Hey Gang! Here's what's happening the world of Illinois BBQ Society... -> Thank you! -> Members in the news... -> Upcoming Contests... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- This newsletter brought to you by: Ace of Hearts BBQ Specialties ~ Home of the worldclass Good-One Smoker! http://www.AceofHeartsBBQ.com -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Thank you! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have expressed your well wishes, thoughts, cards, and emails in the past month. With the tragedies that have occurred, and the ensuing craziness that followed, my family and I are just now getting back on track to a somewhat 'normal' life (whatever 'normal' is). As you all have surely noticed, ILBBQS went on an unscheduled hiatus. I apologize to those new members who have yet to receive their welcome info, our regular web visitors for infrequent updates, and our longtime members/supporters for any inattention they may have received. I will make it up to all of you...I promise. In the mean time, I'm now working feverishly to get the organization back to where it needs to be for this time of year, and will be working harder than ever for our members. Should you have any questions, comments, concerns, suggestions, or ideas, please feel free to email them to me at bbq@ilbbqs.com or contact me with the information located on the Contact Us page. Carpe 'Que, Jim Rhino *************************************** New KCBS Website Listing 2008 Schedule For those of you who have not visited the all new KCBS website...Go Check It Out! It is completely redesigned, easy to navigate, and features a cool new area for members to post information about their team. You can even upload a picture to attach to your profile. At last check, there were already several KCBS sanctioned events listed for the 2008 season in Illinois. There will surely be more listed as time goes by, but if you're already planning next season, be sure to check the site out. We will be posting that information on this site in the near future. For additional information, visit KCBS Online at www.KCBS.us. *************************************** Members in the news... MOONSWINERS CROWNED GRAND CHAMPIONS OF JACK DANIEL’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL BARBECUE LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (October 27, 2007) – Moonswiners from Taylorsville, Ky., claimed the title of Grand Champion at the 19th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, held in Lynchburg (pop. 361), Tenn., on Saturday, October 27. The Moonswiners not only earned the Grand Champion title, but also took top honors in two individual categories – beef brisket and chicken. As Grand Champions, the Moonswiners received $2,500, bragging rights to winning what competitors call the most prestigious barbecue contest in the world and the chance to come back and defend their title next year. Habitual Smokers of Springdale, Ark., secured their place in barbecue history as the Reserve Grand Champions and a cash prize of $1,500. A record 60 champion teams from the U.S. and 21 teams from countries across the world including, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom, fought for this year’s title. The international field was the largest in all of competitive barbecuing’s history. To compete at “The Jack”, domestic teams must have in the past year won a state championship with 25 teams or a competition of 50 teams, or have won an event considered an automatic to the event like the American Royal, Memphis in May or Houston World Championship Bar-B-Que. More than 25,000 people descended on Lynchburg to bask in the aroma of award-winning barbecue and to celebrate 19 years of one of America’s favorite pastimes. "Being on the professional barbecue circuit is a way of life, and many people spend their whole lives trying to get to ‘The Jack’,” said Lynne Tolley, certified barbecue judge and great-grandniece of Jack Daniel. “After a long season of cooking and qualifying, just getting here is a reward in itself. Every year we are amazed at how the interest in this sport grows and we are delighted to host the best of the best here in Lynchburg.” In addition to honoring the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, the Jack Daniel’s event awards first place prizes in seven categories: pork ribs, pork shoulder, beef brisket, chicken, Cook’s Choice (domestic)/Home Cookin’ from the Homeland (international), sauce (which must contain a little of the hometown product) and dessert. The winners of these individual categories are: Pork Ribs --- Carcass Cookers, Pueblo, Colo. Pork Shoulder --- The Heat Is On, Welch, Minn. Beef Brisket --- Moonswiners, Taylorsville, Ky. Chicken --- Moonswiners, Taylorsville, Ky. Cook’s Choice --- I Smell Smoke, Salem, Mass. Home Cookin’ from the Homeland --- Captain Grill & The Queen of Smoke, Canada Sauce --- World BBQ Team Switzerland, Switzerland Dessert --- Swine Fellows, Canada Side Note: ILBBQS had several members who made 'The Jack' this year! Congrats to Moonswiners, Dr. Porkenstein, Ulcer Acres BBQ, and CancerSucksChicago.com for their HUGE accomplishment! *** Ulcer Acres BBQ Launches New Website Word has gotten out that The Carp (Randy Twyford) and his bride (Marla) have recently launched a brand new website for their BBQ Catering and Competition Team. Be sure to check it out at www.UlcerAcresBBQ.com. *** John Stevenson's Hogs-N-Heat BBQ team took top honors at the first ever Maschhoff Pork Farms BBQ Contest on October 14th! A tough field of competitors (mostly new and unknown) made for an interesting, and fun, one day cook-off held near Carlyle, Illinois. CONGRATS to John & team! Visit his website at http://www.hogsnheat.com to find out more about this award winning team. *************************************** Upcoming Backyard Contests... ~ No more scheduled for 2007. Upcoming KCBS Contests... ~ No more scheduled for 2007. *************************************** If you have a BBQ related news item you would like to share with the group, be sure to send it in! There is an easy-to-use 'Submit News' button on our website at http://www.ILBBQS.com ...use it often! As always, if you have any pictures, stories, news items, comments, suggestions, questions, or ideas, let me know! Carpe 'Que, Jim 'Rhino' Reincke