Category Archives: Humor

Roll Out The Barrels!

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 By Dobie Maxwell – www.dobiemaxwell.com

   Here we go again. Traffic season has changed from one of only two options around these parts – from winter to construction – and I can’t decide which is worse. Is it trying to pass an 18 wheel slush launcher on the left in an unplowed lane, or getting stuck behind a tar truck for two hours?

   Las Vegas odds makers aren’t able to decide on that one, so why should I? All I know is, as the construction season approaches I’d better get used to seeing orange barrels in my path. They will be everywhere soon enough, but I already see them being put out all over. It’s the plastic version of a robin red breast. A barrel orange is a sure sign that weather will be warm in the near future.

   My question is, who’s responsible for those barrels? Someone has to make them, but I’ve never heard of anyone going to work at the factory. And where is the factory located? West Orange, NJ would be the obvious choice, but I’ve not been able to confirm said rumor. It’s all a big mystery.

   And where do they go in the winter? They must be stored somewhere, right? I’ve never seen an overhead view of the barrel storage facility, have you? Why am I asking all these annoying little questions? I have more than enough idle time on my hands to think about all of this and more as I sit motionless in my car stuck in one lane that used to be four on the Tollway. I’m marooned.

   One of these days – and I’m not sure when – someone is going to snap and take out the whole row of those barrels for miles. I don’t plan on it being me, but I’ll smile when I hear about it on the traffic report. Why I’m listening to that I don’t know. Nobody is moving anyway. After all, it’s construction season. Welcome to summer fun!

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Penguins at Gurnee Mills Mall!

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Today only, Thursday, January 24th come out to Gurnee Mills Mall before 9:00 p.m. to see live penguins for free! Being such a huge penguin enthusiast myself, seeing these cute birds up close in person was quite a treat. Sponsored … Continue reading →

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Gurnee Miles

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By Dobie Maxwell – www.dobiemaxwell.com

How quickly time passes. When I was a kid in the 1970s, my grandfather had what was then an amazing new medical procedure called heart bypass surgery. The doctor’s description of it at the time was downright frightening with all the cracking open of a breast bone like crab legs and all.

Gramps had the surgery, and it was a success. Part of his recovery was to walk several miles on a regular basis, and I was his chosen partner whenever I was available. Rain, snow or sleet didn’t matter, Gramps was diligent about those walks. Together, we braved some horrendous weather.

Technology has jumped light years ahead today, and heart bypasses are much more advanced. I talk to people who have had them, and it was nowhere near the ordeal Gramps went through. The walks are much easier too, especially with the advent of the enclosed modern mall. There wasn’t one around when I was a kid, and that’s why I appreciate a chance to walk in a great one now.

When I got my type 2 diabetes diagnosis a couple of years ago, I was told to set up an exercise program of regular walking. I immediately started doing it at the spacious Gurnee Mills Mall, as I’d seen others walking there when I was just a customer. What a difference a few decades make.

That’s got to be the best mall walk in the country. It’s wide open and there’s plenty to observe as one walks from one end to the other. One complete lap has me sucking major wind, but in an extremely good way. I’ve done as much as four laps in one day, even though I felt like I’d need my own heart bypass before I made it back to my car. Nevertheless, it’s my favorite walk place.

Gramps would have loved a place like this, and not only for the walking space. They have all kinds of great stores and low prices, and he was a bargain hunter par excellence as well. Gramps would have been a fixture at Gurnee Mills before and after they opened. I’m there a lot myself.

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102.3XLC Morning Show 8:30 a.m.

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Every other Thursday morning, Visit Lake County’s Marketing Manager, Anthony Haag stops by the WXLC radio studio for a segment during the Jimmy and Jen morning show. Typically around 8:30 a.m., Anthony will inform the audience about fun weekend events in Lake County.

These activities can range from concerts by national headlining acts to local festivals, holiday events, conventions, family activities and everything in-between. Jimmy and Jen will jump in during the segment to talk about a particular event they may be familiar with, usually adding comic relief in the process. This segment is essentially an entertaining way for locals to learn about what’s going on in Lake County.

Beyond the events, Visit Lake County also will bring in prizes to be given away to the lucky tenth radio caller. These prizes range from an overnight hotel stay to restaurant gift certificates, free theme park admission and much more!

Whether you’re a fan of the WXLC Jimmy and Jen morning show, someone who simply loves winning prizes, a weekend adventure seeker, or a morning commuter stuck in traffic, be sure to tune in to 102.3 XLC every other Thursday morning for some entertaining morning radio.

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Kid’s Blog – “Whirlyball by: James A.”

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If you are looking for something fun to do here in Lake County, I highly recommend you go to Whirlyball for some laser tag, rock climbing, and a game of Whirlyball.

First stop is laser tag. The arena itself is a large, two floor room complete with bases, hiding spots , and music. At the beginning of a match, they make you watch a short video on the rules. After this, an employee will escort you and your teammates to the briefing room. In this room, you get equipped with laser tag suits and laser tag guns. Then, a few minutes later, you will be let into the room, and the match will begin. Soon, the match will end and you will find out your scores.

Next up is the climbing wall. The wall is about four stories high, and can sometimes be really challenging. Also, since the only thing keeping you from falling is a rope and a harness, the whole climbing wall experience can be very scary. If you enjoy challenges, the rock wall is for you.

The main attraction is Whirlyball. The rules for this game is that you get into a bumper car and get equipped with a track ball racket. After this, a ball is released onto the court. Then, you attempt to get the ball into your track ball racket, and hurl it into your opponents’ goal which is basically a basketball backboard. Soon, the game will end and you will return to the lobby.

Whirlyball also specializes is birthday partys. The typical birthday party plan that Whirlyball offers, includes 2 extra large pizzas, 3 pitchers of pop, 1 hour of laser tag or Whirlyball, and for an extra $25, you get some time on the climbing wall. Fortunately, they only make you pay $230, which is very reasonable for birthday party. I have had my birthday at Whirlyball before, and thought it was a very memorable time.

Finally, I would like to remind you that I highly recommend Whirlyball if you are looking for something fun to do in Lake County.

By: James A.

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