Opinion
We ask our kids. We ask our spouses. We ask our friends and extended family. What do you want for Christmas? What do we say? What do we really want? Most of you reading this are blessed. You don’t really NEED anything. Certain things would be nice, but most of us just want to be…
Read Full Article 
Joan Jett and Belinda Carlisle are 63 years old? Where did all the time go? … and on that note, welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 160 of the Daily Dirt.1. Wanna feel old? Really old? The following songs are celebrating their 40th birthday this year. Here are 10 of the best…
Read Full Article 
Christmas is little more than a week away, so we’re offering some last-minute gift-giving advice … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 159 of the Daily Dirt. 1. It’s crunch time when it comes to Christmas shopping for friends and relatives. But — and this is a big but — that is…
Read Full Article 
Dec. 15, 2021 Gunfighter, secret agents, zombies — sometimes they’re all better the second time around … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 158 of the Daily Dirt. 1. A few nights ago I got sucked in into the 2016 remake of “The Magnificent Seven”. I hadn’t watched it in a couple…
Read Full Article 
Welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 157 of the Daily Dirt. 1. The baby boomer generation lost another of its familiar faces the other day with the passing of Mike Nesmith, one of the original Monkees. The death of Nesmith — following the previous losses of Davy Jones and Peter Tork —…
Read Full Article 
I think the best football team ever was the 1977 Dallas Cowboys, quarterbacked by my childhood idol Roger Staubach and featuring slashing rookie running back Tony Dorsett. Harvey Martin and Randy White led the second generation of the Doomsday Defense after Bob Lilly and Lee Roy Jordan ran Tom Landry’s first successful version of the…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Dec. 13, 2021 When it comes to burgers, gimme a hunka, hunka burnin’ love … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 156 of the Daily Dirt. 1. We all love a good burger. Normally, I like mine plain, but on occasion I can go crazy and add cheese, lettuce…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Dec. 12, 2021 Look at the bright side. While it might be early December, we’re one day closer to spring … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 155 of the Daily Dirt. 1. We’re nearing mid-December and it’s time to admit that it’s finally winter. If it’s not snowing…
Read Full Article 
The numbers never lie, and the following numbers will probably come as an eye-opener for those followers of the squared circle … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 154 of the Daily Dirt. 1. For those who have been longtime followers of pro wrestling, this may come as a shock. It certainly did…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Dec. 10, 2021 Today, I truly appreciate working for the likes of one J. Robert Gough. I think you’ll realize why in a few paragraphs … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 153 of the Daily Dirt. 1. It’s time for another chapter of the worst jobs in history.…
Read Full Article 
Together, let’s raise a glass of Classic Coke — with plenty of ice, of course — to the memory of Richard Anthony Allen … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 152 of the Daily Dirt. 1. It was a year ago this week when slugger Richie “Call Me Dick” Allen died. He…
Read Full Article 
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Today is Steve’s birthday. MRN will be taking him to lunch at Tiramisu so he can have his Ravioli Salsa Rosa. And before you ask, yes, he’s older than…dirt. JRG Today, we tip our hat to the memory of “Coach” … welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 151 of the…
Read Full Article 
Before you read on, what Christmas movie elevated squirrels to a new height of holiday importance? … While you ponder, welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 150 of the Daily Dirt. 1. Granted, from a sentimental standpoint, “It’s A Wonderful Life” is hard to beat this time of year when it comes…
Read Full Article 
Now we can (finally) sit back and relax. College football’s regular season and championship weekend are little more than dust in the Kansas wind. The final four is made up of the teams that should be there, which occupies the first of today’s three thoughts … welcome to Vol. 149 of the Daily Dirt. 1.…
Read Full Article 
On this day we recognize a wide variety of famous types, ranging from Larry Bird to (be still, my beating heart …) Donna Mills … welcome to Vol. 148 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. There’s plenty to celebrate this time of the year, including the following: Dec. 11, Magnum, P.I. Day: I…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Dec. 4, 2021It’s time for the first official “Merry Christmas” of the season, one of the simple holiday traditions that mean so much. Traditions are important this time of the year … welcome to Vol. 147 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. It’s the holiday season, and these are…
Read Full Article 
Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin? In the lane, snow is glistenin’ … welcome to Vol. 146 of the Daily Dirt. Today is a special holiday edition! Ho! Ho! Ho!Santa Steve has arrived a few days early to hand out his Christmas gifts to one and all in the Muddy River News coverage area. Here’s…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Dec. 2, 2021We’re always here to help, especially at holiday time … welcome to Vol. 145 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. It’s that time. Most of us are entering the homestretch of our holiday shopping for family and friends, and the later it gets the more likely we…
Read Full Article 
I guess $7.25 million doesn’t buy much these days. For those of us who head west for gas, commute daily for work or just want to escape the People’s Republic of Illinois, it’s great that both bridges are finally open for a better flow of traffic. But the newly “repaired” Memorial Bridge isn’t the smoothest…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for December 1, 2021 The calendar says it is now December. Whether that’s good or bad will likely not be decided for another 30 days … welcome to Vol. 144 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. It’s officially December. Do any of these contemplations touch a base — or nerve…
Read Full Article 
Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “Geez, he (or she) looks kind of old for that role?” Yeah, me too … welcome to Vol. 143 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. I was first irritated while watching “Grease” in a movie theater way back in 1978. Just about every main…
Read Full Article 
Rarely is anything so popular yet so neglected by politicians as school choice for K-12 education. The public has it right on what is a truly righteous cause. For society to honor its fundamental obligation to educate its youth, parents must be offered an alternative to catastrophically failing schools. Society’s future demands it. Simple justice…
Read Full Article 
It’s hard to say what I dislike more — gravy, salad dressing or mayonnaise … welcome to Vol. 142 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. If I had my way on this Monday in November … McDonald’s would reopen to inside dining immediately. I am so tired of eating those big breakfasts…
Read Full Article 
I need to sponsor a bowl game. I’m going to have to see if Muddy River News publisher J. Robert Gough can help me out … welcome to Vol. 141 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. College football bowl season is right around the corner. Here are some of the best names…
Read Full Article 
If sucking the juices out of a dead, fermenting bird kind of disgusts you, it might be a good idea to skip the first of today’s three thoughts. … welcome to Vol. 140 of the Daily Dirt. 1. It’s Saturday, and there are Thanksgiving leftovers all over the house, right? Well, things could be worse.…
Read Full Article 
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are not too bloated … welcome to Vol. 139 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. Day by day, hour by hour … Christmas is drawing closer, and what better way than with these three famous movie quotes? Can you name the film they are…
Read Full Article 
We are now in official holiday mode … Good luck to all and welcome to Vol. 138 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. The best way to survive Thanksgiving? Easy. Just follow these three steps: Be selective: Studies have indicated the more items you pile on your plate, the more likely you are to…
Read Full Article 
By Steve EighingerMuddy River News Minister of Culture and Doctor of LoveI’m feeling kind of nostalgic today … welcome to Vol. 137 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts: 1. There are a handful of TV series I wish I could click my remote and they would magically reappear. They weren’t necessarily huge hits…
Read Full Article 
My only advice for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend? Let’s eat! Pass the taters and welcome to Vol. 136 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. By the time you are reading this, Thanksgiving will be less than two days away? What makes this time of the year so special. Here are a few…
Read Full Article 
Each year Medicare has an open enrollment period for insurance that supplements Medicare coverage. It started October 15 and continues to December 7. Thank goodness this will be over soon … but then there’s next year! For those who are Medicare eligible, the enrollment period is open season for every scam and pressure tactic that…
Read Full Article 
Many of our comedic geniuses earned their tributes before cable, before satellite, before streaming (whatever that is) … let’s all sit back and enjoy. Welcome to Vol. 135 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts. 1. If any specific type of TV program could be considered the most popular it would arguably be the…
Read Full Article 
We’ve all been in the situation when after meeting certain people we know we’re going to have to put them in their place sooner than later. Today’s Daily Dirt will help the next time that happens. Welcome to the three thoughts that make up Vol. 134: 1. Ever find yourself looking for the perfect comeback…
Read Full Article I sincerely hope we get to hear Dick Vitale again. He is the subject of the first of today’s three thoughts in Vol. 133 of the Daily Dirt. 1. For as long as I can remember, the start of the college basketball season meant hearing and watching longtime analyst and former coach Dick “Dickie V”…
Read Full Article 
Instead of linking to an Associated Press or Chicago Tribune story on why Illinois Law Enforcement Standards and Training Board removed former Adams County Sheriff Brent Fischer from his post in September, I thought I would just let our readers judge for themselves. On May 6, 2021, The Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) opened…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Nov. 19, 2021 Nothing says Thanksgiving like “stuffing bread crumbs up a dead bird’s butt”. And with that we begin today’s three thoughts in Vol. 132 of the Daily Dirt. Welcome aboard! 1. One of the great traditions this time of the year is watching some of our favorite TV shows with holiday…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 18, 2021 I nearly crashed the family Kia the last time “Hotel California” came on the radio. I think you’ll understand why after reading today’s three thoughts in Vol. 131 of the Daily Dirt. 1. Do you have that one song you cannot stand to listen to any longer? That when…
Read Full Article 
Dear Mr. Adam, Mr. Gough, Mr. Schuckman and the Muddy River News Team, On behalf of the Southeastern School District, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your amazing coverage of our volleyball team’s state tournament appearance. Your coverage was extensive. Your coverage was insightful. And your coverage was greatly appreciated by our…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 17, 2021 If you’re like me you’re getting a little more irritated each time you go the corner gas station for a fill-up. We’ll talk about that and a couple of other items in today’s three thoughts in Vol. 130 of the Daily Dirt. 1. This is the time of year…
Read Full Article 
If you aren’t receiving your Muddy River News morning newsletter, and you use Comcast for your e-mail, please to go this link and you should be able to fix it: https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/spam-filters-and-email-blocking-new-experience And if you haven’t yet signed up for our morning newsletter, you can go here: https://muddyrivernews.com/muddy-river-news-daily-edition/
Read Full Article 
It was a tough call, but I went with Archie and Edith as the No. 1 TV couple of all time. What do you think about the first of today’s three thoughts in Vol. 129 of the Daily Dirt? 1. Be it a husband and wife, or even boyfriend and girlfriend, I think we have…
Read Full Article 
How many of you were correct in predicting what out No. 1 all-time Christmas movie would be? For those of you who were, Muddy River News founder and reigning monarch J. Robert Gough congratulates you. For those of you who were not … what were you thinking? Welcome to Vol. 128 of the Daily Dirt and…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 13, 2021 Starting a new holiday tradition with the 30-for-30 holiday film countdown Traditions come. Traditions go. And somewhere, traditions start. Today is that day as we unveil the Muddy River News holiday movie countdown. Sit back, grab that Mountain Dew with crushed ice and enjoy. Welcome to Vol. 126 of…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 12, 2021 It’s always sad when a movie star falls as far — and fast — as the following. It’s difficult, but I actually remember when someone like Eddie Murphy was funny, or when Steven Seagal was The Man. It seems like such a long time ago in a galaxy far,…
Read Full Article 
To the Editor: A traffic light at 25th and Broadway seems to be an unnecessary impediment to the flow of traffic on Broadway. This intersection is only one block away from 24th Street, which has a traffic signal. While traveling Broadway, I and about 15 other vehicles have been stopped at this light while one…
Read Full Article 
You learn something every day, right? Well, I certainly did today. Find out what it was during today’s three thoughts that make up Vo. 124 of the Daily Dirt: 1. The National Toy Hall of Fame recently announced its 2021 inductees, which included the tabletop game Risk and American Girl dolls. My first reaction was,…
Read Full Article 
I can’t wait until Sunday. I think you’ll know why after reading through Vol. 123 of the Daily Dirt. Today’s three thoughts start right …. now! 1. Wow. Just wow. The long-awaited “Yellowstone” season opener was Sunday night. And I’m still trying to comprehend what all transpired in the almost-2 1/2 hour debut. Some immediate…
Read Full Article 
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, a sure sign of a return to normalcy is the number of major motion pictures coming our way. Our first of three thoughts today provide a sampling of what the future holds. Welcome to Vol. 122 of the Daily Dirt. 1. Here’s a quick look of some…
Read Full Article 
The Rotund Stuffer had a fabulous weekend, thanks to taking in a couple of high school football playoff games in Missouri and Illinois, respectively. Today’s three thoughts were spurred by that experience. Welcome to Vol. 121 of the Daily Dirt. 1. The local high school football season is waning, so it’s time for the inaugural…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 7, 2021 We’ve been together now for four months, and may I say it’s a pleasure to share three thoughts with you each day through the Daily Dirt. Welcome to Vol. 120. 1. Let’s have a good-natured discussion. i think you’ll enjoy it, especially those of you who feel the 1960s…
Read Full Article 
The weekend is here. Let us celebrate Vol. 119 of the Daily Dirt and the ensuing three thoughts. 1. Have you ever gotten the feeling watching what was once a favorite show that maybe, just maybe, it should have ended a few seasons earlier? If you have, you were probably right.Here’s a few examples of…
Read Full Article 
Some people call Guido “Guy” Fawkes a terrorist. Some an anarchist. Some a revolutionary. Some a Catholic freedom fighter. His image has been co-opted by various movements and causes. I’m sure most of them have no idea of what the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 actually was. My friend, William Orr, is British, and when he…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 5, 2021 The weekend is near, and so is Vol. 118 of the Daily Dirt. Welcome to today’s three thoughts. Enjoy. 1. The weekend equates to a time when we ideally relax and enjoy the things that we often don’t have time for in a normal Monday-through-Friday grind. Movies are an…
Read Full Article 
Wednesday’s 50 year celebration of Amtrak’s Illinois Zephyr was another reminder that Quincy needs some serious upgrades to its station at 30th and Wismann Lane. Some improvements have been made. There’s more parking, better lighting and wider sidewalks as you approach the train, but it still needs some other features. Quincy Area Convention and Visitors…
Read Full Article 
Yes, it’s the holiday season, but maybe not the holidays that immediately come to your mind. Find out a little more about we’ll be celebrating in November outside of Thanksgiving in Vol. 117 of the Daily Dirt. Welcome to today’s three thoughts. 1. I’ll be honest. I never realized what great holidays were in November.…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Nov. 3, 2021 Complaining about the shortcomings of law enforcement is usually a case of sour grapes, but not always. Check out some of the laws that remain on the books in different parts of our nation. Oh, and welcome to Vol. 116 of the Daily Dirt and our often anticipated —…
Read Full Article 
Get upset with too many commercials interrupting your TV viewing? Relax, sit back in that easy chair and enjoy. Just do it. Welcome to Vol. 115 of the Daily Dirt and the three thoughts you came here looking for: 1. Raise your hand if you hate television commercials. They interrupt our programs and sporting evens, …
Read Full Article 
For those who know me, it is no secret that my favorite time of the day is anytime involving a meal. That’s why our monthly “Lunch with Steve” episodes of the Daily Dirt are always my favorites to produce. These virtual lunches always inspire me — to get up from chair in the mancave and…
Read Full Article Yeah, I’m getting kind of excited. We’re a week away from “Yellowstone” again being a part of our lives. My sister-in-law, Julie Fisher, emails me regularly about how many days we are away from the return of Rip Wheeler and friends. If you’re not familiar with “Yellowstone,” check out the first of today’s three thoughts…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 30, 2021 College football is heading toward the finish line, which means it is a marvelous time of the year. Part of today’s three thoughts in Vol. 112 of the Daily Direct will deal with that very subject. You’re welcome. 1. First of all, I love pro football, but when compared…
Read Full Article Many aspects of modern technology might as well be a foreign language to many boomers, including myself. Hopefully, the first of today’s three thoughts will provide some insight in Vol. 111 of the Daily DIrt. 1. The older I get — and I am definitely old — the more I realize how set in their ways…
Read Full Article 
Get some popcorn. Turn the lights down low and grab your significant other. It’s scary-movie time as we approach Halloween. Welcome to today’s three thoughts, compliments of Vol. 110 of the Daily Dirt. 1. Halloween is meant for two things: 1. Eating candy, probably lots of it. 2. Watching scary movies.I’ll let you work on…
Read Full Article 
For 30 years, Deb Roti was a special education teacher at a public school in Cary, Illinois, and saw firsthand how Illinois prioritizes administration over education. “It is my firm belief that we have too many administrators making huge salaries that will require larger and larger pension payouts,” Roti said. “The numbers reported on the…
Read Full Article 
Who knew that Lady Gaga was not her real name? Find out what her real name is — and much more — during today’s three thoughts in Vol. 109 of the Daily Dirt. 1. Just in case you didn’t realize, the names we know most of our favorite celebrities by are not their actual monikers.…
Read Full Article 
A more bizarre and destructive mismatch of economic circumstances and policy direction would be hard to imagine. The country is now strangled by an unprecedented, acute deficit of workers, which is partly responsible for growing product shortages and logistical logjams. Desperate companies are offering higher wages, flexible schedules free college tuition and even doing away with drug…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 26, 2021 Elvis, rabbits, licorice and more in today’s lead item of the Daily Dirt. Welcome to Vol. 108: 1. We’ll simply call today’s top offering “food for thought”. Here are 10 items I find interesting and wish to share, and as longtime friend David Adam once said, “Steve, you always…
Read Full Article 
HERMANN, Mo. — When my wife, Ellen, suggested we get away for a long weekend with friends to historic Hermann, I thought it was a great idea. While Hermann is known for its numerous wineries along the Missouri River, there also are distilleries, craft brewers and many German-themed shops and restaurants, with the Hermann Wurst…
Read Full Article The name is Love, Stevie Love. The self-proclaimed baron of carin’ is back for his monthly visit to assist lovers in distress. This month marks the 14th anniversary of Stevie Love dealing with real issues and real needs, plus it’s also Vol. 107 of the Daily Dirt. A double reason to celebrate! The first envelope, please. Dear…
Read Full Article There’s nothing more sacred than the vows of marriage, unless you live in Hollywood or some other sector of the entertainment industry. You’ll understand as you wade through today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 106 of the Daily Dirt. 1. I’ve always been a guy who liked numbers — or stats if you prefer. …
Read Full Article Fall is truly a wonderful time of the year. The first of today’s three thoughts explains one of the reasons why in Vol. 105 of the Daily Dirt. 1. We’re entering the heart of autumn. The leaves are (finally) starting to turn. The air has that familiar October chill in the mornings and evenings, and…
Read Full Article 
I once tried to “air up” the two front tires on the car I was driving at a particular point in my life. After I had done that, the car ultimately crashed into a tree. I later found I had more than 100 pounds of pressure in each of the front tires. No wonder it…
Read Full Article 
I’m still blown away by this Wally Amos fellow. I think you will be, too. Sit back, relax and enjoy today’s three thoughts in Vol. 103 of the Daily Dirt. 1. Ever have one of those days when, almost by accident, you stumble across an incredibly interesting bit of information? Today was one of those…
Read Full Article 
Any day with a little rasslin’ talk is a good day. Welcome to Vol. 102 of the Daily Dirt and the customary three thoughts. 1. Since I was a wee lad — relatively speaking, that is — I have had a love affair with pro wrestling. That love affair with the squared circle dates to…
Read Full Article 
Rarely in my movie-going life have I left a theater with such a feeling of approval as I did after seeing “No Time to Die.” If there is such a thing as a perfect film, this may it. Welcome to today’s three thoughts and Vol. 101 of the Daily Dirt: 1. I was finally able…
Read Full Article 
Observing and being involved in state and local politics over the last few years has been fascinating, interesting and exhausting. Lately, the exhausting part has seemed to have gained a grip on us. Republicans and Democrats, nationally and locally, are split amongst themselves. We see the infighting nationally on FOX News, MSNBC or CNN. We…
Read Full Article 
Today’s three thoughts represent Vol. 100 of the Daily Dirt. Let’s celebrate with one of our favorite subjects: Music. Sit down, relax and have a Mountain Dew (with ice, of course): 1. I stumbled across an incredibly interesting piece of literature on the pretty-eight-machine.com website that ranked each year by the quality of pop music…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 17, 2021The times, they are a changing. That’s what Bob Dylan once told us. And Bob is still correct, as you’ll see in today’s three thoughts for Vol. 99 of the Daily Dirt: 1. The next time you are sitting in your favorite recliner — with a beverage close at hand, of…
Read Full Article From cowboys to Cosell, today’s three thoughts promise to run the Daily Dirt gamut. Welcome to Vol. 98. 1. Regular readers of this space know of my love for old western TV shows and cowboy-themed movies. I keep waiting for that genre of films and program to make a comeback. Realistically, I know that will…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 15, 2021 True, according to the following report, Illinois is among the rudest states in the nation, but the Prairie State still ranks well behind leader New York. Welcome to Vol. 97 of the Daily Dirt. Here are today’s three thoughts: 1. The rudest people in the nation? Would you believe they’re…
Read Full Article 
We live in one of the most politically dysfunctional states in the union. Our lawmakers in Springfield tax us too much, fritter away too much of our hard-earned money on wasteful spending, and devote most of their energies to serving their cronies in the political class instead of the people of Illinois. If we want…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Oct. 14, 2021 Call this the “Thinking Man’s Guide to Halloween,” some words that try and corral the thoughts tied to all that is involved with the annual celebration we observe in late October. Consider that we are drawn to all that is Halloween by the symbols, thoughts, visions and words that connect…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Oct. 13, 2021 I’ll be honest. I always loved Mary Tyler Moore, from her early days on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” to her brilliant years on the program that carried her name on the marquee. Mary passed away Jan. 25, 2017. She was 80 at the time of her passing, and to…
Read Full Article 
With an effective state and local tax rate of 15 percent, Illinois has the highest state and local taxes — almost 39 percent higher than the average U.S. household. It’s no surprise then, that Kiplinger voted Illinois the least-friendly state for middle-class Americans to move to. According to Illinois Policy’s August jobs data analysis, Illinois’…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Oct. 12, 2021 Holidays are a great thing, and I think we need more of them. My suggestion for four more such celebrations leads off today’s three thoughts in Vol. 94 of the Daily Dirt. Thanks for joining in. 1. The following four special days should become become full-blown federal holidays: Mothers’ Day: We…
Read Full Article 
Muddy River News/Sports hit a little milestone over the weekend. We’ve had 150,000 unique visitors to the site since we launched on April 30. That’s more than the newly-minted populations of Adams, Marion, Ralls, Lewis and the Twin Pike Counties…combined. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone has checked us out in less than six months. After…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 11, 2021 Hopefully, Vol. 93 of the Daily Dirt will answer some questions for our valued readers. Sit back, relax and enjoy today’s three thoughts: 1. I’m not a big fan of chaos.I prefer my life to be rather orderly and predictable. For the most part, I like to regularly request the…
Read Full Article 
Most followers of rock music enjoy arguing about what the best Beatles songs are. Your favorite Minister of Culture also enjoys arguing about the worst Beatles songs. Welcome to Vol. 92 of the Daily Dirt: 1. Granted, the Beatles were an incredible band — maybe the best ever, who can really say? — but that doesn’t…
Read Full Article Vol. 91 of the Daily Dirt allows us to have some more fun — and conversation — about one of the day’s hottest topics: secret agents. Feel free to join in with today’s three thoughts: 1. So, with the release of the new James Bond film, “No Time to Die,” and all of the potential…
Read Full Article For starters, my opening list of the most annoying celebrities could have easily been expanded from 10 to 100, but let’s start with today’s names. I’m sure it is a subject we will revisit. In the emantime, welcome to Vol. 89 of the Daily Dirt and today’s three thoughts: 1. I’ve reached the point of…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 6, 2021We’re getting closer to to Vol. 100 of the Daily Dirt. I hear Muddy River News Publisher J. Robert Gough is considering some sort of parade. We’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, welcome to Vol. 88 and three more thoughts: 1. We’re also moving closer to the…
Read Full Article 
Education is a road to a better life. A quality education allows children to maximize their potential, and providing that for every child is one of the most important undertakings of state government. But research shows Illinois is failing to live up to the promise of high quality or efficient education, as Illinois schools consistently spend more…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Oct. 6, 2021 It’s time for another edition in the “Let’s go to (virtual) lunch with Steve” series, featuring with some of our favorite people, both locally and nationally. If you’d ever like to be included in one of our virtual lunch dates, just drop me a line telling me why you would…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Oct. 4, 2021 The best part of waking up in the mornings between April and October is not a cup of Folgers Coffee, it’s knowing that it is baseball season. That will make more sense as you work your way through Vol. 86 of today’s three thoughts. 1. We’re in the first week…
Read Full Article 
Once we hear them, many times it is impossible to forget them. We can love them, and we can hate them. “They” are the commercial jingles that pound our brains — non-stop, it seems — both on television and on the radio.” Jingles are written to be as easy to remember as nursery rhymes —…
Read Full Article 
Weekend Twin Spin: Daily Dirt for Oct. 2-3, 2021A Tom Hanks film festival would be downright awesome Selecting my five favorite Tom Hanks films for Vol. 84 of the Daily Dirt was much more difficult than I expected. That guy has had a quite a career. Here are today’s three thoughts: 1. Hanks was recently voted…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Oct. 1, 2021 There’s a couple of things I need to get off my chest in the first two of three thoughts in Vol. 84 of the Daily Dirt: 1. Hockey should never be referred to as a “major sport.” It’s not. It’s that simple. That’s why the TV ratings are so microscopic. It’s a…
Read Full Article 
My love affair with music dates to the late summer/early fall of 1966. That means I am currently celebrating my 55th anniversary of appreciating the finer points of what it has meant to have enjoyed the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel and hundreds of other groups and individual artists for more than half a…
Read Full Article 
Daily Dirt for Sept. 29, 2021 Ideally, some day we might hear Touki Toussaint singing “Ooga-chaka, ooga-ooga, ooga-chaka, ooga-ooga”. In the meantime, welcome to Vol. 82 of the Daily Dirt: 1. There’s little question the first line of a song can hook you. With that in mind, here are 10 of the most iconic opening lines…
Read Full Article 
As I travel along streets and highways, I see these squares in the middle of the road. They always are the same size. They have nothing to do with filling a crack or a hole. What are these squares? Do they have something to do with aerial photo calibration? Maybe extraterrestrials left them? Jim Frankenhoff,…
Read Full Article Daily Dirt for Sept. 28, 2021 I am not, nor have I ever been, a fan of the Eagles, but personal bias will never stand in the way of sharing news. Welcome to Vo. 81 of the Daily Dirt. 1. The Recording Industry Association of America has updated its list of the top-selling albums of all-time.…
Read Full Article 
It’s that time again, to reopen the loveline for the lovelorn. Stevie Love, the real-life Doctor of Love and potentate of passion is here to help. As always, real answers for real issues.Let’s get right to today’s mailbag: Dear Stevie Love,I’m always amazed at how you can cut right to the heart of the matter,…
Read Full Article Current Weather
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE