PeoriaIllinoisan

Moved...

2006-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Click Here:
http://peoriaillinoisan.blogpeoria.com

my alternate sites:
Name This Peoria Landmark

PI's Music Spot

Wrigley Field Sells Out

2006-03-31T06:33:00.000-08:00

SunTimes: Cubs Sell Wrigley Bleachers' Naming Rights

The holy ground that is Wrigley Field has finally caved to corporate pressure, so this summer I will be cheering on my 3rd place Cubbies, drinking $4 Old Styles while sitting in the newly expanded and overpriced Bud Light Bleachers.

Eclipse Flower

2006-03-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

Crescent Sun reflected on a flower in Amman, Jordan during a partial eclipse.

Dylan fans are a strange breed.

2006-03-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

I'm always amazed at how fanatical and obsessed Dylan fans can be (and with good reason). Three of the more unique fansites prove this:

1. www.expectingrain.com
Nothing but daily links to articles in the news about Bob.

2. The Dylan Pool
An absolutely insane web site. People actually bet on which songs that Bob will sing on any given night. Points are weighted based on how often the song is historically played in concert. Having penned over 500 songs, he's got quite a catalog to choose from.

3. Top 100 Dylan Songs
Open voting. I and I, Idiot Wind, and Foot Of Pride are currently ranked the top three Dylan songs.

...feel free to add the obligatory "Dylan Can't Sing" comment now...

100 Best Living Songwriters

2006-03-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

Paste magazine is running an online survey of the “100 Best Living Songwriters,” with results to be published in the June/July issue. Take an enjoyable five minutes to scroll through the list and check the boxes of who you consider the best, then go to the Merguez Frites blog and post your picks.

I’ve posted mine there.

I got a nod from CP for the link, but the original Hat Tip goes to O’Brien’s Briar Patch.

...and the winner is...

2006-03-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

I always keep my word, so I will award this $10,000 bill to C.J. Summers for having a keen eye on a tough ‘Peoria Landmark.’

The $10,000 bill features the portrait of Salmon B. Chase who was Secretary of Treasury during the Civil War. These bills were printed between the years of 1928 and 1945 until the federal government reversed course and began destroying them in 1969 in an effort to combat organized crime. There are approximately 350 still known to be in existance.

Why I Do Laundry

2006-03-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of guys who don’t do laundry- call me a wuss, but I like doing the laundry. Not sorting. I’m not a sorting clothes kind of guy, but I’m all over the washing and drying aspects of it... especially my wife’s jeans. No, I don’t have a fetish, but I love finding money. It’s usually a mixture of small bills with an occasional $20 that she stuck in her pocket and forgot about.

We don’t subscribe to more and more common “separate bank accounts” way of managing money, so it’s not like I’m stealing, but it’s fun to find money that didn’t previously exist (at least in my mind.) Since she discovered (crap) that I take the money that she left in her jeans and put it in my own pocket, I seriously think that sometimes she plants money in the laundry for me to find as an incentive to keep at it!

I didn’t check my kids pants when I did tonight’s load, so as I was pulling out the clothes from the dryer, mixed in with dryer sheets I was oh so lucky to find 14 Pokemon cards (without a doubt the most powerful and rare of them all,) two pencil erasers, and a very nice but slightly used pink school eraser. Not quite as good as what my wife bribes me with, but they’re learning...

Need a Caption

2006-03-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

A little help here. I wanted to have a clever caption for this photo but my brain is blanking out, so I'll let someone else come up with it.

Name This Peoria Landmark #28

2006-03-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

$10,000.00 to anyone who can identify this photo:

http://namethispeorialandmark.blogspot.com

A Very Busy Blogger

2006-03-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Music For Ants, possibly Peoria’s 2nd most prolific blogger behind the Peoria Pundit (with nearly the number of daily hits, albeit on completely different topics), has put up his Classic Album #4, which is Simon & Garfunkel’s masterpiece Bookends.

I don’t believe he means to nescessarily rank them, but the previous entries were:
#3: The Who – Who’s Next
#2: David Bowie – Hunky Dory
#1: The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

No arguments here.

Wind Power!

2006-03-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Sunday's Journal Star had several articles on area wind farms as alternative energy sources. (articles here, here, and here.)

I had an old post about the hotly contested Tiskilwa wind farm (just south of Princeton near I-80) with some "under-construction" photos (click me!). The next time I'm up there I'll snap some new photos. Hopefully it will be a sunnier day!

The Little Willies

2006-03-25T20:03:00.000-08:00

Another XM Satellite discovery...

The Little Willies (insert dirty joke here.) A shit kickin’ country/blues/jazz/rock swinging bar band in the whiskey drinking tradition of Willie Nelson with musical connections to The Band, Lyle Lovett, and Hank Williams... just happening to feature Norah Jones on Piano and sharing lead vocals on the well known label “Milking Bull Records.”

It includes the songs “Love Me,” made famous by Elvis Presley, “I Gotta Get Drunk” by Willie Nelson, the old standard Tennessee Stud, an odd tribute to "Lou Reed", and what made me fall in love with the album, “No Place To Fall,” by Townes Van Zandt (Texas country rock icon who died young and is best known because of Willie Nelson’s cover of Pancho & Lefty.)

Anyone who covers, or has even heard of Townes Van Zandt is cool with me!

I've always liked her, but I'm now convinced that Norah Jones isn't just a fluke. Don't be shocked if you start hearing these songs on the radio, once people catch on.

You can hear all of the songs in their entirety here:
http://www.emimusic.ca/thelittlewillies/

An embarrasing revelation from Jamie Markley

2006-03-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

During Thursday’s Markley & Luciano show, they played the soundbite of Jonathan Ahl asking Jim Ardis if painting a red stripe across Main Street was an appropriate use of city tax dollars.

Jamie Markley had no idea who Jonathan Ahl was or that Bradley even had a radio station. It took Phil Luciano to explain to him that, yes, Bradley has a radio station (they actually have two) and it’s a public radio station named WCBU. He further explained that Jonathan Ahl, among other things, covers the city council meetings, to which Jamie pretty much said yea, whatever...

1. If you live in Peoria, you should’ve at least heard of WCBU.

2. If you’ve been in radio all your life, you should’ve at least heard of WCBU.

3. If you’re going to be the program director of a “news & talk” station, you should know your competition.

4. If you are going to be a host of a radio show on a “news & talk” station, you should know of the only other channel that focuses on news.

5. If you are going to be a host of a radio show on a “news & talk” station, you shouldn’t roll your eyes when the word “city council meeting” is spoken.

I hate to be too hard on the guy... as annoying as Phil can be, I still like the show, but that was a horribly embarrasing moment.

When Jim Ardis Speaks, People Listen

2006-03-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

To show support for Bradley, it’s neighbor St. Mark Grade School allowed the kids to wear red shirts for the minimal donation of $1 for St. Jude.

My daughter didn’t believe it, and not wanting to get in trouble at school, kept doubting me, until finally my son pipes up “The Mayor said we HAVE TO wear red today!”

Question for Hardcore Bradley Fans

2006-03-23T05:28:00.000-08:00

I'm curious...

Is all the attention too much? Is this overhyped? Do you find it annoying that you went to every game and now the rest of us are paying attention and you don't have a ticket to Oakland?

Conversely, does anyone just not care?

BU

2006-03-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

I consider myself to be a casual Bradley Basketball fan. I haven’t been to a game in years, and occasionally catch the play by play if I happen to be driving around in the car if for no other reason that to hear Dave Snell. I keep loose tabs on it in from the paper and the radio; enough to know what’s going on; enough to carry on a short conversation. I listened to most of Bradley’s valley tournament games, and had the dumb luck of being with a racaus crowd watching the NCAA tournament selection show after a round of golf.

Like many people, I was absolutely GLUED to the tv for the last two games (with the volume down and the hometown radio cranked, of course). Those were some of the most dramatic and fantastic games that I’ve ever seen. On Thursday night, I’ll be glued to the TV again and my kids will once again go into hiding after wondering what demon has possessed my body.

Enjoy the buzz and all the national attention. Be excited, not just for Bradley, but for all of Peoria, because this is bigger than just a basketball game, it’s a time for everyone to sit back and be proud of this silly little town of ours.

Renaissance Park needs a new marketing department

2006-03-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

Today’s Word On The Street mentions the fact that three west bluff neighborhoods are not mentioned in marketing material for Renaissance Park. I noticed the same thing a few days ago while looking at the official web site, which is geared towards out of towners. In the “Urban Living” section, the surrounding neighborhoods who opted in are shown. Those that are not listed are the Arbor District, aka Bradley, and the two most stable neighborhoods in the area, Moss-Bradley, and The Uplands.

"But we're talking about a brochure that will highlight housing opportunities and hopefully attract outsiders to invest in Renaissance Park. You would think they would want to include the beautiful homes in the Arbor, Moss-Bradley and Uplands neighborhood associations.

As nice as some of the neighborhoods technically within Ren Park's boundaries are, very few homes within them can rival the mansions along Moss.

Why not put your very best face forward to the world?

The City Council will consider the Renaissance Park Commission's recommendation not to include them, but they get the final say."

I understand that these neighborhood associations, in highly contested debates, chose not to officially be a part of the Med-Tech District, but to market the area without including them is almost criminal. In the real business world, the research and development departments are separate from the marketing departments. Leave the “opt out” neighborhoods out of the meetings, don’t include them in official notices and emails, but for goodness sake, keep the petty politics and personal BS out of this and market the entire area properly by including the most stable anchor neighborhoods of the West Bluff.

Spring Has Finally Arrived!

2006-03-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

Rain... sleet and snow are expected to develop around 9 PM this evening west of Interstate 55 and spread slowly east toward Bloomington around midnight. Most of the precipitation will change over to all snow around midnight. The snow may be heavy at times later tonight into Tuesday morning... with accumulations from 4 to 7 inches by Tuesday afternoon. The snow is expected to taper off Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow later tonight and Tuesday morning... making travel hazardous.

Google caved to China, but not the Martians

2006-03-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

They conquered the world, and now they're out to conquer the universe!

GOOGLE MARS!

Praise for IHSA in Peoria

2006-03-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

Journal Star Letter to the Editor

Peoria did a great job hosting the Class A tournament

Sunday, March 19, 2006

I'm a reporter/columnist for the Southern Illinoisan, a newspaper based in Carbondale. Additionally, I do play-by-play for Benton High School Rangers football and basketball. For the past five years my radio job has allowed me to broadcast all eight games of the boys' Class A state tournament in Peoria.

I have to admit that when the change was made by the Illinois High School Association to move the state tournament from Champaign to Peoria, I didn't like the idea. After another wonderful weekend in Peoria, let me say again and very loudly that I was dead wrong.

The fine staff at the Civic Center, the hundreds of volunteers, the March Madness Experience, the IHSA and all associated with the tournament are to be commended for yet another job well done.

Kudos to the businesses and the good folks in Peoria who are hospitable and seem to go out of their way to make basketball fans who travel from all over the state feel welcome.

Finally, one of the highlights for my wife and I during our four-day weekend in Peoria each March is the excellent coverage of the tournament in the Journal Star, especially the Sunday edition.

Keep up the good work. If there is ever a debate about where the state tournament should be held, please invite me to throw in my two cents' worth. In my mind, Peoria should be the permanent home.

Jim Muir

Sesser

Forest Park Nature Center

2006-03-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

After our typical Saturday morning pancakes, I had the overwhelming urge to get outside. I thought about it and decided to do something I hadn’t done in years- take my kids to walk the trails at Forest Park Nature Center. We didn’t have a map, so we just followed random trails through the peaks and valleys. The trails are a real joy with a lot of dramatic elevation changes. I felt like I was back walking the trails of the Shawnee forest, except it only took 10 minutes to get there and I could go to Pizza Works for lunch. It’s amazing to be smack in the middle of the city, but with only a few minutes of walking, you can stop and neither see nor hear any city sounds. I’m certain once the leaves grow in, that effect will intensify further.

I’d guess the park is underutilized, but I don’t really know that. It certainly was by me, but my kids are going to make sure that it isn’t in the future.

Of course, the trip wouldn’t have been complete without seeing a deer...

An Old Folks Home in Renaissance Park?

2006-03-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry, what I meant to say was A Long Term Acuce Care Facility in Renaissance Park?

How does that fit into the long-range plan for the area? It doesn’t.

Of course the hospitals want to build it here, that’s a no brainer... they know what it will become; But does Renaissance park really want them? What would an old folks home bring to Renaissance Park? I suggest nothing. It’s a great selling point for the hospitals and their new facility, to be sure, but I see it as 180 degrees opposite of where this area is headed.

The official web site says: “Engineers and poets, scientists and artists, shop owners and business leaders, professors and students—all are united by the energy, creativity and quality of life here.”

There are tons of places this could be built. On top of the hill on Knoxville, in Southtown, out north near OSF’s facility. But, because of the relationship the hospitals have with the Renaissance Park commission, they can pretty much do whatever they want. It’s similar to the relationship between Cat and the city. If Cat wants it, Cat gets it. Unfortunately, it seems OSF and Methodist have the same pull in this area.

On the other hand... District 150’s proposed Math, Science, and Technology Academy encompases exactly what this area is all about. It would be a win win for all involved. Hopefully the school district will act on this perfect fit, and Renaissance Park officials will jump on it as much as they are with the “Long Term Acute Care Facility”.

One final thought. Please don’t demolish Main Street to build all these new things. Oh sure, there’s a few places that I’d be the first to push down the plunger for the explosives, but it must keep it’s urban character. The last thing we need is a bunch of big new buildings fronted by large parking lots.

Birthday Calendar

2006-03-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp

I was conceived in April and was born on a Friday in the Chinese year of the Dog. I'm 1,110,359,015 seconds old (5 dog years), and my next birthday will have enough candles to boil 4.11 ounces of water.

Springfield Tornado Pics

2006-03-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

Springfield's Mid-West Family Broadcasting has alot of user submitted (and fast loading) photos online HERE.

The State Journal Register has three online photo galleries. They're sloooow loading, so be patient.
1. Staff Photos
2. Staff Photos
3. User Submitted Photos

Amazing stuff... and that nobody died is a miracle.

Update:
The Journal Register is adding photos at a furious pace, so go HERE for the link to all of their photos.

If anyone is worried about Rod Blogojevich being injured, rest assured, he wasn't there.

The Police have to deal alot of numbnuts

2006-03-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

Want to know what’s really going on in Peoria? Read the Journal Star’s Police, Fire and Courts section. It’s always a hoot, and today is no exception.

The first article that struck me was two guys who robbed a woman in an alley but determined she had “nothing of value”. (I guess you’d call that an attempted robbery.) They still beat her up though.

Then you got a guy who flags down the police at 2am near Madison golf course because he was stabbed... with a fork... “He refused to identify his attacker, where the incident occurred or why he was stabbed.” Do you think maybe he did something wrong to initiate being stabbed with a fork?

He’s certainly not as dumb as the guy who stole a car and proceeded to rear-end a Cop car with it. Howard was booked on charges of DUI, motor vehicle theft, possessing drug paraphernalia, criminal trespass to a vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, eluding police, improper lane usage, not wearing a seatbelt, no driver's license on him, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, 11 counts of going through a red light and two counts of going through a stop sign.

Finally, there’s the corrections officer who was sentenced to probation for receiving oral sex from an inmate. I gotta say, a female prisoner who wants to give head really doesn’t sound that enticing to me… and in a somewhat related incident, “A Peoria man faces charges for allegedly selling cocaine to a dancer at Club Cabaret in Creve Coeur on Saturday.” Shocking isn’t it? Who would’ve thought.

Note to Self...

2006-03-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Never leave your tools lying on the dining room table for your daughter to experiment with.

Congrats to the Braves!

2006-03-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

Now that Bradley made it into the NCAA tourney, how far will they go?

Can they beat KU in the first round?

If so, can they win in the 2nd round and move on to the sweet 16?

Police enforcing common sense rules of the road

2006-03-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

From the front page of the PjStar: "A dozen people learned the hard way Friday they have to change lanes when passing a state vehicle parked on the side of the road, or else it means a $100 ticket."

It's sad that this has to be a law. Isn't it just plain ol' common sense? If there is a car parked on the side of the road, not just specifically a state vehicle with lights flashing, but any car, I always slide over into the other lane. I didn't know it was a law. I didn't have to know it was a law, and I will never get a ticket for it.

In the editorial page, though there's no link on the web site, is a Bartonville fireman bitching about people flying by him at the scene of an accident with injuries. "The drivers seemed to be shocked that we were asking them to slow down," he says.

Since we have this need to legislate civility, I propose that a law be passed regarding funeral processions. It's very simple. When a funeral procession is coming down the street, pull over out of respect, or at least pull over for the lead cars. At the very minimum, DO NOT PASS a funeral procession in the right lane. Wherever you are going can wait.

I don't really want another law. Lord knows we have enough of them already, and we shouldn't have to legislate common courtesy, but if that's what it takes... well...

Essential Albums Vol. 2

2006-03-11T06:45:00.000-08:00

The title is somewhat misleading, in that what I am posting are not exactly greatest albums of all time, but more "albums I have heard a million times, never get tired of, and still keep in my cd changer", but that's too long of a title.

So here's another 5 favorites.

Joe Jackson: Night and Day
An essential New York album with an upper west side jazzy feel featuring the song Night & Day. If you want the down and dirty side of NYC, check out Lou Reed's New York.

Steely Dan: Aja
The height of their popular following. Jazz meets FM Radio. Every song is a classic.

Black Cow, Aja, Deacon Blues, Peg, Home at Last, I Got The News, Josie.

If you don't own this album, you need to.

Keeping on a theme, Miles Davis: Kin d Of Blue.
The quintessential jazz album. This is Jazz 101, and my first introduction to the fact that not just Miles Davis is cool, but so is John Coltrane.
Essential to any music lover.

MapGirl had first dibs on my favorite, Chinese Eyes, but running on a close tie for second are Rough Mix, Empty Glass, and Deep End Live (not to mention all the Scoops and a bunch of bootlegs), but my vote goes to White City.

Bob Dylan: Blood On The Tracks
What can I say about this that hasn't already been said? This will most likely go down as his finest album. Always listed in the top ten albums of all time, in the misdt of a divorce, he uncharacteristicly lays out his thoughts as only he can do. The only album I know of that anyone who has a pulse can relate to in some way.

Vonster vs Pammy: Round II

2006-03-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

Peoria's very own mouthy blogger who is singlehandedly trying to turn me into a democrat, Vonster, is going at it with Pammy again.

In response, Pammy describes Vonster's ultimate wet-dream: Vonster is walking down Main Street, minding his own business, when he notices a demonstration of anti-Bush, liberal, athiest lesbians picketing in front of Bradley.

He may not like what happens next...

(I wonder if Pammy would give him medical attention or call for backup?)

!@#%&* Computer!!

2006-03-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Ever get so frustrated that you just want to beat your computer to sh*t?

Well, now you can...

Beat Up Your PC

Lick Creek to get much needed makeover

2006-03-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

Lick Creek Golf Course, in Pekin, used to be regarded as the premier public access course in central Illinois. It’s been twice named one of the top 75 public golf course in the country by Golf Digest. I always considered it the number one test of golf in the area, with it’s closest challenger being Gibson Woods in Monmouth.

Competition has been moving in, and Lick Creek has been getting overshadowed. The most notable courses are Weaver Ridge and Coyote Creek in Peoria, and Prairie Vista and The Den in Bloomington. Even Pine Lakes in Washington and Snag Creek in Washburn have vastly improved over what they were.

Thankfully, Lick Creek’s not taking it lying down. On August 15, 2006, the course will close for the season. They’re re-doing a bunch of the greens and are ripping up ALL the fairways to put in bent-grass (same highend grass as Weaver and Coyote – fast and smooth). These improvements, with it’s already superior design will put Lick back on the map again.

No word on greens fees. I would expect a small bump-up, but I have no doubt that it will still be the best value for your money. Currently non-Pekinites pay around $20. That’s a steal. Make it $25 and it’sstill a bargain.

Yippee!

...and the Oscar for "most prolific use of the F-Word" goes to...

2006-03-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

Steve Martin for Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Receptionist: Welcome to Marathon... May I help you?

Neal: Yes.

Receptionist: How may I help you?

Neal: You can start by wiping the f**king dumb ass smile off your rosey f**king cheeks - and then you can get me a f**king automobile. A f**king Datsun, a f**king Toyota, a f**king Musting, a f**king Buick... four f**king wheels and a seat.

Receptionist: I really don't care for the way you're speaking to me.

Neal: And I really don't care for the way your company left me in the middle of f**king nowhere with f**king keys to a f**king car that isn't f**king there. And I really didn't care to f**king walk down a f**king highway and across a f**king runway to get back here to have you smile at my f**king face. I want a f**king car... right... f**king... NOW!

Receptionist: May I see your rental agreement?

Neal: I threw it away.

Receptionist: Oh boy.

Neal: Oh boy what?

Receptionist: You're f**ked.

(Audio)
(Alternate)

Yikes!

2006-03-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Eddie Van Halen.

I was seriously shocked and scared when I saw this picture.

...but Lyn said as long as I paid it back...

2006-03-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

A Marquette Heights teen pleaded guilty Monday in Tazewell County Court to stealing a city of Pekin credit card from the Police Department and using it to buy video game equipment.

More than $900 in total was charged on the credit card for PlayStation video games and equipment, among other items, at Wal-Mart stores in the area.

Police, Fire & Courts

Chase Ingersoll - Peoria Smacker

2006-03-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

When Chase bought the Grandview Hotel, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and initially applauded him for taking up the task of cleaning it up. Never did I think it would be the four star hotel he envisioned, but at least he was willing to try. Then all the court battles ensued and he went back to his old ways of insulting anyone who disagreed with him, shooting his credibility back down into the gutter. Finally, he agreed to sell it, saying he did all he could and the new owners can do better. Great. Good move, Chase.

Unfortunately, he’s acting like a smacker again, and I think Polly is right. He just can’t stand staying out of the spotlight and wants nothing more than to be a thorn in Peoria’s side to get back at them for what he sees as their mis-deeds against him in the past.

Sad. Sad.

DiscoverSchool.com

2006-03-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

I was looking for a way for my kids to make their own Word Searches using their own words (after struggling with them to make one on a piece of paper) and found this site. It does word searches very well, but it also creates cryptograms, mazes, word scrambles and math puzzles, all based on characteristics or words that you specify making the puzzles as easy or as hard as you wish.

http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/

Pretty darn cool, and it’s free too.

Lyn Howard never ceases to amaze me.

2006-03-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

PJStar: Howard's service called into question

Can the guy get anymore clueless? He’s performing his “public service” by hanging out at the local Sportsman’s Club drinking and playing poker with the boys??

Tazewell County Ctate's Attorney, Stu Umholtz is outraged about the way the former mayor has been spending his community service.

"Public perception would be that allowing a defendant to do a public service at one of his supporter's organizations would not be appropriate. If he is a member, that makes it totally inappropriate," Umholtz said. ". . . my concern is . . . that Mr. Howard is making a mockery of the public service requirement."

True to form, Lyn says : "I'm not aware there was any problem with it."

No Title.

2006-03-03T23:41:00.000-08:00

Due to a unexpected and tragic death in my family, posting may be somewhat sporatic.

Honk Off, you SOB!

2006-03-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the weather that we're all getting sick of, or maybe it's the construction that never seems to end, but I'm feeling a general groundswell of grumpiness about traffic lately. I got cut off this morning and promptly flipped up my middle finger. (I use the horn for only extra special occasions, mind you.)

Why do I feel like I'm the only person who drives the speed limit on I-74... and why do I get flipped off for driving the speed limit?

I'm not alone.

Bill, BJ, Chef Kevin, CJ, Merle and Phil are all feeling it too.

Man, I can't wait until winter's over and we can all lighten up a little.

Betty Friedan Parkway

2006-03-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

C'mon Vonster. This one's for you.

Week: Pioneer Parkway to Pioneering Feminist?

Eye Candy courtesy of the Journal Star

2006-02-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

PJStar: Home at Last.
I'm sure the photographer was thrilled to have taken this picture, but was this meant to go into his private collection, and maybe not on the front page of the Journal Star? I actually was dumb enough to think they had second thoughts about publishing it because this morning the web site didn't have the picture. They do now. Hey, it's OK with me, but do you think this young female REALLY wants all of Peoria looking down her shirt? There seems to be a little common decency lacking for what is supposed to be a heartwarming story.

Cute kid, by the way.

Tom Petty's Buried Treasure

2006-02-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

If Tom Petty made a special "mix" tape for you, what would he put on it? Here's the track listing from today's "Buried Treasure" show hosted by Tom on XM Satellite Radio:

Little Richard – I Got It
The Beatles – Misery
Ray Charles – Lonely Avenue
James Brown – Please Please Me medly (Apollo theatre 1962)
Moby Grape – Hey Grandma
Little Walter – Tell me Mama

Link Wray – Dance Contest
The Dandy Warhols – Smoke It
The Rolling Stones – Try a little harder
The Shangri-La’s – I can never go home anymore
The Strokes – Last Night

The Surfaris – Wipe Out
Slim Harpo – Te Ni Nee Ni Nu
The Marvelettes – Beechwood 4-5789
The Searchers – Some day we’re gonna love again
Smiley Lewis – Shame, Shame, Shame

Muddy Waters – I’m Ready
The Who – Relax
Taj Mahal – Good Morning Little School Girl
Fats Domino – Whole Lotta Lovin’

Fucking Nazi's

2006-02-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Saw this article about a Florida Neo-Nazi march gone awry on Drudge, and I couldn't shake the images of Jake & Elwood Blues out of my head...

Florida Nazi's:

Illinois Nazi's:

Jake: Hey, what's going on?
Officer: Ah, those bums won their courtcase so they're marching today.
Jake: What bums?
Officer: The fucking Nazi party.
Elwood: Illinois Nazi's...
Jake: I hate Illinois Nazi's.
(audio)

Chicago Cubs Ticket Cheat

2006-02-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

If anyone's still sitting in the "vitual waiting room", here's the trick.

Using Internet Explorer, click on "File" -> New -> Window.

Poof! Another waiting room opens.

Now repeat that about 40 times, pull up your task bar so you can see all the instances of Internet Explorer running, and buy your tickets!

I got 6 bleacher tickets for Cubs/Cardinals in July.

The Journal Star needs a geography lesson

2006-02-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Police, Fire & Courts:
A 28-year-old Peoria woman turned her wallet over to a man who threatened to shoot her outside a Campustown shop Tuesday night, police said.

The woman was walking up to Main Street Liquors, 615 W. Main St., about 9:10 p.m. when the man approached her, indicated he had a gun and said "Give me your money or get shot," she told police.

She held the wallet out in front of her and the man took it and ran west on Main.

Campustown: The corner of Main & University

Main St. Liquors: at the top of the Main Street hill between Sheridan and Ellis

BIG DIFFERENCE

(sorry about the fuzzy map)

Campustown gets enough of a bad rap already, it certainly doesn't need the Journal Star's help in being misrepresented! I'll bet most people's reaction is the same as mine: "yea, Campustown, I guess that doesn't surprise me."

Ironically, this roberry happened at the same spot that some people are petitioning to keep out an upscale "Sullivan's" type bar because of the fear of increased crime...

Co-Op Tapes & Records

2006-02-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

Anyone recognize this? I was told many years ago that it was just laying on the sidewalk. I didn't believe it then and I don't believe it now, but it sure looks cool in my workshop!

What's Your House Worth?

2006-02-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

www.zillow.com

This is a fun little tool that uses public records and mapping software to find similar area houses and approximate an appraisal value for your home. I curious how other's fare, because my house came in about where I expected it. It was based on ten houses located within a half mile; one didn't apply and shouldn't have been used, but overall, not bad...

For fun, you can also fly around town and check out other neighborhoods to get a feel for what housing prices are going for in town.

The Children's Museum is quietly plugging away...

2006-02-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

They're not making the front page of the paper, and there's no hubbub about asking the city for millions, but ever so quietly and under the radar, they’re moving forward with the help of many experts from in and out of town. This week is a major turning point by bringing together the outside consultants with the architects and the Junior League Museum Committee to move past the concept phase, and begin finalizing architectural drawings.

WMBD has a report, and it will be featured on Week's Live @ 5 tonight.

Week Video

Thoughts about St. Mark School and the Media

2006-02-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

As I was reading Terry Bibo-Baker’s Sunday column, I thought how nice it was to compliment the children of St. Marks, even though she used it as a tie-in to a typical PJStar plug for a Lakeview museum, but that's another subject altogether...

It got me to start thinking about St. Marks, Renaissance Park, and the Media and I just don’t think St. Mark’s is recognized for the important role it plays. It’s is way under-funded as compared to a Dist 150 school, and the teachers are underpaid by current standards, but yet the students excel.

I have a neighbor who is not catholic and is moving out to Dunlap schools when their children become school aged. Can’t blame them. I’d do the same thing. I’ve always said, if you live in the west bluff, you’re either Catholic or don’t have any kids. That’s a broad generalization, but I think it’s more accurate than not.

Renaissance Park officials should be working with the school and heavily promoting it. It’s the glue that holds the west bluff together and is helping to slow the flight out of Peoria while enabling this older neighborhood to flourish.

This school is a big reason that many people, who could move out north, choose to live in the west bluff, and it should be reported.

Essential Albums Vol. 1

2006-02-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Band : Music From Big Pink

The Beatles : Abbey Road

Cowboy Junkies : The Caution Horses

Dire Straits : Love Over Gold

Marvin Gaye : What's Going On

The Jam : All Mod Cons

The Kinks : Muswell Hillbillies Randy Newman : Good Old Boys

Bruce Springsteen : Greeting From Asbury Park

The Who : Quadrophenia

Peoria's crackdown on Jaywalking continues!

2006-02-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

I stayed away from blogging about the whole Jaywalking debacle, because it seemed like a non-issue to me. Boy was I wrong!

Twin 19 year old brothers robbed the Pere Marquette and were shortly caught thereafter. As it turns out, they had outstanding warrents out, which WEEK reported were “not related to Tuesday's robbery.”

So what were the warrents?

WMBD reports: criminal damage to property, jaywalking, possession of tobacco by a minor, and curfew violation.

Deep Tracks - XM40

2006-02-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

I love my XM Satellite Radio. It’s plugged into my stereo at home, and I have to say, my music collection has been getting very dusty of late. My drive to work is taken up by Greg & Dan, and my drive home is spent flipping between Markley & Luciano and the Roe Conn Show, so I don’t listen to it in the car, but I do listen to the live internet stream at work.

Deep Tracks. That’s the only channel I listen to. I know there’s 150 or so channels, but this channel is easily worth the $12.95 by itself. The playlist consists of rock’n roll, blues and soul album cuts that don’t get played on the radio, from the late 50’s to 80’s. Think of all the great album cuts that never get played on the radio, or classic rock that’s been forgotten. It’s what I imagine Pirate Radio must’ve sounded like.

If you love classic rock but wish they’d play more than the standard 10 Beatles songs or don’t want to hear Won’t Get Fooled Again or Hotel California ever again, then this channel is for you. Ironically, as I’m typing this The Beatles “I’m looking through you” from Rubber Soul just came on, followed by the J. Geils Band “Give It To Me”. Wow, haven’t heard THAT song in a while! What a gem!

Tom Petty’s “Buried Treasures” was on earlier… he’s got some strange taste... A lot of psychedelic and jangling 60’s guitar grunge rock. I imagine when Bob Dylan goes live with his show we’ll hear some REAL strange things...

Pammy thinks the Journal Star should report FACTS.

2006-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Journal Star had a nice writeup on our very own Lollygaggin Pammy. It’s a little fluff piece about her being filmed for the Learning Channel. I thought it would’ve been nice to actually mention the name of her blog, since that’s the only reason the whole thing is happening, but I chalked that up to standard PJStar policy.

I was shocked when I read Pammy's post about her article.

Come to find out, they hardly talked to her (20 seconds on the phone, to be exact) and they weren't entirely accurate.

Nice going guys! (sarcasm)

Funny to see a blogger bitch about the mainstream press screwing up a simple article about a blogger!

I know Blagojevich wants to keep sugary junk-food out of school, but...

2006-02-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

A 12-year-old Aurora boy who said he brought powdered sugar to school for a science project this week has been charged with a felony for possessing a look-alike drug, Aurora police have confirmed.

Penalties for juveniles are decided on a case-by-case basis, but if convicted, the sixth-grader could likely face up to five years' probation.

I'm all for strong policing in schools, doesn't this seem a wee-bit extreme?

Chicago Sun Times

Do the restaurants in Atlanta suck?

2006-02-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

I think Chef Kevin could teach this Atlanta Blogger a thing or two about restaurant reviews.

"Last night we ate at Chili's. This has to be the best restaurant on the planet. If you have suggestions for others - do tell. Especially if they are in the Atlanta area."

Don't get me wrong. I like Chilis. But I would never go so far as to say it's the best restaurant on the planet! Or Peoria. Or even on University.

Live Green, Go Yellow

2006-02-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

The entire Chicago Sun-Time's website has been taken over by a big corncob-yellow ad for G.M.

Interesting.

S.O.S.

2006-02-10T07:20:00.001-08:00

Save Our Spalding! I can hear the rallying cry now! I fully expect the old S.O.S. crowd to come out of the woodwork with the latest plans from the Diocese regarding the old Spalding Campus.

I was a Bergan Trogan during the transition years of Notre Dame, and I pretty much ignored the whole debate. Most people at Bergan didn’t really care too much for Spalding at the time, and those at Spalding certainly hated Bergan.

Rivals one year, allies the next. Traditions of both schools erased.

Here’s the new plans from the Diocese:

Raze the Spalding Gym.

Tear down the original Spalding school building, but keep the front “façade”

Build a new sports facility on the property they own off Willow Knolls Rd.

Eventually close Notre Dame and build a new school adjacent to the new gym.

No need to protest. No need to fight. As we learned before, this is no democracy. This is the Catholic Church, and that’s just the way it is. (Did I just sin?)

PJStar
Week

Doesn't anyone shop at Northwoods anymore?

2006-02-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

http://NameThisPeoriaLandmark.blogspot.com/

I was a little surprised that no-one could guess my J.C. Penny portrait at the newly remodeled Northwoods Mall (thought the surrounding brick would give it away). I’m sure you will all find the next one a bit easier.

Life in the Big City

2006-02-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know what was going on, but cop cars were screaming into Westlake from all directions about 5:00 Wed night. Seconds after I snapped this picture, the two policemen behind the car in the right threw what looked like semi-automatic rifles over their shoulders and took off running!

What really happened: Week25

Paul Weller Speaks His Mind

2006-02-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Paul Weller, while still largely unknown in the United States, is one of Britains most loved and respected musicians. He hasn't lost his edge, still refuses to conform, and has an interesting perspective about some of the music elite who like to put themselves on pedestals.

Weller vs The World:
The 'modfather', who will be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement award at this month's Brit Awards, is in characteristically outspoken form in a new interview.

Last week he famously rejected an offer from Brits organisers to sing a duet with James Blunt at the music ceremony, insisting he would "rather eat my own sh*t".

He follows that tirade in this month's Uncut magazine with a spectacular fresh attack.

On the subject of Geldof, a previous winner of the Outstanding Achievement award, Weller rants: "Bob Geldof. What'd he win it for? "Can't be for his music, man. I mean, if it's for his charity work in Africa then you can't knock it, but Boomtown Rats, f*ck off."

Speaking about Sting, Weller continued: "F*cking horrible man. Not my cup of tea at all. F*cking rubbish. No edge, no attitude, no nothing."

Moving on to a fresh target, Weller takes aim at Bono, saying: "The whole thing of Bono becoming the Pope - what the f*ck's all that about? Pseudo-American rubbish."

Affording no respect for the dead, next up is Queen singer Freddie Mercury. Weller continues: "He said he wanted to bring ballet to the working classes. What a c*nt."

Finally taking on David Bowie, another previous winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award, Weller commented: "Wrong! I like about three records of his. The rest of it's pish."

Open Letter to Claudia Wilson

2006-02-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

From the Journal Star Opinion Page:

Never Buy Foreign

I am writing in reference to the recent announcement by Ford that it will be closing 10 to 12 automobile manufacturing plants and laying off 30,000 people. This comes on the heels of General Motors announcing much the same thing.

It just breaks my heart to see all of these American workers losing their jobs, but we all know why it's happening. Americans aren't buying American products anymore. The foreign market has taken over America. Toyota is the top-selling car in the United States. I can't believe it! It won't be long before we're all speaking Japanese.

This has got to stop. I will never buy a foreign car. We have to support our American brothers in the U.S. automobile industry, not the foreign car industry.

Claudia Wilson
Mackinaw

I own a Toyota van. When it was purchased, it had the best crash safety record of any van. It currently has 125,000 miles on it and still runs like a dream. Why should I buy something built in Detroit? Maybe you should send your anger towards Ford & GM. Do you realize that many of your parts on your precious “American” Ford & GM cars were manufactured in China, India, Korea and who knows where else?

Do you shop at Walmart? Do you shop at Target? Do you shop at Shopko, Lowes, Best Buy, Home Depot, K-Mart, Circuit City, Toys-R-Us, K’s Merchandise?

Do you shop?

The auto industry is an easy target for the “buy America” cry, the same as Walmart is an easy target for critics, but unfortunately, you’re a hypocrite if you shop anywhere that sells anything that is foreign born, which is everywhere. Do you look at the tags to see where your Levi jeans were made? Where were your Nike’s made? Where was your Bra made? Do you own a computer? How about your bed sheets? Curtains? Couch? TV? VCR? DVD Player? Stereo? Microwave? Pots & Pans? The Pencil or Pen you used to write to the Journal Star?

I’m sorry about jobs lost and I hate to see it as much as anyone else, but this is a world economy. Either figure out how to live in it or be left out.

L.R. Nelson to buy Henri Studio

2006-02-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Just in from the rumour mill:

L.R. Nelson is buying Henri Studio, the well respected manufacturer of high-end garden statuary based in Wauconda, IL.

French isn't so useless afterall?

2006-02-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

When I attended high school, two years of a foreign language was required. I choose French because the teacher was nice, they had cool field trips and it was known at the time as a blow-off class. Frankly, I’ve always felt it was pretty useless without much practical use and wish I had taken Spanish instead (not that I would remember any of that either). In today's world, Chinese is the language to speak.

I woke up this morning to 1470 and heard this: AFFINA is hiring and paying a 20% premium to those slackers who took French in High School.

WMBD1470:
The Peoria-based customer service firm AFFINA is adding 100 jobs. AFFINA Human Resources Vice-President Wendy Basham says there are immediate openings for full and part time customer service representatives. Basham says AFFINA is also looking for bilingual candidates. Basham says the company will pay a 20 percent premium for people who can fluently speak English and French.

Fun Geography Facts to Know & Tell

2006-02-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

Alaska
More than half of the coastline of the entire United States is in Alaska.

Amazon
The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% the world's oxygen supply. The Amazon River pushes so much water into the Atlantic Ocean that, more than one hundred miles at sea, off the mouth of the river; one can dip fresh water out of the ocean. The volume of water in the Amazon river is greater than the next eight largest rivers in the world combined and three times the flow of all rivers in the United States.

Antarctica
Antarctica is the only land on our planet that is not owned by any country. Ninety percent of the world's ice covers Antarctica. This ice also represents seventy percent of all the fresh water in the world. As strange as it sounds, however, Antarctica is essentially a desert. The average yearly total precipitation is about two inches. Although covered with ice (all but 0.4% of it, i.e.), Antarctica is the driest place on the planet, with an absolute humidity lower than the Gobi desert.

Canada
Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined.

Chicago
Next to Warsaw, Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.

Detroit
Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan carries the designation M - 1, named so because it was the first paved road anywhere.

Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey is the only city in the world located on two continents.

New York City
There are more Irish in New York City than in Dublin, Ireland; more Italians in New York City than in Rome, Italy; and more Jews in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Ohio
There are no natural lakes in the state of Ohio, every one is manmade.

Rome
There is a city called Rome on every continent.

Sahara Desert
In the Sahara Desert, there is a town named Tidikelt, which did not receive a drop of rain for ten years.

St. Paul Minnesota
St. Paul, Minnesota was originally called Pigs Eye after a man named Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant who set up the first business there.

United States
The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one-mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.

Name This Peoria Landmark

2006-02-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Please visit my sister blog, Name This Peoria Landmark.

It’s a lighthearted look at Peoria through my eyes and what I find interesting, unique, or sometimes just plain weird. I’ll update regularly, as sites are named. If you have a good picture or suggestion, please email me, and thanks to those who have already visited.

Super Bowl Commercials

2006-02-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

As a public serive, if anyone is so inclined to watch the commercials again, here they are:
http://video.google.com/superbowl.html

Thank You, Randy Oliver

2006-02-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

In today's cover-story, Randy Oliver sounds like he wants to flip Lakeview the double bird for continually asking the city for more cash.

"For one, they now want us to construct the parking deck," Oliver said. "The city doesn't have the expertise or the staff to do that. That's just one of a number of changes they've requested."

"The addendum requires the city to construct and pay for the street parking, which was not provided for in the original agreement," Oliver wrote back in response to their request. "The preliminary estimated cost is $200,000 to $500,000 depending on who provides the curb and gutter."

Another "substantial" change is a request to now give all city sales tax revenue from the site to repay bonds from the tax increment finance district - something that "easily represents a potential loss in revenue to the city in excess of $100,000 annually depending on sales," Oliver wrote.

Chuck Grayeb & Bill Spears sound like they’re just waiting for the check to be properly endorsed. Bill Spears doesn’t oppose handing out more cash, he just thinks the “timing” is wrong. He suggests something that they’re going to do anyway- come back when they can’t finish the project and let the City of Peoria bail them out.

Now open up to the Local & State section and read the Journal Star’s free advertisement as to why Lakeview is absolutely essential to our children and why we MUST fund (bail out) this thing…

Plans for a public fund-raising campaign will kick off sometime this summer.

STOP!

2006-02-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

A stop sign valued at $700 belonging to the city of Peoria, 419 Fulton St., taken from the intersection of Lindbergh Drive and Bird Boulevard between noon Dec. 19 and 1 p.m. Dec. 27.

I was a little surprised to hear that the stop sign I’ve had for 20 or more years, which is now in my basement is valued at $700. I have no idea where it came from, but honestly, am I the only one who has a stop sign in their basement?

Cash Cab!

2006-02-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Greg Batton has been gushing about this new show on Discovery called Cash Cab. I finally got a chance to watch it last night and it’s a riot! If you haven’t heard about it, think Who Wants to be a Millionaire in a Taxi.

An unsuspecting person or group of people hail a cab in New York. They get into what appears to be a typical cab and tell the driver where they’re going. At that point, the ceiling lights up in multicolor and driver turns around and tells them they are inside a television game show called the “Cash Cab”.

After the “contestants” gather their wits and figure out this thing is for real, the game begins.

The money starts at $25/question and builds up. Answer the questions correctly before you get to your destination and you keep the cash. Get three wrong and the driver will pull over, let you out and wish you luck on finding another cab to get where you were going.

There are two “lifelines”. You may call someone on the cell phone. You can pull over and ask any random New Yorker on the street to help out.

Earn over $200 and get stuck in traffic at a red light: Bonus Speed Round!

If you make it to your destination, you may keep the money or take a double-or-nothing video quiz.

Greg is right… the concept is so nutty, it’s absolutely adictive.

What really makes it great is the contestants. This is New York, remember. For example, yesterday there was a group of four people who seemed to be intoxicated, liked to sing, and had to be ‘bleeped’ out a few times. There were also a couple of stoners, and later a single girl who didn’t know much and was let out in the rain on her birthday.

Discovery Channel (13 in Peoria) Every weekday, 5 – 6pm.

Quiz: Name This Peoria Landmark

2006-02-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Arrgh! My Blog's Been Infected!

2006-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Another Beautiful Day in Peoria

2006-01-31T06:59:00.000-08:00

…Another loaded gun in school… what troubles me is the fact that the gun wasn’t found until he was arrested on unrelated charges: jury tampering. How is it that kids can bring loaded guns to school? And why would I want my kid going to a school where it seems guns are rampant? Like it or not, Perception is Reality.

A 17-year-old Peoria High School student had a loaded gun with him at school Monday, the second time in two weeks that a District 150 student has brought a loaded weapon to school.

Montey P. Alexander, 1026 W. Third St., was arrested about noon and booked on charges of unlawful use of a weapon, harassment of a witness and communication with a jury witness. He also was cited for not having a firearm owner's identification card.

Am I wrong? Weren’t metal detectors installed at the schools? If no, WHY THE HELL NOT?

(Using your best Steve Stone voice) Tip to all you young thugs out there, you can bring a Butcher Knife to school and if you’re caught, you’ll only get a slap on the wrist.

Also in a separate incident last Monday, a male Richwoods High School student was found with a butcher's knife outside of the school, Hinton said.

The student was suspended, but Hinton said he doesn't believe the student was arrested.

He doesn't "believe" he was arrested? He's not sure? What he should've said: "no, he wasn't arrested, but I'm going to personally look into why not and spearhead sweeping changes in how we police our schools"

Instead, we get this comforting thought:

Hinton said no specific changes have been made to security in light of the recent incidents.

Seriously, can you really blame anyone for wanting to move out to Dunlap?

Piano Lessons For My Young Girls

2006-01-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Two of my girls, ages 6 and 8, without prompting, want to take piano lessons. I could pick out a random music shop in town from the phone book, but I would really appreciate any suggestions as to where I should go with this.

Thank you in advance.

My New Favorite Blog

2006-01-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

The usual. I have no idea what I did that pissed this woman off so much, but she told me I could kiss her ass, gave me the finger, and even held it for me when I pulled out the camera.

http://newyorkhack.blogspot.com/

From the trenches... stories from a very literate female New York City cab driver with an attitude.

Why is John Daly Smiling?

2006-01-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

His 4th wife was just sent to jail for her involvement in a drug ring and an illegal gambling operation.

He celebrated by shooting a three under par 69 in the first round of the the Buick Invitational.

Update: True to form, John Daly blows up (69-71-74-77) to end up in a tie for 63rd place, but in a dramatic finish and 3 hole sudden death playoff, Tiger Woods shows us again why he is the #1 golfer in the world.

Another Peoria Blogosphere Casualty?

2006-01-27T09:41:00.000-08:00

http://greaterpeoria.blogspot.com/

Did PeoriaDad piss off the boss?

What is the best Italian Restaurant in Peoria?

2006-01-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

I tend to change my opinion on my favorite Italian restaurant, usually depending on the last one I visited.

Basta! Delicious! Yea, that’s my favorite.

Ponte Vecchio! Mmmm. Absolutely my favorite Italian restaurant in Peoria!

Well, the pendulum has swung back to Rizzi’s.

Went to the Sheridan Rd location last night for dinner (didn’t have a lot of time, so takeout was in order). So my wife and I walked in and headed to the bar to get a drink and place our order. It was getting late, so there were only a few customers eating, but the bar was packed. If you’ve been there, a packed bar means about six people. Immediately, we sensed that we were back at a neighborhood restaurant in New York run by the mafioso. Sitting next to us were two middle-aged Italian guys with slightly receding hairlines drinking wine, who immediately started chatting it up with us, (though obviously wanting to talk to my wife more than me!) and giving the bartender instructions on how to “properly” make our martinis. They introduced us to the owner sitting a few chairs down- a jolly, slightly plump older gentleman who emphatically stated with a heavy accent and a grin “I don’t drink everynight”. We had another drink, and in too short a time our food was ready and we said goodbye.

As we ate our dinner I thought, now that is the best Italian restaurant in Peoria!

Of course, the food was delicious, and I have many leftovers, but sometimes what makes a great dining experience is not just how good the food is.

The Man Who Said No To Walmart

2006-01-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

I found this article so completely fascinating, that I felt I had to share.

An exerpt:
"As I look at the three years Snapper has been with you," he told the vice president, "every year the price has come down. Every year the content of the product has gone up. We're at a position where, first, it's still priced where it doesn't meet the needs of your clientele. For Wal-Mart, it's still too high-priced. I think you'd agree with that.

"Now, at the price I'm selling to you today, I'm not making any money on it. And if we do what you want next year, I'll lose money. I could do that and not go out of business. But we have this independent-dealer channel. And 80% of our business is over here with them. And I can't put them at a competitive disadvantage. If I do that, I lose everything. So this just isn't a compatible fit."

The Wal-Mart vice president responded with strategy and argument. Snapper is the sort of high-quality nameplate, like Levi Strauss, that Wal-Mart hopes can ultimately make it more Target-like. He suggested that Snapper find a lower-cost contract manufacturer. He suggested producing a separate, lesser-quality line with the Snapper nameplate just for Wal-Mart. Just like Levi did.

I encourage you to read the full article here:FastCompany.com

Intelligence Test

2006-01-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

For those of you who like to torture yourselves with mind games, this is a good one. It's as hard as you make it, and it takes only as long as you let it.

It consists of 33 questions, of which 12 correct answers makes you "intelligent", and 19+ correct answers makes you a "genius".

Sample question: 24 H in a D

Correct Answer: 24 hours in a day.

WARNING: Slightly Addictive

http://intelligence-test.net/part1/

History of the French Military

2006-01-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

1. Go to Google with the search phrase "french military victories"

2. Click the "I'm feeling lucky" search button.

The Peoria Chronicle

2006-01-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

I’m coming around to Bill’s opinion about BlogSpot, after seeing C.J. Summer’s new site The Peoria Chronicle. I know he says it’s under construction, but it’s already looking great. Very clean and smooth, CJ now has a site worthy of his content, which is always top notch.

Caterpillar via Satellite Image

2006-01-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is part of the Caterpillar Proving Grounds in Arizona, viewed using Google Earth.

Off To See The Wizard To Ask For A Brain

2006-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, Judge, I took the car; I didn't steal it. You see, he couldn't pay me for the drugs I delivered, so I took his car as payment instead.

Judge Shadid apparently didn't think that was such a great defense.

PjStar:
PEORIA - A South Peoria man said Friday he didn't understand how a jury found him guilty in October of stealing another person's car when he admitted the car was used as payment for a drug debt.

Despite that, Peoria County Circuit Judge James Shadid rejected a plea for probation and sentenced Christopher J. McCaster, 22, of 1507 W. Butler St. to five years in prison.

A Peoria County jury found McCaster guilty of possession of a stolen vehicle but acquitted him of more serious charges of aggravated vehicular hijacking, armed robbery and possession of a weapon by a felon.

McCaster was accused of taking another man's car at gunpoint while he was unloading groceries at the Pierson Hills apartment complex on June 23.

Assistant State's Attorney Nancy Mermelstein argued for a stiff sentence, saying McCaster had never abided by probation and had done poorly every time he was given a chance. McCaster's attorney, Robert Gaubas, countered his client never had drug treatment and pointed to his miserable childhood as a reason to consider probation.

The judge declined, noting McCaster's prior record, which includes convictions for aggravated robbery and possession of a weapon by a felon.

I love Pekin

2006-01-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

Because of Lick Creek Golf Course?

Well, Yes, that always has been and still is one of the best courses in the area.

But the other reason I love Pekin is all the goofiness that comes out of that fine city. I’m not talking about all the meth labs, or the hotel that won’t rent rooms to their own townsfolk, or even the infamous Lyn Howard.

I’m talking about the interior car light law. I was unaware that this law even existed until recently, and if you’re not familiar, you must light up the interior of your car at night if you park on the street. When I first heard about it, I thought “you’ve got to be kidding me!” I asked a co-worker that married a Pekinite about it. Yep. It’s true.

The original intent of the law was to help emergency vehicles down narrow streets. I can’t imagine this is still nescessary. Why keep the law? Tradition? Revenue, maybe?

The PJStar writes about a newcomer to town who’s petitioning to get the law removed.

He’s got the perfect quote: “…it's also an embarrassment to Pekin because the law is so dumb”

Sometimes it takes an outsider to point out the obvious.

God Bless Laura Bush

2006-01-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

I’ve always admired Laura Bush. She reminds me of Donna Reed in It’s A Wonderful Life. The simple, strong and sophisticated hometown girl who married a man who sometimes acts like a goober but always has his heart in the right place and is smarter than most people would like to believe.

...but I was disheartened to hear that her Ipod carries Stairway to Heaven…

...as performed by Dolly Parton...

source

Another thought about the proposed Columbia Terrace Improvements

2006-01-16T09:02:00.000-08:00

My travels this weekend took me down Columbia Terrace several times, and what stood out more than anything and what gives the area between University & North the ‘blighted’ feel are the utility poles and wires. On the south-side of the street, there is a utility pole infront of nearly every house, with wires running between them, to the houses on the same side of the street, and more wires crossing the street to each house on the opposite side.

These same utility poles, some of which are leaning and look horrible, hold up the old industrial looking streetlights.

The proposed plan, as the news reported it, is for new curbs, sidewalks, lighting, and traffic signals. There is no mention of the ultility lines being buried or moved to the alleyways. To me, it’s the utility poles and lines that make that stretch of Columbia Terrace look so bad, not the curbs and sidewalks, and certainly not the traffic signals. Columbia Terrace in the Uplands doesn’t have utility poles in the streets, nor does Randolph-Roanoke.

It seems to me that anytime major improvements are made in an older neighborhood or street, utility cables get buried. I am going to go out on a limb, read between the lines, and say getting rid of the utility poles and the wires that criss-cross the street is part of the plan, but just wasn’t reported.

Hopefully.

Whoops. Wrong Turn.

2006-01-13T06:47:00.000-08:00

Pictures from a container ship stuck on the beach in Ensenada, Mexico. It's been there since Christmas Day, and they still cant make it budge. Yesterday they brought down six heavy tugs and got it to move "a few feet" at high tide. They're struggling to lighten the load by pumping out fuel, and at the same time keep it from becoming too top heavy which would tip it over. If they still can't make it move, they're going to bring in larger ships from Louisiana to drag it out at a delay of another six weeks.

They say it's becoming quite a tourist attraction.

Improvements to Columbia Terrace

2006-01-12T08:11:00.000-08:00

From HOInews: (if you like video, you can watch WEEK's report)
Some big changes may be on the way for a heavily traveled street in Peoria. The city's new "Renaissance Park Comprehensive Plan" has marked Columbia Terrace as one major part of the project in need of improvement.

From North Street to University Street, city officials are proposing some major renovations to make the street more pedestrian friendly. The plan includes new sidewalks, curbs and gutters; ornamental street lighting, and new traffic signals.

I was glad to hear the improvements on Columbia Terrace are going forward. I first heard about this two years ago after chatting with a salesman at Oak Express, who happened to recently move into the area.

If you look at the neighborhoods surrounding Main Street, the area between North & University / Main to I-74 is the only downtrodden neighborhood. Many years ago when I heard of plans for this Med-Tech, and now Renaissance Park, I couldn’t get a grip on what it would take to turn that neighborhood around. When the salesman told me about the influx of money coming, and the fact that he moved into a house in that neighborhood, and cheaply, I was cautiously optimistic. How much of it is just an image problem, I wondered? I know people who still think Randolph Roanoke is in the “hood”.

The revitalization of Main Street, along with this neighborhood must go hand-in-hand. One cannot happen without the other. Lighting, sidewalks, landscaping and general city improvements are a good start. I remember an old state cop neighbor of ours who told me one of the easisest and best ways to fight crime is to improve street level lighting. Sounds a little simplistic, but I absolutely believe it. Better lighting, fix the sidewalks, fix the streets, give the homeowners the sense that the city cares and a reason to feel pride in their homes and neighborhood.

Two problems:
1. This seems to be limited to Columbia Terrace only, and not targeted to the neighborhood as a whole.

2. The homeowners in the neighborhood will have to cover 20% of the costs. At this point, the public does not know what the cost will be, and I would like to know how some of the residents of lesser means will be able to pay for it.

Thumbs Down to the PJStar & IDOT's new web site.

2006-01-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

I must take exception to the Journal Star Editorial Board giving a "Thumbs Up" in regards to what they call the "user-friendly" web site www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Go there. I dare you.

It's the damn clunkiest site I've ever seen, and the map looks like I'm back on my Commodore 64! In about 5 minutes, once you figure out how to work the map, you will notice that Upgrade74 is complete. That's right. No construction going on in Peoria. Nevermind the emails you get about current intermittent lane closures on I-74; and feel free to drive right off the edge of the Nebraska overpass, because apparently it's open.

Now try to pan by clicking on the North or South buttons. Not happening? East? Sorry, not an option. West. Yes, you can go west. All the way into through Kansas.

Try the Statewide and Zoom Out features. Why do I have to highlight a small portion of the map, after clicking Zoom Out? The Statewide button doesn't work. Period.

Why try to reinvent the wheel? Take a damn Google Map, and layer it with construction and traffic info. It would surely have saved a ton of money, and as a side benefit, it might actually be useful!

The Journal Star thinks this web site is "user-friendly", when it's barely functional. Hell, it even makes www.PJStar.com look good, and that's saying something!

And lucky me, I'm the 50,000,000 visitor to this web site, and the POP-UP AD from the State of Illinois says to click for a trip to Florida...

Outside the Horseshoe

2006-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Not all of us have the luxury of being able to watch or listen to the city council meetings, and I wish there were audio archives that could be played at a later date.

Thankfully, WCBU does have audio archives of Outside the Horseshoe. Check out last night’s show to hear a good discussion about the Renaissance Park name change, the marketing plans, and thoughts about the overall concept that is happening.

Double Hat Tip to PollyPeoria and PeoriaDad.

I just gave out my eBay password

2006-01-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

I received an email from an eBay member, using the eBay message system. If you’re not familiar with how it works, you don't reply directly from your email, but you are required to sign in to eBay, which you do by clicking on a button that says “Respond to This Question in My Messages”.

Here’s the text of the email from a user supposedly named “sydatkinson”

Hello,
The package you sent me didnt arrive yet. Respond ASAP or ill report you!

There was nothing suspicious looking about the email other than the guy is acting like an idiot, and I had been late on a few packages after the holidays, so I assumed this was one of them. I flipped through my paperwork and didn’t see any transactions from this him, and he didn’t give me any other information to tell me which auction item he was referring to, so clicked on the "Respond Now" button.

I proceeded to type in my username and password at which point, I received an error that Firefox was not allowing cookies from this site and I needed to turn them on. Huh? Oh, the hell with that. So instead I clicked on my bookmarked link to eBay and signed in the usual way so I could respond to his question and ask him for more details.

There were several older messages, but none from this guy. Hmm. That’s strange.

WAIT A MINUTE!

I clicked to show the source code for the email to confirm my suspicions, and found this:
Received: from server5.freeonlinegames.com

…and the button I clicked on (and neglected to confirm where it was sending me) went here:
http://mail.eturn.com.tw/~lu/signin.ebay.com...etc...etc...

SHIT!

As fast as I could click, I went back to the REAL eBay, immediately changed my password, since I had just typed it into a fake site, and then went into Paypal and changed that too, just for good measure.

GODDAMN SPAM AND I FELL FOR IT!

The Constant Vomit Blog

2006-01-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

A message from CP:

"Those of you who have checked in on the Puke Rock blog (which is linked to from this blog) may have been surprised to find that it had vanished into cyberdust. Yes, Constant Vomit's band blog is no more. R.I.P. (rest in puke as my friend Dave said.) Being the collaborative work of three crazy yet literate and (in the daytime) professional dudes, each day could leave one spinning from the crazy topics, stories and pics. Although we tried to keep a policy called SOBAL (separation of band and life) in place which kept the insanity of our Constant Vomit world away from our real life - one member got too close to the fire. To avoid major issues with his employer we took it out. There you have it - 16 months and 1,000 posts later the puke rock blog is gone. So celebrate the death of the Puke Rocker and the birth of the Free Man."

Sign of the times

2006-01-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Stumbled across this web site and thought I'd share. It's the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch, which chronicles stupid lawsuits and the idiotic warning labels we have to put on products because of ignorant humans and scummy lawyers.

Here's some examples:
A label on a baby stroller warns: “Remove child before folding”

A brass fishing lure with a three-pronged hook on the end warns: "Harmful if swallowed"

The label on a bottle of drain cleaner warns: “If you do not understand, or cannot read, all directions, cautions and warnings, do not use this product.”

A can of self-defense pepper spray warns users: “May irritate eyes”

A dishwasher carries this warning: “Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher.”

A popular manufactured fireplace log warns: “Caution - Risk of Fire”

Click here for the complete "best of" list.

No love for Radiohead from the City of Chicago

2006-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Sun-Times: Chicago officials said late last year they are eager to present more popular music in the parks this summer -- and to reap the financial benefits these concerts bring for park improvements

Q Magazine’s readers placed three of their albums in the top 10 of the best albums of all time, with “Ok Computer” taking the number one spot.

The City of Chicago, who claim to want to bring more rock concerts downtown, won’t let them play a concert at Millennium Park and because of a scheduling conflict. The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra is holding a REHEARSAL!

Should I mention the fact that Radiohead was going to pay $100,000 for the priveledge?

Here's Spin magazine's report.

Judge Alito, closet Liberal? Nah!

2006-01-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Mr Alito's wife says that he's a Springsteen Fan and once attended a Ska Festival. Why would she admit to him liking Springsteen, the flaming liberal who used to make great music before deciding to campaign in a losing cause for John Kerry? Or attending a Ska Festival? To appeal to the left, of course.

But not to piss off too many Republicans, and to shore up support on the right, she goes on to say that he's currently reading about the Civil War and likes to shoot guns.

He married a smart gal.

The Best of Peoria 2005

2006-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Picked up my copy of the River City Times today at Cub Foods; the Best of 2005 edition. I love Best Of lists, but completely missed the boat in voting, so I will do my voting now.

There's too many categories to list, so the following are some of my favorites along with the actual winners:

Best Pizza

2006-01-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

1. Leonardo’s
2. Agatucci’s
3. Hoops

Ok, everyone has their favorite local pizza place. I give my vote to Firehouse Pizza, (but only with a coupon.)

Best Italian Restaurant

2006-01-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

1. Rizzi’s
2. Basta
3. Johnny’s

Personally, I think it should be a three way tie between Rizzi’s, Basta, and Ponte Vecchio. Everytime I visit one of these three, I think now that’s the best Italian in town!

Best Mexican Restaurant

2006-01-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

1. Fiesta Ranchero
2. Jalapeno’s
3. Cinco De Mayo

This made me chuckle. Fiesta and Jalapeno’s is the exact same restaurant with the exact same menu. Funny how many people haven’t figured that out. In any event, Fiesta/Jalapeno’s is easily number one in my book.. I’m ok with Cinco De Mayo in second, and I’ll put the new Vallata’s in third.

I went to Vallarta’s for takeout recently- it was late and they had a Mexican sitcom on at the bar. The greeter asked what I wanted to to watch on TV, and I said what was on was fine. I guess she didn’t believe me, so her and the bartender, speaking in Spanish were trying to figure out what channel was sports, because all White American’s like to watch sports at the bar, of course. They never did figure it out and they turned on the NASA channel instead. Didn’t know there was a NASA channel. I appreciated the effort, though, and the food was delicious as expected.

Honorable Mention: The late Pepe Taco; even though it wasn’t quite Mexican, there will be a place in my heart for that ol' grease pit.