Mr. B is feeling awkward between the holidays

We are in that awkward period between Christmas and New Year's Day when many of us have trouble remembering what day of the week it is, who we are and what in the world we're suppose to be doing with ourselves. At least that's the way I feel.

I am not complaining. I enjoy having some extra time away from the office. But the problem is so many others are enjoying time away from their offices that it's difficult to get much done, particularly the items I really wanted to complete during the time between the holidays.

I had hoped to schedule a visit with my primary physician, but she's out of the office until sometime in January. I had hoped to have some maintenance work done on my car, but my auto mechanic is out of his service bay until sometime in January. You get the idea. And those delays are adding to my discomfort, such as it is this year.

A friend who frequently travels to Europe tells me it is like this in many countries throughout the year, not only during the holiday season. It's only here in the United States that people have trouble being idle, he tells me.  And he's correct. Search Google for information related to why Americans don't or can't relax, and you'll find a variety of articles similar to this Atlantic piece.

But my friend also tells me he notices a growing number of Americans becoming more comfortable with doing nothing, or at least more of less. He says it is a reflection of a decline in the American work ethic. He might be correct. I'm not sure.

I am feeling like I'm ready to return to work. Perhaps I should relax and give that some more thought. 

- Thank you for reading. Please email comments to kbotterman@gmail.com.

Mr. B enjoys a mug and awaits the winter solstice

Where is Altria headed?

The Associated Press reports Altria, one the world’s biggest tobacco companies, purchased
a $12.8 billion stake in Juul, an e-vaping business. I’ll be interested in
seeing where this goes. Earlier in the week, Altria announced the
company is looking at entering the legal marijuana industry.
Juul will remain an independent company but will have access
to Altria’s distribution network, according to the AP. With cigarettes
sales on a steady decline, it's not difficult to imagine what might
be in the works at Altria.

Check out that moon

If you venture outside Dec. 21 be sure to take a few minutes to look
up and view the full moon that will mark the Winter Solstice. The full
moon will be at its height Dec. 22, according to the Farmers' Almanac, so you will have a second opportunity.

Some food for thought

The Farmers' Almanac also offers some advice about the foods we might offer to birds during
the winter months. There are some interesting suggestions on the list,
and I might try a few, including the fruit. I typically offer a mix I purchase
at a local grocer. It is reasonably priced and attracts a variety of birds during
winter. I most frequently see finches at the feeder, but have observed cardinals
and a one or two blue jays. Of course, squirrels and rabbits also visit the
area beneath the feeder, but I enjoy watching those critters as well.

Keep an eye on the polar vortex

Northern Illinois has enjoyed a calm December, at least as far as the weather
is concerned, with daytime temperatures (low 40s) above normal this week and
nighttime lows ranging from the upper 20s to mid-30s. But Ag Week reminds us to pay attention to the polar vortex, particularly in late January
and early February, when a shift in the polar vortex could push temperatures to
zero or below. I have resided in the Midwest most of my life and expect
cold conditions during the winter months, not that I enjoy them. I prefer cold
to snow and have learned a few tricks that help me endure deep freezes.
The local weather crews tell us we can expect in a dry, unseasonably warm
Christmas Day, but to look for changing conditions, including snow, next week.
I always enjoy talking weather, so feel free to send an email with details about
conditions near you.

--Thank you for reading. Email comments to kbotterman@gmail.com.

A few Bottservations before Christmas

I always enjoy reading the reports and features in the Illinois Farm Partners magazine, and the winter 2018 edition provides a variety of interesting reading. You can find it all here.

Highlights include a report on organic produce, a feature about agriculture art, tips for managing your budget, suggestions for growing houseplants, and (my favorite) several recipes for comfort food with a healthy twist. You can't go wrong with that kind of reading.

Christmas Shopping nearly done

I am ahead of schedule on my Christmas shopping this season, and it
looks as though I will have my list completed by Dec. 19, which is
pretty for good me. I spend most holiday shopping seasons at the stores
right up to Christmas Eve. It’s not laziness or procrastination.
Instead, it is a combination of tradition and hunt for gifts that are
sure to please. Old habits are hard to break, but my shopping
routine has improved in recent years, so I am nearly done with
the process for this holiday.

During my high school and college years, my two younger brothers,
Patrick and Mike, and I would visit Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg as
close to Christmas Day as possible, usually on the afternoon of
Christmas Eve. It was more out of a sense of adventure than necessity.
We typically had our most important gift shopping completed by that
time. Last-minute items for the stockings usually were all that was
needed, and those were easy to find. The late outings to the mall were
more for the fun of watching stressed out shoppers, mostly men,
scramble for gifts.

There was a real sense of desperation, fear and even panic in the air.
It was great fun to watch and sometimes join in.
I'm a little too old for that kind of fun now, and visiting the malls
doesn't appeal to me much anymore. But I do enjoy the memories,
and I am grateful to be nearly done with this holiday's purchases.

A seasonal visit to the flicks

One of our favorite traditions during the holiday season is a visit or two to our local movie theater to watch a new release. We always try to go during the days between Christmas and New Year's Day.

One year, when my daughter was in middle school, she and I managed to see three different movies, mostly matinees. It was a real treat for us both. My daughter is an adult now and spends her free time with friends, so I most often visit the movie house with my wife. We usually have our holiday movie picks made in advance, but this year, we don't have much enthusiasm for what Hollywood is offering. I am sure we'll make a selection and take in at least one screening, but I have a sense we will be settling on something we are not particularly keen to see. I will update you in good time.

-Thank you for reading. Please email questions and comments to kbotterman@gmail.com.

Mr. B shares a Christmas memory

My parents house did not have a fireplace to enjoy during the winter months, but we had a cardboard Christmas decoration that served as a pleasant substitute and gave me some favorite childhood memories.

My parents purchased the sizable cardboard fireplace in the early 1970s, when I was still in elementary school. The decorative item looked like a real fireplace and included a mantle and a vertical section that resembled a chimney. The firebox contained a display of cardboard logs and a small light fixture and bulb that was set behind the logs. The fixture was topped by a thin, perforated piece of sheet metal that rotated over the light bulb, casting alternating shadows on the walls of the firebox, which were suppose to simulate dancing flames.

My parents displayed the fireplace diagonally in the corner of the small room where we also displayed our Christmas tree, a fresh-cut natural one, not the artificial variety. The artificial fireplace sat opposite the real tree. 

I discovered late one Sunday afternoon when I was in the fourth grade that I could easily step behind and fireplace and comfortably sit behind the firebox. I was raised in a house with two adults, seven siblings, a few cats and a dog. There was little in the way of privacy at any time with so many people in the immediate area, so the cozy little space was special to me. 

The fireplace was part of our seasonal decorations and was stored in the attic in January, along with Christmas lights, extension cords, artificial wreaths and decorations for the tree. But from early December until the first full weekend in January it was on display, and I spent many early evenings behind the firebox. I often took a flashlight with me and read books in the small space. Mostly I just sat and watched the room.

I was sitting behind the fireplace one evening when my mom entered the room. She adjusted a few of the ornaments on the Christmas tree and then turned and stood staring at the fireplace, watching the light in the firebox throw shadows. Mom stood motionless for several minutes, not shifting her gaze. I remember feeling bad for not alerting her to my presence. 

It was a rare moment. I understood that much. It is one I remember with perfect clarity. I remember wondering what was she thinking about in that quiet moment. What was on her mind? 

I have thought about that moment a lot over the years. I have never asked mom about that moment. In all likelihood she doesn't remember it and would probably respond with something along the lines of, "I was asking God for patience and self control so that I would not harm one of my children." That's the sort of humor she has. 

I can only imagine what she pondered in the silence of the moment, and over the years have considered the many possibilities. Was she thinking of a far off place? Was she wondering what her life might have been like if she had not married my father and started a family? Was she thinking a simple prayer of thanks for life as it was? Or was she simply enjoying a quiet moment?

A few short years later, much would change for my family. My brother Tim was killed in a car accident in 1973 and our lives, and our Christmas celebrations were forever different. 

The cardboard fireplace reached the end of its useful life in the late 1970s and was unceremoniously discarded. 

It remains in my memories, a reminder of a quiet place during the Christmas season.

- Thank you for reading. Please email comments to kbotterman@gmail.com. 

Mr. B Remembers Pearl Harbor Day

We recently observed the 77th commemoration of the Japanese air raid against U.S. military forces at Pearl Harbor on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941.

The observances are smaller in recent years and receive less media attention than when I was a boy, about 50 years ago. The passing of time is one reason for that. The event becomes less significant to modern life with each passing year, just as key events from the War of Independence and the Civil War slipped from the national conscience. 

But the Pearl Harbor attack was still fresh in the minds of many Americans in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when I was first learning about World War II. Many of those who served in the war and those who were alive during it have died. The direct connection to that period in time will cease to exist in just a few years. My dad was a freshman at Arlington High School in 1941 and was attending a charity basketball game featuring the Harlem Globe Trotters at the school when officials shared news of the Japanese attack and urged everyone to return home. 

Dad passed away in 1995. Mom is still with us, but is now in her early 90s. My parents served as my connection to the war. Dad sparked my interest in the conflict when I was in the third grade and it remains a favorite subject of study for me.  Dad taught me and my siblings about the Pearl Harbor attack and World War II history.  And he made certain we took at least a few minutes each December 7 to pause and remember those killed in the attack. 

In the mid-1970s, WGN-TV in  Chicago started a new tradition on December 7 of airing "Tora, Tora, Tora," Hollywood's 1970 movie about the events leading up to Pearl Harbor raid. For those not familiar with the movie, it includes a dramatic depiction of the air raid. Dad made sure we watched the movie at each presentation, and shared stories of the date President Franklin D. Roosevelt said would live in "infamy".  And that was fine with me. I never tired of watching the movie, or of discussing the air raid. WGN stopped airing the movie several years ago.

I imagine our formal observations of Pearl Harbor Day will fade and eventually end. Many young Americans today are not familiar with the event and don't much care that it propelled the U.S. into World War II. But I will do all that I can to observe Pearl Harbor Day and remind others of the event's significance. I think it's the least I can do to show my gratitude to those who did the same for me. 

-Thank you for reading. Please email your comments to kbotterman@hotmail.com. 

Mr. B offers a quick hit

Of the many remembrances being shared this week about former President George H.W. Bush, I think my favorite is the one members of his Secret Service detail shared from 2013 and published in this Daily Herald report. The item features a photo of Bush sitting with a young toddler on his lap. Both had recently had their heads shaved of hair; the boy because he was undergoing cancer treatment, the former president as a show of support for the boy. 

The child in the photograph is the son of a member of Bush's Secret Service protection detail. When Bush learned the boy was required to shave his head as part of his treatment program, Bush and the members of the Secret Service shaved their heads, too. 

I think the story and photo show Bush's finest qualities. He was a caring man who put others first and routinely set aside his ego while serving others. These are rare qualities for and rarer still in political figures. 

-Thank you for reading. Please send comments to kbotterman@gmail.com.

Mr. B looks at a 'transparent' candidate

I recently received a note from Karina Villa, a candidate for state representative in the 49th District of the Illinois House of Representatives.

The 49th District takes in parts of DuPage and Kane counties, including portions of Batavia, where I reside. Not familiar with Villa? Neither was I until I found a campaign piece with her name, photo and signature at my front door. It was an adequate piece, but one important item was missing—Villa’s party affiliation. Nothing in the piece identified her as a Democrat or Republican.

So I visited Villa's website, where I expected her party affiliation to be clearly stated at every posted page. Nope. Nothing there either. So, here’s a political candidate that doesn’t want us to know which political party she represents. It was an interesting omission, particularly when considering Villa lists “transparency” as a top priority.

A visit to with the Illinois State Board Elections website provided access to several documents Villa’s campaign filed with the state. Villa is in fact a Democrat, according to a report filed by Citizens For Karina Villa, her campaign committee.

Campaign disclosure reports filed with election officials stated Villa’s organization had a little more than $68,600 on June 30, the deadline for filing quarterly campaign reports. Contributors to Villa’s effort during the reporting period included several individuals, a few unions, and the Democratic Party of Illinois, according to the report. Two items in the quarterly report caught my attention.

The Committee to Elect Victor French, a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 14th Congressional District in the 2018 primary, donated $4,600 to Villa’s campaign. French, a public high school teacher, finished fourth in a field of seven candidates. Lauren Underwood won the primary contest.

Villa’s campaign made two payments of $3,250 each, one in May, the second in June, to Jason Arredondo. The payments were made for staff and consulting work, according to Villa’s report. Arredondo is a managing partner at Prevailing Priorities, a Chicago-based consulting firm, according to his page at Linkedin.com

I do not know if Arredondo advised Villa to omit her party affiliation from her campaign material and website. However, the omission appears to be part of a strategy to avoid identifying Villa as a Democrat running in a traditionally Republican district. It is a common tactic, but I think it a deceitful one.

Villa’s website homepage promotes her as a “fresh start” and a “new voice,” but in my view she relies on the tired old campaign tricks we’ve come to expect from Illinois politicians. And there's nothing fresh, new, or appealing about any of that. —Thanks for reading. Please email questions and feedback to kbottswrites@gmail.com.

Mr. B remembers director Henry Hathaway

I want to take a few minutes to remember Henry Hathaway, an American film director who was born March 13, 1898 and died Feb. 11, 1985.

His parents named him Henri Leopold de Fiennes, but he became Henry Hathaway when he started working in movies. During a career that began in 1930 and continued through 1974, Hathaway directed 67 movies and worked with many of Hollywood’s most popular stars, including Gary Cooper, James Stewart, John Wayne, James Cagney,  Dean Martin, David Niven, Richard Conte and Robert Mitchum.

Hathaway is credited with drawing out impressive work from his stars and with helping to establish actors Karl Malden, Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson.

Hathaway’s movies were popular with audiences but frequently received mixed reviews from critics, who often noted he was a “contract’ director for the studios, reliable but not particularly creative. It’s an arguable point, but somewhat accurate - Hathaway was a contract director, and his films reflected studio priorities.

His films typically featured strong supporting casts that included some of the best character actors of their time, including Walter Abel, John Doucette, Dean Jagger, Hugh Marlowe, and Cameron Mitchell. I think the supporting casts made Hathaway’s movies memorable as well as entertaining.

I like Hathaway’s work because I find his movies engaging and entertaining, valuable qualities that contribute to the affection audiences have for his films decades after they were released.

Here’s a chronological list my favorite Hathaway films, ones that I believe represent the essential Hathaway collection.

The Lives of the Bengal Lancers (1935) - Gary Cooper stars in an action film set in India. The movie received six Academy Award nominations, including best director, best film editing and best picture.

The Real Glory (1939) - Gary Cooper stars again; this time as an army doctor working in the Philippines. David Niven, Reginald Owen and Broderick Crawford also appear.

Brigham Young 1940 - This one is from the era of Hollywood’s bio pictures that often contained as much fiction as nonfiction. Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell star, with Dean Jagger in a supporting role.

13 Rue Madeliene (1946) - James Cagney, Richard Conte and Walter Abel star in a World War II tale about secret agents and betrayal.

Call Northside 777 (1948) - James Stewart, Richard Conte and Lee J. Cobb star in this story about a Chicago reporter’s efforts to re-open an old murder case. It’s a classic.

The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951) - James Mason, Jessica Tandy and Richard Boone star in a movie that generated some controversy when released just six years after the end of World War II. Many argued it presented a sympathetic portrayal of the German general. Maybe so, but Mason delivers an impressive performance.

O Henry’s Full House (1952)- (“The Clarion Call” segment.) Hathaway is one of five directors in this anthology film featuring five of O. Henry’s stories. It’s an interesting production that’s worth watching. The cast includes Marilyn Monroe and Richard Widmark.

Niagara (1953) - A film noir thriller starring a smoldering Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten. Some steamy stuff from back in the day.

Prince Valiant (1954) Robert Wagner, James Mason and Janet Leigh star in a tale about a Viking Prince’s efforts to earn a knighthood in King Arthur’s Court. It's campy and a long way from "Game of Thrones", but still enjoyable, and the kids can watch it, too.

Garden of Evil (1954) Gary Cooper, Susan Hayward, Richard Widmark, Cameron Mitchell and Hugh Marlowe star in this often overlooked western about adventurers recruited to save a woman’s husband. He’s trapped in a gold mine deep in Apache territory.

North to Alaska (1960) An odd romantic comedy starring John Wayne, Stewart Granger, Capucine (a true beauty), Ernie Kovacs and Fabian. 

How the West Was Won (1962) - Hathaway, John Ford and two other directors contributed to this epic that follows an ensemble cast through the westward expansion.

The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) - John Wayne, Dean Martin, Earl Holliman, James Gregory, Michael Anderson Jr., George Kennedy, Dennis Hopper and John Doucette star in this tale about four brothers determined to find out who was responsible for swindling their mother and killing their father.

Nevada Smith (1966) - Hathaway takes another look at the revenge theme;  this time with Steve McQueen, Karl Malden, Arthur Kennedy, Suzanne Pleshette, Martin Landau, and Brian Keith. McQueen is hunting the three men who killed his parents. The running time (126 minutes) could have been trimmed to make a tighter story, but this is worth watching for the wonderful supporting cast, particularly Brian Keith’s performance. Watch also for Martin Landau.

5 Card Stud (1968) Dean Martin, Robert Mitchum, Roddy McDowell, Yaphet Kotto and Inger Stevens star in a story about a poker game that ends in a lynching. Things get interesting when someone starts killing men who were at the card table that night. I consider this one of Hathaway’s most entertaining movies. It also serves as a fine representative of the type of westerns Hollywood produced in the late 1960s - movies that featured familiar themes (revenge) mixed with film techniques some considered gimmicky.

True Grit (1969) - The first (and in my opinion best) of the two versions of this story about a girl who hires a federal marshal to hunt the man who killed her father. John Wayne won an Oscar for his work, and the supporting cast is wonderful. 
– Thank you for reading. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Send email to kbottswrites@gmail.com. Savor the coffee and make the most of your day.

Coffee, Decatur and icons in agriculture

Illinois Policy offers this interesting look at some of the challenges facing Decatur, Il, including a steady decline in residents. The city’s various taxes do not appear to be helping the situation, according to the article. The piece reminded me of a point an old economics professor stressed in a class I took a long time ago: governments can’t tax their way out of weak economic conditions.

I know the challenges facing local governments are complex, but sometimes old truths succinctly capture reality and aptly apply. Sadly, such lessons are lost to many officials today.

Job polarization and prime-age men
About 1.9 million prime-age men are unemployed and might be out of the workforce for good due to job polarization, according to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Industry Week recently shared details from the report and they’re worth considering.

Icons in Illinois Agriculture
The latest edition of Illinois Farm Bureau’s Partners magazine offers a fine report about John Deere and Cyrus McCormick and the significant contributions they made to agriculture, not only in Illinois but throughout the world. The edition includes other items, including Joanie Stiers’ touching column remembering her family’s dog. Spend some time with the edition. I think you'll enjoy it.

And finally
March 2, 1985: Madonna releases the single “Crazy For You”. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

– Thank you for reading. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Email me at kbottswrites@gmail.com. Savor the coffee and make the most of your day.

Mr. B looks at 'hyperloops' and other items in the news

Industry Week recently shared an interesting read about two plans to create a “hyperloop” that would connect Chicago with manufacturers in Pittsburgh or Cleveland (depending on final plans for the project) and points in between. The “hyperloop would move freight and people from Chicago to the last stop in the chain in a matters of minutes rather than hours. 
Proponents of the two plans under consideration include Elon Musk and Richard Branson. 

The proposals promise to improve the distribution of goods and materials, a key goal as online commerce continues to capture a larger share of wholesale and retail markets. 
I admit I don't understand all the physics and engineering needed to make the proposed system work, and proponents acknowledge they are a long way from establishing the basic components. Nevertheless, I am excited about the possibilities and grateful for the talented people who are working on the plans. 

A mini van for boomers
Perhaps I'm showing my age, but I like what Ford is doing with its efforts to adapt its Transit from a cargo and service vehicle to a mini van for boomers, according to this report from AARP.  I was a fan of the Transit when it was first introduced as a cargo van and appreciate how Ford has revised the vehicle's from a small delivery vehicle to a commercial mini bus and now to a mini van marketed to active older drivers. I look forward to following Ford’s effort with the conversion and wish the company well with the effort.
 
Illinois News Network and Illinois politics
I recommend the Illinois New Network to those interested in reading about public policy and politics. ILNews offers stories covering topics from agriculture and health to schools and the outdoors. 

I don’t follow politics as much as I did years ago, but I still enjoy reading a good report from time to time, and I think ILNews does a good job of providing straight, balanced coverage. Visit their website and look them over. Read what ILNews is all about. If you like what you see, register for their daily electronic newsletter. I receive it and enjoy looking at what they're offering, even if I don't make time to read the individual articles.


And speaking about Illinois politics
Amanda Vinicky at Illinois Issues provides this look at the history behind the process for picking lieutenant governors in Illinois. Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor today run as a ticket and are elected as a team, following a 2010 change in state election law. Prior to that change, state law allowed voters to nominate candidates for the offices separately, even if the two candidates were not working in tandem. The pre-2010 process produced odd and interesting results, as Vinicky details in her report. It’s worth a read. 

I suppose it’s appropriate to have a No. 2 in place in the event the governor is unable to serve, but I think most would agree that Illinois has a strange and mostly dismal record when it comes to its lieutenant governors, regardless of the process used to select them.

– Thanks for reading. Please email comments and feedback to kbottswrites@gmail.com. Savor the coffee and make the most of your day.

Coffee, Tonga Guy, and Mr. B

Tonga Guy

Is Tonga Guy a branding genius?
I can’t figure out if Olympian Pita Taufatofua, Tonga Guy in popular culture, is a genius at personal branding, an unusually gifted athlete, or both. Tonga Guy became a social media sensation at the 2016 summer Olympics when he marched shirtless and oiled up during the opening ceremonies. He competed in the taekwondo tournament then. He’s now representing Tonga in cross country skiing at the winter Olympics in South Korea and has people wondering how he will dress for the today’s opening ceremonies. 

Most of us never get the chance to compete in any high-profile competition. It must be a true blessing to compete at both a summer and a winter Olympics. But is Tonga Guy a competitive athlete, or a dude riding a branding strategy?

A commitment to culture
This report in Industry Week offers some good points companies and other organizations should consider when refining their “culture”. A variety of elements contribute to a successful culture, including some lighter items such as free snacks and ping pong. In my view, the most crucial component can be found in the “Golden Rule” - treat others as you want them to treat you. There are variations on the theme, but the essence is a commitment to show others the respect and kindness you hope they will extend to you. Without that simple foundation, all you really have left is free snacks.

The rise of the social media influencers
CBS News looks at the growing influence of social medial influencers in advertising. Individuals with a significant social media presence are more influential than celebrities in moving consumers to a point of purchase, according to the report. It seems familiar faces from social media frequently are the tipping point in a purchasing decision. I find that interesting.


From the Nearly Forgotten Hits file
Feb. 9, 1955: Big Joe Turner releases “Flip, Flop and Fly”. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Many artists have recorded cover versions of the song, but Turner's take on it remains my favorite.

– Thank you for reading. Email comments to kbottswrites@gmail.com. Enjoy the coffee and the Olympic games, and may you find a sense of peace in your day.

Coffee, social media trends and Mr. B

I enjoy reading the posts at www.trendhunter.com, because I find the items interesting, and they leave me feeling a bit better connected to contemporary culture. It’s a double bonus, I think.
 
I am not one who leaps to embrace trends or adopt new fashions. That’s not a big revelation, and most who know me will readily confirm the point. However, I like to keep current, and I strive to learn new practices and refine new skills. 

With that in mind, I share this slideshow about some of the social media trends for February, according to Trend Hunter. I think No. 28 in the slideshow is cool, but I can tell you today I am not likely to add “astronaut-themed street wear” to my wardrobe.

Beware the email
The City of Batavia recently suffered a data breach by way of a phishing scam contained in an email that appeared to come from the city administrator and was sent to city employees, according to a report in the Daily Herald.
 
The scam succeeded in leading at least one city worker to respond to the email, which then allowed the scammers to gain access to a range of confidential employee data, including W2 forms. The incident also involved information about current and former members of the City Council, myself included.

It’s an unfortunate situation, but a good reminder to every organization that each member of the team has a role to play in maintaining secure data networks. Learn from the city's situation.

From the Nearly Forgotten Hits file
Feb. 8, 1992: Right Said Fred reaches No. 1 with "I’m Too Sexy". I can’t say I’m a big fan of the song, but the video always makes me laugh, and that’s entertainment.

And let’s balance Right Said Fred with something a little more substantial. From 1983, here’s The Police with “Wrapped Around Your Finger”.

— Thank you for reading. Email comments to kbottswrites@gmail.com. I hope you enjoy your coffee and find peace in your day.

Coffee, newspapers, the radio and Mr. B

The continuing decline of local newspapers
Two newspapers in southern Illinois, The McLeansboro Times-Leader and The Mt. Vernon Register-News will cease operations this week, according to a published report, continuing the sad demise of print newspapers. 

The Mt. Vernon newspaper published its last edition Feb. 6, and the Times-Leader will end its run Feb. 8, according to the report. The owner of the publications said local economic conditions forced the decision. Technology, consumer preferences, and other elements push newspapers from the marketplace. It's simply the nature of business. 

I understand and accept it all. I worked as a print reporter and news editor for more than 30 years. I can recall seeing hints of the coming demise in the early 1980s, so the decline of the newspaper industry did not occur overnight. However, watching a newspaper close its doors is a little like saying goodbye to an old friend, at least it is for me.

A friend on the radio
Marnie Mamminga, author, essayist, and fellow Batavia resident, was featured on Northern Public Radio's Perspective series this morning. Marnie recalled "A Winter Walk in the Woods". It's a brief item. Take a few minutes and listen to Marnie share her memories. I always enjoy listening to Marnie, and it was a delightful surprise to hear her on the radio this morning. 

From the Nearly Forgotten Hits file:
Feb. 7, 1995: Simple Minds releases the album “Good News from the Next World,” featuring “She’s a River”. The song and the album enjoyed limited success in the U.S., but the album reached No. 2 in the UK (No. 5 in Canada), and the song peaked at No. 9 in the UK. Pour yourself another cup of coffee and allow Jim Kerr and the boys to explain how she’s a river.

– Thank you for reading. Email comments to kbottswrites@gmail.com. Take one day at a time, and enjoy the coffee.

Coffee and a Bit of Art with Mr. B

I’m not an expert at art (or anything else), but I enjoy viewing the works that are on display at the Batavia Public Library. I particularly enjoy the collection of watercolor paintings featuring some of Batavia’s unique structures, including Bellevue Place (see above). My favorite is the painting of Stone Manor as it looked prior to construction of the housing complex that neighbors the manor. I reside in one of the units at that complex, and I can see Stone Manor from my kitchen window. The library’s website includes images of the watercolors and other items available for viewing.

Michigan State’s shame
Last week’s national news included coverage of a Michigan court’s sentencing of Larry Nassar following his conviction on sexual assault charges. The Lansing State Journal offered this summary of the past week at Michigan State University. The process included victim statements that were nothing less than horrifying to most people, myself included. Another disturbing aspect of the Nassar case is the breakdown of performance and accountability within the administrative operations at MSU. Michigan’s Attorney General is conducting an investigation of MSU’s policies and its handling of the Nassar case, as is the NCAA (for what that’s worth). We’re likely to learn in detail what went wrong, and might learn how it was allowed to go so wrong for so long. It’s also likely the investigation will confirm what we already know — university officials failed to protect students, not only from Nassar, but also from student-athletes, according to early reports. And that's an obvious shame.

From the Nearly Forgotten Hits file
Jan. 29, 1982: The Jam releases “Town Called Malice”. The song became an international hit and is included in the soundtracks for several films.

Thanks for the good thoughts
I was knocked off my feet for a few days last week due to illness, but I am on the good road to recovery now and feeling better with each day. I just wanted to express my thanks to all who sent an email or called to offer their best wishes. I do appreciate your good thoughts and prayers.

– Thank you for reading. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Send email to kbottswrites@gmail.com. May good health and peace be with you today.

Coffee and Country Roads with Mr. B

Ag Web provides a report and video explaining why so many country roads include short jogs to the right and left, often near T-intersections. The reasoning behind those jumps might surprise you, and the short video is worth your time.

Focus on the fundamentals
This item from Justin Bariso at Inc.com provides a good reminder about the value of focusing on the fundamentals. Individuals and organizations frequently struggle to connect with clients and customers, even though they hold detailed information about both. While they can tell you all about their customers, often times they are challenged to tell you about themselves and their priorities. And there, more often than not, is the solution. 

From Mr. B’s Vault of Nearly Forgotten Music
Jan. 24, 1986: John Mellencamp releases the single “Rumbleseat”. The song was the fifth single to be released from the 1985 album “Scarecrow”. “Rumbleseat” peaked at No. 28 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Sit back and let Johnny “blow you a kiss” from the rumbleseat.– Thank you for reading. Comments are always welcome. Post them here or send an email to kbottswrites@gmail.com.

Coffee and 'Animal House' with Mr. B

The cover story of the January edition of Cigar Aficionado magazine pays tribute to “Animal House” on the 40th anniversary of the film's release. You don’t have to be a fan of the movie to appreciate Marshall Fine’s lengthy report about how it was produced and its impact on Hollywood.

Fine’s report is a bit early. “Animal House” was released July 28, 1978, but I don't object to starting the celebration now. I first saw the movie during its first weekend of nationwide release and have watched it several times over the years. I agree with those who contend the tale of the boys from Delta Tau Chi is a timeless joyride. 

Fine does a good job of explaining how the film’s popularity and financial success made careers both in front of the cameras and behind them and had a significant impact. While John Belushi and two other prominent members of the film’s cast are no longer with us, many others remain active in entertainment and Fine provides a summary of their whereabouts. The film’s soundtrack contains both classic hits and original music and contributes to the film’s popularity. 

If you can get a copy of the article, I think its worth the time and effort. I need to thank Mark, a longtime friend, for sharing a copy of the article with me.

From Mr. B’s Vault of Music
January 23, 1973: Roberta Flack releases “Killing Me Softly”. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for five weeks. Take a few minutes to enjoy this nearly forgotten hit and savor one of the finest voices in recording history.

– Thank you for reading. Comments are always and can be emailed to kbottswrites@gmail.com. May God's peace be with you today.

Coffee and a little politics with Mr. B

I don’t spend much time writing about politics or politicians. I did a lot of both during my many years as a reporter and know there are other things I'd rather write about.

For the record, I don’t consider myself a Republican or a Democrat. If anything, I’d call myself a friend of the Libertarians, a group I first started following way back in 1979. I don’t care for partisan politics for the simple reason it makes intelligent people blind to common sense and obvious truths.

I encountered two items in recent days that sparked some thought in my head and wanted to share them here.

• Kay Shipman at FarmWeekNow.com, an affiliate of the Illinois Farm Bureau, offered an interesting report about the 2020 national census and its potential impact on how Illinois will draw new legislative districts in 2021. All of that might seem like a long way off from 2018, until you remember the outcome of the 2018 elections in Illinois will influence who has a hand in drawing those maps. I admit it sounds dry on the surface, but it is worth understanding the process, and Shipman does a fine job of capturing the essentials, I think.

• The second item concerns the upcoming vote for the Republican nomination for the 49th District State Representative seat. I reside in the district and frequently receive campaign mailings from the two Republican candidates, Tonia Khouri and Nic Zito. I do not have a horse in this race, which culminates with the March 20 primary election. To the best of my knowledge, I have never met or talked to either of the candidates and do not favor either one at this time. However, there is a possibility I signed a candidate’s petition for Khouri in 2017.

The most recent mailings from the Khouri and Zito promise they are “fighting” for my interests, or will “fight” for my interests if elected. It’s a familiar promise candidates make during campaigns. I imagine my current representative made a similar promise during his campaigns and meant it, right up to the point he voted to increase my taxes and then subsequently announced he would not seek reelection. My point is with all of these elected officials “fighting” on my behalf, why am I always on the losing side of things? And why do candidates think anyone would believe such a tired and empty sales pitch? I certainly don’t.

That’s all the politics I want to write about today, but I’m likely to offer more before the election, particularly in regards to the race in the 49th District.

More gems from the Music Vault:
January 20 is another one of those big dates in Rock and Roll history. Over the years, one album and two songs were released on Jan. 20 that went on to be major hits for the artists involved.
• 1958: Little Anthony and the Imperials release “Tears on My Pillow” on the End Records label. The song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

• 1978: Gerry Rafferty releases the album “City to City”. The album included “Baker Street” and “Right Down the Line”. The album reached No. 1 in the U.S., and was heard on radio stations well into 1979. Rafferty's success in the late 1970s and early '80s is mostly forgotten today, and I think that's unfortunate. He was an accomplished musician and songwriter, and I think his music continues to be entertaining and engaging. Rafferty died Jan. 4, 2011.

• 1983: The Fixx releases the single “Red Skies” in the U.S. The song peaked at No. 13 and remains one of my favorites, primarily for its dark and moody tones. 

– Thanks for reading. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Email me at kbottswrites@gmail.com. May God's peace be with you today.

Coffee, career advice and more with Mr. B

Ellen Huxtable at Advantage Business Concepts offers some valuable career advice in this item. Ellen, a longtime friend, is active in the business community and coordinates the small business networking group that meets regularly at the Congregational Church of Batavia. She frequently writes about business matters and her most recent column offers suggestions (reminders) for enhancing your job performance. Number 4 is my favorite, and I think No. 6 is an absolute essential.

Gems from the Music Vault

January 18 is another big day in music history, in my opinion. Here are two noteworthy gems from my Music Vault:
• Jan. 18, 1978: Warren Zevon releases the “Excitable Boy” album. The collection remains one of my favorites and includes “Lawyers, Guns and Money”. A good friend in high school introduced me to this album shortly after it was released. It's curious how artistic works - songs, movies, photos - can establish immediate and lasting memories for us. I can't explain how it all works, but I am grateful that it does. Hope you enjoy this little ditty as much as I do.

• Jan. 18, 1983: Canadian rocker Bryan Adams releases the album “Cuts Like a Knife”. The album contained three songs that would later appear on the Hot 100 chart, including “Straight From the Heart,” and “Cuts Like a Knife”.  The album is widely considered to be one of the best of the 1980s. I agree with the assertion. It was released during my junior year at college, which turned out to be the wildest three years of my life (so far). I have many fine memories associated with the music Adams produced early in his career, and "Cuts Life a Knife" helped create many of those memories. 

– Thanks for reading. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Send email to kbottswrites@gmail.com. May God's peace be with you today.

Coffee and music memories for January 16

Today, January 16, was a big day for rock music in the early 1980s, with the release of four songs that each became hits in 1981 and 1982. They are among my favorites and remind of good friends during my days at Northern Illinois University.
 
• Jan. 16, 1981: The Clash releases “Hitsville U.K". The song was the second single released from the “Sandinista” album and peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

• Jan. 16, 1982: Scandal releases “Goodbye to You” on the Columbia Records label.  The song peaked at No. 65 on the U.S. pop charts.

• 1982: The Go-Go’s release the single “We Got the Beat”. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Some considered it the band’s signature song, but I can think of another song that deserves that title. 

• 1982: Soft Cell releases “Tainted Love” in the U.S. The song spent 43 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 8.


– Thanks for reading. Your comments and feedback are always welcome. I can be reached at kbottswrites@gmail.com. May God's peace be with you today.

Coffee and a few minutes with Botts on January 15

Here's a few items that are on my mind this morning:

• From my weekend reading: The Dallas Morning News offered this report about the the results of a survey conducted by Texas home builders. The information regarding the positive view consumers have for driverless cars and what that might mean for future residential subdivisions is interesting and good food for thought. 

• I'm reading Max Hastings' "Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War" (2013) and recommend it for those interested in learning more about the start of World War 1. At 565 pages, not including notes and index, it's a long and heavy read, but well worth the effort. I decided to make the period 1914 to 1980 an area of study for myself in 2018 and thought I'd start with Hastings' book, mostly because it has been sitting on a shelf here for a couple of years. I enjoy the book and will keep you posted on my progress with my reading list for this year.

• Here are a couple of items from The Rock 'n Roll History file:
Jan. 15, 1972:  Don McLean reaches No. 1 with ‘American Pie’. The song remained at No. 1 for four weeks. I was in middle school at the time and the song seemed to be on play list of every radio in the area. I still enjoy today, but at a play length of more than six minutes, it's hard to imagine the song it would get much air time if it were released to today.
 
And on Jan. 15, 2008: Bruce Springsteen released “Girls in Their Summer Clothes”. It's hard to believe the song is 10 years old already, but so goes the march of time. The song is one of my favorites and most welcome on a snowy January morning. Give it a tumble.

– Thanks for reading. Comments and feedback are always welcome. Send emails to kbottswrites@gmail.com. May God's peace be with you today.