Best Look Magazine's (a product of Alan Look Photography) latest publications are special issues that chronicle the Ridgeview Mustangs and the Normal Ironmen boys basketball teams play in Peoria at the IHSA State Finals. The Mustangs qualified for their 1st ever appearance and the Ironmen for their third. The Mustangs placed 3rd and the Ironmen placed 2nd. Both had excellent records and a tremendous amount of fun this season! Please take a look at our publications complete with front and back cover images, a short story and several high definition images. Be sure to check out our advertisers. They all really appreciate any business that comes their way. I'm sure you will get personalized service from everyone of them.
Click for Ridgeview
Click for Normal Community
Alan Look Photography
Showing posts with label Alan Look Photography and Photojournalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alan Look Photography and Photojournalism. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2015
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Nelson garners Hutchinson Endowment
Chloe Nelson was the 2012 recipient of the Jill Hutchinson Endowed Scholarship award. Reported on the Redbirds Website on June 19th, Coach Stephanie Glance stated that "Chloe is a class act, both on and off the court, and well deserving of such an honor."
Nelson started 16 games last season and played in all 32.
Nelson started 16 games last season and played in all 32.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
West survives to fight again
Normal Community Ironmen and the Normal Community West Wildcats duel in IHSA Regional
Lots of tense moments, lots of tough decisions, lots of teamwork, lots of friends, lots of foes, lots of sadness, lots of joy. In overtime, the Wildcats hold on to a 2 point lead that had 2 opportunities to be a lose. Not a lot one can add to the action that happened inside the black lines or inside the Shirk Center. The stories will be told for at least a generation. you had to be there, or you need to read the story by Steve Robinson in the upcoming Normalite Newspaper.
20120302 NCWHS v NCHS Regional - Images by Alan Look
Lots of tense moments, lots of tough decisions, lots of teamwork, lots of friends, lots of foes, lots of sadness, lots of joy. In overtime, the Wildcats hold on to a 2 point lead that had 2 opportunities to be a lose. Not a lot one can add to the action that happened inside the black lines or inside the Shirk Center. The stories will be told for at least a generation. you had to be there, or you need to read the story by Steve Robinson in the upcoming Normalite Newspaper.
20120302 NCWHS v NCHS Regional - Images by Alan Look
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wichita State Shockers posed to take it all?
Illinois State Redbird Men's Basketball v Wichita State Shockers Men's Basketball
Seems like all the hoopla this season has surrounded the McDermotts (Greg and Doug). Even Sports Illustrated had a multipage/mulitphoto spread on them and the 'Jays from Creighton. Still, I look at the leaderboard on the MVC site and see the Wichita Shockers are 2 games ahead of them.
The Shockers beat the Illinois State Redbirds on Doug Collins Court last night by thirteen. So, the MVC has a first, a second, a pair in third and a four way tie for fourth. Should be a fun dance in St. Louis this year!
20120222 Wichita State v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
Seems like all the hoopla this season has surrounded the McDermotts (Greg and Doug). Even Sports Illustrated had a multipage/mulitphoto spread on them and the 'Jays from Creighton. Still, I look at the leaderboard on the MVC site and see the Wichita Shockers are 2 games ahead of them.
The Shockers beat the Illinois State Redbirds on Doug Collins Court last night by thirteen. So, the MVC has a first, a second, a pair in third and a four way tie for fourth. Should be a fun dance in St. Louis this year!
20120222 Wichita State v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Bradley Braves v Illinois State Redbird Basketball
Illinois State and Bradley have long been local rivals. Every season in Central Illinois starts with talk of the 4 games (2 mens, 2 womens). Bradley is struggling this season and Illinois State doing pretty well. That has kept some of the chatter to a lower roar than other seasons when the two are more evenly matched. Still, not many loyals missed the games at the Redbird Arena end. It was mostly a full house for the Mens game, and the Womens game filled the lower bowl and doubled as the venue for the Play 4Kay event.
Illinois State took both the Normal games.
20120204 Bradley v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
20120212 Bradley v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
Illinois State took both the Normal games.
20120204 Bradley v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
20120212 Bradley v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
Chicago Auto Show
It's been a while since I posted. I hope to be a little more consistent, but you know what they say about the best laid plans...
Last week the Chicago Automobile Trade Associations 2012 Chicago Auto Show began at McCormick Place in Chicago. I'm lucky enough to get in on Media Day and get some great pictures. Over the years several of my images from the show have been used in weekly, monthly publications and several books.
One of the initial items that drew me to the Chicago Auto Show several years ago were the concept cars. I think everyone has a couple that they really like. I'm no exception. The climate at the show seems to be changing. The number of manufactures showing concepts seems to be shrinking. In the heyday 10 years ago, I remember one manufacture having multiple concept cars on display in any one show. I think the total number of concepts by all manufactures combined this year lists out at around 8 on the Chicago Auto Shows website.
Lexus was probably the most noticeable display this year with the turntable showing of its concept the LF-LC, frontlined by a row of LF-A customs. I was also impressed by Mercedes-Benz display, the Ford Shelby cobra GT500 and the Chevrolet concept. Blatantly missing were displays by Maybach and Rolls Royce / Bentley. Really kind of missed seeing the high end autos.
2012 Chicago Auto Show - Images by Alan Look
Last week the Chicago Automobile Trade Associations 2012 Chicago Auto Show began at McCormick Place in Chicago. I'm lucky enough to get in on Media Day and get some great pictures. Over the years several of my images from the show have been used in weekly, monthly publications and several books.
One of the initial items that drew me to the Chicago Auto Show several years ago were the concept cars. I think everyone has a couple that they really like. I'm no exception. The climate at the show seems to be changing. The number of manufactures showing concepts seems to be shrinking. In the heyday 10 years ago, I remember one manufacture having multiple concept cars on display in any one show. I think the total number of concepts by all manufactures combined this year lists out at around 8 on the Chicago Auto Shows website.
Lexus was probably the most noticeable display this year with the turntable showing of its concept the LF-LC, frontlined by a row of LF-A customs. I was also impressed by Mercedes-Benz display, the Ford Shelby cobra GT500 and the Chevrolet concept. Blatantly missing were displays by Maybach and Rolls Royce / Bentley. Really kind of missed seeing the high end autos.
2012 Chicago Auto Show - Images by Alan Look
Friday, December 2, 2011
2012 NFL Draft possibilities are all Normal
Well, I got to wondering today just how many players I had shot that were possibly going to be in the 2012 NFL draft. A quick search of some of the polls and listings and a quick search of my archive came up with a number of players. One, Cody White I have been photographing since he attended High School at Normal Community West. There were a Number of Illinois State Redbirds that made the list and a good parcel from the Missouri Valley Conference. Fill in the rest of the non-conference games at Hancock and I got the following into a gallery. I only selected one image of each person for this gallery. If you search my archive by name, you will find several more of each. Unfortunately there were several players I did not capture.
Enjoy, and good luck to all involved when the draft takes place.
2012 NFL Draft Prospects - Images by Alan Look
Enjoy, and good luck to all involved when the draft takes place.
2012 NFL Draft Prospects - Images by Alan Look
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Do it Yourself fresnel lense flash extender
A few short weeks ago, I was shooting a night time IHSA playoff game at Normal Community West High School and ran in to a fellow shooter and friend. As I made my way around the field to say hello and chat for a couple seconds, I noticed something that made me take a second look. On his flash unit was an extender. I'd heard of Better Beamers before but had never seen on in person, still haven't. His unit was a dozen or so years old and while it used the fresnel lense technology like the Better Beamer, it was made by someone else.
Inquiring about just how much it would help and what if any side effects there were, I decided to look into one. Online, I found a couple different variations with the Better Beamer being the more popular. Next I visited a couple of photo chat rooms to get an idea of what people thought that had used them. They are used a lot in nature photography and I found some using them in sports photograpy. The biggest compaint I could find was escaping light. The Better Beamer uses two side brackets to hold the fresnel lens out in front of the flash, but has no top or bottom sides. So, while the light making its through the lens is magnified and does add benefit, the escaping light was lost or in some scenarios left unwanted side effects.
I didn't really like the price and the DIY guy on my shoulder convinced me to look around to see if I could find the material to make one.
The fresnel lens is most common in pager readers. They are thin sheets of magnifying plastic that you hold above a sheet of print to enlarge the print to ease reading. They are available at most department stores (Kmart, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Etc.) I found them for as little as $2.70 for a full size sheet to nearly $8.00 for the same size. When I found them for less than $3 apiece, I bought a few.
Next I needed something to make a bracket. Well, they say you can do anything with duct tape... A roll of black and a couple page size sheets of foam core and I was ready with the knife.
Trimming the fresnel page down to about 3x5 inches seemed about right. Trimming the foam core was a bit trickier so that I could make it into more of a retangular funnel so the size would increase from the flash head to the fresnel lense. Add the duct tape to put it all together and it was complete.
That weekend, as luck would have it, the 2nd round playoff game was once again at the same location. I took my blaster and it worked! I think I saved my self about a full stop at mid-field range. The only drawback with this was it was just too large, enough at the flash end that it slipped around a lot on the flash head.
Back to the drawing board - and the local lumber/hardware store. I cruised every aisle looking for something that would be more of a tubular bracket that I could reinvent to make it work. Well, ever wonder why they have grocery store items at those places? Not me, not anymore. Wandering past the plastic garbage cans and liners, I stumbled on plastic food storage containers. Finally deciding on the medium sized (approx. 6x6x5) square ones. A package of 4 - I don't remember, but I'm sure it was under $5 for the package. Complete with lids!
Well, the rest was pretty easy. Cut a hole in the lid, centered and about 1/2 an inch smaller than I cut the fresnel lens material. a little black tape inside and out all the way around to hold it in. An H shaped cut on the back with the total outside dimensions just the size of the flash head (I actually put a wrap of gaffers tape on the flash head so it wouldn't get marke up). The H cut allows for 2 flaps, one on the top of the flash head and one on the bottom. These are used with either tape or a velcro belt to hold the unit in place.
Here are photos of both units. I have yet to test the 2nd version and wish I had a longer "container" to use, but I'm confident that these will be useful both bouncing light for basketball season and for field sports in the spring and fall.
DIY Flash Extenders - Images by Alan Look
Inquiring about just how much it would help and what if any side effects there were, I decided to look into one. Online, I found a couple different variations with the Better Beamer being the more popular. Next I visited a couple of photo chat rooms to get an idea of what people thought that had used them. They are used a lot in nature photography and I found some using them in sports photograpy. The biggest compaint I could find was escaping light. The Better Beamer uses two side brackets to hold the fresnel lens out in front of the flash, but has no top or bottom sides. So, while the light making its through the lens is magnified and does add benefit, the escaping light was lost or in some scenarios left unwanted side effects.
I didn't really like the price and the DIY guy on my shoulder convinced me to look around to see if I could find the material to make one.
The fresnel lens is most common in pager readers. They are thin sheets of magnifying plastic that you hold above a sheet of print to enlarge the print to ease reading. They are available at most department stores (Kmart, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Etc.) I found them for as little as $2.70 for a full size sheet to nearly $8.00 for the same size. When I found them for less than $3 apiece, I bought a few.
Next I needed something to make a bracket. Well, they say you can do anything with duct tape... A roll of black and a couple page size sheets of foam core and I was ready with the knife.
Trimming the fresnel page down to about 3x5 inches seemed about right. Trimming the foam core was a bit trickier so that I could make it into more of a retangular funnel so the size would increase from the flash head to the fresnel lense. Add the duct tape to put it all together and it was complete.
That weekend, as luck would have it, the 2nd round playoff game was once again at the same location. I took my blaster and it worked! I think I saved my self about a full stop at mid-field range. The only drawback with this was it was just too large, enough at the flash end that it slipped around a lot on the flash head.
Back to the drawing board - and the local lumber/hardware store. I cruised every aisle looking for something that would be more of a tubular bracket that I could reinvent to make it work. Well, ever wonder why they have grocery store items at those places? Not me, not anymore. Wandering past the plastic garbage cans and liners, I stumbled on plastic food storage containers. Finally deciding on the medium sized (approx. 6x6x5) square ones. A package of 4 - I don't remember, but I'm sure it was under $5 for the package. Complete with lids!
Well, the rest was pretty easy. Cut a hole in the lid, centered and about 1/2 an inch smaller than I cut the fresnel lens material. a little black tape inside and out all the way around to hold it in. An H shaped cut on the back with the total outside dimensions just the size of the flash head (I actually put a wrap of gaffers tape on the flash head so it wouldn't get marke up). The H cut allows for 2 flaps, one on the top of the flash head and one on the bottom. These are used with either tape or a velcro belt to hold the unit in place.
Here are photos of both units. I have yet to test the 2nd version and wish I had a longer "container" to use, but I'm confident that these will be useful both bouncing light for basketball season and for field sports in the spring and fall.
DIY Flash Extenders - Images by Alan Look
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Ugly or boring? Not in the Fall
Well, The Indianapolis 500 gets Indiana rev'ed up in the spring but what is it like in the fall? Well, Parke County has the Covered Bridge Festival in October and Brown County turns a thousand colors. Would you believe it's hilly in Brown County? I swear, where did the hills come from. Get very far in any direction and it's back to the flat grain growing ground.
Get a cabin, stay at a Bed and Breakfast, take a bus trip or just make it for one day but go check out both places next October.
Covered Bridges - Images by Alan Look
Brown County Indiana - Images by Alan Look
Get a cabin, stay at a Bed and Breakfast, take a bus trip or just make it for one day but go check out both places next October.
Covered Bridges - Images by Alan Look
Brown County Indiana - Images by Alan Look
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Lanier Contract not renewed by Cornbelters
Basing the decision on the second season in which expectations were much higher than what was acheived, the decision was made by Cornbelters General Manager Steve Malliet to not renew Hal Lanier as field manager. Under Lanier's two seasons at the helm, the Cornbelters were .468 with 90 wins and 102 losses.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Never thought this would be true
When I was in high school pumping fuel at the corner station I used to drool over the Mercedes Benz sedans that would come in. I still do. Many would have badges of courage on the front grille showing how many miles they had survived. Many were in the hundreds of thousands of miles and most were still in very good shape.
My dad pretty much always drove Chevy's or Pontiac's, usually new and kept them for four or five years. I remember a stray Fiat that he bought on a repo deal and a Ford LTD, but mostly GM's. The first car with my name on it was a 1st edition Monte Carlo, after that I've pretty much been a Ford Truck man, with the exception of one really bad Buick. It was a very comfortable car, but I couldn't keep a transaxle in it. I think it kicked about 3 of them out in the 14 months I owned it.
I also spent some time in a few different garage settings were I got to drive a lot of different models from all sorts of foreign and domestic makers. I still migrated back to Fords. I couldn't tell you how many different models or the years, but it's been a good portion of them. Everything from Pinto's to the large Sedans to pickups and even an 8 ton dualie with that split shift 5 speed. I just like the Fords.
Well, my current F150 is a 2003. Beautiful truck with about 50,000 miiles on it. Yes, 8 and a half years old and only that many miles. It gets massaged and treated pretty well. It's pulled a trailer full of scout camp gear that had to weigh 4 ton total, and it hauls everything to and from the house for repairs and such. So even though it's pampered it also works.
I generally try to trade every 10 years or so. That and some of the newer feature and option offerings have had me online looking (I'm not brave enough to go to the lots, my resistance isn't that strong). The build your own utilities on the manufacture's websites aren't perfect, but they can get you close enough for comparisons. This is where I'm really getting surprised.
The one option I'd really like to have is heated leather seats. I'm out a lot in the winter at ball games and I'd just like the comfort of driving home with a little extra warmth. To get that on a Ford F150, it seems from those calculators that you have to get to the Lariat package. I also like the 4x4 option because it gets me to those games and home again when the weather turns ugly. Add to those a set of nice wheels, a rear slider, the package with the electric locks and the fob unlock and you end up with a sticker somewhere in the $45,000 range. That scares me a bit even though I know I'll have it for 10 years.
Moving on, I decided to check on the Mercedes Benz site. No pickups available. Not sure if they just aren't offered in the states or that they don't make them. I know they make step vans and larger trucks, but no pickups. But, I like the Mercedes product so I looked at the SUV's, then checked on the BMW's SUV selection too. Equipped as closely to the F150 as I could get them and guess what... The price was almost the same! So, I guess I have a couple years to decide if I'm still gonna be a Ford Man.
What would you do?
Hey, as a bonus to this blog entry, how about taking a look at some of the oldies running around Central Illinois. These were all seen at the 2011 McLean County Antique Automobile Association show at the David Davis Mansion a couple weekends ago.
2011 McLean County Antique Automobile Association car show - Images by Alan Look
Football and Volleyball start in a couple weeks. Stay tuned.
My dad pretty much always drove Chevy's or Pontiac's, usually new and kept them for four or five years. I remember a stray Fiat that he bought on a repo deal and a Ford LTD, but mostly GM's. The first car with my name on it was a 1st edition Monte Carlo, after that I've pretty much been a Ford Truck man, with the exception of one really bad Buick. It was a very comfortable car, but I couldn't keep a transaxle in it. I think it kicked about 3 of them out in the 14 months I owned it.
I also spent some time in a few different garage settings were I got to drive a lot of different models from all sorts of foreign and domestic makers. I still migrated back to Fords. I couldn't tell you how many different models or the years, but it's been a good portion of them. Everything from Pinto's to the large Sedans to pickups and even an 8 ton dualie with that split shift 5 speed. I just like the Fords.
Well, my current F150 is a 2003. Beautiful truck with about 50,000 miiles on it. Yes, 8 and a half years old and only that many miles. It gets massaged and treated pretty well. It's pulled a trailer full of scout camp gear that had to weigh 4 ton total, and it hauls everything to and from the house for repairs and such. So even though it's pampered it also works.
I generally try to trade every 10 years or so. That and some of the newer feature and option offerings have had me online looking (I'm not brave enough to go to the lots, my resistance isn't that strong). The build your own utilities on the manufacture's websites aren't perfect, but they can get you close enough for comparisons. This is where I'm really getting surprised.
The one option I'd really like to have is heated leather seats. I'm out a lot in the winter at ball games and I'd just like the comfort of driving home with a little extra warmth. To get that on a Ford F150, it seems from those calculators that you have to get to the Lariat package. I also like the 4x4 option because it gets me to those games and home again when the weather turns ugly. Add to those a set of nice wheels, a rear slider, the package with the electric locks and the fob unlock and you end up with a sticker somewhere in the $45,000 range. That scares me a bit even though I know I'll have it for 10 years.
Moving on, I decided to check on the Mercedes Benz site. No pickups available. Not sure if they just aren't offered in the states or that they don't make them. I know they make step vans and larger trucks, but no pickups. But, I like the Mercedes product so I looked at the SUV's, then checked on the BMW's SUV selection too. Equipped as closely to the F150 as I could get them and guess what... The price was almost the same! So, I guess I have a couple years to decide if I'm still gonna be a Ford Man.
What would you do?
Hey, as a bonus to this blog entry, how about taking a look at some of the oldies running around Central Illinois. These were all seen at the 2011 McLean County Antique Automobile Association show at the David Davis Mansion a couple weekends ago.
2011 McLean County Antique Automobile Association car show - Images by Alan Look
Football and Volleyball start in a couple weeks. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I'm getting ready for some football.
Wow, what a lot of drama this summer. Football and the economy. One report had people more interested in the NFL lockout than the US debt ceiling issue. And why not, financial issues get to be monotonous and stressful. So, let's talk about football instead.
High school ball is just around the corner. Summer strength and condidioning should be wrapping up. Practices should be starting. Opening night is August 26th. Intercity at Hancock Stadium is September 2nd. If you haven't heard, the south stands at Hancock were to be removed. I haven't been to the stadium lately, so I'm looking forward to seeing what all has been done. I believe the west stands were also to get a facelift.
College can't be far off either. The Redbirds have an interesting bend on the normal Media Day this year. The fans and friends will be invited to attend and can also participate in a moderated question and answer session with some of the coaches and players. It all starts the morning of August 8. I'm not sure I'll be there, but I think the questions the fans will ask could be interesting.
I'm also getting excited about the NFL settlement. I haven't read a lot about the contract. What has been crossing my screen are reports of players from the Missouri Valley Football Conference being signed by teams. There are 7. ISU offers Chris Riley who is with the Bengals as will Colin Cochart from South Dakota and Stephen Franklin from Southern Illinois. South Dakota alum Cole Brodie is headed to Jacksonville and Derek Domino to the Broncos. North Dakota State sends Josh Gatlin to the Saints. Also headed to the Saints is Kolby Hurt of Missouri State. The NFL will be more fun knowing these people have passed before us at a more local level. I hope they all make the final cut.
Here's a small gallery of Chris Riley.
Chris Riley - Images by Alan Look
See you all along the stripes.
High school ball is just around the corner. Summer strength and condidioning should be wrapping up. Practices should be starting. Opening night is August 26th. Intercity at Hancock Stadium is September 2nd. If you haven't heard, the south stands at Hancock were to be removed. I haven't been to the stadium lately, so I'm looking forward to seeing what all has been done. I believe the west stands were also to get a facelift.
College can't be far off either. The Redbirds have an interesting bend on the normal Media Day this year. The fans and friends will be invited to attend and can also participate in a moderated question and answer session with some of the coaches and players. It all starts the morning of August 8. I'm not sure I'll be there, but I think the questions the fans will ask could be interesting.
I'm also getting excited about the NFL settlement. I haven't read a lot about the contract. What has been crossing my screen are reports of players from the Missouri Valley Football Conference being signed by teams. There are 7. ISU offers Chris Riley who is with the Bengals as will Colin Cochart from South Dakota and Stephen Franklin from Southern Illinois. South Dakota alum Cole Brodie is headed to Jacksonville and Derek Domino to the Broncos. North Dakota State sends Josh Gatlin to the Saints. Also headed to the Saints is Kolby Hurt of Missouri State. The NFL will be more fun knowing these people have passed before us at a more local level. I hope they all make the final cut.
Here's a small gallery of Chris Riley.
Chris Riley - Images by Alan Look
See you all along the stripes.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Cornbelters drop first series at home.
The Cornbelters started out the season away from the 'Crib coming home for the opener in Normal at 4-2 but dropped the complete series to the Miners of Southern Illinois to drop to 4 and 5 and 2nd from the bottom in their division in the Frontier League.
20110527 Miners v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look
20110527 Miners v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Cornbelters ready for 2011 season
I was lucky enough last season to be able to make the inaugural game of the Frontier League Cornbelters at the Corncrib in Normal. They are ready to start their second season and opening night at the 'Crib is May 27th at 7pm against the Southern Illinois Miners. I hope to be there. Being on the Media List, I get lots of notices from them. The latest just hit my email box about 10 minutes ago. They have hired a new Hitting Coach. The Media release follows.
"CornBelters sign former MLB as new hitting coach
‘Boots’ Day joins team following 2 seasons in Calgary
NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, are pleased to announce the signing of Charles ‘Boots’ Day as the team’s new hitting coach for the upcoming season. Following a six-game road trip to begin its’ second season, the CornBelters will play its’ first home game of the 2011 campaign at the Corn Crib on Friday, May 27 at 7 P.M. versus the Southern Illinois Miners (CEFCU Opening Night).
Day comes to Normal after serving as hitting coach the past two seasons with the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League. The Vipers won the league championship in 2009, a team that also featured current CornBelter outfielder Colin Moro. In the minors, Day has also coached in the Pacific Coast League and California League, among others.
A native of Ilion, NY, Day began coaching in 1982 with the Detroit Tigers organization, and scouted for the team from 1984 to 1988. He has also spent time in the Royals, Cardinals, Indians, Nationals, and Diamondbacks farm systems. As a player, Day made his major league debut in 1969 with the St. Louis Cardinals, but spent a majority of his 6 seasons as a center fielder with the Montreal Expos.
Day joins manager Hal Lanier and pitching coach Brooks Carey on the CornBelters staff. The team begins the 2011 regular season May 20 on the road against the River City Rascals."
If you missed posts from last season's opening game, here are some images to help you along...
20100601 Thunderbolts v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look
On the Illinois State front, the Athletic Directors slot vacated by Sheahon Zenger has been filled by Gary Friedman. Friedman has ties to Illinois and to the Bloomington-Normal Sports scene.
"CornBelters sign former MLB as new hitting coach
‘Boots’ Day joins team following 2 seasons in Calgary
NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters, presented by Illinois Corn Farmers, are pleased to announce the signing of Charles ‘Boots’ Day as the team’s new hitting coach for the upcoming season. Following a six-game road trip to begin its’ second season, the CornBelters will play its’ first home game of the 2011 campaign at the Corn Crib on Friday, May 27 at 7 P.M. versus the Southern Illinois Miners (CEFCU Opening Night).
Day comes to Normal after serving as hitting coach the past two seasons with the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League. The Vipers won the league championship in 2009, a team that also featured current CornBelter outfielder Colin Moro. In the minors, Day has also coached in the Pacific Coast League and California League, among others.
A native of Ilion, NY, Day began coaching in 1982 with the Detroit Tigers organization, and scouted for the team from 1984 to 1988. He has also spent time in the Royals, Cardinals, Indians, Nationals, and Diamondbacks farm systems. As a player, Day made his major league debut in 1969 with the St. Louis Cardinals, but spent a majority of his 6 seasons as a center fielder with the Montreal Expos.
Day joins manager Hal Lanier and pitching coach Brooks Carey on the CornBelters staff. The team begins the 2011 regular season May 20 on the road against the River City Rascals."
If you missed posts from last season's opening game, here are some images to help you along...
20100601 Thunderbolts v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look
On the Illinois State front, the Athletic Directors slot vacated by Sheahon Zenger has been filled by Gary Friedman. Friedman has ties to Illinois and to the Bloomington-Normal Sports scene.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Questions of the day and one answer
The older I get the more I find out just how much I don't know and I always find questions about things I take for granted.
Last night whild being lazy and watching some pro Bull Riding, I started to question something I've seen for years at this event... a rope tied around the bull behind the rider and in front of the rear leg muscles. What on earth can that be for? You certainly can't lead a bull from the behind! As it turns out, it's called a flank strap. The flank strap is affixed by the supplier of the bull and is used to make the bull use it's back legs to buck more.
An other question that keeps popping in my mind when being lazy and watching the tube is medicines. I know why people take them but watching those commercials just has to make you sit up and go HUH! Many of them can actually promote what your hoping to fix or give you side effects that could be far worse than what you have. Buyer beware and careful! One such drug that I see promoted heavily is supposed to help with the sypmtoms of depression but in the long list of possible side effects is in rare cases the ability for it to give you suicidal tendencies? WOW. Others trying to fix other ailments may not be quite that far off, but they can still do lots of harm. I think I'll be very careful in what I let get prescribed for me. Next time you see one of these commercials, turn up the volume and listen.
Last night whild being lazy and watching some pro Bull Riding, I started to question something I've seen for years at this event... a rope tied around the bull behind the rider and in front of the rear leg muscles. What on earth can that be for? You certainly can't lead a bull from the behind! As it turns out, it's called a flank strap. The flank strap is affixed by the supplier of the bull and is used to make the bull use it's back legs to buck more.
An other question that keeps popping in my mind when being lazy and watching the tube is medicines. I know why people take them but watching those commercials just has to make you sit up and go HUH! Many of them can actually promote what your hoping to fix or give you side effects that could be far worse than what you have. Buyer beware and careful! One such drug that I see promoted heavily is supposed to help with the sypmtoms of depression but in the long list of possible side effects is in rare cases the ability for it to give you suicidal tendencies? WOW. Others trying to fix other ailments may not be quite that far off, but they can still do lots of harm. I think I'll be very careful in what I let get prescribed for me. Next time you see one of these commercials, turn up the volume and listen.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Bradley loses Les
After nine years, one trip to the NCAA sweet sixteen (2006), an overall record of 154-140 and 74-88 (MVC), and a less than stellar finish in the Valley (4-14) this season, the Bradley Braves said goodby to Jim Les. Athletic Director Michael Cross stated that the decision was difficult but in the long-term best interest of Bradley basketball, the student athletes and the university.
If you live or have lived in Central Illinois for any length of time and followed college basketball to any degree, you know Jim Les and the Bradley Braves Well. Les played for Bradley as a student and then in the NBA for seven season. The Braves and the Illinos State Redbirds share a mutual rivalry best know in basketball by the tag "War of 74". The arenas are always filled, the fans always pumped, the volume level almost crushing.
Coach Jim Les - Images by Alan Look
If you live or have lived in Central Illinois for any length of time and followed college basketball to any degree, you know Jim Les and the Bradley Braves Well. Les played for Bradley as a student and then in the NBA for seven season. The Braves and the Illinos State Redbirds share a mutual rivalry best know in basketball by the tag "War of 74". The arenas are always filled, the fans always pumped, the volume level almost crushing.
Coach Jim Les - Images by Alan Look
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
One has to wonder
in 2007 Illinois State Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger reached to his home state of Kansas to gather Tim Jankovich as a replacement for Porter Moser. Mosers tenure was tenuous at best and Zenger pulled the plug early on his 7 year contract. Best I can tell is Jankovichs contract is a 5 year contract with a rollover for extensions at the end of the term. That leaves him the remainder of this season and one more till the end of his first term.
The first 3 years were pretty decent. Jankovich was able to keep the best of the talent that Moser had discovered and added some transfers along with signing some other good talent. Now, O is absent. Dinma gone. Talented others are on board, but the Birds are 0-3 in the conference with Witchita State coming here on Friday with a record of 3-0 in the Valley tied for first with Missouri State. The season has been disappointing to say the least. Soft preseason play is responsible say some.
3 Days ago, Zenger takes a job back in Kansas. Who will take his place? Will they allow Jankovich to move on with his program that seems to be off the tracks? Will they be too busy settling in or working on other things to do an evaluation? I don't have the answers, but think the coaching situation at ISU will be a topic before the end of this season and certainly before the end of the next.
Don't get me wrong, I like Coach Jankovich and wish him and the team all the best but what else will be looked at? The talent is there but seems to be lack those things that make it click.
Tim Jankovich - Images by Alan Look
The first 3 years were pretty decent. Jankovich was able to keep the best of the talent that Moser had discovered and added some transfers along with signing some other good talent. Now, O is absent. Dinma gone. Talented others are on board, but the Birds are 0-3 in the conference with Witchita State coming here on Friday with a record of 3-0 in the Valley tied for first with Missouri State. The season has been disappointing to say the least. Soft preseason play is responsible say some.
3 Days ago, Zenger takes a job back in Kansas. Who will take his place? Will they allow Jankovich to move on with his program that seems to be off the tracks? Will they be too busy settling in or working on other things to do an evaluation? I don't have the answers, but think the coaching situation at ISU will be a topic before the end of this season and certainly before the end of the next.
Don't get me wrong, I like Coach Jankovich and wish him and the team all the best but what else will be looked at? The talent is there but seems to be lack those things that make it click.
Tim Jankovich - Images by Alan Look
Monday, November 29, 2010
Heyworth a Star and a Buzz
In 1961 when I first moved to Heyworth, the Heyworth Star was a thriving weekly newspaper. I can't tell you the whole history of the paper, but it was then run by Glen Beverage and his son Jim. I also don't remember a lot about Glen except that he always had a smile when I saw him.
Jim lived 3 doors away from us on Poplar St. with his wife Nancy who taught school in a near by community and Sonja their girl who was the same age as I.
Jim was a newspaper man through and through. Always looking for the scoop. Always at the local sports events. Always wearing a dress hat, carrying a camera, tablet and pen and when it was cold, a trench styled overcoat. He was inquisitive and full of common sense. He also liked to show off his shop to any youngster that showed an interest. More than once I walked in unannounced and he would appear in the front office and offer a quick tour. Didn't matter how busy he was, he always had time for an interested youth.
In those days it was type press machinery. All the type was set on aluminum plates, put together on carriers and loaded into the press. All the plates were made on site at the Star. I may still have a couple floating around somewhere that Jim made for me on one of those tours. Clink, clink, clang, bang and there was your name on the edge of one. The Star also printed stationary, invitations, etc. to bolster the coffers and add a service to the community.
Several years ago, Jim passed on and Nancy became the owner of the Star and kept it open with employees. Gone also were the typeset days and computers replaced much of that layout and printing work. Staying the same was the offering of local news about Heyworth to the community and to those who had lived there an moved on.
Speed ahead to about 2 years ago... The economy in the tank, the newspaper industry sinking under the weight of new "paperless" technologies, and her age, Nancy decided to sell the Star to the Daily 12 miles to the north. The Pantagraph was able to justify and keep the paper open until last month when it announced that it was pulling the plug on 3 or more weeklies it had been publishing. It seemed the town would be without a mainstay that it had for a long long time.
Enter newpaper man, Ed Pyne. Ed jumped at the opportunity to get a paper in the Heyworth communuty. He had also bid on the Star when it was for sale a few years ago. The inaugural edition of the new Heyworth Buzz was published on November 18. Not knowing what to put into the first edition was a real puzzler until the Heyworth High School Hornet volleyball team won the state title in their division. The Hornets had never won a title in any sport. The volleyball match against Scales Mound was exciting and had maybe one of the best finished of any volleyball match I've ever viewed or covered. The Hornets came from behind at match point for the final 5 points to put away their opponent. Too bad Jim couldn't have been around to see it. He was one of Heyworth's biggest cheerleaders for a long time.
Congrats to Heyworth Hornets, the Heyworth Buzz and the whole community.
20101113 Heyworth v Scales Mound - Images by Alan Look
Jim lived 3 doors away from us on Poplar St. with his wife Nancy who taught school in a near by community and Sonja their girl who was the same age as I.
Jim was a newspaper man through and through. Always looking for the scoop. Always at the local sports events. Always wearing a dress hat, carrying a camera, tablet and pen and when it was cold, a trench styled overcoat. He was inquisitive and full of common sense. He also liked to show off his shop to any youngster that showed an interest. More than once I walked in unannounced and he would appear in the front office and offer a quick tour. Didn't matter how busy he was, he always had time for an interested youth.
In those days it was type press machinery. All the type was set on aluminum plates, put together on carriers and loaded into the press. All the plates were made on site at the Star. I may still have a couple floating around somewhere that Jim made for me on one of those tours. Clink, clink, clang, bang and there was your name on the edge of one. The Star also printed stationary, invitations, etc. to bolster the coffers and add a service to the community.
Several years ago, Jim passed on and Nancy became the owner of the Star and kept it open with employees. Gone also were the typeset days and computers replaced much of that layout and printing work. Staying the same was the offering of local news about Heyworth to the community and to those who had lived there an moved on.
Speed ahead to about 2 years ago... The economy in the tank, the newspaper industry sinking under the weight of new "paperless" technologies, and her age, Nancy decided to sell the Star to the Daily 12 miles to the north. The Pantagraph was able to justify and keep the paper open until last month when it announced that it was pulling the plug on 3 or more weeklies it had been publishing. It seemed the town would be without a mainstay that it had for a long long time.
Enter newpaper man, Ed Pyne. Ed jumped at the opportunity to get a paper in the Heyworth communuty. He had also bid on the Star when it was for sale a few years ago. The inaugural edition of the new Heyworth Buzz was published on November 18. Not knowing what to put into the first edition was a real puzzler until the Heyworth High School Hornet volleyball team won the state title in their division. The Hornets had never won a title in any sport. The volleyball match against Scales Mound was exciting and had maybe one of the best finished of any volleyball match I've ever viewed or covered. The Hornets came from behind at match point for the final 5 points to put away their opponent. Too bad Jim couldn't have been around to see it. He was one of Heyworth's biggest cheerleaders for a long time.
Congrats to Heyworth Hornets, the Heyworth Buzz and the whole community.
20101113 Heyworth v Scales Mound - Images by Alan Look
Monday, September 27, 2010
What can really ruin a good game viewing experience
I've been informed several times that I'm a pessimist. Well, I do seem to see the ugly side of things or the bad things that may happen, but I really think I'm more of a realist. How would bad things be avoided or even corrected if someone didn't identify them?
Football viewing is a good example. There are several things (I'll include my short list below) that really irritate people (myself included) that can destroy the feeling of a great game. I think there are some simple steps that could be taken to remedy them.
My short list, in no particular order.
1) Media Time Outs. Let's call them what they really are, enough of the politically correct. They are TV timeouts to sell advertising. Heck, they get more time outs per game than both teams combined. Did I miss something in the 1960's and early 70's listening to the games on WJBC with my dad? I don't recall any commercials unless there was a legitimate break in the action. I'm sure on the few occasions when we went to the stadium that there wasn't some WJBC director in an orange vest standing on the field to tell the official when they could restart the game (heaven forbid it would start and an ad for a little blue pill, or a cold beverage, or car insurance would get cut short). It may be great for business and maybe even for the sport if someone in the sport is getting monies to help offset expenses, but it's not necessarily good for the game.
2) Announcers. There are good ones and bad ones, funny and serious, informative and irritating. Football is one game I can almost watch in completeness without the sound. I do turn it up when I want to hear an explanation of a call that I can't figure out. Not needed at all is a lot of frivolous talk about themselves, the same topic that may not even pertain to the game they are calling for more than 5 minutes of air time. Oh yeah, trying to coin a new phrase for which they will forever be known. Just doesn't cut it for me.
3) Parabolic mics? Why? Crowd noise? It gets so loud you can't hear the irritating announcers when you actually turn the sound on. If I want crowd noise, I'll go to the stadium and add some of my own. The one thing I wish I could hear is more of what the players on the field were saying (then again, I may not want to if I actually heard it). It would enhance the experience if I could hear the QB calling the play or the linebacker signaling an all out blitz, or the kickers foot hitting the ball.
4) Un-needed roughness. Yes, I love a great hit/block as much as the next fan. Helmut to helmet or after play controversies are just not sportsman like. Get on with the next play. If you had a problem with the last play, make it better on the next one with a good legal solid hit. Besides, the guy your clobbering and fighting this week may be your team mate and have your back next season.
5) Coaches in thug clothing. Growing up watching the likes of Coach Ditka, Tom Landry and others you had respect for the coaches. They dressed the part as well as they played it in front of the camera. Some of today’s coaches dress like a bunch of thugs. Ripped off sleeves, shirts that don't fit, faded and torn hoodies. I'm not saying you can't earn respect without a shirt, tie and dress shoes, but at least try and look human on the sidelines. A nice team polo and some Dockers, even a nice pair of un-ripped non-faded jeans and a button down would be an improvement. And if you think I'm wrong, consider this. A high school coach living on a teachers’ pay dresses nicer on Friday night under the lights than a multimillionaire standing there on Sunday afternoon. It can be done.
Enough.
The ISU Redbirds are 3 and 1 and last week were ranked #25 in the coaches FCS poll. This week’s poll yet to be announced.
The latest game was won in double overtime against the Bears of Missouri State at Hancock by a score of 44-41.
20100925 Missouri State v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
Football viewing is a good example. There are several things (I'll include my short list below) that really irritate people (myself included) that can destroy the feeling of a great game. I think there are some simple steps that could be taken to remedy them.
My short list, in no particular order.
1) Media Time Outs. Let's call them what they really are, enough of the politically correct. They are TV timeouts to sell advertising. Heck, they get more time outs per game than both teams combined. Did I miss something in the 1960's and early 70's listening to the games on WJBC with my dad? I don't recall any commercials unless there was a legitimate break in the action. I'm sure on the few occasions when we went to the stadium that there wasn't some WJBC director in an orange vest standing on the field to tell the official when they could restart the game (heaven forbid it would start and an ad for a little blue pill, or a cold beverage, or car insurance would get cut short). It may be great for business and maybe even for the sport if someone in the sport is getting monies to help offset expenses, but it's not necessarily good for the game.
2) Announcers. There are good ones and bad ones, funny and serious, informative and irritating. Football is one game I can almost watch in completeness without the sound. I do turn it up when I want to hear an explanation of a call that I can't figure out. Not needed at all is a lot of frivolous talk about themselves, the same topic that may not even pertain to the game they are calling for more than 5 minutes of air time. Oh yeah, trying to coin a new phrase for which they will forever be known. Just doesn't cut it for me.
3) Parabolic mics? Why? Crowd noise? It gets so loud you can't hear the irritating announcers when you actually turn the sound on. If I want crowd noise, I'll go to the stadium and add some of my own. The one thing I wish I could hear is more of what the players on the field were saying (then again, I may not want to if I actually heard it). It would enhance the experience if I could hear the QB calling the play or the linebacker signaling an all out blitz, or the kickers foot hitting the ball.
4) Un-needed roughness. Yes, I love a great hit/block as much as the next fan. Helmut to helmet or after play controversies are just not sportsman like. Get on with the next play. If you had a problem with the last play, make it better on the next one with a good legal solid hit. Besides, the guy your clobbering and fighting this week may be your team mate and have your back next season.
5) Coaches in thug clothing. Growing up watching the likes of Coach Ditka, Tom Landry and others you had respect for the coaches. They dressed the part as well as they played it in front of the camera. Some of today’s coaches dress like a bunch of thugs. Ripped off sleeves, shirts that don't fit, faded and torn hoodies. I'm not saying you can't earn respect without a shirt, tie and dress shoes, but at least try and look human on the sidelines. A nice team polo and some Dockers, even a nice pair of un-ripped non-faded jeans and a button down would be an improvement. And if you think I'm wrong, consider this. A high school coach living on a teachers’ pay dresses nicer on Friday night under the lights than a multimillionaire standing there on Sunday afternoon. It can be done.
Enough.
The ISU Redbirds are 3 and 1 and last week were ranked #25 in the coaches FCS poll. This week’s poll yet to be announced.
The latest game was won in double overtime against the Bears of Missouri State at Hancock by a score of 44-41.
20100925 Missouri State v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Finally
School is Finally back in session.
The hottest part of summer is Finally coming to an end
The sweet smell of fresh corn is Finally in the air
Football is FINALLY back in season.
I enjoy the preseason games on the tube in the hot beginning of August. It's always a welcome view compared to the reruns from last season, the hohum of new reality pilots, award shows and yet another season of the Cubs losing. I do hesitate to put a lot of credence to the preseason games of the NFL. They are full of rookies and 3rd place depth chart players working hard to make an impression on either the team they are currently with or for one of the hundred scouts watching each game to find a player that will get released and help their team. So, the action is usually filled with some great plays and emotion. That always seems to die a little in the last week of the preseason schedule. Still, couldn't the Bears look a little more like they really want to win?
The 27th was opening night for IHSA Friday Night Football, Football under the lights. I was assigned to the local Normal Community Ironmen game. The Iron were hosting the Maroons from Champaign Central. A decent game that could have used a little more fan base from the city 40 miles east. The bleachers on their side were pretty vacant. Maybe every school needs to put the bathrooms and concessions on the visitors side... But the game itself had a good bit of action. Lots of tough runs up the middle, some short yardage runs and passes up the sidelines, interceptions, sacks, and a TD about anyway one could be scored. Even one kick off that nearly went through the uprights (but that's a feet for the kicker from West).
The only bummer on the night was the mosquitoes who seemed to have lined up a week ago for admission. They had me almost thinking that I wished it was Finally time for a hard freeze - ALMOST!
Enjoy the images.
20100827 Champaign Central v Normal Community - Images by Alan Look
The hottest part of summer is Finally coming to an end
The sweet smell of fresh corn is Finally in the air
Football is FINALLY back in season.
I enjoy the preseason games on the tube in the hot beginning of August. It's always a welcome view compared to the reruns from last season, the hohum of new reality pilots, award shows and yet another season of the Cubs losing. I do hesitate to put a lot of credence to the preseason games of the NFL. They are full of rookies and 3rd place depth chart players working hard to make an impression on either the team they are currently with or for one of the hundred scouts watching each game to find a player that will get released and help their team. So, the action is usually filled with some great plays and emotion. That always seems to die a little in the last week of the preseason schedule. Still, couldn't the Bears look a little more like they really want to win?
The 27th was opening night for IHSA Friday Night Football, Football under the lights. I was assigned to the local Normal Community Ironmen game. The Iron were hosting the Maroons from Champaign Central. A decent game that could have used a little more fan base from the city 40 miles east. The bleachers on their side were pretty vacant. Maybe every school needs to put the bathrooms and concessions on the visitors side... But the game itself had a good bit of action. Lots of tough runs up the middle, some short yardage runs and passes up the sidelines, interceptions, sacks, and a TD about anyway one could be scored. Even one kick off that nearly went through the uprights (but that's a feet for the kicker from West).
The only bummer on the night was the mosquitoes who seemed to have lined up a week ago for admission. They had me almost thinking that I wished it was Finally time for a hard freeze - ALMOST!
Enjoy the images.
20100827 Champaign Central v Normal Community - Images by Alan Look
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)