Leprechaun Trap

Waiting to be caught...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Three years ago, my son had to construct a Leprechaun Trap for a fourth grade class project.  It reminded me of a Rube Goldberg device, but on a much, much smaller and simpler scale.  Remember, these were nine year olds doing the building.  But it was a lot of fun.

We had a Discovery Toys toy called Super Marble Works.  Mason built a smaller scale of the model from the tubes and slides that came with the kit.  He painted a cardboard box and cut out a small hole that he then filled with a Dixie Cup.  He added a sign for the Leprechaun, which was a Lego figure, to read.  

Our not-so-lucky Leprechaun gives a tug to the shamrock rope which promises him a shot at the gold.  Once the rope is pulled, a marble makes its way down the slide and drops on the other end of the board the Leprechaun is standing on.  The goal is to send the little guy airborne and right into Mason's evil clutches.

Of course it didn't happen on the first, second, or even 10th attempt.  But remember, Edison didn't invite the light bulb on his first try either.  By the way, Mason got an A on the project.  Take a look.

She Said Yes, Obviously

Down on bended knee...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

March 15, 1994 I asked one question that changed my life forever (most days I'll say for the better). I was a junior in college and had been dating the love of my life for nearly two years.  It wasn't long after Lisa and I started dating that I knew she was the one for me.

It was a Tuesday night and Lisa had just gotten home from work.  I had talked with my Sigma Nu brothers about getting some help with my proposal.  They agreed and about 30 of us gathered outside Towers South on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. We waited outside on that chilly night as one of my lifelong friends, also named Kevin (and who coined my Dexter nickname) convinced Lisa she needed to come downstairs.  I think he told her he needed help getting my birthday gift upstairs and asked for her assistance.  I don't know if she really bought it, but the two of them soon emerged from the building.

Showing off the "rock" 

Once they made it to the middle of walkway, I emerged from behind another building, followed by my brothers.  They formed a circle around us and I handed Lisa and stuffed bear, a single red rose, and a dozen white roses (the flower of my fraternity).  I took her hand and got down on one knee and told her how much I loved her and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I asked her to marry me as I nervously slipped a ring onto her finger.  She said yes and as we hugged and kissed, my brothers belted out the tune "Sigma Nu Girl."  

After several rounds of handshakes, hugs, and congratulations, Lisa and I made our way back up to her room.  We may or may not have celebrated with some Boone's Farm wine.  Like I said, we were both living on campus at the time and drinking alcohol, especially by minors is prohibited.  I do not condone such behavior by any current or future student reading this post.

Us with that bear (which she still has)

Our engagement ended up lasting longer than either of us had originally planned.  We wanted to wait until we were both out of college.  We finally got hitched more than three years after I popped the question.  Several of those Sigma Nu brothers were at the wedding and reception, and serenaded us once again with "Sigma Nu Girl" and "The White Star of Sigma Nu."  

It's hard for me to believe it's been 20 years since I asked Lisa to marry me.  The adventures we've shared since then have been incredible.  There are plenty more in store for us.  Babe, I love ya.

USA! USA! USA!

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

In 2011, I was proud to be a part of a professional wrestling program on the airwaves of WSIL-TV, the station I have worked at for the last decade.  I was doing commentary for a bi-weekly program called AAPW Collision.  It was the first time in more than 20 years that professional wrestling had aired on the station.  But more importantly it was a local promotion.

Former champ Matt Boyce
Courtesy: USA Championship Wrestling

Unfortunately the time on TV didn't last long for AAPW and now, more than two years since the last televised matches aired, WSIL is once again going to be broadcasting professional wrestling.  USA Championship Wrestling will make its debut on Saturday, March 15.  The show will air every Saturday at 11 a.m. USA Championship Wrestling is based out of Nashville, Tennessee, but the show is recorded at the Baymont Theater in Metropolis, Illinois (yes the home of Superman).  Promoter Bert Prentice has said there will be live events in the WSIL viewing area, which covers not just southern Illinois, but western Kentucky and southeast Missouri as well.

New champ, Jeff Jarrett
Courtesy: USA Championship Wrestling 

As of this writing former WWE and TNA (founder) and superstar Jeff Jarrett holds the USA Heavyweight Championship. Prentice is no stranger to wrestling.  Growing up, I remember reading about him in the Apter magazines and his career as a manager.  I've had a chance to meet Bert a couple of times, he set up the interviews I did with both Mickie James and Jerry "The King" Lawler. The King will make appearances at the some of the shows.  The WWE Hall of Famer also taped the first promo for the show.

Clay Moore
Courtesy: USA Championship Wrestling

Prentice says four wrestlers stand out and will become household names in this region: Matt Boyce, Vordell Walker, Shane Williams, and Clay Moore.  The show will be family friendly and what I hope is a throwback to the old territory days.  

Don't get me wrong, I love WWE.  I love indy wrestling too.  I think USA Championship Wrestling will be good for this region and bring back that old school Saturday morning feel.  I remember as a kid watching World Class, Wrestling at the Chase, Central States, and many others on the weekends.  This program is sure to give fans another source of wrestling enjoyment.

Way Back WhensDay: Chuck E. Cheese

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I got my first part time job when I was 15 years old.  I bagged groceries, stocked shelves, and worked the cash register at a local supermarket.   I worked there all through high school and even picked up hours over Christmas and Spring Breaks when I went to college.

I didn’t work at all my freshman year while I was in school.  But by the second semester  of my sophomore year, I decided my bank account needed some boosting.  I applied for a job at Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza, but had an advantage as my girlfriend (now wife) worked there.

Chuck E. Cheese (not from my restaurant)

In January 1993 I became a cashier, but eventually found myself doing every job the restaurant had to offer.  I made pizzas in the kitchen.  I was a host on the showroom floor for birthday parties.  I walked around and tried to fix games, but mostly just unjammed tickets and handed out tokens.  I was an assist manager (technically shift supervisor).  Yes, I was Chuck E. Cheese himself, and Jasper T. Jowls, and Helen Henny.  Don’t judge.

Working at Chuck E. Cheese was a lot of fun.  It helped that everyone who worked there was in the same age group essentially.  Plus, who couldn’t have fun with video games, singing rodents, and lots of pizza?  There were days that it was challenging.  I think back specifically to the night a kid pooped in his pants in the bathroom and smeared it over the toilet, floor, and walls.  His poopy underwear was left sitting on the top of the trashcan.  As the only guy on duty that night, I had the pleasure of cleaning up that mess, but I think it helped prepare me for fatherhood.

Munch's Make Believe Band

Here are some Chuck E. Cheese fun facts.  The E stands for Entertainment.  We were encouraged to answer the phone with this phrase: “We’re making magic at Chuck E. Cheese, this is ______, how can I help you?”  We choreographed all the dance routines when the company sent us the program for the new season.  Our store employed several talented dancers who led the way.  When it came to cleaning out the ball pit, we would fill giant mesh bags with the balls and take them to the carwash for cleaning.  Someone would use a cleaning solution to scrub the empty pit.  You can imagine the things we found along the way.

I still have my name tag (one of them)
See the "Dexter" blog for details

I worked at CEC for more than three years.  The memories I made there will last me forever. Some I can share here, but others I can’t because this is a rated PG blog.  I'm sad that the Chuck E. Cheese where I worked in Cape Girardeau is now a Goodwill Store. 

ATTENTION! Let's Talk About Your Health & Wealth

Blood screenings

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

In 2008, I was approached by the Women for Health and Wellness, Incorporated here in southern Illinois to help get a Men's Health Conference off the ground.  For years (decades actually) the group had done a Women's Health Conference with great success.  At the time, I was not only anchoring the morning news at WSIL, but I was also the medical reporter.  I jumped at this opportunity, mostly because there's nothing like this for men around here and I felt (still do) that it's a great service to those who attend.  Men's Health Conferences are pretty rare around the country too.

Vision screening

We held that first conference about nine months after the initial meetings.  We are now gearing up for the sixth annual MHC, and I wanted to share with you the importance of annual event.  The cost is $45 and includes blood screenings (be sure to fast 10 to 12 hours prior) for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL & LDL, blood sugar, and coronary heart disease risk assessment.  Other screenings available at the conference (March 22, 2014) include vision, blood pressure, heart rate, dental, hearing, skin cancer, and foot problems.

Breakfast and lunch are a part of the deal as are a dozen different break out sessions.  Men chose their three favorite and get to attend the 50 minute sessions.  Topics this year include prostate health, heart disease, colon cancer, 401K planning, fishing, and the million dollar knee.  You can see the complete list and descriptions (as well as register) by clicking this link.  

Core training vs. Strength training

It's my hope that men who attend the conference will not only walk away bettering themselves, but helping others in their lives.  Whether it's a father taking the information and improving the lives of his children or a middle aged man sharing the details of a session with his poker buddies, or a retired man explaining the importance of diet, exercise, and quality of sleep to his grandkids, I do believe this conference can change lives.

Jeff Rose
goodfinancialcents.com

Our keynote speaker this year is a personal friend of mine, and I'm honored that he will be a part of this year's conference.  Jeff Rose is a veteran, blogger, author, and Certified Financial Planner.  Fun fact: Jeff is the guy who encouraged me to start writing this blog in the first place.  Anyway, back to the subject, Jeff's keynote over lunch will include more about his successes.  He's accomplished many things through the years, balancing work, family, blogging, and his time in the Army National Guard.  I don't think anyone will be disappointed in hearing Jeff's story and chances are he'll inspire you to do something you may have never considered before.

If you're in the region, come out and take some time to focus on yourself.  There are plenty of awesome prizes this year too, including four box seats to a St. Louis Cardinals game (donated by Dr. William Hays) a complete set of DDP Yoga (donated by DDP Yoga), and two passes to Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours (donated by Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours in Makanda).  There are plenty of other great prizes too.  

I hope to see you at John A. Logan College on Saturday, March 22 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Call 985-9210 for more details. 

Lemon Ice Cream Has Soured Me Forever

The Hunspergers vs. Italy 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter


In 2006, my family had the opportunity to travel to Europe. It was for my brother-in-law's wedding, which was happening in Lyon, France.  After the nuptials, my father-in-law took us on a cruise of the Mediterranean Sea.  We began our trip in Venice, Italy and here's one of my favorite stories of the trip...

We were heading to the taxi to get to the cruise ship.  Outside the hotel, there was an ice cream vendor.  The kids wanted a cone.  So did my in laws.  We were slightly rushed, but figured we had time to stop.

St. Mark's Square

My oldest son, Ethan, who was six at the time was looking at the selections.  He asked for a lemon ice cream cone.  Seeing as how the boy had never had lemon ice cream, I reminded him of that and told him to pick something else, because lemons are sour and he won't like it.  There was cookies and cream, chocolate, and chocolate chip. I figured since I would probably have to finish the cone, why not get something I'd like too.  But he didn't want anything but lemon, so I gave up and ordered him the lemon.

After a couple of licks he declared, "I don't like it."  I remind him that moments earlier I told him he wouldn't like it.  He continued to whine about the cone and my mother-in-law offered him her ice cream, which I think was butter pecan.  He says he would, but she's already licked it.  Now my patience is gone.  We still had to drag our luggage to the taxi station and make it to the ship.  Time was ticking away.  So I told him that it's his loss and he gets nothing.

I had to run back into the hotel lobby and get the rest of our bags.  My father-in-law asks if he can buy him a chocolate chip cone.  At that point, I was frustrated and didn't care and let Lisa decide.  So with a new cone in hand, and a couple of licks later he tells us "I'm still mad."  That's when I finally had enough. I told him he was being ungrateful in a voice louder than I probably should have.

Then he reacts to my anger (I know I was wrong) by stomping around.  I'm mad as I'm dragging our suitcases through the streets of Venice.  Just as we were about to climb a set of steps that lead to a bridge to the taxi station, Ethan's cone broke and most of it fell to the ground.  That's when the tears start ad when I truly snapped and started stomping on the ice cream cone.  

I was so mad, I had an out of body experience.  I could see my rage, my stomping, my yelling and thought it's time to stop.  But I couldn't.  I know people were looking at me.  I know my kid was just getting more upset, but I couldn't stop. I finally calmed down and apologized.  We all laugh about it now.  And just so everyone knows, Ethan got plenty of ice cream on the boat.

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

The fam 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Ten years ago we moved to southern Illinois.  In that time we've eaten at some great local restaurants.  We tend to find our favorites and stick to them.  For some reason we don't venture out of that comfort zone, but over the weekend we did just that.

Folks here rave about the Giant City Lodge (located in Makanda) and the all you can eat fried chicken. I'll admit, I haven't had fried chicken in a LONG time, mostly because I've cut out fried foods from my diet.  I indulge occasionally though, don't get me wrong.  My birthday is coming up soon, and my parents always take us out to eat to celebrate.  This year I wanted to make the trek to the lodge and try the chicken.

The dinner

Most of the people who responded to my question about it on Facebook said it was the best fried chicken in southern Illinois.  Like I mentioned before, I don't eat much of it, but after our lunch I can tell you it's the best I've had.  The meal is served family style.  Things begin with made-from-scratch (I presume) biscuits and apple butter.  The fried chicken is served with mashed potatoes, dumplings (which I don't like), green beans, and corn.  I probably went a bit overboard, eating three pieces of chicken and a couple of helpings of potatoes, corn, and beans and at least two biscuits. 

There were seven of us eating, five of us had the chicken.  Everyone left stuffed.  We even walked away with two to-go boxes, so there's delicious leftovers in my immediate future. It's not the best way to be successful with "Operation Find My Abs", but I think it's okay to enjoy the fried and sweeter things in life from time to time.  Besides, I ran four miles before eating, so that counts for something, right?