ChimpersCage

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 sti...

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 morn...

Normally I try and give my slant, humor or opinion on something on this blog. This time it's your turn. Keep it simple and non personal. We aren't going to roast anyone here in a belligerent manner ( I do have the power to delete posts), but feel free to comment on the following: The last few weeks I've read several articles about the economic recovery being 2 years old. The stock market has come back some. I guess the unemployment is down compared to 2 years ago, although I haven't researched the numbers any. So, do you feel like you are better off than you were two years ago? BTW, if you came here looking for photos, go here: www.alanlook.com Best to all. AL

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

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). D...

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 heavil...

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