tuesday night it recorded the first episode of the new season. Yesterday when I got home I went ahead and watched it. And of course I am already hooked into this new crop of weight losers. So for the next several weeks you will occasionally get to read how the show makes me cry, how the show inspires me to be better about how I treat my own body, and how the producers of the show ruin it by making the show seem too unreal and insincere. Such is life, I suppose.
Tomorrow is "Feedback Friday"! Get your thoughts/comments/suggestions/concerns in now using the feedback form at the top of this blog. Also...you are more than welcome to sign up for email alerts, also at the top of this blog. It will allow you to get an email whenever I update the blog, so you never miss an entry!
And another word on the "money maker". I am joining the program this afternoon, I think. And I already have some people joining with me. For those of you that sent me email saying you were interested...I will likely be contacting you soon with how you can get more information about the opportunity. It is a good one!
9/16/9
Sorry...but I have to weigh in a bit more on this "healthcare debate". To begin...we aren't having a discussion about healthcare. And...it is not a debate. It is craziness, pettiness, and politico crap that is going on...still. So here are some thoughts from yours truly on how we can get this thing back on track. Take it for what you will.
Republicans...stop stirring up these crazies. Telling people that the government is going to kill old people is ludicrous. Stop insinuating that single-payer is evil. Most people don't even understand what that means...and you are taking advantage of it. Actually...most of us have single-payer now, not counting our little co-pays/deductibles. Yeah...our insurance company pays our bills. The only difference in a government single-payer system is that the government would pay our bill instead of an insurance company. And you know what??? John Q. Public won't even know the difference at the doctor's office.
And Democrats...grab a set and tell us what you are actually talking about. Stop trying to parry and thrust with the opposition. When you constantly play defense you allow your opponent to control the conversation. Stand up...speak up...and show us your ideas. Show us YOUR ideas...not what is wrong with the other side's crazy arguments.
And can everyone get off this Socialism kick?? We have forms of Socialism already in this country...and it is NOT evil! Ever mail a letter using the post office? Ever gone to a Veteran's Hospital? These are government run programs that are actually pretty efficient. How about Medicare/Medicaid? Yeah...government run. And you know what?? That medical program has lower overhead...by far...compared to the system our insurance companies use. Having the government run certain aspects of our lives does not put us in a George Orwell book!
This whole issue has become ridiculous. One side has the ability to make really impactful positive change. The other side has the opportunity to actually have a constructive voice to help shape that change. And...you know what?? Both sides are BLOWING IT! What has happened to our freakin country?
And by the way...I said this last week, and I will say it again...if/when I have kids...I will be proud when the President of the United States takes time to address them and give them some encouraging words, regardless of who that President is at the time.
That's all for now. I think I need a nap.
9/15/9
--Someone sent me a link a few days ago about the "oil wars". Apparently Russia recently overtook Saudi Arabia as the world's leading oil exporter for the first time ever. This is important for a number of reasons. But maybe the biggest is that it threatens OPEC's control over oil prices. But as always...I provide the link, and you decide for yourself how interesting it is!
--I continue to get email from those of you interested in the money maker. Again...from what I am learning you need to keep in mind that it takes a small investment, and some work...to make it work. But I think there is power in numbers for this thing...and we seem to be putting together quite a list of people that are at least interested. I'm still getting myself squared away with it...but if you would like to learn more in the next week or two...send me an email and let me know! greg.trumbold@wandtv.com
And even if you choose not to take a direct part in this...there is still a way for you to SAVE money on some services that you are probably already using anyway. So again...drop me an email and I will put you on the list. And then in a week or so I will be contacting you with more details as soon as I finish my "due diligence"!
9/14/9
--Can I just say how nice it is to have football back in season? I've mentioned it here before, but I am pretty big into fantasy sports. My absolute favorite is fantasy football. So yesterday I spent the entire day on the couch with my dogs and my laptop. We watched the games on TV, and I watched my fantasy teams on my laptop. It was a little slice of heaven, to be sure.
The Dallas Cowboys are my team of choice. I have been a fan of the Cowboys since I was a little kid. Tony Dorsett was my favorite Cowboy growing up. Yesterday I was able to watch a little bit of the Cowboys game on my laptop on various sites that were, illegally I think, re-broadcasting the game. After the first quarter the feeds started getting shut down...so I assume that it was illegal. But it was certainly cool being able to watch a little bit of the Boys!
--I think I have decided that I am going to jump into this money making deal. It takes a bit of an investment upfront, as most things do. But the buy-in is minimal. Again...many of you have also expressed interest. And if you are one of those people...I have saved your emails. Once I get myself situated in the next week or two I will be contacting you to let you know how you can get involved, or at the very least get more information. I think it is one of those deals where if we all go in together the better off we will all be. But time will tell.
--This week has the potential to be fantastic, weather wise. I think we will continue to float around 80 degrees each afternoon. I also think we are going to see a lot of sunshine for the next week. And I also think the weather is going to hold right on through the weekend. If we are going to get into one of those annual stretches where the weather does not change for a few weeks...this is the kind of weather to take into the rut!
9/10/9
Many, many of you have emailed about the money making opportunity I mentioned on the blog yesterday. Keep in mind I have been and still am researching this deal. And...I happen to be painfully thorough. But the good side to that is that if I say that something is the real deal you can be pretty sure I have at least done my due diligence.
This opportunity appears to be like most anything else in life...you will get out of it what you put into it. And you always have to remember that money just doesn't fly out of people's butts. In other words...there is no such thing as free money. But the company that this deal involves is a company that caught the interest of Donald Trump. Trump spent a little over a year researching the company...watching it and learning about it. After he researched it...he actually tried to buy the company, because he saw the potential. The owners of the company turned him down, because they have their own plan.
Donald Trump wasn't happy that they turned him down. He still wanted to get involved with them, because of the potential he saw. So they came to an agreement, and now Trump endorses the company. This is a guy that has LOST more money than most of us will ever come close to earning...and he is still a billionaire.
So anyhoo...I'm not ready to mention details here just yet. I am keeping your emails, for those of you that have , expressed interest. In the next week or so I should be contacting you to give you more information about the opportunity. In the meantime...if you have not told me you are interested...and think you might be...just send me an email and mention the money making opportunity and I will put you on the list! mailto:greg.trumbold@wandtv.com
As I mentioned yesterday...I am off work tomorrow. So today is "Feedback Thursday"!
From Gary in Arcola (9/4/9):
Hi Greg you're right about the web site but get this NASA had made a news statement about 2012 or 2013 on a solar flare that is building up in the sun and when it lets go earth well be hit with a very hard EMP blast.
I've heard about that, Gary. Here is a link: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/10mar_stormwarning.htm
From Sandy in Decatur (9/4/9):
I know that you're working this Labor Day & I Thank You for that!! While I had a 5 day weekend you worked 3 of those days. At least you are taking next Fri. off to make up for working now. Have you taken your annual FL trip yet or did that change when you went to CA?? I don't want you to get burnt out with the job. Just take a vacation if you need to recoup.
Just wondered if you had a garden or planted any tomatoes this year? Many tomato plants that I've noticed around here seem to be on their last legs. Mine are still thriving & healthy. So far the weather turning cooler at night has not hurt mine. I know, it's just a matter of time though.
Sure do hate to see the Summer end. Does anyone else, besides me, dread the Winter season?
Happy Trails~
Hey, Sandy. We had to miss Florida this year. Some close friends of mine got married in St. Thomas during the usual time of our FLA trip. So our FLA friends went to St. Thomas for that. We stayed home because of my wife's job. So this year the CA trip became the annual trip!
Nope...no garden. I'm thinking about maybe doing one next year, though. T, his year I did a ‘little' bit of landscaping, but that was about it.
From Mark in Decatur (9/5/9):
When you said the IHC was a movie coming to theaters, It reminded me of another movie that started this tactic.
The movie is "The Blair Witch Project". It's about this supposed haunted town in Maryland that was cursed by a witch and three film school students gets lost in the forest. If you haven't seen it, get the DVD and watch it with the lights out and a bowl of buttered popocorn.
The producers used the internet and other sources to generate interest in the flick and it was the number one movie in the nation at the time. It was beaten by another film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".
Ah, yes. "The Blair Witch Project". You know...I have never seen it. But I have heard a lot about it, and seen some short clips. Maybe I will put that on my short list of films to see. The Greek wedding movie is one that I saw...and it was pretty good!
This IHC, 2012, movie seems like it is going to be a good one! That is...if it actually holds up to the hype...
9/9/9
--Today is 9/9/9. Some people get into numerology. I don&, #39;t really, mostly because I do not know much about it. But the 9-9-9 thing is pretty interesting. Here is a link to some information about the significance of today's date. I'll give you one right now...this is the last time we will have the triple single digit repeating numbers for about a century. For most of us...this will be our last one! Happy thought, I know.
--Can someone explain to me how the President of the United States speaking to our country's students is such a big deal? Shouldn't we be happy the person in that position actually takes time to address the future of our world? When did the person in that position become such an enemy that we have to fear what he/she says to our o, wn citizens? Have we really fallen to such a level that we need to worry about the person we elect to run this country poisoning the minds of our youth? Really? By the way...I would ask these questions no matter who the President is at the time.
--If you have read this blog for very long you know that I am always looking out for ways to make money. I have posted links to things that were supposed to be money making opportunities. Some of them have panned out well for people...and some h, ave not. But now I think I have stumbled upon the best opportunity I have seen. Honestly...I have not become directly involved with any opportunity I have posted here yet, although I have dabbled a bit. But this new one is pretty exciting...and I think I am going to jump in head first. I will likely post some things on it in the next week or so. But if you want a preview just send me an email and I will hook you up with some information.
There are a lot of people without work in this area right now. And those of us with jobs are probably still at a point where a little extra money would certainly help a lot. This opportunity provides that...without a lot of effort. So if you are looking for something a little extra...hit me up. Again...I will probably give more detail here very soon, once I explore it a bit more. But if you want the early heads up drop me an email. greg.trumbold@wandtv.com
I will be off on Friday, which will be my Labor Day holiday. So...tomorrow will be "Feedback Thursday"! Get your feedback in now if you want to make it into tomorrow's blog!
9/8/9
Several of you have sent me emails asking if I am okay. I very much appreciate the concern, and the nice things you have been saying. Just know that there are some things I am going through (aren't we all??) and I am okay. This too shall pass, and things will get better. I truly believe that!
There is a group called HOPE that does amazing things for victims of domestic violence. It's not all they do...but domestic violence is one of their big focuses. They have a website here. A very good friend of mine is part of that group...and she keeps me up on what is happening with them. They have a big event coming up and there is some tremendous entertainment scheduled for the event.
On Friday, September 25, from 6 to 10 that night...it is the "Night of Hope". It'll be at the coffee house on Jackson Avenue in Charleston, or Chucktown as we call it. The proceeds from the event are going to help deter domestic violence, which is obviously something that impacts far too many people.
They are planning a silent auction, which are always cool. They'll be auctioning off paintings, photographs, other various pieces of art, and collectibles. The coffee house does food very well, so you will be well fed if you choos, e.
To me...the best part of the night will be the musical acts. Rick Plummer and Bosco Sticks are playing. Now...honestly...I have no idea who either of them are. I assume they are excellent, though, because I know the people putting on this shin dig and they will not slight you. Also performing that night will be a tremendous trio known as "Motherlode". It's 3 spiritual women with tremendous voices and an upright bass...and they pull off the Indigo Girls better than anyone I have ever heard.
Also performing is basically a member of my family. Her name is Jenny Keefe, and she grew up with my sister. Jenny truly has the voice of an angel and she is about the sweetest person I know. If you think of a cross between the chick from 4 Non Blondes, Sarah McLachlan, and Jewel...that is Jenny. Only in my honest opinion her vocal chords blow those others away...and that is no exaggeration. She does a couple of covers...but mostly her own music. Here is a place to hear some of her stuff!
So if you have been looking for something to do that can also help people that really need it...put this date on your calendar. I'm going to do my best to be there...and so should you!
9/7/9
I hope you enjoyed the wet weekend. Things really took a turn getting into Saturday morning around here. On Friday morning it looked like it was going to be a relatively dry weekend. And then by Saturday it was looking a lot wetter. Here at StormCenter 17 we had about 1.75" of rain over the weekend. Oops! That's the way it rolls sometimes, I guess.
I had a lot of fun over the weekend. I spent some great time with some great friends. Things are a little unraveled in parts of my life, as you may have discerned from reading this blog lately. And when the seas of life are choppy...it is good to have great friends help get you to shore. I've always been fortunate to have a tremendous group of friends...and that is not something I've taken for granted.
So anyhoo...I hope you don't do much labor on this holiday. I don't plan to, even though I am working this morning, and at noon. My plan after work is to go home...chill out for a bit...go to a friend's house to start working out...and then go back home and spend the rest of the day with my pooches!
9/4/9
So the link I left yesterday was a fun one! I checked out the website pretty thoroughly...and I thought it was interesting. I did notice that when you got to the part of the website where they show pictures of people in charge it showed that Danny Glover is our president. Oliver Platt is some kind of Chief of Staff. The website is just a very elaborate promotion for an upcoming movie. As you will read below...some of you got that, too.
But I did think the site was very well made. It had some pretty cool animations. And it spoke of some things that certainly seem plausible. And let's face it...there is a large chunk of society that is fascinated with "End of the World" scenarios. Maybe that is why we have seen so many Apocalyptic movies in the past few years.
Time for "Feedback Friday"!
From Scott in Virden (8/31/9):
Hi Greg!
This year's weather and seasons have been so different...especially with the cooler than normal summer. I wonder if we're having an early fall and winter?
In July and August, my friends and clients in west central Illinois have talked about having problems with larger than normal numbers of mice coming into their homes and farm buildings. Usually we don't experience this until harvest.
My friends and colleagues in St Louis have talked about the same issue...of mice finding their way into homes and businesses at highly unusual rates...as if to seek shelter before cold weather...so much so that the St Louis radio talk shows had been discussing it.
Also in late-July and early-August we've seen crickets hopping about the farmland...which we usually don't see until mid-September.
Last weekend I saw four flocks of geese near the Virden/Girard area flying south in "V" formation. We usually don't see that until October and November.
Today, whether at my farmstead or along our creeks, the trees...although still green...are taking on different shades of green...some lighter than others. We usually don't see fall colors until mid-October. (Last year we had fall colors late-October and early-November.)
With these unusual seasons, I can't help but think the farmers will have less than normal corn crops. While most people have enjoyed the mild temperatures and weather this summer, farmers depend on the summer heat and humidity for our corn crop to fully develop during June, July and August. Coupled with late planting and possible early fall, this spells bad news.
What do you foresee of this fall and winter season? Do you have any scientific explanation for this year's phenomenon? I wonder if you and your colleagues have noticed this or other things I have not mentioned..and if you and/or they have had any thoughts on this?
Scott
Well, Scott...you are right. It has been a cooler, milder Summer compared to other years. And yes...there is an explanation for it. It's called El Nino. If you go to JC Fultz's blog you can read a great explanation of El Nino, and how it is likely to impact us this Fall/Winter. Generally it should mean a slightly warmer and wetter Winter season.
Farmers are concerned this year with their crops. And frankly...they probably should be. Our farm expert Dave Brown was recently talking to someone about the very real possibility of harvesting as late as the middle of November. But as always...we will just improvise and overcome. This is not the first run for El Nino...and it won't be the last!
From Phil in Cissna Park (9/3/9):
Hi Greg. That IHC Link is actually to a website, though looking very real...is a movie advertisement. The movie, starring John Cusak and Amanda Peet, will come out in November. It depicts different cataclysmic scenarios for the end of the world in 2012. Now, though NASA admits there will be a massive solar storm, then, they debunk any planetary alignment theories that have been discussed as causing apocalyptic events. Anyway, from watching trailer to this movie by clicking on an icon at the bottom of the screen, the special effects are very stunning. I plan to go see it, personally. ~Phil
Good call, Phil! I watched the trailer, too...and it looks incredible. I love John Cusack and of course...Amanda Peet. Looks like a thrill ride. When the movie comes out I will be sure to check out Marcus Thorpe's review of the movie on his station's website!
From Tiffany in Woodland (9/3/9):
Yeah, and pigs will fly in 2013. I know Wikipedia isn't the all knowing reference, but here's what they have on this nonsense: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_millenarianism
I always thought that calender ended because they just stopped calculating it... :)
This is why I think the movie will do well, Tiffany. There are many, many people that cling to stuff like this...not that there is anything wrong with that!
From Christine in Decatur (9/3/9):
i'm pretty sure thats just a marketing campaign for a movie... but i would be wholly creeped out if i didn't know that!
It would be weird, wouldn't it?? Honestly...I did not realize it was for a movie until I saw the pictures of the actors. And then it dawned on me that someone in the marketing department had a stroke of genius. It really is a fantastic and thorough website.
From David in Decatur (9/3/9):
Hi Greg, Ole Dave here. I have been trying to find out thru the news services of ABC, CBS, and NBC, if there is any one whom has done an investigation of Lindsey Williams' accusations. I am also going to try to find out something about this IHC article. I do this only because I have the time and little else to do. If the people of the United States and the rest of the world start believing all of this BS, and thinking that there is no one in our count, ry that would try to find answers, we are in deep doodoo. Rumors and other articles have been coming out since the beginning of time. If there is any truth to the least of these things, there is nothing we can do about it anyway. In the words of Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
That's good advice, David! As Dr. Freedman once said on MASH..."Ladies and gentleman, take my advice. Pull down your pants...and slide on the ice"!
As to the Lindsey Williams stuff...I know that the guy really did do some lectures. But I don't know about the accuracy of what he says. If you are able to find anything out please let us know...
From Mark in Dec, atur (9/3/9):
Sounds like the same scare tactics they used when Y2K happened. That was when the year two thousand rolled around everything from computers to cell phones were supposed to go haywire and stop functioning.
As you can see, we're nine years passed two thousand and the Earth hasn't disintegrated yet. By the way, the sun is supposed to explode in about four and one half billion years from now, get your bomb shelters ready!
Oh, that's right, Mark! Thanks for the reminder. I will not spend the weekend digging out the shelter in my back yard!
Have a great weekend, all. The weather should play along very well this year. Enjoy the extra day off on Monday, for those of you that will not be working. I will be back here early Monday morning to get back at it...but I will be taking next Friday off as my Holiday day! Do what you will with that information!
9/3/9
A guy by the name of Gary in Arcola sent me a link the other day that seems...interesting. Here was his feedback...
Hi Greg I would like to ask you some thing can one of your news reporters look into a site called www.theihc.com its about things that are going to happen December 21, 2012 NASA has already reported this about the SUN.
The IHC is the Institute for Human Continuity. They have been tracking a celesti, al body for a while...and they expect that celestial body to interact with our solar system in the year 2012. And apparently they are not all that excited about what this body will do.
Now...like everything else that I post here...it is up to you to check it out and decide if you likey or not. I generally find these types of things interesting. But I don't sit at home with tin foil on my head to keep the government from tracking my brain waves. I find the process interesting, and I find people's reactions to this type of thing interesting.
So check out the link if you like. I would love to hear what you think. Just use the feedback form above to send me your thoughts! Remember...tomorrow is "Feedback Friday"!
9/1/9
Obviously there are a lot of people hurting in this economy. Many people are without jobs for one reason or another and the job market is incredibly thin right now. And of course that means that many people will continue to be without jobs for the foreseeable future.
Someone sent me a link to a story of a couple of women that lost their jobs, and decided to put their best foot forward with an idea that is starting to pay off for them. Consider a reminder that one door closing might just be another door opening...good advice for many of us.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8074447.stm
That's the link to the story. Here is the link to the subject of the story:
