Community blog entries

A Quiet Strength

JayMaguire — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:03:14 GMT

Tony Dungy is proving he is more than a football coach. His third book, “Uncommon,” judging by the early reviews is another brilliant masterpiece by the former NFL coach. His insights and breakdowns of games on the Sunday Night Football set are detailed yet understandable. Tony Dungy has jumped from NFL coach, to inspirational motivator.

Notre Dame Football is in the gutter. They clearly have lost the swagger that the Fighting Irish of old clearly had. Their toughness can be questioned, their hearts at times misplaced, and the aura that is Notre Dame Football can be described as a smell coming out of a public restroom after a chili bake-off.

Charlie Weis, current Notre Dame Head Coach, is all but fired. They are 6-5, coming off an overtime loss at home, and an underdog against Stanford. The mighty have fallen. The mystique has vanished.

When the inevitable happens, Notre Dame will be looking for a coach to wake Goliath from the dead. Touchdown Jesus will be asked to lead them to find a coach capable of maintaining the standards that Notre Dame University fights so hard to uphold, yet also recapture the greatness of being a Notre Dame Football player.

No small feat.

The names being thrown out early on are Brian Kelly of Cincinnati, Jim Harbaugh of Stanford (whom the Irish play this weekend), and Urban Meyer of Florida. It’s obvious the Irish have forgotten who they are. At one time there was no bigger job than Notre Dame.

There is no reason that Tony Dungy would want to come out of retirement and get back into coaching, and for any other job it wouldn’t be worth it. This opportunity would be different. Dungy, and self-proclaimed man of God, is the perfect fit for Notre Dame.

Dungy could command respect with a whisper, he can bring the toughness back with his inspirational insights, and he can mold the players into men. His teachings and direction would go beyond the football field, yet the glory would return to the field.

Tony Dungy doesn’t need to prove himself. He doesn’t need a big paycheck to be happy. He simply wants to serve God and be the best individual he can. Reggie White said he was instructed by God to sign with Green Bay, maybe Dungy will get instructions to go to South Bend.

Tony Dungy has become an author, a motivational speaker, worked with the less fortunate and even spent time with Mike Vick while in jail. Football and inspiration go hand in hand with Dungy.

It’s worth a call to Dungy to see if he is interested. The only question is whom Tony will hear on the other end.

Passing On The Packers

ItsMrLucky — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:23:37 GMT

Monday November 23rd, 2009 - Chicago, IL

   The Green Bay Packers are doing it to me again. They’re playing with my heart and my head after I’d written them off a few weeks ago when they got embarrassed in Tampa. It’s an unhealthy dysfunctional relationship and I want out, but I just can’t cut myself loose.

   Since Tampa they won a big game against the Dallas Cowboys and yesterday they were able to squeak by the San Francisco 49ers. I didn’t watch either game but I did hear about both of them and it almost gave me some hope that they were starting to show some life.

   Today I heard they lost two Pro Bowl defensive players for the season in Al Harris and Aaron Kampman and it again started to grind on my psyche. Those two players were very solid and it could hurt the team’s chances of going very far this year but why does it have any affect on me? I wish I knew. I can’t believe I’m still this hooked on a football team.

Whatever part of the human experience the NFL taps into is where I want to set up shop with whatever I’m selling. It’s all I can do to avoid watching the games, but I feel I can do a lot more productive things with three hours on a Sunday than pin my hopes and dreams on a bunch of inconsistent imbeciles who make their millions off of needy nerds like me.

   I want to make my own millions and win my own personal Super Bowl in life. Victory has got to be sweeter when it’s earned by an individual and not lived vicariously through a bunch of athletes wearing a uniform of a place most if not all of them aren’t even from.

   Al Harris and Aaron Kampman aren’t from Wisconsin. They didn’t have to sit through a bunch of horrific losing seasons in the ’70s and ’80s like I did. They got to step right in and start collecting a heaping paycheck because millions of marbleheads like me watched them and cared deeply whether they won or lost. This is really stupid and I’m sick of it.

   I feel like an alcoholic trying to fool himself into having only one drink. Three six packs later, the paramedics are peeling him off his steering wheel. That’s what I’m feeling about all this. I think the best thing to do is stay away from it all and work on productive things.

   Even if the Packers win the Super Bowl this year, (which they won’t, but I’m still in the delusional state that they might) how does that make my life better? I’ll have to buy every cap and t-shirt and chatchke out there and it will end up costing me a ton of money. If I’m smart, I’ll be relieved when they’re snuffed out like a candle, but I’ve seldom been smart.

   This is a real tweak with me, but I know I’m not alone. Look at the millions of fanatical soccer fans down in South America who live and die by their team’s fortunes. Nobody up here gives a picture of a rat’s ass about soccer, but they’re hooked even worse than I am.

   Winning in one’s own life is the ultimate challenge, and that’s the Super Bowl victory I want to experience. There won’t be any parades or trophies, but the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment will make up for it. At least I hope so. I’m through wasting Sundays.

Searching

7777777777 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:22:29 GMT

I am searching for my brother that I have not seen since 1964 when he was 3 days old, and my grandchildren that I have not seen for going on 6 years. Words cannot describe what it would mean to me to find them

Fo Men Only - Colors for Him

kkoch — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:00:08 GMT

There are great autumn colors for the guys as well this fall. Here are some examples of combinations and individual garments to add that great pop of color. The rich darker shades are great to focus on as the seasons change.

Read more about my articles on the fall color combinations on my site. Here are the burnt oranges, taupes, browns, greens, teals and golds. Don't forget the accessories like cuff links, ties and watches. They add a finishing touch to any

Whether you are attending school or working in the professional business world add some autumn colors to you basics or accessories to any fall wardrobe.

Even if you budget is tight, try a simple addition to your professional dress like a new crisp shirt and/or new tie.

Look at the condition of your overcoat or leather jacket, there are great chocolate browns to choose from to add a great fall color. Don’t forget the gloves and a wool or cashmere scarf.

The Colors of Autumn

kkoch — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:50:54 GMT

As the leaves and temperatures are changing we get excited for the new color palette coming in the fashion world. The colors of Autumn inspire us to get out the warmer clothing and rich colors in gold, green, teal, cranberry, plums, beiges, oranges, and browns.

Keep some of the classic and neutral tones of color for the basics in your wardrobe. Add a pop of color in your palette that is good with your skin, natural hair and eye color. Color is one way to add interest and excitement into your wardrobe.

Think about using the colors of autumn to add flair to your accessories like multiple chains of gold or a metallic leather purse or shoes in bronze or gold.

Belts and jewelry in copper, bronze and gold colors are an easy way to bring the fall in

Get your wardrobe in preparation for special occasions and events coming this fall like a fall festival, dance, or Thanksgiving.

Metals and jewelry with Smokey quartz, beige crystals, buttery pearls, and rich amber cabochon brooches can add that spice to your outfit.

Look for these exciting new colors to bring some spice into your garments.

I would love to assist you with which colors are best.

Pre Turkey night out at AJ Bombers

Newschoolmke — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:30:57 GMT

Join your hosts Streetza Pizza and Blatz Liquor at AJ Bombers wednesday night starting at 6pm for a pre turkey day get together. Of course we'll feature our famous $PBR Pounders and $3 Jack Daniels, but we're also gonna try to whip up the 1st Streetza Bomber Burger and you can sample for free. Okay, okay it's true, you can wear your snuggie if you want.

The Possible Passing of A Hard Luck and Loss Caper

susanscotfry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:26:46 GMT

Heads Up! Have you been considering experiencing Caper Company’s first Haunt Spots tour “A Hard Luck and Loss Caper” for yourself? You may want to go soon. Recent news articles indicate that the first destination may no longer being accessible as of April 2010. So, what’s the rush? This Haunt Spot is all outdoor exploration, so when this spate of good fall weather finally turns winter-foul, it may make outdoor explorations a little more of a challenge. Right now, this stop is good fun for spooky adventures during the day and into the night.

I’ve long suspected a possible shelf life on our access to this creepy area. It’s one of my favorite places to explore though, so it had to be on Caper Company’s inaugural ghost tour. I’ve been out there several times and get a chill every time. It’s a massive, old, red-brick building complex and looks like you’re walking onto a movie set — but perhaps not the sort of movie where everyone makes it out alive:)

Now, it’s looking more and more like this complex may be restored, renovated and re-occupied during 2010 starting with the completion of the land sale in April. Oh, to be able to get into the area during renovations! It’s widely reported that that’s when paranormal activity kicks into high gear.

I’ve got to get out there again myself. One final farewell.

Happy Haunts,

Susan Scot Fry

Caper Company Tours LLC

Digging The Journey

ItsMrLucky — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:06:23 GMT

Sunday November 22nd, 2009 - Lake Villa, IL/Kenosha, WI

   I’m in a very good place in my head these days and I want to acknowledge that. I have a tendency to be up and down more than Oprah’s weight or Madonna’s panties, but for now I’m on the up tick. The holidays are coming sooner than I’d like and I could easily end up back in the sewer, but I’ll deal with that when I have to. For now I‘ll enjoy this good vibe.

   It’s not a feeling of mania or euphoria but rather a strong sense of satisfaction with what I’m doing these days. I’m not rich financially, and in fact I’m having a hard time trying to squeeze out a living, but enough money is coming so that I’m surviving. I’m ok with that. Yes, I still want to make my millions but I’m learning to enjoy each day for the gift it is.

   I haven’t been walking lately or eating particularly well or doing anything other than my daily best to try to make the most of what I’ve got going that particular day. I’m feeling as comfortable in my own skin as I ever have. I can’t explain it, but I know I feel it. I’m in a space I hope I can stay in forever. I finally feel like I’m enjoying everything I’m a part of.

   Tonight we had a fun Mothership Connection radio show on WLIP. It’s a Sunday night show on a small AM station in Kenosha, WI but to me it’s as much fun as being on WGN in Chicago, which I was with Jerry’s Kidders on Saturday. It doesn’t matter, I love it all.

   The experience of being on the radio during a show that’s going well is a rush and has a deep feeling of accomplishment. I have no idea who’s listening at any given time and I’m aware that Kenosha, WI is not the broadcasting epicenter Chicago is, but I left the studio tonight on a major high note. We pulled off three solid hours of talk radio without a hitch.

   Will it change the world? I doubt it. Does anyone remember it now, even if it’s been on only a few hours earlier? I doubt that too. Did I get paid a nickel for doing it? Uh…no on that front too. Why do I keep doing it? Because I enjoy the process, and the people also.

   The same is true with WGN. I love to work with Jerry and the Kidders and we all laugh more off the air than during the show. We give our creative muscles a workout each week and we really don’t worry about anything else. It’s for us, and we all love being part of it.

   I’m really enjoying my comedy lately too. I’m not working Carnegie Hall or Las Vegas, but the gigs I have been getting have been really solid. I loved Florida and even the shows up in the U.P. of Michigan before that were fun. It’s all just coming together right now.

   I’m fine with where I live and the car I drive and everything else. None of that matters a bit, other than it’s keeping me alive. What really matters is the interaction with the people I like and being satisfied with the moment no matter what I’m doing. I truly feel that now.

   Maybe I’ve been listening to too many motivational tapes lately and maybe I’ll return to the moody, impatient short tempered side soon enough but for now I’m having fun doing all I’m doing and I enjoy the people around me right now. I find nothing wrong with that.

Wally Dog Loved the Weekend

smapes27 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:38:44 GMT

Wally Dog loved the weekend because Ethel and the family pretty much took a break from working on Wally Dog Wear custom dog clothing and from being spazzy about school. They went to movies and shopped and watched lots of tv and played cards. Wally loved it because there wasn’t the usual stress sounds going on (read that yelling and fussing) that occur in a big household. Instead there was laughter and snacks. Wally Dog really appreciated the snacks. Well, except that they wouldn’t share the tapatias because of the effects of beans and jalapenos on Wally’s system. Nobody wants to be around him, even the cat, when he’s had jalapenos!

Wally Dog believes everyone should kick back and relax once in a while, even the pets. So, with the stress of the holidays coming up, Wally has made a list of relaxing tips for Thanksgiving.

Wally Dog’s Thanksgiving Tips

· Have some fun and make a turkey center piece from a pinecone and some colored paper.

· Order the Thanksgiving feast from Boston Market but make your own stuffing and an extra pie.

· Have the kids set the table. Don’t forget a nice placemat for your pet to let him celebrate, too. (Ethel makes a super cute Wally Dog Wear custom dog clothing placemat-shaped like a bone. Wally likes his.)

· A couple of days before, check out free holiday movies from the library. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a Thanksgiving treat at Wally’s house. “A Christmas Story” is a favorite at Christmas.

· Invite someone who’d be alone or without a good meal to join you.

· Don’t over eat. It’ll make you feel bad in more ways than one.

· Stock up on the Pepto just in case someone overindulges.

· Plan a nap after cleaning the table. That turkey is sure to make you sleepy.

· Plan some activities other than a movie. How about a puzzle, board game, or cards?

· Give thanks. Giving thanks puts everything into perspective.