Weather...Or Not November 2010 Entries

11/30/10

It happens to be my opinion that our society is light years behind on this gay marriage issue. Someone recently said that in a generation this argument will seem like the argument to let women vote. We will look back on this issue and wonder how people were against it. I tend to completely agree with that thought.

There are several arguments for and against. I won't cover all of them. But I will share a couple of my thoughts. The issue always makes me wonder how a group of people that only gets it right around half the time has the right to tell another group of people that they can not have the same right to try.

I know dozens of gay couples. You know what? They are no different than straight couples, aside from the gender stuff. Gay couples that I know are just as functional and/or dysfunctional as the straight couples I know. And those gay couples getting married has no impact what-so-ever on the success of a straight couples' marriage. It also doesn't mock an institution that is only done properly half the time by straights anyway. Mocking the institution of marriage to me is cheating…lying…or whatever else straight people do to their partners that laughs in the face of the wedding vows. (And while we're talking about mocking the institution…does anyone think that Brittany Spears' 24 hour marriage made the institution look good?)

In the end we are all just trying to find someone to spend the rest of our lives with that we don't want to stab once in a while. I believe we should get out of a couples' way on their own journey.

Tomorrow is "Feedback Friday", because I will be gone the rest of the week. Get your thoughts in now using the feedback form below, or by sending me an email with "blog" on the subject line.

And on another note…sometimes our email system kicks emails from certain groups, like Yahoo or Comcast. That means when I send out the email alerts they come back to me once in a while. I just thought you should know. It happened a couple of times last week to Yahoo mail addresses. So if you did not get an email alert and you use Yahoo that is why!

11/29/10

This is going to be a short week for me. Thursday and Friday will be my holiday days from Thanksgiving…so there should only be 3 days of blog this week. There is always the chance I will get a wild hair Thursday or Friday, though, and post something. But given the chances are good that won't happen we will do feedback on Wednesday this week. So get your thoughts in now…even if you just want to tell me what you did over the holiday.

We didn't do much over the holiday. I worked Thursday and Friday. Friday evening we went to my cousin's house. We played cards (euchre) and this game called "Apples to Apples". Faye and I are very competitive…so things inevitably get heated when we play games. But it was a blast and no permanent damage was done!

I know many of you took the holiday away from the blog and will be catching up this morning. So I won't go on and on this morning to give you a chance to get caught up. I do want to mention that after a rough start I am making a comeback of sorts in one of my fantasy football leagues. If I win the next two weeks, and the right people lose, I might just make it to the playoffs. Wouldn't it be nice…

11/26/10

There is snow on my back deck right now. There is snow on the ground at my house right now. When I pulled into the parking lot at work this morning mine was the only vehicle that had snow on it. Weird. I guess that's just how we roll in the city of Mattoon.

"Feedback Friday"!!!

From Elizabeth in Decatur (11/22/10):

Greg - Have not been reading your blog lately because I've been trying hard to not read everything. I miss not seeing Scott in the morning and I'm sure you have talked about what he's doing but I've missed it. Where is Scott and why isn't he on the morning news? Thanks - Keep up the good work. E

Hi, Elizabeth! Thanks for checking back in around here. To be honest with you…I miss working with Scot every morning. He is a friend of mine, and people rarely get to work with their friends for a couple of years like we did. But, Elizabeth, as Johnny said to Pony Boy in "The Outsiders"…nothing gold can stay. Things change…and people come and go. Scot is still at the station. Scot is still reporting and doing "Central Illinois A to Z". He's just not getting up before the sun to go to work anymore.

Working with the new guy, Chris Nguyen, is fun. He has a lot of energy and a good personality. And you may not know this yet…but Chris can take some punishment, too! While he hasn't really started to give it back yet…I know that someday soon he is going to slay all of us with some solid put-downs.

I completely understand your angst at Scot moving off the morning news. He was tremendous, in my opinion, for the show. But things must change. Give the new guy some time. Personally I think he will be pretty good at this stuff!

From Larry in Illinois (11/22/10):

Hello Greg,

I read the latest you had posted today 11/22 and the Assignation of President Kennedy still is fresh in my mind after all these years. I was sitting in French class, it was just starting to snow and distracted most of use in class. They announced over the intercom of the President being shot.

Well two years later I was having to do a one hour speech in front of the class in History and I got to pick my subject matter. I chose the Assignation of J.F.K. because of all the news papers, and Magazines like Look, and Life, that carried the story.

I believe in Jim Garrisons theories of J.F.K. being killed by someone other then Oswald, (he was the fall guy). They claim Lee shoot office Tippet, they never found that gun.

They had specialist shoot the same gun that Lee used, they just barely made the number of shots made they claim. (without the accuracy) Spent shell casings on the floor. The grassy knoll, flashes seen, foot prints on a car bumper parked on the other side, a empty shell casing found there also.

The Presidents head flying back from a frontal shot, Motor Brocade of Motorcycles splattered of blood, brain matter on the rear left side of the Presidents car. Viewed from the Zapruder film, and statements from those guys in Life or Look Magizine.

The pristine bullet found on the stretcher in the Hospital. The bullets use was Steel Jacketed same as what the Geneva Convention calls for during wartime. I have personally asked two doctors who took care of wounded soldiers during wartime.

NEVER does a bullet that glanced off dense bone material look Pristine and exits unmarked. The six mm bullet used was only one hundred grains at that time.

Then they cleaned the Limousine the president was in before any blood splatter was to be examined. Funny that one of the Motor cycle police men had his mike keyed during the time of all the shots fired.

That's right they claimed the Mafia, or the Teamsters Union had the job done, because Bobby, J. F. Ks. brother went after Jimmy Hoffa on Corruption charges.

Ruby killed Oswald because he knew he was going to die of Cancer. Personally I think our very own Government had J.F.K. killed because he was contemplating bombing Cuba over the Bay of Pig Conflict.

None of what I wrote you Greg, was because I watched Jim Garrison's videos. I didn't want to download Quick time Player. This is all from memory of all the reading I had done to present my speech, back in the 60's, and all the follow up stories on TV this time of year.

OH!! by the way. The Warren Report should have been written on Toilet Paper. Sorry for the long one. Larry in Illinois

I hope some day we learn all of the answers to what exactly happened that day, and why. I appreciate your detailed account of how you remember it. Obviously we read about things in history class in school…but hearing from people that actually remember the time is so much more important.

From Paula in DuQuoin (11/23/10):

A tidbit of background on my interest with John F. Kennedy as well. I remember shaking his hand when he came to Harrisburg IL campaigning for the presidency. I was in awe of his 'bigger than life' persona. Then when I was in high school and an announcement came over the intercom that he had been shot and word was being awaited on his condition...we all cried. My Latin teacher sobbed and we cried too. When they said he died, we all were in shock. For days, all we did at school and home was watch the tv broadcasts...time stopped, the world stopped revolving. I have never seen another such heartwrenching time in my lifetime except for 911. It was as if our very existence was shattered twice....we became very vulnerable and open to danger from outside our control. I remember both events like yesterday. With 911, I was the teacher and my students were in shock...as was I, trying to control my fears and emotions that day to not scare them.

Wow, Paula. What an awesome perspective you just shared. It always amazes me when life gives us those opportunities to see things one way as a child…and then years later on the other end as an adult. I think for my generation the big childhood disaster that we all saw in class was the Space Shuttle explosion. I remember watching it live as it happened. Back then a shuttle launch was still such a big deal…and this particular launch had the teacher aboard, so we watched it together as a group. And then it exploded and people went nuts.

And now all of us remember where we were on 9/11. Thanks for sharing, Paula!

From Pat in Forsyth (11/23/10):

Greg, if you are going to spend money on a gift for Tara's baby, consider what will be kept forever. Go to Von Maur's at the mal and buy her a keepsake Bible. This Bible is designed to be carried on her wedding day, she will always treasure this one gift more than other, give a gift that will last, it is my favorite gift to give a baby girl.

That's a great idea, Pat! I received many, many suggestions on what to get "my friend that's about to have a baby girl", that of course we all know now to be Tara Barrett. I have selected a gift and ordered it. When it gets here I will give it to Tara to open during the news. I will likely give you a heads up here so you can be sure to watch!

From Amanda in Blue Mound (11/24/10):

Hey Greg! I got up early with my hubby the other morning and watched the news with him before work. You had us both laughing like crazy during the clip from the Christmas parade!! Just wanted to let you know how you started our morning :)

Awww. Glad you got a laugh out of it! Whenever I do stuff like that I am rarely sure how it will come off. I've just learned over the years to do it…and let the chips fall where they may. Sometimes it comes off as funny…sometimes weird…and sometimes things just don't work. I am glad that it made you guys laugh…and thanks for telling me!

From Wendi in Champaign (11/24/10):

Greg, I've been meaning to give you some Friday Feedback for... well... months. I have been a bit busy. You are an incredible friend, and I just wanted to publicly say thank you for being such a great promoter of our little green store. Lots of great changes ahead for us, and we're hoping for a great holiday season. Retail during the holiday shopping season is always fun for me but this year it's even more special in a lot of ways. Anyway... did you know about Saturday November 27 being designated Small Business Saturday? The movement is really picking up steam across the country. I don't have to go into the details of why shopping locally-owned store is so important to the economy because they explain that on the site http://smallbusinesssaturday.org/ Have a great holiday!! See you soon.

Wendi

Oh, Wendi…now you're gonna make me teary two days in a row! You don't have to thank me for pumping your store. First…you guys are special to me so I will support anything you do. And second…I really do believe in the concept and philosophy of your store. So it is a pleasure to do what little I can to help the cause! Plus I am trying to get Bart retired early so we can lounge around and watch sports all day and night! (Of course I have to find a way to get myself retired, too…)

Thanks for the heads up on the local small business shopping day on Saturday!

From Andrew (11/25/10):

Hi Greg,

Just some random thoughts for Feedback Friday...

I noticed a picture of your Shih Tzu posted and would be interested to hear your opinion about something. My wife and I have owned a Shih Tzu. Additionally, my wife's parents own multiple Shih Tzus. I have nothing against the breed, I am just more of a larger breed person. With that said...every time I look at one in the face (especially pups) I feel like I am face to face with an EWOK. My wife does not see it and thinks I'm crazy.

BTW, I was in attendance at the Christmas parade last weekend and was for a brief moment concerned as you passed in the Stormrunner. As the Stormrunner approached the front of the library, your head began to peak out the window in a suspicious manner. Then, you bolted out of the Stormrunner and headed toward the library. At first, I thought you were making a run for it! Turns out you did stop, gave a big hug to an individual and ran back to the Stormrunner.

Now you're in my wheelhouse, Andrew! I can talk Shih Tzu all freaking day. And you are exactly right…most Wu's do look like Ewoks. My little Gizmo looks like the Ewok Wicket. Some Wu's to me look like Chewbacca, too, especially after they plop their faces in snow. (Think about when Chewbacca was on Hoth…) And my little Dusty looks like Falcor the Luck Dragon from "The Never Ending Story". Okay…now that I am completely geeked out…

I remember the moment from the parade, my friend. I was hopping in and out of the StormRunner. At the point to which you refer I was in the StormRunner warming up a bit and I heard someone yell my name. That is when I poked my head around "in a suspicious manner", as you said. When I saw the person that yelled for me I got excited. It was former State Representative Bob Flider! Politics aside…Bob is a good guy. I got to know him a bit over the years when he would come into the station for interviews. When he would visit us in the morning he always brought donuts. So when I saw Bob I jumped out of the StormRunner and ran to give him a hug. I hadn't seen him since he lost the election to Adam Brown, and I just wanted him to know I appreciated him.

Aight. Have a great weekend…and be safe out there!

11/25/10

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you survived the crappy weather yesterday. This morning we are starting off with rain. But this afternoon temperatures are going to drop and we may end up with more freezing rain by the end of the day. My hope is that the rain stops before we hit the freezing mark again. But it could be close!

Here are some things for which I am thankful this morning. Some will be considered important…and some prolly won't. But they are all on my mind this morning. (These are in no certain order!)

--I am thankful that I am 37 and healthy. While I am not in the best shape I can be in right now…I am working on it. And I acknowledge that I am extremely lucky to be in good health.

--I am thankful to have more close friends than I have time to spend with them. At any given moment I think I could claim five or six people to be my best friend. I also acknowledge how lucky I am to be blessed with those kinds of meaningful relationships.

--I am thankful for a tremendous family. Even though I don't spend the kind of time I should with parts of my family, I value them all. When everything else is falling apart I know the family will always be there.

--I am thankful for Faye. I'm hoping I don't get teary typing this. But I met her a little over a year ago at just about the worst time in my life. I was a couple of months into a separation. I had all of the right guards up. I was even in therapy at the time…which is something I have not mentioned on the blog. But Faye came into my life…and she bowled it over. We've spent every weekend but one together since we met. She has become my true best friend and I think myself lucky to have her in my life every damn day.

Crap. I got teary.

--I am thankful to have a job in what is still a poor economy. And if you have a job you should think for a minute about those that have lost their jobs. While I don't think stupid employers should take advantage of us because so many people are out of work…appreciating the job you have is not a bad idea once in a while. And STOP IT, YOU STUPID EMPLOYERS! WE ARE ALL PEOPLE!!! AND WE ARE ALL MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MONEY YOU MIGHT THINK YOU'LL SAVE BY GETTING RID OF US!!!!!!

Sorry. Thanksgiving might not be the right time for a rant.

--I am thankful for this blog, as stupid as that might sound. For a long time it was a type of therapy to me. And once in a while it is the only thing that keeps me coming into work. (Don't get excited, Suits. We all have days where we just want to stay in bed. That's all I'm saying.) Not only do I get to "clean the vents" here on the blog…but the blog has also allowed me to interact with literally thousands of you. (Yeah…the blog is doing that well!)

And it is you that makes this job so cool for me. Without you…it's just me and some other people acting like freaks in front of a camera. But the interaction on the blog brings that real connection that the "TV connection" just doesn't allow. And many Gregorians I have actually met and now consider friends. And if you've been paying attention to me for the past couple of years here on the blog…you'll know that I consider friends to be the most important part of my life.

--I also need to mention the animals in my life. Animals have always been huge with me. So Boomer, Buster, Gizmo, Macy...and even still Dusty and Paden...are true joys for me and I am thankful for them being in my life.

Aight. I am not usually prone to getting so maudlin. So have a good Thanksgiving. Be safe on the roads. And if you are eating anything that used to be alive at least have the courtesy to not waste any of it!

11/24/10

--Well it didn't take long for this early morning weather situation to get nasty. Through the morning today we could have freezing rain, sleet, and eventually rain. It'll be just rain this afternoon and tonight. And by the end of the day tomorrow the temperature will drop through the thirties and we could get a little bit of snow, although no accumulation should happen. And all the while the wind is going to be gusty and cold. Happy Thanksgiving!

--This morning during the news will be Tara's big reveal. She has not said a word on-air about her impending calf-dropping. But this morning she is going to announce that she is carrying a parasite. While I have already given this information here on the blog…this morning you will be invited to hit the WAND-Stormcenter 17 Facebook page and leave your guess as to the gender of this little creature.

As I have also said here on the blog…even though I joke with Tara pretty hard about it, I am truly happy for Tara and her Husband. And I do think they will be fantastic parents. I will also say the same thing about Tara that I said about Dawn Sterling when she took her maternity leave…I will be surprised if Tara comes back. I don't have any insider information on that, it just seems that it would be tough to come back to work and leave a new baby at home. Of course…I was wrong about Dawn, and I am likely going to be wrong about Tara. Thank God.

11/23/10

--So we begin this morning with a happy announcement! Shopping season is here…and just in time…B. Lime, The Green Store, is now ready for online shopping! I've used the online shopping, and since I moved away from the store in Champaign to Mattoon a few months ago it works very well for me. I know many of you have said you would love to try the store but could not find the time to get over to Champaign. Now you don't have to! So give the website a look and let me know what you think!

For those that have not been keeping up around here the past couple of years…you should know that the owners of the store are some of my best friends. So it is personal for me. But believe me when I say I would not be plugging the place if it wasn't worth it. Not only do my friends own the store…but it is a cause in which I firmly believe. Reduce…reuse…recycle. Everything sold in that store is either reduced…reused…or recycled. And a lot of it was made in this area.

Here is the link to the online store! They are still adding new products to the site every day.

--Yesterday morning while I was preparing the forecast I knew that we would likely get some storms later in the day. As a general rule we don't get 70 degree highs in November without a price to pay. And usually that price is some storms as colder air moves in. But all morning yesterday I am looking at the things we look at while doing the weather…and I saw nothing that really jumped out to say we were going to get whacked with severe weather. It looked like we might get a couple of stronger storms, but nothing that was going to be huge. So all morning yesterday that is basically what I said…that we might get a storm or two…but nothing major.

Low and behold…right around 10 yesterday morning a tornado watch was issued for our western counties. And then later in the day the eastern counties were put under a tornado watch until midnight. Now I acknowledge that I am not always right. We have four meteorologists at this station and I do not rank myself as the best. As a matter of fact I may be third or fourth on that list when it comes to actual meteorology. But I still did not see what all the hubbub was about. So I checked in with another met here just to check myself. This person agreed with me that this thing was being overhyped.

We do not issue watches or warnings from our TV station. The National Weather Service issues these alerts…and when they do it is our job to run them, regardless of whether or not we agree. Yesterday this other met and I did not agree with the NWS. I am not knocking the weather service. Those people do an outstanding job. And most of them know more about the weather than God. (That's an obvious exaggeration, for you literalists. But I am trying to make a point.) I think yesterday the Storms Prediction Center over shot our area with the watches. And in this case we turned out to be right. There was a warning or two issued on some windy storms, and that was it.

The National Weather Service is full of great people, though. They are always refining their criteria and processes to better their products. Their "bluff rates" are very, very good. And the technology they use gets better and better. Nine times out of ten when they issue a weather alert it is good as gold. Yesterday just happened to be that one time out of ten that was questionable. And even then…we are still better with them jumping the gun than not saying anything at all. In their defense the storms yesterday were actually pretty nasty to our north. My Dad told me yesterday that the Metra (Chicago) was even shut down in places because of flooding!

Anyway you slice it…yesterday was an odd November day weather-wise.

11/22/10

--Another fantastic weekend. Saturday was the holiday parade in many communities. I came to Decatur to be in Decatur's parade. I always dread the thought of doing these things. But once whatever it is starts I always have a lot of fun. I like to entertain people, and parades, etc, provide great opportunities to make people smile. Sure…sometimes nothing works. But I think I was able to make some people smile during the parade Saturday.

Faye came to Decatur with me. After the parade we went to the Olive Garden to eat. The food was fantastic. But I am putting this in the blog because I wanted to give a pop to Coady, our waiter. That kid was OUTSTANDING. He worked his tail off on Saturday, and not just for us. He was all over the place for all of his tables. He was cordial and helpful, and very attentive to everyone. He was also very quick. I am a generous tipper, usually, and he earned a nice one from us on Saturday! Great customer service is tough to find.

--So today is a sad anniversary for our country. Of course it was 1963, and it changed our world forever. Who knows what the United States would be like today had those bullets never been fired. But the real question since that day is…who actually fired those bullets. On the way to work this morning I was listening once again to "conspiracy radio", as I like to call it. Being interviewed on the show was someone claiming to know much about the events leading up to the assassination. I took care to remember the guy's website. I'm still looking through the information…but it seems to add a lot to the conversation about who really murdered one of our Presidents. Look for yourself and let me know what you think by using the feedback form below, or send me an email with "blog" on the subject line.

Here is the link. I've always been fascinated with that day in our history...and I know I am hardly alone.

11/19/10

You may have noticed a couple of new pictures around the blog. The one just to the left is a picture of the Shih Tzu Gizmo. We also call him Gizzie, or Gizzinator, or Gizmoid. While he wasn't exactly a pound dog…he was on his way to the pound when Faye snatched him up. We are both very happy that she did. He is a fantastic dog!

If you go here you will see the other picture if you scroll down just a bit. The pooch closest to the camera is Boomer. He is our fancy lad. Buster is in the background, and he is all dog. Boomer is just Boomer, but Buster is also known as Fatsy...a nickname from Faye based on his occasionally expansive girth. Together they are known in our circles as "The Blonde Bastards". I thought that would be an awesome name for a tag team some day. Those two dudes are a blast. So there is the picture update.

We are starting to get a clear picture of how Thanksgiving weekend is looking. One word: cold. So far pretty dry, though. However…that could very well change between now and then. DO what you can with this information.

"Feedback Friday"!

From Bart in Champaign (11/15/10):

I hope Faye isn't still mad at me for deeming your treasure hunt entertaining. I know it was conceived out of love and happiness. Tell her I'm sorry.

Remember my friend…I agreed with you! But the message has been passed along. And I was very happy you and Wendi could make it out. Since my move I haven't seen nearly enough of either of you, or Sloane. And honestly…I miss Riley, too.

From John in Dalton City (11/16/10):

Hi ho Greg. I think that Michael Vick has payed his debt to society and deserves to be able to live his life. That game was so one sided it wasn't even funny. As a die hard Cowboy fan I had no favorites in that game but Vick's performance was awesome! If they can continue to play like that, your scenario is not that farfetched! Go Boys!

That's the key, John. Vick and the Eagles have to do that more than once. And this weekend they play the Giants, who generally have a tough defense. I'm not on the Vick bandwagon…yet. I have him on 2 fantasy football teams, and I hope he does well. But he needs to be consistent before we start talking seriously about him as the MVP.

I love the Cowboys, too. I sure hope this Garrett thing is for real. There is still an outside chance at the playoffs…

From Brett in Blue Mound (11/16/10):

Yes...He shouLd be aLLowed to play PRO FootbaLL in my opinion. ...Now, as far as the whoLe "Breed'n Dogs" things goes, in my opinion he shouLd NOT be aLLowed 2 own an AnimaL--- i'm just say'n...lol

Did you hear what Deshaun Jackson said after the game? He said they came out like a pack of pitbulls, loosely translated. Poor choice of words on his part!

From David in Altamont (11/18/10):

Maybe you just needed to get out of that stuffy ole studio and breath a little fresh air to feel better.

I knew Tara was gonna get bigger, a while back. Look at her face. It shows first. I have many older sisters, I know that look.

There is something about the air in the studio, David. This is an old building, and it impacts a lot of people's allergies, etc. So maybe you are right. Maybe more time out of this building would keep us all healthier! (Yeah…someone may talk to me about putting that in the blog!)

Gonna get bigger?? Look at her, Dave! She is HUGE! But it's not because of what you are thinking. That chick puts down beer for breakfast!

Okay…I'm clearly only joking. By the way…she won't be working today. She has "The Big Reveal" later today. I'm in the pool here for "estrogen", if you take my meaning! (And honestly…I couldn't be happier for the happy couple. They will be tremendous parents.)

From Faye (11/18/10):

Love…I do not think that you are giving enough credit to the treasure hunt. I say this, because some of your readers probably do not know some of your "ticks". For example, do they know that you are an extremely routine-driven individual? Or that if something/anything is out of place, you would recognize it in a heartbeat? Or that you absolutely exhaust questions when you don't know the answer? Or that you just really do not like NOT knowing what is happening? This made the hunt that much more difficult; but also much more rewarding when the surprise "present" was pulled off.

Let me give you a closer look at Greg that evening…

Right after Greg and I saw a shooting star on the way to Champaign (aww…), I gave Greg the last clue, leading us to Jupiters. Our reservation was not until 7:45pm. Unfortunately, I couldn't stall Greg any longer and we ended up getting there at 7:10pm. This was an exhausting 30 minutes for me. I told Greg that our reservation was not until 7:45pm and that we should have a drink. He was satisfied with that answer, so we went and got a drink. We made some small talk, but Greg's hunger was getting to him, and he was getting cranky. Greg looks at me and points out that I didn't check in with the hostess. I played along and said, "you're right". Walked over to the hostess table and start rambling, so that Greg would see my mouth move. She played along, and I headed back over to Greg. A few more minutes pass, Greg's hunger pangs increasing; and he probed, "Did the hostess not give you one of those indicators to let us know when our table was ready?" So…I made a trip back to the hostess table and asked if I can have a lighty-up indicator thing. She humored me and gave me a fake one. Went back over, a few more minutes passed, and Greg saw tables open and he questions, "Why don't we just sit over there? There are tables available." I was agitated at this point, and snapped back "Quit asking questions! If you must know, I am waiting on the EXACT table that we sat at for our first date"...(which was a lie). You would think that he wouldn't ask any more questions! I was not that lucky. A few more minutes passed, and he asked, "How does the hostess know that our table is going to be ready at exactly 7:45pm? These people could be sitting at our table drinking all night long, and hog the table." Miraculously, before I had to answer, the last person that we were waiting on for the surprise party, walked in and I was able to tell him the truth about his surprise "present".

It was a fantastic day/weekend! And…I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, because you are worth it!

P.S.

That Shih Tzu, has to be the most wonderful Gizmo in the world!

I agree…that is one special Wu!

Now…as to your recounting of our fun night…first of all…I NEVER get cranky. So right off the bat you are losing credibility. Also…I don't have any "ticks"!! Routine?? I am as spontaneous as they come, Hot Mama! And I don't know if I have ever asked more than one question at a time! The Gregorians know this to be true!

I really loved the work you put into that day/night. And I was very surprised when you finally told me at the restaurant that my Champaign friends were meeting us for dinner. And staying in Champaign was fantastic for a number of different reasons. It really was, I think, the best event anyone has planned for me. And I do admit that I was probably a tough mark for the planning.

Well done, Lover.

That's it for this week. I believe I will be somewhere around or in the StormRunner for the Decatur parade tomorrow evening. If you are in the area throw me some candy or something. We can't throw candy to the crowd anymore…but no one said nothing about the crowd throwing candy to us!

11/18/10

Whatever got into me Tuesday afternoon seems to be gone now. I felt great yesterday afternoon, and feel great this morning. Although I did rake leaves yesterday and am a little bit creaky…most things in life couldn't be better at the moment. Do what you will with this information.

Did you catch the morning news yesterday? At one point that dastardly Tara Barrett tried to insinuate that I have belly fat! It was during what we in the business call the "three shot", when Tara, Chris, and me are all sitting at the desk together. I had just finished weather, and Tara was teasing an upcoming story. She said something to the effect of "Greg…here's something that could help you..." and then something about belly fat. Are you kidding me?!? Have you seen the pooch on that chick?? For someone that has obviously gained 10 or 15 pounds, for whatever reason, in the past few months to call me out for being a little soft around the middle lately…ABSURD! You keep an eye on Tara Barrett over the next couple of months. I GUARANTEE she is only going to get BIGGER! If she doesn't change her beer drinking lifestyle, and soon, she's going to look like a pregnant lady!

In unrelated news…our kid Larry in Illinois sent me another link. This one is to a website that appears to be affiliated with the U.S. Postal Service. The website has stories about internet fraud, et al, that many of you may find helpful. I'll be honest…there is an investment of time that you'll need to put into this one. But it could be a very good investment. We live in an information age…and knowledge is power. So arm yourselves accordingly! (By the way…many military experts are now acknowledging that the wars of the future will largely be fought in cyber-space, at least to start.)

11/17/10

There isn't much on my mind this morning. Yesterday afternoon around 4 I thought about calling in sick. I had a bit of a fever, and that "achy cause I'm getting sick" feeling. But I had a fantastic dinner and some AlkaSelzter and slept for 8 solid hours. So I feel good…but I have that mush-brain you get from taking medicine. Anything I blab about this morning probably won't be very coherent. And that should make for interesting TV here in about 30 minutes! Usually what I try to do on days like this is keep it simple.

So let me remind you that you are more than welcome to sound off here on the blog. Use the feedback form towards the bottom of the page, or send me an email with "blog" on the subject line. Feedback generally gets posted on Friday!

11/16/10

Picture this scene: The Super Bowl is over. The winners are standing on the risers in the middle of the field. The head coach and winning team owner were just interviewed by Dan Patrick. And next they put the microphone in front of the face of the league MVP and Super Bowl MVP…Michael Vick.

Does that make you angry? Conceivably it could happen. Especially after what Mike Vick did on the field last night. He threw for four touchdowns and over 300 yards. He also ran for two touchdowns and about 80 yards. It was one of the better individual performances in the history of football.

We've talked about Michael Vick here on the blog before. I know some of you have said you will never again care about him, if you even did before. He did a very, very bad thing. But he also was sentenced for his crimes, and paid his debt to society. And now by all accounts of those that deal with him every day he has grown up, and learned the error of his ways. And for those of you keeping track he is starting to show his maturity on the football field.

It makes me really want to see the scene described above. I'm very curious to see how people would react. Of course by the time that particular scene happened everything would have probably already run its course. With the media hype around the NFL playoffs, and especially the Super Bowl, by the time Vick were to take the podium we would probably all be tired of hearing about him. And certainly if the Eagles make the playoffs…by the time the first round were over the entire focus would be on Vick, his past, and his supposed redemption. It would be great TV and great drama…and it would be beaten to death. Oops. Maybe that was a bad way to phrase that.

11/15/10

Friday was one of the more fun days I have had in a long time. Really…that is saying something because I generally have a lot of fun anyway. But this treasure hunt that Faye set up for me on Friday was nothing short of spectacular. There were 18 clues in total. Some of them were here at work, most of them were at home, and some of them were only found by me calling friends/family that Faye had set up with clues. It was an intricate design with many fingers. And at the end of the night it culminated with dinner at Jupiter's in Champaign, which is where we had our first dinner together. But it was more than Faye and I having dinner. She knows that I very much miss spending time with my Champaign friends. So she arranged for everyone to meet us there. Very well done…and I consider myself to be very lucky to have found New Chick!

This past weekend really felt more like a full week. We had the treasure hunt on Friday, and stayed the night with my friends that have been storing a piano for me. Saturday morning someone came to buy the piano and move it, so I had to be there for that. Saturday afternoon and night we spent with some family of mine that recently got married. There was a big dinner and a party after with a very good band. On Sunday I had told Faye that I would forgo my usual Sunday routine of watching football on TV with my laptop close by to watch my fantasy teams. And we would do whatever she wanted. So we went to some friends' house close to Charleston and spent most of the day with them. Bottom line: I think I need a weekend to recover from the weekend!

11/12/10

So this morning I am on a treasure hunt. My lovely "life partner", as I like to call her, has set up quite the expansive game for me today. It started with an email that had a clue in it. The clue sent me to my wallet. In the wallet was a note containing another clue. That clue sent me to the bottom of a chair, where Faye had JC tape another clue. And that lead to another clue, and so on and so forth. Now I am supposed to go to Facebook and post that I need help…which will earn me what I assume is another clue. Eventually I think I will get to the end to find something very cool! I will let you know how it turns out! And go read JC's blog to learn an interesting wrinkle to the entire situation!

Not much feedback this week. But let's get to it anyway!

"Feedback Friday"!

From A Gregorian (11/5/10):

Good Morning Greg,

When I read your Blog the other day about you doing the Blog, I wanted to reply to that, the same day.

I held off, and wanted to see the response you would receive. Just as I thought it would be on the subject!

There is one thing that I would like to add for the sake of the Suits with their questioning some of your material. (When a Weather question is asked, You answer the question.) Anyone who does the weather knows it's a hit and miss prediction one can make.

It would take a fool to dispute the fact your Blog is the one most followed and viewed on Wand TV.

I'm not sure why this is…but I don't get many weather questions! When I first started doing this gig my friends would always ask me what the weather was going to do. They thought it was funny, I think. But after a while it gets old…so I started telling them that I didn't know. And eventually even my friends stopped asking me weather questions!

And for the record…The Suits haven't questioned the blog in quite a while. I hope I did not give the perception that it had happened recently. It was actually someone that doesn't work here that was asking me why anyone would care what I think about anything.

From Emily in Champaign (11/11/10): (Yes…THAT Emily!)

These comments are in regards to your Shih Tzu Gizmo, and your experience at the vet.

First, I want to say that I am very glad Gizmo is okay after consuming the coaster. I have owned three Shih Tzus in my lifetime, and they are very routine animals, as you well know. They hate being alone, and will "act out" to send messages. I can't imagine the coaster was very tasty for him. They do what they do…

A few sentences in your blog stood out. The main one for me was, "A couple of weeks ago my new little Shih Tzu ate a coaster." The vet waited until last night to contact Faye? Weeks after the incident?

Unacceptable. I am no vet, but I'm sure the coaster could have killed him within hours.

Clearly this person is "attempting" to salvage something weeks too late. Reputation? Sense of guilt? That follow-up call would have never been placed if the vet had not gotten wind of your Facebook comments. Funny she did not contact you personally. She could have easily reached you at work as that number is public. I would call her tardy reaction nothing less than cowardly and self-serving.

In my opinion, a bell rung on FB cannot be "unrung." I'm not sure the vet knows that, but I suspect she hopes that you may try to "unring"it since she finally did contact a member of your family. Wishful thinking.

Obviously, you are in the unique situation of being in the public eye. Your comments have more power. That has to be tough to deal with for you despite the fact that freedom of speech is everyone's right. It could affect your job.

Personal vs. public, the line between the two moves all of the time in this day and age. Many times, I think it doesn't exist. I guess we will all have to stay tuned on that issue.

In the meantime, animals are part of our families and they deserve good treatment. If it is dealt properly, appropriately and respectfully, I don't mind paying. This builds trust. I often joke that I own a wing of my vet's new facility, but that's okay because my dogs are very healthy and happy. That makes me happy.

It is natural to have high expectations when it comes to animal care. You have a right to question it. I hope this vet will put a positive spin on some of the negative comments and make appropriate changes for her customers…even if most of them have four paws and aren't the Weatherman.

Always a pleasure to hear from a former! I think you make some good points, Old Chick. (I'm hoping that is as funny as I think it might be. Or at the very least…awkward! I called Faye "New Chick" for quite a while. It only seems natural to refer to Emily as "Old Chick". Okay. Maybe I should just walk away from this one…)

I'm kind of thinking the phone call was the vet's attempt, like you said, to remedy the situation. And I doubt the call would have been made if the Facebook thing never happened. But I guess we will never know for sure. But there are medical people for both humans and animals that are in it for the money, and there are medical people that are in it to really help people. And sometimes it isn't very hard to tell which is which.

And let it be noted that two people can dissolve their relationship and be friendly. We have both moved on and we are both much happier now.

Enjoy this last day in the 70's! It will be quite a bit colder starting tomorrow. But we will only be getting what we usually expect this time of year, so everything is as it should be.

11/11/10

--Thank you to those that have responded to my call for help. I've heard that the family has already been blown away with support. So for those of you that are helping…thanks.

--A couple of weeks ago my new little Shih Tzu Gizmo ate a coaster. I came home from work and lying on the floor was the remains of the wooden coaster and a paper towel he had shredded. And little Gizzie was obviously not feeling well. So eventually we took him to the vet. We used Faye's Vet because I don't have one in Mattoon. So the vet did everything she was supposed to do. There was an x-ray, other exams, and then medicine given, including antibiotics. It was the proper course of action for a little dog that may have a splinter stuck somewhere in his digestive system.

The bill, however, was not what I thought it should have been. I picked Gizzie up and paid the bill, but I was not happy…feeling that we had been overcharged. Generally I will discuss something like this with the people giving me the bill, and sometimes it isn't pleasant. But the receptionist was a nice lady and she recognized me from work. And that means I can't get snippy with her. So I fumed internally, paid the bill, and went home.

When I got home my main concern of course was Gizzie. He was doing better. So I got on Facebook and just mentioned that I was overcharged at the vet. This lead to an explosion of sorts on that thread. Some people supported the vet, and most claimed to have been overcharged by her, too. It was an interesting thread, and some people even messaged me privately to tell me some things about the vet. I loved reading everyone's comments…and then forgot about it.

And then there was last night. And this really has me thinking about the power of Facebook. Faye got a call last night…from her vet. The vet said she was calling to follow up with Gizzie to make sure he was doing alright. Faye gave the vet an update, and the vet gave Faye some things for which to watch in regards to what happened. Then there was a pause…and then the vet said…"I heard your boyfriend wasn't happy with us." Ha! Now…I never told anyone but Faye and Facebook that I felt I had been overcharged. And I know Faye did not tell her vet that I was unhappy. So that means one of my FB friends mentioned it to the vet.

My Facebook page is "locked down". If you aren't on my friend list you can't even search for me. And if I have not been in front of you in person I will likely not add you. My Facebook has nothing to do with work, so I keep it private and very closed. So I know it was one of my FB "friends" that told the vet. And that's cool with me. Even with my page locked down I still don't put anything on there that I wouldn't be willing to say to someone's face.

There are some businesses that kiss my butt when I walk in. And we all know it is because my job puts me on TV. And even though in reality there is nothing I can do to a business that gives me poor customer service…some businesses try very hard to not give me a bad experience. And I am smart enough to understand why. But really…what am I going to do if someone gives me poor customer service? Come here to the blog and libel them? Or go on the air and slander them? I would get fired and then sued. No…if I get customer service that sucks I can really only do what anyone else can do. Show displeasure with a low tip, if it's appropriate. Or I can talk to a manager…just like everyone else. That's the way it's been for the 13 years I've been doing my job on TV.

But this Facebook…opens it up for everyone. They always say a happy customer will tell a couple of people about your business. But an unhappy customer will tell dozens. Well now with Facebook you can literally tell hundreds…if not thousands of people…who is giving good customer service, and bad. , ; It really levels the playing field for those that don't have such a public job.

The part that is interesting to me is what happens when people really start to sue each other over FB posts. Say someone really tears into a business and brings that business down. FB is a public forum, and I believe libel and slander laws apply. Now in the case of Faye's vet I can prove that I thought I was overcharged…because I thought I was overcharged. But if someone goes off about something they can't prove and gets sued? Interesting for sure. The Brave New World…

The question I have about Faye's vet is…would she have called last night if I hadn't ranted on Facebook?

11/10/10

This is not a mistake or a typo. This is just an important cause. So I am reposting yesterday's blog again this morning.

Aight, Gregorians. I don't do this often. But this morning I am putting out a call to help a local family. Some people I know recently had to leave their home. They came to Mattoon to be with family. There are two kids in the family…and they had to leave behind everything, including clothes. They only have what they were wearing at the time. The girl is 13, slender, about 5 feet tall and weighs around 100 pounds. The boy is 11 and autistic and weighs about 115 pounds. He prefers sweat pants, and wears mens' medium in everything else.

Anything that you can contribute would be most appreciated. If you have clothes that fit the description but are not in the Mattoon area…you can drop them off here at the station and I will deliver them. The address here is 904 South Side Drive, in Decatur. If you need directions send me an email. Or if you have the means and the desire you can ship clothes to the address I am about to post.

If you are in the Mattoon (61938 zip code) area and want to help out…drop clothes off at Filipiak Chiropractic Center at 2112 Richmond Avenue, (217) 234-2225. Monetary donations would also be helpful, but the immediate need for now is to just get some clothes for the kids. If you want to contribute money, though, send me an email and I will tell you to whom checks should be made.

I very much appreciate any support you can give to this family. Out of respect for their situation I will not give you details. But I like to think we've developed trust here on the blog…so trust me when I tell you this is a family that could really use a hand up at this point.

11/9/10

11/8/10

This weekend I cut into my left thumb. I was cutting bagels at a church event in Chicago. On the last bagel I pulled the knife right through the tip of my thumb. Everything is still intact, but I sliced into the tip pretty good. Fortunately there was a Nun-type lady around that quickly got some liquid skin put on it. Honestly it probably could have taken a couple of stitches, but that isn't in my immediate realm of possibilities because they usually give you a shot before they give you stitches. And since I generally don't do shots I also generally do not do stitches.

So I have bandages on my thumb. It doesn't hurt. I think I will survive. When you think about it…doing the weather really is a lot like playing football. We play to win the game, too…just like in football. And this morning my team needs me…so I will dig down deep and play hurt. And even though it is likely to take years off of my life sometimes you just have to "take one for the team", as they say. I just hope Tara and Chris appreciate the sacrifice I am making for them this morning.

Chris seems to "get it", so I assume he will have my back. Tara Barrett, on the other hand, is more likely to tell me to spit on it, or rub some dirt on it, and get back in the game. She'll probably even tell me to shut up, quit complaining, and go hit somebody. I swear that woman is like an Egyptian task master, whipping us to work harder on building her pyramids. Have you ever seen "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston? Remember when that lady got her robe stuck under the big rock towards the beginning of the movie…and the slave driver told the people to keep working? Yep. That slave driver is like Tara Barrett.

She is old school. And lately she seems to be getting a beer belly. Not sure what that is about.

11/5/10

Man…I took it on the chin yesterday, weather wise. What I thought would be nothing more than a few sprinkles turned into showers, sleet, and maybe even a few snow flurries through the area. Like I've said before…if I am going to be wrong I may as well be VERY wrong! I joke about most everything…but it does bother me when I spend the morning saying one thing, and then in the afternoon som, ething different happens. I was having lunch with Faye yesterday and mentioned that I loved being right. Then I s, , how, ed her the clouds that were moving in…as I said they would. A couple of hours later she texts me asking if I said it was supposed to sleet! Whoops! I won't beat myself up over it. But it certainly does affect me.

This weekend we "Fall Back"! Sunday morning at 2…it becomes Sunday morning at 1. Don't forget! And this is also the time when we are supposed to check the batteries in our home safety devices. Get on it!

"Feedback Friday"!!!

From Lisa in Myrtle Beach (11/2/10):

Thanks for the public "Happy Birthday". :0)

Three things:

1) You are welcome

2) At your age, Little Sister, you have to do things louder so you can hear it. What could be louder than coming here to say Happy Birthday?

3) I even called you on your birthday…and you have yet to call me back. Just sayin…

From Phil in Cissna Park (11/3/10):

Hi Greg;

I felt compelled to respond to your blog topic of the day. First, thank you for thanking people like me who DO reply to it from time to time. I enjoy an occasional rant and the opportunity to be self-expressive, chiming in usually on the topics that interest me the most. Thank you, my friend, for being here.

You are much appreciated as is everyone at WAND for keeping us up-to-date on weather and other news.

And now we get to the part of the blog where I cry…read on…

From Elizabeth in Decatur (11/3/10):

Greg, the reason people read your blog and care about what you say is because you come across as a real, honest, caring person. In other words, you come across as yourself. And that is a very, very good thing!

Well thanks, Elizabeth. I don't know h, ow caring I am…but I try to be honest and real!

From John in Dalton City (11/3/10):

Hi Greg, I read your blog every day, I can understand why it is the most visited sight. It's irreverant and funny, insightful and sometimes completely off the wall. All the things that I enjoy are on here! Keep up the good work and keep fighting the good fight!

I really did not intend to make this blog a Gregorian Love Fest this week. But I do very much appreciate the support you peeps are showing!

From Shannon Smith in Decatur (11/3/10):

Well, Greg -- all I can say is that I care about what you think. Doesn't mean I always agree, but I am always interested in your take on things. I think this blog is popular because it is real -- you're always honest and just you. And, I for one find that very refreshing in a world where not everyone is who they seem! Thanks for keeping the blog going -- I'll be here as long as you are! Have a good one!

But Shannon…there is something I'v, e been meaning to tell you. My eyes…aren't really brown. My hair…I don't even have any. It's a wig! These legs…prosthetic. This voluptuous behind??? Fake.

Kudos to anyone that can figure out this loosely quoted movie…

From Angie in Charleston (11/3/10):

AWWWWW....we love you too. And let the suits know that I was a die-hard WCIA fan until you and your blog came along.

You just did! Thanks, Angie. I'm glad we were able to pull you away from that dastardly Robert Reese and cute blond chick they have working over there! (Okay…so I helped train Ketchmark. The fact that she has become so good should get me a little bit of credit, shouldn't it???)

From Dena in Shelbyville (11/3/10):

Greg,

I love your blog! I look forward to reading every post. I appreciate who you are and the fact that you are not afraid to write about any subject. Not everyone is going to appreciate your humor and some may even be shocked by certain topics but that's humane nature. Maybe the people saying negative things about the blog are under the impression they have to read it. Do they understand it is a choice? I will continue to read your blog as long as you are willing to share yourself with your faithful readers.

Best wishes,

Dena

Thanks, Dena! Who doesn't appreciate my humor?? Freaking zombies, that's who. And we all know what we do to zombies around here!

Well crap. I think I just exposed myself to be an anti-zombite.

From Teri in Decatur (11/3/10):

Hi Greg:

I read your blog everyday. WHY???? I think you are an interesting person and have a lot of insight. I also enjoy the Friday feedback to see what the rest of the people in our area think about issues. You are also the only person that I tolerate when the do not pronounce MATTOON right (I know you are just joking. (GO GREENWAVE)). Keep on blogging.

"This is my town…and don't you forget it!!"

I could do movie quotes all morning. This one was from a Patrick Swayze classic of the 80's.

"You think you can save these people?? Well whose going to SAVE THEM FROM YOU?!?!?!?"

Anyone? Anyone?

"The name…is Dalton"

From Trish in Decatur (11/3/10):

Good morning Greg, I know the reason I keep reading this blog is because you are always open with us. P.S. This is the only blog I follow. I have tried others and they are just not the same!

I feel the same way about KRAFT macaroni and cheese. Nothing out there is cheesier.

From David in Altamont (11/4/10):

In my opinion, the reason your blog is so popular is because you allow an open discussion on subjects that every one else has on their mind as well.

Everyday things that don't amount to a hill of beans, but are interesting enough to talk about can be a lot of fun.

Sometimes things get touchy and people get irritated, but overall, it's just plain people talking about what's on their mind.

I'm not calling you plain, Greg, well, not really. You're just regular folk like the rest of us, that we can put a face to, because we see you every morning, bright eyed and bushytailed---or hollow eyed and ducktailed. WHATEVER!!!

I'm glad you called me regular and not normal, David! If I could be completely and totally myself on this blog you would know what I am talking about.

Okay….seriously, all…I do appreciate all of the comments of support this week. Again…I did not intend to spur this response…but I am certainly not going to turn it down. It's good to be reminded once in a while that you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy doing it. And the blog is not threatened right now. That is not why I did the post the other day. I just had a conversation with someone that got me to think big picture about the blog, and I wanted to make sure you realize that I appreciate the fact that you come here.

From Phil in Cissna Park (11/4/10):

Zombie? Hmmmmm, yes on some days...but you put me down? LOL, this blog entry made me laugh out loud, Greg. Dreams are weird things at times. However, in your defense my friend...if I ever become a zombie in real life....please DO put me down. I don't want to think twice, either!

Well let's just hope I can quickly identify whether or not you really are a zombie the next time we meet, Phil! :-)

From Faye in Mattoon (11/4/10):

I would kill zombies with you any day...

Awwww…that sounds like True Love to me!

And welcome to the blog, New Chick! I will let you off the hook for calling me out about the sleet yesterday, too.

From David in Decatur (11/4/10):

Hey Greg, sounds as if you watched the new series, Walking Dead, last Sunday evening. It was great.

I haven't heard of that show, Dave. Tell me more about it! There have been a slew of movies and TV shows about zombies and "monsters" in the past few years. Vampires, witches, warlocks, zombies, werewolves, fairies, and the like are getting a lot of play lately. No wonder I had the dream…

Have a great weekend, all! Don't forget to "Fall Back"…and don't forget to check batteries!!!

11/4/10

I have a confession to make this morning. Last night I shot many of you in the head with several types of guns. In my defense…you were zombies, and I was trying to help me, Faye, and some other humans survive. My dogs were also there and I was trying to save them and my cat, too. But sadly some Gregorians like Phil in Cissna Park and Kristen in Maroa had to be put down.

Sure it was a dream…but it was pretty vivid. The plotline had zombies taking over the world. And for some reason in the dream I knew that Faye and I would be the only two humans left on the planet, so we had to survive. And some Gregorians that I have actually met in person were in the dream and you became zombies. Even though I am quite fond of all of you…I put your zombie a###s down without thinking twice. At the point that you become a zombie I consider that I would be doing you a favor by blowing your head off with a shotgun.

I woke up several times in the night, thought about the dream and what I wanted to accomplish in the dream, and then went back to sleep and continued the dream. Do you ever do that? It almost seems too real. I've flirted with what they call lucid dreaming before. That is where you take control of the dream while you are dreaming. I stopped when I started thinking I was dreaming during the day when I wasn't actually asleep. Last night's dream was not necessarily lucid dreaming. But I did keep waking up and going back to the same dream when I went back to sleep.

I'll be honest…I was a little disappointed when I woke up to my alarm. I wanted to see how this one was going to finish up. Just before I woke up we were trying to hot wire a car and someone in our group got bit…so I shot his #$% with a machine gun.

11/3/10

I want to start this morning by thanking you for coming to this blog. When we started this thing a couple of years ago I really had no idea what I was doing. I had never really read many other blogs before. I had seen some other weather blogs, and knew that I was not interested in doing one of those. So I told the station when they asked that I would only do the blog if I could do it my way, and when they tried to change my blog I would just stop doing it. And while many weeks I am surprised that they keep the blog on their website…here we still are. The fact that the blog is still around is directly related to you. I stopped doing the blog once when someone around here decided they did not like it…and the response from you to the suits got them to ask me to start it up again.

When I stopped the blog a while back one of the suits asked me why I thought I needed to talk about the fact that I think marijuana should be legal or my thoughts on legalizing prostitution, too. I was told that I am just the weatherman and asked why anyone cares what I think about such things. I responded that I did not know why people would care what I thought…but that I knew that people did. And I care about what people thought about the same things. And that in the end it didn't matter the reason…it was the result that counted. Without much promotion at all (some people even say they can't find it on this website) this blog is still the most visited non spot-news/weather feature on this website. It is astounding to me, and it is because of you. So thank you for that.

Someone basically mentioned to me recently that no one cares what I think. It was not a suit or someone that works here. But since it was said to me I have been giving it a lot of thought. And I still don't know why the blog is so interesting. But I know that the results are still good. And I know that I still also care what you think. So as long as it still works and we can keep this blog the way we like it I will continue to do the blog the way we've always done it. And as always you can take part, as well. Just hit the feedback form at the bottom of the blog and send me your thoughts. They usually get posted on "Feedback Friday". If you have a LOT to say send me an email with "blog" on the subject line. Just don't be flagrantly mean to anyone local (other than me), or use naughty words…but even those words I can edit out.

Again…thanks. Who knows how long this corporation will allow this blog. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your support…and I dig what we have going here.

11/2/10

--I heard on the tellie the other day that studies have shown that the DARE to Keep Kids Off Drugs program didn't really work. It was always my assumption that it wouldn't work…but I never knew that people had actually done studies on it and proven it! How did I miss that? Did the media cover it? I remember over the years how various local communities stopped the program. But I never heard it was because it simply did not work like it was supposed to work. Huh. Here's a link to Google with plenty of articles about it.

--Are you voting today? I think I am going to vote today. It's a tough choice, really…at least locally. So many candidates got into the mud this season that it really makes me want to write in someone that never put out an ad. I guess we talked about this yesterday on the blog. But really…it's sad that so many candidates feel they have to go dirty…and it is even sadder that it actually works. You can probably say this most of the time in this country, but I feel it is better suited for the next few years. We are at a cross roads in America. And the decisions made in the next couple of years really will substantially determine our future course, I believe.

--I was listening on the radio this morning to the guy that does "The Bible Code". The third edition of that book is out. I don't know if I believe in the code…I lean more to it being crap. But he was mentioning today that Iraq, Iran, etc. are not our country's biggest threats. Our biggest issue is Al Qaeda. And his reason why made perfect sense to me. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon they are not likely to use it on us…because they have an address. There is a piece of land that they occupy that we can send our bombs to and obliterate them. That is good reason for them to leave us alone.

Al Qaeda, however, doesn't have a home. That means we never really know where they are. And furthermore they are not likely to ever all be in the same place at the same time. That means they could relea, se a nuke on our land…and where would we retaliate? We might eventually track all of them down, but it would take us a long time. Add in the fact that those people actually WANT to die for their cause…and you have the biggest threat to the free world.

When you have one major party that always seems a little easy on terrorism, and the other party loudly stating that Americans should not have to sacrifice for anything…it is a little scary to me, personally. Maybe if there was a nuke attack on "The Jersey Shore" it would make people take the concept a little more seriously.

11/1/10

--Today is my Little Sister's birthday! Happy birthday, Lisa!

--A couple of weeks ago someone sent me a link that I have yet to post here. So it is a little late…but better than never! The topic is good bosses.

--My fantasy football season has become miserable. I'm in two leagues; one is free and one is not. It looks like I am going to lose in both leagues this weekend. I'm still in pretty good shape in my free league. But in the money league I am going to be 2 and 6. That is not good. And to make matters worse I can't even offset my own losing by watching the Cowboys win. So I am a triple loser this season.

Most mornings I sit here and do the blog with my IPod. There are about 400 songs on my IPod and I hit shuffle and let it rip. I wish I was joking about this…but just now when I started blogging about my woeful fantasy football season Bonnie Tyler came on my IPod, "It's a Heartache". Sometimes life is just too funny.

--Are you ready to vote? Have you studied the candidates? Are you tired of the ads yet? I don't know who makes the money around here from all of the political ads…but for me personally I am tired of seeing them. I don't know if this would actually work or not…but it seems to me at this point that someone could separate him/herself from the pack by putting out ads that say something like "My opponent is a nice guy/lady. He/she believes in doing things a certain way. And that is fine. But here is what I believe."

Would that actually work? Can you run for office today without saying anything bad about your opponent? Is it even possible to get elected to a political office without being negative at all? If the answer is no then that not only says something about our candidates…but it says a lot about us voters. And none of what that is saying is good.