Home One

Cutter's Log – Stardate 8002.02.21
Current Song – That's The Way of the World (Earth, Wind and Fire)


THE NEW COMPUTER IS HERE!!!!

ThinkCentre M55 (TCE Vision)
8811-FHU

Pentium 4D 3.0 Ghz CPU
1G DDR2 RAM (I'll get the other 1G ram later)
160G SATA Hard Drive
CDRW/DVD drive
Onboard Video
Onboard Audio
10/100/1000 Ethernet
6 USB 2.0 Ports
Windows XP

Hanns-G monitor

Speakers, mouse and keyboard

$582 and change


I bought it at the downtown computer store (Unique Computer), where my old dead one sits in a junk pile. Part paychecks, part blackjack winnings.

I spent about a day trying to figure out where to plug it in at. The computer sits on my desk in the upstairs landing. There is a chance I may get the whole “den” moved into my bedroom. After all, the computer takes up 5/6 of my desk space. I've got other things laying on the floor next to steps, and I've got to move them soon. I took the power surge from our old computer and I had difficulty realizing that I didn't have any three-prong outlets upstairs. I didn't know there were such things as three-prong-into-two-prong resistors (they cost 33 cents).

At first it appeared that the power surge was not working. Then I found an on-off switch on the back of the computer tower. Duh!

After about an hour walking around it, I downloaded the “cheap” version of Microsoft Office, which is OfficeSuite. It's useful. I'm typing this blog entry on it.

The last couple of ingredients are the Internet and Anti-Virus software. I'm next to a phone jack, but I want to know if everything's okay before I use it. So I'm still using the Sterling Library as a temporary Internet watering hole.

All's okay. I just have to get used to this keyboard. I have to break it in, especially the “enter” key because it feels like two fingers have to press it in order to work.

Well, kind of.

There. Just had to press it harder.

I'm going to have to get used to the new “backspace” key. It is the same size as a keyboard letter key. Sometimes when I'm typing I hit the middle of the key. On this thing, where I would usually press is the backspace and \ and key. The keyboard also has feature keys at the top.

When I get the two necessities, I'm prepared to make this “Home One” when it comes to NISB functions.

I've got a lot of stuff to pick up!

I'm going too fast

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.90.21
Current Song - Wonderful Christmas Time (Paul McCartney)

I had a bunch of columns to write this month, but I'm realizing that I'm going too fast. I'm going to try to slow down and schedule myself some quality time.

Last computer use at SVCC

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.50.21
Current Song - Turn Your Love Around (George Benson)

I got an hour-and-a-half before I'm pried away from the computers at Sauk. After today, I only have the library to do things.

The computer fund has started. But first I have to tend to my car because I think a tire rod is bent. Then I got two bad lights. Then I can think about my Christmas list. I just need some seclusion right now to begin thinking - and area sports schedules. And money. And a computer. And patience. I still have a column to write, but I left my scandisc at home.

I hope to be on here more than I can imagine.

Busy Columnizing

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.40.21
Current Song - How do the Fools Survive (Doobie Brothers)

Got a couple of columns to put up:

Sterling's new media advances
IHSGD's 1,000 milestone


Not a good day for me on the road. The roads SUCK!!!! I ran into a ditch on Pearl City road. Lucky for me, only some minor cosmetic damage. I delivered Chronicles all over the county and eastern Jo Daviess. I had planned to go to a wrestling meet and Cherry Valley Mall, but I want to get these written up first.

Off I go!

Putting Together a schedule

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.20.21
Current Song - Roll With The Changes (REO Speedwagon)

I had a fun night at work Sunday. Hardly anyone showed up and I was left getting things done in a hurry. That left time for me to come up with some column ideas.

I've been trying to go the column route lately, so that prospecting writers can use their know-how in the technological perspective to relish in the deadline world. That doesn't mean I don't know how to beat a deadline. Been there, done that. But I haven't done something like that in quite some time. If only I had a laptop and preparation, I would be able to excel in this world. But that' s a luxury I do not have at this time, and I probably won't get until all necessities are accomplished.

With that being said, I'm going to ask my parents if a plan will work out: I would buy the desktop computer, and they would pay the Internet bill for some time before each of us goes back to paying. I don't know if I have the money to buy the big hulk of tubes, but I'm definately saving up for this.

I'm trying to hurry up and get one because this is my last couple of days here at Highland before Christmas break. Sauk closes either this week or next. With both of these places closed, I only have the library to do work for an hour a day!!!

Thus, I'm going to write a bit this week and hopefully post them within the first half of this month.

Here's your sneak peek:

Sterling's Advancement in new medium
Immaculate Conception - football enrollment
IHSGD @ 1,000 schools
Fall Sports Wrapper
Dvorak Invitational Newcomers
Bertrand Q&A?

Getting into Winter Mode

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.52.11
Current Song - Deacon Blues (Steely Dan)

With all of the fall sports over, I'm going to try to focus on preparing for the Winter season. I'm trying to figure out off days, holiday days, etc. I've already set off the Class 3A and 4A boys basketball state tournament in conjunction with Highland's spring break. I'm taking spring break off of work too. I'm going to Tucson for that week.

I've also set aside the Rock Falls Shootout on January 10.

I've also set aside the first part of the Pekin Tournament after Christmas. However, after a recent look at Boylan's schedule, Coach Goers is actually on pace to break Coach Van Scyoc January 9th against Belvidere (if Boylan wins every game until then). So I'm going to restructure my Christmas schedule.

(Live action blog entry begins)

Erie's final day is Tuesday, December 30. It's a tournament I've gone to the past two years. Tuesday is also I day I normally get off.

Now I'm trying to find an after-Christmas tournament that does not end on the 30th.

Chuck Dayton ends on Saturday, December 27.

Dvorak is Tuesday, December 23.

Polo girls: Saturday, December 20.

Ottawa girls: Monday, December 22.

LTC Boys: Friday, February 6, 2009

West Carroll: Saturday, January 24

I think that's enough days to request off this winter. The rest of the open dates may just stem off of Sterling/RF-area and Freeport area events. If I want to go to an event after class, I have to leave at 6:00 PM from Freeport. I prefer 7:00 arrival times to events. Anywhere within 1:15 from Freeport will work for me on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I shouldn't really do any requests for Mid-Shift the rest of this Calendar year. If I request a mid-shift worktime, chances are it's for an event which is good based on team performances.

Off of work at 6:00 PM to a 7:00 arrival: I can get from Sterling to Dakota in an hour. I can make it to the I-80 area between Geneseo and Spring Valley in an hour. Rochelle and Indian Creek are one-hour drives. It makes a box with the sides being the Mississippi, US 20, and I-80 and 39. If I have to venture anywhere outside of this "box" I have to request a whole day off or go on a day off. I can't make it to the Rockford or Quad City schools in that span unless I leave work by 5:30, which means a 4:00 off time.

Out of class at 6:00 PM for a 7:00 arrival: Galena, Sterling and Belvidere (maybe) can be made. Stillman Valley and Savanna can also be made. Rochelle and Morrison cannot be made.

I can also do Saturday morning/afternoon events, just as long as I be back at work at 5:00 PM.

I have no class from December 5 until January 11, so working Tuesday mid or Thursday both should not be a problem.

Wrestling??? Geneseo? PIT? Flavin? BNC? STATE?? Girls Bowling state?

GB: Sat, Feb 14
WR State: Sat, Feb 21/28
BNC: I DON't KNOW!!!

Now that I have a few dates set in stone, hopefully it can work out with my work schedule and class schedule. I have no idea when my Chronicle coverage schedule will be for the spring semester.

Here comes the pen and piece of paper.

The Evolution of a Backfiring Column

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.42.11
Current Song - After the Love is Gone (Earth, Wind and Fire)

The Evolution of a Backfiring Column
Cody’s Note: This was a draft I wrote about the absence of an area team from the football state finals. I wrote the piece, and then I had differences. The piece I was going to write was scrapped, but still kind of presents an argument.

I’m usually good at research. If I wasn’t, I would have been named one of the site authors of Illinois High School Glory Days.

After Milledgeville, Oregon and Richmond-Burton fell in the football semifinals I decided to do some research. I was trying to figure out when was the last time one of my coverage teams did NOT make it to the state tournament.

The problem lies with my definition of “area.”

When I started Northern Illinois Sports Beat in 2004, I carried over coverage schools from NCIpreps and expanded on that by touching the “borders” of EdgyTim.com and the Peoria Journal Star message board. A couple of years later, there was a certain chunk of schools that I never bothered to cover.

In the summer of 2006 I decided to cut the following schools from my coverage area: Aledo, Alexis United, Henry-Senachwine, Joy Westmer, Knoxville, Monmouth-Roseville, Rockridge, ROWVA, Sherrard and Stark County. Huntley and Johnsburg were also cut from the eastern border.

Because the NCIC is NISB’s base conference (having been inherited from NCIpreps), any new NCIC school is automatically added into the “area”. IVC was added and Morris will be added.

Are you confused already?

Maybe my dud of a column will straighten things up.

------

Another Northern Illinois Goose Egg
Last year, none of our area boys basketball teams competed at Carver Arena in Peoria. This year, none of our area football teams will compete at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. There’s not a plague going around here, but this came as a total shock.


It saddened me last year seeing Eastland, West Carroll and Sterling all crumble before my very eyes at NIU’s Convocation Center during last year’s boys basketball Super Sectionals in mind-March. All three teams lost the same way: horribly slow starts.

Fast forward eight months later: Milledgeville, Oregon and Richmond-Burton are one step away from going to the state football tournament. There are usually at least two teams from the area that head to Memorial every year. There was a good chance that all three of these teams could make it. Milledgeville was ranked No. 1 for half of the season, Oregon was playing down a class than normal, and Richmond-Burton succeeded as underdogs three times during the playoffs.

All three teams were sent packing within a one-hour span.

Stark County comes back from being down 18-0 to win a tight one at Floyd Daub Field by the score of 27-24 over Milledgeville.

Oregon, who led 23-6 during the third quarter, succumbs to a huge Illini West comeback and falls 27-23.

Richmond-Burton’s magic didn’t work against Aurora Christian, who beat the Rockets 29-20.

Two of the three games had the same dramatics. Damn déjà vu! The three teams have nothing to hang their heads about, nor do all of the other great football teams and stories of this season. My continued success goes out to all of the seniors who plan on playing in college, and to the kids who have one, two or three more years to improve on this year.

As a sportswriter who covers northern Illinois high school athletics (no other writer can claim to have East Dubuque, Harvard, Galesburg, and soon-to-be Morris in their coverage area), I feel horribly bummed. I feel bad for the kids in the area that have worked their butts off.

Some say the expanded class system was to blame for the area basketball goose egg, but there has been no expansion in football since 2001. Our teams got beat by better teams. Stark County comes from one of the toughest divisions in small school football: the West Prairie Trail Northwest. Elmhurst Immaculate Conception comes from one of the toughest conferences in the state: the Suburban Catholic. Illini West has been crushing opponents all year. Aurora Christian beat Driscoll. From Class 5A on up, our area is out resourced a ton. That’s just the way the pairings worked out, which is something to not argue about.

Last year’s boys basketball void was the first time since 1980-81 that an area team was not represented. Sterling Newman and DePue tried, but came up short in super-sectional action.

----------

Everything was going okay, until I expanded upon the above pargraph:

“Never in the history of the IHSA Football Championship Series has a team from the immediate and fringe area NOT made it to state. This year is the first year an “immediate area” team has not made it to state.

It is important for me to note that the NISB coverage area has changed since the site’s inception in 2004. Schools had been dropped (Alexis United, Rockridge, Stark County, Aledo, Monmouth) and added (Morris, IVC and possibly a future NCIC school from outside the area). Those “dropped” are considered “fringe area” which is close to the “immediate area.” In researching this fact, I have decided to honor fringe schools until their 2006 “drop” and new schools starting with join date (IVC 2006, Morris 2009).”

The above paragraph was italicized, asterisked, de-italicized, de-asterisked, and rewritten in ten different forms before I settled on this.

The point I was getting to was that of the teams I cover now, none went to state. If I had kept those cut schools, this wouldn’t be the case. If I kept Stark County, I wouldn’t have even written this piece.

I guess I’ll settle for this short sentence:

“For the first time since I started NISB in 2004, none of my area teams made it to state.”

Headache

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.02.11
Current Song - Open Your Eyes (Doobie Brothers)

I've got a terrible headache. It started when I was doing some dramatics and it felt as if I pulled a muscle in my jaw. The pain has somewhat moved to behind my right ear. I'm working straight until Sunday night, too. However, I'll be alright.

I don't have too much planned for NISB stuff. I would like to get an Obs/Preview piece on the football semifinals going. Plus, I have another NCIC Lincoln column to write up.

Fixed!

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.81.11
Current Song - Steamer Lane Breakdown (Doobie Brothers)

GeoCities got my site fixed, so I can go back to normal with site updating. Which is good because I was able to get my Kewanee column uploaded.

The more I think of it, I'm more of a column guy. I can keep crafting my talent in this regard, and may be able to get the concept sold.

Let's see: I've got Milledgeville-Stark County on Saturday afternoon. Friday morning I'm headed to Milledgeville, if they beat SC, to do some looting. I'm just kidding. I just want to see how dry the town is.

Design Screwup, and not just that

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.41.11
Current Song - He's So Shy (Pointer Sisters)

The front page of Northern Illinois Sports Beat looks like crap. I don't know what the problem is other than the pictures won't come up and the background is not there. So the "classic" red background is up for now. On my interactive drawing board (where I actually make the changes) the "link," "picture," and "save" buttons will not work. I contacted GeoCities about this problem yesterday and I haven't had a response back yet.

I'm hoping there are people I know that run the Free Geocities setup that have the same problem, only to make me feel as if it's not a problem of my own. I'm thinking this is a GeoCities problem because I run two Geocities websites (northernillinoissportsbeat & shs42886). Both are showing the same problem.

I can't put up any stories. It kind of sucks because I have a lot of things to put on it.

So I'm dead in the water for now.

UPDATE: I can save pages, but they look crappy. Plus, this is a Geocities problem.

Yesterday I found out someone who I like very much has a boyfriend. Back to the drawing board.

Mental notes to myself

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.60.11
Current Song - Dependin' On You (The Doobie Brothers)

I'm at the lab without a pen and paper.

Write round 2 preview tonight.
Jot down Norman quotes Friday afternoon.
Polo/North fulton Saturday afternoon
write up Sunday afternoon

Obama column
Dave mitchell column

I'm not a rookie

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.03.01
Current Song - My City was Gone (Pretenders)

I'm going to make this short.

I've been in journalism for seven years, four longer than the next-experienced person. Although this is my first year at the Chronicle, I get sick and tired of people thinking I'm a rookie at journalism. First off, I could have been editor in chief, but I didn't want to do that. The Chronicle is a journalism lab. I've been there and done that. I figured I'd let someone else not as experienced as me have a shot at it.

I don't like it when these "editors" give me suggestions, especially when I know what the hell I'm doing. If they're looking for "supervisor points" over me, I'm not that kind of person to do that to.

Bottom line: Don't insult my experience!

Tackling Busyness

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.12.01
Current Song - Grease (Frankie Valli)

I just submitted my one story for this issue. Planned a few more for the next one.
Doing some columns here and there.
Working my butt off at times.

I keep putting off things just to try to keep up with all of this madness.

I wrote down plans for last week, and they seemed to have held together. Maybe I'll start doing that so I can get some things done for a change. I'll have to commit to being a busy person for quite some time just to get the monkeys off my own back.

Finally!

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.31.01
Current Song - Real Love (John Lennon)

(edit)

Here's a long one, like usual

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.90.01
Current Song - Rise (Herb Alpert)

If you've noticed lately, the blog enties have been getting thinner. That's because what I have for computer time is very thin. Most of that time is spent on website work and Chronicle stuff.

I type out of three locations: Sauk, Highland and the Sterling Public Library. All three have closing times, plus I might have to be cut off before I go to work. That's why I don't write on here very much.

Except when I have a pencil and looseleaf paper.

The first edition of the Chronicle came out in print last week. I tlooks great! If you live in the Freeport area, pick up a copy somewhere. I'm going to drop off copies at the Shannon Caseys today. We are working on an internet site for the paper - right up my alley, but I won't touch the tools in fear of breaking them.

I did two stories: an intro to Highland Athletics, and a story on the HCC volleyball team. the print edition glance on Tuesday was the first time I looked at all the stories. They all look great! My stories had quotes in seperate paragraphs, which tells you who's the experienced one on the staff :)

I'll be doing two stories again this time, with Jon doing three. We're a bit behind right now, but I'm confident we'll get stories done in time. I hada busy day today as far as sports are concerned.

Something interesting about this is the conflict with my work schedule. I round out this week working Friday and Saturday night.

The next two weeks are killer! Hardly any room for sports!

Monday - 10/13 - 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 10/14 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 10/15 - 5:00 to close
Thursday - 10/16 - OFF!
Friday - 10/17 - 5:00 to close
Saturday - 10/18 - 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday - 10/19 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday - 10/20 - 5:00 to close
Tuesday - 10/21 - OFF
Wednesday - 10/22 - 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday - 10/23 - OFF
Friday - 10/24 - 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday - 10/25 - 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday - 10/26 - 5:00 to close

I am training a new lady tomorrow.

I'd like to push the Submit Your Story feature out to area freelancers. There is something special about online freelance journalism, which I will discuss another day.

I don't know if I mentioned this, but I was made aware of a sportswriting void at the Bureau County Republican in Princeton. I flirted with an opening there three years ago, but ultimately decided it was too far away for me. I'm not ready to live on my own yet.

This busyness has taken me away from living a normal life. The work schedule, however, is just fine because I'm broke right now. I figured out that if I took out NISB and merged it with a paying job, it would work out great. I haven't figured out a SOLUTION out yet, however. Do what I love to do, live a good life, and have fun.

Finally some Volleyball?

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.80.01
Current Song - Press Your Luck theme (don't ask me why)

I got Saturday off. Yippee!

I don't have Friday off. Shit!

This Saturday is the Dixon Volleyball Invitational. Top teams will be Sterling and LaSalle-Peru. Rock Falls, usually a contender, is not much this year. A team spotlight in the works? I haven't had the time to see anything other than football. However, I will examine my schedule once again. Hopefully I can work something out.

Live from West Dundee

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.40.01
Current Song - What You Won't Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell)

My sister Diana got married today. The wedding and reception went wonderful. My family, grandparents and Uncle Mat's family came up for the weekend. I had only been to two weddings in my lifetime, the first was Mat's 15 years ago. My cousin Josh got married a couple months ago. Di's marriage was at the church not too far from where she grew up (First Congregational Church of Dundee). It was great seeing the families of both Di and Scott again.

The reception was held at the Milk Pail in Dundee. Me, my brothers, and my cousin Jesseca were at a table with some of Di's cousins. One of them wrestles for DeWitt Central, the school that's won Chris's home wrestling invitational six years in a row.

Telling everyone her name is Diana Weatherer will be hard for me to remember now.

I spent Friday night at York v. Glenbard West. The football game is something I'll write about in a column soon. The game was a blowout though: York lost 48-6.

If you're reading this, Diana, congratulations once again and best wishes to the both of you in the new chapters in your life. I know I don't get to see you a whole lot, but I love you very much as a sister to me.

Wedding this Weekend

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.03.90
Current Song - I Saw the Light (Todd Rundgren)

My sister Diana is getting married this weekend up in West Dundee. Rehersal is Friday and wedding is Saturday. We are staying up for the weekend. I'm not in the rehersal, so I wanted to find a good football game to go to. Something involving a Northern Illinois team. The best one I could find was Plano @ Westmont.

This is a bitch considering that there are a couple of great games this weekend. Galena is traveling to Milledgeville on Friday, and Rockford Christian is going to Alden-Hebron on Saturday (they play during the wedding).

I'm working on getting some more stories on NISB. All I've been able to muster are Weekly football observations.

Know Your Neighbors

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.52.90
Current Song - Dependin' On You (The Doobie Brothers)

I was featured in the Gazette's "Know Your Neighbors" feature on Wednesday!

http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2008/09/24/news/local/c9f91059bfff8060ca916638203ba7e9.txt

Poseidon Adventure

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.32.90
Current Song - Cantaloop (US3)

Just when you're doing nothing at 3:30 AM, and there's nothing on the television, AMC found something for me. I had only heard about what The Poseidon Adventure was about, but I never saw the movie until now. It is now one of my favorite movies.

RIP Computer

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.71.90
Current Song - Let's Groove (Earth, Wind and Fire)

My brush with the home computer was fatal.

It lived a very long live. We got the computer, a Gateway, in March of 2001. Seven-and-a-half years is a long time for a computer. Its capacity was one that today's computers can laugh at. I'm having to work out of the library, Highland, and Sauk. Apparently my user account at Sauk still works. Therefore, I'm only on the computer during certain times of the day.

We are looking at getting a new one after my sister's wedding in early October.

I'm doing a few updates to NISB at this time. Along with Jon Lewis, there may be another writer out of Richmond-Burton contributing. I'm also setting up a shooting schedule for Ty, the staff photographer. Last but not least, I'm playing a mind game with a man from Morrison over a recruiting service. He thinks he beat me.

October issue drafts done

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.11.90
Current Song - Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)

I don't have to worry about writing anything for Highland at least until next month around this time. Now I think I can concentrate on some NISB stuff for a change.

Last night I found myself going on a short drive just to think about some plans for the site. I was thinking about advertisments going on the site. I figured just one banner ad on the front page, and a seperate sponsors page. Rates are okay, I think. By the time I got to that idea, that short drive became a long one: I turned around at Mendota.

Luckilly, there was a 24-hour gas station that sold 89 oct gas for $3.65/gallon. Back home the 89 oct is $3.99. I needed a fillup.

On my way back I thought about a fundraiser idea. A 50/50 raffle came to mind.

When I got home my dad was awake and I told him about my drive. He said that i shouldn't use the site as the main source of income. Sometimes I thought about leaving Shell and just doing the site, but I don't want to do that now.

So I'm stuck at square one, but a couple of ideas and concepts came about. The advertisement idea is something I'd like to propose to the message board community one day. Maybe that'll help me travel to some more games and do more with the site.

Until then, with work and school absolutely suffocating me, I'm stuck doing nothing. I haven't been able to get fresh content up and running. Maybe I can go back to doing a bunch of athlete Q&As and team/item features. The Q&As are easy to set up and do, but the features involve travel and commitments.

Most everything goes on during Tuesdays and Thursdays. By the time I leave class at 5:30-6:00 PM, I can only go so far to catch an athletic event. Looks like the best things out there are Dakota, Orangeville and EPC volleyball. Just not enough.

I've also thought about pushing the Story Submission concept all around creation. I already have one person do that. I had Plano football covered last year, and with the Rock Falls athletic website shut down, maybe I can entice their boys basketball writer to submit something.

Been away for a while

Cutter's Blog - Stardate 8002.01.90
Current Song - Right Now (Van Halen)

I virused the computer last week, and I'm having to go to the library, and Sauk to get Internet access. My Sauk account still works on their computers even though I'm not a student anymore. Then when I'm in class, I'll get all the internet I need.

Journalism class is going great. I'm writing a couple of stories that are due tomorrow. One is about the Highland Volleyball team, and the other is Cougar Athletics 101: An intro to athletics at HCC. The commute is great, but sometimes I get stressed out driving up and down those hills on Freeport Road. I found an alternative route through Milledgeville and Shannon. That way seems to be less stressful. As I said before, we have a terrific staff this year and we'll be making some serious noise this semester.

Since the computer has gone on the DL, NISB work has been taken aside. I'm still partaking in the pick'em contest, doing those results, compiling scores, conference standings, and writing weekly observations. I also brought back the Fake Polls for this season. Other than that, I haven't found time to do a whole lot with school and Shell.

There are nights I think about quitting Shell and powering up NISB for the long run. Truth is, I just don't have the resources to do that. It also seems as if advertisements will be too distracting for everyone, and would be costly. I'm also working Friday nights :(

While I am making my twice-weekly commutes up the the frigid north, I thought about doing the ol' NISB flyer thing throughout the Upstate Illini.

Since I've been gone, I have always been thinking about the state of journalism. Here in the Sauk Valley, we have a Weekend Edition that is distributed every Saturday. I've also pondered change from game article writing to feature writing. Gamer writing seems to be becoming a dead writing form.

Thus, I've been examining the wrap-up style versus the feature style of gamer writing.

Wrap-up style was how I started in journalism at Prep Sports Online. When I first wrote, it was all stat and chronological writing, and no quotes. It was "lead, chronological, stat, mini-preview". That form featured more individual names than usual, and forced the direct imacts of the game to be fully analyzed. That is the "why and how" of the game. Why did such things happen, and how did such things happen. It is more analytical.

The feature style of gamer writing is what you see in the Gazette. It is an effort to get people noticed and written about by observation. A typical Gazette lead has ""so-and-so" (insert action verb here) at ..." Feature style takes a central focus and lets you know about it throughout the entire article. While it is a fact that scouts rely on local newspapers for information on athletes, sometimes the fluff doesn't work.

Both wrap-up and feature have its weaknesses.

Wrap-up's biggest weakness is that what you see in the article had already been seen by the crowd, and heard on radio. In high school sports, those interested in the particular subject are already going to be at the game. They already know what happened.

Feature's biggest weakness is that there are things that just aren't mentioned that should be.

My preferred style (wrap-up) has been declared dead by today's journalists, but is it for the audience of the piece? That's who I write for. Do the fans know what's going on in the minds of those playing and coaching? Not just their own team, but for the other team as well? I'm not trying to say that the fans do not know, but my writing is simply an alternative, more analytical, take on the game. I can still write how I write so that people will be informed of a more detailed manner.

It's true, fans want to know more. That's why they turn to the newspaper, for more detail. My job is to inform them moreso.

I'm getting tired. Later on, I'd like to explain why I don't do stories on athletes themselves.

I can't stop crying

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.30.80
Current Song - Minute by Minute (The Doobie Brothers)

I went to the Rockford Guilford/Rockford Boylan football game last night. Boylan crushed Guilford 34-0. But that's not what I'm crying about.

The first week of football season made me realize just how much I miss writing about high school sports and covering games on a regular basis. It's something I did during the first two years running the site. Now I'm working at gas stations, and seeing fellow writers and former bosses come in dissapoints me. That's not how I want them to remember me. I know, I shouldn't think of it that way.

Also, I was just scheduled to work on week 2 (Friday). A lot of good games are going on that night.

Nothing is hurting me more.

Breath of Fresh Air

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.72.80
Current Song - Words (The Bee Gees)

I finally got all of EdgyTim's Conference Calls done. It took me a while to write up the NCIC Lincoln call because I could get no info about Mendota. I was surprised to not see articles on the team from the News-Tribune, or even the Mendota Reporter. To see what I wrote, go to EdgyTim.com.

Today is work day.

Thursday I am meeting with, and yelling at, my sports apprentice for the Chronicle. Story ideas were due today and he didn't show up, or send any ideas. So I'm just going to assign him some things. Hopefully he can write a Golf article. I'm doing a Volleyball article, and I already went to their game at Clinton CC to take a look. Ideas were discussed with the staff. My photo page thing was smashed. Upcoming schedule and Conference Standings were okayed as item fillers. A new thing called "Cougar Confidental" a combination of Steve Tucker's blog and Rockford's Quick Shots was approved. Jon and I would be working together on this.

Thursday Night Football: Rockford Lutheran battles Rockford Christian Life. It'll be the second time I see RCL play on week one. The last game was on a Saturday.

While I was at work on Monday I was thinking about my future as a college journalist. Last week, I wrote about how the Voyager could have been exclusively Online. Boy it wouldn't hurt to revive the Voyager as a revolutionay concept in Illinois Community College journalism, now would it? Although I would be a dead lock for Editor-in-Chiefship, my web skills are weak (just look at NISB). Then I could be advisor at graduation! However, Assistant Instructor of Journalism is not in my plans.

Time for bed.

Let's get a schedule going

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.42.80
Current Song - Give it Away (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

I want to tell work that my schedule for next week should stick all throughout the school year until June of 2009. Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 5-close (4-close when Kim works). That leaves Tuesday, Thursday and Friday off. I'm glad I can get the Fridays off as well. I can schedule in some football games! Not only that, maybe a nearby golf meet.

Tuesday and Thursdays have to be devoted to volleyball meets, since my class schedule is from 5-6. I think I can go 30-45 minutes straight from Highland to a volleyball meet. That's the entire Upstate Illini, Byron, Stillman, Oregon, Bago, and Rockford and all points north. Maybe Belvidere. Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon and Morrison may be pushing it (yeah, with a lead foot). Well I guess there's not a whole lot of near-suburban coverage to be had (kind of a plus). Not being able to get to the Illinois Valley will be dissapointing.

Even my Tuesday-Thursday high school plans have to take a backseat to anything Highland related. I'm printing out the Highland fall schedules right now and doing some notes.

Saturdays will be hectic. I'd love to go to meets that start early in the morning and get done quickly - just in time to get me to work.

So that's it. That goes for all weeks until June with the exception of intercession.

Now, what goes for this week?

Monday I'm working, and letting the HCC VB coach know about tomorrow.
Tuesday I'll meet with Highland AD and introduce myself as a sports presence at the newspaper. I'm going to class, and then headed to Clinton Community College to do a quick feature interview session with the HCC Volleyball team. Looks like no varsity tonight.
Wednesday I'm working.
Thursday I'm going to class, and after a sports staff meeting, I'm headed to Rockford Lutheran for a football game.
Friday is all Boylan @ Guilford.
Saturday will be spent at the Rock Falls golf Invitational @ Deer Valley - NISB Q&A with a Newman golfer. Then work @ 5.
Sunday I'm working.

Whew!

It's called TIME, and I have none of it

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.32.80
Current Song - Strange Magic (ELO)

I get asked the question, "Cody, what will it take to make you a better journalist?"

Time.

I don't have a lot of time to put into NISB, and it shows by means of site traffic.
Nor do I have a lot of time to devote to a certain area; say, Sterling/Rock Falls. That's three high schools while working every day. Can't do that at the moment.
Even with one school (say Newman began a sports website), it's an every day job. Can't do that at the moment.

Shell and school take up too much time. By the time I get done with school by 2010, I can only imagine what journalism will be like. I'll be so far behind everyone else.

Give me a job and pay, and I'll kick ass.

I'm tired.

First day at Highland

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.02.80
Current Song - Stormy (Classics IV)

Tuesday evening was my first day as a Highland Cougar. It feels weird that I'm not at Sauk anymore, albeit this is a temporary move. My Journalism class is from 5:00 to 6:15 PM. The drive is okay, but there's too much straight line.

I feel that this year's Chronicle staff will be a great one. We return six of nine from last year's staff, and have five newcomers, one of which was EIC at Freeport High, and another is a transfer from Sauk Valley who served as assistant editor-in-chief over there (I'm talking like a coach, aren't I?). Of course, I am that transfer. The paper is very serious about being successful, and has a lot more resources and talent than the Voyager had. Their monthly issues are 18-20 pages, and mostly consist of features. As usual, I remained quiet during the first day, but only to get a feel of the writing staff I will be working with.

Looking back on the Voyager, we tried to mix in hard news with features, but the problem was how fresh the stories were by distribution. That was embarassing. In fact, one day Brian suggested that we do away with the print edition and go strictly on-line. About a year later, with the recent trend of journalism funk, I think that would have been the way to go. We would have been one of the only JUCOs in our division that took that step. It would have been a breakthrough. Now, of course, there is no paper at SVCC.

The Chronicle doesn't have an online edition, and during this semester I would like to suggest that one be made. After all, that IS the trend.

The deadlines were already made. That's a sigh of relief. However, there are specialized deadlines. One is for a story idea, another for the rough draft, another for the final copy, another is for layout, and another for sendoff. That means there's no room for game articles, since the content will NOT be fresh at distribution. This is done over the course of a month. In the real world this can be done no later than three hours.

I am so used to the daily publication. The challenge for me is to lay back and remind myself that these are students who are just beginning. Plus, the stories I'll be writing are going to be of a feature fashion. I guess that's the missing link of my writing quest.

Now you'll know what I may have in store on NISB.

I have been dubbed the unofficial Sports Editor, since there wasn't any sports writers AT ALL in the recent past. That will be decided officially on Thursday. I'm sure that will be a no brainer.

I would like a 4-6 page sports section.
Cougar Capsules - A "quick shots" type feature on Highland Athletics.
Schedules with results for each sport and event. This will be updated at design.
If there is a game article to be done, there will also be agate.
A sports photo gallery.
Recruiting roll call.
Q&A!!!!

Plus whatever the rest of the staff suggests. Also, I might have a writer or two I have to take under my sportswriting wing. One of my former pupils is interning for the Valapraiso, IN newspaper.

Best of luck to this year's staff!!!!!

I bought four new cassettes for my twice-weekly drives to and fro. They were only $0.50 each at Goodwill (the only place I guessed would sell these). I got Eric Clapton Unplugged, Elton John's Greatest Hits, Red Hot Chili Peppers singles Under the Bridge and Give it Away, and the Duran Duran single Ordinary World.

One Conference Call down, three to go! I just sent in the NIC-10 preview to Edgy tonight.

Three days this week

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.81.80
Current Song - Jive Talkin' (Bee Gees)

I'm only working Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. At least I know for certain that I'm getting Tuesdays and Thursdays off. Now if I can just rally to get Fridays as well.

I managed to get Thursday, Friday and Saturday off. Thursday for classes, Saturday for my cousin's wedding, and Friday is a mystery to me (since I asked for all after Aug. 29). I'm going to take advantage of this by getting more stuff done. That means putting up my columns and energizing my sports blog. This week will be filled with Conference Call work. I pray that this effort all goes well.

When Backward, March Means Forward, March

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

This is a column I wrote, but just didn't turn out well for true publication. So I'll just post it here.

Edit: 4/4/09 - Post taken down.

School Starts Soon

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.71.80
Current Song - What'cha Gonna Do? (Pablo Cruise)

Classes begin at Highland for me on Tuesday. The prep sports year begins on Monday. EdgyTim.com Conference Call work begins today.

I had no idea how FAST August has been going. Football players, in fact, everyone, is beginning practices. I guess that's what happens when you work too much. Hopefully my schedule will reflect my school commitment. I had better get Tuesdays and Thursdays off!

I got more stuff to put on NISB ... finally!

I'm also going to try to use my sports blog a little more. View my Sports Blog (which is sports-related (this is Cody-related)) at http://northernillinoissportsbeat.blogspot.com .

Back to work! I still don't know where I'm going for Week 1.

Thinking Personally

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

I saw an old friend of mine at Shell not too long ago. She was my middle school crush. She, like many other of my classmates from Sterling HS went away to better pastures (Augie, then WIU). I was probably more of a thorn on her side than anything, but we've since gotten older and used our past in a fun way. I still loved her in a way throughout high school, and we hadn't seen each other since we graduated. That got me thinking just a little bit about a love life.

Then while I'm following the Little League World Series, that got me thinking about another girl(s) that I loved. One of which I haven't seen since she graduated from RF, another I have seen off and on, but not since she left school. Another went away.

Yes, my past loves have stayed away from Sterling and Rock Falls (and thus me) for quite some time.

I can never get them back. They've moved on. I've moved further backward.

It's time I start moving forward.

Getting things accomplished

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.31.80
Current Song - After The Love Has Gone (Earth Wind and Fire)

I've been getting more days off ever since I became kind of worn out. I took this time to get organized with the two sites that I run, Northern Illinois Sports Beat and Illinois High School Glory Days.

Did some work with IHSGD today. Earlier this year I made a research trip to the Princeton library. There I found what was a goldmine: A map of Illinois with dots on it. Well, these dots were every single high school in Illinois in 1920. That was in a book that had an extensive feature on the old Bureau Township High School. I finally made those updates to the site. Turnaround time hasn't been too great, but oh well. That, and a brief bio on Alan Sutton, a writer for the Chicago Tribune, for the Niles East page.

My scanner isn't working right now, and I've got pictures of Kishwaukee, New Milford and Dover Academy to put up.

There'll be at least four new high schools I'm working on. Lily Lake, Wasco, Seward and Orland.

I've also been figuring out what I'm doing for NISB in August. I've got a few columns leading up to the first football games. Because I just realized it is August 13th, I had to abandon my trip to Kewanee Wethersfield. I'm up at 4:00 AM and if I go there and report their first practice, I'll be tired for work tonight. Damn! Back to the drawing board.

I just couldn't do it tonight

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.01.80
Current Song - That's The Way of The World (Earth, Wind and Fire)

I struggled mightily at Shell tonight to the point where I thought about throwing it all away. The demands are tighter, and that's likely due to my lack of everything. While I was contemplanting all of this, it made me realize how much I missed working at the newspaper, my dream job. I have regrets about how I managed to leave, but it was for the best.

It's like sports reporting is the only thing that I CAN do. But the newspaper doesn't want me back. I'm a huge thorn on their sides. I'm the running joke, the flop, the devil that irritates them - all of which because I happen to disagree with philosophy. It's my own fault. I've caused too much hell that I can never go back. Knowing that I can never go back hurts me because that's my dream job, and for one day to rise to the top of the totem pole of the department. That's my own fault, and there's no one but myself to blame.

It's not that I don't like the philosophy of the staff; in fact, I think it's a good one . I just don't think I could do that. I'd rather write something simple and understanding rather than making it literature. They can do that. They can do very, very good at that. It's not wrong. There's no wrong way to write a story. It's just that I don't want to do that. I think my style is okay.

But journalism is a business. If my philosophy is not good for their business, then I can't do it. We're two different worlds. Maybe one day our two worlds can get pulled together for the best interests of all involved.

As I journey to the twilight of the Shell sun, I can only hope that I can find a way to love living a lot more than I am now.

Sauk Valley Noday

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.70.80
Current Song - Easy Lover (Phil Collins and Phil Bailey)

SVN is doing away with Sunday editions.

Sunday content is reported to be divided between the Friday and Saturday editions. The Saturday paper will be touted as a "Weekend Edition." We already had that, the Weekender, and I think even I out-tenured that. Not only will SVN lose their Sunday audience, but when their bulky Weekend Edition hits news stands each Saturday, even the Chicago Tribune will be cheaper. Once Sunday readers get hooked with other Sundays, they'll want their dailys.

Do you want to pay $1.50 for a recap of Friday's football game, or 75 cents to see it in the Register Star or Dispatch?

Are there statistics available as to how many households have Internet access in the Sauk Valley?

You know what they need to boost revenue?

ME!













Upon further review (8/8/08): They may be preparing for Online status. Well, here I am, an Online guy with a sports blog ... anyone?

A few more blackjack tips?

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.40.80
Current Song - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles -- George Harrison)

Toward my work-day bedtime (5:00 AM) I play a round or 24 of my Hoyle Casino CD-ROM to tweaken up my card playing skills.

Lately, I've been playing a lot of Pai Gow Poker, and I found out that you CAN'T WIN in this game! You play against the dealer. In Pai Gow you are dealt seven cards. You take out to cards in order to make the best five-card hand. But the two cards you choose to drop have to make a good two-card hand. Your two card hand also cannot beat your five-card hand.

Here's a typical Pai Gow hand:
9-3-4-K-10-A-9

You look at the cards and figure out what your have: in this case, a pair of 9's. You leave the pair of nines in your five card hand since your five-card hand has to beat your two-card hand. Now you need to determine your best two-card hand: in this case, an ace-high. You take out the ace and the next highest card, which is the king. So now you get to see if your pair of nines and your A-K beats the dealer's cards. Enough about Pai Gow.

I start all of my blackjack table appearances with $100.00. I play at the $5 table, and my chips are all $5. When I first played at a casino (my 21st birthday), I played $5 at a time either until I run out, or became a millionaire. That didn't work out too well. The second time I played, I played until I reached $100, and kept going, but wound up breaking even.

So instead of playing to $100 every night on the computer, I tried playing to $100, and then pocketing $50. When I'm over $100, I play until I hit $150 or leave with the $50 I pocketed. When I hit $150, I play until I hit $200 or leave with the $100 I just pocketed. Etc.

------

My boss hasn't made out this week's schedule. As of this type-up, it is Monday morning. She knows she's coming in this morning. After that, who knows. I'm hoping for an off-day, to get my Orland Park-Palos Park-Blue Island-Chicago trip off and running. While I'm on this excursion, I am going to plan up the rest of my summer (content, site plans, etc.). If not Monday, I'm going to definately do it on Tuesday (my only guarenteed day off for now).

Summer classes are OVER

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.10.80
Current Song - You've Lost That Lovin Feeling (The Righteous Brothers)

I'm glad I have nothing to do in the morning! At least until August 18th, when the first Highland classes begin. I can devote more time to setting up the site until school starts. Here's hoping work will not screw that!

I am heading for a Illinois High School Glory Days research trip on Tuesday (my only "for sure" off day). I'll be heading to Orland Park, Palos Park and the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago. There was a high school in Orland Park for sure, but there may have been one in Palos Park too. Jefferson Park is merely a photo shoot and a possible building status update. Hopefully if the building is still there I can find evidence of a school.

Just found evidence that Blue Island Eisenhower may have the same history treatment as the Orland Park school. I'm going to confer with my IHSGD colleagues to see if they are worthy of recognition on the site.

Thinking about writing ...

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.13.70
Current Song - Dirty Work (Steely Dan)

It seems like America is getting lazy. I know I have, and in some way it is showing in what I write. Back when I was writing for print, the first thing we do is type our our agate (the box score) and then our actual story. I hated doing that, especially on deadline. Isn't it the stories people want to look at? But when little Johnny who went 0-for-4 with 2 K's isn't mentioned in the story, they turn to the box.

On NISB, I have tried to use up the unlimited space (the "online advantage") to make mention of these stats. I'll do that and still keep the story from being long and drab.

We now live in an age where we need to recognize not just the star athletes, but every single person who makes an effort in the event. This is in order to please them. People come up with a journalism method which recognizes all those involved, and then takes it as the default. Everything other philosophy becomes worthless and unwanted. Having been raised an old-school sportswriter, I'm not likely to recognize athlete after athlete because you have to EARN your name in the paper, not recieve it.

I've mentioned this before in an older entry, but I began to wonder again if I would do better if I turned to columns instead of game pieces. When you think about it, there is no real "high school sports columnist" left in northern Illinois (since Andy Colbert departed SVN). In fact, I think Barry Temkin and maybe Bob Frisk are the only ones left.

It would further escalate my education in column writing. If I actually find a journalism job and have to convert back to writing game articles, and thus doing agate, I'll already have that experience. I have considered setting up templates for sports agates and just filling in the blanks rather than write out half of it. I've seen Tribune writers write out part of their story before halftime of a game on their laptop. I'm not close to getting a laptop right now. I still do not know how one works. If only I had this information, I'd be much better off! If I can start writing my columns during the game, that may give me a heads up on knowing how to write game stories in progression.

The business of writing game articles is one that requires continual involvement, which I do not have. Column writing gives me more freedom in not only what I write, but how and when I can write. I don't have that time to concentrate toward game articles until I graduate CC in 2010. I'll let the newspapers take care of the game articles, while I do what they don't do.

Grade Discrepancy

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

I just sent a note to my music teacher about my grade as of this point. Apparently I've been shorted about 30 points. I added up my total points, and they came to about 30 more than what was given.

Unfortunately, I will be getting no better than a D in this class. My learning capacity in this class is full. Together with my physics grade, I may be under the Mendoza Line - which probably forbids me from Highland, and making me take a "study skills" class at Sauk.

Let me be frank, I haven't touched NISB this summer except for the State of the Site addy. So don't tell me that NISB or IHSGD is ruining my grade. Before I worked at BP, I had a 2.9 GPA in my first year of college. Since then, I had two grades handed to me on a silver platter.

Other than a monumental comeback in Composition I class, nothing good has happened grade-wise. I had a 54 coming into the due date of the final research paper. That paper bumped me up to a mid-C. I had a similar situation during my senior-year English class. I had a D+ coming into the final research paper. That paper, which was on the Multiplier, raised my grade to a B.

I've done less on NISB during 2007-08 than I did in 2005-06. I remember that year being the one where I'd cover anything and everything. That was because I did not have a job.

It's the job! That same job that is giving me money for working. Cut off the job, I have no money. Cut off the money, I have no college studies. Cut off the journalism, I have no purpose of going to school.

And I can't live on my own.

Almost over

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.92.70
Current Song - If You Really Love Me (Stevie Wonder)

Two more days of Physics class, three more days of Music class. Then it's over until the Freeport treks begin on August 18.

I've got one test in Physics (the sit-down class) and two more in Music (the sit-on-my-ass class), plus a concert paper. Luckilly I have all of Tuesday off of work, so I can get caught back up on Music stuff. I work Wednesday, and only work for two hours on Thursday. I can only hope that I get everything wrapped up by then. It will create a huge sigh of relief.

Then I can't wait to turn my attention to putting out more content on NISB. I can't wait to make more travels to places I've never seen and meet people I've never met. But first I have to pray that I will get Friday nights off.

I'm closing the store 4-5 days a week, plus stubs like the two-hour day. I don't like working that much, especially when I am traveling and going to school. Apparently I'm too good. But I can't let work and school take over my life. I have to have something else going on, and that's what NISB, message board postings, and family activities are there for.

There was an interesting discussion in my Physics class, not about physics, but about all these new teachers at SHS. My physics teacher, Mrs. Gatz, was my high school physics and physical science teacher. She's been there 21 years, and it surprises her to know that 70% of the teachers at SHS are non-tenured. Of the 30 teachers I had at SHS, 19 are now gone. That's all within the last seven years. My dad would always remark if a certain teacher was "still there" from his days at SHS (early 1980s). I can't do that now. There was a sense of security when I was in high school because my dad knew who was teaching me. Not even I know who's teaching Daniel.

Abandon Ship

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

I've decided to abandon the listening response paper. I can't comprehend that kind of information on such short time span. I can still remain at a C if I pass the two remanining tests with a B- or better, and do well on the Concert paper. So I'm starting the concert paper immediately in order to get a good start on it.

Music is not my thing, especially when it's classical music that I really do not give a rat's behind about. Haydn's 39th Symphony was the closest piece that interested me out of the selections. I know it's a good-mood piece, but other than that I am drawing blanks all over. I can't tell you what the meter is, what instruments are playing (there are many different "string" instruments and I can't tell the difference between a violin and a cello) and what the beats and pitches are. Yes, I learned nothing from this course. I didn't the first time, and I didn't this time.

Don't get me wrong, I like classical music. I like hearing it. I do not like comprehending it and breaking it down into what is what. It's like eating things without tasting them. I do not understand the concept of "tasting" a cookie. I can eat a cookie, but not taste it. That's the relationship between me and classical music.

G2G - I'm late for a class I don't want to go to.

I absolutely cannot wait

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.42.70
Current Song - You're No Good (Linda Ronstandt)

I have once last chance to type up my Listening Response paper for Music class, and that is after class tomorrow and before work. The three-page paper is due by midnight, right when I get off work. It's a paper I've been struggling with in a class that I have absolutely zero interest in. But I took it because it was the easiest remaining Humanities credit I could get. Everything else looked difficult. It'll be a race against the clock for 50 points.

I also went to one of the Sterling Symphony Orchestra concerts tonight. I had to go to one concert and write a paper on it. I'll be doing that sometime before classes are done (NEXT WEEK). There are also two tests I have to take yet. I've got one more test and a couple of labs for Physics class. I'm hoping I can get out of both classes with a C. I've got a B- in Physics, but unfortunately I don't expect that to hold.

Tomorrow I begin the first of four straight days of work. I guess that's what I get for requesting Wednesday off. Once I get off of school, I can't wait to get caught back up on high school sports stuff and IHSGD research.

When I was there ...

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.22.70
Current Song - Heart Hotels (Dan Fogelberg)


Edit: 4/4/09 - Post taken down

Cycle of Pain

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.12.70
Current Song - Got To Be Real (Cheryl Lynn)

Work, school, work, school, work, school ...

It's a vicious cycle that eats at me.

I'm working today at 4:00 PM, getting Tuesday totally off (except class), going to a orchestra concert on Wednesday, and working from Thursday-Saturday. I cannot wait until Summer classes are OVER WITH!

Bank Discrepancy

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.61.70
Current Song - Rock You Like a Hurricane (The Scorpions)

Yesterday was another one of those moments where I found out I was more stupid than I thought. You see, I must have this "stupid-and-lazy" disease where I think I can do something but I really can't, and I need to do something but I don't. Like guessing how much I have, roughly, in my bank accounts.

There's no question times have been a little tough for me with no money, Sauk payments and a car payment every month. Oh, and gas too (and no, I don't get it free since I work at a gas station). So every day I make a trip to my bank's ATM machine to get a balance. Turns out that that stupid machine was always wrong. I had overdrafted and got tacked fees, and was once over 100.00 in the red. I deposited my recent paycheck in there yesterday, so everything should be alright now.

God I'm stupid, and lazy.

I need a break

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.31.70
Current Song - Us and Them (Pink Floyd)

Four straight nights of work, and possibly a fifth night as well. I'm "on call" for tonight in case someone calls off. She isn't too happy with her work situation at the moment. Plus a possible two-and-a-half hours on Monday. I'll like the paycheck(s), but I like having some time to myself a little more.

All this time I'd like to use to jump start plans I have for NISB this upcoming school year: The four football trips, a few columns, plus EdgyTim Conference Calls (if he asks me to do them again this year). I've been flirting with a "Quick Shots" type briefs column, but that seems like a thing I could do in my NISB sports blog.

But if I I continue to write more in my sports blog, then how will that be taken by the local sportswriters, whose profession dispises the blog?

Another problem I've been having with the blog is what to post there in relation to the message board. Previously I used the blog for small columns that weren't big enough to warrant a noted NISB coumn. At the same time, if I used the blog for posting every bit of information and opinion that I have, it would sink traffic on the message board. I wouldn't be starting topics or posting a whole lot anymore.

Now that would be a good transition from sports junkie poster to sports writing poster. After all, how many sportswriters these days actually post on message boards?

Or just get rid of the blog, and transfer those thoughts onto the boards ("unpublished thoughts") or a quick shots-type writeup ("published thoughts").

Then there's the name of the quick shots-type column. I can't use "Quick Shots" because the Rockford Register-Star uses it. "Quick Bits," which I used for the Voyager is just a spoof of QS. "Digest" wouldn't work if I wrote opinions of things.

Or the "New and Improved Monday Column" - but is it a true column if there are non-opinionated items included?

So it's not really a blog, not really a digest, not really a column.

Blgemn
Geblmn
Mnblge
Mngebl

Coldigblo
Blocoldig
Digcolblo
Colblodig
Blodigcol
Digblocol

Cody's Coldigblo
Monday Mnblge

Cody's ColDig (leaving the "blog" part out)

So it's essentially a blog.

I'm bored. I'm going to now think about how I can write a Coldig, Column and stories while posting on message boards.

Overload

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.11.80
Current Song - Money (Pink Floyd)

As I might have shared many times on here, the computer at home is shared by the entire family. I run my NISB, IHSGD and other stuff on it, and everyone else runs their stuff on it. We've had this Gateway computer since March of 2000. So we've had it for over eight years, which in computer years is about 150 human years.

The C: drive holds up to 18.6 GB. It's that ancient. My traveldrive is 1 GB itself. We've only got 1.19 GB of space left. That means we all have to get rid of a bunch of things to make the hard drive more free. The bulk of these things are music file drives that Mike, Chris and Dan have (Windows media, limewire, etc.). I've got files that can be backed up onto floppy discs if I so choose.

So most of this night, I'm trying to free up what I have and get rid of what I don't need. Decisions, decisions.

Recycle Bin - I hardly ever delete anything out of it. Done.

Cookies - Burp.

Temporary internet files - which means I'll have to wait for things to load more. Done.

*Hard drive use just shrunk 0.12 GB to 1.31 GB left*

Web history - kinda sucks because I use this as a shortcut. I save mine 3 weeks. Done, but kept important pages.

Desktop items - things with not as much priority as others. Done.

"What I need is another stick drive for my personal pictures!"

NISB Folder - lots of stuff that I never completed. Most of the word files I don't use are gone. I've uploaded my past audio files onto my traveldrive.

To be continued ...

Roller Coaster of Emotions

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.80.70
Current Song - When Doves Cry (Prince)

The past couple of days have gone by up and down.

Saturday was a dissapointing day because I wasn't able to attend my Uncle Bill's funeral - for work. I had to work the midday shift, which is always something I dread. It's non-stop for the entire duration.

Then I get a phone call Sunday morning at 3:30 AM asking if I could work not only my scheduled 4:00-close shift, but the 5:00-11:30 AM shift. I did it this once, and told my boss not to let me do this ever again. I guess the good thing here is that I get a fatter paycheck than normal. That, and I MAY get a payraise - Mary is fond of my work ethic and experience. My feet were absolutely sore, and I went and bought new shoes the next day.

So Monday I'm enjoying a very deserved day off. Well, aside from a Physics test review. I decide to make the trip to Highland CC to register for my classes. I don't think I'm going to have a problem with the drive up and down. Once I keep doing it, it will feel quicker. My Seals and Crofts' Greatest Hits cassette plays from start to finish from my house to the college.

Highland has seven or so buildings. I go to the Admissions desk, and they need a transcript. I have to print one out at their library, which charges for printing. The only thing was that all I had was my debit card. Rather than having to break a twenty, the library staff waived my print cost (probably because they're happy someone is transferring there). Another trip to Admissions, then a trip to Counsoling. I get my JOUR 231 class approved there, and go back up to Admissions again.

There I recieved probably the best news I have recieved since I won an Illinois state student newspaper award. The class is FREE! I had to keep asking the admissions lady the question, "really?"

Then I went to the Highland Chronicle office to see the instructor. I had to ask him the question. Apparently the class is free in order to entice more people to work for the newspaper. He also gave me an edition of the last print newspaper.

On my way to Rockford, I stop at the tavern at Ridott Corners for lunch and to sit down and read that paper. World's Famous Burgers is what they tout. Wasn't that impressed, but a burger, chips and coke for $5.50 is a very good price.

I'm doing research for a NISB story at the Rockford Library's history room. Didn't end up finding what I expected, but I'm still able to churn out a story from what I did gather.

Today I fell back down to Earth - I locked my keys in my car at Sauk.

Can't wait for my paycheck on Thursday!

In memoriam: Wilbur McKinnis

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

STERLING - Wilbur "Bill" McKinnis, 82, of Sterling, died Tuesday July 1, 2008, at CGH Medical Center.

Mr. McKinnis was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Tekamah, Neb., the son of Lloyd Wilber and Martha Madeline (Ashmead) McKinnis. He married Arline Bonnita Metzler, his high school sweetheart, on Nov. 15, 1943. They moved to Idaho and later relocated to Rock Falls. Arline preceded him in death on April 13, 1996. They were married for 53 years and raised two children, Judy and Bill.

Judy McKinnis of Sterling, survives her father. Their son, Bill, passed away in 1972.

Family was very important to Bill and his life centered around his love of family. Together they created wonderful family memories including school-related activities and 4-H. He was an active leader of the Rock Falls Eagles 4-H club and once served on the Montmorency School Board.

Bill was a highly skilled carpenter and a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for more than 55 years. In addition to building many homes, he served in a supervisory role in constructing Illinois nuclear plants.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

On Jan. 3, 1998, Bill married Vernita Berard, who survives him. They loved traveling and especially enjoyed visiting places like Jamaica, where they could sit, relax, and hear the ocean. They created a wonderful collection of memories by purchasing magnets from all the locations they visited.

Survivors also include a host of very special relatives and friends from both the McKinnis and Berard families. His greatest entertainment was inviting friends out to share a meal. He enjoyed participating in the Big Brother Program and was a member of First Baptist Church, Sterling.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at First Baptist Church, Sterling, with the Rev. John Kermott, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Coloma Township Cemetery, Dixon Road, Rock Falls, with military honors. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling.

A memorial has been established to First Baptist Church, Sterling.


Arline ("auntie neen") was my great-grandma Holder's twin sister. Grandma Holder is my father's mother's mother. Uncle Bill was a great and caring family man. I enjoyed visiting with him, auntie neen, and Vernita during all the holidays.

I'll miss you Uncle Bill. Rest in peace.

Relief, for now

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.40.70
Current Song - The Star Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key)

I finished my 3rd music test just minutes before the submission deadline (it's an online class). There was previously a listening test due as well, but that got pushed back. Woo hoo! There is also a Physics test coming up on Tuesday over forces, work, energy and heat.

My grades for both classes are in the B- range as of now. B's have been my goal for as long as I can remember. A's are great, but I don't really expect them. I can take a break from my music studies as of now and concentrate a little more on sports stuff. I've got a list that I can hopefully get done with before going back to music studies. Other than that, I cannot wait for my first paycheck.

Music Test coming up

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

I've got quite a few things to do for my Music class. In fact, I have to take two tests and a listening quiz all by Thursday midnight. That's my own fault for not being active enough in the Online class. This week is my first full week at Shell, and once I get used to doing that and balancing with the Physics classes, I should be fine.

I'm taking test 2 tonight.

Speaking of Shell, I know that a few of my friends are sort of dissapointed that I did not hold out and wait until WLLT hires me. With the radio station not ready to make a hire for some time (I'm assuming), and my net worth down to a measly $40.23 (with 1/8 tank of gas), I'm glad I took the job. Now I just want to know when I'll be getting a paycheck.

Sheley Manhunt Creates Media Discussion

Cutter's Blog - Supplemental

The cities of Sterling and Rock Falls are buzzing about a couple of murder cases that involve and possibly involve Nick Sheley, a 28-year-old ex-convict.

He is wanted in Whiteside County for the murder of 93-year-old Russell Reed of Sterling, held up a house and forced checks to be written for him, and stole numerous cars. That we know was an act of Sheley's.

On Monday night, four people were shot dead at a Rock Falls apartment (12th avenue and Ave. A) not too far from my cousin's house and grandma and aunt's house. Sheley is a person of high interest.

To someone from Chicago, this seems like something that happens often. But Sterling and Rock Falls do not see these murders that often. Rock Falls had a double-murder nearly 30 years ago, but nothing like this in a very long time.

This creates a huge amount of panic throughout the Ster-Rock community. Just check the Public Comments section of the local newspaper (www.saukvalley.com).

There are over 700 comments on this as of this write-up. These comments are the biggest reason why I never listen to newspaper comments, or post any newspaper comments. The commenters are all in panic mode and posting rumors all over the place.

According to the comments, there are "reported" murders at every street corner, gas station, restruant, park and cornfield in the area, and x-number of bodies have been found all over the place.

Newspaper reporters are staying the course and only writing about factual information. That's good and responsible reporting. There were even comments about how the paper wouldn't listen to what they heard, going as far as crying out the 1st Amendement. There were also a lot of comments deleted because they go against board rules.

Stay calm and let the police, and the newspapers, do their job.

Near Scare For First Solo Day at Shell

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.10.70
Current Song - Fool For The City (Foghat)

My first solo day at Shell took place from 11:00 am to 6:00 p.m. Saturday.

It was a disaster.

The air conditioning did not work. When I went to change it, I set it down too far that the system broke down. It was baking inside, while the outside was nice and cool. Wearing a polo shirt and kaki pants did not help me.

The two counter-one register format got so out of hand, that I sometimes had to place a milk crate on top of one of the counters in order to make matters easier on me.

I apparently had a $59.01 driveoff.

My shift replacement didn't know much about the store (she was a fill-in from another Shell), so I had to partially train her. She didn't have a key or a alarm code.

By 1:00 a.m. Sunday morning I was ready to crawl under a rock and rot.

I got good news on Monday afternoon, however. That drive-off didn't happen. It was a register glitch. Whew! Usually, that would be strike one in a three-strikes-and-your-fired system. Plus, I wasn't berated about the air conditioning.

This particular shift is called the "mid-shift" which is the one I don't often work. In fact, I had never worked it at Shell. It was menacing and really busy. The "late shift" (4-close) isn't that bad, however. I'll be working that on Wednesday.

So the first day was a little rough, and it can only get better.

WLLT Update: I heard the part-time position opening on the radio today. Does that tell me that they are STILL looking??? No matter how Shell works out, WLLT is still my No. 1 hope. I will now have to keep myself in the running somehow.

Pre-Pay: A new column on NISB will be posted after it gets copy edited by either mom or dad. It's about gas station drive-offs. It has nothing to do with sports, but is an issue dear to me. It was too long to put as a blog entry, so I just made it a column.

First Days At Shell

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.72.60
Current Song - Hunger Strike (Temple of the Dog)

Shell is going to be a good experience. I began training there on Wednesday and am starting to get the jist (sp?) of it. Some things are similar to BP, but there's a lot more paperwork than I was used to. Plus, I've never had to actually close a store before. There's a lot more security involved as well. Plus a lot more consenquences than there ever were at BP (until the Ghanshyam jihad took over).

WLLT, on the other hand, didn't give me a clear date as for a hire. But they said they were still interested in me. So for now, it's just a wait-and-see for them. Once I do get the call, I'll do comparing with hours, and if there is a conflict, I'll leave Shell and go to WLLT.

It gives me something to do for the time being; and I'll earn money for it.

There are a couple of college studies to catch up on before I'll go back to writing something sports-related.

Tuesday Job Update

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.42.60
Current Song - Cherie (The Four Seasons)

Went to Shell today. Found out they want me to work weekends and a couple of weekdays. That was going to conflict with the WLLT schedule. So I called WLLT today and let the boss know (left a message) that I want to know exactly when the hire date is going to be. He should call me today.

My options:

1. If I am high on the hire list AND the hire date is soon*, I plan to hold out of Shell. If I do get the WLLT job, I will determine what my work schedule there is. If I have enough time to get Shell as a second job, then I'll ask for it. If I don't get the WLLT job, I'll simply ask Shell for a second chance.

2. If I am high on the hire list AND the hire date is a ways away*, I will work at Shell until I get hired at WLLT. If I am unable to balance a work schedule between the two, I'll have to give my two weeks and move on to WLLT. It won't be a pretty thing for Shell, but I'm hoping that they'll appreciate at least SOME help.

3. If WLLT can't determine where I'm at, then I will work at Shell until I get hired at WLLT. If I am unable to balance a work schedule between the two, I'll have to give my two weeks and move on to WLLT. It won't be a pretty thing for Shell, but I'm hoping that they'll appreciate at least SOME help.

4. If WLLT does not look promising, then I'm at Shell.

*July 15th

Spread-out Sunday

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.22.60
Current Song - Reach Out, I'll Be There (The Four Tops)

I'm going to actually dig in my music studies tonight. There are a couple of power points to look at, and 50 pages to read tonight. No, I've not been assigned 50 pages, but that's what I have to do in order to catch up. I recieved my book not too long ago. I had to make a schedule of things to do before the first batch of assignments are due. This is the same class that I failed two or three semesters ago, because of third shift work difficulty. Now that I'm not working (at this moment), hopefully I can do better this time around.

The family spent the morning and afternoon in Freeport. We had fun in Krape Park (spell that backwards!): had a picnic and played bocche and badminton. I had a fun time moving around and swatting the birdie back and forth. I need the movement. Dad and Chris are into this thing called Geocaching (whatever it is) and they found a couple in the Park, at a church shrub, and one at Highland CC.

Speaking of Highland, I had never seen it before until today. Makes Sauk look like a high school.

Now to the money update: There are two front-runners - WLLT and East End Shell. However, if neither works out, I have a back-up plan, and it isn't pretty. I had to create an advertising plan for NISB. Advertisements are a waste of space for certain viewers of the site and can be distracting.

Shell update

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

Just got a call from East End Shell in Sterling.

This would be a huge step up from working at BP. A whole shift is done by myself, so I'll do twice as much work as I used to at BP. Plus, there are more customers coming into this station than BP. They do scratch-offs differently too.

Boy, will I have questions!

A step closer to radio?

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.12.60
Current Song - Only A Northern Song (The Beatles)

I got word about a reference call about my application for WLLT. I believe I was given positive reviews about me, which brings me closer to the job. Hopefully.

If I do get it, I hope I get it soon. I'm down to my last $95 :( I could also bring an Internet presence and possibly get a website started for them. All looks good for working there, and I'm crossing my fingers every day.

After about a year on the shelf, I finally got my MP3 player to work. It's a COBY about the size of an altoid tin. I had left it unused and accidentally put it under the computer lamp. Stupid me, I couldn't get it to work because the battery was dead.

I've got four songs on it, and hopefully will expand my tune list (and thus act like everyone else who has an MP3 player).

I'm going on a picnic with my family up at Lake Le-Aqua-Na tomorrow. I'm also going to the Rockford Library's local history room (home away from home) for more research. A couple of summer stories will come from the research I am about to do.

Welcome To My World

Cutter's Log - Supplemental

I had a life-changing experience almost three years ago. In half a minute, the billions of questions I had asked to myself over the years during school were answered. The day I found out I had been living with Asperger's Syndrome for the past 15 years was and will always be a very important day in my life.

The billions of questions I asked in school looked like this:

Why can't I talk to anyone?
Why doesn't anyone want to talk to me?
Why do I feel like I'm a ghost everywhere I go?
Will they listen to me if I talk?
Do they care about what I'm saying?
Why am I not entitled to love this girl?
Do others control my love destiny?
Why can't I choose who I like to go out with?
Why can't I choose who I like to hang out with?
Does family wealth really matter in school popularity?
Are football athletes really entitled to everything?

Then it expanded into work situations:

Just why do I have to do what is asked of me?
Why do I feel like I'm being treated like a pawn for your growth?
Why do people say that things "are done for a reason," and not say why?

... all to a point where I feel like I cannot continue to work for anyone anymore. The only thing they'll do is use me as a pawn. This is more typical, IMO, of the journalism industry. They're struggling and worrying more about their importance than anything. I've taken a stance (or heading toward it) on NISB that I don't want to worry about how popular I am amongst other media outlets, as long as I am doing my job and making people happy.

I did that at BP: just doing my job and making people happy. I never wanted to give a rats ass about how important the gas station was, or what I was doing to make the station compete with Johnson's or Mobil. My job is to serve the people, and not to serve the business.

Immediately, bosses who read the above statements are not likely to hire me. That's the unfortunate way business is: everyone wants to compete with another for absolute supremacy. The only companies that value their employees are those who are squashing competition and have no one to compete with.

Here's another thought about me in the workplace. I believe that my Asperger's is the reason why I am a loose cannon. At PSO I was once berated for being a loose cannon. I was ordered to follow suit, even though I was in disagreement. My disagreements with PSO are legendary. I didn't want to follow the company line at the Gazette, which led to me leaving. Crest Foods was just a problem with my ego, that I deeply regret. I felt like I was above others because I was on a track toward success, while everyone else was a temp worker. Then I disagreed with management at BP.

I have a feeling that if I go anywhere, I'm going to disagree with something. I value myself very well. I don't feel like I am a pawn for you.

But at the same time I am running out of money, and could be forced once again to act as a pawn for something or someone.

So Tired

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.81.60
Current Song - That's The Way of the World (Earth Wind & Fire)

It's 1:30 in the AM, I should be asleep. But I'm not. I just did some site work: adding more college bound athletes, links and testimonials. Got someone on the NISB mailing list. The next thing I'm going to do with site stuff is getting my Microsoft Word stories backed up onto floppy discs. I have last year's on two discs, and I've only got three left at the moment. Hopefully those three will be enough. After that, I'll be back into writing.

Still much more to do.

Balancing this with school is tough. I'm concentrating more on my Physics class than my online Music one. I had done well (86%) coming into the lab on Newton's Laws. I'm pretty sure I bombed it. Just a matter of knowing which formulas to use, and way too much scientific notation. I am doing well on my Music course (100% - but that's 6 of 6 points).

I have an idea on what to do with all of those pop cans that are keeping me awake. The garage here is full of absolute crap. I'm surprised the City hasn't condemned it yet. There were 10 garbage bags full of pop cans that Chris and I cleaned out yesterday. They had been put in there with the intention of taking them to a recycling center. That was about 10 years ago. The recycling center in Galt is paying $0.70/lb. I'm probably getting $20 from the garage alone.

Happy Birthday to NISB!

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.51.60
Current Song - Daniel's Song (Elton John)

It was four years ago today when I conferred with a couple of people and decided to create a replacement for NCI Preps. Now, today, Northern Illinois Sports Beat is turning four years old. The State of The Site Address is on the site right now.

There's still a lot of work to be done, but I got the bulk of it accomplished. I hope to get everything done by the start of the upcoming football season. Came up with some more story ideas too. I'm starting to get a timetable accomplished. One of the things I need to do is organize my desktop, and put past stories on floppy disks. Does anyone still use floppy disks anymore?

Still waiting on my Music textbook to come in.

More job possibilities

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.31.60
Current Song - Doin' Time (Sublime)

There is a video store in town that was accepting applications, so I sent one in. I also sent one to the Super Pantry right across the street. I don't think Shell is going to call me back.

So here's what happened along Route 66

Cutter's Log - Stardate 8002.21.60
Current Song - Then Came You (Dionne Warwick and the Spinners)

It's a habit of mine failing to tell what happened on big trips I make on here.

Anyway, my grandparents and I began our Route 66 trip in Lincoln. We had lunch there. I can't recall the name of the resturaunt, but their specialty was the Horseshoe. I had no idea what a Horseshoe was, but after looking on the menu it looked similar to something I ate at Ross's 24-hour resturaunt in Bettendorf:

Cheddar cheese
Fries
Bacon bits
Texas toast

stacked on itself in that order. The resturaunt was nice and had a bunch of old movie posters, vinyl records and even a western movie that played on a small TV. My grandparents took a few pictures of the Lincoln town square for a friend of theirs. There was also The Palms tavern located on the 66 route, as mention in our tour book, but that had since closed.

Elkville and Broadwell were minor stops. Broadwell was there the old Pig Hip resturaunt was located, until it caught on fire last year.

Williamsville is a nice town. I covered a couple of their softball games down at state in 2005, when they took 2nd. The first attraction was a repair shop with a lot of old 66 items. The owner says a lot of people do not stop and visit it because they think it's just a repair business. But what is inside makes it probably my favorite stop on the Route 66 tour. A lot of old machinery and gizmos used to do repair work. Plus there's a gift shop of really old stuff, you may think. That "really old stuff" are things that I like.

They had an unopened stubby bottle of Pabst Blue Ribbon dating back to c. 1950s. I bought it for $2. I'm not going to drink it, of course, but I can say that I bought beer from a dry town (Williamsville is really a dry town). The town also has a museum of town history located in a couple of box cars.

Springfield didn't have a whole lot of stops, except for the old Shea's station and the Cozy Dog Drive-In. I had a corn dog from the first place to sell corn dogs on sticks. From there, the route splits in two. There's the 1930-1977 route, and the 1926-1930 route. We went on the recent route which took us through Waggoner.

We went through some other towns before hitting Litchfield. Litchfield is home to the Aviston Cafe and the world's largest baseball/softball indoor practice complex. It's also home to a furniture store called Small Furniture. Most of the Cutter family is small, as is my grandparents. So they wanted a picture in front of the store as sort of a pun.

We went through some more small towns, including Staunton, where there are a couple of old semis from Campbell's 66 (a turcking company or something). Then we went into Edwardsville, where they have a real nice downtown. From there, we went to Pontoon Beach and Madison where we met the Chain of Rocks Bridge.

The bridge, which goes across the Mississippi River, has been closed to traffic since 1968. The three of us walked on it, and grandpa and I walked the entire distance. That's something I like: being on the middle of a bridge overlooking a wall of water, with wind blowing toward or against me. You can see the tallest buildings of St. Louis from the bridge, as well as the Arch.

We stayed the night at a hotel in Edwardsville.

The next day I wanted to make a side trip to a town called Valmeyer (not on 66). The town is south of the Metro East, and west of Waterloo. I heard about it many years ago as a town that was destroyed by the 1993 flood which rebuilt on higher land. I wanted to see the old town and survey what was damaged. Almost everything had been destroyed, with only a few buildings left. It looked like an unbuilt plot of a town. The downtown was situated along Main Street south of the railroad. There's nothing on the other side of town except ball diamonds, the old fire station and an overgrown tennis court. You could see front steps of downtown buildings overgrown next to the main street's sidewalk. There are overgrown streets that look like small alleys, with stop signs still in place.

We went back home on the old Route 66 route from Staunton. From there to Springfield, remnants of Route 66 took the form of old stretches of pavement. That's pretty much it. Carlinville, along the route, has a very, very neat downtown. Sort of reminded me of the narrow streets in Europe. They have a town square also, and a wonderful county building.

We had dinner at a place called Charlie Parker's in Springfield. It had been featured in Diners, Drives and Dine-Ins on the Food Network. We were told of this place by the man at the Williamsville garage. The place was a throwback to the old diners of the 1950s, with vinyl records and barstools.

Before I get to the menu, I usually eat everything on my plate no matter how big it is. With that being said, I cound not finish the bacon cheeseburger burrito. The thing was 3 inches tall and 10 inches wide with nothing but cheddar cheese, ground beef and bacon bits. Looks like a heart attack, right?

Throughout our trip, we had tried to find the cheapest gas prices. Peoria was at $3.91 when we went down, and $3.99 when we came back. Most Metro East locations were at $4.09. We gassed up in Gillespie at $3.92, and then in Pekin at $3.91. The station in Pekin was an old one, and still had rotating odometer-like numbers on the gas pumps. Having worked at a gas station, that kind of interested me.

I wanted to go on another short side trip in East Peoria. But I thought grandpa and grandma wouldn't like to go up Lake Shore Drive. That's the road that goes across I-74 and is REALLY high up. I went up it once and saw the Peoria skyline while I was at the 2005 state softball finals. Maybe next time.

I took pictures of the trip, and should have them on my MySpace soon.