DFA Endorses North Side Candidates for States Attorney – Suffredin Challenged by Moderator, Among Others.

A Long-Winded Opinion with Respect: I agree to disagree with Suffredin’s Candidacy.

Last Thursday, I attended the DFA's States Attorney Candidate forum at Reza's. The organizers within DFA deserve tremendous credit for bringing five of six candidates into one room at a known Restaurant. The DFA is Howard Dean’s not for profit political group, which has diversified. The Group’s mantra is that it stands for change. What change, where, and how detrimental or effective the alterations will be is another issue worth exploration after the first term, hopefully sooner. In pipedreams, we trust? Pick your puff daddy!

Some in DFA share my sentiments that Larry Suffredin can do much more good on the Cook County Board, then as its States Attorney. Perhaps, Larry should be honing his legislative skills, make an endorsement, and back the candidate to the hilt. Brewer and Suffredin are North Siders, but Brewer is not viable, even if he may make an interesting Deputy Assistant to rival Judge Kenneth Gillis’ commitment. Yet, this is the North Side DFA, and whatever Larry wants, Larry gets. Debra Shore , a good friend of his, and another Suffredin staffer are regulars at DFA Meetings.

You cannot vote at DFA Dean Events unless you show up to three meetings and complete a sufficient amount of political work. This means that even if you can vote in an election, you are an outsider until you show up to three meetings. This makes sense, because DFA decides the endorsement at these meetings, as well. To DFA’s credit, newcomers are given the floor, which is certainly worth its weight in gold to some. I endorse the three meeting rule.

To Larry Suffredin's credit, he gave DFA a Steppenwolf performance, but it lacked sufficient foresight. He won my Jefferson Award for political entertainment. What he wants to do can be undertaken from his position as Board Commissioner. If he cannot get funding for the States Attorney’s Office as a Commissioner, then its not happening when he becomes States Attorney. This position looks like a Suffredin stepping stone to higher aspirations.

If the DFA and the Board want more Minorities as States Attorneys, then it must advocate for and encourage Toddler to raise salaries as well as the quality of the SAO’s Human Resources Department. Brewer and Suffredin cannot blame Milan and Alvarez for the County’s inability to attract minorities; Larry is already responsible for lobbying to approve funding to Agencies like the States Attorneys Office! Why can't Suffredin propose funding to beef up training and staff at the SAO’s Human Resources Office, so it can learn how to best recruit minorities and from where?


Experience Differential and the Tom Allen Factor: Suffredin v. Alvarez, Brewer, Brookins, or Milan

Suffredin and his supporters insist that experience as a civil attorney, lobbyist, and former adjunct professor is enough. His Staff never challenged concern about whether Larry ever prosecuted a criminal case to verdict in his career. Has he? Yet, the States Attorney’s primary job is criminal prosecution. It is vital that a career prosecutor or one who once had a career in prosecution be considered. Jack O’Malley met his match in Richard Devine for all the right reasons. Why Suffredin cloaks his Public Defender experience seems lame; there is no shame!

Milan and Alvarez did well with their presentations and pamphlets, but were unfairly ignored as serious candidates. Some in the room understand and can bolster their campaigns. Each was unreasonably baited with the re-raked decades old Burge incidents that did not happen on their watch. The fact that they work for the present administration, which is the status quo, meant that they were somehow disqualified from DFA consideration.

Alvarez and Milan do not control all policy; Devine is the States Attorney. Some issues about those convicted under Burge, but may remain jailed can be targets for delayed and pitifully underfunded but proposed County investigations. Yet, grants are successfully secured. I detected significant North Side prejudice. Yet, I have lived on the North side my entire life.

A few portray candidate Tom Allen as a boogey man capable of a Lyndon LaRouche-style upset like Fairchild and Hart. They fear Alvarez and Milan are unknowns and spoilers that will create an Allen upset. Tom Allen gets one DFA members badge of scorn for 'allegedly' put something on his website that demonstrated poor judgment. Some in the DFA crowd ended up persecuting the prosecutors simply for prosecuting or for past frustration in public. This made little sense to me, because they reasonably answered every question. Those opposed to Alvarez and Milan focused on red herring issues that sounded good, but lacked a viable foundation for realistic change and concern.


The Battle for the SAO’s Budget: Doesn’t the Board Hold the Purse Strings?

Ultimately, the most capable candidate, Robert Milan, who seriously and politely considered the most unsubstantiated question of the night, was overlooked for endorsement. Robert appears he cares and he seems to have given full disclosure. The DFA wants prosecutors to prosecute civil Environmental cases in spite of legendary staffing shortages. The SAO has an ever increasing criminal docket of felony offenses and cold case indictments. The unrecorded population changes in Cook County arguably due to census inaccuracy and oversights were experienced at our household, as well.

The Cook County Board has repeatedly cut or froze the SAO budget, which fails to keep up with the cost of living. This is not unusual to the legal practice as a whole, which has its elite ten percent, no doubt. Yet, ASA commitment to Richard Devine, a prosecution legacy, is at an all time high. This was totally lost on the DFA Chapter. No chief prosecutor in many decades other than Devine has ever taken the time to show States Attorneys how prosecution is done right! Milan has done it extra crispy, as well with the Browns Chicken Murders!

A few in the crowd are DFA regulars who want to place the blame for crime, punishment, and law enforcement oversights squarely on the shoulders of prosecutors, not commissioners or legislators. Who are judges or juries? What are their roles? What is the burden of proof? What happens when prosecutors waste time on a publicity driven “heater” cases? How can the public and its legislators support the States Attorney and the Public Defender to get diversified and better equipped to do justice? Civil servants are tired of hearing people whine about taxes, yet complain about County Services.

Is it all that surprising to see a reasonable judge dismiss cases because the burden of proof is unmet as a matter of law? What happens when the public pressures prosecutors to waste valuable underfunded time on pet projects? How can prosecutors better calm, liaison, and quell opportunistic politicians with an agenda when they encourage journalists and the masses to prematurely perceive someone as a bad apple worth lynching or persecuting? Does anyone remember Richard Jewell, Twanna Brawley or the Duke University stripper with the media and political persecutions that followed? "People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?" Wasn’t that Rodney King's line?

Well, that was not considered, nor was the improving quality of the criminal defense bar, either. We also need to improve prosecutor’s and defender’s quality of life. The Democratic Party has yet to better acknowledge and reward career prosecutors and public defenders with appropriate endorsements and challenge cronyism. Instead, ASAs and PDs are both feared and loathed, because prosecutors can indict and PDs are overwhelmed. Thus, we witness this balance of justice that at times seems imbalanced, but may best be approached by the U. S. Department of Justice due to both budget constraints as well as possible inappropriate and subtle pressure.

Experience continues to hemorrhage from the States Attorney and Public Defenders Offices due to periodic cronyism and subtle pressure. How can you deal with the Judge’s children, who just passed the bar or want a paid summer job? What about the big firm that wants assistance? Some ASAs save their money and move on as Judges. There are also fiscal cut backs by the County Commissioners, not Richard Devine. Now, Suffredin wants to 'expand' the SAO’s office to fight civil woes that he will not fund as a Commissioner! How? Do I hear Clara Peller screaming, “Where’s the beef” from her grave?


The North Siders: What Makes an Effective Leader? Experience and a Track Record

The outspoken few want change. Perhaps they unconsciously want continued North Side control of the SAO’s Office. Devine is a North Sider. Perhaps, the DFA will unconsciously encourage numerous resignations of extremely accomplished prosecutors. In its place, will a new SAO encourage the promotion of inexperienced, yet idealistic new attorneys just out of law school, perhaps, politician's children or campaign workers? A good externship without pay is the best way to learn about the SAO’s Office, not clout. Milan, like me, worked his way into the office without clout. Supporting Milan is the progressive, not the digressive route. We should endorse Milan’s incredible twenty one year rise from externship to candidate for the top chair.

Larry’s Plan to Act as the Environmental Litigator of Cook County: Usurped by Federal Law and Without Funds.

Suffredin wants to turn the chief prosecutor's office into more of a civil litigation machine. A larger bureaucracy funded by money from future lawsuits. He seems to count his chickens before they are hatched. Major litigation often takes years. Anyone who worked on the Microsoft and IBM cases know that it took more than one administration. In the former, the George Bush Junior Microsoft settlement did little to bust the Microsoft trust. Yet, Federal jurisdiction will pose extreme and costly challenges to County jurisdiction; the right to abate an environmental nuisance, pollution, depends upon whether Federal law already regulates it.

Environmental issues have repeatedly been found to fall under the control of the EPA by Congressional Act. I watched painfully as one of these brilliant efforts self-destruct at the asset forfeiture unit under Judge Bakakos. Instead, Larry struggles for a Constitutional basis. Perhaps, he should hire his fellow Professors Gorby or Seng at John Marshall Law School as outside consultants.

It makes me appreciate that this comes off like a pedantic exercise in puffy politics. Perhaps, Larry aims at an electorate under-educated in the economics of practicing law. Yet, for at least two seasoned attorneys to reasonably challenge the DFA monolith that supported Suffredin seemed ackward, since there were other issues that Larry left unanswered.

To a trained skeptic, Suffredin may start a legal money pit that needs seed money. I just don't see Todd Strodger starring as Suffredin's sugar daddy! Will Larry somehow manage to float a sugar loan for the SAO’s Office without Todd’s blessing? Suffredin wants to emulate a New York prosecutor , Eliot Spitzer, who made headlines before becoming Governor. However, victory and settlement does not quickly translate into hard currency. Public good has no price tag, but chasing after windmills does little to eliminate a deficit and subsequent neglect toward law and order.

What Larry proposes is lofty, but he does not have to wait to become a States Attorney to do it. He is a Commissioner, who still has standing to vote. If Suffredin is savvy as a lobbyist, then why can’t he convince his own Board or Illinois Legislators to more reasonably fund the States Attorneys Office? Why doesn’t he encourage collective bargaining for seasoned prosecutors at the Illinois Legislature? Why can’t he encourage legislation that confirms that Attorneys are NOT managers as a matter of law? Politics! There are not enough votes and no one wants to compromise! We live in the 'age of gridlock;' Aquarius was spiked ten feet deep, somewhere in the endzone, where Jupiter aligns with Mars.

Perhaps, Larry does not have the Board votes, well, he should admit it. As a capable advocate, he can bamboozle the electorate just as well as George Bush Junior can do it. Some at the DFA agree with me that Suffredin should remain on the Cook County Board and aspire to become its President, among other political options. Perhaps, this may upset Forest Claypool’s aspirations.


How to Approach Laymen About the Legal System without Looking like a Condescending: Prosecution, not Pollution!

Attorneys' run the risk of turning people off, because we appreciate how important it is to defend a position. Attorneys may have read or witnessed failed legal arguments, firsthand. I consider appeals and have filed in the Seventh Circuit. I litigated close jurisdictional issues in the Northern Illinois District. My area requires a firm grasp of Federal Jurisdiction, because it is extremely limited or non-existent in some areas. But some may mumble, “who am I to question Suffredin’s master plan?” I appear as a DFA outsider, even if I did serious time on campaigns in past decades for Cranston, Hart, and Charlie Hayes, among others.

I guess the Godzilla faced off with ‘a few DFA members’ who may have launched their Suffredin biplanes with pea shooters at the opposition. Jefferson Airplane . . . it was not to DFA’s credit! What I felt were members rational skepticism was ignored. I think that many hoped that some candidate would outperform all with their legal lyrics and prose. To me, one too many DFA members ‘red baited’ or ignored the prosecutors simply because they were prosecutors, not merely politicians with theatrical polish. The SAO is an agency whose primary responsibility is handling prosecution, not pollution.

Candidate Alvarez grew up in Pilsen at a time when 18th Street had a history of criminal challenges during the seventies and eighties. I was doing my undergrad at Halsted and Harrison and was active in the dSA, so I should know. [Kugler and Sadlowski were fond of the lower case “d” for democratic]. Much of this was overlooked by DFA’s Andersonville Chapter.

Milan is from Beverly, but has done significant justice for this County and earned his non-elected position at the number two post. Robert Milan got an in house appointment for a position often handed out as a political favor. That is a significant milestone and demonstrates credibility that has been missing for years from the SAO.


Why Do Silk Stocking Law Firms find Larry Suffredin Appealing? Ulterior Motives?

Suffredin is a North Sider. He stands to reap the largest campaign war chest by rigorously soliciting Attorneys who work in silk stocking law firms. Why would silk stocking law firms find Larry so appealing? Many in the crowd want a North Sider to run as States Attorney, even if the most experience prosecutor is currently on the South Side. Why?

Constitutional arguments over environmental lawsuits require a bit of work to put it mildly in my legal opinion. They also require a defendant who must be represented usually by a more respected silk stocking firm. That also translates into serious hard hours at attorney wages at the SAO. Well, big Government at work, business at usual? Let's first hire the world and if we can't afford it, layoff, and outsource to a big firm. What next, get more bank loans and bill the taxpayers for our errors of judgment and the mea culpa to follow. Dealers choice as to which law firm gets the job! Is that what Chicagoans must tolerate? Must we litigate to bankruptcy or can we advocate, zone, negotiate, protest, and legislate for change?

If either Alvarez or Milan loses, then each will likely depart the States Attorneys Office to the private sector of the criminal defense bar. They have reached their pinnacle. Each will likely be demoted or replaced for Larry’s people, so they will not stick around for the resignation request. However, if or when Larry loses a re-election after the first term fallout, then Lucky Larry will still have a job at that big law firm and a shot at a bigger home on Evanston’s Lakefront, among other places. He may continue to do his lobbying work in different confines. Perhaps, he may bring a few contracts to Shefsky and Froelich or head to greener fields in another firm.

Conflicts of Interest, Anyone?

How can anyone continue to represent that they work for any law firm and work as a Commissioner or any other position? Isn’t there a conflict of interest for these paid politicians’ time and effort? Is there “double dipping” among some candidates? Is there ever Public outsourcing of legal work to private law firms that is carefully courted by Shefsky and Froelich? Well, it may be against the public trust. However, a few DFA members grilled Alderman Brookins, a forty something African American candidate about his challenges with rent for his underfunded private practice. Yet, the DFA expressed concern about racism in the States Attorney’s Office and how Brewer and Suffredin somehow understood best. Is there a conflict of interest against the public trust when a politician promotes his or her firm or splits his time and effort? Is this going on?

Frankly, Brookins needs to concentrate on being an Alderman just like Suffredin should concentrate on being a Commissioner. Perhaps, he could get more work done for the Cook County Board if he focuses in on his stated goals. Does Larry focus on his work in the Board or does he have three legal mistresses, that is, (1) the Cook County Board, (2) Shefsky, and (3) his campaign? Does anyone know? Does Suffredin still lobby in Springfield? If so, for whom?

Some in the DFA crowd admitted that they work for Larry. That was noble, but they should not vote. To do otherwise, seems like a conflict of interest against independent thought. Many admitted that they were friends with each other. They go to the movies and think sweet political thoughts, together, or challenge each other. That sounds worthwhile, but in the process some may drop their guard for a friend with a political agenda supporting a politician for public office. Frankly, mens rea or the personal motives of those who publicly endorse politicians are often a closely held deck possible unaffected in the shuffle.


The DFA and Change: What is Change? Who Can Best Make Effective and Efficient Legal Changes for the SAO and From Where?

The DFA crowd repeatedly claims, we want change, we want change. Yet, the DFA ignores Suffredin's work for the tobacco lobby, among others clients with questionable public health agendas. Furthermore, there is no shame in serving at the Public Defenders Office. Why hasn't Suffredin promoted this aspect of his experience. That seems to make no difference to the some, but not all. It is a lame political move to suppress his experience as a PD in my opinion. If Suffredin is such a brilliant and moral lobbyist, then did he reasonably support regulation on the public advertising of paycheck advance loan programs that sap money from the irresponsible or poor?

What happened to the Paycheck loan protests that won Larry friends and influenced campaign workers? The Payday loans are still in business. In fact, changes in Bankruptcy laws eliminate legal rights and create worse tragedies. Many of us want Larry to focus on his position at the Board.

Larry's loyalists still spin, Suffredin can change the laws; they chant, “Larry is a lobbyist! Larry is a lobbyist!” [Okay, I exaggerate; they push those emotional buttons by foisting this seductive little socially responsible kitten in our faces and tell us to vote for him]. However, the legislators who tried to increase the legal age of an adult to eighteen, failed, and so did Larry in the mix.

I fail to see why a brilliant Democratic lobbyist cannot start a 501(c)(3) to convince the Illinois Delegation and Legislature to raise the age to eighteen if this is his goal. This is a State wide challenge that hurts the poor in some Southern Illinois counties, as well. Suffredin need not have to be the Cook County States Attorney. He simply has to work with Richard Devine and Suffredin, I fear is too busy to do it effectively. I see no difference if he becomes States Attorney in Cook County.

I agreed that fewer should be tarnished for life from foolish experimenting with drugs in High School. The grassroots to mount these challenges were overlooked. It seemed like the States Attorney alone had the power to mount this challenge, not those who have been wronged and rejected. The effort has to come from DFA-ers' willing to March on Springfield with the victims, not a lobbyist or a States Attorney, alone.


The McCarthy-like Ultimatum at a Progressive Meeting: An Oxymoron?

One member challenges all of the candidates that those who worked with Burge still work in the States Attorney's Office and must be fired. The devoted DFA member claims that he can "names names" of those who helped Burge. Milan gives the inquirer who appears to me to seeth like a McCarthyite chewing Birch logs at a John Society meeting, his direct telephone line.

Milan tells the members that if anyone can give him the name of one person directly involved with the infected Burge torture cases, he will fire him. The guy stands down. Later, the same member made a profound statement and regained credibility in my opinion. I sincerely appreciated the member’s presence, since he got Milan to speak up to both of their credit. It was the approach that was a bit tasteless. A resolution that can be easily researched may give some solace to victims, but should a cash strapped Board spend time grandstanding resolutions, rather than simply signing a letter to the U.S. Attorney's Office for action and publishing it?

Someone else claims that the States Attorney and all under him is to blame for Springfield not requiring video cameras in every interrogation room sooner. Each candidate wants to set their own unique agenda to build their credibility. In an agency that must prosecute crime, oversights are made, but there are nearly a thousand prosecutors in that office from what we were told. In the end, the in-person vote to endorse a candidate creates a stalemate between Brewer and Suffredin, who are both from Evanston.


Foresight or Overeaction? Larry Bloom’s Run. Human Resource Efforts for Minority ASAs Require Fiscal Commitment, not Contrition!

With big silk stocking firms hosting Suffredin's fundraisers, one can only wonder if their criminal defense and civil units will have boom times with white collar crime indictments and more civil litigation against their clients.

Of course, Cook County will pay the bill and the silk stockings firms will seduce voters through funding Larry's campaign. Once in office, they may wrap rings around Suffredin's collars with hot tempting legal flourishes. Perhaps, in four years a Republican will emerge from the wreckage.

Does anyone remember when Larry Bloom ran for States Attorney? Does anyone remember what happened to that infamous reformer/alderman/lobbyist? It was a tragedy!

The States Attorney needs to stick with what it knows and voters appreciate; law and order. Otherwise, it runs the risk of outsourcing complicated civil legal work at a tremendous cost to taxpayers. Perhaps, to the benefit of some of Suffredin's law firm sponsors.

Trying to hire qualified African American Attorneys away from the big firms is a tough battle. I suggest that a few Idealistic DFA members who are Human Resource people apply for Personnel Department jobs at the SAO's office. Perhaps, they should apply with or without Suffredin’s support, now! When you have trouble recruiting reasonably qualified minorities away from competing private law firms at law school career nights, then report back to the Commish with your ideas! Will he listen?

The County needs more funds! Brewer and Brookins provoke thought, but staffing issues are more complicated. If you cannot pay extremely innovative and talented HR folks, then this is more questionable rhetoric from politicians. If you cannot question political authority, then our current apathy prevails. Few wanted to challenge Suffredin, as Socrates, after all was said and done.

The successes of this world, of every complexion, often want what every graduating law student in the top ten percent desires, which is excellent training, recognition, and a reasonable salary. Promoting the fact that the SAO is one of the known entities for prosecutor continuing legal education is significant. Promoting these jobs to diversify the SAO requires vision, financial, and personal commitment by the public, as well. Yet, it seems like many who could fill those jobs are painting, elsewhere, or may be affected by cronyism that may hord administrative positions at the SAO's Office.

Sometimes, County or public praise can be difficult to get as a productive second or third chair at 26th and California, among other Units. Former African American prosecutors like Aaron Iverson may go elsewhere because they feel under appreciated, frustrated with the system, or simply choose other paths. These feelings are by no means limited by race. This may be the reason why both Alvarez and Milan want to run for office to put more of their ideas to work. Yet, it seems like many who could fill those jobs are painting, elsewhere.

Conclusion

Robert Milan’s and Anita Alvarez’ focus on prosecution and Agency challenges, which are the primary responsibilities of the States Attorney. If Suffredin wants an expanded civil legal department, then he can subsidize it with Board seed money and new taxes, now! He should not delay or simply claim he will pay for it by getting judgments. Judgments are only good if the defendant pays, not simply appeals. Sending good money after judgment-proof defendants (those who will make you litigate and still negotiate to bankruptcy) is unwise. Many will make public precedent only to file for reorganization under bankruptcy, which can prove fiscally irresponsible for a public official.

The DFA claims that it wants change, but was unable to appreciate that change may mean fiscal chaos and layoffs with poor fiscal responsibility. A civil division can go out of control chasing windmills like Don Quixote. Suffredin looked more like the Man from LaMancha better known as Cervantes -Hidalgo Don Quixote.

Suffredin needs to fight the good fight at the Cook County Board rather than hopping from one political office to another. News in two to three years; will the layoffs 'hit the fan' due to hard hours overextended on unjustified and politically motivated Federal appeals. A successful acceptance of a writ of certiorari with a delayed decision may save Suffredin’s backside from extreme tarnish.

In conclusion, fixating the campaign on the ethnic, gender, orientation, and racial diversity factors will not solve recruiting challenges. The States Attorney needs a well-staffed and well-trained Human Resources Department funded by Cook County. A significant salary divide between public and silk stocking practices without the Board’s Expenditure simply won't attract minorities with better options. Frankly, you need to encourage parents to educate local kids, before law schools can educate future prosecutors. The concerns of Tommy Brewer are reasonable, but the causes track back to recruiting competition, who holds the purse strings, and what the SAO can do with limited funds.

Avoid Suffredin: Support Robert J. Milan! See Deputy States Attorney Robert J. Milan at Reza’s at 7:00 p.m. Thursday 12/3

Put up a yard sign and wear a button for Democrat Robert J. Milan. Robert, who has 19 years of experience as an Assistant States Attorney, serves as Richard Devine's eyes and ears. Let Moore, Fagus, and others in the 49th and beyond know about their shortsighted regional endorsement. Pull the plug on clout and let the SEIU know that once, again, it is hissing for the wrong cat. Attend one of Robert's events and find out what he is about. We cannot let the political fat cats of our world level those who deserve our attention and respect.

Let's chose a States Attorney who actually has appropriate credentials; we can ill afford candidates like Larry Suffredin who lack experience. Suff n Stuff is placing himself in a position that obligates favors to big law firms, who support him. Review Suffredin's campaign events! It disappoints me when those who claim to cling to idealism ignore their ideals and lose their objectivity about lawyering and reasonable respect for their colleagues.

Show Richard Devine that you are paying attention. Visit Candidate Robert J. Milan and his family at Rezas in Andersonville on Thursday, January 3rd before its too late and the primary goes to the floaters. Northsiders, remember how to elect experience over excessive campaign chests with unfinished business. If you cannot make it to Reza's consider other Robert Milan's other events.

While Suffredin pulls out the Rod Blagojevich playbook on corruption, Robert J. Milan responds:

"Larry Suffredin would have no way of knowing how much we’ve done, because he’s never been a prosecutor,” said Robert Milan, Devine’s first assistant who is also seeking the nomination.

Milan cited the current prosecution of Anita Mahajan, a businesswoman and crony of Governor Blagojevich’s charged with bilking the state through phony billings, as well as indictments of Chicago Police officers in the Special Operations Section (SOS) as examples the office is serious about public corruption and police misconduct.

Do the Dog! Don't Get Stalked Like Celery: Five Easy McGruff Rules with Commentary

I feel like a combination of George Clinton with an Atomic Dog McGruff coming on stage with him. Its the tempo, not the lyrics or basis for the tune. My hope is that Loyola University Students take reasonable precautions and consider what follows from a long time resident. This neighborhood is as safe as you make it. You need not break and fixate, like some, on those who may look to the CPD at the Twenty-Fourth District as the elixir to stop all crime. There are ways to blend in and avoid crime. Make friends and keep them around, among other things suggested, below.

There are the shortsighted or temporarily naive, who are tricked every day. Students are not the only victims. Hindsight is 20/20. You must approach people who you think you don't know, like you don't know them. True friends will forgive, but criminals and thieves don't care. Often, if you stop or open your mouth, then a crime may begin. All it takes is the wrong type of inconsistent eye contact with a perpetrator. Some people just look more willing to help anyone in need. Those with money who feel that they are on a mission can fall prey. The Guardian Angels are always in need of a few volunteers, like Miguel Fuentes, willing to train with them. Okay, its seems a bit radical to some, but CAPs needs a bit of a boost at times.

Rule one: At night, if uncomfortable, consider traveling in a group, close to groups, in lighted areas, or near others with the tactics, below. If you are uncomfortable, call a friend for a ride, Loyola University Security gives rides, take the bus, or a taxi. If you give a friend a ride, wait until they get in the door and close it.

Reason: Criminals don't want to be seen; someone will more likely get killed, witness the attack, catch the offender, or even more easily identify the criminal.

Rule two: If you choose to 'ever walk alone,' don't stop for anyone who you do not know and does not know your name. Don't let a friend walk home, alone at night, if possible, particularly if he or she was drinking [slight clarification].

Rule three: When alone, you are a target, when you are moving you are a more difficult bullseye. Keep walking or even ride your bicycle, where you cannot take transportation. If a thief cannot tell you what they want, you are not going to get robbed.

Rule four: If you must be alone, then look and act as if you have lived there all of your life (e.g. act as if you are 'packing a piece,' friends or police are nearby, etc.). Putting on earbuds can be both a blessing and a curse. An iPod can simultaneously comfort and impair at night.

Your state of mind has a significant affect on repeat offenders. If you keep looking back and forth scoping the neighborhood, then you demonstrate insecurity and may even encourage someone 'to fake it to make it.' (Thank George, for the thought provoking photos). Direct eye contact is good when someone is walking directly towards you on the sidewalk, but use some common sense as you sense your surroundings.

Brief Comments on Common Sense: It is good to be open minded and objective, but do so in the proper forum. If you feel charitable, then help out at a soup kitchen, among other places. Don't let down your guard; if you feel like you need a Zen moment, ignore those around who you do not need to recognize. They may not recognize you, either. Don't be a busy body, who needs to know everyone's business in order to help the world.

Ultimately, I don't know what to say about random acts of ignorance, whether they be a criminals or one who opens up to a perpetrator. It is easy to lose a cell phone to a thief.

Rule Five: A person can have thirteen dollars in their pocket billfold as 'an anchor' for that rare moment, when you have to 'heave and go.' Keep a billfold with a ten and few ones to discard in an emergency. The non-shiny metal billfold makes noise when it hits the pavement and attracts a thiefs attention. A petty thief wants quick money. However, in fifteen years, I have never had to throw mine, because the other rules have worked.

Segway Dos: A scam artist/petty thief may start with conversation. The criminal may try to pretend that he knows you, is your building's security guard, janitor, has some bazaar badluck story or action to get your attention. Then, when you let him or her borrow your iPhone, the dude runs off with it.

Perhaps, you open your wallet to give a dollar but the thief wants more, so he pulls out 'a piece,' knocks you down, or simply grabs your wallet. Again, if you are unlucky enough to find a few messed up kids on a power trip, who struck out at getting beer or need to get a rise, then do what you can to stare them down with direct eye contact and if you need to draw attention from others, then do it.

Try to act as if you do not notice unless impossible. You snooze, you lose. Again, only in those rare situation will you have to dump your anchor with a Hamilton, three Washingtons, and run. If you know your surroundings, or particularly if you don't, use discretion and take a cab if no one is around.

If more of us are out and about in the neighborhood, then the more forceful or violent criminals are intimidated. They did not call it, "Take Back the Night" for nothing. If we avoid making ourselves targets, then there will be less crime. More witnesses brings less crime. If you travel in a pack, you chase away the strangers looking for 'an easy mark.' If you follow these tips and act on your options, then you give Rogers Park T.A.P.O.A.F.O.M. [or for those who forgot, The Awesome Power Of A Fully Operational Mothership]. By the way, did anyone see George Clinton take Country Club Hills on June 23, 2007?

Condos at Rogers and Touhy - First Six Months Free

I live within a hundred feet of this recently gutted building about to convert to condos. I appreciate the neighborhood favorites, which include 'The Alley Guy,' among others. When I saw the above for sale sign go up at 7213 N. Rogers, I had to say something. First, it is an incredible offer until December 31, 2007. Second, this neighborhood is changing for the better. Get it while its cheap. Most of us who have lived here for the last ten years know it. Seniors are outside, Volvos are parked in driveways, and that is a good sign to us. Our property values have doubled, but we aren't selling. We have even resolved to educate the kids in CPS magnet and selective enrollment to the extent possible.

There may be a few digressions. The corner of Ridge, Rogers, and Touhy is worthy of a left turn only arrow from both east and west. However, for the first time, a restaurant has survived its third year anniversary. That Mexican entry on Touhy is worth a stop if you don't want to cook and order before nine or ten depending upon the evening. The Lamp Post is a sports bar fixture. Its tailgate party is complete with grill on the side of the building, which creates some sense of neighborhood for a mainstay traditional sports bar.

Although a few houses have been removed and replaced by upscale condos and townhomes, the blocks are integrated with an assortment of housing. At least six houses were featured in an RP Historical Society or Garden Walk on either Touhy or Ridge. Every place has its ten percent, but the regulars are as good as it gets for Chicago. This condo is within walking distance of St. Margaret Mary's and St. Scholastica. More than one neighbor has an Annual Glogg Party every January.

Without naming names, because the locals know, this is Chicago. Whether it is the Irish or the Japanese guy who regularly parks themself in the summer lawn chair to greet neighbors on the sidewalk or the guy who gardens, there is enough to justify the location. We are seeing a few twenty something dog walkers and joggers down Rogers in the summer. We have neighbors who you can trust to water your plants and watch your animals while you vacation.

This evening, I got so tired of the comments about our neighborhood, that I walked past the townhomes to Damen and Rogers at 11:30 p.m. Yes, me and my whitebread self. I started to take night photos of the former site of the Pulse Garage, which is for sale by Kritt away from the videocameras. Like its former neighbor, the Chinese Buffet, it will likely be demolished to become townhomes or condos. While en route, a neighbor in a garden level condo saw me taking photos to the left. She had to be wondering what the hell I was doing. Perhaps, my concerns were spurned by The Broken Hearted comments about the Ho a few weeks ago. I am skeptical, but it was an extreme aberration to me.

If I did not want to take the blood thinner, I would have hit the Ho at 11:38 p.m. this evening, but did not bother to walk in or see if it was open. Frankly, I never drink alone. Perhaps, CG is too lame to go over there, but I'm not because I live here. I think that it needs the business to stay in business. Recently, the Laundramat got a new coat of sky blue paint. Perhaps, the owner is getting serious about taking care of the property. I am just not experiencing the same wrath and an isolated incident or two is not going to change me or my habits.

I know that there are ignorant people. You have to treat people with respect, anywhere. However, if someone disrespects you, you need to give them space and let them think about it on their own time, not yours. Whether they are folks who criticize African Americans, Hispanics, other groups, don't know how to treat their kids, want a dollar, or talk abnormal in public, most of us don't comment or necessarily pull out that look of righteous indignation.

The rarely disrespectful visitors that I pass or pass by on the sidewalks or streets are gone in seconds, not minutes. That is when things return to significant calm, when compared to Ridge Avenue in Evanston. This proximate place that we call West Rogers Park makes life bearable. For those who live in the suburbs, I pity your commute. We live smack dab in the middle of the life of the city and suburbs. We can move from north to south by plane train, bus, or automobile. We can reach just about any restaurant, grocery store, or shop in a half an hour. We can walk to the golf course or bike to the south loop.

Where can you go from here?

Ridge, Rogers and Touhy are true crossroads! The Potawatomis' probably had a trail tree around here at one point pointing to the big city to come.

Philosophical Diatribe on the Present Potty Politique

Deeply embedded in the human psyche is the desire to do right for some moral imperative. The challenge is that the political mind sometimes warps into contortion and neglect from those with an undying agenda. This strategy may be to gain attention and eventually amass power for themselves or a group to the angst or prejudice of others. Whether it is some preacher or teacher, some pervert or politician, Democrats or demogogues, Republicans or Public G-ds, there are some who claim to act with a clear mind and good will towards men, but others with an undying desire to cheat, divide, conquer, and prosper. Behind every proposed privilege, right or responsibility is a plan rarely envisioned with moral precision.

For some, their digressions and oversights may arguably be unconscious. Nevertheless, they are too blinded by greed, ignorance, or privilege to enjoy their abilities and passions. There are some, no doubt, who take advantage of the incompetence and flaws of others. Call them power brokers, whether they are neo-nazis or nincompoops, nationalists or nihilists, but they still ride in the same souped-up limousine in a different decade. Each carries a different level of ferocity depending upon the status quo. This power elite feeds on the moment whether it appears passive, predatory, but preferably more tempered by law, order, and (G-d forbid) common sense. They come from all regions in a variety of ideologies, religions, shades, shapes and sizes. They set up their tents and sell whatever snake oil the public will buy to make them king.

To all, the consequences of anger and ineptitude are the same; man-made conflict with the eventual garnish of ingratitude. If you question new authority, will the next set of subliminal stormtroopers attack with subtle disgust or seething violence? Can man, an animal, create peace on earth without beaching the species like a school of whales on the horizon of some self serving armeggedon seeker on a misdirected power trip?

Eventually, some of us become engaged only when mediocrity and meddling rules, while confusion, fear or loathing pools among those within the critical mass. Why do we wait for chaos to set in? Political correctness, poorly contemplated is an excuse for the obsessively polite; it does breed contempt. Call us liberals, radicals, reactionaries, White Roses or the green gladiolas, the hope is to prove ourselves. Sometimes we must challenge the seemingly irrational convulsions of the body politique in need of Depakote or Kaopectate. Perhaps, our average Joe needs social detox from the common man with a sixpack of Berghoff's and a few reasonable neighbors.

With that in mind, have I been too subliminal about my opinions about Rogers Park Politics or the rest of the world for that matter? Is there any hope for this philosphical diatribe? Where's Harold when we need him?

Cell Phones and "L" Trains

The curly brown Garfunkel haired white bread twenty-something entered the red line train at Belmont. To his left walked a veteran commuter. The pleasant voice from the new northbound ingénue asked, “Do you mind if I sit down next to you?” The veteran replied, “no” with restrained politeness. Unfortunately, the neophyte had an agenda.

After a half a dozen lines of small talk, the newcomer’s intentions erupted. At what appeared to be an appropriate moment for poor social skills followed the inappropriate appeal to the Samaritan, “Can I borrow your cell phone, again? “No,” said the veteran with the same graceful tone.

The conversation ended, but they remained together. Nine stops later, the respectful thirty-ish veteran disembarked at Granville. The neophyte was now ‘almost’ isolated in the northbound red line train with about four other passengers, who were pre-disposed with their books, newspapers, or other diversions. One of them was me.

I sat in the double seat directly to his north. Hooked up to MobiTV, I struggled to listen to a newscast with a pair of hard plastic ear buds inserted into my ear canals and PDA/cell phone. My three day free introductory subscription had yet to run out. However, the news cast periodically lost its 3G connection and the ear buds failed to find a welcome spot in front of the passages to hearing if not comprehension. When the buds eventually held, I had to remove them. Why?

Well, as we reached Granville and the veteran passenger was history, The stress of driving down LSD is no longer a threat to my piece of mind. However, the conversation or music of another life could easily take hold on the Red line north.

With what I hoped was the last charitable cell phone owner gone, the question breached the silence like digital interference or cell phone tones blasting during your favorite film, lips moved, but I could not hear, so my ear buds were removed. “Do you mind if I use your cell phone?” I looked in disappointment. The rookie was undeterred. Upon answering with my matter of fact reply, he changed seats.

A cute Asian looking woman was now accosted, but she felt obligated. She had not heard all of ‘Garfunkel’s’ previous greatest hits. With that, her cell was exposed and his cell call began. The candid one-sided conversation now began to emit into the atmosphere and pierced the silence with its sounds. He had to leave a message just to let us know that the call was not a lost cause. Perhaps, he had just left voicemail on the Belmont platform, but that message apparently was not recent enough.

What is it about cell phones that make people behave so badly? Why do commuters want other restricted passengers to hear their most personal moments? With the calm that often pervades a CTA “L” ride, why do people persist with communication that can wait until arrival? What is it about “L” etiquette that these cell phone users just don’t get? I understand meeting the friend that you have not seen in a month, but cell phones calls are another story.

These are not the words of prophets. “Fools” said I, you do not know, cell phone use like a cancer grows. Read my words that I might reach you. Pay attention to other commuters so that they may teach you. There is an excellent article in the Red Eye on cell phone etiquette in CTA trains.

Okay, I admit that if my cell goes off, I may answer. However, the first thing out of my mouth is usually, “I am on the train, can I call you back?” Or “Can you call me back in forty-five minutes, I’m on the train?” The phone is next promptly turned off or put on vibrate. I have likened use of cell phones to smoking a cigarette; it is unnecessary noise pollution and being held captive is no “ode to joy!”

It is so simple. Who wants to be bombarded by clients, customers or confidential moments in front of others also restrained in the same public place? Do you think that commuters appreciate being held hostage to a personal soap opera? Yet, it happens too often. Sometimes, the conversations are beyond bizarre and don’t belong in a public place in front of children!

Often, it is clear that those who are calling even instigate the call. They can’t wait until a private moment that can occur by departing to an oncoming platform. How many of us have lip sync-ed the “L” conversations of an unrestrained passenger? Perhaps, we have given that stare of infamy, only to receive less than graceful insensitivity and another ten minute ‘yelping’ of a new episode of ‘Desperate cell phone flies?’

Does anyone recall some of the best or worst experiences? Perhaps we can be amused by or simply discourage use by posting memoires of other subway commuters’ tender, yet public moments. Are there any other abused and/or amused commuters? Okay, I admit that it can be simultaneously hilarious, yet pathetic.

The Decatur Classical Parent Syndrome

Somewhere between or after my child’s homework, my Decatur Classical School kid will get the chores done. Repeat after me, somewhere between or after homework, my child will get their responsibility chart completed, hopefully. Somewhere between or after my child’s homework, I will come up with a good excuse for their sibling and I why Decatur child did not get their chores done. Hopefully, acceptance to Young Academic Center or the next plateau will justify the challenge.

For those who don’t know, Decatur Classical School is the grammar school diamond in the Chicago Public School system. It is located in West Ridge. There is no Illinois grammar school that tests higher in the State, and perhaps, the nation, provided there was a national test. Children test annually for an invitation to get into Decatur Classical. My other child is on test number four. However, the honeymoon ends at sixth grade, where your child gets accepted.

You cannot make educational options an excuse for moving out of Chicago. There may be a classical, gifted, or magnet school willing to eventually let your child attend provided you help educate your child, as well. If there were exceptions made to waive the Decatur Classical entrance test for just one child, journalists would have a field day. Arne Duncan would likely not deserve it, but he would need to put any arguable scandal in order and this could prove fatal.

Now, back to my mantra. . . .Somewhere, some way, I will find another reasonable excuse why my son did not get to baseball, basketball, scouts, soccer, swimming, and etc. on time or at all. As I work into the bitter depths of the evening on laundry, life, and leftovers, the hope is that we will eventually appreciate the effort. Eventually, all of our tweens groans and grunts from the previous evening will be forgotten.

For those of us who understand, we want our child to have the aptitude and grades to convince Dr. Joyce Kenner at Young Academic Center, among others. We know that our children have gone through enough trials and tribulations to justify admission. Decatur kids, as well as their parents, have proctored enough to earn a CPS pension on their educational road to perdition.

I accept that it is a choice to send a child as well as your family through the Decatur Classical experience. However, parents have to also realize that there is no seventh or eighth grade at Decatur, only the academic centers with more testing and the point system to garner possible acceptance. There is also the possibility of new found isolation between former classmates at in one of the gifted or magnet programs. Decatur Classical students are ultimately and unfortunately broken up into a new bundle of adolescents in some other universe of Chicago Public School Academia.

The Francis Parker’s, Latin’s, Roycemore’s and Archdiocese private schools of the Chicago area exist. However, many of us will not look for excuses to spend the last bit of savings before their kid even gets accepted to a University without a full tilt private school scholarship. The options are a new residence or an objective rehash of the teaching staff in all viable alternative options at CPS. Ultimately, only 25 children are admitted in this region of a potential 110 Young Academic Center spots. The statistics for admission to the Academic Center are humbling.

Traditionally, both Skinner and Decatur Classical Schools fed into Young Academic Center. Decatur and Young High School share the same dolphin mascot. However, over time, the demand for the Academic Center exceeded the number of spaces and excessive competition set in. Now, the one thousand point scale scares Decatur parents, who are totally uncomfortable with “grade inflation” at other schools. The Young Academic Center Scale cannot consider grade deflation.

There is no grade inflation, but grade deflation at Decatur Classical of Chicago. At Decatur, I understand that a Decatur grade A ends at 93%, a B ends at 87%, and a C ends at 76%. This means that a Decatur Classical Child who is performing at honor roll level in any other CPS Grammar School is treated as performing lower. This means that the 300 points allotted to grades drops them excessively in contrast to others. Decatur teaches a year above grade level in math texts, among others. Test scores are another story and most are at the 99th percentile in math at a minimum.

This means that even if my child performs at the 99th percentile in ISAT math and the 86th in Reading, they are still subject to denial where grades do not reach a 4.0 g.p.a. at the academic levels set by Decatur Classical. Ultimately, our child gets an excellent education from K to 6th, but what’s next is unknown.

I suppose that this may mentally condition us for the next competition for Northside College Prep spots. It may give our child and us the character to appreciate how to avoid or encounter the next set of point spreads and scales. You begin to feel like ‘Jimmy the Greek’ playing the odds in the CPS Educational System. The Clash lyrics from “Should I Stay or Should I Go” Clash seem to hit your chest like a ‘half ton of bricks,’ while you wait for what seems like Godot for an answer or the next score.

Breaking Away on the Lake Shore Trail

It can take an hour to bicycle from Northwest Rogers Park to the South Loop. It takes 43 minutes on the Elevated Purple or 1.33 hours on the Subterrainian Red line going South from howard. Bicycling is healthier; the trail is buffered by enough green space to keep LSD from tripping you out. I have never felt threatened by traffic contrary to some commentators. I suppose that I should give it time, but there is not much traffic once you hit Devon and travel down Ridge depending upon your timing. It surprises me that so few commute by bicycle on a regular basis. If can't store your bike at the office or the street, then the city has a lock up, lockers(to rent) and showers at Millenium Park. If you can only go one way, take the bike on the subway home.

The route going south runs from Ridge to Devon, Devon to Winthrop Avenue, and Winthrop to Ardmore. Winthrop is the street where most Loyola students will be walking from their dorms to campus. If you are unmaried, then it is a bachelor or cougar paradise. You cycle one way Winthrop Street going south through Edgewater. On the way, you pass a grammar school. How threatening! Although there are some potholes, the bright yellow paint left by the Bike Federation makes it easy to spot the few pits on the trip south. Some you can ride over without much frustration.

Cycling and watching for Ardmore can be a challenge for some, but the green trail signs are visible. Once you turn east (left) on Ardmore, you are two to three blocks from the Lake Shore Trail. It is about a nine mile ride from Ardmore and Sheridan to Congress Pkwy. I usually make it to Columbus and Congress in about an hour unless I am taking snapshots along the way or stop for a water fountain or friend en route. I also ride straight south, rather than turning left at Lake Pointe Towers. Stay on the east side of the street or you will have to return to Lake Pointe. The trail continues south from the East side of the bridge.

The Trail is not as frustrating as it would seem. I have taken the ride without water, but keep a bottle in the backpack in case. In order to keep comfortable, I store a suit at the office and usually manage to avoid too much of a sweat to make a mess. The internal difference in my frame of mind is night and day.

I have even rode back as late as eleven in the evening after I got the urge. The globe lighting around Lawrence needs some bulb replacement or electrical work, but by the time that I had a chance to think about it, I hit a new set that was functional. There are some challenges on the trail with potholes, but they are marked. You return down Ardmore to Kenmore, which runs one way going North. Some may be intimidated around Sheridan, Broadway and Devon, but it really is not that difficult when you approach the street, traffic, and intersection with care. Of course, I never bike without a helmet.

To get out of the suit and into my shorts or sweats before leaving the office is a transition worth undertaking. I am not out to beat the clock, but I keep up with it and if it looks like I can't do it, then I make the trip home on another day leaving the bicycle at the office.

If you bought your bicycle at Roberts on Clark, then his staff is more than willing to blow up the tires and check out the bicycle. Robert may do it, anyway, but you may want to look at his supplies where you get a guilt trip after repeated trips. Usually, I avoid Clark, because it is much busier than Ridge.

My hope is that a bicycle trail suddenly appears on Ridge Boulevard and runs down Devon to Winthrop both east and west. Its time has come and Moore probably knows it, but Carol Ronen needs to allocate the funding in Springfield, as well. There are way too many cyclists coming from the north to cycle the Lake Shore Trail from Evanston and Wilmette. It is almost amusing seeing those from the suburbs heading south on something other than a car. I'd rather cycle on my own, than by proxy. I wonder how long it will take for someone to get the guts to start an RP cycling group for the morning commute?

The Backside of Bakers at Midnight, Imagination, Chicago Magazine Digressions, and Other Distractions

Bakers Square ends service at midnight each evening. Tonight, I missed the 11 p.m. cut off for U unLucky Dawg U, so I headed north. I lacked the cholesterol raising craving required for"The Fish Keg" on Howard. This meant that I ended up in the friendly confines of Bakers Square. I swear, it's all a blur!

Our local Mexican Bistro near Ridge and Touhy closes shop earlier. Tonight I did not imbibe nachos and "La Fea Mas Bella" complete with Leticia Pedilla Solis and her Telemundo company. Bakers Square is standard fare after 11 p.m., when The Diner at Clark and Devon does not yield parking spaces and the fridge is nearly bare. Besides, the parking lot at The Diner is a bit seedy compared to Bakers, even if Bakers is a mainstay franchise relishing in Pop N Fresh Pie's Glory. P&S Cafe closes at 3pm, so where do I go? Any ideas? Cuchina di Donatella is closed, as well. Morseland is farther east; again, no parking, too loud, no time to unwind.

I arrived at Bakers to be immediately seated by the host, manager, and cashier. The crowd was down to earth and local. Two fifty something blue collar workers chatted about their experiences directly north. Another feature is a campy dressed red head with unique glasses, who I glance at a few times. She looks like a junior high classmate may have looked in her late twenties. Tonight, she will serve as my 'what Sara T. would look-like, if I saw her in her late twenties before she married a same sex partner, night.' Okay, I got overly creative and Sara rejected my shy seventh grade practice run. The red head amuses me for a moment.

The thoughts serve as more of a diversion to relieve my hunger and "distraction" over a curious internet search three months ago for former classmates. Congrats Sara! Now, maybe I understand.

I imagined a sudden, 'do I know you from somewhere' conversations. How does a guy approach a woman at Bakers Square without looking like he is asking for a date? Blog? Who wants to walk out in that parking lot at midnight at that point until much later. Meanwhile, a mother and daughter combo parks in the booth directly east of me. To view this character of an imaginary first impression, I have to carefully move my eyes east to northwest. Therefore, I have no other choice, but to lose interest in the redhead. Otherwise, I will look like a cradle-robber.

Ironically, I pull out a Chicago Magazine to be presented with another redhead complete with school books with headlines to perk my curiousity. Most of the evening is now spent reviewing this latest Chicago Magazine, which contrasts High Schools. Chicago Magazine can no longer ignore Northside College Prep, Payton and Young. It alludes to other CPS high schools with less applause and minimal recognition. The suburbs get the accolades, besides they buy most of the subscriptions.

My son is about to make that dive into the next level that follows Decatur Classical. That means that, I simultaneously gloat and glare at the stats for the selective enrollment high schools wondering what testing and grades will bring to this family's future educational plans, among other things. I also compare Jones College Prep, Lane Tech, and Lincoln Park, while wishing that they Sullivan found its place higher on the academic pecking order.

Chicago Magazine to me continues to become more of an expression of suburbia and its compulsions draw it into Chicago. There are the high end plastic surgeons, the upscale ambulance chaser ads, gaudy jewelry, and many of the things that none of us should go into debt over. The, 'I like to visit, shop, schmooze, but wouldn't want to live there mentality' looms large on the Northshore. Do they fear how their own pale complexion will fit in a Chicago neighborhood like Rogers Park? Do they think that the cars mow down kids any quicker in the low traffic areas? Does the FBI or media ever calculate the 'per capita crime beat in the suburbs?'

Perhaps, those in the suburbs fear riding their bicycles home on the lakefront at 11p.m. I repeatedly ride into downtown to work if I can time it out and am low on baggage. I have never been hit, grazed, or freaked out by cars; just careful. I admit streets and san need to make a few path lighbulb replacements on the trail by the Lake. Great ride, few cars, fewer bicycles, less pollution; all in one hour and nineteen minutes from 300 South to 7200 North via the Lakefront with three stops for over exposed photos and no hassles. I should bring my tennis racket and meet someone for a set on Recreation Drive en route. No news at ten!

Stay tuned. Okay, enough of my digressions and belly beating urban pride. We just fixed some things in the house and picked up a Museum of S&I Membership that we will actually use.

Back to the October edition and this month's chapter of Dennis Rodkin's "deal estate." I have overcome the educational blow by blow of High School Education. Now, I move to the aggravation, once again, over the Restaurant ratings. "Aruns" is given a recommendation but a bogus 3 stars, when compared the four given to "Tru." Trumonte and Montuano seem like Chicago magazines poster children to the average cuisine charlatan. I suppose to each their own; I suppose that all chefs have better nights than others.

"Avenues" is given four for providing "ecclectic" Altoids on Lamb. "Alinea" gets four catcalls for bacon glazed with butterscotch. What is next Mentos infused in Pepsi infused with flaming Pussers Rum? How do you spell indigestion? Maybe dessert will feature Tums soaked in Gaviscon? I'll take pad tai and curry with all of the art and circuses, when I can afford Sampanthavivat. I suppose that there is something on every menu to enjoy, when the chef is brilliant and on key for the evening.

By that time, I have gotten over my disappointments complete with the memories of Tru with its command to order from the left or the right side, only; its clear kitchy lollipops and that evenings questionable service supposedly unheard of at this Trumonte gem. It is at that moment that my Baker's lukewarm 65-70 degree heated chicken pot pie is served with semi stewed carrots and celery.

The proffered second glass of iced tea sans ice is not particularly refreshing; it is still pushing 85 degrees farenheit. My waitress is definitely paying attention to the subtle gestures, but the ice in the pitcher melted. This left the tea a bit too Lipton. At least, the rolls are piping hot! If you had to choose, don't you wish that the rolls are cold and the pot pie is piping above a hundred degrees! Well, I'll have to order the guacamole burger next week.

My waitress did well. My past experiences with Bakers service are sometimes service disappointments. The food is usually better; the pie is good. Today, Tsehayens earned her twenty percent just for being tremendously more attentive than the last fifteen servers. Believe it or not the thought-provoking redhead is still there reading her newspaper which is spread across the table and cascading to the floor, as well. The patroness reminds me of Sara, a junior high classmate who was a worthy conversationalist. Years later, Sara moved West and came out of the closet as they say. Good grief, Charlie Brown!

I now wait for the host to transform from manager into the cashier. The redhead continues to be absorbed in her newspaper and doesn't seem to notice me. The mother-daughter combo suddenly rises up for the sychronized swim to the cashier. Go figure. I wait briefly, pay, and leave glad that Bakers is open. It certainly puts McDonalds to shame even if it costs a little more. I take my blurred photo in the parking lot, look like a terrorist to the local Marathon gas station attendant, jump into the car, and drive off into the night. This lasts for about a block or so until I reach the computer. Everyone is asleep. It is now Saturday.

Sire, the Wall Hath Bent; Behold or Perish - Beginning CPR on 2118 W. Touhy

Hark, ye marauding masses, attack! Errect thy fence or you shall perish! Be forewarned, your chattel will be plundered and thy dachsund ravaged by lusty pillagers. Well, it's been about three years and counting, but no plunder has occurred to the lord of this manor. This is what I learned from watching the Cubs on WGN TV in the seventies: TruLink Fence - 5440 Touhy Avenue - http://www.tru-link1.com/.

The dim watt driver who left the bend in your fence long ago has yet to return for a repeat performance. No other uninsured drunk motorist has replicated such impeccably brain dead driving skills at Bell and Touhy. No one has taken much from you, other than pride. The fences condition has reached the neighborhood embarrassment stage, IMHO.

Brother, the war is over! The inebriated masses are in full retreat.* Tear down this wall, Mr. Gorbachev. The neighbors fail to interpret the unnatural curves imposed upon it as anything more than an eyesore. Salvador Dali, it is not! But woe to the "Persistence of Memory."

Now is your chance to show that you care. Pay ye olde fence company down the road to eliminate this mess. Okay, I tried! 2118 W. Touhy to do the rest! "Rampart, we have lost the victim's pulse, beginning CPR."

*-Disclaimer - The photograph used to depict one of the inebriated masses, above, is part of the public domain. I believe that it was taken in Texas, not our beloved Rogers Park. I am told by a more sensitive viewer that there may be some confusion.

How about those Real Estate Meetings? Anyone want to Complain to Betsy?

When will Alderman Moore have a meeting with an agenda based upon something other than some real estate variance?

If the meeting must focus on some variance that is already a forgone conclusion, why doesn't Moore just make it one part of an Agenda and invite residents to suggest reasonable issues within his power as alderman to have an impact upon?

How many residents showed up at the meeting on August 20, 2007 at 7pm? How many were deterred by the main topic? How many of us will let Betsy at Joe's office know that we need a more 'relevant agenda? Who decides what will be discussed; the real estate developers or the residents? Betsy?

A Tale of Three Cats, Max, the Condo, Bowmanville, and finally RP

No dogs allowed; that was the law in 1989 according to the 535 N. Michigan Avenue Condominium Association. A choice had to be made. We were a year away from marriage, law school began in August, and something was missing. When you are a dog lover, these laws really rip at your emotions. The rationale becomes clear after you realize that residents wanted a quiet environment unpierced by the sound of barking. there was no place to walk the dog without pavement. "Olive" was the nearest park at that time. The few trees en route had to be navigated, discreetly, but the video cameras in the maintenance elevator and the rear halls nixed any hope of getting fido under the radar. In spite of my allergies to cat dander, I learned to love Elie and Max.

The nearby Anti-Cruelty Society's edifice just had its late '80s makeover. I knew that going to law school would leave me in the library for indefinite and irregular times. Before you begin school, you read about the horror stories; the first year, they scare you to death, the second, they work you to death, and during the third, they bore you to death. My fiance would be spending some time curled up in front of the tv without me. It begans to become clear that she needed another love interest. I did not want that to be one of my classmates or a co-worker. I put up no resistance and we did time in the feline section.

I had grown up with a Westie and a terrier, but mostly hunting dogs. I witnessed a sixteen year old with drivers permit hit our fleeing 'wired' terrier, Scampy, on a quite suburban street in 1966 after we moved away from our Winchester and Rogers two flat in 1965. This was quite dramatic, since we drove Scampy's remains to the Becker Animal Hospital in Glencoe. Scampy became a disappointing memory after he scampered out of our lives.

The Westie, Mopsy, was eventually given up to an elderly couple, because he repeatedly ran away. He also would not get along with my dad's new hunting dog, Lady. The noble Labrador Retriever was the canine of choice in our family. Most of our dogs spent time in the cornfields in Richmond or Wayne, Illinois. However, the more recent canine editions tended to be less disciplined house sitters. Cats were never considered, because my dad and I had allergies to cat dander. However, I spent time with cats as a kid at a summer camp. I accepted that cat are just as affectionate and loyal as any dog.


We looked around at the walls of cages. All of these forgotten felines lives might be lost. Many of the cats were older. They had names and the sad story that led to their internment. Some of the owners were allergic. Others moved or were too old to take care of them. A few did not get along with other pets. A few probably went to nursing homes. We looked, but these cats weren't ready. Maybe, they would never be ready. We wanted a cat to grow into our family and the cats were both grown and seemed disappointed. We wanted a feisty, yet friendly youthful feline. We wanted spark and that slight smile. We had to look further.



One cage on the back wall housed a flurry of gray and white. Some of the cats drew our attention like a magnet. As we looked, personalities began to unfurl in the muted meows and purrs of another happier and untainted generation. A few were more dominant, some were cute; others had feature that were given priorities. Some seemed loyal to others in the litter. This group became a tribe and we began to experience the legend that was unfolding.


We were not looking for two cats, but there were two in that litter. They got along with each other. One was cute, lovable and snuggled with anyone willing to give it attention. The other wanted attention and consent to climb and explore all limbs and that which the front and back of a shirt had to offer; he was also a licker. There is a moment, when human and pet bond. You don't expect it; it happens. My desire for a dog was lost to kitten hugs and the affectionate rubbing of our chins and necks.

We wanted both. To my wife, they were inseparable bookends. They were nearly identical with subtle differences. Anti-cruelty had a rule; you cannot adopt two cute cuddly kittens, particularly from the same litter. If you adopt two cats, then one must be an adult. The rationale was unappreciated; it made for an uneasy decision and departure.


Adult cats should be cared for. I have always believed that when you adopt a pet, you do it for life. You don't abandon kit when cats get ill. You try not to get sticker shock with the vet bills and negotiate a plan if necessary. You try to make make plans for the unexpected; a cat gives unconditional love, but in exchange, it becomes completely dependent upon you. Plans for perpetual care deserve contemplation and closure. I did not know why the adult cats were abandoned; only what Anti-Cruelty was told. Yet, none of the older cats made it to the level of trust or mutual acceptance.


We committed to the more lively and cuddly one, who licked our ears, but we wrote down the tag number for the cute, naive, sweet one. We made it past the interview, later discussed the situation with my sister in law, and left with a plan. Two days later, Max was adopted by my sister in law, but also entered our lives and joined Elie in our northeast corner unit overlooking Lake Michigan and the Days Inn. The Days Inn is a story in and of itself, but I don't write a blog about Streeterville.


The cats found a way to get attention. They took to the white shutters that opened up from the kitchen. Climbing the shutters became an event during that summer. The dilemma over whether to declaw and neuter was not a controversy. The cats were scratching the new Homemakers sectional, among other items, which were beginning to show wear. Max and Elie ignored the scratching post. We had no intention of letting them out of the condo, but they found a way a few times. Max was more laid back; his secret weapon to sudden surges of energy.

Max and Elie got their names from two sources. In our tradition, we usually give names based upon the memory of a respected relative. Although this is not required for animals and perhaps is arguably sacreligious. Max is the name of my mother's deceased uncle. Max had a noticeable sense of humor, but his wife Edith 'arguably' mistreated him. Some claim that she abused him, but Max was a kind soul and dealt with his 'alpha wife' until he could not take it any more. In fact, Max is the guy in the center of the photograph at the top of the home page. I understand that Max lived in Rogers Park in from the '40s through the 60s.



Max the cat proved that condo associations have a mix of residents with varying peeves. Max loved to unpredictably, but rarely bolt out of the condo and into the hall way. He would run about twenty-five feet, realized that there was no place to go, and rolled over. This happened two or three times in one year. All we had to do was yell "Max" and one of our elderly neighbors let the Condo Association know that menacing gray and white kittens were prowling the halls eager to spray the walls. It was one of the last times that Elie or Max managed to traipse the hallway.


After a year, fears of law school were overcome and we moved to Bowmanville, which gave the cats had more space. Our three bedroom apartment at my in laws two flat gave the cats more room to roam. It also provided more window ledges and animal life to observe. Max had a detante with one of the local squirrels. The squirel would climb within five feet of Max's window and the two would chirp or scowl at each other depending upon their mood until one would relent.

Max was a bitter not a licker. He developed this annoying habit of nipping at your nose or toes at about two in the morning. This eventually stopped because Max prized his bedspace more than his nose or toe fetish. However, it was intermittant and this meant that Elie, who was the licker spent more time at the head of the bed, while Max might get an involuntary push that encouraged him to leave the feet of the bed. The line, Max be a licker, not a bitter was not pursuasive enough. However, Max could hug.


Max's hugs were unconditional, but always arrived when you needed them. All you had to do was pick him up and those two furry white paws wrapped around your neck in unison. The comfort of Max's nuzzling ears and head on your neck could calm anyone. Max was this loving and nurturing being that could always soothe you at the most frustrating moments. The trivial demands of life dissolved and you were left with emotional fulfillment. Max could rest on you chest with the tranquil effect of the most effective breathing exercise ever conjured by any yoga guru.


Max scared us on a few occasions. Once he found nutrition in rubber shower suckers, which afixed to his intestines, blocked his bodily functions, and made him throw up until there was not much left of him. Apparently, a barium milkshake at Dr. Hornings loosened it up and Max began to eat, again. Max also found serenity within the inner depths of an obscure closet. He disappeared for nearly thirty-six hours when the door closed and he remained hidden in the front bedroom. After hours and significant scrutiny of five square blocks of our neigborhood, Max reappeared and became part of the Rabbi's speech at our wedding.


Max's brother, Elie, passed away at the age of thirteen. He fought back diabetes, took insulin shots, but in the end his kidneys became obstructed. One day, he looked like he was having a diabetes type attack. It was at that time that we realized that his urination or lack of it signaled a more serious condition. He stopped eating. Animal 911 in Skokie discovered that his kidneys were obstructed in four or five places. He would have to get dialysis and might live a week with it. Elie passed away five years ago and is buried at the Hinsdale Pet Cemetery in a yet to be marked grave.

Recently, Max was showing signs, but we, again, did not pick up on it. We brought him into Riser Animal Hospital a year ago. Recently he was not getting all the way into the litter box and urinating outside it. We brought him on a Saturday and had testing done. Interestingly, an ultrasound showed no kidney obstruction; I was temporarily relieved. Max had test a year or two earlier, but tests showed nothing. On Sunday Max leaned on the upstairs wall, lost his balance and fell as he headed towards our rooms. Something was not right; I stayed home on Monday, called the vet, and they looked at his Saturday labs. Max had to be brought in.

The vetrinarian decided to run some tests and Max's heart beat was getting more unsteady. He decided to look at his heart on the equipment at Riser. It appeared that Max had three tumors on his heart. The vetrinarian suggested that we try to ease him out of his misery. I was not immediately ready for this, having witnessed Elie's end. Max was a happy cat and this photo was about as blue as he got; it was taken hours before his death.

I have heard quite a bit about those who are committed to dogs, but they often seem totally ignorant and prejudiced when it comes to cats. I was one of them. I know what a cat is capable of. If you choose wisely, you will find a cat worthy of attention and love, even if you put up with the puff ups. However, taking care of cat dander is a committment worth the effort. Responsibility is part of owning up to your pet. Your pet is more than property, it becomes a reflection of what values you encourage.

Over the years, it became difficult for Max to stay with us in bed. I needed to take better care of his dander and allergies could keep me up. He also occassionally and affectionately nimble at our our nose or toes, which woke us up. His long absence from our room made him drool in delight when he got to sleep with us. However, on his last night on this Earth, he came into our room, went under our bed and laid down.

I let him stay; I sensed something was wrong. In the morning, it was difficult, but I managed to get him out from under the bed. Max passed away five hours after the last two photos were taken at around 2:30 p.m. on July 2, 2007 in the Hospital. He was eighteen years old. He is buried next to his brother, Elie. Max is survived by his adopted sister, Phoebe, daughter of Snowball, sister to Charlie and the late Holden Nicolas, who were once owned by Nate Duncan, a friend from Maxwell and Halsted.

This took a while to post, because I was trying to figure out how Max fit in the overall scheme of this blog. I also had to locate and scan the older photos. I regret that some Rogers Park bloggers are ignorant that cats are affectionate and loving beings worthy of adoption. I am not one of them. Don't give up on pets just because a condo association won't allow dogs.

Damen and Rogers This Evening: Two Police Cars, a Hispanic in handcuffs, and a Few Gawkers. Any thoughts?

Just curious if anyone had any idea about the scene earlier today at around 7:00 p.m. I drove down Rogers, noticed a few African Americans, one of which had a black doorag on his head over by Summit Grocery Store. Just west, one or two Hispanic men were either stationary, walking or talking just east near the Laundromat in front of the boarded up store front. The storefront, by the way, that I love to complain about. A child was also in front of 'the Mat' with the blinking fluorescent lights.

Upon return from Dominicks about a half an hour later, one of the Hispanics was in cuffs at Damen and Rogers. One of the African American twenty-somethings with the Black doo-rag was chatting it up with one of the officers in the car parked in front of Summit. There were about two or three squad cars. Anyone know what happened? Just another drug bust? Reverse buy? Just curious.

Swallowtails in Rogers Park

I just thought that I'd add a bit of color and diversity. Rogers Park or at least West Rogers Park has some color and diversity. We have seen this visitor, a swallow tail butterfly, among several other varieties. If you plant butterfly friendly flowers and plants, they will come. We are seeing more and more return to our neighborhood.

Our recommendation once you plant the proper perrennials; don't catch or disturb them too much. They are starting to allow us to take close up photos of them. Fortunately, the Department of Homeland Security does not deport these colorful visitors.