Events post

We’ve been a little lax on posting upcoming events lately.
Here are some, feel free to mention any not listed.

Through July 13th is the John Deere Classic at Deere Run.
If you like golf, we hear this is the one to see.

July 10th, if you don’t have a clown phobia, the circus
comes to town. The Carson & Barnes Circus wll be at the
Northpark Mall for two shows at 4:30 and 7:30 pm. The
tickets say it will be under a tent the size of a football
field. 36,000 pounds of elephants, daring young men on
the flying trapeze, a motorcycle daredevil, a human
highwire pyramid, and the world hula-hoop champs. To learn
more go here.

July 12th is the Village of East Davenport Car Display.
This is hosted by the Quad Cities Antique Ford Club, and
the Studebaker Club. Registration starts at 9:30 am, the
event runs from 11 am to 4 pm. There is no charge. Door
prizes and music by 3-D Sound.

Later on the 12th is the Southpark Mall Cruise-in, hosted
by the Quad Cities Cruisers from 6-9:30 pm. It’s held in
the parking lot by JC Penny.

July 15th is the opening day of the Rock Island County Fair.
For more information go to the website.

July 18th is the cruise night at Hardees in Coralville, Ia.
This event is hosted by the Cruisamatics.

July 19th is the Walcott Days Parade/ Car Show. Registration
runs 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Awards at 2:30 pm.

July 24th is the first day of the 27th Bix Fest.

July 26th is the Northpark Mall Cruise-in hosted by the
River Valley Classics.This one runs from 6pm until the
cows come home. Admission is usually $2.

July 29th is the first day of the Mississippi Valley Fair.
For more info go here.

There’s a few events, if something sounds interesting, why
not give it a go. Comments are welcome.

A little bit of everything

This post is going to have a little bit of everything in it.
First I’d like to to say happy birhtday to my lovely wife. In
a few short months she will have put up with me for 21 years.
We’ve cruised on sunny days, we’ve cruised on bad days; but
we’ve always cruised together. Enjoy your day.

At this year’s Back to the 50’s, sponsored by the MSRA, there
were 11,712 cars registered. We’ll bet that was quite a
sight at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We’ll see if we can
get some pictures up. To learn more about the event, go to
MSRA.

Saturday the race at Daytona was something to watch. With the
crashes on the last lap it ended with a bang. It did prove that
even though the ‘car of tomorrow’ is ugly, it does appear safer
than the car it replaced.

The fires in California are raging again. At first we thought;
why would somebody choose to live in an area that has fires
just about every year? Then we thought, we live here because of
a river that floods.

Since we touched on the flood we figured we’d mention the Blues
Fest. It was moved last minute to 2nd Street, which had to give
headaches to the volunteer organizers. Thursday we were moved
three times due to breaches in the perimeter fencing. Having
worked the Bix Fest for 8 years, we knew some people like to get
in without paying. It seems to be a game with them. Most people
were civil when we told them they had to go around with very few
arguments at our post. A nod to all the volunteers, and
organizers. Everyone did a great job.

Gasoline is on a lot of minds.
We’ve heard it could hit $7 a gallon in 4 years.
Why is it that everyone seems to know what won’t work, but nobody
knows what will? It seems to us that those in power think paying
more is a good thing. Remember the cigarette tax? If something
we use is deemed unpleasant by these people, their answer always
seems to be raise the price. After all, if they raise the price,
we’ll use less. They can always blame, big oil, speculators, car
companies, or George Bush.

We have a novel idea for our lawmakers; do your job! Our taxes
keep going up, new taxes get added, and the average citizen sees
less getting done. Our deficit is at an all-time high, and more
money is getting spent. Kinda reminds us of the old country
western song “She got the goldmine, I got the shaft”.

That’s our take on a few things, comments on just about anything
are welcome.

Disaster recovery meeting

We forgot about this one, so we’ll do it now. Davenport One
will have a disaster recovery meeting for businesses who were
affected by the flood or storm water damage. Reservations are
required, but there is no cost to attend. You can make a
reservation by calling (563)823-3693, or go to the calendar of
events page at Davenport One.
Reservations have to be made by noon Wednesday so there is time.
The meeting will be held at the Davenport One NewVentures Center,
331 W. 3rd Street from 8-10 am, Thursday, June 26.

A few dry things

Lisa asked us if we could put something in a post to remind people
that the Scott County Democrats are reconvening the county
convention at 8 am, this Saturday to nominate a candidate for
for Auditor in the fall election. This event is open to the public,
but only seated delegates from the original convention can vote.
Registration begins at 8 am at North HIgh School. So if you’ve got
an interest in politics, or just want to find out more, circle
Saturday, June 21st on your calender, and we’re sure you’d be
welcome.

She also asked what happened to Ambrose’s blog, SOLO, and we didn’t
know the answer. Does anyone know why he changed it? We know we miss
checking out his slant on things and were just wondering. We hope
he’s doing alright and just wanted a break.

Also, this Thursday at 6 pm, is the 5th Ward Meeting, which will
be held at the Davenport Police Station, 416 Harrison. Representatives
from the Davenport Police Department and Guardian Angels are
scheduled to be there. This is the first time in our memory anyway,
that the meeting hasn’t been held in the 5th ward. We do look forward
to seeing the new Police Station though.

Lastly, Saturday evening, starting at 6 pm, is the Northpark Cruise-in
hosted by the River Valley Classics. It only cost a couple bucks to
get in and there’s usually over 400 vehicles. We’re going to make it
as spectators for a few hours. This is the first Northpark cruise-in
of the year and it should be a blast. If you like old cars, oldies
music, and having fun, it’s the place to be.

There’s a few things going on that don’t involve getting wet. Comments
on just about anything are welcome.

Ward meeting

For anyone living in the 5th ward who hasn’t heard, there’s a ward
meeting on Thursday, June 19, at 6 pm. It is to be held in the
community room of the Davenport Police Station, 416 Harrison St.
A police representative and a Guardian Angels representative will be
at the meeting to answer questions. So if you live in the 5th ward
and have questions that haven’t been addressed before, you may want
to show up for this meeting. We’ll probably go just to get a look at
the new police station.

Our air conditioner went out last week, and after the heavy rains we
also need a water heater due to water in the basement. On the bright
side, we’re looking at an automatic sump pump to replace the old one.
It won’t help this water heater, but should make the replacement last
longer than two years.

Since we had never gotten more than a few inches of water in the
basement we thought we had the problem under control. Now we’ll go
overkill even though that type of rain probably won’t happen again
for years. We’re still trying to get it lit, but it doesn’t look very
promising. We’ll see what we can find out today.

Comments are always welcome.

A redneck at graduation

We missed the car show today to attend a high school graduation
ceremony. Our son was one of the graduates of Central High School.
Since it was held at the I Wireless Center this redneck didn’t know what
to expect. I honestly wasn’t going to go, but after eveyone told me
I need more culture, we went.

Well now I know why I haven’t gone to one of these before. While I
will admit it was bearable, it just wasn’t my thing. It started with
the school orchestra playing something called “To Reap the Blessings
of Freedom”. I just know it wasn’t country. Then came the processional,
that’s self-explanitory. And the orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance’
at some point. I think it’s an old song, but it kinda sounded familiar.

Then the Principal welcomed everybody, and there were introductions.
Everyone stood up and said the Pledge of Allegience, which was followed
by the National Anthem. And somewhere in there the ROTC posted colors.
Three of the four men in our family that were there found it odd that
everybody sat down before the flags were placed in their standards. We
found it sad that even at such a joyous event, our flag did not recieve
the respect it deserves.

All this was followed by a class poem. I knew I was in trouble when
that was announced. But my wife held my hand, my brother held my
shoulder, and we got through it. Then came the class motto. I knew I
was in over my head. If there is a next time, I’m going to write down
how long this took so I don’t fall for it again.

Then came two songs form the Concert Corale; “Dare to Dream, and
“The Lord Bless and Keep You”. At least I knew one of them. Now you’d
think it would be wrapping up about now, but no such luck. The class
president had to give a “State of the Class” speech. Now I’m a simple
guy, but isn’t the state of the class; history, graduated, gone? Found
out this guy didn’t think so.

Another funny part to this redneck is what happened next. The Principal
presented the class to the Superindendent of Schools. And right after
that, they presented the class to the Board of Education! This makes no
sense to us. Didn’t they get a memo that a class was graduating this
year? Then, and here’s where it get weird, the Vice-President of the
Board of Education accepted the class. And nobody said what he was
going to do with it!

After sitting through all that, they finally handed out diplomas. Other
than some nut who thought bringing an airhorn would be fun, it went
pretty smooth. Then they acted like somebody was going to start talking
again and they couldn’t hold me back. The wife caught up with me about
halfway down the stairs and we left. I felt like I’d been held hostage
for days, and the fresh air was great.

This might help anyone with a child graduating Central next year. So
remember kids; you went to school in Iowa, but you get your Diploma in
Illinois. They recite poems, play really old songs, and the chorus sings
really old songs. So if you don’t like a lot of talking, or old songs,
mail the graduate a card and go to the car show.

That was our Sunday, comments on this or anything else are welcome.

Car show and an idea

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 8th, is the Quad Cities Cruisers Open Run Car
Show. It will be held at Southpark Mall, by JC Penny. The hours are
8 am to 4 pm. Admission for spectators is $2, or $15 if you want to
enter a car. They’ll have a lot of things going on, and music will
be provided by 3D Sound. We won’t be making it because our son’s high
school graduation ceremony is tomorrow.
—————————
And something to think about. The following is an email we recieved
the other day. Thanks Dale. We thought we’d add it to the end of this
post, mainly because it does make sense. We didn’t write it, but we
agree with it.

THE JOB - URINE TEST
(I sure would like to know who wrote this one! They deserve a HUGE
pat on the back!)

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me.
I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.
In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine
test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is
the distribution of my taxes to people who don’t have to pass a urine
test. Shouldn’t one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check
because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I
have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on
the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their
ASS, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money
the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a
public assistance check?
Something has to change in this country — and soon!

That’s an event and something to think about. Your comments on just
about anything are welcome.

Memorial Day

Looks like we’re going to have bad weather for the first part of Memorial Day. Please take a little of your time today to remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G I.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Some events

 Well, it’s Memorial Day weekend. Time to post some of the things going
on that we know about.

 The Lake Davenport Sailing Club opens this Memorial Day weekend. Races
are scheduled for Sunday and Monday. Sunday’s races will be at 1 and 3
pm. Races on Monday will be at 10 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. If you want to
see the boats getting lowered into the river, and the sailors’ getting
ready come 30 minutes early. The Club is located at 1255 E. River Drive.
This is a free event.

 If you would like to learn to sail, classes will be held July 7- 18.
The classes will be Monday thru Thursday from 5:30-8 pm. Cost of the
class is $110 plus $25 for the book. You should be healthy enough to
climb up and down a 5 foot ladder to access the boats. This class is
held in conjunction with Davenport’s Parks and Recreation Depaartment,
and you should call to reserve your spot if interested. Call either
Betsy Tubbs with the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 563-326-7812, or
Doc Davis at 563-650-5645, or email Doc at docjimdavis@gmail.com.

 Monday, May 26th, the QC Criterium bike race is held in downtown Rock
Island, Ill.

 Friday, June 6th, is the monthly cruise-in at Dick-N-Sons Lumber complex
in Blue Grass, Ia. It runs from 6-9 pm.

 Saturday, June 7th, Andover, Ill. holds its Colonial Days Festival
from 10 am to 8:30 pm. A parade, antique cars on display, tours of
the area, salute to veterans, pork chop supper, and big band sounds
at the pavillion with ice cream.

 Sunday, June 8th, is the QC Cruisers Open Run Car Show at Southpark
Mall, Moline, Ill. It runs from 8 am to 4 pm. For more info you can
contact Mike Doyle at 309-799-1176, or go to their website at
www.quadcitiescruisers.org

 Sunday, June 8th, is also the start of the Summer Concerts at 7 pm.
To be held at the band shell in the park.

 Oh yeah, and the shootings. Now that somebody was killed at 53rd and
Elmore Streets the Judges better get busy. Nothing says ‘destination’
like making the papers for all the shootings in town.

 Comments on just about anything are welcome.

Roberry, clean up, and Happy Mother’s day

Last night there was an armed robbery around 11th. and Perry Streets around 10:30 pm. We don’t know if the police found this guy or not, but they did make arrests and got two guns off the street. It appears that some people were at 12th and Brady Streets at the time of the armed robbery . The van they sat in reeked of marijauna, which gave police cause to search the van and find the 2 guns. Now they know why it’s called dope.

Flood clean-up cost are rising. Now it’s estimated at three-quarter of a million dollars. How high will it go after the river goes down enough to get on Credit Island? At least LeClaire Park seems to have weathered the flood pretty well. After a winter with so much snow, a flood this spring, and crater sized potholes, we hope for an uneventful summer. The city budget had to have taken a hit on these things.

Happy Mother’s day to all. At some point today, we’ll have to stop and get a gift.

Comments are welcome.