Through the Keyhole - June 2026

 

Through the Keyhole JUNE 2026 Take a break from your day... Not your typical company OR newsletter "Between a fountain's whisper and a hilltop sanctuary, a famous ascent awaits. A foreign title masks a Romanesque climb, watched over by church and square alike. Someplace they say you have to see..." Can you guess the location? School's out for SUMMER! Another school year is in the books and the kids are out for SUMMER!  This is the time of year where we all look forward to being outdoors.  Whether it is a trip to the lake, the mountains, a state park or just hanging out in the back yard, summer is a great time of year in the midwest.   I vaguely remember being a student in the 80's and looking forward to being free from classes and enjoying the summer weather.  Back then we looked forward to going to Marriott's Great America, Phil's Beach, Oak Street Beach or the Wisconsin Dells.  One of the best places was Phil's Beach as it was probably the most dangerous attractions known to man.  There was not a single time that you went there and didn't see an ambulance.  I have placed some pictures below of the now defunct beach (you wonder why).   This month we usher in the official start of summer (June 21st) and look forward to many festivals in and around the city.  Get out there and enjoy the summer months.  They go by quick...   Man do I miss Phil's Beach.  What a riot that place was.  Take a stroll down memory lane below. Reflections... Thirty years is a remarkable milestone for any business, but for a small IT company, it's especially meaningful. Since opening its doors in 1996, our team has had a front-row seat to one of the most transformative periods in technology history. We've supported clients through the era of dial-up internet, watched the rise and fall of countless software platforms, and worked with nearly every major operating system since Windows 95 first appeared on office desktops.   From Windows 95 and Windows NT to Windows 11, from early Linux distributions to modern cloud-based environments, we've adapted, learned, and grown alongside the technology that powers businesses today. While hardware has become faster and software more sophisticated, our mission has remained the same: helping people solve problems with technology and providing dependable service they can trust.   To celebrate three decades in business, we gathered with employees, family members, clients, and friends for an unforgettable anniversary party. The evening was filled with laughter, great food, and plenty of stories from the early days of floppy disks, CRT monitors, and Y2K preparations.   One of the highlights of the night was the dueling piano show. The talented performers kept the crowd engaged from start to finish, taking requests, encouraging sing-alongs, and creating an atmosphere that had everyone smiling. Whether it was classic rock favorites, piano-bar standards, or unexpected crowd requests, the energy in the room never slowed down.   The celebration was a fitting tribute to the people who made these thirty years possible. Longtime employees reminisced about memorable projects, clients shared stories of partnerships that spanned decades, and newer team members gained an appreciation for the company's rich history. Most importantly, everyone had a wonderful time together.   As we look back on thirty years of technological change, we're grateful for the relationships we've built and the trust our clients have placed in us. The technology landscape will continue to evolve, just as it always has, but we're excited for what comes next. Here's to the next chapter—and to many more years of innovation, service, and success. Guess the Location Game Last month the winner of the guess the location game was John McFarland who guessed the right answer.  I appreciate all of the participation.  THANKS FOR PLAYING! ANSWER: Lake Geneva, WI “This boat right here delivers the mail and the mail carriers have to be quick not to miss the boat.  This popular summer (and winter) destination is home to lots of FIBS, tons of restaurants and bars but you really don't want to be boating on the weekends.  Simply too many boats out there...”  At first glance, it looks like just another boat cruising across the lake, but this vessel performs a unique task that has become a local tradition. Here, the mail is delivered directly to lakeside homes, and the mail carriers have to move quickly—sometimes hopping on and off the boat without it ever coming to a complete stop.   This picturesque resort community is one of the Midwest's favorite getaway destinations. During both summer and winter, visitors flock here to enjoy the lake, the shops, the restaurants, and the lively nightlife. Wisconsin locals joke that it's full of "FIBs"—vacationers from Illinois who have made the area their second home.   The lake itself is the star attraction. Crystal-clear water, grand estates, and countless recreational opportunities make it a boater's paradise. Just don't expect solitude on a sunny weekend.   The same beauty that draws visitors from across the region also attracts an armada of boats, turning the lake into a bustling aquatic highway. For those seeking a quieter experience, the locals know the secret: visit during the week, when the water is calmer and the scenery can be appreciated at a more leisurely pace.  ~ 2 minutes "Bill on the road's" Favorite things to do in Lake Geneva ~2 minutes and the mail delivery boat Top 5 American Restaurants in Lake Geneva ~2 minutes Well this is Random... Vintage Phil's Beach... I've been singing it wrong... 6 minutes Genius.  ~ 5 minutes Can You Get A Free Refill At McDonald's By Just Asking? At many restaurants, getting your soft drink topped off won't cost you extra, but is it the same with your food? While most people don't visit restaurants expecting to get a refill of their sides, can it happen?   McDonald's has faced this question for years, and the way they approach refills might surprise you. Their unorthodox refill practices aren't the clearest at first sight, but the policy's relative obscurity might work to your advantage if you know exactly what to do -- and how to do it. With McDonald's refill policy, they just may have mastered the art of giving customers what they want without draining too much corporate money. So the next time you hit up this popular fast food joint, you might want to take a different tack when it comes to refills. They may surprise you with their refill policy — and it could keep you coming back for more.   McDonald’s generally offers free refills on fountain drinks in most U.S. locations, including soft drinks, iced tea, and sometimes coffee, as long as you are dining inside the restaurant. Many locations make this easy by providing self-service soda fountains.   However, because many McDonald’s restaurants are independently owned franchises, refill policies can vary from one location to another. Free refills typically do not apply to drive‑thru orders once you leave the premises, and some newer or remodeled stores have removed self-service drink stations, meaning you may need to ask an employee and may not always receive a refill. Overall, while free refills are common, it’s a good idea to check with your specific location to be sure.   And if you can believe it, McDonalds used to have a Fry Refill policy.  That too is gone along with the Dollar menu...   Don't be offended. They are just jokes... Michael Jackson Movie Trailer  ~ 2 minutes Edgy. More Edgy Stuff... Four Cheese Margherita Pizza Ingredients ¼ cup olive oil   1 tablespoon minced garlic   ½ teaspoon sea salt   8 Roma tomatoes, sliced   2 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crusts   8 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese   4 ounces shredded Fontina cheese   10 fresh basil leaves, washed, dried   ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese   ½ cup crumbled feta cheese    Directions Stir together olive oil, garlic, and salt; toss with tomatoes, and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Brush each pizza crust with some of the tomato marinade. Sprinkle the pizzas evenly with Mozzarella and Fontina cheeses. Arrange tomatoes over the top, then sprinkle with shredded basil, Parmesan, and Feta cheese. Bake in preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 10 minutes. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 210 S. Milwaukee Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 USA