Gregory Schmidt
I'm a regular guy from Illinois. I like reading and writing, especially about politics, food, sports, and anything else I find interesting. I like to think of myself as an active participant and observer of life. I recently earned my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, so I hate waste and inefficiency - you'll see this in my writing.
Writing is a great way to get the neurons firing, improve your creativity, and great therapy after a tough day. I hope you enjoy what I have here, or at least find it thought provoking! Come along for the ride!
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Writing is a great way to get the neurons firing, improve your creativity, and great therapy after a tough day. I hope you enjoy what I have here, or at least find it thought provoking! Come along for the ride!
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- Content
- 89
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- Contributor since
- 12/13/2010
Education/Experience
BSBA from SIUE, Lean Six Sigma Green BeltInterests
current events, politics, sports, food & wine, music, movies, pop culture, home improvement, opinion, editorials, automobiles, education, real estate, finance, personal finance, construction, investing, education, travel, cookingMotto
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.Affiliations
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Featured Content (1 of 2)
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Displaying Results 1 - 89 (of 89) for All Content
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Election 2012: One Year Out, and Politicians All InA Texas-centric look at some of the big issues in the 2012 election
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Romney's Lack of Errors Keep Him AfloatLeading up to the GOP debate tonight, where do the candidates stand in the race
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Congress: Quit Spending, Start CuttingA small start on cutting the spending of the federal government.Also published on:
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Mitt Romney: Great Debater, But Is He Trustworthy?He gives good answers, but does he really believe what he's saying?Also published on: -
Quick Hits from the Fox/Google Florida DebateThree obvious, to me anyway, takeaways from last nights debate
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How I was Able to Speed Up My Old ComputerThe steps I followed to improve the performance on the family PC. -
Capital Punishment Around the WorldA look at how the international community handles capital punishment
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The GOP Front-Runners and Capital PunishmentWhere the GOP front runners stand on the death penalty.
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My Workout Routine to Keep Up with the KidsHow I try to stay fit and keep up with the family.
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I was Ready, but the Car Battery Wasn't WillingA rundown of my DYI on the dead battery
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The Flood that Turned into Home Repair DIYThe washing machine that went bad and the easy DIY repair.
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A Look at Political Junkie Dream WeekWhat more could the political junkie want than a week like this?Also published on: -
9/11: An Eye-Opening EventWe seemed to be in an isolated and impenetrable fortress, yet somehow, we were attacked.
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Jake's DayJake's non-life and the park he found that fit it. -
Kanye West, Wild Man TalkingA little fun with some of Kanye's more outrageous antics -
Obama's One Term PresidencyHow Obama's one term presidency comments will be prescient
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The First Popularity Contest Has a WinnerA quick reaction to the Iowa straw pollAlso published on:
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Why Dick Durbin Will NOT Get My VoteA brief overview of how the Senator does not have his constituents interests at heart
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What's the Right Age for a Child to Have a Cell Phone?When and why do you get your child their own phone?
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Congress, Obama Fail America, Kick the Can on SpendingThe debt negotiations produced ... more debt. -
Key Facts about the Debt Ceiling DealA high level look at the details of the Budget Control Act of 2011Also published on:
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MTV Turns 30? No Way!Five great videos from the 1980's -
Atlas Shrugged: A Story for Today and the AgesA short description of why it's my favorite novel. -
Debt Debate: Countdown to Calamity or Politics as Usual?The 'debt crisis' facing the nation will look particularly bad for President Obama if congressional leaders can't reach a compromise by next week.Also published on: -
What Kind of Hat is That? The Search for Billy Gibbons' Hat Leads to the Art of a MaestroAn interesting choice of hats highlights a love of art
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Illinois Faces Uncertain Future with 2012 BudgetQuestions remain unanswered in the 2012 Illinois budget and the prospects look grim for the following year.Also published on:
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The Land of Lincoln Heads for the Poor HouseIllinois' financial irresponsibility has a negative effect on the state's everyday citizens.Also published on: -
TV Character Deaths Can Be Moving, Funny; What Fate Awaits Charlie Harper?My top three TV character deaths.
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Glenn Beck's Cohorts: The Top Conservative Talk Show HostsWith Glenn Beck ending his TV show, who are the other conservative talk show hosts today?
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Afghan Drawdown a Bad Strategic Move, Dubious Political MoveIn the aftermath of the killing of bin Laden, a recent poll by the Pew Center showed 56 percent of Americans want the troops in Afghanistan brought home as soon as possible: the first time ever that a majority favored a rapid troop withdrawal.Also published on:
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Glenn Beck's Memorable Moments Shifted Popular Political CultureSome of Becks activities and how they affect pop culture -
How Jon Huntsman Can Win the 2012 GOP PrimaryThree reasons why Jon Huntsman could be the candidate to beat in both the GOP primaries and the general election.Also published on: -
Harry Connick Jr. Makes Broadway Dance in the AislesWhy Harry Connick, Jr.'s In Concert on Broadway is my favorite album of 2011
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Michele Bachmann Must Capitalize on Debate Performance to Win GOP TicketHere's a look at Michele Bachmann's advantages and disadvantages in the 2012 GOP primary seasonAlso published on:
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Paul, Romney, Bachmann Republicans to Watch After Presidential DebateThe seven declared candidates square off in the second of a series of debates leading up to the 2012 GOP primaries -
Though He Might Be Ailing, Clarence Clemons' Music Is EternalA look at some of my favorites among CC's work.Also published on:
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Sarah Palin on the Road Campaigning for President, or Something Else?Why is she taking the tour, and how does it play into her presidential ambitions?Also published on:
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Why Mitt Romney Could Be the GOP Nominee in 2012Mitt Romney's three main advantages going into the 2012 primary season include fundraising ability, name recognition and early status as a frontrunner.Also published on: -
Key Events in Mitt Romney's Political LifeA look at events in the past that have shaped the Mitt Romney of today.
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Supreme Court Ruling Favors Arizona, Sets Precedent for FederalismHere are three takeaways from yesterday's Supreme Court ruling on the Arizona law forbidding the employment of illegal aliens.Also published on:
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Father's Day gifts for a Houston Rockets fanWhat do you get that dad that's a fan of the Rockets? Look no further, here's your list!
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Baseball and dad: Snagging a foul ball at a Cardinals gameMy baseball memories with my father as I was growing up.
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Acer Note Lite: Best Laptop Ever?An enduring machine that I used for thirteen years. -
Father's Day sports memories: Basketball was the bridge between generationsHow the pickup games in the drive way helped my father and me survive my teenage years
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How Tim Pawlenty Could Win the GOP Race to the White HouseDespite a lack of buzz around his campaign, GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty has several advantages going into the 2012 primaries.Also published on:
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Tim Pawenty Faces Uphill Battle for 2012 Presidential NominationLack of name recognition, voter buzz and past skeletons are all issues that could hold Pawlenty back in his quest for the GOP presidential nomination.Also published on:
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Yemanja BrasilA real Brazilian dining treat in St. Louis
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May 21: End of the World, or End of Harold Camping's Credibility?A look at the end of the world prediction for May 21, 2011.Also published on:
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Age, Extreme Views Could Undermine Ron Paul's Presidential CandidacyA look at issues confronting Ron Paul as he runs for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.Also published on:
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How Ron Paul Could Win the 2012 GOP NominationA look at Ron Paul's advantages in the 2012 GOP race.Also published on:
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Why Newt Gingrich Won't Win the 2012 GOP NominationNewt Gingrich has too many contradictions and too much baggage to be able to compete in the 2012 GOP primary.Also published on:
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Why Newt Gingrich Can Win the 2012 GOP NominationVeteran politician, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has substantial infrastructure to help him in his 2012 presidential bid.Also published on:
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How an Ex-Pizza Company CEO Could Be a Presidential ContenderAn unknown candidate becomes the talk of the media.Also published on:
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Leadership Unimpressive Among Initial GOP HopefulsNot many major candidates were in attendance for the first debate of the 2012 election season.Also published on:
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Gentelin's on Broadway, Alton, ILA true gem of a restaurant in the old river town of Alton, Illinois
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What We Learned About Fighting an Unconventional Enemy Eight Years After 'Mission Accomplished'While the mission of dismantling the government of Saddam Hussein had been completed, the real challenge of war in Iraq was about to begin. What has happened and what we have learned in Iraq since May 1, 2003, is worthy of examination.Also published on:
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The Day the Rest of Our Lives StartedA look back on graduation day and the future laid out before it.
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Multiple Taxing Authorities an Overlooked Cost of GovernmentThe multiple taxing authorities in Madison County, Ill., their costs, and debatable value
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Higgs Boson Still Doesn't Explain the UniverseA look at the "God particle" and its impact on one man's faith.Also published on:
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Birther Debate Persists, Draws Negative Attention to GOP HopefulsThe Obama birther debate began during the 2008 presidential election but recently flared up in the news cycle when Donald Trump reignited the matter in his pre-presidential rounds.Also published on:
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Deepwater Horizon Explosion, Oil Spill See Eroded Public Trust, Increased ActivismA look at what has happened in the Gulf of Mexico since the Deepwater Horizon explosion
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Finding the Right Family CarTrying to fit the family and assorted gear into a sedan with good fuel economy
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Let the Miles and Music RollMy favorite ten albums for the road trip. They keep you awake and in a good frame of mind.
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A Rundown of the Most Overhyped and Overrated Gadgets I OwnThese gadgets just weren't all I hoped they'd be.
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Politicians' Quotes on Budget Debate Focus on Bickering, Ideology, and GamesmanshipLet's take a look at some of this week's comments by politicians on the budget debate.Also published on:
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Richard Branson, Innovator in Business, Technology, and Life, Takes to the Deepest Part of the OceanAn overview of Branson and his accomplishments, from his first business to his latest adventure
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The True Story Behind Vehicle LogosThe truth about some of the most iconic car emblems on the road.
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KSM Trial to Be Held at Guantanamo BaySuspected 9/11 plotter Khalid Shaikh Mohammed will face a military tribunal for his alleged involvement in the terrorist attacks.
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The Employee Can't Do the Job, so What Now?Ideas to make terminations easier on you and the employee
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Is Your Job Driving You Crazy?Some of the warning signs that it may be time to look for another job
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How to Be an Effective ManagerWhat you need to know or learn to be an effective, respected manager
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Interviewing that Future EmployeeWhat to ask to learn as much as possible about prospective employee
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Opening Day for the St. Louis CardinalsAn Amazing Opening to the Season
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That First Home, and How to Buy ItWhat you need to know to get the best mortgage possible on your first home
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How Not to Score that JobCommon sense can easily ward off interview mistakes and keep you in the running for that dream job
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Improving Bethalto, One Store at a TimeWhere to find the best home improvement stores, value, and service in Bethalto, Illinois
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Election 2011: County, School Districts in Uproar Over Tax IncreaseThe April 5, 2011 election in Madison County, Illinois is causing quite a firestorm around a possible sales tax increase.
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Pinetop Perkins, Loss of a LegendA brief appreciation of the man and his music
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Fair Value for Our Tax Dollars: Are We Getting What We Pay For?What do we get for the taxes we pay, and is there real value in it?
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Spring Has Sprung!A little ditty about how spring chores
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Greg's Summer DIY ProjectsThree home improvement projects to make the backyard look like somewhere I'd like to go.
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The 2007 Buick Rendezvous CXThe results of a four year test drive
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Spring Break with a Six Year OldEducational ways to fill the days of spring break with interesting activities for your child AND you
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March Madness, the HaikuA quick, poetic look at, Madness
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Uncertainty and It's Effect on the EconomyOne of the biggest impediments to economic expansion is uncertainty. No one wants to take a step out on the bridge if they think when they get half way across, the toll is going to go up, or worse yet, the bridge is going to collapse.
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What Do Standardized Tests Really Measure?We need far more creative problem solvers in society today. The people who can think outside the box will always do well on standardized tests, but the people who do well on standardized tests will not always be able to think outside the box.
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A Bumpy Night at the OscarsThe 2011 Acadamy Awards in review
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Lessons in Compassion: A Ten Year Old Leads by ExampleSometimes, things turn out far better than you expect, or can even imagine. You learn something about yourself, your kids, and life in general.
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The Eagles Were Soaring and Rocking the HouseHow The Eagles fostered a lifelong love of live music.