Americana

Chuck Berry Statue

2011-06-30T16:06:00.003-05:00

A statue dedicated to Chuck Berry is being unveiled in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis. The official dedication is set for July 29. The statue is across the street from Blueberry Hill. It is placed in a new plaza.

Berry will be performing at 9 pm on July13 in the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill. Berry performs once a month. Recently he had dizzy problems and had to be helped from the stage. Berry is 85 and still Rocking away.

John Lennon once said that if he had to give Rock and Roll another name, it would be Chuck Berry. Tickets go for $35. You can purchase tickets at 800-745-3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.

Columbo (Peter Falk) Passes

2011-06-25T08:12:00.002-05:00

One of my all time favorite TV characters has passed away. Peter Falk played the sloppy dressed and messy TV detective Columbo. He died at the age of 83. He had been suffering from Alzheimers. He first appeared as Columbo in 1968 as part of the NBC Mystery Series. Three years later he went to a weekly series.

I also remember him from the movie "It's a Mad Mad World." He won 4 Emmys as Columbo. The TV detective Monk is also a favorite of mine. However, it was Columbo and his "Just one more thing" statement that kept me and my wife watching each week.

Many actors lined up to play the heavy on his show because it was so highly rated. He will be missed.

Fathers Day

2011-06-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

Happy Fathers Day to all deserving dads. I like to reflect on my own Dad even though he has been gone for almost 19 years. The lessons I learned from him I still use.

I remember once I asked my Dad who was winning the Cardinal game and he said the Parrots. No I said it is the Pirates. He said no it is the parrots. (The Pirates had a picture of a parrot on their logo) . That is what he went by. I still chuckle about that from time to time.

Any way. Dads enjoy your special day.

Gas Prices Dropping

2011-06-13T06:21:00.002-05:00

Two news stations are reporting that gas could drop to about $3.50 a gallon nationally by the Fourth of July. Notice the word "could". Why?

Well it seems that the high prices have curbed the use of gas by everyone across the nation. This is surprising because last week OPEC decided not to increase production over the Summer.

I know that I have cut back on where I drive and for how long. This is also an indication that job growth is remaining slow. Common sense tells us that transportation of goods is slow also jobs that require gas is slower. The travel industry is slow.

Hopefully, lower gas prices mean an increase in the economy.

VBS and Summer Heat

2011-06-06T12:34:00.004-05:00

Well today marked the start of VBS at our church, Zion Lutheran. We had about 80 children. The first week in June marks the start of the VBS season. It is hard for churches not to overlap other churches. Most churches like to get it in before the hot weather arrives. However, it is pushing 97 today and will be in the 90's all week long.

The children had fun though and learned about Moses today. I don't think they recognize the heat like adults do. This is because they are having too much fun. This years theme is Big Jungle Adventure.

Yard Sales, Property Taxes & Summer Heat

2011-06-03T06:58:00.004-05:00

Yard Sales

One mans trash is another mans treasure. The trash pickup in our town is on Thursday. As I drove around our little town, I noticed a man driving a pickup truck and salvaging trash items. The very next day the same man was selling those items at his yard sale.

Property Taxes

Usually July, august and September are when we begin to pay our yearly property taxes in our county. Most counties in Illinois are running a little behind this year. Regardless of when they are do, they put a crimp on our Summer vacations. Maybe that is why the man above was having a yard sale.

Heat

I noticed that the forecast for the next five days will be in the low to mid 90's. We went right from winter to Summer. Rev up that AC.

The Macho Man and Memorial Day

2011-05-27T18:23:00.002-05:00

This past week Randy (Macho Man) Savage passed away. I remember watching him in the wrestling ring. He played both sides of the coin. He was a heal and a good guy. I remember him best as an entertainer. Ohhhh Yeahhhhh!

This weekend we honor other individuals as well. The many men and women from all branches of the service that gave their lives for us. AMC (the television network) along with others will be showing Hollywood movies dedicated to those that have served.

Let us remember the real meaning of Memorial Day. Take a moment and remember those that gave their lives for us. The freedom that we have was upheld, as these individuals served us and our country well.

Tornadoes Remind Us

2011-05-25T06:40:00.002-05:00

The recent disaster in Joplin is a strong reminder of how fragile human life is. Our town was hit in 1948. Only a few individuals remain, that remember that day of blackness in March of that year.

Weather experts continue to try and develop faster warning techniques and methods. Regardless of what they develop, when a tornado hits we are all at its mercy. Individuals scramble for safety and there is no guarantee that a safe spot will protect us.

The most important fact to remember about tornadoes is to act quickly. Moving quickly to a safe place might be the only action we can do to increase our chances of survival. As the old saying goes. "Those that hesitate long, hesitate wrong."

Flowers Flowers Everywhere

2011-05-22T08:21:00.002-05:00

After the cold icy winter and the flooding waters of the April rain, flowers are beginning to pop up. I passed an outdoor florist this past week and just had to stop and take in the beautiful smells and eye poping colors.

The great thing about flowers is you don't have to buy and plant them, to appreciate them. They are one of Gods great gifts to us. A neat place to go is the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. For a small fee, you can enjoy the sights and odors of Spring.

Flowers are excellent for reminding us of how great our lives really are. So the next opportunity to enjoy some flowers, take the chance. It is well worth it.

The Beginning of the End?

2011-05-20T08:13:00.002-05:00

According to Harold Camping, the Rapture is this weekend. It actually begins today at 4 pm. that is sunrise in Israel. As the sun goes around the earth, the rapture will pick up steam.

Many Atheists are planning "Rapture Parties". I don't know if I would go that far to celebrate. In an interview with the NY Times, Camping was asked what he would be doing on May 22? He said that he doesn't know because he will not be here. That is how convinced he is, that doomsday has arrived. He also predicted the rapture in 1994. However, back then, he claims to of had the wrong numbers.

The rapture will begin with an earthquake much larger than the one in Japan. It will circle the globe. It is estimated that only 3 out of 100 people will be swept up. The rest of us must wait until October for the final judgement. It could be a HOT SUMMER. Then again I wonder what the Mayans are thinking. After all, they said Dec 21, 2012 is the end as we know it.

Would You Return $40,000?

2011-05-19T06:49:00.002-05:00

Recently a family in Utah found forty thousand dollars in their ceiling. They tracked down the family that use to live there and gave it all back. They got no finders fee or reward. I have several questions for you to consider.

1. How can anyone forget that there is that much money in their ceiling?

2. What was it doing in the ceiling?

3. Where did the money orginate from?

4. Would you return it, if you just purchased the property?

5. Would you expect some type of reward?

Now don't get me wrong. I know what the right thing to do is. However, this event does give one to pause and consider these four questions.

Shopping at Outlet Stores

2011-05-16T12:13:00.002-05:00

Many individuals think there are great savings at outlet stores and malls. Here are a few helpful tips to search for those special deals.

1. Go to the back of the store first. Look for the clearance rack. The items there might be out of season or a year behind in style. there are deals there, if you can find what you are looking for.

2. Outlet items have dots on the label. This means this item was made just for outlets.

3. Don't go by the bright colored tag for a mark down. Green, pink, red etc. Always compare the actual cost to the sales cost.

4. Check for coupons for both the store and the manufacturer. Some individuals just get them from a paper. Check on line aand print up the coupons.

5. read and understand the coupon completely. There are time and product restrictions.

6. Look for defects. Ask the store clerk if there can be more of a savings on damaged goods.

7. Buy out of season. Many stores do not want to store out of style and season items.

8. Ask the clerk when will your next sale be on certain items.

9. Finally, get on the mailing list. Stores and manufacturers often send out coupons.

Happy shopping.

Trivia

2011-05-15T06:17:00.002-05:00

I love to play trivia with my friends. We travel to local communities and participate. I have discovered several things about playing this fun game. Feel free to add in the comment section.

1. I eat too much. Some of my teammates have joined Weight Watchers. I can't begin to imagine how participating at this game is so tempting for them.

2. I hate it when people use cellphones after they have been told to turn them off.

3. The good door prizes are gone before my number gets called.

4. People won't shut up, when it is time to start.

5. Tables are too close. People can steal our answers.

6. My teammates that can't hear. They yell,"What did you say?"

7. Too long between questions.

8. One bowl restrooms.

9. People that ask," Are you donating your winnings back?"

10. People that argue about the correct answer.

GOP Candidates Begin Lining Up

2011-05-12T07:16:00.000-05:00

Newt has made his announcement to run for President. Many other GOP candidates will soon follow and begin announcing their desire to run. Soon to follow could be Donald Trump, Sarah Palin, Herman Cain, Gary Johnson, Fred Karger, Tom Miller, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum, Vern Wuensche and Mike Huckabee. Some have already declared and some or still deciding.

All of these will be taking their shot at up-seating President Obama. As the summer draws near, you can expect more political rhetoric from all candidates. GOP candidates will have a fine line to walk. They have to appease their own party members along with Tea Party members. This could stir up an interesting summer.

I wonder if the GOP candidates will just focus on Obama or will they actually establish a platform to help America. In the last election, their focus was on job creation. However, once they became elected officials, their focus has been on attacking the deficit (Not a bad idea) and attacking the Obama Health reform. Stay tuned.

Whatever Happened to the Doubleheader

2011-05-09T08:44:00.003-05:00

I am a die hard Cardinal fan. However, in recent years I have noticed a lack of fielding, throwing and defensive strategies by pro players. Players can't even bunt effectively. Attendance across major league baseball is down. In some places, it is down at nearly 40%.

Most people can't afford to pay the price of seats at a ballgame. This is especially true the last few years.

I remember going to doubleheaders on Sunday afternoons. Some times they had doubleheaders on back to back weekend days. How great was that 2 for the price of 1. Those days are gone. American greed has set in and prices have soared. The doubleheaders is now a day-night set of games. They clear the stadium before game 2.

Don't even think about food and beer. The cost of a beer could by you a 6 pack of premium beer at the store. I am beginning to wonder if MLB is pricing them-self out of the market. More and more people are catching the games on TV. I know that I do. Still corporate America is buying up tickets and passing them out to customers and clients. The games go on.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T09:08:00.002-05:00

Mothers Day is a very special day. None of us would be here without a mother. There is something that always bonds us together as a family unit. That thing is "LOVE". To keep this post short, so that we can enjoy the day. Happy Mothers Day to all the moms.

Saturday Adventures

2011-05-07T08:16:00.003-05:00

Growing up, I loved Saturdays. No school and a fun day of activities. Even in my Senior years, I find Saturday to be exciting. Especially, when it doesn't rain. With many different things to do, it is sometimes hard to make up my mind. Let's see. I could go biking, hiking, shopping, work in the yard, cook on my deck, go out to eat, take my grandsons to the park, Spring Clean the house, take in a ball game and the list goes on.

I like to break up my day and do something during each time of the day. Chores in the morning, something in the afternoon and something in the evening. I try to keep the chores to a minimum. Saturday is too special to be wasted on work.

Movie Time? There are some good movies this weekend. Of course "Thor" is out but, there has been a lot of good comments about the chick flick "Something Borrowed." "Jumping the Broom" is also good. In the weeks to come, there will lots more good flicks coming out.

Anyway, enjoy the day.

Sticking Your Neck Out

2011-05-06T07:43:00.003-05:00

The phrase "Sticking Your Neck Out" means you are about to enter into something that could be fearful or even dangerous to yourself.

Over my years, I have done this many times. You put your trust in someone or something. As Dirty Harry would say, "A man has to know his limitations." At my age, I think I am continually finding out my limitations.

Many times sticking our neck out can be beneficial to us. We just have to get over the fear part I suppose. At one time or another, we have all did this.

The moral of this story. Quit While You Are A Head," LOL

Bike Riding for Fun and fitness

2011-05-05T09:08:00.003-05:00

May is National Bike Month. Friday May 16 is the State of Illinois, Bike to work Day. I have always enjoyed biking around our little town. I really enjoy riding with my grandsons. Thank goodness the weather is getting better.

With gasoline costing an arm and a leg, biking in our small town is a great way to stay fit and save some cash. Before you bike, here is a few things to consider.

1. Check out your bike. Make sure it is safe and ready to go.

2. Wear a helmet.

3. Refresh the Illinois biking Rules of the Road.

4. Select a safe route to travel. Record your mileage. Miles can add up quickly on a bike. It is nice to know how far you bike.

5. Secure your bike, when you do not use it. You don't want it stolen.

6. Dress for the ride. Loose fitting clothes and bikes don't mix.

7. Ride with a friend. Partners are great for breakdowns and injuries. Besides, you will enjoy the experience better.

Biking is a great way to maintain fitness, have fun and thumb your nose at the gas stations.

Gas Prices Will Keep Me Home

2011-05-04T06:58:00.003-05:00

There has to be a point of no return for gas prices. The high cost of gas prices are affecting the way we live. Families on fixed incomes are beginning to rethink other items they purchase and do.

Like many individuals, I am wondering if the high prices will peak or keep on climbing. Families can and will make adjustments, but at what price.

The high cost of gas keeps us from doing the things we use to do. If we car pool, we may have to wait on others at work. Instead of going straight home for family activites, we have to make the rounds of dropping everyone off. This also means an earlier start in our day.

I considered taking a vacation this summer. Not any more. Not at $4.19 a gallon. This will hurt the travel industry.

I am all about free interprise. But, someone is making a killing at these prices. I can only hope they start dropping soon.

T-Ball Adventures

2011-05-03T07:28:00.004-05:00

I have been involved with the higher skilled athletes for so long that I almost forgot what T-ball is like. Recently, my grandson has been practicing baseball on an instructional T-ball team. When the rain cancelled practice the last two times, you would have thought that the world was coming to an end. The question of "Why?" among the tear drops reminded me of how mother nature can be cruel to little ones.

My grandson has had four practices to date. Many parents help the coach to get some good beginning practices in. Most of the boys are picking up the game rather quickly. The hardest thing to do is keep them _all_ from chasing a ground ball and then diving into the grass on it at one time. There is something fun about diving into the grass and wrestling for the ball.

We are still some time away before actual game competition. However, once the weather starts drying out, I am sure that we will see some future Lance Berkmans.

Osama Bites the Bullet

2011-05-02T06:11:00.003-05:00

Like many Americans, I was very surprised to hear of Bin Ladens death. I wonder why they buried him at sea. I would imagine that they video taped his body for proof. A burial at sea could set up more for conspiracy theorists.

This is a good day for America. It could eventually be a turning point in our war on terror. Now if we can just get rid of Gahdafi. God Bless America.

The High School Prom

2011-05-01T16:35:00.002-05:00

Last night I noticed pictures being taken out in many yards throughout our small town. It was prom night. I remember my two proms. They were and still are the biggest social event of the high school year. For young individuals, they can be nights to remember or nights to forget.

I taught high school for 33 years. I think that I only missed two proms, during that time. I was involved in 17 as a sponsor or adult chaperon. Proms have changed a lot in those years. We use to decorate the gym. We had themes of The Wild Wild West, Camelot. Alice in Wonderland, Putting on the Ritz, Happy Days and many more. Eventually, it became too expensive to buy decorations to throw away.

We moved the prom to various sights. We would rent a hall and hire a DJ instead of a band. Dinners became very expensive. It almost got to where we couldn't afford so much. Eventually, parents got involved by hosting an after prom. This was a great idea. Gifts would be given away to the students that spent the night in a secure location. We even gave away a car. Games, movies, entertainment and food would be provided. Parents would work to raise money for the after prom. All of this so the kids would have fun, but stay safe.

I remember seeing a movie called "Blood on the Highway". The movie was to scare us into not drinking while attending the prom. In later years, the State Police would put on a bad wreck exhibit and give a lecture on responsibility of the prom driver.

When I saw the pictures being taken, it brought back many memories of proms past. It still is a big event for teens.

Will the Rain Ever Stop?

2011-04-29T12:14:00.002-05:00

Sunshine can make a big difference in somebodies attitude. We have had about 4 weeks of rain and I was beginning to consider building an Arc. Today the sun came out and brisk wind started to dry up the wetness in the fields and lawns. As I walked around town, I noticed how friendly and positive my neighbors were.

John Denver's song, "Sunshine on my Shoulders" came to mind. It is true that sunshine can make a difference in all our lives.

Tornado Alley Expanded

2011-04-28T11:58:00.002-05:00

It use to be that only a few states in the US were considered a part of tornado alley. With the recent rash of them, that may have to change.

My area of the neighborhood got hit hard last Friday. At first, I thought it was bad. However, after what has been happening in the Southern part of the US, I consider us somewhat lucky.

I don't know what is worst the quick destruction by tornado's or the slow rising rivers of the floods. both have had a major influence on our country. The Governor of the state of Georgia said that they have no money to assist those in his State. He is hoping Fema comes through with financial aid.

Just about the time our country starts to turn things around financially, something happens. These disasters along with the rising cost of gasoline are beginning to take their toll on us. One thing that stands out is how neighbors help neighbors. Tough times tend to rally citizens together. The American spirit is still alive.