Jeff Tronina of the Joe Cicero Morning Show

TUESDAY, JUNE 1ST, 2010

HALF THE YEAR IS OVER!

Here we are on June 1st. Coming of the long Memorial Day weekend and it has been a long time since I have updated my blog. I see the last entry was on May 3rd. So shall we recap May...Lets...

It was THE busiest month of the year so far. We made a whole bunch of stops for Karaoke Idol and partied with you for three of the four weeks. LOL! Gave away a V.I.P. experience to meet Daughtry just for being our friend on Facebook and changing your profile picture. We also sent two lucky listeners on an all expenses paid trip to Mexico!

That was just in May! There are plenty more chances to be a big winner with Star on the way...

It wouldn't be right if I wrote this blog and did not mention that we are still watching hockey in summer! I am so proud of our Blackhawks! It has been so nice being able to completely forget about the mess that is the Cubs. Go Hawks!

MONDAY, MAY 3RD, 2010

We are now in to May and I am excited about our Massive May Getaways!

We giving you a chance to win one of two all inclusive trips to Mexico! This month we also have win them before you can buy them John Mayer Tickets! An exciting month to share with you and I hope to be able to hook one of you up with something nice and oh yeah Karaoke Idol is still going on! See you Thursday at the Brunswick Zone in Algonquin!

Mother's day is approaching. This year I was conflicted on what to get mom. I mean how many years in a row can you do a card and flowers. Now I know every mother goes..."I really don't want anything"...yeah right. So I have already taken action. I can't go into detail because Momma T might check in on the blog, but it will be a nice gift.

Time for traffic...

MONDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2010

What a great time this past weekend on the Cubs Caravan!

As you know we played know the show and get to go on a Cubs Caravan up to Miller Park in Milwaukee for the Cubs vs. Brewers game...you have got to check out the pictures. All around just an awesome time from the second we stepped on the bus till the time we got off. The Cubs did win the game 5-1! Thanks to Gary Lang Subaru and Van Galder Bus Company for setting the whole thing up! I look forward to the next time I can hang out and have a good time with all of you...

Speaking of hanging out...Thursday night continues our Karaoke Idol competition. We are at Kelli's Cuckoo's Nest in Cary! Be there for your chance to sing for $500 and a trip for two to Hollywood and of course hang out with us!

TUESDAY, APRIl 20TH, 2010

This day for me is one that sticks in my mind just as much as 9/11...

On this day 11 years ago two boys walked in to Columbine High School in Colorado and opened fired killing 12 people. It had such a huge impact on me all the way in Illinois just because at the time I was in high school and I knew troubled teens just like them. Today I reflect on how our school environments have changed since that day. I think today there is a lot more acceptance and not so much stress to "fit in" as there was back then. From the few teens I talk to that are at that point in their life it seems the homework is more stressful than anything else. I'm sure there are still many cases of bullying still going on in some places. I urge you if you are reading this and are a victim of bullying to let someone know. Communication is the best means of preventing another tragedy like Columbine. As a person since that day I try to be more open minded to the various ways people are different than me and I have to say it has enriched my life. I think in these times some of us adults could take a lesson from our young adults and be a little more accepting of each other...

MONDAY, APRIL 19TH, 2010

What a sports nut paradise this weekend was! Of course the Blackhawks kicked off the Stanley Cup Playoffs this weekend and got started kind of rocky. But last night they were able to tie up the series and I think they have the magic back. The Cubs and Sox both had games of course and I am primarily a Cubbie fan...but I did catch a couple innings of the Sox game. Hey...it's better than watching the Yankees in my book. I know it's early but I think the Cubs could sneak in the playoffs as a wildcard team...

You were all probably out this weekend enjoying the sunshine and fair temps. You guys have to email me some good spots to go take in some scenery and some serenity. LOL! As you know I am doing the whole diet and excersize routine. I want to know the hot spots to get some good cardio in. LOL! So hit me up by clicking the email link!

Time for your traffic!

MONDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2010

So Joe and I hit up the John Mayer concert this past weekend...

Yes it was a little awkward. But John Mayer can play guitar like no ones business. He played all his hits except a couple...Daughters and Dreaming With a Broken Heart. Even did three covers including Simon and Garfunkel's Homeward Bound. It was like 10 to 1 women to men ratio. I wasn't complaining. LOL!

It was such a nice weekend. I got out and did some major working out this weekend. There is nothing like being out in the early morning and taking in all the natural wonder. LOL! Sounds dumb. But try it and I guarantee you won't think it's that bad. I have now lost about 60 pounds on my quest to get healthy.

Ok...time for some traffic!

MONDAY, MARCH 29TH, 2010

What a busy, busy month!

It feels like I have been in non-stop run around mode. It was nice to be able to slow it down yesterday and enjoy a Sunday...

It has officially been two months since I started my diet and I am proud to report that I have now lost 50 pounds! I have got to say a lot of inspiration came from Julio Gomez from The Biggest Loser. He was in the studio with us a while back. Just hearing his story and seeing the results were mind blowing...

We are charging in to the month of April. Of course the Easter holiday is upon us. I would love to hear some of your Easter traditions! At Jeffy T's house...yes we still color eggs and make baskets. Hey...you are only as old as you make yourself. LOL!

Time for traffic...It is construction season...there is a complete list of all the projects going on in McHenry County on Joe's page!

TUESDAY, MARCH 23RD, 2010

It has been a busy, busy, busy lately!

This past weekend Joe and I hung out at the Chicago Slaughter game where we got to go on to the field before the game and be a part of the festivities. Connie Payton was there to do the ceremonial coin toss before the game and I got to meet her. I was just totally star struck by not only Connie...but Jim McMahon. By the way...Jarret Payton...son of Walter...he is stacked! I don't know how the other team tackles him. The pictures and video are up on Joe's page.

Yesterday I got out in the morning and did a walk/jog as part of my get fit promise. Well...I ended up after five miles feeling like I really did nothing at all so I biked another five miles. Needless to say...I was super tired after all of that. LOL! The good news is that I have lost nearly fifty pounds!

Time for some traffic!

TUESDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2010

So yesterday on the show Tina Bree was in and we were talking about engagement/wedding rings...

Just for my own curiosity sake I decided to hit up a few web pages of some jewelers. WOW! Now I know that once I find the woman I am in love with and for sure want to spend my life with that I will want to get her a nice ring. What I didn't know is that I could essentially finance a high performance sports car for the price of some of these "rings". I put a quote on "rings" because some of them look like they need some kind of mounting apparatus through the finger not around. Now...given the choice between the "ring" and the sports car...well...maybe I could find a lady who appreciates good old American...Detroit...Corvette...Muscle and will settle for a ring pop! I kid. I kid...

This weather has been getting me all excited for the summer months and all the fun activities that go with them. A lot of people hate the whole spring a head thing. I love it! I would rather have that extra sun than the drab darkness. It is great when you arrive to work and the sun is just coming up!

Ok time for your traffic!

TUESDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2010

You may have heard Joe and I showing off our vocal skills to Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now" yesterday...

First, let me apologize to any of you who we made cringe. LOL! I promise we are going to nail that song one morning for you though. Practice makes perfect. Maybe we should hold the practices off the air though. LOL!

We are fast approaching the big day Friday when we will be getting our hair shaved off in support of the fight against pediatric cancer. It is all part of the St. Baldrick's day event with the Kiwanis club of Crystal Lake. Your chance to donate and make an impact is just a click away via the link on Joe's page...

Thank You to everyone who came out to the Hampshire Middle School this past Saturday...played a little bingo...and raised some money for the elementary school! It was so much fun meeting everyone! Big apology to hard core bingo player Deloris for calling out a number wrong...and thank you for teaching me the intricacies of the game. I love this community so much because there is such a family feeling with every activity! Everyone has such a deep love for this community and I am glad to be a part of it!

WEDNESDAY, March 3rd, 2010

The temperatures are starting to climb and I am noticing that the next round of colds are flying around. What is a good way to avoid catching the worst of the worst? I always make sure to wash my hands and take my vitamins. If you know any great practices to prevent colds please send them my way!

I am super excited for this weekend! Saturday night Joe and I will be out at Hampshire Elementary School for Bingo Night! It is going to be a blast! Some of the Chicago Slaughter players are going to be there and all the proceeds go to the school! So come out! Starts at 6pm!

Traffic time!

LOL.

TUESDAY, March 2nd, 2010

Well the Olympics have come to a close and I find myself looking for something to fill the void! I was actually really in to the Winter Olympics this time around! There were a lot of great stories that came out of Vancouver. There was just one thing that left a bad taste in my mouth...and that was the ridiculous closing ceremonies that were more of a "Canada Love Fest" than it was a celebration of the Olympic spirit. Seriously...it looked liked a Mel Brooks production. Don\'t get me wrong...our neighbors to the north are good people...and it was their stage...but they could have used the moment to bring the nations even closer. Especially with all the things that are going on right now. I just know that there is someone out there who now thinks that Canada is primarily made up of moose, canoes, beavers, and Michael Buble...

We are approaching St. Patrick\'s Day...or as I like to call it "the ultimate excuse" day. Let\'s face it folks...we do take advantage. I would love to hear some of your favorite St. Patrick\'s Day memories. If you know of any great places to go and celebrate please let me know! Just send an email by clicking the link...

Time for your McHenry County traffic!

FRIDAY, February 26th, 2010

If you have been surfing around the internet you have already read about the death of Andrew Koenig. Such a sad story. My condolences to his family and loved ones...

Yesterday Joe introduced Tina Bree and I to this chat roulette site...it is not a site that I would recommend for anyone under 18...but let me tell you adults out there it\'s pretty interesting. For me it is the randomness of it all. It is staggering to think that in the blink of an eye you can be connected with someone on the other side of the world...

The USA Women\'s Hockey Team ended up with a silver medal! I am proud! Everybody is like "yeah it\'s not the gold though." It is totally acceptable...and any respectable hockey fan will tell you...to finish second to the Canadians. The USA Men\'s team still has a shot at gold they take on Finland next...

VERNON HILLS CAPITALS - JEFF ANNOUNCING ON SATURDAY!

If you are a gaming fan...or you have kids that are...MLB The Show 2010 comes out next Tuesday! I have already seen the game and played it. OMG! I was almost drooling. Ok...I was drooling. The game looks so good...a lady came up next to me and asked me if spring training had already started. She thought it was an actual game being played!

Ok...Let\'s get you your traffic shall we? LOL!

THURSDAY, February 25th, 2010

So Joe is on this kick recently to have the web cam up in the studio during the show...I have to tell you...I love all of you listeners out there...but I was comfy not having to get all done up to hang out with Joe in the morning. LOL! We are at the stage in our "bro-mance" where we know we don\\\'t have to impress one another anymore. So we literally look like bums in the studio. Well...maybe Joe. Jeffy T always has swagger. LOL!

We had Tim Garis from Crystal Lake on the show. He is trying to get on the show Survivor. It made me think of doing something fun at the station. Maybe Star Survivor? Your Star DJ\\\'s slugging it out in a battle of wits? It would be a short battle...winner Jeffy T! Hmm...

The warmer temps can\\\'t come fast enough! I may just build a Star snowman!

Time for your McHenry County Traffic!

WEDNESDAY, February 24th, 2010

Is anyone else worried about Evgeni Plushenko...The Olympics silver medalist in men\\\'s figure skating has been slamming gold medalist Evan Lysacek because he feels since Evan can\\\'t complete a quad jump (four rotations in the air) that he should have never had a chance at gold. Listen to me...LOL! Well I watched the competition that night and Evan just out skated Plushenko. Anyways...Plushenko now claims that he didn\\\'t win a silver medal...but a platinum medal...according to Plushenko\\\'s website. He should learn to relax. Maybe he should hang out with the snow boarders?

I am really excited to be participating in the Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club St. Baldrick\\\'s Day event to raise money for pediatric cancer. It is my first time since becoming a member of the Star family that I have been able to reach out to you out there and team up for a good cause. It may cost me my John Stamos like flowing locks...LOL...but I hope to reach our goal. You can donate now by clicking the link on Joe\\\'s page...

You should come out and hear me as the gust public address announcer for the Vernon Hills Capitols amateur hockey team on Saturday, February 27th at 8 p.m. It is a lot of fun for the family! I was out last weekend to learn what exactly I will be doing and I have got to say that there were some future stars there. I am a big hockey fan and I was on edge the whole time!

It is time to get you some traffic...

TUESDAY, February 23rd, 2010

WOW!

These Olympics have been full of surprises and I have caught the Olympic spirit. From hockey...to speed skating...I even watched men\\\'s figure skating! Maybe it\\\'s because they are closer to home. I just can\\\'t help but to grab updates whenever I can...not to mention it is the 30th anniversary of the "miracle on ice" when the United States men\\\'s hockey team upset the heavily favored Russian team...

Tiger woods finally apologized last week and I am ready to see him step on a golf course again. I am an avid golfer and scandal or not Tiger is good for the game. While what he did is terrible...his accomplishments are still unbelievable. There is no one else who can come close to his level of play when he is on. Lets not kid ourselves he is the Michael Jordan of golf...

I am just so caught up in sports right now and with spring right around the corner...my obsessions are only going to get worse!

A quick update on my quest to get healthy...I have lost 25 POUNDS! I appreciate all the support I have been getting from all of you!

MONDAY, February 15th, 2010

The Olympics started on Friday and I am excited to report that so far the United States leads the medal count!
Vancouver has done a very good job so far of hosting the games. My favorite highlight so far was the United States woman\\\'s hockey team destroying the Chinese woman\\\'s team 12-1!

Of course Valentine\\\'s Day was this weekend. It\\\'s nice if you have a significant other to share it with...but if your a single person like me...you probably didn\\\'t even notice that it was Valentine\\\'s Day. Now...the real holiday that everyone can celebrate is coming up...St. Patrick\\\'s Day!

Diet update...I have now lost over 20 pounds since January 27th! Whew. It has been a lot of work...but it is very satisfying to know that it is not impossible to get healthy. LOL!

TUESDAY, February 9th

So the big story today is the snow storm that is expected to dump a foot of snow on us between today and Wednesday...I don\\\'t believe it, but I will have all your traffic needs as the storm progresses.

The Super Bowl was actually very entertaining! I was pleasantly surprised! I was rooting for the Saints just because they were the underdogs and the Colts had already beaten our Bears in 2006. It is a great story.

We are in the midst of tax season and I already got mine all done. I used that tax software for the computer...The whole time I was going through the process I couldn\\\'t help but think...this is way too easy. I mean doing the taxes used to mean a trip to a specialist, bringing all the receipts, bringing all the paperwork, and getting everything worked out. Now it\\\'s a 1-2-3 process and I am kind of thinking that maybe something is a miss. Maybe it\\\'s just me. Tell me what you think? Am I just being too suspicious? Over analyzing things?

Time to get you updated on your commute!

FEBRUARY 5th, 2010

It\\\'s Friday!

We are already in to the first weekend of February! Of course this is the big Super Bowl weekend. You probably are having a big get together as is the tradition in many households for the big game. What are you more excited for? The game or the commercials? LOL! Oh by the way...GEAUX SAINTS!

Today marks day 9 of my diet and I am proud to report that to date I have lost 15 POUNDS! That is right! Thanks for all your emails with weight loss tips and all the kind words.

It is the big tax return season and some of us are going to have a decent chunk of change burning holes in our pockets. I am having a hard time thinking of something nice to splurge on...if you have a suggestion email me by clicking the link at the top. Maybe I should just save it?

Time for the show...

FEBRUARY 3rd, 2010

Groundhog Day yesterday was sooooooo much fun!

Joe and I were broadcasting live from the Stage Left Cafe in downtown Woodstock for the big prognostication. Big thanks to Mark from Stage Left Cafe, Tina Bree from Star, and Nina from promotions who were awesome in making sure we had everything we needed. The day was so packed full with action that I am wiped out today. LOL! Just to give you a short list of things that happened...I was hypnotized by hypnotist Paul Knight...the Mayor of Woodstock Dr. Brian Sager stopped by...of course we had Woodstock Willies big moment...and that is just to name a few of the zillion things that went on. It was great meeting all of you who stopped by and came over and said hello.

That is my abbreviated blog for today...a diet update for those of you keeping track...I lost 10 pounds this week! YAY!

FEBRUARY 1st, 2010

The Grammy Awards were last night...

Overall it was a pretty good show and I feel that Lady Gaga and Elton John stole the show right from the start. It was nice to see Lady Gaga in a raw form and not trying to shock the crowd (too much). They really should have stuck this performance some where towards the middle of the show because it was that good. It was hard for the other acts to follow. Beyonce had a big night and performed a pretty rockin\\\' cover of Alanis Morrisette. The Micheal Jackson tribute was nicely done as well. All the video and list of winners are available through the link.

Also taking place yesterday was our 18th annual bridal show! It was a busy weekend. It was great getting all dressed up and greeting all you brides to be. All the pictures should hit the website very soon...

Groundhog Day is TOMORROW! I am super excited to get out in to the community and hopefully meet all of you as well as participate in this local tradition. Joe and I will be live starting at 5am from the Stage Left Cafe next to the Woodstock Opera House! I would love to hear your Groundhog Day stories from years past! Email me your stories via the link at the top of the page.

JANUARY 29th, 2010

Wow...

Jay Leno was on Oprah yesterday. He said the reason for Conan getting the boot was Conan\\\'s ratings were bad. News flash Jay! Your ratings were worse! Catch the interview here. I really do think Jay Leno thinks he is the greatest thing to happen to late night television. If only Johnny was still around...I would love to hear his opinion on this.

Are you part of the social networking craze?? It could be costing you money! Just read an article on Yahoo! that points out potential employers and even debt collection agencies are simply using search engines to find out about you! You don\\\'t necessarily have to jump right over to your Facebook and delete everything. Just be conscious that in the computer age access to information is a click and search away!

It\\\'s Friday...and more importantly I just want to point out that this is the last weekend in January if you haven\\\'t noticed! I hope Woodstock Willie has some good news for us next week! The official start of spring is just 49 days away...March 21st.

JANUARY 28th, 2010

So the State of the Union...

Moving on...

We are going to be celebrating Groundhog Day with you next week on February 2nd LIVE all morning starting at 5am at the Stage Left Cafe next to the Opera House in Woodstock! Ever since Bill Murray and his Hollywood buddies filmed the cult classic movie "Groundhog Day" in the town they have marked the day with a huge to do. Woodstock celebrates with the "Lighting of the Groundhog", a woodcarving demonstration...to name a few things...and it\\\'s topped off with Woodstock Willie\\\'s prognostication. I am so excited to get the chance to get out and meet you...and get the chance to learn more about our community first hand!

How about the new Ipad from Apple? Personally...I think it is an Ipod touch with a 9.7 inch screen. One blogger decided to give his opinion on what he thought should have been on the unit...such as a camera, a user replaceable battery, and so on.

A diet update...doing well. LOL! Time for traffic!

JANUARY 27th, 2010

So yesterday many of you were calling in about...and I reported on...a serious accident on Algonquin road near route 25 in Barrington Hills. It turns out that there were eight cars involved and three people were injured but thankfully nothing serious. The full story is up on Northwest Herald\\\'s website.

In case you are a Chicago sports nut like me...let me get you a quick update on our teams for you...

The Cubs are still a team with no identity and I am starting to realize that I am going to end up like Steve Goodman. They agreed to a one year deal with outfielder Xavier Nady who is coming off of Tommy John surgery. I can only foresee him getting back in to shape with the Cubs...then grabbing a big deal with a contender next year.

The Sox...It is a big NO to bringing back future hall of famer Jim Thome. I can\\\'t blame Ozzie Guillen. I mean the guy can\\\'t play the field anymore and the Sox need to be more versatile. I got a feeling that Ozzie and Kenny are finally starting to revisit the winning formula they had in 05\\\'.

Da Bears...Pray for mercy next season. Or...

Become a HOCKEY FAN! WOO HOO! HOW ABOUT THOSE HAWKS!

The Hawks once again put on a goal scoring clinic last night! It is only a matter of finding out who is going to play us in the Stanly Cup Finals. No...it is not to early to say that. Just watch one game and remember hockey playoffs go best of five...then best of seven for the Western Conference and Stanley Cup Finals.

Well...now that I have completed my sports report...time for traffic!

JANUARY 26th, 2010

Right now I have a major gripe with the cast of Jersey Shore...Really!?!?

You are gonna hold out for more money!? Ha! MTV already has replacements ready for those who do not accept their final offer to do another season. Maybe I should have sent in a video and tried out for the show! LOL! I mean REALLY? 10,000 isn\\\'t enough money? Man...

For those of us whose new years resolution is to get in shape I stumbled across a great article while checking the news on the Northwest Herald\\\'s website. It is out of the McHenry County Magazine and it has great information on the steps you should be taking to maximize your results. If you would like to be my weight loss buddy or have any tips to help us with my goal to get fit...send me an email! I will post any great weight loss secrets on my blog page!

With everything that is going on in Haiti...it is great to see everyone worldwide pitching in and doing their part to get aid to those who are without even the most basic needs. Take this SEVEN year old boy from Britain who started a web site (with the aid of his mother) and raised 112,000 British Pounds! That is about 180,000 U.S. Dollars! Just goes to show...that love is all you need!

Time to start the show! If you have any traffic tips get them to me 815-356-NEWS or click the email link!

JANUARY 25th, 2010

This is my FIRST blog of the new year and there is a lot to get you caught up on...

So the holidays were good to me. Got a new cell phone finally! I also got tickets to see John Mayer. Excellent. LOL! I am bringing Joe Cicero and Tina Bree with me. It should be a night to remember.

Bringing you in to January...

I just officially started my new year new Jeffy T campaign. That\\\'s right! I have a new diet and work out program in place to finally get rid of the extra pounds I have been carrying around. Not going to lie...it is pretty tough giving up on all the calories that got me to where I am at. I mean it is all so yummy, but I would really like to be healthy and feel better. So I am using three basic principals...

1. Be smart with what I eat...watch out for those empty calories and such.

2. Be smart with what I drink...no soda, no alcohol.

3. Work out at least three times a week for a half hour or more.

We will see how this shapes up. This is just to get me started. I have been researching some diets and stuff. If you have any suggestions or things that have worked for you shoot me an email and let me know. I will be posting my progress daily.

Before I head to the studio to get things started. I am now live every Saturday on Star from 10 am to 3 pm right after Good Times with Joe Cicero. So tune in to hear Jeffy T! Thanks for listening and you can always get connected with me jeff@star105.com!

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