Weather...Or Not August 2010 Entries

8/31/10

See you later, August. Hello September. May you be a little bit cooler and last a little longer.

Last week someone sent me a link to a pretty cool story. Here's the link! Let me know what you think.

It seems like a great idea. And the people involved here seem to think it is quite possible that this could be part of the future of transportation in this country. It makes me feel good that we have people like this living here and now.

8/30/10

Apparently Tiger Woods reads this blog. Obviously he saw me call him out last week for mailing it in this season so his wife wouldn't be able to cash in on his winning this season. He came out hard last Thursday to take a share of the lead. I called him out. He read it. He got scared and clearly tanked the rest of the tournament so he wouldn't look bad.

Okay. So maybe not. More than likely golf is just a very hard game and Tiger isn't quite back to old form yet. But he hit pretty well a couple of days this weekend, so it shouldn't be long before he is winning some tournaments again. Some say that he will never be his old dominating self again. I don't know about that. But golf will be a lot more fun to watch again when there is the chance Tiger will walk away with any given tournament.

In other animal news...Gizmo the Shih Tzu is officially a Trumbold now. The decision has been made to keep the old boy around for a while. He is integrating himself well into the mix. For the record...the kid is around 5 years old. Pound for pound...he is just about the perfect dog.

8/27/10

--Today is Marcus Thorpe's birthday. Do what you will with that information.

--Yesterday I took Gizmo to Dr. Clyde's in Mattoon. I mentioned the other day that I heard Dr. Clyde over charges for stuff. My experience yesterday was very positive. Although she did not seem to remember treating my hamster some 17 years ago…I might be able to forgive her for that. She looked Gizzy over and gave him a rabies shot, and heartworm vaccine. She did a heartworm test that was negative. We spoke for a bit about Gizmo and how I wanted him treated. It was a fairly thorough exam without her pushing for a bunch of unnecessary tests. All told I walked out of there with a healthy dog and a $70 bill. And as someone that has dumped a load of cash on animals I was very satisfied that I was given a fair…even light…bill.

--Did anyone happen to catch the fact that Tiger Woods is sharing the lead in the latest tournament? He hasn't won an event all season, and recently he has been horrible (by Tiger standards). I have a theory here. Tiger's divorce was final earlier this week. Having just finished the process myself just a couple of weeks ago…I'm thinking our friend Tiger has been sandbagging this season. Think about it.

Tiger's wife is already getting a huge settlement, by all accounts. But if Tiger kept winning this season she would get a cut of those winnings, too. But now that everything is settled she likely is no longer entitled to his winnings. And now he comes out of the gate charging hard in his first post-divorce tournament.

Now…the weekend will tell. But my instincts right now are saying Tiger has been playing a different game besides golf so far this season. If he comes out the final 3 days of this tournament and plays in a dominant fashion…then you have to at least think about agreeing with me here!

--Yeah. I know. "Feedback Friday"!!

From Kelly in Argenta (8/18/10):

Jim, I am hardly *naive*, and detest the name-calling. I am merely tolerant of other religions and ethnicities, as well as the fact that I don't blame an entire group for what a few did. Again, I have to defer to the slave trade from the 1600s on.. YOUR being blamed for that is not *right*…am I correct? And…if you can sit there and state that you know for an absolute certainty that if not for our involvement in WWII... Europe would be speaking German...etc etc...then you also need to let everyone else in on the lottery numbers for next week's drawing (how very Cayce of you!) A friend of mine so eloquently put the thought as this: We do not have to be sensitive to the idiocy of a few *locals*. Should blacks stop being black in Alabama? Should atheists buy a gross of Bibles just to appease their Baptist neighbors? The answer is a resounding no. Although I appreciate your opinion and the fact that we will have to agree to disagree, maybe one day you'll see that we need to go to the mat and kill this…that religious bigotry and guaranteed freedoms should NEVER be subjected to popular opinion.

Well that should about settle that whole Mosque conversation!

From Joanne in Clinton (8/24/10):

Greg, hope you have a very happy birthday Wednesday, Ahh, to be 37 again, of course age is a matter of mind--if you don't mind it don't matter ;-)

Truer words, Joanne! Thanks for the birthday wishes. This birthday was much better than last year's birthday!

From Elizabeth (8/24/10):

Hi Greg, Let me get this straight - - you took a hamster to a Vet? That's kind of like taking a Bic lighter in for repair, isn't it? (j/k)

Way back in the day, Elizabeth, I had a Chinchilla hamster that had a swollen pouch. I took the hamster to Dr. Clyde in Mattoon, where I lived at the time. My fear was that the hamster had cancer. Dr. Clyde even mentioned that as a possibility. So she cut open the pouch and found that it was only impacted food. It cost me $30, as I recall.

It's been written here many times that I love animals. I'm not going to go to downtown Chicago and throw red paint on people wearing fur coats or anything radical like that. But when I have the opportunity to improve an animal's life I take it. And I have never let something as superficial as money get in the way of that.

This new Shih Tzu, Gizmo, is a prime example. I don't believe that Gizmo was flat out mistreated by his previous human. But I do think he was a bit neglected. The woman could no longer have a dog because of her living situation, and was going to take Gizzy to the pound. Faye is an animal lover, too. So we stepped in…and Gizzy has a better quality of life now.

From Mark in Decatur (8/24/10):

Happy Birthday Greg,

Hope yours is happy and you get what you want. You mentioned that you're getting reflective now. I'm 50 and I'm looking back on what I did up until now.

One of my most memorable birthdays was the night before my thirty ninth birthday.

I was working with the theater group at Richland and we had finished a play. We all decided to meet at a sports bar named "Fumbles" on Eldorado and Van Dyke streets. I got there after everyone else arrived. After awhile the D.J announced that there was a birthday boy in the crowd and his name was Mark! I stood up and bowed to the crowd. They sang Happy Birthday to me, off key and smashed to high heck!

Again Greg, Happy Birthday Pal!

Thanks, Mark! And thanks for sharing the great story! My birthday, as I've said, was very good. A couple of weeks ago Faye got me the complete Sopranos dvd collection. The day before my birthday she gave me the MASH dvd collection, which includes the original movie and interviews with the crew. Both are things I have wanted for years! This chick pays attention and follows through!

I also heard from about everyone I know and love, too, which is more important than any physical present. My immediate family has a bit of a birthday tradition. Whoever has the birthday gets a call from all of us. So on my birthday I spoke to my brother twice, my sister twice, my Mom once, and my Dad once. It's a pretty good family tradition. I talk to these people all the time anyway…but rarely all of them on the same day.

From David in Altamont (8/24/10):

Maybe if you mention it's your birthday, the vet will give you a break on the bill .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , GREG !!!

Thanks, David! I'm not sure if it was my birthday that caused me the decent vet bill. Maybe someone at the vet's office reads this blog and told them to treat me right. It could have been the TV thing, which happens once in a while. Or maybe Dr. Clyde doesn't actually charge too much. But I was very happy with the result yesterday!

From Cindy in Macon (8/24/10):

Hey Greg, just wanted to say HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY. Hope you have a really great day! I hope you decide yes on the dog.

Thanks, Cindy! Yeah…I think the decision on Gizmo has been made. What's one more animal in my life??

From John in Dalton City (8/25/10):

Happy Birthday Greg! Glad to see things are getting better for you! Keep the good fight going on!

Thanks, John. I'll keep on keeping on, my brother!

From Scott in Pana (8/25/10):

Greg,

Hope you had a great birthday today. My wife Connie and I enjoy reading your blog every day. Thanks for sharing the things going on in your life.

Who do you know in Pana?

Thanks for reading the blog, Scott! I'm not sure I know anyone actually living in Pana anymore. But my nephew goes to school there.

From Angie in Charleston (8/26/10):

Hey, I didn't get a chance to wish you a Happy Birthday. So....you know, Happy Birthday and all.

Finally, Angie! My birthday was almost ruined because I spent the entire 24 hours of my birthday next to my computer checking my email for your birthday feedback!

From Mary in Mattoon (8/26/10):

Hi Greg,

Happy Belated Birthday! I talked to your grandma yesterday and she told me it was your birthday. If I had been reading your blog more I would have already known that! Sorry! My life has been pretty crazy this year also and has been so busy lately that I've missed doing a lot of things I enjoy--like reading your blog and watching you do the weather every morning. I've been packing things and cleaning house so we could put it up for sale. We plan to move to Arizona in the near future so I will really miss your weather updates.

I really enjoyed getting to meet you and Faye and your brother, Steve, at the church back in June.

I especially liked your recent comment on your blog about thinking "every day is pretty special." Also about how great your family and friends are--you'll find the older you get that family and friends become more and more important to you.

After we get moved to Arizona I'll have to email you and let you know what the weather is there!!

Hi, Mary! No worries about not reading the blog as much lately. Sometimes life takes over! I had heard that you were headed to Arizona.

It was great to finally meet you, too, Mary. Although the circumstances could have been better, Grandma has talked a lot about you…and it is always good to put a face with a name!

Absolutely keep us posted after you move to AZ. Don't go out of your way on the weather reports, though. I think we can all guess what the weather is there on any given day!

That's it for now, all. Thanks again for all of the birthday wishes!

8/26/10

The birthday was a good one. It was certainly much better than last year. I went home and chilled out with Gizmo, Boomer, Macy, and Buster for quite a while. I watched wrestling from Tuesday night and then the second Transformers movie. Honestly…I thought it was a piece of crap. The only redeeming quality of the movie was plenty of Megan Fox slow mo's. But even that could not help the movie. She is pretty, obviously, but she isn't exactly Meryl Streep when it comes to acting.

Many of you emailed me to say Happy Birthday. I appreciate that. Some of it might get posted tomorrow for "Feedback Friday". But I don't want to blow out the birthday thing. Even though this year was nice…I am still not all that into birthdays, holidays, etc. I just think every day is pretty special.

We have not really covered much on the blog this week, as I am sure some of you have noticed. Sometimes after a "hot" couple of weeks it is nice to keep things light, I think. Maybe next week something will come up that stirs it a little bit around here. But this has been a good week to breathe a little!

Any thoughts you have that you would like to share you can do at the bottom of the blog. Hit the feedback section and let us know what is on your mind. Tomorrow is "Feedback Friday"!

8/25/10

Well here we are. Another year older and hopefully another year wiser. On one hand…HOLY CRAP I AM ALMOST 40!! But on the other hand…I am only 37. Realistically that's about half way there, isn't it? I've never really been one to worry about things like time and age. I was just talking to Faye yesterday about how our calendar is just a structure through which we delude ourselves into having a sense of control over things. There are other calendars besides our calendar. So who has the right one? Exactly. It doesn't matter. All we know for sure is that this is now…and we are here. Do what you do the best you can do.

Things are very good right now in my life. Sure…large chunks of the past year were Hellish. There was the divorce, the uprooting of what I thought was a happy life, and the removal of The Wu's from my day-to-day life. That was mostly in the first half of this past year, though. As it stands now I have Faye. I have a job that makes me happy, most of the time. Of course I've always had tremendous family and friends. There are now 3 great dogs in my life…and my cat Macy has been with me for over a decade now. I feel pretty good, but I need to start exercising again. All in all…things are good.

I had talked yesterday about making a list of things I know right now. I've decided that I am not going to do that, at least for today. Instead I am taking the time I was going to spend on the list and use it to read the birthday emails many of you have already sent to me this morning. Thanks. I appreciate the thought! The stuff sent as feedback will prolly get posted on "Feedback Friday".

Not sure what this means…but Elton John's "Circle of Life" just hit my IPod as I started this blog this morning. Life does provide its little moments, doesn't it?? Cripes…now it's John Lennon "Watching the Wheels". How can I not be introspective this morning with stuff like this in my ears??

8/24/10

I find myself not having many thoughts for the blog this morning. Maybe I am still recuperating mentally from the whirlwind trip over the weekend. I'm thinking of making a list for tomorrow's blog, given it will be my 37^th birthday. As you might know if you've read this blog long I like to reflect on things occasionally. And the list would be 37 things I think I know at this point in my life. Funny thing about lists like that, though, is that in a few years you realize most of the things on the list were wrong.

There is a new pooch in my life. His name is Gizzy, and he is a Shih Tzu. A woman Faye knows had Gizzy, but she recently had a change in her life that required her to give him up. We didn't like the thought of a dog being sent to the pound, especially a Shih Tzu. So now it is decision time on whether or not to keep the Wu around. He is a cute little dude. Frankly…I am leaning towards YES. He's got a vet appointment on Thursday to check him out. You know Drs. Bob and Shelly at Fairview are my animal peeps…but due to proximity we're going with Dr. Clyde in Mattoon for now.

I actually used Dr. Clyde almost 20 years ago for a hamster I had (long story). I've heard, though, that since then she has gained a reputation for being overpriced. We shall see. Chances are good I know more about Shih Tzu's than she does, thanks to Fairview. We may have a tussle if she tries to jack up my bill! But it will be good to see her again, and I always like to give people a chance despite what I hear about them. I will report back here on the blog how Thursday goes. If I am happy with her I feel I should let you know since I just questioned her professional integrity this morning!

See…sometimes all you have to do is start typing and the blog writes itself!

8/23/10

I am back from Mexico. It was a short trip, and very busy. Business was good and brisk. We played a little bit…but not much. And this time of year you can walk outside…sit in the shade…and sweat. The humidity is ridiculous. But you do get used to it.

For those of you that are pro wrestling fans…I did see Billy Gunn at the Dallas airport yesterday. We walked past each other in the hallway. He is a bit of a grump, as I hear, so I did not bother him. He was a big dude.

I got home around 7 last night. This morning I am tired! But I will live (at least for now, I hope). Really…that is about all I have for you on this Mexico thing. The business part of the trip I will tell you more about in the coming months.

This was my Dad's trip, and I went along as kind of his "second". He and I really mesh well. We are very much alike. That used to be a hindrance when we would try to work together on stuff. But I think we have both learned how to give and take a bit. I think that is mostly a function of me letting him have the "alpha role", though! (Inside joke to my Dad…)

It is quite possible I will be going to Mexico at least a couple of times a year now. So it is time to dig up my Rosetta Stone Spanish disk and get to working on the language. It is easy to feel out of place when you don't speak the native language. And I've always believed if you are going to spend a lot of time in a foreign country you should learn the native tongue. So it is time to sack up and live up to my own expectations!

I do feel I should apologize for not blogging while down there. Really…there wasn't an hour that allowed me to sit down and do it.

8/18/10

--One of my best friends used to work here. His name is Marcus Thorpe. MT and I used to be roommates. Living with Marcus taught me many things, not the least of which is that this kid loves movies. Marcus and his wife Mikaela live in Columbus, Ohio now with their new boy Logan. They both work at the same TV station doing news. Marcus also does a blog…about movies. He gives reviews for most movies that are in theaters. For years now I have used MT's opinion on movies to determine what I spend money on to see in a theater. If you'd like to check out MT's movie review blog…here it is! And tell him I sent you. And leave him a comment or two if the mood takes you.

--One week from today I will be 37 years old. Do what you will with that information.

"Feedback Wednesday"!!

From Jim in Taylorville (8/13/10):

I agree with you Greg that we've given enough attention to the issues of the 9-11 mosque, and or, illegal immigration. The proof lies in the naive remarks of "Kelly".

This past Wednesday I was on my way to STL I had my cruise control set to 62, which is normally safe on the little travelled route 48 even though the speed limit is 55. I came up upon a semi-tractor towing the most gigantic grain trailer I've ever seen. This contraption had tires on it that were tall as my 4 x 4 truck and 2 feet wide. It's left wheels were in the oncoming lane, and the right wheels were on the gravel shoulder throwing rocks at my truck. I finally just hit the gas and passed this rock throwing monster. I coasted into Harvel still going 62 and I exited that short 45 mph stretch doing only 47 or so. Once out of Harvel, an unmarked police car ticketed me for speeding. Harvel has no grocery, no businesses of any kind, and yet they now have a police force? The only good thing was when that cop almost jumped through my window when that semi pulling a MAMMOTH grain trailer damn near flattened him standing by my truck door. On the way home from the airport, my wife and I noticed that the Harvel sign says Population 250. It's nothing but a few older houses, but they can apparently now afford a police force? Pinch me.

I had done NOTHING on the highway that was excessive or dangerous to ANYONE, but when that cop pulled me over.... both of our lives were suddenly in danger from the traffic coming through behind me. 250

people must be planning to raise some new and big "speed trap money".

I just can't imagine what they'll even use it for... unless it's maybe community house paint, or yard clean up weekends where all the neighbors trade their yard junk with each other for new yard junk. I told the polite officer that I admired his ball cap, sewn on badge,

and compact police car. He said "Are you getting smart?" I replied

"No... I was just born that way, but I'll admit that technically, I was speeding." He just laughed, and wished me a safe trip.

I dunno... but my actions didn't seem like much of a crime to me, especially since I was slowing down so dramatically instead of passing through Harvel going 62. I'll just pay for the ticket, since my driving record has been clean for 45 years. I still find the entire experience to be offensive... and somewhat funny too.

jim

P.S. - yes I have a link and the video of Obama's saying that we are no longer a Christian Nation. I'll email it to you privately, so that this blog can cool down. I'll also (on the blog record) point out to Kelly that if not for our nation that she accuses of crimes.... most of Europe would now be speaking German, with no Jews left alive there. She is correct that the USA has a checkered past regarding native Americans, and slavery, but this fine country righted itself on those issues more than 5 generations ago. And yes Greg... Jefferson was pretty much an atheist, but he signed his name to many US papers that mentioned a Christian God in the body of the documents. He was just careful to protect the "separation of church and state.... yet every day our congress is called to order and a prayer to God is the next thing on the agenda. Even our currency mentions God, and the Supreme Court Building has the Ten Commandments built into it's architectural facade.

Obviously this was sent as an email. It is far too large for the feedback form at the bottom of this blog. If someone ever needs to say a lot for a Feedback day just send me an email with "Blog" in the subject line.

From Scott in Virden (8/13/10):

Greg,

Something you might do on your blog this week is mention the day(s) and times you'll be at the StormCenter 17 booth/display (or whatever it is) at the Illinois State Fair...so your Gregorians (like me) can come by and say hello.

Just an idea.

Thanks, Scott! I am not sure we have a booth at the State Fair. There doesn't seem to be a lot of readily-accessible information around here about what we are doing. I checked out our website to see if we had any information posted and we don't. I did find a link to the State Fair website, though, on our website. So I guess I will just pass that along.

http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/

From Pam in Mount Zion (8/16/10):

Hi Greg,

I just wanted you (and your mom) to know that I did get a yorkie. He's 4 months old. A man in Pana advertised a new litter that was going to be born on the 18th of this month. He had one pup left from his last litter and that was our "Tully". We decided to take him instead of waiting for a couple of months for a new pup to be weaned. He's adorable and we love him. Thanks to you and your mom for trying to help with the "find". :-)

Awww…Pam. Congrats on the new addition! Yorkies are cute dogs! One question, though…how did the dude from Pana know the dog was going to be born on a specific date??

From Rodney in Decatur (8/16/10):

What was that big bug on the DMH camera this morning? Was that a cicada?

Rodney…I am glad you caught that! I think it was just a regular house fly. Sometimes in the Summer when the weather is the same every day we have to be creative to stir some interest. That's what I was doing with the fly the other morning. But a small part of me is sad that the fly wasn't actually Mothma.

From Bart in Champaign (8/16/10):

Yes, dude, you are.....but I love you anyway. Now go ask your tailor about some sweet flat fronts.....and don't let him cuff the ankles either.

Wait…no cuffs on pants, either?? What the Hell happened to the styles I used to love? Seriously…I wear double-breasted suits, with pleated pants, and I think all of those pants have cuffs at the bottom. Crap! I do plan to get some new suits in the next month or so. I have a guy in Thailand that makes them for me. Time to put in an order!

As some of you may know Bart is one of my very best friends. Last Winter Faye and I were having dinner with Bart and Wendi in Champaign. Faye had just gotten me a new Winter coat. Before that coat I had worn an old, tattered brown leather bomber jacket that I LOVED. After dinner as we were parting company I was the subject of ridicule by Bart and Wendi because Faye got me to finally give up my VERY out of style bomber jacket. I was crushed…not because they were making fun of me, but because I had no idea my jacket was out of style! Fashion is NOT my forte.

From Jim in Taylorville (8/16/10):

I think your (and Laine's) pleated black wardrobes are fine, since I still wear 30 year old and faded, once tight fitting Levis that are now pleated by the fact I'm so damn old and skinny. Who cares anyway? You guys report the local news and predict the weather better than anyone else around here. I don't even notice such things as your clothing or physiognomies, but I assume that Laine's clothing is double breasted at all times? She is different but attractive I think, and very SMART. Okay I apologize again for that double breasted remark, but Laine always struck me as being super smart and professionally confident in her weather.

I have to be careful here, since I know that several Gregorians disagree with me on lots of things. I'll apologize to them right NOW and get it over with, just to preemptively shut them up if I can. I am just an American who loves things like this 5 year old girl singing our National Anthem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX3o2mpKF7M

Jim…you are cracking me up. Yes…Laine is very smart! And she does know weather. Sure…it took her some time to become proficient at doing the weather. But I wouldn't want someone playing tapes of my first couple of years doing weather, either! It takes time for most people to do anything well.

Thanks for the link to the girl singing. Great voice on that one!

From Scott in Virden (8/18/10):

Hi Greg,

You were mentioning a while back about Tara being a mean old gal. Hey, I can relate to her and I'm sure she'll agree.

You see...she was raised on a farm...I was raised on a farm. When us farm kids are raised on a farm, we're taught to stand up for ourselves and don't take anything off of anybody...especially from scrawney little town twerps. And if you were to get between us, well, we have an ole country saying like...two against one may not be fair but it sure is a heck-uv-uh lot more fun. Yeah, well, I know that sounds tough, but ya know ...

So you be real nice to Tara and she'll be real nice to you. And if you say real nice things about her, she'll say real nice things about you. ... And if you're real nice till Christmas, I'll send ya some more of Dad's homemade fudge.

Well, that's the way it goes, Greg. Have a NICE weekend.

Talk to you later...bye, :-)
Scott

Hi, Scott. I am not sure whether or not Tara was raised on a farm. I do know for a fact that she does get cranky before 5 in the morning.

Eh. Who am I kidding? Tara is one of the nicest people I know. That's what makes it so fun to come to work every morning. The REAL problem in the morning is that Scot England. Talk about someone that is just flat out mean!

And I love that fudge, Scott!

That's it for now. First thing tomorrow morning I will be on a plane headed South. I may or may not get the chance to update the blog while I am down there. This is not a vacation…it is a work trip. I mean…not a weather-related work trip. It's kind of a family business work trip. Point is…it is not a vacation. So I am not sure what kind of time I will have in Mexico to update the blog.

8/17/10

--Yesterday on my way home my 2007 Prius flipped 100,000 miles. I drive about 30,000 miles a year. This is the second Prius I have owned. On a Prius there is a monitor that gives you several display options. One of those options keeps track of gas mileage. You can reset this gauge anytime you want. But with this Prius I decided as soon as I got it that I would never reset the gas mileage gauge. So it has been recording my average gas mileage now for a little over 100,000 miles. I am happy to report that for the life of this Prius I am averaging 42.1 miles per gallon of gas. Do what you will with this information.

--Again…this is a short week for me. Tomorrow will be my last day at work until next Monday. I'm shooting down to Mexico for a few days to do some business. And no…I am not stuffing drugs in my bum for transport. My days as a mule are long past. Thank God.

While I am down there I may blog a time or two. So take a second and sign up for email alerts if you have yet to do so. That way when I update the blog you will get an email letting you know. While having you hit the blog every single day to check for an update benefits my blog numbers…I do realize that most of you just check in a couple of times a week. So signing up for email alerts just saves you the trouble. When I update the blog you will know and won't have to guess.

Tomorrow will be "Feedback Wednesday"! Get your thoughts in now!

8/16/10

--Seriously…am I the only skinny dude that still wears pleated pants?? How did I get so fashionably askew??? I need to work on the work wardrobe, apparently.

--Here is a link that is important for today.

--This will be a short week for me. Thursday I'm headed south for a few days. I should be back next Monday, though. Meantime…we will do "Feedback Friday" on Wednesday. Get your thoughts in now! We still have some leftover fodder from last week's discussions…should be fun!

8/13/10

--There is a guy that works here named Ryne. He does a new blog here on this website about techie type things, like cell phones and video games. But that isn't why I am telling you about Ryne. Last year Ryne's Dad was in a nasty motorcycle accident. Geoff Duncan was driving the motorcycle, and the guy that hit him was driving a car. Geoff was thrown about 50 feet. Naturally Geoff was not in good shape after the wreck. And the guy that hit him only had limited liability coverage. So now Geoff has huge medical bills while the family waits for word on settlements, etc.

Geoff was also a firefighter in Decatur for a long time. Bottom line…the family could use some help, and here is a good chance. This Sunday at Sliderz Bar and Grill there is a benefit. The proceeds will go to help cover Geoff's stuff. Geoff and his wife were both military, and Geoff was a firefighter, and both were Red Cross volunteers. So if you are around Sunday from 2 to around 8 that afternoon stop in and say hello…and help out some good people! Call Christy at 217-201-0456 for more information on the event. "The Still" will be playing at the show.

--Am I the only person left in the world that still wears double-breasted suits??

From David in Decatur (8/6/10):

I guess I have another famous first to talk about. I think that I am the first person that has had the "Edited by Greg" notation put in their comment. I may be wrong, but have never seen it before. And Gregorians, Greg did send me an email telling me he was doing it, and I agreed it was necessary. My bad. You sure have a bunch of "Daves" writing in. Are we that smart, or just smart "a***s"? No offense intended, Daves.

I'm not sure you were the first to be edited, Dave…but you are one of the few!

From Angie (8/10/10):

I usually don't respond or comment on rabid-dog posts but since no one else has I will. To the Muslim community: Please know that not all people (not even most) think you are all (or even mostly) terrorists. Most of us understand that you are just people, some good some bad. Please excuse the paranoid ramblings of those who are ignorant. They just aren't nice people and there isn't much you can do with a bad apple. I would say that they need to be pitied and ignored but I do fear they are becoming increasingly dangerous.

As for Jim from Taylorville, I too have an American birth certificate. I have a brother in Afghanistan now. And I think that all the proof in the world would not change your views on anything. I feel so sad for people like you who have to live with so much hate and fear. My prayers are with you!

Whoa. This will be interesting.

From Phil (8/11/10):

Hello Greg;

I had to chime in here...add my 2¢ worth into the Muslim mosque controversy...because I am like that. To fault all Muslims for the attacks on our World Trade Center would be the same thing as blaming all Germans for Auschwitz...or all Japanese for Pearl Harbor.

When I view the topic and this context, I see the rationality of having the mosque anywhere in the United States they want to build it.

Keep in mind, I lost 175 former colleagues in the Trade Center attacks, but I am mature enough to realize that not ALL Muslims were responsible.

Thanks for your point of view, Phil.

From Sue in Decatur (8/11/10):

The burning question that I have is...where does Tara get her hair cut? :)

Finally! Finally, Sue…someone finally has the courage to stand up and tackle the tough issues!

Tara gets her hair done in Mount Zion, at Attitudes. That is actually very fitting for Tara Barrett, given her attitude.

From Jim in Taylorville (8/11/10):

Sorry if my recent comments offended anyone. I'm actually an easy going, but patriotic guy who is quite open minded on most "issues"....

up until the (back room operated) Federal government begins to dictate US policies rather than honoring the results of our ballot counts. Is it still legal for me to claim that I'm a Christian? If so.... then for how much longer? Obama states that we are no longer a Christian nation, and that he loves the sound of Islamic calls to prayer. This guy simply worries me in just about every way. His idea of "democracy" is to redistribute wealth, and make people totally DEPENDENT on their government, instead of themselves. Thomas Jefferson said (paraphrasing from memory) "A government big enough to give us everything, is also big enough to take it all away." So far.... I've seen no signs of any new jobs created by this free spending plan that our unborn grandchildren will still be paying for.

I did make one error that I admit to. I should have numbered the muslim terrorists as being more than just thousands. I'm tired of watching the news everyday, only to see how many more of our troops were killed by well organized and well funded ambush style explosive devices. Not even our (unpaid) volunteer medical people on missions of humanitarian aid to the downtrodden are safe. These terrorist zealots murdered 6 of them just the other day. And they call me an infidel? Accuse me of being "intolerant" if you wish. I think I'm just being logical in stating that muslims (as a group) are enemies to the USA. THEY THEMSELVES say they are...and I believe them.

Sorry again if I'm too blunt to suit everyone, but at least people always know that I'll tell them exactly how I feel. Unlike some "politically correct" people that I know, nobody ever has to guess about me. I love this country, and I love all it's citizens of every color, every faith, and every culture. I even love those people who strongly disagree with me. Differing opinions are never a cause for animosity. It's simply the American way.

respectfully,

Jim

Hi, Jim! Personally…you did not offend me. I generally choose not to be offended by most things. And I do love respectful discourse and debate. I know many people that share your views on the mosque issue, as well as immigration issue.

I have to claim ignorance on the President announcing we are no longer a Christian nation. Do you have a link to the video or quote where he said that? If he said it…and maybe he did…I missed it. On that note, though, I would prefer that we keep any religion separate from our government. If the Taliban teaches us anything it should be what can happen when religion takes over government. Forefathers? Christian nation? Wasn't Thomas Jefferson a notorious Atheist?

I don't disagree that government should not support its people. A hand up is different from a hand out. And I do think most of our government programs should at least be revamped if not scrapped all together.

This is cool, Jim. We are covering a lot of ground here!

From David in Decatur (8/11/10):

Hey Greg, Ole Dave here again. I took the time to look at the new radar and in all honesty, I do not see anything that it will do for me, that the Doppler doesn't If you are going on a trip, or a traveling businessman, it could be helpful in your planning, but for the ordinary day to day person, I don't see the advantage. Am I missing something?

As for the mosque the Muslims are planning on putting near Ground Zero in New York, I cast a "NO" vote. The idea stinks! If they want to practice their religion in this country, okay, but to put a mosque in NY would be like rubbing our noses in the horrible tragedy suffered by our country. It would only provoke hatred and violence by certain elements, and create worse relations between us.

I think people still need to give other people the opportunity to do the right thing. Just because someone might vandalize this proposed Mosque doesn't mean we should not let someone build it. Christian churches get vandalized all the time. It even happens in our area. But should we stop building Christian churches because a few people might damage them? Again…it's just my opinion.

I look at it more as a chance for people to come together. Maybe I am naïve. But there is nothing more damaging to bigotry than exposure to whatever the bigot hates. I think I just loosely quoted Malcolm X, or someone else. And I am not saying anyone in our conversation is a bigot. But by allowing the Mosque to be built gives the bigots the chance to maybe learn and grow a little. You can laugh at that…but aren't we growing more tolerant generationally? Younger generations are much more tolerant of other races, in general, aren't they?

As to the interactive radar…did you try interacting with it, Dave? You can literally put your mouse on the map and move it around. You can zoom in and out, and select what kind of data it shows. The map shows the weather all over the country. For the average person in this area it allows you to look at Missouri and see what is headed your way. And you don't have to wait for us to do the news…it's "on demand".

From Kelly in Argenta (8/12/10):

Oh, Jim ::shakes head::

So much to say - your loathing of an entire religion and/or race of people based on an act of a few religious and political zealots borders on hypocrisy. Look at what we as a nation have done to various races and cultures in the past, yet people just like YOU expect tolerance from those exact same peoples whom we subjugated into slavery, beat down into submission and killed!!

How about the Native American nations, the Africans, remember the Civil War? Now do you smell how hypocritical that is?

In regards to the mosque, would you have been as derogatory in your comments had it been announced that a Christian church would be built there? Or a synagogue? Or a Mormon church? An African-based place of worship? No, I bet not.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

Maybe I should use the old cliché - a few bad apples...blah blah blah, but I think you know this, and it would only diminish what I am attempting to say.

Perhaps, the worst part of your comment was the statement that you "...know some Muslims and they are good people." I'm still shaking my head over that one.

You can display your birth certificate for all the world to see, it doesn't prove a thing, for I guarantee your ancestors came from somewhere...other than here.

It saddens me to think that in this day and age there are still such small-minded and hate-filled folks such as yourself still around...it portrays a bleak future for our children.

Hi, Kelly. Thanks for your feedback.

Alright. We've covered this topic enough, I think. I will say this…I heard on the radio yesterday that there are 23 other Mosques in the city of New York. So it is not like this is the only spot to put that one Mosque. Maybe it is in poor taste…and maybe it is not. At least we've given people food for thought and a place to chew the food here on the blog!

Have a great weekend, all. Tomorrow now looks just as hot as today, so be careful out there! I've got the Wu's this weekend, which is nice. It has been too long since I have been around them. They will be together with Faye's pooches, too. Basically I am spending the weekend at the zoo! If I survive I will see you back here Monday morning!

8/12/10

--Big things happening in the sky over the next couple of nights. It is time once again for the Perseid meteor shower! Here is a link where you can find more information if that kind of thing interests you.

It looks like viewing should be pretty good, as our sky will be fairly clear. Good luck!

--Big things happening around here lately, too. FutureGen has changed, in case you have not already heard. And this change impacts communities around here. Vanessa Murphy does a blog on our website, and she has a fantastic breakdown of the letters being sent around and released over the past few days by the people involved. It appears as though Decatur may make a play for what Mattoon has just turned down. Here is the link if you are interested.

8/11/10

Opera is cranking on my I-Pod right now. Amici Forever doing "Senza Catene" is beautiful. It's nice how music can set the mood for the day. I can already tell that imma have to go to the Olive Garden for lunch today and get some breadsticks! There is also Pastabilities that I could do for lunch. I have been there a couple of times and the food has always been good. I remember when that restaurant first opened. I went there with some friends, and the restaurant's radio commercial played over and over and over and over on the sound system. That was irritating! I am glad they got over that little phase. But the food was good.

This is all just wishful thinking, really. I am doing the noon news again today, and neither of those restaurants opens in time for me to squeeze in lunch. It's just as well. It will be cheaper to just go to Subway or Dairy Queen anyway. And in times like this we all need to save what money we can, no? I better stop naming all these businesses or you are going to think this blog really is sponsored!

In addition to the weather…the blog has been getting a little heated lately, too. We heard from Jim in Taylorville yesterday with his thoughts on immigration and Muslims. Naturally both are hot topics. I've already had feedback based on Jim's comments. I will hold that feedback until "Feedback Friday". But I want to mention that while these are emotional topics, please keep your feedback respectful. So far so good with this…but this could easily get into pettiness and name calling, I think. Gregorians are a fine bunch, but sometimes we all let our emotions grab hold. I will edit anything that is out of line. But I want this to continue to be a place where we can respectfully discuss these big, tough issues. I think it is healthy.

Along those lines…if you have thoughts you would like to share, or a question you've always wanted to ask, you are free to do so at the bottom of the blog. There is a feedback area where you can submit this stuff. You'll have to register on this site…but it's free. Or if you have a lot to say you can just send me an email with "blog" in the subject line. And don't forget to sign up for email alerts, too. That way you will be notified whenever I update the blog. Sometime in the next couple of weeks I will be going to Mexico again for some business, and I will likely blog a time or two while I am there.

8/10/10

I've got a couple of life updates for you this morning. And I want to hit some feedback that the blog got over the weekend.

--I've decided on a new phone. I am going to wait two more days and get the new Blackberry Torch. In Savoy yesterday at the AT&T store I saw the new phone and it is pretty slick. I know this will be life-altering news for some of you and I wanted to break it to you as soon as humanly possible. (Do you sense sarcasm in the written word??)

--I was in the Savoy/Champaign area yesterday because it was time to go to the courthouse to finish my business with the former Mrs. Trumbold. By the start of courthouse business this morning everything should be settled. There isn't much more I will say about this. Personally I think it is sad whenever a marriage is "put down", but at least now the two of us can get on with our lives. We are not enemies, and I am happy about that.

--Last week we spoke about the mosque that some have planned to build close to the 9/11 site. I gave my opinion. Honestly I am surprised that there is only one bit of feedback on the matter. According to the latest polls 60% of New Yorkers disagree with me. I figure the percentage should be the same around here, if not a higher percentage. But only one bit of feedback. That's cool. It is a heated subject. So here is that feedback.

From Jim in Taylorville (8/6/10):

I have heard enough talk about "tolerance" toward Muslims and our open

borders that are being invaded daily by illegal aliens. I apologize.

I'm just not feeling very "tolerant" these days. Yes there are some legal Muslims here who are "good people".... but they are mostly rich American educated doctors, who displaced a true American white minority 4.0 student that was denied admittance into medical school.

Everybody can now just throw party balloons because of all this new "welcome" attitude toward illegal aliens. Having lived in southern California for 25 years, and read every John Steinbeck book two or three times, I have a pretty clear idea toward how illegal Mexicans

work. They are (in my experience) just good people trying to get by.

Muslims however should be treated as enemies of the USA, even IF they are individually or occasionally good people.

Just because Timothy McVey was a terrorist... that doesn't erase the

fact that ALL the other thousands of terrorists have a Muslim motive.

WAKE UP or get off the weather and go to Afghanistan in a uniform.

Our forefathers would have NEVER allowed a Muslim mosque to cast a shadow over "Ground Zero"... but Obama will. IF you would like to see my birth certificate, it's open to the public. Try to view Obama's birth certificate, and then get back to me.

We disagree on a few points here, Jim, but I won't argue about them. I do have a couple of thoughts, though.

I'm not sure what the illegal alien issue has to do with the mosque in New York. But we actually don't disagree about much. And frankly I don't think most people in the country are FOR illegal immigration. I think the points of contention come when we discuss what to do with illegals. I am all for people immigrating to our country. But you have to do it legally. And I believe that anyone in this country illegally should be booted. I don't even disagree with proposed legislation that would change the laws regarding being born in the states and automatic citizenship.

Even this Arizona law isn't about letting illegals stay in the country. The controversy is over the ability for authorities to cherry pick people and check their citizenship status. I am not crazy about letting the police harass people without cause. As the law is now it apparently allows police to check status of people they pull over for other reasons, and that doesn't seem out of line. But we need to make sure we don't give up our rights...again.

I would like to see the stats you are using when you say the other thousands of terrorists have a Muslim motive. You start to sound a little paranoid with this argument, frankly. And this is America. We can question anything, including our government and our military, without actually grabbing a gun and fighting a war.

We can't honestly say for sure what our forefathers would have done about Muslims. We can only speculate. But something tells me they would be having just as much trouble with the issue as we are. Sometimes we put the forefathers on a pedestal. They governed in a much, much different world than their current counterparts. Do you think they could have handled today's complicated economy? Or could they have governed such a diverse population? It would be like Babe Ruth trying to play baseball against today's far superior athletes.

Thanks for the feedback, Jim. You know I love it when people respectfully disagree. Anyone is welcome to weigh in here. I don't claim to have the RIGHT answers. It's a process, no??

8/9/10

Did you survive the Decatur Celebration? Did you even go? I was there Saturday morning to do the parade. But after the parade we went to lunch at Fuji's in Decatur. The food was great…but the service was…weird. After lunch Faye and I went bowling. And then we went to meet up with Marcus and Mikaela Thorpe. They recently had a little dude, and this was the first time I met him. He was a cute kid, of course. And it, was great to see Marcus and Mikaela. They've been great friends over the years. Sure…I am glad they are thriving in Columbus, Ohio…but I miss them being around.

I was not thrilled with the parade coverage Saturday morning. Like a lot of things it was actually harder to cover the parade than it looks. Some of the things you hopefully did not know: Liz and I could not hear what was going on the air. We had our ear pieces in…but we either had to listen to our coverage with an 8 second delay or not at all. We also could not hear anything that Vanessa Murphy was saying when she was on the street interviewing people in the parade.

It was fun to cover the parade. But there are things I know now that I did not know before doing the parade. And if I do the parade again I will be better prepared. Hopefully it didn't look or sound like crap on the air. But it certainly did not feel good to me while we were doing it. In case you missed the parade and want to see some of the floats…there was a guy that approached me after the parade to tell me he was putting what he recorded on YouTube. Here is the link!

8/6/10

The Decatur Celebration begins today. The weather looks like it is going to play along this year, although it will get a bit warm this weekend. And it will be very sunny, so sunscreen will be big if the sun bothers you. This falls under the realm of common sense…but as people continually prove there doesn't seem to be a lot of it out there. That is why we go on during the news and tell you exactly what you need to do to be safe. And we do this over and over and over and over again because we also still cover stories of people being harmed doing stupid things. It's always those careless few that ruin it for everyone else, isn't it??

Tomorrow morning is the Celebration parade. For the first time ever I will be taking part in that parade. Liz Adeola and I will be "calling the action" for the TV broadcast. Liz is a cool chick and will be a lot of fun. To be honest…there is a script for us. There are specific things that the parade people expect us to say. And to be even more honest…I plan to say very little of what they want me to say. Sure…I will mention the sponsors because that is money. And I will rattle off the ridiculously long name of the parade. But saying this or that about this or that float is not something I plan to adhere to. I will call it like I see it. If a float is tremendous I will let you know. If the float sucks and was just thrown together I will probably call that out, too. Bottom line…this could be the last time I am on the air at WAND! (And I've been told that due to some technical snafu the "kill button", as we call it, probably won't be working very well. It's also known as the delay button…)

"Feedback Friday"

From Sue in Decatur (8/3/10):

I read about Tate and Lyle in this morning's paper and was shocked. That is the last thing this city needs. I certainly hope that they take the employees with them or there will be a huge amount of people without income. Not good.

On a brighter note, hope you cool things down for your stay at the Decatur Celebration (25 yrs) on Saturday! ;)

It could be a scary situation, Sue. Of course at this point it is only rumor and what-if. Tate and Lyle has said that they are considering some options and have,, ,, , yet, to make a decision. But in corporate speak that means to me…yeah, we will make some changes. No offense…but where would you put the hub of your business? Decatur or Chicagoland? There are just more options up there to grow and expand. It's not even a comparison, really. Decatur city leaders were quoted as saying they hoped the heritage of being in Decatur kept them around. Well…not to be negative about it…but good luck with that. Heritage versus money…who usually wins? Again, though, we will just have to wait it ou, t and see. FutureGen anyone?

From David in Decatur (8/3/10):

Hey Greg, Ole Dave here. I'm still kicking. As a former renter, I think the idea of a renter's tax stinks. As you said, the owners add the property tax on to the rent. ***THIS PART EDITED BY GREG*** It is common knowledge that anyone who rents any item passes the tax on to the renter. Case closed.

My next comment concerns the web site, That fellow is right on target about the lame web site. I wrote to Cody concerning the lag time of 18 seconds each time you return to the Home Page. He replied with flippant, smart alec answers, and said that all sites do that. Well, I have checked into many, many sites that report news or sports, or weather, including TV stations, and have yet to find one that has lag time. I wrote to Pulera and the station manager and they failed to reply. They will let Cody run the site because he probably works cheaper than anyone else they can get. ***EDITED BY GREG…AGAIN*** The viewers deserve better.

Hi, Dave!

Up front I have to say…I had to take out a couple of sections of this feedback because it would get me in trouble. But I do love the free exchange of ideas!

I will try to focus on the positive here, Dave. Have you checked out the interactive radar on our website yet?? J

From Dave in Pana (8/4/10):

Good idea, double it for the ones who don't take care of these properties, weeds growing to bottom of there windows.....

The only issue I would have with that, Dave, is who gets to decide what is "taking care of your property"? And what happens when that person or people decide that everyone should have tightly manicured lawns and concrete driveways? Laugh…but eventually a system like that would lead to someone getting into that decision position that has an axe to grind over lawns. Crazier things have happened…

From David in Altamont (8/4/10):

You killed an opossum, I killed my phone. I sat down and it fell out and broke. The screen went white, then later in the day, I did it again and it broke in 1/2, completely in 1/2. I cut a big chunk out of my jeans. Then I dropped my water cup and broke the handle off.

PLUS, all this heat, it's just not been a red-letter day.

Maybe tomorrow will be better.

This is going to be cheesy, David…but lately I have found that it really is true. A proper attitude will dictate that tomorrow WILL be better.

I killed an opossum. But I didn't kill me or anyone else.

You killed your phone. It brings about the chance to buy a new and better phone.

You cut a chunk out of your jeans. Well…jeans with holes are making a comeback. You just made yourself cool again.

You broke the handle off your water cup. Now it fits in places you couldn't get it to fit anymore because the handle made the cup too big.

All this heat?? Keeps the snow away, Dave.

See…it's all in how you perceive it. My life the past year has taught me this lesson, and it is one I plan to remember. You know what? I've been happier the past few months than I can ever remember. Attitude, Dave. Attitude. (You actually seem to be a positive person, Dave, from what I can tell from our interactions. Yeah…I was using you to make a point. Hope that is okay.)

From David in Altamont (8/5/10): (Double Shot of Dave!)

I hope the sportscaster you are referring to, isn't the one I think you are referring to.

That would be very disappointing. I've actually been paying attention to the sports segments, lately. Sports are just not my thing.

I'm sure it is, Dave. That's about all I can say about that.

From Brent in Decatur (8/5/10):

I was taken aback and seriously disappointed in the human race after reading comments left on the FB page about both Prop. 8 and the Mosque in NY. From the looks of it, we should no longer be putting questions like that on our page, since it can not induce relevant intelligent discussion or debate. People should be ashamed of themselves. When exactly will all the ridiculous judgments and irrational ideas cease? When will humanity realize that the greater good is that in which we take care of all our people as humans...and not just a select few who pass such ridiculous idealisms of race, creed, color, gender, or sexuality?! It often makes living in this world seem pointless. Today was yet another day I frown and shed a tear for the human race everywhere. I am truly sickened, yet again, by the audacity of unintelligent, belligerent ass hats.

Vote Brent '12

Love, Brent

I agree with you, Brent. There is a lot of ignorance out there, and that question on the station's Facebook page brought it out. I'm surprised we still have to have this conversation…but…

Muslim does not equal terrorist. Some terrorists are Muslim. Some terrorists are Christian. But not all Muslims and Christians are terrorists.

Timothy McVeigh was baptized Catholic. Should we not allow any Catholic churches close to the Morrow building site? Certainly that would be absurd. Most Catholics aren't terrorists. Just the same…most Muslims are not terrorists. There are over 1.5 billion Muslim people in the world. A small handful wants to kill everyone. That hardly means all Muslims want everyone dead.

The Muslim religious book does say that Islam is the only true religion. Sounds like some other religious books, doesn't it?

The bigger issue with this Mosque being built, to me, is the loss of tax revenue in a very high tax area. Religious buildings are tax exempt…

Next week I want to mention this FutureGen decision. I'm curious to know why it is necessary to pipe in the WASTE from the plant, as opposed to just building the plant in Mattoon.

Have a great weekend!

8/5/10

--No animals were harmed on my way to work this morning, I am very happy to report. Although at one point I was stuck behind a semi truck and between our two vehicles a bunch of small critters scurried. It's my firm belief that I hit none of them with my car.

--It's prolly best that I not elaborate on this, but WAND is down one sportscaster again. I will leave it to you to figure out which one left. But from recent feedback here on the blog it seems a couple of you will be happy. Personally and professionally I thought this sportscaster was making fantastic strides at the craft. But time and life both tend to move on.

--The blog never gets more hits than when I am telling you about things behind the scenes here at work. It makes sense, I suppose. Here's a fun one for you. Occasionally I will do things at work to try and break people out of their "ordinary". Some people dig it…and some do not. Yesterday if you watched the Ag Report in the morning with Stu Ellis you know he brought with him a soybean stalk. When Stu was done with his report he threw the stalk away.

I wanted the stalk. So I had Stu get the stalk out of the trash and give it to me. I left it here in the weather area on the desk, spread out in an easy to find spot, to give it to JC. (This isn't a great story. Just an odd one.) After being home for an hour or two I texted JC to let him know I left him a present. He knew what I meant right away. I played it off as serious, and I think I left JC wondering what the Hell that was about. And that is how I will leave it. Just an odd little gift to make him wonder what is wrong with me. Love it!

--During the morning news they do a segment or two based on the station's Facebook page. There is usually a "question of the day" upon which people comment. Yesterday the question dealt with the mosque that is being put up close to the 9-11 site in New York. Obviously that is going to be a touchy subject. But some of the comments for that question were ridiculous and scary.

Before Scot or Tara start reading comments on the air they pre read them for obvious reasons. For the first time I can remember since they started doing the segments they had to delete several comments. People were using racial slurs and general stupidity. Ridiculous and sad.

Personally I am not excited about someone putting up any kind of religious building close to that site. But in America we have inalienable rights. And if you believe in those rights for yourself then you have to support those same rights for other citizens. And with that comes the knowledge that yeah…sometimes you will be supporting another person's right to do something with which you disagree. Some of the comments on that Facebook question were full of fear and ignorance. Someone even called someone else a "homo", which was odd considering those proclivities don't even have anything to do with this particular argument. Scary stuff.

--Tomorrow is "Feedback Friday"! Get your thoughts in now to make tomorrow's blog. Hit the feedback form below, or send me an email with "blog" in the subject line.

8/4/10

--Today is my brother's birthday. He does not read this blog…but if you know him and see him today give him a big hug for his birthday!

--I'm starting to be like a link bird dog around here lately. But I think we've been passing along important and helpful information. Here is another one talking about new tricks the credit card companies are using to get around new regulations. Personally…my goal in the next couple of years is to get completely free of any kind of credit debt, other than maybe mortgage or car or student loans. Help me Dave Ramsey…you're my only hope. Help me Dave Ramsey…you're my only hope.

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/110213/the-new-credit-card-tricks?mod=oneclick

--I feel like crap this morning. On the way to work I ran over an opossum. Fortunately I hit the little dude with tire, so I am pretty sure it did not make it. I say fortunately because that kind of death is quicker than being injured and eaten by a predator. I am not a big fan of hitting animals. For some reason in the Prius I have right now I have hit a load of critters. A few raccoons, multiple birds, a couple of opossums, and a fox. I have never hit a deer, but a deer ran into the side of the car. This car is like a magnet. I should rent it out to frustrated hunters. I would make a fortune.

My first thought when I hit the opossum this morning…"I just took a life". Is that weird?

8/3/10

--Someone sent me a link to a news story yesterday that I have to post here. It is not my intention to startle people…but the 3^rd largest employer in Decatur is exploring the option of moving their headquarters to the Chicago area. Here is the link. I have also sent this to our news department, but I do not know whether or not they will investigate.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20100731/issue01/307319977

If you read the story, and watch the report, it w, ill tell you that Tate & Lyle is just exploring the possibility right now. But if you think about it moving to Chicago might be a no-brainer for them. The article also mentions that no one is talking about how many of T & E's 700 or 800 Decatur jobs would be moving to Chicago. The article also mentions that they are talking about a time frame of 2012 or so.

--Someone recently sent me an email bringing up an interesting idea to generate money for the state.

Hi Greg,

After reading the on line News Papers, e-mails and other stories. I got to thinking of this question.

Since the Illinois State and probably the other 49 included, are in such a financial hole.

Why shouldn't it be made for Renters to pay a Renters Tax? Not as much as a Home Owner, but a proportionate one to bring in new revenue to the Counties, and School systems across America.

Renters who decide to rent versus buying a home, send their children to the same schools and don't really pay their fare share.

It would help other tax receiving groups, Fire Departments, Libr, ary's, Community Centers, Police Departments, etc.

There is a lot of Doctors, Lawyers who rent Office spaces, this is a Tax that would help out all the home owners who pay the blunt of Tax's.

No one like's tax's but I feel this would be a fair one, for all the people who benefit from agencies who render them services.

I hope you may consider posting this in your blog, and I hope your Station Manager uses it for his Commentary. Thanks.

That is an interesting idea. My first thought is that renters often times have the homeowner's property tax included in their rent. So in a sense renters already pay a property tax…and therefore the "school tax". But let's assume this would be a separate "Renter's tax". It is an interesting idea. I would love to hear more thoughts on this. So when you read the above idea…and are stirred with some thoughts…hit the feedback form at the bottom of this blog and let us know what you think.

I know there are Gregorians that know a lot more about this stuff than I do. So let's hear your thoughts! And of course you are also free to send in your "Holy Crap" thoughts on the Tate and Lyle news, too.

8/2/10

Had a great weekend. I am a little worn out this morning! A group of dudes and I went to West Port in the St. Louis area Saturday night. We had great food, went to The Funny Bone for some laughs. At my age and with my schedule, though, it is tough to stay up too late. And when I do I usually pay for it. I think that is why I am still a little wiped this morning! Yesterday we went to the Cards' game and watched Albert and Holliday go yard. That stadium is electric when Pujols homers. And it goes nuts when the Cards win. Sitting in the sun all afternoon yesterday is probably another reason I feel a little blown out this morning! Hopefully I won't nod off during the news.

Someone s, ent me a question over the weekend for feedback. I figured I would go ahead and post it this morning to give an answer.

From Aaron in Argenta (8/1/10):

What is the delay in getting breaking news on the website? For instance, it is August 1st and the same stories have been on the website since July 29th. There was a homicide in Decatur that has never made the website, or at least the main stories. Instead, we have had three days of teachers going on strike in Mahomet. I don't like to complain, but I like to know what's going on and honestly, the website is not a reliable way to do that. Your thoughts?

Hi, Aaron. I appreciate the question. There is a guy that works here by the name of Cody. He is in charge of our website content. His official title is "Internet Content Provider". Or something like that. Anyhoo…Cody was not at work Friday. And Cody generally does not work weekends. Now I am not sure of the official policy on this…but I believe Cody is the only person that puts news stories on the website.

Many times when I come in on a Monday morning to update this blog I can tell what has been updated over the weekend. And most of the time it is only a couple of items on the website. I am not sure if this is our policy, or why. But that is the way it is. My guess is that once some of The Suits read your question and my response there will be conversations about it. That may or may not lead to the issue being changed.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm not sure I answered your question. But maybe that was not the point, huh?

Weather...Or Not August 2010 Entries - Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-

Weather...Or Not August 2010 Entries