Greetings boils and ghouls! Here is another haunt review. This time Team Gregula traveled to Bridgeview, Illinois to visit a brand new and hip haunted attraction called Killdare Haunted City. This eerie entry entitled Killdare is the brainchild of Tim O’Connell vith the help of his younger sister Kylie O’Connell. The brother and sister team put together many hours building, promoting and placing their new haunt behind the Bridgeview Park District since Kylie is the events coordinator at that location. Makes perfect sense, right? During our haunt visits from previous scare seasons, Team Gregula has seen other spook houses inside various park districts that exhumed plenty of creativity in construction. Killdare is no exception.

According to Tim, Killdare started as his personal home haunt and then this year his dreary dream came true to build the haunt on a more massive scale for the public to enjoy out of desirable decadence. Countess and I actually visited the location back in August during the horrendous heat for a behind-the-screams tour. It vas obvious even then that Tim is dead-icated to putting together a ghoul show.

The haunt itself as already mentioned is behind the main building of the Bridgeview Park District. My only concern vas that the spooky spot is positioned at the end of a very dark street that didn’t have any lights or viewable signage to guide the average person to the actual haunt location. I mentioned those minor issues to Kylie and she said they vere planning to put lights up in the trees or get an illuminated sign. So, the lighting issue might of been resolved now since our visit.

A plus is that parking is plentiful and free around the building! After parking you go inside the building to get your tickets and then need to head down the lawn on the side of the building to the haunt. At the entrance ve vere greeted by their putrid politician, Mayor Macabre. His Honor is a fiendly fellow that puts everyone ill at ease to enter the haunted city. Then ve vent around the creepy corner and see a big abandoned train car vhere the rules are read to us and then the terror trek begins! The haunt itself includes realistic props and homemade horrors built by Tim and his crew. The themes run from crazies to clowns to creeps. Macabre monkeys vere also driving us bananas! Pun intended. Ha ha.

The entire experience really felt like touring a small city full of creepy chills and vintage thrills. Several actors vere veterans from other haunt vhile a few younger people vith high energy vere putting together their beast efforts to spook us for the first time. Killdare also offers a unique bonus attraction that is completely included vith the price of a ticket. Most nights a live DJ is on hand and during select dates different local bands vill be performing. All in all an enjoyable haunt that is entertaining for all ages. A sinfully satisfying start to a possible annual terror tradition in Bridgeview.

**THREE FANGS UP**

Killdare Haunted City is located at 8110 Ferdinand Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455

Open now through Sunday, October 31, 2021

Friday – Sunday 7:00PM – 11:00PM

$20 for all ages

Click HERE for tickets and more information.

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I was thrilled when I heard about an annual mural festival that Go Rockford puts on. After seeing photos on Instagram, I booked a day trip to the “City of Gardens.” Bonus points for most of the murals being within walking distance of one another. Three Chicago-based artists have contributed including Stuk One, Sam Kirk, and Molly Z. You can download the handout here to plan your mural tour.

Art by Stuk OneArt by Sam KirkArt by Molly Z ArtArt by Jenny Roesel Ustick & Atalie GagnetArt by Yulia AvgustinovichArt by Rafael BlancoArt by Thomas AgranArt by FatherlessArt by Kelsey Montague

I discovered Rockford is also home to distinctive architecture and quirky sculptures. Another thing worth mentioning is the friendly people who don’t hesitate to smile at strangers. While I was photographing a mural, a man approached to talk to me about the murals. This is a perfect example of how art sparks conversation.

I love everything about the Kortman CenterSmile:)

The Norwegian is a hidden gem

I’m so glad I noticed the Norwegian on my Google map, as I initially planned to “wing it” for lunch. I checked out their menu and secured a reservation. As soon as I was greeted by the staff, I knew this Scandinavian gem was worth the trip in itself. The hospitality is outstanding, and I felt as though I made new friends while I was there.

The Norwegian offers several vegan options, and I chose the Pyttipanne. A flavorful hash consisting of fried red and sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and tofu in a maple cashew sauce. They have a solid beer menu, and while tempting, this dish was filling.

Get in my belly!

The restaurant sells memorabilia, has a stage for live music, and offers charming covered tables on the patio. They even have a play area for the kids, better known as “Baby Bergen.” A huge thank you to the staff, and I cannot wait to see you again!

This was my first Rockford experience, and it definitely won’t be my last. The next trip will include an overnight to experience the nightlife and breweries. I can also sneak in brunch AND dinner at the Norwegian. Cheers!

(Written by Lira Luis, FRIBA, FRSA, RA, NCARB, CEM, LEED AP on Medium)

Maria Ressa (Philippines) and Dmitry Muratov (Russia) received the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace. They accomplished this through their own platforms — the former’s Rappler, a digital media for investigative journalism, and the latter’s Novaya Gazeta.

The honoring of Maria Ressa absolutely hits close to home…

Read more here

Read original post on Medium

Southern Illinois teammates Landon Lenoir (17) and Avante Cox (11) celebrate earlier this season. The No. 4-ranked Salukis host No. 22 North Dakota Saturday. (photo courtesy SIU Athletics)

Many coaches are concerned about their team’s mental letdown coming off an emotional win. Don’t put Southern Illinois’ Nick Hill in that group.

SIU is fresh off consecutive one-point overtime road victories, including last week’s 42-21 thriller over then No. 2-ranked South Dakota State. In that game, the Salukis rallied from a 20-0 deficit and secured the win by stopping a two-point conversion attempt in overtime.

“Honestly you look for all of those outside narratives, but I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about it. We talk about it,” Hill said Monday. “I don’t think that’s a worry of mine. We get 11 opportunities this season to play football. I don’t care how they line up against us. There’s a standard of how we play and we’re going to be excited.

“I guess that’s just how I’m wired, and as a player, I never got into, ‘well, this is a good game to play in and this one’s not,’” said the former record-setting SIU quarterback. “We only get so many opportunities. I’m fired up to play and play at my best. I don’t want to throw and incompletion. I don’t want to turn the ball over.”

Not that it’s needed in Hill’s view, but the Salukis do have several additional factors at work including . . .

SIU Homecoming

“That hits close with me, being a past player,” Hill said. “So now you’ve got some expectation (following last week’s win). You want a bigger crowd, so maybe this is the first time 1,000 of those people have ever seen you play, they’ve heard about it, but they’ve never seen you play. So what are they going to say about it when they leave the stadium?”

playing a North Dakota team that beat the Salukis 44-21 in Grand Forks in February.

“A team that got after us at the beginning of the spring season and had an excellent year,” Hill said of the playoff-qualifying Fighting Hawks.

national rankings

Southern Illinois (5-1, 3-0) is ranked No. 4 in both the STATS Perform FCS poll and the American Football Coaches Association poll.

After losing 20-13 to rival South Dakota last weekend, North Dakota enters Saturday’s game with a 2-3 overall record. The Fighting Hawks — coached by former SIU assistant Bubba Schweigert — are 0-2 in the Missouri Valley.

North Dakota dropped 12 slots in the STATS Perform rankings from No. 10 to 22nd following last Saturday’s loss.

Injury update

Center Calvin Francis Jr. had surgery Monday to repair a torn ACL/meniscus. Francis will miss the rest of the season, according to Hill.

Wide receiver Avante Cox is questionable for Saturday’s game. Cox traveled with the team to South Dakota State, but only watched from the sidelines with his arm in a sling.

“We’re just trying to be smart with Avante for the longevity of the season,” Hill said. “He’ll be questionable for this week.”

Fullback Jacob Garrett and linebacker Bryson Strong are on schedule for returns in early November, Hill said.

Other thoughts on returning alumni

“I’m excited, I’m going to see a lot of guys,” Hill said. “Every Wednesday, I meet on Zoom with the Gridiron Club, which is nice and we’ll have a lot of people back. They’ll get the opportunity to come to practice on Friday before the game, introduce themselves to our team, tell us what year they played, some stories will be told.

“It’s always an exciting time for our players to meet them with a sense of pride to come back. I want them to be able to know that they’re back, it’s Homecoming, bring your families, talk about the good ‘ole days, meet up with your friends; it’s an important part of your program.”

SIU Hall of Fame

The Salukis will also induct its 2021 Hall of Fame class during Homecoming festivities Saturday. The 2021 class features Randal Falker (men’s basketball), Damon Jones (football), Cartaesha Macklin (women’s basketball), DeAnna Price (track & field), MyCole Pruitt (football), John Smith (frack & field) and Meg Viggars (volleyball).

According to the official SIU release, Jones played tight end at SIU from 1994-96 and finished his career ranked third in receiving yards (1,542) in school history and fifth in receptions (99). He was a three-time All-Conference selection, including first-team honors in 1995 and 1996. Jones played in the 1996 Senior Bowl, was a five-year pro in the National Football League with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1997-2001) and was named to SIU’s All-Century team. He is retired and lives in Jacksonville, Florida.

Pruitt played tight end for Southern from 2011-14 and was a two-time First-Team All-American. Pruitt set the school record for career pass receptions (221) and pass receptions in a season (81 in 2014). He also finished second in career TD catches (25) and had a streak of 31-consecutive games with at least one reception. A three-time, First-Team All-MVFC pick and three-time National Player of the Week, Pruitt was selected in the 2015 NFL Draft and is entering his seventh season in the NFL and is a member of the Tennessee Titans.

News & notes

The last time the Salukis were ranked in the Top 4 was on Sept. 6, 2010, when Southern was ranked No. 2 in the nation. In its last eight games versus ranked opponents, SIU is 6-2. The six wins are against #1, #2, #3, #4, #15 and #25 . . . Prior to his return to North Dakota, Schweigert was the defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois for the previous six seasons (2008-13) and served as associate head coach for the last five of that stretch. His 2010 defense led the Missouri Valley in total defense and his unit finished in the top half of the league in four of his six campaigns at SIU . . . The last time SIU was 3-0 in the MVFC was 2009 when the Salukis went 8-0 . . . Saluki receiver Landon Lenoir ranks No. 2 in the nation in receiving touchdowns (7) and No. 6 in yards (576) . . . Lenoir has caught passes in 26 consecutive games.

Where to find the game

North Dakota at Southern Illinois, Saturday, Oct. 16. Kickoff at 2 p.m. The game can be found on ESPN3 and at CILFM.com (SIU radio).

We are amazed but not amused
By all the things you say that you’ll do
Though much concerned but not involved
With decisions that are made by you

As Brian Williams says every night at the start of The 11th Hour, today is day number two-hundred and sixty-eight of the Biden administration. It’s too early to make any real judgments, but not too early to take a look at what has happened in the first nine months.

A good thing that has occurred is he’s taken the tone of the presidency down more than a few notches from the former guy. That was one of the main reasons so many of us supported him instead of the more progressive Democrat candidates. We needed some peace and quiet. We needed every day not to be a breaking news day. Biden has succeeded in doing that. Thanks, Joe…really!

But, now that we’ve found some peace in our daily political lives, we need more….a lot more.

Democrats hold the majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate. When you have that along with the White House, you should control the government. So, if that’s the case, why haven’t you passed any meaningful legislation?

Republicans have passed radical laws changing voting rights in many states. Why haven’t the Democrats in Washington done anything about that?

Republicans have passed a radical law basically making abortion illegal in Texas. They’re trying to do the same in other red states. Why haven’t Democrats in Washington done anything about that?

Republicans in mass refused to raise the debt ceiling so the government could pay their bills. Democrats let them slide by agreeing to put it off. until December.

Republicans involved in the January 6th insurrection refuse to cooperate with the House select investigating committee. They aren’t providing documents or showing up to give sworn testimony after being subpoenaed. The committee is going to try to criminally prosecute Steve Bannon. They’ve given the others some more time to comply. Why? And there is any guarantee Merrick Garland and the Justice Department will try the case?

What about the two infrastructure bills? Democrats can’t even get themselves together to decide what should be included in them and how much money should be spent, much less vote to pass either of them.

So, Democrats….you’re wasting time and you don’t have that much of it to waste. The 2022 mid-term election is a little more than a year away. Chances are you’re going to lose that slim majority you have now. When that happens, all these plans you had that would make life better for so many Americans are going to go by the wayside.

It’s time to eliminate the filibuster. Pass some laws. Protect our rights. Do something!

You better get tough and you better do it soon. You better get together and you better do it soon. You’ve been talking big, but that’s all it is. In reality, you haven’t done nothin’.

But we are sick and tired of hearing your song
Tellin’ how you are gonna change right from wrong
‘Cause if you really want to hear our views
You haven’t done nothin’

*lyrics in italics from “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” by Stevie Wonder

Related Post: Joe Biden is President of the United States and I’m feelin’ good

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