tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233039962011-04-21T17:20:25.597-05:00In the crazy world in which we live, a blog looking to make sense of it all.Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-57339216411020614762009-03-19T07:07:00.000-05:002009-03-19T08:15:36.589-05:00

If you're like me, you are probably tired of hearing about the federal government bailing out some financial institution that was going under due to its incompetence and/or greed. And while many blame these institutions along with George W. Bush for this mess, I believe much of the blame should be put on the folks in Washington DC as well.Earlier this year, Missouri Democratic senator Claire

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-24174122723215537832009-01-15T12:39:00.008-06:002009-01-16T10:10:17.294-06:00

The District 150 School Board yesterday discussed the possibility to close Woodruff High School as well as Tyng, Irving and Kingman primary schools. This measure is being considered to fix a gaping $9.2 million budget deficit projected for next year. I learned of this news this morning as I didn't catch the news last night. At lunch time today, I learn there is going to be a meeting to discuss

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-37717240751392222922009-01-14T19:19:00.002-06:002009-01-14T19:52:04.213-06:00

The recent announcement that Cubs Food is going to close its Midtown Plaza store offers yet more evidence to my prediction that Peoria is becoming another Detroit and will one day be one big ghetto.Nearly ten years ago, tax increment financing was used to bring Midtown Plaza to fruition. The Peoria City Council overwhelmingly voted for it, with the exception of one councilman to which we all know

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-39535761234051131112008-12-13T12:05:00.000-06:002008-12-13T13:21:58.610-06:00

This is a simple piece of advice I can give regarding the proposed downtown museum.Third District Councilman Bob Manning made some very strong comments and observations on the museum this week to which I agree 110%. So I won't try to restate or rehash anything he said here. You can listen to his comments over at The Peoria Chronicle.Some thoughts I'd like to point out are:1. How is all this

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-69180599336093009932008-12-09T19:35:00.003-06:002008-12-09T20:04:06.923-06:00

This past week has been a "two-for."  First we get the conviction of OJ Simpson.  And now, finally, Governor Rod Blagojevich is getting his.By now everyone has heard Blago was arrested early this morning at the Illinois executive mansion now located in Chicago.  The big charge, though I'm not really surprised about it, was the appointment of the state's vacated Senate office given to the highest

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-35749037690431891682008-11-03T21:01:00.000-06:002008-11-03T21:09:47.566-06:00

After a record setting 22-months, this hell called campaign season is about over.  I thought I'd take a few moments to leave some last minute election comments before the polls open tomorrow morning.Barack Obama - For months now we've heard Obama explain his tax plan which he claims that anyone or any small business making less than $250,000 will not see their taxes go up.  This must be the

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-91814107385650360912008-09-14T18:33:00.006-05:002008-09-14T19:11:23.117-05:00

Did anyone catch The Amy Poehler Show, er, I mean Saturday Night Live last night?  It opened with Poehler as Hillary R. Clinton and Tina Fey in a guest appearance as Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. This did not come as a big surprise for me.  Ever since McCain picked Palin as his running mate, many in the media commented how Palin looks similar to Tina Fey (or the other way

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-44053698793998129012008-08-29T13:24:00.002-05:002008-08-29T13:57:30.077-05:00

I have to say, I'm surprised to hear this week that the Illinois Farm Bureau endorsed Republican Aaron Schock for the 18th Congressional District race.  I thought this endorsement would have easily went towards Colleen Callahan.  She's been working with them for 35 years.  She was raised and worked on a farm all her life.  She has more years worth of farming experience than Aaron Schock's been

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-26421506380304794922008-07-11T10:08:00.003-05:002008-07-11T10:29:56.696-05:00

It isn't uncommon for a sitting President to help campaign for other political candidates of the same party. I don't think there's anything wrong with an endorsement or some good words to say about someone from the leader of the free world. But President Bush's upcoming trip to help fundraise for Illinois representative Aaron Schock is sort of rubbing me the wrong way.For starters, how much are

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-63659711459616539202008-06-11T17:02:00.003-05:002008-06-11T17:39:00.477-05:00

For starters, I was against the library expansion from the start. It's not that I don't like libraries, it's just that I don't think our city is in sufficient financial health to take on an expansion such as this. There are just other more dire needs that should get priority. Not to mention, once our taxes go up for this expansion, they will stay there permanently; even after the expansion is

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-72783731446289006202008-05-09T10:09:00.002-05:002008-05-09T10:15:56.403-05:00

I’m sure the average American is by now tired of the presidential election. It’s been going on what now, a year, and we’re still 6 months away from the general election. The Democratic Party does not even know who their presumptive candidate will be (though it’s becoming clearer that it will probably be Obama).It seems to me that these presidential contests start earlier and earlier. Why? So

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-33389626919128984782008-04-29T12:58:00.003-05:002008-04-29T13:50:53.268-05:00

This past week, I received and opened up my real estate tax bill. Good Grief!! It was a steep increase from 2006 to 2007. If the money I pay in were to be used efficiently and for items truly needed in the community, I wouldn't mind paying more in taxes. But it really boils my blood thinking about what my hard earned dollar is going to support.A New Logo - The Peoria City Council voted

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-37590149619585626122008-02-11T10:31:00.001-06:002008-02-11T10:46:09.481-06:00

Today's Word on the Street in the Peoria Journal Star covers the landslide win of Aaron Schock last week. Schock won the Republican primary for 18th Congressional District over John Morris and John McConoughey with over 70% of the vote.The article explains that Morris and McConoughey admit that they had to battle name recognition (especially McConoughey on that one), not to mention a larger

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-55364903965127783602008-01-24T09:35:00.000-06:002008-01-24T10:11:06.785-06:00

Over at PeoriaIllinoian, he recently reported that PollyPeoria has thrown in the towel on blogging. Before this, Scott Janz and a couple of others announced the same. Fortunately for us, Scott reneged and came back.In a previous post of mine, I mentioned how I enjoy to do it, though time and work constraints mixed with inspiration limit my blogging. I don't expect to hang up my blogging just yet

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-40059284817739140172008-01-09T13:24:00.001-06:002008-01-09T13:48:43.762-06:00

I'm not a big fan of Phil Luciano of the Peoria Journal Star. I don't read his features very often, but he does sometimes offer readers a good article with a good opinion on a valid issue. Today's was probably one of the best. While Mr. Luciano always has strong opinions, today's was right on with razor sharpness.Mr. Luciano goes on the explain that while it is now illegal to smoke in public

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-71538125578558413102008-01-02T21:25:00.000-06:002008-01-02T21:34:57.504-06:00

I have to hand it to other Peoria bloggers. They seem so dedicated and continue to do an excellent job at reporting and expressing well thought opinions (whether I agree or not). I am really amazed at how they can keep the pace.I surely don't have the time to put in a great blog like CJ Summers or Billy Dennis. And when I do have time, a few other bloggers have already beat me to the punch (I

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-82402167946956825262008-01-02T20:41:00.000-06:002008-01-02T21:21:52.824-06:00

Two-thousand eight has begun and despite the smoking ban in Illinois, the sun still rose in the east, the moon still shines at night and we all still pay taxes. But yet I still have the concern that freedoms were lost.Now I'm all for the smoking ban in places such as schools, churches, municipal buildings, libraries, retail shops, etc., but as for restaurants and bars there should have been some

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-19506033883642905722007-12-02T15:01:00.000-06:002007-12-02T15:27:55.449-06:00

Lately, I been reading in the news about the Peoria County Board taking under consideration in helping out the soon to be ill-faded downtown museum project. Museum supporters last hope to fill the $24 million shortfall is from Peoria county. All I have to say to the county board is this: "Just Say No!"The main reason this museum has not raised enough money to fund its construction is because it

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-89378453904005253472007-08-10T10:14:00.000-05:002007-08-10T10:39:48.430-05:00

According to a study conducted by USA Today, the higher state taxes on tobacco are placed, the more smokers kick the habit. USA Today claims from their study that the degree of decline of smoking is directly tied to the size of the tax increase. Examples include an 18 percent decline in cigarette sales after sales taxes were raised from 5 cents to 35 cents in North Carolina and in Connecticut, a

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-24596123745128298682007-07-14T11:36:00.000-05:002007-07-14T12:03:19.487-05:00

That seems to be the theme with government leaders, both state and federal, nowadays between Republicans and Democrats. And while the Republican side seems to move further and further to the right, the Democrats appear to moving more to the left. This is causing more hostility, little compromise and contempt between the two waring factions. The victims are taxpayers and US citizens. The

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-11152056432153146702007-07-08T19:08:00.000-05:002007-07-08T19:17:20.163-05:00

What does the state of Illinois have in common with the United States of America? A chief executive that will probably go down in history as the worst.From reporting featured in the last few days of the Peoria Journal Star, the madness continues in Springfield where our legislators need to develop a budget for the next fiscal year. And a major hurdle to completing one seems to be the Illinois

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-70757447804873065512007-06-20T21:38:00.000-05:002007-06-20T21:55:10.884-05:00

The Illinois legislature and Gov. Blagojevich have succeeded in moving up the state's primary election from March to February 5th next year. And they did so rather quickly I thought.For starters, I don't have any problem with an earlier primary. In the past, it seems that the primaries are over by the time it gets around to Illinois having their say. But I am bothered by two things with this

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-27836021561538683272007-06-20T21:33:00.000-05:002007-06-20T21:57:45.128-05:00

This story sort of made me feel old. Apparently, there are chat rooms out there where you can buy other peoples identities. And Herman Munster’s ID was up for sale. But the seller didn’t realize how big of a scam they were trying to pull.From the Associated Press:Crooks in an underground chat room for selling stolen credit card numbers and personal consumer information offered pilfered data

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-13986188648074767892007-05-20T11:10:00.001-05:002007-05-20T11:39:37.393-05:00

If things were not as serious, Springfield and one particular residence in the Chicago area would be a comedy of errors. I'm talking of course about our state leadership; or lack thereof.For starters, we have a governor who refuses to pay current state bills, though I don't know where they'd find the money anyway. This governor is hellbent on raising taxes through a gross receipts tax, a scheme

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-47811267215722517502007-05-02T20:29:00.000-05:002007-05-02T20:31:32.897-05:00

Eight murders in Peoria in just the first trimester of 2007. At this rate we’ll have 24 murders by years end. When growing up in Peoria, a murder was somewhat rare. Now they are becoming all too commonplace. We need to ask ourselves why this is happening and what can be done about it. First, why is this happening.First and foremost, the reason this is happening can be summed up in one word;

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-48078043867395371912007-03-30T14:21:00.000-05:002007-03-30T14:54:23.807-05:00

Illinois Senate Bill 500 advanced yesterday with a 34-23 vote. This bill is a statewide smoking ban bill which would outlaw smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars.You hear about all these smoking bans and it is played up as really popular and wanted. This bill passed with just shy of 60%; not actually a landslide margin. The House has a bill in the works but has not been

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-29564318209157397892007-03-28T13:08:00.000-05:002007-03-28T13:41:31.386-05:00

From Jennifer Davis' article in today's Peoria Journal Star regarding last night's council meeting:Approved 9-1, with Sandberg opposed, a "Phase II" agreement with local developer Mike Wisdom, who proposes a $5 million, three-story office building at Riverfront Village. Wisdom's initial project at Riverfront Village, including Old Chicago restaurant and the now-vacant Damon's restaurant, has

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-19415869293211574382007-03-08T12:58:00.000-06:002007-03-08T13:42:20.910-06:00

I waited to blog about this until Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced his budget plans yesterday, though he was already hinting about what it involved. It was about what I expected and it is not good.His budget plan, which is set to go into effect for the next fiscal year, pending approval from the Illinois legislature, calls for what is reported the largest tax increase in Illinois history by

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1171382722434325932007-02-13T09:15:00.000-06:002007-02-13T10:05:22.463-06:00

Wow, the start of 2007 has been a busy one for me, both professionally and personally. I haven't had time to even read in detail other blogs, let alone adding to mine. And by the time I thought about writing something, someone already beat me to the punch, and no one probably wants to read rehashed and regurgitate comments. My apologies to any faithful readers out there.Last December Scott

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1167508498004930352006-12-30T13:28:00.000-06:002006-12-30T13:54:58.023-06:00

Saddam Hussein was executed at dawn this morning and is now dead. I say "good riddance."Hussein was a brutal dictator. One could even argue that in a certain light, he was worse than Adolf Hitler. While Hitler ordered executions and tortures, he had others do his dirty work. This was unlike Hussein, who on occasion would take part in these activities.I'm not so sure I agreed with the method of

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1165617350585620912006-12-08T16:22:00.000-06:002006-12-08T16:44:45.983-06:00

This might be a fun post to think about. What if the time is early 2007 and a blogger bash occurred in Peoria. Many bloggers got the word out that they would run for city council. The elections came around and astonishingly, all city council members with exception to Gary Sandburg were voted out, including the mayor, and the following were voted in (I don't know where anyone lives, so my

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1165076552676905212006-12-02T10:05:00.000-06:002006-12-02T10:22:32.690-06:00

On the opinion page of today's Journal Star is a letter from a gentlemen named John Doering from Dunlap. He is sounding off on the Journal Star's contention that Peoria is a "15 minute city," to where you can get anywhere in Peoria in 15 minutes. To that I also have to say "Bullsh*t!"Mr. Doering blames the problems on selfishness and New Urbanism. I agree that selfishness could be one of the

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1164308783120027042006-11-23T12:50:00.000-06:002006-11-23T13:10:57.276-06:00

He may have been called a blockhead on several occasions, but Charlie Brown was right when he said that there is too much commercialism in Christmas anymore.When I was much younger, it seems that the bulk of the Christmas season would start after December 1; much longer after Thanksgiving because that was a holiday in itself. Not anymore. Thanksgiving is run over with Christmas specials and

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1163083484616013742006-11-09T08:34:00.000-06:002006-11-09T08:44:44.630-06:00

One of my posts, titled Hynes & Russell Get It Right, just up and went missing. As if it became lost in the Blogger Triangle. So far I haven't had any trouble with Blogger, until now.Anyway, the post delt with Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes and 96th Senate candidate Ernie Russell making the right call regaring the state's budget woes and holding the line on taxes until our lawmakers can display

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1163036794853332562006-11-08T19:22:00.000-06:002006-11-08T19:46:34.866-06:00

And I think they have spoken loudly. There is a good amount of fallout from the elections just 24 hours ago. Rumsfeld resigning; Hastert won't run for a leadership position in the Republican Party. Where do I begin?I have to agree with what many other blogs have commented; that people weren't voting *for* democrats in particular, there were tired of the way things have been running and were

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1162517133080692882006-11-02T19:17:00.000-06:002006-11-02T19:26:18.843-06:00

Long time, no post! Not only have I been busy the past month, but also uninspired to write. I find the candidates in this election year to be lacking. While a few of the negative ads are amusing, they are starting to turn annoying. But since there’s only a few day left until Election Day, a few more musings:Governor’s RaceI wish the Blagojevich camp would quit calling Judy Barr Topinka “George

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1159412915319521672006-09-27T21:34:00.000-05:002006-09-27T22:18:20.466-05:00

We're well into the 2006 election season and the political commercials are in heavy rotation. Just a few observations and amplifications:Aaron Schock - Please, the next time you film a television campaign commercial, please shave with a sharper razor. The faint, 5 o'clock shadow you have in current ads do not make you look more older and distinguished. It make you look more like a

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1158344757150393532006-09-15T13:03:00.000-05:002006-09-15T13:25:57.170-05:00

I didn't have a chance to see the broadcast of "Target Peoria" the other night, but from the comments of bloggers and others I've talked to, it sounds like it turned out to be what I expected: a lot of talk and nothing new. It almost looks like it was organized to, in some way, show that Mayor Ardis and others are doing something about the crime problem in Peoria. I sincerely hope that this event

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1158343426213672582006-09-15T12:54:00.000-05:002006-09-15T14:37:25.310-05:00

As reported in today's Peoria Journal Star by Angela Green, the proposed regional museum to be built on the former Sears block remains without of name, despite hundreds, maybe thousands of votes. Public voting on a name ended Wednesday, September 13th, in which the 4 choices to choose from were incredibly bad. The voting process supplied even more sarcastic name ideas:Those choices spurred the

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1157639624487032392006-09-07T09:13:00.000-05:002006-09-07T09:33:44.526-05:00

This is *so* typical between liberals and conservatives.Remember a couple of years back, a TV-movie was to air on CBS about the Reagan administration? It starred James Brolin, who is well known as a political liberal, as Ronald Reagan. Supposedly, this film detailed many accounts to which the Reagan administration and other conservatives claim never happened.According to a post I read at MSNBC

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1156968159337393792006-08-30T14:45:00.000-05:002006-08-30T15:02:39.910-05:00

Fellow Peoria-blogger Vonster has a post today from an article on scrappleface.com, which appears to be a quasi-Onion, parody news site. This particular article states that Calf. Representative Nancy Pelosi addressed a news conference among the destruction in New Orleans and told residents to "wake up and smell the personal responsibility."While the story in question here is that of fiction, it

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1156727871163034972006-08-27T19:46:00.000-05:002006-08-27T20:17:51.176-05:00

Today's Journal Star reports that while crime overall in the state of Illinois has dropped in the past year, crime has risen in Peoria. As reported in Leslie Williams' story, crime overall in the state dropped 3.1% while over the same period, crime in Peoria County has risen 14.2%.I not only feel that this is a serious problem, but also a scary one. Just last week I read where a tavern located on

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1155080519724197032006-08-08T18:36:00.000-05:002006-08-08T18:41:59.750-05:00

Part three of a three part narrative on how and why Peoria is in a sharp decline.Current and Future ProjectsThe Peoria Civic Center, which was earlier discussed, is now undergoing a $55 million expansion. After reading the prior post on the Civic Center, one has to ask “why?”The Civic Center Authority argues that it is becoming increasingly difficult to book certain conventions and acts due to

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1154624059661091152006-08-03T11:40:00.000-05:002006-08-03T12:02:46.673-05:00

Part two of a three part narrative on how and why Peoria is in a sharp decline.Illinois American Water BuyoutLet's not forget all the hooha about the buyout of the water company. This transaction was stopped, but only after the expenditure of several hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. The concept was that if the city owned the water company, its citizens could be assured that they would

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1154478491603185822006-08-01T19:23:00.000-05:002006-08-01T19:28:11.620-05:00

Peoria, Illinois. This is my home. I was born and raised here.Peoria has a unique history and heritage. It is most noted as a rough and tough rivertown. The popular phrase “Will it play in Peoria,” came about during the vaudeville days. If your act survived playing in Peoria, your act was deemed to play *anywhere*. If not, you had to revamp your act or cancel it.And being a rough and tough

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1153067011739890962006-07-16T11:14:00.000-05:002006-07-16T11:23:31.756-05:00

It’s been a while, but I’m back from a long vacation out of state. I'm beginning to think it might have been better to stay where I was.In the past couple of weeks, the Peoria Journal Star has reported some serious complications for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The first, as reported by Doug Finke and Molly Parker, state that federal prosecutors are investigating Blagojevich’s hiring practices

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1151680520058376582006-06-30T09:57:00.000-05:002006-06-30T10:15:20.070-05:00

Paul Gordon writes in today's Peoria Journal Star about a new Peoria start up venture called DTK LLC. DTK is about to market a product called After Hours, or referred to as AH. AH is the long, awaited substance to cure and/or prevent hangovers. I could have really used this about 20 some years ago when I was in college.The idea came to Tom "Mote" Pemble, the CEO of DTK, while he was a graduate

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1151378940548474652006-06-26T21:53:00.000-05:002006-06-26T22:29:00.573-05:00

Today's Peoria Journal Star has a number of interesting stories that exemplify that politics are running as usual.For starters, the top headline from Dori Meinert about Rep. Ray Lahood defending a $2.5 million earmark for the Illinois Technology Transition Center in West Chicago. This is typical local representatives bringing back money (pork) for their district so as to secure votes and pay

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1150396834984119482006-06-15T13:29:00.000-05:002006-06-15T13:40:35.000-05:00

I been seeing the Blagojevich campaign commercials the past few weeks; some of them are in heavy rotation. Seems a bit early for the mudslinging to start.But one commercial exposes Topinka as inept as she stood idly by while the state of Illinois, under Gov. George Ryan, succumbed to $5 billion in deficits. By that standard, it begs the question regarding Topinka's actions during the deficits of

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1149958305536624872006-06-10T11:23:00.000-05:002006-06-10T11:51:45.570-05:00

Earlier this week, 46th Senate district Republican candidate Blair Gambill announced he was dropping out of the senate race because of family/medical reasons. Apparently, his father-in-law is battling liver cancer. In addition, his mother is reported to be ailing as well. I wish the best for the Gambills as I too know what it's like to have a family member stricken with cancer.The GOP is looking

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1149868157135633082006-06-09T10:27:00.000-05:002006-06-09T10:50:56.946-05:00

It's being reported the the country trio, the Dixie Chicks, are experiencing lackluster ticket sales for their latest tour. The tour, which is to support their latest release, "Taking the Long Way," is falling way behind expectations in many markets, especially in the Midwest and South. It is so bad that many show dates have been cancelled.While their latest CD release sold more than 500,000

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1149865851970255732006-06-09T09:45:00.000-05:002006-06-09T10:10:51.986-05:00

To my two devoted readers, my apologies for not posting more regularly. While blogging can be a lot of fun, just finding time to draft quality posts escapes me. Anyhoo...I've been reading in the Journal Star and other local bloggers about the 2 new proposed TIF districts towards the south end of Peoria. In my opinion, and that of many others, is that the city of Peoria have overused and abused

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1148400637126315442006-05-23T10:52:00.000-05:002006-05-24T10:52:43.166-05:00

Oliver Hardy said it best. "This is another fine mess you've gotten me into."We can probably direct that towards the District 150 School Board as they have approved over $870,000 of taxpayer money already spent in the purchase of property along Prospect Rd. They had already purchased these properties, at over market value, in secrecy. Last night's vote just made the whole process legal.According

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1148326863158475802006-05-22T14:20:00.000-05:002006-05-22T14:42:32.890-05:00

Do you remember the Rodney Dangerfield movie Easy Money from the early 80's? There was a scene where Rodney's snooty brother-in-law was out to embarrass him and his out of date fashions. Therefore, he made Rodney the creative designer for a line of clothes which they called "The Regular Guy," based on what Rodney called what he wanted; clothes for regular guys. The fashion show turned out to be a

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1147276735373085412006-05-10T10:55:00.000-05:002006-05-10T10:58:55.386-05:00

WEEK TV 25 had a report regarding the smoking ban for Bloomington, IL which passed Monday night and it’s first possible casualty. Pub One, which has one of the oldest liquor license in the city, is purported to have a high number of patrons who are die-hard smokers. Bar owner John Rokos claims approximately 85-90% of his clientele are smokers, and from what they have told him, they will

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1146614232895346372006-05-02T18:52:00.000-05:002006-05-02T18:58:35.826-05:00

From the Associated Press:NEW ORLEANS - Mayor Ray Nagin unveiled a new evacuation strategy for New Orleans on Tuesday that relies more on buses and trains and eliminates the Superdome and Convention Center as shelters.I only have one question; didn't the *original* evacuation plan call for the use of buses?Common Sense of it All: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Looks like

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1146078725351674492006-04-26T13:45:00.000-05:002006-04-26T14:12:05.366-05:00

This is a topic I've wanted to blog about for a while now. The issue of smoking bans which are now found in 17 different states and 461 towns and cities, according to an Associated Press story in Sunday's Peoria Journal Star.I'm a bit divided on this issue. Since I'm a non-smoker, I believe it would be great to go anywhere and not be bothered by smoke emitted by tobacco. However, what right does

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1145988707371487632006-04-25T13:07:00.000-05:002006-04-26T07:11:01.906-05:00

The other day I pulled into the Huck’s to fill up and paid $2.95/gallon or almost $50. Good grief!! This morning on CNBC, they are covering the debate over record oil prices. Are the oil companies price gouging or is it simply a supply and demand issue? Should the government impose a “windfall tax” to help consumers is another topic.First off, if you break the problem down, it is a supply and

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1145207622479178652006-04-16T11:46:00.000-05:002006-04-16T12:14:45.836-05:00

That is the question that is asked by a good article from Michelle Roberts of the Associated Press, regarding Mayor Nagin running for re-election in New Orleans this month.Most Americans never even heard of this man until the Hurricane Katrina disaster late last August. And for a while, it was a name you heard every day.The article covers his pre-mayoral resume fairly good and I even learned a

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1144769957082922992006-04-11T10:17:00.000-05:002006-04-11T10:39:17.103-05:00

I discovered another local blog via Bill Dennis' Peoria Pundit site. The blog is called Angie's Drama. Though most of the posts detail Angie's day to day life, her husband Rob is purported to have a "rant" ever now and then. His latest one is a post called "Rob's Rant... Back in Black" and is packed full of info and data regarding guns, gun crime and the 2nd Amendment. It is a *great* post.I for

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1144253418326374122006-04-05T11:08:00.000-05:002006-04-05T11:10:18.346-05:00

The city council has done it again. They’ve taken the taxpayer, bent ‘em over and, well, you know the rest. At last night’s council meeting, the council voted overwhelmingly to amend the contract regarding the Museum Square, which will allow it to lift the cap on tax-increment financing for the project. The original contract was for $500,000 a year. I don’t know how much it’s going to be now;

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1144165766153522772006-04-04T10:45:00.000-05:002006-04-04T10:49:26.170-05:00

Journal Star reporter Jennifer Davis had an update regarding the misadventures of the city of Peoria attempting to purchase the Illinois-American Water Company in Saturday's edition.In 1998, a group of Peoria investors got together and formed a company specifically to loan the city of Peoria $1 million to investigate the possible buyout of Illinois-American Water Co. This company, the Peoria

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1143593737800831342006-03-28T18:41:00.000-06:002006-03-28T18:58:00.083-06:00

It was reported on WEEK 25 at 6pm that 17th Congressional District Representative Lane Evans announced that he would be retiring after he finishes his current term in office.I had seriously wondered about his physical condition over the last couple of years. In the 2004 race, if I remember, he would not commit to any open debates with challenger Andrea Zinga, who is again running on the

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1143570905287057272006-03-28T12:11:00.000-06:002006-03-28T12:35:05.303-06:00

It sounds like the Peoria City Council wants to get more serious about some of the noise pollution going on in this town, or so says the front page story by Jennifer Davis in the Journal Star.We've all had to deal with it in Peoria. Those blaring sub-woofers kids have in their cars with volume level set on 11. In fact, a couple of weeks ago I was stopped at a light and the car behind me was so

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1143434112169263542006-03-26T22:04:00.000-06:002006-03-26T22:35:12.180-06:00

I was watching the nightly news tonight and a couple of stories influenced me for this post.1.) Immigration debate. The Senate is about to debate the illegal immigration problems and recently, several protests are being held in California. According to the LAPD, the biggest protest may have brought in 500,000 people. Illegal immigrats say that they should not be treated as *criminals.* Let's see.

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1143430906895258512006-03-26T21:14:00.000-06:002006-03-26T21:41:46.913-06:00

My condolences to all the Bradley fans over last Thursday night's loss to Memphis. Though it may have been a defeat, the Braves played very well against a tough opponent.It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. That's the lesson Bradley taught us that night. It seems more and more, society becomes more obsessed with sports. Peoples lives almost revolve around sports. Have you

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1143057580846090792006-03-22T13:50:00.000-06:002006-03-22T13:59:40.846-06:00

So this past Saturday I headed out to the unincorporated part of Peoria County for a family reunion and enjoyed the drive in the great weather. That was until I noticed in the cornfields, butted up against the myriad of new construction from city annexation, an unsightly mess of trash that had blown in from said new construction.I was born and raised in Peoria and have been a city dweller all my

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1143056666581160762006-03-22T13:42:00.000-06:002006-03-22T13:44:26.583-06:00

From Doug Finke’s story in the March 22, 2006 issue of the Peoria Journal Star:"We don't have all of the numbers, but I think by the end of the night, it'sgoing to look very, very nice," Topinka said. "And then we're going to bringthis little old fight right to Rod's doorstep. We're going to go out there andmake sure we give Rod an early retirement. Sorry about your pension, Rod. It gotraided."

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1142913544178090252006-03-20T21:55:00.000-06:002006-03-20T22:00:09.606-06:00

Get out and vote on Tuesday, March 21st!Common Sense of it All: The only wasted vote is the one not cast. Too many Americans over the past 230 years have paid the ultimate price so that we are assured this freedom. Please vote (even if you don't like the choices offered).

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1142621776671476722006-03-17T12:30:00.000-06:002006-03-17T12:56:16.683-06:00

Woes me. As if the gubernatorial race was not bad enough, I've got a quandary on who to vote in the 46th district senate race. Among the choices this November, based upon my first impressions of these candidates:From the Democrats, a pair of Daves. Dave Williams, the current chairman of the Peoria County board is one of the candidates in the Democratic primary. If memory serves, didn't he rubber

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1142446359988156362006-03-15T12:08:00.000-06:002006-03-15T12:12:40.003-06:00

Councilman Bob Manning offered an idea to help combat the growing problem of slum rental properties in Peoria; mandate that landlords be licensed to rent property. And if rental properties fall into disrepair, fine that landlord, or rather slumlord, a hefty amount.The intentions are very well and the idea has some merit, but I’m skeptical. I’m pretty much a free market dude and think government

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1142194062597395492006-03-12T13:56:00.000-06:002006-03-12T14:07:42.606-06:00

Today's Journal Star provided a closer look to several of the candidates in the March 21st primary. In Doug Finke's article covering the candidates for the Republican primary, there was an odd quote from Judy Barr Topinka.If elected, Topinka said, she will live in theExecutive Mansion."It's everybody's home and mama is there," Topinkasaid. "When mother is in the house, believe me, houses have

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1141955464130003802006-03-09T19:28:00.000-06:002006-03-09T19:51:04.140-06:00

In 1961, FCC Chairman Newton N. Minow described television as a "vast wasteland." In many instances, that cannot be closer to the truth.I find I have an evening open so I decided to channel surf. Nothing but crap. I watched a bit of Survivor. I don't know where they're at now, but still the same old thing; a bunch of kids running around half naked in the jungle trying to win $1 million. I did

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1141942917056754432006-03-09T15:59:00.000-06:002006-03-09T19:23:02.960-06:00

Oh boy, here we go again. The circus known as the gubernatorial race. I've already seen enough campaign adds on TV to keep me stocked for the next 100 years. Thus far, all the candidates for governor do not look too promising. Sure, they all say they are going to achieve a balanced budget, lower taxes, improve education, get tough on crime, help the environment, make health care affordable and

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1141656171159801442006-03-06T08:11:00.000-06:002006-03-06T08:42:51.170-06:00

Over the weekend I read a story in the Journal Star that defies a lot of common sense. It delt with an emergency situation where a firefighter collapsed and appearently needed medical attention.While on a routine call, the Dunlap Volunteer Fire Department arrived with 11 members including Chief John Doering. The call they received was a cardiac emergency call. As the firemen brought the

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1141398464119018342006-03-03T08:33:00.000-06:002006-03-09T16:22:37.853-06:00

What sense does it make for the city of Peoria to continue to annex land out towards Dunlap in Peoria county? I'll take a guess that city officials would say that the city is growing so much they need the additional area. My theory is that the city is losing population and property tax revenue so fast that they need to "recapture" what they are losing.I can't blame people for moving to North

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23303996.post-1141327155103782912006-03-02T13:15:00.000-06:002006-03-02T13:19:15.110-06:00

I'm not a big news or political junkie, but I do like to know what's going on. The past several months, a lot of folks always talked about these blogs. Well, inquiring minds want to know. I checked out a few blogs and now the bug has bit me. I might as well join the rush and start my own blog.I'm going to do my best not to get on a pedistal and rant. I hope to just point out some of the

Common Sense Dudehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363976055817349916noreply@blogger.com0