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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, August 18, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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?
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?
Monday, August 4, 2008
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.
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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).
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.
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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).
Friday, August 1, 2008
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.
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.
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