Category archive for ‘Columnists’ 
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If you’ve got my back, I’ve got you covered
Somebody once said, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” But I disagree.
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Laughter By Paul – 6/5/13
Sam booked his 80-year-old grandmother on a flight from Florida to Nevada. He called the airline to go over her special needs. The representative listened patiently as he requested a wheelchair and an attendant for his mother because of her arthritis and impaired vision to the point of near blindness.
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Hello sunshine, Part II
Many alternative doctors believe it is not the sun that causes melanoma but rather the toxic chemicals we lather on our skin to keep from burning. The skin is a half-inch thick, and poisons are readily absorbed into the skin and make their way to the liver.
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Pruning tips and techniques, Part II
According to dictionary.com, one of the definitions of the word “dwarf” is “an animal or plant much smaller than the average of its kind or species.” This seems to be a very concise definition.
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Ask an Angel – 6/6/13
Q. I recently visited an old friend who I have not seen in a while, and I was taken aback by the clutter in her home. Papers were all over the counters as well as lots of dirty dishes on the counter. Things just didn’t look right. I would not categorize her as a hoarder, but I think it could be the start of something. Do you have suggestions of how help her without being offensive?
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Removing patio rust spots
Question: I have orange/rust colored spots/circles on the cement on my patio. Can you tell me what causes these spots and how can they be removed? What is the best way to clean the cement patio?
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Huntley bicycle patrol pedals through the streets again this summer
Our Huntley Police Department’s bicycle patrol is in action again. The program, which has been in force for several years, is designed to interact with our citizens. It will not replace the normal patrol duties of HPD but rather give it an extended outreach to the community during summer months.
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An alternative to cable
Earlier this year, I wrote a column on “negotiating rates for products and service.” At a subsequent Sun City Town Hall Meeting, the idea of negotiating with Comcast was posed by a community member. Our board President indicated that a member of the Board was approaching Comcast to determine what, if anything, could be done to obtain more reasonable rates for members or our community.
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Hello sunshine, Part I
It has been a long winter in Huntley, and many of you can’t wait to get to the “social pool,” lay out in the sun for that gorgeous tan, and bask in the warmth of spring. Others of you will head for the golf and tennis courts or simply work in your yards.
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A solution to the ‘water hammer’ problem
Question: We recently purchased a new front-loading washing machine and everything is great except every time the washing machine turns off the water, there is a loud banging noise. It even rattles the pipes in the wall. Is there any way to quiet this down?
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Reasons to consider pruning your plants this spring
Pruning is a common spring gardening chore. When done correctly it can lead to increased flowers, neater appearance, and better plant health. When done incorrectly it can affect the shape, health, and flowers on plants for many years to come. This Gardener’s Forum will be the first of a two-part series on pruning.
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Laughter By Paul 05/23/13
Two lawyers, Jon and Chuck, head out for their usual nine holes of golf. Jon offers Chuck a bet. “Let’s say we bet $50.”
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Ask an Angel 5/23/13
Q. Now that I am in my “golden years,” I am seeing my neighbors and friends pass on, and this is leaving me with a feeling of great sadness. I feel alone, too. I don’t know how to cope some days.
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The schoolyard clash of the bully-battling mantras
Quick now — complete this sentence: “Sticks and stones may break my bones…”
Chances are, if you are old enough to have put classrooms and playgrounds behind you, you ended the quote with something like “but words will never hurt me.” -
Another property tax increase
In the September 20, 2012 issue of the Sun Day, I wrote a column entitled “Taxation without representation.” In that article I expressed particular concern over the exorbitant amount of property taxes we pay in support of School District 158.
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Tips for outdoor playtime
Spring has sprung and our dogs are anxious to get outside! There are a few precautions we should take in order to make sure their time outside is a safe one.
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Ask an Angel 05/09
Q. I have heard that it’s very easy to get sick when flying on an airplane. What can I do to protect myself?
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Blue-plate specials and anatomically correct toddy mugs
If you glanced into the kitchen cupboard of my home when I was a kid, you would think we lived in Random Acres.
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It’s an emergency!
What emergency you ask? Does someone need help? Did they call 911? My wife reminded me of a recent real life experience I would like to share with you.
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The secondhand market saves you money
As the world goes more and more digital, we are experiencing growth in some new businesses that can save us money.
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Laughter By Paul – 05/09
A man and woman were recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. While cutting the cake, the wife was moved after seeing her husband’s eyes fill with tears.
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Tips on lawn care from a longtime friend, Part II
About eight years ago, my husband picked up a small wooden plaque at a garage sale and hung it above our pantry door. At dinner, our daughter Sarah’s chair faces in such a way that she looks directly at this plaque.
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Coming health attractions
I want to say “hello” to my former class participants who have taken my classes many times as well as to new people who may have been reading my column all winter. While I have had an enjoyable winter in Florida, the trials and temptations that I have experienced have been numerous and have given me greater dependence upon the Lord to guide and direct.
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Make the smart choice and install a carbon monoxide detector
Do you have carbon monoxide detectors in your house? If you do not, you are in violation of the law. Effective January 1, 2007, Illinois Public Act 094-0741 required carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings that contain sleeping units.
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Testing your water expansion tank
Q. Our house was built approximately six years ago. On top of the water heater is a black something with a small tank, pipe that goes into the ceiling and a hose that leads into the floor drain. What is this for? It makes a loud siren-type noise that is getting louder. What can we do? Thanks.
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Is a Roth IRA right for you?
I often get questions from my students at the University about retirement savings. Most of my students are under the age of 50, so the answers to their questions are a bit different for some retirement plans.
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99 bottles of beer on the wall…
In a recent restaurant survey, Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake was one of the top favorites, so my wife Judy and I invited friends Mike and Darby McGuigan to join us on a Sunday night to find out if the restaurant lived up to its reputation and high marks.
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A behind-the-scenes star who makes the dancers shine
This week, I am putting the spotlight on one of the “stars” of the very popular TV show “Dancing With The Stars.” He is the heart and soul of all the great music used on the show, other than that provided by musical guests. He is Harold Wheeler, the musical director of the show that is now in its 16th season.
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Lessons learned in Florida
When I left Huntley for my home in Florida last October, I made the decision not to teach my February classes but to have fun with all the people in our Christian R.V. Park going to Bible conferences, enjoying the sun and warm weather, relaxing by the pool, taking trips and socializing, which usually meant eating mostly health-destroyers such as sugar and processed items with little or no nutrition.
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Tips on lawn care from a longtime friend, Part I
A very special childhood memory for me is when my mom would take me to the Huntley Bank. The bank was located on Main Street in the building just west of the Village Inn. She would set me up on the counter while our bank teller—her good friend, Marlene Manke—would process her bank deposit. Marlene was always very kind to me and probably found a candy treat for me to enjoy while I was there.
