Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.22.21
Current Song - One of a Kind (The Spinners)
I am about to finalize my work schedule for January and onward. I'll be working Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Kevin is working Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. We will alternate Mondays.
Tuesdays and Saturdays I can spend traveling to games, while Fridays I can spend more time around home.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
It's simple
Cutter's Blog - Stardate 7002.41.21
Current Song - Mozart's No. 40
It's that simple. I work the days given to me on my schedule, and the days I'm not scheduled to work I get off.
This is the second day of my time off, and this is the second day they've called for me to fill in. I can't work third shift 6-7 days a week. There are certain days I need off, and I have them off. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: I've worked enough of these days in the past. Again, it's that simple. I work the days given to me on my schedule, and the days I'm not scheduled to work I get off.
Current Song - Mozart's No. 40
It's that simple. I work the days given to me on my schedule, and the days I'm not scheduled to work I get off.
This is the second day of my time off, and this is the second day they've called for me to fill in. I can't work third shift 6-7 days a week. There are certain days I need off, and I have them off. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: I've worked enough of these days in the past. Again, it's that simple. I work the days given to me on my schedule, and the days I'm not scheduled to work I get off.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sanity
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.03.11
Current Song - that Sears commercial
I've been sleeping off and on all day. I'm not going anywhere tonight, just because there's nothing real interesting in Sterling or Rock Falls tonight. I'm still in my lounging clothes.
I woke up around 10:00 or so this morning, and after 'breakfast' I got a call from BP. Yawn. Wanted me to work tonight and have Monday off. Nope. I couldn't just go back to sleep the rest of the day to work overnight, I've been awake for only an hour when they called. When I'm up, I plan on being up for a while.
When they called, I told him that I'd call back. After pondering about the fact that I've lost my sanity by working, going to school, and how that's literally draining my journalism profession, I called back to tell them 'no'. I've already used the 'wedding' excuse, and I just said I can't do it. Speaking of sanity, I could be going somewhere tonight, and almost every off night, but the damn car is still at Mike's.
Current Song - that Sears commercial
I've been sleeping off and on all day. I'm not going anywhere tonight, just because there's nothing real interesting in Sterling or Rock Falls tonight. I'm still in my lounging clothes.
I woke up around 10:00 or so this morning, and after 'breakfast' I got a call from BP. Yawn. Wanted me to work tonight and have Monday off. Nope. I couldn't just go back to sleep the rest of the day to work overnight, I've been awake for only an hour when they called. When I'm up, I plan on being up for a while.
When they called, I told him that I'd call back. After pondering about the fact that I've lost my sanity by working, going to school, and how that's literally draining my journalism profession, I called back to tell them 'no'. I've already used the 'wedding' excuse, and I just said I can't do it. Speaking of sanity, I could be going somewhere tonight, and almost every off night, but the damn car is still at Mike's.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Going the blog route?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.72.11
Current Song - I Saw The Light (Todd Rundgren)
I see that some sports writers have blogs of their own through the newspapers they write for. I thought why not me?
This is my blog: mostly about my personal life with some high school sports stuff in it.
Here's what I'm thinking about regarding a sports-themed blog, in pro-con form:
PROS:
1. It would get thoughts out of my head and onto print.
2. By making thoughts, and directing comments to the message board, it would increase message board traffic.
3. I can have a sports blog, no one else in the Sauk Valley has one.
CONS:
1. My thoughts may decrease the # of posts I make on the message board, and other message boards.
2. I would have to create two seperate blogs: one for sports, and the other for personal stuff.
3. Possible wear about IHSA this and IHSA that - could be considered public enemy No. 1 by them.
I'm seriously thinking about this.
Current Song - I Saw The Light (Todd Rundgren)
I see that some sports writers have blogs of their own through the newspapers they write for. I thought why not me?
This is my blog: mostly about my personal life with some high school sports stuff in it.
Here's what I'm thinking about regarding a sports-themed blog, in pro-con form:
PROS:
1. It would get thoughts out of my head and onto print.
2. By making thoughts, and directing comments to the message board, it would increase message board traffic.
3. I can have a sports blog, no one else in the Sauk Valley has one.
CONS:
1. My thoughts may decrease the # of posts I make on the message board, and other message boards.
2. I would have to create two seperate blogs: one for sports, and the other for personal stuff.
3. Possible wear about IHSA this and IHSA that - could be considered public enemy No. 1 by them.
I'm seriously thinking about this.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sucks?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.62.11
Current Song - Plush (Stone Temple Pilots)
I'm in a war over a few 20-25 year olds in Morrison over the use of the word 'sucks'. A poster registered with the username 'newmansucks' and I let it go until complaints piled up about it. I had to pull the plug. He wouldn't listen, and is suspended. Then his friends had to get all riled up about it. The poster formerly known as 'newmansucks' can only have his posting priviledges back IF he changes his username. So far, he is refusing to cooperate.
Then one of his buddies registered under a name that I personally took offense to - and he is suspended until this 'sucks' matter clears.
Throughout all of this, I put a temporary ban on the word 'sucks' - sounds weird, doesn't it? That p'd off more of his buddies. One has now questioned the way I run the message board and predicted it's downfall. The thing to remember about this is that the bickering is coming from an isolated group of people, in defense of someone they know.
I'm in the middle of drawing up a compromise.
Current Song - Plush (Stone Temple Pilots)
I'm in a war over a few 20-25 year olds in Morrison over the use of the word 'sucks'. A poster registered with the username 'newmansucks' and I let it go until complaints piled up about it. I had to pull the plug. He wouldn't listen, and is suspended. Then his friends had to get all riled up about it. The poster formerly known as 'newmansucks' can only have his posting priviledges back IF he changes his username. So far, he is refusing to cooperate.
Then one of his buddies registered under a name that I personally took offense to - and he is suspended until this 'sucks' matter clears.
Throughout all of this, I put a temporary ban on the word 'sucks' - sounds weird, doesn't it? That p'd off more of his buddies. One has now questioned the way I run the message board and predicted it's downfall. The thing to remember about this is that the bickering is coming from an isolated group of people, in defense of someone they know.
I'm in the middle of drawing up a compromise.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.22.11
Current Song - Ragdoll (The Four Seasons)
I am seriously thinking about quitting BP. Looks like I will if I find a better job soon.
I'm expected to do everything for everybody. That's not the way I should be doing my work over there. More job responsibilities have been handed to me, which can't be done in the time alotted. I'm having to pick up after the shift before me, which in turn doesn't help complete my things. I'm having to leave with plenty more to do. I shouldn't have to be doing half the things I am now doing. That, and no one seems to understand that we all need to pitch in and get that place clean. Getting the store clean is NOT JUST mine and Jess's responsibility.
I also had a huge beer rush right before 1:00 a.m. There is a new bar open down the street, which is pretty popular I guess. They all come crawling in and get their carry-out before the clock strikes one. Well, the main clock in the store is one of those analog clocks with the big hand and little hand. There is only a 12, 3, 6, and 9 on it. The big hand didn't point straight up yet on the 12. Just seconds after the rush, one of the Indians from 2nd shift comes running in the store and looking at the register journal. Turns out I sold a 12-pack 35 seconds after 1:00. I even had to turn down my barber away at 1:03 - after a long argument.
The night before I was told by 2nd shift to mop, sweep, vaccum the rugs and clean the countertops. I do 3 out of 4 every night. Then one Indian had to call the Indian owner (which happens to be his uncle) and confirm that this message was being sent to me.
I don't like it when I am being watched upon like that. What's weird is, I've done things that are against the rules that is being caught on camera - and nothing is ever said to me about it.
They only care about money and profit. Our sales have suffered since the new ownership change. Third shift's sales have been cut in half. We've lost regulars. We lost management. I've lost sanity. So has Jess.
I would like to find another job. And not one of those "temp" jobs, either. As you may know, I am picky about the kind of job I want to work at - I won't work for organizations that shove a rule book down your throat. That means no Wal-Mart Distribution Center for me. And I will not become a robot.
I've put in a lot toward trying to make the place look better. I brought customers back from the last Indian regime (Dave) and developed a carte blanche style of customer service. That's how I like it. But being treated the way I am now, for $7.50/hour, I just can't.
Want Ad's, here I come.
And before you comment, the Gazette is NOT looking for a sports writer.
Current Song - Ragdoll (The Four Seasons)
I am seriously thinking about quitting BP. Looks like I will if I find a better job soon.
I'm expected to do everything for everybody. That's not the way I should be doing my work over there. More job responsibilities have been handed to me, which can't be done in the time alotted. I'm having to pick up after the shift before me, which in turn doesn't help complete my things. I'm having to leave with plenty more to do. I shouldn't have to be doing half the things I am now doing. That, and no one seems to understand that we all need to pitch in and get that place clean. Getting the store clean is NOT JUST mine and Jess's responsibility.
I also had a huge beer rush right before 1:00 a.m. There is a new bar open down the street, which is pretty popular I guess. They all come crawling in and get their carry-out before the clock strikes one. Well, the main clock in the store is one of those analog clocks with the big hand and little hand. There is only a 12, 3, 6, and 9 on it. The big hand didn't point straight up yet on the 12. Just seconds after the rush, one of the Indians from 2nd shift comes running in the store and looking at the register journal. Turns out I sold a 12-pack 35 seconds after 1:00. I even had to turn down my barber away at 1:03 - after a long argument.
The night before I was told by 2nd shift to mop, sweep, vaccum the rugs and clean the countertops. I do 3 out of 4 every night. Then one Indian had to call the Indian owner (which happens to be his uncle) and confirm that this message was being sent to me.
I don't like it when I am being watched upon like that. What's weird is, I've done things that are against the rules that is being caught on camera - and nothing is ever said to me about it.
They only care about money and profit. Our sales have suffered since the new ownership change. Third shift's sales have been cut in half. We've lost regulars. We lost management. I've lost sanity. So has Jess.
I would like to find another job. And not one of those "temp" jobs, either. As you may know, I am picky about the kind of job I want to work at - I won't work for organizations that shove a rule book down your throat. That means no Wal-Mart Distribution Center for me. And I will not become a robot.
I've put in a lot toward trying to make the place look better. I brought customers back from the last Indian regime (Dave) and developed a carte blanche style of customer service. That's how I like it. But being treated the way I am now, for $7.50/hour, I just can't.
Want Ad's, here I come.
And before you comment, the Gazette is NOT looking for a sports writer.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Columns
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.81.11
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
I am beginning to wonder where all of the high school sports columns have gone.
Everywhere you see pro and college sports columns, but rarely any high school sports columns. When I do happen to see a column, they look more like personally-written stories. I thought the purpose of a column was to have an opinion and persuade? At least that is how I write my columns. I've even kind of embedded this philosophy into my students.
Why don't we see high school sports columns? One thing could be the softness of high school sports. It seems more harsh to criticize something about high school sports than it is with college and professional sports. We are dealing with 14-to-19-year-old kids along with adults who do this kind of thing (coaching) as a secondary profession. Kids are young and cute. These adults are just trying, like a parent in PTA.
I've always considered the fact that for a big majority of high school athletes, their senior year of high school is where the buck stops. Should they be exposed to some (limited) criticism? Thinking about it further, I think it would be acceptable for a newspaper to do such a thing. This is because they act as the voice of the town, or region. With me, my credo doesn't carry much weight because of my loose ties with such a large area.
So do you go after those whose full-time focus is on high school athletics? Athletics Directors? IHSA Administration? Principals? I've gone after the IHSA tons of times.
Another reason why we do not see a whole lot of high school sports columns is because internal matters are not interesting enough. Internal matters in high school sports include: coaching searches, conference changes, high school tradition changes, new basketball rules, and other inner workings that make up the aura of high school sports.
It is possible to comment about the inner workings of high school sports, but the commitment towards writing and researching data on that does not seem enthusing. You begin to wonder who in the world would read it? Does this contained matter interest those outside the containment field? Figuring how it will interest those takes time; some would feel that is wasted time.
Then how much is too much? You want to try to make the game(s), person(s), or season(s) interesting. Cliffhangers?
A dream of mine has always been a Northern Illinois high school sports summit. I often wonder if message boards serve that purpose.
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)
I am beginning to wonder where all of the high school sports columns have gone.
Everywhere you see pro and college sports columns, but rarely any high school sports columns. When I do happen to see a column, they look more like personally-written stories. I thought the purpose of a column was to have an opinion and persuade? At least that is how I write my columns. I've even kind of embedded this philosophy into my students.
Why don't we see high school sports columns? One thing could be the softness of high school sports. It seems more harsh to criticize something about high school sports than it is with college and professional sports. We are dealing with 14-to-19-year-old kids along with adults who do this kind of thing (coaching) as a secondary profession. Kids are young and cute. These adults are just trying, like a parent in PTA.
I've always considered the fact that for a big majority of high school athletes, their senior year of high school is where the buck stops. Should they be exposed to some (limited) criticism? Thinking about it further, I think it would be acceptable for a newspaper to do such a thing. This is because they act as the voice of the town, or region. With me, my credo doesn't carry much weight because of my loose ties with such a large area.
So do you go after those whose full-time focus is on high school athletics? Athletics Directors? IHSA Administration? Principals? I've gone after the IHSA tons of times.
Another reason why we do not see a whole lot of high school sports columns is because internal matters are not interesting enough. Internal matters in high school sports include: coaching searches, conference changes, high school tradition changes, new basketball rules, and other inner workings that make up the aura of high school sports.
It is possible to comment about the inner workings of high school sports, but the commitment towards writing and researching data on that does not seem enthusing. You begin to wonder who in the world would read it? Does this contained matter interest those outside the containment field? Figuring how it will interest those takes time; some would feel that is wasted time.
Then how much is too much? You want to try to make the game(s), person(s), or season(s) interesting. Cliffhangers?
A dream of mine has always been a Northern Illinois high school sports summit. I often wonder if message boards serve that purpose.
Friday, November 16, 2007
College blues
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.61.11
Current Song - The Long and Winding Road (The Beatles)
I don't know what classes I would like to take at SVCC next semester. I have options, obviously.
SPE 131 - Oral communication. I would like to take more toward the end of community college, not only because of my talking problem, but because I can't be in the class when I am tired and talking in slurs.
MAT 115 - A math class, principles of modern mathematics. Good luck with that, Cody! There's only a 6:00 to 8:45 Tuesday night class for this.
ENG 201 - Fiction. Reading. Monday and Friday 9:30 to 10:45. Chances are, I'll have to read a book within the week.
ENG 206 - Creative Writing II. Getting through this creative writing class was tough enough. TWO? I'd get to have some pub in the literary magazine.
BIO 104 - Biology. Telecourse. I get to watch movies overnight when I'm not working.
Future ideas include:
HUM 112 - Film appreciation. Also an NIU Comms transfer.
CHE 101 - Intro to chemistry for non-science majors.
PED 214 - Intro to physical education. Probably fufills my sports emphasis.
HUM 210 - Intro to the Humanities. Internet class.
I have been strongly recommended by academic advisors to only take 6 or less credit hours a semester. I've got at least 11 classes (33 credit hours) to take before getting out of here. If all goes well, I could be done by summer of 2009. If I am out of work, or working less hours, I could be done sooner.
Either way, it's been one hell of a slow ride.
Current Song - The Long and Winding Road (The Beatles)
I don't know what classes I would like to take at SVCC next semester. I have options, obviously.
SPE 131 - Oral communication. I would like to take more toward the end of community college, not only because of my talking problem, but because I can't be in the class when I am tired and talking in slurs.
MAT 115 - A math class, principles of modern mathematics. Good luck with that, Cody! There's only a 6:00 to 8:45 Tuesday night class for this.
ENG 201 - Fiction. Reading. Monday and Friday 9:30 to 10:45. Chances are, I'll have to read a book within the week.
ENG 206 - Creative Writing II. Getting through this creative writing class was tough enough. TWO? I'd get to have some pub in the literary magazine.
BIO 104 - Biology. Telecourse. I get to watch movies overnight when I'm not working.
Future ideas include:
HUM 112 - Film appreciation. Also an NIU Comms transfer.
CHE 101 - Intro to chemistry for non-science majors.
PED 214 - Intro to physical education. Probably fufills my sports emphasis.
HUM 210 - Intro to the Humanities. Internet class.
I have been strongly recommended by academic advisors to only take 6 or less credit hours a semester. I've got at least 11 classes (33 credit hours) to take before getting out of here. If all goes well, I could be done by summer of 2009. If I am out of work, or working less hours, I could be done sooner.
Either way, it's been one hell of a slow ride.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Jobs (continued)
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.01.11
Current Song - Little Lies (Fleetwood Mac)
The Paris Beacon-News is looking for a sports editor.
The Mt. Vernon Sentinel is looking for a sportswriter - but they require an Associates
Submitting news?
Current Song - Little Lies (Fleetwood Mac)
The Paris Beacon-News is looking for a sports editor.
The Mt. Vernon Sentinel is looking for a sportswriter - but they require an Associates
Submitting news?
Friday, November 9, 2007
Jobs
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.90.11
Current Song - Sweet Lullaby (Deep Forest)
Don't ask me why I'm listening to a Deep Forest song.
I don't mean to reiterate things all of the time. However, here is a little about my jobs stance:
I am currently working three or four days a week at BP: from midnight to 9:00 AM. These are new hours. I am working three days this week, and four days next week. I'm alternating with Jess - and I just hope he is more flexible to work with than Kevin was. I lose just a little sleep with this new thing, but I hope it will work out well with the writing-school-work balance.
If any of you locals have heard, yes, we have new Indian owners and a completely different management. Only me, Jess, Mema, Sam and Magen have been retained. Two noteable names are missing, and with that, a lot of regulars. Jess is already thinking about looking for another job, and I'm only looking at possibilities right now. I still plan on staying.
The one obvious place is Sauk Valley Newspapers. They are not looking for a sportswriter at this moment, although I do check the Shaw Newspapers' career postings on the Internet. Newton, IA is not in my interests, nor is copy editing for the NW Herald. Another issue I have with SVN is over creative differences. The two writing philosophies are different (theirs and mine), and I know I won't get creative control over my stories. If only they would grant me creative control over my stories, maybe I'll consider it. And it's not like I come at a hefty price (a la Joe Torre); it doesn't matter how much I am paid (7.50 or over). I just want people to know things. Spotlight stealing is also an issue, which was what Jeff told me from the moment I was hired.
I have ruled out small weeklies, such as the P-Town Echo - not enough pay, and I thought I'd let the locals get a crack at that. That is what makes a weekly paper unique. I don't want to tarnish that good thing they have going. And I would encourage more locals from these small towns to take a shot at writing for a weekly.
The Quad City Times I had to put on the backburner until I was feasibly able to know of my stance at BP and my associates degree. That, and the car situation. However, Don has heard of my website. Jon, I'm not sure. He's the one who runs the preps part of the sports section. I have mentioned that I would be great for an eastern-area correspondent (Morrison, Fulton, Erie, Ster-Rock). A resume may be coming. It looks like they've also added Shannon to their staff. He worked at the Moline Dispatch and is the QCA's wrestling guru.
Things may be looking full at the Rockford Register Star. They've got a well-balanced preps staff, and Andy too.
I'm checking out the Peoria Journal Star site right now ... nothing.
Now I'm just doing a run-through all around Illinois ...
crickets chirping
The LaSalle News-Tribune. A beam of light? -
Current Song - Sweet Lullaby (Deep Forest)
Don't ask me why I'm listening to a Deep Forest song.
I don't mean to reiterate things all of the time. However, here is a little about my jobs stance:
I am currently working three or four days a week at BP: from midnight to 9:00 AM. These are new hours. I am working three days this week, and four days next week. I'm alternating with Jess - and I just hope he is more flexible to work with than Kevin was. I lose just a little sleep with this new thing, but I hope it will work out well with the writing-school-work balance.
If any of you locals have heard, yes, we have new Indian owners and a completely different management. Only me, Jess, Mema, Sam and Magen have been retained. Two noteable names are missing, and with that, a lot of regulars. Jess is already thinking about looking for another job, and I'm only looking at possibilities right now. I still plan on staying.
The one obvious place is Sauk Valley Newspapers. They are not looking for a sportswriter at this moment, although I do check the Shaw Newspapers' career postings on the Internet. Newton, IA is not in my interests, nor is copy editing for the NW Herald. Another issue I have with SVN is over creative differences. The two writing philosophies are different (theirs and mine), and I know I won't get creative control over my stories. If only they would grant me creative control over my stories, maybe I'll consider it. And it's not like I come at a hefty price (a la Joe Torre); it doesn't matter how much I am paid (7.50 or over). I just want people to know things. Spotlight stealing is also an issue, which was what Jeff told me from the moment I was hired.
I have ruled out small weeklies, such as the P-Town Echo - not enough pay, and I thought I'd let the locals get a crack at that. That is what makes a weekly paper unique. I don't want to tarnish that good thing they have going. And I would encourage more locals from these small towns to take a shot at writing for a weekly.
The Quad City Times I had to put on the backburner until I was feasibly able to know of my stance at BP and my associates degree. That, and the car situation. However, Don has heard of my website. Jon, I'm not sure. He's the one who runs the preps part of the sports section. I have mentioned that I would be great for an eastern-area correspondent (Morrison, Fulton, Erie, Ster-Rock). A resume may be coming. It looks like they've also added Shannon to their staff. He worked at the Moline Dispatch and is the QCA's wrestling guru.
Things may be looking full at the Rockford Register Star. They've got a well-balanced preps staff, and Andy too.
I'm checking out the Peoria Journal Star site right now ... nothing.
Now I'm just doing a run-through all around Illinois ...
crickets chirping
The LaSalle News-Tribune. A beam of light? -
Sunday, November 4, 2007
WARNING: A Reoccuring theme
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.40.11
Current Song - I Can't Go For That (Hall and Oates)
WARNING: This isn't the first time I have mentioned this, and certainly isn't the last. It's more like the umpteenth time. It's about trying to get more posters on the message board. Writing and typing my thoughts is what helps me think about what I'm trying to accomplish. That's all.
How to get more posters on the message board: Part (insert random roman numerals here)
Not too long ago, I looked back on my proposed and never accomplished Road Trip and saw something wasn't right with it. Something wasn't right with the timing, too. The RT originally had me traveling in two circular shapes: a small one through the Sauk Valley area and a big one starting and ending at Galesburg. This would be difficult to accomplish.
Then when looking at our surviving playoff teams, I thought of a better idea. Four teams that are still in the running are Cambridge, Galena, Plano and Harvard. The, or close to the, four corners of the area.
Ahh, the four corners process. The gold represents the Sauk Valley area, which surrounds the epicenter of the coverage area, Sterling. That task doesn't seem too bad. I've astricked the dense population areas. However, this process does not hit the anchor areas. I'd let the connecting process take care of itself. This idea is also best in order to retain the box-like boundaries of the coverage area.
What would happen if I were to make Freeport, the QCA, Princeton, and DeKalb the four centers? (Sorry, but uploading another picture will distort the structure of the blog entry) The chances of that process retaining the box area is not as great as the pic above. Sure, I could let the connecting process take care of itself as well in this area. However, an anchor city is more likely to take notice of the spreading process taking place in the four corners, than a corner city is to take notice of the spreading process in the anchors.
That would, in turn, overlap the Sauk Valley area with the four anchors. Lanark, Oregon, Amboy and Erie - the four corners of the Sauk Valley area, would experience influence from two directions.
So that would put out four seperate trips, outside of Sterling's area:
1. QC/Galesburg/Princeton/Erie - key stop: Geneseo
2. Princeton/Seneca/DeKalb/Leland - key stop: LaSalle-Peru
3. DeKalb/Harvard/Freeport/Oregon - key stop: Rockford
4. Freeport/East Dubuque/QC/Lanark - key stop: Savanna
Current Song - I Can't Go For That (Hall and Oates)
WARNING: This isn't the first time I have mentioned this, and certainly isn't the last. It's more like the umpteenth time. It's about trying to get more posters on the message board. Writing and typing my thoughts is what helps me think about what I'm trying to accomplish. That's all.
How to get more posters on the message board: Part (insert random roman numerals here)
Not too long ago, I looked back on my proposed and never accomplished Road Trip and saw something wasn't right with it. Something wasn't right with the timing, too. The RT originally had me traveling in two circular shapes: a small one through the Sauk Valley area and a big one starting and ending at Galesburg. This would be difficult to accomplish.
Then when looking at our surviving playoff teams, I thought of a better idea. Four teams that are still in the running are Cambridge, Galena, Plano and Harvard. The, or close to the, four corners of the area.
Ahh, the four corners process. The gold represents the Sauk Valley area, which surrounds the epicenter of the coverage area, Sterling. That task doesn't seem too bad. I've astricked the dense population areas. However, this process does not hit the anchor areas. I'd let the connecting process take care of itself. This idea is also best in order to retain the box-like boundaries of the coverage area.
What would happen if I were to make Freeport, the QCA, Princeton, and DeKalb the four centers? (Sorry, but uploading another picture will distort the structure of the blog entry) The chances of that process retaining the box area is not as great as the pic above. Sure, I could let the connecting process take care of itself as well in this area. However, an anchor city is more likely to take notice of the spreading process taking place in the four corners, than a corner city is to take notice of the spreading process in the anchors.
That would, in turn, overlap the Sauk Valley area with the four anchors. Lanark, Oregon, Amboy and Erie - the four corners of the Sauk Valley area, would experience influence from two directions.
So that would put out four seperate trips, outside of Sterling's area:
1. QC/Galesburg/Princeton/Erie - key stop: Geneseo
2. Princeton/Seneca/DeKalb/Leland - key stop: LaSalle-Peru
3. DeKalb/Harvard/Freeport/Oregon - key stop: Rockford
4. Freeport/East Dubuque/QC/Lanark - key stop: Savanna
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Message Boards and Me
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.30.11
Current Song - Clap For The Wolfman (The Guess Who)
Hi, my name is #35.
I am a selfish, inconsiderate, rude, irresponsible, forgetful, mindless, insulting, unforgiving devilish brat of message board posting.
Every post I post gets shot down. I've lost my message board sanity. I constantly make mistakes. I stumble in my arguments. I contridict myself. It was exciting to see that I was a young kid who knew a lot, but now I have grown older. I've been dethroned. Thrown into the ranks of HHSTigerFan and Fratboy.
There are a few that would like me to turn back to their side. As Vader said, "I'm afraid it's too late for me." If I turn back to your side, I will die.
Current Song - Clap For The Wolfman (The Guess Who)
Hi, my name is #35.
I am a selfish, inconsiderate, rude, irresponsible, forgetful, mindless, insulting, unforgiving devilish brat of message board posting.
Every post I post gets shot down. I've lost my message board sanity. I constantly make mistakes. I stumble in my arguments. I contridict myself. It was exciting to see that I was a young kid who knew a lot, but now I have grown older. I've been dethroned. Thrown into the ranks of HHSTigerFan and Fratboy.
There are a few that would like me to turn back to their side. As Vader said, "I'm afraid it's too late for me." If I turn back to your side, I will die.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Haven't written in a while
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.92.01
Current Song - The Logical Song (Supertramp)
My car is still in the shop. We're just waiting for payment. He needs $500.00 to start with it, and $500.00 when completed. My parents and I agreed on dividing up the payment. I have my $250.00 ready. I'm just waiting on them. And waiting.
This is really backing up my site plans. Although I like to spend time with my grandparents, who were kind enough to take me to Forreston and GENOA (paying for their gate and dinner afterwards is something I don't mind doing), I wouldn't mind driving with my own plans in mind. I had plans for going to a volleyball meet in Byron on Thursday, a playoff game on Friday, and a double-header on Saturday. All in limbo over whether or not my parents can cough up $250.00 to BEGIN WORK on the car.
Now, I'm just sitting in my pj's with nothing to do.
Current Song - The Logical Song (Supertramp)
My car is still in the shop. We're just waiting for payment. He needs $500.00 to start with it, and $500.00 when completed. My parents and I agreed on dividing up the payment. I have my $250.00 ready. I'm just waiting on them. And waiting.
This is really backing up my site plans. Although I like to spend time with my grandparents, who were kind enough to take me to Forreston and GENOA (paying for their gate and dinner afterwards is something I don't mind doing), I wouldn't mind driving with my own plans in mind. I had plans for going to a volleyball meet in Byron on Thursday, a playoff game on Friday, and a double-header on Saturday. All in limbo over whether or not my parents can cough up $250.00 to BEGIN WORK on the car.
Now, I'm just sitting in my pj's with nothing to do.
Monday, October 15, 2007
now what?
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.51.01
Current Song - How Much I Feel (Ambrosia)
A head gasket costs a lot of money. There's not much I can do as far as money is concerned because I have a lot of payments to make. The head gasket is $500 out of my pocket ($500 out of my parents), the car payment, the college payment - this sucks! And I don't have too much money already.
I wonder if it is too late to have a rummage sale? I've got so much shit at home that I don't have a use for anymore, and I don't think there is enough space in this house to fit packed boxes of these things all in. There is the garage, but that is messier than a landfill. Both the garage and our basement are icky.
Current Song - How Much I Feel (Ambrosia)
A head gasket costs a lot of money. There's not much I can do as far as money is concerned because I have a lot of payments to make. The head gasket is $500 out of my pocket ($500 out of my parents), the car payment, the college payment - this sucks! And I don't have too much money already.
I wonder if it is too late to have a rummage sale? I've got so much shit at home that I don't have a use for anymore, and I don't think there is enough space in this house to fit packed boxes of these things all in. There is the garage, but that is messier than a landfill. Both the garage and our basement are icky.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
bad news about the car
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.31.01
Current Song - I saw The Light (Todd Rundgren)
The car has been placed on the 60-day DL.
Hopefully for less than 60 days. Blown head gasket. $1,000 to repair.
This possibly blows up the Dakota-Forreston plan. Even the Champaign plan is bust. Looks like until it is fixed, I will be walking to Sterling/Newman/Rock Falls events. Question is: What good events are possibly available at those three schools in the next week or two?
crickets chirping
Current Song - I saw The Light (Todd Rundgren)
The car has been placed on the 60-day DL.
Hopefully for less than 60 days. Blown head gasket. $1,000 to repair.
This possibly blows up the Dakota-Forreston plan. Even the Champaign plan is bust. Looks like until it is fixed, I will be walking to Sterling/Newman/Rock Falls events. Question is: What good events are possibly available at those three schools in the next week or two?
crickets chirping
Monday, October 8, 2007
#35's circuits have overloaded
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.80.01
Current Song - Live and Let Die (Wings)
I have a hard time understanding that I have an interest that very few, or only I, have. That interest is high school sports. In particular, a certain region of Illinois. It's taken me a while to realize that no one gives a crap about a football team who is doing well that is from another conference other than their own. High school sports fans do not care about other teams than their own. Or other conferences other than their own.
"Only bring me what I care about" - It's hard to cater to the needs of the 100 or so people I ry to do this to.
No one cares except me.
Current Song - Live and Let Die (Wings)
I have a hard time understanding that I have an interest that very few, or only I, have. That interest is high school sports. In particular, a certain region of Illinois. It's taken me a while to realize that no one gives a crap about a football team who is doing well that is from another conference other than their own. High school sports fans do not care about other teams than their own. Or other conferences other than their own.
"Only bring me what I care about" - It's hard to cater to the needs of the 100 or so people I ry to do this to.
No one cares except me.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
it is late
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.30.01
Current Song - Changes (David Bowie)
My MP3 player is broken. I have let it sit for too long on the computer shelf - leaving it exposed to the lamp - and the back of it has warped a little and something rattles inside of it.
But it's not like I use it all of the time. In fact, I have rarely used it. I don't get why my parents buy me these electronic thingys. I never have a use for them. Like cell phones, I never call anyone and no one ever calls me. Why bother having one, then? Years ago, they got me a handheld palmpad thing. I've rarely used that too. It's because I have never had the need for it.
Mike just found out that he has to work today. It's 4:30 in the morning, and I am the only one up and the only one who is willing to give him a ride over to Rayovac. Mom and dad don't like him anymore - so I have to care for him. His money is draining due to a shitty car that costs more to fix than what it is worth.
Current Song - Changes (David Bowie)
My MP3 player is broken. I have let it sit for too long on the computer shelf - leaving it exposed to the lamp - and the back of it has warped a little and something rattles inside of it.
But it's not like I use it all of the time. In fact, I have rarely used it. I don't get why my parents buy me these electronic thingys. I never have a use for them. Like cell phones, I never call anyone and no one ever calls me. Why bother having one, then? Years ago, they got me a handheld palmpad thing. I've rarely used that too. It's because I have never had the need for it.
Mike just found out that he has to work today. It's 4:30 in the morning, and I am the only one up and the only one who is willing to give him a ride over to Rayovac. Mom and dad don't like him anymore - so I have to care for him. His money is draining due to a shitty car that costs more to fix than what it is worth.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Newspaper search ... back on!
Cutter's Log - Supplemental
Amboy News - told me to call the Mendota Reporter
Mendota Reporter - no opening, but did ask to send in application
Ogle County Life - told me to call the Rochelle News-Leader
Rochelle News-Leader - expecting a call sometime soon
Prophetstown Echo - call back tomorrow at 9:00 AM - possible opening
Savanna Prairie Advocate - awaiting e-mail from editor
Whiteside News-Sentinel - "down the road"
Coorespondents for Whiteside County and Lee County:
Rockford Register Star - waiting
Moline Dispatch - nope
QC Times - send in an app
Amboy News - told me to call the Mendota Reporter
Mendota Reporter - no opening, but did ask to send in application
Ogle County Life - told me to call the Rochelle News-Leader
Rochelle News-Leader - expecting a call sometime soon
Prophetstown Echo - call back tomorrow at 9:00 AM - possible opening
Savanna Prairie Advocate - awaiting e-mail from editor
Whiteside News-Sentinel - "down the road"
Coorespondents for Whiteside County and Lee County:
Rockford Register Star - waiting
Moline Dispatch - nope
QC Times - send in an app
Problems With Audio
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.20.01
Current Song - Enter Sandman (Metallica)
On Saturday, I went down to Plano to cover their football game against Wilmington. I opted to do a Team Spotlight on the Reapers instead. Then I decided to make it an AUDIO team spotlight - the recorded interview.
I had a mircophone/headset at home, which I haven't used for NISB since God only knows. I was dissapointed to find out that the wiring had been tampered with and the microphone was no good. So I was stuck with this audio file that I wanted uploaded onto my computer. I went to Wal-Mart (the only place open at midnight) to get a headset. The ones they had were ones that I thought would be computer-compatible. Stupid me. The plug-in doesn't fit in the computer tower. So I'm trying to repackage the headset and return it for a refund, OR if that doesn't work, just use it as a headset for my cell phone. Then make a trip to Radio Shack during the day.
I also can't seem to connect my audio recorder with the tower, either.
I'm broke until Friday, when I get my paycheck.
So, I'm going to have to turn this endeavor into a written Team Spotlight (something I thought I cut last year). As for now, I have to write a long poem for creative writing class. Bleh! Then I can write the Plano Reapers Team Spotlight.
Hopefully the headset issue will be solved tomorrow morning before class. If I CAN get the right microphone purchased, then maybe I won't have to write it out.
The audio team spotlight that I PLAN on releasing is not really a formal setting, since I decided upon this thing at the last minute. However, I think it will be a useful Phase II concept for the future. The only issue with this is with the site's data transfer.
A lot of you don't think I talk about life outside of NISB. I can say that college is a bitch, and work is getting better.
Current Song - Enter Sandman (Metallica)
On Saturday, I went down to Plano to cover their football game against Wilmington. I opted to do a Team Spotlight on the Reapers instead. Then I decided to make it an AUDIO team spotlight - the recorded interview.
I had a mircophone/headset at home, which I haven't used for NISB since God only knows. I was dissapointed to find out that the wiring had been tampered with and the microphone was no good. So I was stuck with this audio file that I wanted uploaded onto my computer. I went to Wal-Mart (the only place open at midnight) to get a headset. The ones they had were ones that I thought would be computer-compatible. Stupid me. The plug-in doesn't fit in the computer tower. So I'm trying to repackage the headset and return it for a refund, OR if that doesn't work, just use it as a headset for my cell phone. Then make a trip to Radio Shack during the day.
I also can't seem to connect my audio recorder with the tower, either.
I'm broke until Friday, when I get my paycheck.
So, I'm going to have to turn this endeavor into a written Team Spotlight (something I thought I cut last year). As for now, I have to write a long poem for creative writing class. Bleh! Then I can write the Plano Reapers Team Spotlight.
Hopefully the headset issue will be solved tomorrow morning before class. If I CAN get the right microphone purchased, then maybe I won't have to write it out.
The audio team spotlight that I PLAN on releasing is not really a formal setting, since I decided upon this thing at the last minute. However, I think it will be a useful Phase II concept for the future. The only issue with this is with the site's data transfer.
A lot of you don't think I talk about life outside of NISB. I can say that college is a bitch, and work is getting better.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Okay
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.30.09
Current Song - My City Was Gone (The Pretenders)
Kewanee may still be looking to get out of the NCIC, a new "reliable source" report from NISB's message boards. My prior report had said that they were going to stay ... "(but) if something were to come up, the district would be ready to address the situation in a timely manner". So it's not like they were lying to me, and it's not like I was misinterpreting it.
It just means I need to have reliable sources. Wait, I already do. It's just that I'd feel a little more better to hear it some those who are not secondary, third-ary, fourth-ary (you get the point) sources.
Somehow I'm getting the feeling that there is/are certain admin(s) that don't want me doing what I'm doing.
Current Song - My City Was Gone (The Pretenders)
Kewanee may still be looking to get out of the NCIC, a new "reliable source" report from NISB's message boards. My prior report had said that they were going to stay ... "(but) if something were to come up, the district would be ready to address the situation in a timely manner". So it's not like they were lying to me, and it's not like I was misinterpreting it.
It just means I need to have reliable sources. Wait, I already do. It's just that I'd feel a little more better to hear it some those who are not secondary, third-ary, fourth-ary (you get the point) sources.
Somehow I'm getting the feeling that there is/are certain admin(s) that don't want me doing what I'm doing.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Phase II
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.82.90
Current Song - Kind of Blue (Miles Davis)
You can read all about it on NISB - in Cody's Corner.
My mind is ENTIRELY wrapped around the development of this.
Current Song - Kind of Blue (Miles Davis)
You can read all about it on NISB - in Cody's Corner.
My mind is ENTIRELY wrapped around the development of this.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Too much work
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.42.90
Current Song - Start Me Up (Rolling Stones)
I put in a 26-hour weekend. I'm glad to be home. 19 of those hours were spent in charge of a shift (all 26 if you count 3rd shift).
I'm sorry to hear about IHSFW (Illinois High School Football Weekly) shutting down. Lack of ad revenue. I can understand that. Streator Sports is in the same boat as well. I never began an advertising plan for NISB, and obviously I have never made a profit. My passion is what keeps me running, and for those who are thinking I too may go under, I intend to plan on keeping NISB until it is absolutely humanly possible that I can't do it anymore.
It is, though, getting harder for me to keep running it. But I have found ways to keep it alive with my brutal schedule: and I hope my next column will help shed some light on what I want to do.
Current Song - Start Me Up (Rolling Stones)
I put in a 26-hour weekend. I'm glad to be home. 19 of those hours were spent in charge of a shift (all 26 if you count 3rd shift).
I'm sorry to hear about IHSFW (Illinois High School Football Weekly) shutting down. Lack of ad revenue. I can understand that. Streator Sports is in the same boat as well. I never began an advertising plan for NISB, and obviously I have never made a profit. My passion is what keeps me running, and for those who are thinking I too may go under, I intend to plan on keeping NISB until it is absolutely humanly possible that I can't do it anymore.
It is, though, getting harder for me to keep running it. But I have found ways to keep it alive with my brutal schedule: and I hope my next column will help shed some light on what I want to do.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Bags under my eyes
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.12.90
Current Song - West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys)
I've been up nearly 24 hours so far. I'm about to go to sleep right now, and will wake at 5:30 PM and immediately head to Amboy, for a big game against Morrison. Then off to work.
Then either off to the boat in Clinton or work on Saturday night. I don't know which.
Then sleep for 6 hours and head back to work again Sunday morning. It could be a solo day.
By Monday I will need to be carried in a stretcher.
Current Song - West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys)
I've been up nearly 24 hours so far. I'm about to go to sleep right now, and will wake at 5:30 PM and immediately head to Amboy, for a big game against Morrison. Then off to work.
Then either off to the boat in Clinton or work on Saturday night. I don't know which.
Then sleep for 6 hours and head back to work again Sunday morning. It could be a solo day.
By Monday I will need to be carried in a stretcher.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Sports Journalism ... a little different
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.51.90
Current Song - Listen to What the Man Said (Paul McCartney & Wings)
Sports journalists typically go to sporting events, and write about them. They also pick and choose who they want to do a story on. I've been doing this for quite some time.
In college, if you are pursuing a journalism major, you are going to do things that involve just plain news. I can't write sports stories and feature stories and expect a degree in journalism. Thus, I wonder if conference board meetings, and IHSA town hall meetings are open the to public, or media? Think about it, you rarely see this.
I'm planning on attending Kewanee's school board meeting next Monday. They may briefly discuss the possibility of leaving the NCIC. Do I make a story out of that?
Current Song - Listen to What the Man Said (Paul McCartney & Wings)
Sports journalists typically go to sporting events, and write about them. They also pick and choose who they want to do a story on. I've been doing this for quite some time.
In college, if you are pursuing a journalism major, you are going to do things that involve just plain news. I can't write sports stories and feature stories and expect a degree in journalism. Thus, I wonder if conference board meetings, and IHSA town hall meetings are open the to public, or media? Think about it, you rarely see this.
I'm planning on attending Kewanee's school board meeting next Monday. They may briefly discuss the possibility of leaving the NCIC. Do I make a story out of that?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Paranoid ... I WAS paranoid, now I'm not
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.21.90
Current Song - Arms of an Angel (Sarah McLaughlin)
I don't know what that song is called.
I was getting worried about my journalism career, my academic career, and my tenure at BP. I've just learned to settle down a bit and take things one at a time.
I've got the three-night stretch of work coming up. I've got to accomplish that along with writing a story fiction story revolving around a character sketch someone gave me. I'm not into writing fiction stuff; in fact, I don't get the whole point of fiction. To me, it is all fluff. My journalism revolves around being straight-to-the-point. I like my fiction to be that way, but then it can't be called fiction w/o the fluff.
I was also thinking about my writing for a bit. I always made myself readily available to work when I was working at SVN. That's why they made my do the little league softball stuff. When I noticed that only one local high school event was covered and the rest left into capsules, I thought about the day when I used to dream about creating a Sterling/Rock Falls/Newman based website. Well, there's Sterling Pride and RF Rockets, so that idea is scrap until the future. I wonder if there is a way SP.com can entice a student into writing articles and recieving credit?
For a website like mine, I can really only be restricted to certain things. The day-to-day beat writing is something that I can do when my mind is off of school and BP. For now, Invitationals, Tournaments, and key friday night games will have to suffice.
Byron has a Volleyball Invite next Saturday, and Sterling has one the week after. Hampshire is currently undefeated at 13-0, but they have Harvard next Tuesday before going to Byron on Saturday. I've already done enough Big Northern, haven't I?
*Idea just popping* Create a Big Event List: every Invitational, Tournament and Shootout all across the board.
Starting with this basketball season, I will only do Invitationals, Tournaments, and Shootouts. I can criss-cross Thursday and Friday night basketball games.
Current Song - Arms of an Angel (Sarah McLaughlin)
I don't know what that song is called.
I was getting worried about my journalism career, my academic career, and my tenure at BP. I've just learned to settle down a bit and take things one at a time.
I've got the three-night stretch of work coming up. I've got to accomplish that along with writing a story fiction story revolving around a character sketch someone gave me. I'm not into writing fiction stuff; in fact, I don't get the whole point of fiction. To me, it is all fluff. My journalism revolves around being straight-to-the-point. I like my fiction to be that way, but then it can't be called fiction w/o the fluff.
I was also thinking about my writing for a bit. I always made myself readily available to work when I was working at SVN. That's why they made my do the little league softball stuff. When I noticed that only one local high school event was covered and the rest left into capsules, I thought about the day when I used to dream about creating a Sterling/Rock Falls/Newman based website. Well, there's Sterling Pride and RF Rockets, so that idea is scrap until the future. I wonder if there is a way SP.com can entice a student into writing articles and recieving credit?
For a website like mine, I can really only be restricted to certain things. The day-to-day beat writing is something that I can do when my mind is off of school and BP. For now, Invitationals, Tournaments, and key friday night games will have to suffice.
Byron has a Volleyball Invite next Saturday, and Sterling has one the week after. Hampshire is currently undefeated at 13-0, but they have Harvard next Tuesday before going to Byron on Saturday. I've already done enough Big Northern, haven't I?
*Idea just popping* Create a Big Event List: every Invitational, Tournament and Shootout all across the board.
Starting with this basketball season, I will only do Invitationals, Tournaments, and Shootouts. I can criss-cross Thursday and Friday night basketball games.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The new schedule
Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.11.90
Current Song - Doin' Time (Sublime)
NISB, Work, School
I've done this once already. I'm taking a smaller classload and I have somewhat of a smaller workload than last time, however it feels as if I can't do this.
My work has not been getting done lately.
My articles are NEVER on time.
My attendance is poor and my assignments are poor as a result.
I'm in a mess that I don't know how to get out of. I can't abandon the lone thing that is pumping money into my life. I can't abandon my profession and the reason why I am going to school in the first place. And I can't abandon school because it will make me feel like I have never accomplished much.
Current Song - Doin' Time (Sublime)
NISB, Work, School
I've done this once already. I'm taking a smaller classload and I have somewhat of a smaller workload than last time, however it feels as if I can't do this.
My work has not been getting done lately.
My articles are NEVER on time.
My attendance is poor and my assignments are poor as a result.
I'm in a mess that I don't know how to get out of. I can't abandon the lone thing that is pumping money into my life. I can't abandon my profession and the reason why I am going to school in the first place. And I can't abandon school because it will make me feel like I have never accomplished much.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Works of fiction
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.40.90
Current Song - Don't Sleep in the Subway (Petula Clark)
Here's my problem with writing works of fiction, which I am supposed to do in Creative Writing class: These things take TIME! We spent 10 minutes writing about regret w/o writing the word regret. The entire 10 minutes was spent writing about preceding information leading up to the regrettal. So I didn't get this story done and it was a crock full of shit when read aloud.
Thankfully, though, our assignment is to expand on this story. It's due on Thursday (12:45 pm).
Current Song - Don't Sleep in the Subway (Petula Clark)
Here's my problem with writing works of fiction, which I am supposed to do in Creative Writing class: These things take TIME! We spent 10 minutes writing about regret w/o writing the word regret. The entire 10 minutes was spent writing about preceding information leading up to the regrettal. So I didn't get this story done and it was a crock full of shit when read aloud.
Thankfully, though, our assignment is to expand on this story. It's due on Thursday (12:45 pm).
Monday, September 3, 2007
Master Plan for Future Survival
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.30.90
Current Song - Paradise City (Guns 'N Roses)
I'm seriously thinking about doing this. I figured that if I don't, then I'd be living in my mom and dad's house for the rest of my life. Unlike my brother Mike, who doesn't have a plan and just wants to get out of here, I've been trying to come up with something like this since I graduated high school.
It's taken a long time, as you can tell. I'm still in community college and still living with my parents. There's nothing wrong here. But at sometime, you just got to get up and go.
Hence, the Master Plan for Future Survival.
Current Song - Paradise City (Guns 'N Roses)
I'm seriously thinking about doing this. I figured that if I don't, then I'd be living in my mom and dad's house for the rest of my life. Unlike my brother Mike, who doesn't have a plan and just wants to get out of here, I've been trying to come up with something like this since I graduated high school.
It's taken a long time, as you can tell. I'm still in community college and still living with my parents. There's nothing wrong here. But at sometime, you just got to get up and go.
Hence, the Master Plan for Future Survival.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Tired but alive
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.10.90
Current Song - Closer (NIN)
I've been up since 6:00 PM Friday night. I've been up 15 1/2 hours as of this write. I'm heading to the RF Volleyball Invitational soon. However, that's not the record for most hours awake before covering a game. The record is 34 hours before the Marengo-Rock Falls softball game last year.
I'm coving the RF VB Invite today, in place of the Stillman Valley-Woodstock Marian football game 80 miles away.
Then Tuesday is Byron golf vs. Rockford Lutheran - the big rivalry in the Rockford area.
I'll be taking Thursday off.
Friday I will go to Rock Island to see the Rocks take on Chicago Hubbard, a CPL power. The best thing about this is that I have cleared it with Mema and Jess so that I can arrive at work at midnight if I can.
I'll also be taking Saturday off.
Current Song - Closer (NIN)
I've been up since 6:00 PM Friday night. I've been up 15 1/2 hours as of this write. I'm heading to the RF Volleyball Invitational soon. However, that's not the record for most hours awake before covering a game. The record is 34 hours before the Marengo-Rock Falls softball game last year.
I'm coving the RF VB Invite today, in place of the Stillman Valley-Woodstock Marian football game 80 miles away.
Then Tuesday is Byron golf vs. Rockford Lutheran - the big rivalry in the Rockford area.
I'll be taking Thursday off.
Friday I will go to Rock Island to see the Rocks take on Chicago Hubbard, a CPL power. The best thing about this is that I have cleared it with Mema and Jess so that I can arrive at work at midnight if I can.
I'll also be taking Saturday off.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
About those feature stories
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.92.80
Current Song - The Other Side (Aerosmith)
I am starting to come up with a list of story ideas. As always, I am open to suggestions. But please don't post them on here (in case the Gazette sees this) :) [I'm only tryin' to survive].
Current Song - The Other Side (Aerosmith)
I am starting to come up with a list of story ideas. As always, I am open to suggestions. But please don't post them on here (in case the Gazette sees this) :) [I'm only tryin' to survive].
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Bored to death
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.82.80
Current Song - Lido Shuffle (Boz Scaggs)
I'd rather stay awake than go to bed and wake up at 7:00 AM (5 1/2 hours sleep). I'm trying to find something to do.
Current Song - Lido Shuffle (Boz Scaggs)
I'd rather stay awake than go to bed and wake up at 7:00 AM (5 1/2 hours sleep). I'm trying to find something to do.
Monday, August 27, 2007
You're Supposed to Like What You Do
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.72.80
Current Song - Early Autumn (George Shearing)
Don't get me wrong: I like working at BP. It's the best non-journalism job I've ever had, but it seems like this particular college semester is not working out.
This has brought me to trying to figure out some way NISB can be a money-generator. This is the fourth year I've run the site, and I haven't made too much money off of it. Easily said: none. Kevin over at Streator Sports has began advertising on his front page for $75(?)/week. Then he has subsequent spaces on his page for smaller amounts. I think I can change the layout of my homepage to leave some space for ad space. Using his rates, a small ad, a tall ad and a banner ad would be equivalent to a $250.00 every-two-week paycheck. I don't think I should charge a higher rate because of the numbers of my current site traffic.
Using the current set-up of NISB:
1. I've got the top banner ad
2. One or more small ads or tall ads on the left side of the page, once the nav bar has converted to a drop-down menu
3. The Ticker can be scrapped, and a Story Archive description can replace the top half of it. The Story archive description and the nav bar/drop-down menu will be parallel in size to each others, thus doubling idea #2.
4. Submit your own story, the mailing list and the press releases descriptions can all be compacted to just three lines. These three entities can be placed just under the Message Boards link. This would compact the homepage itself.
Two recent stories on the current middle column, plus the space saved for small and tall ads would make the site (at least the top portion of it) a quadrangular shape.
Current Song - Early Autumn (George Shearing)
Don't get me wrong: I like working at BP. It's the best non-journalism job I've ever had, but it seems like this particular college semester is not working out.
This has brought me to trying to figure out some way NISB can be a money-generator. This is the fourth year I've run the site, and I haven't made too much money off of it. Easily said: none. Kevin over at Streator Sports has began advertising on his front page for $75(?)/week. Then he has subsequent spaces on his page for smaller amounts. I think I can change the layout of my homepage to leave some space for ad space. Using his rates, a small ad, a tall ad and a banner ad would be equivalent to a $250.00 every-two-week paycheck. I don't think I should charge a higher rate because of the numbers of my current site traffic.
Using the current set-up of NISB:
1. I've got the top banner ad
2. One or more small ads or tall ads on the left side of the page, once the nav bar has converted to a drop-down menu
3. The Ticker can be scrapped, and a Story Archive description can replace the top half of it. The Story archive description and the nav bar/drop-down menu will be parallel in size to each others, thus doubling idea #2.
4. Submit your own story, the mailing list and the press releases descriptions can all be compacted to just three lines. These three entities can be placed just under the Message Boards link. This would compact the homepage itself.
Two recent stories on the current middle column, plus the space saved for small and tall ads would make the site (at least the top portion of it) a quadrangular shape.
Banner
Tall------Content------Tall
Content
Content
Content
Small-----Content-----Small
Small-----Content-----Small
Small-----Content-----Small
The above makes up my top space. The middle space will be quad-shaped with eight (8) story links. That makes the recent stories set at a popular set number, ten, with the content pushing toward the sides of the pages.
Small-----Content-----Small
____________________
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
ContentContentContentContent
With each block of:
ContentContent
ContentContent
Being one story header
More requests for advertising space may be made for the middle section by shrinking the content to look more square than rectangle, and placing tall ads on each side of the page.
That makes up my middle space. The bottom space, which begins with "Can't find the article you're looking for?" isn't really a good place for advertisements. So I think this is set.
On the homepage, we're looking at 9 to 11 ads.
Then there is the message boards:
1. I can put a global banner ad for all of the NISB message board pages.
2. I can put a single banner ad for the message board index.
*Note that I cannot alter the ProBoards banner advertisement (nore do they give me any money, that comes with the site package)
Now we're talking 11-13 ads on the page.
Then it get's better:
Another link with other ads. Kind of like, a "Check out our sponsors" link with each sponsor that has ad space, plus a little more about them. AND, a logo and a brief description about other sponsors that don't have actual ads on the pages. That rate will be the smallest.
As soon as I can do my part in churning out the content and site traffic numbers, I can go forward with advertising. I'm also putting out an advertising Q&A soon.
So here's what we got:
1. Homepage banner ad
2. Homepage tall ad
3. Homepage small ad
4. Page of your choice banner ad
5. Page of your choice tall ad
6. Page of your choice small ad
7. Game article banner ad
8. Game article tall ad
9. Game article small ad
10. Message board banner global header ad
11. Message board banner main header ad
12. Message board small global header ad
13. Message board small main header ad
2. Homepage tall ad
3. Homepage small ad
4. Page of your choice banner ad
5. Page of your choice tall ad
6. Page of your choice small ad
7. Game article banner ad
8. Game article tall ad
9. Game article small ad
10. Message board banner global header ad
11. Message board banner main header ad
12. Message board small global header ad
13. Message board small main header ad
14. The cheap ad
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunday morning
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.62.80
Current Song - Plush (Stone Temple Pilots)
It was better than I expected. At first it was hard working with another person because I hate my routine being questioned. I've worked off-shifts before, quit babying me! I had to work with the one I don't get along with. She's not the future. Not with the way she rubs things into peoples faces. I swear I'm going to blow up one day.
Your first throught ... Cody should quit.
And do what? Write? Where?
I hate going through depression.
Current Song - Plush (Stone Temple Pilots)
It was better than I expected. At first it was hard working with another person because I hate my routine being questioned. I've worked off-shifts before, quit babying me! I had to work with the one I don't get along with. She's not the future. Not with the way she rubs things into peoples faces. I swear I'm going to blow up one day.
Your first throught ... Cody should quit.
And do what? Write? Where?
I hate going through depression.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Give me a minute!
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.52.80
Current Song - Rise (Herb Alpert)
Christmas list: Herb Alpert - The Definitive Collection
Combining football and work is going to be tough to do. I had a hard time yesterday because I woke up late and did some things on the computer before I was to take my shower and head to Morrison. As I was on the computer, my dog was scratching real bad and we had to put him in the tub to help get rid of them. This is the only bathing place in the house so I was left in my lounging clothes waiting for the dog to finish.
This is where my stupiditiy enters: I am waiting for some reason after Roy is done for the shower. As if I was waiting for the fleas to just find their way down the drain. As I was waiting, I completely forgot about what I was doing tonight. Going to Morrison was now out of the picture.
Rock Falls had a home game, but I wasn't about to cover it as I was Morrison/Newman. Orion has 5/38 of its roster "full" of seniors and they managed to whiplash RF 47-15. I thought RF was going to be somewhat coming back this year. They have a good passing attack, but I wasn't impressed at all on special teams: as in they didn't know how to catch a ball after being kicked. The kick return is where you gain the most yardage, right?
I am heading home at halftime ("forget this") and I listen to WSDR, where the announcer dude says something like, "If anyone knows what is wrong with this program, either you are really rich, or really popular in this town" - I won't DARE go public on my answer before being beat up.
Then I go to work.
Then I come home nearly falling apart as I type this.
Off to bed - I am planning on going to Kaneland to see the Knights take on Burlington Central.
Current Song - Rise (Herb Alpert)
Christmas list: Herb Alpert - The Definitive Collection
Combining football and work is going to be tough to do. I had a hard time yesterday because I woke up late and did some things on the computer before I was to take my shower and head to Morrison. As I was on the computer, my dog was scratching real bad and we had to put him in the tub to help get rid of them. This is the only bathing place in the house so I was left in my lounging clothes waiting for the dog to finish.
This is where my stupiditiy enters: I am waiting for some reason after Roy is done for the shower. As if I was waiting for the fleas to just find their way down the drain. As I was waiting, I completely forgot about what I was doing tonight. Going to Morrison was now out of the picture.
Rock Falls had a home game, but I wasn't about to cover it as I was Morrison/Newman. Orion has 5/38 of its roster "full" of seniors and they managed to whiplash RF 47-15. I thought RF was going to be somewhat coming back this year. They have a good passing attack, but I wasn't impressed at all on special teams: as in they didn't know how to catch a ball after being kicked. The kick return is where you gain the most yardage, right?
I am heading home at halftime ("forget this") and I listen to WSDR, where the announcer dude says something like, "If anyone knows what is wrong with this program, either you are really rich, or really popular in this town" - I won't DARE go public on my answer before being beat up.
Then I go to work.
Then I come home nearly falling apart as I type this.
Off to bed - I am planning on going to Kaneland to see the Knights take on Burlington Central.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
College
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.22.80
Current Song - Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
From mid-May to mid-August seemed like forever. It looked like I forgot how to be a college student. Maybe it is just because Sauk has changed a whole lot and my "group" of students are off to larger pastures.
I've got PSY 103 and ENG 270 this fall. After tomorrow is done, I'll give a review of the classes. But I can already tell you that Creative Writing is tougher than I thought. The first writing thing I had to do was to think of my favorite song (at this point, I had a million favorite songs) and write a diary entry as if I were the person singing the song, but not as the actual singer.
I struggled to find a favorite song and was rotating between Rock With You, Take Me Out, This Guy's In Love With You; and then for some reason I settled on Saturday In The Park. God, I wrote the corniest diary entry as compared to the others in the class. We had to read them aloud. Of course, I cannot read things aloud because I will bounce around between words when I do (Inside joke - I CAN read, but not spoken). There's only 9 people in the class and the course is team-taught.
High School Football starts in two days! I'm heading to Morrison to see a great game between the Mustangs and the Newman Comets.
Current Song - Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)
From mid-May to mid-August seemed like forever. It looked like I forgot how to be a college student. Maybe it is just because Sauk has changed a whole lot and my "group" of students are off to larger pastures.
I've got PSY 103 and ENG 270 this fall. After tomorrow is done, I'll give a review of the classes. But I can already tell you that Creative Writing is tougher than I thought. The first writing thing I had to do was to think of my favorite song (at this point, I had a million favorite songs) and write a diary entry as if I were the person singing the song, but not as the actual singer.
I struggled to find a favorite song and was rotating between Rock With You, Take Me Out, This Guy's In Love With You; and then for some reason I settled on Saturday In The Park. God, I wrote the corniest diary entry as compared to the others in the class. We had to read them aloud. Of course, I cannot read things aloud because I will bounce around between words when I do (Inside joke - I CAN read, but not spoken). There's only 9 people in the class and the course is team-taught.
High School Football starts in two days! I'm heading to Morrison to see a great game between the Mustangs and the Newman Comets.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Content
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.12.80
Current Song - You're The First, The Last, My Everything (Barry White)
Slowly but surely I am getting fresh content on NISB. I just put up a column about the MLB Hall of Fame and fixed around several other items throughout the website. Sometime soon I will post a link to the Conference Calls that I wrote for EdgyTim.com.
I am thinking about getting rid of the ill-fated Ticker project. I never really got around to updating it daily like I wanted to. It was just a way to help me read more stories about high school sports, and sharing those links with everyone else. However, I never could keep up with everything. I am planning on using the Ticker space for what it replaced: the older links to recent stories.
Speaking of stories, I'd like to kick off the Fall season with a game article of the Newman-Morrison football game on Friday. Then, I'd like to do a story on the Kaneland VB coach, who competed in the Deaf Pan-Am Games in Venezuela last week. Then after that, I may do a golf article on the Byron-Rockford Lutheran meet. We'll see if these happen.
I will attempt to write a mix of game articles and feature stories this year. I have written feature stories in the past and only did one last year: about the motorcycle rallies at West Carroll Football games.
With that being said, I am all ears about feature story ideas.
Current Song - You're The First, The Last, My Everything (Barry White)
Slowly but surely I am getting fresh content on NISB. I just put up a column about the MLB Hall of Fame and fixed around several other items throughout the website. Sometime soon I will post a link to the Conference Calls that I wrote for EdgyTim.com.
I am thinking about getting rid of the ill-fated Ticker project. I never really got around to updating it daily like I wanted to. It was just a way to help me read more stories about high school sports, and sharing those links with everyone else. However, I never could keep up with everything. I am planning on using the Ticker space for what it replaced: the older links to recent stories.
Speaking of stories, I'd like to kick off the Fall season with a game article of the Newman-Morrison football game on Friday. Then, I'd like to do a story on the Kaneland VB coach, who competed in the Deaf Pan-Am Games in Venezuela last week. Then after that, I may do a golf article on the Byron-Rockford Lutheran meet. We'll see if these happen.
I will attempt to write a mix of game articles and feature stories this year. I have written feature stories in the past and only did one last year: about the motorcycle rallies at West Carroll Football games.
With that being said, I am all ears about feature story ideas.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Glad to be home
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.02.80
Current Song - You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (The Beatles)
The kids are starting school and I'll get the house somewhat to myself. My privacy is limited somewhat because Mike is now at home, and can't seem to decide if he is going to college or not. Work was rough today with the rain and storming.
I start classes tomorrow. Yuck!
Right now I'm working on NISB trying to get most of things done before I have to worry about college shit.
Current Song - You Know My Name (Look Up The Number) (The Beatles)
The kids are starting school and I'll get the house somewhat to myself. My privacy is limited somewhat because Mike is now at home, and can't seem to decide if he is going to college or not. Work was rough today with the rain and storming.
I start classes tomorrow. Yuck!
Right now I'm working on NISB trying to get most of things done before I have to worry about college shit.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Welcome to #35's NEW Waste of Space!!!
Cutter's Log - Stardate 7002.71.80
Current Song - Dirty Work (Steely Dan)
Hello everyone and welcome to my NEW Waste of Space, otherwise known as a blog. I have been writing blogs for a couple of years now, and my kind of blogs are unlike the traditional ones. I treat it more like a journal, with blog-like things. The last two years were spent at CJB, the same people who hosted my NISB Message Boards.
Here is my old blog, since infested with advertisement garbage:
http://blogs.cjb.net/CodyCutter35
Since I am starting over at a new blog site, I may as well tell a little bit about myself.
I am Cody Cutter, high school sportswriter/convienence store "jack of all trades". I was born and raised and have lived my entire life in Sterling-Rock Falls, IL. Sterling and Rock Falls are two seperate cities bordered by the Rock River. I was born in Sterling on April 28, 1986 and lived in RF, then Sterling, then RF and now in Sterling. I have a lot of pride in my childhood that I spent up until I was 11 years old. I'll sometimes refer to the "good 'ol days" which were my years in Rock Falls (1993-1997). But it's not like everything went downhill after I moved away from RF. I wouldn't be a sportswriter if I were to have stayed in RF.
However, I fell in love with a girl for the first time while living in Rock Falls. Then another one.
Then another five or so while I lived in Sterling up until graduating high school. Of all 7 girls I fell in love with (I'm not crazy, it's just me), the two girls who are now the nicest are the two girls I fell in love with in Merrill School. However, you can't go back and relive your past. One still lives in town, and another is a girlfriend of one of the Yankees (Class A).
I am a 2005 graduate of Sterling High School. I went from sports management (boys and girls basketball, football and volleyball) to high school sportswriter in those four years at SHS. I was waterboy in Max Gaumer's final year coaching football at SHS and I (and others) like to consider myself a cult figure on that particular team. I now attend Sauk Valley Community College.
I began my journalism career with Prep Sports Online, then "interning" at the Daily Gazette and Dixon Telegraph before creating Northern Illinois Sports Beat, the high school website I operate on my own.
Unfortunately, NISB doesn't churn in any dollars or cents. I work at BP, the gas station on Lincolnway and Freeport Rds in Sterling. I work three nights of 11-7 late nights as well as Sunday mornings. One of only three men working there, I get handed the maintence chores and tough guy chores. I've never fallen asleep on the job, I've never been robbed or shot at, and I've only had one drive-off (gas-and-go) in the 11 months I've been working there.
Last but not least about myself: I am different than you. That's not a made-up statement, but rather I act and think differently than others. This is because I have Asperger's Syndrome, a condition where childhood cases of mild autism "just go away." Well, they don't. After puberty, the autism begins to show in particular situations. *Limited or total lack of verbal communication ability *Reoccuring thoughts of the past *Believing that the world is different that what others think *Social isolation *Specialized knowledge of only certain interests *Clumsiness.
The Asperger's Syndrome is why I appear shy. When I say that I loved 7 girls, this doesn't go noticed by most others because I am afraid to admit it to not only the girls themselves, but to others. You may think it is easy to set up a relationship with someone you love, but for me it is very hard with the characteristics of A.S. that I have. I've tried to build a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship at times, but I have failed because I am not as swift and quick as every other boy who trys to do the same thing. Sometimes I feel like I have to life with a label of "un-workable" when it comes to relationships.
If you would like to know more about me, just feel free to comment.
My MySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/CodyCutter35
Current Song - Dirty Work (Steely Dan)
Hello everyone and welcome to my NEW Waste of Space, otherwise known as a blog. I have been writing blogs for a couple of years now, and my kind of blogs are unlike the traditional ones. I treat it more like a journal, with blog-like things. The last two years were spent at CJB, the same people who hosted my NISB Message Boards.
Here is my old blog, since infested with advertisement garbage:
http://blogs.cjb.net/CodyCutter35
Since I am starting over at a new blog site, I may as well tell a little bit about myself.
I am Cody Cutter, high school sportswriter/convienence store "jack of all trades". I was born and raised and have lived my entire life in Sterling-Rock Falls, IL. Sterling and Rock Falls are two seperate cities bordered by the Rock River. I was born in Sterling on April 28, 1986 and lived in RF, then Sterling, then RF and now in Sterling. I have a lot of pride in my childhood that I spent up until I was 11 years old. I'll sometimes refer to the "good 'ol days" which were my years in Rock Falls (1993-1997). But it's not like everything went downhill after I moved away from RF. I wouldn't be a sportswriter if I were to have stayed in RF.
However, I fell in love with a girl for the first time while living in Rock Falls. Then another one.
Then another five or so while I lived in Sterling up until graduating high school. Of all 7 girls I fell in love with (I'm not crazy, it's just me), the two girls who are now the nicest are the two girls I fell in love with in Merrill School. However, you can't go back and relive your past. One still lives in town, and another is a girlfriend of one of the Yankees (Class A).
I am a 2005 graduate of Sterling High School. I went from sports management (boys and girls basketball, football and volleyball) to high school sportswriter in those four years at SHS. I was waterboy in Max Gaumer's final year coaching football at SHS and I (and others) like to consider myself a cult figure on that particular team. I now attend Sauk Valley Community College.
I began my journalism career with Prep Sports Online, then "interning" at the Daily Gazette and Dixon Telegraph before creating Northern Illinois Sports Beat, the high school website I operate on my own.
Unfortunately, NISB doesn't churn in any dollars or cents. I work at BP, the gas station on Lincolnway and Freeport Rds in Sterling. I work three nights of 11-7 late nights as well as Sunday mornings. One of only three men working there, I get handed the maintence chores and tough guy chores. I've never fallen asleep on the job, I've never been robbed or shot at, and I've only had one drive-off (gas-and-go) in the 11 months I've been working there.
Last but not least about myself: I am different than you. That's not a made-up statement, but rather I act and think differently than others. This is because I have Asperger's Syndrome, a condition where childhood cases of mild autism "just go away." Well, they don't. After puberty, the autism begins to show in particular situations. *Limited or total lack of verbal communication ability *Reoccuring thoughts of the past *Believing that the world is different that what others think *Social isolation *Specialized knowledge of only certain interests *Clumsiness.
The Asperger's Syndrome is why I appear shy. When I say that I loved 7 girls, this doesn't go noticed by most others because I am afraid to admit it to not only the girls themselves, but to others. You may think it is easy to set up a relationship with someone you love, but for me it is very hard with the characteristics of A.S. that I have. I've tried to build a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship at times, but I have failed because I am not as swift and quick as every other boy who trys to do the same thing. Sometimes I feel like I have to life with a label of "un-workable" when it comes to relationships.
If you would like to know more about me, just feel free to comment.
My MySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/CodyCutter35
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