ChimpersCage

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 l...

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

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.

The season has started and in non-conference matches at home the Illinois State Womens volleyball team in 2 wins ans 0 losses. The fanbase could be a little better this season, but I expect it will improve as they move to MVC play. Just to wet your appetite here are 2 galleries to let you see what you have missed. 20110830 Southern IL-e v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look 20110907 Western Illinois v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look Be sure to check out the Normaite's website at www.normalite.com, pick up a printed copy or sign up for a mailed subscription.

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