simple sugar

welcome rowan

2011-08-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest member to our family, Rowan.

lychee martinis are the bee's knees?

2011-03-08T03:26:00.000-08:00

The enjoyment of sipping on a lychee martini paused at the sight of a bee. As I looked at the bee nestled inside the vodka infused garnish, you could see their well preserved antennae and wings. But, even up close, it was difficult to tell if bees have knees. I will say that lychee martinis are tasty, no matter how many knees you have.

welcome emmett

2011-03-08T00:18:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Evie, Eileen and Colin on their newest member of their family, Emmett Matthew. For more pictures, click here.

'twas the night before christmas

2011-01-26T04:02:00.000-08:00

After feasting on Italian good eats, we gathered around the Christmas Tree to open Aunt Toni's gifts flown in from the West coast. This year she sent us gifts in the form of a grab bag game. According to the rules, our serene Aunt encouraged thievery and gave us permission to steal a gifts from each other. With a food coma taxing our spirit, not even sibling rivalry could tempt anyone to commit a Christmas robbery.

emmett's shower

2011-01-25T03:20:00.000-08:00

True to the definition of a baby shower, the soon-to-be baby Emmett was showered with tiny articles of clothing and huge trays of food. If the shower is a prelude to his future, Emmett shall never go unclothed or hungry. As Jon gently pointed out, an actual baby shower was not present. So I can only assume that his hygiene will be just like any other little boy, secondary. Looking forward to meeting Emmett and wishing him a happy, healthy and sticky boyhood.

Stay tuned for our next shower . . . Toni and Jeremy . . .

dinner with noelle and aunt terri

2010-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

For more pictures, click here.

are you ready for some powder puff football?

2010-10-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

On a crisp Sunday afternoon, we went over to Veteran's Field to watch Schaumburg's First Annual Charity Powder Puff football game. Heather, along with the other Schaumburg football moms, took to the field and played the Schaumburg Cheerleader moms. After 3 flags, 2 injuries and a couple questionable calls, our favorite football mom beat the cheerleader moms 12-6.

Since it was for charity, the real victor of the game was the Schaumburg Food Pantry who collected goods for their distribution hub. For more pictures, click here.

colin likes them apples

2010-10-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

noelle joins the family

2010-08-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

We welcomed Noelle Mariana into the family this weekend. Congratulations to Lauren and Jimmy on their newest addition to the family.

here's duff

2010-08-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

brik

2010-08-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

The weekend of Kohler International Competition with Brian Redman at Road America. For more pictures, Click Here

waspy wasp

2010-08-02T03:56:00.000-07:00

European paper wasps are not known for their diet of nectar or pollen. They are more know for their diet of caterpillars, flies and beetle larvae. One could say that they are my friendly ally in the on-going battle against the japanese beetle. However, their painful stinger, keeps them at garden acquaintances than friends.

Lauren and Jimmy's baby shower

2010-07-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

We headed up North to Lauren and Jimmy's baby shower. It was a bbq themed baby shower complete with pulled pork, bags and beer to help make the fellas feel more at home. It worked for a short while. As soon as the presents were about to be opened, the bbq charm wore off and they were suddenly no where to be found. Amazingly enough, they appeared just in time for cake. Click here for more pictures.

Concours d'Elegance

2010-07-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

highway emergency

2010-07-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

colin and friends

2010-07-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

hideto the cake decorator

2010-07-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

tryouts

2010-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Tryouts for 7? Normally, when you hear the word tryout you think of running various drills to test the athlete's abilities and endurance. This team tryout was slightly modified. It only involved showing up. After all, showing up is half the battle.

congratulations to dan and caroline

2010-06-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Dan and Caroline on their recent wedding in Oak Park, Illinois. It was a gorgeous summer day and not a single cloud in sight. That is, unless you count the band, JT & The Clouds. Then, there would be a total of 5 melodic clouds that could be seen on their picturesque day. For more pictures from the wedding click here.

tommy turns 4

2010-06-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

Tommy celebrated his 4th birthday at his new house along with a group of his friends. The birthday party had all the essentials for the makings of an adolescent affair to remember - balloons, bubble wrap, fire truck pinata and a trip to the fire department. For more pictures, click here.

oak park storm

2010-06-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Strong winds blew through Lombard Street and Oak Park became the windy city for a short while. If Oak Park was the windy city, then that made Dan's house the ~~Sears~~ Willis Tower. Just like the Willis Tower, a storm window on the One-Story porch popped out and landed on the freshly painted wood floor unscathed. (Click here for article.) Unfortunately, the same could not be said for a few trees that lay victim to the Wizard of Oz storm.

snowday

2009-12-27T13:04:00.000-08:00

kenji turns 1

2009-12-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

miko and john's vegas wedding

2009-12-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Miko and John on their recent marriage. They exchanged their vows at A Little White Chapel in Las Vegas in front of a small group of friends and family. Click here for more pictures.

thanksgiving in las vegas

2009-12-07T03:45:00.000-08:00

This year, we spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. Nothing says Thanksgiving like riding roller coasters on top of the Stratosphere and seafood buffet dinner with family. For more pictures click here.

oktoberfest

2009-12-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

home on the bristol range

2009-12-02T03:36:00.000-08:00

great platte river archway

2009-11-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

This monument was dedicated to the settlers traveling westward back in the day of covered wagons in 1843 to 1869. It honors the spirit of the half million men, women, children and horses that battled their way through treacherous terrain and made their way westward.

Along with the wagon spirit, there is also spirit of design and engineering in creating the Great Platte River Archway. The monument is pretty big. It is composed of a 1,500 ton structure that stretches across the 308 foot wide highway. Amazingly enough, the archway was erected without inhibiting traffic or creating gridlock, the modern day treachery for travelers.

truckin

2009-11-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

Where can you find a library, orange julius, chapel and truck-o-matic? The World's Largest Truckstop. I'll admit, I did not see a Ripley's stamp of approval anywhere confirming the neon lights claim. But, knowing that you can wash away both your sins and dirt off your 18-wheeler in a one-stop shop, it's plausible.

Even if it's not true, it sure is the grandest truck stop I've come across. And, if it's in the cards and our paths cross again, I now know of place where I can watch a quick flick to wait out rush hour traffic. That is, if there is ever rush hour traffic in the middle of Iowa on I-80.

winds of change

2009-11-18T03:41:00.000-08:00

better in the mountains

2009-11-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

Even a strip mall parking lot looks better in the mountains. The gargantuan field of asphalt and forest of light poles almost look natural in the higher altitude. Almost.

wild west by buffalo bill

2009-11-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

built ford tough

2009-11-11T03:50:00.000-08:00

hey kool-aid

2009-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've always wondered where Kool-Aid came from. Not the invention of the Kool-Aid powder. Everyone knows that Edwin Perkins derived the idea of Kool-Ade - the original, outlawed spelling in 1927, from Jell-O. But I wondered where the physical location of where Kool-Aid, the man, was born.

This year, the agony of not knowing has finally ended. He was born in an expectedly, sterile environment in Hastings, Nebraska. While the building was a little lack-luster, the sugary, sweet bits of knowledge are safely set aside for eccentric party trivia. Now, if I could only figure out where Cap'n Crunch hailed from. So begins my quest to track down mom's worst enemy: sucrose-loving characters.

gps

2009-11-06T03:37:00.000-08:00

I've heard so many positive things about handheld gps systems and was eager to try one out. This summer I got my chance to try my luck. I punched in the destination and waited for the device to show me the way. Sure enough, the gps was giving me directions, but I think the gps was giving me directions for another car. The roads on the screen did not match the road I was on.

Unimpressed by the device, I decided to go old school Lewis and Clark and figure out our route by reading road signs. As I looked out the window, I realized that the gps may have lead us astray.

largest ball of stamps

2009-11-04T03:58:00.000-08:00

Just outside Omaha, Nebraska, in Boys Town you can stop by the visitor's center to see the largest ball of stamps. The lacquered, sphere of canceled postage stamps measures 32 inches in diameter, weighs 600 pounds and contains 4,655,000 stamps.

At first I wasn't believer. Then I read the sign a second time. At the top of the sign I noticed a familiar script that read 'Ripley's Believe It or Not.' The little logo tilted the scale towards the ball of stamps and made me a believer. Afterall, if you can't trust in Ripley, then who can you trust.

great america

2009-10-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

doug and andy's reception

2009-10-28T03:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to Doug and Andy. We helped them celebrate their marriage with friends and family at Garfield Park Conservatory. For more photos, click here.

congratulations to tom and tracie

2009-10-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tom and Tracie on their recent marriage. Just as their T-n-T abbreviation suggests, their wedding reception was a dangerously good time. For more photos from their wedding click here.

pony express

2009-10-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Gothenburg, Nebraska has one of the original Pony Express stations that was built along the Oregon Trail. Back in the day, the Pony Express was considered the overpriced cafe latte of express mail. They boasted a speedy delivery from California to Missouri in a blazing 10 days. Their hoof beaten trail easily out ran the wagon-wheeled competition by 20 days.

Unfortunately, the demand for mail delivery speed did not last and the Pony Express only ran for 18 months. Fortunate for us, the US mail started up and we only pay 44 cents for a 1 oz letter, versus the pony express $5 for half oz. Thank goodness for the Post Office.

bbq skilz

2009-10-26T03:49:00.000-07:00

Do not try this at home. Well, if you had to try it, I would suggest that you try this at someone else's home.

rachelle b's big surprise party

2009-10-25T04:20:00.000-07:00

meet colin the daredevil

2009-10-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

congratulations to matt & jenny

2009-09-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Matt & Jenny on their recent marriage in Winter Park, Colorado. For more pictures from the wedding click here. For bonus photos from their rehearsal dinner, click here.

the peppers are coming, the peppers are coming

2009-08-12T04:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the spring, I decided to pick up a packet of pepper seeds. Since I like a variety and the 5-in-1 pepper packet seemed like a grand idea. That is, until I decided to sow the seeds. When I opened the packet, I noticed that the seeds are suspiciously similar. Since I lack the horticultural knowledge required to differentiate between the lot, I unscientifically planted an obnoxious amount to increase my chances of getting an assortment plants. Fortunately, the seeds are coming up peppers. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait to see what type of peppers are growing.

mosquitoes vs the vitamin

2009-08-07T03:39:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for a natural repellent for mosquitoes. Partly because the CDC links the spread of the West Nile virus and other unflattering diseases to mosquito bites. Mainly because I am too lazy to remember to put on bug spray every time I step outdoors.

I heard from a few sources that vitamin B1 may help my cause. After a bit of research on vitamin B1, I was unable to find any proven data to support this claim. Being my own scientist and lab rat, I decided to see for myself what would happen if I took a vitamin. After all, a little trial and error with vitamins couldn't hurt, right?

cash 4 gold

2009-08-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

krazy kaplan's

2009-08-03T03:54:00.000-07:00

We decided to stop to pick up some fireworks at Krazy Kaplan's. We knew we wanted to pick up fireworks, but didn't know where to stop and the over-abundant number of Kaplan's billboards sold us with their great deals. Now, I love a great bargain, but I also prefer quality over quantity. I should have guess something was a rye when I saw a make-shift dj and porta-potties lined up outside the front door. Their deals were super, but their fireworks were more along the lines of fire-kinda-works. Some firecrackers worked and others just fizzled out. In an odd way, the crap shoot fire crackers were much more exciting when it blew up than those quality ones that would always blow up. It was a modified Russian roulette. Regardless, next time, we're going to by-pass the fire crackers and go straight for the mortars.

frisbee on the beach

2009-07-31T03:56:00.000-07:00

justin plays ball

2009-07-29T03:52:00.000-07:00

learning to fly

2009-07-27T04:13:00.000-07:00

We found a sparrow fledgling lounging in the lawn. Zoe thought it was great to have found a lounging buddy. Seeing a bird in the lawn, my thoughts were a little different. I was concerned that I might have to perform some sort of animal rescue ranger act.

According to the National Audubon Society resources for wildlife rehabilitation and rescue, if the bird does not appear injured or distraught, it is possible that it has finished up its nestling education and moved on to its ground level education. Upon graduation, the fledgling will have an important skill required to make it as an adult bird - flight.

fun in the sun

2009-07-24T04:05:00.000-07:00

go dog go

2009-07-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

bocce ball

2009-07-20T04:01:00.000-07:00

We decided to try out a new sport, Bocce Ball. I figured if hearing-impaired, vision-impaired, old men can do it, then so can I. I also figured that if I set my standards low, then I have a better chance of success. Besides, the old men make it look like so much fun.

Since I have never stepped onto a Bocce Ball court, I never understood how fast the court rolled. I always pictured something similar to lawn jarts, except with bocce balls. I was completely wrong.

To start off the game, I threw the pallino, the smaller ball, into the air with a lot of determination and very little technique. It loudly ricocheted off of the side and back walls with a vengeance. Come to think of it, my first throw looked very similar to one of my miniature golf shots, where the pallino could have easily been the golf ball desperately trying to miss the Indian's falling hatchet. That's when I blamed my throw on the poor conditions of the artificial court.

As it turns out, the artificial court was closer to what tournament conditions should be than a lawn jart court. ( Click here to see how to make your own bocce court.)

After tweaking my miniature golf inspired technique, I came to enjoy the game. It was fun and relatively effortless. Bocce definitely brought out the old man in me.

hideto's new ride

2009-07-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

wrigley field up close and personal

2009-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

do i feel lucky?

2009-07-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my Mafia video game, I decided that it was time to learn how to shoot a gun along with a little gun etiquette. We headed out to the range to test my shot. In particular, I was looking to test my shot with the 45, since that is my mafia guy, I mean, 'property manager's' weapon of choice.

I started out with a smaller, film noir revolver and worked my way up to the .45. The .45 was surprisingly a lot heavier than I thought it would be, and there was more kick to the gun than I had expected. A few things that do not translate directly into video games.

And shockingly enough, one of the trickier parts was figuring out how many shots I took before I had to reload the magazine. I was concentrating on other aspects of shooting that counting them seemed non-essential. Then I thought about one particular time when it would be essential to know exactly how many shots have been fired . . . I can now fully understand Dirty Harry's line, 'Do I feel lucky?'

caterer, shm-aterer

2009-02-23T04:16:00.000-08:00

When it comes to wedding caterers, I was not aware of how difficult it would be to define a simple reception. Some define it as a simple, sterling silver pattern and hold the ice sculpture. While others view paper plates and plastic forks is simple. If they could both talk and meeting the the middle, that would make my life a whole lot easier. On second thought, if I had a room full of wedding people planning a reception, things may not become easier. Amusing maybe, but not easier.

a nod to mod

2009-02-16T03:50:00.000-08:00

It's unclear to me how long planning a reception should take. Most books or blogs have recommended that planning start 14 months ahead of the date. As much as I appreciate the meticulously planned event, I am not one to try to drag things out longer than necessary. Just for kicks, I compared my progress to the 14 month calendar. It said I was behind.

In order get up to planning speed, I have thrown down the gauntlet and decided to finalize plans as soon as possible. With my new and improved schedule, no wedding calendar is required. Just give me a couple of months and call it a day. Rash, you say? Nope. It's mod. A nod to modern architecture. A Mies-ian approach to planning. It is a simple, less is more attitude. Besides, if it isn't figured out within the improved time frame, then it's probably not necessary.

colin's 1st birthday

2009-02-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

Helium balloons, indoor jungle gym with tornado slide and frosted cake, you're first birthday can't get much better than this. Colin and his friends, young and old, gathered at the Exploritorium in Skokie, IL to celebrate this momentous occasion. Good times, along with a few bumps and bruises from the jungle gym, were had by all. For more pictures, click here.

toni the explorer

2009-02-11T03:27:00.000-08:00

be like mike

2009-02-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

Needing a break from the monotonous game, I decided to take a stroll around the United Center. It was only then that I noticed that the United Center has various kiosks scattered throughout the stadium to let you see how well you stack up against the NBA players. While there are several reasons why I drink a draft, opposed to being in the draft, the kiosks highlight a few of my NBA short comings.

the art of snow shoeing

2009-02-02T04:16:00.000-08:00

Snow bound? Whatever should you do? We decided to try seize the moment and snow shoe around town. At the time, it seemed like the thing to do. Unfortunately, my snow shoes were only managing to fill my shoes with snow. It was less than pretty. I have yet to understand the art of snow shoeing. Then again, maybe it was not my fault at all. Maybe it was because I was given 2 left snow shoe feet. Just maybe. . .

waukegan harbor in hibernation

2009-01-26T04:17:00.000-08:00

Pictures from Waukegan Harbor.

winter wonderland

2009-01-19T04:16:00.000-08:00

nobody likes a dumb bride, not even consumers

2008-12-15T04:35:00.000-08:00

mannequins gone wild

2008-12-08T03:49:00.000-08:00

At first glance, it appears that this clothing store was caught off guard by the cold weather. Then after taking a closer look at the dummy with the ripped abs in the Miami Beach setting, I think it was on purpose.

tommy has a new sidekick

2008-12-03T03:31:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Doug and Naoko on their healthy baby boy Kenji. With new legos to play with, Tommy seems happily unaware that Kenji is here to stay. He did stop playing for a few minutes for this photo op, but then was off again to build a lego train.

hawks say '3 is the magic number' to retire

2008-11-14T04:01:00.000-08:00

In front of a standing-room-only crowd at the United Center, Chicago Blackhawks retired #3, the sweater worn by both Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson. While they ran through stats of both players, there were two career highlights that stood out in my mind. One, Pilote brought home the Stanley Cup. And, two, Magnuson earned 1442 minutes, roughly 24 hours, in the penalty box. Unbelivable.

An awkward stroll

2008-11-12T03:26:00.000-08:00

On a gorgeous Indian summer afternoon, I came across this buzz-kill of a girl spewing harsh words at unsuspecting people. Honestly, what would Jesus do?

field museum

2008-11-10T04:14:00.000-08:00

murphy's remains

2008-11-06T03:25:00.000-08:00

how do you spell relief? $2.35 a gallon

2008-11-05T03:17:00.000-08:00

did you vote yet? the billboard is waiting

2008-11-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

long live the chief

2008-11-03T03:37:00.000-08:00

While we will miss Chief Illiniwek perform at half time, we were glad to have a drink with him beforehand.

the boy who cried wolf spider

2008-10-31T04:15:00.000-07:00

On a rainy, fall day, there is nothing better than lounging on the couch with fellow loungers. Suddenly, my lounging was harshly interrupted by a shriek from the other room. I went to check it out and found this uninvited lounger lounging on Zoe's bed.

After a bit of web research and several wrong guesses, it appeared to be the venomous, yet non-aggressive, wolf spider. Non-agressive or not, he was kicked to the curb. Literally.

elkhart lake in autumn

2008-10-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

mall weddings, like totally

2008-10-29T02:24:00.000-07:00

historic urbana

2008-10-28T04:12:00.000-07:00

The Historic Lincoln Hotel in Urbana, IL. Built in 1924 by the local architect, Joseph W. Royer, where the original funding for the hotel came from stock subscription of Urbana's prominent citizens.

billy goat gruff?

2008-10-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

At first glance it looks like the petting zoo had to place this poor 'ole goat in the stocks in order to get him to play nicely with the kids. Then, I realized, after watching for a while, that this wise billy goat jenga'd his way into this spot to get in prime position for feed from dirty little hands.

grave danger

2008-10-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Camping in Door County, a mysterious grave marker was found on one of the sites. It seemed to come alive at night, as it would snag the foot of those that attempt to trespass. Or, you could just chalk it up to some crafty kids and a lack of coordination.

colors of fall

2008-10-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

vote early, not but not often or late.

2008-10-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

Did you know that 34 states allow people to vote in person before the election day? Majority of them have a don't ask, don't tell attitude towards early voters. Only 3 states & DC want a reason.

Here in Illinois, they didn't ask me anything and I didn't tell them anything. To find early voting locations in Illinois, click here.

colin knows how to pick 'em

2008-10-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin picking is an art. Colin walks us through the steps to finding the great pumpkin.

First, check the dirt. Good soil is the first indicator of a good crop.

Next, inspect the pumpkin.

Finally, call in the laborers to carry your bounty home for you.

soldier field

2008-10-20T03:07:00.000-07:00

oliver plays with fire

2008-10-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Oliver discovered one of the reasons people take a trip to Wisconsin - firecrackers.

We gathered at the water's edge of a beautiful, serene lake that was surrounded by the fall colors. The serene moment lasted only a moment. It changed as the inventory of fireworks was laid out on the pier. Then the moment was lost. Bottle rockets streaked through the air and skipped on water.

Congratulations to Lauren and Jimmy

2008-09-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

lauren, jimmy and aunt toni's cake

We headed up to Wisconsin to see Lauren and Jimmy tie the knot. The weather threatened with rain early in the weekend, but was shooed away by the bonfire after the rehearsal dinner. Apparently fire and water don't mix. The elements aside, we had a fabulous weekend filled with family, friends and food.

For more pictures of the wedding and rehearsal dinner click here.

Doug & Andrea's Announcement

2008-09-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

We headed over the Nacional 27 to celebrate the recent marriage of Doug and Andrea. When I think of Doug and Andrea, I think of food and wine. It seemed only natural that there trays of delectable apps and mixologist-inspired drinks samba-ing around the party for all to enjoy. My favorite was the blueberry infused cocktail.

traditional registry gifts

2008-08-22T04:24:00.000-07:00

brandy's

2008-08-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

A fast food place that is the home of the gyros, salad on a pita and a parking lot full of cops. must be good. It was.

chicago botanic gardens

2008-08-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

batman gets his props

2008-08-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

A few years back, we were driving around downtown and you knew something was going on. Along with streets lined with movie trailers, they were beautifying a portion of the L-tracks and there was an burned semi-truck overturned at Grand and State. Then we saw the prop truck and the prop-master loading the dummy onto the truck. Only later did we figure out that it was the making of Batman - The Dark Knight.

Now, fast forward a few years to present . . . We went to see the Black Knight. We went for a couple of reasons. First, it seemed like a movie that needed to be seen on the big screen. Second, Fandango has a 2 for 1 deal on tickets. It was meant to be.

The movie was good. The movie was long. There were a few things that I liked. I liked the background of the characters. Don't get me wrong I love the classic, action-packed, 'Crash', 'Bam', 'Ooof' Batman tv series, but the movie built up the reason on how the characters came to be. And the new Batman does have some pretty slick gadgets to give the movie a different sort of 'Pow'. I mostly liked being able to pick out different buildings and areas of Chicago. It put some closure on one issue. I finally figured out how the semi truck got overturned. One thing still bothers me, I never did figure out where this dummy came from. Maybe one day I'll figure it out.

olympic common-tary

2008-08-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Olympic games cover a wide variety of athletics. Some are more popular and easier to recognize than others. You know what basketball and even water polo are. For other events, you understand a little bit about the sport from the title, but don't quite understand all the objectives and scoring for the event. This is where the commentators come into play. Their job is the simplify the sport so that the common viewer can understand the goal of the competition. Sometimes they are too simple.

Watching synchronized diving, you hear the commentator explain the scoring. The 2 divers are judged for similarity in style, speed of rotation, angle of entry and timing of entry. The more synchronized the 2 divers are, the less deductions they receive from the dive's start value. In the slow motion film, you can begin to see what they are talking about.

After a while, the commentators lack information to share and try to add fluff or color to their dialogue. That's when the odd, Yogi Berra comments start to come out. . . 'She completely missed the dive. She is not going to score well.' That's the comment. Not how many points are going to be deducted, but the fact that she is not going to receive as many points if it has been executed perfectly. or 'They train in the same facility. This makes training (for synchronized diving) a lot easier for the them.' As if I assumed that they were in sync, and they wouldn't have to be in the same place to train together. Enlightening. Hope you are enlightened as well.

where the onion grows - part II

2008-08-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

the rogue onion saga continues. what started as a large onion bulb to begin, has grown roots and divided into 3. From what I understand, the onion bulbs that start out round, end up oblonged. It is odd to have a torpedo shaped onion, but if it is diced up, who will know. We'll see what happens, harvest time is right around the corner.

gameworks and some games don't work

2008-08-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

We headed over to Gameworks to play a few video games. The boys went commando and the girls went old school. I found myself reminiscing of the old days of Showbiz Pizza and wandered over to the skee ball machines.

My excitement was halted as the game refused to release the balls after I swiped the card. Then I remembered how often these machines broke down and cheated you out of tickets. After the machine was re-booted, I rolled my luck and, sure enough, as old school, luck would have it, I was also cheated out of my tickets. Maybe next time I'll be able to collect my earning. This time I just find odd comfort in knowing that some things just don't change.

need a tornado alert, watch the rodents

2008-08-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Sitting at a restaurant, I saw the lights flicker. Then another flicker. Across the way, I saw the Lego store lights go out for a few, long seconds. The odd light show was long enough to create panic in the eyes of the mall rat. Like any rodent, they instinctively know when something is up. The flickering lights were some sort of Morse code that sent the mall rats scurrying towards the exits.

Oblivious to the rodents flight, I continued to sit and watch as the smaller stores abruptly closed and secured their storefronts as if there was going to be a looting. It was not closing time, but something was wrong. I walked back to my exit and headed towards the car. Walking through the department store, I was warned by the teenage, loss prevention guards that I should head immediately to the shoe department to seek cover. I thought, how did he know that is where I usually seek refuge? Heeding no warning, I continued outside. The glass doors opened and I was met by a musty air and surrounded by an erie green sky. Sheets of rain and strobes of lighting filled the sky. There was a tornado warning.

According to Tom Skilling, we can blame Canada. The warm Canadian winds blew in and messed up the jet streams and created a whirlwind mess. Tom knows his meteorology. I blame Canada too and will keep a closer eye on frenzied crowds. Maybe.

the chicago guy for a day

2008-08-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Like a human tumbleweed, Brendan rolled into town, meandered around Chicago a bit and pushed on westward. Unlike tumbleweed, he left his mark on a few places.

Run Fontenot Run!

2008-07-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, we went to see the last game of the Cubs - Marlins series. The last but not least adage holds true here. The excitement started after the 7th inning stretch when Derek Lee hit a homerun to tie the game. Then Fontenot followed with a three-run double to give the Cubs the lead and sent the already frenzied crowd through the roof with excitement. Fontenot continued his crowd pleasing moments with one of the best run down plays in MLB history, according to Pat Hughes. He actually out ran the rundown. It was the little guy that could. At the top of the ninth, Edmonds ended the game with an amazingly acrobatic catch. I am not sure if I was more impressed that he made the catch or that he was able to get up after the catch. Cubs win over the Marlins 9-6.

Dawn keeps grease and pests out of your way

2008-07-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Being new to the farming industry, I was not equipped to take on garden pests. Or so I thought. The other day I found some sort of insects devouring my crop. They were black with metallic wings and white spots the lined the edge of their devious butt. I figured out that they were japanese beetles. I also found out that if you have japanese beetles, you can make a non-toxic solution of dish soap and water to get rid of them. Just pick, toss and repeat. Mere water would do the trick, but adding the soap to the water keeps also helps to keep the mosquitoes away while the beetles soak.

The best part is there is no clean up. If you allow the beetle carcus to dry in the sun near the plants, the decaying carcus keeps more beetles from using your plant for a buffet. The worst part about it, it looks a bit disgusting, but that's the circle of life and the life of a farmer.

it might be, it could be, it is - the venue

2008-07-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

After a bit of research, a few awkward situations and a lot of patience, we picked a place for the reception. It is a swanky, little joint nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast called Maxim's.

Why this place? It was the siren-like combination of the historic, art deco interiors and the debonair event coordinator dressed to impress, we just couldn't resist.

Walking down the ornate, red, velvety staircase, you feel like you've strolled back in time to the 1920's. It has a soothing, speak easy feel to it. That got me thinking. . . Wouldn't it be fun if everyone dressed up in roaring 20's couture. . . Awe, come on now. You have to admit, that 'speak easy' does have a nice ring to it. Just a thought.

A bit of archi history . . . The building, Astor Tower, was originally designed as an up-scale hotel and restaurant in 1961 by architect, Bertrand Goldberg. It is now a private residence and the restaurant was donated to the Chicago Cultural Center. Oh yes. Getting back to the architect. You know the guy's work. Just think . . . Steve Mc Queen, The Hunter and car crash. Or more recently, the Allstate commercial, where the car drives off the edge of the concrete, corn cob looking building into the Chicago River. That's the same architect.

The restaurant, now, that's another story. The interiors are the same as the original Maxim's de Paris in France. Like it's older French sister, the restaurant played host to the rich and famous. If the walls of Maxim's could talk, I bet they'd have some pretty good People, maybe even Star gossip.

So it looks like we've got our place and we'd like to make sure you have yours. Next up on the list of things to do . . . hotel accommodations. We'll keep you posted.